REVIEW: Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes! Mascara

Hello my Funky Readers,

I'm long overdue with this review, I think I had photos taken AND edited (let me hear you do a collective GASP now) for at least two weeks... but I have to admit that I find it very hard to write reviews. Because everyone is different, and what works for me wouldn't not work for you. That's why I rarely review makeup, and try to stick to stuff that either work... or don't. Like makeup removers and face creams. Oh wait, just talked myself into a corner, face creams could be different for anyone out there! Oh well... guess I'll have to start reviewing makeup items too now.

Today I give you Tarte's Lights, Camera, Splashes! mascara which I got in the gift set that my brother got me for Christmas. Sadly I don't know if Tarte is available in UK... so to all my UK readers, I'm sorry!!! This is a sample size by the way.

What they say: 

Lights, Camera, Splashes! Waterproof Mascara
What it is:
A waterproof lengthening, curling, volumizing, and conditioning mascara.

What it does:
Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes! 4-In-1 Waterproof Mascara's waterproof formula gives you the bombshell lashes you love, and is guaranteed to stay put through rain, sweat or tears.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
This mascara contains Skinvigorating™ ingredients such as beeswax, a natural waterproofing agent, mineral pigments, known for their soothing and softening properties, and carnauba wax, an emollient wax that ensures smooth application.

Size: 0.24 oz

Black:
Isododecane, Aqua, Pentaerythriyl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Cyclopentasiloxane, PVP/Eicosene Copolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polybutene, Cera Alba, Cera Carnauba, Alcohol, Polyquaternium -10, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides (CI 77499).

What I say: 
First of all, I would have never bought this mascara for two reasons: 1.  It's waterproof, and after years of wearing waterproof mascara I realized I don't care for them! Mascaras never run on me (even in high heat), I don't go swimming in them, I don't go to the gym in makeup, when I cry I don't care how I look  and I've heard that they also very bad for your lashes. So I'm using it because I got it as a gift in a gift set, which I had little control over. 2. The price, $19 is a little steep for me when I can get a nice mascara for under $10.

But the packaging, oh the packaging! I'm glad that I've never saw it in full size in person, otherwise my above "never" would have turned into maybe.  And now that I spy that Tarte has a regular version too.... but the packaging is not as cute :(

So aside from this mascara being waterproof I am actually very impressed with it! Although there is nothing special about the wand, I don't know what is this "patented dual-wand technology" they are talking about because by looking at it you won't see anything different from any other mascara wand on the market (that are not those silicone type wands I mean).

But when I apply it, this is where I can see the difference! The wand is actually pretty long and narrow, so it is able to coat almost the whole length of my lashes. Even the bottom ones are not as big of a problem, as I usually have with other mascaras, because this wand is narrow enough to coat them without messing up. I love natural but dark look to my lashes, so I only apply one coat of mascara (by one coat I mean I keep applying it while it still wet. Does that count as one coat? I always think that 2nd coat means applying mascara after 1st coat completely dried, and I rarely do that). This mascara doesn't clump (love, love, LOVE!!) and makes my lashes look oh so long, and dare I even say full? The thing is, I do have long lashes.... you just can't see them because they are so light, so I need something extra to help them show up. I wear glasses, and my eyelashes actually touch the glass!!!!! How cool is that? A little annoying that I have to wait until mascara is completely dry before putting glasses on, but I think it's a minor thing.

I think it's also decent with delivering a curl too, although I think my eyelashes are naturally curly so somebody with straight lashes will have to comment on that. As far as their conditioning claim goes, I don't know... by the time I'm done trying to remove it I bet all the conditioning properties are going out the door.

Please excuse my left eye (on your right), and what looks like mascara failing to deliver. It is not, it is Lyuba who is failing to apply the mascara just as well on the left eye. I always, always, always have trouble applying mascara to my left eye and I'm incredibly jealous of anyone who can! I resigned myself to forever have uneven eyelashes, but thankfully no one can see it from far away and those who do get close enough, generally don't care :P After all, I can always use fake eyelashes for a uniform look! Or I can just practice, practice, and practice till I get the left eye right too!

The wear is good too, if there was any fallout I didn't notice it. I usually wear makeup for 10+ hours, and when I was taking it off everything was still there. It does stay!

Overall I'm very pleased with this mascara, it delivers what it says it would (lengthening, volumizing, and even curling) at least for me. Sorry Tarte, but I still won't buy it on its own, but I wouldn't mind getting it in a gift set again. I would recommend it to anyone who has fair lashes like me and wants them to stand out, and who is not afraid of waterproof mascaras.

Available from Tarte and Sephora for $19.

Have any of you tried this mascara? What do you think? 

~ Lyuba

When I Feel Lazy EOTD

Hello my Funky Readers,

While I was deciding which palette to choose for my next 7 Days Palette challenge, I was feeling pretty lazy and uninspired so I took a lazy way out with my eye makeup, aka eyeliner only. I probably should have taken pictures, because I did several looks and at one point I was sporting some pretty crazy and almost tribal designs.... but alas, this is the only look I bothered to take photos of.

As you can see, there is nothing special there except the red dots. I love adding those little extra things to spice up regular eyeliner look.

Somebody needs more practice applying liquid eyeliner...

In case you're wondering, I've used GOSH Long Lasting Eye Liner Pen in Brown for the main eyeliner. Don't remember the name of the red dots one, but it's by Urban Decay and I picked it up at TKMaxx so it's probably discontinued anyways.

What do you do when you're feeling too lazy to use any eye shadows?

~ Lyuba

Beautiful Shoes Will Take You to Beautiful Places Sunday #1

Hello Ladies,

In addition to kimono, cats and makeup, I am also a self proclaimed shoe addict, so I've decided to make a weekly feature post called  Beautiful Shoes Will Take You to Beautiful Places Sunday where I can showcase my beautiful shoe collection. Most of my shoes are not high class, but I love them nonetheless and every single pair makes me happy.

First up are my dear grey pair of kitten heels. Oh how I love those heels, I think that was the major reason I bought them (along with the canvas fabric), they grabbed my attention and didn't let go until I walked out from the store with them. I believe they are by Restricted, but from excessive wearing love from me, the name of the brand is half worn already...... Regardless, I love them!

What do you think? Are you also shoeaholic at heart? :)

~ Lyuba

REVIEW: Garnier Skin Naturals Fresh Essentials Eye-Makeup Remover

Hello Ladies,

Remember not long ago I told you I was in LOVE with Garnier's Fresh Essential Cleansing Milk & Toner? Well because I loved those two products so much, I also picked up Garnier Skin Naturals Fresh Essentials Eye-Makeup Remover because I figured that if I liked 2 products from the range, I would like the other one too. Right? Well, wrong.

What they say: 

Eye make-up remover
Removes all eye make-up, even waterproof, and leaves skin feeling pleasantly soothed while respecting the delicate eye contour area.

They don't have a lot of info up huh? But fear not, I've taken a photo of the back label for you!

What I say: 
As always I can't find it on Boots website, but I promise you it is in the store. And it wasn't even that expensive, I believe under £4, plus Garnier products are frequently on sale anyways. 

As I said, I had pretty high hopes for it but sadly (for this product), it disappointed me. I actually didn't even see that they promised to remove waterproof makeup too, which makes me even more disappointed. It doesn't remove waterproof mascara. It has trouble with even regular mascara! It does a decent job with removing everything else, except you will have to saturate the cotton pad pretty well otherwise you'll be stuck rubbing your eyes like crazy. And we all know rubbing your eyes is a no-no. But then if you saturate the pad pretty well, you'll be risking for eye makeup remover getting in your eyes.... and trust me when I say it stings. 

Overall I'm not happy with this eye makeup remover, and won't be buying it again. It is not quick, it is not easy, and I don't think it is gentle. I'd rather pay a little more and buy Bourjois Express Eye-makeup Remover, which actually works.  

What do you think? Have you tried it before? 

~ Lyuba 

REVIEW: Simple Radiance Brightening Moisturiser SPF10

Hello my Funky Readers,

I'm back again with yet another Simple review. I simply can't help it, I love their range so much that I rarely even think of picking up any other brand for my skincare. This time I will be talking about Simple Radiance Brightening Moisturiser SPF10.

I hate wearing sunblock on my face. Let me repeat myself, I HATE it. But while it is a necessary evil, I simply can't stand how my face looks and feels all oily afterwards. And don't even get me started about trying to apply my makeup over it. So I figured I'll give a try to SPF moisturizers and see if that makes a difference with oiliness and makeup, and picked up Radiance Brightening Moisturiser from Simple.

What do they say: 

Radiance Brightening Moisturiser SPF10

Our Brightening Moisturiser SPF10 is a perfect blend of active ingredients and light reflecting particles to protect, condition and illuminate your skin throughout the day. Perfect for even sensitive skin.

simple goodness

SKIN LOVING NUTRIENTS
MANGO EXTRACT hydrates and refines skin tone
BISABOL soothes and calms
GLYCERIN hydrates and nourishes
VITAL VITAMINS
PRO-VITAMIN B5 actively restores, softens and smoothes
VITAMIN E moisturises to improve skin condition
VITAMIN C is an antioxidant to keep skin supple
NO PERFUME, NO COLOUR
NO UNNECESSARY INGREDIENTS so it won't upset your skin
Dermatologically Tested and Approved

Available in the following sizes:   50ml 

What do I say: 
For £6.99 you get 50ml of product, and it just looks so small. But fear not, it will last you a long time! I think I've been using it every day for past 2 month now and I'm just now getting to finally finishing the tube. Not bad I say, but still buy it when Superdrug or Boots have their 3 for 2 sale! 


When I used it for the first time, I was initially very turned off by how it felt. You know how sunblock just feels thicker and harder to blend than normal creams? That's how this moisturiser felt, but at the same time I wasn't that surprised considering it has SPF. So I gave it a go again and again until I simply fell in love. What at first seemed like super thick cream actually absorbed into my skin very fast, and didn't leave any excessive oiliness after it. There was just a tiny oily feel, but it was more "soft" than annoying? And it definitely didn't make any negative impact on my makeup! I can't feel it at all under makeup, it completely disappears on the skin. And that's a winner for me. 


I think the SPF 10 is a little low for me, I would have preferred SPF 15 but at the same time, for everyday wear (like going from house to car to work to back to car back to house) when you're not out much, I think it's ok. I would have been more concerned with higher SPF back in Florida, where it literally took me at least 30 minutes in my car to get to work, but here in UK I barely drive anywhere. Mostly I'm in the house doing schoolwork. 


I definitely would recommend this product to anyone who wants to try a moisturizer with SPF. Your skin will feel hydrated with the added protection of SPF, but without the nasty oily feeling. 


Have any of you tried this moisturizer? 


~ Lyuba

Recap of 7 Day Palette with I'm Getting Sunburned

Hello my Funky Readers,

Today I got the greatest thought, and that is to recap the 7 Days Palette looks! Some people like to do use a particular palette for 7 days, and then put all the looks up in the same post but as you all know I'm physically incapable of doing that. Instead I like to show you a separate look in each post. But then who would bother looking through lots of posts just to find that particular look? Not me, that's for sure! So having a summary post linking to more detailed posts would solve the problem right?

Well here it is, I'm Getting Sunburned by Wet n Wild summary of all 7 looks.

Look 1 - I actually followed the instructions, meaning I used the shades the way they were intended to be used!

Look 2 - I'm going into more Lyuba-esque style. :)

Look 3 - the same as Look 2, except used pink instead of gold and made the shape more to my liking. Note just how different brow looks depending if it's combined with pink or gold.

Look 4 - Failed FOTD.

Look 5 - My husband called me clown on this one. LOL.

Look 6 - Trying out the same type of look as in 2 and 3, but will all shades now.

Look 7 - this one is Look 3 in reverse, with my favorite way to line my lower lash line as in Look 4. It's an interesting effect and definitely more dramatic than my 'usual' stuff.

It's amazing how many combinations you can come up with only having 3 shades to play with! I could probably go on and on creating different looks, but I got tired of I'm Getting Sunburned at this point. Next one on my 7 Day Palette list is Sleek's newest eye shadow palette Curacao, and I will start with the first look on Monday (I'm not sure I can keep it to 7 looks only though....).

Show me your 7 Days Palette looks if you're doing that challenge yourself. Or maybe you are doing a different challenge, like looks inspired by Disney characters....? (Yup, Ruthy looking right at ya!)

~ Lyuba

Garnier UltraLift Challenge Result

Hello Lovely Readers,

As you might remember, I signed up to take part in Garnier UltraLift Challenge. Well today is exactly 14 days since I started, and here are the results. 

Click to enlarge

Now, as I've said before I am one of those people who just doesn't believe the wrinkle reducing claims, but to give Garnier credit they did say "Of course, we can't do the impossible and achieve a permanent lift. But it has been proven that UltraLift does reduce the appearance of wrinkles. So that should give you a lift!" To me that just sounds like saying hey, if you don't see any results, it's not our fault. We didn't promise you the impossible, in fact we even warned you that we can't do the impossible.


Can you see the difference? At first I thought there was a very tiny difference, but that could have been my imagination while staring at myself in the mirror. But seeing the photos side by side, I really don't think there was any change. Or if it was, it is so tiny that I can't tell. The concealer still settles into my lines, and that's all that matters to me because it means the lines are still there!

Oh, and do have to say that for these 14 days I stopped using any facial moisturizers and eye creams (horrible I know) so that nothing could possibly intervene with UltraLift, and so Garnier couldn't say oh but your other stuff must have naturalized the goodness that is UltraLift.

Of course, you could also argue that 14 days is not enough time to see the result and there was SOMETHING happening there, because I felt a tingling sensation everywhere I applied the cream. I think lip plumping products have the same tingling, but I never really used one to know for sure. So if lips could be plumped up, why can't skin be? What do you think, should I give it a go and get the full size product and try? 

~ Lyuba

Last One for I'm Getting Sunburned

Hello Funky Readers,

I'm glad that this is the last one, because honestly I'm getting tired of I'm Getting Sunburned. Oh I still love it, but I'm ready for something new!

This time, instead of applying dark shade on the outside I applied it inside. I must say, it came out... interesting. Maybe I took it too close to the bridge of my nose, or maybe I'm just too critical of myself.

I love this photo because you can see my reflection! :)

Sorry.... NOT about a lot of photos. :)

I find it really cool that this brown shade looks grey when paired up with pink. Yet with the gold, it looks properly brown.

On my lips I'm using Gosh Long Lasting Lip Marker in Berry and Gosh On Stage Cool Lip Jam. Told you I love it! :)

Which palette do you think I should use next?

~ Lyuba