Self Tanners -Jergens - Natural Glow - Light
stacialue0330 3/10/2006 3:48:00 PM
DESCRIPTION OF ME Caucasian PPP (Lancome Color ID I-10 C, Teinte Idole Ivoire 2 C) with extremely translucent white skin, especially on legs.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION A light daily moisturizer containing a small amount of dihydroxacetone (DHA), supposedly marketed/formulated for paler people in general.
PACKAGE This lotion comes in a relatively attractive tube which allows for easy dispensing. Also, tube stands up, so little product will go to waste as it all ends up in the bottom of the package. Unfortunately, after using NG for a few days, the packaging can become a bit greasy, which can pose a hazard of accidentally dropping it!
CONSISTENCY/TEXTURE Seems a little thicker upon first applying, but spreads very easily and evenly.
APPLICATION
After showering/exfoliating/shaving, I used a non scented plain lotion on trouble areas (knees, ankles, tops of toes) and then began to apply the lotion in a circular motion from the tops of my thighs eventually working down to the toes. For beginners, this lotion is pretty much fool-proof if you make sure to go over the area as if you’re just putting on regular lotion. Of course, I sparingly applied over knees, toes, and ankles so as to prevent the obvious “tan-in-a-can” look.
DRYING TIME Even though this is a lotion, it felt as if it seeped right into my skin and didn’t take very long at all to dry completely. Strangely enough, when I put my pajamas on, my legs seemed to stick to the fabric. This somewhat concerned me, but it didn’t seem to have an effect on the overall color I got from this product.
SMELL This product smells tolerable at first, but then decays into the telltale DHA smell that all self-tanners have. This was another reason why I used before bed, since by the time morning came the smell seemed to have worn off for the most part. I definitely couldn’t have worn this during the day, as the smell probably would have offended not only myself, but others around me.
STAYING POWER This self-tan (once some color developed and I quit using it for awhile) seems to have pretty good staying power. Also, it faded very evenly, not leaving any weird patchy areas.
NATURAL? It looks fairly natural, although once it was fading out, it seemed to take on a yellow cast, making me look jaundiced.
COLOR Unfortunately, the color that developed (or didn’t, as the case was) was unimpressive, to say the least. I used this product every night for seven nights, as directed, and the end “color” was most definitely not a tan. I looked a bit healthier, but no where near tan (and it did not cover up my spider veins AT ALL). In fact, I would say that this is probably good for winter time, as it makes you look as if you haven’t been shut away from all sunlight for months at a time, but is totally worthless if you’re looking for an actual “tan” look.
OVERALL This is a good moisturizer, but not a great sunless tanner. I will definitely not purchase again.
Thanks to Seclusae2 for the layout!
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Foundations -Unlisted Brand - Raesin Images Transform Mineral Makeup
stacialue0330 3/8/2006 5:15:00 PM
After using J. Lynne Mineral foundation for awhile, I began to have a bad skin reaction from it. Not acne breakouts, but some kind of irritation that developed into an itchy rash. This prompted me to switch to Raesin Images and it's worked pretty well for me, in that it hasn't caused breakouts, is a great color match, and hasn't caused any irritation. However, there are some weak spots with this foundation: First off, like many other MMUs, it rubs off fairly easy. Also, it does not hold up to sweat very well, which makes me doubt its durability in hotter weather/strenuous activity. Finally, it seems as if it's settling into lines and pores on me; to be more specific, it just plain makes me look older than I am (26)! These factors have caused me to look elsewhere for an HG mineral/powder foundation that will work for me. The packaging for this is pretty standard, coming with a sifter. I found with this particular foundation it was much easier to buy a separate, lager jar to sprinkle some of this into to before application. It just cuts down on the mess factor. I also used a flat-topped brush and tapped the foundation onto my face. So, even though this wasn't the perfect MMU for me, I'm sure it would work for someone else out there in Makeupally.com world!
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Liquid -Laura Mercier - Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation
stacialue0330 2/22/2006 11:59:00 AM
Before I start this review, I want to make it plain that I've only worn this foundation a few times and not for more than one day in a row. First off, I purchased the shade of Blush Ivory, which is suprisingly just a tad bit too dark for my skin. Aside from the slight color mismatch, I found using the damp sponge application to be the best way to apply this foundation. Using this application technique, the foundation goes on quite sheerly taking on a look that is probably only a step or so above tinted moisturizer. If heavier coverage is needed, dabbing a bit of the foundation on spots does the job. However, I used a separate concealer for my dark circles. The smell of this foundation is decidedly weird; it resembles some sort of clay or something. This could be due to the kaolin in the formula, though. As far as staying power, it managed to remain in place fairly well, although I never did much that would cause me to perspire when I was wearing this stuff. As far as it changing colors on me, it did seem to get a tad bit orangey as the day went on. At any rate, this foundation seemed to be completely overrated, especially when you consider the price of the bottle. Plus, I had a friend of mine who is a chemist that formulates foundations analyze the ingredients for me. Surprise, surprise, this foundation is not actually oil-free and contains soap systems that may cause those who have acne-prone skin to break out. This completely scared me off from using it any more, although I did not get any breakouts when I did wear this. For the most part, I don't wear foundation from day to day, and this experimentation with LM Oil-Free was just an attempt to find a good foundation for fancier occasions where it might be good to go all out and wear makeup. I might still use for that purpose, but I most likely will not consider using this for day to day wear and most likely will not repurchase. It just wasn't that amazing to me to justify spending $40 on a bottle that probably cost .50 cents to make!
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Treatments -Bain de Terre - recovery complex serum
stacialue0330 2/4/2006 7:13:00 PM
This is a great hair serum for anyone, not just those with curly or wavy hair. My hair has always been stick-straight, but even so, I still get frizzy ends--mainly due to styling/coloring damage. At any rate, I've been using this serum on and off for years since I've come into the world of hair color/styling tools. Right now, I'm currently using it again, because my hair is especially dry and frizzed out in the bang area (flat-iron experience gone terribly wrong). This stuff is amazing for that! One tiny little drop and all my frizzy ends are tamed! To those who claimed this made their hair oily: You're using TOO MUCH! One tiny drop applied to wet hair before blow drying is all you need, otherwise you will weigh it down. Less is more with this stuff, so just lighten up on the amount you put in and I guarantee you'll like it much more. Will definitely repurchase.
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Lotions/ Creams -Bath and Body Works - Coconut Lime Verbena
stacialue0330 2/4/2006 7:04:00 PM
I've been wearing this for two days, and I have to say I'm pretty happy with it. The scent is warm and inviting on me, which is comforting. I'm surprised many say they don't smell the coconut much, because I definitely detect it on me. I layer this lotion with the body spray, and together I think it's a lovely combo for daily wear. I can see where some would assume this is a more summery scent, but it's the beginning of February right now, and I'm not feeling too out of place by wearing this. If anything, this beachy smell may have lifted my spirit out of the winter doldrums! This lotion also manages to be fairly moisturizing as well. The only downside, IMO, is that the scent seems to wear off a bit more than I'd like. I had slathered this lotion on after showering this morning and followed that up by sprizing the body spray on top of it all over. It's early evening now, and I can barely detect this on my arms:-( One Lippie off for that!
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Fragrances -GAP Beauty - Smooth Sandalwood Eau De Toilette
stacialue0330 2/2/2006 6:29:00 PM
Upon first using this EDT, it smells clean and woodsy, however it can feel a bit masculine at times. Never heavy or chokingly fragrant; however, it fades rather quickly leading one to re-spritz often, which causes you to go through it quickly. The bottle is pleasant enough to look at in a retro-y sort of way, so even if you don't find yourself reaching for this often at least it looks nice on your dresser. Overall, a nice fragrance, but I wasn't amazed by it at all. Will not repurchase.
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Fragrances -Lancome - Miracle
stacialue0330 2/2/2006 6:19:00 PM
I bought this for the first time in the summer of '04 after using a sample I had received with a makeup purchase. I have to admit, I was hooked and scurried back to the department store to snap this gem up. It sort of reminds me of a flashier, crisper version of Coco Mademoiselle (another fave of mine) and I loved it! Unfortunately, I dropped the bottle at one point, and the spray mechanism jammed preventing me from using the entire bottle! I went back to buy another bottle, when I came across Miracle's new incarnation in So Magic and ended up purchasing that one instead. So far, I'm absolutely in love with So Magic, but someday I may go back to the original "M"! This was a lovely, adult fragrance for me.
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Fragrances -Lancome - miracle so magic
stacialue0330 2/2/2006 6:11:00 PM
I was going to purchase another bottle of the original Miracle, but I saw this little cutie and decided to try it out. I'm SO glad I did! Not only does this perfume seem to have a lasting scent on me, but the way it mixes with my own body chemistry is just intoxicating! I keep smelling my wrist all day long, because I can't get enough of it! As others have stated, this is a great scent that isn't overpowering, yet it manages to linger all day long. Plus it has a warm, snuggly, floral smell that is so feminine and girly while maintaining a semblance of adulthood. This is probably going to go up there into HG status, tied with my Coco Mademoiselle. Next time I hit the store, I might even invest in the lotion! Lovely fragrance!
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Cleansers -Purpose - Gentle Cleansing Wash
stacialue0330 2/1/2006 5:01:00 PM
I've been using Purpose for a few months, and I have to say it's probably the best cleanser I've ever used. It's just a basic, non-irritating gel cleanser that is effective in getting all makeup/dirt off of your face without torturing your skin. I've had oily, acne-prone skin, and while this didn't really eliminate those problems, I can safely say it certainly didn't aggravate my condition any further--a real plus! I'm currently on acne meds, so my skin tends to be SUPER dry. Fortunately, the Purpose gel cleanser is still treating my face wonderfully! Before Purpose, I had used Cetaphi and liked it very well; however, it didn't feel as if it was getting all of the makeup off of my face. The extra foaming of Purpose seems to work better at removing the makeup, and my face feels so clean and balanced. I absolutely love this product! As others have stated, the packaging could be more travel-friendly, but I'm not going to let that one minus prevent me from repurchasing this cleanser as long as it's in the stores. EDIT: I'm still using this cleanser two years later, and I still LOVE it. My face has normalized since going off the acne meds I was on when I first wrote my review, and the cleanser is still agreeing with my face. I adore this cleanser and am planning on continuing to purchase it well into the future.
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Eye Shadow -Mary Kay - Eyesicles in Vanilla
stacialue0330 2/1/2006 3:07:00 PM
I've used this particular eyeshadow for about four years, and I love it. It's a nice subtle base that has a hint of shimmer for some added daytime glamour. I'm not usually into shimmery stuff, but this strikes the perfect balance between totally matte shadow and vegas show-girl insanity. Basically, this stuff is perfect for every day wear, evenings out, and it's also a nice highlighter. So far, I've never had a problem with creasing or melting using this. Vanilla eyesicles will definitely be a mainstay in my makeup routine until they stop making it!
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Eyeliner -Rimmel - Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil in Sable Brown
stacialue0330 2/1/2006 3:01:00 PM
I was looking for a cheap replacement for my usual Mary Kay eyeliner when I spied this little gem at Walgreens. I don't remember the actual price I paid, although I'm certain it was dirt-cheap. Anyway, I've worn this almost every day since and I love it! The color is perfect for daytime wear, and it makes my blue eyes pop. I'm to the point now where I feel absolutely undone if I am not wearing this during the day! The only reason I gave it a four instead of five lippies is due to the fact that it does smudge quite a bit. Plus, I've had to reapply a few times; something that I don't want to have to do when it comes to my eye makeup. However, I absolutely love the color, texture, and value. This is a must-have for me, and I look forward to trying out other liner colors from Rimmel in the future!
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Mascara -Maybelline - Volum Express Mascara
stacialue0330 2/1/2006 2:55:00 PM
This particular mascara doesn't wow me at all. It holds up fairly well and dosen't smudge on me, but after a few uses the formula has become dry. So, instead of full, voluptuous lashes after applying, I end up having lashes that are clumped and stuck together. Also, the brush isn't the best for applying this stuff either. It seems almost too bulky to get into the smaller corners of the eye. As far as being able to hold a curl, I can't say. I've never curled my eyelashes, as they seem to be dramatic enough with mascara alone. At any rate, this is an ok mascara, but somewhat dry and prone to clumping. Oh well! Good thing there's quite a few other mascaras out there in the world to try!
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Eye Makeup Remover -L'Oreal - Dermo Expertise Gentle Eye Make Up Remover for Eyes and Lips
stacialue0330 2/1/2006 2:48:00 PM
This was an impulse buy for me, as I was out at the drug store and realized I had run out of my previous eye makeup remover. SO, I looked around for a bit and came across this pleasant looking blue stuff. Like someone else previously stated, I figured most eye makeup removers were created equally, so I grabbed this up and bought it--no questions asked. However, once I got it home and used it to remove my eye makeup, I realized my former ideas on the equal quality of eye makeup removers needed to be reevaluated! To put it bluntly: This stuff does practically nothing for waterproof mascara! This is unfortunate, since that's the type I primarily wear. As for eyeshadow and liner, it manages to get that off fairly well, but you're still left with the done-up lashes that are now flaking all over your face. You literally have to scrub your eye area with a cotton ball saturated in this stuff to even make a dent into the mascara, which I cannot possibly imagine is in any way good for your delicate eye-area. This stuff is not working for me, but if you don't care to wear waterproof mascara, this might be ok for removing that. Ingredients: water, hexylene glycol, disodium cocamphodiacetate, dipotassium phosphate, potassium phosphate, sodium laureth-8 sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, allantoin, magnesium laureth-8 sulfate, magnesium laureth sulfate, sodiumolethsulfate, manesiumolethsulfate, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, disodium EDTA, sodium benzoate, fragrance, FIL # B4853/1
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Moisturizers -Cetaphil - Moisturizing Cream
stacialue0330 1/3/2006 3:13:00 PM
I have been using this product for approximately three months, and I am very impressed with it. I must note that my skin is not really "mine" at the moment, as I'm on Accutane, and it's uncharacteristically dry now. However, I was using the regular Cetaphil lotion when I began to dry out from the medication and found that particular product to feel too greasy for my taste. Someone recommended the cream to me, and at first I didn't believe that it could be a better moisturizer, but it was! Immediately, I could tell that the cream seemed to be absorbed better into my skin than the lotion. Plus, this hasn't contributed to any breakouts (although that could be the Accutane doing its job), and my face never feels too oily. If my skin stays normal after I get off the medicine, and my previous levels of oiliness do not return, this lotion will definitely remain in my skincare regimen. I love it and use it twice daily (morning and night). Also, as others have mentioned, this is a great body lotion and exceptional for the eye area. I happened to buy it in the large tub, and it's a very economical size--one that will probably last me for at least a year, if not longer. The only thing that this lotion is missing is an SPF, which would be lovely right now as my skin is extremely sun sensitive due to the Accutane. As long as this cream continues to treat my face right, I'll keep buying it. EDIT: I have been using this awesome cream moisturizer for three years now, and it is still my absolute favorite. After discontinuing my Accutane treatment, I wasn't sure how my face would hold up. So far, even though it's not near as dry as it was during my course of treatment, it still loves the Cetaphil. In fact, if I don't moisturize with this, I wind up being flaky and dry through the day. Wonderful stuff!!
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Styling Products -Aveda - Volumizing Tonic
stacialue0330 12/22/2005 2:28:00 PM
I find this product to be an important part of my haircare regimen. I have fairly fine, medium volume hair which seems much more voluminous when I spritz some of this on my roots prior to blow-drying. However, I'm not crazy about the glass bottle and wonder what the creators were thinking when they were coming up with ideas for a container for this particular product. How am I supposed to travel with this thing? I'm afraid it will break on me! Anyhow, the price tag is a bit steep, but it is a salon line, so that is expected. I'll definitely continue to buy.
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