Treatments -Algenist - Concentrated Reconstructing Serum
2000wattsmile 7/28/2011 10:16:00 AM
It's early, but I may have found my HG skincare product!!! So..I had been looking for something to help clear up existing skin issues (melasma) as well as some post VI Peel discoloration and acne marks. Well, this has worked wonders! I have been using it twice a day for the last three weeks, and my skin looks great! In just three weeks, this product has faded my melasma, discoloration and acne marks DRASTICALLY. Also, I have a very obvious glow. I am floored--I have never seen a product work so quickly. This product is also supposed to help diminish the look of fine lines/wrinkles, but I can't really comment on its effectiveness in that area, since I don't have either. Retailing at around $95 for 1 fl. oz., this stuff isn't cheap by any stretch, considering the bottle will only last about a month. For what it does, it is so worth it. UPDATE: I have been using this for 8 weeks and it has officially achieved HG status. I am beyond happy with the way my skin looks--smooth, clear, even and radiant! I can leave the house without wearing makeup and feel confident, which I haven't been able to do for a long, long time. I will never be without this product! ANOTHER UPDATE: For those of you who hate the dropper, Algenist now includes a pump in the box that you can use instead. Kudos to Algenist for actually listening to its customers. Yay!
18 out of 18 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -BeneFit Cosmetics - They're Real
2000wattsmile 7/27/2011 10:30:00 AM
Meh. This is a very black mascara and it's lengthening, but it makes my lashes look really spidery, which I don't like at all. I use it when I need to run out on errands--it will do in a pinch. Good thing I got it free because I would not pay full price for this.
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Max Mara
2000wattsmile 7/25/2011 10:32:00 AM
Wow--this is not the kind of fragrance I usually go for, but it is so pretty. Very sweet, but also woody. Extremely feminine. However, the fragrance disappears within a few hours, so you will have to re-apply during the day. I would repurchase again and again.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Top/Base Coats -Orly - Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
2000wattsmile 7/21/2011 10:28:00 AM
I never polish my fingernails or toenails without using this. I haven't noticed that it prevents chipping or makes my polish wear any longer, but it certainly keeps polish from staining or yellowing my nails, which makes it worth it for me.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Make Up For Ever - Smoky Lash Extra Black Mascara
2000wattsmile 7/20/2011 11:36:00 AM
My initial impression of this mascara is that it's crap. I've tried different application techniques (using tips from other posts), but I'm still not impressed. Oddly, this makes my lashes look skimpy, even after two coats. I'll stick to my Diorshow Blackout. If, after working with this more, my opinion changes, I will update. Update: After working with this more, I have decided to give it another lippie. It does work well with a smoky eye or winged liner, however, I still don't find it to be anything spectacular.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Cetaphil - Restoraderm skin restoring moisturizer
2000wattsmile 7/20/2011 11:31:00 AM
No, this isn't cheap for a drugstore brand, but it is worth every penny. I have eczema and I use this after showering with the companion body wash and it is so moisturizing and soothing. Bye, bye dry patches! I haven't tried to use this on my face--I am prone to acne, and I believe this contains shea butter, so I probably won't go there. Definite re-purchase for me.
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Liquid -Revlon - ColorStay Makeup
2000wattsmile 7/20/2011 11:07:00 AM
I ran out to CVS and bought this last week based on the high reviews here, but sadly it didn't work for me. I am NC44 in MAC and I bought Caramel thinking it was probably the closest match...wrong. I tried it on at home and while it wasn't terrible, it was too pink--I have strong yellow undertones and it just didn't look good. I am returning it today.
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Shampoo -LUSH - Karma Komba
2000wattsmile 7/20/2011 10:53:00 AM
A few years ago, I got this free with a large purchase I made at Lush. I didn't know what to make of it when I first used it. It took a while to get used to the scent, but I grew to love it. It has become my go-to shampoo when I want my hair to look especially pretty--it makes my hair soo bouncy and shiny. It lasts forever. I always keep one on hand.
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Cleansers -Burt's Bees - Radiance Facial Cleanser
2000wattsmile 7/20/2011 10:35:00 AM
Like to poster directly below me, I liked this but didn't feel it did anything for radiance, as it claims. Average. I have oily skin and typically go for gel-type cleansers most of the year, but when it's colder or when my eczema flares up, I like something that can tackle the occasional dry patch. This cleanser is good for that--it provides some moisture without making my skin nuts.
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Conditioner -Rusk - Sensories Smoother Leave-in Conditioner
2000wattsmile 7/14/2011 7:28:00 PM
My latest and greatest discovery. I am all about leave-in conditioners and this one is fabulous! Great scent, good slip. My only gripe is that it doesn't make my hair as shiny as some of my other faves (ABBA, FF Straight Away). Maybe I just need to work with it more. Definite re-purchase.
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Cleansers -Obagi - Foaming Gel
2000wattsmile 7/14/2011 3:14:00 PM
My go to cleanser. Cleans without stripping, removes all my makeup (even waterproof mascara!) and has a nice, fresh scent. Pricey, but it is the best facial cleanser I have ever used. A little goes a long way--I only need to purchase about twice a year. I am forever a fan.
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Gels/Soaps -Clean & Clear - Morning Burst Body Wash
2000wattsmile 7/11/2011 12:17:00 PM
This has been one of the joys of my summer so far. I have the blue one (Wildberry & Guava, I think?), and wow is it refreshing to shower with this on a hot day! The scent is very fruity and uplifting. The wash is also thick and generates good lather. A steal for $5.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -MAC - Musky Amethyst
2000wattsmile 7/11/2011 12:10:00 PM
I spotted this at the MAC counter the other day and I had to have it! It does look dark and vampy in the tube, but the application is actually pretty sheer, so you can build the color for the effect you want. Also, I typically avoid frosty lipsticks as they can sometimes give my lips a weird, ashy look, but not this one. It has just enough shimmer to be flattering.
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Mascara -Smashbox - Lash DNA
2000wattsmile 6/29/2011 11:47:00 AM
I am well on my way to loving this mascara. It makes my lashes look so full, black and thick! I don't really care for the brush--it does make application a bit awkward, but it's manageable. It also held up through an hour long workout, which is pretty impressive given that it's not waterproof. Good stuff. UPDATE: This began to flake off into my eyes after so many hours. (Same issue I had with Voluminous). Probably not a good choice for contact lens wearers like me. Deducting a lippie.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Aquolina - Pink Sugar Sensual
2000wattsmile 6/25/2011 11:23:00 AM
I have to agree with those who say this isn't as good as the original Pink Sugar. This is supposed to be sensual, but I find it a little weird and...off. I got it for an excellent price at TJMaxx, but I just don't see me reaching for it often.
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