Category: Eye Makeup

Eyeliners, Eyebrow Pencils, Eyebrow Waxes, Eyebrow Powders, False Lashes, Fake Lash Glues, Mascaras, Primers, Shadows

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax

Product:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax.  Keep your unruly eyebrow hairs tame in any kind of weather with this affordable pencil that is an exact dupe for a much more expensive product.

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent.

Cost Best: $3.97 (.09 oz.) ($44.11 per ounce)  Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By:  MilaniCosmetics; Walmart; Retailers everywhere.

Container:  Chubby wooden pencil with outer plastic cap

Description:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax is a clear wax pencil that you use either by itself or with tinted brow powder to control eyebrow hairs and keep them neat and in place.

Formula:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax is waterproof, completely clear and is somewhat thick.  It is slightly tacky feeling until it dries.  I usually set this with tinted powder on female clients.  I use it by itself or with translucent powder on male clients.  This is great for taming thick wiry eyebrow hairs on men.

Sensitivity:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax is fragrance and paraben free and is suitable for those with sensitive eyes or contacts.

Company Claims:

“For naturally beautiful brows, tame and sculpt with one sweep of the easy-to-use Brow Shaping Clear Wax Pencil. The transparent shade works well on all hair colors and the non-sticky medium to strong hold formula blends well with other brow beautifiers. This pencil dries to a weightless, matte finish and when it’s time to sharpen your brow-shaping skills, the Duo Sharpener does the trick.”

Discussion:  I have been a fan of clear brow waxes for decades.  The best one I ever found was a retractable pencil by Femme Couture that was discontinued.  I then had to begin my search for an alternative.  The next best thing I found was Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer at $21 each.

Product Dupe:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax is a dupe for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer and performs exactly the same.  I’ve even included the ingredients list for the Anastasia Brow Primer below so you can see just how similar they are.  The key difference in the ingredients occurs near the end.  The Milani product does not contain any parabens and the Anastasia product does.  They look, smell, and feel identical when you use them.  The cap stays on better on the more expensive Anastasia pencil.  Since the Milani pencil costs $17 less, I can live with the cap issue.

Colors:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax only comes in one color, 01 Clear.

Morning Review:  Before applying tinted brow powder, I stroke the Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax in the direction of the hair growth of the eyebrow hairs.  The wax glides on easily and has no odor.  The wax not only keeps the brow hairs in place, but it also serves as a primer and gives the powder something to cling to.  If you are using an eyebrow pencil without powder, then I would put the wax on after the pencil.  The wax can be applied prior to or following other products and it is just as effective either way.

Evening Review:  After many hours, my eyebrows are still neat, in place and there has not been any flaking or fading.

Overall Review:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax is fast, easy, and helps to keep eyebrows looking their best.

Pros:

  • Applies quickly and easily
  • Stays on for many hours
  • Waterproof
  • Removes easily with eye makeup remover
  • Hypoallergenic formula does not cause any irritation
  • Inexpensive

Cons:

  • It is not retractable and needs to be sharpened.
  • The pencil does not fit in regular or oversized sharpeners. You need to use the Milani Duo Sharpener.
  • The outer plastic cap keeps falling off.

Suitability:  Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax is suitable for the following users:

  • All users.  (This is a very good product for men to use as well as women.)

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars = Excellent.

Would Buy Again?  Yes.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax Package

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax Package

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax Tip

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax Tip

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer Tip

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer Tip

Ingredients Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax:  Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Polyisubutene, Cetyl Palmitate, Talc, VP/Hexadecene, Copolymer, Myristyl Lactate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera (Candelilla) Wax, Octyldodecanol, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Propylene Carbonate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract.

Ingredients Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer:  Microcrystalline Wax / Cera Microcristallina, Polyisobutene, Cetyl Palmitate, Talc, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Myristyl Lactate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax / Candelilla Cera, Octyldodecanol, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Propylene Carbonate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer

Product:  IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer.  Have imperfections you need to cover?  Dark circles disappear with this heavy-duty full-coverage concealer.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.75 Stars – Very Good to Excellent.

Cost: $24.00 (.28 oz.) ($85.71 per ounce)  Price Category: Mid-range

Sold By:  IT Cosmetics; QVC; Ulta.

Container:  Plastic squeeze tube, twist-off cap, outer carton.

Description:  Bye Bye Undereye Concealer is an opaque, heavy waterproof concealer.  IT Cosmetics, of TV infomercial fame, is now part of the L’Oreal family.  L’Oreal acquired IT Cosmetics last year for 1.2 billion dollars.  (I guess they intend to sell a lot of concealer.)

Formula:  Bye Bye Undereye Concealer is a thick work-horse type of concealer.  If you like light and airy products, this is not the concealer for you.  If you need to conceal scars, blemishes, dark circles or tattoos, this dense cream might just do the trick.  The formula feels a little tacky so you will want to set this with powder if you are not applying foundation over it.  This does not contain light-diffusing agents.  If you prefer that look, IT also makes this concealer with a pearlescent quality from the addition of Mica, called  Bye Bye Undereye Illumination Anti-Aging Concealer.  I like the Illumination one for fair-skinned brides.

Sensitivity:  Bye Bye Undereye Concealer is fragrance free and is suitable for those with sensitive eyes, skin, or those who wear contacts.

Company Claims:

 “IT’s your 8 hours of sleep in a tube!™ Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer”
“Why You’ll Love IT™…Developed with plastic surgeons, this best-selling, award-winning, cult-favorite waterproof concealer delivers highly pigmented, long-lasting coverage that won’t crease or crack. Infused with high-performance pigments and anti-aging peptides, vitamins, hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, the game-changing formula improves the appearance of wrinkles and effectively conceals the look of skin imperfections including dark circles, bags, redness, hyperpigmentation, broken capillaries, age spots and discoloration. Finally, a multitasking, full-coverage concealer that makes your skin look younger!”

Discussion:  As a makeup artist there is probably no more important item in my kit than concealer.  My clients expect me to make them look better and everyone (except that one Swedish girl) has some sort of issues to conceal.  I have put makeup on thousands of faces and I’ve only seen one that had flawless skin.  I have tried hundreds of concealers, and while I don’t use this one every day, Bye Bye Undereye Concealer is the one I reach for when I need some serious coverage.

Colors:  Bye Bye Undereye Concealer comes in four colors:  Light, Medium, Tan and Deep.  The Deep is probably not dark enough for truly dark-skinned African Americans.  I use the Light on very fair-skinned clients or for brightening.  If necessary, you can mix two colors.  I included some color swatches and a color shade chart below.

Morning Review:  After cleansing, toning and moisturizing and/or priming, apply Bye Bye Undereye Concealer prior to the application of foundation.  A little goes a long way so start with a small drop of product.  If you need more, apply another layer.  It is better to build this up in thin layers than to start with one thick layer.  I apply this with a small concealer brush.  IT Cosmetics make a nice dual-ended brush that works well.  For a beauty bargain, ELF also makes a good inexpensive concealer brush.  A light dusting of a high definition micronized powder will keep this in place until you take it off.

Evening Review:  After many hours, Bye Bye Undereye Concealer does not budge.  It stays on without fading, creasing, or flaking.  As this product is waterproof, you will need a makeup remover to get it off completely.

Overall Review:  IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer works very well and covers most imperfections.  It is highly pigmented and very buildable for additional coverage.

Pros:

  • Thick cream covers well
  • Squeeze tube keeps product sanitary
  • Takes very little product to cover imperfections
  • Waterproof
  • Fragrance-free formula
  • Skin-friendly ingredients

Cons:

  • Slightly tacky finish must be set with powder
  • Some users may have difficulty finding the right shade.
  • This will not reduce the look of undereye bags as the manufacturer claims.
  • I have not seen any evidence that use of this will make you look younger over time. (Darn!)

Suitability:  IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer is suitable for the following users:

  • All users.  (This is a very good product for men to use as well as women.  I use this on male models, actors and performers.)
  • I have also used this on severely wrinkled and aged skin with good results.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.75 Stars = Very Good to Excellent.

Would Buy Again?  Yes.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye ConcealerIT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer BoxIT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer TipIT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer Color SwatchesIT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer Color Chart

Before IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer

Before IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer

After IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer

After IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer

Ingredients:  Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Ozokerite, Phenoxyethanol, Aqua/Water/Eau, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Cholesteryl Nonanoate, Cholesteryl Oleyl Carbonate, Cholesteryl Chloride, Chrysin, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Niacinamide, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Steareth-20. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499).

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Kiss Singles One Time Use Lash Adhesive

Product:  Kiss Singles One Time Use Lash Adhesive.  Keep your flirty fake lashes in place without worries for hours.

Overall Rating Best = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent.

Cost:  $3.50 (.25 fl. oz.) ($14 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By:  KissUSA; RiteAid; Walgreen’s; Walmart; Retailers everywhere.

Container:  12 individual plastic tubes/vials, twist-off replaceable tops.  (You can also get a similar fragrance-free formula from Kiss in a brush-on applicator that comes in a bottle containing .176 ounces under the name Kiss Strip Lash Adhesive.)

Description:  Kiss Singles One Time Use Lash Adhesive is an eyelash glue that comes in tiny vials intended to only be used once and then tossed.  The single-use vials insure that there is never any risk for contamination and the glue stays fresh longer because it is not exposed to air.

Formula:  This is a fairly thin white adhesive that dries clear.  It will take 30-40 seconds to become tacky and adhere.

Sensitivity:  Kiss Singles One Time Use Lash Adhesive is hypoallergenic, latex free, formaldehyde free and is suitable for those with sensitive eyes or contacts.  This does contain fragrance as the last ingredient, but I have not experienced any negative reactions from it and I have not had any reports of sensitivity issues from testers or clients, so the amount contained must be miniscule.

Company Claims:

     “Take it with you! Twist open, flip over and use the individual tube of lash adhesive. Then recap and pop it in your purse in case you need more later on. The tube is pressure sensitive so you control how much glue you use.
    — 12 Single-Use Tubes with Aloe, Dermatologist Tested, Latex-Free, Formaldehyde Free, Contact Lens Friendly”

Discussion:  This month we discussed false eyelashes.  When applying fake lashes, you need an effective adhesive.  The glue is even more important than the brand of eyelash you use.  The best false eyelashes in the world are not going to look good if the glue does not adhere properly or irritates your eyes and turns them red and watery.

What makes a good false eyelash adhesive?

  • Ingredients – The ingredients should not cause any burning or redness.
  • Ease of application – Does it go on easily or make a big goopy mess?
  • Comfortable feel – The glue should not irritate your eyes or make them feel sticky.
  • Inconspicuous appearance – You want to see the lashes, not the glue.
  • Longevity – A good glue should keep your lashes in place for 12-24 hours depending upon your activity.
  • Water resistance — The glue should not be affected by rain or tears.
  • Ease of removal – Does the glue come off easily from the false lashes and from your natural lashes?

Colors:  Kiss Singles One Time Use Lash Adhesive comes in only one color, Clear.

Please Note:  Kiss and other brands make lash glue in black.  If you have sensitive eyes, you may need to stay away from black lash glues.  I cannot wear them and the dye irritates my eyes.  Always perform a patch test on your inner elbow before applying a new product to your eyes.

Morning Review:  After applying other eye makeup I apply false eyelashes with Kiss Singles One Time Use Lash Adhesive.  I like these because they are sterile and I can use a fresh tube for each client.  I apply the glue to the eyelash with a sterile toothpick instead of directly from the tube.  This way I can apply a very thin line of glue to the lash strip.

Once the lash is in place, I touch up the eyeliner if necessary and blend the false lash into the natural lash with Ardell Lash Magic Blending Mascara.

Helpful Tips/Tricks:

Evening Review:  After many hours, the false lashes are still on without any lifting.  The lashes and the glue have not caused any irritation, sensitivity, or redness.

Overall Review:  Kiss Singles One Time Use Lash Adhesive is sanitary, long lasting and does not irritate sensitive eyes.

Pros:

  • Sanitary with no risk for contamination
  • Applies quickly and easily
  • Stays on for many hours
  • Removes easily with eye makeup remover
  • Hypoallergenic formula does not cause any irritation
  • Inexpensive

Cons:

  • The store is always sold out of these and I have a difficult time finding them.

Suitability:  Kiss Singles One Time Use Lash Adhesive is suitable for the following users:

  • All wearers of false eyelashes

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars = Excellent.

Would Buy Again?  Yes.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Kiss Singles One Time Use Lash AdhesiveKiss Singles One Time Use Lash AdhesiveKiss Singles One Time Use Lash AdhesiveKiss Singles One Time Use Lash Adhesive

Kiss Singles One Time Use Lash Adhesive on Kiss Lashes

Kiss Singles One Time Use Lash Adhesive on Kiss Lashes

Kiss Singles One Time Use Lash Adhesive On Kiss Lashes

Kiss Singles One Time Use Lash Adhesive On Kiss Lashes

Ingredients:  Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer, Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance (Parfum).

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Almay 16 Hr Crayon Contour Eyeliner

6 Comments

Product:  Almay 16 Hr Crayon Contour Eyeliner.  This simple beauty staple never lets me down.

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent.

Cost:  $6.74 (.10 oz.) ($67.40 per ounce)  Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By:  Almay; Target; Ulta; Walgreen’s; Walmart; Retailers everywhere.

Container:  Plastic tube, automatic twist-up pencil, built-in sharpener; snap cap.

Description:  Almay 16 Hr Crayon Contour Eyeliner is an automatic retractable eyeliner pencil.  Depending upon your facial cleanser you may or may not need to use an eye makeup remover.

Formula:  This is a semi-creamy formula.  It can be smudged a little.  To avoid smudging for long-term wear, it should be set with powder.

Sensitivity:  Almay 16 Hr Crayon Contour Eyeliner is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and is suitable for those with sensitive eyes or contacts.

Company Claims:

“Define your eyes with beautiful color that lasts up to 16 hours. Water-resistant, long-lasting, smudge-proof formula stays true and stays put. Formulated with vitamin E to nourish and protect your delicate eye area. Built-in sharpener keeps point sharp for precise definition.”

Discussion:  Almay was invented in 1931 when chemist Alfred Woititz began making cosmetics for his wife, Fanny May, who was allergic to makeup.  I have been using Almay products my entire life.  I have severe fragrance allergies and Almay was the first entirely fragrance-free cosmetics line.  For many years this was the only brand of eye makeup I could wear.

An eyeliner pencil may seem like a boring product, but if someone told me I could only have one makeup product for the rest of my life, it would be an eyeliner pencil.  With a brown eyeliner pencil I could define my eyebrows, line my eyes and even add color to my lips.

Colors:  Almay 16 Hr Crayon Contour Eyeliner comes in three matte colors: Black, Black/Brown, and Brown.  There are four additional pearlescent colors that are sold under the name Almay Intense i-Color Eyeliner.  Those colors are: Purple Amethyst, Brown Topaz, Black Pearl and Raisin Quartz.  (Try a black on the upper lashes and a color on the lowers.)

Please Note:  If you have hypersensitive eyes, you may need to stay away from the Almay Intense i-Color Eyeliner in the colors Purple Amethyst or Raisin Quartz as they contain Carmine and some people are sensitive to Carmine.  (I have worn both of these colors with no ill effects and Carmine does not bother me at all, but there are reports of sensitivity to these two colors by some users.)

Morning Review:  I apply pencil eyeliner after curling lashes, primer and before any other eye makeup.  The Almay 16 Hr Crayon Contour Eyeliner is a retractable pencil so you just twist up what you need.  Unlike some pencils that cannot be twisted back down, this one can.  The pencil is a medium to thick diameter so if you want a thinner line you will need to use the little pull-out sharpener that is in the bottom of the pencil.

As far as the formula goes, the pencil is semi-creamy and glides on easily without tugging.  This is a good eyeliner for a classic everyday look.  I use this eyeliner on the upper lash line as well as the lower lash line.  If you are going for a heavy smoky, smudged look, you can layer with this pencil.  If you are going for an extreme winged cat-eye look, this will not make fine lines at the corner and you will get better results with a marker or gel eyeliner.  I also prefer a waterproof gel for tightlining or using on the waterline.

Helpful Tips/Tricks:

  • Do not twist the pencil up too far when you sharpen it or you will break it.
  • To avoid smudging, always set your pencil eyeliner with a powdered eye shadow in the same color as the eyeliner. This is especially important if you have oily skin.

Evening Review:  Almay 16 Hr Crayon Contour Eyeliner stays on well.  After many hours there was no smudging.  This did not come off with my regular facial cleanser, but it did come off easily with eye makeup remover or my makeup wipes.

Overall Review:  Almay 16 Hr Crayon Contour Eyeliner is easy to use, long lasting and does not irritate my hypersensitive eyes.

Pros:

  • Deep rich color
  • Applies quickly and easily
  • Stays on for many hours without smudging
  • Does not require a separate sharpener
  • Hypoallergenic formula does not cause any irritation
  • Readily available at local retailers
  • Inexpensive

Cons:

  • Sometimes the outer cap cracks (I have had this happen twice recently.)

Suitability:  Almay 16 Hr Crayon Contour Eyeliner is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars = Excellent.

Would Buy Again?  Yes, definitely.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Almay 16 Hr Crayon Contour EyelinerAlmay 16 Hr Crayon Contour Eyeliner

Almay 16 Hr Crayon Contour Eyeliner Sharpener

Almay 16 Hr Crayon Contour Eyeliner Sharpener

Almay 16 Hr Crayon Contour Eyeliner Swatch

Almay 16 Hr Crayon Contour Eyeliner Classic Everyday Look

Almay 16 Hr Crayon Contour Eyeliner Classic Everyday Look

Ingredients:  Cyclomethicone, Synthetic Beeswax, Arachidyl Behenate, Microcrystalline Wax, Quaternium-18 Hectorite, Mineral Oil, Propylene Carbonate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Ultramarines, Chromium Oxide Greens, Ferric Ferrocyanide, Aluminum Powder, Bismuth Oxychloride, Bronze Powder, Carmine, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Copper Powder, Manganese Violet, Zinc Oxide.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara

Product:  Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara.  Lancôme mascaras have a cult following but I don’t know why anyone buys this one more than once.

Overall Rating = 2+ stars2.13 Stars – Just Okay.

Cost:  $25.50 (.25 fl. oz.) ($102 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By:  Lancôme USA; Dillard’s; Nordstrom; Sephora; Ulta; Major department stores everywhere.

Container:  Plastic tube with twist-off tapered S-shaped wand, outer carton.

Description:  Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara is a deep black water-based mascara.  You do not need to use an eye makeup remover with this mascara.

Formula:  This is a medium-wet, thick, creamy, fiber-free formula.  It is water resistant, not waterproof.

Sensitivity:  Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara is fragrance-free and I have not experienced any sensitivity issues personally or had any reported from testers or clients.  I have not used this on very many clients.  This is suitable those who wear contacts or have sensitive eyes.

Company Claims:

“Get instant lash drama in a single coat, no clumping or flaking.

  • Intense black pigments
  • Triple coating system delivers a fluid and creamy application to quickly and easily build big, battable lashes that won’t clump or flake throughout the day.

Benefits

  • Unique, oversized brush provides full contact with lashes for ultimate volume
  • Delivers maximum lash coating with immediate load gives lashes instant volume
  • Fluid, creamy gliding formula evenly coats lashes from root to tip for buildable volume
  • Promises intense, deep color
  • Fragrance-Free. Ophthalmologist Tested. Allergy Tested. Safe for contact lens wearers.

Technology

  • New oversized S-shaped curve full contact Convex Brush
  • Texturizing Complex formula with highly saturated waxes
  • Triple Coating System enriched with Pro Vitamin B5
  • Deep Carbon Black Pigments”

Discussion:  I had to laugh.  I recently read a review for Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara.  The reviewer said, “I’ve tried a lot of mascaras in my lifetime (seven) and this one is my favorite.”  Really?  Seven in your lifetime?  I’ve tried more than seven in one day.  I’ve tried several hundred in my lifetime.  I would like to know what the other six were that led her to believe this one was good.

Lancôme’s primary marketing claims for Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara is that it does not clump.  I beg to differ.  I found this to be one of the worst clumping mascaras I have ever used.

Colors:  Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Full Body Volume Mascara comes in one color, Excessive Black.

Morning Review:  I tried this on its own and by putting it on top of Lancôme Cils Booster mascara primer.  With or without primer, it clumped.

My first impression of Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara is that I don’t like the brush that is on the wand.  The brush is oversized, thick and S-shaped.  It feels awkward to use.  The shape doesn’t correspond to the shape of your eye and doesn’t make sense to me.  The wand would only be appropriate for those with very large eyes.  It won’t work well at all for those with small or deep-set eyes and it is terrible for lower or under lashes.

There was a lot of excess formula on the tip, so I had to wipe off quite a bit on the rubber collar before working on the lower lashes.  (See photo of collar below)

As far as the formula goes, the mascara is a nice deep jet-black color and it does an excellent job of coating the lashes and adding volume with just one coat.  It also does a terrific job of clumping them together.  I had to work quite a bit to comb through the lashes to get the clumps out.  Once I worked on them, they looked good but it did require quite a bit of effort.

On a separate day I tried the mascara with a completely different dry mascara wand and it worked much better.  The problem with this mascara is not so much with the formula but with the delivery system and the wand.  The tube applies too much product to the weird wand.

Evening Review:  Lancôme Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara stays on well.  After many hours there was no flaking or smudging of the mascara.  It came off easily with regular facial cleanser.

Overall Review:  Lancôme Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara is not the worst mascara I have ever used, but it certainly is not among the best, either.  The formula itself does have good staying power if you have the patience to remove the clumps to get it looking good.  I would definitely use a different wand and not the one supplied with the mascara.  Since I only use disposable wands on clients, the wand is not an issue for me professionally.  Overall, this one just fell short for me and there are many others that produce better results.

Pros:

  • Makes thin lashes look considerably thicker
  • Stays on well without flaking
  • Color is a nice deep black
  • Comes off easily without the need for eye makeup remover

Cons:

  • Tube applies too much mascara to the wand
  • Wand is too large
  • Wand shape is awkward to use
  • Clumping occurs if you use the supplied wand.
  • Price

Suitability:  Lancôme Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara is suitable for the following users:

  • All users (if you don’t mind working with it or using a separate wand)

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Evening Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 2+ stars2.5 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 2+ stars2.13 Stars = Just Okay.

Would Buy Again?  No, I would not buy this one again.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume MascaraLancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume MascaraLancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara Package

Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara Wand Close Up

Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara Wand Close Up

Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara Collar Close Up

Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara Formula Swatch

Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara Formula Swatch

Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara Clumps

Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara Clumps

Ingredients:  AQUA / WATER / EAU, PARAFFIN, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, CERA ALBA / BEESWAX / CIRE DABEILLE, CERA CARNAUBA / CARNAUBA WAX / CIRE DE CARNAUBA, ACACIA SENEGAL / ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, CETYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERIN, PEG/PPG-17/18 DIMETHICONE, STEARETH-20, SIMETHICONE, SODIUM POLYMETHACRYLATE, PHENETHYL ALCOHOL, DISODIUM EDTA, HYDROGENATED JOJOBA OIL, HYDROGENATED PALM OIL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, PANTHENOL, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, PHENOXYETHANOL, [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR, CI 77266 / BLACK 2, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES]

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Lancôme Cils Booster Mascara Base

Product:  Lancôme Cils Booster XL Base de Mascara Super-Enhancing Mascara Base.  If you weren’t born with long, full, luscious eyelashes, a lash primer can definitely amp up the volume and make the most of what you have.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good.

Cost:  $25.50 (.18 fl. oz.) ($141.67 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By:  Lancôme USA; Dillard’s; Nordstrom; Sephora; Ulta; Major Dept. stores everywhere.

Container:  Plastic tube with twist-off tapered wand, outer carton.

Description:  Lancôme Cils Booster XL Base de Mascara Super-Enhancing Mascara Base is a primer that is intended to be worn as a base coat under mascara.  As this is white in color, it cannot be worn by itself without looking very strange.

I would not describe this as a wet formula.  It is more of a medium-dry formula.  It has almost no scent other than a faint polymer smell.

Sensitivity:  Lancôme Cils Booster is fragrance-free and I have never experienced any sensitivity issues personally or from clients/testers.  This is suitable those who wear contacts or have sensitive eyes.

Company Claims:  “Give your lashes an XL boost. With just one sweep, this innovative mascara primer glides on and evenly coats and smoothes your lashes to maximize the results of your favorite Lancôme mascara. The magic behind this mascara base is the conditioning formula—featuring micro-fibers and Vitamin E—to add extra length and thickness to your lashes for added visible performance to your mascara.”

Benefits

  • Lengthens and thickens lashes without clumping
  • Maximizes the results of your favorite Lancôme mascara
  • Protects and conditions lashes
  • Smoothes eyelashes by coating them thinly and evenly—emphasizing even the shortest lashes
  • Intensifies color of your favorite mascara

Technology

  • Micro-Fibers
  • D-Panthénol and Vitamin E
  • Triangular, thin-shaped brush
  • Provides a white base for mascara to cover

Discussion:  Mascara primers serve a few purposes:

  • Coat the lashes to increase the diameter making them appear thicker
  • Provide ingredients that promote the health of the eyelashes
  • Act as a first coat of mascara thereby allowing for use of less mascara

Colors:  Lancôme Cils Booster comes in one color, white.

Morning Review:  Before applying mascara, coat both the upper and lower lashes thoroughly with a light coat of Lancôme Cils Booster.

Lancôme Cils Booster definitely makes lashes look thicker.  I would say the emphasis is more on thickness than length.  The company says the product contains micro fibers.  These are not like the thick fibers that you see in lash-extension type mascaras that can flake off and get into your eyes.  I did not actually see any fibers anywhere in the formula even when I inspected it with a magnifying glass.

Helpful Tips:

If you read reviews for this product you may find the information confusing, as some people say to apply mascara on top of the Lancôme Cils Booster while it is still wet, and others say to wait until the primer is dry.  Here are my thoughts:

  • If you apply your mascara on top of Lancôme Cils Booster while it is still wet and you use the wand that comes with your tube of mascara, you have just contaminated your mascara by getting wet primer on the wand. As soon as you put the wand back into the tube of mascara containing wet primer, your mascara will not perform the same and the mascara will produce terrible clumps.
  • When you remove the Lancôme Cils Booster wand from the tube, scrape some of the primer back into the tube so the brush won’t be too full of product.
  • Apply the Lancôme Cils Booster to one eye at a time as it dries quickly.
  • A light coat will work better than a thick coat.
  • After applying the primer brush through the lashes with a dry wand to remove clumps before applying mascara.
  • By the time you have finished with the second eye, the first eye is dry.
  • If you find that your mascara is clumping worse on top of the primer, it is because you are using too much primer.
  • If you are having trouble completely covering the white primer and some of it is still showing, first apply a light coat of mascara, then the Lancôme Cils Booster and finally another coat of mascara. By “sandwiching” the primer with mascara you will eliminate the potential for any graying or white showing through.

Evening Review:  Lancôme Cils Booster makes lashes look considerably thicker and makes mascara perform better.  After many hours there is no flaking or smudging of the mascara.  You can use Lancôme Cils Booster under any brand of mascara even though Lancôme would prefer that you use this over a Lancôme mascara.

Overall Review:  Lancôme Cils Booster Base de Mascara Super-Enhancing Mascara Base performs very well and provides excellent results for making the most of thin or sparse eyelashes.

Pros:

  • Makes thin lashes look considerably thicker.
  • Makes mascara go further as you use less mascara.
  • Primer gives mascara something to bind to.

Cons:

  • The tip of the wand is too bulky for my taste; I would prefer a narrower, more tapered tip for greater control and ease of use on the lower lashes. (I like the wand that comes with Clinique Lash Building Primer.)
  • Price

Suitability:  Lancôme Cils Booster is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars = Very Good.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Lancôme Cils BoosterLancôme Cils Booster PackageLancôme Cils Booster Wand and SwatchLashes Without Mascara or Lancôme Cils BoosterLashes With Lancôme Cils Booster By ItselfLashes With Mascara By ItselfLashes With Mascara over Lancôme Cils Booster

Lancôme Cils Booster Before After

Ingredients:  AQUA / WATER / EAU, ORYZA SATIVA CERA / RICE BRAN WAX, COPERNICIA CERIFERA CERA / CARNAUBA WAX / CIRE DE CARNAUBA, CERA ALBA / BEESWAX / CIRE DABEILLE, STEARIC ACID, CANDELILLA CERA / CANDELILLA WAX / CIRE DE CANDELILLA, TRIETHANOLAMINE, PALMITIC ACID, ACACIA SENEGAL / ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, PANTHENOL, PEG/PPG-17/18 DIMETHICONE, SODIUM POLYMETHACRYLATE, MYRISTIC ACID, RAYON, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, POLYCAPROLACTONE, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

ELF Makeup Remover Pen

Product:  ELF Makeup Remover Pen.  If your makeup is always perfect and you never make mistakes, you don’t need this.  If you are among the other 99% of people (including me), this little pen is a stroke of genius.

Overall Rating = 4.25 Stars – Excellent

Cost:  $3.00 each (.12 fl. oz.) ($25 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Dirt Cheap

Sold By:  Elf Cosmetics; Ulta; Walgreen’s; Walmart; Retailers everywhere.

Container:  Plastic pen with snap-on cap, outer carton.

Description:  ELF Makeup Remover Pen is exactly what it sounds like.  This is a pen that looks like a marker only instead of containing ink, it contains makeup remover.

Sensitivity:  ELF Makeup Remover Pen is fragrance-free and neither I, nor my clients/testers, have experienced any sensitivities.  I have used this for several years without any problems.

Company Claims:  “Mascara smears? Uneven eyeliner? Quickly remove or correct small makeup smudges, smears and mistakes without having to take off the rest of your makeup! The gentle and non-greasy formula erases even long wearing and waterproof makeup for flawless touch ups, perfect for throwing in your purse or gym bag when you’re on-the-go! Infused with Vitamin E, Cucumber and Chamomile to moisturize and condition skin.”

Discussion:  ELF, also known as e.l.f. (which stands for eyes, lips, face), is a readily-available, very inexpensive makeup brand.  Some of their products rival much higher-end brands at surprisingly affordable prices.

What do you do when you have a makeup slip?  Grab a cotton swab with some makeup remover?  That will work, but it may remove too much makeup, leave cotton fibers on your face, or make matters worse.  ELF Makeup Remover Pen with its pointed tip will take off a tiny error without disturbing the rest of your makeup, which is a much better solution.

As a makeup professional, I don’t make a lot of blatant errors, but I occasionally have a line that I would like to be more precise, or a client blinks at the wrong time and this pen solves a myriad of issues.

Colors:  ELF Makeup Remover Pen  comes in one color, clear.

Daily Review:  If there is an area on your makeup that needs a precision fix such as a mascara dot, winged eyeliner edge or lipliner mistake, just swipe the tip and clean your mistake.  It dries quickly, doesn’t leave an oily residue, and you can go over it with makeup if you need to.

Helpful Tips:

  • ELF Makeup Remover Pen only works when the tip is clean, so be sure and wipe off the tip with an alcohol pad and clean it after each use.
  • If you don’t clean the tip and use it dirty, instead of removing a makeup error, it will smudge.
  • Once the tip can no longer be cleaned, pull it out and flip it to the other side to get double use out of it.

Overall Review:  ELF Makeup Remover Pen is a handy little tool that is effective and is very easy to use.

Pros:

  • Offers quick fixes
  • Small size for handbag or beauty kit
  • Good for travel with no potential leaking issues
  • Great value

Cons:

  • None

Suitability:  ELF Makeup Remover Pen is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 5 stars5 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4.25 Stars = Excellent.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

ELF Makeup Remover PenELF Makeup Remover Pen BoxELF Makeup Remover Pen Box Reverse

ELF Makpeup Remover Pen Ti

ELF Makeup Remover Pen Tip

ELF Makeup Remover Pen Tip Removed

ELF Makeup Remover Pen Tip Removed

Ingredients:  Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclohexasiloxane, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate (Ve), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract,Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow

Product:  L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow.  If you like pearly or iridescent eye shadows, you may fall in love with some of these long-lasting colors.

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent

Cost:  $7.95 each (.12 oz.) ($66.25 per ounce)  Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By:  LorealParisUSA; Walgreen’s; Walmart; Retailers everywhere.

Container:  Plastic jar with twist-off lid, inner press.

Description:  L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow is a highly-pigmented waterproof powdered eye shadow with a nice silky cream-to-powder finish.  The shadows do not come with any type of applicator.  You will need a separate eye makeup remover to completely take this off.

Sensitivity:  L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow is a fragrance-free product and is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

I have never experienced any sensitivities from using this eye shadow and I have not had any complaints from clients or testers.

Company Claims:

“Velvety Formula. Fadeproof. Waterproof.”

For the first time ever, L’Oréal Paris introduces an ultra-intense eye shadow that lasts from day until dawn—a full 24 hours. This revolutionary formula fuses the ease of a powder with the velvety caress of a cream to create a unique hybrid that glides on effortlessly. And with its unique technology, your eyes are enhanced with pure, magnified pigment. Make a lasting impression without batting an eye.

  • Intense maximized color
  • Luxurious powder-cream texture
  • 24-hour long-lasting hold
  • Waterproof, crease resistant, fade resistant.”

Discussion:  I used to love glittery, pearly eye shadows.  I still do, but alas as I’ve gotten older, they don’t look as good on me as they once did.  However, most of my clients are young models, brides, and performers and bold eye shadows are still a necessity for the looks I create for them.  L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow is a very good product that allows me to create professional looks that hold up under the rigors of hot lights, long hours and demanding conditions.  I once did a peacock look with these and it turned out amazing.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow was introduced to the market five years ago.  I tried one when they first came out and was very impressed with the quality.  A few of the colors are a staple in my professional makeup kit.  These are kind of a hybrid between a M-A-C loose pigment and a standard pressed eye shadow.

Please note:  L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow comes with a little plastic press that is on top of the product.  When you open the jar, you will see there is a tiny handle on top.  Set the press aside on a clean paper towel while you use the eye shadow, but do NOT discard the press.  This will keep the eye shadow from drying out and will also help to keep the eye shadow intact.

Colors:  L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow currently comes in 24 colors.  Sadly, most of the matte colors have been discontinued.  The only semi-matte color that remains in the lineup is Sultry Smoke.  There are a few colors that I like to use on brides for romantic or sultry looks.  These four colors are:

  • Iced Latte (Pearlescent Ivory)
  • Silver Sky (Shimmery Silver)
  • Glistening Garnet (Deep Pearlescent Rose)
  • Sultry Smoke (Medium Grey with Slight Sheen)

Product Dupe:  If you are a fan of the MAC loose pigment in the color Tan, the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow in the color Amber Rush, looks and performs exactly the same.  This is a beautiful rose gold-type of color.  It looks stunning on anyone with warm blonde, auburn, or warm brown hair and a warm skin tone.

Morning Review:  The texture of L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow is very soft and creamy and it applies easily.  I like to use a soft brush with this eye shadow.  It is best to start with a very light layer of this eye shadow and add additional light layers if you desire greater intensity.  If you apply too much at once it won’t blend nearly as well.

Helpful Tips:

  • If you have oily eyelids or you need your eye shadows to stay on for more than eight hours, I suggest using a base or a primer under powdered eye shadows.
  • Also, if you spray your eye shadow brush with something like MAC Fix or even water, it will help to prevent fallout and add to the staying power of your eye shadow. (This means to get the brush damp, not soaking wet.)  Do not put water or any liquid directly into the pot of eye shadow.

Evening Review:  After eight hours the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadows have not faded, creased, or flaked and still look good without the need for any touch ups.

Overall Review:  L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow offers professional results and is very easy to use.

Pros:

  • Professional quality
  • Highly pigmented
  • Good texture
  • Easy to blend and mix colors
  • Great staying power
  • Nice selection of colors
  • Readily available
  • Reasonably priced

Cons:

  • Need more matte colors

Suitability:  L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars = Excellent.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Glistening Garnet

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Glistening Garnet

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Glistening Garnet Package

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Glistening Garnet

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Glistening Garnet

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Glistening Garnet

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Iced Latte

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Iced Latte

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Iced Latte

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Iced Latte

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Sultry Smoke

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Sultry Smoke

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Silver Sky

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Silver Sky

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Color Chart

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Color Chart

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Amber Rush MAC Tan Dupe

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadow Amber Rush MAC Tan Dupe

Ingredients: CYCLOHEXASILOXANE • ISODODECANE • TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE • NYLON-611/DIMETHICONE COPOLYMER • HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER • CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE • CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE • SILICA • CAPRYLYL GLYCOL • SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE • TALC • POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE • LAUROYL LYSINE • TIN OXIDE • ALUMINA • POLYURETHANE-11 • [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR: MICA • CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE • CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES • CI 77510 / FERRIC FERROCYANIDE • CI 77000 / ALUMINUM POWDER • CI 75470 / CARMINE • CI 77007 / ULTRAMARINES • CI 77288 / CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS • CI 77289 / CHROMIUM HYDROXIDE GREEN • CI 77742 / MANGANESE VIOLET • CI 77947 / ZINC OXIDE • CI 77510 / FERRIC AMMONIUM FERROCYANIDE • CI 42090 / BLUE 1 LAKE • CI 19140 / YELLOW 5 LAKE].

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil

Product: Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil.  When only the best will do, you can’t beat this luxury brand.

Overall Rating = 4.25 Stars – Excellent Plus

Cost: $29 for .003 oz. ($9666.67 per ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By: Dior; Dillard’s; Nordstrom; Sephora; Major department stores everywhere.

Container: Plastic outer housing, snap-on cap, retractable pencil, outer carton.

Description: Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil is a very slim retractable water-resistant eyebrow pencil that allows you to simulate actual hairs with the extra-small tip.  There is a built-in spoolie brush on one end and this pencil never needs to be sharpened.  Depending upon your facial cleanser you may or may not need an eye makeup remover to completely get this off.

Sensitivity:  Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil is a fragrance-free product suitable for those with sensitive eyes or contact lenses.  I have never experienced any sensitivity issues personally and I have never had any complaints from clients or testers.

Company Claims:  “This ultra-fine retractable pencil naturally fills in brows and helps shape with precision.  Brush brows upwards to widen the eyes, then apply with light pencil strokes to fill in brows. Blend with the brush.”

Discussion:  If you ask most American women the first brand of makeup they used as a young girl, the response is usually something like Max Factor, Maybelline or Revlon.  The first makeup I ever bought and used was Christian Dior (as it used to be known).  I spent a lot of time in Europe in my late teens and twenties and Dior was common there.  This is, and always has been, one of my favorite lines of eye makeup.  Yes, Dior is expensive, but you can’t beat the quality of most of their products.  I’m not a huge fan of their skin care line as I stay away from anything that contains fragrance.

I have been discussing eyebrows quite a bit this month because they continue to be such an important trend.  There are so many options when it comes to eyebrow products that it can be daunting to find the right combination of products to achieve natural-looking eyebrows.

A lot of women draw their eyebrows on with their eyeliner pencil.  I do not advise doing this as an eyebrow pencil is very different from an eyeliner pencil.  An eyeliner pencil should be soft enough so as to go on smoothly and not tug on the delicate skin of the eyelid.  That same soft pencil will smudge terribly if used as an eyebrow pencil.  The formula for a good eyebrow pencil should be much dryer and firmer feeling than an eyeliner pencil for better staying power.

What makes a good eyebrow pencil?

  • Natural looking colors that aren’t too red or orange
  • Ease of application
  • No smudging
  • Good staying power
  • Waterproof or very water resistant
  • Nice thin point for control

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil meets all of my qualifications.

Colors:  Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil comes in three colors:  001 Universal Brown; 002 Universal Dark Brown; and 011 Light Brown.  I use 001 Universal Brown the most.  Universal brown is a cool medium brown.  Blondes should go with Light Brown and those with naturally black eyebrows or dark skin should go with Universal Dark Brown. 

Morning Review:  Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil is step one in my eyebrow application when I don’t want to use a marker.  If I’m in a hurry and only have time for one quick step, this is the pencil I use.

The beauty of this pencil is that the diameter of the lead (so to speak) is so tiny that you can actually simulate individual brow hairs for a completely natural look, if you have the patience to draw them on.  Very few eyebrow products offer this much control.  It will look the best if you use lots of tiny short strokes.

If I have time, I will set this pencil and the eyebrow hairs with a gel to keep the brow hairs neat and flat.

Evening Review:  After twelve hours the Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil was still on and did not smudge, fade, flake or cause any irritation issues to my dry skin or sensitive eyes.  My testers with normal skin and oily skin had similar results.  It did come off with my makeup wipes at the end of the day.

Overall Review:  Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil is probably the best eyebrow pencil I have ever used.  Yes, it is a splurge in terms of cost, but sometimes the cost can be justified by the results and this is one of those items that produces impressive results.  Sadly, this is too expensive for me to use on most clients on a daily basis.  When I find a less expensive dupe, I’ll update this post and let you know.

Pros:

  • Fine tip allows for precision application
  • Professional results
  • Colors are excellent and don’t look red or orange
  • Water resistant
  • Stays on extremely well without smudging
  • For sale at many US retailers

Cons:

  • Price
  • No professional discount program
  • I wish it came in a refillable package.

Users:  Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 5 stars5 Stars;

Evening Rating = 5 stars5 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 5 stars5 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4.25 Stars = Excellent Plus.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Ingredients: Talc, stearic acid, rhussuccedanea fruit wax, hydrogenated castor oil, cera alba (bees-wax), cera mictrocristallina (micro-crystalline wax), paraffinum liquidum (mineral oil), hydrogenated coconut oil, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated palm oil. Mica, tin oxide, Cl 19140 (yellow 5, yellow 5 lake), Cl 42090 (blue 1 lake), Cl 75470 (carmine), Cl 77000 (aluminum powder), Cl 77002 (aluminum hydroxide), Cl 77007 (ultramarines), Cl 77163 (bismuth oxychloride), Cl 77288 (chromium oxide greens), Cl 77289 (chromium hydroxide greens), Cl 77491, Cl 77492, Cl 77499 (iron oxides), Cl 77510 (ferric ferrocyanide, ferric ammonium ferrocyanide), Cl 77742 (manganese violet), Cl 77891 (titanium dioxide).

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil Tip

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil Tip

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil Spoolie

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil Spoolie

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil Tester Eyebrow Before

Tester Eyebrow Before

Tester After Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil

Tester Eyebrow After Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil (Makeup by Tester, not L A Rose)

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner

Product:  Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner.  If you tend to cry a lot, this eyeliner might be great for you!  (If you’re skilled with eyeliner, you probably won’t love the brush.)

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.75 Stars – Very Good

Cost: $3.99 for .17 fl. oz. ($23.47 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By: Wet N Wild Beauty; Walgreen’s; Wal-mart; Retailers everywhere.

Container: Plastic bottle with twist-off cap and felt-tip wand, outer carton.

Description: Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner is a very long-lasting liquid eyeliner formula.  The attached applicator is a felt-tip brush, just like the kind in the marker-type eyeliners.  You will need an eye makeup remover to completely get this off.

Sensitivity:  Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner is a fragrance-free product suitable for those with sensitive eyes or contact lenses.  I have never experienced any sensitivity issues personally and I have never had any complaints from clients or testers.

Company Claims:  “Cue the waterworks! This liner provides lasting definition that won’t let you down. It’s waterproof, smudge-proof, and super long-lasting. Use the precise applicator brush to create everything from subtle fine lines to bold dramatic looks.

  • Long-lasting waterproof formula
  • Won’t skip, smudge, or streak”

Discussion:  Wet N Wild is a very inexpensive brand that is readily available at most retail outlets.  Their line has expanded and the quality of their products has improved quite a bit in recent years.

I have always been a huge fan of the cat-eye and winged eyeliner looks and liquid eyeliner is the best formula for that.  I’m constantly buying eyeliners in search of the perfect formula.  I’m also on a quest to try and find an inexpensive one that performs well that I can buy in bulk for each client.

What qualities do I look for in a liquid eyeliner?

  • Nice deep color saturation
  • Ease of application
  • No streaking
  • Good staying power
  • Waterproof or very water resistant
  • No flaking
  • Small flexible applicator that provides good control

This one meets some of my qualifications, but not all.

Colors:  Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner comes in two colors:  879-Black and 880-Dark Brown.  I have not used the Dark Brown.  The Black is a very deep, heavily-pigmented jet black.

Please note:  The packaging has recently changed from a black bottle with a silver applicator to an all-black color scheme and the following colors have been discontinued:  881-Ultra Black; 882-Black Brown; 883-Smoky; and 884-Expresso.  If you see the older colors for sale, check the expiration date as they are old stock, and may not perform as well.  The product I’m reviewing is color 881 which has now been discontinued.

Morning Review:  I always apply liquid eyeliner after primer and shadows and before lashes.  I use liquid eyeliner on the upper eyelids, only, never the lower.  I also do not use liquid eyeliner for tightlining.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the bottle was just how much product was on the brush.  (I’m calling this a brush even though it is technically a felt tip.)  There was way too much product to allow for any kind of control.  I had to wipe quite a bit off on the collar before applying it.  Also, the formula looked very wet and shiny, so I did not think I was going to like it at all as I don’t like eyeliners that dry with a sheen.  The next thing I noticed was how firm the felt tip was.  It is very stiff with no flexibility.  I could not make this eyeliner look good with the attached brush as it made the line too thick.  I then tried it with my own eyeliner brush and was quite impressed at how evenly it went on.  It took a full 90 seconds for it to dry completely.  Once dry, the finish was a beautiful rich matte finish.

Evening Review:  After twelve hours the Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner was still on and did not smudge, fade, flake or cause any irritation issues to my dry skin or sensitive eyes.  My tester with oily skin said it lasted about eight hours on her before it started to fade and smudge a little.  The products did not come off with cleanser and I had to use an eye makeup remover intended for waterproof products.

Overall Review:  Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner is a very good eyeliner formula with a terrible applicator.  This is not such a bad thing for personal use, but I would not buy this one again, as I need something that comes with a good usable applicator for my clients.  If I need to have a stack of separate eyeliner brushes, that defeats the purpose for me.  If you wear a very thick line on your upper lids you may like the applicator.

Pros:

  • Very deep black color
  • Waterproof
  • Stays on extremely well
  • Very Inexpensive
  • For sale at most US retailers

Cons:

  • The rubber liner on the bottle doesn’t clean off the wand part very well so you get too much extra product on it.
  • I have to use a separate brush for application or it gets messy looking.
  • It takes a while for it to dry down completely so you have to be careful not to move your eyes too much or it will transfer to your eyelid.
  • Need more colors available

Users:  Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 3 stars4 Stars for formula – 1 Star for brush = 3 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.75 Stars = Very Good.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner Current Bottle

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner Current Bottle

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner Current Package

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner Current Package

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner Former Bottle and Package

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner Former Bottle and Package

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner On Eye

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner On Eye

Ingredients:  Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer , C11-12 Isoparaffin, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, C8-9 Isoparaffin, Trihydroxystearin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Black 2/CI 77266.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.