Maybelline Volum' Express Big Eyes Mascara

When I first saw this mascara being launched Stateside I couldn't wait to see it hit our shores. On a trip to Boots in early February while I was having a browse on my lunch from work I spotted this beaut on the stand. I'm so glad it has finally been released over here as it is quickly becoming my favourite mascara.

Why do I think this mascara is amazeballs? It contains not one but two brushes one for my upper and one for my lower lashes. I'm not one for lashing mascara on my lower lashes as I think it can sometimes be a little OTT unless I'm heading out on the town, that's another story completely. The mini mascara brush reminds me so much of Clinique's Bottom Lash mascara, it just looks really natural and is perfect for everyday. I'm lucky to have pretty long eyelashes but they are ridiculously straight, oh to have everything. After curling my lashes, I apply to coats of Big Eyes mascara and not only does it give that extra oomph of volume my lashes need but it also holds a curl for pretty much the whole day. I couldn't really ask for anything more from this mascara. The last Maybelline mascara I was really impressed with was their Mega Plush mascara, this one definitely knocks it out of the park. Big Eyes is also really easy to remove I've been using Garnier's new Micellar Cleansing Water which I can't rave about enough, literally soak two cotton pads with the stuff and voila the mascara is on. No panda eyes in sight!

In all my recent Instagram selfies (let's not lie we're all guilty of them!), I've been using this mascara. It's definitely my most reached for mascara at present. I love how you can need a couple of strokes and your ready to go for the day. I don't see this being hit off its perch for a while. I'd definitely recommend checking it out the next time you take a much needed shopping trip to Boots. They are also running their 3 for 2 on beauty products at the moment so there's no excuse not to pick up this gem.

Have you tried Maybelline's new offering? What do you think?

Laura<3

Another Lovely Makeup Swap!

As you can tell from the title (and the big box above), I've taken part in another makeup swap, my first of 2012. This is the third swap I've done with Chie (MakeupLand2011), she's such an incredibly nice person, if you haven't checked out her Youtube beauty channel, you should you'll love it. I requested some of the products as they aren't available in Ireland, while Chie sent me a couple of extras too! I got a bit delayed sending her swap box, some of the stuff I bought broke in transit (I blame the postman!). I hope you get your goodies soon Chie, thanks for all the lovely goodies you got me:)

Lots of Revlon goodies, I haven't gotten around to trying them much yet, as I've been working non stop. I'm using the Revlon Photo Ready Sculpting Blush Palette quite a bit, I love how it's the perfect size for my makeup bag. I've heard so much good reviews on both of these mascaras, I haven't opened them yet but I'll let you know my thoughts when I do.

I've never tried Wet n Wild Megalast Salon Nail Colors. I love both of these polishes. Wet Cement (polish on the right) is a great everyday shade for work. While I Need a Refresh-Mint is perfect for Spring, I'm wearing it on my nails at the moment and I love it! The brush on these polishes are identical to the Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure one. Now on to the much talked about Maybelline Dreamy Bouncy Blushes, these weren't what I was expecting at all. They feel very funny altogether, I don't know what to think of them. There different to any blush I own, I don't think I've found the perfect way to apply them yet.

Having heard so much about Maybelline's Color Tatoo 24hr Eyeshadows, I had such high expectations and they certainly delivered. Chie sent me the shades, Bad to the Bronze and Audacious Asphalt. I've been using Bad to the Bronze everyday, it's such a beautiful shade. I'm going to use Audacious Asphalt the next time I go on a night out, I think it will look really nice. I don't know about their claim to last 24 hours though, I doubt anyone would wear them that long! I know I wouldn't anyway.

I was so excited to get this. I love Taylor Swift, I've seen her in concert twice (Dublin & Manchester) and she's such an amazing singer. When I saw she released a perfume I knew I had to have it, but then I heard it wasn't being launched in Ireland. I'm so happy Chie could get her hands on this for me, it was definitely worth the wait, it smells gorgeous.

Here are the rest of the goodies Chie sent me. Diane von Furstenberg's fragrance smells beautiful and is quite different to any perfume I have in my collection. I couldn't leave out the Disneyland postcard, isn't it so cute?

I can't wait to start using these products a bit more. I'm going to have some reviews up soon. If there is any product in particular you'd like to see a review on let me know!

Laura<3

Fab 100 Giveaway:) Now Closed

Firstly 100 followers (now 120)!!  Wow!! I am so overwhelmed and can't thank everyone enough for reading my blog and leaving such sweet comments. I've only been blogging 7 weeks now and the support has been unreal be it from my fellow beauty bloggers or my Twitter Followers. You girls are the nicest bunch ever and have been so supportive since the beginning and I hope to see you all at a meet up/event very soon.

I picked up some bits and pieces for this giveaway over the last week after reading your comments on my Giveaway Details post. Thanks for the wonderful ideas by the way.!:):) After much thought and consideration the prizes are as follows-

• Inglot Freedom System 4 Eye Shadow Square Palette containing 4 eyeshadows of your choice.
• Inglot Lipstick of your choice.

The winner when contacted by me can tell me whatever Inglot lipstick and eyeshadows they want. I will personally go to my local Inglot and pick them up!!!:):) I shall leave the Inglot Cosmetics link below.

That's not all you will also receive all the goodies pictured below!!!

• Mini Bahama Breeze Yankee Candle- I love this candle it has such a nice summery scent. It's not possible to not like this scent it's so good!!!

• Barry M Nail Paint in Mushroom and Navy

• Maybelline New York Colorsensational Luscious Lipgloss in Freshly Sliced

• Soap and Glory Hand Food Hand Cream (Travel Size) - This is my fave hand cream of the moment you may of seen it in my What's In My Bag post a while back:)

If you want to enter a chance to win these amazing prizes you just have to follow these simple rules.

Rules<3

1. You must be a public follower via Google Friend Connect to enter!! ( I will be checking)
2. This is a International Giveaway so it's opened to everyone all over the world as long as your country accepts post from Ireland!!!
3. If you are not 16 or over you must get permission off your guardian/parent to enter!
4. The winner will be chosen using random.org!!
5. To enter simply leave a comment telling me what your summer must-haves are? Also leave your name and email so I can contact you if you win!!!( only one comment per person)

Additional Entries!!<3

1. Tweet about my giveaway with links back to this post!! (extra 2 entries)
2. Feature a post or sidebar link about my giveaway on your blog!!! (extra 3 entries)

Please tweet/DM me @AllMadeUp21  if you've done any of the above for the additional entries. If you don't I won't be able to see if you've done them or not therefore you might lose the extra chances to win.

The giveaway ends on the 9th July 2011 at 9pm GMT.

Good luck everyone and thanks for the continuous support of my blog.

Laura<3

Inglot's Website- http://www.inglotcosmetics.com/

Ps The winner must contact me by 6pm on Thursday 14th July. If not I will simply choose another winner at random.