Velour Mink Lashes

I've never been a fan of lashes, until this past summer of 2017. I discovered that eyelash extensions were booming and you can get them done at every corner salon, and even privately in lash artist's homes! I also found out that they could be done for less than $200 (which was my initial thought of what eyelash extensions cost). So I did extensions for about 2 months, I tried 3 different lash artists and ultimately I did not have good experiences. I don't know if it is just my super straight lashes, but I had a hard time with them (I'm planning to write about this soon!).

I began using daily false strip lashes instead from the drugstore, and then I was asked to test out these 3 lashes from Velour Lashes. Perfect timing! I know Velour is an expensive lash brand, with lashes ranging from $34 and upwards, but I have never tried any high-end lashes so I was definitely curious to see how worth it they were.

I chose 3 different styles of lashes, but they are all mink hair. They come in super fancy boxes with a container inside, which I think is a bit wasteful, but it definitely feels luxurious. The lashes that I chose all have an invisible band, I prefer it because I think it gives a more natural look.

Velour Mink Lashes in Serendipity

Velour Mink Lashes in Strip Down

Velour Mink Lashes in Skin to Skin

I honestly have no idea why I chose lashes that all sound the same. I had a hard time remembering which pair was which: Serendipity, Strip Down, Skin to Skin? Velour you're killing me here!

The first pair, Serendipity is my favourite. I have smaller hooded eyes so the other two, even when cut to size, are still a little large for my eyes. Skin to Skin looks a little ridiculous on me I can't even wear that one.

First I wanted to mention the Velour Lash Adhesive ($15 CAD). I think it is fairly priced, but I didn't find it holding these lashes on. I found that these lashes were a little thicker, and so the glue was not able to hold the shape on my eyes. I think the glue would be alright for thinner, lighter, drugstore lashes, but it was definitely struggling to hold these.

I use the Velour Too Easy Lash Applicator ($28 CAD) to apply the lashes on my eye, and to clamp the lashes to my natural lashes so it blends them together. I do not use the comb side for anything really. I love the lash applicator and it makes the application process a heck of a lot easier.

Now onto the lashes:

The lashes themselves are great. I have used a single pair about 4 times already and they are holding up nicely. I'm seeing a few strands begin to fall out but I am hoping they will last at least quite a bit longer. Honestly, it'd be nice to see these last at least 30 uses due to the high price you pay for them, but I don't see that happening. I won't say it can't happen, I'm sure if you are the type to take great care of them, they will last. But for myself, I get a little irritated when trying to remove my lashes and I will go to the ends of earth to remove them (heh).

They are strong and I can definitely see the difference between drugstore or cheap no-name brand lashes that I've used in the past. The band is thick and doesn't seem like it will fall apart anytime soon.

Wearing Velour Mink Lashes in Serendipity (all photos)

All in all, I'd definitely splurge on a pair of these and I now understand why people do. They look awesome and for a special night or night out, I'd say they're worth it. I wore Serendipity to a friend's birthday and to my own birthday, and I would definitely purchase a pair for my next birthday! They do last more than one use, so if only being used for special occasions you can probably get away with only purchasing two pairs a year or so. I won't stop purchasing more affordable false lashes (like drugstore, Ardell, Kiss), but I also think it's fine to splurge on a pair of two of these! Shop Velour Lashes at Sephora, or on their official website here.

These products were received as press samples. This article is not sponsored but may contain affiliate links.

Buxom Plumpline Lip Liner Review + Lip Swatches

Lip liners seemed to have disappeared from a makeup junkie's stash of 'essentials' for a while, but the has made it's way back into 2017. Don't get me wrong, I love a good lip liner but they are not always something that a makeup lover gets excited about. It's usually about the newest liquid lipstick, or matte lipstick. 

But the new Plumpline Lip Liners from Buxom are definitely something to think about putting on your radar..

Box packaging of each lip liner

The Buxom Plumpline Lip Liners retail for $20 CAD, and are the newest lip product release from Buxom as of January 2017. They've released 20 shades so far and I have 8 of them to share with you.

The pencils themselves are jumbo-sized for the ability to define, shape, and fill in the lips. 

One side is the pencil lip colour, the other side is a brush to smooth out or blend the colour. 

These to me really aren't lip liners at all, more of a lipstick but for the sake of their name I will continue to call them liners. The pencil is so hugeee, and the colour is so pigmented you don't need to top it off with a lipstick at all.

 I really don't usually have a thing for lip liners because of their strong pencil scent, so at first I was like ehhh. But I quickly got over it. Once it's applied it didn't bother me, actually, you don't even notice the lip liner is on your lips at all. They are so light, matte, and non-sticky at all. I find myself being able to re-apply as often as I'd like without having to worry about sore lips later. The Plumpline Lip Liners all seem to be matte formulas.

The brush end really isn't necessary at all. I feel like it was a bit of a waste and I'd prefer to have a tiny bit more product. Also, I got really frustrated every time I opened the brush end thinking that it was the lip colour side when I was in a rush.

Stealth, Dolly Danger, Incognito, Restricted, Intrigue, Code Red, Anonymous Allure, Mystery

Swatches:

Lip Swatches:

Stealth

Dolly Danger

Incognito

Restricted

Intrigue

Code Red

Anonymous Allure

Mystery

I was surprised at how highly pigmented these were, and they are quite matte! I love a matte lip and I'm so happy with how all of these shades look. If I had to choose 3 favourites, they'd be 'Incognito (warm nude), Dolly Danger (mauve pink), and Restricted' (rose red). I think the only one that didn't flatter my skin tone or lips was Intrigue. I think it made my lips pop way too much and I just wasn't feeling this one.

In regards to the plumping aspect, I DID notice my lips were quite full when I applied these. However, I do already have full lips so take that with a grain of salt. There is no tingling effect or anything, and I notice the plumpness instantly, so it must be something in the actual colour itself that gives the 'plump' look. OR it's just an illusion because the shades are so matte (will we ever know?!).

I found myself wearing these daily and not having to worry about transfer or any major smudging. As I mentioned, they are light, matte, and don't give me major dry or sore lips. For darker shades it's a little more concerning, but it does take a bit (of eating) to see any real reason to reapply. Overall I'd definitely purchase one again when I run out. I think it's an interesting product and definitely something to at least try once. $20 CAD isn't too bad and I have no doubt that one will last me a long time. The Buxom Plumpline Liners are available at Sephora stores and Sephora.ca.

These products were received for consideration. All opinions are my own and are never influenced by anyone. 

Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayons (Review + Swatches)

Bite Beauty is a brand I've always had my eye on, yet haven't talked about. I've been contemplating buying an Amuse Bouche Lipstck for the longest time, but hadn't yet gone for it. Fortunately, I was chosen to review these 3 Matte Creme Lip Crayons through an Influenster campaign. The campaign doesn't require you write about it, but I like these lippies so much I want to share them!

The Bite Matte Creme Lip Crayons come in a variety of shades (roughly 19 permanent shades) and retail for $28 CAD. The application tip is skinny and there is about 0.05 oz of product in each, (aka not enough!) but the product quality itself makes up for it..

Matte Creme Lip Crayons in (L to R): Cava, Glace, Red Velvet

The texture itself is a little thick, it won't feel like you're not wearing lipstick, but it won't feel super heavy either. It isn't sticky so your hair won't cling to it. It goes on smooth and looks good even on the driest of lips. 

It does not dry out my lips and feels quite moisturizing actually. So far it's my favourite alternative to a liquid lipstick. It gives me the same awesome pigmentation but is moisturizing, whereas liquid lipsticks are quite drying on me. In exchange for the moisturizing qualities, you give up the long-lasting staying power and little-zero transfer of a liquid lipstick. I mean, they are long wearing for what they are, but these will transfer a bit and will not last the entire day. I usually carry one around with me anyways and apply after eating a meal. 

The major downside of these matte crayons is that they seem to run out quickly. I've been using Cava quite often and I notice having to twist it up to reveal new product more often than I'd like. 

Their special ingredients includes orange peel wax, as well as antioxidant; resveratrol. Bite Beauty products do not contain parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.

Matte Creme Lip Crayon Swatches in (Bottom to Top): Cava, Glace, Red Velvet

My lips are going through winter so they are super dry in the swatches below, sorry beforehand!

 Cava

  Glace

 Red Velvet

Wearing Cava

Ps!! After playing around I noticed that the bottom of the tube actually contains a plastic sharpener! Personally I do no need to use it because the tip itself is already skinny enough, but it was a cool noteworthy discovery..

I love the matte formulation of these and I always find myself wearing Cava. It is the most gorgeous mauve shade and compares to one of my favourite liquid lipsticks; the Stila Baci. Not sure if I would purchase one in the future, I usually stick to nude/mauve shades so I'll have to see if I want to dish out $28 for a replacement of Cava when I run out. 

You can find the Matte Lip Crayons at Sephora locations, or online at Sephora.com.

These products were received for consideration through Influenster. All opinions stated are my own and are never influenced by anyone. 

Kat Von D Everlasting Mini Liquid Lipstick Set {+ Swatches}

It still isn't too late for that last minute Christmas shopping! Shopping for a girl who is into makeup is probably the easiest thing you've had to do all December. There are so many options that it can (hopefully) be hard to go wrong. For the holidays, Kat Von D has brought out a 'try them all' set of minis of her highly coveted Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks. The set includes 8 3ml/0.10 fl oz. minis in various shades.

 L to R: KVD Everlasting Liquid Lipstick - Lovesick, Mother, Santa Sangre, Backstage Bambi, L.U.V., Echo, Roxy, Plath

The last two, Roxy and Plath, are new shades added to the Kat Von D collection. 

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Lovesick" 

 Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Mother" 

 Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Santa Sangre" 

 Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Backstage Bambi" 

 Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "L.U.V." 

 Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Echo" 

 Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Roxy" 

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Plath" 

The liquid lipstick shades in this set are so different! Also, my apologies for not being able to properly follow the lines of my lips, btw! If you are looking for neutrals this is not the place to find it. The most neutral shades are the first two, Lovesick (a mauve nude) and Mother (a dusty mauve pink), and Mother is even a little too pinky for my liking. My favourite shades have to be Lovesick, and Plath (deep russet red/brown). Echo (satin navy blue) had to be the hardest and most uneven to apply because it is such a strong colour.

In terms of the formula, the Everlasting Liquid Lipstick is one of my favourite liquid lipsticks because of the high range of colours and the way they feel on the lips. They are light, not super drying (but still drying on my lips), and are true matte liquid lipsticks. For more vibrant shades, they do need at least 2 layers, but the staying power is great and there is little to no transfer.

The set retails for $62 CAD, and if you're lucky you can still pick one up at a Sephora location or on Kat Von D's website!

This product was received for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates.