Primer/ Corrector -RedPoint - Redpoint Age Minimizer Facial Line Filler
hmag7386 9/21/2008 3:57:00 PM
Wow!!! I'm so pleasantly surprised by this!! I too am one of those bought the 3 piece sample kit. This is the only product out of the three that I would repurchase. The other two completely let me down, but this line filler will definitely be a staple in my makeup routine from now on. Now, I'm only 22, but we all know how makeup can be- cakey, dry, cracking, fading. This product is not only a line filler, but an excellent primer and moisturizer. It does exactly what it says it does- retexturize the skin, soften the appearance of lines, wrinkles and pores, evens out skin tone, prolongs makeup life on the skin, and helps the makeup stay true to it's color during the day. It helps my layers of undereye concealer spread and stay in place so much better. I wasn't expecting it because I'm not used to thinking that a cream could help another cream base work better without mixing or interfering with its performance. Before finding this product, I was actually considering changing my old concealer routine because by the end of the day, I would have a lot of lines and cracks from the drying nature of the products I use. However, since using this, the lines are hardly noticeable and my undereye area is more moisturized than ever. It helps my concealer's coverage last too. This product also doesn't contain silicone or any kind of artificial tightening or residue. It feels great on. And a little bit goes a really long way, so I don't mind the price so much ($38 / 1 fl. oz). I'll probably be using the sample size for a long long time, and it's only .34 fl. oz. I can't argue with the anti-aging ingredients either!
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Concealers -Ben Nye - Mellow Yellow concealer
hmag7386 9/20/2008 2:11:00 AM
Ohhhhh, how I wanted to love this product... SO BAD! After reading the reviews here it sounded like the perfect answer to my dark, ornery, genetic undereye circles. I ran all the way downtown to scoop this up and even got the 12 color palette in addition to a pot of the MY-1 Fair. After playing around with them under my eyes and on blemishes and discoloration, I can honestly tell you this product is not appropriate for undereye use. It does have amazing amazing AMAZING coverage, and is not heavily greasy, and is also an amazing amazing price, BUT... this concealer is cake city!!! Because of its thickness, it should be set with powder or it will move around very easily, particularly over moisturizer. Unfortunately it instantly turns to a cakey, creasy, annoying mess. It also needs to be applied seamlessly, or it's extremely apparent you're wearing heavy makeup up close. This product looks great from a distance, but up close, forget it. I suppose that's what it's designed for since it is stage makeup. I must also mention though, on every other area of the face, this product works wonders. WONDERS! It can cover absolutely anything. And not only that, it comes in a plethora of colors and shades. I have very fair skin, and there's plenty of shades to match. I'm so grateful for it because I need various colors to cover redness, veins, and some discoloration. This concealer can cover everything else you can think of, and stay freakin' put. I'm just disappointed in it's undereye area performance, so that's why I'm rating it the way I am. However, I will definitely repurchase because it works for everything else. UPDATE: Unfortunately... I've taken one more lippie off because using this and other colors of Ben Nye concealer have broken me out in the areas I use them. I knew this may happen because it is literally made of wax and corn oil (and as a side note also contains parabens), but was hoping that proper cleansing and toner use would counterbalance any negative effects but to no avail. I've gone back to my Maybelline Pure Makeup foundation, which is water-based, to get the job done covering discoloration. I still use these Ben Nye concealers for concealing veins/scars on my legs and they work great for that purpose, so I will repurchase for that, but that only. If you're looking for a great undereye concealer like I was, try Everyday Minerals. After extensive reading of reviews and trial & error, I've found my HG HG HG concealer with them- and I can't believe it's a powder!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -RedPoint - Redpoint NOC-Out Cover Up Compact
hmag7386 9/19/2008 6:27:00 PM
I too, like the user below, hate to be in the minority... but this concealer really disappointed me. I really really want to love it but after testing it out in several ways, this is not something I can use. Keep in mind I'm looking for a full coverage undereye concealer, not just blemishes. I bought the sample kit from Redpoint after reading the reviews here and an outside recommendation, and was so excited when it came! I tried it out, even comparing it to other concealers I'm trying out side by side, and could really see where this product shines and where it falls. First- the pros: this concealer is absolutely a DREAM for reducing fine lines. I know this is a huge factor in finding the right undereye concealer. The consistency of this product is PERFECT. It's everything a concealer should be. It works even better with the line filler that also comes in the sample kit (which I absolutely love and will be repurchasing). Another pro, it comes with 3 colors so it can meet your specific needs. Third, the coverage is pretty decent and you don't need a lot of layering to get the job done. However, the cons, for me, far outweigh the benefits... first of all, the color of each is SO intense and looks terrible on my super fair skin! The salmon color is out of the question... the yellow doesn't cover enough, and the beige (the designated undereye color according to Redpoint), looks great in the compact but orange on my skin. I tried to blend it and rub it in and mix with the yellow, but to no avail. Even when I got the amount of coverage right, it looked like a mask of tan orange under my eye. :( Second, this concealer needs to be set with powder in order to not smudge around. No problem, I thought. I tried to set it with the firming powder it came with in the sample kit, since that's relatively translucent and should be compatible. As soon as I put it on, it set all right, but it also instantly caked. It's so apparent I have makeup on under my eyes it's ridiculous. I tried it again with Ben Nye's Banana Visage Poudre (a yellow based loose powder), thinking maybe the color would make a difference. Not so. The same thing happened. I can't use a product that makes my undereye area look this way, even if it does reduce fine lines. If Redpoint makes this in a more suitable range of colors, and improves the setting of the product, I'd definitely come back. I'm sure this may look great on more medium skin tones and those without dark undereye circles like me. I'd give it a shot if you fall into that category... but for me, this was a complete miss. UPDATE: If you're looking for a great undereye concealer like I was, try Everyday Minerals. After extensive reading of reviews and trial & error, I've found my HG HG HG concealer with them- and I can't believe it's a powder!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Alba Botanica - Jasmine and Vitamin E Moisture Cream
hmag7386 9/15/2008 3:00:00 PM
I purchased the little jar of this after reading the reviews here. As soon as I opened it I could tell it's a very well-made product. The consistency is thick yet lightweight. It's so luxurious. It feels like it's whipped, and actually looks and feels CLEAN. It goes on very easily and I love the way it feels on my face. It doesn't leave any shiny sheen and my experience so far has been that it absorbs quickly. I put this on under my makeup and sunscreen and it works great. I too, like several people who have tried this, wanted to simplify and go natural with my makeup routine, and use as many natural products as possible. This is an amazing place to start. The jasmine scent of this product may be too powerful for some, it is quite potent, but that's because you only need a little bit of this for it to work. I personally love the smell, and it actually fades a bit since I put sunscreen and makeup on over this. I have normal to dry skin, so I can't speak for those with oily or acne-prone skin, but I'd at least give this a shot. If nothing else, the natural ingredients in make this a great product to try! UPDATE: I decided to try Alba's Sea Lipids Daily Cream as well- it's also highly rated, and I was looking for something that left less of a sheen on my skin and a more gentle scent. I now use it exclusively. I still love the Jasmine and Vitamin E Cream, but prefer to use the Sea Lipids instead.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Clinique - High Impact Mascara
hmag7386 9/9/2008 3:16:00 PM
I've been using several samples of this from GWP's, and am still not totally sure if I'll end up actually buying it. I keep using it for now because the brush is fantastic and really covers the lashes well. I can get just about all of them covered in just a few swipes. It instantly brings out my eyes and keeps it that way for a long, long, time. Clumps really aren't an issue either, yay (although the lashes have a tendency to stick together with this)! However, by the end of the day, flaking is very noticeable. I haven't had problems with smudging, just flaking. I can see little particles collecting a bit in the creases of my eyes and it's getting annoying. Don't get me wrong, it's not terrible, but I'd rather use something that doesn't flake. But I can't complain about all the things it DOES do, so I think I'll continue using this until I find something better... I'm thinking of trying the Naturally Glossy since that has great reviews! UPDATE: I've upgraded to Maybelline's Full n' Soft mascara! It's exactly what it says it is... full and soft. It glides on like a dream whereas this Clinique mascara tugs at the lashes. Give it a try! :]
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Self Tanners -Unlisted Brand - Malibu - Hemp Golden Glow Bronzing Moisturizer
hmag7386 9/1/2008 2:23:00 PM
Holy cow!!! I am soooo glad I decided to try this after reading the reviews here. I was on the hunt for a better self tanner after using Jergens for so long, and hating the orange color and stickiness. Not only does this product produce better and more natural color (no oranginess from what I can see even in natural sunlight), but it smells DIVINE and absorbs quickly with no greasy feeling. There's no stickiness at all and it actually feels like a moisturizer. The color also develops faster than Jergens. Also, big points for the packaging- yay for the pump! And this cost me about $5.50 for 18 oz.... absolutely amazing price and it'll last quite awhile. I was going to try Loreal's Sublime Bronze and Dove but I don't see the point now... this will be my staple self tanner for as long as they make it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Toners -Clinique - Clarifying Lotion #2
hmag7386 8/31/2008 5:56:00 PM
Before trying this product, I used Clean & Clear's orange astringent and acne-fighting lotion to combat my breakouts... probably not the best idea, considering the harsh ingredients and even together they couldn't keep my breakouts at bay. My sister is a Clinique buff and she urged me to try this clarifying lotion immediately. Not only did it clean up my skin way better, picking up any makeup left behind, but zapped the little breakouts all over my face after one use and not nearly as many popped up after that. It did dry out my skin a bit, but not nearly as much as the astringent did (kind of obvious, but improvement is always good). You'll still need a moisturizer after it, though. I guess the biggest difference in this toner is that it chemically exfoliates your skin and helps the dead stuff shed properly, preventing the dirt and dead skin from turning into pimples. However, I've since stopped using this product. Its performance plateaued after about 6 months, and my acne came back. It also has denatured alcohol in it which it probably not the healthiest thing you could put on your skin every day. I've also been told this has some kind of menthol in it which give a tingly feeling you may or may not like. My search continued for a more effective acne-fighting product. Well, I found it through another MUA review. I now use acne.org's benzoyl peroxide gel. That's it- no more toners, astringents, or special moisturizers. My skin has entirely cleared up and I'm free from a complicated, time-consuming, money-consuming routine! I have no more use for this toner or any other, and I've never been so happy about it. WOOT! :D
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Garnier - Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream
hmag7386 8/31/2008 5:37:00 PM
I'm pretty satisfied with this cream, almost done with my second pot of it! :] I bought it based off the reviews here and I am pretty darn happy I did. This stuff covers most of what I was looking for- a reasonably priced, lightweight, non-greasy, hydrating cream. I thought such a thing didn't exist, but this is as close as it gets. You only need a little bit and it spreads easily and absorbs quickly. It's very emollient but not oily at all! My eye area is so soft after using this product and my thin, red, veiny eyelids are less red and irritated. I mainly use this cream as a base underneath my eye makeup. I have very dark, bruise-like undereye circles that I cover with Everyday Minerals concealer. I use this cream underneath it to help the concealer adhere to my skin better- and let me tell you- it's a miracle combination. Works like a dream- like photoshop for my undereye area. This can be used as a day and night cream. As of right now I only put it on my eyelids because I put Hylexin on my undereye area. This cream also doesn't interact with any of my other skin care stuff or makeup which is a big plus, something I'm worried about when starting something new. This product is more than worth the price and I will gladly buy this again... AMAZING!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Aveeno - Positively Radiant Cleansing Pads
hmag7386 8/22/2008 3:41:00 PM
Probably the best cleansing product I've found yet. It only makes sense that you'd use a pad to scrub the grime off your face that cleans deep and exfoliates too. I actually cut the pads in half so the tub lasts twice as long. Half a pad is all I need to get off my makeup and exfoliating side of it is more than enough to do the job. I am speaking as someone with mild acne and normal skin so I don't know how it might play out for those with oily or acne-prone skin, but I'd think that if I only need half a pad than a whole would be fine for yall! These pads clean very well and even get off mascara. Yes, I use them as makeup remover as well. It does sting like mad when it gets in your eyes, but I'm lazy and not willing to buy ANOTHER separate product to get off my makeup when this does the trick. Less is more in my book! I love the smell of these pads and they do what they say they do. The only down side to these that I can think of is that the exfoliating side of the pad, even half the pad like I use, can be too abrasive for my skin. I only use them once a week or so, and only slightly more than that on my T-zone. If I do too much my skin gets very irritated, dries out, peels, and flakes. I would think this product would be enough for everyone, and I'm glad that one tub lasts me almost 2 months. Well worth the money and you can't go wrong with Aveeno!
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Toners -Clean & Clear - Deep Cleaning Astringent (orange)
hmag7386 8/22/2008 3:27:00 PM
I had used the Sensitive Skin formula (the blue one) of this product growing up. I had hardly any acne, but used it to get rid of what little bit I did have. Back then, it did the job. However, my skin started changing in my early 20s (I'm 23 now), and more acne has showed up, especially in the last year or so. I upgraded to this product, the orange bottle, in hopes that a stronger formula was all I needed. I even paired it with Clean & Clear's Dual Action Moisturizer, but in the end, it hardly made a difference. It also contains harsh ingredients that are ultimately unnecessary (like most astringents), including fragrance and neon coloring. It's also very drying, so you will need a moisturizer afterward. After playing around with other acne-fighting products and toners, I finally found my HG product that knocks them all out- acne.org's benzoyl peroxide gel. That's it! No special cleansers, toners, moisturizers needed. That gel has returned my skin to all of it's high school/acne-free glory. This astringent and all other products I've tried have been tossed, never to come back. :]
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Liquid -Maybelline - Pure Makeup [DISCONTINUED]
hmag7386 8/22/2008 3:11:00 PM
Does what it says it does! This product is water-based, and I simply LOVE IT. It's shine-free, and doesn't clog my pores. It goes on very easily and dries fast. I don't use that much but from what I do use, it doesn't feel cakey. No one can tell you're wearing makeup. It does a great job and evening out my isolated skin discoloration, which is what I primarily use it for. I use the Porcelain Ivory shade and it's perfect. The only riff I have with this, and I do mean only, is that it does slightly amplify expression lines. But SLIGHTLY! This is the story of my life. I guess that's how it goes for all makeup. I will still end up buying this time and time again until I find something better for the price, if that ever happens!
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Blush -Cover Girl - Classic Color 'Rose Silk'
hmag7386 8/22/2008 2:41:00 PM
I am hopelessly devoted to this blush. I'm 22 and have been using Cover Girl blush since I was 13. Up until the last 3 years or so I'd been using the Cheekers Brick Rose. I can't remember why I stopped using it- was it discontinued? Or maybe I just wanted a bigger compact. Anyway, I started using this blush and have absolutely no reason to stop. Cover Girl has never disappointed me with blush. One package lasts foreverrrrr and it's not that expensive. The color is perfect and you have complete control over how much you put on. It gives the perfect glow to my skin and even helps even out my tone wherever I put it. It's incredibly natural looking and people won't be able to tell you have blush on at all unless of course you slather it on (and shame on you if you do, haha!). The only down side I can think of for this blush is that I recently found out that it apparently contains potentially unsafe chemicals. This website reviews makeup products for their contents and rates them, and here's what they found for this blush: http://cosmeticsdatabase.com/product.php?prod_id=97812 Sooooo I guess I'm in trouble since I've been using it for years and years. But I have to say, unless I find an all-natural, safe blush that performs like this one does, I won't stop using this product!!!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Bronzers -Rimmel - Natural Bronzer - 22 Sun Bronze
hmag7386 8/22/2008 2:30:00 PM
I'm new to the bronzer game but I think I've been real lucky on my first try! This bronzer is just what I need and I can't argue at all with the price. I have a slight yellow undertone to my skin and I think this bronzer compliments it well. Just a little bit goes a long way. It stays put and really looks natural from what I can tell so far. No need for sunless tanner or heaven forbid, a real tan anymore. My husband always thinks I look great when I use this bronzer! Doesn't irritate my skin or dry it out and really helps to even out skin tones. I'm really happy with it and will definitely be buying it again, though it may be some time before I run out! :D I'd at least give this product a shot... for the price, it's totally worth it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Loose Powders -Cover Girl - Professional Loose Powder
hmag7386 8/22/2008 2:20:00 PM
I am a firm believer in loose powders! This one works for me, but I can understand why it wouldn't work for everyone. I have pretty clear skin and don't use a foundation. I brush a little of this product all over my face to get rid of any shine. If you have just a little shine, this is great. I don't think it would work for oily skin. This powder instantly evens out my skin tone. I touch it up when I need to and it's a great quick fix if you just want to look freshened up instantly. It does have a strong fragrance to it which I'd rather not have, but it goes away over time. The packaging can get a little messy especially if it turns upside down in your bag or something, you open it up and POOF it goes everywhere, but I just be careful about it. And as a plus, the puff that comes with it is amazing! It the fluffiest I've seen and spreads the powder very well and very gently. This product meets my simple needs so I'd definitely buy it again. But if you have more complex needs I'd keep looking! UPDATE: I decided to try out Ben Nye Cameo Visage Poudre (their Fair Translucent also works wonderful just the same), and I'm sold! Fragrance free, amazing mattifying qualities, perfect pigmentation, lasts all day, and even more of an amazing value than Cover Girl. My HG loose powder!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Maybelline - True Illusion Concealer
hmag7386 8/22/2008 2:10:00 PM
UPDATE: If you're looking for a great undereye concealer like I was, try Everyday Minerals. After extensive reading of reviews and trial & error, I've found my HG HG HG concealer with them- and I can't believe it's a powder! This Maybelline concealer was my staple for years up until recently. I still love it very much, but I no longer need it. Here's my overall review!: I'd been using this concealer for a longggggg time. The reason why I kept coming back to it is because it does everything I expect a concealer should, for a reasonable price. I have very very dark, persistent, genetic undereye circles and have to put lots of concealer on no matter what. This product has the perfect shade (True Ivory), and it goes on easily, isn't greasy, and sets in quickly. It blends FLAWLESSLY into the skin. No one can tell you have makeup on. In fact, I can use this as a base under just about anything. It also doesn't crease or crack, hallelujah! It doesn't clog my pores, break me out, or dry my skin. However, I find the coverage isn't enough for what I specifically need. I can only use it as a base coat under other concealers (I used to use a combination of Clinique's Advanced concealer and their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion). Basically, this Maybelline concealer by itself is a great product. For my specific needs, I just need a bit more coverage. But in all respects, this is what you should have in a concealer, and if you don't have crazy bad undereye circles like me, I'd definitely give this a try. Maybelline has never let me down yet. This is my HG "base coat" concealer!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No