NOW you can apply.....

Hermanas!!!

This has been quite the mascara week, eh? Sorry about being MIA Wednesday, lots of non-beauty related things going on. Anyways, maybe that gave you a chance to reflect on this weeks step to perfect lashes.... quick recap:

1. Keep your lashes in shape: clean and love them.
2. Decide whether to use a primer, to curl... or not.
3. Look up which type of mascara better suits your lashes needs.

Now, you finally have bought yourself a new tube. You are happy and ready to experiment your new look. With a new mascara, try to have NO expectations: it helps to not destroy your dreams of vampy and sultry eyelashes.

So, how to apply mascara? I think we all develop our tips and tricks; and some hermanas who blog have AWESOME video tutorials. I can only share with you what makes sense to me; so here goes it.

• Mascara is my last step in makeup. After my eye shadows and eyeliner are set and happy; it is mascara time.

• Do not pump the applicator in and out. Air gets into the tube and dries the mascara's formula.

• Always get rid of excess product in the border. If your brush has too much mascara, the results will be ghastly.

• Coat upper lashes first. A zig zag movement is a great idea; followed by a defining upward stroke. then go for the lower lashes (some chicas do not apply mascara to their lower lashes, and they look just as fabulous). My application ritual is a 1-2 + 1-2. Upper left lash, upper right lash. Again. Again. (I usually wear 3 coats). Lower left lash, lower right lash (usually just one coat).

• In between coats and before running outside to face the day; SEPARATE your lashes. Get yourself a lash comb for this. I am still looking for a better one; so plzzzz send me recommendations. If you make this little step part of your daily routine, you will not only look better; but you will see that you need less mascara.

DO NOT - repeat, DO NOT use a pin. For the love of God and all that's nice and pretty in this world; DO NOT do this. You could not only slash the lash in two; but could potentially prick your eye big time. Not very nice.

That said, I really want to hear from you. Any tips or tricks? Do tell.

Siempre, Bella.

Volumizing? Defining? And other WTH moments....

Hermanas!!!

Curious fact before I forget. In Mexico, mascara is called rimel. Yup, like Rimmel London.

If you have been with us all week; you now know that getting luscious lashes is not just a matter of slapping on whichever mascara. Monday we shared Lash Savers, including some guidelines on what to look for when you are buying a new tube. Yesterday we dished about the pros and cons of primer and curling (or not!). Today we are almost getting ready to cyberapply mascara.

So let's pretend we are standing in the middle of Sephora *sigh*, with no budget problems *sighs again* and all the time in the world *triple sigh*, but without a salesperson trying to push their favorite mascara on us. How would we decide?

I say: think triple. I would like you to focus on three things. First, the type of mascara you want; second, the brush of the ones available and third; sadly enough, how much can you afford.

The titles cosmetic companies baptize their products with can be as puzzling as trying to sort out their ingredients (unless you are lucky enough like yours truly to have a hot Organic Chemist on call, mwahahahaha). But really, they can be confusing. So, how about mascaras? What is the difference between a "volumizing" and a "curl enhancing" one? Let me give it a try.

Volumizing mascaras claim they can make your eyelashes look full and yet soft. This is the kind I live by, since I am all about the dramatic look. Best in Class are (some reviews courtesy of Bee over at Clumps of Mascara):

Cover Girl Lash Blast (currently on my lashes)

Diorshow Iconic (on my I wantzzz it list)

Max Factor 2000 Calorie (one of my faves)

Volumizing mascara is best used -yo pienso- when you have somehow achieved curl and length through other means. If you have small lashes, not such a good idea as it can look clumpy. If you are going to use this baby, give it some time to set before patching up 3,000 coats. And always use a separator after.


Lengthening mascaras help you extend small lashes. Simple, eh? Not quite. Like, really chicas, how can you lengthen something finite? (great, now I am philosophical). Yet, seems you can. Best in class:

Lash Control Volume

Maybelline Lash Stylist

Rimmel Glam Eyes (Bella's review, B's review)

If you want tube technology, go for either L'Oreal Extend or Blinc Kiss Me. I have tried both and am partial towards L'Oreal, which is also much more affordable... as in half price affordable.

"Curling' mascaras are supposed to give you a curly angle to otherwise flat and sad lashes. I personally think this is nothing more than a myth (basic physics hermanas)... so I will not go into detail about these ones. They exist, and I would never buy one. If you have and love them (and hence think I am full of...) do share!!!

Defining mascaras are -after volumizing ones- my favorite ones. They tend to be much more thin in their consistency; and their ultimate goal or promesa is to separate and -surprise!- define your lashes. I like these ones for those very rare days where I want to look more natural (they occur, once in a blue moon). Another perk is they tend to feel quite light on your eyes. Best in class?

I personally love Lancome Définicils

Clinique High Definition

Revlon has a sleuth of defining mascaras, but I must confess I have not tried them.


Dios! This is one long post. I guess we will leave the thoughts about mascara wands and brushes for tomorrow. In the meanwhile, go back to dreaming about being in Sephora, with no budget restrictions....

Siempre , Bella.

To prime or not to prime, to curl or not to curl....

Hermanas!!!

Yesterday we talked about LashSaving tips. Today, continuing our Mascara'ing La Vida loca week; I want to talk about what we do -or should or could do- BEFORE we happily jump into actually applying mascara. Remember the mantra: make up is NOT a chore.

PRIMER

I was first introduced to eyelash primer by my beautiful cousin Mamita Financiera. One Christmas she gave me a tube of Estee Lauder's Lash Primer Plus. I remember it quite vividly. She said "I know, this is yet another step in your makeup routine, but you will be grateful". The woman is wise.

Not only was I hooked on primer; I realized that any mascara I applied after one or two coats of primer lasted longer, and its benefits showed more. Besides, primer helps me -and you- protect our delicate lashes. It is something worth investing some dinero on. Specially if you, like me, enjoy a good drugstore bargain for mascara.
Today, a lot of cosmetic companies make their own mascara primers; or sell the 2-in-1 sytems like, for instance, L'Oreal Double Extend Mascara, or Revlon's Lash Fantasy. My staple is still Estee Lauder's; but I am dying to try Urban Decay's Lingerie and Galoshes, and of course I always welcome sugerencias and tips from you all.

CURLER???

I must say, I do not curl. Ever. I don't for two reasons: First, I am blessed with nice and curly lashes (much with the help of mi madre, and her loving ritual of nightly ricin oil); and second; the idea of crimping my eyelashes makes my skin crawl and my poor lashes fear in terror. Even worse... I think eyelash curlers look eerily like torture devices...

However, I know that many of you simply cannot not do it. Since I am a complete ignorant of curling; I can only tell you what I have heard or seen other hermanas do. Most of you have of course heard (and if not, you kave now) of Shu Emura's Eyelash Curlers; which seem to be THE ultimate tool.



The other -and much more affordable- tool is a spoon. Yep, you heard me. My adored cousin La Beba, yet another makeup diva extraordinaire swears by this. She devotes more time with the whole eyelash pampering than anyone else I know. She curls with a rounded spoon, and then separates each lash (more on this later in the week).

I have also recently heard about heat eyelash curlers; but the idea is more than I can bear.

Sooooo....curling or not curling is up to you. My take? Don't, if you can avoid it. And if you do, keep your tools in shape and clean, always. Perhaps you can give one of many curling mascaras a try before going at it with a passion; and maybe this way you can avoid unecessary stress in your already sensitive lashes.

What is your take? Do you prime? Do you curl? I want to know!!!

Siempre, Bella.

Mascara'ing la Vida Loca

Hermanas!!!

In the past few weeks; I have been trying and trying and trying this, that, and that other one mascara(s). I tell you, my lashes are on strike and ready to fall off. Well, not quite. But I must say I did go on a month-long mascara testing rampage.

I will deliver the results of my quest next week. Who will win???? Stay tuned!!!

Siempre, Bella.

p.s. wouldn't it be luvly if either Sephora or ULTA took Paypal????? Buaaaah.

Café Review: Rimmel Glam'Eyes Mascara

Hermanas!!!

I gave in and, after the total fiasco with Lash Stiletto ; I decided to give Rimmel's Glam'Eyes Mascara a well deserved try, since Rimmel usually has pretty innovative products that I have favored over the years.

The packaging is quite cute, there is just something about pink on black I can't say no to. My friend Amby says I dress in pink way too much (shame on me, but i realized it was kinda true, so I am expanding my wardrobe hues). In their webiste, they advertise it like this:

Seductive Volume. Turn heads. New VolumFlex Brush styles lashes for sensational volume and instant separation. Ultra supple elasto-bristles groom each lash, lacquering them from root to tip for a spectacular 7 x more lash intensity. Big Lash Seduction. High Definition. Maximum lash impact. Impeccable definition. Smoothing formula glides through lashes, wrapping each one for ultimate volume yet perfect separation. Lashes look dramatically amplified yet sleekly defined - even up close and personal

The much lauded 'VolumFlex' brush is, well, flimsy. Apparently that is the idea, to have the brush 'boing' along and don't pull on your lashes. The real reason for doing so beats me. It took me a long time to get used to it -- I like my brushes more on the chubby and firm side.

7x times lash intensity? Errr.... not quite. Although I did notice my lashes looked a tad bit longer; the volume and drama I was expecting has yet to come.

I also found that it can get clumpy when layering coats. I had to apply about 4 coats to look anything like I would with other volumizing mascaras; so maybe Glam'Eyes is for hermanas who like sleek lashes rather than really voluminous ones.

It does provide nice definition, speically in the lower lashes. there! Maybe i will use it only on my lower lashes and go back to other mascaras for the upper lash effect I like.

So chicas, Glam'eyes is a good mascara. Not a HG, and not a must-have. At least not for moi. Stay tuned, for I will keep on the lookout for drugstore finds. So i f you want to hook up for some mascara shopping, look for me in the beauty aisle at Bartell Drugs (which has great sales every week on beauty and health products).


Siempre, Bella.

p.s. I almost forgot to wish Happy Anniversary to my prima Danny G.; who celebrated one year of marital bliss with a really cool guy and a visit to Lake Placid. Danny lives in NYC, couple of blocks from Sephora. I am most certainly envious of that. Danny: Feliz Aniversario Chiqui!!!!

Gorgeous when late... my less-better-do routine

Hermanas!!!!

I have not been sleeping well as of lately. Hard time falling asleep; and much hardship getting up in the morning. Lots of things going around chez nous. Today, I actually overslept for one full hour. OMG - I despise being late, and I cannot stand people who are continuously late: beyond uncool. This called for an emergency less-better-do artistry moment.

With about 5 minutes to do my makeup, I had about 30 seconds to decide what was indispensable and what could be overlooked. This is what I used:



Foundation: a total must. the world might collapse around me; but I need foundation. I did not use primer today; but since my wonder of wonders, MAX FACTOR's pancake is very creamy and stays put all day; I did not suffer.


Blush: god bless MAC. I used Flirt and Tease; but I did not use bronzer or shimmer powder. MAC blushes are so pigmented that a couple of passes with my blush brush was more than enought to give me quick and nice definition.

Eyes: The gray shade in E.L.F. Drama in my lower lid, and a dash of the white shadow next to the brow bone. A dab of the darkest tone as a smudgy under-eye liner. I did not apply my usual powder or liquid eyeliner. I must say I also did not tint my eyebrows -- I just passed the eyebrow comb over them and that was that.

Mascara: 2 coats of Rimmel Glam'Eyes Mascara. Don't know about you chicas, but I LOVE my eyelashes. I was blessed with long curly babes; but I still adore wearing mascara.




Lips: a nice tap tap tap of E.L.F. candy shop tin in Berry.





Ufff!!! Five minutes and I was ready to face Seattle, and Rojo's brew of my favorite java made it a quite romantic coffee-n-dash moment. The best part was being complimented on my looks after this ordeal. SO I guess now I have my own less-better-do routine for emergencies!!!

Now now --- what are your minute-makeovers??? Do share!!!


Siempre, Bella.

CG Lash Blast Winner!!!

Hermanas!!!

Thanks to all of you who entered the Cover Girl Lash Blast giveaway. I will put your tips to the test in the following days!!! I thought about it, and decided that our winner is.....

KAT!!!!!

Kat said she has not changed her mascara since college; and I was horrified. In fact, I cried and lost some sleep. This chica needs some mascara renewal!!!

So KAT, your years of wearing the same mascara have come to an end. I will email you so we can arrange the details.


Thanks again to you all; and stay tuned for giveaways and other juicy stuff

Siempre, Bella.

Cover Girl Lash Blast ~ review and giveaway!!!

Hermanas!!!

After yesterday's post on the not-so-fab Maybelline Lash Stiletto; I thought I would come back today to talk about one of my 2008 fab finds. Cover Girl LashBlast Volumizing Mascara gives me more volume than any other mascara (drugstore or brand) that I have tried; with just a couple of coats. I bought this mascara on impulse after seeing the commercial once too many times... and I bought it first in the "wrong color" - Brown Black instead of my usual Black.

At first, I didn't even notice it was the wrong color. I just loved how my lashes looked and how, even with so much volume, I did not look as "serious" as I usually do. Later in the day I figured out the lashes were dark brown. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. I have since bought the Black one, but keep both of them in my stash; and alternate depending on the rest of my outfit (sí, I am that obsessive).

The brush is different - it is chubby and has a short handle. The first few times I used it it was so strange; and even when I love the product, I would change the handle's design. Love the bristles, although the blunt end of the brush makes it difficult to reach corners and; for mascara newbies, it must be a drag.

Another thing I love about it is that my lashes stay up and sexy all day long, with no clumping at all; and when it is time to say buenas noches, it is a breeze to get off. Lash Blast not only gives volume, but also picks your lashes up.

This was one of the best drugstore finds of 2008; and Cover Girl has just released a version with shimmer. I shall try and report soon.

Thing is... I love it so much, that I will give you hermanas a chance to win it. Just leave me a comment on this post, with your best eyelash tip. I will choose and announce the winner next Friday!!! Giveaway open to all the hermanas who reside in the continental US.


Siempre, Bella.

p.s. Mascara is the beauty product with the shortest shelf life; so remember to switch at least every 4 months; or if it gets dry, clumpy, etc.

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara

Hermanas!!!


I am back after a not so nice trip to the hospital on Monday. Nothing to be afraid of, there is still some Bella left to blog and send you some luvz.

I bought this adorably cute mascara (probably the best and most sophisticated packaging of a drugstore buy) after reading B's review at Clumps of Mascara (CoM is a MUST READ hermanas).

What do I think after a couple of weeks? Well, that is why I waited for this review. I wanted a whole week and so of using it everyday.

The advertisement for Stiletto promises long long lashes, reach of all angles, and a hypoallergenic product. I must say the length was pretty dramatic; but it gave me a sense of looking scared. Surprised or something to that effect. Just not my style. My lashes felt harsh and stiff. Again, nothing like the silky feeling I crave.

The brush is pretty nice; it is elongated and red, so you can see how much product you are carrying; unlike regular black brushes. That gives it a couple of good points. Now, to reach all angles you have to work it, and it takes time to get used to it. But all in all, the brush is cool.

I have long eyelashes so I need volume, my length is just fine gracias. Though I would asume that for hermanas with minimum lashes this would be a must try. I had to apply several coats to get any volume; but then again, this is not advertised as a volumizing mascara so I shouldn't really complain.

Also, my eyes were super itchy throughout the day. I stopped wearing it and went back to another mascara and bye bye itchiness. So the whole "hypoallergenic" thing did not work for me at all. Taking it off was also a bit of a hassle.

This is a Maybelline product I will not buy again. If I ever get another Maybelline mascara, it will be the usual Great Lash.

Siempre, Bella.

Before MAC there was MAX!!!

Hermanas!

Before MAC, there was MAX... Max Factor, that is. Those of us with a few gray hairs know what I'm talking about. Back in the 80's, when we all thought Princess Di would become the Queen of England and Cindy Lauper hollered like crazy dressed in dingy rags; Max Factor was known -and still is- as "The Make Up of Makeup Artists".

And when I say that, I mean it. Mr. Factor was the man in the Golden Age in Hollywood; when stars were Stars for decades, not for 1 movie and 1 bad CD. In Classic Stardust I found a lovely quick catch-up of Max Factor:.

One of the most popular line of cosmetics, Max Factor, turned regular people into dazzling stars. Max Factor, the founder, made the first make-up ever to be used in motion pictures. It was greasepaint in a tube. In later years, he went on to make lip gloss, fake eyelashes and the popular "pancake" powder.

Surprisingly, Max Factor originally started out as a wig maker, making wigs for some of the most popular stars and films. This included: Glinda's hair in The Wizard of Oz and even Lucille Ball's red wig. He even made Marlene Dietrich a wig that she insisted be dusted in 20K gold. When Mr. Factor was cleaning it, he ended up getting $24.32 in gold dust! Not surprisingly, everybody who was anybody was signed to Max Factor, including: Judy Garland, Clara Bow, Jean Harlow, Ginger Rogers and Betty Grable.

We are also talking about major sex appeal and high sophistication. Diva-licious gorgeousness. This was waaaaaaaaaaaaay before Eva Longoria was the face of L'Oreal; or Goddess Salma Hayek became Revlon's Poster Woman. Sigh, sigh, sigh. If you are not yet convinced; just remember Max Factor invented lip gloss. That's right. Perfectionist Diva Madonna was the face of Max Factor --- 'nuff said.

I have been using their products for a long time. My two faves are 2000 Calorie Mascara and the ultimate creme foundation: Pancake.

The mascara, which has been reviewed endlessly; is probably the best drugstore buy if you are in much need of a pick-me up for your lashes that will not send you to the PayDay Loan joint. It comes in both straight and curved brushes (I take the curved, graciasssss); and it is just lovely. Plus, it is usually $7. I know. Impressive. The only caveat for my 2000 Calorie love affair is that I find myself replacing the tube often: but that might just be because I do have a thing for not keeping mascaras for too long.


Now, pancake; goddess of foundations. I've heard horror stories of hermanas that just do not like it at all. Pan-cake activates with water; and since a lof of us do not use the bathroom as Beauty Central (I do); it is a pain to need the water there.

My double whammy solution: Have one of those disposable sprayers (from the dollar store) and fill in with H2O; or be smarty as I am and fill it in with your fave Toner. Ya-haaaa. I currently use Breath of Fresh Air from LUSH . That way, I kill two birds with one brush! I tone my face, and apply the Max Factor pancake in one. Max Factor is certainly something to try if you are addicted to good quality products. They rock. Always. And they will not make you go broke. Ever. They will just make you divalicious.

Now, go google the Max Factor Golden Age Divas (with a Capital D) .... there WILL be a January giveaway and you want to know the answers (and get the goodies!).


Siempre, Bella


p.s. cut this hermana a break; I am dabbling with photoshop.