Skincare - Face -Clinique - 3 Step System
panda78 6/8/2009 1:23:00 PM
I have used this in the past and it is one of the companies I have to sell. Some people swear by this 3 step, while others hate it. I think it is horrible and ruins your skin. I know others on here have said it makes you break out. However, it's actually purging your skin, meaning it will get worse before it gets better. I find the system way too harsh and we are trained and told that you never break up the system. Therefore, you always use the 3 step and then you use another moisturizer (on top of the DDML). With regards to the antiquated typing... it's not a matter of how many "types" you have, it's about the "strength" of your skin to match the clarifying lotion and the comfort level of skin to match the cleanser. For instance, I burn then tan within 24 hours, therefore my skin is only mildly strong... even though I have combo oily, I won't be a 3 I will be a 2 for the clarifying lotion because that is based on the skin's strength. Not a big fan of Clinique in general, however, it does have good foundation.
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Blush -NARS - Orgasm Blush
panda78 6/8/2009 11:45:00 AM
I honestly don't get all the excitement regarding this blush. I have it and it's nice, but I wouldn't say it's the HG of blushes. It's a bit too shimmery and there are other blushes that look better on my fair-medium skin. With that said, I do like the texture of NARS blush, but there are other companies that are just as nice and not as expensive.
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Treatments -Nuxe - Creme Nirvanesque (for all skin types)
panda78 6/4/2009 2:54:00 PM
I love love love this product. My skin feels soft and moisturized. I use the new formulation (without parabens) in the All skin type version. It is light enough for my normal to combo skin. I do notice a difference when I don't use it. Although I generally stay away from jars, i use the little spatula to keep bacteria from getting in it. Well done
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Highlighters -Smashbox - Baked Fusion Soft Lights - Baked Starburst
panda78 6/4/2009 2:50:00 PM
This isn't suppose to be a bronzer, but a healthy glow. No orange or tan colour here, which is great and it was what I was looking for! No sparkles or glitter either..... I have had a love/hate relationship with Smashbox. I work with many brands and attend many companies' new product launches, so I have a wide variety of product to choose from. This is really good for that healthy look without the tan. This is more appropriate if you are fair or medium, any darker than it won't really do anything for you.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Bronzers -BeneFit Cosmetics - HOOLA
panda78 6/4/2009 2:33:00 PM
I received this bronzer as a gratis and I have to say I am glad I didn't buy it. While it is great that it's matte, it looks very muddy on my fair skin and it doesn't blend well. it's too bad as I like the idea of not have too much shimmer or sparkle in my bronzers.
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Crème -Bobbi Brown - Oil-Free Even Finish Compact Foundation
panda78 5/26/2009 2:03:00 PM
This was my first foray into Bobbi Brown foundations and I was severely disappointed. It is oil-free but it made my normal skin slick and more than just "dewy". I think it is the amount of silicone that is in it that makes it slip. I have tried other cream foundations and this was really bad. Plus it doesn't blend well... you can see the strokes when you use it with a brush and I am a perfectionist when it comes to blending. As a result I have to use loose powder to blend it and take away the shine. I will try some other products as sometimes there are lemons in each line.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Clarins - Truly Matte Foundation
panda78 4/28/2009 10:28:00 AM
Love it, love it, love it. This is a gorgeous foundation. It is truly matte and it goes on beautifully. As a makeup artist, I have access to tons of product and Clarins foundations are probably one of the best. The squeeze tube is great and the colours are lovely. Plus it doesn't give me that chalky look that matte foundations have a tendency to do. Plus the sunscreen is titanium dioxide.... great protection.
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Lipstick -Laura Mercier - Stickgloss in Black Orchid
panda78 4/28/2009 10:17:00 AM
I love the idea of a stickgloss and this doesn't disappoint. The colour is beautiful and sheer. My lips are naturally a dark berry and this gives them just a little more colour and intensity. It's also moisturizing. Very nice
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Lipstick in Plink
panda78 4/28/2009 10:00:00 AM
I was looking for a soft pink with a subtle shine and I found it in PLINK. Very nice colour for my deep pigmented lips and it doesn't dry them out. Honestly, MAC lipsticks never disappoint.
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Powder -MAC - Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light Medium [DISCONTINUED]
panda78 3/6/2009 3:22:00 PM
I have had some trepidation when it comes to powdered foundations because they excentuate lines and any dry patches; however, this is one fabulous powder! My skin looks natural and it doesn't change colour by the end of the day! I just make sure my skin is well moisturized and I use a primer. I do have some discolourations, but it hides them well and for those little spots it doesn't hide, that is what concealer is for! Btw, I am an NC15-NC20 in the winter. The Light, was just too light for me. Love it!
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Scrubs -St. Ives - Apricot Scrub Blemish and Blackhead Control
panda78 2/13/2009 11:10:00 AM
I have used this in the past and while this is an inexpensive exfoliator and uses natural exfoliants, it is not good for your skin. The natural shells used are jagged and not rounded. As a result, they cause microtearing and can inflame and irritate skin.
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Lipstick -Clinique - Almost Lipstick - Black Honey
panda78 1/13/2009 3:35:00 PM
I really wanted to love this product. The colour is lovely, the packaging is sleek and the sheerness is awesome. However, it dried out my lips like you would not believe!!! I thought that maybe it was the one I bought, so I returned it and got another one... nope, same issue. I have normal lips, not dry. My sister wanted to purchase it and without me saying anything, she noticed the exact same thing. It's a shame, but it's a really pretty colour :)
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Eyeliner -Smashbox - Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner in Black
panda78 1/13/2009 3:23:00 PM
I have tried MAC blacktrack fluid line and many other eyeliners. I wear contacts and in the winter my eyes water; this is the only one that does not smudge and that stays put when I line my inner rims. For those who have it and it dried out, you need to put the cover on tight, but here is a little trick to bring it back to life. Just lightly spray the top on the product with water and then wipe it off. Tah dah ... back to being beautiful. I wish it came in more colours other than brown and black. I loved the Navy blue limited edition colour.
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Eye Primer -Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Original (UDPP)
panda78 1/13/2009 3:15:00 PM
There are very few products that I actually finish and this is one. I love what it does for my eye makeup. I have oilier lids and eye shadows would crease and never be true to their colour. This little baby cured that. A little anecdote to further exemplify its magic.... I kickbox and I forgot to remove my eye makeup before I began to workout. My eye makeup did not move....no streak, no smudge, no creasing.... the colour was still bright and beautiful!!! My gripes are few and pretty much the same as everyone elses... the packaging and the price. UD really needs to take a look at revamping how the product is dispersed. I shouldn't have to cut open a bottle in order to remove the last bit of product. Other than that, awesome!
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Liquid -Cover FX - Cover FX - Natural FX
panda78 1/9/2009 2:16:00 PM
I work as a nurse and as a makeup artist, but I do not work for one particular brand, so I am coming from a completely unbiased perspective. I am not too sure how many of the reviewers are from makeup companies...... I have tried many foundations like Chanel, Perscriptives, Lancome, Clinique....etc. but this is one that I keep coming back to. I don't know why I stray, perhaps I am a makeup junkie! Anyway, I like this foundation due its ability to make my skin look flawless and dewy. I have combo skin and enlarged pores on my cheeks, and this stuff is amazing. It has a high pigment load of 15, where as most foundations have between 6 and 8. This means you only have to use a LITTLE to cover the face i.e., dime size. It is considered a cosmaceutical, and therefore good for the face and skin. Now for those who have used it and gotten reaction, it most likely wasn't due to the foundation. I say this because it was made for and tested on the most sensitive of skin-- those with rosacea. If you are using a foundation brush that has black bristles, the black dye contains purple pigment, which is THE MOST IRRITATING dye to skin and therefore can make you break out. Also, you need to wash or at least use an anti-bacterial brush spray to clean your sponge, brush, etc. after each use. If you don't, then you are putting that bacteria in your makeup and on to your face = break outs!!! For you girls who thought it was cakey and slipped into lines, again use only a little and make sure you are well moisturized. A primer helps, but it isn't necessary to use theirs. Anway, enough of the lesson. The coverage is medium, the finish is satin and it's beautiful. It also feels light on. I have also used this and its sister (Cover FX cream) on clients who have dark circles, scars, uneveness and it covers without looking cakey or heavy. The key is to pick the right colour and using a small amount. For a match, you need to make sure you use natural light and time (you don't want to rush it). Start with trying an E category. If it shows up too pink, then you are an M, if it shows up too yellow then you are a C. If it doesn't show either then you are an E. It is pricier than others, but when using only a tiny bit everyday, it should last you over a year. Also, you do need to shake it really well.
16 out of 17 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No