Splurge: funky mascara colors

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Mascara…most of us default to black. It’s a staple, it helps define the eyes…without it, I’d look tired 24/7. For some people, mascara is their one and only makeup (must be nice!)

For the record, makeup artists suggest that light-haired/blondes opt for brown/black…and save straight black for night or special event wear.

 

but, other than those standards… how can you spice up mascara? is there anything different you can do without looking like a freak?

here are three (different) mascara colors that are worth dipping into:

  1. Burgundy/plum
  2. Blue
  3. Purple

Why?

  • I’ve read that burgundy/plum and blue are best for making blue eyes pop. However, I’ve tried both colors and thought they look great with hazel eyes as well, if I do say so myself!
  • Recently, I tried purple because I read that it looks good on brown eyes…all in all, it’s a fun, yet subtle pop of color (brings out golden flecks in brown eyes)

If you want to try a burgundy/plum that is safe to use during the work day + that won’t have people saying ‘what are you wearing on your eye lashes!?’

One that I’ve tried and really liked:

  • Benefits BadGal Plum Mascara $19.00

  • Link to product: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P222454&categoryId=B70
  • Thoughts: with some colored mascaras, I sometimes find that I need to start with a layer of black mascara and then layer the colored mascara on top…so that my eyes pop enough. But I like this mascara color alone. It is subtle enough for everyday – but it still gives definition to the eyes. It brings out the golden hues in my eyes. It helps lengthen lashes…it’s not waterproof but I haven’t had a huge issue with it running

A blue mascara that I’ve liked – and should note, the blue is pretty bright and for me is best saved for the weekend – typically I swipe a black mascara on first and then layer this on top…and yes, the blue definitely POPs!

  • Dior Show in Azure Blue (in royal blue #258) $24.50

Lastly, a girl at work ordered a new mascara…I saw the Sephora box on her desk and had to know about the contents. She bought a YSL (YvesSaintLaurent – I cannot pronounce that) purple mascara. She said that she tried her friends and she loved it. I love referrals so I went to Sephora to check it out for myself…

I decided to try:

  • YSL Mascara Singulier Nuit Blanche – Waterproof – Exaggerated Lashes (in Vibrant Violet #4) $30.00

So, there is it…a few fun mascara colors worth testing out. Although the mascaras mentioned above are on the pricier side…Almay is one drugstore company that makes funky colored mascara with a lower price point. Also, keep in mind, these other mascaras can last awhile especially if you’re only using periodically or as a layer on top of black (or brown/black!).

Do you use colored mascara? If so, what color?! and what brand?

Birchbox #2 is here!

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I was watching the pre-season Pats game with Nick and suddenly I spotted it – the hot pink package on top of our ‘mail stand.’ How didn’t I notice this earlier? And, why wouldn’t Nick mention this cute lil package with my name on it? Either way, everything stopped and for the next 10 minutes I focused on opening and exploring Birchbox #2. (don’t know what I’m talking about – scroll all the way down to the bottom of this post for a link to the original post on Birchbox!)

Again, getting the package in the mail was fun in itself

Again, presentation was a 10 out of 10 = high quality…cute box, 2 different colors of pink tissue paper wrapping the contents. And another smaller packet of goodies wrapped individually – I’ll let the pics do the talking – see below:

eek hot pink mail, how fun!

a box within a box, so pretty!

Birchbox #2 contents, wrapped so nicely!

clear shot of tha' goods

encouraging feedback/participation...my marketing side likes this

note from the Birchbox girls, on the back is a description of each sample (along with full size cost)

Thoughts on the Birchbox #2 samples:

  • Befine night cream (white tube) – I’ve heard good things about this brand, maybe I’ll try it or pass it on to someone else
  • Befine – single serve exfoliating cleanser (came in the packet) – might be fun to try one night!
    • Befine products are paraben free, vegetarian proteins, allergen free fragrance!
  • Number 4 re-constructing hair mask (cylinder shaped bottle w/ black cap) – this looks cool – definitely want to try this on my dry summer hair
  • Also included a Fleur de Temps volumizing shampoo – my hair is large, I might not need this but the presentation is nice in the big white envelope
  • stila sheer color tinted moisturizer (tiny silver tube) – I probably won’t use this, maybe if I’m looking for a new tinted moisturizer next summer
  • TOCCA sunscreen towelettes – love these, and these will come in handy during my Vegas trip in 2 weeks!!
  • Lastly, and I didn’t even notice this at first – a ‘twistband‘ which is a soft elastic hair tie…’looks as good on your wrist as it does in your hand.’ UM LOVE THIS, excited to try

Love the variety this month. very good choice of brands! I might tuck a couple of these in my sample drawer…which may keep getting more and more full with Birchbox samples as time goes on! but whatever, more things to share with friends (and randomly dig through).

I will definitely put the hair mask, sunscreen wipes, and hair tie to use ASAP.

Yaa, for Birchbox…good feelings so far.

PoP! of color – love these jeans

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Love, llooove the J Brand mid-rise skinny jeans – that come in a bunch of fun colors! My favorite, and Kim K.’s the BRIGHT BLUE:

Kim K. sporting the J Brand mid-rise skinny jeans in Bright Blue

I like how these bright pants are fun for the Summer but can also transition to the Fall.

Dress up by pairing with a cute blazer and heels…or, dress down with a pair of flats and a basic T.

The fabric is soft…the fit is snug yet flattering. AND, because they’re mid rise they’re much more comfortable (anti-muffin top). Good length as well…long enough to hit your shoes (i.e. cover your ankle) – but short enough that they won’t get bunchy if you wear with a pair of boots.

Bare Minerals…ya heard?

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I’ve always been a liquid foundation girl…however, I was tempted to try Bare Minerals this week after another friend mentioned they joined the cult 🙂

I bought the Bare Minerals Get Started Kit for $60 at Macy’s (also at Sephora, link below) – after testing colors, I got the ‘light’ foundation but the kit also come with a medium tone, which I assume is for summer/tanned skin.

Bare Minerals Starter Kit - Sephora version includes primer!

I’ve been using the line for a couple of days now…I am going to wait another few before I post a full review…because I want to see how my skin reacts over time.

But, in the mean time —- have YOU tried Bare Minerals or mineral foundation?? How did you like it? Please share!

ever been to The Perfume Corner??

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I was walking near Downtown Crossing (in Boston – also abbreviated as ‘DTX’ for us Beantowners) the other day…because it is less than a 5 minute walk from where I work. I was randomly handed a flyer for The Perfume Corner. It was a cheapy looking flyer…yellow paper, black font…offering 20% off any one item. It listed some of the products in the store: men’s grooming, home sprays, bath & body, fragrances, hair tools etc. (just to name a few!) I realized…I HAD to check this place out. I had seen it before while walking towards DTX but didn’t give it another look…I had assumed it was some ‘perfume emporium,’ like those wall-to-wall perfume places at the mall that always overwhelm me.

Well, I was pleasantly surprised when I finally visited The Perfume Corner (all store info below so you can find this cool place too)

It’s not a huge store…more so medium-sized. It’s one floor…and it’s stocked wall-to-wall and even in the middle with stands of products (eekkk. love!) I knew they would have many types of perfumes…and they certainly do. So many different kinds, many that are hard to find…many old favorites. I didn’t notice Chanel (one of my faves – but, looks like they have it if you go on The Perfume Corner website…link below) or some newer perfumes but they DO carry a wide variety of brands from Vera Wang, to Cool Water, Givenchy, Escada, J-Lo Glo (seriously, I love this smell…something about it is so fresh…I was tempted to buy!), Curve, Armani, Juicy, Lucky, and many, many more! Honestly, 100s of kinds.

Another thing I loved – the wall of miniature perfumes. Mini perfumes are great because they are so easy to carry in your purse (or wristlet). I carry a mini Chloe perfume and dab it on every time I am out on the town. Sometimes you need to freshen up! And who wants to carry a huge perfume bottle? Pic of the mini perfume wall below…look at that variety:

Some other great finds at this place:

  • Tons of soaps and bath products…some in gift packages – others that you can buy individually. So much variety…you could make a cute bath gift basket!
  • They carry A LOT of Burts Bees products…bath and beauty products, lip glosses, and even eye shadows
  • They have Rosebud Salve $3 for the tin and $5 for the tube! they are securely sealed, so nothing sketchy going on…they look just like the ones sold in Sephora (the tin and the tube are both $6 at Sephora…so you’ll save $3 and $1 respectively @ The Perfume Corner)
  • They carry a bunch of home fragrance product lines…one in particular jumped out at me…it’s called CLEAN. I bought a bottle of the room spray awhile back at Marshalls and now I love it. The scent is so clean and fresh (hence the name) I like it because it’s not floral or stiiinnkky like Lysol…but it certainly clears bad smells from a room (or bathroom! eww, Nick) Love love it…here is a pic (they sell the room spray for $9, great deal):

best roomspray ever!

  • They also carry discounted makeup sponges and cotton squares, hair dryers, straighteners, and a bunch of guy products – oh and perfume atomisers (very pretty ones!)

Overall, some cool finds in this store. I had fun just searching around! This would be a great place to find/put together a beauty/bath gift (for a guy or gal – or yourself!) And if you’re looking for a perfume that might be hard(er) to find…try here!

The prices are great too – everything seems relatively discounted. I think some of the perfumes are company issued testers…they are unused/the same as the perfume in the store, you just don’t get the fancy box/packaging. who really needs that anyway?

The Perfume Corner seems to have some hard to find beauty/bath goodies.

If you’re in/around DTX – check this place out if you have some time!

Have you ever heard of this place? Would you check it out??

The Perfume Corner:

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