Review of L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess Mascara

Hey guys!

I’ve been feeling under the weather the past few weeks, so blogging has kind of gone by the wayside. However, in that time I did try out a new mascara that I wanted to review for you guys!

As you know, I’m a pretty huge fan of L’Oreal mascaras, especially the original Voluminous Million Lashes and Voluminous Carbon Black.

So when I saw the new Voluminous Million Lashes Excess, I was instantly intrigued to say the least, since it’s the newer version apparently of the one that I was obsessed with last summer. Plus it has red packaging, which got me.

According to L’Oreal’s website, this mascara “combines bold volume with clean definition for an excessively dramatic lash look. The brush is bigger than ever to separate and build each lash evenly from root to tip. The mascara features a built-in, anti-clump wiper that removes surplus mascara for a clean impactful effect. Plus, the ultra black formula amplifies each individual lash for a dramatic effect.”  

That sounds pretty awesome, right?

When I picked this up though, I just barely read the packaging, so I didn’t really know the sales pitch at all. I just knew that it was called Excess, so I figured it had something to do with no clumping.

So let’s jump into the review:

The Wand:

Top: L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black

Bottom: Voluminous Million Lashes Excess



Excess tapers in at the middle with lots of defining bristles

Is amazing. It’s a very long brush, I compared it to my Voluminous Carbon Black and it’s definitely longer than it. It has kinda had a bump where it widens new the tip of the wand, which I honestly hadn’t even noticed until a few days after trying the mascara. The wand is a big star here. It helps separate lashes for definition, and is one that doesn’t need a lot of work to help apply mascara to lashes quickly or evenly. It’s great at not creating clump at all, while building fantastic volume.

Packaging:

Usually I wouldn’t necessary review this part, but since part of the pitch is about the anti-clump wiper, I thought I’d describe that a little bit. It definitely helps the mascara from now being gloopy or messy. It doesn’t though, make the mascara too dry or hard to work with like I feel Clump Crusher by Covergirl can be like. It works great!

The Formula:

Is really smooth out of the container, especially when I compared it to Voluminous Carbon Black, which is thicker, goopier, and not nearly as smooth. Excess’s formula is smooth and wet first out of the tube. I was a little worried when I first applied it to my lashes because of how wet it is. However, in no time it dried much to the feel of the Rocket by Maybelline or even the texture of Cat Eyes by Maybelline. It’s definitely not goopy or smeary at all, which I love. While I really love the Voluminous Carbon Black, it would smear and smudge pretty easily, while this stays put all day. I would most definitely say that this mascara is the L’Oreal version of The Rocket…but a million times better!

The Impact:

 

Is huge. In just a matter of a few simple swipes, this mascara makes my lashes so dramatic and full of volume. But they are defined, clump free, and so long looking! Seriously, the first time I put it on, I was shocked by how great my lashes looked! My mom saw them and instantly went to Walgreens to buy this same mascara because of how great it looked!  

I would most definitely say that this mascara is much like Rocket, so if you love that, you love this, except there are two reasons why Excess is better: it doesn’t hurt the base of my lashes and it’s a breeze to take off! It comes off super easily with my Simple Eyemakeup Remover pads! Which is something I love!

I can’t say enough great things about this mascara! I think it could even be my new holy grail…

Wanna see my thoughts on other mascaras? Check out The Rocket vs. Clump Crusher and Voluminous Carbon Black!

How Incorporate Chevron Into Your Dorm!

Hi guys!

I don’t know about you, but I’m a little obsessed with chevron. I find myself wanting to incorporate the print into pretty much every facet of my life. Chevron pedicure? Dying for one! Chevron tank? I’m obsessed with mine from Lizard Thicket. Chevron phone cases, makeup bags, wallets, purses, totes, and agendas? They all call my name like you wouldn’t believe. And of course when it comes to incorporating it into my apartment for my senior year, I find it really hard to resist.

Now I’m by no means the authority on prints, and in the end I’d say do what makes you happy, but I think there are definitely tasteful and great ways to use chevron, and then there are ways that aren’t so great.

Chevron is a busy pattern. I love how graphic and clean, but interesting it is, but if you’ve looked at chevron fabric, I hope it didn’t give you a headache like it did me. The pattern needs to be broken up into pieces, or to have scattered throughout. Don’t make it look like chevron threw up all over your room.

So some chevron looks that I think are appropriate and pretty for college dorms and apartments just have small doses of chevron. Think throw pillows, a couple picture frames, a bulletin board, a blanket, a duvet cover, or a rug. But please, don’t do all of those things!

Chevron looks great for just a little pop of interest. Make sure to mix patterns! Mix it with dots, solids, ikats, or florals! But please never put chevron right next to something zebra. It never works.

Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate this ever-popular print:

-Make DIY chevron wall art. You can either paint (use stencils from online for the cleanest lines) or fabric. My little made the one with the A and I made the one with the C below.

-Throw pillows are some of my favorite looks with chevron. This is my bedroom at home with a navy chevron throw pillow.

-Bulletin boards are great too! They can be homemade or storebought (you know when I talked about chevron making  you dizzy? Well my bulletin board made me dizzy looking at it, try using larger chevron patterns)

-Chevron bedding is adorable too! Just make sure to break it up with solid or small printed sheets, small printed throw pillows (think dots or small simple florals).


American Made Bedding

Isn't that bedding just lovely?

I hope this helps a little bit with the chevron craze. I know I want it incorporate it some way into my apartment, so we'll see what happens. Let me know what your plans for your dorm rooms are.

Are you obsessed with chevron and dorm design? Take a look at this post on some favorite chevron products, my senior year mood boards, and my apartment to-do list!

 

Apartment To-Do List

Hi guys!

I may have been only out of summer school for a couple of days, but already I’m planning for the apartment I’ll move into here in the coming months. I’m super excited, let me tell you! Mostly because I love decorating new spaces!

Awhile back, I was visiting my little (who currently lives in that future apartment) and I snapped a couple of pictures of my soon-to-be room so I can have an idea of the space I'm working with! As you can see, I've been having quite a bit of fun with my new favorite app, A Beautiful Mess!

 

 

 

So from the pictures above you can see that I'm going to have lots of space (a full size bed, a room that is an L-shape, a walk-in closet, and a huge bathroom all to myself!). The tricky part about all that space is making a big impact without sacrificing a lot of money or style.

As of now, here's a little checklist of things that I'd like to buy, make, to do to my future college room to make it feel like home:

-I need to buy some cozy, soft bedding that makes a statement! The bed is the first thing you see when you walk in, so the more colors/impact it can make, the better!

-Lots of cool wall art/décor that doesn't fade into the plain white walls.

-Lots of fun pillows on the bed

-2-3 lamps in the room to bring in lots of light

-Maybe some curtains to bring in more color and keep some of the eastern facing sun out.

-Put the dresser back in the bedroom, and make a nice area for putting on my makeup and storage of my perfume.

-Create a relaxing, nice study space at the desk.

-Include personal touches like a monogram decal and frames around the room.

-Try to keep the room warm and inviting

-Have a set color scheme that doesn't sway too much.

-Include lots of storage in the closet and in the room for my school stuff, makeup, clothes, accessories, DVDs, and other endless odds and ends.

That's about it for the checklist right now. I'm really stuck on bedding and a color scheme for the room.

I'm stuck between a nice, clean cottage color scheme of gray, yellow and white. And between a red, black, and white color scheme. Also yellow, gray, black, and white is an option as well. I have the most things in red, black, and white, but I really love gray and white.

Let me know if you have any ideas for my room or suggestions for a color scheme! I'd love to hear!

Take a look at some of my bedding contenders and mood boards too! I need all the opinions I can get!

Manicure of the Week

Hi guys!

I’m obsessed with painting my nails. I usually paint them twice a week almost religiously. I feel totally naked without panting my nails.

So for this week, I dabbled with some nail art. This is literally the first time ever. Go easy on me. I decided to try out a little patriotic look for the 4^th of July.

 

I used the rounded end of a bobby pin to make the dots.

The colors I used were:

OPI Big Apple Red

Revlon Indigo Night

Covergirl White (Number 110)

I think they came out pretty cute! What do you say?

Happy 4^th of July!

First Impressions of My New Lush Products!

Hi guys!

If you read about my recent haul, you know that I bought three products from Lush, and that these three are the first ones I've ever tried!

To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of natural products. I've tried Burt's Bees hair care and skincare products (I love their lip balms!), as well as others I can't think of now, and I've always been disappointed unfortunately. Plus I'm such a sucker for good smelling products, and to me, even though it's way healthier and natural, I didn't like anything I smelled in Lush before.

But this time I went in with a slightly more open mind and with the help of an salesgirl, I picked out a few things to try out.

Cynthia Sylvia Stout

 

From the website it's described as a "shampoo for dry or fluffy hair that needs to be tamed."

"Beer shampoo, really? For volume, softness and shine we proudly serve our tremendously effective pub-inspired shampoo. Cynthia Sylvia Stout is made with organic vegan stout beer from a local brewery, which contains protein to give your hair weight, smoothness and gloss. It's excellent for hair that tends to go frizzy in damp or humid environments. Cynthia smells delicious, just like a brandy, stout and lemon cocktail and even makes curly hair unbelievably shiny and bouncy once again. Give your thirsty hair a drink of this."       

Features

• Stout to calm: For all hair types but especially beneficial for fluffy, hard-to-manage hair.
• Friend to all scalps: Yeast improves the health of the hair and scalp.
• For a polished finish: Organic lemon juice is a gentle cleanser that adds masses of shine and gloss.

All of those things sound great, right? I have poofy, slightly frizzy hair that could always use extra shine and taming, so when I read the reviews online and the description, I got really excited to try it! Most of the reviews online talked about this as miracle product that changed their hair, but many also complained about the smell. I don't honestly know how to describe the smell, besides maybe men's cologne mixed with a little lemon. I wouldn't say that it's a bad scent, but I also wouldn't wear it as a perfume on purpose either. But the scent is pretty strong in the shower.

Aside from the smell, I must say that I was really impressed with my first use of this shampoo. It lathered pretty well for a natural shampoo (actually better than a lot of shampoos in general), and when I rinsed, it left my hair so glossy and smooth! Guys, this was before my conditioner! You know that I'm obsessed with Suave's Moroccan Infusion Shampoo, but it doesn't rinse as well as this! Seriously, I could already tell a difference in terms of how shinny my hair was! So far I'm impressed with this!

American Cream Conditioner

I had heard about this conditioner before from a few of my favorite Youtubers, so I was excited when the salesgirl recommended it. She said that a lot of people feel this conditioner and don't think it's heavy enough, so they use more. She said that I don't need to, that I should just use the normal amount and I'd be fine.

From Lush.com it says:

"American Cream is our dreamy, medium-strength conditioner for soft, shiny, fragrant locks. Softening honey, scalp clarifying lavender and fresh oranges make a conditioner suitable for all hair types to soften rough ends and keep hair calm. Not to mention the absolutely delectable strawberry vanilla cream scent. Mark was inspired by a vision of 1950s US milk bars, where teenagers would meet and drink frothy, creamy milkshakes. He concocted our best-selling conditioner to soften and control, and evoke memories of poodle skirts and jukeboxes. No wonder it remains such a customer favorite year after year!"

Features

• Smells like teen spirit: Suitable for all hair types, just about anyone can enjoy soft hair scented with gorgeous strawberries and vanilla.
• Double your pleasure: Our medium-strength conditioner leaves your hair calmed, softer and transformed.
• Fresh is best: Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and have cleansing properties.

I also was really intrigued with the scent, because it's supposed to be strawberry vanilla (like a milkshake I guess). I'd say that it smells pretty good, sort of like my Moroccan Infusion Conditioner actually. It doesn't though smell truly like strawberries and vanilla. It has that natural product smell with it. And if you don't like that smell, I don't think this would be for you, because it lingers in your hair like none other. Seriously, I'm excited if my wet hair still has the scent. This lingered for two days, no joke. I think it did a pretty good job overall of making my hair soft and manageable. I still had hair that needed detangling getting out of the shower, but I've never found anything that made me not have to do that.

So as far as the hair products go, I was impressed! My hair really cooperated well and I'm excited to keep using this stuff! Both were definitely great recommendations for my hair type! I would say that they left my hair a little bit more coated than other shampoos and conditioners and they left it a smidgen more oily (but in the grand scheme of things not that bad. I only had to use dry shampoo on my bangs for day 2).

Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask

Recently I have gotten more into skincare, so I wanted to try out a face mask. I told the salesgirl that I have oily skin, and since I wasn't particularly break-out prone, she highlighted this mask for me.

According to the Lush website:

Blueberry infused maintenance mask
      

"Still learning about proper skin care? No need to be embarrassed. After all, every face has different needs! We recommend starting here. Prevent disasters by taking regular care with our deep cleaning blueberry mask, Catastrophe Cosmetic. The little blue bulbs are packed with vitamins, with a gentle calamine base to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Use this one weekly as a deep cleansing treatment to kick off your regular skin care routine."

Features

• Gentle enough for everyone: Catastrophe is one of our best-selling masks because it’s gentle on all skin types.
• Local matters: We buy our blueberries for Catastrophe Cosmetic from a local farmer here in British Columbia.
• Calm catastrophes: We use calamine powder for its calming and soothing effect.

Overall, I was a little shocked when I found this needed to be refrigerated. But I got over that pretty quick. Because in my opinion, of the three products I purchased, this one smells the best. It literally just smells like clean blueberries. I love the smell so much.

So before my shower, I layered this all over my face and waited about five minutes before rinsing it off. One thing I noticed about this mask is that it really set in to my skin (kind of what I assume a mud mask would feel like). I also noticed that after my shower, that I still could A.) smell the mask perfectly B.) that it left sort of a film all over my face. I wouldn't say that it made my face more oily afterward, but it definitely didn't mattify my skin like the salesgirl said it would. I honestly sort of felt like using my Simple Toner on my skin just to get the film-y feeling off. But my skin felt really soft and smooth and it smelled nice, so I'm willing to try it again as a once a week type thing.

There you go! In the future I'll follow up on these products and let you know if my opinions change at all. Also, please let me know if you have any favorites from Lush that I should check out!





 

 

Summer Park Meadows Haul

Hey everyone!

My summer school classes finally wrapped up, but I’ve been super busy getting my life together and starting summer in between. But I did manage to sneak in some time and visit a dear friend and do some major shopping recently.

Pretty much all the stores I bought stuff from are ones that I only get to visit a couple times a year, if that. I seriously wish I lived closer to these (maybe it’s a good thing though?). Anyway, let's take a look at some of the fun things I got!

 

 

My friend and I went to the Vera Bradley pajama party launch, and the first 50 or so guests got a free reusable shopping bag! So that was fun to get! I also picked up the set of three cosmetic bags in Summer Cottage. It was 40% off and I really couldn't help it! I think the set of three cosmetic bags are not only cute, but super practical for traveling and makeup storage! Plus the colors are perfect for the 4th of July! (I adore the little daisies on them as well!)

I also shopped around at Lush a little. I had been in Lush only once before, and after sniffing around, I wasn't really impressed. But I decided to try out some products at the recommendations of the salesgirls there. I picked up American Cream Conditioner, Cynthia Sylvia Stout shampoo, and Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face mask. So far I've tried all these products out and I'd say I liked them pretty well for a first impression!
 

Then I went to Urban Outfitters and picked up a couple more of the BDG V-neck tees. I love the prints on them and I think they are so cute for summer! Both have floral prints and I can't wait to wear them.

And inside Forever 21 I picked up a brush I was eyeing a while back in my monthly lusts post and a little bow necklace that was only $1.80. I don't know if other people feel the same way, but I absolutely hate shopping in the store at Forever 21. I get way too overwhelmed with everything there.



 

Finally what's a trip to the mall without stopping to look at some makeup at MAC and Sephora? At Sephora I decided to finally invest in a nice bronzer (Tarte's Park Avenue Princess) and I got decided I wanted to try Tarte's blushes then many people rave about them. The makeup artist suggest I try Dazzled (which is described as a soft rose/kind of plum shade). So far I really liked both!

I also stopped by the MAC store and picked up another Technakohl eyeliner, which I'm almost out of. I also picked up a couple of eyeshadows in Jest(the one on left and wedge, the one on the right). So I'm excited to try those out!

So overall it was a fun trip and I can't wait to go back!

 

 

 

June Favorites

Hi guys!

Hope your June went great! Mine has been ridiculously crazy with summer school wrapping up and moving for the fourth time in six weeks. But I’m glad to be finally starting summer! For some really odd reason, I had a ton of trouble picking favorites this month. There are a few things that I just loved, and some things that I was just okay with.

Left to Right: Simple Smoothing Facial Toner, Gilmore Girls, Essie Turquoise andCaicos, Summer Boardwalk Candle, Urban Decay Naked Palette, Suave MoroccanInfusion Shampoo and Conditioner, Warm Vanilla Sugar Shower Gel, Not YourMother's Knotty to Nice Conditioning Detanlger, Malibu Heat Shower Gel

 

 

Simple Smoothing Facial Toner

This has been a huge love for me this month. It's seriously one of my most favorite facial products I have ever tried. Personally, I don't invest a lot of time or money into facial products. I prefer less is more, so you really won't see a huge skin care regiment from me. Before I tried this out, I had no clue what toner was even for (I still don't think I really know either). But I gave this a try because it was cheap (like $5 at Walmart) and from the Simple brand that has been putting out some amazing products. And I seriously adore this! I use it twice a day. In the morning I use an exfoliating cotton pad and just wipe this all over my skin, making it feel super clean and refreshed (while also reducing oil). This is before I put on any makeup by the way. Then at night I use makeup wipes to take off all my makeup, then I use another cotton pad and swipe it all over my face and get off any last remaining dirt or makeup that's still clinging to my face. This stuff is seriously amazing!

Gilmore Girls

I've been obsessed with this series of late. It's one of my all-time favorite shows anyway, but I've been watching the DVDS (so far I'm at the end of season 2) and I'm so hooked! It's hilarious and romantic and just a perfect way to relax after summer classes.

Essie Turquoise and Caicos

I love this color. It's like the perfect summer nail polish color. I'm pretty sure I talked about this in my April Favorites even. However, I do have a gripe that this nail polish never turns out perfect for me! It's like it's too thick or something. But at least the color is lovely.

Bath and Body Works Summer Boardwalk Candle

I finally picked this guy up at the Semi-Annual Sale and I absolutely love it! It's definitely a sweet smell (like caramel popcorn) and is to me a little bit more of a fall scent. But I love it anyway! I even went out and bought a second one too!

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Out of nowhere this month, I went back to this palette and have been completely obsessed! Pretty much the entire month I have worn Sin (my ALL TIME favorite eyeshadow) across my entire lid, Naked in the crease and blended upward, and then Buck to define my crease a little more. I've worn this look pretty much the entire month because I can't get over how gorgeous it is!

Suave Moroccan Infusion Shampoo and Conditioner

If you would have told me this would pretty much become my favorite shampoo and conditioner ever, I would have thought you were lying. I personally am not a huge fan of Suave hair care. Or at least, I thought I wasn't. But this shampoo and conditioner seriously impressed me from the first use (see my first impressions post!). It makes my hair super shinny and straight. Like, I barely even have to run my flat iron through it! It smells pretty good, and is without a doubt cheap! I'm so impressed, and I even got my mom hooked on it! Check this out, it's seriously one of the best drugstore hair care products I've ever used!

Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Shower Gel

Even though the summer months are generally more of a fruity/fresh scent time, I've been completely obsessed with this scent! It's sweet and comforting and I can't get enough. I loved it so much, that I went out and bought the perfume too! If you love sweet, baked good scents, this is one you should check out!

Not Your Mother's Knotty to Nice Detanlger

I have super tangly hair no matter what shampoo and conditioner I use, so this product has helped quite a bit with brushing my hair after showering. I don't know if this is my holy grail detangler, but it's inexpensive and seems to work really well. One thing I'm curious about, is that some of the packaging is brown and some is orange? Is this a product packaging change or is this a totally different product?

Bath and Body Works Malibu Heat Shower Gel

Before I fell in love with Warm Vanilla Sugar, I was completely obsessed with this amazing summer fragrance. It's the perfect, coconut, pineapple, citrus summer scent. I'm so in love with this! And hopefully I can pick up the body mist too!

 

Let me know what your favorites were this month! Check out May's favorites too!