Sparkled Beauty

The rest of Marcelle Spring 2017 PR package included a cleanser and makeup remover, which I like and want to tell you about, in case you have not seen them in store. 

Blue and white toned packaging, simple and cute eh? Skin care has become more of a high priority for me over the last year, so I certainly give these some good testing.

The Gentle cleansing exfoliation cream is just what it sounds like, if you need a one-line review (no I wouldn't do that to you) and the Gentle makeup remover pads for sensitive eyes is just as good as you remember Marcelle's makeup remover pads are.

The Gentle cleansing exfoliation cream is creamy, gentle on the skin even with the exfoliating action (thanks to the micellar technology), said to be good for all skin types.

The instructions say to apply to damp and well cleansed skin, massage and rinse with water. This means the product does more exfoliating than cleansing, a second cleanse following your cleansing oil ideally.

The texture is very fluffy, almost like whipped, with random tiny blue dots scattered through out. They are very gentle though, you would not be able to feel them, no worry.

I like how soft and hydrated the skin feels after, but if you are not a double cleanse person, you might find this cleanser not doing a good cleansing job on its own.

Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Steareth-21, Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-6 Caprylic/ Capric Glycerides, Polylactic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Glycereth-18 Ethylhexanoate, Glyceryl Oleate, Xanthan Gum, Glycereth-18, Salicylic Acid, etc.

The cleanser is perfume/ oil/ paraben free, 5oz/ 150ml, $12.95. There are also comforting cleansing milk and alcohol-free soothing toner, 200ml, $14.95 each.

Now Marcelle has been making makeup remover pads for a long time, but recently revamped the line and come out with a few versions of them.

This one is the Gentle makeup remover pads for sensitive eyes (waterproof, non greasy).

The pads are reasonably thick but still gentle on the skin, able to remove waterproof and long wearing makeup, no rinsing required. No irritation nor discomfort after-feelings. Perfect to travel with, no messy liquid to worry about, and can be used all over the face.

Ingredients: Water, Isododecane, Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Palmitate, Hexylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Sodium Chloride, Disodium Edta, Ttriethanolamine.

The pads are perfume/ paraben free, 85's, $9.95. There are also an Instant eye makeup remover pads (soothing formula) and Oil-free eye makeup remover pads (micellar technology).

For face products this Spring, Marcelle launches a new City line, starting with the City tinted Octinoxate cream multi-protection SPF25.

Charged with antioxidants, green tea, aloe and chamomile which act like a shield to protect the skin from environmental stressors, the cream is said to be able to replace your lightweight moisturizer, tinted corrector and makeup base in your routine.

With my aging skin, I did not test the cream for any purposes other than a sunscreen, and a primer on lazy days, and it works fine for that. However, since it does not provide complete UVA protection nor good coverage with the tint, it suits younger better skin than mine. I do not notice if it helps with radiance or pores either.

Active ingredient: Octinoxate 7.5%
Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Octyldodecanol, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Mica, BIS-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, HDI/ Ttrimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Isopropyl Myristate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, etc.

Note: Octinoxate is an approved ingredient (at the permitted 7.5% level) in chemical sunscreen as a UVB blocking agent. There have been concerns regarding its possible high toxicity rating compared to zinc and titanium dioxide but have not been proven.

The City tinted cream has 4 shades with auto-adapting pigments - Fair, Light to Medium, Medium and Medium to Dark, 1oz/ 30ml, $19.95.

There is also a City concealer, enriched with vitamin C & E (antioxidants) and Bisabolol (soothing effect) to conceal dark circles, puffiness and imperfections.

I appreciate the convenient bullet shape and the skin care effects in the concealer. It applies and blends well, is ideal for decent skin days. I would suggest a concealer with more coverage for old dark spots or serious circles under the eyes, which I do have.

The concealer comes in 3 shades with auto-adapting pigments - Fair, Light to Medium and Medium to Dark. The press sample does not include the weight information but the price is $9.95.

Here are the colour tones of the City tinted cream and the City concealer, both in Light to Medium.

The City products are perfume/ oil/ paraben free. The aqua and white themed packaging is cute and stands out.

The line is on special offer right now ($5 off online or $5 printable coupon to use in stores). If what these 2 products offer suit your needs, check them out.

Also part of the Spring launch is the waterproof version of the Ultimate Volume mascara.

With carnauba wax for fuller but soft flexible lashes, the mascara promises of no clumping or flaking, intense volume and multiplying effect.

I don't recall trying the original Ultimate Volume mascara, but waterproof mascaras seem to hold my straight lashes a bit better anyway.

The wand is quite similar to that of the Ultimate Fringe Effect mascara that Marcelle came out with last Fall, with slightly longer tip where the bristles (300 of them, as the brand says) are and shorter handle. I prefer a small/ thinner brush in my mascaras so this one fits right in.

Effect wise, the mascara does offer volume to my lashes but not amazingly noticeable. I normally pair it with another mascara, which I don't mind doing.

If you are looking for volume from a waterproof mascara, this might be one for you. The mascara is perfume free, $11.95.

It is no new news that Marcelle makes awesome liners. The Kohl eyeliners has been well known with their long lasting power (8 hour+ or 4 hour+ on the waterline, waterproof) and wide range of colours.

The line has recently had 6 new shades - Mother of Pearl, Eye Brightening Beige, Classic Navy, Black Plum, Copper Coin and Chocolate.

If you are a fan of kohl eyeliners, check these out. They do what they says they would, glide on easily, last over a decent amount of time with good colour payoff.

Mother of Pearl has been my inner corner shade because of that sheen it has while Eye Brightening Beige is more ideal for the waterline to brighten the eyes. Any of the other 4 shades can smoke out your lash line very well.

8 hours sound about right on my eyes for these, great for weekends or shorter work days. The kohl liners are 0.04oz/ 1.14g, $11.95 each.

Since my normal work day start around 6am, and I don't want my eyeliner to disappear by mid afternoon, I am so glad Marcelle releases the Velvet gel waterproof eyeliners that supposedly have 24 hour+ hold!

The colour options: Intense Grey,  Deep Navy, Twilight Purple, Dark Chocolate and Jet Black. Yes, all dark, for now.

You have heard me rave enough about how smooth and easy a gel based liner go on so I won't repeat that, just know that once you go gel eyeliner pencils, you will not probably go back :) They give you enough time to smudge them out, if you want, then they set and won't budge until removed at the end of the day, which is about 12 - 14 hours at least.

And colour intensity is amazing. Needless to say, Jet Black is an instant favorite for intense looks, but I prefer a bit of colour for daily wear, which is when the other 4 shine. I cannot pick a favorite among Intense Grey,  Deep Navy, Twilight Purple and Dark Chocolate, and have been rotating them.

The Velvet gel eyeliners are also 0.04oz/ 1.3g, $11.95 each. I recommend them all and hope for lighter/ bright colours being released in the near future.

The Rouge Xpression line has a new gel based formula - the Velvet gel lipsticks, described as having one-stroke extreme colour, lightweight feel and smooth glide.

This is the Karine Vanasse collection with 5 shades - Buff Nude, Rosy Nude, Pink Blossom, Vivid Plum and Red Carpet.

Gel formula has been making quite a buzz and deservedly so. I already love the Rouge Xpression line and the gel formula makes it even better.

The lipsticks go on very easy and smooth, so comfortable to wear that you forget they are there. They do transfer and wear off, but reapplication is a breeze.

Colour wise, the 2 nude shades unfortunately do not show up much on my lips so I have to pair them with a darker lip liner underneath. Needless to say, my favorite is Vivid Plum but Red Carpet is also party-ready gorgeous.

The lipsticks are perfume free, with no weight indication on the tube (the regular Rouge Xpression lipsticks are 0.12oz/ 3.5g), $11.95 each.

Accompanying the lipsticks are the Velvet gel waterproof lip liners, with 5 same shades (I am missing Vivid Plum) and 8 hour+ hold, plus the universal anti-feathering (retractable) lip liner in white packaging.

Don't think I need to repeat the fact that gel liners work wonderfully, go on so smooth and stay on super long here. The anti-feathing liner is meant to create an invisible line around the lips to prevent lipstick/ gloss/ lacquer from bleeding/ feathering and it does the job very well also.

A closeup on all products to show you the colours.

Swatches of the liners (except for the anti-feathering liner which goes on clear). Pink Blossom is very cool toned, not pairing well with medium skin tone. Rosy Nude is easier to wear than Buff Nude, work well as base on me.

Red Carpet is where it is at, totally works on its own for a waterproof lip that lasts through the night, totally recommended.

The liners are perfume free, 0.04oz/ 1.25g (gel liners) and 0.09oz/ 0.28g (anti-feathering liner), $9.95 each.

Continuing on with Marcelle Fall releases this year, the skin care portion.

I was very happy to see the brand new New Age 3-in-1 LumiPOWER multi-action care (day/ night/ eyes) with Hyaluronic Acid. All I moisturizing need in one tube, all day & whole face use, and lines and wrinkles are taken care of!

Described as an anti aging and anti fatigue gel cream, designed for women with active lifestyles, LumiPOWER has a light lotion-like texture, absorbs reasonably fast and leave a smooth (non-greasy) after-feel. Over the few weeks of use, I love the convenience of it and can confirm that the smoothing effect does last.

Still, I would not skip the face oil or serum before it. When you get to my age, we do need extra help. The brand mentions a Radiance+ HA complex in the formula for brightening and radiant effects but this is harder to detect.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isopropyl Myristate, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Methyl Methacrylate/ Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydrolyzed Candida Saitoana Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/ Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, etc.

LumiPOWER is perfume/ oil/ gluten free, 1.7oz/ 50ml, $24.95.

The Hydra-C line has a revamped Eye contour gel cream (new packaging with fresh effect applicator).

The packaging works - thin long tube with a cooling metal applicator for undereye areas. The formula is moisturizing with vitamins C and E, ideal for anti puff and anti dark circles for age 20+. I am beyond this age range, will definitely continue to use the tube but again, would pair it with additional face products.

Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/ Leaf Extract, Oleaeuropaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Propylene Glycol, Petrolatum, Glycerin, Polysilicone-11, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, etc.

It is paraben/ perfume free, 0.5oz/ 15ml, $24.95.

The Hydra-C Daily Radiance scrub is
a vitamin-enriched (C and E) scrub with eco friendly microbeads (made with jojoba and environmentally friendly/ biogradable polymers), gentle enough for daily use.

I did not test it every day, however, as I always rotate my cleansers through the week. For days I used it, it gave a good clean and did not leave residues behind.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Polylactic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/ C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Iron Oxides, Talc, Yellow 6, Tocopherol, Red 30, Yellow 5, Red 33.

I appreciate that the scrub is paraben/ oil/ soap/ perfume free. It is 5oz/ 150ml, $12.95.

The Ultra Gentle cleansing gel now has a buddy, still enriched with aloe vera and allantoin to gently clean the skin and remove face makeup, just with a foaming action added.

My current Ultra Gentle cleansing gel is still about half full on the side of the sink, as the bottle is huge but I am sure glad I have the new version too. Any cleanser that is kind to my acne-proned skin is highly appreciated.

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Acrylates/ Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Lauryl Glucose, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Edta, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.

It is paraben/ oil/ soap/ perfume free, pH balance, 11.8oz/ 350ml, $12.95.

For your eyes, Marcelle has a 3-in-1 eye makeup remover micellar gel now, enriched with aloe vera.

You know I love anything micellar and normally remove my eye makeup with micellar water on a cotton pad before washing the rest of the face. A gel would be less leaky, a fun change but performs the same way as the water (on regular and waterproof makeup), I don't have a preference between the two.

The brand says the gel also helps to soften the eye contour area and reduce puffiness, but considering how quickly it gets washed off, I don't think it would have a chance to make much difference.

Ingredients: Water, Poloxamer 184, Pentylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Acrylates/ C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caffeine, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.

Also paraben/ oil/ alcohol/ perfume free, the gel is 3.3oz/ 100ml, $13.95.

Lastly, the savior for those lazy nights, the Ultra Gentle makeup removing cleansing cloths.

Wipes are not part of my regular makeup removing routine, as I always wash my face after, fearing they leave traces behind. However, how can I not use a micellar wipe, no rinsing required? On lazy nights and while travelling only, mind you, but I am sure warming up to the idea now.

The (biodegradable) wipes are very soft, damp but not soaking/ dripping wet and of a good size for the whole face. I make sure I use the whole surface of each, and both sides :)

Performance is just as good as the brand's micellar water and gel. No complain there.

Ingredients: Water, PEG-6 Caprylic/ Capric Glycerides, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Juice, Sodium Citrate, Cetrimonium Bromide, Salicylic Acid, Disodium Edta, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid.

The wipes are alcohol/ perfume free, 25's in a pack, $12.95.

It is also Fall release time at Marcelle. Today's post feature the makeup items I received.

The Ultimate Easy Lash mascara, $9.95, is said to offer an all in one deal for your lashes - volume, length and definition.

I am a fan of its angled brush. The longer bristles near the bottom of the brush offer the outer lashes better coverage, and the brush is of the right size for my eyes, not too big nor too small.

The formula lasts through the day and does not flake off nor is hard to remove but note that it does not claim waterproof.

The Ultimate Fringe Effect mascara, $12.95, has much longer (and more flexible) handle, is designed to give you length, curl and volume.

The flex polymer wand has "parabolic hooks" that even out clumps. I like a bit of control during application, so the bendable neck on this wand is a bit risky for me.

And you know what I'll say at this point right? Curling effect hardly ever works on my lashes, so on me, the Ultimate Fringe Effect does almost the same thing as the Ultimate Easy Lash but without the cool angled brush.

For the face, the Flawless makeup line is a joy to dive into in this summer weather.

It has been quite a while since I used a compact/ cream foundation. I always need the good coverage, but have opted for lightweight foundations in the last year, for simplicity and time saving. The Flawless compact foundation fits right in.

And because of that, I always need a concealer in the routine. Glad to have the Flawless concealer to test out together with the compact foundation.

The Flawless skin-fusion compact foundation is described to be weightless and easy to blend thanks to the auto-adapting pigments.

Don't we agree that compact foundations are normally creams, and therefore, heavier in texture and finish? Well this Flawless foundation definitely set itself apart from that.

Packing is nice and sturdy, the sponge and mirror are just as travel friendly as the compact itself.

The shade I got is Buff Beige, a little light for my skin tone but since it blends out into nothing, the slightly light shade becomes a brightening product strategically.

Also, it gives me the best natural looking skin I could have, especially in hot weather. I hardly feel it on my face, and through the day, it does not turn greasy. The almost powder finish does not require a setting powder but I do set it for wear time.

Coverage, however, is light to medium at most, even when I use a dense kabuki brush. For post-acne flaws like mine, you cannot go without a concealer after this foundation.

It is paraben/ oil/ perfume free, available in 6 shades. The compact is 6.5g, $17.95.

The Flawless skin fusion concealer is also in the same realm - lightweight, easy to blend with auto adapting pigments and light to medium coverage.

The flat sided applicator is soft and deposits product well on the face.

And similarly, the Light to Medium shade brightens my face where it is applied. It does not hide dark circles/ spots completely on its own but makes them look less visible and more natural. For that reason, I still suggest colour correcting for dark circles before applying this concealer. Since the product does not claim to have good coverage, I cannot flaw it for that.

It is paraben/ oil/ perfume free, also available in Fair and Medium to Dark. The tube has 0.18oz/ 5.6ml, retails $10.95.

For the lips, there are new additions to the Rouge Xpression lipstick line - Pink Lace, Berry Blossom and Show of Pink.

What I said about these lipsticks in the 2011 review in the above link still remains true. They are creamy, very comfortable on, non drying with decent wear time. The Maxi-Lip complex in the formula is said to hydrate (confirmed) and add volume to the lips (not very visible on me).

With all that said, I am always happy to see more shades adding to the lineup.

Pink Lace (cream) is the nude with a cool beige undertone, does not show up on me unless I prep with a lip liner. Berry Blossom (pearl) is beautiful and quite bright, still wearable for day looks, and Show of Pink (cream) is its toned down version, shows up less coral and more pink than how it looks in the tube. Fun to mix and match them too.

The lipsticks are perfume/ gluten free, $11.95 each.

So we survived another blizzard :) Tons of snow to shovel this morning and more tonight still but the sun is out, I won't complain.

Continue with the positive streak, I am showing you exciting new Marcelle Spring products today.

This Volum'Xtension Magnetic mascara is very easy on the eyes with chrome silver tube in black and red accent.

The name does strike some curiosity, doesn't it? The mascara has a flexible wand with 3 different levels of polymer bristles (see closeup below), meant to offer length, volume and definition to the lashes.

I normally don't like flexible wands as they are hard to control, but this wand is flexible so that it does not hurt my eyes at close contact. The stopper on the tube is tight and wipes off a lot of product when the brush is pulled out, which explains how well it separates my lashes, without any clumps or flakes. 

It does a good job in giving my lashes some length, but not much on the volume side. For that reason, I use the mascara on days I want natural looking lashes, or layer it with another mascara on days I want a more dramatic look.

Marcelle eye products are always safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens  wearers, if you are wondering.

The tube retails $12.95, currently on Buy more Save more promo online.

I am going to say this without much exaggeration that my brow game has changed for the better with this little tube of Perfect Brow.

It is a sculpting tinted brow gel with natural hold, applied with an interesting-looking angled brush.

Before this, my normal process includes a slim brow pencil to shape, a chubby pencil to fill and then clear brow gel to set. Perfect Brow now does the shaping and setting job, plus tinting the brow hair for a fuller look.

The flash makes the tint look lighter than it is, so believe me, the Medium to Dark shade works perfectly for brunettes.

I am loving the angle brush, so easy to glide along the browse. Its small size offer precise application, and any mistake is easy to wipe off the skin. 

The tube is perfume free, with 0.13oz/ 4ml of product, $12.95. Also available in Light to Medium, and Clear (with ProLash Growth complex, for both brows and lashes).

A little tip: Not that Perfect Brow cannot do it all, but the tube is small, so save the filling job to a chubby brow pencil to lengthen the life of the tint :)

Lastly, I finally tried Instant eye makeup remover pads - the waterproof version. This is a dual-phase oil-free formula, enriched with Aloe Vera, so it does leave a sheen on the skin afterward, but not an oily residue.

Knowing how well Marcelle does their makeup removers, I expect the pads do the job nicely, and they do. They wipe off all my eye makeup, mascara and brow products, do not tear nor feel scratchy in the process.

The brand does recommend a gentle rinse with warm water after, so I do that when I cleanse my face.

Note: for someone who loves using micellar water and fluffy cotton pads, the pads in this jar feels a lot thinner. I personally see myself saving the convenience of these pads for lazy nights and for traveling when I don't want to worry about a liquid makeup remover.

Ingredients: Water, Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Myristate, PEG-6 Caprylic/ Capric Glycerides, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Poloxamer 184, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Salicylate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate.

There are 80 pads in the jar, which retails for $9.95, also on Buy more Save more promo. Paraben/ perfume free.

I reviewed Marcelle Fall makeup products two weeks ago, now let's see what skin care products they launch this month :)

There's something irritated skin needs - the Ultra Gentle moisturizing cream.

Formulated to hydrate and soothe the skin, the product offers protection from dehydration and daily aggressors that can cause irritation while leaving the skin feeling soft and supple.

Now the product feels light on (more like a lotion than a cream as the name suggest), fast absorbing and does a great job to keep my skin hydrated and calm. I would say it is my basic moisturizer of choice during bad phase of breakouts, no big bells or whistles.

Seal on the nozzle, no contamination/ testing in stores.

Instructions say to apply the moisturizing cream in the morning on well cleansed skin, and I tested it that way. I do have other night creams to alternate but don't see why you can't use it before bed as well.

Ingredients: Water, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Cetyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Allantoin, Stearamidopropyl Diemthylamine, Polysorbate 60, Lactic Acid, etc.

The cream is meant for normal to dry skin but it does not make my combination skin greasy through the day. Perfume/ oil/ paraben/ soap/ sulfate free. The tube is 1.7oz/ 50ml, $18.95.

Another product that tends to my eye makeup: the Instant eye makeup remover with a dual phase formula and enriched with aloe vera.

Let me just get it out there that this makeup remover is oil free and feels just like water on the skin.

So other than the "shake well before use" and "rinse with warm water" parts, I cannot tell the difference between this and micellar water when used on the eyes. They remove makeup with the same ease, comfort and efficiency, 95% on waterproof mascaras like most micellar waters on me.

Also tested it on some thicker long wear liquid lipsticks with about 90% success using one side of the cotton pad or 98% with both sides and some rubbing. No complaints there.

The standard cap and nozzle on the bottle work fine with cotton pads.

Ingredients: Water, Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Myristate, PEG-6 Caprylic/ Capric Glycerides, Poloxamer 184, Copper Gluconate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Benzoate, Sodum Salicylate, Sodium Citrate.

Suitable for contact lens wearers. Perfume/ oil/ paraben free. The bottle is 5oz/ 150ml, $14.95.

Left: the Ultra Gentle moisturizing cream with the lotion-y texture.

Right: the Instant eye makeup remover on a cotton pad, lightly blue-tinted liquid but goes on invisible.

No scent detected on either product.

All I have to say is Canadians are missing out in lots of things in the beauty world (Sephora sale page as the case in discussion) but not with makeup removers. Marcelle makes one of the best ones out there that I tried.

Now that we saw Marcelle Fall lip and cheek products, you know that the lineup for the eyes and brows would be equally fun.

There are familiar things - the Forever Sharp liners, a skinny brow pen of some sort, and then there is a new version of a mascara we have seen before :)

Let's get to them now.

I received a Forever Sharp eyeliner in Blackest Black and a Forever Sharp eyebrow pencil in Medium Brown.

Lasting power was quite good, till near the end of the day and they did not move around once set. I do find they are a little less waterproof/ smudge proof than the Forever Sharp lip liners.

The eyebrow pencil is specifically said to have a natural matte finish, while I think the eyeliner is the same way. No complaints.

The only thing is, after testing Annabelle Stay Sharp brow liner in Taupe, I prefer that subtle cool-toned shade than what I thought was more of a match for me (darker brown, warm toned). Forever Sharp in Medium Brown certainly works for me, colour wise, but it'd just come down to preference of the moment, I guess :)

There are 7 other shades in the eyeliner line with this launch and 2 other universal shades for the brows. The pens are 0.008oz/ 0.25g, $11.95 each.

If the pointed (self sharpened) tip of Forever Sharp is still not precise enough for you, check out the Nano eyebrow liners, also waterproof, long lasting with matte natural finish.

This is Blond, again not totally my shade but I use it together with Annabelle Brow Show brow liner + highlighter for a muted colour.

Keep in mind, that tip is very tiny in comparison to the Forever Sharp, and the spoolie on the end is always handy. The line has 4 other shades, 0.003oz/ 0.09g, $11.95.

Here are the swatches of Forever Sharp eyeliner in Blackest Black, Forever Sharp eyebrow pencil in Medium Brown and Nano eyebrow liner in Blond.

On to the Xtension Plus Curl mascara.

You probably remember the Xtension Plus mascara that came out Fall 2013, a lengthening and curling mascara. Now this Xtension Plus Curl version emphasizes even more on curling effects, with a curved brush.

I find the shape of the brush makes it harder to get to the shorter lashes in the inner corner of the eyes, also harder to coat all the lashes or layer unless you had mastered the skill.

On me, this mascara provides similar results as the original Xtension Plus, maybe a little more curl but not much. I do enjoy their lengthening effect, and they do not smudge or flake on me.

The tube is 0.33oz/ 9ml, retails $12.95. Between the 2 versions, pick the brush you are more comfortable with, or go with the Xtension Plus + Pro Lash Growth Complex mascara.