Blog | Page 18 of 225 | Makeup By Kim Porter

How does Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Compare to my HG Mascara?

March 11, 2015 by Kim S. / blog, Reviews / 15 Comments

I was gifted a Sephora gift card for Christmas. Stumped on what to pick up, I polled one of the beauty blog groups I’m a member of asking them what was worth picking up from Sephora with a $20 budget. The majority of the responses sang the praises of the Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara. This was a great suggestion since I ran out of my Holy Grail (HG) mascara, and I wouldn’t be a good beauty blogger if I didn’t try out new things, right? So off to Sephora I went to pick up the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara.

Too Faced describes their Better Than Sex Mascara as

Inspired by the curves of a woman’s body, the hourglass-shaped brush was designed with extra stiff bristles to maximize the performance of this carbon black, collagen-fueled formula. One coat and lashes are full and defined. Two coats and lashes are even more luscious, curled, and dramatic. Three coats help you achieve the most intense, black, multidimensional lashes possible.

The Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, after one coat, I saw a huge difference in my lashes. They seriously looked like a natural pair of false lashes. Well defined, dark black like I like them, and my lashes weren’t clumpy. Two coats, my lashes were vavavoom! So full of volume, but still looked natural. By coat three, my lashes did start to clump together, but didn’t give off the spider lash look, and I could also feel the product on my lashes.

The formula of the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is wet, which is how I like my mascaras. With the help of the curved brush, it applies smoothly. Sometimes if a mascara is too wet, I’d have mascara transferring onto my lids, and sometimes my under eye area because it didn’t dry fast enough. However, I didn’t experience this with the Better Than Sex Mascara. And as far as how long I could wear it, after about 5 hours, I didn’t have flaking, but I did notice dark circles around my lower lash line. For some reason, any mascara I use tends to settle there.

Overall, I was impressed with the results I experienced from using the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. It definitely rivals my HG mascara giving my lashes the look of natural-looking falsies. I have sensitive eyes, and although I liked the look the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara gave, my eyes didn’t really like the formula too much. After application, my eyes burned slightly, but it didn’t last long. I’d say the feeling is akin to the sensation one would feel during allergy season; however, I didn’t experience redness of the eyes.

I’d recommend the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara for those without sensitive eyes, especially if you’re in the market for an intensely black, high-end mascara that adds volume and definition to lashes.

The Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara retails for $23/0.27 oz and can be purchased at Sephora or Sephora.com.

Have you tried the Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara?

What do you think of it?

Hair Care Tuesdays: Grow Gorgeous Back into the Roots Review

March 10, 2015 by Kim S. / Hair Care, Reviews / 15 Comments

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Let’s say you’ve been keeping up with this blog, right? Yes, agree! In that case, you know that at the start of this year, one of my goals was to achieve healthier hair. Lately, I’ve been incorporating different hair products and treatments into my hair care regimen like the Grow Gorgeous Back into the Roots 10-Minute Stimulating Scalp Masque.

Grow Gorgeous describes their Back into the Roots 10-Minute Stimulating Scalp Masque as “…ultra-stimulating cooling 10-minute scalp masque with vitamins, caffeine and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid.”

Are you familiar with a scalp masque? I haven’t, unless you count the homemade “pre-poo” treatments I used to make when I first started taking my hair care seriously. Otherwise, scalp masque’s are new to me. But, I do like the idea behind a masque for your scalp since your scalp is the gateway to healthier hair – or not. So why not try a scalp masque that claims to revive my roots in ten minutes, and zero-in on my scalp to facilitate visible hair growth? I mean, my goal is for my hair to grow, especially in the areas where it’s thinning, so the Grow Gorgeous Back into the Roots 10-Minute Stimulating Scalp Masque was a great choice to add to my hair care routine.

The Grow Gorgeous Back into the Roots 10-Minute Stimulating Scalp Masque was easy to add to my hair care routine, especially since my wash days include some form of pre-wash scalp treatment consisting of a mix of oils. Instead of using my homemade stuff, I used Back into the Roots, and let it sit on for… hmm…way longer than 10-minutes – maybe 20. It was easy to apply, especially since it had the pointed applicator tip. It kind of reminded me of when I applied the base to my scalp prior to my relaxers.

After the Grow Gorgeous Back into the Roots 10-Minute Stimulating Scalp Masque was applied, I walked around my house and went about my business. The texture of the scalp masque is a light cream, but it isn’t at all greasy. I’m impressed at how non-messy it was in comparison to my homemade hair treatments. I like that it didn’t drip down like the oils I’ve been using, which is a plus.

Stimulating is one of the words used to describe the Grow Gorgeous Back into the Roots 10-Minute Stimulating Scalp Masque, and stimulating it is. Instantly, I felt tingling, which I’m suspecting is coming from the menthol contained in the scalp masque. Some people may find the tingling sensation to be too much, but, I, on the other hand enjoyed it. Just use your own discretion if you do end up using this product.

When I was ready to rinse out the product, and finally wash my hair, I noticed how easily the product rinsed, and how clean and refreshed my scalp had already felt. My scalp was hydrated, and non-itchy, even for a few days after use, which during the winter, is unheard of for me. Also, the tingling sensation did subside, and all I was left with was a cool-feeling scalp.

As far as hair growth goes, it’s too early to tell, but, I have noticed that the area around my hair line is starting to look a bit thicker. Hopefully, through continued use of this product, along with my diet, and vitamins I take, my hair growth will continue to flourish.

The Grow Gorgeous Back into the Roots is a great scalp masque to use if you’re looking to improve the health of your scalp, stimulate hair growth and circulation of your scalp.

The Grow Gorgeous Back into the Roots 10-Minute Stimulating Scalp Masque retails for $28/ 240 ml, and can be purchased at growgorgeous.com.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Ethoxydiglycol, PEG-8, PEG-4, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, PVP, Caffeine, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Zinc Gluconate, Biotin, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Menthol, Maltodextrin, Menthyl Lactate, Glycerin, Urea, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Dicalcium Phosphate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Limonene.

Have you tried Grow Gorgeous products or a scalp masque?

Hair Care Tuesdays: Hair Vitamins for Hair Growth – The Facts!

March 10, 2015 by Kim S. / Hair Care / 17 Comments

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We have all heard about the hoopla of hair vitamins for hair growth. There are various hair vitamin brands on the market right now. Everyone from celebrities to YouTube gurus have been taking hair vitamins, and weighing in on the pros and cons of taking them. And, if you are like me – a researcher – I am sure that you’ve Googled information surrounding the hair vitamins you’ve seen blasted all over social media boasted amazing results through before and after pictures and testimonials.

If you are on the fence regarding trying hair vitamins for hair growth, I thought that it would be better for me to state some facts rather than do a review, and focus on the popular brand, Hairfinity.

The ingredients of the hair vitamin Hairfinity include: Biotin (promotes healthy hair growth), Niacin which is Vitamin B3 that promotes scalp circulation, Vitamin A which is an antioxidant that helps maintain scalp health, Vitamin C which is an antioxidant that helps maintain hair and skin health, Vitamin D which prevents shedding, Vitamin B12 which helps to sustain hair growth, Vitamin B Complex which nourishes the scalp to promote hair growth, Silica which keeps your hair shiny, MSM which is Sulfur based (beware if you have a Sulfur allergy) and Capilsana Complex-which is the one component that is different and separates Hairfinity from other vitamins-it literally is a powerhouse antioxidant that gives your hair strength which decreases breakage and promotes growth.

The price point of the Hairfinity hair vitamins ranges from $24-$48 depending on the supply that you are interested in (1 month supply, 2 month supply or 4 month supply). Per the instructions, you should take 1 pill in the am and 1 pill in the evening.

A large majority of individuals taking Hairfinity have experienced hair growth and/or length retention while taking them. The most common side effect is acne.

If you are determining if taking a hair vitamin is right for you, I encourage you to NEVER rely on a hair vitamin for the health of your hair. With proper nutrition combined with an excellent hair care regimen, and a daily vitamin you can and will achieve the same amount of natural hair growth.

Although the results may seem quicker when taking a specific hair vitamin, one must ask themselves. ‘What happens when I stop taking the vitamin? Will my hair go back to being brittle and the hair growth cease?’ Whether you decide on taking any hair vitamin, make sure you first do your research.

I hope that this post provided you some additional insight on hair vitamins.

Have you tried hair vitamins for hair growth? If so, what were your results?

Top 10 Favorite Winter Lipsticks

March 4, 2015 by Kim S. / blog, Miscellaneous, Product Swatches / 26 Comments

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Aside from my eyebrows, my lips are another thing that I can’t leave the house without dressing in one of my favorite lipsticks. A nice lip color can make a drab face look fab in seconds. This winter, I’ve been wearing a lot of vampy colors along with some fun shades like fuchsia, and brick red. Because who said winter lipsticks had to be dark? Being that I’m sort of a lipstick junkie, it was a bit hard to narrow down my list to 10 of my favorite winter lipsticks. Keep reading to see swatches of my Top 10 Favorite Winter Lipsticks.

1. Black|Up Cosmetics 32M

I’ve been wearing the heck out of the Black|Up Cosmetics matte lip color in shade 32M! It’s a gorgeous raspberry shade that looks amazing against my complexion. It’s a fun shade, and would make a great transitional shade from winter to spring.

2. LA Girl Glazed Lip Paint ‘Coy’

By now, it’s no surprise that I’m into purple shades, right? Yup! This LA Girl Glazed Lip Paint in ‘Coy’ is a beautiful violet. It adds some fun color to these gloomy winter days we’ve been having in New York. It makes me look forward to spring.

3. Black|Up Cosmetics 38M

Yup, another Black|Up Cosmetics lipstick has made the cut for a favorite winter lipstick, and this one is described as a bluish mauve. I love the way it looks on me. It’s flirty, and fun, and definitely takes my mind off of winter weather.

4. MAC Cosmetics ‘Rebel’

‘Rebel’ by MAC, which has a satin finish gives you dark lipstick without going too dark. If you’re into plum shades, this is perfect.

5. MAC Cosmetics ‘Diva’

My winter lipstick stash must contain a red. Although there are times I whip out my ‘Ruby Woo’ or another red, I sometimes go for a darker, more intense burgundy like ‘Diva’. Plus, there are days when I’m a total ‘Diva’ and wear it. LOL

6. Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Lacquer ‘Bordeaux’

I love this Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Lacquer in ‘Bordeaux’. I raved about it in my review of the December 2014 POPSUGAR Must Have Box (here). It’s great for those that love both glosses and stains. It lasts! The color is just beautiful.

7. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ‘Train Bleu’

NARS describes this shade of their Velvet Matte Lip Pencil as a “deep aubergine”. Train Bleu is one of my go-to shades to create a long-lasting vampy look.

8. Black|Up Cosmetics 2-in-1 Lip Crayon JUM11

This is another favorite winter lipstick shade for creating a vampy lip. Although similar in shade to the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, it’s not a full matte, the color is a bit deeper and more intense. It also applies like a dream!

9. Black|Up Cosmetics Lip Lacquer VL07

The Black|Up Cosmetics Lip Lacquer in VL07 is a vibrant, deep purple. If you’re into high gloss, then this is for you. It looks good both alone and over a lipstick.

10. MAC Cosmetics ‘Smoked Purple’

I told you I LOVE purple! ‘Smoked Purple’ has been a favorite of mine for YEARS! It’s the perfect, deep, eggplant matte lipstick. The color lasts all day, and applies evenly with ease. And even though I’m wearing it during the winter, which is known for drying out the skin, my lips do not suffer wearing this.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my Top 10 Favorite Winter Lipsticks. Did you notice a pattern? Most of them are matte, and some form of purple.