Treatments -It's a 10 - Miracle Hair Mask
makeupjunkie35 12/13/2012 8:53:00 PM
The texture of this hair mask is creamy and smooth, and, the scent is nice in my opinion (it smells very light, yet dissipates as my hair dries). I bought this hair mask as I needed something more potent than my regular conditioner to revive my hair after stripping out a bad hair color, then further bleaching. It reminds me of those conditioners that are included with the L'Oreal Dream Blonde and L'Oreal Superior Preference; those conditioners are definitely a step up from most regular drug store conditioners. Well, I leave it in for at least 20 minutes a pop before rinsing out, and have used this as much as four times a week over the past month (many times just co-washing with this). All I can say is my stripped and then bleached hair is in good condition. It does not feel or look fried at all. I do apply Joico K-Pak Color Restorative Styling Oil afterwards on towel dried hair before styling, so I would say the two of these products have made a difference in saving my hair and making it look great. Yes, it's expensive, but it came through for me in saving years of growth. Just my two cents...
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -Maybelline - Dream Matte Pressed Powder
makeupjunkie35 12/2/2012 6:03:00 PM
What I love best about this powder is that it does not cake up. If you have ever spent some time meticulously applying your makeup, only to have your whole look ruined by a powder, you know exactly what I mean. Once I hit my late 30's I stopped applying powder all over. Whether we like to admit it or not, our skin changes with age -so, we have to tweak our routine to fake youthful gorgeous skin. I apply this powder with a stippling brush, like the fabulous one from Ecotools or the MAC 187, to certain areas only when needed...pretty much after 8 hours into my work day (here in hot humid FL). This powder give a soft effect that refreshes my look, and feels very light. I have no complaints with the packaging; though I never use the puff that's included, I love the mirror that is built in. The price is nice for the amount of product and how long it lasts. I definitely recommend giving this powder a try. For shade reference, I use Maybelline Dream Matte Pressed Powder in Light 4-5, and have used it with Estee Lauder Double Wear liquid foundation in Bone 17 1W1. I have also used it with Revlon liquid foundation comb/oily in Buff, MAC Studio Fix liquid in NC 15, Make Up For Ever liquid in #117 Marble, and Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation 9. Looked beautiful with all of these!
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Joico - K-Pak Color Restorative Styling Oil
makeupjunkie35 11/29/2012 11:50:00 PM
Looking for an oil that absorbs quickly in your tresses? Joico K-Pak does just that. I have previously coated my bleached wavy frizz-prone hair with extra virgin olive oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil, castor oil (this one as a hot oil treatment, or mixed with my shampoo), and a few others like Moroccanoil Treatment which contains Argan Oil. But, Joico seems to be a perfect blend of certain oils, and is very effective as a leave-in treatment, pre-styling, and after-styling aid. Not only does it contain Argan Oil, it also has Mongongo Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, and Kukui Seed Oil -a beautiful blend that my hair drinks up. Would I buy this oil again? You better believe it. It has revived my hair from a bad hair color job, stripping out the hideous color, further bleaching, and blowouts. For the small amount that I use everyday, I don't mind the price. And I actually love the faint scent it has (which I see some others here hate). Oh, one more note, if you don't like silicones, than don't try this product cause it does contain it. I don't mind so much, being it makes the hair easier to brush without breakage.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Estee Lauder - Double Wear Stay-in-Place Concealer
makeupjunkie35 11/17/2012 12:44:00 AM
1. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion -all over 2. Bare Escentuals bareVitamins Prime Time Foundation Primer, Original -a half pump all over (apply what's left to the nose last). 3. MAC Strobe Cream -a half pea size amount dotted & blended on the chin, cheeks, forehead, and, what's left goes on the nose. 4. Estee Lauder DW Concealer 01 Light, one too two dots blended under eyes. (Would be a good match for NC15ish skin-tone btw.) 5. Estee Lauder DW liquid foundation Bone 17 1W1 -section by section (chin, cheeks, forehead, then nose). At this point, I apply it around the eyes -yes, even layered very lightly under the eyes, on top of the concealer. This will not undue the concealer, but make it better. (For extra shade reference, if you are somewhere between NC15/NW15, I think that Ecru 16 1N1 liq fndt might work for you. But if you are more NC15 with more yellow undertones, Bone 17 1W1 would be a much better match.) 6. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder -applied very lightly to set under the eyes only. (Or Maybelline Dream Matte Pressed Powder in Light 4-5 patted on lightly) 7. Pat any fndt crease line on the lid and proceed with e/s ect. This makes for a beautiful canvas for a 39 y/o! I shared part of my m/u routine with a list of products that work well together, as I have never tried a single product that did it all for me as I have redness, uneven skin, sun spots from tanning during my 20's, and red/purple under eyes. And, I have found from experimenting with lots of makeup, that this combo works for me to erase 10-15 years, and lasts all day. As for the concealer itself, I would say that it gives medium coverage that is buildable. It lasts a full day the way I use it, and is definitely the best that I have tried to date. (I neglected and then eventually trashed all of my other concealers after using this one.) I will repurchase again and again!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Primer -Smashbox - Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer
makeupjunkie35 8/25/2012 12:35:00 AM
The product claims include, "Introducing the first primer dedicated to the delicate skin under eyes! We've taken our signature silky primer texture and infused it with 10 breakthrough benefits to address everyday eye woes. Plus, it keeps concealer looking fresh- never cakey or settled into fine lines- so eyes will always look well-rested. Infused with anti-aging, good-for-your-eyes ingredients such as caffeine, peptides and optical diffusers. Unlike moisturizer, signature silky primer texture prevents concealer from slipping off and settling into fine lines...." My experience with this primer is smooth, soft looking under eyes. My routine: I moisturize with Clinique DDML all over, then apply this primer under my eyes before using Estee Lauder DW liquid foundation used as concealer. Then, I pat a barely-there layer of Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder to set (under eyes only). The result: Takes 10 years off my eyes, compared to the results of my other primers -that are combined with this same routine in products. I recommend trying this primer, especially if you are like me with the aging skin and fine lines appearing. Yes, it is $29 a tube. But considering the tiny dot of product you will use each day/per eye, the tube will last a very long time.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Davidoff - Cool Water for Women
makeupjunkie35 6/5/2012 8:26:00 PM
"That smells so good on you, that's dangerous!"...What my sweets says when I wear this light beachy perfume. I have the EDT version. Not heavy at all, but lasts a good 7 hours on me. I agree with another reviewer who mentioned that this scent does not seem to evolve. For me, that is a huge plus. Office appropriate. Very affordable. I wear this for most any occasion being I love it. Besides, I hear so many guys comment on how they hate when women seem to bathe themselves in heavy "old ladies" perfume for evenings out. May not be for everyone, but with the right chemistry it's beautiful and feminine.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Bare Escentuals - Prime Time
makeupjunkie35 2/13/2012 8:46:00 PM
I adore this primer for my liquid foundation! Makes an awesome base (applied over moisturizer). My heavy foundation glides on beautifully and evenly, and looks natural. And, I see a difference in my make-up lasting all day and then some, NO FUSS. I don't know how I have ever lived without it!!! I love the price and the packaging. Will keep repurchasing. UPDATE: I still adore this primer. But, now I highly recommend using MAC Strobe Cream over it during the winter, before applying foundation. Makes my skin look even more dreamy, while lasting all day, and really combats dry winter skin!.During hot humid days, I recommend using BE Skin Rev-er Upper instead of the Strobe.
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Eye Shadow -MAC - Charcoal Brown
makeupjunkie35 1/5/2012 3:06:00 PM
For all of you who are pale with neutral/yellow undertones (NC15-20), and hate brown shadows that pull purple, red, or orange, this one is for you! I adore Charcoal Brown and Brun for a perfect smokey eye where it doesn't look muddy, and I do not look tired or bruised. I like to use my EL DW fndt as a base. Then I layer Charcoal Brown over MAC Shroom or Nylon. Blends beautifully!! It's also awesome to line the eyes or pair with Black Tied to line for a hot look. LOVE. Will repurchase over and over!
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Eye Shadow -Maybelline - Expertwear Eye Shadow Quad in Mocha Motion
makeupjunkie35 10/9/2011 10:55:00 PM
First off, let me say that I have a ton of these quads. But, since I have tried other brands like MAC, I have become accustomed to highly pigmented eyeshadow that is a dream to apply and blend. MAC takes mere seconds for application, while Maybelline quads take much more time to pack on, and re-pack/blend to reach the desired color intensity... and still they are not as vibrant as I prefer. With that said, I do like the crease shade in this quad. I have no idea how to describe it, except to say that it is a pale beige/greyish color. I have fair skin with neutral/yellow undertones -NC15-20ish for reference, and wear Estee Lauder DW fndt in Bone 17 1W1 which is in-between NC15/NC20, but with a lot of yellow. My favorite way to wear this crease shade is on the lid layered over MAC Shroom, or, Shroom on the lid with it in the crease. (As you probably know, Shroom does not have the uumph equaled to, nor is as frosty/shimmery as say Phloof or Dazzlelight, but, it is perfect for daytime at the office, in pairing/layering colors over it). I also like this crease shade for the lower lash line to add subtle definition that compliments my super fair complexion and hazel/green eyes. I admit, that I don't reach for it everyday, but when I do, it works for me. However, due to the fact that MAC has so many awesome neutrals, I will not repurchase if/when I finish the pan.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Kinky Curly - Curling Custard
makeupjunkie35 10/8/2011 10:26:00 PM
If you have 3a hair type, then you will probably LOVE this product layered over Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Detangler/Conditioner. 3a individual hair strands are thin, therefore more susceptible to breakage. It tends to be poufy and frizzy, and has s-pattern waves/curls. My hair is no exception. And not only that, I have colored my hair over the past 20 years, so it is over-processed. Most products that promise luscious beachy wavy curls make my hair look and feel like straw. Either that or sticky, and with other products greasy. This product is light while giving hold that lasts all day. Absolutely no greasy sticky feel with KCCC! If you use too much, it feels a bit crunchy, but it scrunches right out to be soft. I find that only a dime size amount (or less) is perfect for my long hair. Use it over Knot Today (also only a dime size amount or less) for soft, moisturized, defined curls that smell scrumptious! BTW, the scent does fade a bit. I wish that it didn't as both my husband and I love the scent. But for all of you that are sensitive to such things, it's not strong and becomes ever so faint. HTH!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair -Kinky Curly - Knot Today leave-in conditioner
makeupjunkie35 10/8/2011 9:30:00 PM
Deliciously fab! Besides smelling so good, it really is effective in eliminating frizz and adding moisture that does not weigh down my 3a hair type. It gives awesome slip which is exactly what I was looking for in retaining my long tresses. A dime size or less is all I need, and I am left with soft healthy looking waves/curls. For more definition and hold, I use this under Kinky Curly Curling Custard (also a dime size amount) for beachy curly hair that lasts all day here in humid FL. I have even used Knot Today by itself for a blowout. After letting my hair air dry (90%), I blow dry straight with my Raincry Professional Boar-Bristle Jumbo Spiral brush. It straightened fabulously and added shine unlike other products I have used for a blowout. I cannot be without this product!!
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Styling Tools -Unlisted Brand - RAINCRY -Natural Boar Bristle Brush
makeupjunkie35 10/4/2011 11:29:00 PM
This review is for the RAINCRY Professional Jumbo Spiral Boar Bristle Round Brush 65mm from the Nature Series. Yes, this brush was pricey at $59.95, but it was well worth it IMO. For reference I have 3a hair type that is poufy/frizzy & wavy/curly. The individual strands are thin (therefore more susceptible to breakage), but I have a ton of hair, so it looks/feels thick with lots of body. Since I am growing my hair out, I really wanted a brush that would minimize breakage. Have you ever had a brush that was assembled in such a way, that where the parts are connected, it tends to snag hair? This baby is all one piece so no snagging. Another thing I was looking for was a natural boar bristle brush that would actually catch and go through my hair. Years ago, I spent good money on one at a salon, but it would not grab my hair. I would literally have to take a section and forcefully push my hair into the bristles of the brush, then proceed to blowdry ...and the brush was so heavy! Not with this gem. It is super light and catches the hair effortlessly. Another huge plus is that it helps to transfer the hairs natural oils to the ends. Oh, and for all of you, myself included, who have experienced boar bristle shedding, this brush is well-made! It is made from the ROOT portion of the bristle, “the strongest, best quality portion of the bristle". Hair Routine: After I wash/condition/rinse my hair, I apply a dime size amount of Kinky Curly Leave-In Conditioner/Detangler –focusing on the ends and then working it halfway up the length of my below-the-bra-strap length hair. Then, I run a wide-tooth pick gently through my hair followed by a tee shirt to squeeze out the excess water. After that, I add a pea-size amount of Bumble & Bumble Brilliantine Heat Protectant (focusing on the ends and avoiding the roots). Next Step: Air drying, naturally if possible, till about 90% dry (while I am doing my makeup or having breakfast). If I am in a rush, I will just blast it with the blow dryer a few minutes while running a wide-tooth pick through it undoing any possible tangles till it is dry enough (90% to avoid breakage), then proceed with the brush. Be Warned: This brush really grabs! So much so, that I am left with a professional looking blow out. Supposedly it won't tangle hair -I have not had a problem in that regards with the way I use it. But, I have so much hair, that by habit I am overly careful in doing each section. I have no idea how it would perform with wet hair. I wouldn’t recommend it. Well, that is my two cents! 5 Stars.
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Moisturizers -Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
makeupjunkie35 7/17/2011 12:17:00 AM
I have been using this for longer than I care to mention, cause it works that good for me with my fuller coverage foundations like Estee Lauder Double Wear, and Revlon Colorstay comb/oily. This is a nice base to help make fndt go on smooth and look natural (still full coverage, just look like skin). Though I have comb/oily skin, I also have dry spots, so the gel version did not work for me. And what is great is, as the day goes on, my skin looks amazing, poreless, creaseless, and like my own! So many people comment on how I have perfect skin. Far from it! This along with a primer under my fndt, then lightly set with Maybelline Dream Matte Powder = love. Oh, and if you want more of a dewy or natural skin look, follow this moisturizer with a small amount of MAC Strobe Cream (just start with a small amount till you find out what works for your skin), before applying your foundation. Also, this is one of my favorite lotions to use on my hands year round. It absorbs super fast leaving no film or greasiness -just soft youthful looking hands. I would repurchase a thousand times over if only for this purpose!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Loose Powders -Laura Mercier - Secret Brightening Powder
makeupjunkie35 6/25/2011 7:59:00 PM
This powder greatly minimizes fine lines under/around my eyes and does give me more of an awake, youthful look. More polished too! I am so happy with the results of this eye brightening powder. For reference, I am combination/oily, and am ppp skintone (NC15). I bought shade #1. I used to lightly pat on a high coverage powder mineral foundation over concealer in an effort to hide my dark reddish purple under eyes. While that did work in covering, it would look dry and really emphasized fine lines -actually aging my eyes. With application, I recommend exposing only one or two holes at most, only partially peeling back the covering. Just a bare amount is needed! (Be careful not to inhale.) Take a fluffy brush and catch the powder film left on the lid, tap excess off the brush, and gently/barely pat on over concealer. For best results, don't drag, just lightly and evenly pat on. I don't mind the packaging being I can control what comes out. Being it takes a barely there amount to brighten, I imagine I will not have to repurchase for years. And it definitely delivers! Just for the fact that it minimizes fine lines I would repurchase. That being so, the price is not bad. I recommend!!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair -Unlisted Brand - 100% Pure Grapeseed Oil
makeupjunkie35 6/22/2011 12:20:00 AM
Hair styling product replacement for poufy, frizzy, wavy/curly/straight (confused) hair. About a year ago, I picked up a bottle of 100% Pure Expeller Pressed Grapeseed Oil from my local healthfood store to use in my color-treated hair ($5 for a 16oz jar). I have confused hair that rises with the humidity and it seemed that if I found a styling product that worked to help straighten, my hair would still frizz up, and would always get kinks in it that I could not blow out, or even iron out. Well, my hair is doing so much better than a year ago!! I have hair down to the small of my waist and use a few drops of the oil, working it through the ends first than working any remainder up -but avoiding the roots (can use a tiny bit there, but not much). I always get the perfect blowout and my hair does not look dried or tormented (despite the fact that I dye my roots light blonde every 6 weeks). I don't even need the flat iron anymore. Love it!! It is so much easier to take care of and maintain -I can wait till the third day to wash, and still looks nice. The exception to third day washing is if I let it air dry instead. In that case, I do wash (or just condition) the next day due to wild sleep hair. Speaking of air drying, using the same amount of oil, I scrunch a bit while it is damp, then let it dry a bit more, and scrunch a few more times. The oil then brings out the curly beach hair adding definition and shine. No oily look or feel at all, just soft touchable hair. I am so happy that I tried this stuff! And it is inexpensive too! I highly recommend trying.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No