Makeup Brushes -Urban Decay - Shadow Brush
Callie 8/5/2001 3:43:00 AM
($18) This brush was a little stiff and flat for powder e/s application, in my experience, but I think it really shines when you use it for cream formulations (or even concealer). The UD brushes (synthetic Taklon, hence the orangey tint) are all so smooth and soft, but are a little stiffer than most natural bristles with a soft texture. However, they give a very even application that can't be beat. The quality of the brush and handle is excellent, comparable to my experience with Prescriptives, MAC, Stila, and Cargo, and the texture of the bristles is wonderful.
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Makeup Brushes -Urban Decay - Powder Brush
Callie 8/5/2001 3:39:00 AM
($35) This is my absolute favorite brush, and I use it almost daily for loose powder application. The UD brushes (synthetic Taklon, hence the orangey tint) are all so smooth and soft, but are a little stiffer than most natural bristles with a soft texture. However, they give a very even application, and this brush is absolutely perfect for loose powder application. This brush is quite worth the cost as it's so unique and useful, and I would definitely buy it again. The quality of the brush and handle are excellent, comparable to my experience with Prescriptives, MAC, Stila, and Cargo, and the texture of the bristles is just delightful!
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Hair -Sephora - Sephora Collection Hair Towel
Callie 8/4/2001 1:56:00 PM
* 2007-Sep-16: I originally reviewed this SIX years ago and am still very, very happy with it! * It's slightly less effective at quick-drying than it was for the first few years, but I have been washing it and drying it with all of my other towels (and using fabric softener) on it so have a feeling that it may have "melted", slightly. At the time of purchase not many other products like this were available, but I've seen some decent-looking candidates at places like ULTA lately. The brand listed on the towel is "Aquis", and I would definitely look for this again. Original Review: (Purchased for $19.50, in late 2000 or 2001.) I love this hair towel! I use it almost every day, wash it fairly frequently (I've even bleached it and it hasn't fallen apart), and keep it hung on the towel rack at all times. It could be a little bigger, but wraps around my head into a little turban just fine, for when I'm too lazy even to use it properly :o) I have short/medium-length hair, but I think this is great for all types of hair, and I can see how it would be really useful for longer hair.
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Scrubs -Aqua Dessa - Honey Buff
Callie 8/4/2001 11:43:00 AM
I love this product as a once or twice-weekly gentle exfoliator for my sensitive skin. Reading the previous reviews (and complaints), here are my observations: ----- If the tub were larger (taller, maybe), it would be easier to mix the mask before use without getting the stuff everywhere. However, use this in the bathtub only, mix it with your hand in its container, and you don't have to worry about excess and getting it all over. It's not ideal for everyone, but for those of us that lounge in the bathtub and use skincare there it's great. ----- The beads float, and separate from the honey. It's physics, so if you don't like mixing it before use you won't be happy with it. ----- It is expensive, considering the ingredients (literally honey & jojoba beads) and packaging. I will buy this again if I don't get around to ordering jojoba beads and making my own, but we always pay a price for convenience. ----- I have super-sensitive, very light skin that stings and gets red with the use of certain products. However, by using a gentle rubbing motion while using this product I have not had irritation or redness, and my face feel so smooth after using it. It may not be great for everyone but I honestly think that it's better for you than any other manual scrub out there. ----- The smell is strange. I have a love/hate relationship with the smell and would prefer something less strange, but don't mind it considering what it does (and the fact that I use it in the bath helps by diluting the smell with others). ----- If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a manual scrub that won't make you get irritated, and you've read the caveats above, I *highly* recommend the Honey Buff! Please write if you have any questions. [I'm not affiliated with them, by the way, but I just love this product.]
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Gels/Soaps -The Body Shop - Juice It Shower Gel
Callie 8/2/2001 2:22:00 AM
I bought a little set of four shower gels at a TBS in the UK, and haven't been able to find them in the States. My favorite scent is Peach & Mango, and the texture is very silky and moisturizing. The smell is wonderful, but I don't think they're much better (performance-wise) than any other bath/shower gel out there.
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Fragrances -Comptoir Sud Pacifique - Amour de Cacao
Callie 8/1/2001 10:17:00 PM
I love this chocolate smell, and I can really detect orange, dark chocolate, and vanilla. Like others have said, it is sort of "powdery" and unfortunately doesn't last too long, but I do like it. ** UPDATE: 2 years later I am still wearing this regularly - a very lovely vanilla/cocoa scent that evokes muffins and cookies.
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Cleansers -Neutrogena - Oil-Free Acne Wash Foam Cleanser
Callie 8/1/2001 9:07:00 PM
I bought this acne wash (2% salicylic acid) as it seemed it might be a little less irritating/drying than the regular sort (the gel kind). It comes in a bottle that you pump to create foam, and it seems like you might use it up much quicker than the regular gel washes, so it may not be a great deal, moneywise. However, I can feel that it has helped clear my skin and it is drying, but not as much as other products (I have very sensitive skin). I may buy this again, as I do think that it can help with blackheads, etc., but I wouldn't call it a miracle product :o)
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Gels/Soaps -Philosophy - guru (inspiring shampoo, bath and shower gel)
Callie 8/1/2001 9:01:00 PM
This stuff smells so yummy -- like orange sherbet! As a bath gel I like it, and as a shampoo I think it's okay -- I might take it on a trip to simplify things but I don't know how my hair would be if I washed with it every day (it seems a little too conditioning for me). It has a very silky texture and lathers nicely. The scent also lingers in your hair for a long time, compared to other shampoos.
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Scrubs -Philosophy - guru (world-class hot salt, tub and shower scrub)
Callie 8/1/2001 8:58:00 PM
This is a salt scrub that smells delicious (orangey) and is great on the legs, arms, etc. It is absolutely not oily (oil-free, actually), and abrasive enought to be effective, but not too harsh. It is the first real salt scrub product that I've liked, and I will definitely buy this again.
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Skincare - Face -Jurlique - Ultra-Sensitive Essentials Kit (trial size)
Callie 7/28/2001 6:41:00 PM
With a retail price of $68 (or more) for 5 tiny products, I must say that I am happy with the purchase, but wish it were cheaper. The kit contains Aromatic Hydrating Concentrate 10ml (like an oil), Face Wash 25ml, Hydrator/Toner Gel 25ml, Day Moisturising Lotion 25ml, & Night Treatment Gel 25ml. None of these irritated my very sensitive skin, and I absolutely love the scents. If you're into all-natural products (organically-grown, etc.) and have sensitive skin this is definitely the line for you. I don't think I'd buy the trial-sized kit again because I don't see myself using all of the products, but may buy the large-sized products again if I feel like "investing" :o) ** UPDATE: two years later than my original purchase I still love the cleanser. I purchased the full-sized hydrator/toner gel, night treatment gel, and cleanser, and used them all regularly at one point.
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Foundations -L'Oreal - Quickstick Foundation [DISCONTINUED]
Callie 7/27/2001 1:24:00 AM
I have combination/oily, sensitive skin, and found that this foundation tended to accentuate my flaky spots extremely, and go on a little too thick and greasy all over, even with light, careful application and smoothing. It doesn't seem to dry very well and needs powder to set it, so wasn't very practical for me except in an emergency redness situation... It's very similar to the compact Feel Naturale makeup, except perhaps a little drier. It may be good as a heavy concealer for some people.
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Crème -L'Oreal - Feel Naturale Light Softening One-Step Makeup [DISCONTINUED]
Callie 7/27/2001 1:22:00 AM
I have combination/oily, sensitive skin, and found that this foundation tended to accentuate my slightly dry spots and go on a little too thick all over, even with careful application and smoothing (with a clean sponge). It doesn't seem to dry very well and needs powder to set it, so wasn't very practical for me except in an emergency redness situation...
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Mascara -L'Oreal - FeatherLash [DISCONTINUED]
Callie 7/27/2001 1:19:00 AM
I love this mascara in Auburn (non-waterproof), to go with my brown lashes. It is a little "thin", which is perfect for me, as I definitely don't like clumpy lashes. It also doesn't irritate my eyes on contact-wearing days. Although I like a moist, "light" mascara, it may not be the right product for someone who really likes products that thicken or are a little "drier". I also like the waterproof variety in the dark brown shade, and wear it when I'm going for a look that isn't too dramatic.
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Fragrances -Origins - Ginger Essence
Callie 7/27/2001 1:12:00 AM
I love this scent! Unfortunately it doesn't last that long, but I find the citrus/ginger blend to be really intoxicating and it's still one of my favorite everyday-type frangrance. The bottle is so pretty and I think it's reasonably priced. I'm also sensitive to fragrances (headaches, itching, sneezing) but find that this one didn't irritate my skin or nose very much.
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Lotions/ Creams -Origins - Ginger souffle
Callie 7/27/2001 1:10:00 AM
I liked this product and found the scent to be a wonderful addition to my Ginger productsfragrance line. I don't use moisturizer often but found it nice, light, and not sticky, although I like the lotion a little better.
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