Polishes -Butter London - Diamond Geezer
XxPRINCESSAxX 12/31/2011 1:34:00 PM
COLOR DESCRIPTION: Opaque, bright, shiny silver. I don't know why anyone would use this if they weren't looking for that type of color. 1 coat gets you what other nail polishes require 3-4 for. WEAR: 5 days+ without chipping, no topcoat used. This is great since recently my nail polishes have been chipping off like crazy since I went overboard filing off the ridges. _______________________________ This is great if you want to wear your nails as an accessory. It's bold and will add some bling. It is foil-like, and gives you the look of Minx nails for a lower price. It's not glittery, which I love, and isn't overly difficult to remove. I have looked for this type of look/shade in many different brands, and none of them come close - they weren't bright enough, were sheer or glittery. The formula is great and dries quick enough, I only used 2 coats and don't see a need to use any more than that. I also own this in Macbeth, British Racing Green, and Rosie Lee - I will add reviews for those shades as soon as I try them out.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -MAC - Beauty Powder - Alpha Girl
XxPRINCESSAxX 12/31/2011 12:20:00 AM
CLEAR! This product does not show up on me at all. Nothing. I am NC42 so maybe it would work for someone way lighter than me. I bought this from a sale where I was intrigued by the packaging, so I wasn't able to try it out before buying. Also, when i swatch it, I don't notice any significant color either, so maybe it's just super sheer and not very pigmented. For anyone looking for a highlighter/blush in the shade this appears to be, I highly recommend trying Cargo BluRay highlighting powder in either color (peach or pink). That is basically what I had hoped this product would be like. The Cargo one is actually pigmented and I love it. See my review on that if you want more info.
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Bronzers -MAC - Bronzer in Golden
XxPRINCESSAxX 12/31/2011 12:15:00 AM
Does not show up at all on my NC42 skin. It looks like nothing. It adds the faintest hint of shimmer. The good thing is that it isn't intense and orangey though - not showing up is way better than that. Also there's no sparkles or glitter in it, but very faint shimmer. Would be suitable for those that are super pale and looking for a very non-intense bronzer that isn't very pigmented.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -MAC - Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15
XxPRINCESSAxX 12/31/2011 12:09:00 AM
This foundation gives good coverage, and offers a very good match for my skintone and most others. However it does not look very natural. It also caused breakouts on both me and sister because it's so heavy. While the color match was initially good, I found that this foundation oxidized and turned darker/orange, even though it was used with a setting powder. In my opinion, it is not suitable as an everyday foundation because of how thick, heavy and pore clogging it is. I still have some of this left, and I use it once in a while for special occasions and hope I don't get breakouts from wearing it for a few hours. This is only because I have some left, and I do not believe I will be repurchasing this.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Velvet Teddy
XxPRINCESSAxX 12/30/2011 11:59:00 PM
very nice nude/brown that is slightly rosey. It's creamy, but I almost always used it with a MAC 'lipglass' on top. Was my everyday lipstick for a long time since it goes well with any other makeup on eyes and cheeks, whether it be simple, or bright and colorful - this always fit the bill. I liked it a lot then, but I find it makes me look more washed out these days. However I have to say that's not limited to this specific shade, but more to this type of shade in general. Unfortunately, the lid on mine became loose so it wasn't fitting as tightly as it should, and it would uncover while in my purse. But this is only the second MAC lipstick that this has happened with. Highly recommended if you need a very versatile lipstick that will suit a multitude of looks.
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Blush -Lancome - Blush Subtil in Aplum
XxPRINCESSAxX 12/30/2011 11:51:00 PM
Finding a blush for me is very difficult for the following reasons: - makes me look hot - makes it look like I have rosacea or redness on my cheeks, which is really annoying when I spend time covering up any redness with foundation/powder - doesn't last long enough - must be glitter-free, otherwise I look sparkly, greasy, and my pores are emphasized I don't have any of those issues with this cool toned mauve/plum/pink blush. The color payoff is good, and it is pretty long lasting. Very smooth and finely milled product, no glitter/shimmer whatsoever. Shows up true to color. After using this, I was able to realize a real difference between a quality blush, such as this one, and a cheaper one. No redness issues with this either - I find that a lot of blushes that are plum, pink, or peach are red-based, especially from MAC, so that when I apply them, my cheeks look red or like they are burning. Also, those were too sheer, so it added a sheer wash of red, but still didn't look like blush. Anyways, this is somewhat pricey, but it lasts a long time (over a year I'd say) so it's worth it for what you get. I have repurchased this about 4 times, and have recently tried out the shade 'Rose Fresque' and am liking that as well. Rose Fresque is lighter/brighter, not as cool toned, and more pink than Aplum. It is also glitter/sparkle free.
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Crème -MAC - Studio Tech
XxPRINCESSAxX 12/30/2011 5:31:00 PM
I purchased this because I was looking for a good coverage foundation. This was heavy and thick, yet somewhat sheer, as you could always see redness and scars in pictures. If I'm going to have all my blemishes visible, I might as well not wear foundations, and if I'm going to wear heavy, cakey makeup, it might as well cover my blemishes! I have to say its very blendable - in fact it remained blendable the entire time, because no matter what powder I used to set it with, it still moved around and got smeared. And it transfers like crazy, but I find this to be the case with every MAC foundation/powder I have ever tried. Of course, you can't expect to go pull on a white turtleneck or something immediately after applying any foundation or powder, regardless of brand, and have it remain perfectly clean, but this product seems to have extra transferability. It's pretty expensive for how little you get. I was mainly interested in this specific formulation because I really liked Cover Girl Aqua Smooth makeup, because it offered wonderful coverage of my acne at the time, and it dried to a finish. But I couldn't get a good color match with CG so I went to MAC. Will not repurchase, do not recommend.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
XxPRINCESSAxX 12/30/2011 5:20:00 PM
I don't like this. It's liquid, but still heavy, and doesn't sink in well, and isn't moisturizing enough. I have also found that I experience breakouts whenever I use this. I appreciate their simplistic approach in having a basic moisturizer, but the product itself is not good. For me, the perfect basic moisturizer is Olay moisturizing cream that comes in the jar. If you like the consistency of this product though, you may want to consider Olay's moisturizing lotion, as that has somewhat the same consistency and feel of this, but for a lower price.
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Toners -Clinique - Clarifying Lotion #2
XxPRINCESSAxX 12/30/2011 5:15:00 PM
I can't believe this has such low ratings. After years of battling with acne and troubled skin - this product saved me. I didn't even know what toner was or how to use it, until I started reading about Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care program, since I was desperate to have nice skin and be rid of my horrible skin. I had received these as samples in a GWP and the first time you try toner is certainly an experience. Needless to say, this product has been lifechanging, and is the only worthwhile "step" in the 3-step program. Using this, along with other proper skincare techniques and lifestyle changes has positively changed my skin. Although I am so sick of this product now, because I have been using it consistently for 4 years, I still love it because of how it helped me. As much as I used acne products and removed my makeup and cleansed regularly, my face was never and is never fully clean until I use toner. Yes, there is a scent, and this product does contain alcohol. The strength of the scent increases with the number, as you move from level 2 to 4. I did not find the alcohol to be drying, because I follow immediately with a moisturizer, which you should if you're going to be using a toner. Because I got bored of this, I tried other toners (Lancome, Estee Lauder), and while they were also effective, and had a better scent, I think I will return to using this one for the price. Those were more expensive and didn't perform any better or any worse.
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Cleansers -Clinique - Liquid Facial Soap - Mild
XxPRINCESSAxX 12/30/2011 5:06:00 PM
This is an okay cleanser. Nothing great, nothing bad. It's gentle, but actually cleans. It doesn't remove makeup, so you'll need to use a makeup remover first, but I always do anyways. I have the full size bottle at home that I bought from Dillard's so I could get the GWP. It has come to replace my Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel as my gentle, no frills, morning face wash. I also have several of the travel sized ones that I always end up taking with me when I'm going away somewhere, simply because they are already travel sized - not for any particular preference of this product. For me, I don't like it for end of day cleansing as I don't find it strong enough, but I have tough skin and can handle tough products. I probably won't buy this again unless I have to buy something from Clinique (for a GWP) and can't think of anything else.
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Treatments (Eye) -L'Oreal - Revitalift Double Lifting Eye
XxPRINCESSAxX 12/30/2011 4:55:00 PM
Wonderful eye treatment that has helped to firm my eye area that I have been too rough with (pulling and tugging to blend eyeshadows, and stretching out my eyelid to apply eyeliner) previously, and helped to lighten my genetic undereye shadows, along with some other things (getting more rest, drinking tons of water, eating mostly fresh fruits and vegetables). As much as I like it, it's a bit time consuming to apply the two different eye products (red gel on eyelid, white cream under eyes), and I find myself using this on nights when I remember and can be bothered, rather than regularly. However, I did see and notice the effects when I used it consistently. It's somewhat pricey for a DS product at about $21, but it does what so many expensive products claim to do, but don't. For what it is capable of, it's definitely worth a try. If you'd like to firm up and tighten your eye area, I would recommend this. But if you have genetic undereye circles like I do, no cream alone will help them. But using this, as well as doing the other things I mentioned earlier has greatly reduced mine to being shadows, rather than gray/black circles. I still need concealer (Lancome Effacernes), but it has definitely improved.
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Moisturizers -Clean & Clear - Oil-Free Dual Action Moisturizer
XxPRINCESSAxX 12/30/2011 4:46:00 PM
I use this at night only, since I require a regular, richer moisturizer (Oil of Olay) during the day under my makeup. I love using this after removing my makeup, cleansing and toning. It's as moisturizing as I need for night, without being greasy, and still containing acne fighting ingredients. It's important to me to use a medicated product at night in order to keep my skin clear, even when I don't have any active acne. This product has been integral to that. As mentioned, I use it only at night, avoiding the eye area, and using an eye cream there instead. It's light and adds sufficient moisture and helps keep my skin smooth and clear. Wonderful product
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Clean & Clear - Advantage Acne Control Kit
XxPRINCESSAxX 12/30/2011 4:40:00 PM
This kit was okay. The best product in the kit was the spot treatment, and I have repurchased it since using this kit years ago. [+] CLEANSER: very gentle, somewhat creamy, non-foaming, not drying at all. This is not suitable for removing makeup though, so you'll need to use a makeup remover prior to this. It was okay, I needed something more intense though. But for those looking for an acne cleanser that is not harsh and will not dry out your skin, this would be wonderful. It was somewhat difficult to get the final bit of product out of this because of the packaging. 3.5/5 [+] MOISTURIZER: this was pretty good. It offered 'enough' moisture so that skin wouldn't be dried out, without being too heavy or greasy. It had a cooling sensation, as did the cleanser. I only used this at night (along with the rest of the products), as I usually require a real moisturizer (not an acne one) for the daytime to wear under makeup. 4/5 [+] SPOT TREATMENT: this is the best product in the kit. Buying the kit was worth it to discover this product. It clears up active acne in 24 hours, in most cases overnight. If a few acne flare-ups/breakouts is why you are looking into this kit, then I'd suggest getting just this on its own, as it can be purchased separately. I have a separate review on this product alone. 5/5 I appreciated the gentleness and non-dryingness of this kit, and the fact that it introduced me to the spot treatment which has become one of my staple products. However for the problems with acne that I was having, a major contributing factor to clearing it was by using a toner to remove leftover makeup and dead skin cells. This kit didn't include one, and the cleanser did not clean enough for my liking. I'd like to give this a 3.5 out of 5 overall, but I'll go with 4 since the moisturizer wasn't too bad - but I wouldn't repurchase it on its own.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Clean & Clear - Advantage Acne Spot Treatment
XxPRINCESSAxX 12/30/2011 4:28:00 PM
This is a miracle product. I first got this as part of the Clean & Clear Acne Advantage kit, which contained a cleanser and moisturizer as well. The kit itself was okay, not that great, except for this product, which is the only one I have repurchased. It is meant as a spot treatment, not an all over face treatment. When applied to a new pimple it shrinks it down and dries it up within 24 hours, in most cases, overnight. This even works on cystic acne. It is very strong though, so you want to be sure to put this ONLY on the active acne spots and avoid the eye area. If I ever get a pimple at the top of my nose or upper cheek near my eye and apply this, my eye will burn a bit. It's nothing serious though, and just something to be mindful of. Oh, and pleasant scent too.
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Lotions/ Creams -Victoria's Secret - Ultra Softening Body Butter
XxPRINCESSAxX 12/30/2011 2:42:00 PM
I just finished this in the scent 'Delicate Petals' from the Secret Garden collection. I haven't seen this scent anymore so it might be discontinued. If that's the case, it's unfortunate. I always hated body butters, because they never seemed to sink into my skin, but rather glaze over the top and leave an oily sheen (Body Shop, and some cheap ones), leaving you too greasy to get dressed. Also, applying them was a nightmare - the product would be too hard to scoop up, and then softening in your hands..it was like trying to soften hard plastic. This is so different from those! First off, its very soft and creamy - not oily/greasy. It absorbs into your skin and leaves it moisturized and lovely smelling, and the moisture lasts for a long time too. It spreads evenly, is not plastic-like at all, and you can get dressed right away. One big point with this, which is probably in relation to the fact that it isnt oily, is that it is suitable for using after shaving your legs. I am usually not able to use body butters right after shaving because I would end up getting ingrown hairs, and I'd also get a breakout from time to time on my arm or chest, but that has never happened with this body butter. This product made me like body butters, and I have since purchased a few from the Body Shop, but after using this up yesterday, I have been reminded of how good this is and will probably pick up some more if I can find a scent I like. Highly recommended!
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