First Impression: Lash Domination

Today I am bringing you my initial thoughts on the Bare Minerals Lash Domination mascara. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to like this product. Prior to receiving a deluxe sized sample, I hadn't heard anything about this particular mascara. When I first opened the tube, I noticed the formula was very wet, similar to the Buxom Lash mascara that people went crazy over years back. But what intrigued me was the unique twisted-spindle brush. I decided to throw it in my basket of samples and things to try, hoping it would "dry up" a bit before I gave it a fair chance. When I opened it up again after a week or two, I decided to give it a go. I will admit, I was very, very impressed! Think volume that of Covergirl Lash Blash + drama of Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill + separation of Loreal Telescopic! This product claims to be a "do-it-all mascara for larger-than-life lashes". Here is my experience with one coat on clean lashes:

I love that this mascara can be built up for extra flare without severe clumping. I choose feather-y lashes over clumpy lashes any day. One of the perks of this mascara is that it doesn't have too hefty of a price point. You can purchase this at Ulta or Sephora for $18. I will for sure be picking up this full-size mascara! [This week only @ Ulta, get Bare Minerals mascaras 50% off as it is part of the 21 Days of Beauty event.]

Here is a close up of the unique wand!

Have you checked out this new mascara? If so, what are your thoughts? If not, what mascara would you recommend to me?

Thanks for reading! XO, Carrie

Naturally Pretty

Hello! It's already Wednesday! This week seems to be going crazy fast. I've been swamped with studying for quizzes, handing in papers, and preparing for my finals that are in 2 weeks. I keep wondering how that is possible??

Today I am bringing you my thoughts on the It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Palette. I have had this palette for a couple of weeks now and it's all that I have been reaching for.

Take a look...

I can't say I am a fan of the nude foam packaging. My seems to already show some wear. 

Here is the description on the back of the palette.

Size comparison to the Urban Decay Naked3 palette

A first peak inside to the beautiful shadows...

Close up of the 8 shadows on the left half

Close up of the 7 shadows on the right half

Another shot of the gorgeous shadows inside the palette. 

If I had to sum this palette up in just a few words, I'd say, "They nailed it!" I have fallen in love with this pretty matte palette. I knew this palette would be up my alley, because I really had been wanting to incorporate more matte shades into my looks. For everyday, shimmer & frosted shades aren't always the look I'm going for. And in my palettes that do have a few matte shades, I most likely hit pan on them a long time ago. However, these aren't chalky, flakey matte shades. They are velvety and rich. They apply beautifully and have minimal to no fall out. Have I sold you yet? 

What else is great is that the shade range is unlike any other palette. I wouldn't consider it rose, taupe, gold, any of that. It's perfect because it hits all of those categories. I am convinced you can create just about any look with this palette. Major selling point in my book.

Last but not least, it includes a shade called "Transforming Pearl" (bottom right), that you can mix with or apply over top any shade in the palette to create a more pearlescent sheen. How cool, right? I have been wearing these shadows nearly every day since I purchased it. I see myself wearing this all spring and summer long.  I could go on and on, but I'll spare you!

This can be purchased at Ulta (20% off entire purchase for club members!) as well as QVC (on sale now!) If you have held out on any of the Naked palettes because it wasn't exactly what you were looking for, I recommend you check this palette out. 

As always, thanks for reading!