Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Couture Mascara (review + before/after pics)

ysl-headerLast month I went on a bit of a Sephora shopping spree, and placed 4 different orders (with one product in each order so I could benefit from all the deluxe samples). One of those orders contained the new YSL Mascara that everyone seems to be talking about. I had to try it out for myself too. The YSL Vinyl Couture Mascara isn’t just a single mascara launch this summer, they come in a load of fun colours to choose from, 9 in fact. I stuck on the safe side and purchased the black colour called I’m The Clash.

YSL-Mascara-flat

Im-The-ClashThe packaging
You either love it or you’re just plain ‘meh’ about it all. I personally think it’s great, and mimics the look of a lipgloss. It isn’t as heavy as I thought it would be (ie: not as heavy and luxe as their YSL lipsticks). But I am enjoying the packaging, I think it’s really neat.

Before, during and afterbefore-mascaraAbove: No mascara on my lashes, but I did curl them.

one-eye-mascaraAbove: YSL Vinyl Couture Mascara applied to one eye.

after-mascaraAbove: YSL mascara on both eyes.

before-after-mascaraA better look at the before and after. You can tell the entire lash is simply saturated with intense colour, and while I’m not sure how pigmented the other colours are on the lash, I am pretty happy with the colour payoff. It boosts the volume in my lash and creates an ungodly (in a good way!) amount of length. I’m diggin it.

Thoughts: 
I’ve been using it for a few weeks, so I can fully report back on it’s performance. It’s marketed as a liquid lash colour, and I have to agree – it does have a shiny vinyl-like finish to my lashes. However, I’m just not a huge fan of a brand new mascara. Is anyone else like that? I feel like I have little control due to its wetness and inevitable clumping. To combat that and wait until it’s at it’s perfect peak time (in a month upon opening), I squish the wand in a tissue and dab it off. Either that or you could wipe the entire wand off on the tube, which would save the product.

YSL-Vinyl-MascaraWill I repurchase? 
I haven’t decided that yet. While I don’t mind forking down a bit of dough on a mascara, it’s not as amazing as some of my other ones (Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash, Buxom Lash, and Clinique Mascara… in the green tube).

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Dior Diorshow Pro Liners (Waterproof): Review & Swatches

Liners-HeaderGuys. Be so so careful with these liners. As I was taping them down to my marble-cutting board shown above, the bottom liner broke off. Too much force for me angrily trying to get them to stay put in their place, while I photograph the beauties.

You might be asking yourself, didn’t she already do a Dior Summer collection? And you are certainly correct. That was the Milky Dots Collection, and now a second part to that is the Dior Diorshow which I posted a video about yesterday, showing the entire collection.

Dior-FlatIt’s a purdy one. Then again, when is Dior ever ugly?

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Top 10 Father’s Day Gifts at Santana Row

sROW-HEADERDads are pretty special, and no matter what your Father’s style is, Santana Row will probably suit his needs just fine. Plus he deserves to be treated extra special on Father’s Day. It’ll be a tough one for those who have lost their Father’s. After all, I’m talking about the man who taught me how to ride a bike, how to play catch, and have so much patience with me learning my times table, coming up with songs and silly tunes to easily memorize them. father

But it doesn’t stop me from showcasing some unique, fun, gift ideas for all the father’s out there. There ya have it. Easy as that. My blog post featuring Top 10 Father’s Day Gifts at Santana Row. It’s coming upon us, Father’s Day is on June 19! Let’s get crackin’.

All photos taken by me at Santana Row. 

Classic-Dad1| For the Classic Dad
Shop Makers Market the newest store in Santana Row where local artists selling US Handcrafted goods such as beard oils, genuine leather monogrammed wash bags, wallets and more. Perfect for unique gifts, and supporting local artisans. (Photo: Display at Maker’s Market)

aTHLETIC-dAD2| For the Athletic Dad
Icebreaker Merino store always has great wool athletic wear that you can wear in winter, and summer. Those lightweight merino wool layers are great to throw on for an early-morning bike ride or a nighttime cookout. They have the most comfortable clothes and it’ll be the only extra layer he’ll need come warmer weather. If you’re feeling extra spendy, buy him some workout gear at Lululemon, then upgrade his gym membership for one at The Bay Club in Santana Row! (Photo: Lululemon yoga mats)

TRAVEL-DAD3| For the Travel Dad
If your father is a jet-setter who travels for business a lot, update his carry-on with something new and fresh. These three super sleek carry-on suitcases above are from TUMI.

ARTIST4| For the Artistic Dad
My Dad would’ve loved Maido, especially since he was quite artistic and was an Architect back in the day. It has all sorts of writing utensils, calligraphy supplies, and all the perfect paper for writing, sketching and etching. Any time I pop over to Santana Row, Maido is a must-see to catch up on all their latest items. (Photo: Wide selection of pens at Maido)

coffee-loving5| For the Coffee Loving Dad
Whether it be Peet’s Coffee and Tea, classic ol’ Starbucks, Fantasia Tea Cafe, or Lisa’s Tea Treasures, your Dad will probably love a hot cuppa before he gets his day started. Bring him a freshly brewed tea or coffee and hey — bonus, maybe breakfast in bed too! If he loves espresso as much as I do, take him over to Left Bank Brasserie and order the ice cream dessert. I had it there once, and it came with a shot of espresso to pour over top. Mmm-mmm! (Photo: Menu at Fantasia Tea Cafe)

grill-master6| For the Grill Master Dad
BBQ season has already hit where I live, I can smell the steaks and veggies on the grill almost every evening and it’s simply glorious. Does you Dad need an update to his grilling tools? Maybe some new wine/whiskey glasses? Sur La Table will surly have it all, and Crate & Barrel has a huge selection of outdoor gear to suit your Fathers entertaining needs.

stylish-dad7| For the Stylish Dad
For the sharp dresser there are a variety of stylish men’s shops at Santana Row, with Bonobos, Ted Baker, and Donald J Piliner (for shoes) being my top three choices full of premium clothing and footwear down to the best swagger-inducing socks at Tommy Bahama. (Photo taken of the men’s shirts at Bonobos)

silicon8| For the Silicon Valley Dad
No doubt if your Dad is into tech gadgets and gear, he’s going to enjoy any fun gifts from Best Buy. Garmin watches, fancy drones to fly, and Canon cameras, you name it ∞ it’s all there. 

rugged9| For the Rugged Dad
Hook up your Dad with some new fishing or camping gear from Orvis, then sit on this comfy leather club chair while you wait for him to come back with a nice big catch for supper. What a feed!

10| For the Steak Loving Dad
This one is a total no brainer. LB Steak is an excellent choice for a perfectly cooked steak and it’s a fantastic looking spot inside — treat him this time, for once!

Bonus:
And not to mention, of course gifts don’t have to cost a penny. Gather your kids around and make him something extra special. I love home made gifts from my nephews, and I know Father’s out there would appreciate a sentimental keepsake too.

Santana-Row

Gucci

Bonobos

Santana Row StarbucksSantana Row
377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128
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