RedHead Revolution Mascara Review

Another mascara review?! Yep. You might have seen a Just For Redheads review I posted back in May, but what I didn't mention was that I found Redhead Revolution totally by accident while I was doing research for that post! So I reached out and they sent me their mascara bundle to test out. I'm so excited so lets just jump right in and then I'll tell you the rest of the neat stuff about the brand.

Shipping: So I received the package in a basic bubble mailer wrapped in red tissue paper with a little hand-written note (yay!) and everything arrived just fine, it took a pretty basic shipping time, less than 5 days, it very well may have arrived two days before I checked my mail, I may have slacked off on that.

Customer Service: Usually I have some sort of review on this for you all, but I did talk to Kate Loveless herself (the founder) and she was very sweet kind and I had no problems in communication there.

What I got: Gingerlash Redhead Mascara Bundle - This trio of mascara includes all of their offered colors of mascara: "Honest Auburn", "True Brown", and "Genuine Ginger". The mascaras sell for $15 individually or $38 for the set.

Packaging: For the love of god these are super cute with the gold accents. I like the clear tubes that allow you to easily see the shade and the brush is nice, I get a decent amount of product on the brush and application is good.

Formula: I've spent a long time testing these mascaras trying to come up with an honest opinion and I think I've finally got one: The formulation between all the different shades seems to be identical, the brown being my favorite purely for the color. I feel like the consistency is a little thin when they're first opened, but after giving them a little time to dry out I actually like it better. Simply because I don't like super thin formulas. However the pigmentation is amazing and if you let it dry between coats they build wonderfully. I did have a little trouble with wear time, they don't hold up to my daycare job, but they aren't waterproof so that's to be expected. Other cool facts about the formula you may want to know: These makeup products are paraben, phtalate and Cruelty free!

So final verdict? Think these are a great option if you're looking to try some redhead mascaras, they've really made it easy to choose your shade, although I wish they had more variety in terms of formulas. I would absolutely recommend these to anyone looking for redhead geared cosmetics.


That's all for today, I'm still without internet so hopefully we can post more soon!

xoxo
Courtney

Just For Redheads Mascara Review

It's no secret that black mascara is just a little too harsh on redheads, and honestly I won't lie, I wear it all the time, because it's the most accessible. Even a good brown mascara can be a challenge. But sometimes I want a more natural look and trying to use black mascara for that simply doesn't always work.

I first tried Just For Redheads mascara in high school and I loved it right away and I even intend to wear a Redhead geared mascara for my upcoming wedding. However back in my high school days you may have seen me talk about this company since it is marketed towards women with red hair and fair complexions and it sells mascaras colored to match the vast array of ginger hair colors allowing us to create a more natural look. Since Just For Redheads is a brand that I've used before I can tell you with confidence that the makeup I've tried has been well loved and very high quality. I've also used up and hit pan on many items in the past. So how about we get onto the whole purpose of this review...THE MASCARAS!

Left:Mascara Supreme -- Right: Mascara Naturelle

Shipping: Can I just say that this is probably the fastest standard shipping I've ever experienced. I've always been very impressed with this, I think it was only two or three days after I received confirmation of shipment that I opened my mailbox to this little delight of a package.

Customer Service: The couple of times I've dealt with customer service it's been positive experiences, so I don't seem to have a whole lot of anything to say, it's just been an all around good experience.

Just For Redheads Mascara Supreme (Sensitive Eye):
"When only the best will do...JFR has created two very special formulas to address two very special needs redheads may have. The first is a truly waterproof mascara and the second is a mascara for extremely sensitive eyes.
Both of these outstanding special formulas create visibly longer and fuller lashes." -JFR Website

Retail Price- $19.99

Formula- This seems to be a volumizing formula. The application is smooth and the mascara is comfortable on the eye and not too heavy feeling. The product seems to evenly distributes on the brush, it's dries down quickly, but not so quickly that it's hard to apply a second coat. I like the darker color selection for a more dramatic look and I'll definitely have to purchase the waterproof version in the future.

Wear- As for the wear of this it seems to be a good everyday mascara, it's not waterproof so I wouldn't go around crying or sweating and expect it to be in place at the end of the day, but it did stay on and it wasn't difficult to remove with a basic makeup remover wipe.

Color Selection- This particular mascara only has one or two color options depending on the formula, unlike many of it's counter parts, One color is offered for the Waterproof version (Spice) and two are offered for the sensitive eye version (Henna and ginger-brown) I received the Ginger-brown shade.

Packaging- Oh my gosh, I just have to point out how crazy luxurious this packaging feels, its weighted nicely giving it an expensive feel, and the brush is a simple basic, tried and true soft bristle spoolie. But do keep an eye out because occasionally I do get a little excess product on the brush, it's an easy fix though.

Left: Mascara Supreme -- Right: Mascara Naturelle

Mascara Naturelle:
"Softer More Natural Look...Now available in 8 shades, JFR Mascara Naturelle will help you discover your natural beauty-because no two redheads are exactly alike!
Now even more supple to create an even more natural eyelash enhancement.
Water-resistant and clump-proof, this is like no other mascara you've tried before.
Ever since the legendary makeup artist Tina Earnshaw selected JFR Mascara Naturelle for use in the movie Titanic, it has been a worldwide top seller." -JFR Website

Retail Price- $10.99

Formula- This formula is really just the epitome of a basic mascara which I actually feel is a wonderful addition to their line of mascaras, it doesn't claim to add volume or anything like that, it just does what a good old fashioned basic mascara should do, darken and create the illusion of length. I'm actually in love with this formula because it does one thing really well...gives color to my very blonde eyelashes without looking harsh. I don't feel the need to wear liner, shadow or anything else with this (except maybe my brows which are also very blonde) which I think makes it a great mascara for someone who;s just starting out with makeup, or someone who prefers a more simple or natural look.

Wear- Like the last mascara I feel this is best suited for day to day stuff, so I wouldn't recommend it if your'e going to be crying but other than that it stays on great and comes off easily.

Color Selection- So as previously mentioned this comes in 8 colors. Ginger Brown (the color I received), Ginger Cocoa, Ginger Almond, Ginger Red, Ginger Carmel, Ginger Auburn, Ginger Bronze, and Ginger Chocolate. which proves to have a shade for everyone.

Packaging- Though this doesn't feel as expensive as the last, it does have a very simple clear package and a chic design. It seems to have the same kind of spoolie but the packaging that controls the amount of product that stays on the brush seems to be better for whatever reason.

As far as marketing goes I spoke to Paula from Just for Redheads and asked who their products are mainly marketed towards and she replied with this: "All ages -- from young teens who love our lightest mascara -- GingerCocoa so they don't have to wear black mascara at such a young age -- way too harsh.  I wish I had products when I was growing up.  To the very old. " Which I think was a great response.

I also asked about animal testing and I'm pleased to report her answer to this as well: "All our products are animal friendly." So if any criticism there it's that you should definitely make that more widely known because that is a great quality for a company!

There you have it folks, those are my thoughts on Just for redheads mascara, so I'd like to give a big thank you to Paula from Just For Redheads for sending me these products for review and of course I do want to let you all know that I reached out to them about this and I wouldn't have done so if I didn't support and love this brand. 

I have more product reviews coming up as well as the relaunch of my and John's youtube channel where I will be doing some tutorials for several looks including a bridal look that I will be wearing for my wedding!

xoxo
Courtney

3 Things I learned from having awful roommates

So here's the deal, we lived with these people for...oh sets say about 6 months on a one year lease, we eventually managed to have them sign us off the lease and sign someone else on. I've learned so much about myself and others that I felt the need to share.

1. Living with someone who doesn't share your political, religious, etc. beliefs really limits how open you can be in your own home. No matter how accepting of other people you are, when you can't do or say anything about those things without offending someone, it can make you feel kind of trapped. Not only did our roommates have different morals, but their beliefs made it hard to feel normal in our own home.

2. Some people can't accept how abusive and unhealthy their relationships are, and will even project their unhappiness onto you. This is one thing I was NOT expecting. John and I have been together for almost four years, a disagreement or a misunderstanding is not the same as being unhappy, as many times as I tried to explain to them that we just like time to ourselves to relax and distress that ONE disagreement John and I had shortly after moving in defined our relationship to them. They spent the next several months telling us how "concerned" they were and was less than kind about us getting engaged. They even went so far as to ruin John's proposal! It's obvious between the nitpicking and all occasional hitting and controlling attitude They took toward each other it was anything but a happy, loving relationship.

3. Never compromise when it comes to your home and well-being. Compromising about the dishes is one thing, but we should never have moved in with a smoker  (I'm allergic), even though they promised to be careful about it, it wasn't worth it. They weren't and I suspect that most people will stop trying at some point. Our compromise ended up putting us in a dangerous situation, we had to move out with no warning and we were very close to involving the police. There were often moments where we felt unsafe and it eventually escalated. As much as you may want to help someone else in a crappy housing situation, and as bad as it sounds, look out for yourself first!

That's all for this post,

xoxo

Courtney 

Mary Kay Parties- Do's and Don'ts

Over the past few years I've done a couple of posts on Mary Kay. Mostly just talking about the experience as a whole, However after a few parties I've learned that there are some tricks to having a successful party that doesn't end in being harassed by a consultant for several months on end to buy more products.

Photo Credit: Cyndi (The lovely, Mary Kay Consultant)

DO- Be direct about what you're looking for, and NOT looking for, If you want a relaxing afternoon playing with makeup and you're not too interested in skincare, TELL the consultant when you're figuring out plans.

DON'T- Expect not to get a sales pitch, this is their job, selling products to consumers, It doesn't make it totally gimmicky if you find the right consultant, they should respect it if a guest doesn't want to buy something.

DO- Look around for consultants. It's okay if you don't like your first consultant, I've been in contact with three, two of those live about 2 hours away from me and they were both really flaky, unfortunately those just didn't work out, The third consultant has been amazing, she's worked with me around my schedule, as a good consultant should,

DON'T- Host a Mary Kay Party with the intention of not buying anything. The reason I say this is because at that point you're wasting a sales representatives time and product for nothing, a Mary Kay party is meant to give you a chance to try items and find something new or different to buy. The whole point is so you can try it before you buy it.

DO- Make food and have refreshments available for yourself and friends. You're going to be hanging out for at least a couple hours, if you do it mid-day or evening chances are you're going to get hungry or thirsty.

DON'T- Be offended if your consultant doesn't eat anything you've prepared, it's actually common for them not to, I'm not entirely sure, but I was told by one they weren't allowed to. That being said if you know the consultant well or you're friends with her she might still eat your food.

DO- Try your best to have access to a sink or two. They give you things to wash off with but I've found with skincare trials it's easier to use a sink.

DO- Tell them about any skincare concerns or allergies BEFORE the party. That way they can take those things into consideration when she's choosing products to bring.

DON'T- Be offended if a friend of yours isn't interested in going to a Mary Kay event. I'm very fond of my third and final consultant, she isn't pushy and doesn't bug my friends, she's respectful, if you're certain of these things you can mention that to your friend, but they may not be up to dealing with a sales pitch.

DON'T- Be afraid to tell the consultant "no". Be polite, obviously, but you don't HAVE to do anything you aren't comfortable with, if you think a product will break you out, say "no thank you, I have sensitive skin and I'd rather not risk it". If they push, just tell them no and they'll get the hint if they're respectful. Some consultants may also ask you to provide information of other friends and relatives, this is a sales technique, they are looking for new consumers. If you don't know anyone who you are certain would honestly be OKAY with you giving their information to a rep, don't do it, again, just politely decline.

DO- Ask about promotions and discounts in advance, sometimes they will do special promotions just for you, and each independent consultant does her own thing, so it never hurts to ask.

DO- Ask questions about the company or products if you have concerns. A good sales rep should be knowledgeable and be able to give an informed answer.

DO- Take these parties at face value. Just enjoy playing with new products and hanging with friends, and if you're up for it, spoil yourself.

For this next party I'm doing it as a gift to my bridesmaids for being my friends and supporting me through a tough time, John and I have been through recently. I've made a point to work out a deal with my consultant (after a different person fell through) to purchase gifts for all of them at a steep discount ($15/ea for two full size products, a travel size, a makeup bag and some samples).  She's actually also giving me a personal discount of 30% off any products I purchase.

Sorry for my absence, I know it's been a ridiculous amount of time since my last post, I've had one heck of a few (or six...) months. However I am happy to say we have been able to resolve the situation and posts should finally get into a regular pattern, or at least more consistent.

xoxo
Courtney