Applying Mascara: My Secret Weapon!

So I eluded to this in a previous post, but I have a very particular way of applying my mascara that I have found works really well and gives a fluttery finish that I just love. First, let me start by saying, I was blessed with long, full lashes. I have never had lash extensions and never wear false lashes (my wedding day was the one and only exception). I do, however, have a little routine that really helps to make my eyelashes look more dramatic and lush.

First, I will usually start by curling my lashes. Sometimes I accidentally leave this step out but I'm trying to get better at doing it every time I put on my makeup. I then apply several coats of my mascara. Right now I am bouncing between Revlon's Grow Luscious and Benefit's BAD gal lash mascaras. I prefer the BAD gal lash formula and wand (bottom) but the Grow Luscious is nice to use once in a while and the wand (top) is very large which I enjoy.

I like to go pretty heavy on the mascara. My eyes are my favorite feature to play up on my face and I feel like fluttery lashes just bring them out even more. This is where my secret weapon comes in. It can take many forms but the original was something I came up with while in my local Sephora. Now, I doubt that I'm the first one to have this idea but I didn't really learn it from anyone so I think it's unique and worth trying.

Anyway, I was browsing through loads of makeup and trying on several products, as usual. I decided to try a mascara and took one of their sample applicator wands to use. When I was done, I was about to throw the wand away when I realized, this is like a free makeup brush. I wrapped the sample wand up in a tissue and stuck it in my purse. When I got home I unwrapped it, feeling a bit sly, and washed it off to dry for the morning. It was one of the better ideas I've ever had.

After applying gobs of mascara now, I work the wand through my lashes until I achieve my desired effect. It really helps to work the mascara through from root to tip and fan out my lashes, giving them perfect fullness and volume. However, it doesn't stop here. I have now started to save the brushes from mascaras with wands that I love (BAD gal lash being one of them). I simply give them a good cleaning, and then use them when I find a mascara with an insufficient wand but lovely formula or just to work mascara nicely through my lashes.

Now I know that I can pay to buy a special mascara brush from Sephora or what have you, but why would I do that when I can get better ones for free? Just a thought that I hope you guys can take advantage of or enjoy exploring on your own. Let me know how you feel about this tip and if you try it out yourselves! Oh, and here is a peek at what my lashes look like when I'm done this little routine:

Not bad right (besides the photo quality). For me, this is a perfect look for my lashes because it keeps them looking a tad natural but still helps my eyes to really pop. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.. big, full, voluminous lashes included!

:: katie golightly x

everything is my own including opinions, photographs, and rambles alike. this is not sponsored.

Review: Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters

I think it goes without saying that the Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters are one of the big drugstore break-out products this summer. They have accumulated many fans during the summer and continue to be loved by makeup lovers everywhere. The balmy consistency makes them easy to apply and leaves a soft finish on the lips. There are around twenty different colors and flavors available for purchase at $6.49 (USD) per tube. I bought mine at Target (as you can tell, I'm there a lot since that is where I do my grocery shopping every week) and selected two different colors: 090-Sweet Tart and 065-Creamsicle.

First let me start by saying, the packaging on these products is very nice for a drugstore brand. As with other pieces of the Revlon ColorBurst line (for example, the Lip Gloss), the quilted effect that they put on in the plastic makes it similar to higher end lines, almost Chanel-like. This more expensive feel definitely helps to sell the product and the lip butters themselves back it up.

The Creamsicle color (above) is a peachy pale tone that nudes the lips a bit and results in a muted look. The formula is a little clumpy and it required some smoothing out even after I exfoliated my lips. Overall, the color was nice but the name left me longing for more of a sweet creamsicle-like smell. That would probably be the only complaint I have with this product and it is very minor. I would have absolutely loved these lip butters if they had more of a scent to back up the dessert-themed names.

The Sweet Tart color is definitely more pigmented than the Creamsicle flavor and is a very pretty hot pink. On the lips it is amazing and was definitely one of the best lip colors I have used. It is very much the summery, girly pink that every girl needs in their makeup collection. I found that this color applied more smoothly and evenly when compared to the Creamsicle color. When I use the Sweet Tart shade in combination with a lip gloss it has an amazing effect and is an all-day fun look that steals the show.

some quick swatches, sorry for the poor quality: Top 090-Sweet Tart, Bottom 065-Creamsicle 

After trying them out, I would definitely recommend these products. The quality is top notch for a drugstore lip stick and it is well worth the price. The lip butter formula feels great on the lips and seems to last well during the day. I did find myself reapplying it a few times but I have yet to find a lip product that lasts beyond my daily chattering at work! If you've tried the Revlon ColorBurt Lip Butters, let me know what you thought of them in the comments. Also, if there is anything that you would suggest I try out, please send recommendations my way as I love excuses to buy new products! Hope you're having a lovely weekend. 

:: katie golightly x

everything is my own including opinions, photographs, and rambles alike. this is not sponsored.