Product Reviews by Honeyblonde

Mascara -L'Oreal - Voluminous mascara
rated 5 of 5
Honeyblonde 7/21/2003 4:13:00 PM

I realized that I’ve never reviewed my wonder mascara – only referred to it in other product reviews. So, here goes….

This is my little slice of heaven. I’m at the shallow end of the gene pool when it comes to lashes – mine are short, sparse, and fine. I’ve tried so many mascaras over the years, from high-end to low-end, and none has done me justice like Voluminous (save it’s sister, Double-Extend, which I believe is a near-identical formulation). Voluminous does add great volume, as you’d suspect from the name, but it also gives incredible length, color, and staying power. It’s never clumpy or spiky (see tip below), doesn't run or streak, and removes easily. I use Blackest Black, and combine with a primer. (I was using Lancôme’s Cils Booster – which is a great product - but switched to L'Oréal’s Double-Extend as I find I get the same results at a fraction of the cost).
I can go without a lot of makeup, but this is one of my must-have everyday staples. It gives me lotsa luscious lashes and brings my eyes into focus.

Tip: Many people have mentioned wiping the excess off the wand with a tissue – here’s a method I discovered that’s even better: gently scrape the bristles against the top edge of the wand case; roll the wand a tiny bit & scrape again, repeating until you’ve gotten all sides. All the extra mascara goes back in the tube (no waste!), and you don’t get any tissue fibers on the wand. The amount left on the wand is just right for a full but fine application on your lashes.

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Lotions/ Creams -Avon - CelluSculpt [DISCONTINUED]
rated 1 of 5
Honeyblonde 7/21/2003 3:31:00 PM

Shame on me for believing a cream alone could smooth dimpled fat UNDER my skin.

Not only did this product not work, it also smelled really bad – like funky plastic. Yechh.
I’m thinking fat-burning work-outs are the only thing that will rid me of the dreaded c-word. Time for me to bite the bullet. ;)

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Treatments -Paula's Choice - Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant
rated 5 of 5
Honeyblonde 7/16/2003 6:07:00 PM

This review is long overdue, as I jumped on the PC bandwagon over a month ago, and am a rider for life. (Official slap-on-the-wrist for being so slow.)

This stuff is pirate’s treasure. It’s been incredibly easy to slip into my skincare routine, very light on my budget, and produced fantastic results. I have pretty good skin (normal to dry/sensitive), but over the past couple years I’ve developed these little tiny patches of dry skin on my face. Traditional exfoliants either rubbed me red or created a zit. And over-moisturizing just left me greasy. Along comes Paula’s 8% AHA, and POOF - problem solved. This clear gel simply sinks right in, and within a weeks’ time my little flakies were completely gone. I am new to this line, but plan on trying more, having unearthed this precious gem.

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Mascara -L'Oreal - Double Extend Mascara
rated 5 of 5
Honeyblonde 7/16/2003 5:06:00 PM

I’m really surprised more people haven’t fallen in love with this. I’d been using Lancôme’s Cils Booster with L'Oréal’s Voluminous, and achieving great results – thickness & length, without clumping or smearing. I figured I’d give this mascara/primer duo a try, since both lines are under the same company umbrella, and L'Oréal is much easier on the wallet.

I expected I’d like it, but was thrilled to find I love it! I get the same great results, at a much lower cost. And the little tubes are so cute! It’s really nice having both lash products on the same wand; saves a little time and fussing. I have Blackest Black, and it gives a gorgeous dark, full lash look without spikes or globs. And no raccoon eyes. Praise the lower-end makeup Gods. :)
PS: And please, L'Oréal, don’t stop making this fantastic product.

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Mascara -Christian Dior - Diorshow Mascara
rated 5 of 5
Honeyblonde 7/16/2003 4:36:00 PM

More like DiorNoShow mascara. Quite a disappointment from a high-end, expensive line. Falling snow does more for my lash look than this worthless tube. Do yourself a favor and skip it. EDIT: With so many people raving over this, I figured I should give it a second-go. I got waterproof, and now I must say I understand what all the hype is about. This stuff is AWESOME! I get length, thickness, and it holds curl, doesn't budge or smudge. I don't know if my initial tube was just old and dried out, or if it's the difference between reg & wp. I'm definitely a HUGE fan of this now. :)

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Eye Shadow -MMU Cosmetics - Eye Shadow
rated 5 of 5
Honeyblonde 7/14/2003 5:02:00 PM

I am really impressed by the quality of this line. The shadows are highly pigmented, have great staying power, and come in a nice assortment of colors. For the most part, I’d more likely choose MAC shadows over MMU, for 2 reasons: lower costs and shorter wait time. My MAC store is just around the corner – delivering instant take-home goods without the added fees for out-of-country shipping.

That said, these are high enough quality that if I really like a shade and don’t find something comparable in MAC, I’d definitely purchase the MMU one. I’ve tried about ½ dozen colors, and while all are nice, my absolute favorite is the Trilogy in “Atmosphere”. This sandy-beige/sunlit bronze/dark chocolate trio gilded with fine gold shimmer gives my baby blues a drop-dead gorgeous look – smoky, shimmery, HOT.

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Eye Makeup Remover -Almay - Non-Oily Eye Makeup Remover Pads
rated 5 of 5
Honeyblonde 6/25/2003 1:57:00 PM

Sheer genius. These are elegant in their simplicity.

They are hassle-free (the pads are pre-soaked in the remover – just take one out and you’re good to go).
They are inexpensive (less than $5 for 100).
They travel well (small jar with a nice tight lid).
Best of all? They work. All traces of eye makeup removed swiftly, without tugging, irritation, or greasiness. Within seconds, eyes are dry and clean and ready for moisturizing or a new application of shadow. These are a staple for me.

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Highlighters -Becca - Pearl Shimmering Skin Perfector
rated 5 of 5
Honeyblonde 6/24/2003 11:49:00 AM

This is so versatile. It can go anywhere you want a little polished shimmer. It’s not flashy like glitter, more subtle like the delicate glow of candlelight. Good for when you want more than a bare face, but not makeup. Or to draw a little attention to your cleavage or shoulders. Also gives that soft, moisturized sheen to bare legs. Another great use: mix the tiniest bit with concealer, and really wake-up your undereye area. It diffuses light, so darkness and imperfections are reflected away, and all you see is beautiful, illuminated skin.

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Skincare - Body -MMU Cosmetics - Scents
rated 5 of 5
Honeyblonde 6/12/2003 4:19:00 PM

When I was getting ready to place my first MMU order, I read as many reviews as I could, trying to decide which scent choices were the most-liked. No one critiqued the scents they tried in one overall review, so I thought I’d be the first. I find it easier to put them all in one place, for anyone who’s looking for a simpler way to compare.

I’ve tried the following scents (in the following products):
Lime-Coconut Crème (SheShe Shampoo & Conditioner) – Oh my. This is so awesome. An invigorating blending of sweet coconut and tangy lime, topped with luscious whipped cream. It's hard not to drool when I smell this.
Pink Lemonade (Shavettes) – Pink Lemonade is delectable. Sweet, but not sickeningly so. Tart, but not pucker-your-lips powerful. Think pure, pink, perky, and pretty.
Sweet Dream (Shea Body Butter Soufflé) – Sweet Dream, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways… love, Love LOVE this scent. It’s almost too good to be true – makes me feel like a bad girl & a good girl all at once. :)
Tahitian Vanilla (Shea Body Butter Soufflé) – Ding Ding! We have another winner. This is a foody scent, but not one that’s overpowering. I can smell it all day long and not tire of it.
Pineapple Sugar and Pink Grapefruit & Almond (Honey & Goat Milk Body Wash) – These are very true to their name, in terms of how they smell. I thought I’d experience more of an eye-opening, invigorating sensation, but they just kinda sat there. No bells & whistles, but no bummers either.
Beach House (Shavettes) – this wasn't my cup of tea. It’s not a bad smell, just one that doesn’t appeal to me. I can’t describe the notes of the scent – it says lime, but I detect no citrus.
White Chocolate Mousse (Have a Bath or Shower) - this was downright nasty. Didn't smell like chocolate at all; more like wet wood or dirt. Major Blechh.
Sugar Coated Pie Crust (Hands Up) – I'd recommend avoiding this one. It smelled like rusted Crisco. Enough said.
Lemon Blondie (Sole Provider) – Mmmmm. Totally decadent. Smells so fresh & feminine & fruity. Definitely a keeper.
Plumeria (Silk 'n Shine Shampoo) and Tropical Paradise (Protein Conditioner) – Wow - these are amazing - like a vacation in a bottle. I envision stepping out of the shower, and onto the beach as the soft tradewinds envelop me.... Powerful scentualizations from these babies.

I must give props to my fellow MUAers: I discovered this wonderful line because of you makeup aficionados. So thanks to you, friends, for enlightening me.

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Lotions/ Creams -MMU Cosmetics - Shea body butter souffle
rated 5 of 5
Honeyblonde 6/12/2003 3:52:00 PM

Me likey alot!! Using this is the equivalent of an epidermal orgasm. ;-)~ The texture of Shea Body Butter Souffle is magnificent - thick but sinks in easily; moisturizing, but not at all greasy. I got this in two scents - "Tahitian Vanilla", and "Sweet Dream" -- both are yummy, yummy, yummy, like a smorgasbord for the skin. Tahitian Vanilla is strong but not overbearing, decadent without being syrupy sweet. I literally sniff my skin all day long.... (see my other review for rave commentary on Sweet Dream.)

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Bath Treatments -MMU Cosmetics - Shavettes
rated 5 of 5
Honeyblonde 6/12/2003 3:26:00 PM

After using this the first time, I wondered how I managed for so long without it. Shavettes is the Cadillac of shaving creams (makes all others pale in comparison, IMO). Gives my razor superb slidability, accomplishing an incredibly close shave without nicks. And the sensory experience doubles the pleasure. The scent amplifies in the heat of the shower, and I am lifted away to nirvana.... Afterward, I'm left with soft, smooth, delicately scented skin. I got this in Pink Lemonade, and it's a Perfect 10 in my book. Sweet without being sickly, tart without being prickly. This is one of those decadent discoveries -- like having a secret crush. Makes you feel giddy to keep it to yourself, yet excited to share it. In the end, I had to share. =)

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Eye Shadow -Prescriptives - Shadow
rated 5 of 5
Honeyblonde 6/12/2003 3:02:00 PM

Poor forgotten, oft-overlooked Px. This line sits in a corner, hoping people will come visit, but not going out of its' way to get them there. I don't use much from this line -- nothing wrong with it, I just haven't been "wowed". For the price & selection, I would generally choose other lines. However, one day whilst tinkering in the cosmetics department, something caught my eye. New ice-creamy colored eye shadows. I love ice cream, so I sampled. And was pleasantly surprised. I bought two shades: Slumber (a gorgeous baby pink with golden flecks) and Wishful (an azure blue). Both blend superbly, wear well, and make my blue eyes pop. Wouldn't make this my everyday pick, but it's a really fun distraction, when I need it. I imagine there are other as-of-yet unearthed treasures in this line. Maybe some day, when my fave lines are slow, I'll discover more. For now, I'm quite content with my current Px "Pick 2's".

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Styling Products -Biosilk - Thickening Builder
rated 5 of 5
Honeyblonde 6/12/2003 2:43:00 PM

Bless you, Biosilk. You have taken my babyfine hair and given it unparalleled oomph & body. This is a powerful product. Just spray on wet hair, style as usual, and watch your hair go from flat to phat. It coats each hair, creating massive volume, without any tackiness, knotting, or greasiness. I use this along with the volumizing shampoo & conditioner, which may assist in the body-building properties. And it smells luscious, too!

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Crème -Becca - Stick Foundation
rated 5 of 5
Honeyblonde 6/11/2003 6:12:00 PM

Want a foundation stick that wears incredibly well? One that applies like a dream, and looks like a mirage? This is like designer clothes for your face. Silkifies your skin, while secreting away tiny imperfections. It's also great as a neutralizing base on my pigmented lips, making my lipstick go the extra mile. You gotta try this stuff.... for impeccable, Becca-ble skin!!

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Eye Shadow -MAC - Bare Canvas Paint
rated 5 of 5
Honeyblonde 6/10/2003 5:24:00 PM

Ladies and Gentleman – we have a winner! Hot damn. I never cared for the paints as shadows, but as a shadow base, it’s unbeatable. It goes on smooth, blends with any shade or texture of powder shadow, then keeps that look crease-free and fade resistant all day. I can’t believe it; when I go to take my shadow off at night, it looks like I just applied it! That’s never happened to me before. Bare Canvas is the perfect color for my LLL skin – there’s no shimmer, and it’s just a tad lighter than my actual skin tone, so it gives me a little highlight to start with. This has earned its’ rightful place in my treasure trove of daily staples. Kudos, MAC.

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