Black Magic Lashes Review (NOW Rouge and Rogue)

Black Magic Lashes, now going by the name Rouge and Rogue, is a brand I found out about in January of this year. I fell in love with their branding and soon fell in love with their lashes.  **If you don't want to read the whole blog post, the coupon code is AYCARTER

I wish I would have taken better photos of my first pair of lashes from BML, but I was so eager to try them on, I didn't have a chance. I'll put the photo I posted on instagram below:

Lashes from left to right: Rogue, Wicked, and Vamp

Lashes from left to right: Rogue, Wicked, and Vamp

These lashes are made of 100% cruelty-free mink hair. Super soft and perfectly fluttery.  As beautiful as the lashes were, I was so mesmerized with the packaging I wasn't quite sure what to do with myself.  The three pair came in their own little box that contains a little paper fortune. The three pairs were then bundled up in black paper and sealed with wax.  Beautiful.

I've pretty much used these lashes until they could be used no more. In fact, I still use them.  I took great care of them, and aside from a little extra buildup on the band, there really isn't anything wrong with them.  I had a few hairs fall out on Wicked, but that was my own fault for grabbing the actual lash band instead of the glue when I was taking the adhesive off.  I've worn each one of these lashes at least 25 times. 

Ok, on to the new lashes!
BML sent me 6 of their newest lashes. They recently launched two faux mink lines: Luxe Faux Mink and Faux Mink. Even though the real mink lashes are cruelty free, they were aware that some people still don't want to use anything derived from fur.

The new lashes came in the same beautiful packaging, just with a few changes.  The case has more of a tarot card feel to it and the back is now decorated with an orbuculum full of stars and a mystic's hands. Pictured below is what I posted to my Instagram feed:

Top Row (l to r) Riot, Paradox, & Raven | Bottom Row (l to r) Luminarra, Noctura, & Alpha Girl

Top Row (l to r) Riot, Paradox, & Raven | Bottom Row (l to r) Luminarra, Noctura, & Alpha Girl

 
Faux lashes from the Enigma Collection (left to right): Paradox, Raven, & Riot

Faux lashes from the Enigma Collection (left to right): Paradox, Raven, & Riot

I love these lashes.  My favourite pair so far for a basic, everyday look is actually Alpha Girl. I looove Riot. They remind me of Anime lashes.  Luminarra is perfectly fluttery and is so gorgeous for a dramatic and glitter eye. 

Below are couple eye looks I've done so far with my new lashes. They are incredibly stunning and pretty comfortable.  The Faux Mink isn't as soft and comfy as the higher quality Mink lashes, but as a long time eyelash wearer, comfort doesn't really matter when it involves beautiful lashes. 

If you'd like to try some of these lashes yourself, use "AYCARTER" at checkout to save some money!  Get them @ Rougeandrogue.com

***To maintain transparency, I want to let you know that this blog post is not sponsored. My opinions are my own and are truthful. However, I do receive a very small percentage from the usage of my coupon code "AYCARTER" on Rougeandrogue.com, which helps me purchase supplies for my makeup art/everyday life/products to review...etc.  But, I generally try to put that towards creating art. If you would like to support me, thank you so much! I try to post any coupon codes I get from companies, whether I get any percentage from them or not. I'm all about saving money, so I like helping those that like to do so as well! 

Muddy Body Detox Face Mask

Let's talk about face masks! 

I've been on a face mask kick lately. First it was the Ayesha mask from Lush and now it's the Detox mask from Muddy Body.
I absolutely love the Ayesha mask from Lush, but the downside of it is the expiration date and only being able to purchase it in store. (Ordering online is what I love to do)
I have never finished a jar of my mask before it expired--as it expires very quickly due to it being fresh. I was looking for a face mask that made my face feel similar and had much a longer shelf life.
Here's comes the Muddy Body Detox mask. It is a dry mask that can be activated with a few drops of water (and it has a shelf life of a year)
I'm going to break down the ingredient list, how much is in it, benefits..etc.
If you just want to try it and don't care about this long-winded review, I have a coupon code for you at the very end. (:

The Detox mask has 9 ingredients. 4 of them being in the main ingredient, Dead Sea Clay.
The list is:

  • Dead Sea Clay
    • Calcium
    • Sodium
    • Magnesium
    • Sulfur
  • Activated Charcoal
  • Organic Witch Hazel
  • Organic Raw Cacao Powder
  • Coconut Milk Powder

What do these do? Well, Dead Sea Clay is packed with rich minerals from the Dead Sea.  These help to balance, moisturize, and restore skin. The minerals in the clay promote cell renewal, help restore youthful and healthy skin, it detoxifies skin of impurities, soothes damaged skin and protects from allergic rashes.
Activated Charcoal is a natural magnet to draw out bacteria, chemical, dirt..etc to the surface of your skin. It also is said to tighten pores, smooth the skin, and reduce inflammation.
Organic Witch Hazel possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and astringent properties which is beneficial in the treatment of acne, porous facial skin, wrinkles, and many other problems. Due to it's astringent properties, it may also prevent black heads from occurring. 
Organic Raw Cacao Powder is packed with antioxidants that help repair skin and flavonoids that reduce inflammation. It also has minerals that may promote healthy cell growth.
Coconut Milk Powder is right in Vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and proteins. These contribute to smooth and radiant skin.  It also acts as a moisturizer for dehydrated skin. 
 

Now that the long and detailed part about this mask is over, let me tell you why I like it.
It's super easy to use.  I use a big scoop of powder and about a tsp of water, mix my mask up, and apply with their 100% vegan and cruelty free applicator brush.
Once I apply the mask to my face, I just let it dry for 10-15 min. I love how tight it makes me skin feel when I have the mask on. Once it is dry, I remove it using circular motions with a soft cloth and warm water.  
After, I apply moisturizer and continue about my day! (or night)
I really liked this mask when I first tried it. It made my skin feel amazing and smooth, my pores seemed smaller, and I just felt like my skin was a little more lifted.  I don't really have problem skin, so I can't attest to the other benefits of it.
What really made me love this mask was when I tried a face mask from Fresh and woke the next morning with a horrible rash all over my face. I didn't want to go anywhere or do anything because I had this red and bumpy allergic reaction going on. Foundation hid the redness, but it was no match for the texture of the rash. Nothing was helping it go away and I decided to try my Detox mask and see if it helped at all. Not only did the redness subside after one mask, but the rash cleared up within three days (and two masks).

To the amount you get: each bottle is 60 g (2 oz) and costs $23.99.
A typical 2 oz lush mask ranges from $8-11. While it may seem like a hefty price difference, I try to think about how much I'm getting out of it, how many uses, will it expire before I can finish the product?
With my Ayesha mask from Lush, it was $8 dollars for 2 oz of product.  I maybe got three uses out of each mask I purchased, four uses at max.  I've used my Detox mask 6 times, and I still have over half of the bottle left, so while 2 oz may not seem like a lot, it definitely goes a long way.  It also won't expire on you in 6 days. 
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Ayesha mask from Lush, but for someone that uses masks frequently, that price does build up. I like to put weird things on my face for photos, so I like to treat my skin with a mask often. I can't buy the Ayesha mask in bulk because it'll definitely expire before I can finish it. So, I like that this is a dry mask. 

tl;dr: I recommend the Detox mask from Muddy Body.  It does my skin good, you get a large amount for you dollar, and (like LUSH) it's all natural, organic, and cruelty free. 

Also, to save you guys some money, Muddy Body gave me a coupon code for you! If you use "AYCARTER" at checkout, it'll take some $$$ off your total. 

***To maintain transparency, I want to let you know that this blog post is not sponsored. My opinions are my own and are truthful. However, I do receive a very small percentage from the usage of my coupon code "AYCARTER" on Muddy Body, which helps me purchase supplies for my makeup art/everyday life/blogging..etc.  But, I generally try to put that towards creating art. If you would like to support me, thank you so much! I try to post any coupon codes I get from companies, whether I get any percentage from them or not. I'm all about saving money, so I like helping those that like to do so as well! 

MUST HAVES: Skin Care

I get loads of questions across the interweb about what products I use for a multitude of things.  Today, I'll be sharing with you my favourite products for my skin care. 

Note: I have VERY dry skin.  Some of these products are skin specific, so if you want any recommendations for a different skin type, just let me know.

 

Item Number 1: Nutrilite Complex for Hair, Skin, & Nails.

I've gone through bottles of this stuff.  I love it.  It works miracles for my nails, and it keeps my hair healthy.  I notice significantly less hair shedding and breakage when I'm taking these vitamins.  My nails are hard and don't break once they get to a long length.  I've even stopped taking this stuff to see if I saw a difference, and I definitely did. 

This is a vegetarian product.  Most hair, skin, & nail vitamins use fish oil or other animal products, so I purchased this one because it is safe for my diet! **The packaging has changed since I purchased my most recent bottle.

Get it here from Amway: Nutrilite
*It's cheaper on amazon, but I read that it's not safe to buy there because you might be getting old pills..etc  If you want to take the gamble, here is the link: Nutrilute

 

 

Item Number 2: Indigo Wild Zum Bar Soap

I LOVE this soap.  I found this soap back when I was in high school at a local health store.  I bought a sample pack and fell in love.  Since then, I've tested a bunch of bars and found the ones that work the best with my skin type.  
My two favourites are their LAVENDER-ROSEMARY ZUM BAR and DRAGON'S BLOOD ZUM BAR. 
I use the Lavender-Rosemary bar for my face in the mornings when I shower and I use the Dragons Blood bar in the evening after I remove my makeup.  
They both smell so amazing and the aroma permeates my entire house.  These are very moisturizing and my skin always feels so refreshed.

If you're curious "why goat's milk?"...here is a really good explanation:.
Here is a link to their website: Indigo Wild
*if you sign up for their newsletter, you get a free bar with purchase

 

 

Item Number 3: Clinique Clarifying Lotion 1

Most of the women in my family use Clinique. So, I of course, hopped on that train.  I've never been a huge fan of their makeup, but their skin care line is amazing. 
I used to use their 3 Step skin care line, but I found better options that they carried.  However, I did stick with their Clarifying Lotion.  I use this as soon as I get out of the shower in the morning and I use it immediately after I wash my face in the evening.  This is a non-drying exfoliator, it refines pores, and helps skin accept moisture.  It's basically witch hazel, but an improved version. I apply my moisturizer immediately after I use this liquid. 

Get it here: Clarifying Lotion
*I typically purchase mine from Nordstrom just because it's more convenient to walk into the store, but I order online when I don't want to leave the house haha.

 


Item Number 4: Clinique Superdefense

My grandmother got me on this product.  This is the most moisturizing moisturizer I've ever used.  I used Clinique's "Dramatically Different" moisturizing lotion, but I never felt like it was "enough."  It was great, but it was almost a little too watery for my skin.  My skin soaked it up and needed more. I switched from that to the "Superdefense daily defense moisturizer broad spectrum SPF 20" (what a name!)  This is an oil free moisturizer, it keeps my skin hydrated all day, and has UVA/UAB protecton (keep those wrinkles at bay...stay out of the sun)  It is more than double the price of the other lotion I was using, but I don't need much to cover my face.  It probably takes me 6 months to use the entire 50ml container. It's worth the price 100%. 

Get it here: Superdefense Moisturizer

 

 

Item Number 5: Muddy Boddy Detox Mask

I saw Muddy Body floating around on Instagram and HAD to try.  I have the Detox and the Refresh mask.  While I like the Refresh mask, I feel like the Detox works the BEST for my skin.  It made my skin feel so tight and refreshed after using it.  The formula helps balance skin, prevents wrinkles, reduces pore size, and acts as a moisturizer.  
It's really easy to use and the best part of it being a powder is you don't have a certain period you have to use it in. It has a shelf life of 12 months, and I know I'll use it all before then. (Lush's Ayesha mask is amazing, but I don't use it all in the few days it needs to be used.  I end up throwing a lot away)

They've given me a discount code for you guys! Use "AYCARTER" at checkout for 10% off! 

Get it here: Muddy Body

 

 

Item Number 6: Pond's Cold Cream

I've been using Pond's Cold Cream since before I can remember.  My mother and grandmother used it, so it was the first remover I ever tried...and it's been my go-to makeup remover since. I've tried so many removers, and this is by far the best.  (I do LOVE Cinique's Oil Free Liquid cleanser, but I use way too much for it to be worth the price haha)
This is a moisturizing cleanser.  It removes any of the crazy stuff I put on my face while adding back much needed moisture. I buy the largest size and refill my travel size with it. 

Get it here: Pond's Cold Cream

 

 

I hope this was helpful for you! I'm going to be posting another Must Haves: Makeup edition soon.  I get tons of questions about my foundation, powder, and concealer, so I'll be answering those soon!

**Note: None of these products are sponsored.  This is my honest opinion and these products are what I use daily on my skin. 

Rituel De Fille Product Review

Rituel de Fille is a new makeup brand that I happened upon on instagram. (@ritueldefille)  Their branding feeds my aesthetic and I was super excited to get to try some of their products.  The company is founded by three very talented sisters and "inspired by the magical side of natural ingrediant, and the ritualistic, ceremonial power of pigment."  
All of their products are 99% natural, do not test on animals, and are completely cruelty free. 

Let's get started with their Forbidden Lipsticks-- I have Chrysalis, Fortune Teller, Night Wanderer, Shadow Self.

My first impression of these is how interesting their packaging is-- Sleek, long tubes that remind me of the lipsticks I used to try on in my mothers makeup drawer as a child. When you remove the top of any of the lipsticks, a lovely aroma of jojoba and lavender welcomes you. 

Before I tried them on my lips, I swatched them on my arm.  The swatches are without primer and are one generous application. They are very pigmented and super buttery. 
Fortune Teller is a deep berry with a nice shine, Chrysalis is a matte green with a bit of a shimmer to it, Night Wanderer is a pale, blackened purple with shimmer, and Shadow Self is close to a dark indigo and has a muted shimmer to it.

I love these lippies.  They are moisturizing, they smell lovely, and they stay on all day.

On to their Cream Blush! 

I've never used a cream blush before with the exception of a vibrant orange MAC cream blush I used for one of my clown looks haha. I don't wear a ton of blush normally, because I find most usually give me a "just ran 4 miles and can't breathe" look. 
However, these tones were very captivating and I had to try them. (And, they are safe to use for cheek, eyes, and lips, so there's that!)

I have Lovesick and Desire inner glow cream blush. Lovesick is said to be the shade of rose, however on my skin it was a wee bit warmer than I expected.  It's a dewy matte and blends beautifully on my cheeks. Desire is my favourite of the two, It's a mauvey colour that works well for blush and I love to use it on my eyelids. 
My swatches below are applied with a brush for an even layer, and have no primer underneath. 

Left to Right: Lovesick, Desire

Left to Right: Lovesick, Desire

The Ash & Ember Eye Soot is the perfect blend of powder and cream. I have four of their shades: Obsidian (metallic black), Serpent de Mer (dark violet-taupe with golden shimmer), Viscera (warm red), and Half Light (shimmering pale-taupe)

I've played around with these a lot.  I've only gotten around to photographing one look with them, and I'll post it at the end.  These are great for just about everything from using a powder brush and blending in your crease, an angle brush for the perfect winged liner, or just your finger or flat brush to cover your lid. The texture is pretty much like a wet powder in a solid form.  It's easy to apply, easy to blend, and isn't sticky like a cream shadow would be.  

Left to Right: Obsidian, Serpent de Mer, Viscera, & Half Light Ash and Ember Eye Soot

Left to Right: Obsidian, Serpent de Mer, Viscera, & Half Light Ash and Ember Eye Soot

The swatches were applied with a flat brush and were applied on bare skin (no primer.)
 

Left to Right:  Half Light, Serpent de Mer, Obsidian, & Viscera Ash and Ember Eye Soot

Left to Right:  Half Light, Serpent de Mer, Obsidian, & Viscera Ash and Ember Eye Soot

Look created with Rituel de Fille Ash and Ember eye soot "Serpent De Mer" with Sugarpill "Poison plum." Wearing Unicorn Lashes "Vespertine"

Look created with Rituel de Fille Ash and Ember eye soot "Serpent De Mer" with Sugarpill "Poison plum." Wearing Unicorn Lashes "Vespertine"

All in all, I would definitely recommend these products! I need to get some more looks photographed for view.  I've worn everything in phone selfies, but that's a whole other ballgame haha. 
I have their newest collection on the way to me, so as soon as I play around with those, I'll let you know what I think!