Best Makeup Remover? Yes

I know I have spent many hours debating on which brand to buy, which is actually worth its price, and if it really removes all the makeup as it claims.  There are different kinds of makeup remover to use.  Some will remove all of your makeup and some specify that it is only used to remove eye makeup.  We all know that it never really removes everything and you may end up with raccoon eyes before you have to wash, and in some cases scrub the stuff off your face.  We've all been there and done it.  I have to share with you a trick I discovered recently.

I'm a Mom so baby wipes are a huge part of my life.  One night, I didn't want to use my usual makeup remover because it tends to sting my eyes.  I figured I'd use a baby wipe because it was there in the bathroom.  I have to say it wiped everything off easily and without irritating my eyes or skin.  When I say everything, I mean, foundation, eyeshadow, eye liner and some mascara.  It doesn't dry out my skin either or cause any kind of reaction.  I still had to use a much smaller amount of my makeup remover on my lashes to get the rest of the mascara when I washed my face but since using less, it helped save my skin and eyes.  It's definitely worth a shot and is cheaper than most makeup remover brands.

The baby wipe brand I buy is Target's store brand unscented wipes.  I use Avon's makeup remover.  I only buy it when they are having a sale on the product.  It's not worth the hefty price tag they put on it.  It's not too effective and gets into your eyes easily, no matter how careful you are with it.  As soon as you do remove your makeup, wash your face with a light cleanser.  I usually use baby body wash because it works very well and doesn't irritate my skin.


What is your favorite way to remove your makeup?

Rocket Volume? Possibly

I recently bought Maybelline's new mascara product titled, "Rocket Volum' Express." I feel the need to add some sound effects since next to the R is a rocket style flame.  How cheeky, right ?

 I can't say it worked any better than their other products really.  It goes on smooth, but it took me a while to get every lash coated.  It's noticeable in public though.  I had a few people mention my lashes saying it was noticeable, but not that they thought it was any different than before using other brands.  It goes to show you that a lot of these mascaras do the same thing and look nice,  but for the price?  I'm not sure.  I usually buy Maybelline but I'll stick with a cheaper option next time.  This was on sale at Target for under $6 this week.  Give it a shot if you are feeling brave. 

Until next time!

Marathon Makeup

This past week it was warmer than usual here in the North East part of the US.  Summer is sneaking up on us and I do worry that we are in it for the long haul.

The best way to beat the melted face look is:

• Invest in waterproof makeup 
• Skip foundation unless you are staying indoors in the A/C or going somewhere formal.  
• Don't cake on the eyeshadow.  Even the best makeup will get creases in it due to the heat and humidity.  
• For beach days or pool days, opt for clear mascara or skip it altogether.  I love to go swimming and hate having my makeup smudge then get in my eye. It can be really painful.  
• Use a good lip balm to prevent your lips from drying out.  I prefer to use Vaseline on my lips if I'm not wearing lipstick.  It works much better than anything else I've tried.  
• Drink LOTS of water!  Skip the soda, booze, most juices and shakes.  Stick with the basic, classic H2O (water).  
• Remember to wash your face twice a day with a very mild cleanser. 
• Remember to smile.  This is your best asset and comes free.  

Try to skip your usual makeup routine a few days out of the week and remember to stock up on sunscreen. 

Have fun out there and stay beautiful!

A Journey to the End of the Tube

"Can you paint my eyes to match my gown?"  Is a line from the movie, "Wizard of Oz."  The scene is when Dorthy and the gang are being given a makeover before seeing the wizard.  The line is sung by Dorthy and gives an implication that this makeover is futuristic where anything can happen.  As we are now aware, you can change the color of your eyes temporarily to various colors with the use of colored contacts.  They operate just like regular contacts and can be purchased online and in some stores.  Another way to give your eyes some magic is by using mascara.  It sounds simple enough but which brand do you choose?  Which works the best?  Why is there clear mascara?

Let's break down the basics:  You are standing in the makeup aisle presented with numerous choices of colors and brands that promise you the moon and it produces some anxiety.  I understand because I've been there and spent a lot of money testing and hoping this new tube would deliver on its promises.  First, you need to decide what kind of eyelashes you have.  Are they thin, short, long, thick?  For every face who chooses to use mascara, make sure your face and eyelashes are clean.  I can not stress this enough.  Do not share any form of makeup products either.  What goes on your face should only go on your face.  You don't want someone elses germs to end up in your eyes, do you?  Right.  Don't share!  I've used eyelash curlers and I have never found they do anything for my lashes.  If they work for you then by all means, keep using them.

Color:  What color are your lashes naturally?  For those with lighter lashes, stick to the light brown or brown option.  Upon application and drying, it will look more natural and less clumpy.  Also, I would suggest using clear mascara as well.  It will give you a similar effect and more natural for those who do not like to wear makeup.  Also, a good choice for sensitive eyes.  For those with darker lashes, you know the drill.  You have the choice of flat black and jet black.  The flat color, depending on the maker, may have some brown in it but if you want the jet black look, look for the option for the darkest black they make.  Products do have color numbers on them too to help guide you in finding exactly what you want.

Product:  Plump, volume, curl, lift - There are many options that these tubes claim to do for you.  The sad truth is that if your lashes aren't already long, adding mascara is not going to lengthen them; even if you are using a product that claims to make them longer.  If you don't use fake lashes, your lashes aren't going to do much with mascara but stand up a bit.  For a longer lash, try using false lashes.  They are inexpensive and found at most stores.  They usually come with the glue too. 

Price:  I can suggest brands that will run you upwards of $35+ a tube and some as cheap as a dollar a tube - Guess which price point works better?  They are the same.  Yes. They are the same.  If you use mascara every day, your tube contents will only last about two weeks before drying out.  If you don't use it as often then it will probably last a month max but that is if you are lucky.  No other brand out preforms another and no other brand outlasts another.  In my experience, I've found that Maybeline is great but due to recent budget changes, I picked up a tube from the dollar store on a whim.  I was shocked that it works just as well and lasts the same amount of time.  With that switch, I saved about $5 a tube.  Crazy, right? 

Keeping Things Clean:  I wanted to add a section about this because I've seen first hand people spitting into a tube or adding tap water in order to resurrect their mascara to save money.  I beg anyone who does that to stop immediately!  There is bacteria in your spit and even tap water that you do not need to expose to your eyes.  Not everyone has the cleanest tap water either.  Remember, mascara sits on your eyelashes and right near your eye opening so  any nasty germ can wiggle its way into your body causing an infection.  Also, if you feel that your brand does last longer than a month, the max you should keep the same tube of mascara is 45 days from when you open it.  Don't think you can save it, just toss it and buy something new.  You will notice after 2-3 weeks the product starts to dry out.  It won't apply easily anymore, and it will clump on your lashes.  Save yourself the grief and end the affair.  Also, keep in mind any allergies you might have to specific products.  

Application:  Your mascara should glide on easily and you should go slow starting on the outside working your way in.  Going slow helps in getting each lash in line and avoids accidentally getting any product in your eye.  I've done that before and it hurts ( a lot ) ! 


All in all, remember to have fun with it and research your options.  Don't get stuck with a brand because you are used to buying it. You may find you like something else better. 

This is what I'm currently using:

Results: