Eyeliner -Urban Decay - Liquid Eyeliner in Minx
monsterbeans 12/7/2009 11:26:00 AM
I am epic fail. I normally stick to brown, purples, golds and blacks for eyeliner, because I am quite warm skinned and prefer not to look like a stone. Anyway, I was contemplating Baxter eyeliner by B Never (RIP), a denim mid-blue with a greeny-yellow shift. Not at all like minx. I ended up with Minx because I was in House of Fraser and SA's scare me. It was an impulse purchase, but a positive one. Its a beautiful colour and the great formulation I know and love UD for. Everyone knows the new eyeliner packaging is rubbish, you get goop all over the neck. But what of a cool bright turquoise on nightmarish yellow person like myself? Workable. Not easy, but workable. I find that Minx is fine and dandy providing I use a warm shadow with it, like a bronze or yellow. Anyway, its much easier for me to wear than what Baxter would have been, and because of Minx's eye-blinding brightness, I get soooo many compliments when I wear it.
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Lip Gloss -Unlisted Brand - Lavera - TREND Lip Gloss
monsterbeans 12/7/2009 10:45:00 AM
(Note, this is for No.4 shade, aka the clear/goldy one) This is my Holy Grail of lipglosses. And I don't own many or buy them very often. Why do I need to try more when I have the best one already? So yeah. - The colour is gorgeous. Its a goldy yellow in the tube but on lips its transparent with a gold shimmer - It goes over everything and looks great by itself - You can feel the shimmery bits when you rub your mouth together, but its not grainy - Its good value for moula - The tube transparent, you can see when its running out - Not tested on animals and with eco-credentials - Its a great alternative to sugary pink glosses and add a bit of oomph to a standard clear gloss. I love it!
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Blush -Unlisted Brand - Barefaced Beauty - Mineral Blush
monsterbeans 12/7/2009 7:19:00 AM
This review is for the 'Freya' colour. First off the bat, I love that the names of the blushers are after female deities of various cultures! Anyway. I use BFB's foundation and setting powder, so when making an order I purchased a sample of Freya, to be my *cough* second ever blusher. Unlike the foundation/powder samples, blushes come in a resealable bag rather than a jar. I decanted mine into an old sifter jar. The colour is beautiful. Accurate to what it is on the website swatch, but not on the model simulation. Its a dark rose colour with a sort of purple yet copper/warm shimmer. Very unusual as most blushes sit firmly in the pink - peach - brown camps. Application is easy, though its a bit 'ARGGHHH I'm bright pink' when you first put it on your cheeks because it is so concentrated (but it means you need less), so it require more blending that a pressed powder blusher. However, I feel this is true of all mineral blushers. The result after blending is beautiful, lightly shimmery and light reflecting. It goes well with my two contour products and even though its a rose, it is a warm rose with the aformentioned coppery purple shimmer so compliments my warm toned skin perfectly. The samples are 75p (!!!) so when I next order from BFB I will definetley try some more shades and when my sample of Freya runs out I'll buy full size. I know that Lily Lolo (also non-animal testers) are the dominant MMU brand in the UK but some of their blushers contain carmine, so ethical veggies and the vegan contingent should check out BFB, where all the blushers are vegan.
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Mascara -Urban Decay - Big Fatty Mascara - Waterproof
monsterbeans 11/13/2009 7:32:00 AM
Started a new page for just the waterproof formula. I used to use the regular Big Fatty, but when my tube ran out, I decided that one of the ingredients in it wasn't too savvy with me, and the waterproof version lacks this particular ingredient. If you sob your heart out, the mascara will not stay perfect, but nor does it run. It gets a bit wet, especially at the base of the lashes but I imagine if you just left it to dry it would be fine. Unlike the original Big Fatty, this doesn't hate heated eyelash curlers, and takes a curl with them quite well without clumping. Some said the formula was dry and flaky, but I found it very wet and have had no problem with flakes (and I'm a contact lens wearer). 2 coats of this mascara gives thicker, rather than longer lashes, but a third coat adds the length. Occasional clumping, but a lash comb sorts tis out without pulling the mascara off. I will always go back to Urban Decay, as it can be difficult to find good mascaras from companies that don't commission horrific animal testing! If this lasts as long as my original tube of big fatty that I used nearly everyday then I will be very happy with the value for money!
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Cleansers -LUSH - Ultrabland
monsterbeans 9/14/2009 2:39:00 PM
I will continue to buy this item until either Lush discontinue it or the world goes bang. It doesn't smell amazing, the texture is a bit 'eh' but it does what its made to do...it removes every last scrap of makeup I've daubed on my face and also makes my skin feel really soft and smooth, which is a plus as I rarely moisturise before bed. 100% recycled tub, which you can give back to Lush...and it last forever so a big tub is like a year's worth. WHEEE!
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Mascara -Barry M - 3 in 1 Mascara
monsterbeans 9/1/2009 10:41:00 AM
Hmmm. I will update this review when I have used this product for longer, but heres my initial thoughts: I did use UD's Big Fatty, but it was starting to run out, and I wanted to try something new. Being in the UK, I'm very fortunate to have a good, cheap cruelty-free makeup brand in Barry M. After seeing a few good reviews I decided to get it, after all, it is under £6. I am getting used to the way to best use this. It is no way near as good as my Lavera mascara (now also running out) as a mascara base for heated eyelash curlers. The Barry M mascara basically fuses your lashes together when used with the Eyecurl II. Horrible stuff, meaning I then can't seperate them for another layer without an eyelash comb (which I don't have but will be investing in) When not used as a base, it is really lovely though, that why it gets a high rating. It lengthens much more than Big Fatty, but doesn't make them very fat. It does add volume though. If the 3 in 1 mascara hates heated eyelash curlers, it loves the new UD lash primer, really looks amazing with that stuff. It seems to stay on much longer than Big Fatty, but this has its own issues...its very resilient at being removed, even though I'm sure it isn't waterproof. Ultrabland by Lush is amazing. Baby wipes are awful, but then I only use them at festivals so its not a big deal. In conclusion, this is a cheap mascara that gives rather fab results, without being tested on animals and without feeling like my lashes are going to drop out!
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Conditioner -LUSH - American Cream
monsterbeans 8/21/2009 4:05:00 PM
I am amazed this gets such mixed reviews. I love this product. 1. It smells amazing. Comes in a solid perfume version as well 2. £11 for the big bottle seems expensive, but one lasts me about 5 months. I have long hair, wash it 3 or 4 times a week and I use waaaaay more than the 10p size (call it 3x times that) every wash. Its like its regenerating in the bottle. 3. It makes my hair feel lovely <---most important? 4. Not tested on animals and the bottles are 100% recycled
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Shampoo -LUSH - The Blonde
monsterbeans 8/21/2009 4:02:00 PM
I. love. the. blonde. I'm not even Blonde. I have horrible muddy brown grey hair (aka mouse), and I honestly think the Blonde has gradually made it less muddy. It lathers amazingly, and gets rid of all the rubbish that ends up in my hair (this includes beer, egg yolks, blood and god knows what else from work and nights out as well as hair products!) in a jiffy and smells gorgeous. A 5 for the packaging: THERE ISN'T ANY! hurrah! A 5 for the price: Yes, the block is kind of expensive, but have you seen how long it lasts? A £5ish block lasts me about 6 months and I wash my hair about 3 or 4 times a week, and I have long hair. If you are blonde, or mousy like me, and want shampoo that works its backside off for you without any silly packaging or animal testing...buy the blonde!
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Eyes -Unlisted Brand - Be Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful - Cream Eyeshadow (all)
monsterbeans 8/20/2009 1:00:00 PM
This review is for 'Bleep', though I shall make it a sort of general review as well. Firstly, the colour I have: I received Bleep free as I spent a lot in one transaction at the Leeds B Never. Its a bright shimmery lime green, and although I haven't swatched them together I would guess it is quite similar to Acid Rain by Urban Decay. Its very bright and bold, and is softened by another, thinner line of black, brown or purple on the lashline. These are called Cream Eyeshadows by B, though that baffles me slightly. Rather than a squeeze tube, sponge applicator or tub, B have gone for a very eyeliner-esque thin brush. I suppose they are leaving your options open. Pigmented cream eyeshadow or eyeliner? Depends on how you feel I guess. The formula is very creamy, and goes on veeerrrry smoothly. Unfortunately it takes quite a while to dry compared to my UD liquid liners (though doesn't smudge on your lid if you close your eyes), especially if you intend to put another liquid liner over (this wouldn't be such an issue with your more standard colours, really). However, I suppose the creaminess of the formula lends itself to blending on the lid as a shadow. This is a dual purpose product, so something has to give somewhere. The packaging is very simple, just a standard clear tube, so you can see how much you have left. They retail in the UK for aprox £11, roughly the same price as Urban Decay and Too Faced liners. I marginally prefer the formula of UD, but love the broad colour range and tube of the B Never liners. I hope to add to my collection: Baxter (a beautiful 'denim' colour), Bottle Green (sea green) and HB (silver grey).
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Lip Treatments -Lavera - Basis Lip Balm
monsterbeans 8/18/2009 1:14:00 PM
Bought this in Brighton two weeks ago. Lost it drunk in a nightclub (I think!). Badtimes, I loved it while I had it. Twist up lip care is a godsend when you are like me: a. an obsessive melodramatic fool with a lip chewing habit b. work in a dirty job/university course c. OCD about germs. I don't want my fingers near my mouth if I can get away from it. The Lavera balm retails in Blighty for £2ish. Its a standard chapstickish colour and its very buttery, so I wouldn't recommend putting it in your pocket. It doesn't really have a specific smell, but smells nice and natural. It feels wonderfully moisturising and is actually rather glossy for a balm. If only I could get it where I live!
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Eye Shadow -Urban Decay - Deluxe Shadow Box
monsterbeans 8/18/2009 1:07:00 PM
If you buy only one UD palette, make it this one. I mean they are all good (the ones I have anyway) but the Deluxe is something special. It eschews traditional palette combos for some amazing brights, but couples it with versatile neutrals and a workhorse black. Honey, Underground and Scratch are my three favourites. Underground provides a good transition colour for smoky eyes. Scratch is what I use now that Sin has ran out, but its a pretty colour in its own right. Honey is gooorggeous. Kuuipo1207's electro tropical look with this palette (Honey, Grafitti, Fishnet, Zero) inspired me to use bright colours, and I get so many compliments from friends and MUA's alike when I wear it, and my blending is satisfactory! The packaging is cute, though the chainmail gets easily dented. I use this all the time, have had it for a year and have only dented the most used shadows. Buuuyyy it!
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Lipstick -Barry M - Lip Paint (All)
monsterbeans 8/13/2009 8:34:00 AM
This is a review for two shades. Royal Raspberry (141) and Pinkie Gold Sparkle (132) EDIT: And Peachy Pink (142) and Vintage Rose (152) Royal Raspberry was one of my first lipsticks, bought it about 3 years ago. Its too dark for my style now, but I still use whats left by using lots of balm to lighten it slightly. Its a marbled wine colour that can be easily layered for intensity. I have just bought Pinkie Gold Sparkle. I love duotone things, and also love gold, pink and sparkles ha! Its a really nice colour on 'English roses' like moiself. Its strange, as its nearly a nude, but then there is the light shift to the gold and the shimmer. Its very beautiful. Royal Raspberry was one of my first ever Barry M purchases, when I was 15ish. Its a marbled dark wine colour and doesn't suit my tastes now but was a very creamy lipstick with intense colour. Pinkie Gold sparkle is a very nice colour on an 'english rose' (aka pale, wan and mousy) like myself. Peachy Pink is a tough one to wear, drier than the others, so I need to slog on lipbalm akimbo to make it work. Its an intense colour though, and very striking Vintage Rose is a new colour and my new fave next to UD's Lovechild lippie. Its a non-shimmery purple toned pink that is just GORGEOUS. I can't recommend it highly enough Also, they aren't tested on animals and they are priced under a fiver. Whats not to like?
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Brows -Unlisted Brand - Marks and Spencer - Autograph Eyebrow Pencil
monsterbeans 8/10/2009 5:39:00 AM
After failing to find any of my beloved Urban Decay's Brow Beater in Blonde on eBay (naughty, I know, but for some reason brow beater isn't available in the UK anymore) I began the search for another, non animal tested brow pencil. I have muddy brown hair which has been described over the years as dark blonde, grey (thanks), ginger and mouse. Yum. So pencils for brunettes look very draggy on me. M&S Autograph range make this in three shades. I bought Walnut, the lightest, which is comparable to Brilliant Blonde (UD) but with less gingery tones. I think anyone with lighter brows will probably struggle in this range, though the Autograph brow pencil is very soft (its a twist up, like a smudy eyeliner), which means colour can be built up on your brows however you like it. It also comes with a small brush in the sleek silver double ended tube. All I miss from the UD pencil is the wax, but I usually just use one of my lush lipbalms lying around (ha) to set them.
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Eyeliner -Barry M - Intense Eyeliner Pen
monsterbeans 8/10/2009 5:32:00 AM
Hmmm, difficult to give an accurate rating for this. My old Barry M pencil was destroyed in a nightclub by friends using it to forge entry stamps on their hands, so one of them bought me this by way of apology. I am generally a liquid liner person, as I like the sharp definition and boldness. I use pencil eyeliner on waterlines and if I'm trying to be more subtle, and then I super sharpen it. This eyeliner pen (I have it in black) does give a big burst of pigment, but because of the soft texture and wide tip, it's great if you want that smoky, sultry look along your lashes. It's just not the look I go for. That said, I should experiment with it more. Hence the low-ish rating but high-ish praise as well! EDIT: I use a fine brush to apply this, and I love it. Have just bought a replacement. The formula is fantastic, its just the felt tip applicator I don't like much.
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Powder -Unlisted Brand - Barefaced Beauty - Mineral Foundation
monsterbeans 7/31/2009 12:32:00 PM
Mineral foundation is the HG of people like me, who prefer not to slather their face in bizarre chemicals in the name of even, glowing skin. That said, I'm not afraid of scientific substances and chemicals, as I use ones of varying degrees of toxicity in my everyday life, so I am familiar with MSDS sheets. Google various liquid foundation ingredients and some of them may make you change your mind about whats being put on your face. What makes mineral foundation not a HG is its sometimes tricky application. I have combination skin, erring on the side of dry and I find that dry mineral application can sometimes look cakey. I detail in my MUA notepad the sorts of results *I* get with my different methods, but this is why I like BFB's foundation: 1. Manufactured in the UK 2. Not tested on animals, FCOD of 1980 3. Sample sizes available at a reasonable price in sifter jars. Full size is also good value. I bought my full size jar in August 09, its February '10 and I still have the majority of the jar left and I wear foundation of some level nearly everyday 4. Wide colour range 5. Finely milled, with a slight shimmer which is not excessive but 'dewy' instead 6. Good customer service and quick postage Coverage and finish vary with application method so I can't review that specifically here, but as I said, its in my notepad!
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