November 13, 2012 · 3:39 am

Highlights from The Makeup Show Orlando

Last weekend, the Peabody Hotel welcomed swarms of talent and some of the best in the beauty industry to The Makeup Show in Orlando.  Martinis and Mascara had an absolute blast being part of over 2,000 beauty professionals who flocked to the stunning venue to soak up the latest tips and scope out exclusive products.

While it was the show’s inaugural year in “The City Beautiful,” The Makeup Show has traveled internationally to major markets including LA, NYC, Chicago, and Europe for several years. The two-day event, produced by Metropolitan Events & Production, features over 60 pro-focused brands as well as educational speakers, seminars, and workshops in a truly artistic setting. The Peabody’s convention hall transformed into a makeup mecca with walking art, serious shopping opportunities, and amazing talent at every turn.

Here are a few of my favorite sights from the show:

The explosion of artistry on the exhibit floor was accented by the live transformation of several models throughout the show. At the top of my favorites list is Lijah Stewart’s work for MAKE UP FOR EVER and Nick Wolfe’s expert body painting at the Graftobian booth.

A recent grad of the brand new MAKE UP FOREVER Academy in NYC was also showcasing some serious skill around the corner.

Several brands were launching exclusive pro-only products, so of course, I could not resist stocking up my kit with some of the latest and greatest. Participating brands showcasing their work and products included the Alcone Company, SmashboxCosmetics, and Temptu Pro, among many others. INGLOT previewed their Double Sparkle Rainbow Eyeshadows, MAKE UP FOR EVER launched Chromatix Mix (a range of liquid pigments that work to adjust the color of any liquid makeup product), Ofra Cosmetics launched 3D Eyeshadows, and AJ Crimson launched his Crème Foundation. I also couldn’t help scoring some glitter kits from Eye Kandy which carries just about the best mixing medium I’ve found for loose glitter application to date.

The artists on the teaching and speaking lineup included some of the best in the industry. Top artists in attendance included Johnny Lavoy, AJ Crimson, Maurice Stein, and Corey Castellano, and the Wolfe brothers.

One of my favorite speakers included Marietta Carter-Narcisse, makeup artist to Samuel L. Jackson on several of his films as well as other projects including Ghost and more recently, the indie flick Butter. LOVED her attitude in the “Dynamics of Film” seminar. In her responses to audience questions she paired the power of positive thinking alongside industry advice.

Face Off’s Roy Wooley was also on hand to speak about his specialty, prosthetic makeup, where he described how to incorporate prosthetics into beauty makeup and add dimension to avant garde looks. He later tended to his own booth where he showcased some of his work (including the creepiest little greeter I’ve ever seen).

And of course, I loved the Beauty and the Blog forum hosted by James Vincent, Director of Artistry for the Makeup Show, Beauty Editor for On Makeup Magazine, and contributor to countless beauty blogs. Vincent is also a badass makeup artist with a killer client list that includes everyone from Lady Gaga to President Barack Obama.

On the panel were several established beauty bloggers including the adorable Elessa Jade of Pursebuzz (and serious YouTube fame). Loved her in the forum and also enjoyed meeting her and checking out her adorable accessories in person.

Overall, the show was a big ball of fun and incredibly inspiring. Now, I begin the countdown to the next show on my list, the International Makeup Artist Trade Show in LA. Only 68 days to go!

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October 26, 2012 · 4:11 am

Wear This/Drink That: Russian Red

New recurring feature alert! In the spirit of Martinis and Mascara, I’m going to spotlight a tried-and-true favorite beauty product of mine… along with a cocktail recipe inspired by that product, just for kicks. Since “Beauty and Booze” just didn’t sound right, I’m calling this one “Wear This/Drink That.” Cheers!

Wear This: Russian Red lipstick by MAC

One of those questions I’m often asked is “What’s the best red lipstick?” Trust me, I’ve tested just about every lipstick on the market, and the closest I’ve come to the perfect red is the cult classic Russian Red. It’s an intense bluish red (think Gwen Stefani on the red carpet), but not overly cool to the point where warm toned gals can’t pull it off. Russian Red’s highly pigmented formula glides on smooth stays put for hours with a matte finish. The universally flattering lipcolor also counteracts teeth yellowing and helps create the illusion of extra pearly whites.

Drink That: Russian Red Martini

1 oz Stoli Cranberry Vodka

1/2 oz Cointreau

3 oz POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice

Combine ingredients in a shaker and shake over ice.

Strain and serve straight up (in a chilled  martini glass, of course!)

*Please drink (and wear red lipstick) responsibly.

Fun Fact: Cointreau cover girl Dita von Teese is also an avid Russian Red fan.

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October 17, 2012 · 4:38 am

Spa Week Officially Underway in Spas across the Nation

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year for multiple reasons (the return of Pumpkin Spice and Halloween to name a few), but something that sweetens the seasonal deal even more is Spa Week! The annual event kicked off yesterday and will run through this Sunday, Oct. 21, in select spas across the nation.

This event, designed to give consumers an affordable way to de-stress, falls on the calendar around the same time each year and always features special services in premiere spas at a discounted price of $50.

Over 5,000 spas and wellness facilities participate, offering some of their most exclusive and luxurious services from facials and massages to wraps and medical treatments. If you frequent high end spas, you know this is a steal compared to the usual price tags of such services. If you aren’t well versed in the world of spa, you can trust me. In spa language, $50 is pretty reasonable. Non-Spa Week indulgences can run anywhere from around $100 to more than $300 per treatment depending on the service and location. The best part is that there is no catch (other than the fact that you have to book during this time frame).

Here are some examples of the fun Spa Week deals available in cities across America, just to name a few:

Chicago – Stress Melter Body Treatment (Exfoliation, Aroma Therapeutic Body Wrap and Scalp Massage) at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa in Chicago

Miami – Manicure and Pedicure with Luxurious Mango Hand and Foot Massage, plus Copy of Elle Magazine, at Elle Spa on Miami Beach

New York – Fat Blaster Lipo Treatment to Dissolve Fat, Tighten and Decrease Cellulite at Spa Jolie in New York

Los Angeles – The Vajacial™ at Stript Wax Bar in LA

As you can see there are a multitude of service options out there, perfect for spa divas on a budget. Simply visit SpaWeek.com and enter your zip code to find the spa (and a list of $50 services) nearest you! Remember to act quickly because these deals only last through this weekend.

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October 7, 2012 · 2:57 am

Cinderella by Sephora Collection Officially in Stores Nationwide

As promised, I have the details of the next collection in the string of this season’s fun limited edition launches! The much anticipated Cinderella by Sephora collection launched officially in stores on Thursday. This is just the first in the princess inspired series Disney Reigning Beauties, a collaboration by Sephora and Disney Consumer Products. The premiere collection in the series features color cosmetics, fragrances and accessories shades derived from the film’s magically rich color palette. The launch also coincides with the Diamond Edition release of the classic animated film from the Disney vault earlier this week.

Here’s the full scoop on the exclusive products:

  • Storylook Eyeshadow Palette Volume 1 Cinderella Edition ($55)

A luxurious eyeshadow palette complete with twenty different shadows, each inspired by original shades from the fabled movie. Create a variety of enchanting looks with these silky smooth highly pigmented shades that are easy to apply, blend and layer.

Shades include:

Maiden

The drape on Cinderella’s first gown

(glittery magenta)

All A Glow

The fairy godmother’s skin

(shimmering tan)

Destined

Cinderella’s ball gown in the moonlight

(light blue pearl)

Cinderelly

The sleeves on Cinderella’s work dress

(sea foam green matte)

 

Pumpkin Coach

The trim on Cinderella’s coach

(cream gold)

Ball Gown

Cinderella’s earrings at the ball

(pearl white pearl)

Kill Joy

Anastasia’s comb

(shimmering taupe)

Fairy Godmother

The fairy godmother’s cloak at midnight

 (periwinkle)

Glass Slipper

Cinderella’s glass slipper at midnight

(light blue shimmer)

Royal

Drizella’s feather

(matte bright blue)

Gus Gus

Gus Gus’s shirt

(gold shimmer)

Charming

The King’s epaulette’s

(nude pearl)

Chateau

Cinderella’s work skirt

(brown shimmer)

Palace

The curtains behind Prince Charming and Cinderella during their first dance

(rose gold shimmer)

Drizella

Drizella’s hair

 (medium brown golden shimmer)

Cinders

Cinders swept by Cinderella

 (black with gold glitter)

Jaq

Jaq’s skin

 (mauve matte gold shimmer)

Midnight

Cinderella’s choker

 (midnight blue with light blue glitter)

A Wish

The moonlight when Cinderella and Prince Charming are on the bridge

(cream pearl)

Rococo

Anastasia’s bodice

(plum with multi glitter)
  • Midnight Hour Eyeshadow Palette ($30)

Complete with four smokey eyeshadows, these color coordinated shades allow you to create a stunning eye that lasts beyond the midnight hour. Shades include: Gray (grey pearl inspired by Cinderella’s hair ribbon at the ball), White (pearl shimmer inspired by Cinderella’s white gloves at the ball), Champagne (champagne nude inspired by Cinderella’s skin in the moonlight), and Sparkles (charcoal shimmer glitter inspired by the nighttime sky  at the ball).

  • Moonlit Kiss Lipstick Set ($25)

This elegant silver case holds four luxuriously creamy lipsticks that leave lips with a satiny finish. Shades include: Lady Tremaine (berry inspired by Lady Tremaine’s dress), Pumpkin (light pastel peach inspired by Cinderella’s dress when the fairy godmother is changing the pumpkin to her coach), Who Is She (warm rosy mauve inspired by Cinderella’s lips when in her work dress), My Moment (pink champagne inspired by Fairy Godmother’s fairy dust).

  • So This is Love Eau de Parfum ($58)

This spellbinding fragrance incorporates a complex floral and musky palette creating a delicate and youthful aroma fit for the belle of the ball. Featuring a magical bouquet, this fragrance opens up with plumeria and dewy hyacinth then gives way to elegant tuberose and jasmine, finishing up with a blend of supple musk accord and hints of plum.

  • Sephora by OPI A Brush with Fate Nail Lacquer ($24.50)

Give your tips a magical touch with this Sephora by OPI nail color set complete with six new shades.  Shades include: So Totally Enchanted (pearl white), Step Off, Sister! (silver blue glitter), I Blue My Curfew (deep blue shimmer), Bibbidi-Bobbidi Pink (rose gold shimmer), Self-Maid Millionaire (gold metallic), Rags to Rhinestones (gold glitter).

  • Stroke of Midnight Compact Mirror ($20)

An elegant compact mirror, adorned with a gold overlay.

As an added bonus, Sephora announced that come Spring 2013, the enchantment will continue as a new Disney Reigning Beauty will be revealed. Stay tuned to Martinis and Mascara as details emerge on the big reveal!

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September 24, 2012 · 12:55 am

Marilyn Monroe Collection Hits MAC Stores Next Week

In addition to amazing collections on the horizon from Sephora and NARS (more on that later!), the makeup masterminds at MAC recently announced their upcoming launch of MAC Marilyn Monroe, a color assortment that channels the screen legend’s lustre and sex appeal in shades and formulas meticulously Marilyn. The line celebrates the glamour icon with lipsticks in rapturous reds, gleaming glosses, flirty false lashes, dramatic mascara, and eye shadows in shimmering metallic and diamond tones.

With titles that pay homage to the beauty queen, the shades in the collection provide all of the silver-screen allure necessary to create Marilyn inspired looks.

My favorites of the bunch? Lipstick in Scarlet Ibis, Beauty Powder in Forever Marilyn, Dazzleglass in Little Rock, and Eye Shadow in Preferred Blonde:

The collection hits the web this Thursday, Sept. 27, and will be available in stores the following Thursday, Oct. 4. These seasonal, limited edition products will only be available through Nov. 1.

Here’s a sneak peek of the rest of the line:

LIPSTICK ($16.50)

Pure Zen – Frosted warm nude (Cremesheen)

Scarlet Ibis – Bright orange red (Matte)

Love Goddess – Mid-tone pink red (Satin)

Charmed I’m Sure – Dark true red (Matte)

Deeply Adored – Deep scarlet (Matte)

DAZZLEGLASS ($21.50)

Phiff! – Sheer yellow peach (Frost)

Little Rock – Soft sheer white with pearl (Frost)

LIP PENCIL ($16.50)

Beet – Vivid reddish-pink

Redd – Clearly red

Cherry – Vivid bright bluish-red

BEAUTY POWDER ($28)

Forever Marilyn – Sheer pale peach highlighter

LARGE EYE SHADOW ($21)

How to Marry – Soft white (Veluxe Pearl)

Preferred Blonde – Pale champagne beige (Veluxe Pearl)

Silver Screen – True silver (Veluxe Pearl)

Showgirl – Dark blue grey (Veluxe Pearl)

BROW FINISHER ($15)

Clear

MASCARA ($20)

False Lashes Extreme Black – Pure Black

EYE KOHL ($15)

Fascinating – Intense matte white

Smolder – Intense black

PENULTIMATE EYELINER ($18.50)

Rapidblack – True black

PENULTIMATE BROW MARKER ($18.50)

Universal

POWDER BLUSH ($22)

Legendary – Pale soft coral (Satin)

The Perfect Cheek – Neutral pink beige (Matte)

NAIL LACQUER ($17.50)

Rich, Rich, Rich – Glittery gold (Pearl)

Vintage Vamp – Rich deep retro wine (Cream)

Stage Red – Dark berry red (Cream)

Flaming Rose – True Red (Cream)

Kid Orange – Coral (Cream)

LASH ($16)

35 Lash

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August 25, 2012 · 2:28 pm

Lady Gaga Gets Darker as Debut Fragrance Hits the Market

Little monsters everywhere can finally get their paws on Gaga’s debut fragrance, Fame. The highly buzzed about perfume hit the shelves this week, in conjunction with Gaga’s transition to the dark side. (I think that “Louis Vuitton brown” dye job is just a stepping stone to full on ebony hair transformation!) She’s designing the world’s first black fluid fragrance, darkening her hair, dating a werewolf, and so on. It’s pretty evident what Gaga’s next phase is and I dig it.

I also dig the fragrance. I was a little nervous when reports first started surfacing last year that Mother Monster was going to create a scent that smells like “blood and semen.” Remember that? My nose and I can now tell you that this is not the case with Fame, which launched officially on Wednesday.

In expected Gaga style, she launched a full-fledge high fashion campaign in anticipation for this week’s nationwide release. The campaign, complete with larger than life print ads and a series of videos, was shot by visionary photographer and director Steven Klein (the mastermind behind many Madonna concert backdrop videos). Klein’s provocative trailer is currently out for the full length campaign film, slated for release Sept. 13 at the Guggenheim Museum.

The first of its’ kind, the inky fluid appears black in the bottle and turns transparent once airborne by utilizing innovative patent-pending technology, launched exclusively with Fame. The perfume was tested, perfected and produced in Gaga’s own Parisian lab, Haus Labratories.

Instead of going straight for shocking, the artist formerly known as Stefani Germanotta managed to strike an equal balance of edgy and elegant. Fame is sophisticated, a floral and fruity essence, featuring a rich floral layer of crushed Tiger Orchid and Jasmine Sambac, and a fusion of dripping honey, saffron and apricot nectar. Leveling out the fragrance is the star ingredient, inspired by the toxic, yet beautiful belladonna (aka Deadly Nightshade). Fame settles down to a powdery finish with soft hints of incense.

All notes were crafted to mingle harmoniously using a unique structure called the “push-pull technology,” instead of using the standard pyramidal structure with top, middle and basenotes. Because of the complimentary properties of each ingredient in the blend, the components interact together to highlight different olfactive aspects of each note at the same time, rather than having one overpower the others.

The aroma avoided the forgettable, familiar smelling trap that so many “celebrity scents” fall into. This could be thanks to the amount of care Gaga put into her latest expression of creativity. She did not just slap her name on some plain, mass produced bottles and call it a day. Mother Monster paid attention to every detail right down to the container, which was designed in collaboration with fashion industry legend Nick Knight. Fame is encased in a unique glass egg reminiscent of the now infamous vehicle she rode into the 2011 Grammy Awards. The Fame egg is topped with a heavy claw shaped bottle topper that looks like Gaga stole it directly from Batman and dipped it in pure gold.

Gaga’s signature scent, currently lining fragrance counters nationwide, is priced around $55 for a 1.7 ounce bottle and $79 for a 3.4 ounce bottle at most retailers including Macy’s and Sephora. Other options are available including a .34 ounce Eau de Parfum rollerball for $19 and a black egg shaped bath soap for $15. Click each individual product below for additional information.


The final verdict: Martinis and Mascara loves the sweet smell of Fame. Go take a whiff!

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August 21, 2012 · 5:58 pm

Face Off and McKenzie Westmore Return to SyFy Tonight

Although I adore straight makeup, I found myself utterly fascinated with the process of creating and applying prosthetics, especially after learning the techniques in makeup school.

Someone else who shares my passion is actress McKenzie Westmore, who literally grew up surrounded by it. (Speaking of Passions, McKenzie is probably best known for her almost 10 year stint as Sheridan Crane on the NBC soap.) She also happens to be member of one of the most legendary makeup families in Hollywood. The Westmores are pioneers in the industry, a makeup power family whose Emmy and Oscar award collection puts even my ruby slipper collection to shame.

I got the chance to speak with McKenzie just in time to hear the scoop on the new season of Face Off, a Project Runway type show about special effects makeup, which she hosts. I have been glued to the SyFy channel weekly since the first season premiered in January of 2011. (If you missed seasons 1 and 2, both are available in HD now on Amazon Instant Video.) Contestants get to showcase their work not only to McKenzie, but also to a panel of esteemed judges that includes the Oscar award-winning Ve Neil, artist and department head on some of my favorite films including the Pirates of the Caribbean series, Edward Scissorhands, Mrs. Doubtfire, and countless others.

McKenzie called me from California yesterday to chat about the upcoming episodes of Face Off and all things makeup. She told me there is a lot to look forward to in the third season – from the 90 minute Star Wars themed premiere airing tonight – to the upcoming huge challenges, awesome special guests (Brian Grazer and Kevin Smith!), and top secret mid-season twist.

Here are a few things I bet you didn’t know about the multi-talented Face Off host:

  1. Her great-grandfather invented false eyelashes. I swear by false eyelashes. Always have, always will. Now we know we have Mr. George Westmore to thank for that! He also established the first movie makeup department, made wigs for English royalty, and fathered three generations of highly successful makeup artists. No big deal!
  2. McKenzie dabbled in makeup before ultimately following her passion for acting. “I did a couple of courses here and there. There was a period of time when I was going to go in that direction and follow in the family footsteps,” she said. After that she discovered that her true calling was acting. Since then McKenzie has worked both stage and screen, with roles in shows from Friends to Dexter.
  3. Robert De Niro got her her first film role. McKenzie’s dad, famed makeup artist Michael Westmore, worked with him at the Westmore home lab in preparation for De Niro’s makeup in Raging Bull. “My dad was doing his makeup for the film and Robert would basically babysit me as my dad was running his prosthetics,” she said. The pair developed such a great rapport that De Niro asked if she could play his daughter in the film.
  4. She sculpted aliens for Star Trek. Well… sort of! Her dad started work on the Star Trek franchise in 1987 when McKenzie was 10 years old. “Sometimes he would sculpt in the dining room! Once he was working on an alien head for Star Trek and left it unattended… I started sticking stuff everywhere like a kid would! Instead of getting upset, he liked what I had done and kept it in the final piece,” she said.
  5. Her dream role would be to star in a movie musical.  A musical theater lover at heart, McKenzie thinks a role in a movie musical would be the greatest combination of her favorite aspects of performing. “My ultimate dream would be to be in a musical movie like Moulin Rouge or Grease,” she said. Until her big musical movie debut, you can catch McKenzie in the new horror flick Vile, out on DVD Sept. 11, and of course, on season three of Face Off.

A girl after my own heart! Watch McKenzie and the rest of the bunch on the season premiere of Face Off tonight at 9 p.m. on SyFy.

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July 30, 2012 · 3:08 am

Idea File: Makeup Magnet Board

Ever stumble upon an idea that you wish you had first? Now we have Pinterest to thank for feeling that way more often than usual! That’s where I discovered this little gem, the makeup magnet board.

After drooling over the cute inspiration photos for some time now, I’ve decided to jump on the magnet board trend myself. I’m not sure who the originator of this awesome trend is because I’ve seen so many variations, but whoever she is, she is a genius.

I’m pretty organized when it comes to my professional makeup kit. I have all of the cosmetics I use for shoots, weddings, etc. in a huge multi-compartment rolling aluminum case that’s laid out for each region of the face – a tier for face, tier for eyes, tier for lips – like this…

But my personal makeup, the kind I use to paint on my regular everyday face, is always scattered all over my bathroom counter. Or in my purse. Or half in half. I’m usually scrambling in the morning to figure out where I left my mascara.

But not anymore! The makeup magnet board makes application a breeze because the products are accessible, but are arranged in a way that it doesn’t look messy, like a bunch of loose products strewn about the counter. Why didn’t I think of that?!

The beauty of DIY projects is that you can put your own creative spin on the design. Although I do have to confess that this DIY project of mine was more like a D-I-with the help of this awesome chick on Etsy-project. (Sidenote: I love Etsy almost as much as I love Pinterest). I randomly found this one that matches my bathroom décor, so I went ahead and ordered it. If you’d rather take the craftier route, you just need to purchase a magnet board, cover it in the fabric of your choice (optional) and then frame and mount it.

After I received my board, I bought a bunch of heavy duty round magnets on ebay and hot glued them to the back of each makeup container. I also found a decorative pencil cup on ebay that I attached to the bottom of the board to hold my makeup brushes.

A few minutes of work and voila! A more organized, fun way to keep your makeup in order.

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July 30, 2012 · 12:01 am

Product Review: Latisse

Guys, Brooke Shields wasn’t lying! After the full testing period, I’m thrilled to announce that, yes, Latisse works! It’s like a miracle. Seriously.

Eyelash hypotrichosis, the technical term for having a less than desirable full set of lashes, can be caused by a multitude of factors. Lashes can thin with age, they may fall out due to stress or disease, or they might be ripped out (ouch!) by bad eyelash curlers. Or, maybe you just weren’t “born with it.” Whatever the case may be, Latisse has hit the market to cure our lash ailments. I was skeptical of this miracle sounding product, but I’m happy to admit after testing it for a 12 week cycle that it does meet the advertised claims.

So, what is it? When I’m applying a prescribed solution to my eye area for months on end, I want to be sure I know what’s in it, so I did a little research. Latisse shares its main component, bimatoprost, with glaucoma drug Lumigan, both owned by pharmaceutical company Allergan. Essentially, Latisse is a repackaged ophthalmic solution regularly used to treat glaucoma. This makes sense because of the identical list of side effects. In the case of Latisse, the side effect is also the cure. The safety of the drug has been medically approved in numerous clinical trials, which is more than I can say for most other products I test on my face on a daily basis.

Since Latisse is technically a drug, you can’t just scoop it up from your local beauty supply store. A prescription is required, but don’t let that discourage you. I went to a MedSpa where the doctor took a quick peek at my peepers and hooked me up with a bottle of Latisse in no time. No rigorous medical exam necessary.

Granted, it’s not the cheapest thing to hit the shelves, but one tiny bottle goes a long way. Each nightly application only requires one droplet for each eye. I paid $120 for the bottle, but I’ve been using for about three months and still have about a quarter of the bottle left.

As far as side effects go, I did experience a little bit of eye redness at first, but nothing too crazy. Other listed side effects include darkening of the application area on the skin. This did not occur in my case, but had it happened, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. You sweep the solution on your lids at the base of the lashes, so any darkening would appear in the same place as you’d wear your eyeliner… which would also make your lashes look fuller.

The only real bummer, like most worthy products, is that Latisse does not work over night. You must apply the solution to the eyelid every night as directed on the package. During the first month you won’t see much of a change, but keep using it. The lash growth will become evident around the second month. Then you’ll hit week 12 and thank me!

My after shot (above) was taken after using for 12 weeks. Keep in mind that I had a really dramatic chunk of lashes absent from the center of my lash line when I started. Just think how good the results could be you happen to start out with a full set of lashes!

If you can spare the expense and really want to add some fullness to your lashes, I say go for it. I did. 🙂

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April 1, 2012 · 10:26 pm

Product Review: Diorshow Heat Curl Heating Lash Curler by Dior

Heated eyelash curlers have always freaked me out, especially since I’ve been hopelessly devoted to a very basic metal curler by Cover Girl since I was about 12. When one wore out, I just tossed it and purchased another… until the recent discontinuation of my favorite lash tool. After experimenting with some horrible replacements (and losing lashes in the process), I decided to step outside the box and test out a heated curler.

I picked up the exclusive Diorshow Heat Curl Heating Lash Curler by Dior from Sephora and was pleasantly surprised. The design of the curler is very easy to maneuver, similar to a mascara wand with a heated comb at the top. It’s equipped with a switch allowing you to flip the degree of heat depending on your desired curl intensity. I flicked the switch up to the second setting, let it warm up for half a minute, swept up my lashes, and fell in love instantly. You can literally design the curl of your lashes with a simple wave of the tool while leaving the lashes looking healthy, flirty, and without the harsh bend that can be caused by traditional lash curlers.

Also unlike the traditional curlers, I found that this one works best when used after the mascara application. Not only did it curl properly, but the heat actually smoothed out the mascara formula, coating the lashes more evenly, separating each lash, and cutting down on the clump factor for a polished look.

I know applying heat doesn’t exactly scream “damage control,” but used sparingly, the right heated curler can actually be gentler than the wear and tear that can accompany a crimp from a regular curler. Also, placing a heated rod near my eye was nowhere near as creepy as I had imagined. Who knew?

I think it’s a wise investment for any beauty bag, even with the $25 price tag. It’s a limited edition, ladies, so scoop this one up fast!

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