Make Up Forever Smoky Lash Mascara Review!

Make Up Forever Smoky Lash Mascara

Make Up Forever Smoky Lash Mascara ($23) is an ultra-pigmented mascara that delivers curl, volume, length and intense-pigment for some seriously bold lashes.

Make Up Forever Smoky Lash Mascara is available in (5) shades: Rich Black, Deep Brown, Dark Blue, Plum and Green.

It's not too often that I'll venture out into pricey mascaras. Considering a tube of mascara only lasts me a month, it's not something I really want to continuously replace - unless there is a mascara that magically transforms my lashes into drag queen lashes, I'm content with my $5 drugstore mascara. Anyways.

I've always wanted to know what the big fuss is with MUFE Smoky Lash, so I got a hold of a sample recently to try it out.

I really like the brush on Smoky Lash. It's a pretty traditional large, fluffy brush - that isn't too large or awkward, reaches my smaller corner lashes, and doesn't get all over my eyelids.

Often times when a mascara claims to provide both intense volume and length, the formula can tend to be clumpy. Make Up Forever Smoky Lash on the other hand seems to define/separate my lashes incredibly well. No matter how many coats I apply, I don't experience any clumping. Lash comb? Who needs one.

My eyelashes before and after (two coats)

It adds a bit of length to my lashes, and builds volume very well. I don't feel the need to let my lashes dry between coats - I just keep brushing my lashes until I'm satisfied with the volume. 

I've really been liking applying two layers of MUFE Smoky Lash and one layer of Eyeko Skinny Brush Mascara over top. It gives me some seriously dramatic lashes. Absolutely in love with this combo.

Once dry, my lashes are pretty firm, but not crispy. I find that even by the end of the day, my lashes remained curled. 

And guess what?! Minimal to no smudges throughout the day. Yay!

Overall, I really like this mascara and I like it much more than I thought I would. What stands out about this mascara is how well and fast it builds volume while still keeping the lashes separated. It's not as dramatic as something like YSL Faux Cils, but I love how full and long it makes my lashes look. 

Will I purchase the full size? Although I really like it, I find that Maybelline The Falsie's gives me a similar effect (but Maybelline is a little clumpy sometimes), so I don't think I'll shell out the $23 for a tube. I would jump at the chance to get a hold of another sample, though. It's a great mascara overall, and if you don't mind department store price tags, it's worth checking out. 

Have you tried this mascara? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

The Round-Up
Pros:

• Adds length to my lashes
• Builds volume quickly without clumping
• Defines my lashes well
• Makes my lashes look much fuller
• Holds a curl well
• Minimal to no smudges, no flaking

Cons:

• None in my experience. It's a very good standard lengthening and volumizing mascara.

Price: $23, Sephora. 

Make Up For Ever #5 Nip Slip HD Blush Review, Photos and Swatches!

Make Up For Ever #5 Nip Slip HD Blush

Make Up For Ever #5 Nip Slip HD Blush ($26) is a matte, neutral mid-tone pink. Because it has a good balance of cool and warm tones, #5 is a flattering pink on most skin tones. It has a little bit of vibrancy to the color, but it's also not too "barbie doll". It warms up quite nicely on my warm, medium skin tone.

If you aren't familiar with Make Up For Ever HD Blushes; they are a lightweight, yet dense cream that is dispensed in a pump tube. The formula is intensely pigmented, and a little goes a long way.

My favorite application method is using a duo-fiber stippling brush. I usually pump a small amount of product on a clean surface (I sometimes use the lid of one of my freshly sanitized mirrored compacts) and dip the brush in the product with light tapping motions to evenly coat the ends of the bristles. Then, stipple it on my cheeks, and blend upward until blended. You kind of have to work with it quickly, as it does dry pretty fast.

The formula might take a little getting use to at first, but after using it a few times, it should be a breeze.

#5 Nip Slip

I'm indifferent when it comes to the packaging. I like it, but I don't love it. It's a nice idea overall to place a cream blush in a dispensable container because the problem with cream blushes is that they aren't very sanitary (bacteria needs moisture to grow), sometimes you might use your fingers, sometimes you might use a brush, and almost always the surface of your cream brushes somehow has attracted lint, fibers, dust, etc. Also, many times the surface will dry out. The packaging for the MUFE HD Blushes eliminates all of that and keeps the product inside clean and fresh.

The only problem is that convenience-wise, the standard cream blush compact packaging works better.

Overall though, I am a fan of these blushes, and will continue to try additional shades. Despite them sometimes being a pain to use, it can be overlooked because of the beautiful color selection, bold pigmentation and long lasting power.

Comparison swatches from left to right: MUFE HD #5 Nip Slip, MAC Fleur Power, MAC Dollymix, Physician's Formula Happy Booster Blush in Natural, Physician's Formula Matchmaker Blush in Natural.

Although it doesn't look like it by the swatches, but on the cheeks, I can't tell the difference between MUFE HD #5, MAC Fleur Power and Physician's Formula Matchmaker Blush in the shade Natural. Nip Slip turns into a warm pink once it hits my cheeks (all pinks do because of the yellow tones in my skin), which kind of bums me out, but it's still a color I really love.

I've also reviewed #10 Skinny Dipping in the past, so if you're interested, check out that review as well!

Have you tried the HD blushes? Are you a fan?

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Very pigmented color  — a small amount goes a long way.
• Will work well on a wide variety of skin tones for a natural, flushed pink.
• Dries quickly without leaving the cheeks feeling tacky.
• Long-lasting; better lasting power than many.
• Nice, lightweight packaging for travel, sanitary and keeps product fresh.

Cons:

• Can sometimes be difficult to work with, mostly because the actual formula isn't very wet, and it dries quickly.
• You have to be very careful and dispense the product with a very light hand as it can dispense too much product.
• A bit expensive, yet it should last a long time with daily use. 

Price: $26, Sephora.

Make Up For Ever #5 Nip Slip HD Blush Review, Photos and Swatches!

Make Up For Ever #5 Nip Slip HD Blush

Make Up For Ever #5 Nip Slip HD Blush ($26) is a matte, neutral mid-tone pink. Because it has a good balance of cool and warm tones, #5 is a flattering pink on most skin tones. It has a little bit of vibrancy to the color, but it's also not too "barbie doll". It warms up quite nicely on my warm, medium skin tone.

If you aren't familiar with Make Up For Ever HD Blushes; they are a lightweight, yet dense cream that is dispensed in a pump tube. The formula is intensely pigmented, and a little goes a long way.

My favorite application method is using a duo-fiber stippling brush. I usually pump a small amount of product on a clean surface (I sometimes use the lid of one of my freshly sanitized mirrored compacts) and dip the brush in the product with light tapping motions to evenly coat the ends of the bristles. Then, stipple it on my cheeks, and blend upward until blended. You kind of have to work with it quickly, as it does dry pretty fast.

The formula might take a little getting use to at first, but after using it a few times, it should be a breeze.

#5 Nip Slip

I'm indifferent when it comes to the packaging. I like it, but I don't love it. It's a nice idea overall to place a cream blush in a dispensable container because the problem with cream blushes is that they aren't very sanitary (bacteria needs moisture to grow), sometimes you might use your fingers, sometimes you might use a brush, and almost always the surface of your cream brushes somehow has attracted lint, fibers, dust, etc. Also, many times the surface will dry out. The packaging for the MUFE HD Blushes eliminates all of that and keeps the product inside clean and fresh.

The only problem is that convenience-wise, the standard cream blush compact packaging works better.

Overall though, I am a fan of these blushes, and will continue to try additional shades. Despite them sometimes being a pain to use, it can be overlooked because of the beautiful color selection, bold pigmentation and long lasting power.

Comparison swatches from left to right: MUFE HD #5 Nip Slip, MAC Fleur Power, MAC Dollymix, Physician's Formula Happy Booster Blush in Natural, Physician's Formula Matchmaker Blush in Natural.

Although it doesn't look like it by the swatches, but on the cheeks, I can't tell the difference between MUFE HD #5, MAC Fleur Power and Physician's Formula Matchmaker Blush in the shade Natural. Nip Slip turns into a warm pink once it hits my cheeks (all pinks do because of the yellow tones in my skin), which kind of bums me out, but it's still a color I really love.

I've also reviewed #10 Skinny Dipping in the past, so if you're interested, check out that review as well!

Have you tried the HD blushes? Are you a fan?

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Very pigmented color  � a small amount goes a long way.
• Will work well on a wide variety of skin tones for a natural, flushed pink.
• Dries quickly without leaving the cheeks feeling tacky.
• Long-lasting; better lasting power than many.
• Nice, lightweight packaging for travel, sanitary and keeps product fresh.

Cons:

• Can sometimes be difficult to work with, mostly because the actual formula isn't very wet, and it dries quickly.
• You have to be very careful and dispense the product with a very light hand as it can dispense too much product.
• A bit expensive, yet it should last a long time with daily use. 

Price: $26, Sephora.

Make Up For Ever #139 Eyeshadow Review, Photos and Swatches!

Make Up For Ever #139 Eyeshadow

Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow ($20) are high-intense powder shadows that come in a huge variety of shades (over 100) and finishes (matte, semi-matte and iridescent). Some of the brighter shades can even be used as a blush.

The eyeshadows are cased in small, slim black plastic compacts (no mirror) and are very lightweight and great for travel. They are a bit flimsy, and dare I say cheap, but as they are a pro makeup artist brand, they are meant to be placed in palettes. The Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow Palette holds ten eyeshadows.

Everytime I go to Sephora I have a "routine" of the brands I'll visit, and I always stop by Make Up For Ever. I've tried many of their products through the past five years, but I never actually purchased any of their shadows. I always thought they were a bit expensive, so I would purchase MAC as an alternative. For reference,  MUFE shadows actually contain a bit more product than MAC (MAC - 0.05 oz, MUFE 0.08 oz) not that it's hugely significant.

I'm typically drawn to all shades of brown, and shades that are versatile and can be worn often. #139 is described on the website as a Iridescent Brown Black. I would describe it as a neutral, dark brown with a satiny/matte finish.

MUFE #139 on my eyes

#139 contains a little bit of fine iridescence, but when applied, the color appears to be a satiny matte. It's very pigmented, and when applied heavy on my lids, I experience little to no fall-out. 

The formula is smooth (matte shadows sometimes have a tendency to be dry) and it applies easily without having any problems blending. I'd compare the quality of this shade in particular to NARS eyeshadow - easier to blend than MAC, and more pigmented. 

I'm definitely impressed with MUFE Eyeshadow, and I'd definitely be game for trying additional shades in the future. 

Comparisons:

From left to right: MUFE #139, MAC Brun and Nars Coconut Grove.

I assumed that #139 would be a close match to MAC Brun or Nars Coconut Grove. But, when they're next together, #139 actually looks warmer than the two, which is a little odd because it's a fairly ashy brown. Perhaps it appears that way because of the yellow tones in my skin. On my eyes, the color is a bit more accurate to what you see in the pan.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Soft, blendable texture
• Intensly pigmented
• Little-to-no fall-out during heavy appplication
• Small, slim compact is good for travel
• Large variety of colors 

Cons:

• The quality of the packaging isn't the greatest, but like mentioned, they are good for travel/keeping in your bag

(no complaints of the actual performance of the product!)

Price: $20, Sephora.