Product Reviews by irishgirl71

Eye Primer -Paula Dorf - Eye Primer
rated 5 of 5
irishgirl71 12/26/2004 10:57:00 AM

NC20, LLL, sensitive skin>>> I have tried many primers such as Benefit's FYeye, UD's Primer Potion, Ultima II's, etc..I have such pale skin that you can see discoloration so I needed a primer to hold my shadow & neutralize my lid color. For reference, my eyelids are not too oily but I do have shadow fading problems. I chose the lightest shade which suits me just fine and I love it! This stuff is HIGHLY concentrated and best applied with a taklon concealer brush. I took the advice of many MUA'ers on this and appication technique makes a HUGE difference. You don't need a lot of this at all and a concealer brush will help with thinning the product out/blending. Let it set and do a light dusting of powder over top of it. The key is to blend well but I am willing to do that for the results I get. My shadows show truer, no creasing, and shadow stays put! A little extra effort? Yes..but my eyes do not feel tight/dry and my shadow looks/stays perfect! Thumbs up!

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Cleansers -Philosophy - Purity Made Simple (Real Purity Cleanser)
rated 5 of 5
irishgirl71 12/18/2004 6:34:00 AM

Sensitive-Combination/Dry>> I was a devoted user of Olay's Sensitive-Skin cleanser for years until I was lucky enough to get a sample of this cleanser in a swap. What impressed me with this cleanser is it's ability to remove ALL makeup without leaving a residue or makeing your skin feel tight. Not to mention, it cleans so well, I don't have to use a toner anymore. I have to admit that the cleanser does not have the best smell or taste (somewhat chemical in smell) but it gets the job done perfectly for me. When first applied, you may think it's not cleaning because it doesn't foam/lather. However, once you rinse; the makeup is gone! Because it cleans so well, I am willing to forgive the scent and use it exclusively. It might be a bit pricey but I am saving money by not buying toner to remove last traces of makeup. No breakouts, no greasies, no fuss! I will continue to repurchase!

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Scrubs -Philosophy - The Gingerbread Man (scrub)
rated 2 of 5
irishgirl71 12/17/2004 6:39:00 AM

As a lover of the Amazing Grace Salt scrub, I was really eager to try The Gingerbread Man. However, this particular scrub failed to "Wow" me on several points. The Gingerbread Man logo on the tub makes you think you are getting a gingerbread smell, right? It's more like a citrus scrub with gingerbread undertones to the scent. Since the Cinnamon Buns shower gel is so "dead on" to a cinnamon bun, I was expecting the same here. Nope! It's like a Gingerbread Margarita or something. Next, you really have to get this going in your hands to spread it well over your body. It's pure scrub just like they say on QVC..No kiddin! You could lay bricks with this stuff. For 25 bucks a tub, I expected better in terms of texture and scent. Safe to say I will be sticking with Amazing Grace scrubs and will not be repurchasing this one. It's just too expensive to fall short on for me.

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Gels/Soaps -Philosophy - Cinnamon Buns 3-in-1
rated 5 of 5
irishgirl71 12/17/2004 6:29:00 AM

This is my absolute favorite shower gel from Philosophy! The fragrance is like indulging in a Cinna-bon cinnamon roll without the added calories. I know some people wouldn't want to pay 16 bucks for a shower gel BUT Philosophy's shower gels are different. They are concentrated, rich and creamy, and give you an awesome lather! This is the ultimate shower experience without adding weight to your figure! Skin feels clean but NOT tight as well. I would highly recommend Cinnamon Buns as your first shower gel purchase from Philosophy..It's so decadent that you look forward to taking a shower so you can indulge!

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Makeup Brushes -Aromaleigh - Flocked Eyeshadow Applicator w/disposable tips [DISCONTINUED]
rated 1 of 5
irishgirl71 12/16/2004 8:35:00 AM

For those who do not know, a flocked sponge is a velvety-furry type of sponge that is mostly used for applying mineral powders. I often use a flocked sponge for areas that need more coverage on my face because the "flocking" prevents the product from being absorbed into the sponge; therefore applying all of the product where you need it. I have been on the search for a flocked eyeshadow applicator forever and was happy to come across this product when I found it. However, it is NOT a true, flocked sponge and nothing more than a finely-milled eyeshadow applicator. Meaning the sponge holes are a bit smaller; that's it! I have found similar applicators by Beauty Secrets at Sally Beauty supply for $1.79..Needless to say, these applicators apply the shadow the same way as any other sponge-tip applicator. Great concept with the refillable tips but a real disappointment all together..My search will continue from this point. I would not recommend this product!

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Powder -Body & Soul - Two In One Powder and Foundation
rated 5 of 5
irishgirl71 12/9/2004 5:50:00 PM

MAC NC20, Sensitive-Combo-Dry Skin: I must say that the compact is to die for as I am a vintage-glam lover! So chic! What's in the compact is even better! As previously described, the texture is like MAC's Studiofix but without the zits! Yay! Texture is lightweight, silky-smooth and gives medium-to-full coverage without the "flour-face" look! Shades are predominantly yellow based which will help a lot pinky-faced girls cut down on their red tones as I wear shade #2 in the line. I use powder foundations 90% of the time and this one is a standout product! Compact is big with plenty of powder even though it's pricey at 35 bucks. Bravo for Body and Soul!

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Eye Primer -Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Original (UDPP)
rated 3 of 5
irishgirl71 12/9/2004 4:51:00 PM

LLL, sensitive-combo-dry-skin: I am always looking for a good eye primer that evens out my lids and holds on to eyeshadow..UD's Primer Potion definitely holds on to the shadow but didn't do much for me in terms of evening out the color of my lids. This is like an iridescent, light "putty" texture in a wand-style, opaque concealer tube. It dries matte and doesn't do much in terms of helping with discoloration..I am also not fond of the packaging and it seems like I never get enough product on the wand. Nevertheless, it was also drying for my 33 year-old lids BUT did a great job of keeping my eyeshadow intact! I think it's a good product for those with truly oily lids and those who don't require a lot of "concealing." It just wasn't for me.

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Liquid -Chanel - Vitalumiere
rated 4 of 5
irishgirl71 12/2/2004 6:29:00 AM

Combination, sensitive skin, LLL>> I was lucky enough to try this out for about a week without having to buy a full size. Unfortunately, while I loved the coverage; it was just too rich for my skin type. Still- it has a glowy effect without shine,(think radiance) buildable coverage, and seems to melt into your skin..I find the formula would be best for those with normal to dry skin as I ended up breaking out on my cheeks/chin. The finish was satin/dewy on my combination skin without cakiness. Thumbs up for this one but just not for me!

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Blush -L'Oreal - Blush Delice Sheer Powder Blush - Color of Hope
rated 5 of 5
irishgirl71 11/11/2004 5:43:00 AM

LLL, Hazel-eyes, Blonde hair>>> Loreal's Blush Delices are my favorite drugstore blushes as the colors are vibrant, soft and glowy! Compact is larger than the other blush delices and the inside mirror says, "because you're worth it!" Kinda cute and hey we all are, aren't we? The color is a medium, icy mauved-plum and when applied looks a lot like MAC's Mineralize Aristocrat eyeshadow to me with a "plummier kick." The finish is glowy, not overly shimmered which I imagine a lot of women would look beautiful in this. If you can get your hands on this limited edition item, I would really run for it as it's simply gorgeous on!

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Eye Shadow -MAC - MAC Orb Eyeshadow
rated 5 of 5
irishgirl71 11/9/2004 9:09:00 AM

LLL, hazel eyes, blonde hair>>I think Orb is one of those perfect blending shades that every gal needs in her traincase..It's a pinky-peach color that makes an excellent wash of color or can double as a highlighter..Think YSL Touche Eclat (shade reference) in eyeshadow form. Texture is very soft and blendable. Not shimmery, not flat but an awesome base shade! Thumbs up on this one!

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Lip Gloss -MAC - jewelbright
rated 4 of 5
irishgirl71 11/9/2004 9:03:00 AM

LLL, Hazel-Eyes, Blonde Hair>> Jewelbright lipglass is a medium/dark, raspberry-purple shade with golden shimmer. It's very close in shade to Pop Mode lipglass but a shade deeper. If you have Pop Mode or similiar shades, you can skip this one as Jewelbright wasn't that unique to me. Lately, MAC has been making very subtle changes to their product offering and repackaging them under different names..Jewelbright seems to be one of those cases. Neverthess, this shade looks wonderful with an understated eye as it has enough "oomph" all by itself.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you?   Yes     No


Eye Shadow -Aveda - Shadow plus Vitamins in Aura
rated 5 of 5
irishgirl71 10/29/2004 6:13:00 PM

MAC NC20, Hazel-Green eyes, blonde hair>> Aura is very close to Shu Uemura's ME 945 and Chanel's Vega..The perfect, shimmery taupe-brown that's so versatile! I often wear it with Aveda's Pink Glow or sometimes pair it with warmer colors..I love the quote Aligirl made once; "Aveda shadows are the poor man's Shu." I don't mind grabbing these at 10 bucks a pop vs. 18 bucks with Shu Uemura singles. Aveda's shadows are silky smooth, very blendable, and pigment dense. Definitely buzzworthy!!!

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Mascara -Christian Dior - Diorshow Mascara
rated 5 of 5
irishgirl71 10/24/2004 8:29:00 AM

This mascara ROCKS! I'm a mascara junkie and have tried numerous brands high/low end..Diorshow's rollerbrush-style wand manages to separate, thicken, and define my lashes without making them look like a clumpy mess. The formula isn't to thin or too goopy and doesn't flake! Out of all of Dior's mascaras, this is definitely the star worthy of its own "show." To me, it's worth the 23 bucks a tube for gorgeous, runway lashes!!! You must buy it!!!

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Mascara -MAC - Zoom lash
rated 2 of 5
irishgirl71 10/22/2004 6:42:00 AM

I had high hopes for this mascara but it fell short on so many levels. It goes on clumpy because the mascara wand pulls out so much of the product. Even after wiping down the wand, I was left with stiff and spikey lashes. The formula was a little to wet for my taste and it's a mascara you have to work at..You will definitely need a metal lash comb to work through this but still; the result is spidery lashes. Will not repurchase.

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Moisturizers -Mary Kay - Oil-free hydrating gel
rated 5 of 5
irishgirl71 7/4/2004 8:34:00 AM

Combo, sensitive, mild-rosacea>>I feel like I have hit the jackpot lately! I have found 2 holy grail products from MK that every woman is in search of; the perfect moisturizer and eye cream. I am still in "awe" that I didn't have to spend a fortune for "holy grail material." Nevertheless, my review is to give a BIG thumbs up for this moisturizer. The PROS: glides on silky smooth, creamy-gel texture, no tackiness, dries quickly, sets quickly, perfect primer for foundation, no pimples, no fragrance, no irritation, no greasiness, and affordable! The CONS: Those allergic to silicones may not be able to use this as silicones are not "oil-free," may not be moisturizing enough for very dry skins. I have used everything from La Prairie to Cetaphil and this stuff ROCKS! I could throw out all of my moisturizers and keep this without feeling deprived. You'll have to excuse my enthusiasm since I am still floored that Mary Kay has managed to provide me my Holy Grails without bankrupting me! LOL! You have to give this a spin!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you?   Yes     No