Maybelline Mastershape Brow Pencil

For some time now I have been on the look out for a nice eyebrow pencil.  Don’t get me wrong I love my HD Brow set, but when it comes to travelling around it can become a pain as it’s big and bulky plus I only use one out of the four shades in the set.  Plus it’s on the expensive side.

So a nice brow pencil has been on my list of requirements and I recently picked up the Maybelline Mastershape Brow Pencil in the shade soft brown.  Inexpensive, small and comes with it’s own spooly, I think i have found a winner here.

After a little research, I read on the grape vine from various bloggers and youtubers that this was an item worth investing in.  Usually pencils can look harsh when you apply them but this looks natural.  The pencil is soft and easy to apply and the spooly is a reasonable quality.

This is certainly making me spend a little more TLC on my furry little friends.

Axx

Maybelline ~ The Rocket

Maybelline have done it again and blessed us beauty lovers with a new mascara.  I picked this up on New Years Eve as I took a detour home from work.  The ban, hasn't be broken - honest.

Maybelline's new mascara release The Rocket is part of the Volum' Express line.  I love the original Volum' Express and I was keen to try this out when I heard about it.

The packaging and the wand

I think this is Maybellines best mascara packaging yet.  I love the purple/blue tube and the neon pink writing.  I don't think you could ever lose this in your makeup bag.  As for the name, I'm not too sure...  The Rocket?  Catchy but I'm not sure if any mascara can give you rocket volume like Maybelline claim this can.  Let's wait and see the results.

The wand I think looks similar to Max Factor False Lash Effect/Covergirl Lash Blast.  It is also quite similar to the One by One as it has a plastic wand.  The difference between The Rocket and the One by One can be seen below in the comparison shot.  The Rocket wand itself has barely noticeable bristles, which are very short and look a little on the thin side.  I actually prefer the look of the One by One wand.

L-R: One by One and The Rocket

Maybelline say that this is a clump free mascara which is a bold claim.  I'm not sure there is a mascara out there which doesn't clump even a little bit.  A word of warning for you potential Rocket users... at the tip of wand you get that annoying blob of excess mascara.  I recommend removing this before application or there might be a mess.

So lets get onto what it looks like on the lashes.  One coat looks like...

One coat top lashes only (lashes were curled before applying)

After the initial first coat, I'm quite impressed.  The separation is good and the lashes look naturally volumised.  Not massively like Maybelline say they will be but still good.  I would be happy at leaving it with just the one application.

The second coat looks like...

Two coats top and one on lower lashes

Now for the second coat.  Maybelline claim this is a clump free mascara.  After the second application I personally think this clumped slightly, not too much however.  I had to work it a lot with the wand to get the right look.  I left the look as it was and didn't apply a third coat as i think that may of been clump overload.  I also applied one coat to my bottom lashes which to be honest look a little clumped together.

So for my thoughts...

I quite like this mascara but there are some down points.  Firstly the blob at the end of the wand which I addressed above.  Then the wand and its pointy stumpy bristles.  Because they are so short and pointy I feel like I stab my lids.  It can be a little uncomfortable and off putting.  This is my only real negative... so far. 

Yes there is an odd clumping here and there but you just have to work at it with the wand.  The formulation is quite wet, so I think that this may be better once it has aged slightly.  Sometimes I think drier mascara can perform better.

As for volume,  I don't think you get lots which is disappointing.  I wouldn't see myself buying this again when I have the option to buy the One by One which I think is better.  If the wand didn't jab me in the lids I think I'd like this more.

Have you seen this yet?  Will you be giving it a try?

Angela xox

My giveaway end this Sunday, click here for more info!

Get ready with me!

Want to see today's makeup?  This is the makeup I have been loving right now and I wore it today.  The products are listed below.

Products used (in order of use)

Caudalie Beauty Elixir
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
MAC Nubile Paint Pot
Maybelline Fit Me foundation shade 120
Real Techniques stippling brush
Maybelline Fit Me Concealor shade 10
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder Shade 1
MAC 217 brush
Bourjois Blush shade Love Struck Rose
Sigma angled blush brush
Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in Bone
Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in Fawn
MAC 275 brush
Inglot eyeshadow number Double Sparkle 502
Sigma small tapered brush
Scandal Eyes Liner in Black
Shu Uemura Lash Curler
Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black
Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain in Rendezvous 

Hope you enjoyed
Angela xox

Rumour has it

Like a animal getting ready for a hash cold winter... I am stocking up.  Why you ask?  Well rumour has it; Maybelline are discontinuing their mascara the One By One Volumn’ Express.  It is a rumour which I read a few times now and I hope and pray to anyone that will listen that it isn’t true.

For me the One by One is my most repurchased item, I think I’m on my sixth tube.  I honestly love it and will be very very VERY sad to see it go.  I’ve used higher end products before and spent £20+ on some mascaras but this hands down is everything I want in a mascara.  It gives you full lashes like you’re wearing false ones and the brush separates all the lashes... plus there is no clumping.  I have a review and swatches here (not like they’ll be helpful if it is being stopped...duh)


This weekend I stocked up and bought myself three new tubes.  And these were the last ones on the shelves, which might be an indication that it may be true.  I will be disappointed if the rumours are true and this is being stopped but what can you do??


So I may be looking for a new holy grail mascara... do you have any recommendations?

Angela xox

Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoo ~ Pink Gold

I'm a very big fan of the Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoos.  A cheaper alternative to MAC Paint Pots, Stila Smudge Pots and Make Up For Ever Aqua Creams, these have been a big hit so it seems with everyone in the beauty world.

So when it was announced Maybelline were introducing another to their UK collection... I said a little whoop whoop to myself with joy.  Compared to the US collection, the UK Tattoo collection is very limited.  We have less than half the colours you ladies were given! Boo hiss!

Pink Gold in the pot and swatched

The beautiful Pink Gold is a soft pearly pink shade with perhaps a soft hint of a gold, although I cannot see it personally.  Like the other 24hr Tattoos this is very pigmentated with an excellent staying power.  It does not crease and can be used without an eye base.  Also if used lightly it could almost be used for a highlight on the cheeks.

It is nice that Maybelline has launched a light colour to their collection as a lot of the colours they have now are dark ones.  I hope Maybelline bring more to the UK collection like they have for the US.  I think the Tattoo shadows are a hit and I'd rather spend my money buying these compared to Stila, MAC and Make Up For Ever.

Will you be checking this out?

Angela xox

Haul time!

Now you all know I like a good old haul.  I'm always doing it but sometimes I just don't tell you... LOL!  However today I thought I'd share what I got recently in Boots.  I'll do reviews on all of them no doubt!

Some of the items I got are new on the market but I know the Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stains have been lurking around for a while.  So what did I pick up....?

Rimmel's Scandal Eyes Waterproof Eye Pencil in Black.  I have taupe, nude, bronze and purple (you can see swatches here)... but I really wanted the black also.  And I finally found one.. yay!

Maybelline 24 Hour Colour Tattoo Eyeshadow in Pink Gold.  I adore my other Tattoo eyeshadows, so when I saw they were launching this colour I knew I have to run out and pick this up.  See my swatches of the other tattoo shadows here.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous.  Kind of a lets just try you out purchase.  I swatched it on my hand in store and it looked lovely, so I thought what the heck.

L'Oreal Eyeshadow Quad in Nude Lingerie.  I didn't need this but it caught my eye and the colours looked beautiful when I swatched them.  Another what the heck moment and I'm glad I did.

Reviews and pictures to come!

Angela xox

My Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoo's

When I went to the states back in February I purchased a few of the much talked about 24hr Colour Tattoo Eye Shadows by Maybelline. They have been a huge success in the US and everyone has been loving them on their blog reviews and YouTube videos. It’s just annoying how the UK gets them afterwards. I wish we were first for once!

These were a little hard to get my mitts on, they are so popular they were pretty much sold out where ever I went.  I managed to get my hands on four of them, two in one Walgreens and two in another. . . .my first impression of these is wow-zer!!!!

Now I know you’ve probably seen pictures before but what’s one more review, picture, swatch...????

1... Tough as Taupe, 2... Bad to the Bronze, 3... Audacious Asphalt & 4... Bold Gold

I am a MAC Paint Pot lover through and through and i think they are fantastic eye shadow primers. Whenever they have limited editions i always want to get in there and give them a good swatch! So the idea of Maybelline selling a much cheaper alternative is very appealing indeed.

In the US there are ten in the collection but the in the UK it has been down sized to seven.  Also strangely they been given different names as well.  Weird! The colour range is great they’d be a colour for you no matter your skin colour.  Every body will be able to find something they like.

The colours I got:

Audacious Asphalt (UK name ...Immortal Charcoal)

If you don't have the creaseless cream eyeshadow/ liner in Skinny Jeans by Benefit  not to worry.  Get this instead,  A) because it's cheaper  (Benefit is £14.99 and Audacious Asphalt is £4.99) and B) it's better! Yes really. I always find Benefit creaselesses crease on me or you need a base.  However you can apply the Maybelline 24hr shadows direct onto the skin.  This is excellent for a smokey eye.

Bad to the Bronze (UK Name... On Bronze)

A perfect bronze for the everyday look.  I have been wearing this as part of my daily routine recently.  Reminds me of MAC's Constructive Paint Pot but they are just slightly different tones however.  This looks great on it's own and gives the perfect bronzed look.  I love it!

Tough as Taupe (UK Name... Permanent Taupe)

A great matte looking taupe which in certain lighting could look almost grey.  This is fabulous for an all over the eye look.  I've also used it on the lower lash line to smoke it out.  Can be used alone or paired with a darker crease colour.

Bold Gold (UK Name... Eternal Gold)

A light golden shimmer.  I'm saving this for the summer time as I think it'd best with a tan.  This is still good throughout the year how ever, I just used Bad to the Bronze in the crease to make it a little darker.  Could be a cool inner corner highlight too!

I know you're dying to see the swatches so I won't keep you any longer...

My finally impressions are that i am in love with these. I’m always going to love a MAC Paint Pot but the Maybelline Tattoos have a fantastic longevity. I went to bed with swatches on my hand i woke up with them still intact.  Yes I normal do wash but it was a test for the blog.  There is a good range of colours to choose from Superdrug and Boots.  At £4.99 a pop, these are definitely something you need to check out.  I think they actually have a better colour range than MAC or Benefit.  Yes I did say that :-D

Angela xox

Maybe it's Maybelline...

(major picture alert....!!!)

I'm such a sucker for new makeup items, especially mascara.  When I noticed Maybelline had launched a brand new mascara, I was biting at the bit to try it out.  Maybelline has a good-ish reputation for mascara so I had high hopes when I popped this little cutie in my Boots shopping basket.

Presenting Maybellines Volum' Express One by One Mascara...

I love the way Maybelline has the wand and the tube separated in the packaging.  I think it's a great way to show what the brush really looks like.

I love the colour of the packaging, it's very eye catching. You couldn't lose this in your makeup bag!! The tube shape hasn't changed much from your Colossal and your Falsies packaging, which is maybe a little boring...but if it works why change it???

I do look at this wand and instantly think of a hedgehog...it's just so spikey lol!  On  a serious note I don't think I've ever seen so many spikes on a mascara wand before.  This  lash catcher wand picks up every lash and coats them all in one single application (obviously with a little bit of a wiggle here and there).  There is no clumping of product on the wand either......yay I hate that!!!!

The bare lashes: Nothing applied at all on the top and bottom lashes.  Sorry for the lack of makeup but wanted to be more focused on the lashes.

Coat Number One:  An impressive start which I'm more than happy with.  I'd quite happily where one coat for day time work wear.

Coat Number Two: More volume and definition.  The lashes are slightly clumped towards the outside lashes, but personally I think it's where I haven't worked the wand as much.  Doh!

Coat Number Three:  Three coats definitely makes your lashes look like your wearing falsies.  There's a definite wow factor in the performance for me.  I'd quite happily go out on the town with this look on my lashes.

Final thoughts: Overall I think this a pretty good.  Your lashes don't feel dry and spikey and they are soft to the touch.  I don't see and spider legs in sight!!  The mascara has an average drying speed (doesn't dry fast and it's not super wet).  A plus point to this mascara is it doesn't budge throughout the day in my experiences so far...yay!  This isn't water proof or water resistant, but I heard a waterproof version is in the pipeline :-)  Two to three coats of the beauty creates perfect lashes to me and what more can you ask for???  I think this is another thumbs up for Maybelline and a 10 out of 10 from me!!!

Have you tried this mascara??

Angela xox

Jolly Rave: Mascara review

Evening ladies, thank god Monday is out of the way.  Only 4 days till the weekend haha.  Anyways, on and off at the moment I’ve been using 2 different mascaras, because they are coming to the end of their little mascara lives.  One of them I proclaimed was my all time favourite.  The other, is my newest all time favourite.

Let me introduce you to my best buddies.  From left to right..

Maybelline’s Stiletto Lash Voluptuous and Max Factor False Lash Effect

Max Factor, was my proclaimed favourite back in April.  I used it religiously, but as soon as the Maybelline Stiletto Voluptuous came out I knew I'd love it and kind a threw my Max Factor to the side.  I'm a fan of the original stiletto formulation and how the wand makes my lashes look.  So I knew this one had to be better than the original.

See how the brushes look like in detail.  Max Factor has a big fat wand and Maybelline and a sleek curvy wand.  Both look different, both have different affects on my lashes.

What it looks like applied? From underneath.
 

(L - R) Maybelline & Max Factor

Max factor looks very separated and Maybelline on the left looks slightly clumped.  I think this could be because my mascara is starting to dry out.  It does separate ...PROMISE!!!

What it looks like applied? From a frontal view.

(L - R) Maybelline & Max Factor

Not the best picture in the world, as you can't really see the Max factor lashes too well.  But Maybelline's Voluptuous certainly give my lashes a wow factor.  Look at that curl.  I love these mascaras in their own unique ways, I would highly and I say HIGHLY recommend both.  

Max Factor (or Cover Girl Lash Blast as it's known across the pond) does come in water proof.  Unfortunately, Stiletto Voluptuous hasn't been released yet in a water proof. :0(  May be one day.

So I'm rethinking my holy grail mascara and might make it a plural.  Is it allowed to have two holy grail mascaras?  I think so.  So whats your holy grail mascara???

~Angela xoxo