Blush -Revlon - Matte- Barely Buff
glamstep 4/12/2012 4:18:00 PM
I'm pasting my rev here as well since there 2 for the same product: DUPE confirmed! This is a duplicate for Chanel JC Nude, a beautiful muted nude with peach undertones. Its completely matte & has great staying power. I apply it to the apples & hollows of my cheeks with a Sigma F40; works as a blush + bronzer. Also, I can apply with a heavy hand without fearing getting an over done look. For reference; I'm NC20 & IMO this will only show on fair to light-medium skin tones.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Revlon - 004 Barely Buff
glamstep 4/12/2012 4:16:00 PM
DUPE confirmed! This is a duplicate for Chanel JC Nude, a beautiful muted nude with peach undertones. Its completely matte & has great staying power. I apply it to the apples & hollows of my cheeks with a Sigma F40; works as a blush + bronzer. Also, I can apply with a heavy hand without fearing getting an over done look. For reference; I'm NC20 & IMO this will only show on fair to light-medium skin tones.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Garnier - Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream
glamstep 4/11/2012 6:09:00 PM
Hmm I'm kind of torn with this moisturizer. I guess its because its so hyped here that I needed a reason to justify purchasing it; although I have already found my HG. I grabbed it on a BOGO to experiment & the first thing I noticed is: it has a heavy strong alcohol scent, but dries instantly like vaporized alcohol too. I like the cooling feel, but that doesn't last long, nor does it leave my skin supple/soft. I find myself applying more than my favorite Merlot grape seed moisturizer to achieve that. Which BTW has + spf 15 & way more good for you antioxidants & is a better buy overall. It retails for $15 for 4.5 oz. This Garnier is about $9 for 1.7 oz. If your wondering, Merlot dries as quickly as Garnier too. So I guess I answered my own query, I won't be repurchasing this.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -NYX - Color Lip Balm - Tack
glamstep 4/11/2012 5:55:00 PM
This is a pretty dusty rose--pink? color..with mauve undertones...great for fall! Im an NC20 ad usually prefer softer colors but this is bold enough for me for the season. It has a fruity odor & slicky feel, definetly not moisturizing enough for dry cracked lips; you'll need a real 'balm' underneath it for that. No spf either, but for a little over $3 its worth a try.
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Eye Shadow -Maybelline - Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Shadow in Too Cool
glamstep 3/11/2012 11:26:00 AM
This color looked too boring for me to try out originally. Its a traditional pale white with silver shimmer, that I felt I could easily get with any drugstore white on top of my UD primer potion. But I finally gave in to it & decided to find other ways besides using it as a base. I now use it to highlight my eyebrow arch & the center of my lips on top of lipsticks so they appear fuller. No plain powder eyeshadow could give such long lasting results in a single step! IMHO it would be too obvious to highlight cheekbones with, but for small areas that you want to make a statement pop i.e. inner tear duct, cupids bow---its perfect. Also you can place on the middle of your eyelids to any color to brighten up the whole look. I can't imagine NOT picking this up for atleast 1 area (if not more) daily! Just like the popular tough as taupe, bad to the bronze & bold gold this is a multi-purpose universal mUSt!!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -E.L.F. - Studio Powder Brush
glamstep 2/26/2012 3:09:00 PM
If your unsure about trying a kabuki on a stick type of brushes like the famous: Sonia Kashuk flat top or the Sigma F80 this might be a good place to start. Out of the 3 this is the largest, F80 is second and SK is smallest in diameter; there equally soft & effective in packing on product because the bristles are densely packed; thus they all take super long drying too. I find flat top brushes to be best at giving full coverage & buffing in foundations, so they're excellent for acne/scar concealing. But because of their edges its harder to get into crevices ie. nose, eye areas, the bristles are soft so will mold to a degree but the E.L.F brush. is soo much bigger (u can sit about 1.5 quarters on top) it makes it difficult to use anywhere else besides your cheeks & forehead. Since I own & prefer the other 2 brushes for full face application, I only use this for applying bronzer on my neck/shoulder area. It works if you prefer to use a brush for moisturizer/primer/even face mask application. But if your looking for a precise, even, daily single foundation brush of this type, IMO the other 2 are more useful for only an addition $10.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Urban Decay - 24/7 Shadow Pencil Stash set-Delinquent/Rehab/Juju/Sin/Clash
glamstep 2/25/2012 4:38:00 PM
Just in case u missed the HauteLook deal on this, its now on sale on Urban Decay's website for $12!!!! Thats like a little over TWO dollars for one of these--such a steal. I have been using the 3 neutral shades daily. Juju over the entire lid smudged, sin on water line & rehab under my lower lashes half way for a wide awake, soft & elegant look. Delinquent I've used for a smokey look, clash is overtly bright for my NC20 skin but works as a good base for applying more wearable colors on top, especially because I wouldn't dare use up the other 4 shades for merely a base. Its so easy & quick to create multiple looks with these. I love how I can use them as a shadow, base or eyeliner & all without the need of even a brush. It takes a few secs to set, then doesn't budge but you have ample time to blend/smudge if needed. Grab them now while their cheaper than even most drugstore liners!
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Albolene cleanser
glamstep 2/10/2012 10:34:00 PM
This stuffs helping me LOSE WEIGHT!!!! Thank you ginabinawina99 of yt for introducing me to this gem. Yes it takes the toughest, waterproof makeup off easily & completely, yes it leaves my skin soft like a babys butt & yes this saves me on the nights I have no energy for a wash & rinse but the best selling point is its helping me lose those darn love handles finally! Albolene is made of mineral oil and paraffin that liquefies on contact with skin, so trouble areas that retain water can naturally sweat more and burn inches. They call this the blanket effect & the website has a 5 day challenge that convinces me that majority of users also see a dramatic difference. Personally, I basically apply this on my tummy, then I wear the McDavid waist trimmer, made of neoprene & bought on amazon for around $12 and do cardio for about 30 mins. I work up a good sweat & believe this helped me lose the first few lbs/inches finally. Its probably water weight & temporary, but its a start & I'm planning on continuing to keep up the regimen. I'm so glad I bought this ($12 for 12 oz at CVS) vs the Sweet Sweat ($50 for 13.5 oz at GNC). Lastly, if your wondering how to use this as a cleanser/moisturizer: its a one step process. I got the unscented (beware of the scented one--barbershop shaving cream overdose), its a clear gel (vaseline look a like, but much lighterrr in consistency) that you rub & apply directly to dry skin, massage in & wipe off with a tissue. NO water, rinsing or towel drying of face is required. It really does leave a film of undetected moisture in, so I can skip my night cream too. Perfect for long days that I just want to jump into bed, without letting the makeup removal/cleansing to wake me up fully first ;P
5 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Physicians Formula - Eye booster eyeliner + serum
glamstep 2/3/2012 10:46:00 PM
UPDATE & DUPE ALERT: So I was at an event recently & had a chance to try Ligne Blackstar by Terry in #1 & found from the packaging to the performance of it to be an exact dupe of this stuff. It retails for $43 for 0.22 oz (also available on beauty.com so u can see for yourself) The only difference, it offers 2 extra colors: a greenish brown & a blue. This stuff is truly a bargain & I practically sold it to the SA who was in shock when I pulled it out of my bag! ORIGINAL: I'm going to jump right into the lash boosting claims this serum supports & tell you that IT WORKS =) Ofcourse I didn't believe it to be true to buy it, but simply followed the yt raves on this being the finest precise eyeliner pen out there, which it is as well. I know that it helps your lashes grow because I only line my lower lashes half way, never the top or full length. I immediately (like 3 days later) saw that my lower lashes on the tips were longer & surprised I decided to line my top lashes with a thin coat & it worked again! I don't like the look of liner on my top lashes but continue to use it just for the lash boosting properties AND because the tip really is soo fine/precise it gives the ultimate thin feather like stroke---just enough to make your lashes look fuller. I can't even tell I applied liner because it can apply THAT thin. The black is a grey-black with a matte finish, (no metallic/shine). I'll be repurchasing the ultra black for the lower lashes & the CLEAR (I was going to wish for that & saw that it already existed!) for the top lashes. It lasted a month with daily wear & then started to dry out. Its around $10 at CVS, but I'll wait for the spend 10, get 7 extra bucks to stock up 1ST UPDATE: I now use the ultimate black liner to TIGHT LINE & yes I am a CONTACTS WEARER & there is no smudging/transfer to my waterline (which I use a white liner on) allll day. I really think its helping my upper lashes lengthen too & a great girl here recommended to use this to fill in your EYEBROWS & it works wonders on those gaps granted the color matches u like it does for me :)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -L'Oreal - Visible Lift Serum Absolute Advanced Age-Reversing Makeup
glamstep 2/3/2012 10:01:00 PM
Ummm GLITTERAMA!!! Why wasn't the sososo SO obvious shimmer stated in the MOST helpful MUA reviews?? Well, I suppose those that "don't see" the glitter/shimmer in Revlon PhotoReady, won't see it in this either-- I did & thats why I boycotted such an otherwise wonderful foundation. Funny thing up until yesterday, my review WAS going to read: Turning into HG status for me & here’s why: 1. This is Paula Begoun’s Pick, rated as Excellent. 2. Has SPF 17 (octinoxate + titanium dioxide) 3. Breathable, light texture-- still feels like skin. 4. Medium to full coverage-- still looks like skin. 5. Affordable $15 for 1.0 oz vs L’oreal’s VL Smooth (with brush) is $17for 0.85 oz. I had been wearing this for about a month & was absolutely stunned at the points mentioned above, while I worked my 12 hr shifts at the hospital (5am-5pm) & never saw sunlight. As I drove out late today I first noticed my hand sparkle on the steering wheel, than my forehead in the rearview mirror. I finally found the culprit to be this & was heartbroken. I suppose I could use it on night outs or certain lighting; but Im wayy too conscious to keep it as my daily go to HG. For reference: I matched 146-Nude Beige perfectly, its a light to medium shade with yellow undertones. I'm an NW20, Revlon CS Buff, Sally Hansen by Carmindy Ecru Beige, L'oreal True Match W2, Palladio Dual Wet/Dry Laurel Nude, Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse-Creamy Natural.
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Lip Treatments -Burt's Bees - Tinted Lip Balm - Honeysuckle
glamstep 2/3/2012 9:41:00 PM
Essence Creamy Nude lipstick is like a dupe for this, for like 1/4 the cost & moisturizes the same!! I'm a nude lips only kinda girl; so this fits the bill exactly.Its a soft beige nude, that doesn't wash me out (NW20) but I must say this isn't too unique of a shade. I like to pull this out when I'm trying to look like a natural, polished chic in public. I don't like to appear as if I put effort in it; so I'll use it up happily. I just wouldn't recommend this to girls who already have a collection of nudes.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Burt's Bees - Tinted Lip Balm - Tiger Lily
glamstep 2/3/2012 9:23:00 PM
The packaging is of a beautiful peachy-coral color; that would make this my favorite 'tinted' balm, had it any actual tint! Its soo sheer & my lips aren't even pigmented. Swatched on my hand its a hue of caramel if I stare up real close. At $7 a piece for bulky deceitful packaging (totally the size of an avg chapstick), its way too over priced & not even super moisturizing--> such a disappointment.
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Foundations -Vichy - Dermablend Corrective Foundation
glamstep 2/3/2012 9:15:00 PM
So I decided to give this a try even after its counter-part the DB cream stick did not match well for me. I originally bought the Opal which is a yellow toned light shade that would work perfect for undereyes or higher points of my face if I was using it to highlight with a darker foundation blended in overall. But I needed a one step all over foundation with full coverage. Thanks to MUA NC25 girls recs I picked up the Nude, which I originally put down after swatching a tester & seeing the strong pink undertones it had. But I bought it any way and I must say I'm glad I did! It goes on looking like neutral undertones on my face that you can detect in your car rear view mirror under direct sunlight, not otherwise and the color shades matches almost perfectly. I love this foundation, its the only one I can use to just spot treat my face with & still look natural. You need sooo little that I literally place my pointer on the hole and gently squeeze the tube so I don't get a full drop; the tiny splash usually does half my face, then I repeat for the other half. It gives absolute full coverage, that I no longer reach for my concealer which I absolutely need otherwise for my acne. The staying power is kind of weak, probably 8 hrs & it transfers to my phone etc. So I set it with my Skindinavia & its perfect. For now this is HG until I find the right shade AND undertones. PS. This retails for $27 at CVS, but I snatched it when they were giving $10 EB on all Vichy products. I've seen this deal repeat, so be on the lookout :)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Maybelline - New Instant Age Rewind
glamstep 1/16/2012 10:18:00 PM
I hate to be the party pooper here but Meh-this just didn't live up to the hype for me. The culprit is the shade selection mainly; Im an NC20 (L'oreal W2, Revlon CS buff) & I have tried the: -LIGHT too light almost pale grey & incredibly pink toned -MEDIUM is much too dark for me -BRIGHTENER is almost identical to the light IMO--super pink toned. Also, the idea of the sponge is great vs the unhygienic tubs that u stick your finger in (NYX, thebalm), but because the clicker u twist the first 50x to get any product out has sooo much leftover residue to last for daysss on application, this defeats the purpose. Im sure the moist layer of product being exposed to air & not being able to really clean or replace the sponge is probably attracting germs over time. Lastly, the concealer is quite thin, yet opaque (worthy of 2 stars) but building the right amount because of the clicker is quite difficult, usually your left with too much & spreading it out in a small area, really leaves the area streaky.O yea Maybelline Superstay (a far superior concealer imo) has 10x the product for $2 less. (This one is 0.02oz of $10 vs SS is 0.18oz for $8!) But I trust my fellow MUA's so if I find the NEUTRALIZER on sale, which looks very light/yellow toned from swatches on blogs online, I'll grab it & update back!
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Concealers -Cover Girl - Olay Simply Ageless
glamstep 1/14/2012 11:48:00 PM
Im sad to write this rev. I was really looking fwd to this, especially after it took a stab at my wallet by being priced at $13 (its the most expensive DS concealer ever..a few more & i might as well try high end) Anyways I got the 'corrector' shade, as it seems to be quite popular on MUA. Sliding my finger across this yellow concealer, I was super impressed as to how silky this was (not the usual drying texture that makes me pull/tug my delicate eye area adding to the need of concealers) but soon this turned out to be its biggest downfall--its GREASY. I have dry skin & patting this under any concealer or on its own makes it shift instantly. I didn't even touch the white swirl, (but did so before completing rejecting this) & the grease turned into full blown OIL. How could anyone apply this & actually keep it on? What do the oily girls do? I tried it under/over foundation & nothing. Even more shocking: as I patted my powder on top to 'try' to set it, my brush had completely lifted what was left off & it fully transferred.Yes this gives a lovely full opaque coverage for right around 15 mins max then EPic fail.
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