We as consumers need to be prepared when it comes to buying products, and cosmetics are no different. Designer liners, mascaras and hair products can be pricey purchases so I’ve decided to write about my experiences with these products in an effort to educate others and share my satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) with certain products.

If you have any suggestions on products you want me to try and review, please leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Shu Uemura Painting Liner:

There’s something very retro and precise about liquid liner. I’ve gone in and out of phases where I like this look over the normal powder liner I tend to prefer, but I can’t deny the fact that nothing lines your inner eyelid like paint-on liner. When I went on a search for the perfect liquid liner that doesn’t melt, move, or bleed, I started at Shu Uemura. Unfortunately, my search will continue because this is not that perfect product.

While the painting liner is a good product (easy to apply, easy to correct mistakes although it is a long-wearing product, looks great), it still has the problems every make-up diva has experienced with similar liquid liners. It bleeds, especially in the inner lid area, and I’ve ended up with smudges on my eyelid after wearing this product during a long, busy day. Although it’s a nice product, it does not go above and beyond what you want in an ideal paint-on liner.

Overall Score:  3/5

Shu Uemura Hard Formula Brow Pencil:

While spending time at the Shu Uemura counter at Nordstrom, I decided to speak to one of the make-up artists about their product line. She suggested I might want to try one of their brow pencils because it’s a new formula that’s blendable and basically creates a more natural look. Her sales pitch worked, and I purchased the pencil.

Unlike the painting liner, I have no complaints about the brow pencil. Although I wasn’t sure if I believed the make-up artist as she explained what this pencil could do, I’m here to say that it actually does every one of those things. It’s easy to apply (what pencil product isn’t), and stays exactly where you applied it all day long. The natural color looks great on blondes and light brunettes, and creates a natural, flawless look.

Overall Score: 5/5

CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara:

Judging from the commercials, CoverGirl’s Lash Blast mascara looks like an amazing product. However, after years of experimenting with various mascaras, I know to not trust the hype. And ‘hype’ is precisely all this product is.

This is the type of mascara I would grab if I cared more about the low cost than the actual fuctionality of the product. It’s not a bad mascara, it’s just not the best I’ve used, and certainly doesn’t live up to the claims you see in the advertising campaign. The mascara itself is a nice, thick formula, but the brush isn’t an ideal shape. It’s a thick wand, with tiny bristles that can grab every lash, but the brush picks up so much mascara that it’s easy to end up with clumps and lashes that stick together.

If you only want to spend $5 on mascara, this isn’t a bad choice. But, personally, I think you can do better. Even in the cosmetic aisle at CVS.

Overall Score: 2/5

Sebastian Thickefy Foam:

Even for people who don’t claim to be a whiz with a blow dryer (ahem, me), Sebastian Thickefy Foam improves every blow out. This product is basically a mousse that boosts the body of your hair. I always notice a difference when using this with my blow dry. The best part about it is that it feels natural, doesn’t look greasy, and you can still run your fingers through your hair…without getting stuck.

Thickefy gives you extra body for hours. On a day when I was able to avoid touching my hair, it even looked noticeably more bodacious for an entire 7-hour workday. In my opinion, that’s the closest you can get to a salon blowout in your own bathroom.

Overall Score: 5/5