Foundations -Hourglass - Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation
blua 5/3/2012 2:46:00 PM
I got this as a sample from Sephora, and yes I know it's a little early because I've just tried it today...but I have to say I really love this! I have oily, acne-prone skin, NC35-40, DW Tawny and this is the only foundation I have found to match my neck perfectly without being too pink/yellow or too dark/light! It's a liquid that dries to a powder so I do NOT recommened this for people with dry skin. The coverage is med-full (I need something with good coverage becuase I have active acne & hyperpigmentation), but it builds beautifully! I've been looking for a HE foundation with a justified price. (Stila is $5 cheaper and is sh!t compared to this!) It's the middle of the day at work right now...and NO SHINE whatsoever, this is becoming a serious contender for my currently vacant HG status on foundation. I have this in the shade 'Sand'. One thing I have to say is that they have limited shades, 8 in total. I don't think it caters very well to fair skin or deeper skintones. Sand is the 3rd from the darkest shade. So I guess that's their downfall. :( I have to say though, that I did use Hourglass' Mineral Veil primer (and my belief on primers for the face is that they make application easier and can diminish lines or pores, but ultimately don't make foundation last 'longer' IMHO), and a light dusting of Mary Kay loose powder (which I think I will skip next time...force of habit really) Some good things about the Hourglass company is that it's vegan friendly and I believe there are some skin benefits included with her cosmetics. **Anyway, here is what it says on their website: An ultra-mattifying, anti-aging foundation that absorbs oil, camouflages imperfections, and ensures a long-lasting flawless finish—without the need for touchups. •PHYTOSTEM EDELWEISS, AN ACTIVE DERIVED FROM A RARE ALPINE PLANT, SLOWS COLLAGEN DEGRADATION AND REDUCES WRINKLE DEPTH BY 15% AFTER 20 DAYS OF USE •LAVANDOX, AN INGREDIENT EXTRACTED FROM SPANISH LAVENDER, REDUCES THE APPEARANCE OF WRINKLES BY 11% AFTER 24 HOURS OF APPLICATION. •WATER-RESISTANT AND IDEAL FOR OILY, COMBINATION OR BLEMISH-PRONE COMPLEXIONS •OIL-, PARABEN-, GLUTEN-, FRAGRANCE-, PHTHALATE-, SYNTHETIC DYE- AND NANOPARTICLES-FREE
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Foundations -Stila - Natural Finish Oil Free Makeup
blua 5/2/2012 1:37:00 PM
I don't think the product is justified for the $50 price tag. The SA at Murale (in Oakridge) kept pushing Stila products at me, even when I was clearly asking for other alternatives for a 'full coverage foundation'. Reading the reviews here, I'm a little confused since some say it has little coverage while others say it gives fuller coverage. I bought this in shade 'E', and for reference I am NC35-40. The texture is that of a standard liquid foundation. Not too runny or thick in consistency.The smell is not offensive, but then again I might just be used to the chemical smell of MAC foundations. In my personal experience, I'm 'meh' about this product. It covers okay (well, a little less then okay) and I find that it's not buildable. My pimples still show through as purple, and even when I go back with another layer, it doesn't add any more coverage. I guess it's okay if you don't have that much to cover up. Maybe just discoloration or redness and not active pimples or other things. But I'm probably going to return this. I'd rather put my money into Estee Lauder DW or maybe Lancome Teint Idole Ultra.
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Eye Shadow -MAC - Club Eye Shadow
blua 5/2/2012 1:29:00 PM
My first eyeshadow I got from MAC! It was kind of expensive because I was in still highschool, and only got $20 allowance a week from my parents...but I saved up for it. I loved that in different lighting it would be green, or it could be brown (duo chrome!). I played around with it throughout the years. With a base (everything from gel eyeliners, to eyepencils in different colors, etc.) without a base, and blending with fingers vs. brushes. I have to say I still love it! I've had the orignal pot for over 3.5 years now. I'm not sure if eyeshadows 'expire' but it still smells the same and has the same texture...so I guess it's alright. I haven't hit the pan yet, but there is a noticable dent! Looking back, it was worth the $14.50 I forked out for it.
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Liquid -Shiseido - The Makeup Lifting Foundation SPF 16
blua 5/1/2012 2:24:00 PM
I got matched to fair ivory (I-40 I believe) too light and pink! I'm NC35 at my lightest...curse you deceiving department store lighting! I couldn't get a sample so I actually bought it. UGH. Okay, let me start of with the pros: -I love the texture, thick & creamy. Not running at all. Feels so velvety soft and luxurious. (should be! It's the most expensive foundation I own right now) -No chemical smell. Actually, I don't think it smells like anything really. -Love the pump, but hate the bottle (looks a little ugly honestly) -Love the finish (a satin finish) But what I don't like about it is: -although it says 'full coverage', it's not...atleast not how I like it. -the color was off (too light & pink) -the wear isn't that great -I asked for 'full coverage' but this is geared towards normal/dry skin, whereas I have oily skin, which I guess is why it doesn't last long on me. The foundation for oily skin is sheer/buildable to medium coverage. -Horrible with flash photography (casper anyone?) It's a nice foundation, I'm not sure I would repurchase. I lost the receipt so I can't get a refund but I might be able to get an exchange (for a darker shade). I've had this for a week and used it twice...maybe I should swap it here instead?
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Skoah - Klearity Kleanser
blua 5/1/2012 2:04:00 PM
I guess i'm the first one to review this product! Just a little background on Skoah: It's a spa devoted to skin care. They have these "workouts" for your skin that are done by "trainer" (think a gym membership..for your face!) I think they're services are reasonabily priced and the staff are very knowledgable! You can buy their products online or in one of their spa locations.
**240ml / 8 fl oz CDN$30.00 (not that expensive in my opinion, it's a big bottle and I only use 1-2 pumps)
**Ingredients: Aqua, sodium c 14-16 olefin sulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine, butylene glycol, glycolic acid, melaleuca alternifilia leaf oil, cimicifuga racemosa root extract, allantoin, hydroyethylcellulose, pvm/ma decadiene crosspolymer, sodium polyacrylate, xanthan gum, sodium citrate, sodium hydroxide, citric acid, propylene glycol, diazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate.
That's what I pulled from their website...but I swear my bottle says it contains salicylic acid (I'll have to double check with my bottle. But I do like how it has glycolic acid! (think AHA, you can google the benefits)
The website says:
•pH adjusted to prevent bacteria from thriving, and breakouts from occuring. Also helps break down stubborn blackheads
•tea tree oil that clears the skin, fights exisitng breakouts and prevent future ones
•alpha hydroxy acid to cleanse deeply, lift dead skin cells
I've been using this for almost a week now (tomorrow marks our one week relationship), and I can already tell my skin has calmed down. It has not diminished my acne flareups, but it has helped with the overall texture and the bumps aren't so big anymore. I still get breakouts along my cheek but I find that it comes to a head quicker than before. I love the smell (but then again, I actually like the smell of tree tea oil...) but it's not too overpowering! I apply this morning and evening onto dry skin. Then I add some water gradually till i've washed it off. *during the evenings I use this as a second cleanse after my cleansing oil to remove makeup*. I would say this is great for oily, acne-prone skin and for those with sensitive skin I would advise to use once a day for two weeks and take it from their.
**Bottomline: I want to test it out for 2 weeks, and i'll update on my progress. I do see a nice (gradual) improvement though. You can also try out their products for 30 (or maybe 60days?) and return it if it's not for you. If you don't have the receipt then you'll have to make do with an exchange no refund. Go try it out if you can! I'm really enjoying it.
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Cleansers -Shiseido - Ultimate Cleansing Oil
blua 5/1/2012 1:13:00 AM
**UPDATE** I'm a little weary of the mineral oil found in this. I'm guilty for not checking the ingredient list. But it seems to be okay, if I start acting up I'll stop using it. It still performs great though. Haven't totally read the entire ingredient list, but so far I really like it. Removes my foundation (MAC, Estee Lauder, Stila & Shiseido are the ones i've removed with this) and it works great. It doesn't remove eyeliner (especially gel) as easily as I'd hope it would (along with mascara) but it does an okay job. It's not too heavily perfumed, just a light clean scent and is great in facial massage at night. Will probably purchase. Oh, and it hasn't broken me out! The only con is that it's kind of expensive and I could probably make a DIY homemade version on buy an alternative that works as well.
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Moisturizers -Korres - Pomegranate Balancing Moisturizer
blua 4/16/2012 1:39:00 PM
I said I wouldn't buy this again because i'm still testing it out, have only been using it for less than a week (got it as a sample at my last Sephora vist). First off, I absolutely ADORE the smell of this moisturizer (actually, I think for any Korres product they smell amazing!) Even though I've got oily/acne-prone skin, I feel like it isn't too heavy or thick. I actually assumed that when when I dipped my finger into it, I thought that it would feel too greasy and yucky. But it didn't! I usually apply this after I spray a little Caudalie beauty elixir (let it dry for a few seconds) and then dot this on my cheeks, forehead and chin and spread out. It hasn't broken me out, and a little goes a long way with me. Even if you put too much, I don't think it'll be too oily/greasy for us oily-skinned gals.
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Cleansers -Boscia - Detoxifying Black Cleanser
blua 4/16/2012 1:26:00 PM
I received this as a sample during my last visit at Sephora. I like how it warms up when I apply it to my face, and I like the texture/consistency of it. My only qualm is the scent, it's borderline Aunt Jemima syrup, and it makes my stomach churn everytime I've used it (kind of goes away within 10-20 seconds). If I do buy it, i'll probably look into the ingredients before I make the decision. It's a nice first cleanse to remove my makeup before I go into my second cleanse. I've only used it for 2 days now, and I believe I can get another 2 from my sample (used am/pm) so I've got a couple days to form an opinion about it. For reference, i've got oily/acne-prone skin. But for no, I don't think i'd buy it.
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Lipstick -NARS - Funny Face
blua 4/11/2012 2:25:00 PM
I absolutely adore this color! It's such a nice vibrant berry with a little touch of pink when the light hits it in certain areas. It works well for my skin tone (NC35-40) and my moms, who is waaay lighter then me. It finishes to a matte and stays on pretty well. Endured drinking & eating. Most matte formulas really emphasize any flakes and dry patches, but this doesn't do that at all. Will repurchase when it runs out (& swallow the hefty price tag)
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Eye Shadow -MAC - MAC Brun Eyeshadow
blua 4/9/2012 1:10:00 PM
I'm an NC35-40 (depending on the seasons) and I LOVE this for my brows. It's the perfect brown for me, not too red & not too ashy. Even when I want a strong brow, I can get away with it looking "natural" and not too overdone. Is a definite staple in my makeup bag :)
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Makeup Brushes -MAC - 188 Small Duo Fibre Face brush
blua 3/29/2012 3:55:00 PM
I thought long and hard about buying this brush, one because of the price, and two because I was sure there would be a dupe for it somewhere. Well, I took the plunge and put down the $50+ to buy it. At first, I loved it...then somewhere down the road it sucked. I don't know if it's the cleanser I used or the way I washed it...but it just had bent hairs and everytime I used it, I would take an extra couple minutes to pick at the little black hairs that shed. I was crushed cause I spent so much on it, and that the brush cleanser I used NEVER did that to any of my other brushes. Anyway, the performance wasn't that great at that time also.
Then a couple weeks ago, I was watching gossmakeupartist on youtube, and he had a video up on how to use a stippling brush. The way he explained it gave me a new light on using it again. So yesterday, I did it the way he explained it to me...and...for the first time...I really had that 'airbrush' look. AND It wasn't shedding anymore! When I do clean it now, I just swirl it in little circles in the palm of my hand and gently squeeze out extra water when I wash it out. I form it into a tip and let it dry for 2 days. I'm really loving it! But because of the shedding and crap I had to put up with before, I'm only giving this a 3 out of 5.
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Cleansers -Ponds - Deep Cleanser Cold Cream
blua 3/28/2012 1:03:00 PM
The main ingredient in this is Mineral Oil, which is something we should avoid (go to www.beautymouth.com and read Caroline's rant about it) But I can't help but continue to use this! My mom has been using it since I can remember, and it's just something that's so familiar to me...plus they had a buy one get one at London Drugs. I do like the way it makes my skin feel, all soft and moisturized. I do have oily skin, and there's only one for "Dry" and "Normal to Dry". It's still good enough for me, doesn't make me too oily, and besides I use it as my last step when I cleanse at night. I just take a little and massage it onto my face for a couple minutes, and gently wipe it off with a warm towel. Until I find something like this that I like sans mineral oil...I will continue to use it. Sorry Caroline :(
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Lotions/ Creams -The Body Shop - Rose Hand and Body Lotion
blua 3/28/2012 12:50:00 PM
Initially, I was put off by the smell...but I guess it grew on me. What I hate about this hand cream is that it feels so good at first when you put it on, but it dries out my hands and makes them feel so horrible! And I got this because I wanted to help moisturize my hands...what a waste!
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Treatments -La Roche Posay - Effaclar Duo
blua 3/28/2012 12:46:00 PM
It's a little too early to place judgment on this product (even though I said yes to buying it again), since I only got in two days ago. I just wanted to chronicle my experience so that other people can form their opinions. I've got oily, acne-prone skin with active pimples and hyper pigmentation, have a little problem with uneven texture and skin tone. I bought the kit that it comes in for $25 (buying the effaclar duo alone would be $25! What a deal). It came full size and had the purifying cleanser (full size) and a 3ml sample of their SPF60 sunscreen. First off, I love the smell...it smells so damn clean! And it doesn't feel too sticky, and it doesn't burn when I put it on my face. It's got the consistency of a serum.The packaging is super hygenic (comes in a tube), and is easy to control the amount of product you use.
First time I used it was the evening before I went to bed. It absorbed completely into my skin within 5-10 mins and I had no irritation, no rednes, no itching, no nothing, so I went to bed. When I woke up though....I had a pimples all over my face that I didn't have days before. I hope this is purging and not just a bad reaction to it....but like I said, a little early to throw in the towel since I've used it a total of 4 times now (morning & evening). I'll updated once I hit the weekly mark, so on and so forth.
**UPDATE**
It's been two weeks and I have to say, my face is pretty bad right now...I've been using it twice daily (am & pm) and I have yet to see any improvement. Okay well, that's kind of a lie. I had a cluster of pimples on my chin, and I put it on last night and woke up to just one. I don't see it 'preventing' any new pimples...but it has kind of helped with the ones that have erupted. It hasn't irritated my skin any more..but i'm a little reluctant about this product. I will use it all up, but i'm not sure I will buy it again.
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Lipstick -MAC - Force Of Love - Matte
blua 3/6/2012 6:34:00 PM
Just recently broke out of the neutral/lipbalm only routine and purchased this a couple days ago. I wasn't too inclined with 'matte' finishes because it over emphasized any flakes if my lips were too dry....but when my lips have been exfoliated/conditioned then I'm all for matte!
Such a lovely pink, almost flamingo pink but not crossing 'neon/hot'. It has a touch of orange too it that tones the color down a bit. But I think it really suits my skin tone (NC35-40 range) and even looked good on my mom's paler skin! The lasting power is okay, but maybe I'm always sipping on tea/water and eating so it fades alot quicker. The pigmentation is fantastic, and I'm interested in this collection (maybe looking to get something else? haha)
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