Lace & Pearls

A Seattle Style blog. Helping women who struggle with their personal style or those who just need a fashion fix!

Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick

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I recently signed up for Influenster, a product review community. My first box was the Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick. I’m a big Marc Jacobs fan but had yet to try his beauty line.

This is my first time trying a highlighter. A highlighter provides a natural dewy look to the skin. When you find a perfect match, your skin will have a natural glow. If the highlighter appears shiny or glittery, then you know to keep looking.

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I like the black and white packaging of the Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick. The container reminds me of a travel size deodorant. I received the Spotlight color, a translucent gold and silver shade. The formula is creamy and non-sticky. It’s easy to apply and won’t make a mess.

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How to Use the Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick

Apply with a brush, a sponge, or your fingers. You can also apply it directly to your skin and blend. You have lot of options for wearing the highlighter:

  • the top of your cheekbones
  • your temples
  • your brow bones
  • the bridge of your nose
  • your Cupid’s bow
  • your chin

I chose to apply to my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose.

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I have oily skin, so I was worried about this product. As I suspected, the highlighter made me appear more oily. For the first 30-60 minutes, it gave me a subtle glow, but after that, I looked greasy and the product had worn off.

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📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

I think this glow stick is beautiful but not worth the hefty price tag. I’m sure you can find similar products that provide the same results for much less. I think that this product will work best with normal/combination skin.

Have you tried the Marc glow stick? Share your thoughts in the comments.

I received this product complimentary of Influester for testing purposes.

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Kari Gran Organic Skin Care Review

Seattle-Fashion-Photographer(36of39)

I recently attended a wellness party at the Belle Fiore Organic Med Spa & Klinik. At the event, I was introduced to Kari Gran’s organic skincare. Kari gave me an overview of her line and shared the benefits of facial oils. Facial oils help balance out the skin’s natural oil production.

I have been hearing a lot about facial oils but I have been hesitant to try them due to my oily skin.

I decided to purchased the mini kit (2 week supply). This included a cleansing oil, rose hydrating tonic, and the essential serum.

How to Use

That night I massaged 8-10 pumps of the cleansing oil onto my dry face. After a short amount of time, I applied a hot washcloth and let it cool. Then repeated. It was heavenly.

Next, I applied the serum and hydrating tonic (the best smell ever). I would love it if Kari created an organic fragrance line inspired by the rose tonic.

The morning process is much quicker. You just wash your face with a warm washcloth, apply your serum and tonic and you’re good to go. I now look forward to bedtime just so I can do my skincare routine aka “nightly spa.” The smell is so incredible and the process is so soothing, its a perfect end to a busy day.

Seattle-Fashion-Photographer(34of39)

📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

Using these products was a real treat, and to my surprise, the facial oil did not make my skin more oily. The only con I found is that my makeup didn’t stay on all day, even when wearing a primer.

Other Kari Gran Products

I would also like to try her mineral makeup, but again I fear my face will appear oily and not have the same coverage that my long wear makeup provides. The recommended mineral powder technique for full coverage is to use a foundation brush.  If I decide to take the plunge I will definitely do a review. I like the idea of using products that are free of harsh chemicals and won’t clog my pores.

I am also curious if using natural products over time will  improve the condition of my skin. I am terrified to go sans makeup and would love for my pores to appear smaller. I also feel like I have a lot of scar tissue and thickened skin where I used to have acne.

I almost forgot to mentioned the amazing lip whip products. You can wear these glosses on their own, mixed, or over your favorite lip color to add some sparkle. They are so gorgeous. I picked up the Shimmer color and immediately received a ton of compliments. Who doesn’t want that? 😉

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Get Super Straight Hair With the Irresistible Me Flat Iron

Irresistible Me flat iron

My first flat iron was clunky and hard to use. I had to hold it just right to keep the hair from getting yanked or bent. It also took a long time to heat up and the smell from the iron permeated my hair. There are so many great options today, one of them being Irresistible Me. I was skeptical at first since I hadn’t heard much about the brand, other than their hair extension. I was pretty blown away with the quality of this product. So good!

Irresistible Me flat iron product review

My hair is relaxed (chemically straightened), but I still use a flat iron to smooth out the texture and give it shape. What I like best about this hair straightener is it heats up super fast (15 seconds), it’s lightweight, and it is very easy to use.

Irresistible-Me-Flat-IronIrresistible Me Flat Iron

This iron can go up to 450 F! To get a smooth and silky texture, you only have to run the iron through your hair a few times. I love how gentle the ceramic tourmaline plates are. The diamond technology does a good job of protecting and keeping my natural hair oils in. Unlike traditional flat irons, this one does not tug or pull at your hair.

Irresistible Me flat iron product review

When I look at past photos of my hair, I can see a difference since using this flat iron. I also like that the iron does not give off a strong smell during use.

The price point is comparable to high-quality irons.

Irresistible Me flat iron product review

The only issue I had is the power button. To turn it on, you have to hold the button down. At first, I thought it was broken, but then I realized what to do. I am going to assume this is by design, for safety reasons.

To see this iron in action, check out this video. This girl is hilarious!

Irresistible Me provided me with this product but all opinions are my own.

📷 by Luba Kochubey Portraits

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Drugstore Volume Mascaras: The Good and the Bad

I am constantly being flooded with images of over the top, voluminous, show-stopping lashes. I decided to do my own research on drugstore volume mascaras.

I am constantly being flooded with images of over the top, voluminous, show-stopping lashes. I know that some women rely on lash extensions and falsies to get their lash fix, while some swear by a certain mascara or technique. I decided to do my own research and focus on the best drugstore volume mascaras.

I am constantly being flooded with images of over the top, voluminous, show-stopping lashes. I decided to do my own research on drugstore volume mascaras.

📷 by Luba Kochubey Portraits

As a reference point, my favorite non-drugstore volume mascaras are Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and Dior DiorShow Lash-extension Effect Volume Mascara.

Drugstore Volume Mascaras

NYX Doll Eye

Product Claim

  • Extends and lengthens
  • Contains micro fibers to add texture, fullness, and shape

Review

This mascara, true to it’s name, provides you with “doll eyes,” but the volume is just ok. If you are looking for length this mascara does a good job. The texture is a bit sticky when applying coats so I recommend doing one eye at a time. It does flake a bit and is hard to remove at the end of the day. You’ll need eye makeup remover for this one.

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Mascara

Product Claim

  • 100% Dramatic Volume & Glamour
  • OrganiSoy moisturizes and help noursish lashes

Review

This product is good for everyday and works well for those with sensitive eyes or contacts. Your lashes won’t be voluptuous but will have a nice natural look. The formula does run so you will need to use a lash primer to avoid racoon eyes, especially if you like to wear mascara on your lower lashes.

Revlon Ultra Volume

Product Claim

  • Triple grooves designed to hold formula for maximum volume
  • Short and long bristles designed to comb every lash and eliminate clumps

Review

This mascara was a major fail. The formula was dry. When I applied the mascara the product barely coated my lashes, and appeared thin, crunchy, and volume-less.

Cover Girls LashBlast The Super Sizer 

Product Claim

  • 400% more volume for fuller lashes
  • Lengthens
  • Defines & Separates
  • Suitable for contact wearers

Review

This mascara has a unique brush that allows you to reach every inch of your lash. While the formula added length it didn’t do much on volume. I did like how it defined and separated my lashes. The product also worked great with contacts, no eye irritation here! The formula made my lashes appear sparse and thin. I would not purchase again.

L’Oreal Voluminous Originals

Product Claim

  • Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
  • Clump-resistant
  • Build lashes 5x their natural thickness

Review

I love this mascara! It’s very similar to YSL Babydoll Volume Effect Faux Cils Mascara. The formula is build-able and leaves your lashes looking full and soft without clumping. I would buy this again. It’s super effective for the price.

What drugstore volume mascaras do you like?

Shop The Post:

(Ring: Stella & Dot // Midi Ring: Pretty Particular c/o (use code laceandpearls to receive 20% off your order)

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  4. neuLASH Product Reveiw

neuLASH Product Reveiw

A lot of bloggers and other beauty fanatics swear by the lash serum Neulash. Women who wear lash extension often turn to this product as an alternative.

A lot of bloggers and other beauty fanatics swear by the lash serum Neulash. Women who wear lash extension often turn to this product as an alternative. After reading many reviews I decided to take the plunge. Here’s my experience for those who might also be curious.

Neulash is an eyelash serum that is formulated to enhance lashes within 3o days of use.

neuLash Product Claims

  • 62% experienced longer looking lashes
  • 54% experienced thicker looking lashes
  • 62% experienced denser looking lashes
  • 60% experienced more curl to their lashes

A lot of bloggers and other beauty fanatics swear by the lash serum Neulash. Women who wear lash extension often turn to this product as an alternative.

Results

To properly assess my lashes, I took a before and after photo. Within a few weeks I had noticed my lashes growing in length, and an eyelash that used to hang low (poking me in the eye) had grown out to match the others. My goal was to achieve thicker and fuller lashes. I don’t think my lashes are any thicker but when wearing mascara there is definitely an improvement in the overall appearance.

A lot of people say that you should use this product for several month to achieve the full impact. I have been using this product for 4 months.

Cons

Price point is very high (0.1 oz is $95, 0.2 oz is $150). This product is meant to be applied once a day at night. The other drawback is once results are achieved, you have to continue using the product to maintain results.

If you have sensitive skin you might experience some tingling/burning on your eyelids. I did experience this but it wasn’t unbearable and gone by morning.

A lot of bloggers and other beauty fanatics swear by the lash serum Neulash. Women who wear lash extension often turn to this product as an alternative.

Final Assessment

This product does what it claims but the difference is subtle. I don’t think I will continue due to the hefty price tag. I also feel like each person’s experience will be different, but I believe that you will likely get some type of positive results.

Have you tried neuLASH? What was your experience? Would you buy it again?

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