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Drugstore Diaries

Drugstore Diaries: Mascara Comparisons

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I’m not a big drinker, so I don’t do pub crawls. But I  am a beauty lover, so a mascara crawl is more in line with my priorities.  And that is exactly what I did. Popping in to drugstores here and there picking up a mascara each time to see how they compare to each other and to some of my favorite high end formulas. Now it should be said before we proceed that I prefer a big, bold, daring, in-your-face lash, just so you have a reference. Throughout my trials, I found one or two I liked but nothing that took me permanently away from my holy grails (this one and this one are everything in my opinion). But I haven’t tried them all, so I will always continue to shop, browse, try, obsess over…..all in the name of beauty blogging aka beauty delusion. Here is a peek at each mascara and how they looked on my lashes:
1. Revlon Lash Potion – This gives a nice delicate lash – great length and a separated look. I did however have trouble building this up to the intensity I prefer. I think I would use this as a base mascara and build up another on top. See? I told you…I need drama!
2. Maybelline Falsies Volume Express Flared – So many people talk about this mascara, but I was quite underwhelmed. It was dark, which I like, but the formula was sticky (for lack of a better term) and it was hard getting a full separated lash. And it smudged in the corners of my eyes. Bummer.
3. Covergirl Clump Crusher by Lashblast – Short, stubby lashes with no oomph. Not for me unfortunately. I know there are a few different clump crusher/lashblast mascaras so perhaps I got the wrong one, and there is a fantastic one out there that I am missing. If so, let me know.  Tweet me @alittlebitetc or leave me a comment below.
4. Loreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara – I pulled out the brush and initially thought “Heck, no!” It looked so measly and miniscule I thought there was no way this could make my lashes look like anything, but then I used it and was pleasantly surprised how much drama this little wand created. Lashes looked separated, long, dark and full. I do wish it was a bit more thickening, but I suppose I can layer.  *pouts slightly*
5. Loreal Power Volume Black Smoke – This was my favorite of the bunch – giving me the most dramatic lash. Long, thick, dramatic (I wish it was a tad bit darker, but now I am just being picky), but there was only one major drawback. Flakes, flakes, flakes! It both flaked and smudged and I was so upset. I felt so fierce leaving the house that morning, lashes in full effect, and then after a few hours, I looked like I had been out for a long night of dancing. Flakes, smudges, raccoon eyes. 
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Drugstore Diaries: Revlon Color Burst Lacquer Balms

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 photo Revloncolorburst.jpgThe blogs are a-talkin’ about these Revlon lip balms, and so far I have only been able to find the lacquer balms.  I am holding out for the matte balms, and hopefully they wow me a bit more than the lacquer ones did.  I purchased both a bold (called Vivacious Exuberante) and neutral (called Demure Reservee), figuring I would love the nude a tad more (because – well, we all know I live for a natural lip), but surprisingly it fell flat for me, while the brighter shade won me over.  Below is a look at the swatches of each color.
They are super easy to apply and feel great on the lips, but the shimmer/glitter in the nude shade, Demure Reservee was too gritty for my lips and actually altered the color to have an odd blue/green tint.  I know, it was weird for me too.  Vivacious Exuberante (these names though?) was less glittery and had a much more buttery smooth finish on the lips, with pigmentation that lasted for a good 4-5 hours.  I love the twist up option rather than having to use a sharpener, and if I can manage to track down the matte balms, I think I may have a stronger fondness for those.  On a side note, I recently bought a Cover Girl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm and was wowed by it – you can see the swatch and review here.  Have you tried these lacquer balms? What are your thoughts and what shades did you love?
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Past Posts

Drugstore Diaries: Wet N Wild Eye Palettes

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The people are a-talkin’ about these Wet n Wild eye palettes – mainly how the pigmentation is so intense for such an inexpensive product (trio of eyeshadow

Drugstore Diaries: Maybelline, Neutrogena and Avene

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I’m a bit of a fancy pants when it comes to makeup (no surprise, I’m sure), but with this new series on the blog I am excited

Drugstore Diaries: Loreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder Makeup

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I am starting a new series on the blog – and if the post name didn’t already give it away (I like to build up the suspense),

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