Beauty, Charm & Style

I went to a high school that was all girls, and I wasn’t trying to impress anyone when I went to my Academy.  Most mornings I wore no makeup, pulled up my hair, dressed in a skirt that hadn’t been washed in 3 or perhaps 4 weeks and let’s just say, wearing stockings and knee-highs didn’t encourage much leg shaving during the winter months.  When I was at school, I was there to learn, to allow my mind to grow and to become an independent thinking, scholarly woman.

And this worked, till you put BOYS in the mix.  Released into the real world where I was to be around BOYS was heaven for this boy crazy young lady. They didn’t even need to be attractive, tall, intelligent or good looking.  They just had to be BOYS.

And this is where my mom comes in with her wonderful makeup tips and tricks.  Having not really worn makeup to school, ever, my beauty pageant mother got stuck with a daughter who wined about wearing even the slightest but of makeup, be it lip stick, mascara or blush.  I would say, “I want a boy to like me for me.”  To which she would retort, “You have to have some honey, if you want to attract the bees.”

Then she would tackle me to the ground and apply mascara.

But years later, I appreciate her initiation into the world of facial enhancement.  And as a result, I never leave the house without mascara.  But recently, as I learn more and more about the chemicals and ingredients in beauty products, I want to make sure I am making the healthiest decision when it comes to my mascara obsession  – L’Oreal Naturals Mascara.

L'Oreal Bare Naturals Mascara

Applied like any mascara, I wand the black tint onto my lashes and it goes on smooth and without any nasty clumps.  In fact, when I look at the brush, which so often can be a big, black mess, I surprised at its still pristine condition.

My lashes are long and fan-out just like the movie stars. And after using it for all this time, never once have my lashed felt dry.  Plus, the mascara doesn’t flake off, and I’m not left with panda bear eyes.   Rather my lashes remain flawless and weightless throughout the day.

The Breakdown:

• 3 shades: Blackest Black, Black and Brown
• $9.95
• Paraben, Fragrance and Fiber free
• Hypoallergenic and safe for contact wearers
• Soft bristles won’t tug at lashes

Tips:

• Make sure ALL mascara is removed before going to bed – this way you’ll have a clean palette in the morning.

I’m 13 and in the 8th grade.  I’m sitting in Mrs. McCann’s homeroom and she’s reading off the morning announcements.  In front of me sit Michael and Bryant.  Simultaneously, both turn around and we begin morning ritual…

Bryant, “Hey, Liz, did you bring your goggles?”
Michael, “Yeah, your eyes are so big, you need goggles.”
Me, “Thanks.”
Bryant, “Your eyes are look like slime.”
Michael, “Yeah, you need goggles to keep your slime eyes under control.”

Both boys turn around, high five each other and I sit amazed at their intelligence and wit.

Fast-forward a couple years and no one calls me Liz and no one makes fun of my big green eyes.  And seeing as I never leave the house without mascara, today I have decided to splurge a bit and buy Christian Dior’s Diorshow Mascara.

Christian Dior Diorshow Mascara

I think to myself, regular mascara, right?  Same as something I might pick up at the drugstore, or even the grocery market.  WRONG! This stuff is thick and strong. Silly me, I should expect nothing less from Dior. I’m wearing very black noir mascara, a decision many would call a beauty faux pas, but I do it anyway. [I’m a blonde and the rules say I should wear brown, but like the saying goes, once you go black, you never go back]

I already have a lot of lash, only trouble is, they are very blonde, so my lashes need all the help they can get. This stuff elongates, gives a natural curl and thickens my lashes.  I almost go in for another coat, but one seems to do the trick.  My lashes go from invisible to invincible in one wisp of the wand.

And it lasts.  Admittedly, I will pick at dry mascara, I know its gross, but I feel we’re at a point where I can confess this to you.  But Dior’s mascara doesn’t dry out halfway through the day and flake off leaving behind black specks all around my eyes.  But Dior stays long and strong and I never have the urge to pick, rub, reapply or adjust my mascara in any way possible.

I’m supposed to replace my mascara every 3 months because it dries out quickly and why would I want to put something old and cruddy on my precious eyes?  Diorshow mascara is not cheap, but if in the mood for a beauty splurge, go for it!

The Breakdown:

• .38 oz.
• Waterproof
• Available in Blue, Brown and Black
• $24.00

Tips:

• You only need one coat, any more will result in immediate clumping.
• Remove mascara before bedtime, that’s a beauty must.