Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System

Too Faced has a new product, Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System ($35), designed to give you the length and volume of false lashes with three simple steps. The three-step lash extension system includes two products: an activating mascara base and top coat and the Flexistretch nylon lash fibers. Does it work? Kinda sorta.

The look of false lashes has never been easier or more affordable with this do-it-yourself system that's an alternative to messy false lashes and expensive lash extensions. The activating mascara base and top coat is designed specifically to melt and seal the Flexistretch nylon fibers into long, thick, dramatic lashes without the risk, mess, or commitment of other false lash alternatives. Unlike traditional fiber mascaras, Better Than False Lashes allows you to dial up the lengthening fibers so you easily get better, longer, thicker, more dramatic lashes instantly.

Too Faced kindly sent me Better Than False Lashes to test. I may be dense, but I was a little confused when I read the directions. Step 1 is a priming step, which actually turns out to be a full-fledged mascara application. Step 2 is a build step in which you apply nylon fibers to your lashes over the mascara (base and top coat). More on that below. Step 3 is a sealing step; you finish by sealing the fibers to the lashes with the same mascara you used in Step 1. I had to try it to understand how it worked - and that there were two products for three steps - obvious from the box, but not intuitive.

I am blessed with long lashes, and all it takes is a nice lengthening mascara to make them pop. I am very impressed with the Too Faced "Activating Mascara" I use in Step 1. My lashes look fabulous after the first step. Step 2 gets a little weird. When I use the mascara wand to apply the nylon fibers, I feel like something's wrong with my technique. I have a hard time getting the fibers to stick to the mascara (they are dry), and occasionally I get what looks like a little cotton ball on my lashes. The cotton ball will flick away easily with another pass of the wand. The lesson here? Apply Step 2 as fast as possible before the mascara applied in Step 1 dries (and it dries very quickly). Otherwise, the little fibers have nothing to grab them. Step 3 is basically a second coat of mascara, and that ought to make your lashes look more full and potentially longer, with or without the fibers.

I don't plan to show you photos of my lashes (hate close-ups), but you can see a great review with before and after shots, published by my sweet blogger friend Musings of a Muse. Unfortunately, you can see the little white fibers on her lashes. I don't know whether she was unable to cover them completely with Step 3 (mascara) before she took her photos, but she loves Better Than False Lashes.

Even though Too Faced says that the product was ophthalmologist-tested and approved for use by those who wear contact lenses, I'm skeptical. I can feel the extra coating on my lashes for about an hour after application. My lashes feel heavy. I'm sure I'd get used to that eventually, but I don't like the feeling of having something with weight on my lashes. The little fibers have fallen into my contacts on occasion. My eyes are extremely sensitive to foreign bodies. The tiniest speck can feel like a rock to me. If you try this product and wear contacts, make sure to apply the product before you put in your contacts. Also seal the fibers into your lashes by coating them extremely well. If you can see white fuzz, you haven't finished sealing.

I have mixed feelings about Better Than False Lashes. It does work in the sense that it adds length and volume. Too Faced claims a 98% increase in volume and a 42% increase in length. I see small increases on my own lashes. I suspect the results you get will depend on the length and thickness of your lashes. Another plus is that the product can be removed easily with water - no heavy-duty eye makeup remover is required. I do not think Better Than False Lashes is ideal for contact lens wearers, based on my personal experience. Tread carefully if you have sensitive eyes.

For now, Better Than False Lashes is available only at Sephora. The customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive. I seldom read customer reviews because...well, I'll keep the snarky reason to myself. I read them this time because I wanted to know what others thought of this unique lash product. Think you'll try it?

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Le Métier de Beauté "Lash Out" Promotion at Neiman Marcus

Happy Birthday to Le Métier de Beauté! At the tender age of four, Le Métier de Beauté is celebrating its birthday by giving us a special opportunity.

It’s only natural to lash out every once in a while. So let's do it! In celebration of Le Métier de Beauté’s big "4," when you purchase Peau Vierge Lash Growth Serum at Neiman Marcus stores during the month of March, you will receive the company's amazing Lash Curler as a free gift. The combination of these two beauty favorites is a temptation too great to resist. Who doesn't want long, lush lashes (with results some see in as little as a week), curled to perfection.

So, with new meaning for the term "lash out," have a lash blast and celebrate with Le Métier de Beauté! Just call or visit your favorite Neiman Marcus.

If you want to post birthday wishes in the comments here, I'll make sure the team gets them.

Photo courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

Revlon Fantasy Lengths Maximum Wear Lashes

Want to try faux lashes without breaking the bank or maxing out the credit card? Revlon's Fantasy Lashes may be right up your alley.

There are times when we want or need lush lashes, and our own won't cooperate. Although lashes are always shedding and regrowing, they don't usually do it in clumps. Every now and then, though, you'll see what looks like a little bald spot and feel lopsided after you apply mascara. Who couldn't use a little help for a big day (or night) when that happens? There are other times when we want to look like celebrities (don't believe for a second that they aren't wearing faux lashes in those mascara advertisements), but can't make a huge investment. Revlon to the rescue!

Revlon had sent me two sets of Fantasy Lengths to test. I eyed them lovingly for a week or so, but realized that I might not be able to give Revlon a fair shake. This is the part where I admit that I'm a total klutz, and I was sure I would mess them up on application. I'm not good at reading directions. I usually forge ahead with "things" (new computer programs are a great example), only looking for help when I get stuck. I could see myself ruining the generous gift. Fortunately, a few of my work colleagues are expert lash wearers. Having seen their lush lashes in the past, I asked for help. Jamika was game, so I had a tester Revlon could count on.

There were two sets: one Fantasy Lengths Maximum Wear Glue-on Eyelashes and one Fantasy Lengths Maximum Wear Self-Adhesive Lashes. They range in price from $5.49 to $5.99 per pair. Each type comes in different "intensities," from flirty to full. Each package comes with directions and extra adhesive strips or "glue."

Jamika enlisted her daughter for the test. You can see how lush the lashes looked in these before and after photos Jamika provided (obviously in different lighting). Crystal (Jamika's daughter) wore the self-adhesive lashes and applied some liner over them. She went from cute to glam! The proof is in the photos.

Jamika tested the glue-on lashes. Here are her before and after photos. The result was a glamorous look you could wear day or night.

What did my testers think? They were impressed by the way they looked! So am I after checking out their photos! The lashes stayed on for about 24 hours. The first ones to stray were the self-stick lashes, but Crystal slept on them not long after she applied them. Both gals reported that the lashes felt fine - they experienced no heaviness on their eyelids. Crystal and Jamika felt they were easy to apply, although experienced Jamika advises that you should have tweezers on hand. She says it's easier to apply them with tweezers than your fingers. She also said that the adhesive for the glue-ons looks like Elmer's Glue on your hand, but dries clear and becomes invisible when the lashes are applied.

Revlon's Fantasy Lengths passed the tests - with flying colors! For a great price, you can have dramatic lashes - and love the way they look. You can find Fantasy Lengths now at Walgreens, Drugstore.com, and other mass market stores. Next time you're in the mood for a little glamour, give them a try!

Top photo courtesy of Revlon
Before and after photos courtesy of Jamika