2014 Empties Part IV

I would call this the makeup empties post, but it only consists of foundation-type products, bases, mascaras and lip balm. I didn't use up an eyeshadow or blush in 2014, but I wasn't really expecting to. Onward!

I'm fairly pleased that I finished not one, but two foundations in 2014: the Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup in 110 Ivory (which I loved except for the lid) and the Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF42 PA+++ in #13, which I loved so much and tried to get every last drop out that I busted the seal between the squeeze tube and the dispenser. Don't believe me? Look below. I figured at that point that I could open my back up tube as it had gotten super messy and a bit unhygienic.

I also finished the Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil in CIA which I love which also thoroughly destroyed the last uses of my favorite ever pencil sharpener by DuWop, which of course, they don't make anymore. The pencil is so short, that I can't actually take the lid off, so you'll have to take my word for it!

In the more general makeup department, I finished a Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray in the infamous dermstore gwp packaging (4oz) and a small size of Philosophy Purity (1oz) which I use to clean my brushes. Speaking of which, I'll be keeping the small little bottle for travel (and I also keep one by my sink when I use my beauty blender).

In the eye department, I used up what I think is the last of my old packaged Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potions (or at least I hope so, as they are probably bad by now anyway) and a small sample of the Pixi Eye Bright Primer which I found worked as well as the UD, though I didn't find the brightening effect as significant as one would to warrant purchasing one over the other.

I also finished two mascara: Revlon 3D Volume in Black (Waterproof) which I don't recall being remarkable in anyway and the Lash Food Conditioning Drama Mascara* which I loved, but haven't purchased mostly due to the price point (was a PR sample).

Last but not least, I finished 2 lipbalms, which is fairly low for me. Blistex Simple & Sensitive which I never reviewed but is very nice (and cheap!) and I would definitely repurchase once I got through some of my stash and The Body Shop Vitamin E lip care stick which I know and have memorized the name of even though the writing has wiped off as it's my husband's favorite from The Body Shop - though sometimes, I grab myself a stick - or steal one of his.

So there you have it, the 2nd to last empties from 2014. In the effort of decluttering and destashing and generally getting rid of things I don't use, I have recently put quite a bit of my too big (for me) clothing on a site called Poshmark. I had been consigning quite a bit, but this gives a better percentage (80% versus 50 or less) and you reach a much larger audience. Anyway, most of my "closet" as they say, is in the size 14-18 range, but I also have a few pieces that just aren't my thing. Take a look if you're interested and I follow everyone that follows me back. It's kind of fun, if not thoroughly addictive like most online social media-esque sites. I'm there under the same name: jeweledthumb.

Review: LashFood Conditioning Drama Mascara

I never thought this review would ever happen. I find it horrible writing lukewarm reviews. If I don't absolutely love something or absolutely hate something, the review writing can be a bit of a chore. I've had the Lash Food Conditioning Drama Mascara for a few months now. When I first tried it, I didn't love it, nor did I hate it and I didn't review it. I don't know whether the mascara itself has grown on me recently or whether letting the mascara dry out a bit brought on this new found love for this product. Either way, I thought I'd share my thoughts with you.

If you didn't already know, I have stick straight yet long lashes. It's a bit of a curse really because most mascaras out there don't hold a curl well. This is one of very few mascaras out there where I don't need to curl my lashes before I apply it and the lift stays for several hours.

This picture was taken on hour 7 after being out and about and all I did was apply the mascara, no curler. Usually by this point, it no longer looks like I ever curled my lashes.

I have some criticism for the product; first, the brush is massive and makes it very easy to dot mascara on your eyelids; second, it costs $20 and I don't notice any additional lash growth as the line promises. And one item that is a plus and a minus; this stuff stays on, through allergy eye tearing and also is impossible to remove (but that's what you get when you wear long-wearing products). I'm happy that it doesn't irritate my eyes, it doesn't flake or smear, it contains decent ingredients, the tube has a nice weight to it, and it's made in the USA. Honestly, I'd consider purchasing this with my own funds (this was a press sample).

I was looking up the price just now and noticed that Bloom is currently running a deal on the LashFood line. If you buy the LashFood Nano-Peptide Natural Eyelash Conditioner (reviewed here), you can get the LashFood Conditioning Drama Mascara FREE with purchase using code LASHFOOD.

So I've become surprisingly impressed with this product and have been reaching for it a lot over the other mascaras that I have currently open.

Disclosure: Received this for review purposes. Also referral link.

Review: LashFood® Nano-Peptide Natural Eyelash Conditioner

Apologies in advanced for the multiple Bloom Ambassador posting in a row. You are going to get another one tomorrow but it includes a self-deprecating photo of me with a thick mask on so it should be worth your while.

I was recently sent a few products from the Lash Food line, new to Bloom, to try. If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you should know that I have naturally full and thick lashes, my issue is that they are heavy and point down naturally and don't hold a curl. I know many people are getting annoyed but seriously, I may as well not have lashes at all since you can't see them.

Lash Food retails for $80, which is cheaper than some and more expensive than other lash growth serums. It's marketed as a natural eyelash conditioner and is free of parabens, gluten, prostaglandins and is dermatologist tested and approved.

I liked that this doesn't burn if you happen to get it in the eyes (very easy with these types of products). I also didn't get irritation around the eye area. I had less lashes fall out over the course of the month that I used this product but no additional growth.

For me, these types of products simply aren't worth the money, though I buy them occasionally. If you are looking for a lash serum for sensitive eyes or skin and were thinking of one of the more expensive versions, I'd consider this and if you buy through Bloom, they have a very generous return policy. 

Disclosure: I received this item for review as part of the Bloom Ambassador program and this is my honest opinion.