UD Black Palette + FOTN

Colors are much darker in person.

"A gorgeous palette of eyeshadow... dipped in black. Dangerous sparkly-shift jewel tones and a sooty, blacker-than-black matte.

This provocative, stimulating palette of sexy black-based shades comes in a compact so dangerously cool, you'll want to put it on display. Everything you need to create a range of alluring looks (from a smudged rocker eye to a chic cat eye) is packed inside, as well as a built in mirror for on-the-go touch ups." (Urban Decay)

The compact sleek packaging of the Black Palette houses 6 shadows (.04 oz each), a travel sized 24/7 Gilde-On Eye Pencil in Zero (.03 oz) and a mini sized primer potion in Eden (.13 fl oz). It's conveniently sized for traveling. The shadows apply evenly and smoothly while offering great pigmentation which didn't come as a surprise, this is what the UD shadows are most famous for. All the shadows are packed with flecks of glitter with the exception of Black Dog. Since these are pigmented dark shadows I do recommend tapping off the excess or applying a base before applying your eyeshadow.

NOTE: colors in pictures of the palette are not true, they appear a bit lighter. (Blame it on bad lighting)

Color Descriptions:

• Black Dog is a dark black matte shadow. (Does not contain any glitter. Glitter seen in swatch is fallout glitter) It is very intense, these pictures don't do it justice. (See pics of swatches down below)
• Barracuda is a steel grey with flecks of grey glitter. 
• Jet is a dark purple with blue glitter flecks. (ShugaAndSpice favorite)
• Sabbath is a dark blue with blue fleck of glitter. (ShugaAndSpice favorite)
• Cobra is a deep antique gold. When swatched it looks as if its a black base with gold flecks of glitter.
• Libertine is a darkened base with green glitter. My least favorite of the palette, instead a nice transitional color would have benefited in its place.

Color close-ups

All in all I am of a fan of the palette but just when it comes to the individual colors.  I do think that they missed out on including some transitional colors themselves. We all know that no smokey look is complete without  a transition color so that it is smokey yet soft at the same time. It doesn't seem worth having both Cobra and Libertine as part of the palette since they are so close in color when applied. It appears they're a black base with flecks of gold and green glitter. I also wouldn't use more than 2 colors together on a smokey eye, actually the only 2 colors I would use in one look is any one shadow with a pop of Black Dog on the outer v or lashline of my eye. As with any dark smokey eye, I apply a dark base before applying my shadow, whether it be cream liner or pencils. NYX's jumbo eye pencils work great for this purpose. My favorites for smokey eyes are Black Bean and Knight.

For my FOTN I used Black Bean and layered Cobra over it. I made this smokey look a bit more dramatic by popping on a bright red toned lip which was made up of a few colors. (See details below)

SCROLL DOWN FOR SWATCHES!

UD 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil (Zero)

UD 24/7 Glide-On Pencil Comparison (Zero & Perversion)

The palette comes with a travel-sized 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Zero. It is described as a zealous black. Initially swatch, one would assume it's pretty much a deep black but swatched next to Perversion, you'd think twice. If you're looking for a very deep black matte liner, then Perversion will become your new best friend. I posted a review on Perversion not too long ago. (Click here to check out that post)

MORE PICS & BREAKDOWN OF MAKEUP DOWN BELOW!!

Left to right: Black dog, Barracuda, Jet, Sabbath, Cobra, Libertine
No flash

Left to right: Black dog, Barracuda, Jet, Sabbath, Cobra, Libertine
With flash

Shirt: F21 / Belt: J Crew / Shorts: Express / Earrings: F21 / Necklace: F21 / Shoes: Steve Madden

FACE:

Tarte Clean Slate Poreless Primer

Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Concealer (medium)

MAC Studio Fix Fluid (NW20 & NW22)

Amazing Cosmetics Concealer (medium golden)

Airspun Loose Face Powder (translucent)

MUD Cosmetics Bronzer (endless summer)

theBalm Betty-Lou Manizer Bronzer

Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten (apricot berry)

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter -- inner corner of eyes, top of cheekbones, bridge of nose, cupid's bow

BROWS:

MUFE Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector (0)

Ardell Brow Powder (taupe)

Great Lash Clear Mascara

EYES:

UDPP (eden)

Physician's Formula Organic Wear Mascara (ultra black) -- top lashes

Covergirl Lashblast Volume Mascara (very black) -- bottom lashes

NYX Jumbo Pencil (black bean)

UD Black Palette (cobra) -- eyelid

Wet n Wild Coloricon Palette (comfort zone) -- brown crease & green crease for outer v

NYX Eyeshadow (highlight) -- browbone highlight

LIPS:

Covergirl Lip Perfection Liner (passion)

Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color (cherry picking) -- outer ends of lips

Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color (purty persimmon) -- center of lips

Covergirl Lip Perfection (hot) -- used to blend all colors together

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter -- center of lips for fuller effect

Pricing & Availability: On sale for $16, original $36 @ Urban Decay

*Products shown here were purchased by me. I am not being sponsored or paid to review these products.*

Run Breast Cancer Out of Town. Please Read.

Dear Follower,

This year has been a hard and testing year for me. On April 24th (her birthday), my mom had to undergo breast surgery, a lumpectomy to be exact. A month prior she went in for a routine mammogram/sonogram. I'll always remember the day she was told that she needed to go see the surgical oncologist. Then the letter came, where it stated that there had been some suspicious malignant finding in her left breast. I remember crying with her from seeing the fear in her eyes and I can't front, I was scared too. A whole week had passed and the thought of that doctor's appointment kept popping in my head no matter what. We kept reassuring her that everything will be alright and that it was most likely nothing.

But, it was something. I will also never forget the moment that the doctor said, "unfortunately, it is cancer." I was sitting off to the side in the room waiting for him to just leave. The moment he did, the tears came rushing down. I didn't know what to say to her.

From that day on all I could think of was how unfair for her to have to go through this ordeal. She was put through test after test after doctor(s) visits and to top if off another surgery. This time to remove a central lymph node to see if the cancer had spread to her armpits as well as to remove the surrounding mass where they initially removed the cancer mass. Depending on her margins from that mass, we would find out what stage she was in. Let me just say, that period was by far the worst and toughest time my family had ever gone through, especially me in particular. I'm already a very stressful person to begin with and this just made my anxiety worse. All I could do was pray and pray every little chance I got.

Fortunately, all tests came back with good news, to say the least. My mom was diagnosed with stage 1B cancer and it had not spread to her lymph nodes and she would not opt for a mastectomy. This was the best news I've ever heard in my life (aside from my sister coming out safe from the world trade tragedy). Her risk of recurrence in the next 10 years also came back low, canceling out the need for chemo.

She does however have to receive radiotherapy everyday, 5 days out of the week for 6 weeks. She finished her 4th week today and thankfully has not had any skin reactions to the radiation. (knocks on wood) After she is done with all her radiation, she will go on a hormone drug for the next 5 years which will prevent any cancer cells from multiplying. Although this has been hard for her, I am forever grateful that she has come out a survivor and grateful that she was  diagnosed early.

I know you might be thinking.. why is Aida telling us this? I want to share the difficult time that has been transpiring throughout the last 6 months. I also ask you all to make sure you and your loved ones get checked regularly. Breast cancer has been popping up so vastly in women and some don't get diagnosed until it is already too late to treat. Don't wait! Talk to your doctor about the right time to get checked for you if you are young and have yet to get to that stage in life. The age to get checked has gone done to 35 now, please just be aware and don't ignore it. 

This coming Sunday (Sept. 9th) my family (including my mother) and I will be participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, here in NYC. I've never been a part of a fundraising race like this before and am happy to join. I would invite any of you to join our team but I know that most of you are from other parts of the states and world. If you would like to donate to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, my family and I would greatly appreciate it. (All donations go to Susan G. Komen foundation, not to my family) We set a goal and are close to achieving it. I will link our team page here: "Team Luceritos"

If you do decide to leave a donation, please let me know in the comment section down below. I don't know many of you by name and would like to be able to thank you personally. Also, please leave your name or nickname (whichever you'd like) on the donation page.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to me and please take care of yourselves and loved ones.

Love,

Aida

My mom and I 

Pop of Color Line (UD 24/7 Eye Pencil in Perversion & Flipside)

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils:

"Creamy, forever-lasting, award-winning and waterproof, 24/7 pencils delight you with lush tropical hues, deep metallics, and unusually vibrant neutrals.

The best Eye Pencil ever, ever, ever! Never before has a pencil this creamy and brilliant been waterproof, too. Velvety-soft, this never-before-seen formula stays soft and creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries down to a long-lasting finish that WILL NOT budge. Line eyes with a hint of color or go for the full artistic, multi-hued effect with the wide selection of lush tropical hues, deep metallics and unusually vibrant neutrals. Incredible with Urban Decay Eyeshadows! 

Created with 50% moisturizing ingredients suspended in a sophisticated waterproof formula, 24/7 Eye Pencils offer long-lasting color and a dreamy, creamy feel when applied. With Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E and Cottonseed Oil. " (urbandecay.com)

These liners are without a doubt at the top of my "best eyeliners ever" list! Not only do they go on super creamy but the lasting power of these suckers is pretty much top notch. The ease of application makes them easy to blend out if you're going for a smoked out liner look. Although they are blendable they won't smudge on me throughout the day, which is a plus! And they come in an array of colors from neutral browns and blacks to vibrant colorful hues.

Available in 24 shades: perversion, woodstock, demoliton, 1999, binge, bourbon, covet, crash, deviant, el dorado, flipside, electric, graffiti, gunmetal, lucky, lust, mildew, oil slick, ransom, rockstar, stash, underground, yeyo, zero.

I picked up 2 of the 24 liners at my local Ulta in Perversion and Flipside.

Perversion is a true dark black matte liner. I like to use it on my waterline since it's waterproof. It is much darker than the first black liner (Zero) Urban Decay released in the line. 

Flipside is a bright turquoise that has some sheen to it. This is a very pretty color to use when you need that pop of color on your bottom lashline.

These 2 colors in particular are 100% vegan, meaning they do not contain any animal by-products. I say these 2 colors because not all the colors offered of a certain product will be 100% vegan. You can check out which colors are vegan on their official website, Urban Decay.

Left: flipside Right: perversion

Perversion (top lash line) & Flipside (bottom lash line)
Ardell Invisiband Demi Pixies

Swatched w/o flash: left- perversion right- flip side

Swatched with flash: left- perversion right- flip side

For this look I used both Perversion and Flipside with a very neutral eye. I also threw on some simple false lashes (Ardell Invisiband Demi Pixies) paired with a nude lip. I would list all the products I used for this look but I can't remember everything. Sorry.

Urban Decay has released a full-sized set of 8 of the 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils for just $59. It includes a sharpener and you will find Perversion in the kit. I think it's a great price for the amount of liners you get, considering the original price of one liner. If you love these liners already jump on the chance!

Fill Weight: 1.2g e 0.04 US oz.

Price: $19 @ Urban Decay, Ulta

*Products shown here were purchased by me. I am not being sponsored or paid to review these products.*

Do you recommend any other colors?

Gucci Flora Garden Collection

Left to Right: Gracious Tuberose, Gorgeous Gardenia, Glamorous Magnolia

The Gucci Flora Garden Collection out this Spring is pure bliss. Inspired by the House of Gucci scarf which was originally designed for Princess Grace of Monaco, the collection features 5 new floral fragrances for each of the scarf's blooming flowers.

I've never been a fan of floral perfumes but the light sweet smell of this collection has me preaching otherwise. Here, I'm featuring 3 of the 5 scents.

Gracious Tuberose - violet leaf top note; tuberose heart note; cistus and sandalwood base notes.

Gorgeous Gardenia - red berries and pears top notes; gardenia heart note; warm frangipani flower, patchouli and brown sugar base notes.

Glamorous Magnolia - freesia top note; peony and magnolia heart notes; sandalwood base note.

I don't have a favorite so far and have been wearing all three of these scents, not all at the same time of course. I love how feminine they make me feel.

How cute is this box?

Full contents of the collection

Samples for friends :)

As a Bzzagent, I received this campaign to share with you lovely people. The gorgeous Gucci box contained 3 mini perfume bottles, a book of samples and info and a bunch of perfume samples for my friends. They really like the new collection as well.

Being a Bzzagent is pretty cool, it's free to join and you get to try out new products during their campaigns. These mini Gucci bottles are now a part of my mini perfume bottle collection :) And how pretty is that box they came in? It sits so elegantly on my new Ikea makeup storage unit.

If it weren't for the expensive price tag, I would purchase these scents to add as staples of my collection.

Availability: Nordstrom
Price: $72/1.6 oz; $100 for 3.3 oz

HAVE YOU TRIED THE GUCCI FLORA GARDEN COLLECTION?

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Moisturizer - SPF 50

I've never really thought twice when choosing a moisturizer for my face. Ponds facial moisturizer was always a staple in my skincare routine mainly because I was able to get a 10 oz tub for around $8 and that was my main concern then. Now that I've been having issues with my skin, it's a different story. After seeing a dermatologist for the first time, other than prescribing me medication for my face, she recommended I use Neutrogena's Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer.

Description: (neutrogena.com)

Healthy Defense® Daily Moisturizer SPF 50 provides superior protection from skin aging effects of the sun while hydrating your skin all day.This innovative formula contains Helioplex^®, the sunscreen complex that helps block the harmful UVB-burning rays and UVA-aging rays which can cause premature lines and wrinkles. This daily moisturizer has an exclusive anti-oxidant blend with pure Vitamin E, which helps prevent environmental damage. Lightweight, non-greasy, it's powerful protection and hydration you can rely on all day, every day.

• Non-greasy
• Lightweight
• Contains Helioplex^®
• SPF 50

What is Helioplex?

A groundbreaking technology that offers balanced, broad-spectrum protection against both sunburn causing UVB rays and UVA rays that accelerate the signs of aging. Its strong defense helps stop skin aging rays from penetrating through surface layers for exceptional deep cellular protection.

This moisturizer also comes in SPF 30 but the higher the SPF the better right?! If you don't like moisturizers that smell like sunscreen then this isn't the moisturizer for you. I personally don't mind it. This lightweight formula leaves me feeling hydrated throughout the day without that greasy feeling that sunscreen normally has.

Squeeze Top Opening

Another thing I never thought twice about was protecting my face from the sun's everyday rays. I was one of those kids who loved being in the sun and would cry if someone tried to pull me away. I guess that's why I have so many freckles and sun spots. As I got older and learned the harm that the sun causes our skin, I try to protect it (especially when it comes to  my face) from the sun on a regular basis. 

The benefit of this moisturizer is its high SPF number, knocking out 2 birds with one stone. So many beauty enthusiasts are a bit skeptical about high SPF moisturizers because it can make you look ghostly in flash photography. I can't necessarily say it won't make certain people look whiter in pictures but in my experience I haven't had an issue with it.

Texture of moisturizer 

Semi-blended swatch

Fully blended swatch

You can find the Neutrogena Healthy Defense Moisturizer at your local pharmacy where it retails at $15 for a (1.7oz) bottle. That being said, a little does go a long way with this moisturizer. I've had mine for about 4 months now and still have yet to finish it. If you're a BJs member, check your BJs where they sell 2 in a pack for $16.99. Bjs also frequently puts out a BJs coupon for $5 off, making it $11.99 for the dual pack. I recommend getting picking it up there since you can get 2 for less than the price of 1.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOISTURIZER? 

DO YOU USE SPF?

Travalo Review/Video Tutorial

*This review is long overdue but there has been personal family things going on recently and I haven't been up to blogging. After much stressing about it I realized I need to blog to get my mind off of it. For those of you who are avid readers of mine, I apologize.*

The Travalo Excel is a lightweight refillable atomizer that allows you to carry around your desired perfume fragrance without having to lug around those heavy glass bottles. After using it for quite some time, it has become an essential for traveling. No need to safely prepare and worry about your perfume bottles breaking in your luggage and ruining your clothes. I also like to chuck it into my purse just in case I feel the need for a refresher throughout the day. This version comes with a protective carrying case nice enough to put on display and holds the travalo upright without having them roll away. There are a variety of colors to choose from which is nice.

Available Colors: Red, Silver, Gold, Green, Blue, Purple, Hot Pink, Black, Pink.

At just 88mm in length it's the perfect size, it fits in the palm of your hand. Here it is in comparison to a tube of chap stick. As for weight? The travalo is only 20 grams but no worries, although it is small it will provide you with enough perfume sprays; more than 65 to be exact. 

Filling your travalo is so simple. No need to worry about having a tiny little funnel or spilling your precious perfume (we all know perfume isn't inexpensive nowadays!). One side of the travalo features a small opening where all the refilling will take place. Simply pop off the top on your desired perfume bottle and insert the travalo onto the plastic tip. Pump the travalo and voila! It only takes seconds for your travalo to be ready to use!

SCROLL DOWN BELOW TO WATCH MY VIDEO TUTORIAL ON HOW TO FILL A TRAVALO!

You won't have to worry about overfilling it either. There is a shatterproof clear window on the side of the travalo that shows you how much perfume you have filled it with. Better yet, shows you how much perfume you have left. When filled, just pull of the cap and spray away. I especially like that it features a full size spray top. Trying to spray those flimsy teeny tiny perfume samples (if they even have spray bottles) becomes quite annoying, especially since they don't hold much fragrance.

I think this product is genius and have thought of getting another one. I like to take 2 different fragrances with me when I travel, one for the day time and another for the night. I definitely recommend getting a hold of a travalo.

This version retails for $20. To get yours: CLICK HERE! 

*Clicking the link will directly take you over to the product page. I am in no way affiliated with the company, so this is not a referral link.*

To save 20% on your order, enter "SHUGAANDSPICE" into the coupon code box!

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration by KKCenterHk. I have not received monetary compensation for reviewing this product. This review only reflects my honest opinions and experiences with the product.

To see my video tutorial on filling a travalo, click on the video down below! Please subscribe to my YT channel for future videos. Thanks for passing by MY LOVELIES!

Review: KKCenterHk Lashes

ES A510 KKCenterHk Lashes 

I always said I would never fall into the world of wearing false lashes because long lashes run in my family but boy, was I wrong. I've fallen in love with how much fuller they make my lashes look! Don't get me wrong, I don't throw them on every day but I do think they help complete a look for a night out for drinks and dancing.

If you do wear lashes on a regular basis then you already know that it can get a bit costly on your wallet to stay so fly ;) Well, there's a solution to that, buy quality lashes in bulk and save yourself some cash!

KKCenterHk, based out of Hong Kong, is an online company that specializes in selling just that and more, like makeup, wigs, all types of nail products as well as fashion items. They have a huge selection of false lashes to choose from, that might just be the hardest part of it all. What about the long shipping wait time, you ask? That's the BEST part, I received my package in 1 week. That's pretty awesome to me considering the package was sent from Hong Kong.

I was sent the ES A510 False Lashes. Retailing at $15.44 for 10 pairs, you figure you're paying $1.54 for each pair compared to the $5 you would be spending on just one pair of lashes at your local drugstore. These lashes have very soft hairs and a thin black stem. They are so soft in fact that I kind of had a bit of trouble putting the first one on and it lifted at the inner corner. (See right eye in pic) The second lash went on fine.

CLICK ON PICS TO ENLARGE!

Wearing ES A510 Lashes

These luxuriant spiky lashes are very dramatic and long but are not uncomfortable at all. I don't think I would ever wear them during the day and probably not regularly for a night out dancing, but they are a fun pair of lashes for a specific event, makeup shoots or costume makeup. I'm hoping to try out a set of there natural looking lashes soon.

Bottom Left to Right: w/ flash, w/ flash, w/o flash

MAKEUP LOOK BELOW

Packaging is nothing too special, the 10 pairs come secured into a piece of cardboard paper and the gold stickers you see hold each side of the lashes down into place. Don't fret, they do not harm the lashes. That piece is then inserted into a black glossy box.

ES A510 Lashes Close-up

I definitely recommend trying out these lashes. Click here, if you want to check out the ES A510 Lashes and to get 10% off your order use coupon code "shugaandspice." Coupon ends on Jan. 31, 2013.

FACE:

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Moisturizer

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Primer

Maybelline Super Stay Foundation (Classic Beige)

Amazing Cosmetics Concealer (Medium Golden)

Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Correcting Powder (Creamy Natural)

Covergirl Cheekers Blush (Cinnamon Toast) - contour

Physician's Formula Des Botaniques Bronzer (SunnyBuddy) - bronzer

Physician's Formula Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush (Natural) - apples of cheeks

BROWS:

MUFE Eyebrow Corrector (0)

Ardell Defining Brow Powder (Taupe)

EYES:

UDPP

E.L.F. 100 Eyeshadow Palette (see # guide on sidebar for reference)

   - #41 all over lid

   - #49 crease

   - #80 outer v & crease

L'oreal 24hr Infallible Eyeshadow (Endless Pearl) - brow highlight

NYX Eyeshadow (Highlight) - inner corner highlight

NYC Kohl Eyeliner Pencil (White) - waterline

Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara (Black Black)

LIPS:

NYX Lipliner Pencil (Pale Pink)

Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipstick (Sultry)

HAIR- FoxyLocks Extensions / Shirt - F21 / Earrings - F21

Hope you like this look!

*You will be seeing me wear Maybelline Super Stay foundation in my future makeup looks because I've been having some skin problems and my other foundations especially my MAC ones have been irritating my skin lately. So please bare with me in the meantime.*

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration by KKCenterHk. I have not received monetary compensation for reviewing this product. This review only reflects my honest opinions and experiences with the product.

What are your favorite false lashes? Would you consider buying them in bulk?

Versatile Blogger Award!

This is my very first blogger award ever and I'd like to give a big thank you to the lovely Marla from Makeup by Marla for nominating me for the VersatileBlogger Award! She's a very talented and goal-oriented young girl who blogs about beauty looks, product hauls and the likes. My favorite posts are her eye looks. Make sure you check her out and subscribe to her blog!

I wasn't really sure how this works but here goes nothing..

Rules:

1. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers who are relatively new to blogging.

2. Let them know that you have nominated them. 

3. Share 7 random facts about yourself. 

4. Thank the bloggers that have nominated you. 

5. Add the Versatile Blogger Award picture to your blog post.  

7 Random Facts:

1. I swear I have OCD lol.. everything has to be super tidy around me or it will drive me crazy.

2. I love sour candy, especially sour skittles.

3. My family is my life <3

4. I'm Colombian but was born here in the U.S.

5. Spanish was my first language. 

6. I'm pretty good at drawing [not to toot my own horn]

7. I have more guy friends than girl friends. I get along with guys better than girls. Can't stand the cattiness. 

And now, I nominate the following 15 bloggers:

BeautyRedefined by Pang
Chloe's Nails
Mercedes Makeup Obsession
Miranda's Makeup & More
My Pursuit of Happiness
Makeup by Cheryl H
Makeup by Lacy
Makeup City Pop
In Her Makeup Bag
Nancy VIP
Classy Addiction
MakeupJunkie88
Will Work for Makeup
Delyteful Speaks
Le Fab Femme

Review: Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Extension System

Left to Right: Activating Mascara Base & Top Coat, Nylon Lash Fibers

What is it?

A three-step lash extension system that includes an activating mascara base and top coat and Flexistretch nylon lash fibers. (sephora.com)

Too Faced sent me the Better Than False Lashes Lash Extension System for review the other day. For starters, let's talk about their cute packaging. I received this in the mail inside a brown box filled with the prettiest pink loose fill and a cute hand-written personal message. (See pics below)

CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS

Unboxing the package

Product Packaging

We're all used to the ornate girly packaging that Too Faced is famous for but this packaging is a little different. The sleek black box exudes sophisticated sexiness (if that's possible from a box lol). The top flap which contains steps to achieving brush-on false lashes, flips open exposing the actual product inside. Both the activating mascara and flexistretch nylon fiber tubes rest in a  black insert.

Actual product packaging is basic but sleek. The activating mascara (.30 fl oz) comes in a very sturdy gold tube. It reminds me of the Loreal Voluminous Million Lashes mascara except that the Voluminous mascara packaging feels a bit lighter and cheaper.

The nylon lash fibers tube (.02 oz) is equally as sleek with its gold cap and the bottom portion is made of a white plastic material.

How It Works

The activating mascara base and top coat is designed specifically to melt and seal the Flexistretch nylon fibers into long, thick, dramatic lashes without the risk, mess, or commitment of other false lash alternatives. Unlike traditional fiber mascaras, Better Than False Lashes allows you to dial up the lengthening fibers so you easily get better, longer, thicker, more dramatic lashes instantly. (sephora.com)

Application

The activating mascara contains a plastic wand applicator with a bunch of bristles; I'm not too fond of this applicator. It contains a typical mascara odor but goes on a bit moist so use with caution or else you'll end up getting mascara on your eyelids/underye, like I did :/

Activating Mascara Base & Top Coat - Step 1&3

The flexistretch nylon lash fibers on the other hand contains a much thinner wand with spiraling bristles resembling white cotton candy. There is no detectable odor and upon application your lashes do feel a little weird and heavy. It kind of feels like you have cotton stuck to your lashes.

Flexistretch Nylon Lash Fibers

3 step system:

1. PRIME: Use the activating mascara base & top coat to create a base for the nylon fibers to attach to your lashes.

2. BUILD: Apply 1-2 coats of the flexistretch nylon fibers. This will create length and volume.

3. SEAL: Seal the nylon fibers with the mascara base & top coat used in step 1 to achieve the false lash look.

Claims

98% saw longer lashes, an increase of 42% in lash length, 98% increase in lash volume and 90% saw thicker lashes. (too faced)

Results/Impressions

Lashes without any product 

Lashes with product

Lashes with product

You can see by the photos above how much longer my lashes look. I don't think I see any noticeable volume though. I do like the length that this system creates for your lashes but when I wear falsies I wear them more for volume than length since my lashes are already long. I really dislike that the mascara got on my eye area where I had already applied eyeshadow, concealer and foundation. Another big dislike is that my lashes clumped together and that is my biggest mascara pet peeve. It was very hard and virtually impossible  to separate them with a clean brush. For a while, my top lashes kept sticking to my bottom lashes and it was just an annoyance. It took some time for me to get used to it throughout the day. I used my trusty Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes to take it off at the end of the day and it was such a hassle, I almost didn't get it off :/

This product is ophthalmologist tested and approved for contact lens wearers. I tested it while wearing my contacts and did not have an issue with that.

Is it worth $35? Not for me, maybe for someone else who is willing to spend that on a system that lengthens lashes. I do intend to try it out again in the future, maybe I have to let the coats dry completely in between? I don't know. But when I do, I'll be sure to keep you guys updated. In the meantime if any of you have any tips please leave a comment down below.

Pricing & Availability

The Better Than False Lashes Extension System can be found exclusively at sephora.com until July 2012 and retails for $35.

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration by Too Faced Cosmetics. I have not received monetary compensation for reviewing this product. This review only reflects my honest opinions and experiences with the product.


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HAVE YOU TRIED THIS YET? ANY TIPS TO GETTING IT JUST RIGHT?