The Lipstick Pantry

Stop, Drop & Roll- New Benefit Mascara

Monday, February 23, 2015

Roller lash Vs. They're Real (above pic)

(Actual full size tube packaging vs. Sample size tube packaging)

Image source: Here & Here

Many of you probably already know about a fab cosmetic company: Benefit, aka the makers of the current no.1 selling mascara, they're real! Recently, Benefits came out with a NEW mascara *drum roll*...the Roller Lash Mascara. This new baby is supposedly the current obsession for many curled lash loving ladies. I was able to get my hands on a sample tube so I knew I wanted to do a quick review for my readers. Below I will do a quick comparison between the original Benefits mascara they're real! & the new Roller Lash.

They're real! mascara was my FAV when it first came out. I still use it here and there, but I did notice that overtime, I didn't use it as often. I started to use it mostly during "dramatic" makeup days instead of daily use. The formula of they're real! mascara is thicker, which results in more dramatic eyelashes...that I don't really need while teaching little kiddos at work..haha. Another major difference is the brush. They're real! brush is spikier. It features staggered bristles that grab close to the root, boosting length and volume. The formula is thicker and water-proof, making it impossible to come off...errr...even when removing makeup (not my fav part about this mascara).

Roller Lash mascara is made with slightly thinner ink like formula. The brush was created with inspiration from the old-school Velcro hair rollers (remember those? haha). It has tiny hooks that catch and lift the lashes. This is supposed to give the lashes a curled effect. Also, FYI: This mascara isn't waterproof.

Price-wise, they both retail at about $23 (or will starting February 27), which is quite a lot more expensive than drugstore mascaras, but I think they’re worth the money if you want a nice long tube of mascara in your makeup bag.

My thoughts: I NEVER curl my eyelashes, this mascara made me wonder if I should start to :0. After testing the Roller Lash mascara on my eyelashes, I defiantly noticed a curl in my eyelashes! I never knew how nice the lashes look when curled. Another great thing was that my lashes didn't feel "stiff" like they do when I wear the they're real! mascara. Because the formula is so lightweight, it almost makes me feel like I don't have anything on my lashes but when I look in the mirror, my lashes look so fly ;)

Update:

So I have used this mascara for about a week now and I must say...I love it!!! I love the curl that it gives me BUT the best part is that it does not leave small black drops under my eyes throughout the day!!!! Seriously, every mascara I have used, always ends up leaving SOME drops of dried up black speck of mascara under my eyes throughout the day. This one? Nope! Win!

What I loved about it was that it did not flake AT ALL throughout the day. It kept my eyelashes soft and not "spider like" or dry. I had drama on my lashes but just enough to make me look awake and give my eyelashes personality.

I personally think that it is worth giving this mascara a try if you are curious how it'll make your lashes look. I probably ~~wouldn't~~ (would now...after using it for a week!) pay full price for it. Currently, I have a ton of mascaras from various companies, so I am not in major need of the full size for this new one. Once I run out of all those, & I need to repurchase...I think instead of getting the ever so popular They're Real!...I will actually purchase the new Roller Lash mascara. Simply because it allows me to wear daily, no black flaking under my eyes (YAY!), and it comes off pretty easy without pulling my eyelashes when I am removing my makeup.

Benefits will be rolling out the new mascara on February 27 at all Sephora stores and online.

Currently you can get a FREE sample of this mascara when you buy the MARCH issue of ELLE magazine. Here. Sephora was also giving this mascara sample for free with any $25 online purchase, but looks like that deal is over (although it may come back so keep a look out on the Sephora website. Here.)

Fashion Friday: Weekly Lookbook

Friday, February 20, 2015

happy friday! I was scrolling through instagram and texting my blog partner-in-crime (Nilma), tossing ideas back and forth for the site. She made a great point- even though I may not always blog my fashion posts as often as I'd like to, I do upload #ootd (outfit of the day) photos almost daily on the gram. So why not collect this weeks photos and give you guys some inspo? It's been record breaking COLD in the south, just yesterday we had a -5 windchill (ouch!); so the first weekly lookbook on #thelipstickpantry is going to be winter edition.

Lookbook #1: Long coats + Infinity scarves

When its cold outside, theres nothing easier than throwing on a hoodie but I promise you this outfit is way warmer. I grabbed my fave combat boots as of late from ShoeDazzle and paired it with a beige infinity scarf. the long coat, from F21, is perfect for the winter. All i did was add a long sleeve black tee underneath with a pair of jeans and it looks like I tried (lol) but seriously, a chic outfit that also keeps you warm?

(yes please)

Lookbook #2: Anorak Jackets + Cardigans

This outfit is perfect for school, the movies, or even a shopping trip. I paired a cream cardigan and epic weekend tank I got from target with a black infinity scarf and black jeans. I added brown boots to keep me warm and my green anorak jacket i'm still (& probably will always) be obsessed with- it's just so versatile).

Lookbook #3: Plaid Flannels + Combat Boots:

I wore this on a day where it was probably 40ish degrees, it's not exactly a winter weather outfit but it is pretty warm for those in between days when you don't want to carry around a jacket. I love, love, love flannels. They are the perfect comfort item that adds an edge to a pretty simple outfit. I usually wear them with the buttons open and a graphic tee inside and tie it around my waist when it gets too warm.

Quick Tip: The men's section have the perfect sized flannels if you prefer them to be a little oversized. I got this one from H&M mens in xs. The "rebel" tee is Forever21.

whats your favorite winter outfit that keeps you warm?

comment below!

Mason Jar Fruit Jars-Snack Prep

Monday, January 26, 2015

If you know me, you probably know that I love mason jars. All sizes! :) I just love their versatility!

Every week (Ok ok...almost every week :-0 ) I try to meal prep my lunch (& dinner sometimes) for the entire week. Along with the meal prep, I always try to squeeze in some easy snack prep to get me to eat good at work throughout my busy week! Fruit is something that I used to not LOVE as much as I do now. Honestly, not sure why I wasn't such a fan. Maybe I was lazy...picky...or just didn't care! The only time I would really eat fruit was when my mom would cut it up for me and bring it up to my room while I was studying or grading papers (oh, how I miss those sweet days!) So, just about a year ago, I started to eat all sorts of fruit on a daily basis...on my own...a lot of it...and loving it! Long story short: Here is a fun way to pack your fruit for the week to assure you are getting your daily fruit in take and not making "busy week" your excuse. Enjoy!

What you need:
-Mason jars (Here I have used 8oz, 16oz, & 32oz and I found the 8oz to be the perfect serving size...for me! Like these HERE) And also...Here are some jars to give you the size idea

-Fruit! So these are the fruits that have worked for me (bottom-up):

Grapes
Cantaloupe
Pineapple
Mango
Strawberries
Blackberries (ugh, my weakness!)
Blueberries (not a huge fan but they are good for me...soo...)

1) Wash, paper-towel dry, & cut (if applicable) all the fruit. You may also want to slightly dry your pineapple and cantaloupe as those tend to get "softer" during the week. Just throw it on a paper towel and pat it dry. You want to make sure the fruit is dry because you ARE going to keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days and that can make the fruit slightly soggy if there is water left in it. A tiny bit is not a biggy...sometimes I find a little bit of water at the very bottom of my jar when I am eating it and it hasn't bothered me yet.

2) Layer it up! Start with the toughest fruit first. In my case, the grapes. Then the cantaloupe, pineapple, mango, strawberries (cut strawberries in 2's or 4's), raspberries & blueberries.

3) Seal it up with the top and store in refrigerator for up to 5 days (I think sometimes my last one stays in there until like the following Sat and it has been fine. Maybe some fruit (cantaloup) slightly softer but still eatable). *tip: I feel that filling the fruit up to the very top helps keep it fresh slightly longer. That's why my fav jars have been the small 8oz ones so its not TOO much fruit in each jar that I can't finish it

4) If you don't want to mix up all the fruit, you can also just go ahead and cut, wash, prep your fruit and store it in individual 32oz jars. I will do this sometimes (or if I end up having too much leftover after I cut it) and it is GREAT to quickly add to our acai bowls...protein shakes...smoothies...juice...etc. etc! Instead of having to sit there and cut everything up, you have it READY!

The extra little work during the weekend is worth it for me and my husband as this helps us get in fruit throughout the week and I just have so much fun eating out of a mason jar :) & my kiddos at work love seeing (and sometimes even tasting) the different fruits in my jar!

Why glass jars vs plastic container? In my opinion, since mason jars seal "air-tight", it keeps my already cut up fruit fresh. Since I pre-pack my fruit for the entire week, mason jar storage assures that the fruit won't go bad due to air. In addition to that, to me, glass is aesthetically pleasing. It is built to last and will not leave any stains or that yucky lingering food smell! Now if you pack your fruit on a daily basis, I would just say to use a plastic container or zip-lock sandwich bag. But ehhh...you gotta do that e v e r y N i g h t...too much work for me after a LoNg day of work and everything else that poops me out after work :0

Seeing this colorful goodness right in the front inside your fridge MAKES you want to eat it right away...does it not? :) I really hope you give this a try and that this post has helped you in some way! Please let us know if you do give it a go...and anything that you might have changed up! xoxx-

Fashion Friday

Friday, January 23, 2015

it's fridayyy! i had some free time between classes the day i wore this outfit and the weather was so perfect- i couldn't not do a mini-photoshoot. we've been having 50-60 degree weather, so i wore my green anorak jacket from shop civilized, as a light layer to add. (similar option #1| similar option #2). i purchased my brown boots from rack room and they're super comfortable and lightweight. i bought my long sleeved, striped shirt at H&M | (similar); when am I not wearing H&M, lets be honest. my black jeans are from american eagle. i decided to add some small details to make my outfit pop- like my tweed kate spade bag (which is big enough to fit my macbook- perfect right?) & rose gold michael kors watch. i also wore a rusted gold necklace from forever 21 but during the quick photo session, i forgot to wear it (it was in my pocket, haha).

i loved this outfit and the best part? it was thrown together in about 2 minutes tops. every detail is linked to the exact or similar item! hope this gives ya'll some inspo for a casual day when you want to be comfortable yet fashionable.
-Rasmin :)