Review: Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base (Primer)

I have tried just about all the raved about mascara primers and none of them work for me.  They don't work for my straight stubborn asian lashes because they just fall straight and even though they may give me extra length and volume, they just make my lashes straight! Which is a deal breaker for me. Thought I give it last try.  I figured Shiseido is Japanese and it may cater better to asian folks.

This is Shiseido's Nourishing Mascara Base ($24)

Their claim from their website:

Description:

Create unprecedented impact by dramatically intensifying mascara finish. Enhances the volume, length and curl of every lash.

• DERMATOLOGIST AND OPHTHALMOLOGIST-TESTED.
• INTENSIFIES VOLUME, LENGTH AND CURL
• CONDITIONS AND MAKES LASHES MORE SUPPLE
• PROVIDES ELEGANT GLOSSY FINISH WHEN WORN ALONE

The packaging looks like any other mascara.  When opened, the brush is slightly slim, appears easy to work with, and the product appears to be clear (slightly gray?) gel type and not white like other mascara primer/bases are.  It reminds me of more fluid version of vaseline (but I assure you it's not).

APPLICATION
Applying was easy breezy.  I did not get it all over my eyelids thanks to the slim mascara brush, and it seemed to coat every one of my lashes. In the before after pictures below, I applied the base to both eyes, and paired it with Shiseido Perfect Mascara Defining Volume Mascara.  And it applied well over the mascara base because there was no white base to cover up like the other bases (Dior, Tarte, Lancome, L'Oreal).  Also I've noticed that the mascara glided over my lashes with the base rather well.  As Shiseido claims, this really can be worn alone if you want natural tint to your eyelashes.  If you are thinking you can just use clear mascara for that, umm sure you can, but this base has many more functions and benefits than that.  And HELLO CURL and LIFT in my lashes!  Till this day, I have yet to find a mascara primer/base that will hold the curl!

AFTER MASCARA APPLICATION
The first time I used this, I saw noticeable difference and was utterly shocked that it actually held the curls and kept it way up! Lash gods have answered my prayers! Since then, I have experimented with my favorite mascaras to unfavorable mascaras, and Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base worked well with every single one of them, even non-waterproof mascaras! (FYI- I ONLY wear waterproof mascaras or my lashes don't stay up or hold its curl.)  But thanks to this mascara base, I can venture out to non-waterproof mascaras!!!! THANK YOU LASH GODS~!  I will also mention that it keeps my lashes really soft and supple as it claims. And it doesn't clump up like some mascara bases do.

BEFORE with only lashes curled

AFTER Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base (one coat)

AFTER One Coat of Mascara
(You can definitely see more definition and uplifted curls in my inner lashes, which are so hard to get to for me)

MY THOUGHTS
I think you already know that this is Miloberry approved!  And I will tell you that after using it for about a month everyday, my lashes are longer and little bit fuller (it might be that my lashes are just growing) but regardless, my lashes look thousand times better and satisfying with this mascara base. 

It does everything that Shiseido claims it'll do.
Intensifies volume, length and curl - CHECK!
Conditions and makes lashes more supple- CHECK!
Provides elegant glossy finish when worn alone- CHECK!

I can't say that this is the best mascara primer/base out there in the market, because my stubborn lashes just hates the ones that can't hold the curl (which are all of them except this one).  BUT I will say this is the best primer for stubborn straight lashes like mine.  So it is the best one for me. ^____^ 

I will never ever ever live without the Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base ever ever again.  It is a must have at all times in my makeup collection from now on.  Also this product expires in 24 months, which I doubt it'll last that long for me since I'd be wearing it everyday!

Available for $24 at Macys, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Sephora.com (Online Only).

Side note:  That's how you can tell how long make up "should" last.  Look for this symbol with Number and M on it.  Number equals the number of months it'll last from the moment you open the product.

Do you use mascara primer/base?  Do you know of any that keeps the curls?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

TOTD: Curl Lashes without Lash Curler

I'm gonna see if I can keep up with this, but I'll be doing short blog post and calling it Tip Of The Day (TOTD).

Have you ever been stuck without an eyelash curler, or you curled your eyelashes and they fall flat as soon as you put on mascara?  Don't fear, you can still curl your lashes or give it an extra lift just by using your finger!

Typically our body temperature is about 97-98 degrees and this heat can help you curl your lashes!

I find this method to work better when I already have my mascara on and fully dried.
1. To give it extra heat, rub your hands, or the fingers together.
2. Place the finger below your lashes, lift them up to where you want the lift or curl, and leave it there for 15-30 seconds.
Voila! Lift off!  Hope you enjoyed my tip of the day, and I wish everyone a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Review: Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara

I know everyone complains that their eyelashes are not full enough, long enough, voluminous enough, stick straight, etc... but seriously, my eyelashes are non-existent and super short... as you will see in my bare, no eye makeup look below... so mascaras are very important to me.  So I try out from drug store brands to high end brands... and I try out most of the mascaras that are released in waterproof form.  However, till this day, Dior Show (original formula) is my all time favorite, holy grail status mascara.  No mascara will make my eyelashes stand out like Dior Show.

So today I will be reviewing Maybelline's newest mascara from the Volum' Express line- Mega Plush. [Please note: It's so new, you may not find it everywhere].  I was lucky enough to find them at my local CVS and Bed Bath and Beyond.  And also the thing about new mascaras is that they don't come out with the waterproof version at the beginning, but I was able to get my hands on one.  Apparently, this is not released everywhere just yet.  It's not even on Maybelline's (US) website. @.@  But you can find more info on Maybelline's (Canada) website here.

I purchased the Waterproof Blackest in Black.

Mega Plush Mascara is Maybelline's first gel-mousse mascara.  It claims to give massive volume with a supple touch.  Extra-soft, patented Flexor Brush caresses lashses.  Lashes never brittle or flaky.

For best results, Maybelline recommends to apply the Flexor Brush against the lashes and sweep from root to tip until a full plush look is achieved.  Do not let dry between coats.  Removes easily with soap and water.

I was very impressed by this mascara.  I guess I didn't expect much, but after using it couple of days, I'm liking it more and more.  It does exactly what it claims.  The gel-mousse formula allows the formula to coat on to your lashes without being brittle or flaky.  I could wear and actually touch my eyes without getting flakes all over my face and lasts all day.  And my eyelashes are flexible! Even when I take it off at night with cotton pad and eye makeup remover, I don't see any clumps or flakes on my cotton pad.  AMAZING! It's very natural looking.  If you are looking for fake, lengthening, voluminous mascara, this may or may not do what it's supposed to for you.  I feel like it does lengthen and add volume (see before and after pictures below), but not as much as others I've used (like Dior Show).  However, I really love the formula, the brush, and that it does not flake or clump!  Therefore, I'd have to give this one two thumbs up! A great every day mascara!  It does concern me that this formula may dry faster than other mascaras. But we will see.

Let's take a look at the packaging....

Close up of the brush... lots of bristles... and I did not notice any clumps.

Flexor Brush... so flexible it has a swivel like joint... and feels very bouncy....

Some before and after pictures...
I applied this at night before taking a shower, so I took my makeup off.  Pardon my icky skin....  I wanted to show you just the mascara so you can see the lashes better.

You could barely see my lashes. hahahah I curled them and still can't see! lol
Right eye

 Two coats is definitely better than one. :)

Left eye

 Left eye....

Sorry you had to see my eyes so closely... scary I know!  But this was only way to show you my lashes. lol

In conclusion, if you are looking for a semi- natural mascara, give this a go.  I'm loving it.  I actually have Volum Express Falsies that I had for two months, but I have put that aside for this mascara.  I'll have to review that one soon also.

By the way, this is my 78th Blog Post! (Yay, that only took me over a year to get to that! lol)  Be on the look out for my 100th post.  I'm cookin up a give away for that.  Please like me on Facebook and Follow me on Twitter, and Pintrest!

Thanks for reading!

All About Lashes Part 2: Tools for your Lashes

I hope you guys enjoyed my short post about Mascaras.  There are so many mascaras out there and everyone has different needs and different types of lashes, so the best thing would be to try them out and find the one that works for you.

I recently found out there's a new mascara, Size Queen Mascara made by Too Faced exclusive to Sephora at this time.  It has the most humongous, possibly the biggest brush for mascaras.  This already has a built in lash fibers, and it's fantastic.  I'll do a full extensive review on this soon :)

On to my post about tools for your lashes.

Eyelash Curlers are so important when it comes to your eyes.  Not many people have naturally curly lashes that shoots up into the air. Let's admit, most of us have straight, pointing downwards kind.  So when your lashes are pointing down, it'll appear as if your eyes are tired and blocking your eyes.  Just by curling your eyelashes, you can make a such a big difference! It'll dramatically open up your eyes and make you look more alert and wide awake!

1. Types of Eyelash Curlers.
There are so many eyelash curlers out there.  I have tried many of them, but these 4 that I own are my favorites.
 Modelco Turbo Lashwand Heated Curler, Mini Shu Uemura Curler, Regular Shu Uemura Curler, and E.L.F. Curler.
You may ask, why I have so many... Mini and the Regular Shu Uemura Curlers are old.  Mini, I haven't really used cuz I'm lazy, but I have it from awhile back.  The Regular one is old and I needed it to replace it and found out Shu Uemura are only sold through their website, and from other retailers, but no longer at Sephora or Neiman Marcus, etc... so I bought the E.L.F. Curler for a $1 and I really like them.  It's my favorite so far.  It's much easier to curl than the Shu Uemura.

Heated Lash Curler
[Modelco Turbo Lashwand Heated Curler: $33]
The Heated Lash Curlers are GREAT for curling your lashes after you have applied your mascara.  Using crimping metal lash curlers after mascara applications can get dangerous.  Your lashes can get stuck in the curler and pull out your lashes or break them.  This is a big no no!  Therefore heated lash curlers are great for this.  It won't tug or pull your lashes, but gently curl them with heat. 
How to use:  Heated lash curlers are battery operated and there's a on-off button.  You leave it on for about 30 seconds to let it heat up, then apply the tip with the brush on it gently to your lashes and hold them up for about 10-15 seconds.  This will slightly melt the mascara and reset them.  It's a little curling iron for your lashes.  You don't have to worry about burning yourself cuz it's not super hot. However with anything near your eyes, you should be careful.
The Modelco Turbo Lashwand supposedly is the best heated curlers out there.  It lasts long, heats up fast, etc... but you have other options.  Check out Sephora brands, Panasonic, Japonesque, and other brands sold on Amazon. The other ones run from about $12 to $20.  I've tried the Sephora brand, I think the Modelco is far superior than the Sephora brand.

Mini Lash Curler
[Shu Uemura mini lash curler: $14]
This is just like any lash curler, however smaller to help curl and reach lashes you may miss with the regular size.  It's a bit more tedious to use, which maybe the reason why I don't use it very often.  But it's great for curling the inner and outter corner of your eyes.
How to use: Place the mini lash curler just like any other lash curler, but place small sections of your lashes.  Crimp close to your lashline, release and in pumping action, start pumping away from your face.

 

Eye Lash Curler
[Shu Uemura Lash Curler: $19]
The metal eye lash curler is probably the most widely known and used lash curler.  Shu Uemura is the holy grail of eye lash curler because it fits almost every eyes (even small asian eyes ^___^).  I have to say this was my favorite eye lash curler until they stopped carrying it at Sephora.  Shu Uemura is now only sold online.  And they don't sell refills therefore, you must replace the entire lash curler after you are done with refills.  I tried putting in different refill and it still wasn't working, because the metal lash curler itself gets loose and needs to be replaced.
How to use: Place the metal round part to your eye lids, place the bottom rounded part to line up with your upper lash line.  Try to get it close to it as possible, almost lifting up your lash line (exposing the waterline).  Squeeze for 3 seconds at the base of your lashes, and start pumping away from your lash line/ face until you have hit the tip of your lashes.  Go into your baseline and pump once again for an extra lift.
Tip: When placing the curler on your baseline, lift your eyelids with your other hand to get really close to the lash line.
You can also blow dry your lash curler to heat it and help curl lashes better, but personally, I think this is soooo dangerous, cuz if you didn't let your curler cool enough, you can really burn your eyes/lids and do some permanent damage.  If you decide to do this, don't blow dry it more than 5-10 seconds, and make sure to touch the metal part to make sure it's not scorching hot.

Shu Uemura on the left and E.L.F. on the right.

[E.L.F. Metal Eye Lash Curler: $1]
Yes, you read that right.  ONE DOLLAR!!!!  This one is from E.L.F (Eyes Lips Face).  I decided to try this one out since it's only a dollar.  But I fell in love with this lash curler.  I really like this one because it has a bit more spring to it than other metal lash curler.  So when you pump you get more of a squeeze action than others.  This makes curling your lashes effortless.  The round metal part doesn't fit as well as the Shu Uemura ones, but I don't really have a problem with these.  It pumps your lashes really well.  And bottom line, it's only a DOLLAR!!! So try it out.  I highly recommend it.

Now putting these to use:  I'm just gonna tell you guys how you these tools and how I apply mascara when using these tools.

Heated Lash Curler:
1. Turn on the heated lash curler first to let it warm up.
2. I will sometimes curl my lashes with the metal curlers first.
3. Apply regular mascara. You won't need heated lash curler for waterproof mascaras.
4. Apply heated lash curler to the base of your lashes applying slight pressure towards your eyes. But don't let it touch your eyelids. Apply pressure for about 10-15 seconds.  If you are scared, start with 5.  You can always go back and apply more heat.
5. Then move on to the middle and to the ends of your lashes. Ends of your lashes need only about 5 seconds.
6.  DO NOT TRY TO BRUSH YOUR LASHES WITH HEATED LASH CURLER.  It's not gonna work.
7. Brush your lashes with lash brush.
8. Clean the brush head of your lash curler.

Metal Lash Curlers:
1. As mentioned above, you always want to start at the base.  Lift the lids to expose the base/waterline of your lashes, place the metal part as close to your baseline as possible.
2. Pump/ squeeze for about 5 seconds, release and start pumping for about second each away from your face to the ends of your lashes.
3. Go back to the base, lift your lids, pump at the base for 5 seconds again.
4. Lift your lashes, apply mascara in a zig zag motion starting at the base. Apply one thin coat so your lashes don't droop.  Let it dry and apply more layers if necessary.

Some Miloberry Tips: 
1. For better hold, before you use the metal lash curler, apply one thin coat of clear mascara or brow gel if you have it.  Then curl.  It'll set your lashes so well and even with heavy mascara, it'll hold your curls and hold your lashes up all day.  And this far less dangerous than curling your lashes after applying thick mascara.

2. Use waterproof formula.  The wax in the waterproof mascaras dry up faster than regular formulas, therefore holds curls even on limpy asian lashes like mine. 

3. Use something to protect your lids when applying mascara.  You can use a business card.  This will help you keep your lashes up and your lids won't get messy when applying mascara.  Or you can get one of these suckers from ebay.  I bought my Etude Lash Comb/ Protector at a Korean Beauty Store for $3.99. It folds and also has a lash brush.  it's pretty nifty. It's also good for catching eyeshadows from falling onto your cheeks and applying mascara to bottom lashes.  There are couple variations of this, but really, a business card will do. or just thick piece of paper.  Check out ebay or amazon.

This is what I have from Etude. And this is how you use it. 



 

And can get the same effect with a business card...



These are some of other variations....

               

4. Remember to zig zag when applying your lashes, So instead of base to the ends, try applying from inner corner to the outter corner and back and forth from left to right, right to left.  This helps minimize clumps and lifts your eye lashes.

5. If you have really liquidy, watery mascara or a brand new one, take the brush out of the tube, wipe the excess of at the rim and wave your wand for 3-5 seconds.  The air will help it give it more consistency to the mascara formula and won't weigh your lashes down.  And minimizes the clumping.

Hope this was helpful... and next installment of lashes lashes lashes will be about applying and picking fake lashes!

Also, I'm going to be giving away Kevyn Aucoin Lash Curler (which I hear is very comparable to the Shu Uemura Lash Curlers), so please subscribe and keep on reading my blog so you can win one of these hot lash curlers!  :) 

Updated: Japonesque Fast Lash Before and After

Update:  I apologize for not adding the Japonesque Fast Lash link on here.  In case you were wondering where to buy it.
I bought mine at Beautybar.com.  I discovered this site a while ago and it's a fantastic alternative to Sephora.  They offer free shipping for any purchases over $39, and first time buyers get $15 off $50! Which is an AWESOME deal.  If you decide to buy it, enter savings code: iluvhoney
Also, you get referral fees for this site.  So please use my savings code!!!

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I completely forgot to upload this picture along with my post from yesterday, All About Lashes Part 1: Mascaras.

I was very fascinated with the Japonesque Fast Lash, so I took some before and after pictures.
First Picture, obviously- no mascara, second picture- with one coat of mascara, third picture- one dab of Japonesque Fast Lash, and fourth picture- voila long ass lashes. Can you see the big difference?  I used the Bare Escentuals Buxom Mascara in this picture.  This was my first or second time applying it.  I've gotten a lot better at it, so it doesn't get as clumpy looking. :)
I apologize if four of my right eyes are staring and scaring you. kekekek

All About Lashes Part 1: Mascaras

I apologize readers for my absence.  I’ve been totally MIA!  I’ve been super busy and super tired and on top of all of that I wrote a long entry last week while I was super sick and the entry got DELETED!!!! ZOMG!!!!

Anyhow, I’m back, and as I promised last week, I’m writing my blog!!!

I have so many posts in the works, but I wanted to focus on Lashes Lashes Lashes!!!  I have so many things to write.... sooooo instead of doing one super duper long entry, I’ve decided to possibly write  3 to 4 part series.  I think the focus on eyelashes are so in right now.  Top and Bottom Lashes!  It’s all about big dolly eyelashes!

Today I’ll focus on Mascaras. My favorite mascaras & some new mascaras.  And next entry will be on different ways of applying mascaras and curling your eyelashes.

My favorite Mascaras

Christian Dior Show (My Favorite!) $24.50

This has been my FAVORITE FAVORITE Mascaras for as long as I could remember.  I always go out and try different ones, and this has been one staple mascara that I always go back to over and over again.

The black color is amazing.  The brush is so thick and full and applies to your lashes creating long voluminous lashes. 

I have tried both waterproof and regular and I like them both.  Except, if I’m using the regular, I’ll always use a light coat of waterproof of any mascara before applying the Dior Show Mascara since my curls will not uphold any regular mascaras.  My lashes are very limpy…. L

It is a bit pricey, but it’s worth every penny!

Bare Escentuals Buxom (New Mascara I’ve tried) $18

I was playing around at Sephora and discovered this mascara couple months ago.  I luckily didn’t have any mascara on that day, so I got a chance to try it on and I was very impressed.  The brush is rubbery and very flexible with many small bristles.  It’s not waterproof, but the formula is so light and dries so fast that it upholds my limpy lashes a little bit.  And the price is GREAT! $18!

My friend Carol was there and was convinced as well.  Please read her Review here. And check out her website!

I can’t say that I love this more than Christian Dior Show, but if and when I’m going for more of a natural look, I’d definitely grab the Buxom.

Covergirl Lash Blast Waterproof (My Drugstore Brand Favorite!) $6-$8

This is a great drugstore brand.  I’ve always been a fan of Covergirl Mascaras since I was in high school.  It’s super volumizing and lengthening. Love this mascara.   The bristle on this is very similar to the Bare Escentuals Buxom as well.  However, the formula of this mascara is a bit more watery than others.  So becareful when you dip in, make sure you scrape it off on the side.  And it’s also flakeproof, meaning you won’t have mascara flakes under your eyes at the end of the day. J

Japonesque Fast Lash Mascara (Primer) $10-$15

I’ve tried many primers (you know the white stuff you put on before mascaras), but nothing beats this one.

When I first opened the applicator, I was completely convinced that I have been jipped. Cuz when I opened it, there were white cotton like fibers flying all over the place, and the bristle was completely DRY!!!! I thought the store sold me an old one.  But after researching on the web, I found out that this is the way it’s supposed to be.  The white cotton like substance were fibers. The way you apply this is to apply one coat of a mascara of your choice then dab the fibers on to your wet lashes and apply another coat of your mascara.  The first coat will allow the dry fibers to attach and the second coat will lengthen using the fibers.  This sucker will for sure give you doll like lashes.  The fibers makeup for the length that your lashes don’t have because it allows the fibers to attach to your lashes like an extension for your lashes. You can also repeat the steps if you are not satisfied with the length.  With that said, this will not give you "Natural" looking lashes.  It's meant to give you false like dolly lashes.  Becareful not to let it clump too much.

This is an awesome primer for your mascara, HOWEVER, if you have sensitive eyes, this primer is NOT FOR YOU.  If you are not careful, the fibers can fall into your eyes and can irritate.  THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT RECOMMENDED FOR SENSITIVE EYES OR CONTACT WEARERS.

If you decide to try this, do not try to brush the fibers.  JUST DAB QUICKLY, and the fibers will attach to your lashes.  Also, look down and face downward.  This will minimize the fibers going into your eyes, by closing your lashes a bit and any fibers will fall down instead of falling into your eyes. 

If you have any fabulous mascaras that you like, please let me know, so I can try! :)

Please look for my next post on different ways of applying mascaras and curling your lashes!