MAKEUP DE-CLUTTER WEEK #1 : MASCARA

 

Hey guys!

A few days ago, I asked you on Instagram (if you’re not following me there, you totally should be!) if you’d be interested in seeing a weekly de-clutter series.

The reason behind wanting to de-clutter my collection is essentially the same as anyone else; it’s getting a little out of control, there are old products that have expired, thing I didn’t like and set aside, and things that I’m just plain ‘ol not reaching for at all.

I figured today I would start with one of the larger areas of my collection; MASCARA!

In this series, I’ll walk you through what I’m keeping, what I’m tossing or giving away, and why – however, with things like mascara for example, if I’m not keeping them, they’re going in the trash, for very obvious, sanitary reasons.

So let’s get started!

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 MY MASCARA COLLECTION

 

Ok, ok, I know what you must be thinking; “who the hell needs that much mascara!?”. Fair enough.
And you’re right, I don’t need it all. I’ve had a lot of these for quite some time, and many of them are well past their respective expiration date.
To be honest, this will probably be one of the harder categories for me, as I’ve had a love/hate relationship with most of these – but I narrowed it down and it’s way less than you may think!

WHAT I’M TOSSING

  

 Top Row:

CoverGirl Lash Blast Clump Crusher (one in Brown, one in Black) – basically it’s just old. I love it, but it’s old.
CoverGirl Lash Blast Length (one regular, one waterproof) – again, they’re old. 
ULTA Legendary Lengths Mascara – this was in a ‘gift w. purchase’ bag, but I really didn’t like it.
Maybelline The Mega Plush Volum’ Express Mascara – I can’t stand the brush; it’s flexes, and the bristles are too far apart.
L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara – rather than a million lashes, it looked more like 4 or 5 real clumpy ones; not a fan.
Maybelline The Rocket Volum’ Express (Waterproof) – I bought this to dupe it against a high end brand, and I just really don’t like it at all.
Hard Candy Ginormous Lash Volumizing Mascara – this was pretty good, it’s just old.
Rimmel London Volume Accelerator Mascara – I found this on clearance, and I can’t stand the wand; it’s oddly tapered shape does nothing for me.
Rimmel London Wonderlash Mascara w. Argan Oil – this was actually pretty good; I liked how soft my lashes were. It’s just old and time for it to go.

Bottom Row:

Maybelline One by One Volum’ Express Mascara – this one flaked off of my lashes pretty heavily, so I just set it aside and forgot about it. Buh-bye!
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume – loved it. It got old. That’s all.
CoverGirl Lash Blast Clump Crusher (see above)
Maybelline Illegal Lengths Mascara – something about this one irritated my eyes; fibers maybe? Does it have fibers? Anyway, gone!
Wet N’ Wild MegaLash Clinical Mascara – I actually really liked this; it came as a set with a lash serum, which I’m scraping the bottom of now. It just dried out and it’s old. I can’t keep it.
Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Endless Fibers Mascara – fibers. ‘Nuff said. It’s irritates me.
CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion – my first ever ‘Lash Blast’; I loved it, I recommend it, but it’s old.
CoverGirl Lash Blast Full Lash Bloom – I was back and forth with this one; my lashes were soft, but the brush was really scratchy and hurt my eyes. In any event, it’s old, and time to go.

WHAT I’M KEEPING

  

Left to Right :

Maybelline The Falsies Volum’ Express Mascara – I just love it. I love it.
L’Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara – I’ve literally never loved a lengthening mascara more.
Maybelline The Falsies Flared Volum’ Express Mascara – I actually bought this by mistake when I went to purchase the original ‘The Falsies’ and well…I don’t hate it!
CoverGirl Lash Blast Clump Crusher Extensions – this is fairly new, and I really am enjoying this mascara. I get amazing length and curl as well!
Maybelline Pumped Up! Colossal Volum’ Express Mascara – this is actually a dead tube; but I love it so much and it’s there to remind me to repurchase. It stays put for like, ever!
L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara – in the past, I wasn’t a fan; however lately I’ve been reaching for it more and more, and as long as I wipe off the brush, it’s fantastic!
L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara – I love, love, love this mascara! The primer lengthens and the mascara itself gives you the most beautiful, doll-like lashes ever! Try it!
Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Mascara – this will forever be a staple in my collection. I can’t confirm whether or not it actually makes my lashes grow, but it makes them look long and wispy, and it’s my fave to apply before false lashes because it doesn’t get in the way.
Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara – an oldie, but a goodie. If you’re looking for long, natural looking lashes that mimic expensive extensions, you’ll really like this.
Maybelline The Falsies Volum’ Express Mascara – yeah, I know. It came in a two-pack. What-evs. It’s that good.
L’Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara – “but you said fibers bother your eyes!” Yes. They do. But these stay on my lashes without flaking off, so it works for me. I definitely want to use this more!
Laura Geller Glam Lash Mascara (deluxe sample) – back when I reviewed this, I really wasn’t a fan. But I dropped a bit of saline solution into it, and it’s actually pretty decent! I think I just got an older batch.
Benefit They’re Real! Mascara (deluxe sample) – I actually received this sample for free at ULTA with a tear-out advertisement. It’s ok. I like the length (a little spidery looking though), I hate the brush (it hurts my eyes), and I love how it stays put all day long without budging at all!
Buxom Vanity Lash Mascara w. Big & Bushy Brush (deluxe sample) – this came in the Buxon Objects of Obsession kit (for Sephora VIB members) back around Christmas time and I really like it. I definitely plan to repurchase it when I’m done with the sample. 

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TOSS TOTAL: 18
KEEP TOTAL : 14

Well, guys, I think that’s a pretty successful first de-clutter session! I can’t believe I started with 32 mascaras!! Thirty-freakin’-two! That’s a lot of mascara!

I have to admit though, it’s a liberating feeling! I think that by the time I’m done de-cluttering everything, I’m going to feel pretty damn amazing!

Have you guys ever done a makeup de-clutter? What kind of things did you toss or keep? Have you tried any of these mascaras? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Come follow me around social media!
Twitter, Pinterest & Instagram : @dlynnesposito
Facebook : Affordable Gorgeous
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And feel free to reblog this post and share my social media with your friends! Your support means so much!

LOTS OF LOVE!!

 

FEBRUARY 2016 FAVORITES

Ok, I know February is a short month, but geez! It breezed right by!

I’ve really been trying to incorporate some new or ‘under-loved’ products into my regular routine, because they’re either close to empty and I want to use them up, or they’re ‘rediscovered faves’.

Let’s get started!

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BITE BEAUTY SMASHED AGAVE LIP MASK ($26)

I swear the weather up here in New England has reached a whole new level of crazy. Like ‘Britney Spears when she shaved her head’ crazy. And with that has come parched lips. This lip mask is a God send. So much so that despite it’s $26 price tag, I ordered three of them. One for my vanity, one for my purse, and one as a backup. I know. I’m nuts, right? But it’s that good. It’s got a gorgeous universal red-wine tint, and it’s packed full of high quality ingredients like Lanolin, vanilla extract, natural olive fruit, and jojoba oil. It comes in an un-tinted formula, as well as one thats a rosy champagne-y color, but this sheer red just spoke to me. And it’s freakin’ amazing.

MAYBELLINE FACESTUDIO MASTER CONCEAL ($9)

This is one of those ‘rediscovered favorites’. It kinda got buried in my collection, and recently while I was searching for something to conceal my ‘mommy hasn’t slept in a week’ dark circles, this all but jumped out of the drawer at me. It’s thick and creamy, but blendable, and has amazing coverage. I use the shade ‘Light’ under my eyes, and ‘Fair’ to conceal any blemishes, and it does the job without fail. Because it’s so creamy, though, this is one of those concealers that you must set with a powder, or it will absolutely crease. But it’s awesome.

SALON PERFECT BROW DEFINING KIT ($9)

 

 Since running out of my trusty NYX Micro Brow Pencil, I’ve been filling in my brows with powder, and I’ve been loving it! This kit comes with three brow shades, a highlight shade, an angled brush/spoolie duo, and a wax pencil (which I don’t really use). I find that my brows look more natural than ever, which is great for those minimal makeup days where I don’t want my brows to overtake my face, but I definitely want them filled in. When set with a good brow gel, the color stays put all day! One thing I like to do to ensure it doesn’t fade at all is run a little bit of my eyeshadow primer through my brows, and then fill them in. Those babies aren’t goin’ nowhere!

COVERGIRL LASH BLAST CLUMP CRUSHER EXTENSIONS MASCARA ($8)

 

 I have pretty much every ‘Lash Blast’ mascara out there, and ‘Clump Crusher’ is by far my fave. Until I found this in my local CVS one day. I actually applied it in my truck in the parking lot, with no other makeup on, because I was so excited. And it totally delivered! My lashes were defined, slightly volumized, noticeably longer, and it seemed to even curl them a little as well! My eyes looked wide open and awake, and even though I had no powder under my lower lash line, which guarantees a smudge-fest, it didn’t transfer! It applied easily to both my top and bottom lashes, which is uncommon – I usually have to use a different mascara with a smaller brush for my bottom lashes – and it made them long and gorgeous! I’m in lash heaven!

ARDELL DEMI WISPIES ($10 for 4 pairs) 

 

 I’m not a regular wearer of false lashes – I mean, c’mon, I’m a stay at home mom; I barely put regular clothes on during the week! False lashes are typically a ‘special occasion’ thing for me, but a couple weeks ago I was feeling especially sassy, and decided to throw a pair on, and I find myself wearing them more often than not now! It’s to the point where it’s almost easier to throw on a pair of Demi Wispies than it is to try to achieve a similar look using three different mascaras. And far less time consuming. What I love about these is that while, yes, they can be quite full and glamorous, they also work well for day to day wear, to really enhance the eyes and open them up. They work well with a blown out smokey eye, or how I’ve been wearing them, with a dusting of a neutral matte brown in the crease, and that’s it. With the literally thousands of styles of false lashes on the market, it amazes me how truly versatile one particular style can be! If you’ve been wanting to try false lashes but can’t decide where to start, start with these!

ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR STAY-IN-PLACE POWDER MAKEUP ($40)

 

 Yet another product that seemed to get lost in my ‘black hole’ drawer of pressed powders, I pulled this out recently when I was battling a few blemishes. The reason behind it, and how I have been using it? To spot-set my concealer, and just provide the teeniest bit of extra coverage to particularly angry blemishes. This is also great if you’re someone who doesn’t wear foundation on a regular basis, but gravitate more towards concealer, and want just that touch of coverage and oil control without looking like you have anything on your skin. Basically the way I use it to spot conceal is to apply my regular concealer (or heavy duty, depending on the job) and take a pointed eyeshadow brush, like a pencil brush, and dab it right over the concealed blemish. It helps to set it in place so your concealer doesn’t slide around, even if you aren’t in the mood for a full coverage face. It’s also great with a flat top powder brush to just even out your skin tone. And for the record, because I know it’s a pricey powder, Revlon ColorStay Pressed Powder does essentially the same thing. I just happened to have this floating around, and it’s more than half gone, so I’d like to use it up. I hate waste.

MILANI BAKED BLUSH IN ‘LUMINOSO’ ($8)

Almost everyone here knows about Milani Baked Blush in ‘Luminoso’ – and if you don’t, crawl out from under your rock, run to your nearest CVS, and buy it! All of the Milani Baked Blushes are nice, but most I find to have chunky glitter in. This one though….*le sigh*….not only is it a drugstore dupe for a high end brand, but it’s got this incredibly natural peachy pink glow with the slightest champagne shimmer in it. It’s like having your blush and highlight all in one. It’s like heaven shined down on your cheeks, from a little round, golden compact. This is one of those staples that absolutely everyone needs in their collection, whether you’re a drugstore goddess or high-end hoarder.

BUXOM FULL ON LIP CREAM IN ‘ROSE JULEP’ ($20)

 

 This is a new purchase, which I really struggled with before committing and placing my order, for a few reasons; #1. $20 for a lip gloss? Really? #2. It’s hard to pick a shade online – but thanks to a swatch by Kathleen Lights on YouTube, I took the plunge, and I’m glad I did. I do enjoy Buxom’s lip products; they have a wonderful, refreshing, cool, tingly feel on the lips, which I can’t wait to use during the warm brutally hot summer months. The colors really are gorgeous, this shade in particular being a rosy pink shade that is very close to my own lip shade, so it’s perfect for a minimal makeup day. And they last. They’re sticky, but not uncomfortably so, which helps them stay put, which in turn means you’re not reapplying every hour and zipping through a tube of this stuff in a month.
Really, go buy one. They’re awesome.

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There you have it guys!! What are some of the things you’ve been loving this month? Have you tried any of these? Leave me a comment and let me know! I love to hear from you!

Come follow me around social media!
Twitter, Pinterest & Instagram : @dlynnesposito
Facebook : Affordable Gorgeous
Snapchat : dlynnesposito

And feel free to reblog this post and share my social media with your friends! Your support means so much!

LOTS OF LOVE!!

REVIEW – BUXOM OBJECTS OF OBSESSION 4pc COLLECTION

First off, I hope you all had a wonderful and very merry Christmas! I want to apologize for my absence, I’ve been sick (starting Christmas Eve) and now my son is sick, so finding the time to sit down and write has been challenging. But here I am!

  So while I plan to do a whole ‘What I Got For Christmas’ post in the coming days, one of the things I’m particularly excited about is this – the Buxom Objects of Obsession 4pc Collection for Eyes & Lips. This is a Sephora Beauty Insider item, after you’ve earned 500 points. I got this as a stocking stuffer.

And I love it!

What it is, is a mini mascara, eye liner, lip polish, and lip cream. They’re your standard deluxe sample sized minis, and while I’ve never tried anything from the Buxom brand, so far I must say I’m impressed! I’ll be detailing each product for you, with it’s individual claim and my own thoughts.

So let’s get started!

BUXOM VANITY LASH MASCARA in SHOW-OFF BLACK w/ BIG&BUSHY BRUSH

 

 You guys should know by now, I’m forever on the quest for the perfect mascara. So of course, I was excited to try this one. It claims to be a volumizing formula that contains biotin and B5 to help strengthen lashes while adding loads of volume.

The packaging is super cute! Aside from being tiny, it comes in a shiny gold tube with the Buxom logo and a zebra print on the top. Upon opening, the wand is purple (pretty!) and the brush itself is super fat and densely packed with traditional bristles.

The formula is neither too wet nor too dry, which I appreciate. I’m that girl that purposely tries to dry out her mascara for the perfect consistency – yeah, I know.

So when I applied it, I was incredibly impressed! I had beautifully separated, long, full, super volumized lashes! Basically everything I’ve ever wanted from a mascara! The only downside was that it never really seemed to dry fully, because when I touched my lashes about an hour later, I got some smudges on my finger. Maybe because I was sick and had watery eyes, or maybe it doesn’t dry all the way. I want to try it with a top coat before I totally ‘poo-poo’ it, ya know? I have high hopes. I do.

BUXOM HOLD THE LINE WATERPROOF EYELINER in I’LL BE WAITING

 

 I’m usually not one for pencil style liners. On my eyes, I find them difficult to use. But who am I to not at the very least swatch it? It claims to be a “high-performance waterproof pencil that glides on like a gel and lasts up to 14 hours”.

The packaging itself is your standard, pencil liner (the kind that requires sharpening) with the Buxom logo in silver on the side. Pretty basic, no frills.

The formula is incredibly smooth. I didn’t actually wear it on my eyes (sick, didn’t have the patience for liner, honestly) but I did swatch it on the back of my hand. It glides on just like it says, like a gel. Once I do actually wear it on my eyes, I highly doubt there will be any tugging as with many other pencil liners I’ve tried (and subsequently hated). I left the swatch on all day, and with multiple hand washings and more, it stayed put with VERY minimal fading! Impressive! I may have to rethink my position on pencil liners! Just this once, though…. 😉

BUXOM FULL ON LIP CREAM in KIR ROYALE

 

 Ok, this was something that was right up my alley! I’m always game to try a new lip product! Especially when it claims to be a “tingling, glassy-smooth, shimmer free gloss with a plumping effect”.

The tube itself is cute – it’s a frosted glass tube with a shiny, silver top. And of course, the Buxom logo is stamped on the front in a shiny silver finish.

The formula is super thick. Like goopy thick. But I like that in a gloss. A sticky, thick formula ensures that it will hang around for awhile, and I hate to have to reapply a gloss after an hour or less. I can get a solid 3-4 hours of wear from this before needing to reapply. And it’s definitely tingly – I can imagine these being great formulas for summertime, because they feel very cool and refreshing on the lips. They would feel amazing when it’s hot outside!

I didn’t really notice much plumping, but I also wasn’t really looking for that. The color was what I was really paying attention to. The shade ‘Kir Royale’ is a red/berry shade, a little more on the cool side with definite purple undertones. I expected it to be fully opaque, but was pleasantly surprised at its medium coverage. I don’t usually love a full coverage gloss, I prefer to reserve that for something along the lines of a liquid lipstick. This sheers out enough that you can definitely see the color, but it’s not so overpowering – basically, this is great for a punch of color on the lips, even when you’re not wearing any makeup!

BUXOM FULL-ON LIP POLISH in SOPHIA

 

 This in particular appealed to me because of its shade – a pinky nude shade that looks totally wearable with or without makeup on! This claims as follows – “sheer, shimmering gloss tingles and shines for a pout-plumping effect”.

The packaging is identical in size and shape to the above mentioned product, however this tube is not a frosted glass finish – it’s your basic clear glass tube. Again with the silver top and the Buxom logo printed on the side.

The forumla is identical to the lip cream in that it’s thick and goopy and long wearing. The difference here besides the fact that this is far more sheer, is the shimmer. This contains just enough shimmer to bring an added gleam to the lips, but without looking like chunky, cheap glitter, or feeling rough and gritty (my biggest pet peeve with a shimmering or glittery gloss!). This too has that same cooling effect, and I’ll probably hold onto this shade for summertime (if it makes it to then!).

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So overall, would I purchase any of these in their full sizes? Well, absolutely the lip products, and probably over and over again! They really are lovely, and I could see them quickly becoming staples in my collection, despite their roughly $20 price point.

The mascara is a close runner up, depending on how it performs with maybe a top coat. I hate to have to add an extra step, but I really do love the way my lashes look after using this, so if I can find a way to seal it in without destroying the overall effect, then this too, is a winner!

The eyeliner? I don’t know. The formula is great, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a long wearing pencil liner that goes on smoothly with no tugging. Personally, I’m not a pencil liner kind of girl. Maybe I’ll try smudging it on my lower lash line for a smoky eye….if it proves to work well for that, then maybe I could see myself purchasing the full size.

I would definitely highly recommend these products to anyone, even though they’re from the high end category, I’ve told you before that when I find something really worth it, I’ll splurge. It’s not often, and I’m certainly in no position to run and drop $300 at Sephora on a casual Wednesday afternoon, but from time to time, especially when I get gift cards, I’ll tend to grab a higher end item that has had my eye for awhile.

Did any of you guys get these? Have you tried the full sized products? What are your thoughts? Leave me a comment and let me know!

And please, if you aren’t already, take a moment to go follow me on Twitter and Instagram @dlynnesposito, and give a like to the Affordable Gorgeous page on Facebook (the links are all in the sidebar!), your support means so much!

LOTS OF LOVE!!