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What to Know About Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer

January 18, 2017 · 2 Comments

Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer

Want tips on how to use the Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer? Look no further, here are our best tips, tricks and hacks. With a little practice, this tricky Primer will be giving you lush, bat-worthy lashes in no time!

URBAN DECAY SUBVERSION LASH PRIMER: WHAT IT DOES

A lash primer gives both some bulk to individual lashes and serves as a base coat, so mascara lasts longer and looks fresher with less fallout during the day.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Similar in construction and design to a regular mascara, the primer wand has lots of product on it when pulled out of the tube. It is opaque white in color. It is something like a thickened “White-Out” or “Liquid Paper,” but not as sticky or runny as an Elmer’s Glue-like consistency.

I initially didn’t expect it to bode well but thought better of it after some practice. It gives a full, fluttery lash without looking fake.

Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer gives lusher lashes

Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer is a base coat for lusher lashes

BEST USAGE TIPS

My best tip is to clean the brush wand off as much as you can before application to the lashes.

I use a disposable wand and dip it in the primer only once, and that may still need to be cleaned off by brushing the rows and tip of the dipped wand with a second clean wand to get the excess and clumps off.

APPLICATION:

Brush it on very thinly, straight from root to tip, NOT in a zig-zag horizontal motion like mascara, because lashes will lose definition and clump together.

Next, brush through the lashes with a dedicated clean spoolie, dry wand or a mascara fan brush to remove clumps and unevenness to the primer layer, because there are plenty of clumps, even if you are careful in applying. Don’t skip this step.

Get this primer coat as clean as possible. And take your time doing it. Let it dry.

Apply your mascara.

NOTE: At the risk of “Mascara heresy,” if you normally do 2-3 coats of mascara, you may wish to stop at one thin coat, at least on the bottom lashes. Assess between coats if you, in fact, need more mascara than one coat, because the primer makes lashes quite lush with very little mascara product.

CAUTIONS:
1) Since the primer is an opaque white, the lashes are left white. Make sure to coat each lash and not miss any, and check that your lashes are coated root to tip, and on the sides, as the primer shows through any uncoated areas and it looks like weird white spots on the lashes if a spot is missed.

2) Make sure to keep the cap on tight; it dries out faster than mascara.

3) If the product is too dry or too clumpy, put the closed tube in a mug of hot water to soften it, but only leave it in the water for less than two minutes, so it does not get too runny. This is a last resort trick to get a few more uses out of the primer.

4) Invest in cheap disposable mascara wands to apply the primer since the wand that comes with the primer gets pretty gunky fairly quickly.

SUMMARY

Urban Decay Perversion Primer gives the appearance of thicker lashes as well as providing a nice base to keep mascara looking fresh and lasting longer.

But it must be applied carefully and takes some practice; it is not for a quick flick of mascara before you head out the door kind of mascara application. But it does make lash look very lush.

My mascara lasts longer, looks fresher with fewer flakes during the day. It takes less mascara to get a thick, lush, fluttery lash. Once I got the hang of it, it’s worth the extra step to make lashes extra bat-worthy.

Find it at Urbandecay.com

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: Cosmetics
Tagged: base coat, how to, Mascara, UD, urban decay, urban decay subversion lash primer

How to get smooth feet: UTILYZE Electronic Foot File

January 17, 2017 · 2 Comments

There are many callus removal and rough foot skin treatments including salon treatments, chemical concoctions, and even garra rufa, a fish pedicure where fish eat the dead skin off the feet! But smooth, callus-free feet are easily achieved at home with the right tool. We like the Utilyze Electronic Foot File, a powerful, rechargeable device for quickly and easily getting soft, callus-free feet with smooth, flake-free heels.

Utilize Electronic Foot File

Utilize Electronic Foot File

 

SPRING’S ALMOST HERE: TURN FANGLY FEET INTO PRETTY PIGGIES NOW
In winter, it’s easy to hide less-than-glamourous rough and dry feet in warm, thick socks and forgiving, snuggly boots. But as of this writing, spring is only two months away, and foot-flaunting open-back shoes and sandals come with it. And if a vacation to a warm weather locale is in your immediate future, getting your feet smooth and callus-free is a priority.

Utilize Electronic Foot File

Utilize Electronic Foot File

 

TESTING THE UTILYZE ELECTRONIC FOOT FILE

I charged the device for eight hours before use; it plugs in by the included USB port charger. Once the light turns green, it is ready for use. I went to work on my callus and cringe-worthy dry heels.

I am frequently barefoot at home and have calluses on the outer side of my big toes. I tend to procrastinate on removing these calluses because it’s tediously time-consuming filing away with sanding file sticks or pumices, and the results are often just okay despite filing until my arm gets too tired. But the removal process is simple with the Utilyze Electronic Foot File. I used the File two ways by doing one big toe callus completely dry and the other big toe callus after soaking my foot to soften the callus. Both worked very well.

 

Utilize Electronic Foot File

Utilize Electronic Foot File

 

Some things I especially appreciated:

1) POWERFUL: Utilyze Electronic Foot File is a very powerful callus remover, but if you press the roller too hard to the skin, the motor stops. I like this feature so that the skin itself does not get damaged and there is no burning sensation from overuse.
2) EASY GRIP: It is very easy to grip and to use, my hand and arm do not get tired when using it.
3) FAST RESULTS: It is much quicker than using a manual file or pumice with far superior results
4) SAFETY: It is safer and more sanitary than other means of callus removal such as razors or grinders that cut the skin. It is CE international safety standards approved.
5) COMFORTABLE TO USE: It doesn’t feel hot to the touch during use, and it isn’t painful or uncomfortable to remove the dead skin.
6) EASY TO USE: With a manual sander or pumice stone, I used a lot of “elbow grease” to get the job done. But this device just requires a light, gentle glide over the skin. There is no need to rub or scrub, press or push the roller into the skin; the device does all the work.
7) LONG-LASTING CHARGE: So far the one charge has lasted through a few sessions and has retained the same level of power.

 

Utilize Electronic Foot File

Utilize Electronic Foot File

 

RESULTS:

Utilyze Electronic Foot File made quick work of smoothing my heels; that happened quickly in a few minutes. The callus removal I did in two sessions, using the fine roller. Not being familiar with the device at first, I didn’t know if the skin could use a rest, but it probably could’ve been done in one session. So far, the calluses have not returned, and my feet stay smooth after a very quick treatment. I also lightly glided it over the soles of my feet and toes to remove general dead skin.

The results were better than I got from the decadent foot soak and pedicure treatment that came with a full spa day of beauty pampering at a very expensive salon. As relaxing as a spa foot treatment can be, I prefer having my own filing device to eliminate any risk of infection.

I was also surprised at *how* much dead skin exfoliated so quickly into a fine powdery dust, so make sure to use the device somewhere it is easy to clean up afterward or drape a towel, drape cloth or old newspapers under your feet.

Utilize Electronic Foot File

Utilize Electronic Foot File

 

BOX CONTENTS:
The device comes boxed with the rechargeable file itself, instructions, a USB port charger, one fine roller and two coarse rollers, a roller cover cap, and a cleaning brush. The color choices are red or black.

Replacement rollers are available at Amazon when they eventually need to be replaced, but they are pretty solid and clean up well.

 

Utilize Electronic Foot File

Utilize Electronic Foot File

 

CONSTRUCTION:
The device is well constructed with sturdy materials; it is suitable for professional use. There are no loose or shoddy parts. I like that it’s rechargeable so that it is a sealed device instead of requiring batteries. It comes with a three-year warranty program.

It is easy to switch out the roller heads by pressing the button on the side which releases the current roller.

 

Utilize Electronic Foot File

Utilize Electronic Foot File

CLEANING THE DEVICE:
There is a small brush included in the kit to remove any dry skin dust debris from small crevices, and the roller quickly washed off under a running faucet.

CONCLUSION:
The Utilyze Electronic Foot File is a very powerful callus remover, suitable for men and women that gets the job done!

It is an easy, enjoyable beauty treatment that provides instant gratification of smooth, softer foot skin. It smoothes tough callused feet to as soft as silk.

Unlike hand-held foot files, The Utilyze Electronic Foot File gives very effective results and leaves my feet soft enough to ensure against snagging expensive hosiery or trouser socks. It also leaves feet smooth enough to go bare foot or wear strappy sandals. Better results than I got at the spa!

Find the Utilyze Electronic Foot File at https://www.amazon.com/UTILYZE-Rechargeable-Electronic-Pedicure-Turbo-Boost/dp/B00QXHH5Z2/.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2APaJosz6tY[/embedyt]

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: Body, Gadgets, Gym Beauty Bag, How to..., Skincare, Spa Economy
Tagged: Feet, How to get smooth feet, How to get smooth feet: UTILIZE Electronic Foot File, Skin

How to Look Wide Awake with MAC Eyeshadow in Yogurt

January 6, 2017 · 12 Comments

REVIEW: MAC COSMETICS EYESHADOW IN YOGURT, MAC Yogurt Eyeshadow

This MAC yogurt eyeshadow is a matte shell pink that gives a bright wide awake look. Read our experience and possible MAC shadow dupes.


How to LOOK WIDE AWAKE WITH MAC COSMETICS EYESHADOW IN YOGURT

SUMMARY: A brightening, go-to neutral base that is prettier than beige and taupe shadow bases, MAC Eyeshadow in the shade Yogurt gives a wide awake look to the eye and cancels out lid darkness. Does not appear pink upon application.

USE MAC COSMETICS EYESHADOW IN YOGURT TO BRIGHTEN TIRED EYES

USE MAC COSMETICS EYESHADOW IN YOGURT TO BRIGHTEN TIRED EYES

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT MAC COSMETICS EYESHADOW IN YOGURT

QUICKLY LOOK WIDE AWAKE: THE POWER OF SHELL PINK
If you look tired because you are 1) indeed tired or 2) due to dark circles/eyelids, pale pink eye products can brighten up the eye and make you appear wide awake.

This concept works with a shell pink based concealer, rimming the waterline with a shimmery pink pencil. Shell pink also works wonders lifting the eye with browbone highlighter like Benefit High Brow Eyebrow Highlighter, and of course, shell pink as an eyeshadow.

IN SEARCH OF THE RIGHT PALE SHELL PINK EYESHADOW
Finding a good pale shell pink can be a challenge. The wrong shade of pink can make eyes look puffy and irritated. Some pinks look too “Katy Perry/Barbie Doll” for situations you are expected to be adulting, like job interviews and other non-sparkly occasions. And some pale pink shadows are specifically geared towards tired eyes but are very chalky and too pale. So we were elated to find the very blendable MAC shadow shade Yogurt, it is a go-to product for looking wide awake in no time.

ABOUT MAC COSMETICS EYESHADOW IN YOGURT

COLOR: MAC Yogurt is a matte soft pink, no sheen or shift. It is blue based but not lavender or lilac. A prettier and more flattering neutral than a beige, taupe or brown, it very useful for pale skin tones with darkness around the eye.

TEXTURE: Blendable and not chalky, but with a few caveats:

  • Be cautious when applying over a shadow primer or foundation that your base is dry. Otherwise, it can make this shade look cakey, depending on your eyeshadow brush.
  • Apply sparingly; this does not require multiple layers, one layer does it. Be especially sparing on the inner corners of the eye, this is the only area I found I had some creasing sometimes.
  • I’ve used my Beauty Blender to smooth and buff out this shadow on my lid for a sheer finish.

I do however find MAC’s Yogurt to be the least cakey or chalky and the most natural looking of the pale pink shadow bases geared towards giving a wide-awake eye look.

FINISH: Matte and clean, fairly blendable. No shimmer, not cakey. Not glittery or Barbie-like, this is an elegant pink, soft and subtle. The pinkness is not detectable as pink once applied, it seems just like a neutral base.

FALLOUT: I did not get any fallout with use, it wore all day over an eyeshadow primer or foundation.

MAC Yogurt Eyeshadow Uses

  • A highlight on the brow, but I use it for an all over the lid up to the browbone base.
  • For a quick eye look, I use this and just something for definition above my brow crease, maybe even a quick swipe of my blush. It is a basic neutral that compliments most colors.
  • If you have undereye circles and dark lids, this cancels the darkness nicely without using lots of heavy (cakey and aging) concealing product.
  • As it is matte, it is suitable for daytime (read work/office) use and as a base for a full range of eye looks, ranging from simple to flashy.
  • Useful for deep set eyes to bring them forward without using a glitter or shimmery shade around the eye.
  • For a no fuss/no-makeup look where you still want to look wide awake.

SIMILAR PRODUCTS OR DUPES to MAC Yogurt Eyeshadow

MAC Yogurt Eyeshadow is a more blendable, less chalky dupe of TRISH MCEVOY Deluxe Eye Shadow in Shell, but warmer and more natural in tone.

MAC Yogurt is matte, Estee Lauder ‘Pure Color Envy’ Defining Wet/Dry Eyeshadow in Cheeky Pink has shimmer and is a more coppery-peach of a pink.

MAC Vapour Eyeshadow is similar but has less pigment and is shimmery.

MAC Beautiful Iris Eyeshadow has similar intensity but is a violet lilac hue

WHO WEARS IT BEST:

Best suited for those who wish to make the eye look brighter, rested and wide awake.

WHERE TO BUY MAC COSMETICS Yogurt Eyeshadow

MAC Yogurt eyeshadow is just $6 if you buy the pan refill, $16 in the pot.

Find it at MacCosmetics.com.

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: Cosmetics
Tagged: Eyeshadow, how to look less tired, how to look wide awake, mac, MAC COSMETICS, MAC Eyeshadow, MAC eyeshadow Yogurt, product review, shell pink

What to Know MAC ZOOM LASH Mascara

January 5, 2017 · 8 Comments

MAC Cosmetics ZOOM LASH Mascara

SUMMARY: MAC ZOOM Lash is a volumizing mascara that sells for $18 for the full size and ZOOM Lash little MAC for $10, an airport-friendly, purse and travel size mini.

About ZOOM LASH Mascara

LOOK: Defining and Lengthening. Makes lashes pop without looking like fake lashes, could skip bottom eyeliner entirely and eyes/lashes will still appear defined.

WEAR: Without a cream or liquid foundation, I got about 5 hours of no fallout or smudges. With cream foundation, it lasted closer to 4.5 hours.

ZOOM LASH MASCARA DETAILS:

FEATURES: LENGTHENING,  DEFINING

COLOR: I got Zoom Black. The mini Zoom Lash mascara also comes in the shades beet, blue, green, plum, and gray.

WHAT MAKES MAC ZOOM LASH MASCARA SPECIAL?

The BRUSH. This is one of the selling points of the ZOOM LASH mascara, a special three-sided fiber brush geared towards lash separation, and the brush gets close to the lashline, so there is no tell-tale bare lash root and mascara starting line. The brush does exactly what it promises and gets right in close to the lash root. It looks like a regular brush, but it is not.

Examining the brush, you’ll notice a spiral binding like a coil at the base, it holds bristles snugly and makes deeper valleys between the bristled rows which allows the brush to get into spaces other brushes and mascara wands cannot.

MAC ZOOM LASH mascara brush features

MAC ZOOM LASH mascara brush features

THE PERFECT DREAM MASCARA WOULD…

The ideal mascara to me is both lengthening and volumizing, SO dark black, and to stay fresh without fall out. I prefer a thin consistency with no clumps but with major lash payout. Is that too much to ask? Sometimes. Here is how MAC ZOOM LASH stacked up:

PUTTING MAC ZOOM LASH TO THE TEST

IS IT DIFFICULT TO APPLY?
It is very easy; there is a quality versatile wand brush

IS IT SLOW OR FAST DRYING?
Dries quickly, especially for a strong statement mascara. There is no need to try to prevent yourself from blinking, so that you don’t smudge

CLUMPS/FLAKES: Light clumping upon application, easy to comb out with a mascara wand or lash comb. No clumping when applied with a mascara fan wand. MAC Cosmetics makes a good one. (Read more about the MAC Mascara fan brush in our recent recommendation review.)

IS THERE FLAKES AND FALLOUT? RACOON EYES?
After about five hours, it seemed to wear off somewhat and not look crisp, but I did not have raccoon eyes, it just sort of faded away without leaving large flakes on my undereye.

DOES IT HOLD AN EYELASH CURLER CURL AFTER APPLICATION?
Somewhat, I had some drooping of my lashes even after just one coat of ZOOM LASH, but not as much droop as other heavy hitters such as Benefit BadGal, Diorshow, Scandal Queen Fairy Drops or Fiberwig. The mascara does not feel heavy on the eye like some mascaras can.

BEST USE
Best used for shorter events such as having a photo taken or briefer encounters (i.e. meeting someone for coffee) to give major lash that is defined yet wispy

CONCLUSION

A solid mascara choice, especially if you favor using non-black mascara colors for a primary or secondary coat. Lashes are defined and separated for about 5 hours, but it does not last the full work or school day without a mid-day touch-up, and it requires a touch-up to complete re-do for going out after work. But a saving grace is that it is a buildable mascara that doesn’t get clumpy with multiple coats, so you don’t have to remove it, you can just reapply, and you won’t get mid-day raccoon eyes. So if touchups don’t bother you, MAC ZOOM LASH Mascara could be a good choice for full, long, defined lashes.

Find Mac Cosmetics Zoom Lash Mascara at MacCosmetics.com

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: Cosmetics
Tagged: beauty, defining, Eye Makeup, mac, MAC COSMETICS, Makeup, Mascara, review

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