Giorgio Armani Waterproof Eyes to Kill Mascara Review

Giorgio Armani's Eyes to Kill Mascara has gotten a lot of popularity and positive attention ever since it was released. It has stood out from a lot of other mascaras in terms of packaging because of its sleek, glossy black tube with the logo outlined and imprinted into the tube. Part of Giorgio Armani's recently released Acqua Collection, an Eyes to Kill Waterproof version of the mascara has been added, although it's only a limited edition product of their cosmetics line, which is a shame since I personally am a lot more drawn to waterproof mascaras, seeing as they hold a curl better and are a lot less prone to smudging.

The new waterproof version part of the Acqua Collection is the same style packaging, except that it has a brilliant silver color with an almost stainless steel texture and feel to it. I think that the color really makes the imprinted logo on it really stand out more. The brush is made of almost a plastic-like material, but the bristles are fairly long and thin and look like a regular style mascara wand.

The consistency isn't exactly wet but it's not dry. I'd say it's well in between. It's definitely really easy to glide on the lashes, it only takes a few seconds to slightly dry so you can better build upon it. I applied about three coats, and my eyelashes didn't get clumpy. It really adds length if you apply to the very tips of your eyelashes. This lasted the entire day and held its curl completely. I always apply mascara to both my bottom and top lashes. There was no transferring, smudging, or flaking. I think this is great at both volumizing and lengthening, but it holds a few more candles with lengthening than volumizing. This definitely will plump up your eyelashes quite a bit though.

I love this mascara and wear it on a near daily basis, but it might be the first and last tube I get to use up since this waterproof version is only limited edition. I don't really like gambling whether my mascara will hold its curl or not.

Without mascara

With Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Waterproof Mascara

The Sneaker Wedges and Platform Sneakers Trend

Most girls would like to add a little height to their stature for a number of reasons. High heels can oftentimes be a little too dressy or infamously uncomfortable. I personally think that's what inspired the on-trend footwear off sneakers that have a "hidden" wedge in them, and regular low-top shoes like Converse to have their standard flat sole replaced with anywhere form an inch to six-inch platform.

First off, a sneaker wedge's wedge isn't really hidden, at all. From a certain distance it isn't very apparent but sneaker wedges don't do a very good job at camouflage. They're unusually lengthy in the foot area perimeter, and if that says it doesn't have anything hidden in it, then that would be one odd-looking foot shape. These types of shoes are also really bulky and chunky, which I think, is supposed to be a distraction that takes away from the heel of the shoe, since it would make more sense for a bulkier shoe to be larger where the actual foot lies.

Sneaker wedges, to me, look off-balance. They seem comfortable enough in terms of complete ankle and foot support, but they're awkward in both wearing terms and aesthetic terms. I've had experience with this type of shoe for awhile, and they're not as comfortable as they seem. Sneaker wedges, pretty much, have no platform for the ball of your foot to relax on. This can put a little pressure on your feet after awhile. I would also imagine one wanting to sport these sneaker wedge shoes is someone who needs to do a fair amount of walking, such as a student or a shopper. That's what I thought when I went to school and the mall to look taller indiscreetly, and be comfortable at the same time. It really doesn't work that way, and after awhile I saw that they only looked weird and made my feet quite uncomfortable.

Platform sneakers are very evident in their non-flat sole of course, but these are my preferred choice. If you're going to mix casual style with height at the same time, I think it's best that the heightened sole is evened out. Platform sneakers are the same height all the way, but have a sleeker design and more options of design since they're not trying to mask their height. Not to mention they're super comfortable to wear and have complete balance. I've seen a variety of styles, colors, and heights from Nordstrom, Nasty Gal, etc. whereas sneaker wedges almost all have the same basic design.

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Facial Cleanser: Review + Photos

Typically, Clean & Clear is a little harsh for my skin since its very dry and sensitive. When I saw this at the drugstore, this immediately attracted me with its fresh, bright light seafoam green color and the word "hydrating."

Clean & Clear states, "Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a foaming cleanser uniquely formulated with Bursting Beads technology and a blend of cucumber and green mango extracts to clean deep while refreshing skin with an added touch of moisture. The foaming formula contains an invigorating fragrance to help you wake up and is made with water, not oil, so it won't clog your pores."

This feels like a thin, very watery, gel-like consistency. It quickly and easily lathers a lot, making it really easy to get around your entire face without adding water or taking too much time. I find that this takes me longer than average to rinse off completely. The feeling of this going off and getting off is very cooling and relaxing. It has quite a strong scent of cucumber and a light fruit scent. This cleaned out the sebum out of my pores, and left my skin looking softer and more refined.

As for moisturizing properties, this did leave my skin significantly more hydrated than the other cleansers I have sitting on my bathroom sink. The moisture is on a light level, so I can't use this to replace my actual moisturizer (I have pretty dry skin), but that is to be expected because keep in mind, this is a cleanser. It left my skin super comfortable, and did not dry out my skin in the least. I don't think this could directly treat acne besides getting rid of the gunk in your pores, because it doesn't contain direct acne-fighting agents. This does not contain salicylic acid, which is a common acne-fighting ingredient. Since salicylic acid is pretty potent/strong, this typically sucks the moisture out of your skin.

This is a great cleanser to get your day started. This is widely available at any drugstore I can think of, so I suggest trying it out, especially if you have drier skin. Since this is a light hydration product, I think people with combination or oily skin can use this as well.

Product Comparison + Review: Clinique Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover and Almay Longwear & Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

I typically like to use waterproof mascara because I find that it holds a curl all day, when regular mascara can sort of droop, and I think that waterproof mascara gives my eyelashes more volume. The problem with that is that I can't use regular eye makeup remover because my eyelashes fall out in clumps and my eyes sting and grow irritated from all the chafing I have to do. Plus I always get the eyeliner/mascara residue rings around my eyes the next morning anyway.

For awhile, I've been using Clinique's Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover. It does the job extremely well. I only need a very, very small amount to completely take off waterproof mascara and eyeliner without leaving residue. It's a half-oil formula, so you have to shake it vigorously to activate it. It has a push-down, twist-up sort of cap, and an open bottle mouth. This feels somewhat greasy. It's not incredibly slick/greasy, but you'll be able to notice its oiliness.

A problem I have with this is that it stings my eyes. Pretty badly, actually. I have very sensitive skin and eyes, and this usually makes my eyes dry, burn, and overall just sting. I don't see it visually change the appearance of my eyes like redness or anything, but I can definitely feel some irritation. Since this works so well and I need so little of it, I didn't mind using it anyway.

Just a week or two ago, I saw a promotional display in the cosmetics section of my local Rite-Aid for the Almay Longwear & Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover, which is something I've been hearing good things about for some time. The fact that the display also stated that this was the "#1 makeup remover brand in America" convinced me to try it out.

This is a half-oil formula as well. What I notice about this one is that after you shake it, it very quickly goes back to its half-oil state. I didn't have to shake it again as constantly with the Clinique one. One thing that surprised me about this Almay one is that it doesn't feel greasy in the least. It feels just as cooling, clean, and refreshing as the oil-free makeup remover I use to take of my foundation and other face makeup.

As for taking off my waterproof eye makeup, this did the job I'd say, 96.8%? as good as the Clinique Take the Day Off. This took literally the slightest bit more amount to get it all off, but it still got my eye makeup easily slid off without any struggle, and there was zero residue in the morning. This also did not irritate  my eyes. Since my eyes are way sensitive, of course my eyes felt a little off for a little bit, but this was a great improvement.

I think Almay's makeup remover exceeded my expectations by a lot. It feels less greasy and irritating than Clinique's. This also reverses back to its whole half-oil state a lot sooner than Clinique's, and I found that Clinique does a slightly better job at removing makeup quicker/easier than Almay, but to me the quality is nearly identical. Not to mention, Almay's makeup remover is less than half the price of Clinique's.

Almay Longwear & Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover and Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover

Bobbi Brown Blush in Nectar: Review + Photos

The Bobbi Brown Blush in Nectar is a coral-toned, medium peach-pink shade. It's completely matte, which in my opinion is the best kind of finish to a blush. This comes in the slim, glossy black classic Bobbi Brown blush packaging. One thing that I like about this blush is that the color is fairly neutral, and can work on most skin tones.

This blush is pigmented, but it's not pigmented enough to the point where you have to worry about trying to get a small or certain amount to get this to give your face a subtle flush of color. It applies evenly, and blends out really well. It has a super buttery, finely-milled texture to it. This wore on my about 7-8 hours before fading just the slightest bit, but I could still very well tell that the blush was on. I have dry skin everywhere except my T-Zone, so this was not an oil issue. If you reapply it, it'll look just as good as the first time you did. Touch-ups completely blend in with the first application I made earlier in the day.

Bobbi Brown Nectar Blush

(no flash) swatches of non-blended and blended Bobbi Brown Nectar Blush

(flash) swatches of non-blended and blended Bobbi Brown Nectar Blush

Almay Liquid Lip Balm in Cantaloupe Cream: Review + Photos

Almay has released their new line, titled Color + Care. I don't know if they intend to add more products to this line, but so far the first one they have made is quite noteworthy just by the title. Liquid Lip Balm. This claims to have the finish, shine, and color of a lip gloss, but the comfort and moisture of a lip balm as well. I only heard about this checking what coupons I had on my coupons.com app in the Personal Care section. There was an offer to get $1 off this product, and I was willing to try this.

This comes in ten shades, ranging from light nudes to coral shades, pink shades, and red. I would say most people would find a shade that suited their skin tone or that they found appealing. I picked up a shade called Cantaloupe Cream, which is a slightly warm, mid-toned coral shade. It applies slightly lighter than from what you see directly through the transparent tube. The tube is kind of short and thick, with a gray matte cap.

The consistency of this is definitely on the thicker side, but it's not goopy. This has an interesting texture, it's very soft and plush, almost like a MAC Plushglass, except without the tackiness. I wouldn't classify this as a sheer product. I can clearly see that my lips have changed color even with one thin layer. Darker colors such as the red or dark pink they have in this line are probably even more pigmented. I don't find that this settles into lip lines.

This is not a high shine finish product, but the shine isn't subtle either. I would say that it's finish is just average, helping their claim that this has the finish of a gloss while still being a balm. The durability of this will last a very long time without eating/drinking, but like lip balm if you put your mouth to a cup or eat a meal, this is probably gonna slide off.

Overall I think Almay's new concept with the on-going trend of cosmetics that double as skincare or healing properties is very original. This is very comfortable to wear, and performs overall pretty well.

Swatch of Cantaloupe Cream (no flash)

Juicy Couture Couture La La: Review + Photos

Juicy Couture's new fragrance Couture La La features their signature square bottle with the crystal, decorative cap with the Juicy Couture chain charm draped around the cap. Juicy Couture's signature twin dog logo is largely and clearly imprinted right at the center of the bottle, making it impossible to misidentify.

According to Juicy Couture, this blends mandarin with bold white florals. According to Sephora, other notes include Sparkling Mandarin, Water Hyacinth, Green Apple, Red Currant, Lily of the Valley, Blushing Peony, Violet Leaves, Orange Flower, Smooth Woods, and Liquid musk.

The absolute initial thing I first smell is a lot of gentle, feminine-smelling florals. Almost immediately, I also pick up a burst of sort of a sweetened citrus flavor, most likely mixed with a very slight musk aroma. This mixture is very feminine and unique. It reminds me of someone who would walk out of a garden in the springtime, carrying a basket of oranges.

The musky, vanilla-like aroma and the florals are most prominent in this, with the citrus aroma being subtle yet enough to make a significant note of. This fragrance is very youthful, feminine, and flirty. I would recommend picking this up.