Elizabeth Arden's Dual Perfection Brow Shaper

I have no idea why I have not posted on this product before! I have been using it off and on for years and I just started using again remembering why I love it so much! Many moons ago I worked for Elizabeth Arden, where I was introduced to the Dual Perfection Brow Shaper and fell in love!

This is a pressed powder product that comes in 5 colours in the US but I do know the shades are more limited in Canada. The first thing I have to comment on is the staying power of this product, for a powder it is amazing how with no primers or setting this powder gives perfect brows for the whole day!! Next is how long far this little compact goes... I have had this compact for more then two years and I still have over 1/2 of the product left! It is amazing how a little goes a long way! The brush included works wonderfully for applying, but I must admit that I use another one as the short handle just doesn't work for me unless I am traveling!

I use the blonde shade and it blends with the various shades of blonde and red my hair has been over the 6 years since I first started using it! As well depending on the brush you use to apply you can get anywhere from a very natural look to the most intense drawn on type brow you like, all in one little package!

What is your favourite way to fill in your brows?

Lancome Cils Booster XL vs Elizabeth Arden Lash Optimizer

If you are always on the quest for the look of false lashes without the false lashes, you know the importance of a good primer. I have tried several over the years  and just wanted to take the time to compare two products that have similar price points. Lancome's Cils Booster XL is the newest in Lancome's primer evolution, there is an oscillating version as well but the formulation is much the same. As well Elizabeth Arden has added a primer to their mascara lineup with their Lash Optimizer primer. As far as I know Arden's formulation has not changed since it was first released, but if it has please let me know by leaving a comment below. This isn't going to as much of a review as a comparison, you can pick your personal winner based on what you read. I do have a favorite if you can guess what it is leave and comment and give me your guess!!

I'm going to start be comparing the applicator wand. These two companies took completely different approaches to the best way to apply primer. Arden decided to go with a much narrower applicator which is meant to be able to get into the lash line to build from roots to tips. I did feel that these short bristles did not apply as much product to the lashes, giving you a very light application. Lancome's primer uses a standard mascara type wand, which holds a lot of product and gives an even thick coat in one application.

Next is a comparison of formulation. Lancome used a very thick formulation which really builds a lot of volume on the lashes. You do have to be careful with this one that you don't overdo it and that you build your look and add mascara before everything has time to dry. Arden does all of their makeup on the more subtle end so it is no surprise that their primer follows the same rule. This primer is a much thinner formulation which allows you to build the volume you want but when using multiple layers there is more of a chance that the primer will dry before you can add your mascara which will give you more clumps an more of a chance that our lashes will stick together.

So there you have it a product comparison. Both are primers but they are so different from one another! Can you tell which one is my favorite?? Let me know by leaving a comment below!