Eye Shadow -New York Color - Sparkle Eye Dust in Lilac Sensation
jmp24 11/12/2012 7:40:00 PM
NYC has to win the award for Worst Packaging Ever when it comes to these Sparkle Eye Dust shadows. But what the heck - it was a new color, and RiteAid had 40% off on NYC, and I am always on the search for that perfect purple shade....so I figured I'd try it. First off, the other two Eye Dust shadows I own are VERY sparkly. This one is not. Slight shimmer, but that's about it. Application and staying power are fine with primer. Messy, but that's a given with loose shadows. I really like the color - it's not really a smokey purple, but it's not too vibrant either. Not dark, but not light. Somewhere in between. I have brownish eyes that can look hazel greenish at times, so these shades work well for me. As of yet, I have only worn it at night - and it makes a really nice smokey eye look. I put it over a nude shimmer base color, up to the crease, and all along the lower lashes, and blended really well. I think it could be worn for day too, though with a lighter hand for us "older" chicks. I break the rules all the time about what should be left to the younger girls, but I do stay away from overly bright colors, especially in the daytime..though I am not ready to throw in the towel and fade into matte neutral oblivion yet! So if you see this, and you like the purple shades, pick it up. It's not expensive, quality is decent with primer, and it really is a pretty, not too in-your-face color. I am not sure about buying it again, considering all the choices out there, the lousy packaging, and the fact that these Sparkle Dust shadows contain a TON of product. I depotted one of them once, and I could not believe how much was in it, and this was after I had been using it already for half a year.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Prestige - skin loving minerals dramatic minerals MEC-05 Amber
jmp24 11/8/2012 4:49:00 PM
Nice shadow, a light to mid-tone not too shimmery silvery taupe. The low shimmer makes it ok for daytime or office. I don't find it as spectacular as some of the other reviewers, but it's not bad either. But, considering the amazing amount of selections out there, I doubt there is anything great enough about it to make me buy it again. The packaging is decent, a neat little silver pan with a lift up plastic lid, easy to open - no nails breaking here! It is also pretty affordable, less than $4 for a single - but not easy to find - I never Prestige's Skin Loving Minerals line in drugstores, just the occasional beauty supply.
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Blush -E.L.F. - Studio Blush in Twinkle Pink
jmp24 11/8/2012 8:42:00 AM
Oh rats. Wish I had been more specific about colors when reading reviews. This blush is so highly rated, but it figures I would pick the one with all the gold disco glitter in it. "Shimmery, dewy glow" someone says? More like I got sucker punched in the nose by an 8 foot TinkerBell. On the rack at Target, only 3 colors were even available, the rest sold out. I wasn't sure what color to choose, but this one looked the prettiest for my coloring, and since even Paula at Beautypedia had something nice to say about these blushes, I figured I couldn't go wrong. Twinkle Pink, thru the window on the box, doesn't look sparkly at all....but be careful when you get it home and open it up, you could be flash blinded by all the gold. I'm afraid it's just too glittery for a daytime look....hmmm....guess I could save it for my non-existent night life.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Burt's Bees - Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
jmp24 11/4/2012 8:28:00 PM
This is a nice cuticle cream, but I wish it still came in a jar. Other than the packaging, it's moisturizing, and I like the lemon scent...makes it enjoyable to use. Still, I would not say it is the best ever. Simple shea butter does the same thing, and some brands even have the same exact waxy texture - stays where you put it and melts into your skin. So I probably won't repurchase, because I can get 5 times the amount of shea butter for the same price. And it won't be in a ridiculous tin that is often a pain in the butt to open.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -Neutrogena - Healthy Skin Glow Sheers SPF 30
jmp24 11/4/2012 7:30:00 PM
This is one of the thickest, heaviest tinted moisturizers I have ever used...it's more like a creamy liquid foundation, I think. Other than that, I have no complaints. Coverage is decent, and while I don't find it particularly moisturizing, it isn't drying either. I have the light to fair shade, which matches and blends nicely into my skin. It does not cover most imperfections. Mostly I use it around my eye area, just to even out my skin tone and for the SPF effects. If I need to, I use Dermablend concealer and then top it all off with mineral foundation. As the day goes on, I don't notice any caking or creasing. Not sure if I'd buy it again, considering there are so many other options out there - and I am always on the search for that one perfect product that will turn me into a beauty queen! I like that this comes in a tube, always a plus, as far as keeping products sanitary goes. What I would like to know is what the deal is with BB creams? Is this a fancy new name for the tinted moisturizers that have been around for years? Doesn't seem that the ingredients are all that different.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Nuxe - Reve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm with Honey and Precious Oils
jmp24 11/4/2012 5:56:00 PM
This product is proof that I am still a sucker for a really good review. I still have no clue what I was thinking when I shelled out the cash for this, because it is ridiculously overpriced. The little glass jar is neat, and it has a stuffy sounding French name, and it's not that common here in the US, so one can feel really rich and European pulling it out of their bag. Personally, I like applying lip products with my fingertip, so there's that...and it's also a very dense formula that stays on your lips really well...but that is probably because it is full of super grade bees wax or something. I really don't find it all that luxurious or comfortable to use. It's...grainy. Kind of rough. And sticky. Sort of suffocates your lips. And it does not moisturize any better than other less expensive lip balms I've used. The scent is just okay, nothing special. I won't be buying again when this runs out, as I am sure I can find many other better and ridiculously overpriced things to blow my money on next time.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Bare Escentuals - Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush
jmp24 11/4/2012 3:39:00 PM
I have two of these, and use them both for eyeshadow application. They are great for that, with the narrower tip you can get into the inner corner. BE brushes are of decent quality, but I think somewhat overpriced. The 4 or 5 I have mostly came in kits, I have only purchased one.
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Eye Shadow -Wet 'n' Wild - 8-pan Palette "Comfort Zone"
jmp24 11/4/2012 11:32:00 AM
This review is for Wet N Wild shadows in general - yes, they are wonderful, most of them are, anyway. They have a gorgeous texture and with primer, last beautifully all day. The price is amazing as well. The Comfort Zone palette is gorgeous, has a nice range of neutral shades, many that are suspiciously like colors in UD and other high end brands. Love the green-brown shade on the bottom right, I know Urban Decay sells a version of it - but I like the WnW one better, it's less red. The dark colors in this palette are very deep and pigmented - a little dusty, but they can be worked with. And the very light colors, which I don't use that much, are great highlight colors - and can even be used on the face. My only complaint is with the mid tone colors, especially the neutrals and mostly the ones stamped "eyelid", and a few of the lighter crease colors. In the palettes, these shades are beautiful, and of an obvious color - but when swatched or put on the lids, they have so much shimmer and frost, that you sort of lose the color, and they pretty much look the same, the actual color is not as evident, and what you have is either a warm or cool toned taupey washed out version of what it looks like in the pan. They look so similar that I can often not even tell the difference between some of them once they are on. If you are a lover of shimmery mid toned shadows and don't care as much about obvious color, then this probably won't be a problem. If you like shimmery taupe shades, you'll be in heaven.... Not sure if this makes sense or if anyone else has noticed it. I still think these eyeshadows are a great buy, and kick the butt of many high end brands. I can't really speak for the brighter colors, because I don't buy them. I would still rebuy many of these palettes if I ran out - I just wish the mid range colors had more color and a little less shimmer.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Wet 'n' Wild - Color Icon Trio - Walking on Eggshells
jmp24 11/1/2012 2:51:00 PM
I think this is my favorite of the neutral Color Icon palettes, even though I have no use for the browbone highlight color. As everyone below me has said, the quality and texture of these shadows is awesome...and the colors are great too! Usually I use the soft pinkish lid color all over my lids, then use a smudge brush to line my eyes with the warm, bronzy crease color. On heavier makeup days I'll also use the brown for the outer V and crease area. For an easy, warm, smokier look, the crease color can be used alone, all over the lid and smudged along the lower lashes. Also, these colors layer nicely - the eyelid color all over the lid, then directly on top of that I put the crease color, the layering of these two shades gives a soft, warm, shimmery light brown color that is really, really pretty, and not too dark for daytime. And then sometimes, when I can't be bothered, I just brush some of lid color all over my eyelids and put on a little mascara, brightens the eye area up nicely. You really can't go wrong with these colors, they would probably work for any skin tone, are so versatile, are of such great quality, and are really a great buy!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Ponds - Deep Cleanser Cold Cream
jmp24 10/28/2012 7:54:00 PM
My label says "Cold Cream Cleanser" and then, of course, you have the Deep Cream Cleanser and the Cold Cream Moistuizer....judging by the ingredients, they are all pretty much the same. I've been using this since I was a teen to remove makeup, but never as an actual cleanser, it leaves too much oily film behind. It's really nice to use, has a soft pleasing scent, and feels good to massage into your skin, being such a light, luxurious cream. I use it to remove my eye makeup, then apply to my entire face, wipe with a soft tissue or warm wet washcloth, then wash with cleanser or natural bar soap. The thin layer of oil provides a little cushion, keeps the soap from stripping my skin....but for me, it's important to get it all off. Mineral oil and my skin are just not friends, so I try not to leave any residue behind. I love the container, so old fashioned - remember when it was white milkglass??? Still, for sanitation's sake, it would be better if it were in a tube or pump bottle. Other than that, it does the job, removes even the most stubborn eye makeup, and feels good to use. About $3 to $6, depending on where you get it. I wish it still came in the glass jar, though!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Jane - Blushing Earth Sheer
jmp24 10/28/2012 12:42:00 PM
This a perfect blush for days when you just want a touch of color. It's a very sheer, warm, peachy coral, and has some shimmer, but only a teeny bit, so it's fine for daytime. Staying power is pretty good too, which surprised me with the very low price. Packaging is ok, just a lidded pan with a clear plastic lid, no brush. I think this would be a good blush for very young girls just getting started with face makeup- because of it's sheerness, it's almost foolproof to apply. It would also be good for older skin, where you want to keep the bright colors and the shimmer toned down a little. I'd definitely buy it again, though it seems to be getting hard to find...
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Shampoo -L'Oreal - EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner
jmp24 10/27/2012 8:30:00 PM
I was so excited to try a cleansing conditioner, but just didn't want to blow so much cash on Wen, and especially not after reading all the negative reviews. So when I saw this at the store, I was thrilled to see the same type of product at an affordable price. However, I don't think it's for me. My hair is on the fine side, with low volume - I keep it short now because I just got tired of trying to keep it looking thick and full all the time. My hair isn't oily at all, so I typically only wash a few times a week, conditioning in between washes....so I thought that this'd be prefect! Turned out to not be so. I have used it twice so far, and I have no complaints about how to use it, the scent, how it rinses, or even the pump - but it left my hair flat, over conditioned, and with no body whatsoever. Very blah. I am going to give it one more try, and if I don't get good results, that will be strike 3, and it's getting passed off to my niece. ETA: I think this works better and does not leave my hair flat and overconditioned if I don't leave it on for up to 2 minutes, as the directions say. Instead, I put it on, massage it through, then rinse immediately and very well. The overconditioning comes from the amount of time it stays on the hair.
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Cleansers -Olay - Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Revitalizing Foaming Cleanser
jmp24 10/27/2012 8:19:00 PM
This is a decent cleanser, but I don't necessarily feel revitalized or any of the other 7 effects promised after using it. Like many products, it over sells itself. As for how it works, it gets my skin clean, though I have to wash the area around my eyes twice, because it doesn't remove non-waterproof eyemakeup on the first pass. It has a typical gel-soap consistency, not too foamy, and rinses fairly easily. It's not too stripping, but I do feel a slight tightness after rinsing - though it's nothing that can't be solved with a few drops of almond oil. Because it is slightly drying, I only use it at night when washing off the day's make-up....it's strength is not necessary in the AM. If you wear a lot of makeup, or waterproof makeup, you may want to use makeup remover before using. Personally, I'd rather use a cleanser that takes it all off, I don't want any extra steps with extra products at night. The price is up there for a drugstore cleanser - between $8 and $10 depending on where you buy - and I think that is a little high for what it does. What it claims to do is a whole lot of BS - it's just a decent cleanser, nothing more, nothing less. There are many others on the market that do the same thing for much cheaper. I'll use this one up, but doubt I'll repurchase.
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Deodorants -Unlisted Brand - Certain Dri
jmp24 10/26/2012 10:59:00 AM
oh yeah!!!! This stuff really works. If you find regular deodorants/antiperspirants are not doing it for you, try this. Not much more expensive, and after a few weeks, you don't even need to use it every day, so cost wise, it's about the same. (cheapest at Walmart ) My body overheats when the temps go above 75 - it was a nightmare when I used to have to get dressed up for my work, and within 20 minutes of putting on a silk blouse, my underarms would already be wet. It was uncomfortable and embarrassing. I tried every different type of deodorant, including mens, that was sold....then I read about Certain-Dri in a magazine. You put it on at night after washing/showering - but make sure you are dry first. Never EVER put it on after shaving, if you do, you will be sorry. If I shave in the morning, I can use it at night with no problems. After applying, hold your arms up a few secs to let it get mostly dry. After a few weeks, you can go to using every other night...and now, after using it for a few years, I only put it on maybe 3 times a week. I just wish they would make a similar product for my head. I am one of those head-sweaters. As soon as I get too hot, the rest of my body might be fine, but my head starts sweating. It really sucks. I should try shampooing with this stuff...???? Unlike some other reviewers, I've never had any trouble with the packaging. Also, they have a solid type - but I prefer the liquid.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Bare Escentuals - Wine Country Glimpses-Blendable Eye Collection
jmp24 10/25/2012 10:38:00 AM
This is the first BE kit I have ever purchased, typically I buy shadow singles. At first I didn't like it, the reddish shade (Pinot Noir) and the lighter one (Chardonnay) just didn't look excite me at first. Merlot, like most of the purples, looks great with my brown eyes, and works both as a lid color and a liner. I was going to give away Pinot Noir because I found it to be way too red - but I'm going to hold on to it for now, I may try it as a blush, liner, or mixed with other colors. That is one of the great things about loose shadows, they are so versatile! As for Chardonnay, it looks nice on the lids if you apply it very sheerly, but it's too glittery for day. I have been using it - sparingly - as a highlighter. I also think it would be a good color to mix with other shadows or blushes. Alone, it's a little too gold for my coloring - but I can see where a lot of people could use this. And, as always, you need a primer with these shadows. I think that the Merlot is the most beautiful color of the three, just a gorgeous plummy purple. I put some neutral taupe or sandy beige color on my lids, then use Merlot as a liner along the upper and lower lashes. Adds a little pop of color that isn't too "in your face" like some shades in the purple family. Reminds me of a cooler, deeper, version of BE Devotion. I haven't tried using it wet yet, gotta remember to do that! All in all, this is a nice kit. BE shadows last a long time, though, the darker colors and those I use as liners last even longer. And they are always coming out with newer ones...the only BE shadow I have ever repurchased was Bare Skin...so I probably won't repurchase this one.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No