Hair Styling Tools -Goody - Spin Pin
Julia941 6/7/2010 11:27:00 AM
I love hair toys and I was so excited when I saw the commercials for these I had to have them. Over the course of two weeks I visited four or five stores before I finally fond them at Walgreens. I bought three packages in brunette thinking my daughter might like them, too. My hair is thick and almost bra strap length. These pins only really work when I apply a leave-in product and let it dry naturally into curls and waves. I guess that gives it more texture and gives the pins something to grab onto. When I blow-dry my hair straight they are not effective at all - the hair just slips right out like it does everything else except a Ficcare. The instructions say for best results only use two pins, don't let them interlock, and don't gather hair into an elastic before using. I have found it almost impossible to prevent them from interlocking and I get the best results when I use at least three (60 bobby pins?). I've also tried gathering my hair into a ponytail and that helps a little if my hair is straight. When I get it right (which often takes several tries) they do hold my hair securely but if you are looking for a nice, smooth bun I don't think this is the solution. "It's how undone is done" is right because they create a messy bun. I also find I get the best results if I put them in with my head on a pillow like in the commercial. I guess that keeps all my hair in place while I work the pins. They are very sturdy and well made and don't stretch out of shape with use like other pins do. In all, I think they are worth a try but since my hair needs more than two, at six bucks each that isn't much of a bargain. I probably won't buy these again since I have plenty, but I'm sure I will try whatever comes along next. ;)
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Cleansers -Philosophy - Purity Made Simple (Real Purity Cleanser)
Julia941 3/27/2010 2:21:00 AM
The best. The only cleanser I will use (in addition to the microdelivery exfoliating wash). I have been using it for almost 13 years with only brief breaks when I tried something else to save money. It is not worth it. I am 41 and have added additional steps to my skin care routine, but this has been the basis of it since my son was born and I get compliments on my skin almost every day. I started my daughter on it when she was a teenager and she never had problems with her skin. Both of my boys have used it and my husband has (finally) started to use it. It removes everything and leaves my skin feeling clean but not dried out. I was asked for an i.d. at a concert not long after my 40th birthday - my husband pointed out that they carded anyone who looked under 30, but that is good enough for me. Sephora usually has a 3oz. bottles near the check-out if you just want to try it. I buy the huge bottles and keep one at each sink and one in the shower. It works.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Highlighters -Bare Escentuals - Pure Radiance
Julia941 2/10/2010 11:26:00 AM
I mixed up a few of my BE colours (a little mineral veil, a little blush, an all-over colour) in one of the large, bulky, retractable travel brush container things to use for touch-ups while out. The colour was just right to sweep over my forehead, cheeks, and even eyes, for a soft glow and pick-me-up during the day. I liked it so much I decided to see if they had a similar thing already mixed for me, and this was the closest one. I have very pale skin and don't usually do sparkly and I don't like bronzers either, but this is nice when applied with a very light hand. I no longer use BE, because most of it is just too shiny and light reflective and it is so messy! I have switched to Bobbi Brown and love it and was considering a Beige Shimmer Brick, so I pulled this out again because it seems similar and I still really like it. Perfect for highlighting eyes and cheeks and for brightening up a matte colour. I will probably still try the shimmer brick because this is so messy and the other has a range of shades that can be mixed or used alone, but this is working as a slight bronzer/highlighter/candle-lit glow for me. My top complaint is the mess, which is a problem with all BE products. Just opening the jars causes product fallout all over the vanity.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Bobbi Brown - Gel Eyeliner
Julia941 2/10/2010 11:01:00 AM
I have four of these in Sepia Ink (light brown), Espresso Ink (dark brown), Black Mauve Shimmer Ink (soft black) and Black Ink (matte black). Three of them were part of kits that I received over the holidays, and I purchased the Black Mauve shimmer separately. I love Bobbi's "look" of a neutral/nude eye and a definitive, dark liner on the upper lid. I learned to line my eyes with eyeliner and a damp brush when I used BE, but the loose powder is so messy I switched to pressed shadows in the interchangeable palettes (love those!). I saw her putting this liner on the models on QVC and it looked great and the idea of a transfer resistant gel appealed to me. I found them very difficult to use at first because I was not familiar with this type of product or technique at all and after a few failed tries I put them aside. I really wanted them to work, especially with the long wear cream shadows, so I went in for a lesson with a BB artist. She suggested the Black Shimmer Mauve because it is a little softer and taught me how to use the liner brush correctly and it looked fabulous. I usually use a slanted eyeliner brush, but it had too much surface for me to adequately control the application and the product has very little play time when applied. Changing brushes helped tremendously, and I actually prefer a pointed liner brush that came with the smashbox holiday palette (I think it might be intended as a lip brush) to the BB liner brush (short handle) that came in one of the sets. I've also learned that it is best to load up the brush and then sort of smear it on the back of my hand to control the amount I'm actually applying to my eyes. This is a little bit of a drag because I have to use eye make-up remover to get it off my hands, but it really helps me get a more even line. I've been practicing with it for about a month now, and I can usually get the line that I want on the first try now. Sometimes I still have to sort of "fix" it by applying a dark shadow over it to even out the line when I don't have time to start over, but I also like to smudge a little dry shadow over it with my Sonia Kushiuk eyeliner brush so it doesn't look too harsh. I really like it when I get it on correctly, but I'm still learning. I said that I would re-purchase it, but I don't see myself using all four of them up any time soon. I don't know how quickly they will dry out, but hopefully they will last a long time. *edit* I have had these for over a year now and not one of them has dried out yet, but I don't use them everyday and I have more than one so none of them has been opened on a daily basis. I caved and bought the BB Ultra Fine eyeliner brush which is meant for this and that works well. It looks sort of like a pointy lip liner brush. My favourite eyeliner brush of all is the BB Eye Liner brush that has a rounded top (like a filbert brush, not an angled e/l brush). I've had a couple more lessons with BB makeup artists and I get the best results when I apply the liner way down in the base of my lashes, kind of like tightlining. It makes my lashes look thicker and prevents any gaps if I decide to apply a heavier line above the lash line. There is very little working time with this and it doesn't allow for multiple coats or going back over it to try and fix it if it is not what you want. Too thick and it looks dull and kind of flaky. It does not move once applied and this is a good thing if you have it the way you want it. I wore it when I was out in the 100+degree heat and humidity most of the day and it stayed perfect.
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Mascara -Cover Girl - Lash Blast
Julia941 2/10/2010 10:18:00 AM
I love this mascara, and I am not a mascara lover. I went without for years, but have become interested in make-up again and you really are not finished without it. I can't use water proof or long-wear mascara because they tend to give me styes, and I haven't had a single problem with this one. I love the brush, because it is firm and the product is distributed evenly and does not glob up on my lashes. I love the price and will definitely buy again, as I change my mascara about once a month because of the aforementioned problem. A BB make-up artist told me a trick that she uses for full lashes which is to use two different mascaras together. I use Maybelline Full and Soft first, sometimes curl my lashes, then apply a final coat of this. Neither of them looks caked on and my lashes look full and defined but still natural. The tube is a little unweildy, but that's OK. It washes off easily with water and my regular cleanser which is important to me because my eyelashes tend to fall out when I use something else. I use the orange tube, but may try some of the other formulas for length vs. volume.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Cover Girl - Simply Powder Foundation
Julia941 2/10/2010 10:02:00 AM
I love this powder foundation. I have used it for years (over 25) and though I love high-end products and mostly use Bobbi Brown make-up, I always have at least one compact of this on hand. I have oily to combination skin with occasional break-outs (still!) and the beginning of some lines around my eyes and smile. This has always made my skin look perfect and has a beautifully matte finish that absorbs oil but doesn't seem to settle into my fine lines. I use Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick in Sand (2) as a concealer and finish my face with this in Classic Ivory. It is a nice neutral with a little bit of a yellow base. Ivory is a little pinker. As a high school and college student I used a less expensive concealer on problem areas and finished with this powder and it is always flawless. I use this at home and keep a compact of Bobbi's light yellow pressed powder in my purse if I need to touch up a little shine during the day. This is probably the only product I have hit the pan of ever, and I've used many, many of these over the years. It doesn't break me out. I use the sponge to apply and buy extras to keep it clean. Great product, great price, and the packaging is sleek and understated and fits right in with my other BB palettes on my vanity.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Palettes -Bobbi Brown - Nude Eye Palette
Julia941 2/7/2010 10:33:00 PM
I love this palette. It is the reason I started wearing Bobbi Brown make-up. I have since purchased almost everything in her line and I have never received so many compliments. Her style is in keeping with Philosophy's "make-up optional" goal - it looks like you, only better. This kit is a great place to start. I love her "look" of a nude or natural eye with a definitive stroke of eyeliner on the upper lid, and these colours are perfect for that, and I really like using eye shadow to line my eyes. Caviar is perfect for this, wet or dry, and it works with the warm and the cool shades.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair -Wen by Chaz Dean - Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner
Julia941 1/9/2010 9:11:00 PM
I love all the Wen cleansing conditioners. I lost half of my long, thick hair to an illness and medications a couple of years ago and this product really helped me get through it. I was already CO washing my long hair, and I like this product the best. Many complain about the number of pumps recommended, but the amount dispensed with each pump is minimal and I think the recommendations keep us from using too much. Sixteen pumps is not even a palm full of product and the directions are to apply it and then thin it with a couple of hands full of water to dilute and work through hair. I like to decant some of the product into a larger squeeze bottle and then mix with water until it has the consistency of regular conditioners. That makes it easier to work through my hair and I don't use too much. I know that there are no miracle claims for re-growing hair, but this product really helped me save the illness ravaged hair that I had left. I used it religiously and had regular trims off the damaged part until the new growth was long enough for the big chop (chin length). My hair is now healthy and shiny, below my collarbone and on it's way to BS length again. It is also curly (a surprise, along with a lot of additional grey) and I love using a little of the product as a leave-in. It helps define my curls but leaves them soft and I can style it without the use of heat or harsh styling products that have lots of alcohol and leave my curls crispy. Awesome product and I recommend all of the Wen line to anyone interested in a new way to care for their hair.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Carol's Daughter - Tui Hair Smoothie
Julia941 1/9/2010 8:43:00 PM
I really like this product. Like other reviewers, I would prefer a bottle rather than a tub, but that is a minor inconvenience. I got this as part of a set with Tui Herbal shampoo and hair milk and I really like it. My hair was severely damaged by an illness and medication a couple of years ago (I lost about half of my thick, bra-strap length hair), and I've been as gently as possible with my new growth. I usually do CO washing, but I do use shampoo every third or fourth wash and I've started using this conditioner after every shampoo. I put it in my hair, pin it up, then finish my shower. When I take it down for the final rinse I find that my hair has "absorbed" most of it and it feels great. My "new" hair grew in curly (and with much more grey!) and I find that this product keeps the curls moisturized but doesn't weigh them down or make them limp.
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Styling Products -Carol's Daughter - Hair Milk
Julia941 1/9/2010 8:22:00 PM
I really like this product. I have thick, wavy/curly hair and this product really helps define my curls. It transforms them from large waves to smooth ringlets without drying out my hair or making it crispy like other leave-in products for curls. I don't mind the lemongrass smell, but I would prefer something unscented. It is really moisturizing and I don't have frizzies when I use this product. I like that my curls are soft and easy to "refresh" for a day or two after with just water.
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Mascara -Maybelline - Full 'N Soft Mascara
Julia941 12/22/2009 1:11:00 PM
Read a review of this here during the early days of my new era of makeup junkie. I quit wearing makeup for years, and I avoided mascara completely because of the feel and the difficulty of removing. Now that I'm wearing makeup regularly again, I've accepted the fact that if you go to the trouble to line and shadow your eyes you do not look "finished" without mascara. I this one because it stays soft and washes off easily with my regular cleanser. It darkens and lengthens my eyelashes, but doesn't clump up like most voluminizing mascaras do on me. My lashes stay soft, pretty and natural and I don't lose any of them trying to get my mascara off.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Maybelline - Great Lash Mascara
Julia941 12/22/2009 1:04:00 PM
I have a difficult time with this mascara, and have tried to love it and find out what makes it so special to sooo many people. I've never had a tube that is thin and inky - I've only had clumpy dryness that gives me about six or seven clots of lashes on each eye which I can't comb through to separate it without getting flakes of it all over my face. I also don't like the fact that even the "washable" gets hard and is difficult to remove with just water and a gentle facial cleanser. *Edited to remove the overly generous three lippies I originally gave this nightmare in a tube. At the time, I was just getting back into wearing makeup including mascara regularly and all I had tried were this and Soft and Full. I have since tried many different mascaras, both high-end and drugstore, and I have found everything to be superior to Great Lash. Why does this stuff have such an elevated cult status? Why does every makeup artist, beauty editor, etc. claim this is the one thing they always have in their makeup bag? If this were my only choice I would go without.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Bobbi Brown - Long Wear Cream Eye Shadow in Navajo
Julia941 12/17/2009 11:08:00 AM
I have always had oily skin and have shied away from cream anything because of it. This is my first cream eye shadow ever, and I love it! I have Navajo in powder form, and decided to give the cream a try while looking for an eye primer. I tried several primers, but always had trouble blending the shadows on top of them. This one is perfect for blending. I use it everyday. I dot my foundation stick around my face on any problem areas, then a dot of this on each lid. I blend it with my fingers all the way to the brow bone and it really brightens up my eye area and is the perfect base for other eye shadows. If it is a casual day, I will just add another slightly darker neutral to my lids, line my eyes, and let the Navajo act as the highlight colour. If I'm doing a more dramatic eye, I might add something with a little shimmer on top of the cream to highlight the brow. It is a lovely neutral and it doesn't clash with any of the other eye shadow colours I use. That was my only hesitation when choosing this as a primer since they are usually colourless.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No