Eyeliner -Wet 'n' Wild - Mega Eyes Defining Marker - Blackest Black
jarona 11/3/2011 8:47:00 AM
Whoa! I'm shocked at some of the negative and so-so reviews. I love this so much that I put a halo around it---with rays of light no less!! For my dark eyes, this is very pigmented. The felt tip is fabulous. I was able to make perfect cat-eyes this morning so that alone is enough to make me love this. Stays put for me. You can make your line as thin or as thick as you want. Price is so right that I think I'll head to the store and pick up a couple more!
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Blush -Too Faced - Full Bloom Cheek & Lip Creme Color in Sweet Pea
jarona 10/20/2011 10:47:00 AM
Two things--I am becomming more and more of a Too-Faced fan. I like their eye palettes and have had some good luck. In addition, I'm beginning to spend more time on creme blush. That said, here's the review: I've been in the market lately for creme blushes. While in Ulta waiting to get a hair cut, I was checking out the Too-Faced cosmetics and came across this Full Bloom Cheek and Lip Creme Color in the Sweet Pea. I'm only interested in this as a blush, so I didn't even try it on my lips. The color looked very bright, but had a nice consistency, so I figured for $21.00, I would take a chance. After all, I have a wedding to attend in the beginning of November, so I'll need some new makeup (don't even ask about THAT one--I'm obsessive about new makeup for weddings--strange, but true). I stippled this over my Dandelion face powder for a nice dewy look. Well, it went on beautifully. I will say, though, that you need a light touch then build up the color. After I had the right amount of color, I was admiring my face for a while because the color looked so nice and just like a natural flush. I really, really like this. Foward to a few hours later. At work. Three people asked me if I was ok because I looked "pale". Ever the drama queen, I checked my mirror and Whoa--all the creme color dissappeared. Too bad. I really thought this was a total winner. This would have been the perfect cheek color had the staying power been better. I'm still working on this though. I may forgo primer. I dunno. Anyway, I did give this a three simply because it isn't awful. It's really a nice color but it just did not have the lasting power and I'm not one to reapply my face during the day. I have given 4 lipsticks for the price, because although not the most expensive, it isn't inexpensive either. You do get quite a bit of product though that should last a long time. Packaging quality HAD to be a 5. I love Too-Faced packaging. It's very girly and I love that. Plus, the blush/lip creme has a really nice mirror in the compact. Unfortunately, I had to chose "no" for purchasing this product. Perhaps if it was reformulated to last it would have been a definite yes. Makeup Alley--PLEASE put a "maybe" as an option! Thank you!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Crème -BeneFit Cosmetics - Some Kind-A Gorgeous
jarona 10/7/2011 10:41:00 AM
First of all, I truly thought this product was a concealer and not a foundation. Oops! That said, I'm writing this as a review of this Some Kind-A-Gorgeous as a concealer so here goes: This is one of those products that I purchased while on the line to pay for other products at Sephora. Those little items for ten dollars and under--well, I'm a sucker for them! Anyway, I had purchased this thinking it was a concealer. It went into my stash of products and was left unnoticed and forgotten........ Now that the Fall is here and I've changed up my makeup in anticipation of cold weather--you know...replacing powders with creams--blah, blah, blah....I re-discovered this! Normally, I had been using BE's. "Well-Rested" as a concealer, but now that it is dry skin season, I've gotta put the powder away till next Spring. My erase paste is hitting pan so I figured I would try Some Kind A Gorgeous out. WOW!! I was impressed. Those bluish areas in the corner of my inner eye--right next to my nose are gone. Covered! Viola! Sweet. I'm happy. I did not give this five lipsticks b/c I truly did not realize it was a foundation so that is minus a lipstick for me. The price was ok on this b/c I got it for $10.00, however, the regular price is not so cheap, but then again, a little goes a long way. Packaging is very good. I did state that I would repurchase--I'll tell you it will be between this and Erase paste and this may win out b/c it isn't as thick as EP. We'll see. I do recommend this as a concealer because it does conceal very well and it goes on nice and creamy without dissappearing. Nice product!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Erno Laszlo - Sea Mud Soap
jarona 9/23/2011 11:07:00 AM
Some time ago, my daughter received two samples of the sea mud soap along with some other Erno Laszlo products. For some reason, although she used the other products and liked them, she did not use the soap. After she moved to New York, I was cleaning out her room and came across the two samples of the Sea Mud Soap. Ever the curoious cat, I decided to try the soap. Luckily, she also left the instructions behind so I followed the instructions to cleansing my face with this soap. This was also rather intriguing to me because I'm not a soap fan. I mean....Dove Soap on my face left my skin so tight, and itchy and ugh. I'm just not a fan of soap or soap disguised as a "beauty bar"---it's the same. Anyway, about a month ago, I started using the sea mud soap as directed in the AM and in the PM. What I liked was that there was absolutely no tightness or dryness at all. AT ALL! My skin was left very clean and after toning with Witch Hazel (yes, pure witch hazel is my HG of toners), my skin was feeling pretty-darn-good. I'm almost at the end of my first sample--soon to start the second. I have to say, I'm really liking this. I do plan to purchase a full-size soap when my second sample is used up. You know, sometimes, cleansing creams can leave your skin feeling slightly "filmy"...or greasy, and it is difficult and daunting at times to still have a bit of makeup that just didn't make the cut from the cream cleansers. I have to say--with this soap, everything comes off. Who knew a soap could work this well? I will say though, that before I wash my face with this, I still use the Albolene to take my eye makeup off (and when I run out of the Albolene I take my eye makeup off with Crisco)--then I wash with the Sea Mud Soap. In addition, I do make the changeup from the Sea Mud Soap and Lancome's Cleansing Milk. Thank you.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Urban Decay - All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
jarona 9/23/2011 10:11:00 AM
Alright. My beloved She-Laq by Benefit has been discontinued. Much to my chagrin, I've been searching for a replacement and have not been able to find one. All Nighter is NOT She-Laq! Picture this please--I'm setting up the story line for you. Our power went out yesterday evening. We decided to go to dinner, but since it was too early to eat, we walked around the Mall. Naturally, for me, that means a stop over at Sephora. Anyway, while he found a seat outside while I hoofed the beauty beat. I noticed this "All Nighter" spray and thought that it could be what I was looking for to set my eye makeup. I asked the S.A. if this was a good sub for She-Laq. In return, I got a blank stare. So, I took it to the next level and asked if I could possibly get a sample. She very nicely complied. I asked if I could spray this on my eyes (with my eyes closed, naturally). She told me that I could. That sample went home with me in a very protective way. Fast Forward to this morning when I applied my makeup. So..this morning I applied my makeup. I was kind of happy, too, because in anticipation of spraying All Nighter, I even applied Mascara to my bottom lashes...I used Mascara on my top lashes too rather than apply my false lashes. Oh my goodness--I must say, I looked rather fetching and pretty for a 56 year old lady!! After all my makeup was applied, and my dry-down time given, I closed my eyes, and sprayed All Nighter. I made sure I did not spray too close and gave myself some spraying distance. HOLY S*IT!!! I thought I was blinded from the burning sensation! OMG. My eyes burned, the stuff not only got into my eyes, but all my eye make up started dripping and oozing and smearing and I looked like a cross between a racoon and a Tim Burton character. I had to reapply all my makeup and was almost late for work. This will not be a purchase and has made me even more angry at Benefit for discontinuing a perfect product. One lipstick only because there is no option for "0" lipsticks. As I don't even know what the price of this is, I just gave the price 3 lipsticks. Packaging gets two--only because the sprayer at the store worked. Unfortunately, I will not purchase.
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Treatments -Lancome - Visionnaire [LR 2412 4%]
jarona 9/23/2011 9:53:00 AM
As a Lancome fan, I was looking forward to trying Visionnaire. My Genefique works well, 99 percent of the Lancome products I've used are excellent. My only past issue was a foundation--but with a different shade, that issue has been resolved. All in all, I'm a happy customer. Since Lancome's products for skincare are on the pricey side, I wait till they offer a bonus to purchase. Lancome timed this Visionnaire introduction with a great bonus gift, so off I went to Nordstrom. I had read quite a bit of editorial on Visionnaire. What did it for me was the copy of how it could take the place of surgery. That being said, I made the purchase. I also read how quick positive results were with Visionnaire. It has been a week and two days since I started using Visionnaire. I apply a small dot for each eye. I massage into the corner where the little crows feet are and under my eyes. I do get a temporary "lift" of sorts as the lines seem to smooth. However, this is more of a filler. It does NOT get rid of lines permanantly. You need an eye lift or Botox for that. I also place a small dot along the top of my mouth. It fills in little lines...but you know what? So does Chapstick. Yes. I use Chapstick to fill in little lines and it works like a charm. Pores--I also notice this helps with the appearance of my pores--again temporary for the day. Still a good thing. Spots: OK. I have the freckles. I like them, but I do have a couple of spots that are not freckles and this did not fade them. Listen--I realize that this has been only a week into use-but Lancome advertises this as immediate results. I definitely will update in a month to take this review one step further. The scent is very pleasant. In fact, I would mind a fragrance with the scent--it is clean and lovely. Texture is fine--not sticky nor gooey. Just a nice, light texture. I've given this four lipsticks because while it works, and there are more postives than negatives, I just need to see the long-term effects. Five Lipsticks for the price: The price at $84.USD is steep. Actually, this is the most expensive skin-care product I've ever purchased. I thought I tipped the scale when I bought Genefique--but I outdid myself on this. Packaging Quality received a Three from me and here's why. Although the product comes in a very simple pump bottle, and I love the pump, my issue is that you cannot see how much product is left in the bottle. The bright blue color of the bottle hides the product. I cannot stand that!!!!! Manufacturers need to make clear bottles so we can have an idea of how much product we've used v. what is left. Would I purchase again? I keyed in "no". Although I'm really not sure. Hint-Hint to Makeup Alley--can you put a "maybe" in there? Thank you! Anyway, I'm really not sure if I would purchase this again. I have to see the long-term effects and have to see just how long this product will last me. Well, that's about it. I would recommend this to women in their mid 40's and up.. I think if you are younger---well, it's up to you! Thank you! UPDATE: I'm repurchasing. Why? Combined with the Genefique, it's a workable duo. Although the lines will not dissappear, I still get a youthful glow and brightness so I believe the purchase is worth it.
11 out of 14 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Clothes -H & M - H&M clothing in general
jarona 9/19/2011 1:19:00 PM
Although, in my opinion, H & M gears their marketing toward a younger demographic, I, at 56 years old, can find clothing items here every now and then. Before my vacation this summer, I picked up some extremely basic tube tops for--I'm pretty sure ---$5.99 each. Two white, one stripped. They can in handy for wearing under sweaters since I don't like a lot of "bulk". I also picked up a really cute navy and white stripped skirt and dress--both of which sufficed me well. I recently saw a nice trench coat for less than $60.00. For young women and men on a limited budget, I think this is a great place to shop for trendy clothing. I do have to say though, the H & M in Paris, France had far more nicer clothes than the one in King Of Prussia Mall. Since H & M is a global retailer, my assumption is that the European stores carry better stuff. That being said, for basics you cannot beat this store. My summer clothing is packed away, but I'm guessing that I'll be wearing the clothing I purchased at H & M for another summer or two. I rated this a 4 lipstick store simply because you CAN get great buys here if you look. It is hit or miss, but still, it isn't bad. On price, I gave it a two rather than a one. There are other places that are cheaper,but you will get what you pay for. Packaging, three because--well---just because. I will purchase again from H & M--most likely more basics. I have to tell you right now though, I also have to research where these clothes are manufactured. As a personal promise to myself, and to all the American workers who are now out of work, I am no longer purchasing ANY items that are made in China, or Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Pakistan...or any other country in which workers are paid peanuts because manufacturers are too cheap to hire American. Don't bash me because of this. My decision has nothing to do with the people of those countries, but it is about time that we start taking care of an hiring our own. That's all!
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Liners -Lancome - Le Lipstique - Ideal
jarona 9/16/2011 10:28:00 AM
OK. This Le Lipstique lip liner was with the latest Lancome "gift" bonus I received. ( I purchased Vissionaire--which I will review in about a month--I need to see if it works before reviewing). I'm not one for using a lip pencil or lip liner, When I wear lipstick, I line in the lipstick color--so I want you to know where I'm coming from. I took this out this morning and figured I would use it just to try it out. Although my lips are naturally very pigmented, and I did use a lip primer first, I kinda thought this would be too dark. I applied with a light touch and then noticed that there was another "cover" on the other end--I had no idea it was a lip brush. I smiled! Anyway, I blended the liner in with the brush so the line would not be harsh..I do not like to see a visible liner line around my mouth. So I brushed the liner in and then applied my favorite color "Jing-a-ling". Jing a ling is a nudey, peachy color that really blended in quite well with this Le Lipstique in "ideal". Overall, I have to say, I'm really liking this liner. I'm a convert. Actually, even though I'm supposed to be on a no-buy, I will be purchasing this lip liner again in a lighter color. I love the brush--I'm such a sucker for cool items and this liner/color with a built-in brush just tickles my fancy! I'll have to shell out the 24.50, but I have a $15.00 chit to use for a future purchase as Nordstrom is having their Fall Beauty Event next month, and I purchased a ticket..the price of the ticket being 15.00 off your next purchase..so for 9.50, it's a given. Sorry to be so long-winded about the price, but hey..it's time to be economical! Another great product by Lancome!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Laura Geller - Lip and Eye Spackle
jarona 9/16/2011 10:14:00 AM
Laura Geller's Lip and Eye Spackle was purchased in a value set. The lip and eye spackle I own are separate mini sizes. These can be purchased for $10.00 each on her site. At 10.00 they are a great price, but for a $30.00 combo--well, you can be the judge of that-lol! Anyway, I've had this for a while and re-discovered this in my drawer (I also rediscovered Eye-Rimz). Now that we are entering into the cooler weather, it's time to switch my makeup application up into fall/winter gear. For me, it means putting many of my powders into hibernation and taking out the creams. In the hot weather, I like to use BE's "Well-Rested" as a concealer. As my skin is mature and has a tendancy to lean to the dry side, I took out my eye and lip spackle today as a "what-the-hecker". I also noticed that I have used quite a bit of this in the past soooooo... I applied with a light hand on my eyelids and in that corner of my inner eye that has a tendancy to be blue-ish. I applied with my finger in a stippling motion so as not to use too much or my lids would have looked ashey. I have to say this: You know in that crease of your upper eyelid that can look darker--no matter what you do to make it look lighter? Welll....this works. It really does. It has a nice creamy consistency and it DOES keep your eye make up in place. I applied my makeup at 6:30 this morning, and at 10:04 AM, my make up is still 100 percent in place without any fading whatsoever. You know, I do have a lot of concealers that I'm happy with--like I said I use BE's Well-Rested in the hot weather. I also have Benefit's Erase Paste, which I love and Tarte's concealer pen thingy which I am extremely pleased with as well. However, I'm bumping this up. I like the creaminess and the coverage and a bit goes a long way. This is definitely going to be a re-purchase--but here's the caveat--I'll repurchase the mini size because truthfully, I think it is a better bargain. Now for the Lip Spackle review: My lips are very heavily pigmented. It is hard for me these days because, at 56 years old, my lips are not what they were 25 or 30 years ago. They are slightly thinner and lip color now bleeds due to some fine lines. I usually put foundation on my lips, before I apply lip color, but within minutes, the color is g.o.n.e. I applied the Lip Spackle on my lips earlier this morning when I applied my regular makeup. The Lip Spackle is slightly drier than the eye spackle, but glides on the lips nicely. It does not dry out the lips either. Next I followed with Lancome's lip liner (in a nudey color) and filled in with my HG lipstick, "Jing-a-Ling" by Benefit. I'm happy, My lip color is still on. Really. I'm not lying. I've now got the secret to keeping my lip color on. Lip Spackle. Also, my lips aren't dry either. By this time of day I'm loading on the Chapstick--haven't had to yet! As with the Eye Spackle, I would absolutely repurchase this product in the mini-size. As an aside, I have not used the Eye Spackle nor have I used the LipSpackle in about a year and both products stayed secure and did not dry out in their packaging--just thought I would add that in. Am very pleased!
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Eyes -Laura Geller - Eye Rimz Baked Wet/Dry Accents
jarona 9/16/2011 9:53:00 AM
This is one of those products that I've had forever, but don't use regularly. I had purchased the Eye Rimz in Potion (purple, black, white) at Sephora when they were having their final sale on Geller Products. Laura Geller is kind of hit or miss with me. I love her body frosting, but cannot stand her Balance and Brighten--her "light" color just oxidizes like crazy on me and is definitely a no go for me. I am just rediscovering her spackle for lips and eyes as well. Anyway, on with the review. I'm not big on "color" on my eyes. Although "they" say that purple is a pretty universal color that is flattering on everyone, I just keep to my neutrals. That being said, recently I discovered the Pixiwoo sisters--they have wonderful tutorials on youtube that are a godsend for "mature' women--they use their mom as a model. They've used a purplish color on her and I realized I had this potion Eye Rimz in my makeup stash. I decided to use it again...and I have to say that I am impressed with how intense the pigmentation is. WOW. I really need a light hand with this. I used this as both an eyeshadow AND a liner (followed the pixiwoo way) and was very pleased. Overall, this is a good multi-tasking product for both a shadow and liner. I used an extremely thin angled brush for the lining, and brushed "up" to soften the liner. Then I used a light hand and a bigger brush for the crease in my eyes. I also softly lined the outer half of my bottom lids...and it looks really good. Although I love the way my eyes look with this EyeRimz, I would not use it as an everyday look. I would most definitely use this for evenings and special occassions. Now realize that I paid a very low price for this product, but on her website, it sells for 26.00. While I do think this is pricey, I will say that a very little bit goes a long, long way due to the wonderfully intense pigmentation. It also doubles as an eyeliner/shadow so you do get a lot for your money. The packaging is alright, the metal tin holding the shadow/liner, became loose in the plastic container. In addition, although I will have this for a long time, I absolutely would re-purchase. Since I'm currently on a no-buy, this re-discovery was a charm! I love when products are rediscovered! LG did very well with this product. Keeper!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Biosilk - Silk therapy shampoo
jarona 9/9/2011 4:08:00 PM
Where do I start? I purchased a set of the silk therapy shampoo, the conditioner and the "serum" silk therapy. I had used the serum stuff some years ago. Way back. It was pretty decent back then so I figured "what the heck"? What a dumb mistake on my part. I should have been wary because the three-product set was so inexpensive. After I shampooed my hair, it felt kind of dry--and my hair was wet! I put the conditioner in and it did nothing. When I started to style my hair, the serum also left my hair dry. Three products = straw hair. How ironic is that? The name of this stuff should be Straw Therapy. I asked my daughter if she wanted it because her hair is in much better shape than mine. She laughed and said now way would she use it. In the garbage it went!
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Elie Saab-Le Parfum
jarona 9/9/2011 2:57:00 PM
When I heard that Orange Blossom was contained in this fragrance, my eyes almost popped out of my head because orange blossom is my number one, best, favorite fragrance in the entire universe. I could not wait to sample this. I did get my hands on a sample. It is not orange blossomy at all. There is a note of citrus that I detect, but it is not orange blossom. This sadly doesn't work for me. Too headachey. REALLY headachey. It isn't the worst scent-it's somewhat powdery. I would say this is more of a fall/winter scent than a spring/summer because it isn't "soft". It has some good staying power. I gave it a stream of steady threes on the lipsticks because it isn't the worst scent by any means, but it isn't the best--and remember, this is subjective. The pricing is pretty average--so is the packaging. I would not purchase this--the sample lasted me long enough to make a judgement call on this scent. This winter I'll be sticking to my L'Instant.
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Palettes -Too Faced - Naked Eye Kit
jarona 9/9/2011 9:45:00 AM
These days, I'm liking Too-Faced more and more. I was lucky enough a while back to get a full-sized palette as a bonus from Sephora. The palette I received had a sampling of two shadows from each of Too-Faced Collections palettes. Although I regularly use all the shadows, the one shadow I kept going back to and using was "Like a Virgin". I'm telling you..on my cool-toned skin, this neutral color is amazing--it give my eyes that extra "oomph". It's kind of like a muddy, taupe-y, brown, but not an orangey-brown...more like a blue-brown. Anyway, I had been mulling over purchasing the UD Naked palette for a while, and when I finally saw it in person at Ulta, the shadows just didn't look like the majority would be flattering to me. Also, I thought the velvet case was kind of cheesy. That being said, on a later trip to Sephora, I saw the Naked Palette by Too-Faced and "Like a Virgin" was one of the shadows contained. I levitated. No kiddin'. I love this palette. All the colors are flattering...the pigmentation is great b/c it isn't so deep--you can start off lightly for day, and with a little bit of a more heavy hand, can build up for a night or special occasion eye look. Plus, there is no fall out. And......the shimmer on some of the shadows is so subtle--it really is a fantastic palette. I know a lot of women don't like the packaging, but it doesn't bother me that much. For me, it is pretty much travel-friendly as every shadow I need is in one box. To keep it shut I just wrap a twirly-do (my family name for those elastic hair ties) around it to keep it shut. I only wish that Too-Faced would create a 'Like a Virgin" single shadow! All in all, great product. Great price. Most definitely will purchase again. I think I'll purchase one for my daughter as well.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Tarte - Cheek Stain in Dollface
jarona 9/8/2011 3:43:00 PM
Recently, I tried out NARS Multiple in Riviera. Riviera is a nice pinky-colored stick that really looked quite nice when I tried it on. It's been on my list of products to buy. Fast forward to me getting ready for work the morning after I tried Riviera. I noticed that my daughter, who moved recently into NYC for her first real adult job, left some of her makeup at home. Among the makeup was this Tarte Cheekstain in "Dollface". "Hmmmmmm", I wondered.."Could I possibly use this instead of the Rivera that I covet"? Yes. Yes I could. Here's what I did. I put my normal cheek color on, and with a brush, I tapped the top of the stain, then I stippled the cheekstain on the top of my cheeks and blended. Ohhhh..it looked so pretty and brightened up my face! It's a teensy-weensy lusterous so it really gives a nice finish. I'm definitely stealing this from my daughter! FYI--Im very fair and cool-toned. Have freckles, but am not a "warm" so this color is very flattering. So happy that I saved money by "shopping" in my own home!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Nails -Equate - Nail Polish Remover Pads
jarona 9/2/2011 9:56:00 AM
Is it Me? Is it MY nails? I should have known better. I mean, Nail Polish Remover is inexpensive to begin with--right? I'm still shaking my head. I purchased these Equate Nail Polish Remover Pads (Acetone) because I figured they would be extremely convenient--especially for travel, and Equate brand has been pretty decent with other products so why not try these? Let me tell you--ten pads are included in this box of remover. It states on the box "Compare to Cutex". It states that these pads are extra thick, portable and convenient, no spills and one pad cleans all ten nails. First of all, the pads ARE thick--that's one good thing. Although the pads appear to be saturated with remover, the product does have some seepage. However convenient these pads are, one pad does NOT clean ten nails. I need three pads to clean my nails. And I am not, may I repeat, not one to load the coatings of polish on my nails. Word to the wise. Stay with the Cutex. In the long run, it's more cost-effective. I would not purchase these pads again. I gave it a one because the remover DOES take the polish off--but not in the way it is advertised.
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