Revitalash for Lashes that Reach New Heights

It is no secret that long, lush lashes are always a beauty "do." When asked what beauty item they can't live without, women will most likely answer with a makeup staple that rhymes with canberra. Lash extensions are on the rise, and falsies are every woman's going out staple. Clearly, having full lashes is kind of a big deal.

If you knew you could enhance your lashes naturally, you would jump on that wagon, right? Well folks, my second foray into the world of lash serums has led me (and as a result, you) to Revitalash. Thoroughly pleased with the volume I gained using Marini Lash, I sought to increase the length of my now-fuller fringe. Revitalash promised to do just that, and then some.

It applies the same as other lash enhancers, in that you paint a thin layer onto the base of the lashline every night before bed. Take care not to get it into your eyes, as it might cause irritation. It takes a commitment of at least 5 weeks, but the results are so completely worth it.

I started using this on Monday, August 31st. Here are the results from present day. Pictures don't lie, and here is the before and after:

Group shot of both eyes:


I am really stunned by the results. Having been using this every single day for 6 weeks, I was a bit discouraged at the supposed lack of results. It wasn't until plucking my eyebrows and nearly plucking out an eyelash along with it that I stopped to really take a look at the results. While the Marini Lash contributed to the thickness and density of my lashes, Revitalash helped my lashes reach ridiculous new lengths. Color me incredibly impressed!

It is also worth mentioning that Revitalash supports Breast Cancer research. "Athena Cosmetics, Inc. has donated $10,000 to support forward-looking research projects, including the Tumor Vaccine Group at the University of Washington. This contribution makes the latest in the company’s on-going commitment to fight Breast Cancer."

If you are looking for a significant increase in lash length with a product that supports a great cause, look no further than Revitalash, available at the Plaza Beauty by Warren Tricomi.

Soap and Paper Factory

Our post begins with a tragic story:

Once upon a time, my mother had an original, gilded bottle of Must de Cartier II. She loved that perfume, and treasured it among her collection of scents.
One day, along came the big, bad, monster of destruction that decided the perfume would make a fine accompaniment to my mother's bedding. He proceeded to play with the pretty bottle, and spill it all over my parent's bed.

It goes without saying that my mother was devastated, and the little one (above, my older nephew, who is currently 17) got a sharp scolding.

Where am I going with all of this? First off, let it be warning not to trust a little boy around expensive bottles of perfume, no matter how adorably harmless said little boy looks. Two, liquid perfumes are very fragile, and therefore definitely not travel friendly. Soap and Paper Factory has the perfect alternative to the liquid scent, in it's ultra portable, all-natural solid perfume collection.

Soap and Paper Factory is a brand with nature in mind. Each solid fragrance is blended with pure jojoba and beeswax, in an adorable mini container a go-go. Rounding out the list of pluses, these fragrances are free of parabens, phthalates, and petrochemicals. You can rest assured that when you dab some on key pulse points, you are actually doing your body good.

Orange Blossom is a crisp, deep floral with citrus notes, Green Tea is a subtle citrus with slight floral hints, and Rosewood is an earthy citrus. These scents are perfect for mixing, creating a plethora of scent combinations. It deserves mentioning that you may have to reapply with these scents, as a lack of preservatives gives them slightly less lasting power than your traditional parfums. Not a big deal in the long run, since these are so portable that stashing them in your bag isn't a problem.

Of the three scents that I have, Rosewood has definitely become my favorite. A little bit citrus, a tiny bit earthy, this scent really revs my engines, and has become a purse staple.

I highly recommend Soap and Paper Factory, as it is the perfect melding of convenience and quality. Perfect for travel, and completely lil'-monster proof, these perfumes go the distance. They are available at Plaza Beauty by Warren Tricomi.

Regally Gorgeous- Smashbox Reign Collection Review and Swatches

I first told you about the Smashbox Reign Collection a few weeks back when it launched. With visions of Jonathan Rhys Meyer's Henry VIII swirling through my brain, I dreamed of creating my very own Tudor-esque vixen using the gorgeous fall color palette that Reign offers.

The look Smashbox is trying to capture with this amazing collection is full of opulence, sophistication, and elegance with a hint of something smoky and dangerous just beneath the surface. Duality is also a huge theme, as most of the products have shimmer/matte and light/dark components. I love versatility, and this collection has that in volumes.

Behold, the Smashbox Reign Collection. Too pretty not to ogle, with lush leather like packaging emblazoned with the Reign logo. ;)

Best way to go about this is to give you a play-by play, so here we go!

Jet Set Liner Palette.
I love love love Smashbox's Jet-Set, a creamy gel liner that glides on, and lasts forever-ever. It stands to be mentioned that the formula of jet set is a bit dryer than standard issue gel liner, making it more opaque and less prone to skipping (much like my beloved Make Up For Ever Cream liners).
The packaging is pure genius, with two pots divided in half. Dark and matte colors (basic black and brown) are on one side, with the metallic shimmers (gold and bronze) on the other. Each dual pot of liner has a snap-shut plastic lid to keep air out, and the kit comes with an adorable mini angled brush to boot!


Reign Fusion Blush
As summer draws to a close (boooo), I find myself wanting to prolong the effects of a warm bronze glow well into the winter and fall. Reign is a soft peachy nude, with an ingenius grid aspect that allows you to have either matte or shimmer finishes. I personally love to contour with the matte shade, and highlight with the shimmers.

Doubletake Lip Color in Amaretto and Currant
Another ingenius idea from the folks at Smashbox, Doubletake is a dual sided lip pencil that has a lip liner pencil on one side, and a super creamy lipcolor on the other. Amaretto is a warm caramel shade that goes on smooth and lasts all day. Currant is a rich Bordeaux that just may be my new favorite color for fall/winter.

Eyeshadow Palette in Monarch-
Monarch is a delightfully neutral palette that is perfect to take you from day into night. The palette itself has a trio of shimmery shades with solid matte, matching centers.

Crowned Lipgloss
Smashbox lipglosses are super slick, rich, and luxurious. Crowned is a stunning peachy pink that applies with a doe foot applicator. It makes a gorgeous nude lip!

Now you know this post wouldn't be complete without my swatches, so here we go:

L-R: T: Jet Set Palette shades in black, brown, gold, and bronze
B: Amaretto Doubletake (liner on top, lipstick on bottom), Fusion Blush Matte/F.B Shimmer

Amaretto on the Lips:
Currant:
L-R, T to B: Shadow Palette in Monarch, Jet Set Palette, Lip Pencil, Blush
No Flash:
Flash:
That my friends is the Smashbox Reign Collection in a nutshell. I am absolutely ga-ga for the shades, and range of products and textures. Inquiring minds want to know, will you be hauling Reign?

Reign is available online at Smashbox.com, at Sephora, and at the Plaza Beauty by Warren Tricomi.