Crème -Chantecaille - Future Skin
psmitty 2/1/2012 7:05:00 PM
Based on good reviews, thought I'd give this a try. Funny how products can function so differently for MUAers! This foundation was unfortunately one of the worst I've tried on my skin and that says a lot. 1) Heavy feel- even after I wash my face, I feel residue 2) Extremely greasy, although oil-free. I now don't blot at all with Smashbox Studio Skin, but this made me oily-looking in less than 10 minutes. It felt like Mary Poppins bag- it just kept coming out, no matter how much I blotted! Yuck! I actually blotted a few times per hour and it still looked greasy 3) Not long lasting- although the heavy feel stayed, a drop of water looked like milk streaking down my face. I walk outside a lot, imagine light rain! Unacceptable 4) Insanely expensive, good thing I had a sample 5) Poor packaging 6) Looked fake, however the coverage was poor. A lot of concealer was needed to cover small blemishes Glad it worked for so many, but it was a big fail for me! From extreme greasies to running with water, it's a no. I reminisced that the Almay Clear Complexion foundation I bought in a pinch for less than $12 lasted longer, had a pump, looked more natural and controlled oil. I'll stick with my trusty Smashbox Studio Skin! No breakouts, looks better and lasts all day.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Lancome - La Laque Fever
psmitty 1/15/2012 8:39:00 PM
I love this dependable, non-sticky and long-lasting lip gloss. It's a strange consistency- glossy at first, but settles to a smooth, almost dry-to-touch finish. I picked it up years ago, but never found a shade that worked. Enter "Dynamic", a perfect, purpley/plummy shade for pigmented lips. I tried many products, but settled on this one as my wedding lipstick. It didn't kiss or wear off, looked perfect in pictures, and was easy to reapply. The doe-foot applicator is handy. It's pricey, but dependable!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Alima - Satin Matte Mineral Foundation
psmitty 1/14/2012 1:27:00 PM
Excellent product! Natural look, so settling into pores and lines, didn't make me greasy, transfer-resistant and long-wearing. I have very sensitive, acne-prone, combination very pale yellow skin. Olive 1 is a perfect match, although I ordered Olive 0 in case I get even paler through the winter. It's generally very difficult to find shades pale enough and without pink. It reminds me of my beloved Dior Extreme powder that was recently discontinued. The lippy off is for the annoyance of lugging loose powder around and the lengthier application process of applying loose mineral foundation when I'm used to a few swipes of a sponge. I'll gladly do it, though, for such a nice product. Bismuth oxychloride breaks me out and this doesn't have it. BE and Everyday Minerals didn't last as long and the shades weren't great- the wear wasn't as natural. This doesn't rub off on my scarves or kleenex when I blow my nose- impressive. Haven't tested it in hot summer weather, though! I use the balancing powder underneath, then a bit on top. No special routine needed. Price is very reasonable. I'd repurchase!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -Urban Decay - Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Color ALL SHADES
psmitty 1/13/2012 7:42:00 PM
I've had great luck with Urban Decay products and lasting power and had high hopes based on reviews. I've been lurking around reviews and finally splurged when I could justify. And Fbomb is a perfect bright red. Unfortunately, the lasting power of this on me was absolutely dismal. It looks great right after application, but quickly faded in unevenly and left red patches. One attempt, I carefully applied, did paperwork for about 45 minutes, checked the mirror and it was patchy. Wish I had the same luck as other MUA members! A lighter shade would be ok, but when it fades unevenly, it's pretty obvious and embarassing. This went in the trash. What a waste!
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Mascara -Beauty Without Cruelty - Waterproof Mascara
psmitty 1/13/2012 4:30:00 PM
I had high hopes, but unfortunately, this mascara didn't hold up adequately. It thickened and provided a bold, black impact, but smeared during a short nap and also during activity. It uncurls my lashes and leaves them a bit heavy- feeling. Big points for being cruelty-free and reasonable, though! Sadly, it didn't measure up as a dependable product. I've read several positive reviews, so maybe it's my application methods or oily lids.
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Lipstick -Bobbi Brown - Raisin Berry Creamy Lip Color
psmitty 1/12/2012 5:35:00 AM
I love this formula and am pleased to find another shade that works. It's one of the only lip products that last on me. Not only does it stay on during meals, it's even, moisturizing, unscented, and has a lovely smooth finish. The sleek packaging is easy to carry around and closes tightly. Unfortunately, most of the shades don't work on me. I'm pale yellow with very dark hair and most lipstick shades work (one of the few benefits of looking like Morticia Adams). For some reason, many of the shades, like Italian Rose and Blue Raspberry don't look right. Only Rose Petal seems to work. Perhaps the shades were formulated with pink-toned or dark skin in mind? In any case, this is a lovely neutral brownish/pinkish/reddish shade that is flattering and buildable. Love it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Bobbi Brown - Creamy Lip Color in Rose Petal
psmitty 1/8/2012 5:40:00 PM
This ranks as a favourite lip product of all time and I've tried lots, from Dior to Maybelline, Chanel to Aveda. It's far above the rest for the following reasons: -ultra moisturizing -very impressive lasting power, even through meals -wears evenly -applies well without a mirror, even pigment -no fragrance -beautiful, subtle rosy shade on my pale yellow skin and pigmented lips -non-sticky or greasy -simple, sturdy packaging -very little transfer on cups This rides with me everyday, summer and winter. Although I like trying new products, this is an old faithful I hope is never discontinued!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -L'Oreal - Colour Riche Balm
psmitty 1/7/2012 3:18:00 PM
I like this product! I bought the plum shade for around 6.99 CDN on sale at Shoppers Drug Mart. I have pigmented lips and pale skin- it's a very subtle pinky berry shade. It's much more moisturizing than Maybelline's Baby Lips and better quality. That being said, the plum shade seems the most pigmented and it's not much. It might disappoint those looking for color. I would definitely repurchase this particular shade, likely not others.
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Toners -Unlisted Brand - Dermaglow Radiance Glycolic 10% Gentle Peel Solution
psmitty 1/3/2012 11:09:00 PM
I hate to be the dissenter here! I usually use Reversa solution, but wanted to try something new and the reviews were excellent. Unfortunately, I didn't check the ingredients and it is NOT oil-free. Although my skin wasn't irritated by the glycolic acid, I started developing cysts and breakouts. Since it's the only change in routine lately and it went away after stopping, I concluded it was the culprit. Yes, citrus oils can be used to treat acne, but they consistently break my skin out. If you're acne-prone, I highly recommend Reversa's version. It's cheaper, plus oil-free and great for sensitive skin. I won't stray next time! UPDATE: Yes, this is definitely the culprit! I even have a small cyst on my neck where I used it. I stopped using it and my bad breakout cleared immediately. It boggles my mind they'd use oils in a glycolic peel intended to clarify skin. If you're not acne-prone, the reviews indicate amazing success. If you are, however, stay away!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Unlisted Brand - Dermaglow- Lash Enhance Growth and Conditioning Treatment
psmitty 12/30/2011 7:23:00 AM
I just started using this product and am having some slightly concerning irritation. It stings after application and on day 1, I woke up with swelling on my lower lash line. On day 2, my other eye was sore and I developed a headache. I will try for a few more days, but will discontinue use if it persists. It's not worth it if it does! UPDATE: Upgrading my review after learning you should only use a miniscule amount. I do see a difference in length, likely also do to Lancome Cils Booster primer. If I use too much, I do get swollen eyes for a few days, though, which is a bit unsettling. I just put enough on at the base to moisten the upper lash line, but not enough that I can see the product or have it spread to my lower line. This seems to avoid issues.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -MAC - Powerpoint eyeliner in Permaplum
psmitty 12/28/2011 5:37:00 PM
So far, I really like this eyeliner. It's reasonable, a perfect shade on me (pale yellow skin with hazel eyes and dark hair) and lasts well. I like how it can be lightly applied and subtle, or heavier for drama. Interesting how it seems to show differently on reviewers- it wasn't too purpley or dramatic, more like a subtle grey/purple on me. Many purple eyeliners are reddish and make me look sick, but not this one. Forgot to take it off at night and it looked intact the next morning after tossing and turning. I hesitate to give a 5, as I haven't sharpened it yet or tested it during very humid, hot weather.
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Eye Shadow -MAC - Satin Taupe
psmitty 12/27/2011 10:26:00 PM
Tricky, but I figured out how to make it look less dull and ashy on me. I agree with reviewers who say this may not be as good on yellow skin tones. I'm very pale yellow with hazel eyes and this looks flattering as a very light accent, but makes me look tired if I make it heavier. I still much prefer Stray Dog by UD, a more wearable, neutral taupe that looks good with a light or heavy hand and lasts longer. Might as well get my moneys worth with this one, though! I use it with Seedy Pearl as the main shade. UPDATE: Ok, downgrading this one. Thought it looked nice, but I caught myself in the mirror looking washed out and sick! I love the reviewer's likeness to a nice guy everyone says you should like, but you just don't. With my pale yellow skin, dark hair and lighter eyes, this frankly looks like crap- like I'm recovering from the flu. I'll stick with beloved UD Stray Dog!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Clarins - Wonder Volume Waterproof
psmitty 12/27/2011 7:21:00 AM
It gives decent volume, but not only gave me raccoon eyes on a typical winter day, it smeared when I brushed my face or had a quick nap. It even smeared during a quick shower avoiding eyes. It claims "Waterproof" on the packaging. Thankfully, I bought this disappointing product on points at Shoppers, or I'd be very upset for spending that much. Not even remotely waterproof or dependable! Even CG Professional non-waterproof doesn't smear, run or smudge and looks better. Plus, it's a fraction of the price.
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Mascara -Urban Decay - Cannonball
psmitty 12/26/2011 11:35:00 PM
Great volume, length and brush, but sadly, the fibers shed and fell under my eyes. My eyelashes looked long and thick, but I was left with unsightly little sticks under my eyes that tended to smear when rubbed. No thanks! I really wanted to love this product, hope it works for you. I use Hourglass Superficial now when I can justify and although it's not waterproof, it stands up much better with daily wear, naps, etc (just not lots of tears).
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Lipstick -Bobbi Brown - Creamy Lip Color - Italian Rose
psmitty 12/13/2011 6:27:00 AM
I really love the long-lasting formula and packaging for this, but unfortunately the shade didn't work for me. I love Rose Petal, but wanted something a bit more dramatic. It looks like a pinky brown shade in the tube, but when I apply, it looks like brownish with orangey/red undertones. I have very pale yellow-toned skin and dark hair, so I thought it would work. Too bad! I was also frustrated to find out the products are significantly more expensive in Canada, sometimes over $10 more per small item. Annoying when I live close to the border!
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