Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - Solar Sense Clear Zinc for Face SPF 45
chayaNY 8/26/2012 10:06:00 PM
Today is my first time using this, truly too early to give a full review. However I wanted to write because I found this works well under Revlon Colorstay Whipped foundation. I have very dry skin and the foundation looked awful on me despite trying various sunscreens and/moisturizers under it. This ss felt very luxe yet not greasy, and I honestly didn't expect that. It came on white but in minutes became clear, maybe that's the trick for those saying it leaves a white cast? Just wait a little bit. I also felt this ss had a calming effect and pray tomorrow I'm not covered in hives crying lol. That's the caveat of a "too soon" review. But if you're like me and ran to buy Revlon CS whipped thinking it would work on dry skin unlike the original dry skin formula, this may be of help:) one thing, pull the foil covering completely off right away. I left some on and the ink of the red lettering bled into the ss a bit.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Wet 'n' Wild - Spoiled
chayaNY 8/25/2012 9:43:00 PM
I like the price, color selection, but really dislike the thick formula and wide brush. I like a brush that tapers more. I have narrow nail beds but others have this issue too I see. I like the micro glitters best as the base is clear so harder to mess up. But even with those the polish seems a good deal thicker than most right from the start. I have several but will not buy more. I love WnW esp mega last nail polishes, there are not like them.
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Fragrances -Bath and Body Works - Fine Fragrance Mist in Pink Chiffon
chayaNY 8/24/2012 10:46:00 AM
I agree with other's comments that this smells like cotton candy and fruit, some flowery-ness too. I spray it on and immediately feel I've surrounded by a mist of sweetness and light and wonder why I don't reach for it more when I enjoy it so? Its also as others have said, the lasting power is negligable. I don't think its evident within 10 minutes, that I've applied it, I got this and 2 other scents for valentines day last year from my fiance. He knows I love sweet scents, anything cotton candy +. Such as Dark Kiss aslso by BBW, cotton candy + smoke. Though these are now favorites of mine, even when I layered with matching bbw lotions, the scent just dissipates too quickly and now from seeing reviews, I realize I'm not alone. One way to enjoy the scent for longer is to decant into a small mister bottle you can tote with you. I always carry some portable fragrance, both for myself and to mask some NYC "scents," I'd rather not be privy too;) Keep in mind BBW no longer has bottle with screw off tops for their sprayers. Instead I was left squirting this into a small bottle. Yes there are now little carry sprayers which latch on to larger bottles to decant and nothing is lost. I don't own one of those so yeah I was at the bathroom sink manually squiring this into my portable little sprayer and yes I lost some. However its worth it to me as now I'm getting use of it and enjoying this more as well since I'm spritzing it on during the day now and it is a great summer scent as other have said. In cooler weather I spray my scents on scarves because the fragrance lasts longer that way than just on me. The other day I wore this and later at a bus stop a woman told me she loved my "perfume," and asked the name? I told her and then realized not 2 feet away was a flower stand with primarily roses and carnations wafting in the incredible heat. So while this scent is truly lovely, that's not what she was smelling, as she like I, was simply unable to
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Treatments -E.L.F. - Shine Eraser Blotting Sheets
chayaNY 8/23/2012 6:20:00 AM
These are economical blotting papers that work well for my dry skin. Clean and Clear blotting papers have ingredients that are way too drying for me. I need to blot because my lotion or sunscreen will make my T zone appear shiny. These have not irritaed me nor are they overly absorbent as some blotting papers have been. In that case with or without added ingredients for the skin, the paper itself further dried out my skin by absorbing too much, we don't want to be oily but too matte is unnatural. Like these a lot!
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Misc Beauty Tools -Revlon - Pedi-Expert Pedicure Kit
chayaNY 8/22/2012 11:37:00 AM
The kit I have has the same name but for "Shower," under "Pedi- EXPERT." This kit has the same pink plastic shape but instead of a ped-egg type shaver it has a flat fine grained pumice stone, and a large nail brush. On the outside are blue nubby parts that you are further meant to rub those on your feet as well. I like that the pumice works well, is fine, seems man made (and its pink) as opposed to natural pumice. I like stiffer nail brushes but its adequate, I don't have a need to use the rubber nubby part of the mechanism. This also came with a blue plastic stick topped in white that you push cuticles back with and I've not tried that either. Basically I always use some sort of pumice or file wet while in the shower on my feet. I find this works best as the skin has softened a bit and as a result I've never had a problem wirh callouses nor any hardening nor cracked heel skin in my life. I got this at a closeout type store for under $2.00 but with the Revlon name I expected quality and it seems to be there. I like that everything sans the cuticle stick of course, fits nicely in one unit. I'm satisfied with my purchase because I'm mainly interested in the pumice aspect and you can get a good grip on this so it was a satisfactory purchase for me especially given the price.
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Blush -Aziza - Blush
chayaNY 8/21/2012 7:46:00 PM
I have slowly but surely been working my way through the reviews listed as great values, on MUA's home page to your left. They have been hit or miss like anything else, but even if an item is very inexpensive, its no great bargain if it doesn't work for you. This is a hit, and I wasn't sure it would be given I tried the Aziza powder foundation which is similarly raved about as a great value. That was dusty and too peachy + 0 coverage = fail, even at a dollar. I was expecting the blush to be chalky/dusty too. I'm pleasantly surprised because these feel finely milled and silky. Yeah, you heard right, at 50 cents each. I got Natural, a duo cosisting of a soft, cool pink with a satin finish. The other color could easily work as a bronzer for those that don't want a matte look. Its not shimmery per se, no glimmer particles in either, but the satin sheen is higher on the brown color which is red based as many or the more natural bronzers are. I have fair olive skin with prominent yellow undertones and feel both shades work on me. I'm not gonna say this is a dupe of the Nars duo (name escapes me), that comes with a red based bronzer and cool pink blush, ELF has a product referred to as a poor man's version of that. Think of this as the eating ramen noodles every night, man's version which who knew would actually turn out to be great?! Packaging is adequate. Not luxurious but I've bought high end products with gorgeous packaging that came unhinged, and low end items with bare bones packaging that held up. That's my main concern, and it seems a strudy enough to keep the product safe. I know the allure of lovely, pretty things and there is certainly a place for such items, but looking back at my most beloved mu items imy enjoyment came from the experiences I had while wearing them. I may gain pleasure from seiing pretty things on my vanity but ultimately my pleasure from mu is derived after leaving the house with the mu on (or ahem staying in, but again, its using the mu not looking at it that matters to me).
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Bronzers -E.L.F. - Studio Cool Bronzer
chayaNY 8/17/2012 11:41:00 AM
This could be my dream bronzer because its red based which in my experience renders a more natural looking "tan.". Further its matte, pigmented so great value for the money, versatile too with the blush shade and the lightest shade too which can tone down others or be a matte highligter. My only problem with it is it goes on splotchy for me which I almost hate to admit because I have very dry skin and think that's part of the problem. I don't think its purely an issue with the product. I have tried it with various other products underneath to make it go on more smoothly. I plan on giving it another go now that I've found a primer I like because my search for a matte red based bronzer to replace one I loved that's been discontinued, would be over thereby saving me a lot of money! I will repost if my opinion changes. I will add that one brown shade is very dark and has the mostt red, the other has a more golden undertone to it yet still leans cool. The pink is very cool, a dark, dusty rose while the fair shade is a very sheer off white that to my eye leans yellow. The packaging is Nars via ELF, and quite nice and sturdy. This can work for eyes, blush, bronzer and contouring, another reason to try and make a go of it. If it works for you you've got a desert island product for sure!
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Conditioner -Suave - Professionals Sleek Conditioner
chayaNY 8/15/2012 10:12:00 PM
I have a med condition that renders my moisture glands useless. My once thick, shiny hair is now a tumbleweed essentially, brittle, course, breaks if you look sideways at it I avoid horses cause it would remind them of hay. As glam as it is to be me I am trying to at least simulate having normal, healthy hair since I can't have the real thing any longer. This is a thick conditioner with a slight but pleasant fragrance. Its better than thinner, more watery conditioners in this price range. Perhaps because of the viscosity it adheres better to hair by virtue of not dripping out. It does moisturize and work fine. Its just me and this bale on my head require more moisture than most so for me its not quite sufficient. However for most people even with normal dry hair who can safely be around horses, this is a good condiitoner at a a good price.
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Bronzers -Revlon - Revlon bronzer in sunkissed
chayaNY 8/10/2012 10:29:00 AM
I use this on my neck, shoulders and decollatage area mostly at night. Its very pretty for that. Revlon is very good at bronzer color, no orange-pale peach like many other brands pass off as bronzers. I don't love it as much on my face but mainly cause I have a few other facial bronzers I'm loyal too. However I want to address shimmer in bronzer, it can add some life strategically placed. However to avoid looking disco ball-ish if you intend to use bronzer all over, just tap your brush into some matte face powder first then the bronzer. I tap off excess and am able to wear any bronzer with shimmer by doing so. I'm left with luminosity but not any actual glare lol. Yellow powders are especially good for this.
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Lip Gloss -NYX - lipgloss with mega shine
chayaNY 8/6/2012 3:53:00 PM
I prefer lip gloss to lipstick and always carry a few in my purse. I buy neutral beigey-gold-peachy shades and love that this line carries so many lovely colors that are great for swipe and go. The lustre this provides is lovely, the shades sophisticated especially for the price. You get a good amount of product too. My cons for me are as follows: I dislike the way it smells so much that this lipgloss is "scent prohibitive" product for me. I reach for it because its so lovely, or find it in my purse then the moment its on I remember why I don't wear it more often or now, at all. To me it smells like cherry cough syrup and I can't get past it as it doesn't seem to dissipate much if at all, with wear. My other issue is no fault of the gloss since I knew it had a doe foot applicator and I dislike those. Every one I've tried imparts far too little gloss on my lips or requires many swipes because the doe foot is spongey and absorbs the product. I prefer slant tip squeeze tubes because you can control how much comes out and I can get the look I want in one swipe. Again, not the fault of the gloss. So pretty, nicely priced, great color range. If the scent is not objectionable this gloss is a good value.
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Candles -Yankee Candles - Housewarmer in Home Sweet Home
chayaNY 8/2/2012 11:38:00 PM
I'm gonna review a review. I've said it before but I'm not an "old lady," yet with any luck and a blessing or 3 I'll be one and if you're female so will you. I just find hearing anything scent related described as "old lady," to be demeaning, and ignorant. Use your imagination, come up with an adjective or two, you can do it. No one needs to insult anyone else to review a perfume or candle. Geez really? Better not to review and have your ignorance be kept a secret from MUA, than to post and remove all doubt.
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Moisturizers -La Mer - Creme de la mer moisturizer
chayaNY 7/29/2012 6:15:00 PM
I wanted to try this for ages! I finally did last week, and red bumps across my cheeks seems to be the thanks I get;( Your mileage may vary but I'm stickin' to Nivea, no bumps, and can still pay the rent after I buy a new blue tin. Edited June 2013, well hope springs eternal and I suffer from a dry skin condition, so when I was given another sample during allergy season, my even drier skin prompted me to give it another go. Honestly I patch tested and again redness, irritation. I can use it on my neck but only actual scaffolding is worth the price for that area.
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Accessories -Unlisted Brand - Ugg slippers and boots
chayaNY 7/29/2012 4:24:00 PM
I now buy knock offs as the price is too rich for my budget. Look these are not pretty, nor are they the same blight on society some make them out to be, they are not equivelant to graffiti on your front door. Are they part of the dressing down of society? Yes, no one on Mad Men would be caught dead in Uggs or Ugg knock offs, or would they? A few yrs ago I ironed everything, I was raised that way, talking sweats, jeans etc. Now I only iron dressier items, things you'd wear to work, and so on. I notice some categorize those who wear these type boots and for the record, I'm neither a slob nor lazy. I still care about looking pulled together and fashion. However,I have Raynauds Syndrome, I have an inability to stay warm, But its Ugg type boots that are really life savers. To have that fluffy, plush lining surround your foot and leg, is a huge help on cold NYC winter mornings. I feel surrounded by warmth even if I may look like I'm wearing glorified house slippers. I keep mine clean as best I can and replace them each season if they look too shoddy. I'm aware they are not meant for water or mud but as a lifelong NYer who walks everywhere, snow, slush, grime, are unavoidable to some extent. All that said, no one loves a great boot, high heeled and otherwise more than me. I prefer sandals to flip flops mostly, wear sneakers when working out mainly, so I almost feel I must apologize in advance for offending anyones delicate sensibilities. I am only thinking of my comfort and warmth., I know my niece almost a teen, loves them for school, and she has no such med problem like me. But I love the idea of her having the comfort and cushiness these provide her, all day long. Yes the world has changed and in a way I miss the look of everything ironed though ladies I confess, I don't miss all that ironing myself;)
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Fragrances -Moschino - Funny!
chayaNY 7/15/2012 1:16:00 PM
I like uplifting, fruity scents for summer. This is lovely and fits that bill though I've only sampled it and don't own it at this time. Its sweet yet not cloying which I often find any scent with pineapple to have. I dread the pina colada bent many have. This is nothing like that. It does smell of pineapple as others have said, but in a more grown up way. Ironic I should write that when I just saw a review that read this is "not for old women." I'm not an "old woman," with any luck though I'm headed for such a fate myself (old woman-hood that is) and so are you if you're female too. I know some have addressed the ignorant, "smells like old lady" remarks in various scent reviews, and now and on other reviews we are informed a scent is "not for old ladies." If someone intends to say a scent seems geared toward a "younger" type of woman, while another seems more "mature", fine. There are respectful ways to say most things. There are also ways that make a reader think its better for a reviewer not to post and have ignorance on a subject kept a secret (hopefully), than to review and remove all doubt.
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Gels/Soaps -Dove - Beauty Bar
chayaNY 7/15/2012 11:52:00 AM
I like Dove soaps quite a lot but not this one. I use the sensitive skin version on my face and in the shower at times. I like the yellow and green for shower only. I find with my insanely dry skin that even thick creamy body washes can leave my skin feeling tight and stripped if I use a scrubby mitt or scrubby gloves. So for me Dove soaps can be moisturizing especially key is if after using with mitt or glloves to exfoliate, I use the soap plain, rubbing bar straight on my skin, to be left with the moisturizing benefits after I rinse. The original beauty bar is probably fine for showering too. However I have a negative association after a brief but awful bout with acne in my 20's. The derm told me to use this on my face and it didn't help, not sure if it worsened things? I only know the scent reminds me of that time. I love Dove body washes and several bars, just not this particular one.
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