FP101 Review: L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara

Now you know I was excited when I got the chance to try L'Oreal’s new Telescopic Explosion mascara aka Givenchy Phenomen Eyes for the masses on a budget. Now when I first saw the Givenchy mascara I just had to have it. I never did and it stays on my list of things to buy so I was more than happy to try this affordable version.

 New Globe brush
The secret to lashes that blow you away? Discover new Telescopic Explosion mascara with the NEW GLOBE BRUSH.

The globe shaped brush is:
- Precise: to get right into the corners capturing even the shortest lashes.
-Spherical: to use from any angle for longer-looking lashes.
- Precise: to seek out every lash for a fanned out effect.

The Result: A spectacular fanned-out effect, for voluminous and beautifully lengthened looking lashes.

Overall this mascara isn’t bad but isn’t one that I reach for. I find the brush to be kind of weak and I have issues with a weak brush. I can ‘t stand to use a mascara and feel like the brush is going to break when I’m trying to get it back in the tube or when I’m applying it. A gouged out eye is not a good look. It’s also a tab clumperific so when I do use it I layer it with mascara and the results are great.

Since I’ve never used Phenomen Eyes so I can’t compare the two but if you’ve wanted to try the Givenchy version but didn’t want to pay that Givenchy price Telescopic Explosion is the way to go.

 

FP 101 Review: YSL Parisienne

One of my favorite fragrances on earth is YSL’s Paris; it’s a very sexy and seductive scent and never fails to get me compliments. YSL’s new fragrance Parisienne is her subtle softer younger sister.

The Fragrance
A grand floral with a woody structure, luminous
even in its mystery, PARISIENNE is the perfume of
ultra femininity, warmed by the touch of the
man who embraced her.

It has blackberry, sandalwood and musk notes. It's very soft and perfect for someone who doesn't like really strong scents. A great scent for when the temperature isn't arctic.

Review: Lancôme Oscillation Powerbooster Primer

I seriously love primer. I don’t just pull it out for that little something extra for special occasions I wear it for all occasions.

 

 

Vibrating. Amplifying. Primer. Feel the vibration. See the growth.¹ The first vibrating power primer to boost the appearance of natural lash growth. The vibrating power primer enhances lash thickness, density and appearance of length so that naturally occurring lash growth is more visible/noticeable.

Innovation: With a combination of Crescentia complex (some type of plant extract) with vibrations that act as a massage, see lash expansion day after day. Oscillation Powerbooster helps lashes reach their full potential and boost the appearance of natural lash growth.

¹The vibrating primer enhances the appearance of lash thickness, density and length so that naturally occurring lash growth is more visible/noticeable.

  Let's look at some pictures shall we?

Naked lashes...

Primed lashes...

Fully dressed lashes with 2 coats of Maybelline's Colassal Mascara in Glam Black...

 

Another view...

Look and the pictures and tell me what you think. I can honestly say that you could see my lashes growing which for me was a freaky thing. Applying mascara and seeing these little baby lashes kinda sorta threw me off.  The vibration is barely noticeable and will separate your lashes as you apply it.  Powerbooster is some good stuff and actually does what it says it’s going to do. You can find it at Nordstrom’s for $39

Pic Source

L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tube Mascara

I love mascara and primer combos but I have yet to find one that keeps my attention for more than a week or works better then my beloved Clinique Lash Building primer and Max Factor Volume Couture combo. So when I heard about Loreal Double Extend I got excited then was quickly disappointed. I've had this mascara for a while and didn't like it the first four times around.  Since I got it to try I figure I'd give it a fifth chance.

Get the look of salon lash extensions with the new Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara! This new lash extension effect mascara visibly lengthens your lashes up to an astonishing 80%.

Step 1: Ultra nourishing base coat infused with Ceramide R and D-Panthenol protects and strengthens lashes creating the

Step 2: Ultra-lengthening tube top coat sets to form lash-extending beauty tubes that visibly lengthen lashes to amazing new heights. Beauty tubes will not run, clump, flake or smudge and will stay on all-day.

Step 3: Beauty tubes remove easily with just warm water – no makeup remover or rubbing required!

FAIL!!! Well for me at least. Other folks seemed to have great results for me it didn't do anything.  I was going to do a before and after but don't like it enough to actually wear it again.  Try it you may like it but I would wait for a BOGO and a coupon because I really don't think it's worth the 10.99 CVS is asking for it.

Gillette Venus Embrace

Growing up going to Catholic school and having to wear tights I realized real fast that hairy legs and stockings do not mix.  I'm extremely, borders on ocd slightly anal when it comes to shaving especially my razors.  I truly just love the feel of smooth legs so you know I was more than excited when I got to try out Venus Embrace by Gillette.

Embrace the Closeness of 5 Blades

Get closer to the ones you love with unsurpassed smoothness. Our first five-blade razor for women, Venus Embrace® hugs every curve for a close shave and dramatically smooth, begs-to-be-close skin.

Smooth doesn't begin to describe how my legs felt after using this razor. My legs were soft and the shave was so close!  It comes in a great package that you can stick to your shower wall and with two extra cartridges. If you want a long lasting shave that will leave your legs feeling like silk check out the Embrace!

Pic Source

Review: Pantene Relaxed and Natural Daily Oil Cream Moisturizer & Deep Conditioning Mask

 Pantene's Relaxed and Natural line is nothing new.  It's described as being

For women of color.  Advanced formulas to help make your hair up to 99% stronger against damage.

I never paid this line any attention because I thought it was a gimmick to get into brown girls wallets.  Like Pantene just realized that hey brown girls have hair too and they might actually like to wash and take care of it it so lets put it in a brown bottle with Women of Color across and they'll use it.  I use regular Pantene and when I did an ingredient check they seemed to same to me so I kept it moving.  I really had no intention of ever using this line until I kept hearing about how fabulous their hair mask was. It was like everywhere I turned folks were raving about it so when it was on sale at Target I figured it I could give it a try.  I also picked up their Daily Oil Cream Moisturizer.

Relaxed and Natural Daily Cream Oil Moisturizer 

This daily treatment with jojoba, coconut oil, moisturizers and Pro-vitamins helps prevent breakage. Its conditioning Pro-V formula helps transform dry hair into moisturized hair.

Helps protect hair against damage to keep it beautiful and healthy-looking

Helps prevent hair damage and split ends

Seals in moisture and has essential oils

  

Breakage Defense Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

 

This conditioning treatment is a key part of Pantene Relaxed & Natural's next-generation Breakage Defense Collection with Multi-Pro-vitamin Complex especially designed for women of color. It not only nourishes your hair from root to tip, but this deep conditioning mask helps:

Repair damage to smoothness and protect hair against damage
Prevent shedding due to breakage

 

I can honestly say that I was pleasantly surprised and  happy with both these products.  I absolutely love the Cream Moisturizer! Alone it's fab, paired with a little coconut oil it's the best thing on earth!  It keeps my hair moisturized for days.  When I use it alone it left my hair soft and shiny, there are no feelings of dryness or greasiness.  The mask is up there with my beloved Holy Grail Elasta QP DPR11.  This stuff left my hair feeling and smelling wonderful!  I will definatly be purchasing it again. Have you tried the Relaxed and Natural Line? What did you think of it?

 

*all  pics coutersy of Pantene 

Mini Haul 7/3 and Review

Got to love TJ Maxx and Marshall's! Bargain name brand shopping at its best. Don't sleep on their beauty sections ladies!

Lancome Color Design Eyeshadow Duo in Sparkling Plum. It’s a highlight and crease color combo. I love the packaging. The compact is really cute and has a great mirror. Retail: 29.00 Marshall's price: 7.99

Lancome Color Design Shadow in Aspen Nights Metallic. It’s a pretty Metallic Grey. Retail: 16.50 TJ Maxx price: $6.00 on clearence.

I placed an order with Valana Minerals for a mineral foundation in Amber Dream and a Cheeky Cheek Pot in Red Hibiscus; a deep burgundy with purple highlights and neutral brown undertones. The blush is really subtle. Just a hint of color. My order came with a free sample of the Eye Indulgence in Royal Butterfly; a rich purple with black undertones. I am in love with the both of them especially the eye indulgence. Dry it’s beautiful, I think applied wet with be just as nice.


Now for some swatches - Top to bottom:
Lancome Color Design Shadow in Aspen Nights Metallic
Lancome Color Design Eyeshadow Duo in Sparkling Plum
Eye Indulgence in Royal Butterfly
Cheeky Cheek Pot in Red Hibiscus
I forgot to swatch the highlight but it's a really light pretty gold

With Flash:


Without flash:

Review –

I'm somewhat obsessed with eye creams so I picked up 100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream. The company uses no synthetic materials, no toxins, harsh ingredients, or

chemicals. The eye cream is described as:

“Anti-inflammatory, caffeine rich green tea and coffee de-puffs and reduces swelling while increasing circulation to alleviate and brighten dark circles. Concentrated with potent anti-aging vitamins, antioxidants, and nourishing blackcurrant oil. Truly, 100% Pure.”

Ingredients: Organic Green and White Tea, Blackcurrant Oil, Organic Green Coffee, Vitamin E (a-tocopherol), Vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate), Chamomile and Lavender wax, Pure Vanilla Absolute, extracts of Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Grapefruit Seed and Golden Seal

I noticed no de-puffing or brightening. What I did notice was horrible drying and burning when I used it. Not cool at all. My eye area actually looked and felt worse while I was using it. Great ingredients but it did nothing for me. It took a week using another moisturizing cream to get my eyes back to normal. It retails for $19 but I got it for 7.99 at TJ Maxx. This is one you can skip.