Lipstick -Cargo - Alexandria
Aiko_Aiko 9/22/2003 9:56:00 PM
I completely agree with the reviewer below, this is a gorgeous shade! On me it's a medium pink/mauve with the most beautiful iridescent sheen, which looks like a subtle lavender 'glow' in certain light. The company's description ('sparkling garnet touched with deep black plum undertones') makes this sound a lot darker and deeper than it is. I have fair C2/20 watts skin and find this a lovely color, but not really bold or dramatic. This is definitely not a frost, but not matte either, the sheen I described lends just enough dimension to prevent this from being a run-of-the-mill mauve shade.
The formula is creamy and applies smoothly, and lasts quite a long time. I'm loving this with plum colored liners and a bit of clear gloss, and it looks amazing paired with the eyeshadows from the fall collection as well (which are equally gorgeous). I'm a fan of Cargo's lipsticks in general, but if I had to recommend one to try for fall, this would be at the top of the list! Mine cost $17 CDN, and I'd definitely pay that price for it again.
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Mascara -MAC - Mascara X
Aiko_Aiko 9/9/2003 9:39:00 AM
This is mascara definitely appeals to the minimalist in me! In other words, if you're pretty happy with the lashes God gave you, and want something that will just make them look like YLBB (your lashes but better), then X is the mascara for you.
This comes in the familiar black bullet shaped packaging, and has a large brush applicator that coats and separates my lashes quite nicely. There is a rather strong floral smell to this, but I have experienced no irritation or problems with it at all, and my eyes are quite sensitive. This goes on with no clumping, it never flakes, never smudges, it holds a curl -- it's definitely a performer. It makes my lashes look long, dark and completely natural - it's very hard to tell that I'm wearing mascara at all. I like this formula for everyday, no-fuss use and it comes at a very reasonable price.****UPDATE**** Having discovered Pout mascara, I've decided I love that even more. Sorry X.
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Blush -NARS - Lovejoy
Aiko_Aiko 9/3/2003 10:43:00 AM
Loving this!! I too thought that this looked almost like a bronzer in the pan, but on my skin it shows up as a gorgeous bronze/peach/rose shade with the slightest hint of shimmer.
I agree that this requires a light hand on fairer skin, as it is very pigmented. But it's so beautiful! It really warms my face up and makes me look healthy, without looking too made up or overdone. And like my other NARS blushes, this is a color that does NOT fade away in an hour, it lasts all day. Totally worth it!
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Mascara -Maybelline - Sky High Curves Extreme Length and Curl [DISCONTINUED]
Aiko_Aiko 9/1/2003 11:53:00 PM
I purchased this simply because it was 'new', and sounded interesting. The reviews here almost convinced me to take it back without trying it, but I'm glad I decided to give it a shot. I really like this mascara, and I really wasn't expecting to!
The look it gives is natural, defined and pretty - but nothing dramatic. It makes my lashes look long and extremely feathery, and I have zero problems with clumping or smudging. I noticed the tiniest bit of flaking at the end of the day, but we're talking maybe one or two specks that only I would notice. I was worried about this formula not being waterproof, but it performed just as well as my beloved Full n' Soft, if not better. I do find that Full n' Soft will smudge on me if I'm not careful with it, but this stuff didn't budge! It holds a curl quite well, but I don't think it performs any curling miracles on its own. And best of all, I experienced no eye irritation with this -- good news if you have sensitive eyes or wear contacts!
Please bear in mind that I have quite long, thick lashes to begin with, so I don't really look for thickening properties or 'drama' in my mascaras. This provides me with a set of lashes that are very long, pretty and girly, and would not be something I'd use for bold or sexy looks. Great for daytime use though, and for $8 I think I'd repurchase.
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Eye Shadow -Stila - Italian Ices Trio in Due (Apricot)
Aiko_Aiko 8/27/2003 10:35:00 PM
I'm pretty happy with this trio. It was the only part of the Italian Ices collection that interested me, and I was glad to finally get my hands on one. Very cute packaging, but the colors are what really sold me. They aren't incredibly pigmented, and I'm kind of thankful for that, as that might render them unwearable for me! They still have impact, but it's the wonderful understated kind. People will notice your eyes (not just your eyeshadow) when you have this on; it's already earned me a number of compliments.
The trio consists of a light gold, a bright apricot and medium chocolate brown, all semi-sheer and shimmery. They work surprisingly well together, and can create a number of looks that are suitable for day or night (I use them wet for a bit more color -- the brown looks great that way). They also make great mix n' match shades for other colors in my collection. Overall, this is a very pretty and versatile trio that is totally welcome in my collection, I'd repurchase if I had the chance!
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Lip Gloss -MAC - Womanly Lipglass
Aiko_Aiko 8/27/2003 10:06:00 PM
This looks like a very creamy yellow in the tube, quite similar to C-Thru but with less peach/beige to it. Once applied it becomes a soft milky shade that neutralizes my natural lip color and becomes completely nude. This is not a shimmery or frosty color, and has no spectacular 'stand-out' properties, but it is a nice option for those after a low-key, nude lip that still has a bit of dimension and shine.
I'm not a huge fan of the nude lip look, as it can wash me out (that, and the fact that I'm averse to anything even remotely 'JLo') but this shade is quite wearable and not so opaque that my lips seem to disappear into my skin completely. Same great lasting power and texture as my other lipglasses, so no complaints there. In short, it's not my number-one-super-favorite color, but a nice item to have around for when the right mood strikes. However I do think I prefer C-Thru to this shade, so I'm not likely to repurchase.
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Lip Gloss -MAC - Gaze Lipglass
Aiko_Aiko 8/27/2003 8:28:00 PM
On my lips Gaze is more of a deep berry-ish pink, with lots of golden shimmer. A very nice shade, that should definitely be a hit with fans of Lovechild and Pop Mode. It's simply gorgeous. And it's different enough to justify having all three, I might have to stock up on this one!
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Lip Gloss -MAC - Supreme Lipglass
Aiko_Aiko 8/27/2003 8:18:00 PM
To me, this is a deeper, more bronze-y version of the recently released 'Spirited' lipglass. It's shimmery, without being garish or frosty, and has the slightest pink/mauve undertones. This would work well over lipstick, but I think it looks amazing all by itself! This has the 'new & improved' lipglass texture as well, very smooth and creamy.
I liked Spirited, but I LOVE Supreme! I only wish that this had come out a little sooner, it's the perfect 'summery' shade. But it's too pretty to retire early - I'll be getting the most of out this gloss in the weeks to come! Not sure if this is LE, but grab one quick, just to be safe!
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Polishes -OPI - London Bridge is Falling Brown
Aiko_Aiko 8/26/2003 6:26:00 PM
This shade is part of OPI's British Collection, and is described as a 'warm rich brick'. The description is accurate, but be warned that while this looks to be a bright red in the bottle, a couple of coats will produce a much deeper color. The end result is something very classic that should be flattering for many skintones. After I first applied it, I did worry that this might be too similar to OPI colors I already own, but thankfully it's not. The colors in question (for those familiar with older shades) were: Burnt Sugarloaf, which is definitely more brown, and International Date Line, which has more plum. And if you like those shades, you should love this one. It's a beautiful color for fall, and part of a great collection. I found mine for about $10 at Trade Secrets, and while I have more nail polish than I have nails to paint (they are growing - finally!), I would buy this again!
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Powder -Stila - Illuminating Powder Foundation
Aiko_Aiko 8/25/2003 8:13:00 PM
I recently decided to give this a try, as an alternative to my trusty old Studio Fix. Well, right off the bat I can tell you one major difference between the two: the price! The IPF compact and refill (which have to be purchased separately) cost $73 CDN, before tax. Compared to the $26 or so I was spending on SF, that's a pretty impressive jump! But if I like a product enough, cost is not an issue.
The IPF compact is definitely cuter than MAC's and is much sturdier as well. I have broken every SF compact I've ever owned - it only takes one dive off the bathroom counter to kill them. Short of nailing them down, there's not much I can do to save them, my makeup just needs be tough in order to survive my morning grogginess! So thus far, Stila seems to be winning in the packaging dept (something I NEVER in a million years thought I'd say).
The IPF itself is a really nice product. The texture is extremely silky and easy to apply, much more 'luxurious' feeling than SF. 20 watts is a good match for my C2 skin, though it is on the sheer side, and not something I'd reccommend for those looking for more than light to medium coverage. It works well over concealer, cancels shine and evens out my skin tone without looking heavy or cakey, even when reapplied throughout the day. Like any powder foundation, it works best on moisturized skin, as it will accentuate any dryness or flakes you might have. As far as the 'illuminating' aspect goes, I haven't really been able to detect it. The SA did give me some story about this containing crushed pearls (??!!), but I haven't noticed any shimmer or pearl-like gleam myself, even in sunlight. My skin does look great with this on however. No clogged pores or breakouts from using it either.
Overall, I'm very pleased with this. The IPF refills are only about $35, which is reasonable. ****UPDATE**** I found this just a tiny bit too sheer to deal with my monthly breakouts. When I am miraculously cured of these (Oh. Ha.), I might give IPF another go. Until then, it's just touch up powder in a really cute compact.
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Blush -NARS - Zen
Aiko_Aiko 8/24/2003 4:51:00 PM
I was not impressed by Zen when I first saw it. It looked to be a very flat, dull brownish color that didn't seem wearable or flattering. But the MA assisting me that day insisted that I give it a chance, and I did. I'm glad I did, because this is now one of my favorite blushes!
On my skin it appears as a tawny peach with a tiny hint of pink. My description won't to do it justice - this is really something you have to try for yourself. The texture is incredibly silky and easy to apply, and this particular shade complements so many other colors I wear, as it's very subtle and natural looking. I reach for this often, and never expected to like it so much! It's easily overlooked next to NARS' other blushes, which is a shame, because it's great for those days when bold color and shimmer are not what you might be after. It was about $29 CDN, but for a color I love and use this much, well worth it!
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Blush -NARS - Outlaw
Aiko_Aiko 8/24/2003 4:17:00 PM
I picked this up last week and I'm loving it! It's the same great quality as my other NARS blushes, and the shimmer is subtle enough for me to use it during the day, making it surprisingly versatile and practical. I'm a MAC C2/C3, Stila 20 Watts, and I really love the color, it gives my cheeks the nicest rosy glow . I do need to be careful about how much I apply though, as it is very pigmented. I think that this is the color you want if you couldn't get Sin to work for you. It's beautiful and just perfect for fall. A new must-have in my book, I'd definitely purchase again!
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Palettes -NARS - Emotional Rescue
Aiko_Aiko 8/24/2003 4:44:00 AM
I'm very happy I got this palette! It contains four eyeshadows, two cheek colors, and four lipsticks. The grey and purple tones of the e/s go beautifully with the berry/plum tones of the l/s and Cannes, and the Orgasm blush is great for providing a subtle flush (it never shows up very well on me). NARS packaging is one of my favorites, it makes everything feel so sturdy and well protected - great for people who like to drop stuff, like me! My only gripe would be that the blush being located in the middle of the palette can get a bit messy, it's too small a pan for my brush and always ends up coating the e/s and lipsticks in a fine layer of dust. I'd prefer to have it off to the side in a more 'vertical' pan, so that it would only dirty the cover or side and free me from worrying about getting the other products on my brush. Aside from that, I do still love this palette!
I find that the texture and pigmentation of NARS shadows can vary greatly from color to color, and this palette certainly demonstrates that. Night fairy and Himalayas are quite sheer, so I tend to use them as a wash or highlighter only. Notorious and Lulu are quite well pigmented and I really love using them together to create a smokey look that's soft enough for daytime wear. Lulu definitely requires a light hand with me, but it looks gorgeous nevertheless. The lipsticks are all great shades, and complement the overall 'look', but you will probably already own a shade or two that does the trick just as well. They are still nice to have handy when in a rush to get ready, but the real standouts in this palette are the eyeshadow for me, I don't own anything quite like them.
I can see myself reaching for this palette a lot in the fall/winter and think it's a great choice for creating a sexy but polished face. If I ever needed to, I'd repurchase!
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Lip Treatments -Blistex - Pro Care SPF 30
Aiko_Aiko 8/23/2003 3:57:00 PM
I'm really starting to like this lip balm. It comes in an unusual oval shaped tube, but that shape does seem to make application a bit easier to control. The formula itself is nice; it contains lots of nourishing goodies like green tea extract and vitamins A + E, but it also packs a decent amount of sun protection thanks to the avobenzone.
It feels a bit waxy when first applied, but is actually quite moisturizing and creamy with regular use. I've had this for a few days now, and my lips are extremely soft and smooth and feeling pretty great, so the fancy stuff must be working! It's not something I need to reapply every half hour either, which is another plus.
This does not contain anything to make my lips 'tingle' (something I abhor) and has a very light pleasant scent. It can leave a slightly bitter taste in your mouth if you happen to lick your lips, but in my experience, any lip balm with SPF will do so. This is certainly better than most drugstore lip balms I've tried, and just as dirt cheap and readily available (I lose at least one tube of lip balm per week, so anything I use has to fit those criteria). I'm not sure I like this better than my Herbal Answer lip balm, but I like it enough to want a few more tubes handy. And at about $4 CDN it makes perfect sense to stock up! I'm definitely pleased I bought this, and will go back for more.
******UPDATE****** Well, I came back again to downgrade this. I won't say this lip balm is total garbage, because many of the points it initially had in its favor still stand. It's still the most reasonably priced, most effective lip balm with sunscreen I've owned. But having used this for a number of months now, I can tell you that it definitely has it's downside. The biggest problem I have with it these days is that it's not moisturizing enough. Winter is brutal to my lips, and this just doesn't seem to help them. It was great during the warmer months! And to make matters worse, this does contain something that irritates my lips. It's not a menthol 'tingle' but a definite sensation of discomfort and irritation, which only serves to make my lips look and feel worse. I know that one of the ingredients can have a slight numbing effect, that might be the cause. It's enough to make me stop using it until the warm weather returns...kind of a shame, but the search is on once again!
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Mascara -Talika - Lipocils
Aiko_Aiko 8/13/2003 3:34:00 PM
I first saw this product in a store and I was immediately curious about it. I patiently listened while the SA explained what it was. I looked from her to the tiny little tube with the $50 CDN price tag, smiled and shook my head. I told myself I had nice enough eyelashes and walked out of there without it, thinking I'd saved myself from being taken in by another gimmicky product. And then, shameless beast that I am, I saw it on eBay a few months later and had to get one. Hey, it was a good deal.
The gel itself comes comes in a 7ml tube with a mirror embedded in one side, which is really quite convenient when it comes to application. I chose the Eyebrow lipocils because of its doe foot applicator and I'm happy I did, as it allows me to apply the gel directly to my lashline, at the very roots of my lashes. I follow that up by brushing some onto the length of my lashes, to condition them. The gel does feel a bit uncomfortable if it happens to get in my eyes, but it doesn't burn or irritate them at all. Now for the results...
It's been over a month since I began using this, and I've been fairly consistent with my applications. My eyelashes were quite long to begin with, but not as full as I'd have liked. This definitely seemed to make a difference there, but I still wonder if the 'results' I'm seeing are the product of scrutinizing my eyelashes more closely than ever before, or a real improvemment? I think they're looking thicker, if not longer, and I'm happy enough to keep using this. It's not a miracle product, but then I wasn't really in need of one. This is worth trying out, especially if you can find it at a reasonable price!
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