Maybelline
Another One Bites the Dust: Maybelline Full ‘n Soft Mascara.
Jul 28th
I won’t beat around the bush here: I was really underwhelmed, or I should say really disappointed with this mascara.
Maybelline Full ‘n Soft Mascara (US$5.94 in Target, CDN$9.99 at Shoppers Drugmart) is the latest mascara to join my usual five-tube rotation. I’m crazy I know, but I like to have options. Full ‘n Soft is supposed to deliver thick and soft lashes. So you probably want to know what went totally wrong here.
They Should’ve Called it Bare ‘n Soft Instead.
Before the complaints go into full force, I gotta give props to Full ‘n Soft for leaving my lashes very soft. So soft that it almost doesn’t feel like I had mascara on.
Okay.
Now to tackle the claims for full and thick lashes? It doesn’t. I found the formula to be quite wet — more wet than I’m used to in a mascara. Maybelline advises that I should layer while it’s still wet, but it really does not build any volume on my wimpy lashes.
1 coat of Maybelline Full ‘n Soft
2 coats of Maybelline Full ‘n Soft
Bare lashes vs. 2 coats
It Lacks (Almost) Everything Else I am Looking For.
Let’s look at the check list shall we?
- Volume: No.
- Length: No.
- Curl: No. This was the most irritating aspect about this mascara. Like seriously, stick straight lashes as soon as the formula touches my curled lashes. Awful!
- Staying Power: Yes! — no flakes or smudges throughout the day.
- Easily Washable (if non-waterproof): Yes! — washes off with face wash and water.
I guess it’s not that bad, but the top 3 items are the most important. I like big, in-yo’-face lashes, and this just does not deliver. Oh well. 
If you are born with naturally batty Bambi lashes, then this may work for you. Otherwise, stay far far away. Rating: D.
Summer Smoky Eye?!? Glittery Purple.
Jul 18th
I’m hesitant to call this one a Summer Smoky Eye, just because it looks quite dark and dramatic to me. But it was fun to do, especially adding the last bit of glitter to the eyes. 
Swatches (from left): Urban Decay Freakshow, Annabelle Violet Vibe (pigment), MAC Coquette, MAC Carbon, Sassy Minerals Off Kilter (pigment)
Get the Look
For the eyes, apply a mid-tone blue violet (Annabelle Violet Vibe Pigment) with a wet flat synthetic brush, all over the middle of the lids. Using a pointed crease brush, apply a rich dark purple (Urban Decay Freakshow Deluxe Eyeshadow) to the inner and outer corners of the lid, and the crease, creating a pointed shape on the outer corner. Blend out the crease colour with a matte taupe (MAC Coquette Eyeshadow). Deepen the corners with a matte black (MAC Carbon Eyeshadow). Duplicate the purples on the lid to the lower lash line (dark, mid tone, dark). Line the upper lash line with a black liner (MAC Blacktrack Fluidline), creating a double-wing. Line the lower waterline, then add mascara to both upper and lower lashes (Maybelline Full ‘n Soft). Last but not least, add the glittarz to that lid. 
For the cheeks, first warm up the face with your favourite bronzer (Annabelle Haute Gold Bronzer). Then, apply a coral on the apples of the cheeks, nose, and chin (MAC Hipness Blush).
For the lips, apply a coral-y peach lipstick (MAC Fresh Salmon). Top off with a shimmery golden pink gloss (Smashbox Candid Sheer Color Lipgloss).
New Haircut.
Mar 27th
Yesterday I was back at LIFT, and this time around I went in for a haircut. My hair needed a style badly. I can no longer ignore the fact that my length was weighing my hair down flat. I wanted to keep growing my hair longer, and I trust Emily completely with my hair so I just let her do her thing.
Before
After
Hello, bangs! So. much. fun.
I can also wear them side swept as usual.
In addition to the major, slightly asymmetric bangs, I also have hidden layers underneath to bump up the volume without sacrificing length. Genius right? Thanks Emily for the new hairstyle. I love it!
Products Used
Eyes
Vasanti Go Canada Palette bronze eyeshadow (lid and inner corners)
CARGO Vienna Palette camel eyeshadow (crease)
Maybelline Define-A-Line Slate Gray Liner (upper lash line and waterline)
MUFE Smoky Lash Mascara
Annabelle 3-in-1 Brow Pencil in Medium
Cheeks
LIFT Cosmetics Moon Dust Eye Shimmer (highlight)
LIFT Cosmetics Sanibel Sunset blush (apples)
Lips
Avon Beyond Color Plumping Lip Conditioner SPF 15
MAC Fresh Salmon Lipstick
Face
Annabelle SkinTrue Concealer
Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer in Almond
MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in Medium Dark
Hair
Schwarzkopf Osis Glamour Queen
Morrocan Oil
Shopping my Makeup Drawer: Maybelline Define-a-Line in Slate Gray.
Oct 12th
When it comes to eyeliners I tend to stay away from drugstore brands, as they tend to either tug or smear all over. This is not the case for Maybelline Define-a-Line.
The Good
- Texture is smooth and glides on like a dream.
- It comes with a smudger for easy soft lines.
- Stays on and on!
- Slate Gray is a fantastic alternative to black when you still want to look pulled together.
The Bad
- I’m glad to report that I have no problems with it.
If you need a good smudgy liner for cheap, I’d recommend this. Note that I only use it for soft lines though, I’m not sure how it performs as a sharp liner. For that purpose I prefer my gel liners. Rating: A-
Speaking of gel liners…
This thank-you has been delayed for eternity, but I want to thank Marisol for being so sweet to hunt down Lancome Gel Artliner in Indigo Charm for me. I really love it! Thanks again, girl!
