TOO FACED - BETTER THAN SEX MASCARA

The Christmas countdown is on, with Christmas now only seven days away. Where has the year gone! To help my fellow beauties out during this overwhelming time of year, I thought I'd help out by reviewing a potential stocking stuffer or wishlist item  each day leading up to Christmas.

Today were focusing on this beauty - the mini Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara.

This product isn't anything new or exciting, it has been out for years. However, for the Christmas season Too Faced have released a minature version with it's very own ornamental Christmas packaging. Cute! If you have a friend or loved one who had never tried the Better Than Sex Mascara, then I highly recommend purchasing the gifting the mini-version as it allows them to try it out before committing to their own lifetime expense of re-purchasing this amazing product. Moreso, if you're purchasing the mini version over the regular version then that means you have a few more dollars to buy them more makeup. #Winning

'Fulled by collagen, this volume loaded, blacker than black formulation grants the ultimate false lash effect in a flash' - MECCA

Packaging

As I mentioned, Too Faced have released this mini in it's own ornamental packaging so you can literally hang it off of your Christmas tree if you want. What girl doesn't want a Christmas tree full of makeup ornaments hanging off it? #Lifegoals

'One coat and lashes are full, defined and stretched to unbelievable lengths. Two coats and they're reaching unbelievable heights. Three coats and you'll believe in magic' - TOO FACED

Formula & Pigmentation

I have light brown eyelashes which I always forget to have tinted, however this mascara is such an intense black that I don't really need to bother tinting my lashes. Better Than Sex gives my lashes a full luscious coating every time and keeps my lashes black, smudge proof and curled exactly the way that I've always wanted all day long. #wherehaveyoubeenallmylife?

Ingredients & Accolades

All Too Faced products are cruelty free.

Affordability & Retailers

This travel friendly mascara retails for $17.00 AUD and can be purchased either in-store or online at Mecca. Pick yours up today before they're all gone!

Final Verdict

I had never tried this mascara before due to the pricetag, however this very cheap mini version was exactly what I was after in terms of affordability. After having tried this and worn it everyday for the past month, I can say with absolute certainty that I am head over heels in love and will never ever buy another brand of mascara again. Too Faced, I am yours for life #xoxo

Stay Updated

New product reviews are posted every Saturday, and for the last week leading up until Christmas there will be a new product review to help out with your last minute wishlists.

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HOURGLASS - VEIL MINERAL PRIMER

The online beauty communities that I am a part of are in love with the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. Beauties around the world, including one of my besties, absolutely swear by it! I've been on a primer journey these past twelve months, trying various primers in search of my own personal holy grail. Alas, I'm yet to find it so I figured I'd give Hourglass a go. 

The Veil Mineral Primer is a promoted as a oil free, weightless and multi-purpose mineral-based primer that claims to neutralise redness and rosacea, minimise wrinkles and fine lines, and create a uniform smooth matte base for a flawless makeup application. The Veil Mineral Primer works by absorbing excess oils and minimises the appearance of pores by distributing light to help soften and blur the look of the skins imperfections. And just in case that wasn't enough, it's main purpose is to extend the durability of your foundation and/or powder.  No pressure. 

'This satin-finish, oil-free mineral primer creates a porcelain-smooth complexion, that will give your foundation longevity like no other whilst minimising shine and protecting against sun damage' - Mecca

Packaging

I adore this packaging. No one uses brown's anymore and it's such a pity because Hourglass have nailed it. As you can see, I purchased the smallest primer bottle available because I wasn't one-hundred percent sold on the product at the time of purchase. Regardless, the brown reflective cardboard packaging with that beautiful gold font is a 10/10. I love beautiful packaging. 

The 8.95ml bottle is a small pump bottle and makes the perfect travel companion. I, myself took this bottle over to Africa recently because of it's small size. 

'Existing at the revolutionary intersection of science, beauty and luxury, Hourglass is acclaimed for its breakthrough formulations, technological innovations, and unwavering commitment to reinvention. This state-of-the-art brand is distinguished by sensorial textures, modern colour collections, and sleek custom packaging' - Hourglass.

Formula & Pigmentation

The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer has a really unique texture. The product when dispensed is a white serum and has a smooth non-greasy silicone feel to it. It applied easily to my skin and quickly absorbed. 

I didn't find that it did a whole lot when it came to covering up redness, and in the future I would probably use a green stick in conjunction with this primer. 

'This lightweight mineral primer melts into the skin, restoring moisture and imparting a silky-smooth finish' - Mecca

Ingredients & Accolades

The Mineral Veil Primer does not contain:

-Parabens

-Sulfates

-Phthalates

-Nanoparticles

-Synthetic Dye

-Gluten

-Fragrance

-Oil

In 2014, 2015 and 2016 the Veil Mineral Primer won the InStyle Best Beauty Buy award. You can't argue with that! Furthermore the Veil Mineral Primer is vegan and is considered to be waterproof. 

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer has an SPF 15 rating offering protection from UVA/UVB rays, and claims to use naturally-derived titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

And for you babes with sensitive skin, Hourglass recommend their Veil Mineral Primer for babes prone to sensitivity.

'It helps to visible diminish the appearance of large pores and fine lines, and preps the skin for even makeup application while extending its durability, meaning less touch-ups' - Mecca

Affordability & Retailers

One word: overpriced. Whether this product works for you or not, I think we can all agree that the markup on this primer is ridiciolous. Thankfully, Hourglass have several sizes to choose from which allows first-timers and babes on a budget to purchase this product without having to spend the big bucks.

Mecca has the following sizes available at the following prices:

- 8.95ml for $27.00 AUD

- 30ml for $79.00 AUD

- 57g for $108.00 AUD

Alternatively, you can purchase your primer directly from Hourglass in the following sizes available and for the following prices:

- 8.95ml for $19.00 USD

- 30ml for for $54.00 USD

- 57g for $75.00 USD

Final Verdict

I know this product works for lots of other girls, and it did do something for my combination oily skin however I still found my chin and upper lip to look patchy by the end of the day. For the amount of money that this product costs, I'd recommend that you try as many other primers as possible before resorting to purchasing this particular product or at least head to Mecca and pick yourself up a sample before committing to buy. On a positive note, the 8.95ml bottle goes quite a long way if you're not willing to fork out $108.00

Stay Updated

New product reviews are uploaded every Saturday in Australia, while Pro Tips are uploaded on the first Sunday of each month. 

Check us out on Instagram! biancajames__

- B xo