Review: Physician's Formula Eye Booster Instant Lash Extension Kit

Hello Beauties!

I have always been in pursuit for long luscious lashes.  There are a few ways I try to achieve this.  On a day to day basis I use layer after layer of mascara to get both volume and length.  On special occasions, I brave false lashes.  It has taken a ton of practice, but I am starting to get the hang of it.  I even thought of lash extensions but it is costly so I have't explored that route yet.  Lately, I have seen a few brands come out with lash extension kits where you layer mascara with fibers to get the long voluminous lashes.  I was very excited when I saw Physician's Formula come out with a kit at the drugstore.  This blogpost will be a review and my thoughts on the Eye Booster Instant Lash Extension Kit.  

The Facts:

This product is relatively new to the market and is found in local drugstore retailers.  I have seen it in CVS, Rite Aid, and Ulta.  It is available in one color, Ultra Black.  It retails for $14.99 but if you're patient, Physician's Formula goes on sale and can be up to 40% off.  The package contains two tubes; one is the mascara and the other contains the fiber extensions.  

The Claims:

According to the Physician's Formula website, this product....

• Experience a total lash transformation!  100% saw the most dramatic lash effect ever experienced with a mascara. 
• 100% saw thicker, fuller, longer, more dramatic looking lashes after 3 weeks. 
• 24 hour wear.
• Brush on lash extensions in 2 minutes.
• Hypoallergenic.  Paraben free.  Gluten free.  Dermatologist approved.  Ophthalmologist tested.  Fragrance free.  Safe of sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.  Non-Comedogenic. 

Directions:

1. Sweep lash boosting mascara on to upper lashes to prep for fibers and layer on lash boosting ingredients.  
2. Brush on extensions to upper lashes while mascara is still wet to instantly build lashes. 
3. Reapply lash boosting mascara to seal and set extensions.  Repeat 2&3 for life changing lashes!

In My Geeky Opinion:

I am going to talk about the mascara first.  If you look at the photo above the mascara wand comes out with a TON of excess product.  I had to clean the mascara wand off before using it, otherwise my lashes got very clumpy very quickly.  I think the stopper that cleans the mascara off in the tube should be a little narrower to clean the wand.  All in all this mascara is underwhelming.

Step One: One Coat of Physician's Formula Mascara

The fibers are incredibly messy.  The directions are to brush on the extensions, however I found the fibers get all over the place.  I found fibers IN my eye, over my upper and lower eyelids, and all over my cheeks and nose.  I found the best way to apply is to tap the excess fibers off.  Then I push the fibers onto the eyelashes when the mascara is still wet.  It's still messy but not as bad.  

Step Two: Mascara +  Fibers
Note all the excess fibers all over my cheek and nose.  

After the fibers go on, I applied one more coat of mascara.  I find I can only do this series of steps one time.  If I go back with the fibers and re-coat my lashes they look very spidery and clumpy.  I like clumpy to a point but I don't want to look like I only have four lashes.  

Step Three:  Mascara + Fibers + Mascara = The finished product
Nope, my skin is not that awful, its all the fibers!

With the mess the fibers make I use this product before I use any foundation or concealer.  This way I can brush the fibers off my face easily.  There is no way you can use this after you apply your face makeup. It will make a crazy mess and you will be forced to take your makeup off to re-apply.  Trust me!  I learned that the hard way.  

All in all, the finished product did not wow me.  I expected a huge difference but it was incredibly underwhelming.  I pulled out my holy grail Lancome Grandiose Mascara (I have a full blogpost with a detailed review) to compare the finished product.  I used two coats and I feel that it looks better without the mess!  

Two Coats of Lancome Grandiose Mascara

The Final Verdict:

I am not a fan of this product.  First off, the mess this product makes is a huge problem.  I do not wear contact lenses nor do I have sensitive eyes but the product was everywhere including inside my eyes.  I don't know about you, but I don't like foreign objects floating around inside my eye.  The final product was meh....not terrible but not great.  My favorite mascara alone gives me a better look with no mess.  Plus it takes me much less time to put it on.  All in all, I do not recommend this product, especially for those with sensitive eyes or contact lens users.  I will stick to my normal mascara and brave the false lash application for the special occasions.  

If you tried this product out, let me know what you thought.  I hope you all enjoyed this blogpost.  If you have any questions, comments, feedback, or requests, please leave them in the comment section down below.  Don't forget to follow my blog to stay up to date!  You can also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Pintrest, and Tumblr for updates, hauls, and mini-reviews.  All the links are in the sidebar.  Also feel free to email me at geektochicbeauty@gmail.com.  Stay Beautiful, Stay True!

Geek2Chic - Christine 

Top 10 Drugstore Products

Hello Beauties!

I recently re-organized my entire makeup collection.  I noticed there are some drugstore makeup items that have really stood out and are as good or even better than high-end products.  This blogpost will contain my humble opinions on the top ten drugstore products that provide wonderful quality at affordable prices.     

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor 
$5.49 - 7.49

These lipsticks are simply sensational.  There is such an array of colors and collections being released all the time.  The Rebel Bloom and Creamy Matte collections are the latest to be released.  You can find any color you want and, for the price, it can't be beat!  The lipsticks are very pigmented and wear well throughout the day.  

Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder
$3.97 - 5.29

This is a finely milled pressed powder that helps to control shine throughout the day.  I use this after I apply my foundation in the areas where I usually become oily.  It is also good for touch-ups throughout the day.  

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Gel Laquer Liner in Blackest Black 
$6.99 - 9.79

This is the blackest black gel liner, high-end or drugstore.  I love the matte dark liner look that doesn't budge and this liner does just that.  

L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Mascara
$7.99 - 10.59 

I have purchased this mascara time and time again.  I am a mascara mixer so I typically combine different mascaras to get both volume and length.  This is a great lengthening mascara.  There are several versions of this mascara; I just purchased the carbon black version.   

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer 
$3.99 - 7.29 

This is one of the best concealers I have ever tried.  I have very dark circles and this covers them up quite well.  Honestly, I have never found a concealer that doesn't settle into my fine lines but I think those fine lines are just a result of my medical school/residency days...oh well.

e.l.f. Studio High Definition Undereye Setting Powder 
$3.00

This is a great under-eye setting powder for the price.  It is a finely milled powder that sets concealer wonderfully.  This powder has blue and gold shimmer mixed into the powder.  You don't notice it at all when you apply it but I believe it helps to diffuse light to get a brighter and more awake look.

L'Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Plumper 
$7.97 - 8.99 

I have already reviewed this product in an earlier blogpost.  I really enjoy this product alone or in conjunction with my brow pencils.  It really holds your brows in place while adding some definition and color to plump them up.    

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso 
$6.97 - 8.49 

I have tried several of the Milani blushes but Luminoso is by far the best.  It is peachy with a bit of shimmer that makes you look...Luminous!  Even on my medium olive complexion it gives me a natural flush.  I tend to use this with my everyday looks.

L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24 hour Eyeshadow 
$6.39 - 8.29

There is a wide array of colors in this collection.  These shadows are very pigmented and long wearing.  My go to shade is Amber Rush which is a rose bronze color that I use over the lid and even in the crease.  It is that perfect one shade everyday look when I am in a hurry.  Another shade I really enjoy is Iced Latte.  It is good on the lid and I even use it as a highlighter lightly over my cheekbones.

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 hour Cream Gel Shadow 
$5.29 - 6.99     

  
I love this product because it is so versatile.  I have used it as a shadow base to intensify an eye look.  I have used it alone for a quick, on the go look.  It can also be applied as a gel liner with an angled brush.  There are so many colors with new limited edition collections coming out all the time.  It is long lasting and creamy.  Word to the wise, keep the lid screwed on tightly and store it upside down.  I find this is the best method to keep the product from drying out.  

I hope you all enjoyed this blogpost.  If you have any questions, comments, feedback, or requests, please leave them in the comment section down below.  Let me know what your drugstore favorites are.  Don't forget to follow my blog to stay up to date!  You can also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Pintrest, and Tumblr for updates, hauls, and mini-reviews.  All the links are in the sidebar.  Also feel free to email me at geektochicbeauty@gmail.com.  Stay Beautiful, Stay True!

Geek2Chic - Christine 

First Impression: Makeup Geek Eyeshadows

Hello Beauties!!!

So my birthday was yesterday and I officially turned 31 years young.  When my sister asked what I wanted for my birthday I immediately knew I wanted Makeup Geek Products.  I have been a long standing subscriber to Makeup Geek or Marlena on YouTube and a huge fan!  (If you aren't...You should be!)  I have been lusting for Makeup Geek shadows since their inception.  There is a ton of hype on social media about how these products are simply divine.  I wanted to find out if the hype was true!  This blogpost will be a first impression on both the regular and foiled eyeshadows.

The Facts:

Makeup Geek products are sold exclusively on makeupgeek.com.

The eyeshadows are sold by the pan for $5.99.  There are 68 different shadows that come individually.  There is also a limited edition palette with 6 shadows, 5 exclusive to the palette.

The foiled eyeshadows that are sold by the pan cost $9.99.  There are 10 different shadows that come individually.  Marlena has hinted there are more to come.  

There is also an eyeshadow palette, blushes, pigments, and brushes.  Marlena also has plans for lipsticks, concealers, etc... so she dreams big (my kinda girl)!

These products are cruelty free.  They are also talc and paraben free.

In my Geeky Opinion:

I got the starter kit that includes 9 eyeshadows for a discounted price of $49.99,  so you are saving a few dollars.  This kit includes:

Cocoa Bear
Mocha
Glamourous
Creme Brulee
Shimma Shimma
Drama Queen
Prom Night
Unexpected 
Corrupt   

My sister also got me Cosmopolitan because I was dying for this eyeshadow!

I also got the complete foiled shadow kit that includes all 10 eyeshadows for a discount price of $89.00.  This kit includes:

Caitlin Rose (All proceeds are donated to Batten's Disease)
Center Stage
Flame Thrower
Grandstand
Houdini
In The Spotlight
Jester
Magic Act
Mesmerized
Showtime  

All of these shadows swatch and apply onto the eyelids beautifully, with or without primer.  However, I always use eyeshadow primers because I have insanely oily eyelids.  These shadows are so buttery and highly pigmented.  There are no duds!  Also these shadows are high-end quality with very affordable pricing.

I prefer using my fingers to apply the foiled eyeshadows to retain the pigmentation and metallic property.  The regular eyeshadows go on beautifully with the fingers or brushes.  

These eyeshadows come in the pan so you need an empty magnetized palette to place them in like a Z-palette or a Uni Palette.  I really enjoy the fact that these shadows come in the pan alone because you can customize the palette with the eyeshadows you enjoy.  I can't tell you how many times I hit pan on a shadow within a palette that I can't replace.   That frustration is no longer a problem in this case.

I wondered why the foiled shadows were more expensive than the regular shadows, but now I completely understand.  The quality of these shadows are so rich and metallic that you only need one swipe for excellent pigmentation.  It is worth the money.  

My Final Verdict:

My first impression is that these products are totally worth the hype!  I had a Makeup Geek-Gasm as I was swatching these shadows.  Both the regular eyeshadows and the foiled eyeshadows are truly amazing.  I am looking forward to playing with these products and owning more.  The formula is excellent, buttery and pigmented.  The price is right.  I am very happy with these shadows.  I truly admire the creator of Makeup Geek.  Marlena stands behind her product and rightly so; they are amazing!

I hope you all enjoyed this blogpost.  If you have any questions, comments, feedback, or requests, please leave them in the comment section down below.  Don't forget to follow my blog to stay up to date!  You can also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Pintrest, and Tumblr for updates, hauls, and mini-reviews.  All the links are in the sidebar.  Also feel free to email me at geektochicbeauty@gmail.com.  Stay Beautiful, Stay True!

Geek2Chic - Christine

Makeup 101: Makeup Expiration Date

Hello Beauties!

So unlike the milk in your refrigerator, there is no expiration date on your makeup.  But that doesn't mean your makeup doesn't expire!  How do you know when to toss it?  If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know I have overhauled my vanity to get rid of old products.  This blogpost will be giving you a little guidance on when to get rid of old makeup, take advantage, and go SHOPPING! 

So like anything in life, the more you care for your belongings, the longer they last.  First of all, when you make a purchase, make sure it is unopened and unused!  I have this issue more so in the drugstore setting because they barely have any testers, but don't forget high-end products as well.  Carefully examine the product.  Make sure it is sealed!!!  If they are not, then don't be afraid to open it and check if someone swatched it.  (Okay, mini-rant...why the hell do people that!  It totally grosses me out.  Come on people.  The drugstore has a decent return policy, if you don't like it, just return it!  Don't get your germy, grimmy hands on my future products.  Yuck!)

When you get home, make sure you keep your products in a dry, cool place.  Keep it away from direct sunlight.  Try to avoid storing your makeup products in the bathroom.  Not to be gross, but airborne bacteria can contaminate your makeup products.   Do you want poop particles on your lipsticks?  I don't think so!

If you are like me, I stock up on my staple products when they are on super-sale.  If you leave them unopened and store them away, most products will stay stable for a while.  The moment you open your product, the clock starts ticking.  Here is a basic timeline for products....

3-6 Months:

Mascara

6 Months: 

Liquid Eyeliners

Eye Cream

12-18 Months:

Lipstick

Lipgloss

Lip and Eye Pencils 

12-24 Months:

Liquid and Cream Foundations

Concealer

Powder

Eyeshadow

Powder Blush

Cream Blush

Moisturizer

Sunscreen

Face Cream

Nail Polish

Word to the wise, take the sunscreen recommendation seriously.  I went to the Dominican Republic on my Bacholertte party with unused three-year old sunscreen.  I came back with second degree sunburn.  Needless to say, I will ALWAYS buy new sunscreen!  

There are a ton of guidelines I found online, however this is the timeline I follow because I take good care on my products.  A good idea to keep track of your products is to take a fine-tipped sharpie and write the month and year you purchased the product on the label itself.  This way you will know when to toss it without the guess work.  Also, to decipher if you should go 3 or 6 months for example, do a quick sniff test.  If the smell is funky, get rid of it!    

You always want to be as hygienic as possible.  You don't want to use old products that may have accumulated some bacteria or mold.  You want to make sure chemically it is safe to use on your face.  To keep products as clean as possible, your tools have to be as clean as possible too!  I have an older blogpost about how to clean your makeup tools if you need some tips!  If your tools happen to be your fingers, make sure both your face and your hands are clean before you apply the makeup.     

I included some photos from my personal stash.  I threw away about half the products I have except for the palettes...I could not bare getting rid of any of my eyeshadow palettes.  Please do not judge the volume!  I am very passionate about makeup so I constantly try out new products.  I joke with my husband that I work very hard to support my makeup addiction...Anyone else do the same? 

I hope you all enjoyed this blogpost.  If you have any questions, comments, feedback, or requests, please leave them in the comment section down below.  Don't forget to follow my blog to stay up to date!  You can also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Pintrest, and Tumblr for updates, hauls, and mini-reviews.  All the links are in the sidebar.  Also, feel free to email me at geektochicbeauty@gmail.com.  Stay Beautiful, Stay True!

Geek2Chic - Christine