Review: Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+ and Precision Brow Liner

Last year, I purchased some Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes, and I really loved them.  But since you're not supposed to keep mascara for more than three months (and I keep mine more like six months), when my friend told me they'd enhanced their product, I was game to try it!

Disclosure:  I purchased these items on my own, without discount.  I do not sell for Younique!

Therefore, my opinions are my own.

First off, they've changed the packaging pretty significantly from my last kit.  The box is sexy, and I didn't mind that they got rid of what I called the "glasses case" from before; I never carried that with me anyways.  The two tubes came with instructions and a button pouch.  I really love the new tube design, which has a plastic that provides a better grip.  I found that it made application even easier.

Overall, I used the same method that I have for the old 3D Lashes.  I apply the mascara to one eye, then the fibers to that same eye, then follow up with the mascara again.  I do one eye at a time, unlike how people usually apply traditional mascara.  I found the results for length were just as good with 3D lashes+.

I also found that this new version held better; in the past, I would blink off some of the fibers and have to check myself in the mirror before leaving the house.  I wore these to an evening event, and I didn't have "raccoon eyes" throughout.  I really think this is a better overall product, and does the job better than any other mascara I've used for myself.  It costs $29.

In addition to the 3D Fiber Lashes+, I also purchased the Precision Brow Liner.  I chose the darkest color for my brows.  A brow pencil is a must for me; most Asian women I know lack thick eyebrows.  Many of them get brows lightly tattooed on!!!  But for me, a brow pencil does the trick.  I've been using Billion Dollar Brows religiously, because their "universal" color works for me and was super easy to use.  I had no reason to try something different other than it was time to buy a new one!

I found that I actually liked the Moodstruck liner much better!  Both pencils have a brush for brows, but the Moodstruck Precision Eye Liner puts the emphasis on precision.  The pencil is thin, but that makes every stroke basically like drawing actual hairs.  I also liked that the color was closer to my own hair color.  I was very impressed overall, and I think it will be my new go-to pencil from now on!  It costs $19, about the same as my other pencil.

Overall, I think both of these products were worth the purchase, and I will likely continue to buy them in the future once they are empty.  That's the seal of approval from me!

Review: Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes from Younique

Okay, while I'm sick of people advertising "It Works" wraps and embroidered bag parties on Facebook (I don't mind the items themselves, it's just the sheer volume!), I was intrigued when I saw a few folks having Younique parties, especially around Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes.  I'm just not blessed in the lashes department.  So I decided to bite the $29 bullet and try it myself.

The kit comes in a hard case that reminds me of a glasses case.  It has two tubes inside, one with the application gel (which resembles mascara) and another with the fibers.  Yes, this actually incorporates fibers into your lashes, making them look extended!  I didn't find that they fall into your eye or anything, they just kind of add.  It's a little challenging not to have them get clumpy, but the effect was really great for me!

The first photo is without anything, then the 2nd two are post-application.  I find it's easiest to do one eye at a time, with gel, fibers, then gel again.  You can put mascara on first or curl lashes for a greater effect, but I wanted to review just the kit itself here.

I like the photo of my entire face because suddenly it looks like I have eyeliner on even though I don't!  Can you imagine if I actually knew how to do eye makeup?  :)

Before and After

Overall, I found application to be easy, and that the effect was clear and noticeable.  I'm definitely going to make this a part of my beauty routine, because it is the best way to get lashes without falsies that I've found so far.  Is it worth the $29?  To me it is, because of the effect.  I didn't do my bottom lashes, but I bet you could do those too.  I'm glad I bought them to try, and I hope you find this review to be useful!

Review: Jamberry Nail Wraps

There's a lot of buzz on Facebook about Jamberry nail wraps.  Given that I nearly ruined my nails with shellac & gel manicure removals, I was hoping these wraps would give my nails a little protection so they could grow out and not be peeling as much.  I'm pretty good at painting my own nails, but I smudge/chip them within a day or so, because I don't wait for them to fully dry.

Jamberry nails are sold through independent consultants and have a basic cost of $15/sheet, with enough wraps for 2-3 applications, depending on how you allocate them.  They work for both fingers and toes.

Rose Gold Sparkle

I will admit, there is a learning curve to application.  My first full set of Jamberry nail wraps lasted me exactly one week before they were a lost cause, peeling at the edges.  I put my nails through the ringer, so I wasn't too disappointed.  I saw a lot of flaws in my application process: rough edge from filing, wraps touching cuticles... so it's no wonder they started to come loose.  (Here's the official application video, in case you're curious.)

I use the Jamberry Application Kit and Mini Heater to put on my wraps.  I used to use my hair dryer, but the mini heater gives me a free hand to better maneuver.  I also apply OPI ChipSkip as a base before applying. For my second full set, I used the "baggie method" I saw online, and I did not file the tips; I used nail clippers to trim them before heating, ensuring the tips came to the edge of my nail.  I also made sure to push my cuticles down so no wraps touched skin, which leads to the peeling.  I did have one or two ripples after four days (mostly where my nails themselves had peeled, so the surface wasn't completely even), but this round was noticeably better.  I was a happy camper and got lots of compliments!

White & Pink Tint Tips (Short)

My second full set lasted a week and a half before they looked a little worse for wear and I took them off.  That's almost the full two weeks advertised.  I've noticed that different wraps need a little more or less heat/care with application, specifically the ones with metallic in them.  I decided to exchange one set of wraps, the Icy Taupe Polka, because they simply did not stay on me...  but Jamberry has a satisfaction guarantee, so I could just get  a new set.  I felt like that one design, compared to all the other ones I've tried, "felt" different during application and didn't take the heat as easily.  It's good to know Jamberry will exchange if you're not fully satisfied. I don't feel like it takes much longer for me to put Jamberry wraps on than regular polish, due to lack of drying time, and I don't chip them like regular polish.  You get the hang of it pretty quickly.  Removal is so easy too, they just peel off with a little help!  I'm pretty much sold on these as a great way for me to have nail designs that last longer than salon or self manicures. I've ordered a bunch of sets, because I absolutely love all the patterns.  Even though I haven't yet gotten to the point of them lasting a full two weeks (I need to not watch TV while applying!), I'm happy with the look, designs, and having them last a week and a half.  I can't paint nail designs like these myself!  There's seriously a design for every occasion too, and I have picked some that work very well for both a corporate office and my life in general. Interested in shopping for some Jamberry wraps of your own?  There's often a  Buy 3, Get 1 Free or some other offer running.

Urban Lights

I purchased all of my own Jamberry nail wraps and accessories from my friend.  I do not sell them.  I am reviewing them here just to let other people know my experience with them, before they take the plunge themselves.
UPDATE:  (2/7/2015)  I am STILL a fan of Jamberry nail wraps.  I get endless compliments about them because people assume I'm getting professional manicures!  The designs with a clear background are still my favorite, mostly because I feel they are subtle enough to wear to the office and match a lot of my outfits; one set of clear decals lasted me two weeks without an issue, I just removed them to change the design.  I was even wearing Jamberry when I got engaged on New Year's Eve, so my holiday cards actually feature my manicure with a photo of my ring!

Icy Taupe Polka

UPDATE:  (4/25/2015)  I also learned that Jamberry wraps work well over gel manicures, which I get from time to time now that my nails are healthier.  Here is a photo of accent wraps on top of gels.