Shampoo -L'Oreal - EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner
kbugg 1/16/2012 12:38:00 PM
I agree the pump needs to dispense more product than it does, so I end up using about 8-10 pumps instead of what the package directions indicate. I'm really liking this stuff so far, my hair feels softer and thicker, but does not feel or look dirty like some of the cleansing conditioners I've tried (WEN & Sally's HairOne). I gave up on cleansing cond until I saw this at Walgreens and bought it on a whim. My hair was a little hard to brush through the first time b/c I don't think I used enough product but my hair looks better and was easier to style. For reference, I have shoulder length, fine and highlighted hair and my scalp tends to get oil if I don't wash daily. I'll update my review if I notice any changes after I've been using this longer.
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Eyeliner -Too Faced - Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner
kbugg 12/18/2011 10:06:00 PM
HG Status! I seriously have not been so excited by an eyeliner...and I have tried a TON of them (Chanel, Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder, Clinique, MUFE, Nars, Stila, Revlon, Almay and to name a few!) I have been searching for the perfect eyeliner: excellent color payoff that actually STAYS ON and does not smudge. This fits the bill! I stumbled across this at Ulta while looking for a gel eyeliner because I've read they stay on longer than most. I found this instead and it does everything on my wish list. I purchased the color Perfect Brown for my pale blue/green eyes. The Perfect Storm was pretty too but more of a dark grey/blackish and decided it's too cool toned for me, as I like the brown, more neutral tones on my eyes. This seriously makes my eyes pop and is a dark, intense brown. It applies very smoothly and really does stay on all day...I applied this at 11am and it still looks great at 10pm. Price was $18 at Ulta but I don't think that's unreasonable to pay for a high-quality eyeliner that stays put. Plus, if you look at the net weight on the package it's .04 oz which is about twice as much as most of the drug store brands give you (so really the price is about the same since you're getting twice the amount of product), given that, I expect this to last a long time.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Nails -Unlisted Brand - Red Carpet Manicure System
kbugg 11/21/2011 11:24:00 AM
I got the starter kit from Ulta that came with the portable lamp. I immediately realized this lamp is not the best (based on reviews and my own exp), so I upgraded to the professional LED light (no batteries req'd, just plug it in). I will say, READ the instructions very carefully and really do your homework before you start (instructions are on the RCM website). I jumped right in and found out the hard way since these polishes are gel, therefore very thick, so you really have to practice to get the coats THIN, otherwise it leaves a thick coat of polish on your nail and peels off after a week (this was my experience with my 1st mani since I didn't get the coats thin enough). I cannot stress enough to apply the polish in thin coats, I used a sheet of paper to brush some of the polish off the brush before I began each nail. I just did my nails for the 2nd time and had excellent results with the thinner coats and really reading all instructions on the card (BTW, the starter kit did NOT come with the full instruction card as indicated, but the Pro Lamp did, SAVE the instruction card!!!). Also, the colors are VERY sheer, much lighter than what is represented in the bottle, so be aware of this. I intent to purchase some of the Gelish polish colors sold at Sally's or online. I think the color selctions are limited in the RCM rack at Ulta. Overall, I love this! Be prepared to spend some time and money upfront, but if you love gel mani's like I do and want to save the cost and salon time in the long run, this is a great investment! I would recommend ordering the Professional Starter Kit online (my Ulta store only offers the Regular starter kit with the cheap, battery operated lamp). The Pro Lamp Kit is the way to go.
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Mascara -Maybelline - The Falsies Flared Waterproof
kbugg 8/3/2011 1:23:00 PM
This gives me BEAUTIFULLY LONG lashes! Just what I was looking for and it stays on all day. Only need a quick touch up if I'm going out after work. LOVE! No flaking that I have noticed yet :)
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Shampoo -Batiste - Dry Shampoo
kbugg 7/7/2011 11:44:00 AM
I bought this after seeing reviews here on MUA after my dissatisfaction with the Oscar Blandi (powder version). This is by far more volumizing and leaves no residue...no white stuff in my hair unlike the Oscar Blandi. Much less expensive ($7.50) and available at Kroger instead of Sephora. Note, I have not tried the Oscar Blandi spray version b/c of the bad reviews that said the spray clogs too easily after a few uses, but did notice they recently came out with a clear version of Oscar but it's $20 at Sephora. So I cannot compare this to the spray, just the powder version. I like this stuff better for less $$. Win win!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Clinique - Even Better Makeup SPF 15
kbugg 6/24/2011 1:34:00 PM
Just had to share this with the fair-skinned ladies - there's a new range of colors out this summer - the Linen worked best for me, it's lighter than the #3 and much more neutral than #2 which was way too pink for my cool/neutral (NC 20) skin. I saw the new colors on the Clinique website after reading reviews the colors were dark. I did have to try 3 different stores before I found one that had the new shades in stock. I hope this helps.
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Hair Styling Tools -Unlisted Brand - InStyler-Tre Milano brand
kbugg 4/19/2011 9:57:00 PM
I finally bought this after a year of watching the reviews and feedback, decided it seems to work for some but not others, so the only way to know is to try it. I was looking for something that gave better results than just a blow dryer with round brush (leaves my hair frizzy) and better than a flat iron (nice smoothing, but no body). I have fine, thin wavy hair and lots of it. I usually blow dry my hair and then use this, it's a little tricky at first but after watching the video and trying it on my own, it wasn't hard at all. I would describe this as 3 products in one: it gives the best results from a flat iron, curling iron and blow dryer and round-brush rolled into one. Let me explain: this smoothed my hair while adding volume at the roots (by overdirecting = the technique shown on the DVD). You can also get the bend of a curling iron for ends or make defined curls by following the technique shown on the DVD. It really does seem to do what it says. It's also a perfect refresher for day 2 hair styler or as a refresher before going out at night. I like this product and find it only takes 5 minutes once you practice with it a few times. I rough-dry my hair with the blow dryer and then smooth it out with this. Overall a great product!
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Foundations -Unlisted Brand - Lucy Minerals Foundation
kbugg 3/12/2011 4:45:00 PM
I may have found my HG! And believe me, I have tried almost every brand of foundation (high-end to low, both liquid and mineral) since the age of 16). This stuff is wonderful, I ordered samples and then found my shades: Cream and Bisque (for reference I'm NC20). The cream is more yellow and I use it to cover up redness and around the nose and eyes, the bisque is my all-over color and is a neutral, not too pink or yellow. This foundation does give me a glow but not sparkly like BE. I bought one in the original formula and one in the silica, oil control since I use them together. I really think the flat-top brush they sell made a huge difference in application for me. Was using old BE brushes that had been washed many times. For those of you that do not like this makeup, make sure you prep your skin (moisturizer, primer) and let soak in. This makeup will not look good if your skin is dry or peeling (as with any makeup). If you have given up on Mineral foundation, give this a try, the samples are great and the formula is everything I wanted BE to be. The samples are very cheap ($1.50) and you receive the product very quickly in the mail (I got free shipping). They also have weekly specials...the eyeshadow and blush are nice too.
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Lipstick -Maybelline - 24 Hour super stay
kbugg 2/13/2011 12:02:00 AM
LOVING THIS! I have used the Superstay gloss but was getting tired of the same old colors. Saw this advertised and then had a coupon, so couldn't resist the B1G1 50% off at Walgreens. So far I've tried the Perpetual Plum and it's a lovely pinkish mauve on my fair skin (i have naturally pale pinky/mauve lips), a beautiful, sophisticated pink that I have been seeking. This lastest thru a southern-style meal which included plenty of butter, salad dressing, some fried food and dessert! Color still looked great and I just swiped some gloss on after dinner. Love this stuff...lips felt great even hours later, no crumbling or peeling mess, it wears off naturally like traditional lipstick, YAY! Cannot wait to try some more colors :)
9 out of 10 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Bare Escentuals - Glimmer- Queen Tiffany
kbugg 2/10/2011 11:18:00 AM
Love this...pairs perfectly with BE "Soul" for a dramatic look or with "Vanilla Sugar" for a softer/daytime look. Con: Do wish this had the sifter thou, I know some of the newer eye colors have that included so there is less spill. Pro: Color is great for my light skin, blue/green eyes!
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Shampoo -Matrix - So Silver
kbugg 1/26/2011 9:24:00 PM
This is the best bang for your buck if you're looking for an effective purple shampoo. This shampoo works just as well as the more expensive brands (L'Oreal/Artic Professional). This bottle has about 5 more ounces than most of the other brands that only give you a small amount in each bottle (8 oz or less) so you end up spending more in the long run. And this stuff really works! Only use 1-2 times a week. I love to use this right after I get professional highlights to tone down the bright blonde that always occurs in those first few days. Then I just use it weekly for maintenance. Love, love, love it. I will buy Matrix over the other brands I've tried in the past.
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Treatments -DDF - REVOLVE 400X Micro-Polishing System
kbugg 1/12/2011 10:31:00 PM
I love this scrub and brush combo. It really makes my skin glow, using it 2-3 times a week for best results right now. The micro crystal scrub and rotating sponge combo really makes my skin feel so soft and smooth for 1-2 days. Perfect for flaky skin as a result of Retin-A, etc. I do wish it came with a travel bag b/c I cannot be without this!
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Conditioner -Matrix - Sleek.look conditioner
kbugg 12/1/2010 9:49:00 AM
This stuff is great, I got it B2B1 free at Ulta this week after looking for a replacement for my Redken All Soft that seemed to be weighing down my hair. Thanks to the reviewer who recommended this over Redken AllSoft. I love this, it makes my hair smooth without weighing it down, which is huge for me b/c I have fine hair, but lots of it. My scalp is not really oily until day 2 without washing. This shampoo/conditioner combo made my hair easier to style and it left it looking healthy and shiny. I am very happy with this product!
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Liquid -Lancome - Teint Miracle
kbugg 12/1/2010 9:44:00 AM
While I like the finish and pretty look this foundation gives me, it just makes my skin too shiny. I have an oily t-zone but the rest of my face is dry (so combo skin). I become shiny within an hour of putting this on and it just gets worse as the day goes on. I was hoping it would work since fall is here and the air has become much dryer, but it just doesn’t sit well with my skin. I would say this makeup is for women with dry skin only, not combo. EDIT: I am able to wear this now that the weather is cold and dry. I'm also using a lighter moisturizer underneath and sometimes no moisturizer...still not sure how this will hold up in the summer, but for now, I'm keeping it.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Lemon Juice
kbugg 11/24/2010 9:49:00 AM
Wow, thank you once again to my MUA friends! I never would have thought to use lemon on my face, so glad I stumbled upon these reviews! I use a real lemon, just the juice on my face for the best results as a toner, I sometimes use the store-bought lemon juice as a backup, but I find the real lemon the most concentrated and best results (but more stinging). I did have some purging, but SO HAPPY to have my blackheads dissapearing finally. I thought I was just stuck with blackheads, even weekly treatments of the pore-strips don't work as well as the lemon juice over time. It is a slow process, but I hope in a month or 2 most blackheadsd will be gone. I use this on my off-nights from Retin-A and I think this combo is fabulous for my 30-something skin.
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