Cleansers -Neutrogena - Wave™ (Power-Cleanser And Deep Clean Foaming Pads)
Sirius 7/21/2009 6:22:00 PM
I'll begin with the bad news. 9 days after purchasing my wave DUO I had to breakdown and call Neutrogena to request a $20 coupon to purchase another unit. Mine turns on by itself and subsequently runs the battery down. It's evident that it does not seal properly-- water in the battery compartment makes an electrical connection turning the product on when not in use. I have to take the battery out and let it dry then normal function resumes. Lame. The GOOD news is that I'm willing to put up with this BS and go through the motions to get a new wave because it works wonders on my complexion. I was skeptical, but like many here have had tremendous results. Improved tone, CLAIRITY, and texture. Another caveat would be that I use my own acne cleanser on the pads so that in conjunction with the vigorous setting has cleared my face fantastically. Take home message, love the product in theory and the improvement in my complexion was substantial. As far as execution is concerned, there are some mechanical kinks neutrogena needs to work out. EDIT: I USED MY $20 COUPON TO PURCHASE THE AGELESS RESTORATIVES TOTAL SKIN RENEWAL POWER CLEANSER BECAUSE THE DESIGN IS BETTER AND THE MOTOR ON THE DEVICE IS MORE POWERFUL. WAVES BYE BYE TO THE WAVE.
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Blush -BeneFit Cosmetics - Posietint
Sirius 6/28/2009 5:55:00 PM
I got this in a sample size (insider sample from Sephora) and I LOVE IT! cons: -application can be tricky as most have noted. i find that using a primer on my cheeks makes application smoother and less "permanent" i.e. you can't see the dots i used to apply the correct amount. -i'm not a fan of the brush application as it doesn't strike me as hygienic (same problem as benetint and highbeam). - the price is insanely high. i'm glad i got a sample first. -drying when used as a lip stain. but i have this problem with all stains and is not limited to this product. pros: -the color is perfect for my NW15-NW20 skin tone. i never receive blush complements and this product has won me quite a few! very nice "healthy" flush. -perfect for the humid kentucky summers when i don't like to wear (and subsequently sweat off) powders. -staying power is phenomenal -the finish is great and strikes a nice balance between dewy and matte. -although not a selling point for me, i think the packaging is cute.
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Mascara -Maybelline - Lash Stiletto
Sirius 3/5/2009 9:52:00 PM
So-so product. There are many DS mascara that are superior though. No "patent" shine, but a true black (very black). Clumped, flaked, and irritated my eyes. Very little lengthening, and sort of closed my eyes instead of opening them up. Will use the rest, however will not repurchase.
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Mascara -Givenchy - Phenomen'eyes Mascara
Sirius 10/29/2008 12:24:00 AM
*contains PHOTO of PE alone. will add one of my combo perfecto once i apply* I have wimpy lashes and have never been complimented on them without or with mascara on (Diorshow, LashBlast, Doll Eyes, Fiberwig--ugh, YSL...). Yesterday was my first day of wearing my new P.E. to work. Immediately, my female coworker (of which I have two. I work in physics) told me how wonderful my eyes look WHEN i wear mascara (all the time, so apparently none of it has ever done much for me), "They just POP!" I was super excited and vindicated (a lot of time I'll want to like an "overly-hyped" product, so I'll deal with it's inadequacies and chalk them up to incorrect application). The SA at Sephora told me that it works very well as an "extender." ergo apply favorite mascara (one coat) then P.E. That works GREAT (see update below). With that said though, GET A GOOD LASH COMB ANYWAY! clumps are not ALWAYS unavoidable (but close with P.E.) Cons: -price -formula ("gummy" even after a couple of hours, but it doesn't budge unless I really rub my eyes *edit* if i don't use a primer or dry mascara underneath i do get panda eyes by the end of my day, which is rare since the skin around my eyes is dry. -no waterproof version. Pros: -Lives up to the hype! LENGTH, curl, volume, separation and fanning are achieved in one step. -brush makes lower lash and hard to reach-stray hair application a cinch. -DOES NOT TAKE LONG TO APPLY (despite other complaints about this. I think some people just can't apply "normal" mascara, much less mascara with a 360 degree brush. at least the comparison pics I've seen suggest this.) -deep, glossy black (haven't tried brown) -supple, not stiff lashes -compliments! :o) *UPDATE* I HIGHLY SUGGEST USING THIS IN CONJUNCTION WITH A GREAT "NATURAL" LOOKING MASCARA UNDERNEATH TO NULLIFY THE SMUDGING. My fave combo = ONE (!) coat of NYX Doll Eye which I love bc of it's fibrous formula. That said, it is a dryish formula with only so-so color ergo it can look a little ashy (or Tarte's Lights Camera Lashes, but it's not as dry as Doll Eye so minimal smudging can occur with the LCL underneath). + 2 coats of Phenomen'Eyes. I apply the PE as follows: coat #1 complete coverage followed by "coat" #2 just the tips and definition. The combonation is perfect and the best part is NO SMUDGING WHATSOEVER (I work 14 hour days). Will post a pic of the LCL+PE combo when I can. WHEEEEEEE FOR HG'S!!!! ***Edit*** Can't stand the non-drying formula. Don't think I should have to settle for an "HG" that I MUST wear with other mascaras because the formula is so crappy. :o/
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Gels/Soaps -Lavanila - -The Healthy Body Wash in vanilla grapefruit
Sirius 8/15/2008 10:51:00 PM
I'm in love with LaVanila's vanilla grapefruit scent/flavor (I basically have every product in this line), and I'm ALL about layering scents. I immediately snatched this up at my local sephora. Meh. Smells good--no surprise there but there was nothing special about it. I will say that using it over my dial anti bacterial shower gel did tone down the post-shower "itchies", but I imagine switching to a dove bar might have done that. Would I repurchase, I'm not sure, to be honest. It comes with a hefty price tag ($20 for 12 fluid oz. or ~360 mL). I did not notice even a lingering scent after getting out of the shower, so I imagine it didn't do much for my layering routine. The bottle is nice, remenisent of the the body butter packaging. So it does LOOK nice in the shower. But I never buy a product for how it looks. Will update should I be pleasantly surprised with my next shower.
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Mascara -NYX - NYX Doll Eye Mascara- Long Lash
Sirius 7/19/2008 6:57:00 PM
Love the look! Makes my wimpy lashes look loooooong and it holds a curl. However, I think it looks better when layered with a more glossy mascara. The fibers and the drier formula make for a kinda weird look when used alone--particularly as the product ages. When brand new, I can't get enough of the stuff. If anyone has any ideas on how to revive your dried out mascara (BESIDES adding water which is a NO NO) please holler at me and share your knowledge. I love this stuff, though. Great product for the price. The brush is a convenient shape and fits the curve of my eye nicely so I can hit those easy to miss lashes at the corners. A little bit of transfer to my upper lid upon application but nothing a q-tip won't take care of. Not my HG, but something I use to enhance my lashes in conjunction with another product. *UPDATE* my HG mascara combo = 1-2 coats of doll eye followed by MORE INCREDIBLE LENGTHENING courtesy of Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes (outstanding for length, see my review) Since Doll Eye is a little on the dry and ashy side (greyish), I balance it out with Phenomen'Eyes which has a gorgeous color and glossy hue but is a wet formula and smudges. It's a perfect combination as is nullifies what i didn't like about each product!
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Blush -Wet 'n' Wild - Mega Glo Illuminating Powder - Catwalk Pink #345
Sirius 7/19/2008 6:49:00 PM
I adore this WW product! I am fair skinned so when I apply foundation, or even powder alone my face looks so "made up." I was looking for a product that would give my face a glow--a dewy look. I will say the look isn't exactly dewy (I need to find a good oil free moisturizer!) but it brings on the glow like no other product! I've used benefit's highlighter before, but it was so easy to go overboard. With this stuff, it's very VERY difficult to do so. I generally use the pinks-nudes on my chipmunk cheeks (be jealous...i'm all over that "doll face" look :oP) and then use the darker shades as i normally use my cargo bronzer (to CONTOUR my face shape). A bit just under my cheek bones (closer to the hairline), up by my hairline on both sides of my midline on my forehead, a bit on my chin and on my nose. it gives me so-so contouring (i'll stick to my cargo for that) but a GREAT awake glow. It's dirt cheap, so if you're in the market for a quick on-the-go highlighter give it a shot!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Tarte - Lights Camera Lashes
Sirius 7/12/2008 5:22:00 PM
This mascara is absolutely PHENOMENAL. I repeat: PHENOMENAL. period. I am a hard-core mascara junkie; I've yet to be satisfied with my purchases. From DiorShow to LashBlast and all in between, I always end up with wimpy, clumpy lashes. My lashes are a light brown and I would say average in terms of length and volume and curl. In other words, mascara is a daily necessity and can really make or break my look while curling my lashes isn't necessary. At sephora today, I was trying to choose between L.C.L and Fresh's supernova. The SA kept steering me towards L.C.L. (even though it's less expensive than supernova) but I was suspicious because the Tarte representative was right there. I went with the Tarte L.C.L. and put it on immediately in the car (so if I was disappointed I would turn around and return it as I live pretty far away). WOW! after two coats I was amazed and finally a third coat floored me. My lashes touch my brow bone, the volume is great without looking too fake, and the separation provided by the rubber bristled brush made my lashes look fluttery (and they were SUPPLE. not cakey, flakey, or stiff!). I didn't curl my lashes today, so I can't speak to it's ability to hold a curl--I can say that it provides a slight curl though! The formula itself is a nice "natural" black, not too wet or dry. I'd gladly pay $18 per tube of this stuff every three months. We'll see if it lasts that long. Packaging is cute but cumbersome, however if it bothers you that much it doesn't take much force to take it off of the plain tube. Will update in a bit to discuss the product's shelf life. *Update* Just disposed of my first tube and purchased another. Dried only SLIGHTLYafter 3 mos.. Great product all around, shelf life included. For those of you looking for a more "dramatic" looooooooong lash look, use a couple coats of LCL and top it with some Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes (another fantastic, albeit more pricey product. see my review). WOW!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -Burt's Bees - Lip Shimmer - Guava
Sirius 6/15/2008 4:02:00 PM
I love burt's bee's shimmers in other colors--I guess colors that don't SHIMMER. But, "guava" is a terrible shade and hue. i can't imagine it being flattering on anybody except maybe darker natural lip colors. The shimmer makes me look like I stepped out of 1989. All I need is a big hair sprayed flip of bangs and stirrup pants and I'd fit the time period to a tee. In other words. HORRIBLE, SILVERY, SHIMMERY shade. much more silver than "guava" IMHO.
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Lip Gloss -Sally Hansen - lip blush plumping balm
Sirius 6/15/2008 3:53:00 PM
i bought this product on a whim, despite it's ~$10 price tag. i wasn't sucked in by the "plumping" or the "turns your perfect shade" rhetoric. i knew it would turn one shade that tends to be flattering on most skin tones. however, i despite being very pale with pink undertones, i find these types of color changing products work well on me. thus far, i REALLY like this product. it's not oil-slick, sticky-glossy but adds just the right amount of shine and gives the appearance of that perfect "pout". i think a previous reviewer described the color perfectly: sort of baby's lips pink--not garish or fushia. it's very natural. I'm a graduate student and teaching assistant so I'm all about a NATURAL effect. This balm provides just that. Perfect for the hot and humid summers of the south, when and where the weight of my favorite lipstick is just a bit much. Will repurchase because of it's ease of application and beautiful pouty, "just bitten lip" results... hopefully I'll find it on sale though.
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Mascara -Revlon - 3D Extreme Mascara - Blackest Black
Sirius 6/1/2008 6:47:00 PM
Awful! Simply...awful. Brush is way smaller than advertised as some have already mentioned. Plus it does nothing for my medium length not particularly voluminous lashes. Doesn't hold a curl. Pricey and boring packaging. Save your $$!
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - I Feel Pretty Sweet Body Spray Gracie
Sirius 3/9/2008 9:37:00 PM
I have the body butter, sugar scrub, and body spray in this fragrance. I think it's absolutely delightful. Has a hint of baby powder, but otherwise is sweet and "happy." I have never smelled Philosophy's Baby Grace, so I can't compare the two. But when layered with the body butter, lasts for quite awhile. I wish there was a travel sized mister for my purse--will save the bottle from my IFP antioxidant mist and use that! Love it! Love it! Love it! Sweet and innocent, yet not juvenile....have already repurchased.
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - I Feel Pretty Sweet Body Spray Fresh & Clean
Sirius 3/9/2008 9:33:00 PM
UGH! i HATE this scent...not surprisingly since I also hate Philosophy's amazing grace (to which this is supposed to smell similar). This smelled like soap. Plain and simple. Yuck. Antiseptic smelling as well. Glad I only purchased the sample.
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Eyeliner -L'Oreal - HIP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner in Eggplant
Sirius 8/31/2007 7:39:00 PM
While you do get a lot of product for the $, I have to say I'm not really impressed with this eyeliner. I have green eyes so I thought the eggplant color would really make my eyes pop. Unfortunately, I can't really tell what color the liner is once it's on my eyes. Granted, I'm using the brush that came with it--I just ordered a liner brush from MAC so maybe that will make a difference. Who knows. I'm just sort of "meh" about this product.
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Styling Products -TRESemme - Shine Spray
Sirius 7/5/2007 9:36:00 PM
Love this product! very light, adds subtle shine and controls flyaways. sometimes i apply it to towel dried hair and blow dry or air dry and other times when i'm looking for a bit more flyaway control and shine i apply it to dry hair and comb through. fantastic stuff. have already repurchased. it does run out rather quickly.
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