Marvelous Mineral Mascara by Kiehl's - is it really marvelous?

There's a lot of press about mineral make-up products, and since their launch in the 70's, many brands worldwide have cottoned onto this.  In short, they are products made of all natural, finely ground minerals from the earth, without any of the chemicals, dyes and preservatives found in traditional make up.  Does any of this really equal 'better'?  As with anything, there are always both sides, so really the best way is to try it for yourself!

Kiehl's is one of my new favourite brands so when I came across their Marvelous Mineral Mascara it needed to be tried!  I simply love mascara, the darker the better!!  Ive never had to worry about the length or thickness of my lashes as they are pretty good, of course with the aid of a good mascara!...but hearing that this one doesnt contain any Parabens or fragrances, means it is certainly worthy of a try.  As well as the formula in a mascara, the brush is very very important.  So many times have I tried mascaras which have terribly limp brushes and even if their formula is any good, it certainly gets overlooked because if the brush is no good, then even the best formula wont apply well.

It is important to note that this mascara has been both opthamalogist and allergy tested, which is a major plus for me, since I often get sore and watery eyes from mascaras which are too fragranced.  The brand also doesnt test on animals, which is an even bigger plus.

 

So, the verdict:

Does it apply well?  Yes. 

Does it make your lashes look all glossy and dark?  Yes.

Does it last the day, without going all flakey?  This mascara does flake a bit, but no more than some others which Ive used.

Does it clump? After using the mascara a few times, it does seem to get a bit clumpy/gooey so you may need to use a tissue to wipe some excess off the brush, but apart from that, it's fab!

How does the brush contribute to application?  As Ive mentioned above, the brush is so important in a mascara.  You wont be disappointed with this brush, it is spectacularly designed and easily glides onto your lashes.

Does the Acacia Senegal make a difference?  From what Ive read on this, in cosmetics, it acts as a conditioning agent.  I must say that my lashes do feel quite soft when using this mascara, so I will see if in the long term, they become 'more conditioned'?  I cant say that the conditioning of my lashes is anything Ive ever really thought about, but if after using this mascara for a while they strength and dare I say it, thickness and length improves, then I certainly wont complain!

See below for some Kiehl's links which contain information and even a video on application.

So is this Marvelous Mineral Mascara by Kiehl's really that marvellous?....I think it is!

http://www.kiehls.com/_us/_en/face/whatsnew/marvelous-mineral-mascara.htm

http://www.kiehls.co.uk/index.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=brand&utm_content=brand&utm_campaign=brand&gclid=CP7V98Tm3aACFcUB4wodv2F4BQ

There she goes again....crash, bang, ouch!....Little Miss Whoops.

I am Little Miss Whoops!  If I had a fifty pound note for the amount of times I clumsily hurt myself, well... Id have quite a bit of money!

I dont know what it is; is it my eyesight? (no according to the Opticians) am I unaware of what's going on around me? (certainly not, Im probably too aware) or is my coordination a bit skew...?  Possibly!

Is this something that occurs within the female species more than it does in the male?  Is it due to some unconscious masochistic desire to hurt myself?  I really dont know the answer, but I really wish it was something that I could put a stop to, or at least do less. 

On today's agenda, a very sore elbow which I bashed on some hard pipe thing which was sticking out of the wall in the loos at work.... The result; within a minute, a small swelling and bruise started to form...and it bloody hurt and temporarily ceased a good percentage of movement in my hand and fingers.  Other incidents include walking into door frames (even if there is a lot of room, yes really!) bashing my hands/arms on various things around my flat, whether it's walls, door handles, opening doors into my feet, knees and burning myself with hot water, hot food, or on the kettle (I have a lovely burn currently covered in Germolene New Skin from an incident last week which just missed my most recent tattoo by a couple of millimetres)

Can Little Miss Whoops EVER stop being Little Miss Whoops or am I stuck with her forever?!  For now, I'll have to keep the aforementioned New Skin close by, along with some Arnica, Vitamin C and Zinc!

Time for a rest!

I think everyone is fed up of these cold, cold days and we are all rooting for the spring to at least try to begin.  I was feeling a bit run down at the beginning of the week and made the decision to have a chilled week.  This consisted of working (not chilling I know, but until I win the Lotto it has to be done!) sleeping, good food and in general just slobbing about.  I didnt even go to the gym.  A week OFF.

Do I feel better for it?  Well I didnt really feel 'bad' in the first place, but I certainly feel more rested!

I think it's important in the hustle and bustle of the world, that we all take time to chill.  Whether it's through meditation, regular holidays away (for those who can afford it) or watching your favourite video with a takeaway pizza!  Since living in London, Ive become even more aware of the constant rushing about that so many people do and I just dont think it can do you any good....apart from the obvious potential problems (tripping up/falling over) it cant promote a dome of positive wellbeing now can it?  (see previous blog on the Tube Zombies http://flicks-licks-chicks.blogspot.com/2009/12/tube-in-london.html)

Being self-aware is one of the most important attributes a person can have....and if a person is not aware of oneself, then what exists to be aware of?!

My hair saviour

Have you heard about Moroccanoil?  A friend of mine who's a hairdresser told me about it sometime last year.  She explained to me that it was a miracle product that was being used on the tresses of the A-Listers in America and the buzz was coming over to the UK.

The product is said to (from their website) restore shine, strengthen and condition, and reduce drying time.  My friend told me that it would really help my dry, colour treated hair and was a must that I try it.  She used it on my hair a few times when I was in the salon, and it was clear to see that the product did at least some of what it promised; I could immediately see that my hair was shinier and felt smooth and sleek.

However to be able to test this properly, Id have to use it on a regular basis.  I tend to wash my hair 2-3 times a week and for the last month Ive been using Moroccanoil.  This product is a miracle worker.  Infact to say that, is actually an understatement!  Yes it restores shine, yes it reduces drying time, HELL YES it strengthens and conditions!

After washing and conditioning my hair,  I apply an amount approx the size of a 10 pence coin on my mid-lengths to ends.  I then blow dry it.  My hair seems to dry in no time at all, it looks and feels amazing, and more important in my opinion than any of those points, is that it has repaired and strengthened my hair.  Products that make your hair look good are great, but for me, Im into products that actually rebuild and strengthen; through this, it of course looks better too.  Ive had people recently comment on my locks (which never used to happen!) so I have to thank Moroccanoil for this, big time!

It isn't cheap (100 ml = approx £30) BUT you only need to use a tiny amount so it will last ages.  As they say, the proof is in the pudding and this pudding is super-sized, extra cream, with lashings of sauce = WINNER!!

http://www.moroccanoil.com/

Music should be fun!

Things that dont need to be serious shouldnt be taken seriously, for example, MUSIC!  Unless of course, you're at the opera...  If you're reading this and have never heard of Gideon Conn, read on.  If you have heard of him, tell me what you think of him...and still read on!

Gideon is unique, talented, easy on the ears and FUN!  His musical style is that of Pop/Hip Hop and he writes the catchiest tunes ever!  The one about fish comes to mind... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RQpaDVFIqw

He is a singer-lyricist, and so too, writes songs about love, the world, music.  The last time I watched him perform, only a couple of days ago, I looked around the room, to see only smiling faces; EVERYONE was wearing a smile.  There were a good few people who I could tell hadnt seen him before, and then there were some, like myself who had....yet the feeling was universal.

He does have a band who he performs with, but the last couple of times Ive seen him, it's just been him.  The experience is different of course, but fantastic either way.

Oh, and did I mention he's from Manchester too?  Extra points for that!

http://www.myspace.com/gideonconn