REVIEW: MAC Zoom Lash & Maybelline Lash Stiletto

Hello! Here's my one post for November and I'm sorry I didn't do more this month. I have a double mascara review for you - one high-end and one low-end. Let me go over each product and then I'll compare them. All swatches were done with ONE COAT, which is the ideal application for everyone on-the-go.

By the way, excuse the bloodshot eyes. I have semi-insomnia or something. =)

MAC ZOOM LASH

• PRODUCT NAME: MAC Zoom Lash in Zoomblack; also comes in Lofty Brown
  
• PRICE: $13
• AMOUNT: 9 g or 0.31 oz (mine is a sample size)
  
• PACKAGING: Matte, plain round tube
  
• BRUSH TYPE & SHAPE: Skinny non-rubber/plastic brush that tapers at the tip; when viewed on end it's round in shape
• WATERPROOF: No
• TEXTURE: Wet (not too creamy but more gel-like), although Lash Stiletto is a wet formula as well, this is slightly more wet
• ODOR: Whew! I thought Lash Stiletto was stinky but this is probably the worst. I thought they smelled similar and I'm not fond of them. Funny thing is, I opened a new Lash Stiletto for this review and it didn't smell as bad as my first tube, so maybe Lash Stiletto doesn't stink after all. But I don't care for Zoom Lash at all.
• PRODUCT CLAIMS: "Instant volume; power lifts lashes into length; curls; smudgeproof; long-wearing."

ZOOM LASH REVIEW: This is definitely more of a lengthening mascara then a thickening one, and the "instant volume" claims don't ring true, as you can see my long but spidery lashes in the bottom-right quadrant. It doesn't curl my lashes but it holds the curl all day. I don't find it smudgeproof because it's not waterproof. There was no flaking when I applied it and there was very minimal flaking throughout the day. It applies very smoothly, though, and didn't clump my lashes together. I would not repurchase this because it was unimpressive, but if you're a diehard MAC fan looking for a natural-looking mascara that somewhat lengthens and defines your lashes, then you might want to try this. Otherwise, you can save your money and stay away from this.

FINAL WORDS: Where's the zoom, MAC?

MAYBELLINE LASH STILETTO

• PRODUCT NAME: Maybelline Lash Stiletto in Soft Black; also comes in Very Black and Brownish Black
• PRICE: ~$7 - $9
• AMOUNT: 6.5 ml or 0.22 fl oz
• PACKAGING: Square, shiny tube that resembles a stiletto heel
• BRUSH TYPE & SHAPE: Skinny, non-rubber/plastic brush that tapers at the tip; when viewed on end, it's square in shape, like the tube itself
• WATERPROOF: No, but there is a new waterproof version
• TEXTURE: Wet, gel-like formula
• ODOR: The first tube I've ever used was the stankiest mascara I've ever tried but my second tube didn't smell like the first. Hmm...maybe it's a hit or miss. (The second tube was my BOGO purchace.)
  
• PRODUCT CLAIMS: "Seductive length; shiny patent finish"

I definitely needed a lash comb for the outer lashes after one coat.

LASH STILETTO REVIEW: This did not give me the "ultimate" length I was expecting nor did it thicken my lashes. The spikey brush, although skinny, took me a little while to get used to because I was afraid of poking my eye with the bristles. It also clumped some of my lashes together and I had to bust out with my lash comb, which I hardly ever need to use. The patent finish is non-existent and I don't know how they can claim that on their packaging. There was no flaking when I applied it and experienced very minimal flaking throughout the day. It's not waterproof so it can smudge just a tad at the outer corners of the eyes.

FINAL WORDS: It's more of a low heel than a stiletto.

COMPARISON

Sorry for the bad picture

Looking at the above picture, I don't see much a difference between the two. Do you? They were both rather unimpressive. The good thing about Zoom Lash was that it didn't leave my lashes feeling stiff, like Lash Stiletto. Both products gave me the "natural lash look" and they easily wash off.

If you were to ask me which one I'd choose between the two, I'd say the MAC, but I would never purchase the full size. Instead, I'd stick with my absolute favorite mascara that I reviewed a couple months ago: Maybelline Volum' Express Turbo Boost Waterproof mascara.

Thanks for reading this review and I hope you didn't miss me too much. I missed you! ^_^
Scroll down the sidebar and check out my new TwitPic widget for bonus pics.
Happy Holidays!

Copyright © 2009, Lady Lostris

UPDATED Corner Storage and GoTo Palette

The picture above shows the storage on the top of my desk (it's actually two square tables put together because you can never find a table this long and wide unless it's a ridiculous price). I bought a new three-drawer unit from Walmart for $4 a couple days ago to put on top of my 6-drawer unit on the right side. I lined the drawers with paper towels and non-slip pads and put a few thing inside them already. I abandoned my old "Daily Train Case" idea and put all the makeup I reach for the most into these drawers and reserved my train cases for extra things.

I also reorganized many things on the black shelf too, but I've never shown that before. My laptop is under the blue sheet and my closet is to the right. I have shelves under the table where I keep my train cases (see picture below). I think I may do a video next month about my collection and storage. Shoot, it's only been almost a year since I uploaded my last YT vid. =P

Then I updated my GoTo Palette because I bought two MAC eyeshadows that I've been wanting. Can you see the difference? I switched out MAC Bold & Brazen and Wet n Wild Naked with MAC's Ricepaper (third in first row) and Texture (fifth in first row).

Click here for my orignal GoTo Palette post with all swatches.

I've been wanting Ricepaper (a frost) since the year 2000...no lie! I finally got it. Ahaha! I think it's now my favorite shimmery highlight.

And then I got Texture (a velvet), which is the perfect above the crease color. I don't buy MAC too often but these two colors are must-haves.

TOP: with flash (true colors), BOTTOM: natural light

*~*DUPE ALERT*~*

NYX's Sahara looks almost exactly like Ricepaper. What do you think? Even though the texture of Ricepaper is a little better, Sahara is still a very good eyeshadow - and still a favorite.

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EXTRA TIDBIT: Oooh lookie! Elf Studio now has eyeshadow singles and new blushes. Yup, I'm gonna have to try a couple of the eyeshadows because I'm too much of an eyeshadow junkie. I'm currently not buying any more lip products until I finish a tube of lipstick or gloss, but I'm still allowing myself eyeshadow. =)

Amethyst e/s & Candid Coral Blush

New Mineral Eyeshadow Primer


Compare the ingredients...

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Ingredients: Isododecane, Talc, Cyclopentasiloxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glyceryl Triethylhexanoate, Polyethylene, Trihydroxystearin, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Isopropyl Lanolate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Propylene Carbonate, Dimethicone, PEG-40 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol. May Contain (+/-): Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).


Elf Mineral Eyeshadow Primer Ingredients:

This gentle and completely sheer Eyeshadow Primer has key vitamins A, C and E to help prevent aging and moisturizes the skin. The formula glides on easily and disappears instantly to create longer-lasting, crease-proof eyeshadow. The Mineral Eyeshadow Primer is designed to be used with your favorite mineral eyeshadow to provide ultimate staying power for beautiful and vibrant color that lasts. 100% mineral based with no parabens, no preservatives and no chemical dyes. Apply a small amount to the eyelid and blend in. Use as a base prior to applying eyeshadow. Isododecane, Cylopentasiloxane, Octyl Palmitate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Triacontanyl PVP, Propylene Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Mica (CI 77019), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163).

*~*UPDATE*~*

Becky asked if NYX Brown was a good dupe for MAC Texture. So I busted out with my Brown single and the depotted one from the trio but I don't think they look alike. Both browns are matte while Texture has a little bit of shimmer and has terracotta/orange undertones. What do you think? But, NYX Brown (single) is still a good above the crease color and for blending up colors on the lid.

And a while back, Stephanie pointed out if NYX Champagne and MAC All That Glitters were dupes. To me, I say that they're close enough. Although on a white base NYX Champange looks more beige-champagne and MAC All That Glitters looks more peach-champagne, on a shimmery beige base, there's not much difference. Both are very pretty lid colors but I think NYX Champagne is good enough.

Hope this helps! =)

My "GoTo Palette"

My GoTo Palette consists of eyeshadow colors I use on a regular basis. So instead of making an all brown palette, or an all green or all purple palette like many people do, I decided to make one palette that I can open to do a look with, without having to open other palettes at the same time.

At first, I was going to order the empty 28 pan palette from Stars Makeup Haven , but I decided to save my money and just pop out the insert in a MAC palette that I already own. That way, instead of only holding 15 shadows, it will hold almost twice as much - 26 shadows. Many other people do this, as well, and all you have to do is pry some tweezers under one corner and pull the insert out.

Now, on to the pics and swatches. You'll see that I mostly like browns, pinks, peaches, golds and greens. Sorry, no blues or purples because I don't wear those colors too often. And there's a mix of brands here, from low end ($1) to high end ($14.50). Watch out for the dupe info in the color descriptions.

All shadows were swatched heavily over Scandalous Cosmetics Eyeshadow Magnet. Colors can vary depending on application method and type of base.

Left Half

Right Half

Click to enlarge. All shadows are labeled.

1. NYX Barely There: Satin pale gold
2. NYX Highlight*: Matte creamy yellow; it won't look that yellow when you apply it as a highlight - I packed it on, remember?
3. MAC Tete-A-Tint: Matte peachy color with fawn brown undertones; apply it as a wash for a more natural look
4. Milani Illusion: Sheer, shimmery light pink with gold duochrome; this color won't look like the swatch unless you pack it on well; I like to layer this over other colors; it's very unique
5. MAC Expensive Pink: Veluxe pearl; shimmery peachy-pink with gold duochrome
6. MAC Bold & Brazen (LE): Starflash finish (I really don't know how to describe the difference of this finish with others, but it's more shimmery without being glittery or sparkly); shimmery mid-tone peach; DUPE- the light color in the L'Oreal HIP Duo in Playful (click here for swatch)
7. Milani Flare: Shimmery orange with peach tones; DUPE- MAC Coppering

8. NYX Brown: Matte, medium warm-toned brown; I like the single better but this will do; this is great in the crease or just above it
9. NYX Suede: Matte cool-toned brown; DUPE- MAC Wedge
10. Wet n Wild Fine Wink*: Shimmery champagne-pink; LOVE this as a lid color; DUPE- MAC Naked Lunch; (howto depot)
11. MAC All That Glitters: Veluxe pearl; shimmery peachy-champagne-beige; I also LOVE this as a lid color; DUPE- NYX Champange but ATG is slightly more of a peachy-champagne while NYX's is more beige-champagne
12. MAC Woodwinked: Veluxe pearl; shimmery golden bronze
13. MAC Go (LE): Starflash finish; shimmery cocoa bronze; DUPE- MAC Tempting

14. NYX Golden: Shimmery, golden yellow; this is from the Yellow Pearl/Antique Gold/Golden trio
15. NYX Antique Gold: Shimmery antique gold
16. NYX Golden: Shimmery orangey-gold; this is from the Golden/Rust/Walnut Bronze trio
17. MAC Satin Taupe*: Frost finish (don't be fooled by the name "frost" because it's not frosty); shimmery cool-toned taupe brown with plum undertones; you have to see it in real life because pics don't do it justice; my favorite color
18. NYX Walnut Bronze: Shimmery brown with dark pinkish-plum undertones
19. Milani Java Bean*: Shimmery warm dark brown; this shadow is a must-have!
20. MAC Glamour Check! (LE): Starflash finish; shimmery burgundy brown; DUPES- the dark color in the L'Oreal HIP Duo in Playful (click here for swatch) or Too Faced Full Frontal

Another look at the 3rd row. The difference between Satin Taupe and Java Bean is more prominent in this picture.

21. NYX Spring Leaf: Shimmery light green
22. NYX Green Tea: Shimmery mid-tone warm green
23. MAC Humid: Frost finish; shimmery hunter green; a must for green lovers; DUPES- NYX Mermaid Green, dark color in Wet n Wild Amazon Greens Trio (click here for swatch), or Milani Clover
24. Wet n Wild Naked: Semi-matte cool brown; great blender color
25. NYX Rootbeer: Satin ashy brown; good brow filler even if it's not matte (somehow it works)
26. elf Dusk: Shimmery black; not too frosty nor glittery


I'd definitely add NYX Sahara because that's my favorite highlight but I have the square single instead of the round pan.

If I had to recommend one color from each of the 5 different brands in my GoTo Palette (labeled with an asterisk in the color descriptions), they would be NYX Highlight, Wet n Wild Fine Wink, MAC Satin Taupe, Milani Java Bean, and elf Dusk. =)

*~*UPDATE*~*

Click here to see my updated GoTo Palette

Another 187 Dupe and Studio Tools Brushes Review

So I was walking around Target, not intending to buy anything makeup-related, and I stumbled across the Studio Tools section near the Sally Hansen nail products display. Damn, I was in for some impulse buys. I had already owned the Studio Tools Smudge Brush, which I love, and decided to pick up three other brushes. And after I remembered seeing a video that Kaycee did about the Studio Tools Dual-Finish Brush, I decided I had to get it.

The Studio Tools Dual-Finish Brush is $6.99 and it's a stippling brush with natural and synthetic fibers. The entire brush measures a little over 6.5" long and has a transparent, dark-gray plastic handle, as do all the brushes. The handles look solid black but if you hold them up to the light, you'll see right through them. They are also made in China and so far, only a couple hairs from the crease brush has shed.

Now, I don't own the full size MAC 187 because I don't use liquid foundation (watch Kaycee's video that compares the full-size MAC 187 to the Studio Tools), so I'm comparing the Studio Tools brush with other stippling brushes that I own. I love these types of brushes for blush, bronzer, and contouring.

For my previous posts about these other 187 dupes, click below:
Flirt! Feather Dust-her Brush from Kohl's
Everyday Minerals Skunkless Foptic Brush

~The Studio Tools 187 dupe has the perfect ratio of natural to synthetic bristles. It's not as dense as the EDM and not as sparse as the Flirt! brush - it's perfect. I also love the height of the bristles and the handle is chubby enough to fit comfortably in my hand without being too big. Another good thing about it is that the end of the handle is flat, so you can stand it upright on your desk or vanity. That's a good thing for me since I have no more room in my brush holders. The bristles are soft, they haven't shed (so far), and it did not smell funky right out of the package. It gets a 5 out of 5.
~If I had to rank my 4 stippling brushes in order of preference, it would be exactly like the pictures below: Studio Tools, MAC, Flirt!, and Everyday Minerals.

(Click to enlarge)

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~The Medium Shadow Brush ($2.49) is one of those brushes you grab for when you're lazy and don't want to get out another brush. You can do a whole look with this one brush: lid, crease, outer-V, and highlight. It's super soft, not pokey at all, and made with natural hairs.
5 out of 5
~The Smudge Brush ($2.49) has shorter, stiffer bristles and it's good for packing on color on small lids or for applying three or four different colors on your lid if you're doing a rainbow look. Of course, it's also good for smudging out your eyeliner and is made with natural hairs. 5 out of 5

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~The last brush is the Eye Contour (crease) Brush ($1.99) and I have to say that this is now my favorite crease brush. It's not as full as the Sonia Kashuk but it's almost similar to the elf Blending brush - the Studio Tools is more tapered at the end, so it fits into your crease nicely. It's super soft and not pokey, just like all the other brushes. This is also made with natural bristles and can you believe it's only $1.99! 5 out of 5

~(BTW, the UpStage Crease brush is another fave of mine and I got this at Long's Drug, which is now converting to CVS, so I don't know if you can still find it there. I love how fluffy, tapered, and pointy this brush is and it fits perfectly into your crease - a very underrated, unknown brush.)
~The MAC pencil brush (219, not 119) is just there to give you an idea of the brush head sizes.

(Click to enlarge)

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FINAL THOUGHTS

1. These 4 Studio Tools brushes are affordable, easy to find (at Target), and very soft. All of them get 5 stars!
2. All brushes have handles with flat ends, so you can stand them upright. This is a great option for the Dual-Finish brush.
   

Hope this helps! It's 3 in the morning and I'm going to bed! =)