Review: Maybelline's Falsies and Mega Plush Lash mascaras

Oh my goodness! I can't remember when I started writing this post but I know it was at least March or earlier. Overdue much? I had mentioned my two mascara purchases a while back and never got around to reviewing them because I kept forgetting to take a picture of my results. Well I've finally gotten around to it and I'm not even sure if it was worth the wait (if you were waiting. that is!).

Now, let me preface this post by saying I don't have very full lashes to begin with; they are long but sort of sparse and difficult to curl. Here is a picture of my lashes without any mascara.

The first mascara I tried was Maybelline's Mega Plush Lash, a part of the Volume Express line. The purpose of this gel-mousse formula is to provide supple volume to lashes. While the formula made the application simple, it was too thin and the wand seemed very flimsy. I applied one coat in the picture below and the results weren't significant. Overall, not a bad product, but you could find better drugstore mascaras.

The second mascara I tried was the Maybelline Falsies. Both of the mascaras I picked up were from the Volume Express line because volume is my main focus for my lashes. This product not only promises volume but also added length to the ends. I definitely liked this formula better than the Mega Plush because the consistency was more on the dry side and the wand was sturdy. The volume didn't meet my expectations but the length was delivered as promised.

Overall, both mascaras were mediocre. For $6.99 it's not a terrible product, but for the time being, I will stick to L'Oreal's Volumnious False Fiber Lashes mascara. Have you tried any of the new Maybelline mascaras?

Blessed

I can't help but to feel sad today. The Boston Marathon tragedy is on my mind. It was heartbreaking to see the 8 year old girl who died, participating in the marathon in honor of Sandy Hook Elementary. My heart and prayers go out to all the victims and families of not only yesterday but every tragedy we've faced, and sadly continue to face daily in some parts of the world.

It's so easy to sometimes forget all the blessings around us when our lives are so busy. I admit I'm guilty of this. Today, take a moment to say a prayer, call your loved ones to tell them you love them, and be thankful to have lived another day.

The Striped Tee: 3 different ways!

With only 15 days left for my No Shopping Challenge, I've put together 3 outfits with my absolute favorite item of clothing - a basic striped tee. They can be easily transitioned to fit any occasion with the right accessories. A striped tee is an essential in my closet because it is so versatile.

As far as the challenge goes, it's become easier to not think about shopping when work and party planning occupy most of my time. I do have a few key pieces in mind that I'd like to add to my wardrobe, but nothing that can't wait. On a side note, I've become a lot more creative with my outfits (layering, accessorizing, etc.) to make the most use of the clothing I already own.

Casual

This look below is great for a casual look or even to run errands. Effortless yet put together.

Splendid Striped Tee | IIIBeCa Crossbody Bag | Current/Elliot Boyfriend Jeans
Canvas TOMs | Ray-Ban Wayfarers

Chic

The next outfit I came up with is daytime but a little bit dressier - perfect for a lunch or day out.

Splendid Striped Tee | Hudson Flare Jeans | Banana Republic necklace
 Rachel Zoe tote | Jessica Simpson wedges

Dressy

And this last outfit is a nighttime look - same shirt but the blazer and pumps make it more appropriate for an evening event.

Splendid Striped Tee | Zara blazer | Christian Louboutin pumps
C.Wonder bangles | Topshop Jeans

Guest Post: Love Zahra

I stumbled upon Love Zahra a few months ago and I'm so glad I did. It has become one of my daily reads! Recently Zahra asked me to go a guest post on her blog as a part of her Meet the Blogger series. I had so much fun with it. Head over to Love Zahra to check out my post and learn more about her blog. Hope you love it as much as I do!

A Confession...

There's no doubt in my mind that I can label myself as a borderline shopaholic. I say borderline because I wouldn't go to extremes to own an item (refer to Confessions of a Shopaholic for an example), but I like to own nice things and stay on top of the trends. This isn't only limited to clothing, but accessories, jewelry, home goods, stationary, gadgets...you get the idea. So for the month of April, I've challenged myself to no shopping (besides essentials - groceries, toiletries, etc.).

Let's go back to the beginning. This all started when I added three more pairs of shoes to my collection last weekend. As I started organizing to fit these boxes in (let me preface by saying I live in downtown Chicago, I have very limited space), I found not only so many pairs of shoes I forgot I owned, but also clothes. Once in a while it may be nice to find something in your closet that you didn't remember you had, but when you find over 10 items that you weren't aware you owned (and with tags!!), that's not okay. So this is where my brilliant idea of a No Shopping challenge for the next 30 days came into play.

This is the start of my second week and so far so good, at least I like to think so. I have had a few breaking points, but nothing I can't handle. I admit I did browse a few stores this weekend and even fell in love with a few pieces (keeping my fingers crossed they're available in May!). Now, I'd like to clarify that I don't have a serious problem. I do work very hard for and like to spoil myself at times, but the purpose of this challenge is to utilize my current wardrobe more than I have been. I want to build my wardrobe more for quality instead of quantity. This may be a silly challenge to some, but it's not as easy as it seems. Conveniently, I lost my basic white long sleeve t-shirt this week...

With that said, I have come up with some simple rules for myself for any future purchases to make the most out of my wardrobe:

The item should....
1. Be able to be worn at least 3 different ways.
2. Be able to transition to at least 2 seasons
3. Be able to transition from day to night (day = work)

I always steer towards classic pieces anyway, but I would like to wear my trendy pieces more than just one way. So, in my upcoming posts, I think it will be fun to introduce some wardrobe basics every girl should have in her closet along with taking items from my closet and pairing them in different ways.

Do you ever find yourself "shopping" in your own closet? Would love to hear if you've engaged yourself in a similar challenge.

Thanks for reading as always!

xoxo
M

Tom Ford Beauty

Last weekend, a stylist and friend at Neiman Marcus arranged a lunch at the Zodiac room accompanied with an in-depth introduction to Tom Ford beauty. The presentation was very thorough with two live makeovers. The most important fact that stuck with me was Tom Ford actually went to school for architecture which explains his emphasis on symmetry and contouring in his products. You can also see Tom Ford's background in design reflected in the beautiful packaging; retro-inspired by the 1930's and 1970's.

We were first introduced to the fragrances. Most of them are gender neutral which could justify the price as it is pretty high. I did like most of the scents we sampled - they ranged anywhere from leather to wood to tobacco. They will also debuting new scents soon so be sure to check those out.

The skincare line was very basic which could be a hit or a miss. There was only one face wash which tones, purifies, and cleanses in one. My only concern would be the lack of variety as one type of face wash won't necessarily work for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

The next few products in the skincare line were the moisturizers. I was very impressive with how lightweight they were and how well they absorbed in my skin when testing it out. The eye cream and primer were also hydrating and soothing to the skin. The only caveat with the moisturizers is that they don't include SPF.

Some of the other products I wanted to try for myself were the hydrating lipsticks, highly pigmented gel liner, and the bronzing powder. All in all, I did like the idea behind this beauty line, but it is pricey. They are definitely investment pieces. I'd love to hear if you've tried any products from this line.