Lipstick -MAC - Cremesheen- Modesty
bernsie 6/3/2012 6:05:00 AM
I'm always on the look out for a truly natural looking lipstick. Most contain a bit too much brown mixed in with the rose-pink (being the color I look for, the rose-pink.) A bit of brown is always welcome as it tones this rosy-pink down. I think the name of this lipstick says it all: "Modesty." It is the perfect color, the color of lip, but pumped up a bit. The texture is also important and this fits the bill as it's one of MAC's "Creme Sheen" formulas. It lets the texture of the lips come through w/out being too sheer or too shiny. I'm not a fan of matte lipsticks unless I'm worried about longevity of it's wear (because I'll find myself in a position where I won't be able to check my makeup in a mirror and will not have the opportunity to reapply.) I am medium toned and this color provides just enough zip to shape and define my lips w/out bringing too much attention to itself. I like my eyes to be the focal point. A very bright, frosted, dark or shiny lipstick will detract from your eyes and bring your mouth into focal interest (not that there aren't times I like and use this method of application, but not on an everyday basisi.) This is a go to shade/formula for me. When in doubt it always works no matter what clothes or fashion you have on. It's a "work horse" so to speak for me. I'm never w/out it. Most Highly Recommended!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -MAC - Matte Blush - Frankly Scarlet
bernsie 6/2/2012 1:01:00 PM
It is nearly impossible to find a more true, vibrant red than this powder blush. It is best applied with one of MAC's Squirrel brushes as this hair is very long and extra soft so it never over deposits, but instead doses the skin with just the right amount of color payoff. This will brighten any complexion as the color just "pops." It's long wearing (especially this color as it has such an abundance of pigment it can leave a stain behind after the powder wears off.) It applies smoothly never streaking which can happen with a lesser quality manufacture process and pigment. You use so little of this it will virtually last forever before the need to repurchase. Highly Recommended!!!!
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Shampoo -Frederic Fekkai - Protein Rx Reparative Shampoo
bernsie 6/2/2012 10:04:00 AM
Even though this is not a sulfate free shampoo I have used it on colored, hi-lighted, bleached and generally stressed out hair. This shampoo really does seem to mend the damage. As a matter of fact there have been times when this restorative shampoo conditions the hair w/out an additional rinse out/leave in conditioner. That, to me is a sign of a very efficient product. It is loaded with high tech along with natural extracts/additives. It mixes the best of both worlds and so with an exacting formula. It lathers well with the least amount of product and rinses quickly leaving the hair clean, but not overly squeaky clean. Hair immediately after rinsing feels better, softer to the touch. Detangling is easy after this treatment shampoo. It never makes the hair feel overly softened and weighted down as some deep conditioning shampoos will do. Hair takes on a new texture which styles easier and with high shine. Highly recommended though excessively expensive. Smells great as well!!!
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Crème -MAC - Full Coverage Foundation
bernsie 6/2/2012 8:26:00 AM
OK, this is "the" full coverage makeup which all others will be compared to. It really does set the standard in Full Coverage. It's color range is vast and it wears just short of "transfer resistant", but it's finish is far more sophisticated than ANY transfer resistant base out there, period! A professional product which the average consumer can get their hands on. You may not want to wear this as an everyday base, but it has it's place. In the evening and in soft lighting when one is very fashionably dressed this may just be the only game in town. It's amazing for photography as well. Most Highly Recommended!!!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
BB Cream -Garnier - BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector - Light/Medium
bernsie 6/2/2012 7:16:00 AM
This is a terrific all in one multi tasking product. It instantly gives skin a lift by evening out skin tone and making the skin look healthier and more refined. It does this without looking heavy or makeupy. It's a moisturizer, foundation (leaning more toward tinted moisturizer), a skin treatment (by protecting skin w/an SPF and treating it to a stable form of Vitamin C (which protects as in an anti-oxident and over time will brighten the skin, softening sun spots and uneven skin tone.) So, it moisturizes, covers and imparts a glow instantly and is a anti aging skin treatment which protects against future damage through it's SPF and anti-oxident qualities. Plus it acts like makeup, improving the skin immediately (instant gratification.) It wears well, is not overly oily nor too dry (finding the happy medium.) It makes everything you use next (blush, eyeliner, mascara and lipstick/gloss) look all the better when applied in conjunction with it. It certainly is a Beauty Balm if ever there was one. It's relatively inexpensive. It saves time as it takes the place of so many products by combining everything your skin could need before stepping outside or just begining your day. I think this is a must have "staple." Garnier is really upping the ante when it comes to beauty products which are good for the skin at a newly established affordable price point. Now I'm not saying this will take the place of a really good foundation which one may want to use while dressing more refined for a special event, but it certainly is an everyday product for those who do not leave the house with some sort of skin refining added to your skin. It's a no brainer. When in a rush or in doubt just reach for this and apply. You also get a large quantity of product for not a lot of money!!!! Highly Recommended!!!
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Blush -Jemma Kidd Makeup School - Stain, Flush Cream Blush
bernsie 6/2/2012 12:35:00 AM
I'm reviewing Cheek ID Color Adapt Blush here as this heading listed above is the closest in the JK (which this product I'm reviewing is by) line and looks just like the picture above. I guess from the name this is suppose to adapt it's color to your complexion via the acidity of your skin or some such nonsense thing. This, of course, is just plain silly. It is a stain, however, which I do love as they are usually transparent and long wearing. It's the translucency which makes it look so natural. Usually stains are quite concentrates and one uses very little for the desired effect. This is not the way this stain works. You need quite a bit more than one is used to in a stain to get the proper payoff on the skin. That, mixed with the miniscule amount (.08 Oz) and the hefty price for a Target item ($20.00) makes this a disappointment in all regards. Tarte Stain Stick is far better and lasts forever both on the skin and time before repurchase is needed. 'Nuff said!!! Uh Oh, I think this has grown on me more than what I led on here. It seems you don't need as much as I first thought and it does produce a very natural looking flush which is soft and believable. You still get a miniscule amount for the price. It also produces a nice glow, but through it's oiliness rather than having reflective pigments. Combination/Oily skin may not like this rich texture. I know I could do with a bit less emollient...
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -L'Oreal - HIP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner in Brown
bernsie 6/1/2012 11:46:00 PM
This is just OK, nothing special. I think the Maybeline Gel Liner is a better product. I find the Maybeline to be the most stable/long wearing w/out smudging or fallout. This L'Oreal tends to flake and smudge by end of day or if you're in a hot, humid environment. It comes w/a brush which again is just OK. I used a better liner brush (MAC's #266.) It still is not as long wearing as it should be for a gel liner. It's densely pigmented enough w/good, easy slide and coverage, but there is better out there for the same money. I would not buy it again. Maybeline's Gel Liner is the one to beat at this price point and you can spend more and still not get the quality of the Maybeline.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Maybelline - Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Shadow
bernsie 6/1/2012 7:03:00 PM
I bought this in Pomegranate Punk. I found the other shades too ashy. I have grey based under eye darkness which does not fare well with shades that are ashen as grey is as ash as a color can get and I find shadows with some warmth to them helps to alleviate or at least not add to the problem. The undertone of grey is blue which is very cool as are eyeshadows that are grey, blue, green, olive, yellowy gold. I like shade which are warmed up a bit: brown with a hint of red/orange as opposed to a cool/greyed brown. Violet moving toward red as opposed to moving the opposite direction to blue. Peaches and bricks and "sunset" colors of any kind. On to this product: It applies very favorably with a finger tip or brush (though you have much more control with a brush.) It is highly pigmented so the smallest amount gives major payoff on the skin. It should be applied to the eye area after it has been primed with concealer, foundation or eyeshadow primer. Anotherwords, do not use this on bare skin. If you are using concealer or foundation as your base this should be applied right after and then powdered over to set it and the concealer, foundation. It blends very easily though some practice helps as it's application is a bit different than with powder eyeshadows or even cream on ones (you know the kind: they come in a lipgloss type tube with a colts foot sponge applicator.) It wears very well, not moving after it's been set. It far out wears any powder product (except L'Oreal's Infallible eyeshadows to which I think this Maybeline product wears as well if not better and certainly has much more concentrated payoff.) There is a bit of a sheen as all colors have a bit of light reflective pigment/quality. I would of liked if there were some matte offerings, but oh well. Maybe they will come out with some if these sell well. For the money ($5.00 and change in Walmart) they're hard to beat. This is a great product for high humidity, hot climates. You can sweat and these stay put. I have to hand it to Maybeline on this one: Very Successful and a treat to use and own!!!!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Revlon - PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Makeup
bernsie 6/1/2012 6:32:00 PM
I can not believe only 30% liked/would buy again this foundation. I have used the original PhotoReady in the pump bottle and thought it was one of two of my favorite drugstore/Walmart foundations. I think the PhotoReady in the pump bottle bettered many prestige/department store/Sephora foundations. It's only draw back being the color selection. However, if you found a color that matched your skin tone/undertone precisely than you found yourself a very special base, period. I think the same holds true of this Airbrush Mousse makeup. I have both in Golden Beige and it's dead on perfect for my coloring. This newer mousse version has all the same qualities I've always loved: It blends beautifully and is buildable in it's coverage, though a single application covers quite well without a second coat. I even think the coverage to this Airbrushed Mousse Makeup is more concentrated than the liquid PhotoReady in the pump bottle. You need far less of this mousse than you would the older liquid PhotoReady. I would almost classify this as a medium to full coverage base. It is not sheer by any means. This is what sets it apart: You would be fooled to think because of it's "foam, mousse like" texture it would have less coverage than a liquid or even a cream, but not true. Somehow this base covers like a sponge on cream/emollient based makeup yet does not look as if it is heavy in that respect. I think it has to do with the refined pigments and the delivery system (aerosol) it uses. It looks like skin as opposed to makeup. It virtually looks good in any lighting (which is not an easy task. HOWEVER: If it looks overly shiny to you such as in daylight, you've applied too much, which is easy considering it comes out so quickly and in a foam consistency. That doesn't mean you have to use every last bit that comes out!) It wears extraordinary well, losing some of it's coverage, in a most usual manner, as the day progresses. After 8-12 hours of wear it is still holding up and certainly leaves enough behind that when cleansed off there is quite a bit to remove. It will make any skin look more refined: Good skin looks absolutely fabulous, mediocre skin looks good, problem skin (uneven tone, scarred, pitted, large pored) looks much better and refined with this base. I'm not sure what more one could ask for in a foundation. This newer, mousse version of PhotoReady ups the ante. It's even more skin like in it's dried down/powdered final finish. It definitely looks more "airbrushed" like than the pump bottle as I think the pigments are a bit finer in texture, then add it's aerosol/mousse delivery system and you have an even more refined finish. I love it. You end up with (if you are lucky enough to hit your shade on the money) a base that rivals the Chanel's and Dior's and the rest of the upper echelon foundations which cost upwards of 40-50 dollars for one ounce. That's how good I think this new Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Makeup is. It'll give the prestige brands a run for their money!!!!! ADDENDUM: This Airbrush Mousse Makeup has a bit more of a reflective quality to it than the PhotoReady in the pump bottle, but it is this very finish which gives this makeup a lit from within quality to the skin which is almost always lacking in less expensive drugstore/Walmart foundations. It is not a frosted look by any means, but more akin to mineral liquid/powder foundations. I rather like it more than a very flat finish most bases procure. Also I highly suggest you powder this base to set it. Make sure you use a loose powder and a nice fluffy brush. A finely milled loose powder should be used ( I like Dior's Loose Powder as their pigments are finely milled, though a less expensive one by MAC or even L'Oreal will do nicely.) You don't have to powder it down everywhere, but at least the nose, chin and forehead. A good quality loose powder sets foundation like nothing else will and allows powdered eyeshadows and blush to adhere much more evenly and nicely. I know many will argue that powder just adds to one's lines/dryness, but that is from the powders of decades ago or just even years ago. Loose powder today (if it is of high quality) will not exaggerate fine lines and dryness. Never apply powder to the under/outer eye area and keep it away from the lines that run from outer corner of nose to outer corner of mouth (nasolabial folds.) A trick of the trade is to take a rich cream (dense with some emollient sheen to it) and lightly tap a small amount as a last step to areas that may look dry: outer corner of eyes, atop your concealer and along the nasolabial lines. It just adds a bit of moisture and sheen to these areas and will float any talc from foundation, concealer and powder out from under the lines. OH and by the WAY: I used a primer over my moisturizer and beneath this makeup (Rimmel's #002.)
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Christian Dior - DiorBlush - Strawberry Sorbets 943
bernsie 4/21/2012 10:04:00 PM
I don't know what it is about Dior's powder based anything, but they are always the best in features I prefer. This is a most natural looking blush as it's just a flush of color in the rosey hue. The texture is brilliant as it brushes on sublimely, giving the most even layer of the most exquisite texture, skin like color/glow. I do not bother using one square in one place and the other higher up. I just mix the two together as I move my "clean" brush across both squares lightly and with just a few strokes. That's enough for one side ( cheek and temple) as I just repeat the process for the other side. A bit across the bridge of my nose and chin and jawline. It takes about 20 seconds and I'm done. No blending or filing in here and there. It gives that "glow" i'm always talking about, but never do the reflective pigments show themselves no matter what light at any angle. It's always flattering.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Coquette (satin)
bernsie 4/21/2012 4:08:00 PM
Coquette means what? Subtlety? No, it means Flirty, although maybe in a young, girlish way. At any rate here's another go to neutral, but lighter than all the other's: Carbom, Brun, Mystery, Concrete, Bark and then Coquette (lovely on a brow.) These are all mainstay neutrals and have been around since 1993 or before waayy before Lauder bought them. These are original colors Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo along with their team put together. Neutrals never seen before. Waay before Kevyn Aucoin ever came out with "The Nakeds" by Ultima 2. These are neutral browns the likes of which had never been seen before, nor after quite frankly!
8 out of 10 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Eyeshadow in Mystery
bernsie 4/21/2012 3:52:00 PM
Aahhhhh, Mystery, it's not called this for nothing you know. This is probably one of my favorite "neutrals" as it's sooo unusual. This you will never find elsewhere. It is a must have staple/neutral like Carbon, Brun, Concrete, and Bark, but not as ash or cool. There have been arguments as to what color this brown/neutral is laced with around MAC counters/stores amoung MAC staff and customers. What is in it to make it look not so ashen/cool? Is it a hint of pink/red? maybe a bit of Mauve, a bit of purple, a bit of VIOLET even. Well I don't know. That's why they named it "Mystery" I guess...A MUST, MUST have, for sure!!!
9 out of 10 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Bark eyeshadow [DISCONTINUED]
bernsie 4/21/2012 3:39:00 PM
If you own Carbon or Brun or Concrete, than you must have/get BARK. It is right between Brun and Concrete. Another essential neutral. This you also will not find anywhere else except within a MAC palette. I'll take the opportunity here to inform you what these 4 colors have in common. Carbon, Brun, Concrete and Bark are all cool/ashen colors. When you start "creating" these kind of colors it's VERY easy to have an ashen color look "dirty", yet these do not ever look dirty. They are simply cool/ash and total necessary neutrals of varrying tones (light v. dark.) I'd be remiss if I didn't at least acknowledge Mystery, Coquette and Taupe here as they continue MACS exhaustive shades of neutrals, but they are ALL must haves.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Concrete
bernsie 4/21/2012 3:30:00 PM
A most unusual eyeshadow that is not to be w/out once you've worked w/it or own it. First off if you own Carbon and Brun then you must have this as it's a color right inbetween. It's hard to find an ashen/cool greyed/brown with this shadows impact.Concentrated and pigmented it is as are most MAC matte shadow within these tones of color. Try to find this color elsewhere. Don't bother as it's no where except at the MAC counter. These are "go to ' neautrals.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - MAC Brun Eyeshadow
bernsie 4/21/2012 3:17:00 PM
Try tro find "the perfect" Brown eyeshadow. There are a million shades of brown moving in the cool and warm directions. Brun is the most perfect Brown eyeshabow there is, PERIOD. It has no red or orange in it. It's not so cool as to appear ashey or greyed (which is an achievement in itself.) It's as matte as can be. It makes a perfect eyeliner shade w/the proper brush. ONCE AGAIN WE HAVE A MAC "CLASSIC" here also w/a "cult" following. This IS A must have for a makeup artist or regular person, period. If you have black you must also have brown. A beautiful brown shadow if ever there was one.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No