Treatments (Eye) -Unlisted Brand - hylexin
hmag7386 7/13/2009 2:56:00 PM
First of all, ladies and gents, THERE ARE SEVERAL KINDS OF DARK UNDEREYE CIRCLES! To expect that one product could cure every kind is simply ridiculous. This is not a miracle product for every type of undereye darkness. If everyone realized this simple fact, I bet 90% of the negative reviews on here would be obsolete. This product is mainly designed for people who have dark, purple, bruise-like, veiny undereye circles. The kind that is generally understood to be caused by poor circulation in this area. Not from melanin pigmentation, lack of sleep, dehydration, etc!!! Phew. That said, I am one of those with the dark purple circles that haven't managed to find anything out there that works for a extended period of time. I've had them for about 10 years now (I'm only in my early 20's), and I decided to give Hylexin a try after reading reviews on here from people who appeared to have similar stories to mine. Dermatologists have told me there's nothing I can do about them, that my money is best spent on good concealers to cover them up. I just find that so hard to believe, that absolutely nothing out there works. My current derm says that my family history of allergies is probably why I have such dark circles, although I have no allergies myself and no one else in my family has dark circles (yeah, I got genetically gypped). I picked up a tube of Hylexin at Sephora because they have a 60-day return policy that says you can return anything in that time period for a full refund. Oh and you have to try this and every other skincare product for at least this amount of time to reasonably judge results accurately. Please don't even review something if you haven't done this. You will not see full results in a week!! A tube comes out to about $100 with tax. I don't consider that a massive price to pay if it means reducing my circles. If you have them like I do, you'd understand. I've been using Hylexin for about a month and a half now. I noticed the biggest change after about 2 weeks. They were significantly lightened and many times I found myself completely unable to see some veins at all. I was ecstatic!!! Make sure to shake the tube before each use as it tends to separate. It comes in a needlenose tube that is very sanitary and convenient. More importantly, it's a concentrated formula, so you need VERY LITTLE for each application (morning and night). For as long as I've been using it, I'm only about 25% through the tube. So that $100 it cost will be stretched out over about 5-6 months. So less than $20 a month for noticeable results? You bet I'll keep using it! My results have stayed about the same since that change at 2 weeks, but I'll keep using it until the tube runs out at least and then evaluate it again. I don't believe my circles will ever completely disappear, but this is as close as I've come to it happening. I'm sure if I stop using it, they will go back to as dark as they were before. Besides, Hylexin has made them so much easier to conceal with makeup. The packaging also mentions how it works for puffiness, but I can't testify to that since I don't have any. It also says you may experience a feeling of warmth as it starts to work. I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. I rated it a 4 because it's not a miracle product. I am not cured of undereye circles. But it's the best product I've found yet, so kudos to Hylexin. All the haters to the left! UPDATE: It's been a FULL YEAR since I started using this product and I'm still on the same tube, and still have the same great results. So about $8/month for the only thing that has worked for me? YES PLEASE & THANKS! :)
13 out of 16 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Acne.org - Treatment 
hmag7386 7/13/2009 2:28:00 PM
This is one of 3 products in all of my experience with skincare and makeup that I can honestly say I will not-- CANNOT-- live without. It's simply a godsend. I can't say it any other way. I'm 23 now, and up until about age 21, I had nearly flawless skin. For some reason over the last year or two, acne progressively became more of a problem. I spent months trying out different products- toners, astringents, etc. I found Acne.org after reading a review on MUA in which a happy user reported amazing results with it. I watched the instructional videos and realized the whole regime was more simple than I expected, and the reviews on here just creamed any other product I could find. So I ordered just the benzoyl peroxide gel (8 oz. size) off the Acne.org site to try. Within a week of use, 90% of whatever acne that was on my face had disappeared. In the second week or so, I did break out a little again (my skin was purging), but I remembered reading on the site repeatedly that you MUST STAY WITH THE REGIME for at least a few months to see the full results. I kept with it and was sweetly rewarded. In just a few weeks, I was free from acne completely and have not experienced any breakout since. My skin has returned to all it's high school glory. I couldn't be happier!!!! Originally, I tried the Neutrogena benzoyl peroxide product they have suggested on the site (On-The-Spot I believe it's called). That product dried out my skin and balled-up pretty bad, although it did clear out my acne a bit. I just couldn't stand how my skin looked so dried out and flaky, so I bought the site's gel instead. It comes in a sanitary pump and very basic, clean packaging. It has 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and simple gel base ingredients- no fragrance or colors or unnecessary stuff. It's pharmaceutical grade, simple, and effective. It goes on smoothly, isn't runny at all, and sinks in VERY quickly. It may dry out some people, because benzoyl peroxide works by helping the skin to shed properly, and too much will cause the skin to flake. All you have to do is ease up on how much you use and where you put it. Everyone will end up using it differently. These days, I just put it across the top half of my forehead (my worst breakout area) and occasionally on my chin and around my nose. No need to put it everywhere all the time. As a side note- this product helped me discover that I have sebhorreic dermatitis. It didn't GIVE me the condition (it's mostly genetic, millions of people have it even if they don't know it, and no one knows what causes it), but helped my dermatologist determine that I have it. I was using this gel all over and was peeling in some areas (eyebrow area, bridge of nose, lower forehead, temples, around the nose, mouth) even when used sparingly. I went to the derm to get help with some discoloration I had around my mouth (caused by the sebhorreic dermatitis), and she was able to show me that I had the condition not only around my mouth but on all the parts that were "aggravated" by the benzoyl peroxide. Now I just use simple cortizone cream for my condition and leave the benzoyl peroxide for my worst acne areas. My skin has never been so happy, clear, and smooth. I'm so grateful that it can be this way without a difficult, complicated, expensive skincare regime. It's such a weight off my shoulders and for many others too. My HG HG HG product for sure!!!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Clinique - Advanced Concealer
hmag7386 7/13/2009 12:44:00 PM
FYI: I rated this concealer based on use for covering dark undereye circles. Pros: 1) Amazing coverage! VERY pigmented. 2) A little bit goes a LONG way. It's super thick and concentrated so you only need a tiny dab. Even for as much as I used, a tube of this lasts several months. The tube is also needlenose, so you only squeeze out what you need. Very sanitary and convenient. 3) It stays where you put it! Pat it in and let it set for about 15 seconds and you're done. Cons: 1) This concealer is visible and noticeable when used BY ITSELF. It's very apparent you have makeup on, especially under eyes. This is probably because for very dark circles like I have, you even need a concealing "base coat" so to speak. So, before putting this on, I had put on a layer of Maybelline's True Illusion Concealer (which again, by itself wasn't enough coverage for what I need). The combination of these two worked well to get rid of that "made-up" look, but also helped emphasize fine lines, especially by the end of the day. Yikes. 2) This concealer is very drying. So I mixed it with an equivalent dab of Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion on my finger and then applied it. Together the consistency and hydration is pretty darn close to what the ideal concealer should be. This may be a positive thing for some people who find most concealers to be too cakey- this one definitely is not. At least give this a try if you're fed up with cakey makeup. 3) However, as you may have guessed, wearing 3 products on under my eyes to make this product work is a clear sign that it's not doing the job solo. The biggest reason why I moved on to another product: this regime emphasized the fine lines under my eyes. It amplified things I didn't even know I had and by the end of the day, I looked older. This is the main reason why I hate both the dark circles under my eyes and wearing makeup to cover them up. My delicate eye area is suffering. I've played around with several highly reviewed concealers since using this one and have finally settled on the perfect one: Everyday Minerals Intensive Fair. What a godsend. I never thought a POWDER would be my HG undereye concealer- but believe it. I've completely stopped using any other concealer or sampling other ones!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Ben Nye - 12 color concealer palette
hmag7386 10/26/2008 6:50:00 PM
This will be similar to my review on Ben Nye's Mellow Yellow concealer since this palette contains it and I bought this in conjunction with a pot of the MY-1 Fair. I was hoping it would solve all my concealing needs... all mainly on my face- dark purple undereye circles, some discoloration, and minor acne/blemishes. After trying really hard with application, layering, priming, etc. I've found that these concealers are not appropriate for undereye use. It does have amazing amazing AMAZING coverage, and is not heavily greasy, and is also an amazing price, BUT... this concealer is cake city!!! Because of its thickness, it should be set with powder under the eyes or it will move around very easily, particularly over moisturizer. Unfortunately it instantly turns to a cakey, creasy, annoying mess. It also needs to be applied seamlessly, or it's extremely apparent you're wearing heavy makeup up close. This product looks great from a distance, but up close, forget it. I suppose that's what it's designed for since it is stage makeup. I've also stopped using this on my face because it has broken me out wherever I've used it. There are some heavy oils/waxes (and parabens) in it so be careful. I must also mention though, on every other area, this product works wonders. WONDERS! It can cover absolutely anything. And not only that, it comes in a plethora of colors and shades. I have very fair skin, and there's plenty of shades to match. This palette has every kind of pigment you could need, and you can always mix and match and layer. I use the colors to cover veins, scars, and redness on my legs, and it's also advertised to be able to cover tattoos, etc. Each pot will last quite some time as well. The packaging is great other than the chinsy plastic lids that cover each concealer. They can be a little touchy to pull off, and if you're not careful, they'll split right open. But the heavy-duty metal case and brush that comes with it work great- the brush is really better than using your fingers. I would probably try out a pot of one concealer first before splurging on this more expensive palette to make sure you like what the concealers do. Although it has struck out for me on the face, I will repurchase for use as a body concealer. You won't find better!
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Loose Powders -Ben Nye - Bella Luxury Powder: Cameo (formerly known as Visage Poudre Luxury Powder)
hmag7386 10/26/2008 5:40:00 PM
This is my absolute HG loose powder. After trying the Banana Visage Poudre and finding the color a little too yellow for my fair skin, I ordered the Cameo (and also the Fair Translucent). To all my fellow pale and proud people, THIS IS IT! Ben Nye knows how to make 'em. This has just a hint of flesh tone color that blends in undetectably on my skin. It's an amazing mattifier like all Ben Nye powders I've found, even over my moisturizer AND sunscreen. It stays put, doesn't dry my skin out, and is fragrance-free. As a side note though, it does contain parabens like most Ben Nye products, so if that bothers you, be wary. I'm absolutely in love with this powder and totally believe it's worth it. It adds that put-together and finished look on my skin without breaking the bank, either! 3 oz. of this stuff for $10. It will probably last me almost 2 years. The packaging is annoying, so I pour it into a separate pot and use a kabuki brush. AMAZING! This Cameo Visage is very very similar to the Fair Translucent- the only differences I can see between them is that the Fair is slightly more pigmented (almost undetectable), and may not be as finely milled as the Cameo Visage. The Fair doesn't contain corn starch like the Cameo, and comes with .5 oz. more in the bottle. That's about it. I love the Cameo so very much and will repurchase time and time again. Ingredients: Talc, Zinc Stearate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Silica, Cl No. 77489, 77491, 77492, 77499 (Iron Oxides), Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.
13 out of 13 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Clinique - Color Surge in Buttermilk
hmag7386 10/26/2008 5:17:00 PM
Got this as part of a GWP eye palette with Blue Lagoon and Coffee Shop. This Buttermilk one is the only one I use regularly... I'm not really a color eyeshadow person. I'm super fair and this color covers my red, veiny, thin eyelids very well and almost has a concealing quality about it. I use Everyday Minerals concealer, and I put a layer of that on before this, and the results are perfect. By itself, it does tend to fade a little over time, but there are ways of making it last longer. It's also an excellent blender for other colors and helps in contouring. I use it all the time and still have about 70% left in my original sample so I'm pretty fond of that. My HG base coat eyeshadow. Will repurchase!!!
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Treatments -Queen Helene - Jojoba Oil 
hmag7386 10/5/2008 9:54:00 PM
Hmmm... I'm a bit puzzled by this product. I was looking for a hair treatment to moisturize, condition, de-frizz and de-flyaway my hair. For reference, I have natural, fine, blonde, nearly bust-length hair that naturally has some wave to it. No matter what I've tried in the past, be it product or treatment or otherwise, the only thing that has calmed my frizz and flyaways has been straightening. I'm trying to minimize the heat styling and # of products I put in my hair, so jojoba oil looked reeeaalllll good to me. I picked this up at Ulta and used it according to the directions for the most part- I shampooed my hair first (I don't know why they say use this before shampooing), then applied it after heating it for a minute or so, combed it through, and put a shower cap on which held the heat in really well. I used about half a tube which I believe is reasonable, thought I would have to use more. I decided to really condition it so I left it in for 3.5 hours as opposed to the 3 mins it suggests. I then rinsed it out with warm water as directed, not shampoo it out like I've found a lot of people say they do. I let it air dry. Here are the Pros and Cons: Pros: 1) The oil rinses out really well, even without shampoo, soap, etc. It doesn't leave an oily residue on my hands or hair. While it was on my hair, it didn't really feel like oil to me (you know, as opposed to say olive oil for example). This makes it really easy to manage and control. 2) All natural! 3) It left my hair FEELING so soft! This part I expected and it certainly delivered. 4) It's a great pre-cursor to straightening as I found out. It helps the straightener glide over the hair nicely! 5) It leaves a basic shine on my hair as I believe a conditioning oil should. But I do say just BASIC. 6) It does not leave my hair greasy AT ALL. Even after I just put it on all over my hair. No oily anything. 7) Inexpensive and easy to find! Yay!! That, however, covers it. I expected a WHOLE lot more out of this product. I don't think I have unusually difficult hair by any means, and this product just couldn't improve on what other products could easy do just as well. The Cons all have to do with performance: 1) Even leaving it in for almost 4 hours and just rinsing the oil out, it didn't condition my hair more than my usual conditioner. By itself, it dried the same way it would after just using my normal shampoo/conditioner routine. I was hoping for shiny, healthier hair. A big let down. 2) After seeing the results above, I wet it down again and applied my normal conditioner to see if it would help. The texture of my hair seemed the same as it did without even doing the oil at all. I let it air dry about 70% then blow dried it and it looked exactly the same as usual. Poofed out, flyaways, waves. 3) Although the texture of my hair FELT much softer, it certainly didn't LOOK any better. Produces the same look of shine and softness as just about any other styling routine. Blah. Bottomline, this was a disappointment. It didn't do what I needed it to do. I did, however, hear someone talk of using it as a styling product- such as applying it just before blowdrying or even on dry hair. I can see it working in those situations and plan on trying some of them out. But again, as a treatment, forget it. It just wasn't enough. I'm thinking of trying olive oil. Now if THAT fails, maybe there's just no hope for me.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Neutrogena - Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 85
hmag7386 10/5/2008 8:02:00 PM
I moved on to this product after using Neutrogena's Age Shield Face Sunblock SPF 70. That sunscreen was decent but it left an intense shiny sheen on my skin and didn't seem to absorb in a reasonable amount of time. The reviews on this product were better besides, so I decided to try it. Not only was the protection better, but it absorbed much faster. It did feel dry to the touch after application and didn't leave a sheen on my skin nearly as much as the other. Yes, it can leave a whitish-cast to your skin, but for Pete's sake, let it set for a minute or two and just take a few seconds to rub it in- problem solved. It went on easily and stayed put. Like the Age Shield SPF 70, this sunscreen has stable UVA/UVB protection and is apparently very durable and effective. This Ultra Sheer formula is thicker than the Age Shield Face by far, but from what I can tell it leaves even less of a whitish cast and glides on better. This also had a suncreen smell, but don't they all? I think we should all come to expect it in a product that works. I wouldn't recommend it close to your eyes, however, they WILL sting. I had read this has a fairly high PPD rating (UVA measurement) for a US sunscreen (European sunscreens are way ahead of US ones, but this is a widely available US one). The packaging on this sunscreen says it doesn't contain oil, but unfortunately, I broke out pretty bad after using this only a day or two (it even contains beeswax!). A big disappointment! Both this product and the Ultra Sheer are chemical sunscreens (they absorb into the skin and protect it from the inside out) that contain many chemicals that may be too harsh/heavy for some people. I did some more research and shopping for the ideal sunscreen- and found it in Obagi-C Sunguard SPF 30. It's a physical sunscreen (doesn't absorb into the skin, protects like a layer on top) that is much more lightweight, smells better, looks great under makeup (no sheen), and doesn't even remotely break me out. I now just use the Ultra Sheer on my neck, probably until it runs out. Obagi-C for the win!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Styling Tools -Conair - 1875 Ion Shine Hairdryer
hmag7386 10/5/2008 7:31:00 PM
I am FLOORED by the terrible reviews of this. This product was a gift from the hair gods straight to me. It was our family hair dryer and it worked perfectly fine for my needs. Unfortunately I took it for granted, thinking that most hairdryers would be fine. When I moved away from home a year ago, I bought a whatever hair dryer (although still a good one). It doesn't treat my hair nearly as well as this Ionshine did. My hair was so smooth and not frizzy. It's like the dryer makes the heat not damage your hair or something. In fact, my hair has a natural wave to it and this dryer must've helped straighten it out, because my hair has never been so wavy without it. I was so stupid to not think of buying this again. If they still make it after my current one dies I will certainly snatch it up, this is such a great deal besides!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Other -Crest - Whitening Plus Scope Toothpaste
hmag7386 10/5/2008 6:40:00 PM
I actually stumbled on the MUA reviews of this product by accident and the amazing score had me curious. Without hestiation I scooped a two-pack of this toothpaste up and have been using it for almost a week now. WOW WOW and triple WOW. After just ONE overnight use I noticed a huge difference. I just about did a double-take in the mirror. The results are just brilliant and the taste is just as great. Very refreshing and clean. My teeth feel more clean than ever after using this also, and it stays that way even after eating. I am really floored by this. I find myself looking forward to brushing my teeth and brushing them for longer because I enjoy it so much, haha... never thought that would ever happen, but this is an HG x 10 for me. I trust Crest in general because I've had whitening success with their Whitestrips (but had to stop using because of pain), and after using this toothpaste it seals the deal. I trust them completely. Thank you Crest for making Whitening + Scope... and don't you dare discontinue it!!!!
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Other -Crest - Whitestrips Premium
hmag7386 9/30/2008 10:52:00 PM
I started off using the regular whitestrips and upgraded to the Premium when they came out. I had largely the same results between both of them, so I'm going to largely copy over my review for the regular: These whitestrips DO work. They definitely do. I tried the regular whitestrips a couple years ago and used them for quite some time! The only reason I'm rating them a 3 and would not repurchase would be that these strips HURT LIKE NOTHING ELSE. I didn't have a problem at first, it took getting to my 3rd box or so for it to happen (this is not with continuous use, I don't think that's smart anyway). But make no mistake, BE PREPARED for some royal pain, especially if you have sensitive teeth. The pain for me was concentrated on my teeth in the front, both top and bottom. By the end of my use, I couldn't have them on my teeth more than 3 minutes before I had the worst shooting pain I've ever experienced in my life. I didn't know it was even possible to hurt so bad... it hit some crazy nerve in my front teeth that shot up through my nose, no lie. I will miss the whitestrips because the results were great, and the results lasted about a year and a half or so. I received many compliments on my teeth (and still do, to tell you the truth). It's probably also beneficial to note that I don't drink coffee or smoke or intake anything that would stain or prematurely age my teeth. But the incredible pain from using this product makes me wonder what long term effects continued use would've had on my teeth. Not sure if it's worth temporary whitening when there's other options. The Premiums do produce better results as they have higher concentration of whitening chemicals, but they have the potential to cause even more pain. I'd say give this a try- just be wary and prepared!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Other -Crest - Whitestrips
hmag7386 9/30/2008 10:34:00 PM
These whitestrips DO work. They definitely do. The Premium ones even moreso, and I'm sure the Supreme ones are even better. I tried these regular whitestrips a couple years ago and used them for quite some time! The only reason I'm rating them a 3 and would not repurchase would be that these strips HURT LIKE NOTHING ELSE. I didn't have a problem at first, it took getting to my 3rd box or so for it to happen (this is not with continuous use, I don't think that's smart anyway). But make no mistake, BE PREPARED for some royal pain, especially if you have sensitive teeth. The pain for me was concentrated on my teeth in the front, both top and bottom. By the end of my use, I couldn't have them on my teeth more than 3 minutes before I had the worst shooting pain I've ever experienced in my life. I didn't know it was even possible to hurt so bad... it hit some crazy nerve in my front teeth that shot up through my nose, no lie. I will miss the whitestrips because the results were great, and the results lasted about a year and a half or so. I received many compliments on my teeth (and still do, to tell you the truth). It's probably also beneficial to note that I don't drink coffee or smoke or intake anything that would stain or prematurely age my teeth. But the incredible pain from using this product makes me wonder what long term effects continued use would've had on my teeth. Not sure if it's worth temporary whitening when there's other options. I'd say give this a try- just be wary and prepared!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Neutrogena - Age Shield Face SPF 70
hmag7386 9/21/2008 5:04:00 PM
I'm 22 and finally beyond that phase of thinking that I must look tan to look my best. At last I'm embracing my paleness and protecting it properly. I was looking for a durable, trustworthy, effective facial sunscreen at a reasonable price. This was the first one I tried- it has has stable UVA/UVB protection and it quite potent (in a good way) from what I can tell. Yes, it can leave a whitish-cast to your skin, but for Pete's sake, let it set for a minute or two and just take a few seconds to rub it in- problem solved. It went on easily and stayed put (although the Ultra Sheer SPF 85 is even less runny). It says it doesn't contain oil and it didn't feel greasy in my opinion, so what other people are talking about may just be the powerful sunscreen ingredients that you really can't avoid if you want good protection. This also had a suncreen smell, but don't they all? I think we should all come to expect it in a product that works. As a side note, when I first used this product, it had a reaction with the moisturizer I was using at the time, so I had to stop using it for awhile until I could find a better moisturizer. I also wouldn't recommend putting this sunscreen all the way up to the brim of your eyes like some people have. It probably will sting, I'd go with a makeup that already has SPF in it. You have to be way more careful with SPF around the eye area besides. This sunscreen did feel a bit too heavy on my skin, though, and left a sheen on my face. I decided to try Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer SPF 85 to get rid of the sheen, which it did. It's almost the exact same as this Age Shield SPF 70 but does go on less shiny, is much thicker/less runny, and seems to absorb better. However, I broke out using it (it even contains beeswax!). So frustrating! Both this product and the Ultra Sheer are chemical sunscreens (they absorb into the skin and protect it from the inside out) that contain many chemicals that may be too harsh/heavy for some people. I did some more research and shopping for the ideal sunscreen- and found it in Obagi-C Sunguard SPF 30. It's a physical sunscreen (doesn't absorb into the skin, protects like a layer on top) that is much more lightweight, smells better, looks great under makeup (no sheen), and doesn't even remotely break me out. I now just use the Ultra Sheer on my neck, probably until it runs out. Obagi-C for the win!!!
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Loose Powders -Ben Nye - Bella Luxury Powder: Banana (formerly known as Visage Poudre Luxury Powder)
hmag7386 9/21/2008 4:40:00 PM
I probably never would've picked this up had it not been for the reviews here, because you can't exactly pick this up in a drugstore or department store. But it's worth the trip at any rate. Ben Nye knows how to make a high quality powder at a great price. I dabbed my powder brush in this and kind of held my breath as I put it on since I was a bit scared. However, I was really happy to find that I couldn't even see it on my face after just brushing it on, it blended that well. It has great mattifying qualities, which is exactly what I need now that I'm in a stable moisturizing/sunscreen routine. It doesn't dry out my skin and stays put as soon as I put it on. It lasts and lasts and lasts. I'm curious to see if the translucent powder performs the same way, but either way, I'll be keeping this one around for awhile. It does come packaged in a bottle that makes me go rawr, but I bought one of those $4 empty powder pots from Sephora and dumped this in, and use a kabuki brush to apply it. Works great! It's also fragrance free, which I'm real happy about because my previous loose powder was overpowering. I'm not sure how this would look on pink undertones so I can't speak for it... if nothing else I would try this same powder in the translucent. You can't beat the price at $10 for a whole bottle. What a dream! The only thing I wouldn't recommend this for is for setting undereye concealer, particularly Ben Nye concealer which is already thick and too cakey for under the eyes. This powder will only intensify it, and the yellow color will definitely show up. But since I just use this to reduce shine on my face, I love it. UPDATE: After using this powder more thoroughly and repeatedly, I think the yellow color may be just a little too much for my fair complexion, so one lippie off. I've begun putting my makeup on in natural lighting as well and I can clearly see the subtle cast it puts on my skin. That said, that's the only problem I have with this- it's still a great mattifier and a great deal. It does help my skin color a bit because I do have yellow undertones, but all over my face it's too much. I decided to try the Cameo Visage Poudre and that is a much better color choice. Completely invisible color and still has the superior mattifying qualities. This Cameo color is almost identical to Ben Nye's Fair Translucent Powder as well, only the Fair is slightly more pigmented. Both of them work perfect, and I'm sticking with them!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Banana Boat - Ultra Defense SPF 50 with Avotriplex
hmag7386 9/21/2008 4:13:00 PM
I had a really good feeling about this sunscreen when I picked it up at the store. It's actually one of the few products I've bought without reading the reviews on it here first and since becoming a member on MUA! I trust Banana Boat's sunscreen since I've used it in the past when going to the beach, and even their SPF 30 sport sunscreen kept my fair skin from burning all day long. I've decided to listen to all the skin care gurus and wear sunscreen everyday all over, not just on my face. So I need a sunscreen that doesn't smell like the beach, like other Banana Boat ones do that I've found. This Ultra Defense is exactly what I was looking for, and I'm so glad I found it on the first try! It's fragrance-free, just has that bland sunscreen smell that all of them do. I don't mind it at all, you can't smell it unless your nose is right up in there anyway! It has a great high SPF that's both stable UVA and UVB protection. It contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E and yes, it actually has a moisturizing quality to it. It absorbs quickly like it says, and apparently is waterproof as well. I'm not using it at the pool so I can't say I know much about that, but it's perfect as a daily body sunscreen. No greasy residue is left behind, and I'm over the moon about that... It spreads easily on the skin and gets to work right away. I got the 10 fl. oz. squeeze bottle of this for less than 10 bucks. I will continue to use this sunscreen as long as they make it- amazing product for an amazing value. Kiss kiss to Banana Boat!!!
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