Pure Anada Natural Mascara Review

Today I'm reviewing a natural Canadian brand called Pure Anada. I was in the market for a new mascara and honestly I didn't have high hopes. I used to love the blinc tubing mascara but when I noticed it had plastic in the formula I felt like I had to make a change. I just couldn't get over the fact that every time I washed my mascara off the little plastic tubes went down the drain and added to our global micro-plastics problem. The plastics don't break down over time and as someone who truly believes we need to be restoring as many of our natural spaces as possible I felt guilty every time I put on mascara.

However, there was a reason as to why I used tubing mascara in the past. It's easy to remove, doesn't flake or smudge, and it doesn't create racoon eyes when I cry or rub my eyes due to allergies. All these things I wanted in a mascara going forward.

On a whim I decided to try Pure Anada's natural mascara. This is a vegan formula and I really like the ingredients of this (no plastics!). I thought I'd therefore give it a shot as it's only $14 CND for 9 grams- a significant drop from my previous mascara. They even have a sample size of 4 grams in a half-sized tube through their website for $7 CND.

Here is a list of the ingredients: Aqua, CI 77499, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Stearic Acid, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Myrica Pubescens (Bayberry) Fruit Wax, Pullulan, Glyceryl Caprylate, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Xanthan Gum, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Galactoarabinan

Pure Anada's natural mascara comes in two shades Black and Brown and only the one formula. I purchased the black and it comes in a nice heavy black tube. Upon testing and continued use I am still frankly blown away by how good this mascara is.

This formula doesn't smudge on me, it doesn't leave raccoon eyes, and it flakes very minimally (even my beloved tubing mascara flaked a bit on me- I have allergies and so I'm always touching my eyes). This washes off really easily too.

I also find the formula of the mascara to be both slightly volumizing and lengthening. I've shown below myself with firstly no mascara, mascara on one eye and not the other and finally on both eyes so you can really see the effect the Pure Anada Natural Mascara gives. I love that it creates a natural but still amplified look to the eyes. Perfect for everyday and someone who doesn't want the fake lashes look.

Wearing no mascara

Wearing no mascara on the left eye and Pure Anada mascara on the right eye

Wearing Pure Anada Mascara on both eyes

The only problem I have with the mascara is actually the wand. It has an odd curve to it that I find difficult to use that also brings up too much product. It's not too much of an issue but I often struggle to get the wand to the inner corner of my eyelashes without hitting the brush against my eyelid.

I only ever have the patience for a single coat of mascara so I'm not sure how this would perform with multiple coats, however the Pure Anada website says that layering coats is possible. They also state that this is pH balanced for eyes and won't cause a burning nor stinging sensation even for those of us with sensitive eyes. Additionally it is described as water resistant which I would say is true as I do have watery eyes and this mascara doesn't come off until I gently cleanse it off at the end of the day. No major rubbing or harsh cleansers needed!

Overall, I'm really pleased with this find. I lucked out and found it at a Sobey's that had a natural cosmetics and medicinal section. However, their shipping through the Pure Anada website is reasonable too. 

Sprite Rating: 9/10 

I wish the overall packaging itself was easier to recycle and that there was a slightly different wand but other than that this mascara rocks!

What mascara are you using at the moment? Have you tried the brand Pure Anada?

CannonBall Waterproof Mascara by Urban Decay

(Click to see this image bigger)

For the mermaids, highly emotional and super athletes among us! Urban Decay has just released their new waterproof mascara CannonBall. I love the water effect on the name of the tube.

They state that it's super lightweight and doesn't flake all while adding length and volume.
I've not tried it though I may have to just to see how this holds up to the claims! Only comes in one shade (black) and costs $20 USD.


What do you think?

Where I am

I'm sure you're all wondering where I disappeared to, the answer is the Bahamas, my parents surprised me and decided to bring me on a cruise with them. We spent some time in Florida and then cruised for a day were in the Bahamas for a day (today) and are going back to Florida tonight to spend time with my Grandparents. The exciting information is I got a bunch of great Drugstore products from the states including some stunning nail polish colours, gel liners and more! So on top of the things I recieved for my birthday and the things I bought I've got reviews galore coming for you! Until then I apologize for disappearing. Hope everyone's holidays are going well! (Or exams if you're still studying/writing them as I know some of you poor souls are). Lots of Love from the Bahamas!

P.S. The Blinc mascara survived snorkling today and still looked good and came off so easy in the shower! Best mascara I've used to date!

Blinc Mascara Review

A little while ago I ordered Blinc Mascara from Dermstore.com to see how another tubing mascara compared to my favourite mascara another tubing one by Clinique called Lash Power. (See my review on Lash Power Mascara Here! :D) I've been using Blinc's mascara in black for a couple weeks now and honestly am wowed. 

Neat Hourglass sort-of shaped brush

Though expensive at about $24 USD a pop, this mascara passes my expectations in so many categories. It doesn't run at all, it doesn't flake, it comes off significantly easier than Clinique's Lash Power Mascara, it's softer feeling and more flexible on my lashes than Lash Power, and my lashes look just as great. I think the only downside I've had with this mascara is that it is quite wet upon application. I have to wait longer than I do with Lash Power for it to set and if I blink I'm just about guaranteed to get mascara on the eyelids and possibly below my eye too which is annoying as I put on mascara last so I'll have to clean up the spot then redo some of my eye make-up. 

Natural Lashes

With Blinc Mascara

Natural Lashes

With Blinc Mascara

Overall I love this Mascara but I don't know if I can justify buying such an expensive mascara every time I run out (which won't be very often as I still have to finish my Lash Power off and this new bottle of Blinc). It has even less than Lash Power in amount with only 0.19 oz of product compared to Clinique's 0.21 oz. Though there is more colour selection with Blinc having a dark Chocolate colour, a green, a purple and a blue in addition to the plain black. 

Sprite Rating: 9/10- Lost one point for price/product ratio and wetness. Otherwise I love this!

Nars Holiday Gift Sets

Image from the Nars website

Nars has put out some amazing holiday sets, that are not only great gifts but good value (relatively)! Take a look :D
Jet Setter
Costs $52 USD, worth $72 USD. This limited edition eye kit includes a Nars Lash Curler, full size Larger Than Life Mascara and full size Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo.



So Famous Set
Costs $44 USD, worth $61 USD. This kit focuses on the lips and cheeks including a full size Deep Throat Blush and Bettina Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. A mini multiple in Orgasm is included too.

Love Thrill Set
Costs $59 USD, worth $74 USD. Love Thrill includes Super Orgasm Blush (Peachy-Pink with tons of sparkly gold glitter), Sexual Healing Lipstick, and Sex Machine Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. Get in the mood. :D

Precious Mini Set
Costs $30 USD. 4 mini chip resistant high shine colours in Purple Rain, Versailles, Jungle Red and Orgasm.

Crazy Heart Lip Gloss Coffret
Cost $50 USD, worth $60 USD. Five of the best bright sheer glosses and signature pinks from Nars. (No shade names included that I could find)

Sweet Disposition Mini Multiple Set
Costs $40 USD. Contains the shades Orgasm (Peachy-Pink), Luxor (Pearly-white), and Malibu (bronze).

3 Piece Lip Gloss Duos Set
Costs $49 USD. Each of the high shine glosses contain two shades each- Boogie Nights and Giza, Rose Birman and Chihuahua, Harlow and Sweet Dreams. They're all encased in a black box with NARS ribbon.

Hopelessly Devoted Set
Costs $53 USD. Deep Throat and Laguna Blush/Bronzer duo and two medium sized lip glosses in Orgasm and Crepuscule. Crepuscule is a new shade unique to this set thus far. :D

Velvet Matte Lip Pencil and Sharpener Set
Costs $45 USD, worth $75 USD. The best deal of the holiday sets and the one I want the most! This set contains shades of the long-lasting matte lipsticks in Marina, Damned and Sex Machine along with a Nars sharpener to use them with. *Grabby Hands*

Temptation Set
Costs $30 USD, worth $42 USD. Contains Super Orgasm Blush (Peachy-Pink with gold glitter) and Orgasm Nail polish.

Dermstore Order has Arrived!

Sorry for the lack of post yesterday, I just couldn't get any inspiration! Well that is until I got home and saw my Dermstore order had arrived. Yay! Above is my Too Faced eyeshadow in Teddy Bear and Heaven

Left to Right: Teddy Bear, Heaven

TheBalm Time Balm Concealer (I'm gonna be using it for under-eye circles) in Lighter than Light (which I think it hilarious). 

I think it also has Vitamin E in it to help prevent aging somehow but to be honest I'm not really sure.

Dermstore also sent me a full size lip therapy thing. I know nothing about the company and only that this is supposed to plump and moisturize lips, help prevent environmental damage, and lip lines. Honestly it's clear and minty and tingly. Other than that no clue. I've put it on a few times and haven't noticed much.

Finally is the blinc mascara. It's a tubing mascara (in black) and I wanted to see how it compared to my favourite Clinique Lash Power tubing mascara. (Review to come!)

Blinc says they were the first to develop tubing mascara but I'm not sure if that's true of not. Can't wait to try it!

Anyone else get anything new lately you've been waiting for?

Clinique Lash Power Mascara~ Review

Clinique Lash Power Mascara is my favourite mascara formula of the ones I've tried to date. It's a tubing mascara which means that it goes on and then dries into 'tubes' around your lashes. Essentially the mascara sticks to both itself and your lashes instead of the traditional type which just sticks to your lashes. Why is this useful? NO SMUDGES! Guaranteed, every other mascara I've tried has left me with smudges and raccoon eyes at the end of the day and the next morning. The next morning because I can never get the original stuff off completely. No matter what I use, there is always some left, but not so with Lash Power! Because the mascara comes off with hot water and a washcloth and also because the mascara comes off in tubes, I can get all of it off at the end of the day.

The brush is really great on Lash Power as well because I can get into the corners of my eyes easily as it's so fine. It is even great for getting my super thin almost invisible bottom lashes.

No mascara

With Lash Power

See how much more defined and long my lashes look?

Another great thing about this mascara is that the mascara doesn't flake either, nor does it run. Even if I cry, sleep in it, work-out, or rub my eyes, my mascara still looks good. I've been using it for over a year now and I am so glad I bought this! Although it is sort of expensive, about $18.00 CND or $14.00 USD, this is the best mascara I've ever used. It can be layered over itself to be built up or one coat makes it look very pretty and natural. It comes in two shades Black Onyx and Dark Chocolate. Though the gunmetal coloured tube is shimmery the mascara is not so no worries there :D.

One thing to keep in mind though if you go through mascara quickly is the tube is quite small in comparison. Above is a picture of a normal sized pen and the mascara beneath. 6 grams or 0.21 oz of mascara is in the tube though. (In comparison Dior Diorshow mascara has 0.38 oz, Korres deep colour mascara has 0.3 oz, Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara is 0.65 oz, Laura Mercier Thickening and Building has 0.2 oz). 

The only difficulty some people has with this mascara is the removal. I recommend running hot water over a washcloth and then holding it to your closed eye. Then you can either wipe gently to the side or use your finger tips and gently wiggle pull along your lashes. It takes a little practice to get the hang of it but I put up with it due to the longevity this mascara gives.

Overall Rating: 8/10, because not as much product as many others (though it is in the range of normal), and the mascara takes a bit of work to get off. 

Tutorial: Purple Fantasy Eye

A little while ago I showed you a look called Robot in the Jungle, which was the theme for the birthday party I went to. Some of you commented on the eye make-up and my lovely follower and friend from Iceland, Gudrun, (I'm sorry I've butchered your name with the lack of symbols!) asked for a tutorial so thats what I'm showing you today. Instead of studying for those two midterms I have next week.... 

The look is really not that hard I've got pictures of each step so just follow along!

What you need:

• Makeup brushes. You're going to need an eyeliner brush, an all over shadow brush and a thin shadow brush (don't worry I've got pictures of each brush before I use it!)
• A red based brown metallic liner. My love is Mac's Rich Ground fluidline which is what I've used here
• A purple almost blue shadow with magenta flash. Urban Decay two very similar and the one I'm using is Make Up Academy's Shade 9 (Pearl finish). The MUA range is available in Britian for only one pound a shadow.
• A red-brown shadow that has blue or teal reflect. There are alot of these out there. Mac Club, Mac Blue brown pigment, Urban Decay Lounge, or Too Faced Label Whore are all variants of this. I'm using another MUA shadow this time in Shade 12 (Pearl finish).
• A silver-pink shadow. The only one I know if is Mac's Vex but I'm sure there are others out there. Vex is one of my favourite shadows, but a silver might work as well.
• A pearl or silver coloured luminizer. Again there are a bunch out there I just used Lorac's Oil-free luminizer in 01- Pearl (it's the one in the sample tub as it makes it easier to get the amount I need each time without wasting a ton from the temperamental pump).
• A light pinky-purple shadow. A light pink blush would work too. I'm using petalescent from a Mac palette I have.
• Black Mascara. Which ever brand or formula you like best.

Blank eye

Step 1: Start with your blank eye prep before you start. I personally need an eye primer (I use TFSI) to avoid creasing but some like to add moisturizer or UDPP, etc. Just don't worry about reddness or discolouration, it's all getting covered up anyways.

Step 2: Take your liner and liner brush and with medium thickness draw a line all across your upper eyelashes. Don't worry if it's not perfect, that's why it gets put on first so any mistakes are mellowed by the rest of the look. Then apply the same liner all along your waterline (on the piece of skin between you eyeball and your lower lashes).

Imperfect liner (closed eye)

Imperfect liner along the water liner (open eye)

Step 3: Cover the lid up to the crease (but not into the crease!) with the purple eyeshadow. Feel free to go right overtop of the liner if it's dried already. It should show through the shadow just fine.

Purple eyeshadow on flat shader brush

Step 4: Take the very tip of the flat shader brush (or another flatish brush) and line 4/5ths of your lower lash line with the purple colour. Leave the inner 1/5th and tear duct alone.

Step 5: Take the red-brown green/blue reflect shadow into the crease. I find it easiest to do this with a crease pointy brush or with a flat shader and just push the brush gently along where your eye folds back when it opens. Try not to overdo the crease colour too much. Like I totally did (I had to wipe a bit off but not too much)

A little too much crease colour up top. Try to actually keep it in your crease.

Step 6: This is the part where your eye will temporarily look swollen. However, it's a gradient and we are going to fix it so bear with me! Apply your light pink shadow from the ending of the crease colour up to your eyebrow. Blend blend blend the pink and the red-brown with green reflect together so there is no harsh line.

We're getting closer!

See! You can't tell where the red-brown with reflect ends and the pink begins!
This is what you want.

Step 7: Vex eyeshadow is about to play it's lovely part. It has two roles a under the outer half of the brow highlight and a tear duct highlight. Go over the top most outer portion of the under-brow area with a layer or two of vex. Then take vex along the inner tear duct liberally and along the leftover/uncovered part of the lower lash line. This helps open your eye up.

Step 8: This step is optional, if you want some extra pizzaz take a tiny bit of luminizer and pat it into the tear duct too.

Step 9: Last step and the easiest of all. Just apply a coat of mascara to your top and bottom lashes. I've used Clinique Lash Power because it's my favourite but go ahead and use your favourite or what ever you have on hand. And you're done!

What do you think? Something you're going to give a try? The thing about this look is that the duochromes make it look way more complicated than it actually is, because they're two colours in one.

If you have any questions or something seems unclear send me and e-mail or comment and I'll get back to you ASAP!