Eyeko Black Magic Mascara

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara has been getting rave reviews for months, so I was quite excited to receive a sample.  According to their web site, www.eyeko.com, this product was created by two veteran make-up artists.  The site lists many celebrities that "favor" this particular brand.  I did not really find a lot of information on the web site such as ingredients, detailed information about the product itself and it only sells mascara, eye liner and a brow serum.

The product claims to be long lasting, volumizing, and water resistant (note: not water proof).
It does come with a small, curved brush.

My personal experience wasn't great.  I found the product to be clumpy, flakey, and it did not curl my lashes.  As someone who has allergies and contact lenses, finding a well rounded mascara is a bit of a task and this one does not qualify.  Upon the first application I was not sure it was going to work for me.  After removing the brush, there is a large, goopy glob of mascara at the end which you either ignore and risk it attaching to your lashes or it must be blotted off with a tissue.  During the application, my lashes began to feel heavy and the overall look was messy, lumpy, and awful.  It only got worse after the 2nd and 3rd application.  When I finished applying the rest of my make-up a few flakes had fallen into my eyes.  Luckily I was able to easily remove the mascara by using warm water and my fingers.

A few days later I tried the product again.  This time I washed the mascara brush prior to application so that it was clean and goop free.  However, the experience was the same.  As soon as I pulled out the brush (or the wand as some like to call it) there was the goop at the end and I blotted it with a tissue.  The mascara was uneven and clumpy.  I removed it and went about my day.

I went online to several beauty boards to see if I was the only one experiencing this and I was not alone.  It seems Eyeko Black Magic Mascara is either a love it or hate it product.  Those who love it really liked the way it thickened their lashes and was very long lasting.  Those that hated it complained of the clumping, smudging, and lack of curl.  This product did not work for me, but it might work for you.  Have you tried it?  What are your thoughts?

Beauty Bar: August 2012

While this wasn't my favorite Beauty Bar/Sample Society box, it does contain some awesome products!

At first glance I didn't know what to think because nothing super duper really jumped out at me.  But after taking a closer look I started to realize how cool most of the items are.

I love the Deborah Lipmann purple but wasn't sure if it was a color I could pull off, but I received so many complements on it that I don't think I'll be shy wearing it.  I do have to go shopping to find some blouses that match the color (yeah shopping)!

When you begin to enter your 40's all moisturizers are good, even for oily skin.  I have combination skin that leans toward more dry than oily.  This product goes into the skin and lasts all day without any skin irritations.

I have wanted to try this brand for a while now.  Its a great treatment you soak into the hair about 15 minutes and wash  it out.  I shower at night and allow my hair to air dry.  In the morning my hair is super soft and shiny!  Love this!

At first I wasn't sure what this was, but its a toner (Arcona) and a very good one with a soft cranberry scent.  It smells incredible and doesn't over dry my skin. I usually skip the toner due to my dry skin but this just may change my mind.  I also Love this one!

This is another product I had not heard of and its another moisturizer (when you are my age, no you cannot have too many) and I use it at night before bedtime.  Its a little runny and a little goes a long way.  I use it on my face and neck and I am very pleased with it.

Jane Iredale is a product I am becoming more and more familiar with and this thickening mascara is a little too thick for me.  I wear contacts and this sometimes gets into my eyes so I gave it to my teenager who sports with uber long lashes.  She loves it and doesn't leave the house with out it.

Overall this really is a great box with a nice variety of products to try and I can't wait to see what they come up with next month!