Review time with Cailyn cosmetics

I won four Cailyn makeup products in an Instagram contest and I've been using the products for several months. I'm finally getting around to doing a review. I was introduced to this makeup line through Ipsy. I loved their liquid lipstick and started following Cailyn cosmetics on Instagram, which I would recommend because they do contests! Who doesn't love free makeup? In this review, I'll be sharing my thoughts on the four products I won.

Cailyn Pure Lust Extreme Matte Tint in Expressionist

This liquid lipstick is a great formula that will last all day after you've applied a few thin coats. It has a yummy vanilla scent too. Make sure your lips are exfoliated for the best application. This is my favorite Cailyn makeup product that I have tried. I am definitely a fan. It's a little bit drying, but I think the long wear is absolutely worth it. Expressionist is a bright tomato red with a yellow undertone. I prefer reds with a blue undertone, but this is still wearable if you want a bright red lip. I have several other colors too!

Cailyn 7 in 1 Dual 4D Fiber Mascara 

This is a fiber mascara with big claims: lash conditioning, lengthening, curling, volumizing--all while being waterproof too. The brush is supposed to "apply a rich amount of formula without any excessive coating." I found there wasn't excessive coating, but there also just wasn't enough mascara coating for me. I have pretty wimpy lashes and I really need a mascara to add a lot of volume and length. I do love that this mascara has a brush specifically for your bottom lashes. This makes it a lot easier to apply mascara on the those little bottom lashes without getting mascara all over the place. I also found the mascara to be pretty dry.

Cailyn Gelux Eyebrow in Espresso

Gelux eyebrow is an awesome product for a dramatic brow. The formula is thin, which makes application easier. Plus, it comes with a brush in the lid to apply the product so you don't have to buy a separate brush. It's highly pigmented and easy to apply. Bonus tip: be sure to clean or wipe off the brush after each use. I forgot to do this once and it made the brush funky.

Cailyn Line Fix Gel Eyeliner

The Cailyn gel eyeliner is another great product. It's similar in consistency to the gelux eyebrow. It also has a handy little eyeliner brush in the lid. It's a great liner for applying a simple line across the top of your eyelids and gives a similar look to liquid liner with the ease of gel. I haven't tried to do a cateye with this liner yet, but I think you could do one I would just use a different brush.

I hope this review is helpful if you are considering purchasing any of these Cailyn products. Have a beautiful week! Let me know if there are any new makeup items you are currently loving in the comments.

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You need a facial!

It's hard to believe in 32 lovely years on this planet that I never had a facial. I had no idea what I was missing! We're talking pure bliss here ladies and your skin looks all glowy and even younger after your treatment. I actually think it was a good thing I started later in life. I'm thinking of all the money I saved on facials for these past years. But that is the past. I am now a true fan. One part stress reduction, one part skin care and one part bliss! I highly recommend getting a facial and seeing what you think. I am most definitely a fan now. I would say even if the results are only temporary, the relaxation is totally worth it. I've never felt better about my makeup free face.

So technically what is a facial? It's a spa treatment involving various skin treatments that may include steam, exfoliation, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels, massage and extractions. Facials are for general skin health as well as specific skin conditions, at least according to google.

I went to Ruby's Spa & Salon at McMenamins in Troutdale, Oregon for my facial. This is a lovely spa near the Portland Metro area. It's especially nice if you go with friends because you can enjoy the soaking pool out back. It's a beautiful large soaking pool so definitely set aside time to enjoy it. It's nice to come early enough to soak before you appointment. This way if you are getting any special creams applied you don't have to worry about accidentally washing them away in the soaking pool. Although, my friend who got a massage also soaked for a bit after her massage as recommended by her masseuse. Also, I've had a massage at this spa before which was also wonderful. 

I chose the Clear Skin Facial which is an hour and $105. It's described on their website, "Let Mother Nature help cleanse and refine your complexion with healing, antibacterial element such as Hungarian mud, clays and more, custom blended for those with acne-prone or reactive skin. Our licensed estheticians will give you suggestions on specifically designed products and instructions to further treat your skin at home." However, my skin ended up having some dry patches on my treatment day, winter is harsh, right? So my lovely esthetician did adjust my treatment to be more moisturizing. In fact, I loved the moisturizer so much that I've been using it for my daytime moisturizer. It's the Eminence Organic Skin Care Rosehip Whip Moisturizer. (And I just realized it's way less expensive on Amazon.) I especially like that it has a beautiful matte finish, but it's still very moisturizing. Also, the moisturizer smells amazing--very citrusy. It's for designed for problem skin, which is pretty accurate for me. I still have the occasional zit pop up and I do have sensitive skin too.

Or if a spa facial is not in the budget currently, you can also try a facial mask at home. I used Skinfood's Broccoli Facial Mask Sheet in the photo above. It's a "hydrating mask that contains broccoli extract and promotes a healthy glow." And tell me who doesn't need a healthy glow? This is most definitely my favorite way to get in my vegetables.

Have you ever visited Ruby's Spa? Where is your favorite place to get a facial? Or do you have a favorite spa treatment?

Eminence Rosehip Whip Moisturizer, 2 Ounce

$39.98

Buy on Amazon

SKINFOOD Everyday Broccoli Facial Mask Sheet (5EA) Korean Beauty [Imported]

$9.89

Buy on Amazon

Lash Glue Lowdown

I adore a set of false lashes. A pair of long black lashes are the finishing touch for a dramatic makeup look. I don't think you need to wear lashes everyday, but when it's an occasion or you want to look amazing in photos, put on those false lashes! Besides picking out a pair of lashes, you will also need lash glue. This post is specifically about glue options for strip lashes, not individual lashes. You can also buy self-adhesive lashes that are basically pre-glued. So that's an option if you don't want to deal with glue at all. You can often make a pair of lashes last through several wearings. This works better using the regular strip lashes and lash glue. Let's get down to some of my favorite and not so favorite lash glues.

 

Duo Lash Adhesive Dark Tone

I think this type of glue is the most versatile. If I were going to purchase one lash glue this would definitely be it. This lash glue comes in a white squeeze tube. You just put a thin strip of glue along a lash and be sure to wait until the glue gets tacky. About 15 to 30 seconds should do the trick. You can test it with a nail tip to see if the glue is tacky (adheres to your nail and stretches a bit. If it it doesn't adhere at all, wait a few more seconds until it does.) I typically wear a dark liner, usually black when I apply false lashes, and the dark tone of this glue blends in much better than the clear version. The reason? Sometimes the Duo Lash Adhesive in the clear version dries white and that stands out on your black eyeliner with your black lashes. It's really annoying after you've put work into your beautiful eye look. This type of glue is especially great if you are applying a heavy duty lash like Ardell's double up lashes or thicker lashes like Halloween lashes. So if you're looking for a dark heavy duty lash glue with plenty of staying power, Duo Lash Adhesive Dark Tone is the way to go.

Duo Lash Adhesive Clear

Sometimes you are going to want a clear (or lighter colored) lash glue. Maybe you are doing a clean makeup look without any eyeliner, but still want big lashes. Or perhaps you're creating a look with a bold neon liner and dark tone glue just wouldn't work. This is a great time to reach for the Duo Lash Adhesive Clear. Just follow the same instructions above and be sure to wait for the glue to get tacky before applying.

Duo Dark Brush on Adhesive

I love the applicator that comes with this lash glue! It's so easy. The container is like a liquid liner: you simply unscrew the lid and use the brush to apply the glue to a lash. Apply two to three coats of glue on the lash to be sure you have enough glue to hold on the lash. For the reasons I mentioned above, I prefer the dark tone. This glue is also a lot less messy than the kind that comes in a tube. It's perfect for lightweight lashes. This glue dries faster than the kind in a tube, so you will not have to wait as long before you apply the lashes or test for tackiness, just give it a few seconds and put on the lashes. In fact, this glue dries so fast you might have to apply more. Another bonus, when you remove your lashes this type of glue leaves very little leftover glue on the lashes so it's very easy to use your lashes a few more times. This also comes in clear if that works better for you. If I were only going to buy two lash glues, Duo Dark Brush on Adhesive would be one of them. Revlon sells a similar version. Unfortunately, it just doesn't work well. The glue is not strong enough to hold your lashes on throughout the day. 

I hope these tips help you the next time you are deciding on which lash glue to purchase. Let me know if you have a favorite that I haven't tried yet! Happy gluing.

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Review time: Clinique foundation + mascara plus new Nexxus hair products, Batiste dry shampoo

It's review time for some new Clinique goodies, Nexxus hair products and Batiste dry shampoo. I'm pretty excited about all of these items! I'll get into specifics below.

Wearing Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer in Neutral

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer - Neutral 

I've been on the hunt for a new full coverage foundation for makeup photos, especially since my summer tan is fading--well and let's be honest the tan is pretty much gone. I was using MAC Studio Fix Fluid, which unfortunately was causing my skin to breakout. And we're not talking about a little zit here and there--they were big pimples. Luckily, Nordstrom has an awesome return policy and I started using mineral based makeup for daily use, which along with my Murad cleansers, etc. cleared my skin back up to my normal amount of typically tiny imperfections. I've been interested in trying Clinique's Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer as a different option for full coverage minus the breakouts and I'm happy to report that I love it! It has amazing coverage. I haven't used concealer with this foundation and it's not because I do it on purpose, but I don't need concealer so I forget to use any. I've used it a few times and so far no issues with any extra breakouts. The Clinique line is great for sensitive skin which is why I was hoping my skin would fare better. Since this foundation really does take any redness, etc. out of your face, you'll want to use some bronzer, blush, contour, and/or highlighter to bring dimension back into your face. It's not really a foundation to wear alone on your face. But what it does do is give you a great flawless base to start with! And isn't that kind of what we all want in life, a little flawless?

Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara - Extreme Black

This is the first new mascara that I've tried in a while and the good news continues! This is a great little mascara. My typical favorite is Benefit's They're Real mascara so I'll be comparing the two. Clinique's High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara does not deliver quite as much volume as They're Real. However, what it does do is deliver jet black lashes with absolutely no clumping. (They're Real can get a little clumpy.) The High Impact Extreme Volume doesn't dry out like They're Real during the day. This was a selling point from the sales lady at the Clinique counter after I told her I use They're Real and she's absolutely correct. I also think the mascara is amazing for length even though it supposed to be designed more for volume. I get occasional irritation (i.e. my eyes kind of bug me) when I'm wearing They're Real and that hasn't happened with the High Impact Extreme Volume. Also, I sometimes have trouble getting all of the They're Real mascara off at night and this is not as much of a problem with the High Impact Extreme Volume. Sometimes it's like a little bit of They're Real mascara is glued to the my eyelashes even after I've used makeup remover. Also, the High Impact Extreme Volume is a better price point at $19.50 than They're Real at $24. I would still use They're Real when I really want my lashes to pop because it is an excellent mascara, but I think Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume mascara is a great option for daily wear. I love the way it defines my lashes! And it's nice to options, right? 

Nexxus PROMEND Split End Repairing System

I used the entire line which includes a rebalancing shampoo, restoring conditioner and split end binding leave in creme. I loved the entire system. I am picky when it comes to smells, but this was a winner. I don't know how to describe it exactly, but it was sweet and yummy! I like fruity scents and sweet scents like vanilla.  I'm not a fan or florals or most colognes. I found that my hair looked shiny and healthy after using this line of hair products. And to be clear, my hair doesn't usually look shiny and healthy. I've been growing out my hair for a while and definitely have an issue (on-going relationship) with split ends. I'm really hoping these products help and maybe even prevent split ends. I can report that the system makes my hair look vibrant and healthy. The split end repairing system also has good things like flax seed oil and proteins in it, which I'm fairly certain my hair is in desperate need of. Please note: I received the Nexxus PROMEND products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Batiste Hint of Color Dry Shampoo - dark & deep brown

Obsessed! I am a huge fan of dry shampoo in general. I have oily roots so a quick blast of dry shampoo on my roots that allows me to skip a shampoo is a huge help. Anything to sleep in a little extra, right? We need our beauty sleep. I've tried several drugstore brands of dry shampoo: Dove, Suave and TRESemme. The Batiste Hint of Color Dry Shampoo is by far my favorite! The smell is amazing--nothing too strong, a sweet scent. Also for my brunettes, this blends so much better than the typical dry shampoos that are a light white powder. I purchased at Ulta on sale. It's regularly $8.99--definitely worth it. And super cute packaging to boot.

Are there any great new health & beauty products that you have tried recently? Anything you definitely want to check out?