I Spy Fabulous Eyes: Rimmel London’s Lash Accelerator

Ladies, a new mascara fave has entered the building - Rimmel London's Lash Accelerator! It easily performs on par with the other top drugstore picks and works as well as some of the more luxe brands, too. With little to no clumping and no flaking, my sensitive eyes were not irritated (woo hoo!).

A fresh, natural look was achieved with one coat, and two coats delivered a work-appropriate lusciousness that left me pleased as pie with my peepers. Mind you, my eyelashes are so legendarily sparse that they have a nickname: Stubs. They are the only thing that I inherited from my mother that I would like to give back, post-haste!

This mascara both thickened and lengthened poor Stubs, and piled on well after work for glamorous nighttime drama. Yes! Lash Accelerator is definitely on my hot list and will be in regular rotation.

Have any of you given Lash Accelerator a try? Where does it stand in comparison to your other lash favorites? -Zee

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Lancome & L'Wren Scott Fall 2011

I'm sure we can all agree that Lancome is probably best known for their amazing mascara primer and collection of mascaras - which are the answer to just about every lash need. So it was no surprise to learn that the focus of the makeup look, for L'Wren Scott, was the eyes. A "dangerous eye" was created using a combination of the soon to be released Gris Fatale eyeshadow palette, Le Crayon Khol in Black Ebony and Hypnose Drama Mascara in Excessive Black. To see more backstage beauty and full looks from the show, please visit nytimes.com.

photo: Robert Fairer

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Mischo Beauty Must-Have: Maybelline The Falsies Volum’ Express Mascara

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a little late to join the party with this one, but better late then never- right? This mascara surprised me - I wasn't convinced that I'd be able to use this alone (most times I use a mascara for volume and another for lengthening). But, it's the truth! It lengthened, separated and gave my lashes volume - and I love it. If you don't own a tube, run out and buy one now!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway Winner: Lancome's Définicils Precious Cells Mascara

And so without further delay, I'm happy to announce that the winner is:

#8 Vonnie

A very special thank you to everyone who entered!

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Lancome's Définicils Precious Cells Mascara

As I mentioned yesterday, Lancome is clearly the leader when it comes to mascaras. Yes, there's a mascara that will satisfy your every need, including the new Definicils Precious Cells Mascara. The payoff from this mascara is definitely definition and volume, but it's the first by Lancome to promise to "regenerate the condition of lashes" and "minimize lash loss"! Sounds like a must-try, right?!

So who's interested in trying this out and reporting back (by leaving a comment) your thoughts? Simply leave a comment below- no later then 11:59pm today (July 29th) and a winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, July 30th. If selected as a winner, you must contact me within 24 hours of the announcement. The giveaway is open to U.S. resident only.

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Lancome's Teint Idole Fresh Wear Foundation, Ageless Minerale Blush & Definicils Waterproof Mascara

Just about everyone I know, as of late, has been talking about their makeup melting- off their faces that is! This summer has been like no other, with temperatures reaching 90++ degrees daily! And as I mentioned last week, I haven't given up on the "A Healthy, Sexy & Beautiful 2010" challenge. So that means my goal is still to get in at least 10,0000 steps daily- which means taking the stairs instead of elevators, and walking up escalators instead of riding them. So yes, as you can probably imagine, I'm having issues with makeup, too!

At any rate, Lancome has an answer! Their Teint Idole Fresh Wear Foundation is lightweight, oil free, is formulated with an SPF of 15 and protects against humidity. Most importantly the result is a "no makeup" makeup look (I love still being able to see my freckles!). The Ageless Minerale Blush is BEAUTIFUL! I can't begin to tell you how much I love Luminous Rose! It's very sheer and the color payoff is perfect. And we all know that Lancome is known for their collection of mascaras, so Definicils Waterproof is recommended to prevent smudging.

Would love to know what works for you in the heat!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Loves Givenchy Les Poetiques 2009 Fall Makeup Collection

Based on the items I was sent to try from Givenchy's new Les Poetiques makeup collection for fall 2009, I will tell you that you won't be disappointed! The collection includes soft, neutral, sheer/shimmery shades and honestly, at first glance, I thought this was a spring or summer collection. Givenchy's Artistic Director for Makeup, Nicolas Degennes, states:

"From wintry winds to the winds of time, echoing melancholy's mire, beauty emerges so sublime, painting a landscape of desire.... Poetically, it borrows from the natural and enhances it with mystery. The dream emerges... a bed of roses... a stormy night... a first kiss... in a watercolour of emotions. Each woman has her mood, and each day, its surprise. Like feelings that "flood" the face, "Les Poetiques" naturally reveals the high-romance femininity of the Givenchy Woman. Each passion, and each woman, is unique."

The star product of the collection (which I've said before) for me was definitely the Phenomen'Eyes mascara, which is now available in No.4- Poetique Grey Lavender. This mascara in general, regardless of the shade you choose, is definitely the best luxury brand mascara, because it works! Anyway, I'd love to hear what you all think about this collection or Givenchy makeup in general. Please share!

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Mischo Beauty Review: L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara

When I tried L'Oreal Paris' new Telescopic Explosion Mascara, my expectation was (due to the fact that the design was copied after Givenchy's Phenomen'Eyes Mascara - which you all know I love!) that it would be a nice lower priced substitute. Now it comes close with regards to the design - it also has a ball-shaped brush/tip, and it also separates and lengthens lashes. I like that the formula doesn't harden after applying it to lashes, because this makes for easy touch-ups. But because this mascara lacks in delivering volume, it will never be a substitute for Givenchy's Phenomen'Eyes.

Have you tried it? Please let me know your thoughts!

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Mischo Beauty Loves Lancome's Oscillation Mascara & Oscillation Powerbooster

I know I'm late with reviewing Lancome's Oscillation Mascara, but I must remind you all that I at least alerted you to the release a year ago here. I'd actually tried to order it from Lancome's website , and that ended up being, well let's just say I had issues with customer service and ended up canceling the order. So, I'm finally reviewing it now and I must tell you all that it was worth the wait!

It's a vibrating mascara with a reported 7000 oscillations per minute! You simply apply it like you would your regular mascara and the vibrating wand does all the work. It separates, lengthens and adds volume- and yes, I'm sold. Now in all fairness, I'm using it along with the Oscillation Powerbooster, which is A-MA-ZING.

You all already know I'm a huge fan of the Cils Booster XL, but I've set it to the side to make room for the Oscillation Powerbooster. It's a vibrating lash primer, and it's a must-have! It thickens, lengthens and volumizes- it perfectly prepares your lashes for the next step- mascara. My lashes have looked amazing since using the two together!

If you're using either or both, please let me know your thoughts!

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Mischo Beauty: L'Oreal Paris Extra Volume Collagen Waterproof Mascara

I can't believe I'm writing this, but I really think it's time for our long-time drugstore favorite mascara- L'Oreal's Voluminous- to take a step aside. You see, I've been testing L'Oreal's Extra Collagen Waterproof Mascara and I've been pleased with the results since day one! It contains hydra-collagen, which is supposed to plump lashes, therefore increasing overall volume.

Well, it certainly gives me my desired lash look- which is full, thick lashes and I love the plush lash brush! It retails for about $6.99 and is totally worth it. Go get it!

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Mischo Beauty Review: Max Factor's 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper & Vivid Impact Impact Lipcolor

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to test Max Factor's 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper in #402 Black Velvet and Vivid Impact Lipcolor in #28 Rose Rage.

I had high hopes for the mascara, but unfortunately it did not work for me. The most I was able to achieve from it was lash separation. There was no lengthening and no volume at all.

Oh, and I will tell you that I did apply three coats to each side.

I loved the lipstick! The texture is rich, smooth and moisturizing, with a high color payoff.

My only issue with the lipstick was that #28 Rose Rage wasn't the best color for me. My picks are #72 Vegas, Baby and #20 Skinny Dip- and I can't wait to try them out!

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Mischo Beauty Loves Givenchy Makeup

Let me be sure to clarify and let you know that I love what I've tried thus far of the Givenchy makeup collection- which is the Magic Kajal Eye Crayon- No.1 Magic Black, Precious Sari Glitter Eyeshadow- No.1 Maharani Silver and the Phenomen'Eyes Mascara- No.1 Phenomen'Black.

The Magic Kajal Eye Crayon, inspired by the kajal (or kohl) worn by some middle eastern women, contains wax and oil which explains why it glides on so smooth. It's a must for a "smokey eye" look! The idea behind the Precious Sari Glitter Eyeshadow was for you to be able to create a "mirror-embroidered" look (often found on saris) on your eyelids. It's a gel, so it goes on wet and dries to a sheer glittery finish.

My absolute favorite, of what I've tried so far, was the Phenomen'Eyes mascara! I'll be honest and tell you that I really wasn't sure of what to think after seeing it's ball-shaped brush/tip, but after witnessing the effect it had on my lashes- well, my lashes started speaking for themselves. AMAZING! It's patented spherical brush grips each lash, while lengthening, separating, curling and adding volume. Very, very impressive!

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Mischo Beauty Review: Lash Stiletto by Maybelline

Maybelline's newest mascara, Lash Stiletto, is supposed to "grasp and coat each lash from every angle" and "stretch lashes for provocative length". Well I'm happy to report that it did just that! But, after testing the mascara out, I immediately knew something was missing.

First, you must know that I loved the packaging. The tube is very sleek, and if you've seen the ad compaign, then you know it was designed after the heel of the stilletto boot worn by the model in the ad.

But, back to what's missing. The mascara definitely lengthened and separated my lashes, but they lacked fullness, thickness- let's just call it- volume. One of my beauty icons, Diana Ross from the 60's/70's, had the lash look I strive to achieve daily. And don't get me wrong, I know she's wearing false lashes- but I still think it's fun to test and experiment, in order to determine which products will help you achieve your desired look.

With that said, I discovered the perfect combination. Along with Lash Stiletto, I used Maybelline's Colossal Volum' Express mascara and, well, issue resolved!

Would you be willing to give Lash Stiletto a try?

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Mischo Beauty Product Review: L'Oreal Bare Naturale Mascara

I know I can never go wrong with L'oreal's Voluminous Original mascara and so I'm always excited to try their new launches. The Bare Natural Mascara reminds me of the Voluminous Naturale (which I reviewed a few months ago) except that it leaves my lashes softer, even after multiple applications. The formulation is different, in that it doesn't contain parabens and it's fiber free. It also contains jojoba oil, vitamin E and aloe; and it still gives me "natural" volume, length and definition. The features I just mentioned, combined with the price, make it worth a try!

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Mischo Beauty Alert: Lancome Oscillation Mascara

Lancome's Oscillation mascara launched today- but for one day only! It's a vibrating mascara with a reported 7000 oscillations per minute! Wow. I really need to try this one! I just checked Lancome's website and they're sold out until the release in December. But, there's a link with a list of stores accepting phone orders.

What do you think?

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Mischo Beauty Review: Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara

Described as having a “triple-film complex”: a coating film for intensity, a conditioning film for curve, and a fixing film for long-lasting effectiveness. The brush applicator combines nylon fibers of varying diameters for volume enhancement. The result for me was pure disappointment. A waste of $26.50. The mascara comes out of the tube lumped on the brush applicator. The brush applicator itself is so full of mascara that after application it causes the lashes to stick together. If I close my eyes I find mascara below my lower lash line. If I blink too hard, I find mascara on my eye lid. It never seems to "set". No fun at all… It failed to achieve it’s promised “Volume Effet Faux Cils".

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