Brows -Shu Uemura - Eyebrow Gel
swolf123 10/28/2009 1:57:00 PM
I tried this so many ways and with multiple brushes and I'm still not happy. It doesn't apply very smooth or fill in seamlessly like the hard pencil. I gave this a try since I believe they are discontinuing their hard pencil. The product seems to crumble when I use the Mac 266 and is a bit smoother with Shu's 6OB brush. Still it doesn't apply satisfactorily with either brush, or the numerous other brow brushes that I have. However I was happy with soft ebony color, which seems in line with the pencil's color options. I'm returning this, and using up my Shu pencil and the new ILLAMASQUA brow powder that I recently bought. I'm so disappointed that this came from Shu and they are abandoning their very popular pencil for this shite.
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Hair Styling Tools -Sedu - Revolution Pro Shortie Mini Styler Iron
swolf123 10/22/2009 11:06:00 PM
This mini is the perfect solution for my wispy hairs that frame my face and my layered side swept bangs. Priviously I attempted to straighten these annoying short hairs, that seem to always have a mind of their own, but alas I could never conquer them with my 1 1/2'' flat iron. This iron is perfect for small jobs or polishing off a blowout. If you are looking to actually "straighten" your whole head, and just polish it, then look else where. This is smaller than travel straighter but possible good enough to travel with if you have short hair. For reference, my hair is thick, wavy, and half way down my back. This could possibly the best and most useful free with purchase I have ever received. So far, I've loved all Sedu flats and blow dryers. Update: It may not get hot enough to flatten my bangs or wispy hairs.
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Styling Products -Oribe - Supershine Moisturizing Cream
swolf123 10/18/2009 6:47:00 PM
About a week ago, I came out of the salon loving my hair and the products my stylist used. I didn't think to ask about them then, since I don't like being bullied into buying products I really don't want or need. Plus on my last visit the products she used seemed to be beyond sub par, almost driving me to wash it out immediately. However, after my visit I just needed to know what she used in addition to the BB curl conscious holding foam I saw her add before my blow out. Since the salon was already closed for the weekend when I called to find out, I left a message. I patiently waited until the following Tues for my answer, they had kindly left on my answering machine. After searching the net about this product, I quickly found that there were only a few places that sold it and w/ a $49 price tag in tow. The salon was out, believe it or not, so I had to find another option. Bergdorfs online made it fast and easy to obtain, and I quickly had in my hot little hands the most expensive styling product I had ever purchased. I have used this styling cream twice now, the first time with a little Pureology root lift. I usually shampoo w/ L'anza Remedy shamp and a little Pureology hydrate Codit, then use a spray detangler and moroccan oil and maybe a little root lift; prior to my blowout. My hair is thin to normal but I have lots and lots of it that hit almost the middle of my back. I have to also mention my hair is relatively great shape, but I do color it to maintain richness. Prior to my cut, I was in a bit of a hair rut w/ my hair falling flat and not keeping most of a style post blowout. Since I purchased this cream I have been able to replace both my detangler and Moroccan oil. My hair is beyond shiny, has bit of bounce, style, and alluring musky fragrance; all without looking like I used anything at all. It also seems to be a better frizz zapper than my Moroccan oil, without any weigh down. However I live in the dry climate of northern cali and have not tested this against Southern humidity yet. I am also curious how this may stack up to Kerastase Ciment Thermique; which I have not been able to try yet. So far I am a believer, and am happy I forked over the mullah.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Pureology - Hydrate Conditioner
swolf123 10/14/2009 12:46:00 AM
HG all the way. I have thick, long, normal (in a dry climate) and thin hair, and this does a perfect job of detangling without weighing me down. Only a very small amount is needed, so that umber expensive bottle is lasting me along time. Peppermint is yummy but not as tingly as Nioxin. Only thing I'll purchase in this line. I'm not a brand loyalist by any means.
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Cleansers -LUSH - Dark Angels
swolf123 9/7/2009 1:34:00 AM
I'm finally getting over a bad case of acne, with the help of supplements and Spearmint tea, and I was looking to get rid of my remaining stubborn small white heads that still plague my t-zone. I've used this cleanser/scrub/mask for the last couple of days and I can definitely tell there is a significant difference in the tone and condition of my skin. I'm not all too impressed with its exfoliating and cleansing ability, since it can remain fairly well on the skin, even after rinsing. Because of this, I still use my Alba Botanicals scrub first and Acne.org cleanser after. A+ as a mask. BTW, who cares if it is a little messy or coats the sink, as long as it's working. Just clean the sink and get on with life. geez
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Guerlain - Kiss Kiss - Envie de Beige 540
swolf123 8/23/2009 5:54:00 PM
One of my all time favorite colors, that complements my plum/brown very pigmented lips. I usually forgo lipstick, and only reach for my carmex, but for a more glammed up polished look I will always keep this in my line up. The only thing that I have found that comes close to this color is a sheerer version by GA in #10. I believe this color is discontinued, so I guess I'll have to covet my almost 3yr old 540. (Don't judge). It's very creamy so I doubt the wear is that great, but frankly all lippie tend to wear off me about about 10mins.
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Palettes -NARS - 9950 Modern Love Palette
swolf123 7/31/2009 10:10:00 PM
I'm an avid palette buyer, but I am often disappointed to find only a couple of wearable colors or a few that truly work together. I have to say I am totally blown away by this palette. This is one of the most well thought out palettes I have ever seen. The texture is great, the colors are to die for and every color has its purpose. I literary would not need much more than this palette when traveling, since the black doubles as a liner. Played up or down, the colors truly make my brown eyes pop. The true star in this is the plum color Habanera. This is my first time trying Nars e/s. I usually buy BB, LM, Lorac, but I will definitely keep my eye out for this brand from now on.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Hibiclens
swolf123 6/22/2009 12:54:00 AM
Update: This may work on cutting down acne, but it's too harsh on skin to use regularly. I have since stopped using it and have found a bit more relief w/ adding saw palmetto and a mask (Dark Angel by Lush) to my routine. This stuff is no joke. Although I had pretty good results from Acne.org Cleanser, AHA, and BP; & it still seems like I'm barely winning the battle most days. I have been relatively patient b/c new cysts seems to die quicker, however it still doesn't seem to be really preventing new one's from developing. I went out to my nearest Rite Aid to pick up a bottle Hibiclens after learning about it at Acne.org. I did as others suggested, cleanse w/ DK's Cleanser, then buffed w/ a non-abrasive facial sponge + Hibiclen. I left it on for 3 min then rinsed. I did get a mild amount of foaming w/ this method, unlike when just applying w/ fingers. It is also easier to keep away from the no-no areas when applying w/ a sponge or cloth. I follow w/ Decleor balm, AHA and spot w/ BP. No more scrubbing for me. I think I might leave on for less time from now on. In any case, a developed cyst from today came to head w/in one wash, my overall tone was made very even and developing cysts seem to have stopped. All I can say is wow. I'm only going to use this nightly, so not to overly dry my skin. I still think that DK's cleanser is good, but it's just not good enough to prevent breakouts. At least it doesn't add to it. I think I can finally ditch the 2.5% BP, that has been causing red/brown discoloration in my skin. It is also not good to over use BP since it is an oxidant and slows skin healing. My skin is already starting to return to a normal color.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Acne.org - AHA+
swolf123 6/7/2009 12:29:00 PM
I used a very similar product in the past, Jan Marini Factor A+ lotion, w/ good results; but after time it caused more problems than it was worth. I would get reactive pimples around my chin, so I discontinued it's use. Six months later, acne returned b/c my skin was not turning over as quickly b/c of aging. I have since added this to my routine, along w/ the cleanser and BP; and I am very happy w/ the quick results. So far, no reactive pimples. I also like this in a tube rather than pump, b/c I can control how much is dispensed. I must mention that I am not using it exactly as prescribed. I started using the AHA at the beginning of the regimen, b/c I am already very accustom to AHA. Prior to this I was using Jan Marini Bioglycolic wash, which I had to eliminate since that would be excessive chemical exfoliation. I also found that applying BP prior to adding moisturizer was too irritating for me. My current routine is first DK cleanser, then Moisturize (Decleor Iris Night Balm), add a light layer of DK's AHA all over, then spot w/ DK's BP to trouble areas. No irritation, only results.
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Treatments -Acne.org - Treatment
swolf123 6/7/2009 12:19:00 PM
These products are not ground breaking, b/c I have used very similar products in the past, but his prescribed regimen is. After eliminating my harsh 5% bp and sticking w/ DK's advice for 3 days, my skin has finally started to turn around. I am quite surprised that a gentler bp is doing a better job than my stronger treatments. Even perpetual under the skin bumps, that wouldn't budge, are finally packing up and heading out. I must mention that I am not using it exactly as prescribed. Applying BP prior to adding moisturizer was too irritating for me. My current routine is first DK cleanser, then Moisturize (Decleor Iris Night Balm), add a light layer of DK's AHA all over, then spot w/ DK's BP to trouble areas. No irritation, only results.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Acne.org - Cleanser
swolf123 6/7/2009 12:04:00 PM
Ever since I have been on the regimen, my acne-prone, dry, sensitive skin has breathed a sigh of relief. Prior to this cleanser I was juggling a ton of cleansers for the different times of the day. I used Ellen Lange, which is a very gentle mineral cleanser, for the morning wash and Laventine Olive Oil Cleanser, PCA #13, & Jan Marini Bioglycolic in the evening. This cleanser is so gentle that I have been able to replace my very gentle morning cleanser w/ this, and not suffer any dryness during the day. I have also had great success w/ removing acne tx and masks w/o having to revert to an oil cleanser first. So far no irritation, no breakout and it completely cleanses. BTY, this lathers just fine for me, when I wet my face first. However I am still keeping Laventine's Olive Oil cleanser for MU removal, but everything else I have been able to eliminate. I am glad I took the chance w/ this one. Update: This is still agreeable to my skin, and it isn't adding to the dryness that I am inducing w/ all the acne tx I'm using. I also found out, during a moment of desperation on a recent business trip, that this works better on my brushes than the MAC brush cleaner. Update II: I just order 2 more 16oz bottles. I use this cleanser a lot now, and it has saved me money with doubling as good brush cleaner.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Chanel - Joues Contraste in Rose Dust
swolf123 5/2/2009 10:41:00 AM
I've stopped using all other brands of blush; b/c Chanel is top dog when it comes to that market. Like the other said before me, this color is very complimentary; providing the most natural flush/blush I have ever seen on myself. Not to say it's light or undetectable. No, it just looks like a very youthful natural blush; like a childs youthful glow. I have to say I may like this more than my new Tweed Rose. The intensity and color is between Mocha and Tweed Rose, perfect for day wear. I got this on evilbay for $23! For Reference, I have light/med olive skin.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Chanel - LIFT LUMIÈRE CONCEALER Smoothing and Rejuvenating Eye Contour Concealer
swolf123 4/23/2009 7:31:00 PM
Excellent under eye concealer. It covers and stays put, without over drying my skin. I haven't noticed any melting, like the reviewer before me, but it isn't hot where I live yet. The pump is convenient and a nuisance, since it is hygienic but difficult to control the amount dispensed. Update: Not sure if it's me or the product, but it tends to make my eye area dry and flaky. I went back to my Lancome Effacernes for now. I think I might try it again soon.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Shu Uemura - #10 Handy Nylon Brush
swolf123 4/19/2009 2:30:00 PM
I've been applying e/s cream & base using MAC 249 for sometime, which is a little big and too firm (bordering on being very rough). I thought this brush might be a good replacement, based on the reviews. When I got this in the mail, I was so disappointed on its size. The #10 is so small and flimsy for cream e/s application. Though, it's a very quality brush, so I decided to keep it in my brush jar just in case I ever found a need for it. One day I decided to try applying my under eye concealer w/ it, instead w/ my fingers. I finally found a purpose for this great brush. It's so gently to that delicate area, and my concealer applied exceedingly more flawless than using my fingers. I'm now getting the #12 for the original purpose for purchasing #10. Hopefully that will be the key.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Lancome - Photogenic Skin-Illuminating Concealer SPF 15 ] [DISCONTINUED]
swolf123 4/19/2009 12:53:00 PM
I used this concealer for good amount of time a little over 8yrs ago, b/c of the great coverage. The problem was that it was too heavy & obvious looking, settled into lines I didn't know existed and creased and balled up to no end. This made me look older, which is never a goal. I cannot recommend this to anyone, except maybe for someone w/ extremely dark circles, young skin, living in a moderate climate.
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