Dolly Eyes! DARKNESS False Eyelashes in KMA 7 [REVIEW]

Still on my quest to find a replacement for my favorite Dolly Wink eyelashes (still not quite there), I ordered these false eyelashes from Amazon.com a few weeks ago, called the DARKNESS False Eyelashes in K.ma7 ($6.40 at Amazon.com).

DARKNESS is a Korean cosmetics brand that makes affordable false eyelashes but I've never really been drawn to it until now--I've always been more interested in Japanese lashes.

What Do the DARKNESS False Eyelashes Contain?

Each case carries two sets of eyelashes, instructions, and two types of eyelash glue, strong and so-strong-not-even-Zeus-could-remove-it.  K.ma7 has super long, dolly eyelashes intermixed with criss-cross lashes, which create this super dolly look...perfect if you're into gyaru or ulzzang looks.

Top: My eye makeup sans false eyelashes. Bottom: Oh, look!  It's DARKNESS K.ma7 false eyelashes. Very pretty.

Why I Won't Repurchase

Not mincing my words here--these lashes aren't pleasant to work with.  Though they look pretty in the box, wear them is an entirely different story.  The lashes are incredibly sturdy, but perhaps it's too much--the lash band is one of the thickest I've worked with, which makes wearing it incredibly uncomfortable.

Also, a thick lash band means a harder time disguising it, so it's obvious from a close distance you're wearing falsies.  No bueno.

Truth be told, I like the way these DARKNESS false eyelashes look, but it feels like I'm wearing bowling balls on my eyelids.

XOXO,

Minsooky

Urban Decay Lip Love Gloss in Stung [REVIEW]

 

I know what you're thinking: That's dark purple lip gloss, and there's no way in heck I could pull that off.

But not so fast!  This is Urban Decay's all-so-nourishing Lip Love Lip Therapy gloss.  This one is in the color Stung ($14.99 on Amazon; sold out on Urban Decay), and it goes on very sheer.  It's also packed with vitamin C and honey, which Urban Decay claims will moisturize and pamper your lips.

It also smells like baby powder for some reason.

For my vegan, animal-loving friends, you'll also love that it's cruelty-free, like all Urban Decay products--plus, no parabens here.  Just a lot of succulent oils and ingredients you can actually pronounce.  See the proof below:

INGREDIENTS: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Panicum Miliaceum (Millet) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Honey Extract, Flavor (Aroma), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sodium Saccharin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyester-3.

So, This Lip Love Is Kinda Awesome

And by kinda awesome, I mean it feels awesome but doesn't look so awesome.

Here's why.

Left: Lips with just a hint of chapstick. Middle: Urban Decay Lip Love in Stung applied. Right: A horrendous close up.

Egads!  This Lip Love isn't loving my lips!  A swipe of Stung on my lips and suddenly I see a thunderstorm of patchy, red whatever on my bottom lips, which, as you can imagine, looks really great.  It's the sort of look that makes people wonder if you're sick or have some sort of venereal disease...

No offense if you actually have a venereal disease.

On the contrary, Urban Decay Lip Love applies like a dream.  It's thick, but blends out easily, and feels incredibly light and moisturizing on the lips.  You'll get a very glossy sheen that wears for 1-2 hours.  It wears well both alone and over lipstick, although it can severely shorten the length of your lipstick's wear time, which I'm sure no one wants...

Oh honey, not a good look...

Would I Repurchase?

This is actually not my first Urban Decay Lip Love (I also have it in Failbait, which I adore), so I know the formula itself isn't bad, but the way Stung wears on my lips is...very odd.  On darker lip colors this seems to wear well, but my lips veer towards the pale side, and it just doesn't work out for me.

So that's a no.

But check out Urban Decay Lip Love anyways.  The formula feels and wears great, but you may want to look for something lighter...like Lolita or Failbait.

XOXO,

Minsooky

Juice Beauty Reflecting Lip Gloss in Champagne [REVIEW]

If you prefer shine over color, then I have the perfect recommendation for you--Juice Beauty Reflecting Lip Gloss in Champagne ($15.00 at JuiceBeauty.com).  It's totes organic, smells oh-so-fruity, and adds this marvelous, sparkling glaze to your lips that blends out lip imperfections while moisturizing your dry pucker.

But what else might you like?

Why You May Like Juice Beauty Reflecting Lip Gloss...
1. Contains extracts of berry, sweet agave, and other minerals
2. Rich in antioxidants
3. Contains ingredients to moisturize and soften lips
4. Ideal for all skin types

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

For me, I can't get enough of how it makes my lips look--incredibly shiny with semi-opaque coverage that works well with my skin tone.  It lightens my lips, but in a natural way, nothing too garish.

Left: Lips with a hint of chapstick.  Right: Juice Beauty Reflecting Lip Gloss in Champagne applied.

On the downside, this lip gloss doesn't like to linger around--I find that after an hour of wear, most of the sparkle is dramatically diminished.  By hour two, it's completely gone, so reapplication is a must.  It does absorb wonderfully into the lips, however, like a lip balm (which is great if you have dry lips).

Is it Worth the Splurge?

Though its staying power is weak and its price point is less than ideal for budget consumers, I would still recommend it.  It adds this lovely, radiant shine to your lips, smells awesome, and leaves my lips feeling truly moisturized...something I definitely need more of.  I'd love to buy more of Juice Beauty's lip glosses in different colors :)

XOXO,

Minsooky