Hair Color -L'Oreal - Feria Wild Ombre
heathermrm 4/4/2013 11:08:00 AM
Well - this wasn't horrible, but yet, not fabulous. I have very forgiving hair when it comes to home coloring; I have successfully used a lot of the products out there, including Feria. I have also successfully highlighted my hair over my all-over color w/ no problems. I purchased 070 (for dark blond to light brown hair.) For reference, I had just colored last week w/ Revlon Colorsilk Luxurious Butter so my hair was a light brown. I have one of those bobs, shorter in the back w/ angled longer layers towards the front - the longest being about an inch below my chin. I have a lot of hair but its fine, straight and limp w/out product. As I said, my hair is usually very forgiving when it comes to color or highlighting application. Not so w/ this product. I could have sworn I had even application on both sides of my head = nope, one side is definitely lighter than the other. As far as application itself, not difficult IMHO, but the brush needs to be improved - the bristles are set too far apart - lots of product sinks down into the bottom of the brush and therefore doesn't get onto hair. If the bristles were more densely packed, the product would stay more on top = easier to actually get product onto hair. The "conditioning shampoo" included SUCKED!! I normally LOVE the included conditioners (Revlon Colorsilk is my favorite -the smell is divine), but this stuff = I recommend using your own conditioner after or you may end up w/ extremely dry hair - there was nothing conditioning about it! I found someone's review somewhere that said she applied to bottom-most part first, left on for 15 minutes, then applied a bit higher up to get that graduated effect. I don't have that long of hair, so I just did from the ear down in 1 fail swoop. The left side looks pretty good, but as I mentioned above, the right side has far less visible results. The color - I like how it turned out doesn't look orange or brassy, just a nice, neutral blonde. Will I re-purchase? Yes, I will try 1 more time...and if those results end up less than stellar, then I will give up. However, going to wait until June to give my hair a break. :)
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BB Cream -Unlisted Brand - Rachel K - CC Cream Blemish Balm: Mineral Color Control
heathermrm 4/4/2013 10:54:00 AM
I have not tried any BB or CC creams until this one. For reference, I'm: MAC = NC 15 EM = Fairly Light Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 hour = #100 Ivory Revlon ColorStay = #150 Buff Avon Smooth Minerals Pressed Foundation = T04 Nude EL Double Wear = Desert Beige Jane Iredale = Pressed base in Bisque w/ mild rosacea (limited to redness around nose and chin along w/ a few melasma spots on forehead and cheeks. I am slightly sensitive to products but rarely break out anymore unless a product doesn't agree w/ my skin or TTOTM. I have both the original and the neutral. Both shades work for me, but I prefer the Neutral as since it more yellow based, it better covers my redness (which is why I have the original shade up for swap) :) I have tried applying w/ fingers, foundation brush and my BB sponge. I find the best method (although the method I most hate) is applying w/ fingers (truly - I HATE having to apply this way and then getting product all over my fingers - thank goodness for baby wipes I just keep handy). :) Also, I do not do the finger pat method for all over application - I don't have the patience. I rub in like a moisturizer and then go over problem areas w/ a bit more product doing the finger patting method. I also have found that after applying, I leave sit and go onto applying my eye and lip makeup. It allows this product to dry to its final finish. Then, because this does not offer me enough coverage alone, I dust all over w/ my Jane Iredale pressed powder foundation (another foundation that alone, doesn't provide enough coverage for me) and voila - I now have the perfect coverage. I then apply my blush. I have applied w/out using my SS (just over moisturizer) in winter when I need less SS since I'm basically indoors most winter days and I feel this would have enough SS to provide me adequate protection from the incidental sun exposure from windows. I have applied post my hi PPD SS. I have applied both w/ and w/out primer. Here are my thoughts: one of the things this product boasts is that it is chock full of beneficial ingredients for your skin. Ok - cool, but here is my problem. During spring/summer/fall, there is not enough SS to provide me w/ adequate protection = not sure now any of the beneficial ingredients can penetrate my SS. Also, this does go on better w/ primer (its not a deal breaker, but does go on easier) = again, primer will also block the absorption of the beneficial ingredients (at least, that's my thought). In addition, Its pricey and coupled w/ the fact I need a separate additional foundation to provide me the coverage level I need = not sure I would re=purchase. During the winter months, this lasts around 6-8 hours w/out needing touch up on my slightly oiler nose/chin areas. If I seal w/ Urban Decay All Nighter = 12+ hours wear. Super friendly, responsive CS when I contacted for info. However, I ended up not ordering directly from Rachel K due to the high shipping. Bottom line - if you need light to medium coverage and aren't concerned about adequate spf protection, this might work for you. I do like the consistency, the way it sets up and its lasting power, just not sure I would repurchase due to my concerns above.
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Moisturizers -Garden of Wisdom - Blueberry Fruit HA Serum
heathermrm 4/4/2013 10:32:00 AM
I purchased a sample pack of 3 HA serums + 1 full size based upon GoW's recommendations based upon the description of my skin. This is the full sized product I purchased. This one is my favorite of all the ones I tried out. It definitely smells like blueberries :) and doesn't seem to be as drying as the others ( I don't always put on my moisturizer immediately after applying my HA serum). From GoW website: Blueberries are known to be one of the most potent antioxidants, and are also full of beneficial vitamins and essential amino acids. In addition, blueberries are incredibly hydrating, help to reduce scarring, and aid in the anti-aging process. This serum is perfect for all skin types, from sensitive skin to dehydrated skin to mature skin. List of Ingredients = Distilled Water - hydrating, solvent, Blueberry (fresh) Infusion Blueberry Fruit Distillate = antioxidant, hydrating, rich in essential vitamins and amino acids, Hyaluronic Acid 1% (bio-engineered source) = hydrates skin, can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, Optiphen = broad spectrum, paraben free preservative (does not release formaldehyde) Because I have mild rosacea and a bit of sensitive skin, GoW thought this would be a good match for me and they were right. I totally love the fabulous customer service and the simple packaging GoW uses. I will be re-purchasing this HA serum.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Coastal Scents - Bright Eyed Eye Brightener in Ivory
heathermrm 4/4/2013 10:23:00 AM
This is OK - purchased on Amazon for $10. I find it to be 60% brightener to 40% concealer if that makes sense. On my under-eye circles it brightens more than it conceals. It takes the tiniest, minuscule amount for each eye. It is nicely moisturizing which is a bonus. My actual rating is 3.5 and as to re-purchase, - its a maybe.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Homemade Vitamin C Serum
heathermrm 3/13/2013 1:21:00 PM
LOVE LOVE an easy DIY that is really inexpensive and performs as well as the much more expensive products out there! About me: mid 40s w/ combo skin (slightly oiler t-zone, slightly drier cheeks) w/ slight subtype I rosacea (blushing) on cheeks, nose, chin, not really prone to breakouts unless TTOTM. I read in awe and with a slight sense of envy all those reviews and articles out there about DIY products - most of the time, I don't have the patience to delve into this process. BUT, this one totally intrigued me (even though at first it intimidated me because there are so many variations out there.) After wading thru many many reviews and postings + getting some very helpful info from the SKB, I finally figured out the simplest and what I feel to be most effective formula for me. I purchased a bottle of the Vitamin C powder from Whole Foods, an 8 oz dark brown bottle w/ screw top (the 4 oz was sold out) some basic KY jelly (the one in the blue tube w/ only a few ingredients). I purchased a roll of PH papers from Amazon (for cheap). I already had a brown dropper bottle from MUAC that I cleaned out + I already had Thayers Rose Toner. I started out at 10% concentration and applied every a.m. After a few weeks, I upped it to 20% and ph continues to hover at 3 or less. My recipe: 3 tsp toner; 1 tsp KY; 1 tsp vitamin C. I put in a couple of days worth into my brown dropper bottle that I keep w/ the rest of my skincare stuff under my sink. The rest I store in my bigger brown bottle in the fridge and refill to my dropper bottle as needed. No skin irritation, no breakouts, starting to see a reduction in my melasma spots, am spending WAY less $$, easy to make = what's not to love? :)
19 out of 20 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Estee Lauder - Double Wear LIGHT Foundation SPF10
heathermrm 3/11/2013 12:13:00 PM
I have had wonderful luck w/ Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation (see my review) which as far as coverage for my mild redness on my cheeks/nose/chin areas is a step up from Revlon Colorstay (see my review). However, I got tired of having to use a color corrector and then the foundation. I test drove this foundation and the regular Double Wear (see review). To me, this product is a very expensive dupe to the Rimmell = won't purchase. I have slight redness (rosacea) on my cheeks/nose/chin along w/ 3 melasma spots. W/ this product, just like the Rimmell, I have to use color corrector on those spots + undereye concealer This gave me about about 8-10 hours w/out setting w/ Urban Decay All Nighter and about 14 hours w/ the UD (same lasting times as the Rimmell). For reference, I'm MAC = NC 15; EM = Fairly Light; Rimmell = Ivory; Revlon Colorstay = Buff; Jane Iredale = Bisque; Avon Smooth Pressed Minerals = T04 (hopefully all this extra info will be helpful to someone) and the 01 was a great match for me.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Estee Lauder - Double Wear
heathermrm 3/11/2013 12:00:00 PM
I have had wonderful luck w/ Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation (see my review) which as far as coverage for my mild redness on my cheeks/nose/chin areas is a step up from Revlon Colorstay (see my review). However, I got tired of having to use a color corrector and then the foundation. I am usually all about finding the cheaper dupes for the expensive products, but in this case, I will spend the extra $ and here's why: 1. Coverage lasts about 14 hours if I don't seal w/ Urban Decay All Nighter. Coverage lasts about 10-11 hours w/out. Since I will always have UD, this is not an issue for me. 2. I no longer have to use undereye concealer for my undereye circles OR color corrector to hide my redness - this foundation completely covers both which is THRILLING regarding my redness because I absolutely HATE HATE HATE my redness showing through!!! This product has taken a 3 step process and reduced it to to 1 step = saves me time + $$ :) (PS - also fully covers my 3 melasma spots) :) I apply w/ my slightly damp BeautyBlender sponge = I get fabulous,even, non-cakey full coverage. I haven't tried any other application method since this one works so well for me! On days that my redness is less red, I can thin this out by using a more damp BB sponge = love the options! For reference, I'm MAC = NC 15; EM = Fairly Light; Rimmell = Ivory; Revlon Colorstay = Buff; Jane Iredale = Bisque; Avon Smooth Pressed Minerals = T04 (hopefully all this extra info will be helpful to someone) For me, this is worth repurchasing. Do be aware that I obtained samples from 2 different department stores that lasted me about 1.5 months so I really got to test drive this product before investing in it. I suggest having a SA apply to a spot on your face and then take 1 of their mirrors and go stand outside to get the true color. The first SA I visited applied 3 different colors to different areas and gave me the absolute wrong opinion as to which shade was appropriate for me. I didn't figure that out (it looked fine in the store) until I checked outside in my car = lesson learned! If only this came in a pump....o well -:) Finally - I did also test drive EL Double Wear in Light (01) - see my review - I like the regular DW better only because Light didn't 100% cover my redness and there is no way to increase the coverage level w/out going back to using a color corrector wherease w/ the regular DW, I can thin out the coverage if I want to as discussed above.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Maybelline - Barely Branded Color Tattoo
heathermrm 1/23/2013 1:02:00 PM
I like the pot, love the colors, most are too bright for my tastes (I'm a paralegal in a kind of stuffy law firm). This one I use on my upper eyelid up to my brow. I pair it w/ Bad to the Bronze on my lower lid and Inked in Pink on my middle eyelid = subtle, pretty color w/out looking like I'm heading out to a nightclub. When I use as a base for my powder shadows = much longer staying powder is afforded to my powder shadows. Alone and w/out setting w/ UD All Nighter, this stuff lasts approx 6 hours in full color and then starts to fade, but still looks OK. When set w/ UD (which I do almost every day - my whole face, not just my eyes) = on from 6 am until about 8 pm, then starts to fade, but still visible when I remove my MU around 10:30 pm. I am not talented when it comes to applying eyeshadow (and I've only recently started wearing e/s), but even I can make this look good = I'm a happy girl!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Maybelline - inked in Pink Color Tattoo
heathermrm 1/23/2013 1:01:00 PM
I like the pot, love the colors, most are too bright for my tastes (I'm a paralegal in a kind of stuffy law firm). This one I use in the middle of my lid, paired w/ Bad to the Bronze on my lower lid and Barely Branded up to my brow as a highlighter = subtle, pretty color w/out looking like I'm heading out to a nightclub. When I use as a base for my powder shadows = much longer staying powder is afforded to my powder shadows. Alone and w/out setting w/ UD All Nighter, this stuff lasts approx 6 hours in full color and then starts to fade, but still looks OK. When set w/ UD (which I do almost every day - my whole face, not just my eyes) = on from 6 am until about 8 pm, then starts to fade, but still visible when I remove my MU around 10:30 pm. I am not talented when it comes to applying eyeshadow (and I've only recently started wearing e/s), but even I can make this look good = I'm a happy girl!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Maybelline - Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Shadow in Bad to the Bronze / on and on bronze
heathermrm 1/23/2013 12:59:00 PM
NOTE - 1st pic doesn't look like my color at all - it looks like Inked in Pink instead. I like the pot, love the colors, most are too bright for my tastes (I'm a paralegal in a kind of stuffy law firm). This one I use on my lower lid and around/under my eye = subtle, pretty color w/out looking like I'm heading out to a nightclub. When I use as a base for my powder shadows = much longer staying powder is afforded to my powder shadows. Alone and w/out setting w/ UD All Nighter, this stuff lasts approx 6 hours in full color and then starts to fade, but still looks OK. When set w/ UD (which I do almost every day - my whole face, not just my eyes) = on from 6 am until about 8 pm, then starts to fade, but still visible when I remove my MU around 10:30 pm. I am not talented when it comes to applying eyeshadow (and I've only recently started wearing e/s), but even I can make this look good = I'm a happy girl!
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Eye Shadow -Maybelline - Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Shadow
heathermrm 1/23/2013 12:57:00 PM
Like the pot, love the colors, most are too bright for my tastes (I'm a paralegal in a kind of stuffy law firm). I have successfully used: (#25 Bad to the Bronze; #55 Inked in Pink (metal); #70 Barely Branded (metal) and in that order (lower lid to brow) = I get a nice, but subtle pop of color w/out looking like I'm heading out to a nightclub. When I use as a base for my powder shadows = much longer staying powder is afforded to my powder shadows. Alone and w/out setting w/ UD All Nighter, this stuff lasts approx 6 hours in full color and then starts to fade, but still looks OK. When set w/ UD (which I do almost every day - my whole face, not just my eyes) = on from 6 am until about 8 pm, then starts to fade, but still visible when I remove my MU around 10:30 pm. I am not talented when it comes to applying eyeshadow (and I've only recently started wearing e/s), but even I can make this look good = I'm a happy girl!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Garden of Wisdom - Cherry Fruit HA Serum
heathermrm 1/23/2013 10:18:00 AM
I purchased a sample pack of 3 HA serums + 1 full size based upon GoW's recommendations based upon the description of my skin (mild rosacea and a bit of sensitive skin, slightly drier cheeks, slightly oiler t-zone). Unfortunately, this one broke me out on my face. Therefore, I used it up on my neck and chest. In those areas, when combined w/ my moisturizer of choice (either Eucerin Q-10 or rosehip seed oil) I did wake up to nicely hydrated skin. From the GoW website: antioxidant capabilities. Melatonin is a naturally occurring free radical scavenger that is both water and fat soluble, meaning it can enter both aqueous and lipid parts of a cell. As a natural anti-inflammatory, cherries help to soothe irritated and swollen skin. Great for all skin types, especially rosacea and sensitive skin types. Ingredients Cherry Fruit Distillate = antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, rapidly becoming the new super food, - tart, sweet, and delicious in its natural scent; Hyaluronic Acid 1% (bio-engineered source) = hydrating, holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water; Optiphen = broad spectrum, paraben free preservative (does not release formaldehyde) I won't re-purchase since my face didn't like it. I have several other options, though that I have either completed my test drive or am going to be testing shortly: Blue Mallow (see my review); Autumn Olive Berry (see my review) and Blueberry (haven't tried yet.) I am (as always) very impressed w/ GoW super responsive customer service and the simple packaging. Not sure which HA serum will end up in my permanent arsenal, but 1 of them will.
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Skincare - Face -Garden of Wisdom - Autumn Olive Berry HA Serum
heathermrm 1/23/2013 10:12:00 AM
I purchased a sample pack of 3 HA serums + 1 full size based upon GoW's recommendations based upon the description of my skin (mild rosacea and a bit of sensitive skin, slightly drier cheeks, slightly oiler t-zone). I very much liked this one mainly because in addition to performing like any HA serum should (resulting in nicely moisturized skin), it has some beneficial ingredients. I also noticed that it didn't dry out my skin when used separately (as in when I get distracted and don't apply my moisturizer either simultaneously or shortly thereafter). When I mixed w/ my moisturizer (Eucerin Q-10 or rosehip seed oil) I did wake up to nicely hydrated skin. The drawback in my mind is that its list of ingredients isn't as impressive as the Blue Mallow, but based on its performance, I will not rule it out as a potential re-purchase. Out of my samples, I have used up the Blue Mallow (see my review) and the Cherry one (see my review.) I still have my full size Blueberry to try, so I don't know if this would be the one I re-purchase or not, so my "yes" is actually a "maybe." From GoW website: hydration meets lycopene in this serum, featuring prime Autumn Olive Berries. Lycopene is the pigment that causes tomatoes and autumn olive berries to take on their characteristic, deep red color. This particular berry happens to be a very potent antioxidant, and helps to protect skin from UV damage. Autumn olive berries are also high in vitamins A, C, and E and are packed with essential fatty acids.ist of Ingredients: Distilled Water = hydrating, solvent; Autumn Olive Berry Extract = excellent source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant, protects skin from UV damage' Hyaluronic Acid 1% (bio-engineered source) = hydrating, can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water; Optiphen = broad spectrum, paraben free preservative (does not release formaldehyde). Again, I'll try the Blueberry next and make a decision as to which I will end up re-purchasing. I am (as always) very impressed w/ GoW super responsive customer service and the simple packaging.
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Moisturizers -Garden of Wisdom - Blue Mallow HA serum
heathermrm 1/23/2013 9:10:00 AM
I purchased a sample pack of 3 HA serums + 1 full size based upon GoW's recommendations based upon the description of my skin. This is one of the samples I got. I liked this one (it didn't WOW me) because it was a bit drying to my face (I know you are supposed to mix w/ a moisturizer, but another one of their samples didn't dry my skin when used separately). When I mixed w/ my moisturizer (Eucerin Q-10 or rosehip seed oil) I did wake up to nicely hydrated skin, but sometimes I get distracted and don't apply my moisturizer whilest my face is still damp from the HA which is how I noticed this one was a bit drying on hits own (if that makes sense.) From their website: a healing and hydrating blend of Blue Mallow and L-Carnosine, this serum softens rough and damaged skin. As a natural anti-inflammatory, blue mallow extract soothes irritated and swollen skin. Refreshing, our Blue Mallow HA Serum is moisturizing and extremely hydrating for dry and and dehydrated skin. L-Carnosine has anti-aging properties, and is cell protecting. Ingredients = distilled Water (hydrating, solvent); Blue Mallow Extract = healing, soothing, protecting; L-Carnosine = extends life of skin cells, protects cells from oxidation-induced stress damage, rejuvenates aging cells, maintains cellular homeostasis; Hyaluronic Acid 1% (bio-engineered source) = hydrating, - holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, Optiphen = broad spectrum, paraben free preservative (does not release formaldehyde) Because I have mild rosacea and a bit of sensitive skin, GoW thought this would be a good match for me. As I said, I like it, but I like the Autumn Olive better currently even though its list of ingredients isn't as impressive. The Cherry one broke me out so I used it up on my neck and chest, so that one is out of the running. I still have my full size Blueberry to try, so I don't know if this would be the one I re-purchase or not, so my "yes" is actually a "maybe." I totally love the fabulous customer service and the simple packaging GoW uses. I will definitely keep using one of their HA serums, just not sure which one will make the final cut yet.
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Sunscreen -EltaMD - UV Clear SPF 46
heathermrm 1/23/2013 9:00:00 AM
I was lucky enough to receive a sample of this in a swap (I did google the product to find out the $$ for my rating) and have used 3x on my face now. I did not read any of the reviews prior to using. The title "Clear" threw me for a loop as this stuff comes out white, but it completely disappears on my NC 15 skin (I'm sure due to the micronized ZO). It dries to matte finish and does not dry out my skin. Here is my problem w/ it and why I won't purchase = it has a low PPD = 4.8 - 5.8 PPD depending if ZO in oil or water phase. As I have melasma, this ridiculously low PPD is as definite deal breaker for me. Too bad too cause I like this stuff....
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No