BATTLE OF THE BLACK LIQUID EYELINERS

I have been meaning to do this post for so long and I'm so sorry I'm just getting to it.  I posted a picture on my instagram & facebook when I was testing out some new liquid eyeliners and everyone asked which one I liked the best... I held out because I wanted to write a blog post and didn't think it was going to take me this long.  So here we go.

Here is the big reveal of what was drawn on my hands.  (just FYI the Sephora one is only "smudgeproof, not waterproof")

Typically I use Japanese brand liquid eyeliners (dollywink, 24 hr tattoo) with a felt or pointed tip in liquid form but I've been using gel liners on a daily basis that the liquid eyeliner that was in my makeup bag had already dried out.  Liquid eyeliners are much more easier and faster to use because you don't have to clean your brushes and you can easily use them on the go.  I've been kind of lazy and wanted to switch out from gel from time to time, so I went into Sephora and picked up whole bunch and started testing it on my hand.

Here's the break down of the pictures:  Stila ($20), Marc Jacobs ($30) and NARS ($27) have slight shine to it, while Make Up For Ever (MUFE) ($23) and Sephora Smart Liner ($14) are very matte.

Waterproof test:
I ran my hand through a running sink and none of them bled right away.  Sephora Smart Liner was the first one to disappear when I started rubbing it.  But as I said before, Sephora doesn't claim that it's waterproof, but regardless not too bad.

Smudgeproof test:
When smudged without water, none of them really seemed to smudge.  They all stayed intact.  But after a long time of rubbing, they start to flake off and MUFE was first to flake off.  But you shouldn't be rubbbing your eyes like that expect your eyeliners to survive (just sayin').

Color test:
They were all pretty dark.  I've seen some liners that claim that they are black but they are not black enough for me.... But the five I chose was amongst the darkest eyeliners I've seen.
Color wise Darkest was:
1. Sephora Smart Liner (matte)
2. Marc Jacobs Precision Liner (shiny)
3. Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner (matte)
4. NARS Eyeliner Stylo (shiny)
5. Stila (shiny)

Miloberry Picks:
From the 5 eyeliners tested, I liked Marc Jacobs and the Sephora Smart Liner the best.  But this could be matter of preference, because I like certain type of felt tip and my expectations may be different from yours.  For me the important factors are that they are long wearing (because my eyes water) and they are super black, and the tips give me precision and control when I draw my cat eye.  But between the two, I'll pick Marc Jacobs Precision Liner.  I love it.  When I tested two of them, this is what happened on one eye watering morning.  I was testing Sephora first and this happened.  I tried reapplying but below kept happening.

So I tried applying Marc Jacobs Precision Liner and I was able to fix the problem.  Yay!

Here are my quick thoughts on each of the liners.

Marc Jacobs Precision Liner ($30): 

1. It was super black in color (it is on the shiny side)
2. Waterproof... survived my watery eyes
3. The packaging of this eye liner feels like a Monte Blanc of eyeliners.  Yes it's pricey, but it's super duper nice on your eyes.  The felt tip is just perfect.
I'll try to do more detailed review later if you'd like.  Please let me know!

Sephora Smart Liner ($14):

1. It's cheap and performs well at $14!
2. Super black and matte
3. The handle takes a little getting used to, but I can deal with it.
4.  I didn't like the packaging (i.e. tip and the cap, felt very cheap)

MUFE Aqua Liner ($20):  (I HATED THIS- RETURNED IT!)

It was nice and black, waterproof, but it got crusty on my eyes and started flaking off when I tried to reapply after it was dried.  And the cap got crusty and flakey on my second use.  I returned it. Also the tip kinda hurt my eyes. :(  I have this in another color and I'm okay with that... may be cuz I don't use it everyday....

NARS Eyeliner Stylo ($27)

This one was nice, but for the price, it felt a more over priced version of the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner with bigger felt tip and the color was a bit more darker than Stila.  I'd probably pass on this if I could pay $3 more and buy Marc Jacobs.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner ($20)

I think this is a good performing eyeliner at a good price point.  But I wish the color was a little bit more black and the eyeliner seems to dry out fairly quickly.  This one is very very very similar to the Japanese Eyeliners I get  (dollywink, 24hr. Tattoo) except I think the Japanese ones are bit more black.  And they are both priced very similar to one another.  I wouldn't be surprised if they are made by the same company!

Sephora VIB Rouge

Ever since I posted a picture on my instagram & facebook of a VIB Rouge package I got, a lot of people have been asking what this is.

If you are not familiar with Sephora's Beauty Insider Program, and you shop at Sephora, go sign-up at the stores or on-line.  It's a free membership program and you gets perks by racking up points.

Couple of weeks ago, Sephora revealed their new tier of points program, VIB Rouge.  There are 3 tiers.
1. Beauty Insider
2. VIB
3. VIB Rouge

To qualify for VIB status, which is one above, Beauty Insider, you have to spend more than $350 in the calendar year to qualify for the current year and the next calendar year.  (for example, if I qualified today, my membership is covered till 12/31/2014)

To qualify for the new tier, VIB Rouge, you have to spend more than $1000 in the calendar year to qualify for the current year and the next calendar year.

So what are the new perks of being a total shopaholic?

All the perks of a Beauty Insider and VIB
Pretty shiny red card that says you spend a lot at Sephora.
Bite Beauty Lipstick in miniature size
Special Gifts just for VIB Rouge
Free Shipping at Sephora.com no minimum required (this is a big deal for me! Hate paying for shipping!)
Free beauty consultation/ makeover without minimum purchase
Special Events just for VIB Rouge
Your own person concierge on the phone (less wait)
And just recently, last week VIB Rouge received 4x the points, while Beauty Insider got 2x and VIB got 3x.

Now I didn't purposely try to qualify for this.  I am a little ashamed of the fact that I spent so much.  But since I did qualify, I will take a full advantage of my VIB Rouge status. LOL

Tips on becoming VIB Rouge
So let's say there's no way in hell you are gonna spend $1000 in a calendar year.  But you still want to become VIB Rouge, here are some of my tips I came up with to help you achieve this goal.
1.  Someone's birthday coming up?  Buy birthday, thank you and Christmas gifts from Sephora and rack up the $$$$ spent here.  They have everything from shower, perfume, hair, skincare, makeup, mens shaving products, skincare... pretty much everything a girl or guy needs!
2.  If you are buying makeup, skincare, perfume from Department Stores or elsewhere, switch all of that over to Sephora.
3.  Do your friends, mom, family, men in your life need something and they don't have Sephora Beauty Insider membership?  Have them use your membership.  Just tell them to give the register your e-mail address so you get the credits.
4.  Do you want to save up to 8% at Sephora?  Sign-up for Ebates.  You get rebate every time you shop on-line.  The 8% rebate does not get discounted on the gross amount you are spending at Sephora.

Lastly, this is what I received in my box.  If you get this box from Sephora.com, you don't get a membership card, so go to the actual store and get one if you want the physical card.

Still editing my photos for CC Cream from Amore and Cushion Compact from IOPE.  Stay tuned.  Yes, I'm such a lagger!

Hello Errrrbody! Update & MAC Sales

Wow...  Once again I've gone MIA and have not blogged since end of February....
Things have been a little crazy at work and I get tired and don't have time to blog by the time I get home cuz I'm too damn tired!  But I've been instagram-ing, facebook-ing and twitter-ing quick links and picture updates.  If you have not joined me in other social media, please come follow me for more updates!
Instagram: instagram.com/miloberryblog
Facebook: facebook.com/miloberryblog
Twitter: twitter.com/miloberryblog

Also I was in a big car accident (the kind that shuts down freeways and makes it on the news) recently and I am still in recovery...  So with all sorts of doctor appointments and dealing with work, I have not had the time.  But I really do miss blogging and doing reviews.

So what is next?  I'm working on few reviews... Amore Pacific CC Cream, Iope Cushion Compact, Velourlashes and the new Tanda Power Zap for now.... and few more coming up.  Believe me, I have used a lot of products since February!

Also as a quick announcement... MAC is having a sale on has permanently lowered their PRO Palettes (Originally $25, NOW $8) and Inserts (Originally $9, NOW $2).  Also get TWO DAY FREE SHIPPING with promotional code TREND.  But it ends Thursday, August 8, 2013!  So get over there if you want two day shipping for free (no minimum)!

I'm glad to be back blogging... and I hope I really can find the time to do it more regularly!  Thank you guys!!!!  Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Review: Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick

I love Soap & Glory! The names of their products are hilarious! Sexy Mother Pucker! hahahaha
Today I'll be reviewing their newest addition to the lip products, Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick ($16).  If you are familiar with their product, you may have seen their lip plumping lip glosses, Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss. I have one, but I didn't like their lip gloss.  Very tingly and thick consistency (I don't like thick lip glosses).

I saw FleurdeForce talk about this and since then I had to have it.  For the people in UK they had access to this earlier, but for the folks in the US it just hit the Sephora stores.  I pre-ordered mine from Sephora.com (I'm so impatient....) and I had it for about two weeks now and I can't put it away!

They come in three colors, Plum Jam, Nudist, Fuschia-ristic.  They remind me Clinique Chubby Sticks, or of many stain, gloss sticks from various brands (Revlon, Neutrogena, Covergirl).

What it is:
A super moisturizing lip crayon that glides on effortlessly and wraps lips in a luscious wash of creamy color.

What it does:
This buzz-free formula is packed to plump, promising fuller, more luxurious-looking lips, without the tingle of most plumping glosses. The high-pigment color stays put—no smudging or bleeding—making sure your high-gloss, shiny finish wears long into the night.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Phthalates

Research results:
- 96% of testers felt their lips were more moisturized after use
- 88% of testers agreed their lips had an instant glossy finish
- 86% of testers found their lips looked fuller after use

 I have it in Nudist which is a peachy nude color and Plum Jam which is a slightly plummy color (little bit reminds me of Clinique Black Honey).

Picture below is in the order of Plum Jam, Nudist, and Fuschia-ristic.

Swatch on my hand.  ohhhh so pretty...

On my lips.  Plum Jam

Nudist

My Thoughts:
I love this gloss stick!  It is super shiny, super hydrating, and the colors are great for everyday wear.  I can wear this all day long without reapplying and it won't dry out my lips.  While they still have pigmentation, it is still sheer and really natural looking.  I'd say that it does not feel like it plumps up my lips nor do I feel any tingling sensation (with many lip plumping products).  But it still looks plump and full due to the color and the shiny gloss.  It is a twist up and you don't need to sharpen which is very similar to the Clinique Chubby Stick, but I feel like the Clinique Chubby Stick dries out my lips a little bit if I don't reapply through out the day.

I have been wearing this everyday like a mad woman and loving every minute of it!  Definitely a lip product I could never get sick and tired of.  If you are looking for a good nude colored gloss or lipstick, I highly recommend Nudist! Also if you really enjoy hydrating lip products like Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments, you will absolutely love this (S&G Gloss stick is $6.50 cheaper). I might just have to get Fuschia-ristic as well to complete my collection. :)

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!