Review: L'oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara

I purchased the L'oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara at Walmart a couple weeks ago. It was on sale for $7.99 and decided, why not? I have always been very curious about the Givenchy Phenomen'eyes mascara, mainly because the little round, spikey ball at the end of the wand seemed so odd, and yet so inventive! The basic concept of the brush is that all the little spikes can reach to coat every single lash, even the hard to reach ones in the corners of the eyes. On the package, L'oreal claims that this mascara will "lengthen, thicken, and separate 100% of lashes." I wasn't sure how to use the wand at first, but the instructions say that you can either hold the brush vertically OR horizontally...hence, being able to coat every single lash. At first, i hated this mascara! I typically prefer volumizing formulas over lengthening ones, and this one definitely isn't volumizing in my opinion. But after about the third use, I actually got the hang of the wand, and I realized that this mascara is actually really good at lengthening, and opening up the eyes. And it's a lot less expensive than the Givenchy version, although I have never tried that one so I can't compare the two formulas.

~Pros~ Lengthens the lashes very well, retains lash curl moderately well. I didn't notice any flaking or smudging throughout the day. It is also a fun concept. I got mine in the color "blackest black" and it is very dark, which I love. Also inexpensive, especially on sale.

~Cons~ The wand takes some getting used to. This isn't the easiest mascara to just throw on, you have to be patient. Not very volumizing. Frankly, there are better drugstore mascaras out on the market. My favorite for lengthening: L'oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes. My favorite for volumizing: CG Lash Blast.

~Verdict~ Overall, I am glad that I went for it and tried this mascara. I wanted to see for myself what all the hype was about. This isn't a bad mascara, and I will continue to use it. But I probably won't repurchase. There are simply better mascaras out there. Sorry for the mixed review! I hope I am not confusing anyone, but this was a hard one! I have mixed feelings about it. I don't love it, but I don't hate it either ; I suggest trying it if it's on sale, or buy one get one at your local drugstore!

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Kreative Blogger Tag

To accept this award do the following:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.

2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.

5. Nominate 7 Kreative Bloggers.

6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

I want to thank Stephanie from http://www.aqua-heart.com/ for tagging me! I know you girls all follow her, but check out her blog if you haven't already. So here are 7 interesting facts about me:

1) I am doing an internship next semester, possibly at a school. I am a Human Development major, and I have to intern somewhere that is related to human services in order to get my degree.

2) My boyfriend taught me how to ride a bike! I had a really bad accident on a bike when I was 5, so I have been afraid to get on one ever since. Well, my boyfriend loves bikes, so he got me a little beach cruiser so he could teach me again. Now I love it!

3) I love Greek food. In fact, I think I am going to get a greek salad for dinner tonight!

4) I want to eventually move to Hawaii one day...when I can afford it. I do have family there though, so that helps.

5) Currently, I am trying to hunt down a Nude Rose l/s from MAC's Dsquared collection. They are sold out everywhere! I am kicking myself for not buying it when it first debuted. Damn MAC! They always suck me in with all their LE stuff! It actually makes me angry that I obsess over makeup sometimes. I am trying to swap for one on Makeup Alley, but we'll see how that goes. If any of you girls have an extra that you wouldn't mind parting with, let me know and I'll buy it from you!

6) Even though my name is Noelle and everyone assumes I love the Holidays, I really don't! That's bad to admit, but I just think the Holidays are so stressful! I wish I could enjoy them more.

7) My favorite clothing stores are Express and Forever 21. Love!

Here are my 7 nominations:
1) Lynn - http://beautifulthingsdiary.blogspot.com/
2) Becky - http://iambeautiful20.blogspot.com/
3) Eve - http://xlovelymakeupx.blogspot.com/
4) Crystal - http://www.lipglossgossip.com/
5) Angela - http://sparklemidori.blogspot.com/
6) Christina - http://christina83writes.blogspot.com/
7) Krystallia - http://addictedtocosmetics.blogspot.com/

~ Thanks for reading~

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October Faves!

October seriously flew by! I can't believe it's almost November! Well, I just wanted to share with you girls my favorites for this month:

1) Victorias Secret All Over Moisture salve: Now that the weather is getting colder and drier, EVERYTHING is chapped on me! My lips, my skin is dry, my hair is dry, my nails are dry...I can't stand it! I have been using the moisture salve at night before bedtime on my lips, cuticles, and elbows. I wake up in the morning with softer skin, and that makes me happy =)

2) Two Korres Products: The Guava Body Butter and the Evening Primrose Eyecream. I equally love both. The body butter not only smells like the tropics, but it also does wonders for my dry, flakey skin. I actually neglected it when I first got it because it was too moisturizing. But that was way back in the dead of summer, when my skin was more oily. Now that the weather has changed, it's perfect. The eyecream is great as well. I use it sparingly underneath my eyes at night. It helps with my dark circles, and leaves my under eye area super moist. Great products. I am totally in love with Korres.

3) These are recent faves, but I have to include the two cremesheens I bought from MAC's new Holiday collection. So creamy, non-sticky, and ultra moisturizing. I especially love "Ever so rich." I have been wearing it on my lips every single day since I got it, usually on top of "Way to love" l/s.

4) Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray: How did I ever blow out/straighten my hair without this stuff? I use it right before I apply any heat to my hair, and this ensures it will stay soft and manageable. I also love the way it smells! If it were a perfume, I would buy it immediately!

5) Grand Entrance shadow: MAC's starflash formulas are the best! I wish they were always available. MAC should take note of their popularity and make them permanent. Grand Entrance is the prettiest highlight and all-over lid color. 9 times out of 10, I have worn this color on my lids. I also like to put some in the tear ducts, so when the light catches it, my eyes look wide-awake and sparkly.

6)MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator: Again, keeping with my dry skin problem, this stuff makes my face really soft. I don't find it to be grainy or harsh at all. I know some people do, but I haven't had a problem and I have sensitive skin. I use it twice a week, and that's all it takes. Plus, I just love how it's black!

7)The Hills: It is such a guilty pleasure! I am embarassed to even admit to people sometimes that I am addicted to this. I honestly just love the fashion ideas I get from the girls on the show =) The drama is secondary, I promise!

8) My last favorite is fashion-related: I have been wearing cardigans incessently this month! Over dresses, with jeans...I own so many, mainly in neutral colors. I can't get enough of them.

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8 Most Worn Tag

I was watching Deanne5253 on YouTube the other day, and she was doing her "8 most worn" tag. I have seen many people do their own variations on this, but I figure 8 items is just the right amount. I wasn't formally tagged to do this, but I thought it would be fun. So here are my 8 most worn:

1) Most worn lipstick: Definitely Blankety by MAC. This is the first MAC lipstick I ever bought, and it holds a special place in my heart because of it. I love the whole nude lip look, but I personally have lighter skin and run the risk of looking like death if I try wearing a really nude lip. Blankety has pink undertones to it, so although it is considered nude, it is very wearable for me.

2) Most worn nail polish: I Pink I love You by O.P.I. It is a light pink shade with a bluish-purple duo chrome. I have been wearing dark polish a lot lately, but I always go back to lighter shades when I want to take a break from the deep reds and purples I wear in the winter months. I Pink I Love You goes with everything, and if it chips it isn't noticeable.

3) Most worn top: Express racerback tank tops. I wear a lot of cardigans this time of year, and the express tanks go with all of my cardigans and sweaters. In the summer I wore them with jeans. I have one in every color!

4) Most worn bag: My old navy tan purse that I showed in my "what's in my purse" post a couple months ago. I also went back and got one in black! I am waiting a couple months before I start carrying that one.

5) Most worn earrings: studs of any kind. I have pearl ones, black, gold, silver, diamonds, flowers, hearts. I love how simple they are!

6) Most worn eyeshadow: MAC shadow in All That Glitters. Its a pretty peachy color that's perfect for all over the lids. I'm almost out!

7) Most worn perfume: Victorias Secret perfume in Supermodel. I can't describe the way it smells other than by saying I get compliments every time I wear it. My boyfriend is obsessed with it!

8) Most worn hair product: My John Freida WeatherWorks conditioner. It helps with static in the winter, frizz in the summer. It isn't a miracle or anything, because I still have issues with both but it does make a difference.

I tag anyone to do this! Happy Friday!

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3 Essential Shoes for Fall

Hey everyone, I just want to do a quick post. I have been so busy lately! Not enough time to blog ;( Anyways, I want to share 3 essential pairs of shoes that I think every girl should have in her wardrobe for Fall. This is just my opinion of course!

1) A great pair of pumps. Whether they are stilettos, suede, leather, neutral colored, or printed, you can't go wrong with a great pair of classic pumps! Wear them with jeans, dresses, EVERYTHING!



2) Flats. I wear these to school a lot during the colder months. I love them because they are cute, yet also practical. I have a pair in black and also red, but my leopard steve maddens are my favorite. They really dress up an outfit. Go for a fun, flirty print and others will definitely notice!



3) Lastly, I think we can all agree that killer boots are a must have. I recently got this pair of black, suede, scrunchy boots. They are flat too, which I have noticed a lot of lately in stores. And I don't know how well you can see from the picture below, but they also have bows on either side. I think fun, feminine details add interest to any shoe.



What types of shoes have you been living in lately? Heels, boots, flip-flops? lol, I'll always be a beach girl at heart ;)

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Small Haul

Hey girls, I have a small haul to share with you. I went shopping with my mom earlier today, mainly because I had a birthday present to buy for my boyfriend's sister. But of course, I bought a few things for myself as well ;)

I stopped at the MAC counter at Nordstrom to check out the new holiday collection. As you know from past postings, I was super excited to get two cremesheen glasses: Ever So Rich, a pale lilac and Boy Bait, a beige-nude. I know a lot of beauty bloggers don't particularly like the cremesheens because they are very sheer, but that is exactly the same reason why I adore them! I didn't get anything else from the collection, mainly because nothing looked unique. I think it's a great collection for those who are new to MAC because the eye and face kits are great deals. The collection is also perfect for gift giving. I think I might go back next week and take a second look, but I am more than happy with my cremesheens!



After MAC, I decided to take a look in Sephora. I wanted to buy more nail polishes, and this set of three immediately caught my eye. It came with A True Romantic, Domestic Goddess, and Metro Chic ( my new favorite for fall).



My other purchases were kind of random. I got a new body spray at Victorias Secret in Heavenly Enchanted. It is a very warm scent that reminds me of berries and apple pie...and maybe a hint of musky vanilla?
Right next door to VS is an H&M, and I bought a beautiful bracelet that has opal and creme colored stones. I can't wait to wear it!



On the way home from the mall, my mom wanted to stop at Wal-Mart, so while she looked in the housewares section ;), I looked at the cosmetics and hair care. I spotted a new mascara by Loreal that is an imitation of the Givenchy mascara. The one with a tiny spikey ball on the end of the wand? I have heard many mixed reviews of that mascara, but I have always wanted to try it out for myself. I can't wait to see how the Loreal version works. I will do a review for you girls once I have used it a few times.
I also bought the Aussie 3-minute miracle sydney smooth conditioner. I have the other "moist" conditioner, but I have never tried "Sydney Smooth."



~Overall, it was a really fun shopping trip! I have yet to use any of it, but if you have any questions or comments, let me know~

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