Eye Shadow -Prestige - Total Intensity Long Term Relationship- Bewitched
deadonarrivals 1/23/2013 11:01:00 AM
Pleasant Surprise! In Ulta, they had a new display in the Prestige Cosmetics section that caught my eye. New shadows called Total Intensity in these cute little square cubes. All shades are duochrome and I took a shot in the dark because of no testers so I picked up Bewitched and Addiction. In this line, there are 6 shades total and I plan on getting the remaining shades this week! Lets first talk about the color. Bewitched has a taupe base with green, gold and brown duochrome effects. It's like a party on my lids. The shade is so pretty, you really don't need any other shadow to pair it with unless you just wanted to add a matte light beige highlight shade near the browbone. Now, the formula. The formula was surprisingly good, not like Prestige's other shadows. These shadows are pigmented and blend so easily. To compare them to other shadows, these shadows are better than MAC Veluxe Pearl but similar to the formula with the Urban Decay Naked palette shadows. One of my best buys on the season. I definitely recommend these shadows and will buy again.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Make Up For Ever - Mat Velvet PLUS Matifying Foundation
deadonarrivals 1/19/2013 9:55:00 AM
This foundation is pretty good, I like it. I'm oily with some dry patches on my jaw line & chin from applying treatments to my occasional cystic acne marks. I'm typically very oily all over by midday and need to blot regardless of the foundation type. I absolutely hated MUFE HD for my skin which made it even more oily. I'm NC40 winter NC42 summer and found a good match with #55 in MUFE Mat Velvet. The finish is matte and appeared a bit dry around my chin but by moisturizing first, it made that area look better. After 3 hours of wear, I started to get a little oily in my forehead but not too bad and the rest of my face was nice and oil free! The coverage is medium and requires layering to cover any post acne marks. I find this foundation to be wonderful at layering because it doesn't dry so fast. I find with this foundation, I only need 3 very tiny dots to cover my face for medium coverage which is pretty impressive. I also love that fact that because I only need such little product, the packaging is amazing because it allows only a pinpoint amount to squeeze out of the tube. I really have no negative comments so far about this foundation. I do not recommend this for normal to dry skin types. I will update if this causes any reaction but so far, so good! Very happy and I look forward to using this more in the summer for when I'm so oily, I look like I can fry a steak on my face.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Milani - Liquif'eye Metallic eye liner pencil -black
deadonarrivals 1/15/2013 9:43:00 AM
FINALLY this is in stock at a store near me. I've been trying since summer to get my hands on this eyeliner. Only Walmart and CVS sell Milani near me and this damn eyeliner in Black is always sold out. My first attempt with this was complete fail. I figured it would be a typical liner where I would have to apply pressure to get any color. What a disaster, I looked like I had a black eye. This liner needs a light gentle hand, in fact barely touching the lid will give you major color payoff! This black is so black I don't even know what to compare it to. It is blacker than anything that I have tried. It is blacker than tar, tires and onyx...really that black. I see why this liner is always sold out. This is by far the most pigmented black liner out there and at an affordable price. Now, for the texture. Right away, this reminds me of MAC Kohl liner in Smolder. Both go on like butter but smudge very easily, for me anyway. I have oily lids and my experience with both liners is that I need to carry Qtips w/ me to clean up under my eyes. For me, it does smudge which is an issue and I find setting it with black eye shadow helps it stay on a little better. What I do like about Milani Liquif'eye is that is doesn't fade, it stays rich black all day long! So, what I buy this again? I think so but I'm a bit bummed of how easily it smudges on me.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -New York Color - Sky Rise Lengthening Mascara
deadonarrivals 1/15/2013 9:14:00 AM
I love picking up random mascaras even though I already found my HG (Prestige My Biggest Lashes) but I have no control with mascara, I must try them all! I got this because it was 50% off so I only paid a buck and some pennies for it. Even though I rated this a 1, I still think the packaging and brush was fabulous with this mascara. Pros: 1. Price 2. Packaging. I love the tube of this mascara because it is slim and sexy. I like how the top closes very tightly and no oozing out on the sides due to the very secure closure on this. The brush is great, long and narrow with traditional bristles. Cons: 1. Formula. The formula is extremely thick and waxy. It was very hard to layer without experiencing crunchy and clumpy lashes. I have a good natural curl to my lashes and this mascara was too heavy and pulled my curl down. I also didn't like the overall look of my lashes because it gave no length! NONE! My result was short clumpy lashes that had no volume or length and no curl.
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Lipstick -Revlon - Colorburst Lip Butter in Creme Brulee
deadonarrivals 1/15/2013 9:04:00 AM
I originally skipped over this shade when I first did my lip butter haul. I figured Creme Brulee would be too light for me. I recently picked this up on sale and I'm very happy with it. First, I would like to say that this is very similar to MAC High Tea Lipstick (Luster Finish) in texture, color and finish. I would say MAC High Tea is a bit more pigmented but if you put a few layers of Creme Brulee, it will come out to the same depth as High Tea. Both lipsticks work on my skin tone which is Medium Olive and NC42 in MAC. Revlon Creme Brulee: Shade: Latte (think coffee with cream) Tone: Warm Finish: Lustrious/Shimmery Texture: Balmy & Moisturizing Pigment: Sheer Longevity: Weak - 1 hour max of wear time Price: Affordable/Drugstore Prices vary upon store. Ave $7.00 (US) Overall: 4.5 Lippies. 1/2 lippie off for poor staying power.
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Polishes -Unlisted Brand - Confetti Moonstruck
deadonarrivals 1/4/2013 8:53:00 AM
Moonstruck is a gorgeous shade of cool purple grey. The formula is very thin and streaky. But, after applying 3 coats, the color was even and dried to a nice rich tone. One lippie off for formula. Love the bottle and a thin brush makes it easy to apply the polish on small nailbeds.
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Pressed Powders -Neutrogena - Shine Control Pressed Powder
deadonarrivals 12/31/2012 1:21:00 PM
I think I found my ideal shine control powder. I always get oily all over by midday and tend to look greasy, so I do need to have a shine control powder on hand everyday. These are some of the powders that I've tried in the past. 1. MUFE HD - works good at setting my makeup and providing maybe 30 minutes of shine control. But, it doesn't have long lasting effects. Plus, it doesn't travel well since it can be messy. I do appreciate this powder before applying my foundations to provide a matte canvas and it seems to work better for me this way. 2. MAC Blot - Works fantastic at controlling oil. However, it gives me a lot of clogged pores. So, I can't use this. 3. Maybelline Dream Matte - Another powder with great blotting power however it gives too much coverage for my taste and the packaging is atrocious. 4. Laura Geller - The most poor quality chalky powder I have ever encountered. So, the list goes on to say the least but the train stops here at Neutrogena! I like that this powder is actually translucent on my NC40 skin. It doesn't leave behind ghost face but I hate the puffer they provided with this powder, it is very thin and the cotton is linty leaving behind lint balls on your face. I like to use a travel kabuki brush with this and it gives a better finish. I also find that this kept me shine free for hours and it doesn't make my foundation look cakey, very amazing if you ask me! Also, no clogged pores or breakouts from this lovely powder. Lastly, I love the packaging! The compact is built well and sturdy. The notch to close the powder, closes the lid snug so it won't snap open in your purse. I also love how the packaging is sleek and matte black. This powder is $12.99 USD and sold at most retailers.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Sebastian - Penetraitt
deadonarrivals 12/28/2012 3:07:00 PM
I love this conditioner so much that I can't wait to wash my hair again. I have so many hair issues it is unbelievable. Because I spend a lot of time on it and use a crap load of products to maintain it, many people that think I have nice hair don't realize my struggles. First, I have very damaged hair and this conditioner is specifically for damaged hair. From the 80s and those kinky perms, the early 90's and my frosty platnium highlights to my early 00's pumpkin and copper phase, from curling irons to straighening irons..I can say I fully enforced every single bad thing you can do for your hair. My hair is also so dry that I can go 5 days before I have to wash it! To add to my struggles, I have extremely thick coarse frizzy hair. The salt on the wound is that I also struggle with dandruff and a dry itchy scalp. Because my most annoying issue is dandruff, I have to use an anti-dandruff shampoo but they all leave the hair so dry like straw. So, I spend big bucks searching for the perfect conditioner. I've tried salon brands, drugstore brands and beauty supply only brands. The only conditioner that was as good as this was L'Oreal Elvive Nutri-Gloss conditioner but this made my dandruff and itchy scalp so much worse so I had to stop using it. Penetraitt conditioner is a pretty thick conditioner and it does a great job detangling my long hair. Once I dry my hair w/ a paddle brush and blowdryer as usual, I didn't add any type of product to my hair to see how well this worked. After my hair was dry, I did notice frizziness at the ends and at the shorter layers around my face. Overall, decent repairing qualities for the first time using it. Now, I just add a little bit of serum to my dry hair to smooth out any frizz. What I really love about this product is that my hair stays tangle free and straight throughout the whole day. Also, this conditioner doesn't cause dandruff or irritate my scalp. The only con I can find with this conditioner is the packaging. The bottle doesn't stand up. If you stand it the proper way with the cap facing down, the bottle is too tall and skinny that it tips over. The other side of the bottle has a beveled edge on one side making it impossible to stand. So, it just leans against other bottles in my shower caddy.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Nails -Unlisted Brand - Hoofer's Choice
deadonarrivals 12/20/2012 3:43:00 PM
Inexpensive and works great! So far I think this is the best cuticle and nail cream that I have used in my 20 or so yrs caring for my nails. This is a very thick cream almost like a balm that just melts into the cuticles. I have very dry rough cuticles so many of the products out there aren't effective on them. I don't particularly care for the cuticle oils because they don't seem to work as well and they tend to sit on the skin. The scent is great, not too girlie. The scent is menthol but fades away once it sinks into the skin. I use this 2-3x a day and it is really helping my nails stay hydrated and allowing them to grow better. My cuticles are soft and smooth as well. A 1oz jar is about $3.49 and sold at Sally Beauty Supply.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -OPI - Live And Let Die
deadonarrivals 12/17/2012 10:25:00 AM
Live and let die is part of the Skyfall collection. I love the saturation of color with this particular shade. I can get by with just one coat for deep pigmentation and superior nail coverage! Live and let die is a blackened forest green with subtle gold shimmer. This is such a dark green that it will not clash with what you are wearing. It is a nice dark color and perfect for the season. Plus, it looks just as fabulous on the toes. I did experience chipping on the second day of wear.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Ardell - invisibands 110
deadonarrivals 12/17/2012 10:14:00 AM
Let me begin by saying I am a complete newbie with false lashes. This is my 2nd time ever using lashes. The first attempt was with a different brand and they were a bit uncomfortable. THESE....THESE 110 Ardell lashes are fantastic. 110 are thin and long with what is called invisibands which is a very thin clear band that the lashes adhere to. All you see are tiny dots on the band which is where the lashes begin. The shape of 110 lashes are very nice in fact I didn't need to trim them. They fit perfectly on my small narrow lids. They are strong yet bend very easily to get a natural contour and fit. I used Revlon lash glue and these lashes stayed perfect for over 9 hours until I was ready to take them off. I was able to layer a few coats of mascara over them and they looked so glamorous yet natural! My biggest complaint with false lashes is that some are so over the top and thick that they look drag queenish. 110 gives you more omph and is the final touch to create a smoky eye for a night out. 110's are natual enough for day wear but I'm just not that into a full face for work so I wouldn't wear them for day. Highly highly recommend these lashes for anyone.
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Palettes -Too Faced - Natural Eye Kit
deadonarrivals 12/11/2012 4:11:00 PM
I have to agree with my beautiful and lovely mauer vwbenzo on this palette. We are the very few in this pool that wasn't wowed by this palette. I find the packaging cute, feminine fun and even my 60+ yr old conservative mother caught her eye on the Too Faced display at Ulta. However, the quality of the actual shadows aren't my cup of tea. People get defensive about shadows and it reminds me of being a fan for a particular football team. No Urban Decay is the best! No Too Faced is better! No Lorac or go home! Stila or suck on it! I particularly like the butter smooth soft shadows that you'll find with Lorac, Stila and Shiseido. I like my shadows to blend with ease. I don't like to go over and over my crease to force it to blend in. I like shadows to just seamlessly melt into each other. With most Too Faced shadows and including this palette, I have to work at getting shades to mesh in nicely. I only enjoy the top row of this palette which are the matte shades: Heaven (cream) Velvet Revolver (taupe) and Sexpresso (deep brown). However, Velvet Revolver is poor in pigmentation but the formula is smooth. The 2nd row is mediocre and contain heavy frost and or shimmer: Silk Teddy (champagne pink) Push Up (bronze pink) Erotica (soft charcoal). I really don't care for Silk Teddy because of the unnatural frosty harsh look of it. I do like Push up and Erotica is decent in pigmentation but a bit gritty in texture. The last row is a waste and completely poor in quality. The finishes are very glittery and gritty, just like putting crushed shells on your lids! Nude Beach (glittery light warm toned pink) Honey Pot (glittery warm 24k gold) and Cocoa Puff (glittery warm milk chocolate). Ugh, I really hate the bottom row of this. So much fallout with this bottom row as well. I agree with vwbenzo when she mentioned that after a few hours of wear, these shadows seem to turn muddy and make me look tired as well. When I wear Shiseido or Urban Decay Naked shadows, they look fresh all day long. I really tried to love this palette due to the high reviews but it is a bust.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Garnier - Anti-Dandruff Dry Scalp Shampoo
deadonarrivals 12/11/2012 10:16:00 AM
I don't particularly like Garnier products but the name "dry scalp" on the bottle really caught my eye. Not only do I get bad bouts of dandruff from time to time, I also get a dry itchy scalp as well. I've tried other dandruff shampoos (head and shoulders, selsum blue, T-gel etc) and they were all mediocre and left my hair so dry. First of all, I would like to say that I love the scent of this shampoo. It's not medicinal at all but very pretty and clean. I also found that this shampoo didn't dry my hair out. I have to say, after my first washing with this shampoo, majority of my flakes were gone! I have long hair and always wear black. After using this, flakes are down about 95%!!!!! I still have a few random flakes but before it was pretty embarrassing! Lastly, my scalp feels clam and less irritated. I haven't had the need to scratch it since using this shampoo. Overall, I real good shampoo. The only con is that it could be more moisturizing. You really need to use a conditioner after using this. UPDATE: After using only using this 4x out of 2 weeks, my flakes are completely gone now.
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Lipstick -NYX - Round Lipstick in Pumpkin Pie #630
deadonarrivals 12/7/2012 12:24:00 PM
I'm not liking this shade because it's too unnatural. It is a orange based nude and looks wrong on me. Also, not sure if I got a bad tube but this one smelled rancid and the texture is slimey. I own a lot of NYX round l/s and they don't have this texture and smell.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Olay - Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-aging Eye Cream Line and Dark Circle Minimizing Brush
deadonarrivals 12/5/2012 2:31:00 PM
Oh Olay, go back to the drawing board and create something decent for once in the eye cream department! This stupid pen type cream is useless as a tit on a bull. Total Effects of pissing your money down the drain. Don't go out and buy this like I did. I wish I read the mua reviews first. Let me begin with describing the packaging. This cream comes in a thick pen container with a wide brush at the end. When you click to get the product to come out, it comes out in a messy blob at the base of the brush. I'm not a fan of this type of packaging beause often times, too much product shoots out and there is no way to save it. Lets move on to the formula. The formula is a thin beige colored cream that is suppose to hide circles while treating them. Well, the beige shade is extremely sheer and doesn't provide any brightening or coverage. This under my moisturizer provides no moisture! I have oily skin and even I didn't notice my under eyes moisturized after using this, it just gets sucked right into the skin. Lastly, it's not that cheap either. I could only tolerate using this crap for two weeks after gladly tossing it in the trash.
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