Makeup Lowdown: LiLash Eyelash Serum

I have to admit, I was a huge skeptic of the eyelash serum craze. A hefty price tag for something that may or may not have some side effects to one of my most important senses? Just didn't sound like my cup of tea. Long after my favorite waterproof mascara had been discontinued, I had given up any efforts to my emphasize my lashes because A. Other mascaras were not cutting it and B. It was taking up too much time out of my a.m./p.m. regime! So alas, every time I applied mascara on my eyelash-gifted clients, I had come to accept that lifeless lashes were with me for the long haul.

After envying the lashes of a few female companions of similar ethnic background, they told me their secret was none other than the eyelash stimulator LiLash* (retails $140). I had heard very little of the product and was more aware of their leading competitor's ads that run on the TV with the lady from the "Blue Lagoon". You can find a list of the ingredients under the FAQ on their website here. As I finally knew people in real life that used the product with much success, I decided to give it a go beginning February 1st of this year. This is my account of the first 4 months using LiLash including a few time lapse photos below. A description of my lashes before I started the serum: black, definitely short in length, very thin in width, and straighter than a ruler. Basically blah.

My first two months I was a diligent little bee, applying the serum at least once nightly and sometimes both morning and night to the top lash line only as instructed. The brush is similar to a liquid liner brush and the serum itself is clear. It was recommended to me that only a tiny amount for each application is really needed, thus, a tube may last you longer than the six months the company suggests. I first noticed a tiny bit of growth just after three or four weeks. I wouldn't say I was amazed at this point, to be honest, I was a bit disappointed at how wispy thin they were growing just at the tips. Then I started lagging on my application, I would go out of town and forget it or I was just too sleepy to apply that extra step at night. But that didn't seem to stop the growing process!

Now after a little over four months of using LiLash semi-consistently, I can confidently say I am pretty pleased with the results. The top and bottom lashes have definitely grown in length which is most noticeable when I curl them although I am still waiting for some va-va-voom in the volume department. They haven't begun to naturally curl like some others have experienced but will hold a curl well when using a quality eyelash curler. I should also note, I have luckily not noticed any side effects that I had read about on other blogs before trying the product- which to name a few are skin discoloration around the eyes or minor eye irritation. It is important to use the product correctly as indicated on their website- if it bothers you, than stop immediately! If the product works for you, it is also stated that you must continue regular use of the product to keep up the results. So now I am basically hooked plus there is also an eyebrow stimulator called LiBrow that I would consider using.

Never before have other people complimented or envied my own lashes so frequently! To be fair, it is a combination effort of my new runner up mascara, the obsessive curling with my Shiseido eyelash curler, and the prolonged use of the Lilash serum. But hey, a girl can dream right? If you have used this product or something similar, let me know how long you have been using it and what you think of your results.

Feb '11- June '11: Both photos no mascara, uncurled lashes.

 Before photo on top- lashes curled and no mascara.
After photo on bottom- lashes curled, one coat of Cover Girl Volume Exact Mascara on the left, bare on the right.

*Please note this is just a personal review and I cannot guarantee any results or conclude any effects this may have on others. It is important to carefully research any product before using it and/or consulting a certified professional.

6 Beauty Favorites...Everyday + Every Shoot

It would be difficult for a makeup artist, let alone any artist for that matter, to share just a few of their must-have items. Here's a peek into the favorites found in my personal makeup bag as well as my makeup kit used on-set...(in no particular order, as narrowing this down to just six products each was quite a feat in itself!)

EVERYDAY:
1. Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer- $29.50. I didn't know that leaving my acne-prone teenage years meant in return, I would have to welcome the dark circles that began to form under my eyes. After many trial-and-error concealers that would never stay put throughout the day, a pal suggested this very concealer that is WATERPROOF. And I haven't looked back since. (Don't skimp on the eye cream or moisturizer before applying this concealer for the best application.)

2. Anastasia Brow Duo- $22. Besides wearing sunscreen 365 days a year, wearing an eyebrow filler comes in at a pretty close second. I like having two brow powder shades to choose from to adjust the fullness of my brows and I believe powders look less harsh than brow pencils.

3. Shu Uemera Eyelash Curler- $19. Most beauty publications and makeup bloggers unite in giving this eyelash curler a big "thumbs up" for giving your lashes the most curl without the kink that some less expensive versions leave behind.

4. Tarte 24*7 Natural Lip Sheer with SPF 15- $16. My favorite shade is "Tea Time"- just enough color and the thicker consistency equals longer lasting color.

5. Maybelline Waterproof Lash Stylist Mascara*- *DISCONTINUED! Now why would I mention a product that is long gone but so dear to my beauty junkie heart? I just haven't found another mascara that combines the perfect comb and formula that will amp up my wimpy lashes. This particular Maybelline mascara only needs one coat as the plastic comb laid on the mascara so thick, it made my barely-there lashes appear unreal. Even after trying higher price range waterproof mascaras, this one was the real deal yet still came off easily with my favorite eye makeup remover. Psst..try googling this item for retailers who still have it in stock but are selling it at a higher margin.

6. Stila Eyeshadow Pans- $18. Love at first makeup counter job. The range of shades and formula are fool-proof for just about anyone to use. A great shade eyeliner shade for brown eyes is the deep purple shade "Cassis" as shown- wet your liner brush with a little water before grabbing some color from the pan. Be sure to check out the Nordstrom Rack beauty section to see if you can catch some Stila pans at a steeper discount.

EVERY SHOOT:
1. Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner- $21. Stays put! Great shade range! Enough said. Use with a fine tipped liner brush or angled liner brush and pull off the best cat eye, complete a smokey eye look, or for every bride-to-be.

2. Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover- $9.50 for 4.2 oz. Finally something that replaces my former beloved and discontinued Victoria's Secret Makeup Remover. Shake the bottle up and dispense a small amount onto a Q-tip to clean up any makeup application mistakes. It's like the erase button!

3. Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad- $25.50 in "Teddy Bear". A great neutral set that can be used on every person for base shadow colors as well as a face contour palette with a small blush brush or sponge.

4. Stila #20 Eye Enhancer Brush- $32. The price tag might be high for makeup brushes but I can attest Stila brushes are q-u-a-l-i-t-y. One end is slanted to conform to the eye crease for both smaller and larger set eyes and the other end works as a fuller liner brush or lip brush. Two birds in one stone.

5. Model In A Bottle Skin Sensitive Formula- $21. Don't let the silly name fool you, a great setting spray to stretch out any makeup look you created. FYI- although this is the sensitive formula, there is still a light lavender scent.

6. False Lashes- Ardell Individual Lashes shown. False lashes are a must-have for every artists' kit; from subtle individual lashes that are perfect for brides or a set of full luxe lashes to make the eyes really pop for print shoots or down the runway.


What are your beauty must-haves? Is there a makeup or beauty product that has been discontinued that you wish would make a comeback?

~Nadia-Artistry