Audrey Dao » DS Eyes

Maybelline Volum’ Express the Falsies Mascara Review

Audrey Dao — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:10:04 +0000

Maybelline Volum’ Express the Falsies Mascara ($7.49)

Patented Spoon brush and Kera-fiber formula instantly build 8x more volume without clumping.
Unique flexible wand helps to lift and separate lashes to provide the look of 300% more lashes.
Ophthalmologist tested
Contact lens safe

My Thoughts:

This is an okay mascara. It’s not one of Maybelline’s bests. I was able to get long lashes with a bit of volume but not falsies like lashes. For some reason, I was hoping for super thick, long lashes. I didn’t like how the formula was really wet. The wet formula caused my lashes to clump together, but nothing a lash comb can’t cure. It was more of a nuisance. I also didn’t like how difficult it was to remove. No matter how much you soak and rub, traces of the mascara still clings to your lashes. The flexible wand was a bit weird. I haven’t gotten used to it yet so I felt it made applying a little bit more difficult. Volum’ Express the Falsies mascara is not an everyday mascara. It’s more of a night-out-on-town kind of mascara. I would have to say Maybelline Volum’ Express the Falsies Mascara is a high maintenance mascara. If you have time and patience to apply and remove the mascara, it could possibly be a holy grail.

E.L.F. Eyebrow Kit Review

Audrey Dao — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:35:06 +0000

E.L.F. Eyebrow Kit ($3) Create brows that are fuller, thicker, and more defined! The pigmented wax defines and shapes brows and the color complementing setting powder keeps them looking arched and perfected. The doubled sided taklon brush has one side to help arch your brows while the other side aids in filling them in. This duo provides lasting color definition for a naturally beautiful look.

My Thoughts:

I heart E.L.F Eyebrow Kit! Not only is it super cheap, but it performs just as well, possibly better, as high end eyebrow kits. I own all the shades, but I prefer the Ash shade for everyday use. It matches my dark brows very nicely. It also does a great job of filling in and keeping unruly brows in place. I don’t use the brush that comes in the kit because the shortness of the brush makes it difficult to control. I use my own angled brush. I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy the packaging is. It reminds me of the packaging for Nars products. Sleek and sturdy. It also has a mirror which is great for travel and quick touch-ups.

Loreal De-Crease Eye Shadow Base Review

Audrey Dao — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:59:23 +0000

Loreal De-Crease Eye Shadow Base ($8.48) I was hoping for this lower costing eye shadow primer to work because I am tired of shelling out money for high end primers. I am sorry to say that L’Oreal’s De-Creae Eye Shadow Base failed. The primer only helped my eye shadow and eyeliner stay in place for a couple hours. After that I noticed creasing and fading. Besides the lack of staying power, I also noticed after I applied the primer, it dried to a powdery chalky finish. The drying finish accentuated any dry spots I had and made it difficult to apply eyeshadow and eyeliner. Truthfully, I did not notice a difference between using L’Oreal De-Crease Eye Shadow Base and not using a base at all. I wish I saved my $8 and bought something else.

Maybelline XXL Pro 24 HR Bold Mascara Review

Audrey Dao — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:50:17 +0000

Maybelline XXL Pro 24 HR Bold Mascara ($6.49) This mascara is a 2 step mascara. The first step is primer that is black instead of white which I love because you don’t have to worry about the white showing or the black color turning grey. I’m not sure if the mascara can last 24 hours because I have never worn the mascara for that long. Although, it did last all day and night. The best feature of Maybelline XXL Pro 24 HR Bold mascara is that it will give your lashes a lot of volume boost. I found 1 coat is adequate enough for volume. With 2 coats, you will get enough volume to create the look of false eyelashes. However, I did notice a bit of flaking when applying the second coat of mascara. I also found it a bit more difficult to remove the mascara than other mascaras.

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner Review

Audrey Dao — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:33:08 +0000

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner ($7.94) I was so delighted to have found this gel liner. It is waterproof and works well on the waterline. I nabbed the eyeliner in all 4 colors: black, brown, grey, and plum. They all are pigmented and go on creamy smooth. The color lasts all day and doesn’t budge until you remove it. I think it is the perfect replacement for MAC Fluidline. It’s almost half the price (even cheaper during sales!) and comes with a brush! I think this the best drugstore eyeliner and probably one of the best eyeliners on the market. I just wish it came with a tiny bit more product. It’s about the same size as MAC’s Fluidline.

NYX Trio Eyeshadow Review

Audrey Dao — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:33:36 +0000

NYX Trio Eyeshadow ($8) A trio of eye shadow color expertly coordinated for seasonal and on-trend wear. Each set comes with a dual-tipped applicator sponge and mirror so they are a must when you are on the go. The rich pigmentation, silky smooth powder and easy-to-blend formula makes looking gorgeous a breeze!

My Thoughts:

I’m a big fan of NYX shadows so I own quite a number of the trio shadows. I find buying the trio shadows are a better buy than the singles. To read my review on the NYX Eyeshadows click here. I like how the colors are coordinated for you so you don’t have to spend a lot of time trying to decide and pick shades. There are so many different trio shadows to choose from that you will be able to create countless looks.

NYX Single Eyeshadow Review

Audrey Dao — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:06:26 +0000

NYX Single Eyeshadow ($5.50) Richly pigmented eyeshadow in over 160 shades. Soft and silky NYX Single Eyshadows are great on their own or blended for a beautiful prism of colors. This top-selling eye shadow is formulated with the highest minerals for long-lasting wear.

My Thoughts:

I really like NYX Single Eyeshadows. They are so soft and pigmented. I also love the wide range of shades to choose from. The staying power is amazing and is blendable. I think this is an absolute staple and should be in everybody’s makeup collection. I highly recommend getting the black shadow. It is the blackest black shadow ever. I want to say it is better than MAC’s Carbon. These shadows perform just as well as high end shadows, but are only a fraction of the cost. A totally must-have!

Duo Adhesive Review

Audrey Dao — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:33:59 +0000

Duo Adhesive ($6-8 depending on size). I’ve used both the clear and dark tone versions. Both versions work amazingly well. The only difference between the white/clear and the dark tone is that the clear is a white colored glue that dries almost clear. The dark tone is a greyish colored glue that dries almost black. I prefer the dark done if I’m using black eyeliner because it blends with the eyeliner. If I’m using colored eyeliner, I use the white/clear version.

The glue lasts all day and won’t come off until you remove it. The glue becomes tacky very quickly (less than a minute) so you don’t have to wait around waiting for it to dry. My only complaint is that I wish the nozzle to the tube was smaller because if you squeeze too quickly, a giant glob of glue will come oozing out. Duo Adhesive is my choice of eyelash glue.

You can buy Duo Adhesive at drugstores, MAC, and online.

NYX Fabulous Lashes Review

Audrey Dao — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 13:51:48 +0000

NYX Fabulous Lashes ($4.50) NYX Fabulous Lashes comes in 50 different styles ranging from chic everyday glamour to funky colors, glitter and crystal. Top makeup artists and models rely on NYX eyelashes to add glamour to fashion shows, photo shoots and the red carpet. Made from natural hair to high-quality synthethic fibers, NYX lashes are comfortable and safe to wear.

My Thoughts:

I am lovin NYX Fabulous Lashes! They are a tad bit more expensive than my other favorite, Ardell, but I think they are worth it. I love that I can reuse them over and over and they never lose their shape. A great way for me to get my money’s worth. I find the lashes very light, but yet very easy to control. NYX lashes come in so many different styles and lengths that you’re bound to find one that fits your needs. A great buy and highly recommended.

E.L.F Waterproof Eyeliner Pen Review

Audrey Dao — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:09:15 +0000

E.L.F Waterproof Eyeliner Pen ($1) Get no smudge with no-budge eyeliner, which creates a fabulous and fresh look of precision that lasts for hours. The smooth pen applicator easily glides on color for very fine to bold lines for effortless beauty.

My Thoughts:

I’m not a big fan of this liquid liner. I found the application uneven. The pen would dry out in the middle of the application. As a result, I would end up with a fading line. I would have to go over it again to try to even up the pigmentation. I have this in black and I found the color didn’t come out truly black. It was more of a faded, greyish black. To get the color to a be true black, I had to layer it on a few times. I also felt the consistency was a little thin/watery. Maybe that is why it the color isn’t very pigmented. When I removed it, it came off in clumps. It was rather strange. I’ve never experienced this with an eyeliner before. It reminded me of removing mascara with the tubes/fibers. On the positive side, the liquid liner is waterproof as advertised. It did last the whole day for me with very minimal fading. If you want to practice and master the art of applying liquid liner, this liner would be perfect. It will only cost you $1. I personally wouldn’t repurchase this to add to my collection.