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 

Happy New Year! 2014 Makeup Favorites

Hello Beauties!

I have been working on this blogpost since the year's end.  It was really difficult picking the creme de la creme of makeup products.  I sat down, pulled out my notebook and had pages upon pages filled with makeup products that I loved!  Needless to say, I had to dramatically edit myself down to the best of the best. So, let's get this started!


Best Face Products:

I did a blogpost about the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer.  I used this primer throughout a majority of the year and continue to adore it despite the high price tag. If you're looking for a good dupe, try the NYX Angel Veil.

I started using the Estee Lauder Double Wear Light foundation in the summer based on a recommendation.  I loved it so much that I just purchased my winter color.  I am still dying to try the original Estee Lauder Double Wear for a fuller coverage but my skin hasn't been problematic lately. I like the light version for light-medium coverage that doesn't budge and is comfortable on the skin.

The Mac Mineralized Skinfinish was a powder that provided the added coverage for my oily t-zone.  It was lightweight and allowed me to touch up during the day without looking cakey.

The Hourglass Ambient Light Blush Palette was the most exciting purchase of the year!  Why oh why is it limited edition?  The colors are gorgeous and the finish on the skin is beautiful.

Anastasia Beverly Hills hit a home run with the Contour Palette.  It is multi-functional and I have used it to set my under-eye concealer, to highlight, to bronze, and to contour.   I was on a hot pursuit for this palette the majority of the year and I have to say it was worth the hype!

Best Eye Products:

The Lorac Pro Palette is by far the best palette ever created...EVER!  I purchased it on a whim when it first came out and I have not put it down since.  It beats out all my other palettes/eyeshadows in quality, value, and versatility.  Love!  

As a base on my eyelids, I use Mac Soft Ochre Paintpot.  It really cancels out all the natural darkness I have on my eyelids so I can start with a blank canvas.

Lancome kicked it up a notch when they released the Grandiose Mascara.  I love it so much that I dedicated an entire blogpost to it.  All my other mascaras have been put aside because this is the only one I have used since purchasing it.

I mentioned the It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil in my last favorites.  My eyebrows don't need a ton of work but this product help fills in the sparse areas while keeping a natural look.

I am a lover of eyeliner....the blacker the better!  I love the Physician's Formula Eye Booster Liquid Eyeliner so much so that I have re-purchased it twice already.  The Nars Larger Than Life Long Wear Eyeliner is the best product I have found for the waterline.  It is a little drier than most liners so it stays put all day.

Best Lip Products:

If you follow me on Instagram you may have realized that I am a lip product junkie. So, this was very difficult for me to pick the best.

The Tarte LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Tint is alway in my rotation.  This unique product gives you a personalized shade of pink.  Not to mention it is super hydrating.  I am already on my second tube!

I mentioned the It Cosmetics Your Lips But Better Waterproof Lip Liner Stain Romantic Rose in my last set of favorites.  It is amazing and super long lasting.  I use it all the time and it has opened my eyes to lip liners.

Maybelline wins at the drugstore for lipsticks in my opinion.  They stepped it up when they released their Creamy Matte Line of lipsticks.  My favorite is Touch of Spice which is on trend for that "Kylie Jenner" look.  It is the 90's browny nude lip look that I have adored for years.

The L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color in Nude Ballet was my favorite gloss type product for the year.  Don't underestimate the opacity of this product though!  It is a full on nude that I usually use in center of the lips for that extra pouty look.

I think that Urban Decay is my favorite high end brand.  I was so excited when the Revolution Lipsticks came on the market.  My favorite is Fiend which is a muted rose color that I am always reaching for.  It certainly goes with so many looks.

I hope you enjoyed my 2014 favorites.  What were your favorites?  Please comment down below and let me know!  You can also leave any questions, requests or feedback too.  Don't forget to follow my blog to stay up to date.  You can also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Pintrest, and Tumbler 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

Worth the Hype??? Gerard Cosmetics Lipsticks

Hello Beauties!

There are so many new makeup and beauty products coming out every single day.  As a hardcore makeup addict, I wish I could get my hands on it all.  Unfortunately, I have to refrain myself, but when I saw all the hype about these Gerard Cosmetics Lipsticks I had to see what it was all about!  They are being promoted on all social media by a lot of my favorite YouTube gurus and of course I trust their opinions.  In this blogpost, I have put these lipsticks to the ultimate test and pose the question...Are they worth the hype?

Buttercup, Nude, Tequila Sunrise, 1995

The Facts:

These lipsticks currently come in 8 shades:

1995
All Dolled Up
Fire Engine
Tequila Sunrise
Nude 
Berry Smoothie
Cherry Cordial
Buttercup 

They are found on gerardcosmetics.com for $19.00.  There are also discount codes you can find on social media to save a little cash.  

Two of these lipsticks are extra special; 1995 and Buttercup were made in collaboration with the fabulously talented YouTuber, Jaclyn Hill.  


In my Geeky Opinion:

I purchased four of the lipsticks for the discounted price of $39.  They swatch beautifully as you see below.  

Top to Bottom:
Buttercup, Nude, Tequila Sunrise, 1995

Buttercup:

This is one of the Jacyln Hill creations.  It is a creamy pinky nude that goes on pretty smooth but looks patchy on the lips.  The color is way too light for my olive complexion and just washes me out.  

Nude:

This is a true nude.  The website claims it is buttery but the formula is matte and is very drying on the lips.  I love nudes but again, this color does not match my complexion. 

Tequila Sunrise:

It is a peachy coral color as per the website but in person it looks like an unflattering neon orange.  The claim is that it is a soft matte.  This was so difficult to apply to get an opaque lip.  The formula was so incredibly dry that it really accentuated the lines on my lips. It makes my lips look incredibly dry which they are not...I am a lipbalm freak.  It is so gritty on the lips and uncomfortable to wear.  

1995:

This is another creation of Jaclyn Hill.  It was created with the 90s trend in mind.  It is browny nude that is creamy matte.  I feel it is the best of the set I purchased but unfortunately it does not wear well.  It lasted less than an hour on my lips.  I was not drinking or eating or kissing my husband.  I had to reapply it constantly and my lips where so dehydrated by days end.  

My Final Verdict:

So I have been testing these lippies for over a month now and I am sad to say I am not impressed one bit!  I hate to say that because I had such high hopes for these lipsticks.  Especially with all the hype I heard on social media by my trusted YouTube beauty gurus no less!  I almost question if I got a lemon? Of the colors I tried, Buttercup and 1995 had a decent formula but were not longwearing.  The Nude and Tequila Sunrise were incredibly drying and gritty on the lips that it was simply unacceptable.  I know I may get a lot of backlash but I have to give my honest opinion...I have to give theses lipsticks a FAIL.  They are so not worth the hype and I do not recommend these lipsticks at all.  There are many products at the drugstore that are 100% better than these lipsticks.  For the high end price point, Gerard Cosmetics needs to step it up and reformulate these products.     

I hope you all enjoyed this blogpost.  If you made these lipsticks work please let me know!  If you have any questions, comments, feedback, or requests, please leave them in the comments 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, you can email me at geektochicbeauty@gmail.com.  Stay Beautiful, Stay True!

Geek2Chic - Christine  

Epic Beauty Battle: Benefit Gimme Brow vs. L'Oreal Brow Stylist Plumper

Hello Beauties!

Happy New Year to all!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season.

Today's blogpost will be another installment of Epic Beauty Battle!  I will be comparing the Benefit Gimme Brow vs. L'Oreal Brow Stylist Plumper.  I wanted to put them to the test, comparing them on every level to see which one wins out.

Left: L'Oreal Right: Benefit

Gimme Brow by Benefit came out a little over a year ago and has been a game changer to my brow routine.  I have fairly full brows but they never stay put!  About a year ago, I noticed that every time I took a photo, my thick brows looked washed out in the picture.  I thought to myself...how are my super ultra-thick unruly eyebrows now disappearing into oblivion in pictures?!?  So, I jumped on the brow bandwagon and made it apart of my everyday routine.  This product has fibers that adhere to the brow hairs to make them look fuller.  I was so excited when the L'Oreal Brow Stylist Plumper hit the market within the last month or so.  I immediately sought it out to see if it was a worthy competitor!  

The Claims:

Benefit Gimme Brow:

• This innovative brush-on fiber gel adheres to skin and hair creating brows where before there were none.
• Builds easily for thick, lush arches, thanks to a tapered brush for blending and a precision tip for shaping.
• The fiber gel is water resistant, long lasting, and buildable for natural looking brows. 

L'Oreal Brow Stylist Plumper:

• Add instant character to your brows with our innovative brush-on fibre gel mascara.
• Quickly build volume for thick, lush arches, thanks to a perfectly shaped brush and precision tip for shaping.
• Natural looking and matte finish. 

Hmm...is it just me or are the claims very similar?  

The Facts:

L'Oreal Brow Stylist Plumper 
$6.99 - 7.99
3 Shades: Light/Medium, Medium/Dark, Transparent
0.27 fluid ounces 

Benefit Gimme Brow
$22.00
2 Shades: Light/Medium, Medium/Deep
0.10 fluid ounces  

Disclaimer:  Before I use either brow gel I use my It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil to fill in any sparse areas.  Funny story, when I was young, my brows were huge!  I had the unibrow and everything.  I hated it!  I used to pull out my brow hairs that were really long to thin them out a little.  Now I am filling them in.  Ahh...I would give my past self so much advice, like that big brows would eventually come back into the style.  Oh well!  

In my Geeky Opinion:

How to Apply?

• Use a clean spooly to brush the hairs upwards and outwards.
• Apply the product in short strokes upward to brush through the brow hair. 
• Comb through to build up the product and blend into the brows.  

Formula?

The formulas for the L'Oreal and Benefit are comparable.  They are both comprised of a thicker tinted gel with fibers.  The fibers are barely undetectable when you have a fresh tube.  I have already repurchased the Gimme Brow and I noticed that the more I use it, the more detectable the fibers become.  Also, the Gimme Brow has dried down quite a bit over the past few months of use.  I cannot comment about the change in formula for the Brow Stylist because I have only had it for a month.  

The Brush?

Top: L'Oreal Brow Stylist Plumper
Bottom: Benefit Gimme Brow

Both of the products have a shortened classic mascara wand with rotating bristles.  These bristles make it very easy to brush through the hairs.  I do prefer the brush on the L'Oreal.  It is a bit longer and retains less products so I make less mistakes.  When using the Gimme Brow, I have to clean off the brush because there is just too much product on the bristles and it can make me look crazy if I use it straight out of the tube.  

Use?

For a perfected brow look, I use my brow pencil first to fill my brows in and then use either gel to set my brows into place.  I have also used the brow gel on their own for more natural everyday look which plumps up my brows and fills in the brows where needed.  Either way, I get a strong hold to my brow and I have not seen any flaking of either product as they wear.  Also, I have been caught in the rain wearing both products with no issues!

The Final Verdict:

I wanted to given you a comparison picture.  This is my New Year's Eve look.  My brow on the left is my sparse brow and the right is my fuller brow.  Gosh, I wish they were just even!  In comparison, keeping in mind my brow difference, I think they both look great!  I would recommend both products highly.  I love the way my brows look with these products.  

<------L'Oreal                                  Benefit------>

Who Won?

L'Oreal is such a wonderful dupe for the Benefit Gimme Brow.  You get almost triple the product at less than half the price!  I have to give it L'Oreal.  I love love love Gimme Brow and as I said, I have re-purchased this product which is a testament to how much I do love it.  However, I love it even more when I can get a dupe at a lower cost.    

I hope you all enjoyed this latest edition of Epic Beauty Battle!  If you have any questions, comments, feedback, or requests, please leave them in the comments 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