Blush -Bobbi Brown - Coral LE 2007
MegE 5/21/2011 12:02:00 PM
My coloring: NC20, brown hair/eyes. I just rediscovered this gorgeous blush in my stash. I had purchased it in '07 when it was in the round screw-top container and LE (it's in the regular line-up now). As the others have described below, it's a stunning true coral (peachy/pink) with gold microshimmer. The shimmer is soft and not at all glittery, but does show up on my skin. My skintone is on the cooler side and so I can't wear anything orangey. BB Coral is not orangey in the least and with the pink tones its totally wearable on my fair skintone while still having that face-brightening warmth to it. I can see this working on a variety of skintones and coloring.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -TRESemme - Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner
MegE 4/8/2011 2:21:00 PM
Purchased because of the great reviews and while it does condition and moisturize my hair perfectly, it unfortunately causes my scalp to feel mildly itchy. Now, I do have a very sensitive scalp, so most people won't have any scalp issues. I wish it worked for my scalp because I really liked how shiny and bouncy it left my hair. It has a nice clean scent, although a bit fake rather than coming from natural plant/flower extracts like my usual Aveda and healthfood store hair conditioners do.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Stila - Grapefruit Lip Glaze
MegE 3/30/2011 6:40:00 PM
For Christmas I received the 8-pack set that my mom picked up at Costco. Grapefruit is a pretty milky pink, although nothing too unique or special. The texture is smooth, but very sticky/tacky. The scent is strong and doesn't resemble grapefruit, but rather a citrus scent with a chemical overtone. I keep trying to wear this gloss, but the awful scent prevents me.
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Cleansers -Fancl - Mild Cleansing Oil
MegE 12/19/2010 10:28:00 AM
**UPDATE May 2011** -- Still LOVE this cleansing oil! Perfect for sensitive/acne-prone skintypes! This summer I began with the travel size on the advice from a wonderful, fellow MUAer to remove my new Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation which is very long-wearing/waterproof. I wanted to make sure it agreed with my uber sensitive skin that just got over a 1 year bout of dermatitis (PD). Being scared of causing it to return, I was hesitant about trying anything "new". But I am very glad I did! This cleansing oil completely removes my foundation without causing breakouts, irritation or signs of dermatitis. I have since purchased the full-size bottle and a backup! To use: I apply 1 pump to my hand and gently massage it into my dry skin. Then I dampen my hands and continue to massage until it turns creamy and emulsifies. I then splash lots of water on my skin to remove it. To remove every last trace, I follow up with a gentle, foaming cleanser (Sage Facial Shampoo Regular--zerozits.com). My skin is left soft, smooth and balanced. You can remove eye makeup with it, but I use my cleanser for that. Although, if I'm wearing waterproof mascara I will remove it with the Fancl. It doesn't burn/irritate my eye area.
13 out of 13 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Primer -LORAC - Behind the Scenes Eye Primer
MegE 9/12/2010 10:50:00 AM
Better than Urban Decay! I was a devote of the UD, but what I didn't like was that it tended to dry my eyelid area which caused flakes/peeling. I also preferred to use a paraben-free product and wasn't fond of the doe-foot applicator and packaging which was tough to get out every last drop. The LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer fits the bill perfectly! It has a sheer nude tone which is similar to the UD, and goes on smoothly and evenly, and sets quickly. My eye shadow glides on and lasts all day long without dryness or irritation! I also love the squeeze tube packaging!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Shiseido - Sun Protection Liquid Foundation SPF 42 PA+++
MegE 9/7/2010 7:56:00 PM
Shade = #30 (see notepad for my makeup matches) Skintype = Combo (winter) / oily (summer), acne-prone, sensitive, perioral dermatitis-prone ***UPDATE 12/10*** I wasn't sure if I could continue using this wonderful foundation come winter, but I'm thrilled to be able to say that it's been working beautifully here on the East Coast! I do need to wear a moisturizer under it (in the Summer I can skip it), but other than that it's perfection. No dryness or flaking. Since it's oil-controlling, I have rarely needed to blot this winter. ***Original Review*** Soft-matte, glowy perfection! This foundation is definitely my HG, with two moments that sealed the deal! The first was having it beautifully concur 100 degree weather during my Florida vacation. It was so incredibly hot and humid and I was perspiring like crazy. Thanks to the Shiseido, the sweat beaded up nicely (sorry for the TMI!) and I lightly blotted it away without disturbing my makeup. My skin looked fresh all day and into the night. It also survived the swimming pool! The other was when two of my female coworkers on different days complemented me on my, "smooth", "fresh", and "glowy" complexion! This is huge given that my skin is far from perfect and I need foundation/concealer to cover up my old red marks and some slight acne scars. To apply, I shake the bottle gently and with my finger tips I dot it on my t-zone and work outwards, applying more where needed. The coverage is light to medium and easily buildable. For extra hiding on blemishes I reach for my Px Camoflauge Cream Concealer in Y/O Light. The texture is thin, but not watery. I detect a slight fresh floral scent, reminiscent of Shiseido's TM and sunscreens. The scent is pretty light and fades quickly and doesn't bother my skin. I set it with Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Loose Powder in Pale Yellow for all day wear. The finish is what I would call healthy-matte, which resembles bare skin, only better. Since this foundation is VERY long-wearing/water and sweat resistant, it's super important to remove it completely every night to prevent breakouts. I highly recommend FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil, which does the job without causing irritation. My new HG! (www.fancl.com)
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Face Reality Skin Care - Hydrating Emulsion
MegE 8/28/2010 9:01:00 AM
***UPDATE 1/2013*** I'm still using and loving this gel moisturizer. I'm also happy to report that it now comes in a tube, which I prefer. Highly recommend! ***ORIGINAL REVIEW*** The BEST gel moisturizer out there! I've been a fan of gel moisturizers for my oily skin since my teenage years and I've tried a lot of them. I like gels because they are aimed at acne-prone skin that needs moisture without the heaviness of a lotion or cream product. Unfortunately, many did in fact clog or worse, sting my sensitive skin! Prior to FR Hydrating Emulsion (HE), Clinique's Moisture Surge (MS) had been my go-to gel. My concerns over MS was the long list of ingredients (higher chance of irritating) and that it was in a tub rather than a pump bottle (not sanitary). The HE comes in a bottle with a squeeze top cap. It has a very gel-like feel/texture and you only need the smallest amount since it's very hydrating. The HE absorbs nicely (not super fast) without a greasy/heavy feel. It doesn't irritate or break me out at all thanks to it's minimal list of effective, non-comedogenic ingredients. Works perfectly under makeup for day and over acne meds for night. You can even pat some on over makeup if you have a dry patch. Anytime! My skin is sensitive/acne-prone/PD-prone and I've had ZERO problems. My skin just adores it! This summer I haven't been wearing it too often since I just haven't needed it since my skin has been in-balance with the FR Sensitive Skin Cleansing Gel and Salicylic Antiseptic Toner. Recently, though, I re-introduced it since I began using BenzaClin again which can dry my skin.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Jason Natural Cosmetics - Rosewater & Chamomile Normalizing Conditioner
MegE 7/25/2010 9:52:00 PM
I'm almost done with my first bottle and have a back up ready to go! I've been using random conditioners from the health food store and my Aveda salon for years now and haven't found a HG. I think this conditioner could be the one! My thick/color-treated hair is left perfectly moisturized and shiny. It doesn't seem to buildup and has a wonderful, soft fragrance. Most importantly, doesn't break me out around my hairline which the Nature's Gate Pomegranate Sunflower Conditioner did (see my review). Also, I have a very sensitive scalp, which is prone to flakes/itchies and I've had no issues with this conditioner. It's also super affordable. FYI, I recommend Aveda Scalp Benefits Shampoo for those that have a finicky scalp like I do. It's been my HG for 4 years!
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Conditioner -Nature's Gate - Pomegranate Sunflower Conditioner
MegE 7/25/2010 9:43:00 PM
I agree with the reviewer below... This conditioner smells fab, but I wasn't impressed with the amount of moisture it provided and how it left my hair a bit flat and sometimes greasy. It also broke me out around my hairline, which almost never happens for me with hair products. Thankfully the wonderful "pomegranate sunflower" fragrance is available in their body lotion and washes, which are superior to this lackluster conditioner. If you have a sensitive scalp and thick/color-treated hair and are looking for a natural conditioner, check out Jason's Normalizing Rosewater & Chamomile Conditioner. It works great, smells delicious, doesn't break me out, and is inexpensive! Here's a link-- http://www.jason-natural.com/products/natural_salon.php#normalizing
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Face Reality Sensitive Skin Cleansing Gel
MegE 6/5/2010 8:10:00 PM
***This is a review for the original formulation which was Ammonium Laureth Sulfate-based. The reformulated version contains Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate instead and I haven't tried it because I had read that it was slightly drying in comparison to the original. I've since gone back to my HG, Sage Facial Shampoo Regular -- www.zerozits.com *** A wonderful, gentle, fragrance-free foaming cleanser for sensitives! I was a devote to Sage Facial Shampoo Regular for *years* and have tested other cleansers ever so often to see if I could find something my sensitive/acne-prone/combo-oily (which is now PD-prone!) skin could tolerate. I was mostly concerned with finding something I could buy in-store or at a good online retailer. The closest I found was Boscia Clear Complexion Cleanser, which is still good but a bit strong, though I wanted something even more mild. And this cleanser fits the bill! It's actually very similar to the Sage Facial Shampoo *Sensitive* formula which I had sampled when I first got on the Sage bandwagon. The FR washes off my makeup completely and I wear a pretty moderate amount...foundation, concealer, powder, gel liner, mascara, etc. It leaves my skin clean and smooth, but not "squeaky clean", just balanced. Earlier this year I got diagnosed with Perioral Dermatitis (PD) and it's finally now clearing up with the help of Tetracycline and MetroCream, but I especially needed gentle skincare so I sought out the FR products with the recommendation from a wonderful MUAer. Besides this cleanser, I also adore the Salicylic Antiseptic Toner and Hydrating Emulsion.
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Liquid -Bobbi Brown - Skin Foundation SPF 15
MegE 2/28/2009 10:23:00 AM
**UPDATE 12/09**: Unfortunately this now irritates my skin. I've tried stopping for a month and then trying again and my skin would do fine for the first few days and then get red and itchy, so I can't use it any longer! =( In addition, the color match is just off somehow. It's too yellow or something as it makes my skin look dull and lifeless.
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Shade: Sand. Unfortunately, this wasn't a great match on my skintone (see update above!). For reference, I can also wear the following foundation shades: MUFE #30, MAC NC20/NC25, Stila B, NARS Deauvile, MK #200, LM Warm Ivory.
Skintype: My skin is combo-oily (Winter) and oily-shiny (Summer) and always acne-prone and sensitive.
I've been wearing the BB Skin Foundation SPF 15 for two full weeks and it's approaching HG status and I'll tell you why... I was searching for a light foundation/tinted moisturizer that felt invisible on my skin, evened skintone, muted redness, didn't contribute to the shinies or greasy feel, was fragrance-free, lasted all day, didn't rub off on clothing, and most importantly did not cause breakouts or irritation. So far BB's newest foundation has hit the mark on everything!
The consistency is thin/watery and goes on smoothly providing light coverage that's buildable to medium. It most definitely covers minor redness, evening the skintone beautifully. The finish is truly skin-like, and a bit natural/matte too. For additional coverage on blemishes and old red marks I'll spot apply MUFE Full Cover Concealer in #4. I'll then set with BB Sheer Finish Loose Powder in Pale Yellow. Since I have a shiny t-zone, I will get always get a little shiny throughout the day which is easily remedied with an oil-blotting sheet. Even though it doesn't have oil-controlling properties, and in fact it's slightly hydrating, it does not make my skin oily or feel greasy. It has amazing staying power and won't budge or come off until you wash it off.
Since I purchased online, I was a little unsure if I would wear Warm Ivory, Sand, or Warm Sand. After doing a live chat with a BB.com MA, I was recommended Sand. In the past I had tried Warm Ivory in BB's Oil Free, and that was a touch too pale. I asked the MA what the difference was between Sand and Warm Sand and she said that Warm Sand is a half a shade darker and a bit more yellow.
I also wanted to point out that this foundation is paraben-free to boot! And I'm digging the hygienic pump bottle! I would definitely recommend trying this foundation if your skin is normal-slightly oily, normal-slightly dry, and combo.
12 out of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Make Up For Ever - Mat Velvet PLUS Matifying Foundation
MegE 8/3/2008 8:25:00 PM
Shade: I can wear #20 and #30 (oddly enough!) and my skin is a MAC NC20, Stila B, NARS Deauvile, MK #200. In the MUFE Full Cover Concealer I wear #4. Please see my notepad for my list of other makeup matches.
**UPDATE 10/08**--I got married (!) 2 months ago and wore this on my wedding day. My m/u artist set with MAC Blot in Medium and my skin stayed matte yet glowy all day long! Photos turned out lovely as well.
Original Review:
I purchased this over 2 months ago for our engagement photoshoot and have been using it daily ever since! Prior to that I used either NARS Oil Free or MK Medium Coverage. I was in need of fuller coverage since I had a (fading) boat load of red/pink marks from a bad breakout. The NARS and MK would get cakey and flakey when attempting to achieve more coverage. MUFE, on the other hand, provides full yet natural coverage with only a small amount of product. If more coverage is necessary I'll spot apply MUFE Full Cover Concealer. This foundation leaves a soft matte finish and I find it looks very natural and not heavy in the least. You don't need much! To set I'll use my beloved Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Loose Powder.
My skin is combo-oily (Winter) and oily-shiny (Summer) and always acne-prone and sensitive. I'm on Rx meds to clear and prevent breakouts and fade red marks and my skin has continued to clear the entire 2.5 months I've been using this foundation. That's saying something!
I plan on using Mat Velvet+ and Full Cover on my wedding day! My complexion in our engagement photos came out lovely so I know it works for photography and will hold up the entire day!
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Finacea Gel
MegE 6/22/2008 8:40:00 PM
I've been using Finacea once daily for 2 months and I've been keeping a log in my notepad of my experiences during this time. I originally asked my Derm if I could try Finacea in the hopes to help clear my old red marks from past breakouts. I had a ton of them from a horrible 2 week trial with Taz SCT. My skin and cheeks especially literally exploded with lots of acne, redness, and stinging. It was bad. And a few of the breakouts on my left cheek left red, burn-like marks. I'm desperate to fade them with my wedding approaching in a little over 2 months. I do not have rosacea, but I had a lot of redness because of the Taz.
Results after 2 months: Skin is smoother, brighter, less congested/clogged, less red, and those pesky marks are fading nicely. Of course they can't fade quick enough for me right now, but I'll take it! A little perk I found with Finacea is that it seemed to help with a few stretched pores I developed from some deep breakouts from my Taz trial.
I use Finacea only at night, but it can be used twice daily per package instructions. I just prefer to continue using my BenzaClin (5% benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin, A MIRACLE!!!!) in the morning under s/s and makeup so I don't bleach my bedding. The secret to helping to prevent or reduce potential itchies/irritation is to wait until skin is completely dry after cleansing to apply Finacea and only use a pea size amount or just enough to *thinly* cover your skin.
The only potential negative for me with Finacea is that it might have caused a few broken caps around the nose area. I can't say for certain, but they weren't there 2 months ago. So now I make sure to avoid the area around my nose which is super sensitive anyway.
I will continue to use Finacea for as long as my skin stays happy and is improving. If you suffer from pink, red, and/or brown flat spots after a blemish is healed I definitely think Finacea is a worth a try. =)
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Kat Von D - Lolita
MegE 5/29/2008 7:57:00 PM
I agree with the previous reviewer... In the tube it totally looks like a NARS Dolce Vita shade (never seen the CG), a dusty rose. Unfortunately it turned too muddy on my lips, looking a bit orangey/brown...not flattering. I will give props for it's smooth consistency that's neither too dry nor too moist and it's longevity. The packaging is also really cool, just wish the color was flattering to my skintone (fair, neutral-cool skintone, MAC NC20).
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - DML Moisturizing Lotion
MegE 4/18/2008 8:52:00 PM
***UPDATE 2/2013*** I took a hiatus from this lotion when I suffered from Perioral Dermatitis in 2009-2010 and never repurchased. Recently, I wanted to try this lotion again, so I requested a sample from the manufacturer. They quickly mailed out 2 cute little one-ounce bottles -- they have great CS! I've been using as an eye moisturizer day/night and it provides a nice drink of hydration without being heavy/greasy. No breakouts and concealer pats on easily over top. Here's the company website (just email them through the "contact us" link at the bottom to request samples)-- http://www.personandcovey.com/ ***UPDATE 8/2008*** I'm still loving this moisturizer but I wanted to mention that I find it causes my skin to become shiny fast if worn during the day under foundation. I was surprised since I use MUFE Mat Velvet+ which is pretty matte and oil-absorbing makeup. So I only use it at bedtime. ***ORIGINAL REVIEW*** Light, fabulous moisturizer that's perfection for acne-prone/sensitive skintypes, especially those using Rx retinoids. Long story short, I had a 2 week try with Taz 0.05% Gel using SCT (short contact therapy) for 2-5 min./day and my skin exploded in breakouts (large!), redness, stinging and irritation. It was horrible and my usual moisturizer I run to when my skin acts sensitive or after I wax, Sage Old Lady Cream, was actually slightly stinging/reddening my skin! I was shocked; I've been using Sage OLC for 6 years and it always soothed my skin, but not this time. My skin was acting terribly reactive, a first for me. In comes DML Moisturizing Lotion...no stinging or reddening and knock-on-wood, no additional breakouts! I can even use it over my Rx Benzaclin (benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin) and it causes no irritation, which is the real test as most products act up when paired with BP. I'm thrilled! I usually use it at bedtime and I have tried in the morning under my s/s and it's pretty good, but I prefer to use my s/s as my only moisturizer and then spot apply DML if/where needed. DML is the perfect PM moisturizer. Ingredients: Purified Water, Petrolatum, Glycerin, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Methyl Gluceth-20 Sesquistearate, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Benzyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Magnesium Aluminum, Silicate, Soduim Carbomer 941
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