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Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Review: Born Pretty Store Handmade Mink Lashes in D3

Hello Loves!

I am trying some lashes from a company that I am pretty unfamiliar with. I was contacted by a representative from the Born Pretty Store website to try out a few items from their store. I chose lashes of course because lately I have been loving false lashes everything-- buying, wearing them, you name it. The lashes I chose are lashes that either mink or some sort of mink alternative because mink lashes I have tried are not only expensive but have a tendency to be delicate. If I am gonna pay at least $20 for a pair of mink lashes, why not make them durable enough that you can actually live up to the 20-25 use claim? Anyways...

A little background since I have not yet covered this brand before. Born Pretty Store is a company that sells a variety of cosmetics items but is most well known for their nail accessory items. They also sell items such as cell phone accessories and other gadgets and gizmos. You can read their full "About Us" blurb here.

These lashes were sent as a press sample for possible review consideration. All opinions are my own and I was not paid to say anything in this post.

SHIPPING/CUSTOMER SERVICE
These lashes were sent as a press sample so I have no experience on the customer service aspect of ordering from this company. Shipping does take a while to receive from them. It took about 2 weeks to receive my package and I did not receive a tracking number to stay up to date on where my order was. However, this may be different for those who purchase from the website. Shoot me an email if you want to share your experience!

Ok, onto the review!

PACKAGING
The lashes came in a plastic box like this and are glued onto a rather large white tray that can slide out of the box. I did not take a picture of the lashes and tray in the box because it had an obnoxious sticker blocking the view of the lashes. However, as the picture shows on the site, it is very clearly marked which style you get and labels are consistent for all the lashes that I received. Here is what the lashes look like on the tray:


I found the packaging bulky and really tedious. This is a situation that I would store the lashes in a different container once using them. The tray was kind of annoying to remove from the plastic package and I found the tray unnecessarily big for what you get. I think that the packaging can be improved.

I initially didn't trim them but...

A word of caution: make sure the lash band is not too long. They will not be comfortable if the band is too long. The inner band will poke at your inner corners and make them sore. I couldn't even wear them for more than a hour, if I even wore them that long. I finally trimmed them down a small bit after being stubborn and not cutting them. I would say that I trimmer down maybe 1/4-1/3 cm.

APPLICATION
These lashes were not the easiest pair of lashes to apply because the lash band was not the most flexible. I waited around 60 seconds (with Koko Lashes lash glue) before I applied the lashes and the band was not the easiest to place on the eye because the band was not staying in place. This set of lashes will require the glue to get extra tacky so that the ends will stay glued down. I had an especially difficult time keeping the inner corners down and often had to add some House of Lashes lash glue to keep them down. The lashes had a medium to medium-thick lash band that required a bit of manipulation but the lashes felt lightweight once applied.

Below is a before and after to show the effect of the lashes:


But the real test is...
LONGEVITY/WEAR
These lashes were comfortable during wear time and I wore them for about 5-8 hours. They did not feel noticeable at all during wear and were comfortable when properly cut to the right length.  None of the sides lifted during wear and the lashes came off easily with oil-free makeup remover. I lost none of the mink hairs through use and have proven to be durable. None of the hairs were bent or altered in any way after three uses, and they withstood my abuse. They look practically the same as the first day I used them.

QUALITY / PRICING / RANDOM:
The quality of the mink hairs were soft and felt like real lashes. They add volume and give a very cat like appearance to the eye. These lashes retail for $5.2 but can be cheaper if on sale or with codes that can be used. These lashes are a fantastic quality for the price and are perfect lashes to try if you ever wanted to try mink lashes but don't want to commit to the $20+ they cost from other companies. They are also great with any look that uses winged liner or just emphasizes the outer corner. These are pretty unique lashes to my collection.

FINAL VERDICT
These lashes get a...

8.5/10

Pros:
Durable
Natural feeling (lightweight and soft hairs)
Great price

Cons:
Harder to apply (inflexible lash band)
Bulky and difficult packaging


WOULD YOU IT BUY AGAIN?
YES. They are cheap mink lashes and are unique to my collection. This is the less dramatic and mink version of Koko Lashes Goddess.

Dupes/similar styles by other companies:
None that I know of

If you wish to purchase anything from the Born Pretty Store, here is the link to the false lash section of their website. You can save money by using my code "WLEH10." This is an affiliate code and I do get commission when the code is used so use it if you wish.


Until next time,
Have a beautiful day!

-Elle 

Friday, October 2, 2015

Review: Lena Lashes in Khloe (from the Pin-up Girl Collection)

Hello Loves!

I'm trying out another style from Lena Lashes Pin-Up Girl Collection! Today, I will be wearing and reviewing the style called Khloe. I was hesitant about this pair of lashes at first but as you will read, my thoughts were exactly the opposite. 

These lashes were sent as a press sample for possible review consideration. All opinions are my own and I was not paid to say anything in this post.

PACKAGING
This collection comes in a magnetic black and red polka dot box with gold hearts that have the company name and names of the makeup artists who collaborated for this collection. The back of the box has the social media information of the company as well as the makeup artists. 


Within this box is the name of each lash on the top and the bottom contains the trays for each individual lash. A ribbon is attached to the bottom of the box to easily remove the trays. I found that the trays in this box are not secure and will easily come out on their own. This is definitely an unwelcome change compared to the boxes for a single pair of lashes.


The lashes I will be reviewing are on the upper right.
Read on for the nitty-gritty about the lashes!

Friday, July 24, 2015

Review: Lena Lashes in Noemie (from the Pin-up Girl Collection)

Hello Loves!

I'm trying out another style from Lena Lashes Pin-Up Girl Collection! Today, I will be wearing and reviewing the style called Noemie. This pair looked so fluffy whenever others have used it on Instagram and I wanted that fluffiness on my eyes. 

These lashes were sent as a press sample for possible review consideration. All opinions are my own and I was not paid to say anything in this post.

PACKAGING
This collection comes in a magnetic black and red polka dot box with gold hearts that have the company name and names of the makeup artists who collaborated for this collection. The back of the box has the social media information of the company as well as the makeup artists. 


Within this box is the name of each lash on the top and the bottom contains the trays for each individual lash. A ribbon is attached to the bottom of the box to easily remove the trays. I found that the trays in this box are not secure and will easily come out on their own. This is definitely an unwelcome change compared to the boxes for a single pair of lashes.


The lashes I will be reviewing are on the upper left.
Read on for the nitty-gritty about the lashes!

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Review: Eylure Vegas Nay Lashes in Grand Glamor

Hello Loves!

Recently, I saw that Eylure released a new series of lashes in collaboration with Vegas Nay, a makeup artist most popular on Instagram (5M+ followers), and one particular pair caught my eye. My favorite lashes of all time are the style ala Koko Lashes Koko, House of Lashes Pixie Luxe, etc and the style "Grand Glamor" seemed very similar to this style of lash. I bought a couple of pairs of Grand Glamor and today I will be reviewing them for you!

PACKAGING
The lashes are contained in pretty bulky packaging with a picture of the makeup artist on the front and a clear window to see the lashes. On the back of the box, there are pictures and instructions on how to apply false lashes. In the box, you get the lashes, which are glued on the corners to hold them in place, lash glue, and a little instruction pamphlet that has the instructions in other languages. The sides have stickers keeping them closed and to also indicate if someone has tampered with the box.

I think that Eylure could of majorly downsized with the size of the packaging because they could of kept the glue and pamphlet under the lash tray. The size of the packaging makes it a lot harder to travel with or requires you to transfer the lashes to another container. 




Lashes pre-trim

Here are what the lashes look after cutting them down to size:

Lashes post-trimming. About a 1/2 cm was cut off each lash.

Let's see how these lashes perform....

After the jump.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Review: Fyrinnae Liquid Matte Lipsticks

Hello Loves!

Today I have a makeup review, specifically a liquid lipstick! For once, I am not reviewing lashes. False lashes are relatively easy to review and I find that makeup is more difficult because it requires more time to test. Lashes are also probably easier to review because I have done it so many times. Time to welcome change :)

Today, I will be reviewing Fyrinnae Liquid Matte Lipsticks. The three colors, Warp Speed, Volcanic, and Desire are in newer packaging and what I also presume is a new formula. The other three colors, Wizardry, Kitten, and Graffiti are in older packaging and an older formula purchased on 3/2015.

All photos are unedited (minus cropping and watermarking) to best represent the color unless otherwise noted. Pictures are taken with a Canon Rebel T5i and a 5400K fluorescent ring light.

I have purchased all the products being reviewed.  All opinions are my own and I was not paid to say anything in this post.

PACKAGING
The newer packaging has a double walled tube with a black cap and a doe foot applicator, and contains 5 mL (~0.17 oz) of product. The older packaging has a plastic tube with a silver cap and a doe foot applicator, and contains 9 mL (~0.33 oz) of product.

Below shows the packaging differences:
Packaging comparison: Left is old, right in new
New packaging
Old packaging
Yes, it leaks
Look how much bigger the opening is on the older packaging, its HUGE. I can see the product!

While I really enjoy the old packaging containing more product (better price to oz ratio: $12.50 for 0.33 oz), I significantly like the newer packaging over the old. The newer packaging feels a lot sturdier because a harder plastic is used compared to the old packaging. I also feel the new packaging helps with using less product because the stopper is a lot better with the new tube. With the old packaging, a lot of product (and I mean A LOT) would clog up on the applicator and you would have to scrap excess off every time. Even then, you could not prevent the wand having tons of product. The older packaging is definitely not as travel friendly either (I swear I remember product leaking out of the old packaging once...). Big two thumbs up on the packaging improvement!

Read on for swatches and the review!

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Review: Lena Lashes in Tina (from the Pin-Up Girl Collection)

Hello Loves!

Time to tackle one of Lena Lashes collection boxes. Today, I will be wearing one of the four styles out of their Pin Up Collection, specifically the style called Tina. This style jumped out to me because it reminds me a bit of one of my favorite lashes, Koko Lashes in Koko.

These lashes were sent as a press sample for possible review consideration. All opinions are my own and I was not paid to say anything in this post.

PACKAGING
This collection comes in a magnetic black and red polka dot box with gold hearts that have the company name and names of the makeup artists who collaborated for this collection. The back of the box has the social media information of the company as well as the makeup artists. 


Within this box is the name of each lash on the top half and the bottom half contains the trays for each individual lash. A ribbon is attached to the bottom of the box to easily remove the trays. I found that the trays in this box are not secure and will easily come out on their own. This is definitely an unwelcome change compared to the boxes for a single pair of lashes.


The lashes I will be reviewing are on the bottom left.
Lena Lashes Tina close-up
Read on for the nitty-gritty about the lashes!

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Review: Koko Lashes in Misha

Hello Loves!

Yes, I am still reviewing Koko Lashes back from when I ordered on Black Friday but this is the last pair of lashes I ordered from back then! Today, I am reviewing Koko Lashes Misha.

PACKAGING
Same as the Foxy, Ariel, Risque, Koko, Iris, Bella, and Goddess style. The packaging is thin, non-bulky, and quite cute. The name of the lash on the back of the box and the tray of the lashes. 





Let's see how these lashes perform....

After the jump.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Review: Koko Lashes in Goddess

Hello Loves!

Yes, I am still reviewing Koko Lashes back from when I ordered on Black Friday. I'm slow, I know but that just means I'm really meticulous with this. Just wanna make sure you are getting a good review. Today, I am reviewing what I would say is one of the more popular styles, if not the most popular, Goddess. This is the famous House of Lashes Iconic dupe and it is pretty much dead on dupe for those wondering. 

Let's see how these lashes perform....

After the jump.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Review: Lena Lashes in Claudia

Hello Loves!

Guys, my worst nightmare has come true. No, not an actual nightmare...
I mentioned in my first Lena Lashes review post something that has occurred to me before with mink lashes... let's just say it may have happened again.

I would describe the following video as an exaggerated but accurate way of how I felt after removing my lashes:


Ok, that aside, let's get onto the full detailed review!

Oh one last mention, I got a new camera (Canon Rebel T5i). Every picture will now be HHHHHHHD. That's pretty high def for ya.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Review: Koko Lashes in Bella

Hello Loves!

More Koko Lashes! I placed an order on Black Friday and have been very slowly trying on the lashes I purchased. They came out with 3 new styles a couple of months ago, which are Bella, Misha, and Goddess. I have already worn Goddess (House of Lashes Iconic dupe) twice and LOVE them. That review will be up eventually. Today, I will be reviewing Bella or as I like to call it, Foxy's little sister.

Ok, onto the review!

Monday, December 8, 2014

Review: Lena Lashes in Naomi

Hello Loves!

Back with another Lena Lashes review. Today, I will be wearing and testing out the Naomi style and I am pretty excited to try these. I had a similar style by another company and wore them on my 3rd anniversary with my boyfriend, so this pair of lashes reminds me of the anniversary dinner. The dinner was fabulous but we ate WAY too much (a bottle of wine, 2 appetizers, entrees, and beer as a "dessert"). I pretty much had a gigantic food baby. Ok, story aside...

I got sent four pairs of lashes from Lena Lashes and have decided to review them. I want to say all opinions on these reviews are my own and nobody else's. Now that we have that out of the way...

ONTO THE REVIEW!

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Review: Lena Lashes in Ellarie

Hello Loves!

Guess who's back with another lash review! I am very excited to try out some mink lashes, again. I haven't worn minks in a while because I had a bad experience with two pairs I have bought previously. The adhesive keeping the mink hairs on the band was defective and cause the lashes to easy shed its hairs. One of the lashes I had basically disintegrated after its first use. Let's hope this time I have a good experience with the lashes I got.

I got sent four pairs of lashes from Lena Lashes and have decided to review them. I want to say all opinions on these reviews are my own and nobody else's. Now that we have that out of the way...

A little background since I haven't previously reviewed any products from this company. Lena Lashes is a lash company selling lashes of different types of hair (mink, fox, human, etc.) and it is owned and operated by Marlene Aymone. It is indicated on her website that the human hair lashes are cruelty free but doesn't specify if the mink/fox hairs are. According to her IG, it is a cruelty free company. If you are unsure about this, shoot her an email. It never hurts to ask.

SHIPPING/CUSTOMER SERVICE
These lashes are a press sample and were sent out to me so I have no experience on either of these issues. If you want to input your experience on this company, email me about it! 

Ok, onto the review!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Review: KoKo Lashes in Iris

Hello Loves!

I know... it has been 2 months since I have done a post of any kind on my blog. I have been extremely busy from the combination of work, school, and maintaining a LDR (aka long distance relationship) that I have not had much time to do much makeup related. I still keep most active on my Instagram (which you should most definitely check out, click the stuff on the side) if you want to follow my makeup journey of mine. My Youtube channel is a different story; I basically post a video once a month there. There is a recent haul there if you are interested in watching :)

ANYWAYS, stop babbling Elle.

So this style, Iris, is the last pair of Koko lashes that I will be reviewing from the set of lashes I got ages ago from Lady Moss Beauty. I want to try more of the newer styles whenever the lashes go on sale and am really eyeing Misha, Bella, and Goddess. 

Ok, onto the review!

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Review and Swatches: Glamour Doll Eyes Eyeshadows in Ahoy Sailor, Courageous, Arrogant, Tawdry, Spikes and Pearls, and Pretentious

Hello Loves,

Today, I finally got to try some Glamour Doll Eyes (GDE) eyeshadows! I have been really wanting to try them for a while, especially some shades from their matte squared lines, Matte Squared Feminine and Masculine. More generally, I just wanted to try their matte shades. I have been wanting to try almost every matte formula I come across because I am trying to find the best matte formula. Matte is my favorite finish, if I haven't already said that before in a blog post. I'm putting all six shades to the test and seeing how they perform. As a disclaimer, all products are press samples but all opinions are my own.

The shadows I will be reviewing and swatching are Pretentious and Tawdry from the Matte Squared Feminine collection, Courageous and Arrogant from the Matte Squared Masculine collection, Ahoy Sailor, and Spikes and Pearls.




Close ups, swatches and review after the jump!

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Review: KoKo Lashes in Risque

Hello Loves!

Another lash review. I have been really enjoying going through my lash purchase from... almost two months ago and gradually reviewing it for you. I have been loving wearing the lashes and really using what I have purchased. On the note of using what you purchased, have you ever bought something and then just forgot about it? I have a really bad tendency to do that with nail polishes. I will use them once and forget about it for a while. Ok Elle, don't go off on a random tangent.

Before the lash review, I recently purchased lash glue from House of Lashes and have plans on reviewing it. If I am wearing all these lashes, why not test lash glue? So look out for that sometime in the future.

ONTO THE LASHES!

Monday, July 7, 2014

Review: KoKo Lashes in Koko

Hello Loves!

More lashes! This pair that I am reviewing may be my favorite so far. I have Eylure lashes that I ADORE that are very similar to this style I am reviewing. However, the Eylure ones have a little bit of color depending on the style so its nice to have a basic black of this wispy pair of lashes. Because I have been meaning to use the KoKo lashes each time I do a makeup look to review them, I am growing to feel like a lot of my makeup looks are incomplete without lashes. Guys, once you try false lashes, you will get hooked! The pair of KoKo lashes I will be reviewing today is the "Koko" style.

ONTO THE LASHES!!!

Friday, June 13, 2014

Review: KoKo Lashes in Ariel

Hello Loves!

More lashes! I have been growing to love false lashes lately. I am not genetically gifted in the lash department so sometimes some enhancement is appreciated. But I digress...
In my last post, I mentioned how I purchased 5 different styles of Koko lashes from Lady Moss during their Memorial Day sale and will be testing out style as I wore them. Well, today, I wore the style in "Ariel" and will be reviewing those for you today!

ONTO THE LASHES!!!

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Review: Koko Lashes in Foxy

Hello Loves!

Today, I have a review of a pair of false lashes that I purchased off of Lady Moss during their Memorial Day sale. Why did I purchase these lashes? Well, I have been wanting to try House of Lashes but didn't want to pay their prices. So, I stumbled upon these lashes just casually browsing the website and I really wanted to instabuy the lashes. I had enough willpower to wait until they had a sale, which thankfully wasn't too long. I purchased 5 styles of lashes in Foxy, Ariel, Iris, Risque, and Koko. I will be reviewing Foxy today.

ONTO THE LASHES!!!

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Review: Makeup Forever HD Foundation for Dry to Normal Skin

Hello Loves,
I figure I get started on my first review. I was unsure what I wanted to review but I somehow had the urge to review this foundation. I have been wearing this foundation a lot lately and figured to give a review on how I feel about it. I have had this foundation for a few years and want to tell you my thoughts on it. I want to mention that I have dry skin during the harsh winters where I live and normal/combo skin during the summer.

Review after the jump!