TARTE Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara Review

Tarte cosmetics is one of my top favorite brands. Whenever I walk into Sephora or Ulta I always make sure to check out their little display. I love that their products are paraben free and are not tested on animals. It makes their steeper price tag totally worth it knowing I'm buying a high quality product. Not to mention, I've yet to be disappointed by any of their products.

One of my all time favorite products by them, and all time favorite mascaras, is their Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara. It is phenomenal and a really difficult formula to beat. They recently released a new mascara from the same line called Lights, Camera, Flashes, and I simply could not wait to get my hands on it 

As usual, their packaging couldn't be more beautiful, I admit it's a little bit extravagant which probably drives the price up but honestly, it looks high end and makes me feel fancy.

The wand on this baby is what makes it so incredible and unique

Although its hard to tell (and even harder to photograph), the brush has two sides. The directions on the box suggest using the dense, soft side of the brush first to build volume, then comb through with the flex-bristles to create length and definition. It also suggests applying two coats, which I always do anyway. 

The formula of the mascara reminds me a lot of  Benefits "they're real" mascara, it's really wet and can be messy. I find that it does have a tendency to clump a little bit but I'm going to work with it and practice so I can avoid that issue. This stuff means business when it comes to holding a curl. My lashes stay curled, thick, and long all day. It's serious stuff. 

Here are some shots of the application process:

Two coats applied to the left side, compared to nothing on the right. 

After mascara was applied to both eyes (natural light). 

This mascara makes some big claims and promises, and although I may not agree with "+752% volume", I would agree that this mascara makes a HUGE difference. I love the false lash effect that it gives, I feel like my lashes are butterflies every time I blink. I love that it's formulated without parabens, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, or synthetic fragrance (yuck!). It truly is amazing and very unique. I was not a fan of Benefit "They're Real" and was skeptical that this would disappoint me since they seemed comparable, but I won't lie, I love this stuff!! If you're in the market for a nice high end mascara, Tarte "Lights, Camera,Flashes" retails at about $23. 

PS I found this image online and found it helpful at explaining the brush's technology 

Kit n' Caboodle-My Train Case Organization

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am on vacation right now with my best friend. We took our annual road trip to Los Angeles to spend a few days by the lake and to explore the city. Anytime you get the two of us together we go a little cosmetic crazy. We've been known to stop at every single Ulta that we see off the freeway...it's bad.
When we travel together by car, we both bring our Caboodle train cases to carry all the make-up we want to bring. Trust me, we pack those things to the brim. So today I thought I'd post about how I "organize" my extremely unorganized, overpacked Caboodle.
Warning: there is no method to my madness. 

This thing is literally stuffed full. I couldn't fit another lipstick in here if I tried. It's something about L.A. that makes you need to bring absolutely everything...

On the left stacked tier of my Caboodle:

Hair Ties

Clips

Highlighter

Setting Powder

Contour Powder

Pigments 

Blush

Face Powder

Lipsticks (some)

Nail Polishes 

In the right stacked tier:

BB Cream

Foundation

Primer

Concealer Assortment

Brow Kit

Eye Primer

Hand Sanitizer (this is key to alway have when traveling when you may not be near a sink)

Mascara

Eyeliner

Lipstick

In the center: 

This is where things get really crazy

Fake Eyelashes

Lash Glue

Setting Spray

All my Brushes

Eyelash Curlers

Palettes of Eyeshadow

That's pretty much the extent of my Caboodle. I love being able to see all my make up spread out in front of me so whenever I can travel with my train case, I love to. I will be the first to admit that I do not use all this stuff while on vacation and that I most definitely over pack, but I'd feel bad leaving any of these little beauties behind!

How do you organize your make up when you travel? Does anyone overpack as much as I do? I'd love to hear your thoughts!