Eye Shadow -LORAC - Green Room
swolf123 3/15/2009 1:53:00 AM
Lorac needs more love on MUA. This e/s is excellent for glamming up brown eyes for evening wear. I usually use it as liner, since it very dark to begin with. Be careful not to drop these e/s b/c they will crumble. My 1st one came by mail from Sephora, completely in shambles.
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Loose Powders -Make Up For Ever - HD High Definition Loose Powder
swolf123 3/14/2009 2:01:00 PM
Super fine, is what this is. I didn't know about Coastal Scents before my purchase, but not sure if that would have made a difference in my purchase. I don't use powder as fast as some others. The issues brought up from the other reviewers seem a little ridiculous to me. When it's closed you should shake it a bit to move some to the top, then open it to prevent a dust cloud. I also use Trish McEvoy's M20 brush, which fits perfectly in this container, so no spillage or issues there. I will update later, when a complete stress & heat test is completed. So far though, it's the most fine & soft applying powder that I have ever used. Kinda like what Mineral Veil advertises but doesn't actually accomplish. I also recently purchased MUFE Super Matte, which I will use on my T-zone on very hot days. Update: I'm thinking this is a no go, after just one use. I only applied to my T-Zone, but it spread further; giving me a chalky, very drying appearance. I was going for the no shine look on the T-Zone, not the shrived up and spit them out skin appearance. 3 lippies for controlling oil, that's for sure.
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Liquid -Estee Lauder - Nutritious Vita-Mineral SPF 10
swolf123 3/11/2009 7:56:00 PM
I was a Chanel Foundie lover up until EL created DWL. This was a great foundie, but seemed a little to matte for the harsh winter months. That is where my journey began. From there I ventured to try BB Skin Foundie, which I found a little too thin & and I was bit of an oil slick by the COB. Then I had to try this new one. The coverage was descent (medium to heavy), but I found it harder to blend w/ a brush than DWL, since it is thicker & driers quicker in place. On first day of use it wasn't half bad, but on the second I found my face completely melted off & nightmarish up close. I'm not oily & I was not sweating, but it still turned against me before my day was over. However, I might see this working for someone w/ normal to dry skin, only using a light layer, & w/ some powder. But for me, I'm back to DWL. I'm thinking of trying Guelain's Extreme Foundie next, if Sephora ever gets my level in. I'm also open to suggestions, for any foundie that lasts all day without a ton of power, like DWL, but is a little less Matte or Drying. Thx
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Eye Primer -Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Sin
swolf123 3/8/2009 3:48:00 PM
Much more soothing than the original. The frosty color also blends into my skin w/o any problem. I have to say this would be great if it had a quarter of the lasting power that the original has. Going back to UDPP + PP. UDPP alone makes my lids dry & does not adhere to e/s well, so I need PP for that. Still on the quest. Next to try is Cinema Secret's Primer.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Skin Laboratory - Glycolic Acid 50% Gel Peel
swolf123 3/6/2009 6:17:00 PM
I started off using a 10% GA wash the last couple of years. After the trouble w/ my skin started to escalate, I searched for something new. I tried the 70% Lactic Acid Peel w/ horrible results, possibly due to my inexperience w/ that type of acid. Then I tried 35% GA, and was very pleased. Since I am accustom to GA I have used the peel every other day, never exceeding 5 mins. My recent face explosion and marks, formed before starting GA peels, are quickly fading, but of course not fast enough. Since I saw this working I decided to add the 50% to my routine once a week. If you are use to 35% GA, you should be okay w/ the next step up. I actually felt less tingling w/ the 50% than the 35%. The consistency was less gel like than the 35% as well. This definitely boosted skin turnover and healing for me. I need to also note that this company produces their peels w/ a lower PH level than recommended. I am unsure how this affects my skin overall, but I have not had any negative results w/ it any case. I have only seen my skin get better, since using these products. However, I suggest resisting the compulsion to overuse them. The ill effects of sensitivity & skin thinning will ensue if you misuse them. Also, be careful not to over exfoliate the forehead, since it already has the least amount of padding on the face. Note: Beware of using a Cleaner w/ added sulfates or Salicylic Acid in it. I read this recommendation somewhere, and found out the hard way that it's right. Ellen Lange Cleanser & PCA Pigment Bar do not cause irritation when using this product.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Skin Laboratory - Glycolic Acid 35% Gel Peel
swolf123 2/26/2009 10:13:00 PM
My once perfect skin has been replaced by a hormonal unbalanced face. It's very embarrassing and hinders my daily routine. I tried their 70% Lactic Acid one weekend, and it completely wrecked my skin for over a week. After my skin healed from that ordeal, I decided to try my other purchase from this company, the 35% Glycolic Acid peel. I've been using a 10% Glycolic Acid face wash for the last couple of years, so I've been able to build a good tolerance for this type of acid. Actually my wash has been less than effective because of this, so I definitely needed to step it up. I applied this acid on a clean dry face, with a cotton ball. After 5 mins I rinsed w/ cool water, then a baking soda water solution for deactivation. It's very strong, and recommend a deactivation solution, dissolved baking soda works fine. If you have hyperpigmentation and/or forming pimples, you will notice dramatic results right away. I can't say enough good things about this product and this company; that claims to use no alcohol in any of their products. This makes a difference in getting results without the nasty side effects of reactions. You should be careful to read the instructions that the products comes with, or you might result with adverse effects from overuse or sensitivity. I recently purchased the 50% Glycolic for maybe once a month a application. Love so far, and hopefully my skin will be perfect or at least pretty again within a week or two. These mini peels are very inexpensive and more effective than one strong one from the Spa or Dr. office, that wrecks your skin for weeks. No Down Time here. Note: Beware of using a Cleaner w/ added sulfates or Salicylic Acid in it. I read this recommendation somewhere, and found out the hard way that it's right. Ellen Lange Cleanser & PCA Pigment Bar do not cause irritation when using this product.
10 out of 10 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -La Vitton - Laventine Bio-Peptides Face Rejuvenating Lotion
swolf123 2/24/2009 11:18:00 PM
After eying this product for awhile, I finally gave in during a sale. I religiously use Decleor Iris Night Balm in the evening, but I was looking for something to help me rejuvenate my hyper pigmentation and reign in the oil during that time of the month. After one night of use, I knew this was not hydrating enough for me to use alone. Since then, I apply a thin layer on before adding another thin layer of my Decleor. I have noticed a calming and toning from this product, and I believe that it has helped reduce my night oil, since I don't need as much Decleor Balm when using this. I'm on the fence of repurchasing, but so far I have not had any bad reaction to this product, which deserves at least a B+ in my book. Downgrade: I think this is breaking me out + it's not hydrating enough to use alone. Return
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Liquid -Bobbi Brown - Skin Foundation SPF 15
swolf123 2/8/2009 8:42:00 PM
It's a little early to rave about something I've only used once...but. I was intrigued by the advirts so I went to the BB counter to find out more. From what I gathered it was going to be completely sheer like a TM; which I didn't think my skin was perfect enough to get away with. I was just about to depart empty handed when I decided to ask for a sample. I use EL DWL in 01, which is a little on the light side, but the closest they have. Lately this foundie has been making my skin rather flakey and clogged. So, I asked for a sample in 01. I hate to try new things on my face, especially if I don't think they will work. After having misgivings I decided to give it a whirl, and I am very glad that I did. This is not as light as a TM. It actually covers as much as my EL DWL, but sans flaky mess and obvious foundie look. I went back today and picked up a full size in 2 Sand and LM Translucent powder, since my T-zone got a bit too glowy after a few hours. I am excited to try my new shade tomorrow morning. For ref, I'm yellow toned, hyperpigmented, and BB Foundation brush is the one I always use. Update: Acne prone, and no breakouts yet to report. After using it for a few days, I noticed that it wears much better than my EL DWL, at least during the cool winter days. I have no more ugly flakiness or dry patches that I once had at the end of the day. Also, my skin is much more comfortable, relaxed, and breathable. Just have to say, this doesn't seem that expensive to me, in comparison to other brands. I guess I'm the type willing to pay a little more for something if it really works. Update: I'm a combo girl, & this stuff starts off okay, but by the end of the day it seems to melt around my T-zone. This is not a pretty picture. I can only see it getting worse, now that it is Spring. It might be also causing clogged pores, not sure. Well, I gave it real shot; I think 2 1/2 weeks.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Diamancel - Foot Callus Rasp #20
swolf123 12/31/2008 12:18:00 AM
I'm absolutely in love with this product. After mulling over the numerous foot file reviews, including #11, I decided to go with this one. #11 sounds more like a medium to fine file, which is just an expensive version of my favorite, Mr. Pumice. As directed, I first used this on completely dry feet. I was bit disappointed with the lack of progress. The second time, I used it after I showered and my feet were a bit damp. I couldn't believe my eyes. Dead skin just sloughed off, like a snake shedding it's skin. It worked even better the following trys, when I used it after a shower, but with dry feet. I have to say, my feet are the softness they have ever been. Even softer than after a professional pedicure. Also, I don't have to use any other foot files anymore, just moisturizer. My only complaint is the flat handle, which is hard to keep a firm grasp on. All in all, I am very happy and look forward to using it everyday.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Frederic Fekkai - Salon Glaze
swolf123 12/20/2008 9:30:00 PM
No go for me. I was looking for high shine without the oily residue that usually goes with it. Well, this ain't it. Only a few drops to coat my freshly washed hair, and my hair became an oily coated mess. I had to quickly wash away this nastiness or I wouldn't be able to live myself all day. I also purchased Moroccan Oil the same day, and that I will keep. I think I have now learned my lesson, No more FF.
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Hair -Moroccanoil - Moroccan Oil
swolf123 12/20/2008 9:19:00 PM
Okay, this is going to sound cheesy but..I never believed in love at first sight until I found this beauty. The winter months have left my hair dry, unmanageable, and faded. After help from the ladies on the hair board, I bought this at my local BS (Pure Beauty-West Coast). The outcome: My hair dried quicker, more manageable, bouncy, very shiny, and deeper in color from the hydration. The fragrance is a hypnotic musky/floral incense; that quickly dissipates post application. The bottle leaves something to be desired, but who can complain with such a fab product and great fragrance to boot. Don't worry if this makes your hair fall flat, that means you used too much. However, if you do end up using too much, it does not result in greasy hair, just flat. Next, I think I am going to get the Hydrating Cream. Loveliness in a bottle. TY Update: After one wash, I can already say that this is one of the best treatments I have ever used. Usually, the day after a hair wash, my hair would lose most of its shine, softness, and manageability. I am happy to report, my hair is still gleaming on my 2nd no wash day. Yes, I am planning to wash my hair today :P.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Jan Marini - Factor-A plus
swolf123 12/18/2008 11:42:00 PM
Oh no, this is bad. Previously, I was using the Factor A+ Cream & Bioglycohlic Cleanser with pretty good results and no real reaction. I was about out of my A+ cream and thought I would try the lotion. Prior to application I gave the glass bottle a good shake to loosen any sediment or clumping that accumulated. After smoothing on a few drops, I quickly felt a slight burning sensation I never felt with the cream. I thought this is good, it is more concentrated and I might see faster results. Alas, the only results I saw the last few applications were little pimply bumps all over my face, presumably an allergic reaction. Thinking that It might not be the product, I waited a week for my face to heal, then tried it again. And again, my face broke-out in a matter of hours. This is a resounding no no for me. I don't know if I got a bad bottle or what, but I know now not to use it. I might repurchase the cream in the future, after my face heals from this acne inducing lotion.
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Eye Shadow -Bobbi Brown - Velvet Plum Metallics Palette
swolf123 12/14/2008 2:14:00 PM
This review is for the new Velvet Plum Palette; which is unlike the VP Trio which started this thread. This is very worthwhile palette and good for those who are new to the line; since espresso is repeated in all other palettes. The color variation between the e/s make it very versatile and easy to match with other products. The quality of the e/s is almost better than my coveted LM. I can use this at work or at night, so I think it would be great for travel. Only negative is the included brush. In all fairness, what palette brush could beat my high-end ones? Glad I got it regardless.
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Lipstick -Giorgio Armani - Sheer Lipstick- #10
swolf123 12/9/2008 9:42:00 PM
I picked this up when I was exchanging a disappointing pink/beige lippie. I have highly pigmented lips already, so I'm usually after colors with just a bit more oomph than mine. After trying a few nudes the SA gave me this one to try, and I was instantly smitten with the bitten lip effect it created. It's very subtle, and looks as if I just finished a hot make-out session. Which is great because my lips don't usually get any action. Anywho, I love it and I'm glad others do as well.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Smashbox - Cream eyeliner in Smashing Picasso
swolf123 12/8/2008 9:17:00 PM
This is killer for brown eyes. It's everything I wanted LM Bleu Marine eyeliner to be. I can't say anything on its wear or smear factor, since I have only swatched this; but I can say this is a great daytime liner that really pops brown eyes. The color is a blue/purple, and the consistency is between a gel and cake; which is perfect for easy application without water. This seem easier to apply than regular gel liners and easier to build sans the flaking. I have never consistently used Smashbox, being a LM/BB/Mac fan, but I might have to add more of these liners to my collection. I am glad I didn't read the reviews prior to purchasing on this one. For ref. I use Mac 266 for application.
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