Eye Shadow -Physicians Formula - Baked Collection wet/dry eye shadow
royas784 5/6/2009 3:43:00 PM
I have walked by the Baked Collection eye shadows many, many times, without giving a second thought to buying one. I was looking for an eyeshadow set- and being disappointed in most drugstore sets, settled on this...so glad I did! This does not disappoint in the least. I have the "Baked Oatmeal" set, which seemed like one of the prettier shades to me. The medium shade (for all over eye lids) is a beautiful taupe color. The darkest shade (used to line/contour) is a nice, mocha/chocolate shade, and the lightest color (highlight) is a pearl-like color. All three shades are shimmery, but not too glittery- just the right amount of shimmer. The shades complement each other perfectly and are very easy to blend- I usually use them in the powder, dry form... I have also tried using it wet, and it looks very nice for more of an evening/nighttime look. You can use it dry, for more of a subtle everyday look, or wet. I use my own eyeshadow brushes with these, instead of the sponge applicator that is included. I use this almost everyday now...it has quickly become one of my favorite eye shadows. I am not a fan of all Physician's Formula cosmetics (esp. mascara), but I'm loving this eye shadow. Definitely worth a try.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Sonia Kashuk - Metal Eyelash Comb
royas784 3/4/2009 12:52:00 AM
Nearly everyone here agrees that this is one great lash comb. It is unique, in that it is metal, unlike most last combs that are plastic (and a lot less effective). I comb through my lashes root to tip, very slowly, making sure not to poke my eyelid (it hurts a lot, so be careful!). This is a very effective for separating lashes perfectly without messing up the curl or removing too much product. I feel like I can thoroughly coat on the mascara without worrying about my lashes sticking together, since the comb will separate them anyway. The metal teeth are thin enough to actually get the job done, and yet thick enough to, well, get the job done. They are not flimsy either, so this comb will last a long time. The other end includes an eyebrow comb, which works well. You can only get this at Target, and maybe online... it's definitely a find. Say goodbye to stuck-together, clumpy lashes- they are a thing of the past, as long as you use this!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Bonne Bell - Dr. Pepper lipsmackers
royas784 12/8/2008 5:34:00 PM
Love this stuff. I'm a lip balm freak, and never thought I'd use anything by lipsmackers again..used to love the gloss as a teen, but thought that my lipsmackers days were long gone. Ten years later, here I am using Dr. Pepper chapstick, and I love it! I randomly read about it in a magazine- an author raved about how it gives your lips a slight tint, and moisturizes well enough for a bargain chapstick. I was actually looking for a lip balm that has a natural tint. I had tried cherry chapstick, but it made my lips a bit too reddish. The Dr. Pepper balm looks great- i get a slightly rosy tint (kind of like rasberry), but it's very subtle and gives just enough color to brighten up your face. I have olive toned skin (light/medium), and it looks fine on me...I can imagine it looking good on just about anyone. This moisturizes very well, smells great (a combo of cherry and Dr.Pepper), costs very little, and takes me back to the Dr.Pepper (well, more like Mr. Pibb) days. I use this all the time, but when I have chapped lips, opt for cocoa butter or vaseline. But all in all, this is quite a find.
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Cleansers -Aveeno - Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
royas784 10/14/2008 3:01:00 AM
I used this a few times while staying over at my brother's place- I liked it at first, since it cleaned my skin well, but after using it continuously for a few days, I noticed dry patches on my face. My skin doesn't tend to dry out too easily, but some ingredient in this caused areas around my nose, jaw and cheeks to start to dry out and flake. It doesn't have a high concentration on salicylic acid (just 0.5 %), so I was a little surprised when my face started drying out. I've used acne washes with up to 2% salicylic acid content, and most of them did not irritate my skin. I noticed a few pesky little bumps appear after using this. This isn't the worst face wash I've used, but my skin did not react well to it. It smells wonderful and foams up nicely, but some people might find excess dryness with continued use.
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Mascara -Boots - Botanics Volumizing Mascara
royas784 9/9/2008 3:53:00 PM
I bought this on a whim at Target, since they had run out of Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara in Carbon Black. I was hoping to like it, but unfortunately had to trash it. The formula is thick and a good amount comes out on the wand- but I feel that it is TOO thick to work well. It was difficult to apply- I had a hard time even trying to go from root to tip, it just stuck to my lashes like glue. Needless to say, it made my lashes stick together and look fake. I will go to CVS or some other drugstore just so I can go back to Neutrogena- I have also reviewed Healthy Volume, and am very impressed with it- application is smooth, and my lashes look fanned out and very flattering. Boots Botanics Voluminzing mascara, on the other hand, did not work well. I use the usual method of application (root to tip, wiggling slightly to get even application), so really, the only issue is the formula. Other Botanics products looked very nice- this mascara seems to be the exception. If you are looking for a good volumizing mascara, I highly recommend Neutrogena Healthy Volume...even a quick product search on MUA can guide you. I rate this a 2, since it isn't the absolute worst mascara I've used, but it does come close for a couple reasons: a) the formula is far too thick (almost tar-like) for an effective mascara...something in between this , and the typical watery formula would be great. b) It makes my lashes clump together, making application difficult and time-consuming. I won't stray from Neutrogena again, even if that means ordering online.
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Lip Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Lypsyl - Regular Lip Balm
royas784 6/25/2008 2:27:00 PM
I decided to give Lypsyl lip balm a try, after reading mostly good reviews about it. I happen to like the packaging- as you get a good amount of lip balm, and the size makes it very easy to find in a crowded purse or drawer..and of course, the cute little slider bee- I prefer that to the conventional twist-up chapstick- but it seems to be a matter of preference. Anyhow, I am really happy with this lip balm- I have tried a number of other chapsticks, most of which feel waxy or do not last very long (which means more touch ups).This feels very smooth and emollient, not waxy or sticky at all. And it even lasts through the night- when i use it before going to bed, I still wake up with moisturized lips. Some people are put off by the minty feel of it- it is also a matter of preference. I happen to like the cooling effect, but for those who do not, it's probably not the right lipbalm...although I can say that it does not burn, it's more of a cooling feel, like Burt's Bees chapstick...I do prefer this to Burt's bees, because it does not feel waxy. It makes my dry lips feel very moisturized and healthy, and lasts a good while. I am happy to have found a lipbalm I am satisfied with- it's often hit and miss, but this hit the mark.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Unlisted Brand - Jojoba Oil
royas784 2/27/2008 12:47:00 AM
I am so glad I read about this on MUA. I have been using Jojoba oil for a few weeks now, and I must say that I am impressed. I use this for a couple of purposes- as a nighttime moisturizer (face), and in my conditioner to add a bit more moisture. For my face, it's a charm. I have combo. skin- oily t-zone, normal cheeks. I only use a couple of drops, and my skin feels moisturized, but not greasy. It actually seems to normalize my skin- I've read that it's best for normal to oily skin for that very reason. It does not lead to break outs, which is a definite plus, nor does it clog pores. I have heard that it is the closest thing to your skin's natural oil, so if you use a tiny bit on your face, it pretty much tricks your skin into thinking it's already produced enough, so it will not over-compensate. .. oh, I also use a little bit to moisturize the skin around my eyes. For my hair, it has been a dream. I add just a couple of drops to my conditioner (Trader Joe's Spa), and my hair ends up feeling soft and healthy after. I bought a bottle of this at Trader Joe's, where it's cheaper than at other stores. The bottle states a variety of uses- moisturizing dry skin, hair, ... I am guessing that it'll also work great on cuticles and dry heels. I am so pleased with this- it is very moisturizing, but not greasy. Perfect combination! Another use that I read about online is using Jojoba oil as a makeup remover for eyes and face. I simply put 2-3 drops on a cotton pad, add a little water, and it wisks away literally every trace of makeup, mascara, etc., it works so well and keeps facial and eye area moisturized. There are so many uses for this, it's really the one thing every woman should have in her cabinet.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Physicians Formula - Eye brightener, highlighter
royas784 2/17/2008 7:21:00 PM
I have this in "Classic Eyelight," a light, slightly gold/pearl color that is absolutely beautiful. I bought the highlighter after using my sister's and falling in love with it. This product is very versatile- it can be worn on its own, all over the lid/brow bone, or as a highlighter (browbone) along with eyeshadow. Either way, it works well and looks great. The quality is good too, and the pigment is light enough to brighten eyes, but pigmented enough to actually show up. I like the little compact it comes in, but find the brush useless and only use my finger to apply. If you are looking for a quality highlighter, you can't go wrong with this. There are a number of different shades to choose from, and the price is not to bad either, around $7, but I got mine half off at CVS. Overall, a great product that I use all the time.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Revlon - Colorstay 12-Hour Eyeshadow quad " Sterling Rose "
royas784 2/17/2008 3:39:00 AM
I have two of the eye shadow quads- Sterling Rose, and the other (I forget the name) is a brown quad.... This set is beautiful. I love the taupe color, and find that it looks great paired with the pink as a highlighter. The light grey color is also very nice, especially when layered with the taupe. The staying power of this is fine, and the colors are absolutely gorgeous, as opposed to some other shadow sets which seem kind of dull. This quad set is also very versatile, as it can be used as a daytime look, or more dramatic for evening or special occasions. The set lasts a long time and is packaged nicely. I love the quads, and am looking to purchase other ones as well.
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Lotions/ Creams -Aveeno - oatmeal lotion
royas784 1/28/2008 10:44:00 PM
I had previously used Neutrogena Norwegian Formula lotion, but since I could no longer find it, I decided to go back to good old Aveeno. I used this in the past, and was pleased with it. It seems like basic lotion- fragrance free (which I find to be a good thing), with a slightly thicker consistency than most generic lotions. But I find this to be more effective than most lotions I've tried. I put this up there with Norwegian formula, but I like it a bit better because it does not feel as waxy. My skin (especially legs and elbows) tends to dry out, unless I use a good lotion daily. I've started using this the past few days, and my skin feels very soft and healthy. I do not find the need to reapply all the time, it really sinks in and lasts. But my skin feels smooth and soft- the Norwegian formula, although it did hydrate my skin, made it feel kind of waxy. Overall, I am pleased with this lotion, and will definitely stick with it. UPDATE: This is the PERFECT lotion for dry, scaly skin. My skin (especially legs) was so dry and this hydrated it like no other. My skin is in MUCH better shape since using this regularly. This is one of the few lotions out there that actually does what it claims, and exceeds expectations. My skin was ashy before, but now it just glows. Try it, you will not be disappointed.
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Treatments -Nailtiques - Formula 2 - Nail Protein
royas784 1/25/2008 10:50:00 PM
Great product that works. My sister (a nailbiter) recommended this to me for my peeling nails. My nails are very healthy, and have gotten a lot better, but still tend to peel when I grow them out- I have medium length nails, so keeping them strong requires a bit of maintanence. That's where Nailtiques formula 2 comes in. I have noticed that upon application, my nails are instantly harder and look and feel a lot more healthy. With regular use, my nails are much stronger, and tend to break and chip less. It is pricey, but I feel that the results make it all worth it. When used along with Sally Hansen's Vitamin E nail and cuticle oil, my nails have never looked so good. I recommend Nailtiques to anyone who wants to maintain strong nails, or wants to strengthen their nails. You won't be disappointed. ** To add, this is perfect for those who want to grow out their nails, as with regular use, it strengthens nails and prevents breakage. I have noticed that my nails are growing out stronger and healthier now.
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Scrubs -Queen Helene - Oatmeal N' Honey Natural Facial Scrub
royas784 1/24/2008 6:13:00 PM
I have finally found an HG scrub!! Never again will I stray away from the Queen (Helene, that is!). I trust Queen Helene products 100%, there's nothing I prefer more. You cannot beat the price, and more importantly, the quality of their products. I got a 6 oz. tube of this at Sally's Beauty for around $2.50. But it is definitely as (if not more) effective than high-end, pricey face scrubs. I have only used the Oatmeal N' Honey facial scrub a few times, but I see the difference already. The grains, as other reviewers have mentioned, are pretty fine, and a lot like sand. Fine enough to be gentle, but still very effective. My skin feels so soft and healthy after. My t-zone bumps, and those pesky white heads (esp. on nose!) are already starting to surface and disappear.Perfect. I feel like this facial scrub is very beneficial for my skin- the ingredients don't put me off, and it isn't too harsh, like St. Ive's...which I tried in the past, and vow never to try again. I happen to like the scent...kind of like honey-ish, cookies. Some others did not like it much, but I personally don't mind it at all..it's not too strong. The consistency is perfect- very creamy, but not icky, sticky, gooey mess like some other scrubs I've tried. The granules are abundant- very abundant, so a little is really all you need. I tried other scrubs- Garnier Nutritionist, Neutrogena foaming scrub- they did not even compare (and they were more expensive). Some other scrubs don't have enough granules to be effective, or on the other hand, are far to abrasive for your delicate facial skin. Not Queen Helene. Try it, chances are you won't be disappointed AT ALL. In fact, you might be a total QH convert! I use this- about twice a week is fine for my combo (oily t-zone) skin. I also use QH mud pack mask...which is absolutely wonderful, the best mud mask ever! My skin is in good shape, like I got a facial (but at less than $3 for the tube!). All in all, Queen Helene is definitely THE Queen!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Organix - Coconut Milk Shampoo
royas784 1/10/2008 9:23:00 PM
This shampoo/conditioner really weighs my hair down and makes it feel oily not long after washing. I have thick, healthy hair that is prone to frizz, and I feel like my hair needs a good washing, even right after using this. For me, the only good thing about this was the scent, but the shampoo/conditioner was not very effective for my hair type. I initially gave this a positive review, mainly based on the scent (I LOVE coconut), and the ingredients, but was disappointed because it just did not work for me. I had to change the entire review. My hair is very healthy, thick, slightly wavy...this made it seem like I put oil in and really weighed my hair down. This may work for those with fine hair, but for me, it was initially too drying, then turned into an oil sllick after air drying. I have since switched back to Trader Joe's Spa, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, I have no idea why I strayed...if you are looking for something more natural that keeps your hair balanced and clean, I highly recommend TJ's shampoo. Organix coconut milk shampoo and conditioner, althought it sounded nice and smelled wonderful, was not effective for my hair. Not a repurchase--at all. I actually had to return it shortly after buying it.
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Masks -Queen Helene - Mud Pack Face Mask
royas784 12/13/2007 7:16:00 PM
My HG mask! Queen Helene Mud Pack mask costs only a few dollars, but works so effectively, you'd think you paid lots and lots for an expensive facial treatment. I first bought this nearly a couple years ago, and have never switched to another mask..it is that good. A basic, old-fashioned mud mask is perfect- any fancy treatment or product is unnecessary in my opinion. Queen Helene products are no-fuss, wonderful and effective. The mud pack mask goes on very smoothly, feels cool and refreshing, and slightly tingling. It rinses off easily after drying (which takes around 15 minutes). My skin feels so soft and healthy after. Whenever I feel like my skin's acting up or feels kind of gross, this is the perfect thing. ** I had to add, you can get a big tub of this at Sally's Beauty Supply- I paid around $4.50. You get a lot for a very reasonable price. I use this once or twice a week, so it lasts a very long time.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Body -Palmers - Cocoa Butter Formula jar
royas784 11/11/2007 11:46:00 PM
I can rave on and on about Palmers solid Cocao Butter formula. There's nothing I've tried that moisturizes so well, without turning into a greasy mess. When you first open the container, it's solid- kind of like a tub of lipbalm, but once you soften it, it's perfect. It smells somewhat like frosting (yum!)- my dog kept trying to eat it as I was applying it one night- it smells that good. And it works wonders for my skin. My heals had been dry/flaky before, but when I use this, my feet are so soft- literally all day and night. I also use this to moisturize my elbows, knees, knuckles, cuticles- really, anywhere that gets dry with cold weather. I haven't tried anything that works so well, for so long. I also have the stick version, which I use on my lips...I stopped using chapstick, and only stick to that. Also, I hardly use any other creams, as this Cocoa Butter Formula (w/ vitamin e) works perfectly.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No