Eye Shadow -Bobbi Brown - Rock (Shimmerwash) [DISCONTINUED]
novelist 11/14/2009 5:03:00 PM
This review is for the "Rock" shimmerwash eye shadow which I own as part of the Stonewashed Nudes palette. The palette was my introduction to the makeup of Bobbi Brown two and a half years ago, and it was so phenomenally superior in quality and durability to the makeup I was using that I did a complete sweep and tossed out the small stash I owned. I decided that it was high time that I purchase quality cosmetics like I used to do, and I haven't changed my mind. Now on to Rock. It is a shimmery gray with a slight silvery taupe cast to it. I have cool blue eyes and skintone (NW20) and I like to wear this shadow all over my lid and into the crease; I use Navajo first all over the eye, from lid right up to the browbone. Rock is classy, elegant, and can be dramatic for a smokey eye. Very versatile shadow which can be minimal or maximum, depending on your use of it. I am pleased that this color is offered as a separate now. I am not about to hit pan (went through Navajo quickly) but if I did, this shimmerwash would be a definite purchase.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Color -Frederic Fekkai - Salon Color Kit
novelist 11/14/2009 3:03:00 PM
This reivew is for the Rita shade, copper blonde. This shade was, on the box, my hair just more red and vibrant in a copper tone. I used this product about a year ago, opting to try it instead of my usual Clairol Natural Instincts which is a rinse. The Fekkai Salon Color Kit is supposedly permanent dye. At $30 for one box, it was not cheap. I purchased one box for medium length hair, and barely got away with enough product. But I was not spending $60 for at-home hair dye. My daughter assisted me and applied the pre-color treatment. In my opinion, this step is where it all went wrong. It seemed to have prevented the color from "taking." The bowl and brush set-up was nice, very nice. However, after following directions precisely, I wound up with a barely there color on hair which was fairly untreated. It had been months since my last rinse, and I'd clarified my hair earlier in the week. The poor results were not my fault. The color was minimal and it lasted all of two weeks. I went back to Natural Instincts and haven't looked at "permanent hair color" again. I know that red tones fade, but this experience was bizarre and I'm happy to use a "rinse" which lasts far longer.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Toners -Thayers - Cucumber Witch Hazel
novelist 11/11/2009 2:42:00 PM
About a year and a half ago, I read about non-alcohol witch hazel by Thayer's. I purchased a bottle of the variety with cucumber in it, and used it daily on my face, especially on my undereye area which is chronically puffy in the spring and into the summer from allergies. About a month or so after using it, I was asked by my daughter and husband about what I was doing to make my skin so nice. I am now about to finish my third bottle of this toner/astringent and have just ordered a fourth bottle from amazon. It is not cheap (about $9.00 for 12 oz) but it is a wonderful toner. I had been using witch hazel with alcohol and while it worked fine, this product relieves my puffy eyes, helps to clarify my skin, and is a permanent part of my skincare routine. I use it each morning and at night only if I've had to remove makeup to make sure that any traces of cosmetics are fully gone from my skin. There is no burning, stinging, or smell. There is aloe vera in it so if you are sensitive to this plant extract, please do not even go near this product. But I think that, for me, the aloe is part of the wonderful results I've received from using this toner. I give this product 5 lippies because it has worked so well and consistently to improve my skin tone and texture and to soothe those puffy undereyes (to the point where I no longer need to use the Bliss Baggage Handler Eye Gel).
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Cover FX - #170 Precision Foundation Brush
novelist 11/10/2009 9:01:00 PM
About three years ago, I purchased this foundation brush. I'd been using flat ones and didn't like the effect they gave me. I switched to this one and have never gone back to any other. It is pointed beautifully and gives me 360 degrees of control with cream and liquid and even gel foundations. I get more of that "airbrushed" look because I don't actually put a flat edge down on my skin. It is more of a flicking/swiping/twirling motion. I really like it. The cost at the time was about $35 which is a bit pricey but it has lasted through many washings (after each use, 3-5 times a week) for several years and not a hair has shed or warped. I dry it and shape it to a point and let it air dry. It looks really big and fierce in with my other makeup brushes, and it is because it's a winner for me. Definitely I'd repurchase but mine looks good as new.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Scrubs -Philosophy - Pure Grace Body Scrub
novelist 11/10/2009 5:26:00 PM
This review is a bit odd for me to make because Pure Grace is not my favorite scent from philosophy for its scrubs. I much prefer the lemon but that scent is no longer around. I have purchased this scrub three times and I intend to do so again. Of all the scrubs I've used from this company (lemon, coconut, gingerbread) I prefer this one because of the texture and the length of time it allows me to scrub without the product dissolving. The scent is okay, not offensive, but not refreshing to me either. I do like the feel of the scrub and it works beautifully on my skin, feet and hands included. I typically use it every other week in the fall and winter and every week in the spring and summer. This large jar can last for at least 3 months (longer in cooler months), so it is a good buy. I rarely need to moisturize my skin afterwards, even in summer, which is a testament to its non-drying properties. I've used scrubs from high-end and low-end but philosophy is the right end for me.
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Treatments -Nelson's Homeopathic Products - Acne Gel
novelist 11/9/2009 9:00:00 PM
I've used Nelson's Acne Gel for about 3 years, and it is very effective in healing a blemish/pimple/ which has made itself known. It is not a preventative. I keep an extra on hand, not just because this product is good,, but sadly because the metal tubing is awful and cracks before I'm even halfway through the tube. I wrap surgical tape around it to try to prevent the splitting of the metal and this stopgap measure has worked fairly well. This maddening cracking happened with every tube I used and once the metal tube is cracked, the gel spills out, and the product left inside degrades. So I started wrapping the thing but, honestly, plastic tubing would solve the problem. I deducted quite a bit for packaging quality and then took off a lippie for that one factor. The ingredients in this product soothe the affected area and the combination of them works so well that when I considered other products (because of the lousy metal tube) I had to re-consider and re-purchase Nelson's Acne Gel. One thing I do like about this gel is that it dries matte so I can use it under foundation. You only need a small amount, once or twice a day, to see improvement of the affected skin within a couple of days.
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Lipstick -Bobbi Brown - Pale Mauve Lip Color
novelist 11/9/2009 6:06:00 PM
I purchased this product in late 2008. It is the only lip color remaining in my "stash" from several I've purchased from Bobbi Brown, mainly because I tossed them due to their brown or yellow or orange undertone. This product is blue-based but in a soft, classy pale sheen. I'd describe it as very very pale bluish lavender which creates a kind of nude lip but has definite creaminess and texture to it, so it makes my lips look somewhat pale but pigmented. Not an easy thing for a lipstick to do because I have moderately pigmented lips. "Nude" lipsticks still look like some sort of color on me. The formulation is very moisturizing and since I am about half-way through the bullet, I was wondering how to replace it; I figured that it would be discontinued. Not to worry. It is still in the lip color collection. If you want one of those pale lip looks without looking like a woman of very easy virtue, then this lip color will work for you AS LONG AS you don't have olive or yellow-toned skin. There are plenty of colors on the market for warm skin tones. Ms. Brown came up with one for women with skin coloring like mine, and I will re-purchase this color within the next year.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Philosophy - On a Clear Day Oil-Free Moisturizer
novelist 11/9/2009 5:41:00 PM
UPDATE; The last two times I used this moisturizer, red bumps formed, clogged pores. The first time, I did not remove the product from my skin; the second time, I did quickly, patted toner on the red bumps, and they went away within an hour. I have two clogged pores from the first eruption, and these little red buggers appeared along my face and by my outer eye area. I am thinking that these areas were well moisturized and the "cones" locked in too much moisture. Oh well, it was worth a try but I have to say that my skin is in better shape and not itchy dry as it was three years ago. I still think this product is good for dry skin, so my rating is basically unchanged. It didn't work for me but I have a friend who uses it and will love the "freebie." And I'll go back to good old squalane on rainy indoor days. This product was recently repackaged by philosophy and has been recently discovered by me. In 2007, I was dealing with hormonally reddened skin which broke out without warning and was hard to treat. I purchased this product and used it for about 4 months. My skin became calm, less red, the skin tone began to even out (with use of glycolics as well), and, above all, the pimples popping out all over my face -- these blasted things went away. Sure, there was still the occasional chin bubble of trapped oil, but this product was wonderful. I think the lavender in it worked wonders for my skin. Then I went on a ban-silicones mandate: too many xanes and cones in makeup and skin care had caused hard bumps, not pimples, but hard bumps which went away only after I banished xanes and cones from my skin regime. I have within the last year begun to re-introduce a small amount of xanes/cones which can be fine for me as long as they are tempered by other ingredients and are not the main ingredient. Then philosophy re-packaged this product and I decided to use it during the fall and winter months when it rains for days and days where I live and I want to give my facial skin a break from sunscreen when I am indoors (I had been using squalane for that purpose). After a few uses of this product in the last week, my facial skin is having the same wonderful response as it did several years ago (when my skin was much much drier). There are no breakouts, just a soft, smooth skin which has an evened tone and radiance. The ingredients are as follows: water (aqua), cyclotetrasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane, behenyl alcohol, dimethiconol, lysozyme, cetyl dimethicone, sodium citrate, peg-12 dimethicone, peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone, cyclohexasiloxane, lavandula angustifolia (lavender oil), propylene glycol, diazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben. There are 3 xanes, and 4 cones in this product, but they must be somehow counteracted by the sodium citrate and lavender and other things because I had some leftover whiteheads from a reaction to organic jojoba oil along the hairline on my forehead and now they are finally gone. If I start to break out from this product I will update, but I only use it 2-3 times a week, so perhaps moderation is the key here. At any rate, if your skin is struggling to find a balance and is prone to blemishes and flare-ups, or if your skin is in need of moisture w/o greasiness, then I think this product is worth a try. It is $23 for 1.8 oz. which sounds like a lot, but a very small amount of the product is used at any one time. I took off a lippie because it can lack moisture for my upper cheekbone areas.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Chanel - Comedia
novelist 11/9/2009 5:16:00 PM
My first Chanel lipstick. I am not a great buyer or wearer of lipstick so the product has to be good. I have a bow mouth, blue eyes, cool-toned pink skin, and some colors look ghastly or gorey on me. This color is absolutely classy, gorgeous, and girlish at the same time that it is womanly. The texture is creamy, silky smooth, and I apply it on recently exfoliated lips because this lipstick is not like a drugstore find. It is a highly rated, pigmented treasure encased in gold and black, and it sits proudly on the glass shelf in my private bath so that I can see it even if I don't use it. The color is medium rose pink that borders on raspberry without being blue. There is a gold sheen to it that highlights my skin and eyes. The name, Comedia, brought to my mind, the sense of fun and frolic that the somewhat complex color creates on my lips (somewhat rose pigmented already). The product stays on my lips; it doesn't drift, or fade or disappear after an hour. Worth $30? Yes, this one is. Others may not be. I have searched for a good rose lipstick, from MAC to Bobbi Brown, Cover Girl, Revlon, Lancome. The cost in wasted lipsticks was much more than if I'd gotten it right the first time. However, this shade just came out in the fall of 2009 (Venice Collection) so I guess I was just waiting and ripe and ready for it. I will use this lipstick all fall, winter, and into the spring. But on the first truly hot (90 degrees and above) day, it goes into a special bag in the refrigerator. No sense ruining my Comedia with tears.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Bobbi Brown - Metallic Eye Shadow in Midnight
novelist 11/9/2009 2:21:00 AM
I bought the LE Midnight Metallic Palette in the winter of 2007. At first, I was afraid of the blue eyeshadow. It was so . . . dark. (The silver and white shades were fine basics which I could use with other eye shadows). However, it took me a couple of weeks to work up to trying the blue shade. In reality, the Midnight Metallic is a gorgeous, deep dark blue shadow with glimmer which makes the black rings and lavender in my eyes look fantastic. I also use it as liner on the top and the lower lids (and I don't often line the lower lids but this shade is so gorgeous and dramatic that I can't not do it). The texture is fine, not gritty, and the shadow is very pigmented. Bobbi Brown must have agreed with the marketability of this eye shadow because now this portion of my LE palette is available. I think just about any eye color can use it. My eyes are bright blue and I was not sure of using any blue on blue. But silver blue and dark dark blue are exceptions to that rule. The metallic in this product is minimal (I think that the company was testing these little beauties for future marketing of the newest line of metallics), so don't be afraid like I was. My, how I've matured in just 2 years.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Philosophy - The Supernatural Brush
novelist 11/9/2009 2:07:00 AM
This brush is a definite multiple-tasker. I purchased it last spring (2009) and have used it as a blush brush for the very pigmented NARS blushes, and as a blending brush. I also stipple with it. The bristles are firm and densely packed. Honestly, I first bought it to use with the Supernatural powder foundation but that product never worked for me because the shades were always off,. I am so glad, however, that I'd bought the unworkable product because it was the main reason why I bought this brush. It smoothes powders and blends and is a remarkable tool. I wash it after every 3rd or 4th use. It doesn't become overloaded but I like to keep the top bristles clean because that is where I believe all of the work and magic occur. Will definitely re-purchase. Shows little signs of wear but I might like one to keep in my supply drawer.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Bobbi Brown - Copper Cocoa Shimmer Wash
novelist 11/9/2009 1:57:00 AM
This shimmer wash is the third in my trio compact case (Copper Penny and Sterling are the other two). This shade is very pigmented and very intense; it is brown with shimmer which can be coppery and plummy-bronzey, and very dramatic. The texture is silky and the color lasts forever. My only complaint is the fallout which also lasts forever. I can never fully wipe the powder from my undereye area, and I have tried all methods and arrangements: applying before eye products (EyeBright/corrector/concealer); after eye products; with just one or two eye products; with sponge wet; with sponge dry; with Q-tips; with tips of tissues. Arrrgh! Still I am giving it 4 lippies because the color is dense and rich and makes my light blue eyes look incredibly beautiful and starry. For that type of look, I'll perservere with the undereye area. I would repurchase this high quality product but it is so pigmented that it seems nearly impossible to use it up, and I wear alot in the spring and summer. For females looking for that "special brown," this shimmer wash is it. Just be careful applying it to lids.
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Eye Shadow -Bobbi Brown - Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in Sterling
novelist 11/9/2009 1:47:00 AM
I had to get talked into this one by the sales associate at the Bobbi Brown counter. I was putting together a trio of shimmer wash compacts and he suggested this color for my light blue eyes and pink-toned skin (NW20). I agreed. He wasn't wrong; the color is a silver-blue, more blue than I am used to using. In fact, it looks like a total misfit in my little train case of eye shadows. But it has something special about it; I use it in the crease of my eye, and it brings them to life. There is shimmer to it, and it is just enough to brighten up the whole eye area. I need to use it more because it is too ignored, and gets used mainly in spring & summer. I would re-purchase it but frankly, I won't need to. For an occasionally used shadow, it won't disappear since it is highly pigmented. If you need something different, and can take the plunge with something blue (a cool blue-grey) which is not MAC 1960's blue but more 2009 new century blue, this little shimmer wash will do it. I probably will pair it with my plum shadows from Dior very soon and make it a fall-winter shadow. BTW: Photo does not accurately represent the lovely shade of blue-grey.
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Makeup Brushes -MAC - 208 Small Angled Brow
novelist 11/9/2009 1:39:00 AM
I own two of these brushes. I bought the first one a couple of years ago and then quickly bought a second because I use this angled brush so much. Of course, it functions flawlessly for eyebrows (MUFE eyebrow corrector is a perfect mate for it), but I use it also for lining into the lash line with dark eyeshadows. I have washed these brushes many many times; usually I just wipe each with a tissue and wash every few times after usage to get out the brow product/eye shadow. You can't go wrong with this brush; it looks stiff and insignificant but it is angled precision-perfectly and not a single hair has come out of either little row of bristles.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Bobbi Brown - Copper Penny Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow
novelist 11/9/2009 1:33:00 AM
I purchased this "shimmer wash" in the spring of 2008 with two other washes to make my own trio compact. The product and color were new to the Bobbi Brown line and I dearly wanted something more exciting than her LE Stonewashed Nudes (which look gorgeous on my eyes). I took a chance with this golden eyeshadow. I will admit that I wear it more than any other "neutral" because to me it is a neutral. I have worn it all over my eyelids, from brow to lashes, for a sunkissed summer look; on the upper part of the lid when using Dior quints or NARS (Fuji). It is absolutely one of the best powders I've ever used. It goes on sheer but is buildable and does not crease, drop, fade, or turn color. Many females, and I was one of them, think that Bobbi Brown's products are bland, boring, blah. For a long time, they might have been. As of this past year, however, the shimmer washes and metallics have brought the excitement up a notch, and it's enough for me, at least for now! Will re-purchase when I run out but the pan is still plenty full. This product is surprisingly pigmented so you need only a full swipe or two on the eyelid.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No