Blush -TheBalm - Hot Mama
nverno 1/20/2009 8:49:00 PM
Nice color! When I was at Sephora, the representative called it Nars orgasm's little sister because it is close to orgasm, but in my opinion Hot Mama has sooo much better of a color and texture than Nar's Orgasm. Plus, this has absolutely no glittery pieces in it, just a soft realistic shimmer that can be built up and still look good. It is a warm, light peachy/soft pinkish color with a slight peachy golden shimmer to it. Works on my fair, cool skintone to give me a soft healthy glow. I could see this working on anyone fair to dark though. The consistency is a soft powder that feels a little creamy to the touch... I love that about this. The powder is easily picked up by the brush and goes on so smoothly and doesn't settle into lines or pores. Has good staying power. I am glad I found this because I really wanted a color like orgasm, but couldn't find one that worked on my cool fair coloring. Also, the price is awesome!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Tarte - ReCreate Anti-Aging Foundation With Wrinkle Rewind Technology SPF 15
nverno 1/19/2009 4:27:00 PM
UPDATE 4/13/09: This is great news people! I talked to the tarte representitive and tarte is coming out with a new pump for this foundation to replace the old horrible pump within a month or two. You can bring it back in then and exchange it for a new bottle with a working pump! Yay- because I love this foundation, but I get so frustrated with the pump.
Recreate Anti-Aging Foundation is a new product at Sephora. I was there when they were literally putting it out on the shelf this past week and I guess curiosity enticed me to try it... I am so glad I did. Normally, I go for more the long-wearing, mattifying full-coverage formulas for my oily-combination-dehyrdated skin (Dior Forever Foundation, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra, Vincent Longo Healthy Fluid Foundation are a few of my foundations- I like to alternate), but every once in a while I like to go for a more skincare foundation... Something that is more smoothing and treats your skin while you have it on. Well this new formula did it for me!
Some of my skin's issues are that I have small texture acne scarring (think poc-marks) and discoloration scars from my struggle with acne, and I have the beginnings of lines around my eyes, forehead and mouth. I take care of my skin now, but I used to be a sun worshipper and I (stupidly) smoked for 10+ years so I guess I am still working on reversing the damage. I work in spa and I have access to a lot of products, but my skin is very sensitive and unfortunately doesn't react well with many ingredients.
This foundation smoothed out my skin so nicely. I didn't even have time to apply primer and I got such a smooth and even application even without using my foundation primer. The coverage was amazing (it's buildable without looking heavy) and it made my skin feel so soft, and just look so healthy. I didn't come out looking shiny, but healthy/glowy, like as if I didn't have foundation or powder on just naturally healthy, even skin. I then set it with my HD powder, and the coverage and smoothing effect lasted all day. I did start to get a little shiny later on during the day, and I just ended up using a blotting paper and it was good again.
I applied this foundation on a friend who normally avoids foundation because she has mature, crepy skin on her cheeks. At first it looked "not bad," but just okay. We set it with Stila's Hydrating Finishing Powder. Amazingly, after about fifteen minutes of her wearing it, we both noticed a smoothing and plumping effect to her cheek lines. I didn't think it was possible for any product to do what this had done for her mature skin. It made her so happy to see it minimized like this. I just thought it was amazing, so if you know someone who has that problem and avoids foundation because of it, have them try a sample of this. I have never seen any foundation, even the very expensive formulas, do what this did for crepy skin. Seeing the result this foundation had on her, not even how much I like it for my own skin, was the reason I wanted to get on here and review it so soon.
This gave decent coverage and gave a smoothing effect. It has skincare benefits that you can see soon after application, such as plumping. I will always alternate foundations because I love makeup and having lots of options, but I will keep this around for sure.
By the way it is fragrance-free and comes in a pump container which I like. You get a decent amount for $37. I wear the second lightest color, Ivory 02, and I find that it matches my fair cool complexion and warms me up a bit without looking all wrong. So far I have worn it for four days straight without any breakouts or irritation at all. I feel my skin is looking better already, but I need to give it more time as far as that goes.
Here's some of the product information copied and pasted from www.sephora.com:
ReCreate™ Anti-Aging Foundation With Wrinkle Rewind™ Technology SPF 15
What it is:
A natural foundation with clinically proven antiaging results.
What it does:
Tarte ReCreate™ Anti-Aging Foundation With Wrinkle Rewind™ Technology SPF 15 is a natural foundation powered by Wrinkle Rewind™ technology. This proprietary complex has been clinically proven to decrease fine lines and wrinkles while increasing skin's overall moisture, tone, firmness, and elasticity. Micronized minerals immediately brighten the skin while providing SPF 15 UVA/ UVB Broad Spectrum protection.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates
- Sulfates
- Dyes
- Talcs
- Fragrances
-67% decrease in fine lines and wrinkles after 6 weeks
-47% increase in skin's firmness, elasticity and resiliency after 4 weeks
-52.8% increase in skin's moisture 15 minutes post-application
32 out of 32 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Lancome - Fatale [DISCONTINUED]
nverno 1/18/2009 12:31:00 AM
WOW.... I really love this mascara. I was never, until now, impressed by Lancome's famous mascaras. Fatale had it all: Volume, Length, Definition, and it gave my straight lashes a lift so it totally opened up my eye area. At the same time it didn't look dry or spidery at all. The color I bought was a dark black, slightly glossy with a light glimmer to it, which stood out and contrasted with my brown eyes and dark brown eyebrows. The brush is unique and deposits a lot of the mascara onto your lashes. After I get a good amount on, I use the side on the brush to comb it out and give me a curl and lift at the ends. This doesn't flake easily. I fell asleep wearing it and when I woke up I had minimal flaking and it still looked perfect. Amazing stuff. Because I like treatment or conditioning mascara, I still wear either my fresh supernova or dior iconic regularly, but Fatale is now my special occasion mascara. This stuff will definitely make your lashes stand out. I don't see it drying out anytime soon because of the fact that it's a gloss and because of the packaging being the way it is and holding a lot of product in a shorter, chubber container instead of a thin regular tube of mascara. I will definitely be rebuying.
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Moisturizers -MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross - Hydra-Pure Oil Free Moisture
nverno 1/16/2009 12:46:00 AM
This is pricey for a moisturizer, but I keep it around because it really does a great job at (1) adding a decent, but not ridiculous amount of moisture to my combination oily/dehydrated acne-prone skin so I get nourishment and don't dry out in dryer-prone areas, but I don't gleam in my T-zone. (2) Smoothing and Plumping my skin so it looks better texture-wise as far as my fine-lines and acne scars go (3) Softening my skin so it feels nicer all day. (4) Not irritating my skin or eyes and not causing me to breakout. And, I really like the consistency- a lightweight, but at the same time rich gel/cream that is fragrance-free. I don't use it everyday, because I even though I use the same serums day and night, I have so many and like to alternate my moisturizers, which range from being lightweight to heavier, some being like this one, and some of them being like more of a makeup primer. Anytime that I use hydra-pure, it always gives me great results and makes my skin look nice. For me it provides enough moisture that it can be used alone and all around the eye area, or you can use and layer it in combination with other treatments/ products because it's light enough and doesn't feel sticky or heavy when doing so. I also like the airtight packaging and knowing the ingredients aren't compromised because they're not exposed to air and germs every time I open it to use it. Usually, any time I put on any moisturizer, it remains shiny until I apply a powder on over it, but I can honestly say that this is one of the only moisturizers that, once absorbed, doesn't look shiny on my skin, even with out a powder over it. At the same time it keeps my skin feeling soft and not tight at all. Makes my skin actually look alright when I don't have my foundation on- and I am a full-coverage foundation wearer most of time time. This is a must for me on those days. Overall, great balancing and nourishing moisturizer for a skin type that's all over the place, like mine. I will continue to repurchase unless I can find a cheaper alternative that delivers as well as this does.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -NARS - Orgasm Blush
nverno 1/14/2009 12:39:00 AM
I've seen this Nars orgasm blush look really good on a lot of different people which made me decide to try it. I am very fair and cool-toned and this just didn't show up on me. It goes beyond shimmer and has a little bit of sparkles in it that settle into my pores and acne scars. In the pan it looks like a light peachy/pinkish shimmery type of color, and if you are anything like a light/medium or darker, I think it gives a soft, healthy, dewy light pink glow. I think it looks great on most, just not the very fair. That's why I gave it 3 stars and said buy again. For some reason, it did nothing for me. I do love the quality and staying power of the Nars blush collection. Every one of them I have tried has been great color payoff and great staying power... Dolce Vita, Amour, Desire, LoveJoy, and Penny Lane (cream) are some of the blushes I use and LOVE by Nars. I am really liking all of them except this famous color orgasm... but I guess it's just because the color doesn't work on my very fair skin. The multiple stick is awesome too. Anyways, I've got many reviews ahead, but as far as Nars Orgasm goes, I recommend it to anyone medium and darker... not to the very fair though, especially fairer people with acne scarring or texture issues. EDIT: I found something else: Hot Mama Blush by The Balm. It's very similar-looking to Nars Orgasm, but it is a way nicer color and has a softer consistency to it. I reviewed it if interested.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Philosophy - when hope is not enough replenishing oil
nverno 1/13/2009 12:19:00 AM
I find this oil soothing, repairing and very nourishing. I love it. I am very oily and acne-prone in some places and dry/dehydrated (even occasionally peeling) in other spots. My skin is seriously all over the place. I have balanced it out to some degree, but in the winter it can get a little wacky causing me to get the dry peelies here and there or breakout. I just add this to my skincare routine to repair, soothe and moisturize my skin. I put it on after cleansing and toning, either with or instead of my normal serum. For an oil, it actually absorbs pretty quickly into the skin leaving it soft and only slightly shiny. I put it all around my eye area with no irritation at all. I can actually leave it at that because it gives a decent amount of moisture to my combination skin, or apply my moisturizer or cover fx skinprep fx primer on top of it. It adds a nice boost of moisture and even though I am acne-prone, this never oil never breaks me out, ever. If I have a blemish at the time of use, I feel that this actually helps to heal it. The slight shininess of the serum is gone by the time I finish doing my foundation and powder, or goes away with just a little powder. It's not a problem at all, and I think that's because most of it is absorbed into the skin. I don't know so much about ingredients and all of that, but what I can say is that I like what this does for me. It has omega 3, 6, and 9 in it among others. I take omega supplements because they're good for your heart, skin and overall health, but I think they actually contributed to helping clear up my skin. Anyways, whatever's in it does some nourishing. I can see and feel a difference and my skin looks and feels extra soft when I use it. The smell is very light and pleasant and doesn't irritate my allergies at all. It goes away right after applying. WARNING: SPILLS EASILY ! I hate the packaging. Be careful, because it's easy to spill to make sure it's not in a place where it can easily be knocked over cause it will all spill out like what happened to me and make sure you close it right away after using it..
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Christian Dior - Diorshow Iconic High Definition Lash Curler Mascara
nverno 1/12/2009 11:38:00 PM
I have naturally straight, okay-length, okay-thickness lashes. I found Iconic was really pretty good overall and gave me the following effects (in this order): 1.) Curl/lift, 2.) volume, 3.) length, 4.) definition Overall, for me, it came out looking like more of a "classic look" mascara. Not too dramatic, yet it isn't subtle. I was happy with the effect and the fact that it lasted all day. Also, I have to take a few extra seconds with this mascara, but it is worth it. Does not melt down on me at all where most do. When I wear it people ask me what I have on. It is supposed to have conditioners in it to nourish the lashes. That was the one of the main reason why I decided to try it. Wand: The wand is a chunky plastic thick-type with no hair bristles. It just has tiny little plastic stubs all over going in kind of bias pattern or in lines going diagonally across the end of the wand. Curling: Iconic definitely lifts at the root of your lash line to give you a natural-looking curl. I have pretty straight lashes and I did not use a curler with it and it still gave me a curl or more of a lifted effect so that my straight lashes no longer pointed straight down. The curl really stays all day. If I used a curler it didn't look as nice for some reason and got a little clumpy, but it looks great when used without a curler- I manipulated the brush to curl them up and to the side, which looks more natural and gives me a lift at the end of my eyes. Iconic's color is a good solid, somewhat-shiny black. I have darker features and I feel it is dark enough to stand out on me. It's not a matte or softer back like the original diorshow mascara, but it isn't as black as doir's blackout (which has kohl added to the formula making it strikingly black) . It also gave me volume at the base of my lashes and lengthened nicely while keeping them separated and defined. Take a couple extra seconds to roll the brush up and to the side to separate and define, but at the same time also to create a curled or lifted effect. It's hard to explain, but I guess you just have to play around with the brush because it's a little different than most. Cons: $27 price tag, and it is difficult to remove. I find using sephora waterproof face eye makeup remover on a water-saturated round cotton pad works fine. I let the remover sit on my eye for at least ten seconds and it breaks it up. It comes off in strange flakes. Also, I was told to layer this over my blackout or my original diorshow mascara to get a beautiful effect, but when I tried it, it was too much and not in a good way... Each time I tried it my lashes fell straight and were spidery- yuck. I do like all the dior mascaras in different ways, but only when used separately and not layered. I don't recommend the layering of the different dior formulas. Also because who has the time for doing this on a daily basis? To me, they each work better on their own. I think they're trying to sell more you more mascaras, like they don't already sell enough.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Bronzers -Vincent Longo - Vincent Longo Sole Mio Duo Bronzer - Golden Glow
nverno 1/9/2009 9:20:00 AM
As far as bronzers go for pale chicas like me (fair, cool-toned- I don't tan easily), this is the bestest, most natural, neutral color you can use. It's such a light true (and neutral) brown (with a slight hint of gold in it to give it dimension) that it will never look artificial even when I apply it when I'm rushing without even looking in the mirror. It's pretty fool-proof. However, this would be too light on anyone with an even medium skin-tone, but you could try it just to give you an all-over glow. I doubt you'll see color. It is a pressed powder bronzer with a soft, and somewhat creamy consistency so you get a good application and it doesn't seem to accentuate lines or pores. For those of you who have tried Laura Mercier, Vincent Longo's Golden Bronzer is not as creamy as Laura Mercier's Golden Bronze pressed powder bronzer, but it is still softer than most pressed powders that I used. Also, Vincent's is not as pigmented as that one so if you want a bit more color go for the LM. They're both excellent and natural looking bronzers for fairer-skinned peeps, but I think (I'll explain later) I like the Laura Mercier one slightly better. Okay, so I am loving the fool-proof color of the V.L. Golden bronzer and its consistency is quite nice too, but here's the thing... I have combination skin that's all over the place. Dry in some places, really oily in others, and worst of all I am acne-prone... I have been able to care for my skin and balance it out by using good products that I found over time minimizes my breakouts and keep my skin well-hydrated so it looks and feels alright. Well anyways after about a week of using this bronzer my skin starting breaking out and it is getting worse. Since I haven't changed anything else in my skincare/makeup regimen, I know it has to be my new bronzer ...-sniffles ;*( sniffles-... When I checked the ingredient listing, I saw that contains mineral oil and I surmise that is probably what's breaking me out. I have to admit that I don't always wash my face like I should at night because of my laziness (terrible). I can't use products that have mineral oil because if they sit on my skin like that all night I am most likely going to breakout. I try to be good and stick with my skincare regimen, and I mostly do, but every now and then I do fall asleep without doing what I should for my skin so it's half my fault, half the mineral oil in the products fault i guess. I chose buy it again for that reason. I'm sad that this didn't work out for me. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is fair and isn't acne-prone. If you are like me try Laura Mercier Golden Bronze... (see review)... I use it all the time and never ever get a breakout, even on the bad nights when I pass out without washing my makeup off (yuck). I bought two of vincent longo's bronzers at Sephora because it was 50% off and they were the last two so I am kinda stuck with them and I will use it on occasion only (The price was originally $38.50 with half-off of that so I couldn't refuse). That's how much I loooved this... I bought two before knowing I would breakout from it. I also took one lipstick off because the original price is crazy, $38.50 for a bronzer that doesn't have tons of product in it. I could see if it was bigger or something, but come on, the price is outrageous. Right now the entire Vincent Longo line is 50% at sephora so that really helps. I also purchased a few of the Vincent Longo blushes, and let me say and I need to review, because they are awesome too. Good color payoff, good lasting power and nice soft consistency.
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Lip Gloss -Korres - Cherry Full Color Gloss in Plum 27
nverno 1/5/2009 12:09:00 AM
Let me just say this- The Korres plum lipgloss is one HOT bad@zz color- deep, lush Red/Violet/Plum... Yet it is not trampy what-so-ever.... The texture is amazing. I think Korres uses cherry oil instead of petroleum or whatever is typically used in most lipglosses. The cherry oil makes your lips look and feel so soft, healthy, much fuller and this baby never dries weird like regular gloss does over time (hello crackhead lips!). Because of this gloss I plan to purchase korres glosses from now on. I hope they're all as good as this one. Color + Quality is superb! This alone really brightens up my whole face. My favorite and now a standby for a bold lip. Great alternative instead of wearing a traditional red. This came in a kit that also included a beautiful deep plum eyeshadow with a slight metallic finish (it's pretty dark and neutral- perfect for the crease), and a lush lip balm that is truly pure moisture with the same color as the plum gloss only slightly brighter. The kit was $29 and 100% totally worth it. Hope this color never ever ever ever is discontinued!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Too Faced - Smurfette Mood Swing Emotionally Activated Lip Gloss
nverno 1/2/2009 1:28:00 AM
Just to clarify because there already is a mood swing gloss out there by too faced and a review section here for it, this review is for the NEW Smurf Mood Swing Lip Gloss by Too faced. I think it just came out like this week. This is the gloss that has a picture of the smurfs, an old cartoon with cutieful little blue creatures, on the tube. At first the gloss comes out looking like a sheer, smurf-blue gloss (hence the name), but very soon after application it turns out soooo nice described below. I am super cool toned and pale and LOOVE the color it turns! On me, it was a lush, deep berry or deep-fuchsia-red-violet type of color. I never say this, but it's a very sexy color and I actually felt like I looked hot wearing it... lol.. well I mean hot without looking trampy! That means a lot to me because I am the most self-conscious person and never wear this bold of a color on my lips, especially fuchsia, because I think that on me, I look trampy or something, but that is not the case here! It really makes your lips stand out, but in a good way, not an obnoxious way! The moisturizers in it make your lips feel so silky. This stuff is bad@zz!! Seriously. My boss and I are opposites as far as skin tone, and she is much darker and warm, unlike me, and the color turned out the same lush red-violet type color on her as it did on me. So I'm thinking it would turn this way on most. Seriously, if you ever wanted to wear a bold lip color, but were too afraid to try it, give this baby a try. I'm not the biggest on knowing everything about ingredients, but I don't see any mineral oil or petroleum in the ingredients which is nice because that means it's pure moisture going on your lips, not just slick makeup stuff. The web says it has jojoba oil, shea butter and vitamin E in it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Aquolina - Pink Sugar
nverno 12/31/2008 3:30:00 PM
I like it. For me, I immediately notice the Cotton Candy in this fragrance at first. Hard to convey, because it does smell like yummy candy, which normally sounds juvenile, but in my opinion, it is not obnoxious or cheap-smelling. I also don't think it smells obnoxious when I notice it on others. After it dries down it is very soft, subtle and pretty... the other notes in it begin to show up. That's when I notice the light musky vanilla, caramel (maybe?) and with a little bit of a warm fruity kick. Not too candy-ish or gourmand at all- to me it's really nice and lasts for a while. I have never gotten a headache from wearing this and I do normally have allergies to many perfumes in general. This is my winter-fun fragrance. I have been wearing Pink Sugar for pretty much the past 2-3 years since noticing it in sephora. Now, every single friend I have owns a bottle, and I think they use it the same way I do, every now and then when they want something different because it's a fun option to have. I've gone through at least four of the larger bottles since I first bought it. It's not one of my "serious" everyday fragrances, but I definitely wear it a lot when I need a change or I layer it with other sweeter or vanilla-type fragrances. Not that I buy fragrances solely based on this, but, I noticed that guys definitely like Pink Sugar.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Urban Decay - 24-7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
nverno 12/19/2008 11:54:00 PM
Love these! -Stays put -Creamy- Good Color Payoff- The Urban Decay 24/7 Pencils are really great quality. They glide on like silk (because they're super creamy) so there is absolutely no tugging on the skin and lashes around the delicate eye area. You can easily make a clean, crisp line into the lashes for definition, or smudge/smoke it out, but either way it sets after about a minute and does not melt down on me like most pencils do. Comes off easily with waterproof eye makeup remover. The price is good for the quality ($16 @ Sephora). For me, it lives up to its claim to being waterproof on the skin, but I don't usually line the inner rim/waterline, so I don't know how well these pencils holds up for that. Normally, I use it on the upper lashine, and occasionally on the bottom and it doesn't melt down on me and I have combination oily skin and a lot of eyeliners do run. I own a few of the 24/7 pencils, but my two favorite colors are Zero (black) and Rockstar (Dark Amethyst Purple- see review). .... Zero is a really really striking intense jet black color pencil. Not a soft black or charcoal unless you smudge it, I guess. I really love a jet black for anyone, but especially me or anyone who has darker features ... (a soft black just doesn't really do anything when it comes to lining the eyes for definition for me... I am fair, but I have black hair naturally and brown eyes, black eyebrows and eyelashes.. U get it.. a soft black kinda washes in and doesn't contrast or make a difference at all)... After trying many, this has become my personal favorite black eyeliner of all time because of the intense color and the consistency/wear/versatility of it. Even though I rarely line the waterline/inner rim, when I do I use Jetset by Smashbox (I reviewed this one too) or the Tarte skinny pencils and they hold up excellent and they were made for and safe to use on that sensitive part of your eye. FYI: Found something comparable: If you like the 24/7 pencils, but would like to try an alternative or some different colors, check out Make Up For Ever's Aqua Eyes Pencils. They are really similar to the 24/7 Pencils as far as wear and consistency and they're both $16. They have a black liner too (0L), but it's a little softer than Urban Decay's black (Zero), and they have a charcoal black (even softer). I looove the lighter brown pencil by them (19L). I always use it on my lower lashes no matter what I apply on top. It's such a nice and soft color and it's hard to find a light brown eyeliner, especially a soft, waterproof, good quality one like this.
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Bronzers -Laura Mercier - Golden Bronze
nverno 12/19/2008 8:21:00 PM
I know this product has been around for a while, but haven't had a chance to review it yet, so I thought I would reiterate how great it is! I own probably 20 different bronzers at the moment. Laura Mercier's Golden Bronzer is my favorite out of all of them. (I know owning 20 bronzers sounds like a lot, but I am fair and cool-toned, so it's really difficult, especially in the winter, for me to find a bronzer that works.... so I end up buying lots of them. Plus, obviously, like so many of the reviewers on MakeupAlley, I am a makeup junkie). Golden Bronze by Laura Mercier appears to be a combination of a light golden bronze, beige, and peach. In my opinion it is a cooler color which is unusual in a bronzer. When you look up close, you can see a slight golden shimmer, but honestly, it doesn't show up on the skin at all. It contains just enough shimmer to give the color a little dimension and radiance so that it doesn't appear dull or matte on the skin. I think this is why L.M.'s Golden Bronzer looks good alone if you don't feel like wearing blush. It does not draw attention to any of my acne scars, pores, lines, or flaws like shimmer normally can, but at the same time still imparts just enough of a glow and tan without being artificial-looking. It is a pressed-powder formula bronzer that feels really soft like a cream if you were to touch it... since it is so soft it applies better than any powder I have ever used. The brush easily picks up the color without having to like, dig it out of the compact and because of it's consistency, it spreads evenly and effortlessly without needing a lot of it. I feel that this would look good on probably anyone fair to medium in skintone, but it different ways. On me, being fairer, L.M.'s Golden bronzer gives me a light, believable warm, tan glow and does not clash with my skin tone. It makes a nice all-over color and I can follow up by applying a little more on the cheeks where the sun would hit, or by applying a slightly deeper bronzer in the area where the sun hits, or blush, but it also looks good alone when I don't feel like wearing much. Again, it really makes a great base for applying a darker bronzer and/or blush. On a medium or deeper skintone it probably would not work as a bronzer because the color is not that dark, but it should still give a soft, all-over glow. There are only a few other bronzers with a color similar to this, but none out of the many I have tried are as nicely pigmented... and no powder bronzer I have ever used has had the awesome creamy consistency as Laura Mercier Golden Bronze. I think it's the consistency that makes the biggest difference by giving you the smooth application... it is just as important as the the product being a good color, especially when your skin has some texture issues like mine. The price is steep, but once you try it out, you won't dispute that the quality is definitely there to justify it. I am going to repurchase... I recommend it to anyone... especially fairer-skinned peeps like me.
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Urban Decay - 24/7 eyeliner in Rockstar
nverno 12/19/2008 2:00:00 AM
This is one of my favorite eyeliners based on the color and the quality of the pencil... The best way I can describe the color of Urban Decay's Rockstar: Dark Amethyst-Purple or "Flip-Flop Purple," because it almost looks black, unless you smudge it out, but up close and from some angles you notice that it's actually a dark purple. I feel that Rockstar is neutral and looks good on any eye color and skin tone, and that it matches a lot of my eyeshadows. What I love about Rockstar is that it is not a red-purple or golden-plum type of color, which I personally find makes my eyes look tired and brings out any redness in my skin or eyes. Rockstar is a blue-based purple that brightens up the eye area (unlike a red purple does), and gives great definition, but with a slight, anywhere-appropriate pop of color. It gives you the same definition that a black liner gives you, but it's not as harsh. It definitely helps to brighten me up and kind of makes me look less tired. I really like it for afternoon when a black can look a little harsh on my paler skin. I like it better than using a dark brown, navy, or grey... there's just something about this color. Even though the color is something a little bit different, I highly recommend giving this a try. The Urban Decay 24/7 Pencils are really great quality. They glide on like silk (because they're super creamy) so there is absolutely no tugging on the skin and lashes around the delicate eye area. You can easily make a clean, crisp line into the lashes for definition, or smudge/smoke it out, but either way it sets after about a minute and does not melt down on me like most pencils do. Comes off easily with waterproof eye makeup remover. The price is good for the quality ($16 @ Sephora). It's waterproof on the skin, so it lives up to its claim, but I don't usually line the inner rim, so I don't know how well these pencils holds up for that. I do use Jetset by Smashbox (I reviewed this one too) or the Tarte skinny pencils for when I do inner rim lining and they hold up excellent. FYI: If you like these, you should also check out Make Up For Ever's Aqua Eyes Pencil. They are really similar to the 24/7 Pencils as far as wear and consistency and they're both $16. They have a dark purple too, but it's a little brighter and leaning toward being more of an inky-blue type of color. I looove the lighter brown pencil by them (19L). I always use it on my lower lashes no matter what I apply on top. It's such a nice and soft color.
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Lotions/ Creams -Nivea - Skin Firming Lotion
nverno 12/9/2008 3:05:00 PM
My favorite everyday lotion. For me it's even better than a lot of the expensive/department store stuff. I use this daily and I have noticed a slight firming, or at least my skin on my body just looks very healthy. This body lotion is pretty thin in consistency which I like because it's easier and faster to spread. Even though it's a thinner consistency, it still seems to be pretty rich on the skin because it leaves your skin so moisturized that it is glowy and shiny but not greasy to the touch, just soft. Once applied and absorbed in to my skin, it moisturized really well without making me feel sticky-ish. Totally soothed my dry itchy skin, and did not burn when applied to my legs right after I shaved (which is big for me because most lotions do burn a little at first). The ingredients are actually pretty good. It isn't just cheap ingredients like a lot of drugstore body lotions,... there are actually some decent vitamins and moisturizers in this product which is what made me try it. This is awesome for the price. The only other body moisturizer I like as much is Gold Bond Ultimate CoQ10 body lotion (but it's a much richer consistency formula- it's more of a body butter- I use that on and off- it takes a little more time for me to use but it is very nice as well). The smell isn't bad or that noticeable after a little while, and it most importantly, does not interfere with whatever perfume I wear. I think it is really, really good, especially if you prefer a thinner texture lotion like I do. Since I started using this lotion, my skin seems much softer and more hydrated even before applying so I know it's made a difference. I will be repurchasing again without a doubt.
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