Lipstick -Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics - Lip Tar - Feathered
flybaby 6/29/2012 8:33:00 PM
I purchased a few different shades of Lip Tar. As OCC states, these lip colors are meant to be mixed. Each of the ones I've tried are highly pigmented, and have exceptional staying power. This said, I wasn't really using them very often after the novelty wore off. As the colors are very saturated, its not like you can just swipe on the lips from the tube, and I already had similar shades in traditional lipstick form. Then, I found an unexpected use and am so impressed with the results. I had been searching for a long lasting no transfer lipstick. Back when the first ones were on the market, I'd used Cover Girl in the shade Ever Red-y. I went through several tubes of it, loved the pure bright red, but I tired of the ring around the lips as it wore off. Over the years since then, I tried other brands and other colors, but never found any shade I loved, or any brand that stayed on as promised. My main complaint with the color choices have been that they lack brightness. They all seemed to be too dull, whether they were dark shades or lighter colors. Recently I purchased L'Oreal - Infallible Lip Colour Duo. After reading several helpful reviews I opted for Beyonce Red. When I put it on, it was close but no cigar, I wanted something slightly deeper and possibly cooler but every bit as bright as Mac's Impassioned (Amplified). Beyonce Red was a little bit too dark and a bit too orange on me (which was a surprise as it is described as a cool red) I'd purchased the Infallible Lip Colour Duo for a specific occasion, namely picking up my guy at the airport after a lengthy absence. You know how it is, you want to look your best, and then with one good kiss, either the lipstick is gone, or its all over your face (and his!) red mustaches have never been a good look for me. I didn't think there was a brighter cooler red to choose from within this line by L'Oreal, and I was very impressed with its staying power, The color wasn't something I would not ever wear, just wasn't what I wanted for this occasion. I toyed with the idea of running to the mall and exploring the Estee Lauder Doublewear colors, but, I didn't have the time, and from what I could tell from looking at colors online, there really wasn't a shade that matched what I was looking for anyway. So, as a last resort I added ONE drop of Lip Tar in Feathered to the tube of Infallible, and mixed very well with first a toothpick (yes the tube is short enough to where you can hold onto the end of a toothpick and mix) and then I mixed even more thoroughly with the applicator. Mind you this was a new tube, (as the ratio matters) and one drop only of the Lip Tar was added. The results were EXACTLY what I was looking for, and did not affect the staying power nor the no transfer aspect of the lip color! When I found out what a great success it was, I tried adding a drop of Feathered to another shade of Infallible (Cerise) which I'd purchased previously, but, it really didn't brighten it up, so then I added a drop of Lip Tar in "Queen" (one of my favorite shades) and, not only did it fail to brighten it, but, the more lip tar I added, the more the staying power of the Infallible was affected—which, of course makes perfect sense. So, the proportion of lip tar added to a no transfer lip color such as the Infallible is important. On the other hand, if you have a lip color you're not ever using because you don't like the shade of it, then there's not much to lose either.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Trish McEvoy - Lash Curling Mascara
flybaby 6/21/2012 1:03:00 PM
LOVE this mascara! I only discovered it due to Nordstrom's annual "buy two get one free" sale on mascara. I don't think I'll ever buy another type of mascara so long as this is on the market. My biggest pet peeve with mascara is how virtually all of them transfer below the eye as the day wears on. Other issues, such as flaking seem to only happen with certain mascaras, but the progressively increasing raccoon eyes? Never could completely escape them until I tried this, I had tried a tubing mascara when the technology first came out, and I was not impressed. I don't remember the brand name, but it did nothing to thicken my lashes and they looked spidery and very underwhelming. I have long eyelashes, not especially thick, just kind of average. I look for a mascara that gives volume and will hold curl, and if not actually curl, won't weigh my lashes down. The main reason I don't like Diorshow (not a tubing mascara), is because of this. This list is long that I've tried over the years from drugstore to high end department store brands. For reference, I have liked Armani Eyes to Kill. (not so much the Excess version though) I have repurchased this often and was my favorite until finding this gem. No lash curler needed, there is a definite lift with this mascara, maybe not a lot of curl, but they still go upwards and stay that way. No crunchy lashes, no smudges at all —zero—removes easily with just warm water in the shower. I actually use a cleansing oil first, due to other makeup, and massage into skin, add a little bit of warm water to emulsify, etc. But, I've tried just warm shower water to experiment, and after a short while the mascara still will come off with no tugging and no smudges on skin under the eyes at all. The only negative for me, (as others have mentioned) is that the tube gets goopy and needs to be wiped periodically. I am uploading a couple of photos of my lashes with this on, not a wonderful photo, (iPhone camera) but you can see what one coat of this particular mascara will achieve. Same eye, one photo taken in profile with the lid slightly lowered, the other photo shows eyelid opened fully. These photos were taken at the end of the day after this mascara was on for over 8 hours, some of that time outside in 90° heat!
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Loose Powders -Cle de Peau - Loose Powder
flybaby 5/23/2012 9:41:00 PM
My all time favorite loose powder! It is completely translucent. I don't understand some of the comments about it leaving a pinkish cast. I wonder if maybe way too much powder is being applied? When I purchased, I did buy the entire product (powder + container) rather than just purchasing the refill, and it might make a difference that the sifter that comes with it is the mesh screen rather than a rigid lid with holes. This powder never accentuates fine lines and/or dry patches. It gives just the perfect finish! It does not impart color, it allows me to look radiant. I apply with a fluffy synthetic bristle powder brush. The container is absolutely gorgeous too! It is a sumptuous deep blue (looks black) with a high lacquer shine. To compare with other powders I have used in the past, Chantecaille is fluffier and more matte, Becca although also very fine milled is not as fine, and is not as transparent. Chanel is heavier and offers significantly more coverage,it also is much more mattifying than CDP.. I stated that I would repurchase, but cannot imagine when I will have to. I've had this for about a year, and I can't tell anything is even used from the container, it still seems full. I love it so much that I bought a Stratton compact from Vanroe, just so I can carry powder with me for touch ups—and I have a Chanel and Becca pressed powder compact already!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Crème -Revlon - ColorStay Whipped Creme Makeup
flybaby 5/23/2012 8:39:00 PM
UPDATE (February 2013) So, the occasional blemish is apparently hormonal acne, I finally went to a dermatologist) The CS whipped wasn't the culprit. I am sticking with Boots Lifting & Firming Foundation though, really love it!—see my review for it. UPDATE: (September 16) I quickly tired of using a foundation brush, mainly due to the thickness of the foundation, how much of it became embedded into the bristles. It was causing me to run through brush cleaner at record speed. So, I went back to using my fingers,to apply, and found if I worked the foundation into my skin, that it gave EXCELLENT staying power—well over 12 hours. I've never really rubbed a foundation into my skin before, but it did not cause clogged pores by doing so. I also found that using powder, other than to achieve a more matte appearance, had no real purpose, as the foundation really did stay just as well without powder as with. The cons for me are few. I really don't feel like this foundation goes far. I started using in May, and by September was well into my second jar. As it is quite reasonably priced, that's not a big deal, but, it's definitely not a plus either. The biggest drawback with this foundation for me, and why I downgraded from a 5 lippie rating to 4, is that it leaves that smeary cloudy deposit on the face of my iPhone, etc— which is kind of weird. because on one hand, its extremely long wearing,It also will deposit into my blush brush, (pink bristles, hence easily noticeable that foundation was transferring) and its not like I work a lot of blush into my cheeks, Long wearing does not necessarily equal no/low transfer. What caused me to go back to the drawing board once again, though, is that I keep getting random blemishes. I do not know that this foundation is to blame. It has NOT caused any sort of clogged pores whatsoever. But, I can't think of anything else that I've changed in my diet or skin care routine. I will get one bump, red, hard, not particularly painful, actually at first thought I was getting bit by a mosquito on the face, that's what the bump will look like. After a few days it will fade away, but then, another will appear. Not something I want to deal with if it can be avoided, that's for sure! I will make sure to update my review if I find a different cause for these blemishes, or if my skin stays cleared up after stopping using it. EDIT: Okay, its been about a month of daily use for me. I am still enjoying the results, still playing around with how is best to apply. I liked using fingers as it is quick and easy. But, for lasting power, it (for me anyway) needs to be worked into the skin, either by rubbing fingers, (rather than just tapping it on) or. work it in with a foundation brush. At first I tried a flat topped stippling brush (Real Techniques stippling brush) and just didn't like how hard it was to work with. It felt like the foundation bogged the bristles down, and if I used less foundation on the brush, it took too long. I then tried the beauty blender sponge for a few days, probably a week or so. That gave good results, not as much of a "wow" as I have gotten from using it with other foundations though. Plus, cleaning that thing, got old pretty fast. Mainly, I wasn't getting the lasting power from the foundation that I did with the stippling brush. I moved on to the foundation brush, and, a foundation brush with this foundation is much easier to work with than a stippling brush. The results look natural, the finish is just amazing, lasts for at least 12 hours, and no oxidization. I continue to finish with loose powder. (I use Cle De Peau, and will ALWAYS use Cle De Peau.) I have worn it without powder, and it seems to last,as well, but it stays kind of tacky feeling, and I don't like that. As an aside, I keep a wide mouthed glass jar filled with Cinema Secrets brush cleaner on my makeup table, & paper towels under the skirt of the table. This makes it super easy to always have clean makeup brushes. When I'm finished using a brush, all it takes is a quick dip into the jar, and a few wipes on a paper towel... Original review: I used the original Colorstay when Revlon first introduced it, and ended up with clusters of clogged pores on my cheeks. It also tended to look too thick and chalky. Due to this, since then, I've "stayed away" from Colorstay. However, it is now many years later than my first experience with Colorstay, my skin is no longer oily, I have a better routine cleansing, and the formula obviously is different than the liquid original version. If I clog again, I will revise my rating for this review. The lasting power for Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup is extremely good. As far as packaging. for me, the jar is perfect. Even if its only me that appreciates how my makeup table looks, I do enjoy the feel of the heavy glass jar. It is elegant, and it fits right in with some of the more luxurious brands I have sitting out. I am working on a fake tan (as usual) for summertime, but I don't use self tanner on my face because it turns hyper pigmentation spots that have faded, dark again. Hence, I either use bronzer or a darker foundation on my face (or both) Therefore, I can't really say much about the shades offered as far as a match goes, as I'm not really matching to my actual skin tone. I am using 330 "True Beige" Although darker than my skin, it doesn't look like bronzer, its a more neutral color. It looks quite flattering.
10 out of 10 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Biore - UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen
flybaby 3/3/2012 10:46:00 AM
UPDATE: I am so amazed at how great this is! It deserves 10 stars. It is the only sunscreen I've EVER wanted to slather on with abandon. I kid you not. Any other sunscreen I've used (even Sofina) I always used the bare minimum for protection. Not this stuff! Its like using Chanel's Hydramax + Active Serum only lots better. If you have issues with Hyaluronic Acid then, this is not a good product for you, or, if you need physical rather than chemical sunblock, then again, try something else. Everyone else, I just can't imagine not loving this. The scent, although fleeting is awesome, it causes no problems with makeup, photographs great, leaves NO white cast, is hydrating without being oily. I wish there was a lesser SPF version for others who want to be able to get some sun and tanning on their face. I don't, but I think I could even get my guy to use this (which is saying something) if it wasn't such a high SPF. ORIGINAL REVIEW: For me, this has supplanted Sofina - (UV cut milk Extra Block) SPF 50 + PA +++ [DISCONTINUED] as my most absolute favorite sunscreen. I have tried so many sunscreens, and while I may like certain facets of them, what I am really looking for is an invisible sunscreen that works. I'm not looking for glow, I have makeup that can supply that. I have primers that can help keep my makeup on longer, etc. AND, I want a sunscreen to not cause my mascara to transfer under my eyes as the day wears on. I hate that! (La Mer and Jan Marini I'm talking about you) I did want to point out that even though this sunscreen is not categorized as waterproof, the third ingredient—Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate—according to Wikipedia, is insoluble in water:[QUOTE] Octyl methoxycinnamate (INCI) or octinoxate (USAN), trade names Eusolex 2292 and Uvinul MC80, is an organic compound that is an ingredient in some sunscreens and lip balms. It is an ester formed from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. It is a clear liquid that is insoluble in water.[END QUOTE] So, I don't think one would have to worry about it washing off of their face during just normal everyday perspiration and such. Biore states that this can be smeared (don't know if I would have chosen that word, lol) over makeup during the day without leaving a sticky feel, or destroying your makeup. It is not oily, but is hydrating, as it contains Hyaluronic Acid. I purchase this on ebay through ezdealusa with free expedited shipping. Most recent purchase price was $17.99 for 50 ml. / 1.7 fl Ingredients: UV filters; zinc oxide, octinoxate, titanium dioxide Actives; Chamomilla Recutita extract to suppress melanin production and prevent age spots due to sun exposure for fairer, radiant skin. Other ingredients: Water (Aqua), Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Agar, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Xylitol, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Fragrance (Parfum).
16 out of 20 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Color -Garnier - Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme in 535 Medium Golden Mahogany Brown
flybaby 1/22/2012 11:12:00 PM
I was walking down the supermarket aisle and spotted this box. The color on model IS my hair color! I'd become increasingly more washed out and faded looking trying to color it at home myself the last couple of years. Before my "do it yourself" efforts, I'd gone to a Goldwell salon, and always been happy with the results. So, in October of this year, I started having my hair professionally colored again. (Goldwell) I do not know the formula, but the girl on the box of this hair color was my outcome. My natural color is same level (except for the 40% gray lol) slightly less red, but it turns that shade as hair grows out due to sun, and who knows why else. It just does. After a few salon visits, I was discouraged at how much it was costing me to maintain my hair, as it grows fast. I'd been looking for a root touch up, planning on trying to stretch out time between salon appointments. So, when I saw this at the store, I bought a couple of boxes. I'd remembered that Garnier received good reviews on MUA. However.... I did not read the review for this particular shade before using it. I had company coming in, and had very little time before they were to arrive. I measured out and split the color and developer to use as a root touch-up without a strand test first. (brilliant, right?) AFTER it was on, I sat down, went onto MUA and caught the reviews for this shade, and panicked. I'd only applied it to the 1/4—1/2 inch of regrowth. I didn't want dark roots! So, I didn't leave it on for the full time, only about 18 -20 minutes, and it was all good, perfect match. However, the color faded fast. This past week I used the remaining half box, along with the full box, doing all of my hair, expecting it would be darker, and deciding I was okay with that. I covered roots completely, and saturated most of under layers of hair, and then for the top layers I tried to leave some strands untouched (as highlights) ... the result??? My hair was the same color as it always is! It matches the example on the box. I know its typical for home hair dyes to be darker than depicted, I don't know why it doesn't turn out darker for me, but I wanted to write this review, to emphasize that if its important to you to know exactly how its going to take on your hair, then its a good idea to do a strand test. I, of course am happy that it matches my color—unhappy that I colored over salon color (along with the Kerastase salon applied after color treatment) when I didn't need to. You would think I would have figured out I should do a strand test after the first time I used it. I guess I'm a slow learner sometimes. The result is still shiny hair, but I didn't use the conditioner that comes with it, I used Oribe Signature Moisture Mask, and left it on for about 40-45 minutes. Is it as shiny as when I have it done at the salon? No—but I am satisfied. And, to be able to do it every three weeks at home for under $10 when I can't get away with under $100 at the salon, makes this an acceptable compromise. I will update as the months go by. My plan had been to touch up roots, and go back to salon for all over color every two to three months, but now, I think I will try to stretch it out to more like every three to four months.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Chanel - Rouge Allure #207— Famous
flybaby 11/21/2011 12:54:00 PM
This is a limited edition from the Holiday 2011 collection. It is beautiful and unique. Inside Nordstrom, the shade looked warmer than it does in natural light. For me, this is a good thing, as I prefer cooler reds :) It is a bright, not overly dark, cool leaning red. It has some shimmer. It stays on well. Not as well as Dragon, but hardly any lip color stays on that well. Dragon is much darker, sheered out and worn as a stain it is about the same intensity, but much warmer. Lipsticks I have that are similar are in color: (none of the following have shimmer, but 'Famous' does) YSL Rouge Volupte #11, but its slightly bluer, darker TF Pure Pink is the same intensity, but slightly cooler TFCherry Lush, a bit darker, Guerlain RA #121, same intensity, but is warmer.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -Chanel - Ultra Correction Lift, Masque Lift Fermete Express Express Lifting Firming Mask
flybaby 10/18/2011 12:58:00 PM
I'm adding this as a new product, although its been around for a while, I've owned it for several months. I could not find the exact spelling in MUA's data base, so, if this is a duplicate entry, I apologize. I don't know about other people, but, often times when I use a mask, I may like how I feel or look afterwards, but I can't really put my finger on why. I may feel I look brighter or "refreshed" ...Maybe its just the luxurious treat, that pampered feeling from using a mask. Not so with the Chanel Ultra Correction Lift mask. There is no mystery as to why I look better, I have easily defined results. I apply a generous amount on a clean face, and leave it on for at least 10 minutes. Actually, how I start the process is to zap a wet, wrung out wash cloth in the microwave for a few seconds, and then put the steamy (warm, not super hot!) washcloth on my face. I do this every morning instead of washing my face with cleanser, so its not something specific I do for just the mask use, but it may play a part in the results I see. (my bedroom is right off of the kitchen, so the microwave thing is just something I fell into doing instead of waiting for hot water at the tap each morning) Although it might be nice to lay down (thus helping the mask fight gravity) and relax while listening to music, perhaps sipping a mimosa or nibbling bonbons, I'm busy doing other things, and rarely even sit down while its on. After rinsing it off, there is a MARKED reduction in the pore size, especially on my cheeks directly under by eyes next to my nose. When my skin is at its dehydrated worse, there is sagging in this area too, creating tiny lines, and this mask takes care of the sag, fine lines and all. It really does lift, but IMO it lifts from hydrating more than some sort of firming of the skin (but I could be wrong, it could be both actions) The plumping effect lasts for a few days too. I don't know if it would be as effective on pores that are enlarged due to oil production, but, I think mine show more due to dehydration, and from loss of fatty tissue under the skin as my face ages. Yes, I did have oilier skin when I was younger, and pore size may be a leftover memento from that time in my life, but dehydration definitely plays a role in their appearance now. If I use this as a mask at least 3 times a week, my skin consistently has the appearance of tiny/no pores in areas of my face where they are much more visible without its use. Another use I've found for this is to apply a very light layer under makeup, it can help (not as dramatically) when I'm overly tired. Even yet another way I've used it is to pat a tiny TINY amount under my eyes before applying concealer, or after applying concealer if the concealer looks cakey. Its not oily at all, so it does not cause eye makeup to migrate under the eye. My success rate with uncaking concealer is probably 50/50. Sometimes it does the trick, sometimes it just makes a bigger mess. But when it works, it is great because it sets up, and does not cause the concealer to work its way into fine lines as the day wears on. As a treatment mask, I don't find it to be overly expensive, a little goes a long way. It comes in a black tube that holds 75ML/2.5 Fl OZ.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Palettes -Giorgio Armani - Jacquard Woven Face Color Palette
flybaby 10/14/2011 1:05:00 PM
Taken from the Neiman Marcus website: Armani Beauty Jacquard Face Palette Powder Foundation and Blush Two sculpting tones, an illuminator and a translucent red blush. The palette includes four shades that allow for a myriad of make-up options, to suit all complexion types. The secret to an instant glow: blend the three nude shades and apply to the whole face, highlighting the cheek bones with a touch of blush. The blend of these four shades on the face results in a fresh complexion with a slight rosy tint. The powders achieve maximum radiance through Micro-Fil technology. Translucent, as fine as can be, the powders blend together perfectly, melting into the skin with no trace of artificiality. A glowing veil of silk that looks utterly natural. *************************************************************** I just received this in the mail yesterday. I eagerly took my Guerlain meteorites brush (the pink bristle one) and swirled on top neutral colors, then onto my face WHOOAA can we say shiny! I mean really REALLY shiny. Fine milled and translucent it may be, but it takes a light hand! So, this morning I tried it with barely touching my Stila #24 to the compact. Much better result, but still, there is a lot of shine. It did not seem to accentuate pores, but, I can see how it easily could if a person was not super careful. I obviously need more practice to figure out how to use this best. And, I'm hoping there will be other reviews by those who are having success with it. The blush section at bottom of palette is just a tiny sliver, however, the color is very concentrated, looks lovely when applied. Just a trace is all that's needed. Very concentrated color One of the methods suggested by Armani is to swirl all colors together, but I did not think I wanted a pinkish cast to my face. It might work if just applied to cheeks. Overall I did like how it looked on me. I think I was just expecting subtle glow, similar to Guerlain Meteorites, and this is not the effect the Jacquard Palette has. Update October 21 I ended up returning, it was just too shiny (or "luminous" as Armani Beauty describes it) For someone with absolutely perfect skin texture, it would be amazing. For me, it was too noticeable in natural light, and I own other highlighters to use for more dramatic looks. I was hoping it would be on a par with Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight, or Guerlain Meteorites. I really REALLY love that little sliver of blush in the palette, it was almost, but not quite, worth keeping it just for that.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - IPL - Intense Pulsed Light - Photofacial
flybaby 9/12/2011 9:03:00 PM
I just had my second IPL session. The first one was super effective in getting rid of dark freckle type spots. Many I didn't even know I had, came to the surface and flaked off. After the treatment, dark spots I'd had were much more pronounced. There was a very defined demarcation line where my sunglasses have sat on my face for so many years. It was like "now you see them (freckles) and now you don't". Pretty much the exact outline of a sunglasses style I've worn for many years. This really demonstrated to me how important protection from the sun is! What was not helped that much during my first session were some larger light tan type discolorations. When I went back today, we discussed this, and she said it was because it was harder for the light to detect. The nose also did not have that much improvement. So, today, she adjusted the settings accordingly, and concentrated first on the tan spot areas that had not lightened from the first session. It will take a week or so to know if this time worked better. The bridge of my nose has several places that darkened from the treatment ( meaning they will crust and flake off) So, I think the setting adjustments may make a difference this time. After some of the zaps I could even smell a burnt odor. What happened, at least for my first session, was the spots that reacted to the light beam became darker right away,most of them during the IPL session, and then over a period of several days they crusted over and flaked off. Some took almost two weeks to completely go away. The session was not particularly painful. Getting snapped by a rubber band is a very apt description as to how it felt. I did not use any sort of numbing topical preparation, and did not need it. The first time it hurt more. This time, I'd taken ibuprofen (for something unrelated to the procedure) before my appointment, and that might have made the difference as far as how much discomfort I felt. However, I think they may advise against anything that can thin the blood because of increased possibility of bruising, don't know for sure. This second session did not cause as much of the very dark freckling to occur. It will be interesting to see if my larger, light tan spots respond better this time. Anyway, after spending more money than I care to try and total up on various serums that were supposed to lighten skin and even skin tone, I wish I'd put it all toward the IPL treatment instead. Yes, it costs, but yes, it works. I bought the package of 5 sessions. I'm only on treatment #2 and am thrilled with the results. As for how I looked immediately after, I had reddened blotchy areas, but not an all over red like a sunburn. It was limited to areas where I had hyper-pigmentation. Any freckle, even those that had been quite light, was considerably darker. Even though "they" say you can resume all social activities immediately afterward, I think, if it is a very special occasion, a person would do better to have the IPL at least two weeks before, or wait until after the event. The IPL is supposed to help with broken capillaries and redness as well. I don't have a lot of broken capillaries, but, the ones I do have annoy me. When I finish the IPL sessions, if any of them are still visible, the PA suggested I do I v-beam session to clean up any remaining red lines. I will update after I've completed the series of treatments. UPDATE 4 months later: I had purchased a series of 4 IPL treatments. The first one showed the most marked improvement, second was a lot less effective than I expected. Third did almost nothing. I had been concerned about hyperpigmentation/age spots which were yellowy tan, but not overly dark. Largest being on my right cheek, but a few others on my face as well. As IPL did nothing to help, the derm tried freezing the largest during my 3rd IPL instead of using the light. Results were less yellow, more pinky, not faded really at all though. At the time of 3rd IPL we all agreed that it wasn't doing much for me, no improvement seen during the 3rd treatment, so last session was VBeam instead of IPL. Can we just say SWELLING! I was not prepared for that. It took almost a week for enlarges pores from facial swelling to go down. It may have helped with redness, not dramatically. All in all, IPL did more for freckles than anything else, and impressively so. I had already tried some fade/whitening treatments from Shisedo and other brands too.These did virtually nothing to help. So, my next step was peels. I purchased lactic acid 40% from MUAC, and this, after just two weeks of 2x weekly peels started to make quite a diference in the age spots. The edges are MUCH less well defined, and they are lighter. This week I moved on to MUAC fade peel. Only used it once, so no opinion yet. However, I also just started in Luminaze, which has not been reviewed here yet (I don't think) what I've read on this enzyme product is encouraging. I Got it from Nordstrom, starting tonight with it. Will update and also review the Luminaze after I have a feel for its effectiveness. *** For luminescence—not brown spots, just a nice pearly glow—Givenchy Black For Light Mask Light Enhancing Black Mask has practically left me speechless. Have no idea how it can actually work, but it DOES. For a recent special occasion I used QH mint julep mask first, then Chanel UCL Masque Lift Fermete Express Express Lifting Firming Mask, followed up by the Givenchy Black for Light mask OMG—I almost hated to put on foundation. I was THAT luminous! But, that's all OT as far as IPL goes. To sum up, IPL worked very well for freckles, not so much for light tan age spots, not so much for redness. Will write separate review for Luminaze after using it for a while.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Chanel - Perfection Lumiere
flybaby 9/11/2011 10:57:00 PM
photo added. Taken outside with iPhone (sorry, not the best camera for this) No filters or photoshopping... Wearing Perfection Lumeire 30 Beige, over BurnOut Clean and Clear spf 32. No powder. Nars Laguna bronzer, NYX Red (24) blush, Guerlain Meteorites Teint Beige 02, Lipstick is YSL Rouge Volupte in Rose Culte (11) over Chanel pencil (14) which I believe is Carmine... October 21 Update: I have reached the conclusion that the lasting power of this foundation is tied directly to what is used under it. With a generous layer of physical sunscreen used as a primer, the foundation lasts extremely well - actually over 12 hours for me. Used on its own, the results are pretty average as far as staying power. Done "right" over either Biore or Burn Out sunscreen, I've found I can look freshly made up many hours after its applied, but I don't think its this specific foundation to thank for that... I wish ): but I don't think so. I also suspect that those who are seeing oxidization may be due from what is under the makeup, whether it be reaction to a primer, or oil coming through. Some shades may be more prone to oxidize perhaps? It does not oxidize for me. (I have it in beige 30). It doesn't even seem to darken when it drys after application like some no/low transfer type foundations do. (i,e, YSL teinte resist) There are no sparkles, it is a natural matte appearing foundation that is buildable, and does not cake, nor does it go into fine lines, or accentuate pores. There is a wide range of shades to choose from. One pump was more than enough to do my entire face. I can see how this could look thick and mask-like if applied too heavily If I could rate it a 3.50 I would. Am I disappointed? Somewhat. I don't know what I was expecting, other than to find the Soul Mate version of foundation... I like it better than Chanel Lift Lumiere, I do believe it has better staying power.
11 out of 16 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Unlisted Brand - Beauty by Clinica Ivo Pitanguy - PreVious Eye Contour Lifting Gel
flybaby 7/26/2011 10:45:00 AM
I have had amazing results with this product. I have been using it about 6 weeks now. For the record, I have been faithful in wearing sunglasses for virtually all of my adult life, hence, I don't have as much sun damage as I would otherwise, and even before using this, I did not have pronounced crows feet. But, at age 55, I did have some creepiness, more like a fine crosshatch pattern all over under my eyes. This product has worked miracles to reverse this. Creepiness is GONE. Skin is firmer, and plumper. I will buy this as long as it available. No more searching, complete HG status. Also, no problems with eye makeup migrating when wearing it. I use it 2 x daily.
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Fragrances -Tom Ford - Tobacco Vanille
flybaby 6/19/2011 3:26:00 PM
I love this fragrance. I've had it for a while, don't wear it as often as some others, but always enjoy it when I do. On me, its straight tobacco and vanilla, with a boozy edge. It pretty much stays true, no new nuances really unfold as the day wears on. The predominance of tobacco gradually is taken over by the vanilla/tonka notes, but the tobacco does not disappear. Of the four oriental fragrances I own that have tobacco notes, this one is has the truest, most dominant note when I wear it. It is very unlike Kilian Back to Black, not at all like Habanita. The most similar, in how fragrance reacts with my chemistry is Guerlain's Tonka Imperiale, but they are only "cousins" not twins or even siblings. I do layer the two together sometimes.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Blue Cross - Cuticle Remover
flybaby 6/18/2011 9:38:00 PM
I have used this for ages. It does what it says, and better than other brands I've tried. The bottle is HUGE, and will last years and years. The actual product is a very thin consistency, somewhere between as thin as water, and perhaps skim milk. I usually pour a little into the cap, or into a tiny plastic bowl when doing my nails. I use a soft eyeliner type angled brush, dip it into the solution and go over my cuticles with it. Then, I push the cuticles back with an "orange stick" that is actually made of a fine pumice. Works like a charm, done in a flash. Well, tonight, instead of bothering with pouring a bit into the cap, or dish, I was just dipping my brush into the open bottle, and I KNOCKED IT OVER! In the time it took to grab a cloth and start to clean up, it completely removed the finish on the table it spilled on, wherever it touched. I kid you not. Worked better than any stripper I've used in the past. The table was my grandma's. I don't know what type of sealer was used, whether a varnish, or shellac, (the table dates from the early 1900's) but its GONE wherever the liquid touched it. I'm attaching a photo. In the photo, all of the circles and light areas are from the cuticle remover. (I'm still in shock). I don't even know what to think! The product definitely has never been at all harsh to my skin, but wow! It worked as an amazing furniture stripper! So, be careful! Spilling a bottle of nail polish remover would not have had such an instant effect! I guess redoing the table top is in my near future.
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Guerlain - Tonka Imperiale
flybaby 6/18/2011 9:49:00 AM
This smells AMAZING on me! Its been almost a year now since I first tried it, and I'm still every bit as in love as I was from the very first whiff. Its described as a woody oriental, but, to me I don't get a lot of wood. Almond, tonka and tobacco are prominent. I think its best applied with an atomizer. For reference, in the oriental fragrance category: I wore Obsession from the time it first was introduced, until about 3 years ago. Don't know if the formula changed, or my romance was just finally over. I love Tonka Imperiale more than I ever loved Obsession, and that's saying a lot. Ages and ages ago ~ as in the 70's & 80's ~ I wore Chantilly by Houbigant. And, even before that, Tabu by Dana. Both of these I probably should revisit (as if I NEED another fragrance lol) I've also worn the newer version of YSL Opium, but, it pretty much turns into Old Spice on me. It is also too overpowering. The spritzer mechanism on the bottle just blasts too much product out, and there's no way to control it.... I have Habanita, which I enjoy the dry down of, but not so much the opening, Trouble by Boucheron, which I rarely wear. On me, with my body chemistry its just okay at best. Currently, my second most favorite is Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille. I love them both, and often layer one over the other.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No