Winner of the Lancôme’s Définicils Precious Cells Mascara!

The winner is.....Jennifer!

Congrats Jennifer!  You have until 12 midnight to claim your prize or it will go to the next runner up.

Please contact me via email.

Toodles!

Best of 2010 Giveaway Day 2: Lancôme’s Définicils Precious Cells Mascara

Hello Divas!

Take the time to be thankful and giving this Christmas.  This is what Christmas is all about.

Well we are on our second giveaway and it is a tube of Lancôme’s Définicils Precious Cells Mascara.  Precious Cells is simply the best.  I am in love with it and if you try, I am sure you will love it also.  Read my review here.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this blog.  The winner will be selected randomly via random.org.  Yes, I can't handle picking anyone.  I know too many of you!!

Contest ends tomorrow December 16th at 12 midnight.

Good luck!

Lancôme’s Définicils Precious Cells Mascara and Black Lash Friday Event

Hello Divas!

It is an early Sunday morning and I am up blogging and getting prepared for the week.  I am so thankful to God for all my blessings. He is so awesome!

I meant to write this post a while back, but it slipped my mind.  I don't know how because I wear this Mascara EVERYDAY.  I didn't think it was possible, but Lancôme created a Mascara that I know is better than the original Définicils. Amazing.  I have been wearing Lancôme’s Définicils Precious Cells Mascara since July and my lashes are insane right now.  This Mascara has given my lashes volume, length, and I have been losing less lashes.  Yep. No lie.  It seems to make lashes grow. 

I also discovered the trick to get crazy volume is to apply about 3 coats....2 coats is not enough.  But if you wipe the brush before applying each coat, it will give your lashes volume, definition, and length.  Here is a recent picture of my lashes with Precious Cells:

 

My lashes are just popping off the screen! I love it!

As I previously reported, Lancôme’s Définicils Precious Cells is formulated with nourishing apple lysate.  This formula is like "skincare for the lashes."  


Also, Lancôme’s is having a fabulous Black Lash Friday Event.  How cute is that???!!!  Check out the sale below.  I am definitely, buying more Lancôme Precious Cells.  Although it is $40, it is so worth it and look at all the extra goodies I get with this sale!

Toodles!

LANCÔME BLACK LASH FRIDAY EVENT

November 26th, 2010

Four lash deals starring Lancôme’s best-selling mascaras!

Définicils Precious Cells

SRP: $39.50

·         Définicils Precious Cells
·         Travel-size Cils Booster
·         Travel-size Bi-Facil
·         Full size Artliner

Ôscillation

SRP: $39.50

·         Ôscillation
·         Travel-size Cils Booster
·         Travel-size Bi-Facil
·         Full size Le Crayon Khôl

Hypnôse Drama Mascara

SRP: $29.50

·         Hypnôse
·         Travel-size Cils Booster
·         Travel-size Bi-Facil
·         Full size Le Crayon Khôl

Définicils

SRP: $29.50

·         Définicils
·         Travel-size Cils Booster
·         Travel-size Bi-Facil
·         Full size Le Crayon Khôl

Maybelline The Falsies Volum'Express Mascara

I jumped at the chance to try a new Maybelline mascara when The Falsies Volum'Express ($7.77) was introduced during the summer. I love - totally love - Maybelline's Define-A-Lash mascara, and I expected great things from The Falsies. After many weeks of on-and-off testing, I've concluded The Falsies is a nice enough volumizing mascara, but not a great one. I'm sticking with Define-A-Lash. At roughly the same price, why would anyone buy the newest one when they can have a great Maybelline mascara?

I toyed with not mentioning The Falsies. I don't enjoy writing features about products I can't recommend. Then I realized that I could save you the trouble of buying it to try it. I wouldn't use a tester of a mascara for any reason, but I know many women do at department stores. You can't test at a drug store. Most of the chain drug stores (e.g., CVS) will accept returns of used beauty products, but why bother when you know another mascara is better? Besides that, in my area, customer service at CVS has evaporated this year - must be tough times for them.

I have to start my description with the curved brush, which is intended to mimic the curve of your lashes and sweep them from root to tip. It doesn't. That's a tall order anyhow since all of us have eyelids that are different in size and contour. The brush is big, klunky, and hard to use. I find myself using the tip more often than not. Forget using the brush on your lower lashes. I have to apply mascara to mine - they are so blond they are missing in action if I don't. I can't use the brush on my lower lashes unless I use only the tip. There's too much clean-up to do.

Maybelline says you'll love The Falsies mascara because...

• It has the patented spoon brush. In my opinion, the brush is the greatest drawback to the mascara.
  
• The Kera-fiber formula instantly builds eight times more volume without clumping. This is true to some extent. I'm not sure about eight times; that would be excessive. I can tell you that it adds very nice volume that lasts all day and doesn't flake off. Maybelline also says it fills in the gaps between your lashes; that's just plain scary. It is volumizing - nicely so - but it doesn't create a shelf over your eyes.
• The unique flexible wand helps to lift and separate lashes to provide the look of 300% more lashes. There's that wand again. If that's its greatest feature, forget it!
• It's ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lens wearers. What mascara isn't ophthalmologist tested these days? As for contact lens wearers, I can tell you that it didn't bother mine at all.

The Falsies Volum'Express is available in black, very black, and brown. I bought very black and black. I haven't even opened the black one.

I can't figure out why mass market beauty retailers who already have fabulous mascaras keep rolling out new ones. CoverGirl does the same thing. They have a winning mascara, but tweak it and introduce a new one. Are we so fickle that we need to try a new mascara every month? I try new ones so that I can tell you about great ones. I do have a great one to tell you about (high-end, of course). The Falsies isn't it. Try Define-A-Lash. It's available in volume and lengthening formulas.

You can purchase this mascara, if you can't stand the suspense, at mass market retailers everywhere.

Photo at top courtesy of Maybelline

Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara

one mascara that had me (and many other beauty fanatics) in a frenzy over the summer was Maybelline's new Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara.

have you tried it yet?

if your answer is no, um...why not??!


this mascara has a keratin fiber formula that gives lashes more oomph and the cool "spoon" wand makes getting every lash coated super easy.


clearly the name itself is enough to draw in a mascara junkie like myself, but it's the results that have kept me on the Falsies bandwagon. in my opinion, this is almost the drugstore equivalent of Lancome's Hypnose Drama-- my absolute favorite high-end mascara-- and if the pics don't convince you to try it for yourself, i don't know what will...


before


after

you can find Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara at my favorite mass retailer, Target (where i purchased it). visit maybelline.com for more info.

xo
pics taken by me :)

Winner of the Lancôme’s Définicils Precious Cells Mascara

Hello Divas!

I hope you Divas are having a blessed and beautiful Sunday.

The winner of the Lancôme’s Définicils Precious Cells Mascara giveaway is Tamar!

Tamar please contact me via email within 24 hours to claim your prize.

Thank you to everyone who entered.

Toodles!

Win a tube of Lancôme’s New Mascara! Définicils Precious Cells

Hello Divas!

I hope life is treating you fabulously!

When I received the news about Lancôme’s new Mascara, Définicils Precious Cells, I was jumping for joy! Literally.  Especially when I realized the new Mascara is an amazing enhancement to Lancôme's all time best Mascara, Définicils.  I discovered Lancôme because of Définicils.  It is my favorite Mascara. Period.

Lancôme states, "Définicils Precious Cells is the first Mascara to regenerate the condition of your lashes and minimize lash loss.  The Mascara's creamy formula and helix-shaped brush claims to define and create volume lash by lash."  Wow!  I know Définicils defines every lash and lengthens my lashes like crazy, so I can't wait to try Définicils Precious Cells.

Définicils Precious Cells contains the nourishing apple lysate.    Lancôme uses this ingredient in their famous Absolue Precious Cells skincare collection.  So basically this Mascara is like amazing skin care for your lashes. Love it.

At this moment, Définicils Precious Cells is available exclusively at Nordstroms and retails for $29.00. It will officially be available everywhere else in August.  However, Lancôme is offering one lucky Luxetips.com reader a tube of this ground breaking Mascara right now! Yep.  Simply leave a comment on this blog telling me why you want to try this product!  Contest starts today and ends on Friday, July 16th at midnight.

Also I will post a review of my experience with the Mascara very soon. Stay tuned!

Toodles!


Disclaimer:  Lancome is sending Luxetips.com a tube of the Mascara to try also.  This post is simply to inform readers of the product and a chance to win a tube to try themselves.  This post is simply informative and is not based on my opinion or experience with the product. 

Mocha Moms National Conference, Chicago, and Lancôme

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having a truly fabulous Friday!

I wanted to write this post sooner but I am beat! I had to travel to two different cities to give two presentations in two weeks. Between travel, speaking, work, kids, and writing obligations, I have not slept over 3 hours in 2 weeks! Whew! However, starting next week, I will be back to my regularly scheduled posts!

This past weekend I gave a presentation on "How to Live the Fabulous Life on a Budget" at the National Mocha Moms Conference. Mocha Moms is a non-profit organization that supports women who choose alternative work schedules or career paths to devote time to their families. The presentation went off without a hitch! The ladies loved the tips and even had some tips of their own to share. Here I am speaking.

I discussed thrift and consignment shopping, high end department store outlet shopping, how to purchase staple items on a dime, how to re-decorate your home for less, drugstore brand quality beauty products, and beauty gifts with purchases. You know I could not wait to share that I purchased my Target Thakoon dress for 40% off the regular price. Gotta love Target.

Lancôme graciously sponsored this presentation and provided all attendees with a full tube of Lancôme Hypnose Waterproof Mascara and a full tube of La Laque Fever Optical Rose lip gloss. The Optical Rose shade is a sparkly sheer pink gloss. I kid you not, it looks great on all skin tones! The ladies were going crazy over that lip gloss! It creates the perfect nude lip with a hint of sparkle! My friend Dawn is actually wearing it in this pic!

Now you all know how much I love Lancôme Defencils Mascara but Lancôme Hypnose is pretty darn good. This is a volumnizing mascara. The special patented brush builds your lashes with each stroke. I apply 2 coats and my lashes are nice and lush. However, I still love my Defencils. LOL! I coupled the Hypnose Mascara with Lancôme's Indigo Charm eyeliner for a night out on the town. I must say I look pretty hot! LOL!

Singer/Songwriter Angie Stone was the keynote speaker for our luncheon on Saturday. She shared her life story and how she has overcome pain, loss, and heartache. It was a truly inspirational speech.

Later that night, my friends and I partied the night away! Chicago is a lovely city. It is huge, but spaced out and very clean! Don't we look like we are having a good time!



Of course, I am not used to hanging out until 4 in the morning 3 nights straight. Here I am on the El train on my way back to the hotel after clubbing. I think you can stick a fork in me. I am done.


I hope you enjoyed this post! I had a ton of fun in Chicago! The ladies were awesome, Garrett's Popcorn scrumptious and Deep Dish Pizza is simply divine. Of course, nothing beats Michigan Ave. shopping! LOL!

Toodles!

Hot Drugstore Find of the Week: Lumene Blueberry Curl Mascara

Hello Divas!

I hope your life is simply fabulous! I am learning to appreciate all of life's pleasures regardless if they are simple or grand! Life is beautiful!

I previously blogged that Lumene Skincare has a fan page on Facebook. When they initially set up the page, they had a contest and I was one of 15 people who won! We received $50 worth of Lumene Skincare products. I am already a fan of their skincare products. Since I have been using them, my skin's tone has improved and it is definitely more radiant. Well in the package they sent me a tube of their Blueberry Curl Mascara. I have never used their cosmetics, so I was excited to try out the Mascara.

First I must say that I love the packaging. The mascara tube is navy blue with a really cool shaped top! This Mascara claims to curl your lashes, build your lashes, not produce clumps, and nourish your lashes with Artic Blueberry. Did this Mascara live up to the hype? Well let's see!

The brush on this Mascara definitely curls your lashes! The brush is plastic and very flexible. However the shape of the brush is what really curls your lashes. It is narrow on both ends but wide and flat in the middle. When I was using the Mascara, my lashes were curling with each stroke. Now that is genius! Also the Mascara will separate and lenghten your lashes. I was pretty impressed with the amount of length I achieved. The formula is pretty light too, which I really liked.

However, the Mascara did clump a bit. After applying a second coat of Mascara, I noticed that the Mascara begin to clump on my outer lashes. As I tried to apply a 3rd coat it continued to clump. So I was not happy with the clumps. Does it nourish your lashes? I am not sure. I do know that Artic Blueberry is a key ingredient in a lot of Lumene's skincare products, and like I said, I love their skincare. My skin has definitely improved for the better.

But besides that I really liked the Mascara. If you have straight lashes or short lashes and want instant curl, length, and separation, I would definitely buy this Mascara. I have used other Mascaras that claim to curl and they did not. This one lives up to the hype! This Mascara retails for $9.99 and you can purchase it at CVS or Ulta.

Toodles!

Best Waterproof Mascaras!

The 12 Best Waterproof Mascaras

Keep your eyes smudge-free with mascaras from L'Oreal, Maybelline, Lancome and more

There are certain times and places (weddings, the beach, a sudden emotional breakdown) when you just need waterproof mascara. The problem is, so many waterproof formulas can be drying -- or not waterproof enough. Thankfully, our readers shared which formulas got them through tear sessions, surf outings and more without a single smudge or flake. Find out which mascara will help you weather those soggy situations. See mascaras

No. 12: Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes! Waterproof Mascara, $18

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.6*

Why it's great: "This is a great mascara that volumizes and lengthens my lashes..."

No. 11: Avon WASH-OFF WATERPROOF Mascara, $6.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.7*

Why it's great: Readers say, "this is perfect for daytime. It's not too heavy, but defines lashes..."

No. 10: Dior Mascara Diorshow Waterproof -- Backstage Makeup, $24

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.7*

Why it's great: "My eyelashes look huge, fake and melodramatic, but without clumping..."

Want to see what's no. 1? Click here!

Best Mascaras for Volume and Length!

Hello Divas!

Today is going to be gorgeous in Atlanta! I hope your day is gorgeous also. You Divas know how much I love Mascara. I am a Lancome girl, but check out a list of the best Mascaras tested by consumers! Did your favorite Mascara make the list?

Top Mascaras for Length & Volume

What clumped, what ran and what truly transformed our real-woman testers

We had 12 beauty-junkie readers test out so-called lengthening and volumizing mascaras. Their verdict: You could spend a fortune on the best -- but you don't have to. See mascaras

Thepromakeupshop.com launches

We're liking the look of thepromakeupshop.com. They've just opened for
business and they specialise in selling pro tools, so things like
single-use mascara wands, pots and sponges. They even sell bamboo tools
and airbrush tools if you fancy mastering this technique at home or if,
in fact, you are a professional who needs to get clients red carpet
ready.My favourite product so far is the set of

Maybelline's Lash Stiletto: My Review

Hello Divas!

Wishing you an awesome Monday! I am sure you Divas know by now that I love Mascara. It is my everyday go to product. It just adds a bit of pop to your face! Recently, I was given the opportunity to try Maybelline's Lash Stiletto. Maybelline claims this Mascara will give you super long lashes with a shiny patent finish. Of course, I was too excited to try it. Who doesn't want super long eyelashes? Did it live up to the hype? Yes! I do promise that after using this Mascara, your lashes will be super long. I mean my upper lashes were almost touching my eyebrows. I was super impressed! After wearing it all day, it did not smudge. Which is a huge plus! The only thing I do not like about the Mascara is that it does not thicken or separate your lashes. But it does not claim to do that! Lash Stiletto retails for $7.49 and it is definitely worth the price! This is a great buy ladies! You can purchase Lash Stiletto at CVS or online here.

And Divas, if you would like to try Maybelline's Lash Stiletto, I am giving away a tube. I have already given away a tube on my Luxetips Facebook Group page earlier today! Join the Luxetips Group on Facebook here for more cool giveaways. So the first person who leaves a comment telling me what is my favorite drugstore brand Mascara wins!

Toodles!

The Worst Mascaras!

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having a fab weekend! Some mascaras work and some don't. It would be nice if we had this information before we purchased a tube! lol! Here are some of the worst mascaras as voted by mascara users.

Toodles!

The 13 Worst Mascaras

Did a Maybelline, CoverGirl or Revlon mascara top the list? Read on to find out!

It's official -- we're obsessed with mascara. So we were bummed to find out that the ones on this list gave our readers lack-luster lashes (try saying that three times fast). See which ones you should steer clear of -- unless you want flaky raccoon eyes?! See mascaras

Lancome CILS Booster XL: Mascara Base

Hello Divas!

Happy Monday! It is sooo cold outside, but sunny and pretty! Winter is early this year. Well ladies as you probably know by now, I am on a Lancome kick! But I have always been a fan of their products. My new favorite Lancome product is the CILS Booster XL Mascara Enhancing Base. Now I am a true Defencils fan and it usually gives me very long and perfectly defined lashes. But when I apply CILS Booster first and then apply Defencils, boy you better look out! My lashes are super long, lush and thick, and perfectly defined. I so HEART this Mascara base. I also tested the power of this Mascara base on my girlfriend. She has small lashes and she told me that I could not make them long or pop. Well I applied the CILS Booster and her lashes were long and poppin! She was AMAZED. In addition, the ingredients of CILS Booster include pure Vitamin E, so it also conditions your lashes. CILS Booster retails for $20.50...yes that is a bit steep. But if you make a purchase of $35 or more of Lancome products at Make Up Makes Me Happy, you will receive a deluxe sample of CILS Booster and the award-winning eye-makeup remover Bi-Facil for free! What a deal!

Toodles!

Tired of wearing mascara? Get Eyelash Extensions

The latest trend is to get eyelash extensions. More and more companies are developing an eyelash extension system to accommodate the demand for this service.

The goal with extensions is to create a look that doesn't require the use of mascara. So, if you are tired of wearing mascara every day, why not look into this service.

Eyelash extensions do cost more than mascara of course and will last for several weeks, if not months before they need to be replaced or adjusted. Sometimes lashes will fall out and you will need to get fill-ins.

It certainly is appealing to not wear mascara every day. As a contact lens wearer, I am constantly annoyed with mascara. I wonder if eyelash extensions would interfere with contacts?
For the full interview, visit http://www.hrhairstyles.com/eyelash_extensions.htm

Napoleon Perdis Long Black Mascara: My Review

Hello Divas!

I am ready for the weekend how about you? Of course I have another Napoleon Perdis product review considering the awesome sale Sephora is currently having on all Napoleon Perdis products. Read about the sale here. I have been using Napoleon Perdis's Long Black Mascara and I like it. I am not in love with it, but it is pretty good. The best thing about this Mascara is that it has a naturally bent wand that is like a built in lash curler. I do not have to curl my lashes at all. This wand definitely does the trick! Also this wand is very effective in reaching those little tiny hard to reach lashes. It is a pretty decent lengthening Mascara. After applying two coats my lashes were definitely nice and long. It also thickens pretty well too. It is not the best separating Mascara, but for long thick lashes it is perfect. It has an anti-irritant in the formula for sensitive eyes, which I really like. It also contains allantoin, candellila wax, beeswax and collagen, so it conditions your lashes very nicely. This Mascara regularly retails for $22, but due to the Sephora sale, you can purchase it online here for only....$5.50! Hurry up ladies, the sale lasts until all Napoleon Perdis products are gone gone gone!

Toodles!

DiorShow: My Review

Hello Divas!

Okay okay! We have all heard about the fabulousness of Christian Dior's DiorShow Mascara. Now if you have been reading this blog, you know that my absolute fav high end Mascara is Lancome's Defencils. What can I say, it is the best! Read my review of Defencil's here.. However, I am always on the hunt for perfectly long and lush lashes. The first time I tried DiorShow, I was not impressed. I expected the faux lash look, but I had nothing. So I was wondering what was all the hype about?? So one day I am in Sephora and I am browsing Mascaras and there is DiorShow once again. I thought to myself, just try it one more time. Well Divas, DiorShow SHOWED me why it is a cult fav! I applied it myself and in an instant my lashes went from nice and cute to Hollywood Siren Sexy! The only thing I could say was WOW! I really think that the salesperson who applied DiorShow to my lashes the first time, did not have a good technique. Not that I think my technique is flawless, but I am pretty good at applying Mascara. The brush is very very big and usually I am not a fan of big brushes but the formula and brush just work perfectly together. I am in love! DiorShow retails for $24 and you can purchase it here or at any Sephora.

Toodles!
.

Hot Drugstore Find of the Week! Maybelline's Full N' Soft

Hello Divas!

I hope this week is a good one! My Hot Drugstore Find of the Week is Maybelline's Full N' Soft Mascara. While visiting several beauty forums, I kept reading rave reviews about Maybelline's Full N' Soft. Fellow beauty junkies claim it is a great thickening Mascara that also lenghtens your lashes and keeps them nice and soft. So, considering my absolute obsession with Mascara, you know I had to try it! Well ladies it definitely lives up to the hype! The brush is medium to big (not big as DiorShow which I will review later), and I love that when you pull the brush out of the tube, any excess Mascara is instantly wiped off the brush. So no clumps! I apply 2 coats and my lashes are thick, full, and long. I really really like this Mascara! And true to its name, your lashes feel soft and feathery, not hard. Plus you can't beat the price. This Mascara retails for $7. You can purchase it online here, or at your fav drugstore.

Toodles!