The Mascara Wave #10 - Too Faced LashGASM

When you name your product LashGASM, you are setting the expectation bar pretty high!  I don't think it quite meets those expectations although it could maybe be called LashTINGLE.  It's been several months since I reviewed a new mascara because I found a couple I like and have been using those.  But, in my quest to find the best products for myself and for you, I opened this mini from the sampler I got from Sephora way back in December of 2011. 

As you can probably tell from my above comment, I really like this product.  It gives a nice, medium lash - not too much for daytime and not too wimpy for night.  And you can layer it for a more dramatic evening look.  It's got the short rubber bristles that are so popular now and it says each bristle has a hook on the end.  I can't see that with my naked eye.  My biggest problem is the amount and thickness of my lashes.  This enhances the latter while making the former seem more abundant.  They also don't get crunchy which is a huge plus.  The only problem I've found is that it does smear a little.  But, I really mean a little.  Every now and then I have to swipe a little smudge from my eyelid but it doesn't bleed down under my eyes (I mostly only wear mascara on my top lashes except when I use Clinique's Bottom Lash).  I think the biggest problem with all mascaras is that after a month or so, they don't work as well.  I think it's the nature of the beast because the product is always going to get compromised by oxygen.  I wish they would sell the mini versions.  It would be cheaper and you wouldn't feel like you had to keep using a mascara that no longer worked because you paid so much for it.

I am honestly undecided on whether or not I will buy a full size.  If I decide to, I'll update this post but I do think it's worth a try.  It is my favorite daily mascara of all the ones I've tried so far.


https://www.toofaced.com/p-487-lashgasm-mascara.aspx

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream (spf 35)

B.B. stands for Beauty Balm although in Smashbox's case it should stand for Beauty Bomb (as in, it's da!).

Originally called Blemish Balm and developed in 1960s Germany for dermatology patients after surgery, the cream was discovered by Korean actresses around 1985.  They loved the lightening affects and sheer coverage.  The products have remained very popular in South Korea and Japan ever since.  As best as I can tell, they only entered the mainstream US market in 2011.

It is a skin care meets make up hybrid promising to replace moisturizer, primer, sunscreen, foundation and powder (the last two depending on the amount of coverage you want).  I tried a Garnier brand when they first came out but it made my face greasy and was immediately returned.  I bought the Smashbox while shopping with a friend in Light/Medium.  I absolutely love it.  I think it does everything it claims.  My face is moisturized, my skin tone more even, and it keeps my face from getting too shiny all day long only without a matte finish which, let's face it, isn't really a natural look.  After only a couple of weeks, my slight tan faded and I ordered it in Light.  I would say the biggest problem is that it is only offered in 5 shades.  Although both shades I have work because they blend really well.  Sometimes this is all I use and on the occasions when I do wear more make up, I use a dusting of Tarte Smooth Operator to help set the other make up.

There are many brands out there in a range of prices but unless this stops working, I will consider myself lucky that I found this on only my second try.

http://www.smashbox.com/bb-cream

Hairspray!

I don't use a lot of hairspray, usually just a little on my bangs.  Lately I've been using Alterna Caviar Anti-aging Working hairspray in a trial size I got with a sampling of their products.  Before that I was using Redken Quick Dry 18 which I discovered while in a friend's wedding.  I really liked that one but I found the big can constantly got stopped up.  I HATE THAT!  So, I've been using the Alterna and not thinking much about it.  But then I ran out.  Thinking hairspray is hairspray, I picked up a trial size of Nexxus.  I don't remember what kind but it was in a gold can with a black top.  The first time I used it was shocking.  It came out in almost a stream.  If I held my arm as far away as I could while still pointing the product at my head, it was almost ok.  But it also has a really strong scent.  I mean, you can smell it all day long.  It had to go.  Next up is an anti-humidity hairspray from Garnier.  It comes out fine and the scent is subtle and pleasant.  Unfortunately, it doesn't really work.  It doesn't hold my hair in place and I mostly can't even tell I have it on.  I mean, I'm not looking for crunchy 80s hair but I can usually feel a difference.

The point of all this is that, like most products, there are good and bad hairsprays.  If you thought they were all the same and aren't really happy with your current spray, I would give something else a try.  As for me, I will be ordering more Alterna stat!

Charlotte Ronson A Summer's Kiss Face and Body Glow

I bought this in the $10 size to get free shipping on an order.  I figured I could use it on my legs to boost the little bit of tan I got this summer.  It also says you can use it on your face.  Thankfully I didn't try that first!  The name is a little misleading.  It's more like a slobbery, wet kiss from a St. Bernard.  It's just too much.  Too dark, too much sparkle, too thick.  I wouldn't recommend this for anyone over 14 and definitely don't use it on your face unless you are going to Halloween as Snookie!

http://www.sephora.com/a-summer-s-kiss-face-body-glow-P293106

Conair MiniPro 1/2" Ceramic Straightener

No matter how much product or time I put into my hair in the morning, if it is rainy or humid out, I come in to work looking like I've been possessed by Zuul.

Once here, my options for fixing it were limited...until now.  I discovered this mini straightener after trying to Amika.  I loved the idea of it but it way too hot.  I could barely even hold it and I was afraid I was going to burn myself.  So, I returned it and tried this.  Unfortunately, one of the things you lose when going so small is the option for different heat settings.  This one also gets very hot but there are ridges on the handle before the plates and, if you stay behind them, it's fine.  One of the benefits of it getting hot is that you can also use it to curl your hair.  Now, this isn't going to straighten (or curl) like a full size iron.  The plates are only 1/2" thick.  But it does a great job for touch ups on my thick hair and to do my bangs.  I actually find it easier to work with than my full size straightener although I'm not ready to give that up entirely!

If you have weather-challenged hair, I highly recommend this product.  It heats up very quickly and it comes with a cute, heat resistant pouch so it's great even when you don't have time to let it cool all the way down.

(It's hard to see the ruler but it is about 6 inches long [about the size a checkbook])

http://www.conair.com/minipro-ceramic-straightener-p-647.html