Here’s some of the exciting things we tried, saw and loved over the past two weeks!
Ardell Mega Hold Eyelashes
The invention of magnetic false eyelashes has to have been the biggest beauty news when they were launched. And now, Ardell has released Mega Hold Eyelashes to ensure those fluttery lashes stay in place.
A quick search on YouTube produced a number of quick lessons on how to apply these bad boys. I have to confess, my early attempts to get the magnetic eyeliner on in a straight line and then apply the lashes before the eyeliner dried too much were laughable and frustrating at the same time.
I do like the fact that the lashes are soft and pre-curved so they fit your eyelid naturally. Measure their length first against your eyelid and cut off any excess. The magnets line the whole eyelash but they aren’t visible, it just looks like you have applied eyeliner and have natural long lashes!
Applying the eyeliner took a bit of time to get right and it took a few attempts to work out the length of time you need to wait before you apply the lashes. Initially I waited too long and the lashes didn’t stick. Once you get the timing right, you’ll find the lashes stick beautifully.
On my first outing with my falsies, I found towards the end of the day one lash had lifted slightly. I would say that this was probably my inexperience with false lashes rather than the product. I did need to cleanse my face twice to get the eyeliner off but all-in-all I was pleased with the effect and result.
For a limited time Ardell has their Magnetic Megahold Mega Blockbuster available. This bundle gives you the opportunity to try 7 different types/lengths of lashes with adhesive liner so you can find out which ones suit you best.
I’m going to give the ‘fauxmink’ ones a try next – they’re really long and lush. I think I’ll be batting my eyes at everybody when I do wear them.
RevitaBrow Advanced® and Hi-Def Brow Gel®, Revitalash Cosmetics®
As a woman as you get older, hair tends to grow abundantly in the places you don’t want it – like your upper hair and chin – and in places where you wouldn’t mind additional follicles, like your eyebrows, it seems to be lacking!
Chemo, some years back, was the reason I lost my eyebrows and, unfortunately, they’ve never really grown back since. I’ve had my eyebrows tattooed, which certainly solved the problem for a while, but I still have bald spots that stubbornly remain.
Eyebrow hair loss due to aging, chemical and environmental stressors, over-plucking and general mistreatment is a common problem for women and this is where RevitaBrow Advance®, developed by Revitalash Cosmetics®, comes in.
RevitaBrow®, with a formula that’s ophthalmologist tested and proven to be safe and effective, includes peptides, botanicals, and a prostaglandin, is designed to strengthen, condition and nourish the eyebrows, leaving them with a fuller look. The literature maintains that a daily swipe of serum on a clean brow is all it takes for healthier-looking brows within four to eight weeks.
Did the product work?
To be honest, I was hoping for a miracle and to have my full set of eyebrow hair back but, realistically, once a hair follicle closes – as I would say is the case with many of mine – it’s not going to grow back no matter how much serum you put on it. However, that said, after six weeks I feel the hairs that I do have are now stronger and longer – perhaps a bit more unruly which means I need to use a gel and eyebrow brush to get them into shape.
And this is where the Hi-Def Brow Gel came in use.
This is so useful for sculpting, controlling and shaping the eyebrows and it’s water-resistant so you don’t have to worry about your eyebrows ‘smudging’. It comes in a mascara-size tube with a miniature comb and brush on one side. The idea is to comb your brows into shape and then brush the coloured-gel applicator brush across them, moving from the inner to outer corners. Once that’s done you can give your brows a final sculpt with the mini brush.
I tried the soft brown colour but, going forward, I think the dark brown will be the best choice for my hair colouring.
Detox Tonic and Bright Eye, Skin Proud
Lilly: “I was delighted to receive a few more Skin Proud products from focus magazine to try out and give feedback. In August, I trialled three of their products which I’m still using and really like. This time I added the Detox Tonic and Bright Eye, Brightening Eye Cream to the mix.
“I really like the Detox Tonic for a quick pick-me-up for my skin. It sloughs away dead skin cells but doesn’t leave the skin with that dried out feeling because it also contains hyaluronic acid, which is hydrating. Designed to gently unclog pores, stop breakouts and improve the skin’s texture, I was pleased that I was giving my face a good clean but wasn’t drying it out.
“After cleansing, I applied the tonic to my face and neck with a cotton pad, waited a minute then followed my usual skincare routine. As old skin is removed, it’s important to wear an SPF on your face to protect the new skin underneath.
“I’ve only started using eye creams recently and really liked the feel of the Bright Eye gel-cream. You only need the smallest amount and it absorbed into my skin quickly. Infused with pomegranate extract – which is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants – the cream is designed to keep the delicate eye area hydrated. I used this twice a day – in the morning and evening, after cleansing – and found that my makeup just seemed to glide on easily. I like the idea that I’m addressing those fine lines before they become really visible.”
Skin Proud is available at Farmers, New Zealand wide.
Co-Mingle Body Scrub, LUSH
It’s time to start getting your skin summer ready ladies and if you love lavender then the Co-Mingle Body Scrub – a three-in-one body scrub, exfoliator and moisturiser – is the way to go.
Some scrubs and exfoliators can be quite harsh on the skin but the texture of the Co-Mingle Body Scrub is super light and gentle. Ground Tagua Nut and Bamboo give the mousse a slightly gritty texture but it certainly doesn’t feel aggressive at all. Overall, my skin felt silky soft and hydrated. It lathers up like a dream and a little goes a long way. The gorgeous lavender smell is heavenly and I so enjoyed using it before bed.
Use on wet skin, massage over legs, arms, back and body to exfoliate, cleanse and moisturise. Co-Mingle has loads of nourishing oils in its formula including Almond, Organic Brazil Nut, Argan and Lavender Oils, as well as Fair Trade Shea Butter.
