Wednesday 17 October 2012

Review: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Ah the famous Shu Uemura eyelash curler. It has a huge amount of amazing reviews and a reputation for being a fantastic eyelash curler, as well as being a cult classic. After having my eyelids pinched by cheap eyelash curlers (eek $2 ones), probably about more than a year ago I decided to purchase the Shu Uemura eyelash curler! I got it off eBay but I can't remember how much for- but it was a bargain. Did I have qualms about it being fake? Definitely. But the performance has been excellent and my doubts subsided. I'm not too sure how much the curler retails for in Australia though (maybe around $30?), if someone can enlighten me then I can include it here in the post!

 Anyone read Japanese? :P Designed and made in Japan!




Oops the rubber is a little dirty!
The Shu Uemura eyelash curler is designed best for Asian eyelids but this does not mean that it won't suit anyone else! The curler is curved more than conventional eyelash curlers and this is what minimises and prevents any pinching.
Curved
Let's talk about the cheap eyelash curlers I have used before. Pinching was awful, and the curve definitely did not suit my eyes. When you attempt to "curl" the lashes, you have to apply pressure and the eyelashes  become kinky and very unnatural looking- it is obvious where the lashes have been curled at, shown by the kinks. Not only that- they had the tendency to pull out lashes, definitely not ideal! I got sick and tired of using a subpar curler, and after reading many amazing reviews for the Shu Uemura, I really wondered if it lived up to the hype. Here is what the website says it offers:
The emblematic, best-selling and award-winning shu uemura eyelash curler featuring enhanced design and upgraded features for ultimate precision that delivers the perfect curl.
  • upgraded silicone pad in a new "mushroom" shape provides a protective, stay-put edge for improved safety and optimum curl.
  • upgraded patented hinge with precise engineering applies perfect amount of pressure on eyelashes
  • curved angle suits all eye shapes
  • calculated shape and size of frame length and ergonomic handles ensure stability and control
What I like to do before using eyelash curlers is to heat them up a little by using my hairdryer. Before I curled my lashes I blasted the curler for about 4-5 seconds, tested the temperature on my hand then used it on the lashes. PLEASE don't immediately put the curler to your eyes without checking the temperature first as you might burn yourself! So here is a before and after shot (excuse the messy eyebrows- I got to do something about them....and the blurry shots, my phone isn't too good at close ups)
Before
After
The photos speak for themselves. WOW! Such a dramatic difference in my eyelashes. It was such a pleasure to use the curler- absolutely no pinching as the shape was perfect and I did not have to apply pressure at all, which I did with the cheaper curlers. The curl was smooth with no sign of kinkage (haha is that even a word?!). How well did the curl hold? Very very well. I actually took several attempts to take photos of my eye but they turned out super blurry- so instead of using the other eye (I don't know why) I decided to flatten out my eyelashes again to take a before shot but they were very stubborn! The curl held very well (I ended up curling my other eye's lashes in the end haha).

After using the curler for more than a year, it is still in excellent condition! And if I ever need to replace the pad, the curler comes with one replacement one. Overall, a delightful eyelash curler to use with wonderful results.

Who's tried the Shu Uemura curler? If not, which curlers do you use?


Monday 1 October 2012

Review: China Glaze Nail Strengthener & Growth Formula

My nails have always been in great condition- they never break or split, and aren't weak. However my index and thumb nails have been splitting a lot lately which is annoying the hell out of me! I think it might be because of me bumping my nails onto things and maybe from removing pesky staples from prescriptions at work....
Well anyways I went to Cosmetic Fragrance Direct at DFO the other day and found this little beauty! It was $10, and normally retails for $18.95 so I guess I did save a bit! It was an impulse buy, although I have heard great things about China Glaze nail polishes so I didn't think this strengthener would be any different :)




And as I always do, just a little description from its website:
Nail Strengthener & Growth Formula is vitamin and protein enriched to promote healthy nail growth
-Promotes the growth of healthy, beautiful nails in 8 weeks  
-Vitamin B and wheat protein strengthens and protects nails
-Protects against splitting and cracking
-Great after removal of acrylic nails
          -DBP & Toluene Free (contains Formaldehyde as a nail strengthener & hardener) 

 Lol the "formaldehyde" scares me... having dealt with it in labs at uni and having warnings about it being toxic if inhaled or consumed (not that I will be eating it anytime soon) but if you use it in a ventilated room I guess we will be fine! I've always wondered how nail strengtheners work and if they actually work. So I was eager to try this and see if my nails improved over time.


I have been applying this to my nails for a few days now and I am loving the sheen it is giving to my nails! It has improved the look of one of my split nails, and I can definitely feel an improvement in the hardness too especially in my "healthy" nails. Quite surprising results for something I didn't really believe in initially.

Do you use a nail strengthener? What brand is it and are you happy with its results?