Maybelline Intense XXL Volume + Length Microfiber Mascara

This post is for my sister (you know who you are) who says she stopped reading P&T because of our mascara obsession. The quest for great mascara is never ending and somewhat futile, but I will never stop!

Especially because I HATE THIS MASCARA. I've never used mascara that had primer with it, not even the Double Extend that Kelli has raved about. So when I was at the store looking for a new mascara to try I saw this and thought "Hm. Intense Volume and Length. It's gotta be awesome." But it totally sucks.

When I first opened the primer I honestly thought it was the cheapest brush I have ever seen on a mascara from such a huge cosmetics company. I went ahead and applied the primer, and my eyes screamed back at me to stop. This brush hurts! It feels cheap and the primer goes on so sparsely I couldn't really even tell if it was working or not. But in my quest to do a proper review I endured the whole process.

The mascara brush was just as bad, same exact brush as the primer. Same spiky torturous lash grabbing and pulling brush. Maybe some of you with less sensitive skin or eyes would have more luck with it, but I was done after the first application. I know some cosmetics can be tough and we endure it anyway, but when it comes to my mascara and my eyes NO WAY!

When I went to Kelli's a few weeks ago to shoot products she pulled out another Maybelline XXL mascara she had bought and it has completely different brushes, ones I might even be able to get on board with. But for now, I'm still searching for a great, low-cost, but actually usable mascara!

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Maybelline Mineral Power Lipcolor in Sand

While I do like the mineral products out there, that is not why I bought this lipstick. Since Missy and I started this website, I've become more aware of how much I like Maybelline. I never paid much attention to what was what before. But time and again, we post something from Maybelline, and we love it. I have more products on the back-burner to review positively - and many of them are Maybelline. And this lipstick is no exception. It applies easily and smoothly, and the selection of colors is perfect.

About seven years ago, my older sister was driven to the point of obsession to find the perfect neutral beige gloss color that was used on Britney Spears. She could not find it anywhere. She bought many, and many failed. Because of her quest, of which I was an active search party member, it is still ingrained in my brain to find that perfect beige. You know, the color you wear with some massively dramatic rock-n-roll eyes. So on one of my less-than-stellar days about a month ago, I needed a little (cheap) pick-me-up. I saw Maybelline Mineral Power Lipcolors, and this one jumped out at me - Sand. My old drive to find "Britney Spears Beige" fired up, especially when I saw the price of under $5. I brought it home and guess what? Put it on with a clear or shimmery gloss - and you've got Britney Spears Beige looking back at you in the mirror. I can't remember if my sister ever found one she liked or if she just gave up, but I tell her, and you, now: Get thee to the Maybelline section! That is, if you want Britney Spears Beige. Which you may not. And that's okay. I'm sure there's another color just right for you.

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Maybelline VolumeXLSeduction Plumping Lipcolor in Passionate Plum

One of our previous reviews, for Maybelline VolumeXLSeduction Plumping Lipcolor in Peach Plump, was also a giveaway. Our winner, Michelle, won a tube of Passionate Plum. She was very kind to review it herself, and sent it along to us. I was excited she liked it as much as I did, and I enjoyed reading her review:

"It's pretty innocuous in the tube, looks quite plain actually. I'm a fan of fancy jars and aesthetics which I suppose is a girly thing, right? When applied to the lips you feel a little 'something' but it's barely noticeable. It's very similar to the feeling you have on your lips after eating something with cayenne pepper on it, but there's no spice, just a faint tingle. I was raised in So Cal on salsa and hot carrots, so I suspect I am less sensitive than most to spicy things. The feeling did not bother me in the slightest. I also have very full lips so I could not tell if there were any plumping effects. I will tell you this: it's my favorite lipstick ever. I'm a make up snob, too. I rarely wear it so anything that pleases me enough to wear it every day is kind of like finding your life mate: it's a keeper.

Why? The color looks awesome on my skin. So much so I don't know if I'll even bother trying the other colors. It also goes on very smoothly and moisturizes well. I didn't notice great staying power but I haven't used it with a lip liner or primer, yet. One or both should extend the wearing time. All in all I would highly recommend this lipstick. All the reviews I read on it (I was trying to find the active ingredients, with no luck) have complimented all of the colors it comes in. None have said anything exciting about it's plumping power. Go figure."

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Maybelline Colossal Volume Express Mascara

If you haven't noticed, we love mascara. We buy lots of it and hardly ever wear the same tube twice in a row. I've tried countless numbers of mascara over the years and have love/hate relationships with most of them. This mascara is no different, but I still kind of love it!

I bought it after being extremely disappointed with Maybelline Stiletto Mascara. This one says it's for tons of volume and even contains collagen. The first time I used this I loved it, mostly because I sat there and applied it in one sitting. But I was working full-time at the time and often applied my first coat of mascara in the car then the rest in the parking lot at work. That's when I started hating it. Because that's just not a good idea and I did it anyway, much to the dismay of my lashes.

Now that I'm, well, a victim of the current economic climate, I have a bit more time to apply my make up. And I'm totally loving this stuff. The package says it applies in one coat, but I have to put on more than one. I just have to. This goes on really smooth, covers your lashes fast and the collagen I swear helps keep your lashes from sticking together and getting spidery. The brush is full and stiff and awesome. I can apply 5 or 6 coats if I want a crazy dramatic full look and my lashes STILL won't stick together. I love it. I originally paid $6.99 for it at Walmart then went and picked up a double pack at Target for $6.49 last week. I'm sure when I've used up these two tubes I'll move on to another — I'm that fickle. But it's a love affair I'm enjoying while it lasts.

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Maybelline Pure Makeup Foundation

I was talking to my sister the other day, and she mentioned that just about everything we've reviewed on here is new stuff, and that I should review something that I've used for a while, something I'm faithful to. There really aren't a lot of things that I do stick with because I just love new products. Even if I am in love with one particular product, if something similar comes out on the market, I leave the old product behind like a greasy, chubby guy that I made out with in loneliness because my future husband was 2000 miles away for two years. Not that I've ever done that. Ahem.

Moving on, the only thing I have used consistently for at least a couple of years is this Pure Makeup Foundation by Maybelline. The fact that it is so cheap, usually less that $5, isn't even the best thing about it. So many foundations feel very heavy, and end up looking pasty. This one is light, but covers well. I once bought a $12 tinted moisturizer from Neutrogena, and I liked how smooth it was and how easy to blend in, but it didn't offer enough coverage. It's still rotting away in my makeup kit. But the Pure Makeup Foundation feels like the best of both - a light and thin liquid that does an amazing job of evening out your skin tone. I know a lot of people are leery of foundation because they fear that caked-on look. But if you just apply on your trouble areas and blend it in, this one is a great tool for a flawless-looking face. I only ever use it on my nose, chin, and any spots I may have. I very highly recommend this for anyone who is scared of taking the leap into Foundation Land. I would buy this if it cost four times as much. Coincidentally, Missy bought this recently, and she also has nothing but good things to say, and she'll be leaving her two cents in our comment section.

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Maybelline VolumeXLSeduction Plumping Lipcolor

Honestly, the only reason I bought this product originally was because it was on clearance; especially when you consider I bought Peach Plump - I never buy peach makeup. I also wouldn't normally buy plumping lipsticks; God gave me a decent set of semi-full lips, so it's just not something I'm concerned with. But clearance is clearance and I love to try new things. I have to say I really like it. The peach color was actually perfect for my skin tone, and unlike a lot of plumping lipsticks, this didn't make it look like I'd been punched in the mouth. I usually use this particular lipstick when I'm in a hurry and just trying to add a little color to my face, or when I've done my eyes quite dramatically and need something natural yet pretty on my lips. It tingles quite a bit when you put it on, an effect of whatever it is that "plumps." (I could do some research for you on whatever it is, but... nah.) I liked it enough to go buy another color tonight, and I chose another light neutral called Born With It. Now I need to go check out their more dramatic reds. I love me some red lipstick. At any rate, I also bought one for one of you! Missy and I just love doing the giveaways, so I couldn't resist. The color I selected for the giveaway is Passionate Plum. Leave your comment on this post with your first name, and we'll announce a winner on Monday. You have until 5pm CST on Sunday! Good luck!

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Maybelline Dream Matte Powder

After purchasing and being totally disappointed with this product I decided to ditch my old CoverGirl compact for something new. I held off on trying another mineral product, even from some of the major cosmetic brands, and stuck to a normal compact. This time I chose Maybelline Dream Matte Powder.

I was honestly ready to ditch this compact entirely when I discovered how unwieldy it can be. You have to twist it open to get to the mirror and puff and then open the lid to get to the powder. Not a remarkably well designed compact, at least I didn't think so. Once I figured out how in the heck it even worked I was in love. I am more than 100% willing to deal with the packaging because this powder is really amazing. I'll give you a few reasons why you should give this one a try:

First, the puff is small and light and really soft. It may not last a really long time because it seems somewhat fragile so I hope Maybelline sells them individually. Second, the powder comes in a myriad of colors so you're bound to find one that suits your skin tone. Their website even says that it will match to your skin, and I've found mine matches dead on. Third, it really does give your skin a dreamy "matte" look. It covered so perfectly I was honestly a little surprised. Fourth, it makes your skin SO soft. If you love your skin feeling soft and looking clean and smooth and not shiny at all, I promise you will love it.

I almost didn't buy this because I thought the name was really cheesy, but I really love it. Now if they would only make it in a more simple compact I would love it even more.

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L'oreal Beauty Tubes Mascara

When I was in college, one of my boyfriends was badly burned and was in the ER, heavily under the influence of morphine. I’d been there at his bedside for hours, holding his hand and whispering sweet nothings to comfort him. Amid his ramblings of little men walking across the ceiling, he looked lovingly and gratefully into my eyes, crooked his finger so I would come closer and whispered in my ear, “You look like a raccoon.” Thus began my quest for the perfect mascara.

There are many I have tried that I loved in theory, because they made my lashes look amazing and thick and feathery. But by mid-afternoon, I again resembled a raccoon. I don’t like waterproof, because no matter what I have to take it off, short of turpentine, it still stays put. It’s like spackle or something. But finally I found something I really like. It’s L'oreal’s Beauty Tubes Mascara. They aren’t the first ones to employ the beauty tubes technology, but certainly the first to do it affordably. You put on the primer first, then the mascara immediately thereafter. It makes your lashes incredibly long, and literally does NOT smudge AT ALL. Like, seriously, dude, not at all. Seriously. Then you get in the shower, and with some mild soap and warm water, you can literally gently pull the mascara straight off of your lashes. These tiny, thin strings just come off right onto your finger - clean. It doesn’t hurt and nothing gets left behind. It is so much fun to remove, that I think I would wear it even if I didn’t like it. The main positive point for me really is the lack of any smudging or flaking. That being said, it can sometimes get a little sticky by the end of the day, and if you are fortunate enough to get a little cat-nap during the day, be sure to sleep on your back, or your eyelashes will fuse together into one giant wonder-lash - an eyelash that lifts weights and bullies all your other eyelashes. And nobody wants that.

My final conclusion is a mixed one - I do like it a lot, but I have also found another that I like even more, although I do have to deal a little bit with the smudging since I refuse to wear waterproof. This one is also by L'oreal, called L'oreal Double Extend Mascara. It doesn't work using the tubes technology, but it gives you beautiful, long lashes. The other day in the car, Missy turned to me and asked if I was wearing my beloved Beauty Tubes, because she said my lashes looked really good. But it wasn't the Tubes, it was the Double Extend. I can't ever decide on any given day which I will wear - ultimately my decision is made by what I'll be doing that day - do I have the time to deal with smudging or not?

Which brings me to what you've been waiting for: Our giveaway this week will be one L'oreal Beauty Tubes Mascara! We have decided to do things a little differently this time. In lieu of an e-mail entry, please just leave a comment on this post expressing your desire to enter the giveaway. Now, to reward those of you who have made it this far, we'll also be giving away a Maybelline Shiny•Licious Lipgloss - Missy's rave review from last week. We'll be taking entries via comments for the lipgloss as well, but please leave your comments on Missy's review post. Contest will run through 5:00pm CST, Thursday evening. Again, thanks to all of you for reading, and good luck!

**This giveaway is now closed! Thanks for entering!**

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Maybelline Shiny•Licious Lip Gloss

I'm not the kind of person that likes bold lip color. Even using lip stain is a stretch for me, though it's perfect if I want a more dramatic look. But I love a really great shiny gloss. I steered away from those lip juices because they seemed too runny and always rubbed off to quickly. But I really love these great little tubes of lip gloss. They're thick enough to have longer wear, but the shine is the best part. I use #70 Caramella and it's such a perfect shiny coat of everyday wearable gloss that I carry two tubes. One for my purse and one in my car. And it's a steal for around $6. One tube will last me a good two months! And if you really want to set off your lip stains, pair it with these glosses and you've got an amazing combination.

The giveaway for this product is now closed! Thanks for entering!

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Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara

I have naturally long curly eyelashes. Most of my sisters have to use eyelash curlers so I have no idea how I got so lucky. So ultimately when I'm looking for a new mascara I go for a little more length, but I also need a little volume. I'd seen commercials for this Maybelline mascara and was really excited to try it. It's around $8 at the drug store which is higher than the usual $5 I like to pay. (I know I'm cheap.)

First glance this mascara is cool. Sleek black packaging, cool metallic red tip. Right away it made me think of Christian Louboutins. Shoes I could never afford. I love great product packaging and containers and will half the time pick one product over another because it looks cooler.

Anyway. My first reaction to this stuff is that it stinks. I've never thought of mascara as having a smell before, but this stuff definitely has a smell to it, and it's not a good one. And considering you have to put the stuff so close to your nose, that doesn't bode well for the final product. Unfortunately, the smell wasn't the worst thing about this mascara. The brush is spiky with short bristles. Which is pretty much how it made my eyelashes.

I think it tries to "pull" and "tug" on your lashes to make them longer which actually kind of hurts. And the fact that the bristles are so short makes it harder to get the volume I like in a mascara. It takes a lot of coats to get a proper look but it's flaky and doesn't hold up to hours of wear. Needless to say I'm totally disappointed. I actually went back to my old soon to be nearly dried out mascara till I can find a new one I like better.

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