Eyeliner -BeneFit Cosmetics - Eye Bright
roarwoman 10/5/2009 5:31:00 PM
I really love this product as my "looks like I had a great sleep" concealer. When I use it, I notice right away that my bags look less severe, eyes look brighter and whiter and there is an over all look of being rested. The product is easy to use, but don't use to much or you will get a pink chalky side effect, I start with the corners of my eyes (inside to outside) applying light strokes in an outward 'fan' pattern. I then rub my two ring fingers together, warm up the tips and blend the product in. The heat makes the product blend in easier and eliminates the 'chalky effect' that some reviewers have mentioned. I have had my stick for over a year and am not close to being done with it, using it almost every day. For higher end make up I didn't think the price was unreasonable, I paid $27 CDN. Mind you, if the product hadn't of worked for me, then I would have considered it a ripe off ;)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Primer -Jane Iredale - Lid Primer
roarwoman 10/5/2009 5:14:00 PM
As much as I hate to write a negative review about JI product, here it goes. The three colors are lemon, canvas and petal. Now, in all fairness, canvas and petal are very nice if you want some highlight on your lids that is subtle and soft. But you have to use a microscopic amount, otherwise you have greasy looking eyelids. As a primer, this product didn't work for me at all. It made my eyeshadow crease significantly, as opposed to wearing it without any primer. The texture is very slick, and I noticed right away that the shadow didn't sit on top of the primer very well. I have applied the product and let it 'dry' for a few minutes but I still had the same result everytime. Eventually I gave up, threw it away and went back to Benefit's Lemon Aid, which works wonderfully.
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Mascara -Jane Iredale - Pure Lash Lengthening and Thickening Mascara
roarwoman 10/5/2009 5:04:00 PM
I really like this mascara, always come back to it time and time again. I find that one coat makes the lashes look natural, two coats and you have length and volume, three coats and you have really great looking eyelashes, dark, long and full. It leaves my lashes looking soft, not like the little spikes that I usually get from designer mascara. This product works even better when you use the JI lash enhancer and conditioner before hand. Now, there are some con's. The product has a tendency to smudge on the eyelid's while applying, but wipes away easily with a Q-tip. Secondly, the product comes out kind of clumpy on the brush, so take a kleenex and wipe away the residue before you apply (this also helps with smudging). I find the price equivelent to higher end brands, I paid $32 CDN.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Jane Iredale - Liquid Minerals
roarwoman 10/5/2009 4:54:00 PM
I have been using this product for close to a year now, and thought I had better write about it, as I'm always telling people how much I like it. This product works really well as a concealer and provides really nice, sheer coverage as a foundation. I like the fact that you can build up the amount of coverage that you want, in the areas where you need it, without getting the 'mask' look. But what really floats my boat is what the products puts into the skin. Time-released liposomes that contain hyaluronate acid, seaweed, Coenzyme Q10, Vitamins C and K, Chamomile, Calendula, Aloe Vera and Lavander Water. The liposomes are broken down by your body temp, so they release their active ingridents in a prolonged time-release action for the ultimate skin treatment. This product also has a pH of 6 so it's balanced perfectly. I have never found a foundation that is good for my skin and provides beautiful coverage until I tried this. When I think about the fact that my makeup sits on my skin all day and into the evening it's comforting to know that it isn't full of chemicals, dyes and fragrance, that it's actually helping my skin. A little goes a long, long way, no joke, I have had my bottle for almost a year now and still have about 1/4 of it left. I usually finish with a light dusting of the Pure Pressed Powder and my skin looks great all day. You might need a few turns to get the hang of it, but once you do, be prepared for your skin to improve in condition and look flawless.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Maybelline - Volum Express Mascara
roarwoman 8/7/2009 4:01:00 PM
After reading the great reviews on this product, I went and bought it, of course. I don't like it but I don't hate it either. My over all opinion is 'meh'. My lashes looked longer, but I found the formula took a few seconds to dry. Second coat was no improvment over the first and clumps started to develop, although easily brushed out with a baby toothbrush. My lashes didn't look thicker or longer, they just looked darker and that was about it.
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Lip Treatments -Fresh - Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15
roarwoman 8/7/2009 3:51:00 PM
This is one of those products where I love the packaging, more then the actual product. I'm a chap stick/ gloss junkie. I have one in my pocket, my purse, the desk drawer, in the bathroom, beside my bed. When people need a moisture hit, they always know where to come. So, I really like the heavy canister, the way you need to twist, no pulling here, the top off and the smooth way the product glides out. The color of the tube is nice, really like the brown and gold combo. Now. The prodcut itself. On the good side it has SPF 15, but, so do a lot of other products that are just as good and half as expensive. Spaking of price, I paid $28 CND and felt that was a weeeee bit hefty for what I got. The product smells nice, goes on smooth, and doesn't suffer from build up if you constanstly apply through out the day. All in all, I wouldn't repurchase because I can name four brands off the top of my head that I like better as far as product goes. But I sure do like the packaging!
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Gels/Soaps -L'Occitane - Verbena Shower Gel
roarwoman 6/8/2009 4:42:00 PM
I have used this product on and off for the last few years depending on my ability to "splurge" on myself at the given time. I love the scent, and if my budget is a little tight then I will opt for the bar instead, although at $16 CDN I don't really consider that a deal or anything. Both products last me a long time, the bar of soap lasting longer of course. My skin doesn't feel dried out and the scent stays on your skin for a few hours, but eventually fades. I have had no sensitivity to this product thus far and this is spanning a few years now. Like most of the line, the price is up there. This product retails for $56CDN. I know you can buy from ebay and the like but I prefer to see what I'm buying first hand. When I can get it, I love it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -L'Occitane - 25% shea butter ultra rich body cream
roarwoman 6/8/2009 4:23:00 PM
I live in Calgary Alberta. The winter's here can be merciless on your skin and the fact that the climate is very dry is like a double whammy. This cream, while really expensive, is the only thing I use from Nov-May (yes, winter can last that long here). It is much to thick for the warmer summer months, but is an absolute life saver when it's -30 and the snow and wind are whipping at your hands and face. The smell is really pleasent, the word I would use is "fresh". I have recieved a lot of compliments on the way I smell through out the day and my BF digs it. The cream is very thick so I always apply one full coat straight out of the shower or bath. I use a lot less, but still have very smooth skin. I will then use it before I go to bed on my feet, elbows, area's where the skin is a little tougher. I have tried a lot of lotions, and I do mean A LOT! This is my go to, and I suck up the price of $64 CND because it works so much better then anything else, smells so nice and keeps my skin very smooth all winter long.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Clarisonic - Pro Skincare Brush
roarwoman 5/31/2009 1:00:00 AM
THE best skin cleansing tool that I have ever used. The benefits are amazing. Helps with dryness, acts as an exfoliant when used at a more intense speed, stimulates collagen, reduces pore size and removes makeup in 30 seconds. Pigmentation from old acne outbreaks have become lighter and my skin care products absorb much better, my skin is glowing after the whole cleaning and skin-care potion/lotion routine is finished. My makeup looks so much better when applied and the over all condition of my skin has skyrocketed since I began using this tool. Retails for $200 CDN. I have the MD Pro which is different then the PRO Plus. The MD offers 4 different settings and the body brush can be attached. The body brush is great, my skin is silky smooth afterward and my body lotion just absorbs so well that I literally am glowing afterwards. I have a few friends that have purchased this product after having seen the results on me, and they totally love it and have seen amazing results.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Paula Dorf - Lipstick-First Love
roarwoman 5/31/2009 12:36:00 AM
I have FINALLY found my HG of lipstick color. First Love is a beautiful combination of lightest pink with gold underrtones. Imagine NARS Orgasm blush in a sheer lipstick with less intensity. Beautiful is the word that honestly describes the look of my lips when I wear this amazing color. My lips look more defined, they look plump and the color has a lovely sparkle when you're under more intense lighting ( the gold really pops out). I wear this in the day, use it like I would a chap stick, I love it that much. At night it's great on it's own or placed over a more intense color gives a cool metallic look. I could go on and on about how many compliments I have received and/or questions about what color I have on. This color would suite most skin tones and lasts through a few rounds of drinking and light eating. You can apply one coat or a few and you never end up using to much or little, it has such great versatility. So glad I stumbled upon this lipstick and I really hope you will be to.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Jan Marini - Bioclear
roarwoman 5/31/2009 12:16:00 AM
This is an excellent lotion that delivers what it promises. As the third step in the Jan Marini 5 step program it resurfaces, helps clear up and control my acne and used sparingly as a spot treatment a few times a day is better then any other product I have tried. I apply this lotion first and then a layer of the Age Intervention Transition Lotion, as I'm 35. These two products have done more for my breakouts and the over all surface of my skin then all of the other products that I have tried in the past. I have had acne for about 10 years (I'm 35) and it's mostly hormonal. There is no noticeable smell and the lotion is absorbed into the skin quickly. A little goes a long, long way and two pumps covers me from neck to forehead. When you first start this lotion or the cream, use only one time per day (generally night is the best time) and allow your skin the ability to build up a tolerance. I had a mild amount of redness (nose, chin and cheek areas) which resolved itself after a few days. Some stinging but nothing painful and that to went away after a few days. I use this twice a day now and have been for the last month. Love it! I wish I had found this skin care line years ago. I paid $60.50CDN for it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Jan Marini - Bioglycolic Facial Cleanser
roarwoman 5/31/2009 12:08:00 AM
This is a very effective cleanser and when used correctly produces excellent results. Do not use the product with wet hands or face. Always apply to dry skin and massage gently for 30 seconds. The water will reduce the effectiveness of the glycolic significantly. Also, this is not a makeup removing wash, so use something separate before hand. I use this product in the morning and a foaming AHA wash at night which take my makeup off. For a little more punch you can leave the cleanser on the skin for an additional min or so as a mini treatment. I do this every morning and have had no sensitivity issues thus far, going on two months.
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Blush -Paula Dorf - Blush in Jingle
roarwoman 5/29/2009 6:24:00 PM
Totally agree with the reviewer above me. NARS Orgasm never looked good on me although I loved the color. This color enhances my fair skin and looks striking with my dark brown hair. Lasts all day, no breakouts or sensitivity on applied areas. And a little goes a long way, so for the price, I think it's a good deal. Paid $27.50 CDN for it.
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Styling Products -Bumble & Bumble - curl conscious holding foam
roarwoman 5/22/2009 2:56:00 PM
This stuff is great. Unlike most curl products that claim to enhance curl, this one actually does it. Comes out in a foam that turns into a gel, a little goes a long way and after working it into my hair, I can immediately see results. Works really well using a diffusor for more of a lift and volumized look, can be left to air dry for natural look. The speration is there, the hold is good and it pretty much negates any other curl potions and lotions that I use before I style. Price, like all Bumble and Bumble product is expensive. $34 CDN, and the smell is a little overwhelming straight from the can. My boyfirend noticed the smell the first time I used it and I could smell the product through out the day in my hair. All in all, a good styling tool for those of you with wavy, thick curly hair.
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Treatments -Jan Marini - Age Intervention Transitions
roarwoman 5/22/2009 2:47:00 PM
The clinic I work at recently started carrying Jan Marini and this product was given to me (full size) by the Rep. I' am 35 with adult acne in mild form mainly along my jaw line. In the two weeks I have been using this the entire right and left side of my jawline is pimple free, not to mention the smoothness of my face and neck over all has dramtically improved. So impressed was I that I purchased other products as well and have not been dissapointed. I like the pump system and although the smell is a bit 'iffy' initially, it fades quickly. Excellent product and for those of you who are frustrated with being mid-thirty and STILL having outbreaks, I suggest you try this.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No