1. Sephora Collection Show Curl XL lash curler ($17)
I’m a dedicated Shu Uemura lash curler girl, and when mine went missing a few years back, I seriously lost my sh*t! Like, I had a full-on ballistic meltdown.
But I’m also a curious kitty who likes to meow new thangs.
This one is designed, first and foremost, for deep-set eyes (which I don’t really have) and incorporates advanced Cyberdyne Systems-like technology, like an “extreme curved band shape” for dramatic lash curls. It’s also extra large and has a long handle to help you get as close as mathematically possible to your lash lines…
Or something like that. More importantly, it comes in three colors (of course my favorite one is the one with the hot pink band), and each one includes two spare replacement pads.
“But does it work!?” she cried, clenching her fists by her sides and stomping her feet in a fresh storm puddle.
Yeah…it actually does, but it takes a little getting used to. It’s quite large, and I kept pinching my lashes on my first few tries, which could be partly due to muscle memory, since I’ve spent 10 years using Shu’s curler.
This curler nicely lifts my lashes, though — especially the ones on the ends that are inherently harder to curl — and the effect is pretty dramatic and defined. It’s a good starting point for mascara.
I’m still hooked on Shu’s curler and don’t see myself ever giving it up, but the Sephora Collection Show Curl XL is a worthy contender. It might also be the cat’s meow if you have deep-set eyes.
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B/B+
2. Sephora Collection Long Lashing Contoured Eyelash Comb ($14)
HOW SCARY IS THIS CONTRAPTION?
The first time I ran the comb through my lashes, I thought of that chant from the end of A Christmas Story. “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!”
Thankfully, I have not, yet.
Not as of 2:56 p.m. on February 9, 2015.
Um…so this one’s truly innovative. It’s a lash comb, but the teeth are arranged vertically, so instead of holding the handle parallel to your lash line, you hold it perpendicular.
I think it’s about a million times easier to use than conventional lash combs, like, I don’t have to hold it at weird angles. I just hold the brush above my lashes, and brush down a few times.
That’s it.
It’s way more intuitive and, I guess, ergonomic than old-fashioned lash combs. Definitely easier to manipulate and hold, and it separates lashes well.
Added bonus? The comb folds in half for travel-friendly convenience.
Bravo, Sephora! 🙂
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A+
3. Sephora Collection Pro Contour Blender Brush #77 ($34)
I’m not a hardcore contouring fan all the time, but I’ll go there on occasion.
After I got beyond the intimidation factor from this synthetic brush’s curved head, I realized that using it is, in fact, intuitive.
It fits snugly under my cheekbones and reaches right where I like to place contouring products — in this case, probably creams, as they play well with synthetic fibers — around the edges of my forehead.
I’ve started using it with the new cream BECCA Lowlight/Highlight Perfecting Palette, and I like the way it carves out my cheekbones.
The only thing is…its shape makes it a little challenging to evenly load with cream products that come in flat pans (read: most of them). I end up pressing the brush head into the pan and wiggling it side to side. Then I gently massage the brush head in the palm of my hand to saturate the soft, dense bristles.
Incidentally, I bet this will also be a good brush for applying and/or blending foundation.
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B/B+
The lemming list…
On the one hand, I desperately want to tell you about the Nordstrom Instagram feed, but on the other, I’m afraid what could happen if I do.
Your lemming list could increase 10 fold! Gah!
I can’t stop thinking about this Mixed Print Fit and Flare Dress by Taylor Dresses ($148).
I love those stripes with that floral pattern. Plus, the colors! Super pretty.
It’s nowhere near warm enough to wear it yet, but oh! Soon…
Right now it’s patiently sitting in my cart, waiting for me to pull the trigger.
Also, these Valentino Rockstud T-Strap Pumps haunt my dreams…
No, really. I’ve actually dreamt about these shoes, and that’s where they’ll remain — in my dreams — BECAUSE THEY ARE $995.
If I were making it rain on a daily basis, hells yeah, I’d find a way to get these out of my dreams, and into my car (Billy Ocean ref!), but that is not the case, so for now, I must lust.
The Nordie’s feed also features yummy pictures of food from their cafes and restaurants, as well as men’s stuff, if you’re ever looking for gifts for the dudes in yo’ life.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I hate using a lash curler. Hate it! I have a shu umuera one, and a super cute hello kitty one that is airplane safe. Nope. So for now I’m convinced that Benefit’s new mascara is going to change my life.
Awww! Hello Kitty lash curler! I am all sorts of jealous.
It’s beyond precious. And I use it maybe once a month or less (though more than the Shu Umera!) I’m convinced i’ll pinch my eyelid and it’ll fall off.
That lash comb might be worth checking out!
I have the MAC version of that contouring brush, and I did the same thing as you; as soon as I got it home I used it for foundation first! Haha!
They’re good if you like heavier coverage 🙂
Also, that dress is gorgeous. *chants* DO IT, DO IT, DO IT!
Hi Estefania,
I haven’t tried it yet for foundation and now I can’t wait! I hope it plays nicely with Laura Mercier Flawless Fluide, which, by the way, I haven’t used in a few days (!). I am kind of feeling the new NARS foundation now. I started applying it with a Real Techniques face brush and I think that was what I needed to take it to the next level. Anywho, do you ever use that MAC contouring brush for actual contouring? lol And how often do you contour? Inquiring minds want to know!
Next on my makeup purchase list is the Guerlain Lingerie de Peau foundation. Have you tried it??? It’s like liquid perfection! I might pick up a sample of the NARS now…
Contouring. I try to do it daily, even if it’s just sharpening up my cheeks with a little bronzer. When I really want to be all “done”, I’ll do the whole routine. That usually only happens on the weekend! Haha
Oh oh! I am in love with the valentino rockstuds too! But like you I have just been loving from afar(995$ ouch!) but I did find some pretty similar look-a-likes at DSW by bcbg Paris. I have been going back and forth about that sephora contour brush for a while I was wondering how good it was, so I think I may go ahead and get it…
I’m with you on that lash comb! Sonia Kashuk makes the metal kind also, but it is the standard eyebrow brush/lash comb shape. Sephora’s certainly looks more frightening, but I can see how it is easier to use.
Those shoes….be still my heart!
I actually need a new eyelash curlers but this one looks slightly too big. I think I would get a lot of use out of this contouring brush. Have you tried using it with the Kat Von D Contouring palette?
I love that dress, you should totally get it. I just got a new flowery dress and it’s gorgeous although I have no idea where I will wear it 🙂
Nordstrom has an Instagram feed??????? Oh no, now I’m sunk.
Heyaa Karen.. I also hate using ash curlers tat pinch.. Its a Lott of stress and hurting eyes is the scariest dream.. I may not pick that up but that lash comb looks great.. A regular comb for lashes .. Woohaa !!
That contour brush with a curve.. I am sure if I will be able to use it bcz it will be lot of work to make it apply everything evenly.. 😛
N that dress is so pretty.. U need to pull your trigger quite soon bcz its just so damn good !!
I have seen those stud heels on insta feeds as well but $995.. Its a dream
Gotta check out the nordie Insta feeds now 😉
Seeing that contour brush makes me want to run out and try it ASAP! It looks like it could do wonders!
One of my cats broke my eyelash/eyebrow brush (they chewed on it so if broke in half) so I’m in the market for a new one. How do you like Real Technique brushes? I’m curious about RT and the new IT brushes at Ulta. I got a few MAC brushes last month and I have to say I’m disappointed in the face brushes, they shed horribly.
Lol that lash comb looks all sorts of dangerous. I’m surprised it’s actually effective and easy to use because it certainly looks like something I wouldn’t want near my eyes lol. The contour brush looks really interesting. I like the shape!
Life’s too short, Karen! Buy the shoes, and the dress! After months of saving I finally bought myself a pair of Charlotte Olympia’s kitty cat flats and I have no regrets
I have a foundation brush very similar to that one from Estée Lauder. Of course it’s 50 times more expensive, but it looks similar 😉
Totally got that Billy Ocean ref immediately. 🙂
OK, so hang on. First, that eyelash comb terrifies me but my question is in how you use it. I use my standard pin toothed version the same way I use mascara. Lifting from the inner base of my lashes up to the tips. I’ve never considered combing from my lids down. Do you think that works better?
I’ve seen the new versions of the eyelash curlers that claim the pad gives a better curl. I’ve always thought the gum rubber pads gave the most realistic curl (but you can’t find them anymore). Everyone uses the silicone now. The key is really the crimping bar (metal edge that presses on the top of your lashes). The thinner the edge and the closer you get it to the base of your lashes, the bigger the lift. Of course, the bar must be slightly rounded on the edge, so as not to cut off your lashes. 🙂
The lash comb is something I’m really interested in-I’m getting into more defined lashes and the brushes that come with some brush kits just ain’t doing the job well enough!
I never use a lash curler. I have one from Chanel and one from Shiseido and they both just give my lashes an “L” bend. Maybe it’s my technique. The DH calls them “prisoner of war eye torture” and he leaves the room if I try to curl my lashes in front of him. I’m trying to imagine how to hold that lash comb to use it. I think I just have really strong muscle memory for the brush/comb combo. Might check the new one out anyway. Love those Valentino shoes. But my feet and wallet are killing me just looking at the picture. My DH believes in calculating cost per wearing, so I’d have to wear those shoes every day for three years to make them affordable and worthwhile.
I can totally see you in that dress. It’s you. I seem it comes in petite sizes too. Do it, do it, do it!
Hi Tatiana,
Try moving the curler down the length of the lashes. I usually do mine in two steps: one curl closest to the base, and then another in the mid-section. This helps eliminate the “L” shape. You can do it in three sections too, if you want a more curved curl! I hope this helps. Let me know if it is confusing.
And lol… It looks like I’m gonna have to throw down for that dress!
http://www.solesociety.com/anneke-new-adobe.html
These could tide you over until you can afford the Valentino! I swear I’ve seen some even closer but I can’t recall where!
Cute! Now if only they had it in pink! I like the heel height of that pair, too.
I was in Nordstrom the other day and picked up a pair of Valentino’s .. I wanted to ‘feel’ them .. and I wasn’t impressed. Sure the style and studs rock .. they are a hot, sexy shoe no doubt, but the material didn’t feel luxurious not $1k luxurious .. I don’t think I’d buy these.
Of course, I have NO where to wear them, but that’s another story.
Monica
Hey Monica,
Thanks for the 411. Now I need to go to Nordies just to feel these shoes up! lol
I was gonna go comment on instagram…cause I’m hardly ever on here…but it’s 11pm…and why not! So…that lash curler looks intersting. But Why??? comb downward…and not upward? Just curious!
So, I found a pair of knock-off Valentino Rock Stud heels at LuLu’s…and they’re comfy! Check em out – no pink, but red, cream and black.