Blush -Tarte - Cheek Stain in Cloud 9 
Retromom104 2/6/2010 2:59:00 PM
Why haven't I tried cream blush stains before now? Oh yeah, I have. Back in the day (way back!). Back before exfoliation or Clarisonic and it highlighted any dry patches. Fast forward 15 yrs.... I hate blush. I have super pale skin (NW15) with reddish cheeks. I could never find the right color or formula that looked natural or nice. Either the color was too strong or weird or it faded in an hour. Even the beloved Orgasm did nothing for me. In an effort to go Paraben Free, I figured I would try Tarte's famous stain out. I swapped for this and I absolutely love it. The color is light and flattering. It works for me that it's a purple undertone instead of peach which usually turns orange on me. It's not sticky and smells great. I would say, if your a med or dark skin tone, this probably wont be the color for you. Would I buy this again? Yes, in a heart beat but I wont need to because there is a ton of product in this stick. I would imagine even the minis will last a long time.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Yes To Carrots - Can You C Me? Eye and Face makeup remover
Retromom104 2/4/2010 7:45:00 AM
I was looking for a paraben free cream cleanser and came across this. Thought I would give it a try. I do use a separate eye makeup remover before using this (Caudalie Cleansing Water). I wear contacts so I don't know if I would even try to use this as a makeup remover. It does do a decent job on removing my face makeup (tm, powder, cream blush) and I have not had any reactions, irritations or breakouts from it. But, I do find it does leave a slight residue that I am not crazy about. Mostly I can feel it on my lips after using. It's kinda weird. Never had that happen before with a cleanser. So, I will use it up and move on. The packaging was so/so. It's a generous size and will last a while but the product itself is very thick so it doesn't come out of the bottle easily unless you store it on it's cap. When I do this, the product, overtime, oozes out the flip top. Rather messy. This wouldn't be a deal breaker for me if the product was great. Bottom line, it's ok but not great. Gonna try Kosmea's cream cleanser next to go along with the rest of the their line that I use.
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Treatments -Bare Escentuals - Rare Minerals
Retromom104 2/2/2010 3:19:00 PM
This is a review for the Nighttime Revival Treatment in clear. This is a powder in a small jar with a puff-top applicator. $60. I bought this from QVC some time ago. My feelings at first was that I really noticed a difference in my skin but as time went on, my skin built up a tolerance and reverted back to it's old ways. I put this aside and forgot about it. I have picked this up again to try for two reasons. I have a stubborn dermatitis on my left eye lid and have tried everything to no avail. After seeing Leslie B. on QVC the other day, talking about product, I thought I would try it on my lid. She mentioned she used it anywhere on her body she sees something "she doesn't like". I noticed a difference after 24 hrs. The redness has lessened considerably and seems to be healing. I will update with more results. I also tend to get get chest acne. I am using this on my upper chest area to see what it will do. So far, I have noticed that the skin feels good, the pores look smaller (not that i have huge pores there anyway but I do see a small change.) So far, I haven't had any breakouts but I will report back my long term findings. One thing I don't like about this is the applicator puff. Mine is already breaking up and the top layer peeling off. I have emailed BE about getting a replacement but will use a brush in the meantime. I do think this is pricey for the amount of product etc but if it does work for my two problem areas, I would repurchase. For a facial treatment - No.
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Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Kosmea-Moisturizing Lotion SPF30
Retromom104 2/2/2010 2:58:00 PM
**UPDATE: I am no longer using Kosmea due to a flare up of SD on my eyelid that this just wasn't helping. I still think its a wonderful line but need to use something else for the SD. I am loving the entire Kosmea line. See my other reviews. Overall, I really like this daytime moisturizer. The product itself is beige in color but it does not impart a tint of any kind. I used it somewhat sparingly because, on my skin - which tends to be oily, it can feel slightly heavy. There is a rosey scent to it which does go away when the product is dry. The aspect I like about this the best is that this does have SPF 30 but it doesn't feel or smell like sunscreen. I cannot stand the feel or smell of typical sunscreen and tend not to wear it. I know I should so when I found this, I was very pleased. Price wise, it can seem a little pricey but I am willing to pay extra for a good moisturizer that has some really great natural ingredients and no parabens. I purchased this for $48 but the store I buy it at offers a 10% discount with a loyalty card. Seeing that this can be difficult to find, at least in the US, this is not an issue. Packaging wise, this comes in a common squeeze tube with a flip top. This keeps the product sanitary which is a huge plus. Would I buy again? You bet! and I recommend this to just about anyone. My mom now uses this line and loves everything she has tried so far. She even says that it works better for her than Chanel and is actually less expensive for her. (I think the new formulation of the Chanel night cream she was using is now around $150!) Bottom line, if your looking for a high quality all natural skincare line, whether you have dry, oily, combo or sensitive skin, I would definately give it a try. Kosmea offers trial/travel size kits where you get to test drive 4 products so you can even go that route if your unsure.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Kosmea Rosehip Oil
Retromom104 2/2/2010 2:30:00 PM
***UPDATE: I had to discontine using the whole Kosmea line due to my SD prone skin. I still like the line but need to move on to something that suits me better. Highly recommended! I have never used Rose Hip Oil before but I am now hooked. It has totally transformed my skin. I have always had oily skin but now, as I am getting older, it's starting to dry in places and stay oily in others. I also have sensitive skin and an allergy to parabens. I was lucky enough to find this in my local natural food store. At first I found it a tiny bit heavier than other oils I have tried (Argan & Jojoba) but in time, that has gone away. This oil is hydrating, balancing, healing and gentle. The smell isn't overpowering at all. This has truly helped balance my skin out between the dry areas and oily areas. I have had no bad reactions from it or break outs. Actually, I haven't had a spot since I tried it and that is saying something. I am so hooked on this!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Kosmea Eighth Natural Wonder Facial Serum
Retromom104 2/2/2010 2:24:00 PM
**UPDATE: I had to discontinue using this line because of SD. I still like the line but need to move on to something that suits me better. I am so very glad my local natural food store carries this brand. Everything I have tried from Kosmea is FANTASTIC. My skin is oily, sensitive, ruddy, prone to hormonal acne, and now that I am 40, drying out. I recently discovered I am allergic to Parabens. On a search for a more "healthy" skincare line, one with less chemicals and no parabens, I came across Kosmea. At night I use their Rose Hip Oil which works great for healing, line reducing, balancing, etc. and top it off with 8th Natural Wonder. This serum sinks right in and delivers on all it's promises. I have seen fine lines start to fade, old acne hyperpigmentation spots start to fade, dryness corrected, oil production normalize, just to name a few. The product comes in a nice pump and I typically use one pump in the evening for my entire face. No breakouts, not irritation. My skin has never looked better. My 66 yr old mother started using and is loving it more than the Chanel products she has used for years. It is on the pricey side BUT with Kosmea, you don't need 15 different products layered on every night. This one product, possibly along with the rose hip oil, takes care of all your needs. No extra eye creams, night creams, this creams, that creams. Simple and quick. Taking all that into consideration, this is a much better investment with both time and money. One full sized bottle of this should last you 6 months if only used once a day. If you can get your hands on this, try it.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Tarte - The Eraser
Retromom104 1/21/2010 3:43:00 PM
I am surprised at the reviews on this. I think it's a great concealer. I use it mostly for undereyes. I bought it in the lightest color available (I'm an NW15 in MAC) and find that it gives me the most natural looking undereye ever. I have tried MAC (the one in the pot), Laura Mercier Secret concealer, TimeBalm, Revlon Colorstay. This is way more natural. It just makes my blue-ish discoloration disappear without looking "corrected". I have also tried it on some dark spots from old, healing acne and it covered it beautifully. Formula is not too dry, not too creamy. I have combo skin and hate super creamy concealers in the summer. Of course, it's winter now but I really don't see that there would be a problem. Doesn't give me chicken skin either. I am torn on the packaging, though. The clicky pen with brush applicators are nice. I would prefer to brush it on instead of a doe foot but can be tricky if your impatient and twist it too fast. Plus you can't see just how much is left. The part closest to the brush applicator IS clear plastic so maybe I will be able to tell by the time I am nearly done but time will tell on that. The best part of this product is the ingredients or lack of them. I have a paraben allergy and this is paraben free. I am loving this company and their trend towards good-for-you makeup. Maybe its my age, but I really appreciate this. Every little bit helps! So, I am sure I will be reviewing more Tarte products in the near future.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Highlighters -MAC - Mineralize Skinfinish in Perfect Topping [DISCONTINUED]
Retromom104 1/6/2010 10:48:00 PM
I will admit that I have been very confused about the hype over MSF's in the past. I am very fair (NW10-15) so I would have a difficult time using an MSF as a highlight. Soft and Gentle I can use that way but if an MSF has ANY color in it at all - It's a blush. I bought Perfect Topping today at my CCO. I wasn't sure about it but I knew there was lots of raves about it so I gave it a try. For me, it is a lovely glowy natural looking blush. Very pretty. Now I understand. Even though I can be oily, I didn't have a problem with this. The shimmer isn't over the top at all. Very subtle. It just catches the light. I still might not be able to use it as a highlight but I don't mind. :)
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Shampoo -Sexy Hair Concepts - Pumpkin Detoxifying Shampoo
Retromom104 12/13/2009 6:53:00 PM
What a shame this has been discontinued. I picked up a gift set of the detox shampoo and conditioner at my local TJ Maxx for $9.99. The smell is devine! Perfect for the winter. I find it's a great s&c for my normal, fine, chin length, wavy hair. The conditioner leaves my hair very shiny and without frizz. EDIT* - While I do like this product, I would not repurchase. I have developed an allergy to parabens and this is full of them. Especially the conditioner.
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Mascara -Prestige - My Biggest Lashes
Retromom104 12/13/2009 6:45:00 PM
Just like everyone else, it seems like I have tried every mascara out there. But, that is how you learn to recognize what exactly you like in a mascara and what you don't like. I was finally able to find this today at the Christmas Tree Shop (of all places!!) and picked it up in Black/Brown. Don't the the name of the color fool you. It is very dark and rich. If it wasn't marked B/B I would swear it was Black. The wand is perfect. A very full, traditional, tapered end brush that is exactly what I prefer. No more rubbery wands for me! The formula is not too wet but not overly dry either. It's very buildable and makes my extremely fine hard-to-see lashes lush, full and longer without adding bulk or clumps. I need some more time to see if it flakes or how it lasts under less than stellar conditions but so far this just might kick my old HG mascara to the curb (Boots Lash 360 $8) but that is only because of the price. They are actually very similar. I think that the Prestige *might* add a little more length, though. This totally beats LashBlast, no question. As well as all MAC mascaras but that's not saying much. The only one drawback is the availability. My local drugstores don't carry Prestige mascaras. Only the liners. So, I will need to stock up when I find it. The closest Ulta is a good 45 away and it's now next door to a Christmas Tree Shop. I guess if I can't find it in one place, I can check the other! Months later, this is still HG for me. My search is over.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Josie Maran Cosmetics - Mascara
Retromom104 11/20/2009 9:46:00 AM
This came in a holidait set I bought from Sephora and was hoping that this would be my go-to natural looking mascara for a no makeup day. This might be nurishing for your lashes but it really doesn't do much for my lashes. Maybe a little definition but nothing else. That would be OK but the worst part about this mascara is the nasty racoon eyes within an hour. And I don't wear mascara on my lower lashes! I never bother with a WP mascara and haven't really ever had a problem with any other mascara smudging. Till now. I love your products and philosophy, Josie, but this doesn't do a thing for me.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Cargo - blu ray Blush/Highlighter
Retromom104 11/20/2009 9:38:00 AM
I am NW15 with naturally rosey cheeks. I have been looking for a perfect blush for some time now. I have tried Nars Orgasm, which didn't show on me at all (strange). MAC's blushes in all formulas, Laura Geller, Chanel, Smashbox, DS, you name it. Nothing has looked as natural and pretty as this. I bought this in the Pink color and really love it. I have noticed that it doesn't fade by the end of the day. The color was soft and pretty, not too sparkly or glittery. Just a hint of glow. HG for me! This was my first purchase from Cargo. I'm impressed. EDIT": I had to change my vote to Not Repurchase because of a newly developed allergy to Parabens. This does contain many forms of parabens so I am unable to use and it now up for swap. :( *Update* Still using and still loving! My go-to blush for all occasions.
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Concealers -Flirt - Pretty Easy Quick Cover [DISCONTINUED]
Retromom104 10/21/2009 3:42:00 PM
I have been on the look out for a stick foundation for oily skin that I could use on my cheeks to cover redness & get extra coverage under MSFN. I have a constant slight flush but not rosecea. I came across this at a CCO and figured what the heck. It sold for only $7 so you really couldn't go wrong. While my CCO had MAC Studio Stick foundation, they didn't have my color or even close. To me, this is like a cross between a concealer and a stick foundation. It's about half the size of a traditional stick foundation but way more in terms of a pot concealer. I purchased China Doll 02 (I'm NW15) and find it light enough for me. Somewhat of a yellowy neutral but that works well for correcting the redness anyway. It goes on easy, is very blendable with just your fingers, has a powdery finish. Made for oily skin and has good coverage. I'm happy I found this and I am loving the price.
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Styling Products -Ojon - Conditioning Finishing Paste
Retromom104 10/19/2009 9:13:00 AM
I love Ojon products. I just wish they weren't so expensive. I got this in a swap so I can't really complain. I have baby fine, chin length, colored, wavy hair. I wash daily with a sulfate free S/C. Summer = frizzies/Winter = static. I need something that it help with both w/o weight. So far, this is working great. I haven't used it in extreme conditions yet so I will need to update later on. Love the smell. I use a tiny bit for my whole head. Jar will last forever! doesn't weigh my hair down yet gives tons of shine. So far so good. *Update* - while I love the conditioning benefits of this, it's not helping at all in the winter static/fly away dept.
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Cleansers -Dermalogica - Ultra Calming Cleanser
Retromom104 10/19/2009 9:06:00 AM
Overall: I love this cleanser. I never knew just how stripping my acne wash was till I tried this. My skin is happy and clean and no breakouts or irritation. It's way better than Cetaphil. Price: Yeah, it's expensive. But when you find something you love so much and you know you will use up the entire bottle, it's worth it. One lippie off because of the price tag. Packaging: Meh. Standard. I have the smaller size now. Will buy the larger size with a pump next time around. Buy again?: Most definately! I love this stuff. It definately cleans but if you like lots of foam, this doesn't foam at all. It took a day or two to get over that. Works great with my Clarisonic.
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