Top/Base Coats -Borghese - Clear Fast Drying Top Coat
BlueSkiesAbove 8/22/2010 8:15:00 PM
This is the best top coat that I have used yet. It dries incredibly quickly and I had my color last for at least 5 days before I got a tiny chip on one of my nails. The only thing that compares to this is the topcoat that I get at the salon! Drying time was at 5 minutes, and a second coat gives a good thick shiny wet appearance. This topcoat dries very hard and it protects my manicure. The trick to not dragging the polish is to let your nails dry to the touch, and then dip the brush into the jar, allow a bead to form and spread it on quickly WITHOUT touching the brush to the nail. Takes some getting used to, but I have done all of my manicures without dragging my polish. Any topcoat would drag if you pressed down on it with any topcoat nail product, so its not the fault of the product, its the method of application. If you do accidentally press down on the nail with the brush and your polish drags, make sure that you get some nail polish remover and wipe it off the brush by dabbing some polish remover on a cotton ball and cleaning your brush on it. You dont even have to hold the cotton ball in your hand, just lay it down and brush your polish brush over it. It's not hard to do and it will save you from messing up your bottle with colors. I am very satisfied with results and I will keep using this topcoat for as long as it is available. Reasonably priced, and the brush design is genius.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Physicians Formula - Gentle Cover Concealer Stick (Yellow)
BlueSkiesAbove 8/21/2010 8:50:00 AM
Ive tried different concealers over the years but overall I am very satisfied with this one. It is the only physicians formula product that I use. It comes in a tube, packaged like lipstick. I find that it makes it very easy to use. The color is just right to hide my circles, and i find that the creamy and matte texture blends well with the other products that i use in my routine. The color is best applied by dotting it on the skin, instead of drawing it on or smearing it on. After dotting it on you can pat it into the skin so that it has an even appearance. If you try and smudge it on it will drag on your skin. So for those who say they didn't like the formula, perhaps they weren't applying it in the right way. If some say that it left their skin yellow perhaps its because they didn't completely blend it, maybe they caked it on like a paste, and maybe they thought that they wouldn't have to cover it with a foundation. Like any concealer, especially color correcting ones, they have to be covered up with foundation. The color correcting concealer corrects the color underneath your foundation. It does not act as a plain, flesh toned concealer that you can just paste on. It has to be fully blended, then covered so that when your foundation goes on you have an even, overall appearance. Overall, I would re-purchase this product because it is the only one that I have used that is not irritating, not cakey, not oily, and it works! leaves my skin baby soft and prepared for eyeshadow application after my foundation is applied. A great product and a great price too.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Rimmel - Hide The Blemish Concealer in Ivory 001
BlueSkiesAbove 8/21/2010 8:41:00 AM
This is a stick concealer that is packaged much like a lipstick. This makes the concealer very easy to use. Unfortunately it has a somewhat greasy and heavy feel, so it has to be used sparingly. It is easy to blend though. I bought this for under eye darkness and it works great, but I prefer my physicians formula concealer because it is not as greasy and it does not budge. Overall this is an average product, and I don't reach for it often. It is low cost too so if you are looking for a quick and easy concealer to try, this could be the one for you, especially if you need some moisture in certain areas. I would re-purchase my Physicians Formula stick concealer before I would repurchase this one, however.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Revlon - ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex SPF 6 for Combination/Oily Skin - 240 Medium Beige
BlueSkiesAbove 8/21/2010 8:11:00 AM
Finally, a great foundation that stays where it's put. I had experimented with this foundation years ago, before they switched to the color-flex formula. Back then, I didn't have the right color for my face (it was too dark), and so I didn't enjoy using it. I live in Fl. where the summertime is hot and humid. I found that this foundation is the ONLY one that will stay on my face. I have areas of redness and so i need a total cover up that looks natural. I am using the Medium Beige and it is an exact match for my skin. the SPF factor is a benefit too, but its not nearly enough protection, so I blend my Neutrogena Healthy Glow Sheer with SPF 30 underneath. That is nothing more than a tinted moisturizer, and it is very light in color, so the ColorStay on top of it blends in really well. So, I have a primer that has an SPF to use underneath it, which conditions my skin as well. Overall, I think that this product should have a pump. There are places online to buy pump tops for makeup bottles, if you google it. I don't mind though because as the color decreases in the bottle, i just store it upside down so I can always get to it. This product does not irritate my skin, and I did not suffer breakouts from using it. But, I do have to dust with powder in my t-zone and my cheeks, very lightly, and use my blotting sheets in the middle of the day. I get the best application when I clean with my neutrogena toner, apply the moisture foundation and then add the color stay. I have yet to find a foundation that prevents oil seepage, but if I do, i will be sure to rate it here at makeupalley, too. This is an excellent product, comes with great and long lasting coverage that does not bugde, i am not left with a sweaty face during the summer, and it also has SPF, what more could I want from a foundation?! This stuff is liquid gold! People tend to experience breakouts from trying new products. The skin will react to any new conditioning that it is put under. Sometimes, skin can be sensitive depending on how you treat it. Experiencing a breakout from trying a new product is common, until your skin is able to tolerate the new conditions that you keep producing for it. This is the kind of product that needs to be removed thoroughly each day or breakouts will occur from the skin being clogged. Do not sleep in this makeup. If the application seems patchy it is because some users are applying it with their fingertips or with a sponge, in an all over sweeping movement. this is not the best way to apply it. I have had the best application with the stippling technique and also with using a foundation brush, working in a small area and blending each area into the next. It is not the fault of the makeup or the tools, it is the fault of the user if they are not able to get a decent application. Perhaps they should study application techniques and practice. This product takes some getting used to but overall it seems very professional and quality.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Burt's Bees - Natural Acne Solutions - Targeted Spot Treatment
BlueSkiesAbove 8/21/2010 7:46:00 AM
I rated this treatment as a 5 because it does what it claims without being harsh and irritating on my skin. I had a hormonal breakout and this product saved me. Some say that they do not like the packaging. I do, i think its great. It is bottled in the same way that most essential oils are bottled so if you have no experience in using an essential oil with a bottle like this it will be somewhat confusing and frustrating. All you have to do is tilt the bottle at an angle and it naturally drips out, one drop at a time. When you shake it, it won't come out. This is great because it will prevent spillage. Just remember to slowly tilt the bottle and it will flow out easily. I used this product on a swisspers pad, and that is the easiest way to use it. You could do the same on a cotton pad or with a cotton ball. If you use a q-tip you wont get enough medicine on it. This product is great because it is natural. It contains salicylic acid, extracted from willow bark. the fragrance is reminiscent of the formulas that i mix for my own uses, since I work with essential oils. I found it to be very natural and I was glad not to use a processed product with a ton of ingredients. It shrinked a large zit on my face overnight and helped the developing ones to shrink as well. I was able to cover it up and hide it with concealer after I medicated it again this morning. This product has great benefits and I am so glad to have found it by searching here at makeupalley. It really saved my face, and it will now become part of my routine. sometimes no matter how much we clean and condition our skin that monthly hormone will rage up and your skin will erupt. All it takes is a change in routine and a breakout can occur. Some think that the products cause this but really what it is, is your skin reacting to the ingredients. after a while it will settle down because your skin will get used to the products. People say the smell is horrible, but i find it to be quite pleasant and soothing. Maybe they are used to fake perfumes in products intead? this has a lot of natural ingredients so it does not have a chemical smell. Tea tree oil is somewhat annoying but it is one of the last ingredients on the list. The anti-bacterial and conditioning properties from these herbs negate any of the fragrances that they carry, and the scent fades away after a few minutes. Products like this one will help to keep breakouts under control. 5 stars all around for being such a great product. HG status for me, now.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Sally Hansen - lip blush plumping balm
BlueSkiesAbove 8/20/2010 11:50:00 AM
WOW is all I can say. I had never in my life paid 10$ for a lip balm or gloss but I was after the plumping benefits that this balm is supposed to deliver. The tube style is odd. I would have rather had a wand doefoot applicator or at least an angled applicator like the squeeze tube lip balms have. The brush style is a little odd to use but it's all right, it does help to apply the product. I noticed NO taste. I smoke so maybe im not as sensitive to strange tastes but the taste is not strange to me. There is a scent but i noticed that it dissipates in about 5 minutes after wearing it. This stuff actually plumped my lips. While i have nice lips to begin with, this really helped to give them a pouty supermodel look! I was so surprised at how fantastically sexy it looks. I am HOOKED on plumpers now!! I was afraid to get a brand that would make them plump TOO much, like the freaky Jolie fishlips...but this is just enough to be noticeable without being ridiculously obvious and it fills in my lips very nicely without being overdone. I think that ladies with a thin lip line would benefit from this formula as well as those who have pleasant lips, because it helps to enhance what is already there, it enhances your natural beauty. I can even feel that it is working by a slight tingle upon application and the feeling of swelling in my lip area. This does not sting me like the NYC Lip Plumper (with HOT cinnamon). The formula is actually quite soothing and stimulating at the same time. It turned into a sweet pink lemonade shade on my lips that looks fabulous. So sexy! I don't even need lip color with this but i will probably use it with my NYX Round Lipstick colors just because I can... The gloss itself is not sticky or greasy, it feels quite pleasant. After the product wore off my lips felt conditioned and healthy. Overall this was a great buy and I will be using this for a while now. Cant wait to do a photo shoot with this product on, hehe... I don't know why people say that lip plumpers don't work. What they do is irritate the skin so that it swells. As bad as that sounds, that is the effect of a plumped lip. And this product works for me. I can feel the tightness and swelling in my mouth area. If it were just a makeup illusion, then my lips would not be as full as they are and they wouldn't feel numb and swollen like they do when i wear this. The effect is VERY noticeable. It might not work with certain skin types and body chemistries since this product and every other one on the market gets mixed reviews. Again, it depends on the person, their genetics, skin type, chemistry, and method of application that determines the results. Just remember, you have to have something TO plump in order for it to work. If you have very thin lips the effect will not be noticeable, and therefore you will feel that the product does not work. Again, i repeat, if your lips are thin a plumper won't do you any good to begin with and you will go around thinking that they do not work. That is not the case however - they just don't work for you because of how your lips are formed. But if your lips are more defined or full to begin with they could benefit from a plumper because it will enhance what you already have to a greater degree. A DEFINITE REPURCHASE I posted my before/after pic since no one has done that for this product yet.. it definitely deserves a before/after pic
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Top/Base Coats -Creative Nail Design - Super Matte Topcoat
BlueSkiesAbove 8/13/2010 11:47:00 PM
This is the review for Creative Nail Design -> Super Matte Topcoat. Ladies Save your money! If you are looking for a quick and easy topcoat to transform your nails to a matte finish, this product falls far short of what it claims to do for you. I purchased the 0.33 oz bottle of CND Super Matte finish for 8.99 at Ulta Beauty. I did not review the item first but I should have. There are only a few true matte finish topcoats available on the market but this is the one that offers the least matte finish of them all. The mixture comes in a squarish bottle with a rubbery screw top and nail polish brush. The mixture is very volatile and it smells very chemical. I had to do my manicure outside because the smell was so heavy. While putting on the drippy mixture with the tiny brush, I found that it was very runny and gloopy. It has a milky texture that dries semi-clear. The 'matte' of this polish must be achieved by adding a glossy white to the nail, which does not make it a true matte finish. A true matte finish would be void of shine and it would have a somewhat textured feel, much like the surface of a newly formed acrylic nail. This CND Super Matte, when it completely dried, turned out to be a glossy polish that has a reflective shine and a smooth finish to the touch. This is opposite to what I was trying to achieve. It took quite a while to dry (about 20mins, including time in front of a fan) and the texture of this polish enhanced the nail's imperfections. I even painted over with 2 coats (against the recommended procedure on the bottle) and it only made my polish more milky white and streaky. In the next few days the nail collected a lot of smudges, dirt and gave my nails a general ragged appearance. It actually hastened the demise of my (once) beautiful manicure. Overall I was very displeased with this product and I would never buy it again. Please test it on your nail first before you purchase it, and you will also see that this product does not deliver as it claims to. It does not even look good enough to use as a basic top coat because it leaves white streaks on the nail surface. 9$ is expensive for a polish that does not deliver what it claims.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Sinful - soul mate
BlueSkiesAbove 8/13/2010 5:55:00 PM
Sinful colors is known for having some unusual but likeable colors for their nail polish line. I have collected & worn many of them throughout the years. This color is a bit unusual for me since I do not usually wear pinks. The color goes on thickly so it would be useful to thin it, especially if you have a bottle that's been on the shelves for a while. the color reminds me of Pepto Pink - the color of pepto bismol. You could also call it a salmon pink. Crayon pink. It has no sparkles. Takes 2+ coats to get to the bottle color and it dries just a touch lighter than it looks in the bottle. Overall this is a very interesting pink, that I will be sure to enjoy on my fingers and toes this summer. Just imagine how cute this would look with a white french! so chic! Like all sinful colors this one has been a pleasure to wear and own. Surprised that its not more popular - there was only one bottle left at the store when I got mine
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Neutrogena - Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation in Nude 40
BlueSkiesAbove 8/11/2010 7:51:00 PM
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation in Nude 40 This item was a recent find at the local Walgreens. It's a loose powder foundation with SPF 20. I was very happy to find a powder foundation for the summer that has a SPF factor. I live in FL and its sunny and hot so SPF is a benefit. This loose powder foundation It is packaged in a round container, with a sifter lid. It comes with a small brush. It's a loose mineral powder. Contains no scent. The color went on very naturally. Nude looks lighter in the container than it does on skin. So as a guide choose the next color lighter or darker than what you think you are seeing, or try it out first on your inside wrist or jawline if you can. I think it goes on darker than it looks because it really does give full coverage. This powder is matte and it has no shimmer. It gives very good coverage, blending out my red areas and filling my skin color in so that it looked smooth and finished. A small brush with a container fits in the inside lid. I didn't like the brush (it is flat and wide) so I used my kabuki brush with it instead I'm so happy that this powder has spf 20. I'm currently using it under the Neutrogena healthy skin glow sheers tinted moisturizer with spf 20 (fair to light). The healthy skin glow gives light coverage and it leaves a shine, so this powder helps to seal and matify it. Overall I am pleased with this and plan to use it throughout the summer. I will also repurchase but i will get the next lighter color next time Excellent packaging quality, great product at a reasonable price. Excellent!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Neutrogena - Healthy Skin Custom Glow Blush & Bronzer in Poise Glow 20
BlueSkiesAbove 8/11/2010 7:38:00 PM
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Custom Glow Blush & Bronzer in Poise Glow 20 - This is a blusher/bronzer duo in a weighty pan/brush/mirror compact. This was my first time trying Neutrogena Blush. I was interested in finding a color that would look natural, not clownish like so many other blushes do to my skin. The color, Poise Glow, is a bright peachy berry pink. The bronzer is a nice medium shimmer tan. Both of them have a micro-fine glitter that gives it a gleam. The glitter is very finely milled and it made my skin soft and smooth, without any trace of shine. I was unaware that this had glitter until i got it home but I was surprised with the results. The glitter is barely noticeable, if at all, on the skin. To me it looks glowy, dewy and matte without an irritating shine or gleam that can come with glitters This seems like a quality product. My canvas was Neutrogena Healthy Skin glow sheers in fair to light 20, and Neutrogena mineral sheers loose powder foundation in nude 40 with a light dusting of talc to buff and lighten to a smooth natural tone. The blush (applied with a kabuki brush) went on creamy and smooth with no streakynes. It has a subtle glow that is healthy looking and natural. It was easily buffed in without being spotty. Finally, a true natural blush. Neutrogena has me sold on this item! It is not irritating to my skin and easily washes off, so I feel that it is a quality product and I am very pleased/ I like to use both blush and bronzer in one clean sweep and tap my brush for excess and buff it onto the apples of my cheeks. So natural and true, looks like a real healthy rosy glow. This may be a drugstore brand but the item itself is quality. I paid 12.99$ for mine. It comes in a duo-pan with a brush (useless as always) and a nice-sized mirror for quick on the go application. The case is sturdy, weighty and built well. It has a clean, classic look that mimics other high-end quality makeup containers. I love this item!
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -NYX - Lipstick- #532 Rea
BlueSkiesAbove 8/11/2010 5:07:00 PM
This is one of many NYX round lipsticks that I have bought simply because they are the best lipstick that i have ever put onto my lips. The price is amazing too - don't let it fool you. It is low cost because the packaging is simple but the round lipsticks are rich and creamy and buttery, nourishing and a total delight to wear.. I got Rea today at Ulta because i was dying to have a medium to light nude to wear when I do dramatic eyeshadow. So i settled on Rea. I already own Thalia (which is my MLBB shade) but i had to have Rea.. Colorwise it is a creamy brown clay color. Compare it to a light mocha. Very cream taupe. With the right skin tone this shade can be absolutely FLATTERING. The clayey color is what scares some chicks here, because they might think that it makes them look dead!! Well to that I have to say that a lot of NYX lip color seems to be matched to specific skin types. .so if you have a warm complexion and paler skin this is going to be an exciting nude. If your skin is too dark it will make you look washed out and the grey will come forth. Test it on the inside of your wrist before you buy. Either you like it or you don't. I LOVE this color, its my new nude. It also looks fabulous with a swipe of NYX thalia, which would be in the same color family but with a hint of rose. I don't mind layering, it seems to create the perfect warm rose clay that looks so nice with my skin tone. Alone it is a bit light on my lips so I will layer it with my Thalia until the winter when my skin is pale. Consistency is creamy and matte, it melts like butter on my lips and conditions them to perfection. I am not a brand whore per-say but dang, NYX makes some affordable and quality lip color and eyeshadow. i love this brand and this color was perfect for me. Would I buy again? YES
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Sally Hansen - Xtreme Wear - All Colors
BlueSkiesAbove 6/15/2010 9:02:00 PM
Ok i agree with mudpie on this one. the brush is designed by a person who has never used nail polish, it seems. its extra long leaving plenty of room for a large glooply bubble of nail color to drip off it.. the colors are streaky and gloopy, and i had to add acetone to make it useable. the colors are fantabulous but the polish is hard to use and messy too, with an extra long drying time. they should reformulate the brush style and then it would be easier to use. meh. **EDIT** ADD ACETONE to it to make it dry faster, thats the only way otherwise youll be waiting and waiting. my polish dried in 5mins with acetone added and it was less gloopy and easier to manage. thats the trick!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -Montagne Jeunesse - Masks
BlueSkiesAbove 6/3/2010 5:41:00 AM
Deep Sea Mud Pac masque Hey, my first time trying this brand and I am impressed. I like to try different masks but I got a pleasant experience from using this one. It left my skin feeling soft and smooth and my pores were cleaned, which is a great thing. It didn't even dry my face like I thought it would. When I use my queen helene I have to put on some moisturizer afterward, but with this my skin feels great - no moisturizer needed! This stuff is awesome. Im doing the chocolate masque next... I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the packaging was to use plus I was also glad to see that I could get 2 uses from it. hehe 5 lippies!!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Unlisted Brand - Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Spray Shampoo
BlueSkiesAbove 6/3/2010 4:07:00 AM
I tried this product and i was impressed. It performed like it should. It even added some bounce to my hair because whatever oil was there was weighing my hair down. I sprayed it only on my roots/scalp to get the best benefit from it. then i let it dry somewhat and fingercomb. Works great!! The scent is nice too, a clean floral powder scent. My hair does get oily especially after a hot day, and I dont like to shampoo every day, because my color will fade. So I shampoo once a week, and it's alright, my hair is trained not to get too bad after a week. The more you wash it the more oil will get produced. Well this stuff freshens my hair like it was just shampooed and that's all right with me!! Awesome product. 5 lippies but expensive 8$ and some change at the CVS, my wall mart didn't have it. Would buy again and again
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -John Frieda - Root Awakening Health Boosting Detangling Spray
BlueSkiesAbove 6/1/2010 4:45:00 AM
My long and thick hair needs a leave in conditioner or else it will be tangled with the slightest movement. I was introduced to this product through a sample. I tried the sample and liked it enough to try the product. So i got the spray version. I preferred the pump lotion version but it wasn't available. It leaves my hair silky smooth and I love the results. I am able to brush through my hair immediately and the spray design makes it easy to get the spray exactly where I want it. The alcohol denat is the ingredient that softens and conditions the hair so that the other ingredients can work their magic. Not a big deal for me since I moisturize my hair with good conditioners. Thats the trick to being able to use this ingredient so that you can get the benefits of what it's designed to do. I suggest that you use a clarifying shampoo once a week if you plan on using ANY leave-in treatment in your hair. Without a clarifying shampoo you will have build-up no matter what and your products won't perform like they should. Overall, I enjoy the scent and the performance of this item is good. I have been disappointed with john frieda in the past but I do like this product and considering re-purchasing when i run out, which should be in about 2 mos. or so . 4 lippies. its not a miracle formula but I like what it does.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No