Mascara-palooza!

I have two desert island essentials - foundation and mascara. And this week I've bought new supplies of both.  So first I bring you the mascara review, since it's the most... satisfying.  And prepare for lots of innuendo.  You'll see why in a moment.

First up - Rimmel Sexy Curves.  I scored this as a freebie at the Primped Look Book sessions.

My first thought when seeing the wand - are you KIDDING me?  What IDIOT designed this wand?  How could a wavy wand evenly coat all my lashes?  I scoffed and felt superior in my opinions.

Then I tried it - and I shut the hell up.

This mascara separated my lashes like no other.  Normally I have to wipe the excess off the wand to avoid too much product being applied, or comb them afterwards.  Not with this baby.  I'm lucky in that my lashes already have plenty of curl, but it held its shape well throughout the day.

For the price (RRP $17.95) I think this is an amazing mascara.  If you want separated, defined lashes rather than thick and voluminous this is for you.  This will be my everyday mascara, as I prefer something thicker and more dramatic for night.  But it's definitely a sexy formula.  And if there isn't a new mascara on the market I want to try, I'll definitely repurchase this.

And in keeping with the sexy theme... introducing Maybelline Pulse Perfection mascara (RRP $23.95).  Otherwise known as 'The Vibrating Mascara'.

I couldn't help myself.  Priceline's 20% off sale gave me the perfect excuse to try this baby out.  Could this battery-operated buddy help my lashes reach their climax? (*giggle*)  Send them into the throes of of ecstasy... I mean volume?? (*giggle*)

Maybelline promises clump-free definition, intense colour and shine, building lash volume with length and curl.  With a vibrating wand.  As this is my first vibrating device (*giggle*) I didn't know what to expect.  But now, as a seasoned vibrator (*giggle*) I'm left rather satisfied (*giggle*).

It's a strange sensation having a vibrating wand near your eye.  I kept flinching, but I learnt to place the wand at the base of my lashes with the vibration alrealy turned on.  Otherwise you run the risk of starting the vibration and displacing the wand into your eye, which is not the idea.  Then you slowly brush the wand up your lashes and let the vibrator do the work (*giggle*).

No mascara, one coat, two coats:

Separated?  Absolutely.  I was amazed.  The subtle vibrations really do help the lashes stay defined.  They looked long and volumised.  And multiple coats didn't create any clumping.  Me likey.  To make sure it was the vibrations and not the design of the wand, I applied the mascara without vibration.  And it definitely wasn't as effective.  In fact the clumping happened almost instantly, and multiple coats made it much worse.  So yeah, it was the vibrations making it work.

But in the end... is it worth it?  Would I buy it again?  Honestly - as much as this works, it's just a fad product.  You can achieve the same result with a regular mascara and a lash comb.  It's a fun novelty, but it does take time to make sure you did it right - vibrating wand + running late for work = watery eyes and ruined makeup.

I'll be using the mascara until the tube runs dry or the battery runs out.  But I don't think they'll be any vibrating items in my bathroom in the long term.  Well, not a mascara anyway... oh dear, I've gone too far...  ;)

Have you tried any of these mascaras?  What's your verdict?

Oradess Lash Confidence Mascara

As karma would have it I found my camera charger - 24hrs after ordering a new one from Ebay.  Humpf.  But it means that you no longer have to wait for new blogs, so... YAY!!

One benefit of a lengthy blog hiatus is a chance to really test out new products, and my latest was the Lash Confidence mascara from Oradess.  Umm... who??  Oradess is a gorgeous makeup brand created by Brisbane makeup artist Julia Dickenson.  The beauty of this range is that it doesn't focus just on products - there is a heavy emphasis on educating women how to actually use the products.  Isn't that clever?!?  She runs workshops all over Brisbane working with small groups of women and teaching them the tricks to applying makeup to suit their individual features.  And she's made sure that her products are very user-friendly as well - I've had a quick play with the eyeshadows and they're SO soft and blendable, but still with great colour payoff!  But that's for another blog...

As luck would have it I met Julia when she needed an assistant for a bridal party.  We hit it off from the start and she was kind enough to give me this mascara as a thank you.  Yes ladies, I didn't pay for this.  But for the record that doesn't change my review of the product.

Personally - I love this mascara.  I have long but sparse lashes, and I find anything that is a creamy or thick formula just makes them clump together.  Which makes it look like I have three lashes in total.  Being a more liquid formula this mascara could give me spidery lashes which is what I want.  And after two coats I gave an extra wiggle at the base for added definition - and it worked a treat.  Plus it's a true 'black' - another benefit of more liquid formulas.

No mascara, then after two coats (with no combing):

  

The only downside is the liquid formulation - if you don't know how to make it work.  If you don't like Maybelline Great Lash then this probably isn't for you.  But as long as you wipe the wand of excess product and comb after application I don't see how they can't work for almost everyone.

Check out the line at www.oradess.com - and as I'm going to an Oradess makeup party on Saturday hopefully I can show you more of the range!