• New York

    Review: Tarte Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara

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    I initially received a sample size of this mascara at Sephora (100 Point Reward). I used up the sample in less than two weeks and rushed to my nearest Sephora to grab a full-size, only to learn that the store that I had visited was sold out 😓 I immediately went on the Tarte website and to my surprise, there was a sale on 😍 So, I bought two Tarteist Lash Paint Mascaras, without any hesitation, and this is why 😀

    I will begin by stating that I already have quite thick, dark and volumous curly lashes, so my purpose, with regards to using mascara, is to add more drama, length and volume as well as for lash separation. After applying one coat of this mascara, my lashes were instantly thicker, longer and more defined (in that there was more curl). However, this mascara, true to its name, has a paint-like consistency – it’ s thick!!! and takes longer than any other mascara I have ever used before to dry. While the mascara dries, it is crucial not to let your lashes touch your lids (especially if you have eyeshadow on!), as colour transfer is bound to happen and this product isn’t so simple to remove once it touches skin! I had to wait about 3 minutes before applying my second coat and thats when I really fell in love because I usually need at least 3 coats of mascara to achieve the look I go for and managed to get it in just 2 coats with Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara. Here is a picture of what my lashes looked like after two coats.

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    I find I get better results when I apply this mascara after I have primed my eyelids and applied eyeshadow (I think the color that falls off and settles onto my lashes helps to build up the volume of the mascara).

    This mascara stays put on my lashes for about 8-10 hours before I notice particles of it on my face. It seems fairly easy to remove with a (preferably, an oil-based) face wash/cleanser, although I have struggled to find a makeup remover that can get rid of ALL traces of this mascara. Despite removing my makeup with built for make-up wipes, and washing and toning my face at night, some mornings, I still wake up with black crud in my eyes and on random parts of my face 😬

    Nonetheless, Tarte has outdone itself with this mascara which Tarte claims on its website is vegan friendly as well as safe for contact lens wearers.

    Have you tried this mascara? Share what you think 🙂

    Post originally featured on: https://empirikalsolutionz.wordpress.com/2016/09/27/review-tarte-tarteist-lash-paint-mascara/

  • New York

    Review: Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost

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    Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost ($47 CDN) is a new lightweight gel facial moisturizer that is water-based, packed with marine antioxidants as well as free of phthalates, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfates, gluten and parabens!!!

    The first time I tried a gel moisturizer was two years ago when I was in Hong Kong. I remember being enthralled with the rose scent and wishing  thatI could have re-purchased the product when it finally finished, but I was NOT willing to pay exorbitant customs charges and could not find a local supplier ☹

    A few weeks back, when I saw an advertisement for Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost on the Tarte website, I was hyped to learn it would be available in the Canadian market soon, because I couldn’t wait to test out this gel moisturizer.  Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost was released alongside a line of other skincare (including SPF and a cleansing gel) as well as make-up products and brushes. The packaging for these items is super cute – gold embossing on turquoise, pink and purple!

    The moisturizer comes in a jar, which I prefer, since I can use as much as I need. However, be mindful not to leave lidded products open for too long as this usually compromises on their quality. The moisturizer is thick, clear and has a strong floral (lavender) fragrance.

    Once I applied the gel onto my freshly washed and toned face, I noticed that it felt very refreshing and hydrating. It also absorbed quickly and easily into my skin.

    I had no issues applying my regular makeup routine on top of this moisturizer although I did find that I looked “shinier” (the moisturizer I was using prior is advertised to reduce pores and sebum flow, and to be anti-shine and mattifying). I also used this as a PM moisturizer and found that my skin remained hydrated throughout the night.

    Although I am not sure I will disregard all moisturizers I have used before (nor can I say that I will refrain from trying new products on the market), I can safely say that since I’ve been re-introduced to the world of gel moisturizers, I don’t know if I could return back to cream moisturizers. Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost really provides a boost of hydration to my skin and feels refreshing and light. Not to mention, this gel is packed with anti-oxidants.

    Currently, Rainforest of the Sea Drink Of H2O Hydrating Boost is only available either at Tarte.com, Sephora stores, or on Sephora.com

    If you’ve had experience with this product, please share your thoughts.

    Post originally featured on: https://empirikalsolutionz.wordpress.com/2016/09/27/review-tarte-rainforest-of-the-sea-drink-of-h20-hydrating-boost/

  • New York

    Simple Tips for Day to Night Beauty

    Since moving to our Bleecker Street apartment, I had to really downsize my makeup collection. It is not a good idea to keep makeup over 6 months anyway and I had blush and lipstick from way earlier than that. So when I put these in the trash, I was left with just a handful of makeup essentials. Simplifying your makeup collection doesn’t mean less beauty looks… See this fun infographics below for an easy way to change your look from day to night from our friends at Macy’s.changing-from-day-to-night-through-your-makeup_52ded8ae02a1bThis post is sponsored by Macy’s. I was invited to this opportunity by Blue Polo Interactive and received a Macy’s gift card for my time.

    All opinions expressed in this post are my own.

     

     

     

  • New York

    Fran Wilson’s MOODMatcher Lipstick

    This weekend, I was definitely in the mood for a lil something. A huge Duane Reade opened on 7th Ave by my house and it has a ton of makeup.  Drugstore brand makeup is awesome because it give you a chance to have fun, try new products and experiment with colors without breaking the bank.

    So I have never heard of Fran Wilson before but I did notice these really different lipgloss tubes.  They were sold out last time I checked and they just replenished.  It just might be one of those ‘best kept secrets’ no one ever told you about.  Oh how I love discovering dope stuff.

    I got the MOODMatcher in yellow and I just love it.  There is no scent/taste and it feels like lip balm and wears like a lip stain. No transfer, doesn’t kiss off and subtle enough to look nature.  I am a fan.  There are 6 shades and the intensity of the ‘pink’ it turns into depends on your body chemistry.  Pretty cool right?

    From my research, I found out this MOODMatcher came out 20 years ago and is still one of the best seller. I have tried all those lip markers, stains by tarte and every other brand out there.. This is the truth! I really love it  :):)

    It seems so 90’s I know, to go along with your mood ring and your leg warmers. For your information, I am wearing both today 🙂  Now I got my MOODMatcher lipstick to match. I’m feeling groovy!  For my Canadian friends, I am coming home in 2 weeks so if you want me to get one for you, just ask!

    I looked high and low all over the internet to find some more info about this brand.  So far, I know that it is a private company, over 30 years old based in NYC and has about 7 employees.  Here is the best swatch I found online!

    My conclusion is, they were so hot in the 90’s and those people who knew about MOODmatchers are not beauty blogging.  The beauty bloggers who are writing, will focus on what PR companies send them – they obviously missed these badboys cuz they slid right under their radar.

    Good thing I am the Tom Cruise of Beauty Mission Impossible.

    You can get them at drugstores on online from $1-$3.  Wow wee!

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