Eye Shadow -Wet 'n' Wild - Color Icon Trio - Walking on Eggshells
hpunkinway 12/27/2011 10:18:00 PM
Bought this on a trip when I forgot to pack my makeup. I like neutrals. This was just way to shimmery--I felt like a Christmas tree. HOWEVER, if you like shimmers, this stuff is very pigmented and stays on well. The middle brown color was very attractive, and I will continue to use that one. I am 43. UPDATE: Have given it away. Just way too shimmery. NEVEr used it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Cover Girl - Instant Cheekbones Contouring Blush - Peach Perfection
hpunkinway 12/27/2011 10:11:00 PM
Really not bad, just not right for me--I'm 43 and don't care for the shimmer. I bought it on a trip when I forgot to pack my makeup, and picked it up at a drugstore to have a little color on my face. I'll use it up--pretty color, just need a light hand. For reference, I find that Mac's Blushbaby is ideal. It gives a little color and looks like you're not wearing makeup. If they took the shimmer out, I would probably buy it again for the hue. It lasts well. **UPDATE: I now use this with a swipe across all three colors and get a beautiful peach-hued highlight. No contoured cheekbones, but it certainly does add some life (shimmery color) to the face. I like it! ***UPDATE: This has now become my "Waking Ned Devine" facial cosmetic. It truly gives your skin some "oomph" when you are really tired (which is most the time for me.) Again, I advise not to use this as a contour, but just as a highlighter-type glow. It is truly magnificent. I am therefore upgrading it to 5 lipsticks. Go get it, girls!
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Liquid -Almay - Clear Complexion Blemish Healing Makeup
hpunkinway 12/27/2011 10:02:00 PM
I bought this on a trip recently when I forgot to pack my makeup. At first I didn't like the chalkiness, but as the day progressed and I looked in the mirror, I was pleasantly surprised by the coverage and the staying power. I think I will use this in the summer when I have trouble keeping makeup on my face. Nice coverage! I'm 43, normal skin, but pretty oily in the summer months. During that time, makeup usually disappears from my face in several hours. An Update: This has actually become my go-to (even though I have foundations from Estee Lauder, La Mer, Stila, and Paula's Choice. I think that this is the best of all. UPDATE: This is probably the best foundation I have used! I have access to many of the department store brands, but I do not like any of them as much as this one. I also have used Paula's Choice, and certainly do not like any of those as compared to this one. (Although I do love her skin care products.) UPDATE: I am upgrading Almay to a 5. I am still using this foundation regularly! (to my surprise), and I have Stila, Estee Lauder, and Paula's Choice currently in my arsenal. I am, however, on the lookout for something less heavy. I just ordered Sally Hansen Inspired by Carmindy, as I see it has great reviews. Let's hope that they don't discontinue this on us, as the drugstore brands are known to do...keep you posted.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Maybelline - Fit Me
hpunkinway 12/27/2011 9:32:00 PM
2nd UPDATE: This is still my favorite concealer now (over Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, Paula Begoun, and Mary Kay.) Can someone please recommend an equally good concealer from a company that does NOT engage in animal testing? Please advise. Thanks! I picked this up at the drugstore recently while on trip when I'd accidentally neglected to pack my makeup. I am really pleasantly surprised at how good it is! It matches well, stays smooth on the skin, and lasts. My impression was that the coverage was on the heavier side, but I am reading here that it is less opaque relative to others. Maybe that is why it looks so natural on the eye. Really good stuff in my opinion. I would definitely buy this again. (I'm 43.) UPDATE: I find myself constantly reaching for this product over Estee Lauder, Paula's Choice, Elizabeth Arden, and Prescriptives, all of the concealers that I currently have in my arsenal. The cover is medium, perhaps, without being chalky. The product applies like a nice hydrating gel. The color matches fine. I really like this, and am upgrading it a star. Unfortunately. Maybelline is own by L'Oreal, and they do conduct animal testing. The search continues...
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Matrix - Biolage Ultra Hydrating Conditioning Balm
hpunkinway 12/19/2011 5:22:00 AM
2nd update: Animal testing. I will not use this anymore. please advise when you find another conditioner as good as this. Thanks! Good God!, What do you gals do to your hair that makes you rate this conditioner so low?!! This is the most hydrating stuff I have ever encountered. It is really expensive, especially now in this economy. I highlight, abuse, don't care, and use this stuff. It looks like I have never done a thing to my hair! UPDATE: Now that I have finally had my hair trimmed, this is a little TOO conditioning. Still, one of the best conditioners out there. Honestly, if you have done something bad to your hair, I cannot recommend this product enough!
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Styling Products -John Frieda - Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Finishing Creme
hpunkinway 7/10/2011 12:32:00 AM
This is a must in the summer when dealing with humidity. Granted, I will not blow-dry. I just use this (in infinitesimally small quantities) after my hair is dry. Due to medicines that i must take, I am hyper-hydrotic, and sweat like crazy. This stuff works to put strands back in place, and look smooth. I have friends who do not like this product, but they spend huge amounts of money on their hair, so I believe they hold a bias. I do not believe that anyone should spend so much money on shampoo, conditioner, product, etc. --Like washing your money down the drain! Believe me, this works. I think it is a classic.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Brows -Unlisted Brand - castor oil
hpunkinway 7/9/2011 11:51:00 PM
This is an amazing solution for cleaning pores. I have used it in the following way: 1.) Pour a 1/2 tsp or so into your palm. You may mix this with a thinner oil if your skin is very dry, i.e., olive oil or avocado oil. 2.) Massage it into your facial skin. 3.) Wash it off with a washcloth, Clarisonic brush, or just fingers, using your normal facial cleanser. After patting dry, your skin should feel a bit tight, but very smooth. It is truly amazing in its ability to draw out impurities. I hope this helps!
9 out of 10 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -MAC - Sheertone Blush in Blushbaby
hpunkinway 2/20/2011 3:37:00 AM
Granted, I don't use much makeup, but this I have used for four years, and I am now running out. NC 20-25, depending on the season. If you want a good neutral that will not go to waste (and MAC has a good recycling program). this should be your go-to.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Unlisted Brand - Monistat - Chafing Relief Powder-Gel 
hpunkinway 2/20/2011 2:14:00 AM
If you really need a primer, buy this one. It's the same damn things as all the others. For me, it helps me get through the day, which begins at 5a.m. and it keeps my makeup intact through the evening, when I have to teach an evening 7-9:45p.m. class. No reason to spend more, no reason to waste more, it's the same damn ingredients you'll find anywhere. Just buy this and don't buy the other expensive brands, which are all hype, expense, and excessive packaging. UPDATE: I NEVER use this any more. Just an unneeded step. I'd love to know if any of the Makeupalley girls have found another use fro this product. While this is not necessarily something you will need every day, if you are a professional, and have to work long hours, this will do the trick. Period.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -E.L.F. - Cream Eyeliner - All Colors
hpunkinway 12/10/2010 3:46:00 AM
2nd update: Useless, and does not last longer than a couple of weeks. Just landfill. What a shame. Love this eyeliner. But do I think they could do it in better packaging? How about refills? So much plastic going into the waste dumps. Do you really want to contribute to the island on the Pacific made of waste? Thought not. Write to your favorite cosmetics company and tell them that you do not care to contribute to the toxic dump. This is pitiful. The stuff dries out so quickly. Please look at You Tube--there are a few people who have suggested ways that you can rehydrate this product. UPDATE: I haven't used this product in ages because NYX shadow is just too good at becoming eyeliner. I NEVER use this. It has become trash.
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Primer/ Corrector -E.L.F. - Mineral Infused Face Primer
hpunkinway 12/10/2010 2:50:00 AM
I have never used primer before, but began with this. I honestly cannot believe what a difference it makes. Problem is with the packaging. I was able to retrieve more product from the container well after the pump stopped working. Problem is, there is WAY too much packaging. We need to ask E.L.F. to reduce packaging on this item (and maybe others). We all have to write to these cosmetic companies to ask them to cut down on their packaging. I have done, to no avail so far, but if we get MORE customers to request, then maybe we won't have to see that growing island in the ocean of plastic crap. UPDATE: MONISTAT: It does the same thing, less money, and less packaging. The packaging of the E.L.F. is just way over-the-top. Do you really want to contribute to that Atlantic plastic island? This is honestly just as good, with way less packaging...and cost!
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Liquid -Stila - Illuminating Liquid Foundation
hpunkinway 12/10/2010 2:04:00 AM
This foundation is a Godsend in Winter now that I'm 42. Four years ago it was way to oily, and I'm not sure if that was because of my age or a change in the formula. Anyway, this is light-to-medium coverage, and gives a lovely, natural-looking finish. I am MAC NC 20-25, using 20 watts. I might be okay with 30 watts, however, yet due to its lightness, not a bid deal. This is an outstanding product. Update: I have found that this is really best used in winter if you have oily skin, perfect when the air is dry and cold, not so good in the season that is hot and humid. Hope that tip helps.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Carmex - LipBalm
hpunkinway 12/10/2010 1:57:00 AM
Great stuff in the winter. You can put it on dry, flaky, chapped lips, and no one notices the flakes. It feels soothing as well. Update: yes, it does dry in a sense--the salicylic acid will do that--but that's the ingredient you will find in many things that smooth your skin. This will take off the flakes.
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Eyeliner -E.L.F. - Cream Eyeliner - Midnight
hpunkinway 12/10/2010 1:49:00 AM
I love this eyeliner! Not sure if many of you would care for my review, as I like my makeup on the extremely light side. This is why I love this liner. I have tried Bobbi Brown and Paula Begoun, both overkill for me. The makeup artist who has reviewed here, however, might be better to inform you ladies who really like makeup...I just like it really light, and this is perfect for me while I cannot get the other two brands on correctly.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair -Sacha Cosmetics - Sally - Hair One Hair Cleanser and Conditioner
hpunkinway 10/17/2010 4:43:00 PM
Wow! I cannot believe the good reviews here. I just must have a very different kind of hair...not a bad product if you like your hair to stay dirty, gummy-frizzy (hard to explain exactly), and use way more product that you would otherwise have to. For me in anyway, it was the most expensive and time-consuming way to wash my hair and not feel clean. I gave it a 2 for the eucalyptic effect, which feels nice in the shower. Update: I still do not "get" this stuff. It's relegated to leg-shaving, though I do not do that very often. I shall never purchase this waste again. Update: Tried this stuff again. To me there is no greater effect in the hair than to get it clean, and this is just way too much work. I use a minimal amount of shampoo, and some conditioner, and that seems to work much better. If it works for you , then great. But for me, frugal consumer, I find this a true waste of time. I have also tried this just as a conditioner, and I am not pleased with the results.
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