Hey y'all:
So back when I was going crazy signing up for beauty boxes I also signed up for Influenster, which sends you free stuff to review based on your social media activity and activity on their websites. Since I am (relatively) lazy about those things, I got my first box recently.
It was stuff from Mary Kay, which is a brand that I don't currently use, and after sampling several products, don't think I will use in the future. I just wasn't into any of their stuff.
Things I got to try:
Lash Love Lengthening Mascara: 0 out of 5 Stars
I really, really disliked this mascara. Even after using their primer (which I will review in a minute), and applying several coats, it didn't look like I was wearing any mascara at all. It seriously felt like I was applying water to my eyelashes. No extra length or volume whatsoever. I realize it was free, but seriously, not worth the effort.
Lash Primer: 3 out of 5 Stars
This stuff is ok. It goes on white and dries clear. It does help with volumizing when not paired with MK mascara (I've been using my normal Clinique stuff) and, when I am not too lazy to curl my lashes, helps them hold the curl better. I use it mostly when I have a special occasion or if it happens to be on the top of my makeup bag and I'm not in a rush. It doesn't provide enough benefit for me to add ANOTHER step/type of primer to my everyday beauty routine. The Boy already gives me enough grief about how long it takes me to get ready in the mornings.
True Dimensions Lipstick in Pink Cherie: 2.5 out of 5 Stars
This lipstick is also just OK. The formula isn't bad, and if I hadn't wiped it off immediately because I hated the color on me, I think it would have been fairly long lasting (the 30 seconds I had it on seemed to be enough to stain my lips). However, I don't really wear pink lipsticks, I usually stick to more natural or nude colors, 1) because I like to try to keep my look fairly natural and 2) I think garish lipstick is for 8-year-olds and hookers. Had I gotten it in Sienne Brulee or Natural Beaute, I probably would have given it a higher score.
Cream Eye Color in Violet Storm: 2.5 out of 5 Stars
I normally shy away from cream eyeshadows because they tend to crease and I tend to be allergic to them anyway. I wasn't allergic to this formula (which was shocking), and it didn't crease, but that's probably because I went over it with some powder shadow from my everyday palette because Violet Storm made me look exhausted. I normally don't have that problem with purple eyeshadows and was kind of disappointed that this color was bad on me. In fact, before trying it out, this was the item I was most excited about in the box, since when I switched to the Naked palette I pretty much never wear purple shadows any more and I like the way they bring out the green in my eyes. Oh well.
Cream Eye Color/Concealer Brush: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
I'm really glad that they gave me a brush to use with the cream eyeshadow, because I normally use my fingers for cream shadows and that tends to get a little messy, and I always end up with shadow under my nails. The brush performed relatively well, but wasn't as precise as I would have liked it to be, but I was generally satisfied with it, and if I end up using the cream shadow with a powder coverup again, I'll definitely use this brush. I'll probably just end up washing it out and using it for concealer on days when I'm not too lazy to use concealer.
Overall, I wasn't super pleased with MK as a brand, even if I do wish I could drive a pink Cadillac. Maybe the next box will be better!
Disclaimer:I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
