Treatments -Avon - ANEW Clinical ThermaFirm
flybaby 12/27/2010 9:59:00 AM
I've been using this for about two months now. I started after running out of my Chanel Ultra Correction Lift serum, and deciding there was no way I could justify the cost of continuing with the Chanel. As the Chanel had already improved the firmness of my skin I was not sure if I would be a good judge of the effectiveness of the ThermaFirm until some time had passed (unless there was a remarkable change one way or the other). By the feel of my skin to my fingers, it is firmer than when using Chanel. If I tap my cheek, the skin has more "spring" to it than before. As far as how it looks, if anything it looks better, although not dramatically. I was particularly looking to firm the jawline and under my chin, and even though no miracles, it does have an effect. I have not broken out from it, and I like the mild fragrance. After using this for a few weeks, I started using Anew Ultimate Elixir Premium (black bottle). The thing is, I was trying to cut back on skincare expense, and none of this is that cheap either, so lately I've been using the UEP at night, and the ThermaFirm in the day; instead of both of them day and night. I don't get any thermal effect from it, but I am assuming the name is perhaps in reference to the Thermage procedure? ~ to infer that it gives similar results, just as other products will play off of Botox? I find it frustrating that Avon is not forthcoming about which of their products can be used together, and if so, in what order. It took several emails for me to get someone to respond, that yes, the two I mentioned above can be used together. I guess I got spoiled being able to go to the cosmetic counter at Neiman's or Nordstrom and have a trained SA help me. Not the case with Avon. I don't know how moisturizing this is, I don't need a lot of moisture, especially in the warmer months. Right now, as it is winter here, I've continued using the Chanel UCL day fluid (I still have some left) over the ThermaFirm in the day, and at night I use UEP and the Gold Emulsion gel... and Frownies... and generic Latisse... and... lol lol.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Le Metier de Beaute - Riviera
flybaby 12/25/2010 9:08:00 PM
I can't believe there are not more reviews for this brand of lipstick! A while back I happened to catch Sparklehead's review of a different color, so, when Neiman Marcus sent me an email offer for free expedited ship/free returns before Christmas this past Wednesday, I got suckered into a little last minute online shopping. The only Neiman's is quite a drive for me, so although I'd sworn off online shopping for products I was not already familiar with, and comparing color swatches online is not ideal, I went ahead and ordered.. The review for the shade "Palm Springs" was so complete, I don't know that I need to add much here. When I had finished reading Sparklehead's review I was all set to even just get the nude shade she reviewed, but I am pretty much a red lipstick girl, and have only recently found a nude I like myself in, so in the end I did purchase a red. This is everything I had hoped Tarte's Natural (matte) Lipstain would be, but wasn't. The way the lipstick line is named is a bit misleading though, I thought maybe there was an actual core of color, similar to other brands over the years (it seems like Smashbox has a lipstick like this, and maybe years ago Clinique did) but there is no "core" the lipstick is a solid color. And, it is not sheer like one would expect a stain to be, its pretty much a matte or semi matte highly pigmented lipstick, but absolutely not drying, nor does it feel dry. It is creamy but not slippery, and it does leave a real stain after the lipstick itself has worn off. It fades evenly and quite gradually. It stays put, and I do not need a lipliner with it. This color, Riviera, is a vibrant red, kind of a tomato red, not super orangey, not brownish at all, but definitely leaning on the warm side. I actually wanted what appears to be a more neutral, but yet bright red (Bombay) but that shade was on back order. I love this one so much that I'm certain I will be adding other shades as time goes by.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Yves Saint Laurent - Rouge Volupte In Red Taboo #18
flybaby 11/25/2010 8:28:00 PM
This is one of my favorite red lipsticks, perhaps my most favorite. It is similar to Chantecaille in Cerise. It is not drying, and surprisingly, the Chantecaille Cerise was somewhat.. I find this color very deep and intense for day wear, and only wear it applied very lightly, I use a heavier hand for evening, and its just gorgeous! Even though it is a highly saturated color, its not really a dark red, its vivid more than dark. It is long wearing and wears off evenly and gradually. and if no lip balm or primer is used first, it will stain the lips, which I personally like. As I noted in my previous reviews for other Rouge Volupte lipsticks; It really helps to not swivel the lipstick out beyond about 1/16" (.158cm) just barely past the end. All of those ads which show it swiveled up may look great to sell the product, but it would not work well for application. I've never had one break, but can understand, due to the creamy consistency, how it could happen very easily if extended out very much past the tube end. Very little pressure is needed to apply. Just barely touch your lips. I have used clear lip liner, and also Mac in Cherry (I think). It will feather without a lipliner unless your lips are truly wrinkle free. It is good to use the lip brush for the initial application, touch ups are fine to just use the tube because one doesn't really need to go to the very border of lips for color renewing throughout the day. I know the lip liner + lip brush sounds like a lot of effort, but its really worth it, the color is beautiful, it lasts very well. The case is almost reason enough to buy this lipstick! its exquisite.
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Lipstick -Yves Saint Laurent - Rouge Volupte Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15 #11 Rose Culte
flybaby 11/25/2010 8:14:00 PM
This is a very pigmented, bright pink/red, not really fuchsia. To me, it is a compromise between #18 & #10. (Which I also have) As another member said earlier, #11 would be what Marylin Monroe would choose if she was tired of her true red. It really helps to not swivel the lipstick out beyond about 1/16" (.158cm) just barely past the end. I've never had one break, but can understand, due to the creamy consistency, how it could happen very easily if extended out very much past the tube end. Very little pressure is needed to apply. Just barely touch your lips. I have used clear lip liner, and also Mac in Cherry (I think). It will feather without a lipliner unless your lips are truly wrinkle free. It is good to use the lip brush for the initial application, touch ups are fine to just use the tube because one doesn't really need to go to the very border of lips for color renewing throughout the day. I know the lip liner + lip brush sounds like a lot of effort, but its really worth it, the color is beautiful, it lasts very well, and if no lip balm or primer is used first, it will stain the lips, which I personally like. The case for the Rouge Volupte series is so pretty! Yes, the mirror on the end is nice for applying when in public, and I like just having them sitting on the vanity. I also love Revlon brand lipsticks, and the black case actually looks elegant to use in public, BUT, at home, the Revlon lipsticks stay tucked away inside the drawer with the other makeup lol. I'm adding a photo of me wearing #11 as there was not a photo for this color as of yet on MUA, and... just because.... also a photo of part of my dressing table, with some of the YSL lippies on it :)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Yves Saint Laurent - Rouge Volupte Lipstick - #1 Nude Beige
flybaby 11/25/2010 7:15:00 PM
I wear almost exclusively red, or close to red lipsticks. This is the only nude lipstick I've found that I actually like myself in! I can't really compare it to any Mac colors as I've never gone though with a Mac nude lipstick purchase, I've tried a few over the years, walked around the mall, decided I looked dead and never went back to make the purchase. I actually bought Guerlain's Rogue G Guerlinade with high hopes, but after about a month of trying it, and hating it, ended up returning it (to Neiman Marcus no less, and you KNOW how much they don't like to take returns if its not asap!) I do wear a nude lip pencil with this, and even though it may not be the longest wearing color in the Rouge Volupte series, its not as big of a deal to me, when the color is lighter than my lips, rather than darker. The color is flattering on me, I feel it looks sophisticated. The SA who helped me (I came back a couple of times to try) was insistent that it really was a winner, and I'm glad I listened to her! I plan to review the other shades I own, but I feel I should mention it with each review that it really helps to not swivel the lipstick out beyond about 1/16" (.158cm) just barely past the end. I've never had one break, but can understand, due to the creamy consistency, how it could happen very easily if extended out very much past the tube end. I don't generally use a lip brush with the nude shade, and use the lip pencil more for definition, rather than to keep the lipstick from bleeding. However, with the red shades, it is good to use the lip brush for the initial application, touch ups are fine to just use the tube because one doesn't really need to go to the very border of lips for color renewing throughout the day.
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Treatments -Chanel - Ultra Correction LIFT Sculpting Firming SERUM
flybaby 11/21/2010
This serum definitely did work. It wasn't like I had to study myself to see if there was a difference, it was noticeable. My skin became firmer, and it helped diminish the softening particularly along the jawline and under my chin. I put a lot of thought into it before trying it. It only had a couple of reviews here on MUA, but they were quite positive. However, due to the cost, I was concerned I wouldn't be able to keep up the maintenance once I started. So, I talked to SA's at a few different department stores, got a few samples to try. What actually convinced me to purchase was the SA at Saks saying a bottle would last me 6 months (and I believed her! oh well) It comes in two different sizes. ( 1.0 & 1.07 ounces.) I bought the smaller one, and did use it more than twice a day on several occasions, because, if I had to wash my face and reapply makeup because of evening plans, or whatever, it was hard to leave that step out ~ always working toward the goal LOL. But, I only dispensed two pumps for each use, it wasn't like I was slathering it on my face. It lasted me about 6 weeks, in fact, a little less, NOT 6 months. AND, there is no way to tell how much is left in there, so when it runs out, that's it! I actually had my son disassemble it, to get the last little bit out, (it took a hammer and pliers,its very well constructed) . Anyhoo, I can't rationalize spending $165 US dollars for just the serum every 6 weeks! I purchased the day fluid as well, and so far it seems like there is still a good bit in there. (but, of course I'm just guessing, the bottle is probably still heavy when its empty) I took off one lippie for the exorbitant price, even though there are more expensive lines by far, I still just can't justify it for me personally. Also, even though the pump is very well made, and I had no problems with dispensing the product,and the cap stayed on for travel, etc, how difficult would it have been for Chanel to have included some sort of window to be able to keep an eye on how much remains? Other than these issues I had no complaints, it truly was improving the tone and firmness of my skin. I just ordered Avon Anew Ultimate Elixir Premium, and am really hoping it will give me similar results for almost 1/3 of the price of Chanel's UCL.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Edward Bess - All Products
flybaby 11/5/2010 11:57:00 AM
YES!!! I will repurchase! If I could give it a 10 rating I would. I am so pleased, and so amazed! Late in 2005 I stocked up on Cle de Peau concealers. I remember it was before Christmas and I bought one for my daughter as well. The SA jokingly asked me if I was going to have a concealer party lol. I traveled for a living and liked having double of all of my makeup so that my cosmetics bag could stay packed. I think, in all, I bought 4 tubes. That was then... a couple of months ago I decided to dig out my last new concealer, (yes, they lasted that long) but no ~ It was nowhere to be found. Either it got lost in the move, or I'd already used it. I researched on MUA, found out the Cle de Peau had been reformulated and some MUAers reported it went into fine lines (a BIG no-no for me) ... All in all, the reviews for the new version were not stellar. So, I tried to find a new brand. Bought Diorskin Nude Skin. I just did not like it. It was ok for covering up a blemish or hyperpigmentation, but I wanted it for under my eyes, and it did crease somewhat, plus it ended up looking crepe-y if I put it on thick enough to completely mask my dark circles. Eye makeup transferred below somewhat...and it just was not a replacement for my beloved Cle de Peau. (it went back to Nordstrom) THEN, a reviewer on MUA mentioned Edward Bess concealer in a review of another product THANK YOU THANK YOU . (Neiman Marcus now carries this line, btw) I took a chance and ordered online. It was LOVE at first try. I've been using it for a little over a week. It doesn't crease, it covers supremely well. I love it better than I loved Cle de Peau. It is a bit satiny, looks less heavy, covers every bit as well, and does not budge. Honestly, I am amazed that it is less than 40 US dollars (before tax of course) Cle de Peau was twice this, and even if there was twice as much product in the tube (? I really don't know) it doesn't matter, because I can't get the original formula anymore anyway, and I like the Edward Bess more . The packaging of the Edward Bess is nice, understated, magnetic closure to tube. So, THANK YOU, whoever you are, that led me to this wonderful concealer!
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Foundations -Chanel - Lift Lumiere Fluid
flybaby 10/25/2010 1:56:00 PM
UPDATE: Although I still love this, I think I am happier with my new method of mixing equal parts of Le Blanc de Chanel with YSL TEINT RESIST Long Wear Transfer Resistant Foundation. This combo has the luminosity of Chanel Lift Lumeire Fluid, but resists transfer better, lasts longer, and I think looks better. It is a slightly sheerer effect though, and if I need to look super polished, I do go back to cover the few dark spots I have with a touch of concealer. +++++++++++++++++ I have been on the hunt for the perfect foundation. It just doesn't make sense to me that there can be so many out there, and not one of them, until recently, have I loved to the point of considering stocking up on, or telling my friends or daughter about. This one here.... comes close. As others have noted, this foundation takes about 15 minutes for it to evolve into how it is going to look. I have not found it necessary to put the rest of my makeup application on hold in the interim though. I use a primer. Right now I'm working my way through a bottle of POP Beauty Face Magnet, and like it fine. After primer, I've found that one pump of this foundation, using the beauty blender sponge, will do my face for Saturday morning type casual effect, and two pumps is what it takes for a more polished look. With the b. blender sponge it goes on quick, looks perfect. I have a smooth marble beverage coaster on my dressing table, and I just squirt the foundation onto it, dab the bb sponge into the puddle, and quickly daub over my entire face. Squirt a second drop onto the coaster, and go over areas which I would like more coverage. My whole face is done in way less than a minute. This is a foundation that, for me, looks better to err on the side of using too little rather than a heavy hand. I do dust my t-zone very lightly with Chantecaille loose powder. This foundation will last all day. 10 hours+. It does not accentuate pore size, does not settle into fine wrinkles, doesn't transfer, and doesn't oxidize. Whereas the Guerlain Lingerie De Peau looks amazingly like real skin, the Chanel looks like real skin in soft focus. Really nice, and not too anything. Not too matte, not too shiny, no sparkles. Comparing it to my next favorite foundation, Armani Lasting Silk, it looks every bit as glow-y but gives more coverage. Armani may be a bit more transfer resistant. However, it, although a thinner consistency does not seem to go quite as far as the Chanel. So, I think I've finally found "my" foundation. I don't intend to try any others until I've finished this bottle out, and really am not dissatisfied with it in any way. I plan to repurchase. This year, from the end of May through the present, I've tried Smashbox Hi Def (rubbed off too easily, showed my pores too much, returned it) Arden Pure Finish Mineral Makeup, (returned, color issues plus kind of flat looking. Very convenient and easy to use though) Guerlain Parure Gold, (returned it, loved it but my t-zone was too oily for it) Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Invisible Skin-Fusion Foundation, (returned it, color match issues mostly. Also probably too sheer ), Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF20, (LOVE it, did not return it, but its a bit too sheer. ok for summer months when I'm using foundation darker than my actual skin tone), & lastly, L'Oreal Visible Lift Serum Absolute Advanced Age-Reversing Makeup, Prepared to love it, but didn't. Returned it, and yes, Target will take back opened bottles, no questions asked, or at least in my experience.
22 out of 23 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Guerlain - Parure Gold
flybaby 10/23/2010 10:29:00 PM
The packaging of this foundation is just so beautiful! If I could afford it, I would have held onto the one I tried, just to have it sitting there on my dressing table. I have been on a mission to find the perfect foundation. And, unlike past years efforts; instead of buying something, not really liking it, using about half and then moving on; I've been returning if the product is not working for me. At this point, I'm afraid the department stores may start flagging my account, ( if they really do that kind of thing). But, I'm tired of paying good money and being stuck. The list has grown quite long since I started out my search last spring, and unfortunately the Parure Gold didn't cut it for me either. This foundation gives a glow-y not shiny, not completely matte finish. Medium coverage that leans toward full, rather than sheer. y complaint was that I think my t-zone is just too oily for the foundation, plus, it did not minimize the appearance of pores. It did seem to transfer a bit more than other foundations I've recently reviewed. It looks really wonderful for the first couple - three hours, but not long enough to justify the hefty price tag. I would not have minded as much if the foundation just disappeared, but rather than this, it becamet a little cakey and was easily rubbed off if it my face came in contact with anything. It didn't look horrible as the hours passed, just not good enough considering what it costs, I think it is just formulated for someone with skin on the normal to drier side, and by this I mean the T-zone too.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Guerlain - 'Lingerie de Peau' Invisible Skin-Fusion Foundation
flybaby 10/23/2010 10:09:00 PM
This foundation is incredibly natural looking on. Its a very "natural" natural though, not airbrushed perfection type natural. I had problems finding a color shade which would work for me, and, after two tries, ended up returning both. It is good about not rubbing off on cell phones and clothing, did not oxidize. It lasted well. It is sheer, and although build-able, in that one can go back and add more without messing up what is already applied. However, adding more does not really give more coverage, just more color. Packaging is nice, very "Guerlain". Even though I said I would not repurchase, I would consider it if they offer more shades to choose from in the future.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Giorgio Armani - Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF20
flybaby 10/23/2010 9:57:00 PM
Even though I said I would buy this product again, I don't know that I will. I prefer just a bit more coverage, especially in winter. In summer, when I use a darker foundation, but don't actually tan my face, it seems to even out my skin tone enough. Winter, it does not cover those pesky capillaries and pigmentation spots well enough to suit me. I needed at least two pumps to do my face, it just didn't seem to go far, even though it is very fluid. Its not watery, but definitely a liquid foundation, not leaning at all toward a cream. The beauty of the finish of it is that it is medium to sheer coverage, and even though it is build-able, adding more takes away from how it looks, and still does not really cover more. Using more will add more color, but not much more opacity. This foundation lasted well on me, and did not transfer or oxidize (two pet peeves) It also did not accentuate larger pores. It really is a lovely product, I just like slightly more coverage.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -L'Oreal - Visible Lift Serum Absolute Advanced Age-Reversing Makeup
flybaby 10/23/2010 9:44:00 PM
After reading the positive reviews of this foundation, I was all set to love it. Using one pump, it did my whole face (over Pop face magnet primer, using beauty blender sponge) it looked great ! luminous, just really nice. But... it disappeared. So, I tried two pumps, and it looked cakey. It was fine at first, but then, in direct light, it accentuated lines that I never knew I had. So, I played around a couple more days, but could not find a happy medium. If I wore enough to last, it didn't look good after it did indeed last, and if I wore less, it looked great, but then vanished. With one pump, the result was very similar to Armani's LSF, but unlike Armani, the lasting part didn't come through. Packaging was functional and good, not pretty to look at, but the bottle is short enough to where it could set upright in my makeup drawer out of sight.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Revlon - Superlustrous - Certainly Red
flybaby 10/10/2010 8:35:00 PM
This is a close, if not exact dupe of Chantecaille's Poppy... at less than a third of the price. It is a BRIGHT highly pigmented cool red. I am a red lipstick collector, the brighter the better, so I love it, but, if you prefer darker or more muted, this is not the lipstick for you. Edit: I uploaded a picture taken in natural light, but indoors
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Mascara -Giorgio Armani - Eyes to Kill
flybaby 10/9/2010 6:39:00 PM
I've used this for a while. Its about as close to a perfect mascara as I can imagine. It makes for feathery lashes with curl. The gun metal gray case is nice and heavy, and clicks when it is completely closed. I've not found any negatives (other than the price). I did recently purchase a Guerlain mascara, not due to dissatisfaction of Eyes to Kill, just difficulty in getting to a store that carries Armani cosmetics. I reviewed Le 2 de Guerlain - Volume Noir Laquer, comparing it to Armani, and there is a photo in Guerlain review showing me wearing both mascaras (one each eye) for comparison between the two. Eyes to Kill lasts for 12+, does not make smudges below my eyes, does not flake. It holds the curl and is easy to remove. I will upload a photo taken in profile here, one coat of mascara. (it builds easily, and will give a lot of oomph if desired)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Guerlain - Le 2 de Guerlain Volume - Noir Laque
flybaby 10/9/2010 4:55:00 PM
This mascara makes for beautiful lashes that hold curl. I personally do not use a lash curler, and my lashes are long and straight. My only complaint is the packaging. ~performance,not the appearance, as its is very sleek and elegant ~ When the product is new, (I've only had it for about 3 weeks) extra mascara comes up and oozes out of the tube when the wand is re-inserted after use. I am beginning to wonder if maybe I just got a defective tube, but I have learned to wipe the top before screwing the cap back tight so it does not get crusty. The other end of the tube has the little sponge with a black lacquer to put on top, presumably to add shine and extra depth of color. I really don't know if it does that much or not. I'd been using Armani Eyes to Kill for a while, and have been happy with it, just irks me to have to drive an extra distance to get to a Neiman Marcus, or to have to purchase online, so I decided to try Guerlain now that the Nordstrom (somewhat) near to me carries that brand. I'm not sure which of the two is better. Neither flake, or smudge. Both hold curl. (the amount of curl the spool brush supplies) I think that Guerlain may look just a bit better, more natural? but still lush? & as one of the other reviewer's said, lashes don't look dry, or feel dry. But, Armani's tube definitely closes better, with a "click" when its closed completely, no mascara squishes out. Again, I may have a tube of the Guerlain that is not typical though, don't know. Either brand is just wonderful for obtaining gorgeous lashes that last all day, 12+, with no problems. Edit: I'm still not sure if its the mascara, or something else I changed, but I am getting some (very) slight smudging under eyes as the day wears on. Not every day, but most days. UDATE: It was not the mascara causing the smudging, but something I was putting under my eyes (playing around with eye cream samples) not sure which cream did it either! This mascara performs so beautifully, the only reason I did not give it a "5" is due to issues with how well the wand closes. If it had that "click" that Armani's does, then it would be close to perfect! As another poster has written of same problem I have had with product coming up out of the wand, it probably is just how this wand is made, which is a real shame because the mascara itself is so great. I have been just wiping the rim each time before screwing it closed, and I've not had a problem with buildup, or it getting on anything, but really, for the price, Guerlain should have given better packaging!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No