Review: Maybelline Colossal Volum'Express

Hey everyone!

Today I am giving a “review” on Maybelline Colossal Volum’Express Waterproof mascara. The reason I put quotes around review is because I don’t like giving negative reviews, so instead I’ll call this… “My thoughts on.” There, that sounds better! Onto my thoughts!

First, the packaging. It’s very pretty, I love the yellow and metallic turquoise, very eye-catching. It’s functional and attractive. One point for Maybelline!

Ooo, pretty packaging!

 Now let’s talk about the brush. It’s a little fatter than normal, not quite as big as CoverGirl LashBlast or anything, but not as skinny as, say, L’Oreal Voluminous. The bristles themselves are average length, but wiry. Let me explain- They’re skinny, and also kind of twisty. Here, look at a picture and see for yourself. It gathers product and deposits it in kind of a speckly way. It’s hard to see in the pictures, but there are little spheres of mascara on the ends of my lids.

As for the actual mascara? Well I already told you about the speckly part, but the length it gives is pretty good, as well as the volume. My lashes are noticeably longer, as well as slightly thicker along the base. However, by the end of the day my lashes are stringy- they’re clumped together and not at all flattering looking. Maybe this is just me, but this is really a big turn off for me, as well as a deciding factor. The waterproof-ness is also debatable- it doesn’t run off my face if my lashes get wet, but if I rub my eyes it smears underneath my eyes and I get a raccoon look. 

Bare lashes

Two coats of Maybelline Colossal Volum'Express

Ick- spider-lashes!

 All in all, I don’t think I would buy this again, and I’m glad this was given to me so I didn’t have to use my money. Some of you might have better experiences, but if you want my opinion, I’m going to have to say skip. IMO, there are better mascaras out there worth a try.  

Has anyone tried this? What are your experiences with this mascara? I’m also thinking about trying one of the Maybelline XXL Pro mascaras; Jamie of Maquilagem Masstige really likes this line. What other mascaras do you recommend? Leave a comment below!

~Gabrielle~

Book Recommendation

Hey everyone!

Sorry I haven’t written anything in a while. I’m actually kinda uninspired right now, not to mention all my usual excuses- school, sports, etc. I should have a review and EOTD up next week though!

However, today’s post isn’t makeup related- it’s actually a book recommendation! I haven’t done much reading this year, but I read this particular book over Labor Day weekend. It’s Ophelia, by Lisa Klein, and yes, it is based on Hamlet, which happens to be my fave Shakespeare play. 

This book tells the events of Hamlet from Ophelia’s point of view- what happened before and after the tragedy. I won’t tell you too much, but in it she doesn’t end up like she does in the play… I like this book because it gives more depth to Ophelia who doesn’t really get a whole lot of attention in the play, and you can really empathize with her more.

If you like historical fiction or retellings of classics, then this is for you! Also, in the comments, let me know if you like book recommendations, or if I should stick to makeup!

Have you read any good books lately? Does this interest you? Let me know!

~Gabrielle~

Let Project 10 Pan commence!

Hey everyone!

As you can probably tell from my title, I am attempting Project 10 Pan. If you don't know what that is, it is when one tries to finish (or hit pan on) 10 products. For this, I am counting body products as well as makeup because I have too many lotions to count!

I'm already nearing completion on one of my foundations, Almay Line Smoothing Compact Makeup (which I'm not sure they make anymore- can someone enlighten me?!?!). In fact, I already hit pan and hopefully can finish it in a few weeks.

Another product I'm hoping to finish is Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar body lotion. It's quite old and I've only finished about 1/3 of it!

Is anyone else attempting Project 10 Pan right now? If so, let me know how it's going! Hopefully I can give regular updates on this.

Also, Happy Labor Day Weekend! I'm going down to my beachhouse with my family; hopefully I'll come back with a killer tan!

~Gabrielle~