Mascara Monday: Imju Fiberwig

Happy happy Monday! Please excuse my ghost-ness. I went to Tampa to visit some fam and I saw my Grandmother. I haven't seen her since I graduated from high school!! It was a big deal to see her beautiful face and snuggle up next to her. Loves it. Next week I'm headed to Miami to visit the other Grandmother. I'm so blessed. Hope that you all had a wonderful looooong weekend. Let's get goin' on the mascara review.

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Imju Fiberwig

Price: 3 out of 5 (I got it for $22 at Sephora)
Packaging (Brush Wand): 4 out of 5
Overall: 5 out of 5

What it claims: "Fiberwig Mascara represents Imju's superior quality and hi-tech approach to cosmetics; a mascara that replicates the illusion of false eyelashes.."

The truth: I wouldn't say that it gives you an illusion of false eyelashes, but I have never seen my lashes look so full and long.

What I loved about it: Imju is a Japanese cosmetics company that is known for their innovative cosmetics. I first heard about Fiberwig from one of my favorite beauty bloggers: Grayburn. She fell in love with this mascara and now I see why. I think my video may do a better job at explaining just HOW it works but when I tell you it is the most amazing thing I have ever tried....I ain't lyin'. Fiberwig contains, I guess "fibers" that attach to your lashes and with each stroke you can length your lashes.. Contact wearers and sensitive eyes' folx, don't fret. These fibers don't come anywhere near the eyes. It takes some practice getting used to Fiberwig. I prefer long outer lashes so I concentrated there. I also looooved taking the mascara off. With just a dab of water on your fingers and massaging your lashes, it comes off. It's so easy that it is actually fun. Even if you are satisfied with your current mascara or in love with your natural lashes, this is a product that you just HAVE to try.

What do you think about this mascara? Have you tried it and liked it? Do mascara packagings turn you off? If you've sent me an email requesting a particular mascara to review, I haven't forgotten about you. I have a looong list. Keep sendin' me reviews at Brittany@ClumpsOfMascara.com

Stay beautiful!

[photo credit: http://talkingcosmetics.com]

Welcome Jaimie!

Say HI to Clumps of Mascara's first ever guest editor, Jaimie!
Jaimie, darlin'....tell us a little about yourself.

I probably first got into makeup in 7th grade. My mom has been a part-time AVON representative since before I was born so I've always been into body care and moisturizing. I haven't attended any professional classes, but I read about it all the time since I got into it. So I've learned a lot over the years through tutorials, and mostly just trial and error on myself so I wouldn't say newbie. I do know that the most expensive doesn't always mean the best, but I do like my GOOD high end things. I will get a drugstore mascara though.


I'd like to show that light black girls can wear bright colors and DARK colors tastefully , because as much as people think we can wear everything, we can't.


Jaimie decided to kick off her intro post with a review.
Check it:

Frédéric Fekkai Summer Hair
Zero-Humidity Frizz Control

So we all wish we could do the wash and go like *ahem* some certain peoples can and this product claims we can get one step closer. When I hear Zero-Humidity Frizz Control, it says to me, “Relax. You can wash your hair right before you run out the door running errands and still be fly. I won’t let the heat turn your hair into a big fluffy poof” So I gave it a shot.


Product: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 4 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Price: $22! Available at sephora.com, any ulta store, and various other locations.


The Claim: “Conquer frizz all day with this weightless, alcohol-free mist. Spray-on antidote for frizz-prone hair that seals the cuticle to stay sleek. Helps protect hair from the effects of UV rays with Solarshield™ protection, an innovative sun protection technology developed by Frédéric Fekkai that helps combat the effects of UV rays on hair.” - Sephora

The Good: I love the smell. It reminds me of a Pina Colada, but not as sweet. It’s a light smell and perfect for hair, you smell it when you want to and it’s not there distracting you all day. It really does do what it claims. I tried it on myself, my sister, and a cousin. I have wavy hair and my sister has curly; it really does bring out the natural curl of your hair without exploding it into one huge mess. My cousin keeps her hair natural and unrelaxed and it works great for her too. I know in Georgia the humidity can really put a number on your ‘do, turning it from sleek to weak in about an hour. This product is perfect for those pool/lake/beach days when you just want to wash or rinse your hair and go and not worry about a halo surrounding your head. It leaves your hair feeling really soft and it really does keep the humidity at bay.

The Bad: I had a couple problems with my squirter getting jammed, but I think that just may be my bottle. I also wish that there were more product in it. It takes a while to fully saturate your hair depending on how much hair you have; I had to spray for a lil bit to make sure I had coated my hair properly

Overall: I’d have to say that if you were looking for a good spray to keep your waves under control on those summer days that this would be it. The price is a little high, but it does last you a while.



Don't forget to enter the Bee Contest. You have until Friday!

New Series and Neo Sci-Fi Electro

I’m totally excited about this new series. And I’m going to have to discuss some issues I’ve already covered. Just for the sake of the series.

And yall know I can’t do this alone so I’m going to need reader submissions, pictures and suggestions.

Check this out.

How are yall diggin' my funky border? I kinda like it. The purpose of this series to dispel the many myths and stereotypes that have haunted Black women for centuries. Colors we can’t wear, products we shouldn’t touch….it’s getting old. It’s time we start reclaiming our identities and defining our own beauties. Who’s with me?!!

Oh…got a bit excited.

First series post..

But Black Women Can’t…..wear orange lipstick.

As my boy Martin Lawrence would say, “Somebody dun told you wrong.”

I promised myself that I would re-visit Electro from the Neo Sci-Fi collection. I tried it on in the store and wanted to scream. My BFF make-up artist swore up and down that I looked beautiful and I know he wouldn’t lie but I wasn’t convinced. Still, I took that and Pink Grapefruit lip glass home to play around with in my own lighting.

(Is it me or does MAC’s lighting make you feel like a superstar and then you get home to your own bathroom and feel like an Ugly Betty. What kind of bulbs do they have?)

I’m going to keep it real with yall, so get ready for some laughs. I know I was doubled over in tears when I saw this.

Electro with 3 coats.

And I ain't showin' yall the full face because it's awful!

I’m thinkin’ we as Black women (well us darker Black women) CAN wear this orange lipstick. But sheer. Check it with one coat.

See, not as scary.

And when topped off with Pink Grapefruit Lipglass….well, it’s just perfect for summer.

What do you think about us rockin’ orange lipstick? Send all of your suggestions for the But Black Women Can’t series to me at Brittany@ClumpsOfMascara.com. Wanna do a collaborative post? You know I’m down! And as always….send me your pics of you defying those myths!

Happy Friday!!!!

Costal Scents Brushes: Video Review

Why am I just now getting around to reviewing these? I actually did a video awhile back but forgot to create a post and upload.

HA!

I was too lazy to go through the Windows Movie Maker editing mess, and I didn't realize how dark I was but oh well.

To see my original post about the CS brushes, click here.

Beauty Review: DentaBurst Freshening Teeth Cleaners

Do I have a treat for you, lovely ladies. I had the opportunity to review this product. And when I tell you it's amazing....you have to believe me. If you are like me and particularly anal about how your breath smells, I have the perfect solution for you. And I'm talking a solution that is better than short-lasting mints and gum. Lo' and behold....DentaBurst; which proves to be more than a product; it's a lifestyle. Dig the ads...


Picture this....you're going out with a gentleman that you have been eyein' for quite a minute. You bat your mascara coated lashes at him. You do that girly giggle by covering your mouth with your freshly painted nails. You smile big with your Port Red lips and catch a glimpse of your grin in your champagne glass. *key horror movie tune* Girlfriend, your grill is not lookin' hot right now. Asparagus stuck between your teeth is not a good look. And chances are your breath isn't up to par from that grilled tofu and pasta mix (ahem, def not for everyone but trust me, it's good). DentaBurst, gals...saaaves the day. A swipe of the finger brush on your teeth (I even do my tongue) and you have not only fresh breath but a better attitude. I don't care how beautiful your make-up is, sweets, if your breath is kickin'....none of that matters. So here's my photo shoot with the wonderfulness that is DentaBurst... Click on the pictures to see my silliness on a larger scale. DentaBurst comes in a nice little slim package. The "clumps" that is in me has the dern thing upside down. I'm a mess yall.


You simply slip it on your finger...
And swipe it on your teefs...

And if you want added freshness, be silly like me hit the molars...

Yeah, I know. I really didn't need to make the face but it wouldn't be "me" if I didn't. I can't explain the BURST (no pun intended) of freshness you get with this thing. It is absolutely great. And long lasting. It really feels like I brushed my teeth. But don't be like my little sister who tried to use DentaBurst in lieu of a toothbrush. You stilllll have to brush your teeth. But it is wonderful. Find out more about DentaBurst at their website:

• DentaBurst
• Be Ready Lounge-check out this online community featured by DentaBurst for the young professional women on the go. That's me! I've joined and I'm lovin' all of the fab features. Be a doll and check it out.
  

You too can cop you a pack of DentaBurst at your local Walgreens, CVS, Target and Rite-Aid. For only $2.99, you can get a pack of 12. What are you waitin' on, beauty booties? Go cop you some today. DentaBurst smoochies!

Maybelline XXL Curl Power review

Hi beautiful people!

I would like to start by thanking Blogger for the future posts feature. This is a busy blogger’s dream! I love this idea. And it’s another Mascara Monday!!...hmm mmm…on Wednesday. Still in “unpacking my life” mode but I just had to share with yall my absolute favorite mascara right now!

I mean, seriously….I think this is the best one ever. I’m in love. Dig the review.

Let me introduce to you….

Maybelline XXL Curl Power

Price: 5 out of 5
Packaging (Brush Wand): 4 out of 5
Overall: 5 out of 5

This is seriously one of the best mascaras I have ever tried. I love it! It not only gave me curl, but length as well. The C-shaped brush takes a bit of getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it does wonders.

What I loved about it: It lasted throughout the entire day. No flaking whatsoever. My lashes are a bit funny actin’ and never stay curled but this mascara had them waving allll day long.

What I didn't like: As you can see in the picture, it is has two wands; a primer and the actual mascara. I didn’t really like the primer because it seemed to be a bit too liquid-y. I wish the consistency was a little thicker. I was also buggin’ at how big the mascara tube was. Because the brush is connected at the middle (does that make sense?), you have to really get used to holding it. And also because the brush is C-shaped, it's hard to get those corner lashes.

Overall: I adore this mascara. It definitely is the best mascara in my book so far. For only $7.99, I don't think I have ever been THIS satisfied with a mascara. You can cop it at any drugstore. If you are lookin' for extra curl and volume, this is the mascara for you. I know that this will always be up in my make-up stash. Love love love it!

What do you think about this mascara? Have you tried it and liked it?

[photo courtesy: http://www.maybelline.com]

MAC's Naughty Nauticals

MAC's Naughty Nauticals has been released today and being the MAC lover that I am, I had to check it out. I'm not 'gon lie to yall. MAC hasn't really been impressing me these past few collections. I've really only purchased things out of pretty packaging and the MAC urge. Some of you fellow addicts, know about the latter.

Nonetheless, I am dedicated, so during my lunch break, I took a stroll to my MAC Pro store here in Orlando. One of my favorite make-up artists was there! I love this man. He's a bit on the sexy side and did my make-up that I had on in this picture..*click for a close up*


Yeeeeep, that was when those Paint Pots first came out and I was all over that Delft and Freshwater. Yessss chile. Me and my girl Raffie, good times good times.

Anywho, so my make-up artist (we'll call him Thai) did a great job at introducing the colors to me (tellin' me which ones were dupe-able) and I surprisingly, stuck to my list. Kind of...

Here are the swatches of some of the eyeshadows that I was able to gather WITH flash. I swatched Blue Clam (NOT apart of Naughty Nauticals) because I was debating on getting this color or not. I think I will one day. It is beautiiiiful.

WITHOUT flash

I know, I'm a bit unfair to my readers when it comes to swatchin' and postin'. I'm not really good in this department. I really only swatch the things that I "think" I may like...hehe, so my apologies if you are lookin' for the entire collection on my hand. Ain't gonna happen, chief. It's hard enough trying to to explain why I don't need a make-up remover wipe. Geez.

I wanted to like Illegal Cargo, but Thai and I both decided that it was too chalky for my skin tone. SEE! Pastels never work for us darker folx *pouts* But I did like the 2 pigments I swatched.

Oh la laaaa....that Mutiny is hooooot!! I wanted to haul it so bad but I doubt I will ever wear it. Especially since I'm into neutrals these days. Thai confirmed that Bell Bottom Blue is definitely un-original and therefore not worthy to be hauled. Don't you love honest make-up artists? Can I take him home?

On to the lippies...

Port Red was lined with Nightmoth lip liner because Thai said that they would look beautiful together. He ain't lyin'. And that's why I hauled that. I don't own a TRUE red lipstick. The other lippies were okay, but just "eh..." I liked Buoy-O-Buoy but I already have a nice neutral lipstick.

And I didn't see any Lustreglasses out on display so I didn't get a chance to check those out. I don't think I would have been that interested anyway. I've had my share of lip gloss over $5 for quite some time. Fo reals.

So here are the eye shadows I got.

I know, I know....another blue. But I swear this blue is different. It is absolutely gorgeous. The only thing that I don't like about it, is that it is a frost. Not a big fan of frosts because they take a lot of "packing on" to be effective. But I think that it's worth it. And contrary to what some people think it does not look like Freshwater. This blue is richer. I love it!

This color is re-promote that was originally introduced in the Balloonancy collection. It is a fab gun smoke silver that I think will look good in my little collection. It has silver undertones and is a bit more glittery than I'd like, but overall, I thought it was a must have.....especially for smoky eyes.

Yall know I am a huge proponent for women of color wearing red lipsticks. I am really excited about this Port Red. I checked the racks to see if there was a color like it and I didn't see one. I may have over looked something, but I wanted a nice red lipstick so I'm happy about hauling this. FOTDs soon to come!!

Naughty Nauticals overall: It's okay. But just okay. I'm kinda glad that I didn't like everything because I really don't need to go overboard on the purchasing make-up when I have a new place to furnish. If you already have a good amount of blues/deep purples, pass it. That Mutiny pigment is the best thing I have ever seen though and I may try to snag a sample of that, if anything. The lippies are nice, but I seemed to have colors that were similar and like I mentioned, I didn't see the Lustreglasses.

So what do you folx think?

Those that have checked out the collection, are you lovin' it?
And those that haven't....do you think you will love it?

[image source: maccosmetics.com]

Trader's Joe Conditioner

It's been a minute since Clumps of Mascara has done a post from the Let It Clumps series. Let It Clumps posts are where we stop talking about make-up to explore other areas of beauty and beyond. That's anything! Nails, hair, fashion, jacked up love lives..anything! Any suggestions? Let me know at Brittany@ClumpsOfMascara.com.


Today I have to share with you the best conditioner of my life!!!

Trader Joe’s Conditioner
..from the Nourish Spa collection

I don’t know ‘bout you gals but I’m not touching a conditioner that has laurel or laureth sulfates in it. I’m just not. Call me picky but my hair acts a plum fool when I get near a conditioner that contains these drying ingredients. And since MOST conditioners on the market contain them, I’m stuck spending a buttload of money on all natural conditioners or having my Mom, the hearbalist whip up something for me.

It has been awhile since I found a good conditioner. Until….my girl Nywele hooked me up with this Trader Joe’s Conditioner. Are you kidding me? This has to be the BEST conditioner I have ever used since having natural hair. It is amaziiiiing! And I know know why. I mean, check out listing of the first few ingredients.

Ingredients: Purified water, organic rosemary oil, organic Valencia orange citrus, organic mango, organic lemongrass, organic ginko biloba…..and it goes on and on listing organic EVERYTHING. No wonder my hair loved this. No wonder I didn’t get that limp and stiff feeling I get from a lot of other conditions. No wonder my hair soaked in the moisture.

This conditioner, I mean…I can’t say enough about it. Since I’m a no-pooer (which means I don’t use yucky shampoos), this stuff has been great for my hair. It even lathers a bit which really pleased me since conditioners typically don’t lather. And after doing my research I found that a 16.9 oz bottle is less than $3. What?! That’s nothing!

The downside about this?

Trader Joe’s isn’t located in Florida!!! Nooooo!! Good thing my girl got 2 of these for me which means it should last me for quite some time.

And to add insult to injury, I hear from HappyCurls.com that Trader Joe’s is adding Dimethicone do this product. Now I’m not going to act like I know what that is but it ain’t organic or some kind of herb so I’m buggin’. Now I really have to send funds to people who have Trader Joe’s in their cities to stock up on the “original” brand. Yes, it is THAT serious. I highly recommend this conditioner for my napptural sistas and anyone looking for an all natural way to take care of their hair. Thanks so much, Nywele! The naps thank you too!

Has anyone else tried this conditioner? What are you currently using? And does your hair re-act BADLY to sulfates?

MAC's Dazzleglass

I don’t know ‘bout yall, but I am a serious lip gloss, girl. I don’t wear it as often as I used to (I’m trying to become a mature woman so I’m into lipsticks, ha!) but I still have some obsession with a good gloss. MAC's Dazzleglass never really intrigued me right away but being the MAC addict, that I am...I still had to check it out.

Dazzleglass…..I gotta give it props. At $16.50, MAC Cosmetics defines these babies as “High-shine + large particle quartz and opal crystal captured in a great new formula with light-reflecting, crystalline iridescence. Umm, so what does that mean in laymen (or women , ha!) terms? Just that it’s a pretty shiny gloss. Is it tacky? Yeeep. Is it lightweight? Hmmm, not quite. Does it have a better staying power than Lipglass or Lustreglass? YES!!! I absolutely love how long this gloss stays on. Longer than the average gloss I’ve worked with.

Do I think it’s necessary to haul more than one? No, but that may just me being cheap. In my eyes, a gloss is a gloss. $16.50 is already a stretch for ONE so I can’t imagine hauling more than that. To prevent myself from even being tempted to purchase more than one, I picked the one Dazzlegass that caught my eye, swatched it, purchased it and walked away.

Let me introduce you to “Get Rich”.

Pretty pretty, uh? This color almost reminds me of Squeeze It from the Fafi Collection, except a little more sheerer and glittery. Here's how it looks alone.

Just ehhh....like a really ole' gloss to me. I would still wear it by itself because of the staying power, but I wasn't too impressed.

So I decided to pair it with a lipstick. Here is MAC's 3D lipstick worn alone.

I'm tellin' you...I love me some 3D. I could wear this color everyday. It's perfect. Topping Get Rich over this gives it a nice little POP that I'm thinkin' I could incorporate everytime I wear 3D. Check it...

I can dig it. Not super impressed but again, the staying power of these babies are really what turn me on. What are your thoughts on Dazzleglass? Pass or a must have?

Let a sista know!

Orange Nail Polish

Knock Knock

Who's there?

Orange....

Orange Who?

Orange you glad it’s summer time!

Now yall know I’m a cornball, so don’t even trip. Hehe…but seriously, orange is the business this summer. I'm not even kidding. Yes, something doesn't become the "it" thing until a celebrity is spotted wearing it but I've never been hesitate to wear orange nail polish. And I know orange isn't one of those colors that you can wear freely if you have a professional job, but bustin' them on the toes is also an alternative. I'm wearing OPI's Cajun Shrimp now on my tootsies.

I'll spare you the feet photos this time. I felt rather odd uploading them. But seriously....I swear it's the prettiest color I have ever laid eyes on. And yes it's brown girl friendly. I actually think that most fingernail polishes go well with brown skin. So whoever told you they you can't sport yellow polish, tell them the Head Newb at Clumps of Mascara thinks otherwise. Ha!

I can't seem to find OPI Cajun Shrimp anywhere in stores and my lady who did my pedicure wasn't trying to sell it to me either. Turns out that I have some pretty beautiful orange polishes in my little collection....you ready?

Fingerpaints ($2.99)...this color doesn't have a name, but I think it is the closest "work appropriate orange" we are going to get. It has a few shimmers (one day I'll learn polish terminology) and is a gorgeous rusted orange.

TKC Mandarin. I purchased this from the nail salon so I'm not sure where they got it from but it has more of a matte finish and is truly the color of a mandarin. It is such a beautiful orange. I'm rockin' this color on my nails this weekend!



Isa Dora Orange (copped this one on sale for $2 so I'm not sure of its retailed value). This is my 2nd favorite orange polish. It is a beautiful muted orange and I think its subtlety really pops out on brown skin. Clumps of Mascara strikes again with the smudged nail!


Milani Juicy Glo ($3.99). This polish has a similar matte finish to that TKC and in terms of colors, they are almost identical. Milani's Juicy Glo has bit of "neon". Ohhh yess, I adore this. I would definitely wear this on the fingers and toes. Grrr, and excuse the blur on this one. I promise I will learn how to successfully take nice polish and fingers pictures.



And the best thing about these orange polishes is that they can all be found at your local drugstore. And look out for buy 1, get 1 free deals on Milani and Fingerpaints. I love french pedicure on the toes like every other girl, but step it up a notch with some color, girlfriend!

Orange you glad that you can be fab on a budget?

Okay....I'll stop. But I really wanna know your input....yay or nay to the orange polish?

Image courtesy: opidiva.com

Clinique's High Impact Mascara review

It's another Mascara Monday, ladies. Mascara Mondays is when we show tribute to the star of the blog in attempts to find *drum roll*.....the best mascara ever! Today I will be reviewing Clinique's High Impact mascara. With a name like this....you would think that it would live up to its potential.

Price: 3 out of 5
Packaging (Brush Wand): 1 out of 5
Overall: 2 out of 5

What it claims: " Volumizes and lengthens lashes for a lusher, plusher, bolder look. Pure, deep colour adds impact."


The truth: High impact? I'm not too sure about that. Maybe medium impact. I have medium length lashes that need a GREAT mascara to make them pop. This unfortunately did not do this. Not only that but it didn't even last throughout the day.

What I loved about it: I love the rich black color that this mascara provides. And that's about it.

What I didn't like: It just doesn't live up to its name. It did not give me much volume and only a little bit of length.

Overall: I'm not a fan. The bristles aren't defined so it is very difficult for me to run it through my lashes. It also gets a bit flaky and definitely didn't stand up to the little crying spell I had the other day. Perhaps Clinique should re-name this macsara "Some Impact Mascara". Plus, the price is not where its at for a broke sista like myself. $14.00 for a mascara is pushin' it. I doubt that I would try this mascara again.

What do you think about this mascara? Have you tried it and liked it?

Stay tuned for next week's Mascara Monday when I review a drugstore brand mascara.

Image Source: clinique.com

Heatherette Business

I don't know how I always manage to be "available" when a new MAC collection is released. I will do what I can to be there around 10am when the mall opens. Which is kinda sad, but I can't help it. The excitement is too much fun to me and only my other MAC obsessed sistas understand.

I haven't said much about Heatherette because I wasn't too excited about it. I've learned to keep the excitement to a minimum until I actually SEE products. Anything can look good in an ad, online and in a picture. Nah boo, I ain't that easy to fool. And for the record....trying to swatch everything AND take pictures while trying to stay discrete is hella hard. I ain't doin' that anymore. LOL!

This collection is definitely the hotness in terms of packaging!!!! No stickers here, folx. Everything is so beautiful. I really wanted to haul everything but I didn't because (1) I'm on a budget (2) I'm sick of buyin' stuff I don't need and (3) I'm on a budget.

Here's my opinions about the eye trios and why I feel they aren't needed:

Heather Trio 1

Hoppin'--looks like Bamboo
Mood ring--looks like Parrott and/or Shimmermoss-ish
Cloudburst--looks like Black Tied except with blue(I think) shimmers

Heatherette Trio 2

Baby Petals--Eh...
V.I.P.--Looks like a ton of pinks. Nothing different here.
Cassette--Looks like Thunder (from the Blue Storm Collection)

The packaging, however, for these trios is soooooo darling! But if you have colors like these, I would definitely pass. I'm so over haulin' stuff just because it looks good. It is a waste of money and product. But you know....that's just my "tryna be frugal and spend money on better things" self.

I passed on the pencils, lacquers and the beauty powders. The pencils were nice buuuut, I usually don't wear color on the lower lash line. Except Black. Which sounds boring but..... They were mighty pretty though.

The pigments were beautiful!! Jardin Aires and Pink Pearl were just divine. I doubt I would ever wear either but I seriously may go back and get them. They are just too pretty .

Don't wear glitter so I passed on those. Actually I'm extremely anti-glitter. Unless I'm trying to re-live my middle school years, but I digress. HA!

Now on to the lippies....first of all, I was INFURIATED when I found out that my MAC store no longer accepts depotted eyeshadow pots. Since when? I've always done it there but this MA told me that they stopped doing that a year ago. She told me that it didn't make sense to turn in a pot just to get another "free" pot. I mean, I agree with her but they should have thought about that a looooong time ago. So I sadly toted away my 6 pots and that is why I didn't end up getting as much as I wanted. I'm going to try another MAC Store. Hehe..


Anywhoooo....here is what I got. Couldn't swatch too many because people were starin' at my arm so I passed on some.

HA! That's all I got....Hollywood Nights is beautiful but in my opinion, "too much". I would never wear it. Maybe for a night on the town with my girls but...nahhhh. I was really interested in Fleshpot but it looks simply awful on me. So does Starlett Kiss lip glass. I ended up hauling only Lollipop Loving lipstick and Sock Hop Lipglass.

And I can't say I'm THAT impressed with those two. The packaging though...the packaging. So pretty, yall. Now, I'm going to show you some FOTDs with my lippies buuuut my brows looks jacked up and I'm not wearing anything but mascara and liner. So I hope I ain't lookin' too much of a H.A.M. for yall. Haha....

See...there's no WOW about it but I had to get somethin'....waitin' to see what my other blog sistas got. All in all, I liked Heatherette. But moreso for the packaging. As a newbie, I am learning to not let MAC con me into getting stuff that I already have. LOL, not that I don't enjoy being conned but I'm trying to be smart about this make-up obsession. Allure's Beauty Trends are coming next post. I haven't forgotten.

Peace and Heatherette, beauties!



[pictures courtesy of MACCosmetics.com and Temptalia.com]

Hi lovelies!
My life is the busiest right now....and not in a good way, either so excuse me for bein' a bit behind on commenting and posting. I do have a little time to get up on 2 topics that my blog sistas Shawnta and Nywele (nap love!) tagged me on.





First....

My Top 10 Must Not Have Items

(1) MAC's Strobe Cream: A hot pearly mess on this woman of color. And it's too heavy on the face....AND it's too much money and you don't get enough product and I think it is just one unnecessary product (angry much?...hehe).

(2) Revlon eye shadows: Now I'm all for cheap but these colors are hardly pigmented. And the colors look a H.A.M. on....you guessed it---"this" woman of color.

(3) MAC Lipglasses: I know, I know....I purchase them, but the more I think about it, the less I like them. They aren't any better than other lip products. In fact, I find them to be more drying and they stay on less longer than the cheaper brands. And I'm sure there are hella dupes. I just got "caught" up because it's MAC. Towards the beginning of my blog, I vowed to never spend that much money on a lip product......ahem, 12 products later...

(4) Pantene Pro-V (in the gold bottle): You're kidding me right? Sulfate-galore.

(5) NYC Nail polishes. They are super cheap but these bad boys come off in 1.5 days. And don't even try to wash dishes. Chile please....

[PHOTO BREAK!!]

Now for the top 5 Beauty Crimes:

(1) I keep my mascara longer than 3 months.....and I don't care either. Muahahahaaaa.

(2) I purchase products because of a collection but I know good and dern well I will probably never used them (ahem, Fafi Eyes 1).

(3) I let my finger nails get too long. I don't even take the time to care for them the way that I should.

(4) I hardly wash my hair. Which is okay because I have a thicker texture but seriously....I can go 2-3 months without washing my hair and that's just not cute. I mean, it doesn't stink or anything---I'm just too lazy to wash it.

(5) I spend money I don't have on cosmetics. The biggest crime of them all! I still can't justify $10 on some eye shadow because that could be gas money, payin' off a bit of a student loan, a gift for my Mother, shoot....something else "more" important.

Have you done any of these yet? Let me knowwww!! I don't think I'm going to link anyone because I'm pretty sure most of done this already! I love these random question posts.....helps us get to know each other better. I'm a cornball, sing Kumbyah type yall, so don't mind me.

Allure's Beauty Spring Trends, part II comin' soon so stay tuned!

Peace & sunshine

Lipsticks for Newbies

As promised....I've got the Lipstick for Newbies post! Everyone say, "Yaaaay!" *looks around*...ummm, okay. Clearly, I'm the only one hyped about it right now, so I digress....LOL!

I believed it was this post in which I claimed that I would focus less on eye make-up and more on lips. And since November, I have done that. I am going to showcase 6 lipsticks (from MAC Cosmetics). But before I do that, let me share with you my sentiments about lipsticks.

I got my first one when I was 14 years old. My girlfriends laughed at me so hard that I didn't purchase one again until last year. For some reason, there is a stigma with lipsticks and Black women, typically younger Black women. In the lip gloss era, I know 98% of my female friends wouldn't be caught dead in any lippy. Which is sad because I actually appreciate lipsticks more than I do lip glosses. Buuuut, like some of you I had that anti-lipstick attitude. "Nah uhhh.....only old people wear lipsticks." "They are too drying." "Glosses are better"....I dropped a ton of excuses. Here's why I love lipsticks so much more now.

• I don't know why, but I feel so much more sophisticated when applying a lipstick. Iz feel like a woman!
  
• They last longer. Especially when applied with a lip liner.
  
• You can be creative. You can instantly change the colors of lipsticks. By switching up the colors of lip liners and glosses, you can create an array of color combinations. Now that's fab!
• They are "true colors"....whereas glosses are typically opaque or full of shimmery stuffs. Sometimes I like a nice solid color.
• You get better control with application when using a lip brush. With glosses, we tend to apply, blot and go. Lipsticks require a little more work but the outcome is almost always amazing.
  

So yeah...that's why I'm diggin' lippies more and more. Now yall know my blog is called Clumps of Mascara for a reason. On some of the pics, you'll see how sloppy I've applied the lipsticks. But that's because I was in a hurry and lightning was off. And because I like to keep it real with yall. My skills are far from perfect. OH.....and all of these colors are applied on top of MAC's Lip Conditioner (get it...now!). I didn't add liners or glosses because I wanted yall to see the true colors. Now let's bring up the first lipstick.

Allow me to introduce Ultra Madame.

Can't exactly say what MAC describes this color as because it came in a holiday set from last year.I know it looks a bit frosty but when applied with Nightmoth lip liner, it is a fab spring color.

Next we have Viva Glam IV...one of my favorites!

MAC describes this color as a mid-tone rose with subtle gold shimmer. This is one color that I could wear after day. It's perfect for work, ladies' night out or even when you want to look kinda cute when cleanin' the house.

Coming in at number 3 is.....surprise, surprise....3D!

MAC describes this color as a soft peachy brown with violet opalescent shimmer. I think it's great subtle color. It doesn't even have to be paired with a liner or gloss.

My number 4 showcased color is New York Apple

Well wellll welll....won't talk too much about this color because I just talked about it in the post or two below. Muah!

Second to last is Soft Lust.

MAC describes this color as tan with White pearl.I don't wear this color a lot but I absolutely LOVE it. I know, I know....frosty, but when topped with a fab neutral gloss, it is absolutely beautiful. I love wearing this when I'm sportin' a bold eye.

And lastly--Rapturous!

MAC defines this color a deep berry red. Black women: we can wear red lipsticks! I don't care how light or dark you are....you can rock it. I am sick of darker skinned people sayin' they can't wear red lips because of their skin color or the fullness of their lips. I don't wear red lips that often, but when I do, I feel like the sexiest thing 'roun dis piece.

Shooooo!

Seee....you can't tell me nothin'! That's the attitude, I think, we need to have when rockin' the red lips. Do yourself a favor and buy a red lippie if you don't have one. It'll liberate you, I promise.

Another fab element of lipsticks?

Sendin' your BF or hubby a love letter. How cute is that? I'm a cornball so if I had somebody I would so pull this.

Any recs of colors I should pull? Oh wait.....here's a swatches picture.

So what colors are you diggin'? And what don't you like? Are you big on lipsticks? Or not? Tell me....



Peace and muuuuuah!

[Picture Source: enviroblog.org]