NEW Covergirl Peacock Flare Mascara Review (+Life Update)

So how did that extra hour of sleep work out for you? I kept thinking it was time to go to bed...and it was only 8! This weekend was a low-key one for me--a good dinner out, a successful trip to the mall (speaking of, do you want a list of VIB Sale recommendations?), and I got some blog work done. I'm still having some issues staying asleep, still having occasional restless legs, but I'm the happiest I've been in a long time. I swear it's something about the fall.

I've also been reviewing beauty products, OF COURSE! Y'all know my weakness is mascara, right? I saw the new Covergirl Peacock Flare mascara at Target maybe a month ago, and I'm here to share what I think! Have you seen it around?

via Ulta

Let's talk packaging--can you see the shape of the tube? It's not a traditional round one--it's pinched. And the top is sort of rubberized--think kind of like NARS packaging. The shape and feel make this easy to hold. It advertises it as a "revolutionary" soft grip handle. I wouldn't go that far, but it's an easy hold.

Next, let's check out the wand: Feather-fan brush catches, coats, and separates each lash of this plastic wand.

Here's another view of the wand. Nothing really new here, but it's a pretty good one.

Here it is on your left. The formula is mousse-like and applies easily. It does give some length and volume. It says it's clump-free, but it was still a little clumpy. It didn't flake or smudge. I would say it's right in the middle of being too wet or too dry.

Here it is on your left again. I always say mascara really does make a difference. Don't you agree?

Here it is on both eyes. Overall, I liked this mascara and would give it 3.5 out of 5 mascara wands!

Covergirl peacock Flare Mascara comes in 5 shades and waterproof. It's around $8.

What did you think? 

Would you buy this mascara?

5 NEW Drugstore Mascaras

On a recent trip to the drugstore, I found a bunch of new mascaras. And y'all know I was drawn to them instantly. After lots of testing, I've got my thoughts on these new drugstore mascaras!

Rimmel Shake It Fresh Mascara

With a simple shake, the mascara will be immediately refreshed to its original ideal smoothness, so volume always stays perfectly clump-free.

The brush helps to build volume without clumps, fanning out the lashes corner to corner with maximum separation making lashes look volumized, lengthened and defined.

Shake the mascara vertically 3 to 5 times when needed.

$5.99

The cocktail shaker-esque container is a little heavier than I'm used to and you have to really give it some good shakes to hear it working.

Rimmel tends to make wetter mascaras and the same goes for this one. 

I liked the look and wear of it, but really haven't seen a difference as to whether I shake the mascara container or not.

Almay One Coat Mega Volume Mascara

The Megaphone Brush on Almay's One Coat Mega-Volume Mascara makes every lash shout! 

This innovative Megaphone Brush is designed to maximize formula pickup and delivery to lashes.

$6.99

Scroll back up and look at the wand. Doesn't it look ridiculous? It's kind of hard to work with.

That being said, I really like the formula, which I normally don't care for in Almay mascaras, but the wand would keep me from purchasing again.

REVLON Mega Multiplier Mascara

With a unique formula of fibers and 360 tubes, Revlon's Mega Multiplier Mascara delivers an oversized lash look that turns heads.

Flake-free, smudge-proof wear

Mega Lash Brush deposits formula from lash line to tip for mega volume and extreme length

$8.99

I am just not a fan of Revlon mascaras, however, this one is not bad. It gives a natural look, but I probably wouldn't repurchase again.

L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise

Intense volume and length

200 bristles

silky smooth formula

no smudging or clumping

$9.99

I really like this one--and I'm giving one away! It is pretty similar to the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara.

COVERGIRL Total Tease Mascara

Use the lash teasing mascara comb for ease and control to tease even the tiniest corner lashes for a full, voluminous look.

$8.99

This mascara was awful the first few times I used it--very dry and I could tell no big difference. As time has gone on, it has gotten better but not enough for me repurchase.

Which of these mascaras would you try?

Dupe? Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Vs. L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara (GIVEAWAY)

Ok so maybe my last post was about mascara. This one will be too--y'all know how obsessed I am with it! Anyway, so when I saw the newest mascara from L'Oreal, the L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise, I instantly thought of Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. The color of the packaging is similar. Then I thought the wands were kind of similar, so I had to do a Dupe? post on it!

So do y'all think we have a dupe here? Keep reading to find out.

First, you can see the packaging is similar in color, but not size or feel. BTS is heavier and seems to be of better quality in person. 

Next, the wands--they both have that hour glass shape, which is not exclusive to BTS mascara, but it is more pronounced with it.

Product-wise, BTS is much wetter than Lash Paradise--you can tell via its swatch at the top. Lash Paradise is much drier.

Now let's get the stats on each one:

Too Faced Better Than Sex

$23, .27 oz, 1 shade, Waterproof available 

In stores like Sephora, ULTA, and online

Film-forming Polymer for smudge-proof, all day wear

Acacia Senegal Tree Extract to nourish, thicken and lock curl in place

Unique Peptides for the deepest, intense black possible

Ingredients: Water/aqua/eau, Synthetic Beeswax, Paraffin, Glyceryl Stearate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Butylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Polybutene, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de carnauba, Aminomethyl Propanol, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Polyester-11, PVP, Cellulose, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Propylene Glycol, Acacia Senegal Gum Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Dextran, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1. May Contain/Peut Contenir/(+/-): Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Black 2 (CI 77266), Ultramarines (CI 77007). *Vegan-friendly *Formulated without parabens

Here it is on:

And now for the possible dupe:

L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise

$9.99 (I've seen it cheaper at Target and Amazon), 3 colors, waterproof

Drugstores, ULTA, online, I got mine at Target

Intense volume and length, 200 bristles, silky smooth formula, no smudging or clumping

Ingredients: ETHYLENE ACRYLIC ACID COPOLYMER, STYRENE ACRYLATES
AMMONIUM METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER CERA ALBA BEESWAX CIRE DABEILLE
SYNTHETIC BEESWAX BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2 POLYBUTENE CETYL ALCOHOL STEARETH-20 GLYCERYL DIBEHENATE STEARETH-2 PHENOXYETHANOL
HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE ACACIA SENEGAL GUM TRIBEHENIN CAPRYLYL GLYCOL GLYCERYL BEHENATE SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE HYDROGENATED JOJOBA OIL HYDROGENATED PALM OIL DISODIUM EDTA BUTYLENE GLYCOL SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE SILICA TETRASODIUM EDTA POTASSIUM SORBATE BHT [+/- MAY CONTAIN  PEUT CONTENIR CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 IRON OXIDES CI 77007 ULTRAMARINES] B195342/1

Here's the packaging:

And here it is on:

Lash Paradise after 14 hours of wear (and a rainstorm, haha)

So is it a dupe? Despite the drier formula, these both wear and look incredibly similar. I was very surprised. I'm calling it a dupe. Both were easy to remove and didn't smudge.

And now for the giveaway! If you'd like to try L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise, be sure to let me know in the comment below--I need an email to contact you. I'll pick one winner. I bought an extra mascara and am giving it away! Not a sponsored post!

Do you think it's a dupe? Would you try this mascara?

Extra Elle: 

I enjoyed my longer weekend. I got my hair done and did some shopping. The weather didn't cooperate on Sunday or Monday, but that was fine with me. I hope you had a good weekend.

10 Best Mascaras Under $10

We made it to the weekend! I'm excited for a much-needed 3 day weekend. I'll probably be taking Monday off, but before I sign off, I wanted to pop in! Y'all know my favorite makeup item is mascara. It's easy to use, makes an impact...and...you can get it for CHEAP!

Here are 10 of the best mascaras under $10--let me know which ones you love! I based "the best" via reviews, sales, and personal use on myself and clients. Don't see your fave on here? This is just round one!

L'Oreal Voluminous--A classic loved by many (Kim K is a fan) for full lashes

Covergirl Clump Crusher--It doesn't irritate eyes and is one of those mascaras I can get anyone who hates mascara to wear.

Maybelline Lash Sensational--This is a new addition to my tried-and-true picks, and I've shared it a few times on the blog. It helps to define and lengthen so well!

L'Oreal Telescopic--For when you want extra long lashes

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara--This just makes the list at $9.99, but it's a nice organic mascara for everyday wear.

NYX Doll Eye--There are two versions of this: long lash and volume, and I really like them both--a rarity in a mascara series. The microfibers take this to another level.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator--Supposedly this makes lashes longer and such after using for 30 days. I don't know about that, BUT it is my trick for thicker-looking lashes. Did you know Rimmel invented mascara?

Essence Lash Princess--There are two versions of this, but this one I love for volume in my lashes. For $4.99 it's worth a try if you haven't. Some people have had clumping issues, but not for me.

Maybelline The Colossal Volum Express--Another great volumizing mascara. Love the waterproof version of this as well.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme---One of the cheapest mascaras that I love. It really delivers on volume. I find mine at Walgreens, Kmart, or online.

This is just volume 1! I have tons more to share! 

Which of these do you love?

Extra Elle:

No big plans this weekend--the first Memorial Weekend in over a decade I won't be on a beach. BUT I'm getting my hair done today, which is always a treat.

So I Got Eyelash Extensions And Here's What Happened

So y'all, I've been curious about eyelash extensions for quite sometime. I do wear false lashes, but not that often because I don't want to deal with them. I find them fascinating and the results just look amazing, so when the The Lash Lounge of Sandy Springs contacted me to try them out, I couldn't wait! I thought I'd share my experience since I know many of y'all would be curious as well!

The staff was very warm and welcoming and the facility was so gorgeous. I met my stylist Quiana, and we discussed the process and how I wanted my lashes to look. They can use mink or silk and have different lengths and styles. I have decent lashes already and wanted them to look natural.

Then it came time to apply them. You arrive makeup-free and the process can take an hour or two, depending on the look you are wanting to achieve. You lie down on the spa bed with headphones while they apply the lashes. Most people go to sleep! It didn't hurt at all--it felt like someone was brushing my lashes over and over. They use an adhesive to apply them and they typically fall out like regular lashes do, within a couple of weeks or longer. Results depend on how you treat them--no waterproof mascara, no rubbing the eyes or oily makeup removers. You can wear shadow, eyeliner, mascara, etc. like normal. They are COMPLETELY SAFE for your eyes. They do NOT cause your lashes to fall out. They don't itch or feel different in any way--I don't feel like I'm wearing falsies. It's wonderful!

Here is a before and after of my lashes--can you see how fuller and longer they are in the pic on the right? Note: I am wearing mascara in the before pic, but there are true before/after at the end of the post.

Here's another after--don't they look gorgeous?? When I wear false lashes, I can feel them, and depending on the type, I can kind of see them in my vision. But with eyelash extensions, they didn't feel like anything, just my regular lashes, no heaviness at all.

I love how low maintenance they are! I don't have to wear mascara! In fact, I've been asked what mascara I'm wearing and I'm not wearing any when I've been asked. I did want to show a pic of my left eye with mascara vs just extensions on the right.

More before/after pics! Please excuse my no makeup and all.

I'm just so thrilled with the results and cannot recommend them enough! I'll be updating this post with answers to your questions, so please leave them below.

Would you get eyelash extensions?

Extra Elle:

Lots of beauty testing has been going on for me--hasn't been time for much else! This week has flown by for me.

10 Classic Drugstore Makeup Buys You Need to Try

Hey y'all! I was strolling down the aisles of the drugstore recently (this happens more often than I'd like to admit) and instead of being drawn to all of the NEW stuff, I decided revist some classics. You know, those makeup products you always hear about or maybe even forgot about. I thought I'd share 10 of my tried-and-true classic drugstore makeup buys you need to try:

FOUNDATIONS

For foundations, I chose two from L'Oreal. First up is a dry skin fave, L'Oreal True Match Lumi. It's a gorgeous luminous makeup that is very similar to the $64 Armani one. I even tested it for a dupe here.

For combo and slightly oily skin, I always recommend L'Oreal True Match. The shade range is really impressive--I love that it comes in neutral undertones (me) as well.

MASCARA

If I'm ever in a mascara rut and can't find one to wear (#beautybloggerprobs) I always go back to L'Oreal Voluminous. Pictured is a waterproof, Carbon Black version, but the original is my fave. It gives nice volume and is easy to wear.

For my friends who don't really wear makeup or mascara, or those who want something a little more natural looking, I recommend to them Maybelline Full N' Soft. It really is a classic mascara and can be hard to find sometimes, but it's stuck around for a reason--nice, fluffy lashes with no clumps.

Note: I didn't mention Maybelline Great Lash--the pink and green tube--it was the first mascara I ever used, and so many tubes are sold every minute, but I've never liked it. Do you?

EYELINER

Wet N Wild Megaliner is a classic opaque liner that removes easily with water. It's $3.99 and it's great for winged liner.

If you just can't figure out eyeliner, gel liner in a pot, like Maybelline Gel Liner. It's easy to use. Beauty Tip: I store mine upside down so it won't dry out.

WIPES + DRY SHAMPOO

There are cheaper options available, but when it doubt, I've been a long time fan of the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. They've never aggrivated my skin and remove makeup very well.

I've tried just about every dry shampoo under the sun (seriously, check posts here and here) and Batiste Dry Shampoo will always be under my counter. Beauty Tip: Love dry shampoo but hate the white cast it can leave? Try this tip! It works (Batiste has brunette versions btw).

REVIEW: OUAI FOAM DRY SHAMPOO

BLUSH + POLISH

For that one blush you need to own, that looks good on just about everyone, Milani Luminoso is at the top of the list. It's peachy-pink shade has the slightest kiss of a glow. It's so pretty on skin. 

There's a reason you'll always see Essie Ballet Slippers on every "best of" list: it's a neutral polish that just works.

We're just scratching the surface here!

Which classic drugstore products are must-haves for you?

Extra Elle:

Random fact, but I love the movie Donnie Darko--never saw it in theatres, so when a local one was showing it for the 15 anniversary, I had to! It was worth it.

Went on a mask-buying spree at Urban Oufitters! I've been trying them out here and there.

Check out these drugstore-exclusive brands--lots of goodies for less than their name brand counterparts.

NEW Wet N Wild HAUL

First off, I want to thank everyone, truly everyone, who took the time to comment on my post yesterday. Your support is so touching to me. I can't even go into the right words for it. It was nothing but good news. Speaking of good news, let's talk beauty!

Actually, let's talk about what this post was supposed to be. So this was supposed to be a video. I filmed it but didn't like how it turned out, so it's a post instead. It was supposed to be a haul/review, but I was sick so I didn't get a chance to review a lot of these. Instead of calling this a fail, I'm calling it a haul. Sometimes things don't go as planned, and that's how we ended up here.

Thanks to a discount code from Hannah, I did a little haul last month or so from Wet N Wild. I love this affordable (and really good) drugstore brand, but I've never ordered from them online and I've never done a haul just of their stuff. That changes now. If you haven't checked them out since you were in high school, I highly recommend you do so. Don't knock it 'til you try it! Here's what I got:

First up are the cushion highlight and bronzer--Hannah sent me these, but I thought I'd share them here. I like them, but the bronzer is too warm for me.

My order begins with a stick blush, stick highlight, and stick bronzer. I wasn't really impressed with these. I couldn't tell how warm and dark the bronzer was online, so those were disappointments.

Speaking of highlight, I caved and got a powder one, my weakness. It's really good.

Next is WNW's version of micellar water. It's not bad, but has a little oily residue after.

The Gel Lip Balm reminds me of Babylips and I really like it. Unscented and a kiss of color.

The Cushion is not my fave formula, but it wasn't bad.

Skinny Eyeliner and Skinny Mascara--the eyeliner is really good but the mascara was dried out.

And I got a couple of nail items, like this 10 in 1 The Saving Base--I like it. Not really enough color to be worn alone, although I have. And the Hard as Ice--I didn't quite get a week of wear, but I did like it.

Do you wear Wet N Wild?
Have you tried any of these?