Styling Products -Paul Mitchell - Super Skinny Serum
kikidoll27 1/20/2013 2:02:00 PM
I cannot go a day without this product! I've been getting really into haircare lately (leave in treatments, good shampoos, keeping it detangled) because I'm trying to grow out my hair. I blowdry it every night to keep it manageable, and always apply a little bit of this to my hair before blowdrying. It adds shine, tames frizz, and keeps it more manageable. Here's how I use it: -After I shower, I towel dry my hair and brush it out, then squeeze any excess water out. -I apply this from about the tops of my ears down, and then rub my hands and the product that's left onto the rest of my hair. -I apply Aussie split end protectant to the lower portion of my hair. -Blowdry with diffuser, then sleep! -When I wake up, I brush out my hair and straighten my bangs. Insta-shine! I absolutly love this product. It's a little expensive, but at the place I get my hair cut, they often run buy one get one free sale, and my mom gets her it's a ten leave in treatment (which I casually 'borrow' from her most nights), so she gets me this. I'm nearly done with my second bottle, and have another one waiting for me in my stash under my sink. For refrence, my hair is light brown, wavy, prone to frizz and oilness, and reaches mid back. This makes it look great, when it really isn't.
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Cleansers -Purpose - Gentle Cleansing Wash
kikidoll27 1/18/2013 6:40:00 PM
I was previously using the cetaphil gentle cleansing wash, but it broke me out soooo badly (castor oil! Why?!) so I decided to switch to this. My skin is super sensitive AND acne prone, which I think is the worst combination ever. It loves benzyl peroxcide, but only on active blemishes, otherwise my excema gets aggravated. This says it is 'as gentle as water', which I doubt. It removes my makeup scarily well for something that doesn't leave my face feeling dead, dry, or tight, and I think this is helping clear up my blemishes. It's super gentle, so I think that as long as it doesn't break me out I'll continue to repurchase. I do think that if your skin is on the drier side, this would leave it feeling tight. But for me, it works nicely. Also, it doesn't make my skin red when I use it like most cleansers do. This is definitely a nice cleanser....fingers crossed I won't need to update about this breaking me out. UPDATE 4/6/13: I am now on my third bottle of this cleanser, and I just love it. It's so gentle, but it removes all of my makeup in one go. It's just so great for my skin...it was exactly what I needed. My skin is now seriously improving. I had pretty bad acne when I began using this, but now, with the help of a prescription, my skin is so much better. I cannot reccommend this enough.
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Styling Products -Aussie - Sprunch Spray
kikidoll27 1/9/2013 5:26:00 PM
I'm pretty surprised by all the bad reviews for this product...I really like it! It comes in a tall purple bottle with some general information like the brand and small product description on the front and more in depth information on the back. I normally use this in the mornings before school or if I'm going to the beach (which I probably do about once a year...and I live in a beach town). As another reviewer mentioned, this is for waves, not curls. Catch the Wave is even written right on the bottle. I find that this product gives my hair a nice smell to it while providing it with a nice- but never crunchy -wave. Here's how I use it: -Before bed at night and after showering, I apply Paul Mitchel Super Skinny Serum to my hair and run it through. -Then I use the Aussie split end protecant and run that through my hair. -I use my blowdryer and the diffuser attatchment to dry my hair, but not take away my natrual waves. -When I wake up, I straighten my awkward too-long-to-be-bangs-but-too-short-to-be-face-frames and then spritz around five to seven squirts onto my hair (which reaches mid back. I should probably use more...) and scrunch my hair up and hold it in place for about twenty seconds. When I let it go, the spray helps form the waves, which then stay in place all day. I've been really happy with my hair since using this. Bottom line: It's a great product for us wavy haired girls, but I don't know if I'd buy it again. I'm always looking to try out new hair products, and while this is a nice product, I'd like to try more that claim to do the same thing.
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Treatments -Clean & Clear - Advantage Popped Pimple Relief Drying Paste
kikidoll27 12/29/2012 5:03:00 PM
I used this for the first time last night. This is pretty highly rated here on MUA, so I saw the last one at Target for 6.79, and thought, what do I have to lose? It comes in a metallic blue squeeze tube with a clear round screw on cap. General information is written on the front, and some more indepth info is on the back (ingrediants, info on company). This product comes out blue and dries white, which I think is a pretty neat idea. If you apply it too thick, it will 'cake up', so I only apply a very, very thin layer on any blemishes. This is called popped pimple relief, but I use it on blemishes I haven't popped because I really try not to pop my blemishes...we all know how bad that is. Anyway, last night I spread on a thin layer and went to bed. I woke up around six, but the appointment I had got cancled, so I was about to go back to bed when I felt a big, under the skin blemish coming on. I iced the area for a minute or so, then applied a thin layer of this. When I woke up around ten, the blemish was almost completely gone. On my other blemishes, the reduction was not as significant, but it definitely helped more than persagel 10, which I think may be too harsh for my skin. Bottom line: I really like it now, but that's after one use. I'm thinking I'll use it for a few more weeks and update with my thoughts then. UPDATE 1/7/13: Been using it nightly, noticed that it definitely cakes up after applying too much. I find that it works best with a very thin layer. I likes that it helps my blemishes, but will try persagel10 and this on different blemishes that pop up around the same time and see which one helps more. I feel like this REALLY drys my skin out, but when I go to put on makeup it doesn't look cakey or flakey. I'm still liking this. I'll update again soon. UPDATE 1/16/13: Why?! This has been breaking me out, I swear! I wanted to love it so much, but persagel 10, which I thought was irratating, is so much more gentle than this. The reason why I don't like this is because I feel like it traps the blemish under the surface so that while it goes away at first, it keeps popping back up. Ugh. And I did end up testing persael 10 vs this, and this cleared it up in two day, but then popped back up, while persagel 10 also pretty much cleared it up in two days. I wanted to love this SO badly, but I cannot...drat. I'll be sticking with persael 10 for now.
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Lipstick -Revlon - Colorburst Lip Butter - Candy Apple
kikidoll27 12/29/2012 1:04:00 AM
I am very, very fair skinned. Let's just leave it at that. Because of the 'color' of my complexion, I normally stick to non-obtrusive colors like pink based nudes or...pink based nudes. Lately I've wanted to branch out and try bolder colors, but none of them seem to flatter my skin tone. If they do, I'm too timid to wear them anywhere. I tried a lipbutter in Cotton Candy and loved it, so I figured I'd have nothing to loose (except the 6.79 I forked over for this). I actually like it! I only apply a sheer layer for a stained effect, but it can definitely be built up to opaque. I wear it with a nuetral eye for a put together look with zero effort. The only con I have is I have to apply it with a mirror, otherwise I'll end up applying too much. UPDATE: No change in lippies, but WOW! Been wearing this toooons lately (I've gotten paler O.o) in a thicker layer, and it looks amazing. It's also a nice application, really smooth. It's moisturizing, but I wouldn't call it a 'lip balm'. It's not really a 'butter' either. It's just a nice, non drying, really creamy, buildable lipstick with a glossy effect.
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Mascara -Cover Girl - Lash Blast Clump Crusher mascara
kikidoll27 12/28/2012 3:22:00 PM
At long last, I've found it: The Mascara King. I spent the past month looking into Clump Cursher by Covergirl, wondering if it was really that much different than LashBlast Volume, which I used to love. Recently, I've been using Maybelline Full n Soft, but it's wayyyy too dry for my liking...and I prefer dry mascaras. I heard that this has the same formula as LashBlast, just with a different brush. I love the LashBlast formula and have wanted to try a curved brush, so I figured this was my best bet. I found it at Target for 6.99, which isn't that bad, but it's not great, either. I've tried layering it over Full n Soft, and tried using it alone. I think I prefer using it alone for a natrual, clump free look, but also for long and volumized lashes. This gives my lashes a feathery look, and doesn't flake or feel brittle/dry on my lashes. It comes in a lime green tube (love the color) identical to LashBlash Volume and the other LashBlasts. Again, the tube is extremely bulky, which isn't ideal for keeping in my makeup bag. I love the results this gives, so I don't mind. The brush itself has a slight curve ideal for seperating my lashes, with short rubber bristles. I think that if you're looking for clump free, volumnious lashes, this is definitely for you. I like this better than LashBlast Volume, my most used mascara. So, on that note, I will definitely repurchase. UPDATE: Ok, yeah...not the mascara king anymore. More like the Mascara Heir to the Throne. After the king (lashblast fusion) becomes discontinued. I honestly liked this one more at the first, but now that I finally repurchased lashblast fusion (used it a few years ago), I see one major difference: clumpcrusher dries up in around three weeks, and then the results aren't as amazing, while LB fuision takes at least three or four MONTHS to dry up. At first, the results rocked, but now... I can't say I'd repurchase because I am always looking at new mascaras, and don't want to spend the seven dollars on one that dries out so quickly.
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Skincare - Face -Unlisted Brand - Ice Cubes
kikidoll27 12/27/2012 3:14:00 PM
I didn't know there was a review section for this until I searched 'best value'. I've been using this meathod for a few months whenever I get a big, under the skin blemish. I wrap the ice cube in a paper towel and press it to the blemish for a few minutes until I feel like my face is numb. When I remove it, the swelling has gone down and it's easy to apply makeup to it. It works onmy whiteheads, too. Sometimes I'll give myself an ice facial, where I rub ice over my entire face for a few minutes.
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Eyeliner -Essence - Gel Eyeliner
kikidoll27 12/26/2012 11:21:00 PM
The Esscence Gel Eyeliner comes in a decently heavy round glass jar with a black lid with a design and general information on it. On the bottom of the jar is a bit more information (color, location of brand), and the barcode is stuck to the side of it, which I have yet to peel off. At Ulta, the only local store that sells Essence (that I know of), the section of this brand of cosmetics is always near empty. I think it's party because it's so inexpensive and sells out easily, and partly because it may be viewed as a little kid brand (again, because it's so inexpensive and the display looks rather...young) so the staff doesn't bother to restock it regurally, which really stinks because I happen to love this brand! They have great lip products. I never bothered to check out their eye makeup until I read all the rave reviews for it. Lately, I've been looking for a nice black eyeliner, and gel liner is so easy for me to apply. It's actually easier for me than pencil liner is. Weird? I'm not sure. I apply this using the Essence gel liner brush (1.99 and awesome!) and make one clean line along my upper lash line. I like wearing this with shimmery shadows and less dramatic mascara to acentuate my lashes and make them look bold without being overly dramatic. This retails for 3.99 at my local Ulta. I definitely like this product a lot, and will look into trying more eye makeup products from this brand.
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Makeup Brushes -Essence - Gel Eyeliner Brush
kikidoll27 12/26/2012 11:12:00 PM
The Essence Gel Eyeliner Brush is a long black handeled brush with stiff yet soft purple bristles. The brand name is written in dark blue on the handle in a way that it hardly appears. The brush handel is very thin, and I find that because of this, it's easier to get a good grip on it. I'm always timid with applying eyeliner (and let's face it- gel liner sounds so intimidating), so I like how thin the brush is. I can coat all the bristles and still be able to draw on a clean, thin line that defines my lashes and draws attention to my eyes without looking dramatic. Also, I found that this is awesome for applying the convertable colors from the Stila travel palettes onto my lips. Of course, normally I would use a lip brush, but I can't stand having to pack tons of brushes on vacation (my limit is five). I like that this can double task. This brush was 1.99 at Ulta. I've heard the Essence also makes a blush brush, but I can never find it there. If I do see it, I'll definitely pick it up.
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Lipstick -Rimmel - Lasting Finish - Candy
kikidoll27 12/26/2012 11:02:00 PM
Rimmel Londen makes my favorite nude lipstick ever: the infamous Airy Fairy. I was in Ulta (I swear, I should just move in) and decided to check out other lipsticks from this line. I wanted Pink Blush, but when I went to open it to make sure it hasn't alreadly been used, I saw that it had been...and it was the last one. Alas, Pink Blush and I shall one day meet again. I had my heart set on getting a Rimmel lipstick, so I poked around and saw this one sitting all alone on the bottom rack, practically begging for me to come and take it home with me. I opened it and loved the subtle shimmer in it. How's the packaging? So cute. It comes in a metalic purple tube with a crown engraved on the top. I got it for 4.50 at Ulta, and based on the quality of this lipstick, I reccommend looking at this line next time you stop at the drugstore. Sounds good, right? Wrong. I cannot pull off this color! I seriously can't. It's one of the ugliest lipsticks I've put on my mouth. It's not creamy, it's actually pretty hard, and it goes on patchy. But the color! It's so frosty and just...ugly! I wish I could pull it off because of the great reviews, but I just can't.
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Eyeliner -E.L.F. - Cream Eyeliner - Coffee
kikidoll27 12/26/2012 10:53:00 PM
I really like this eyeliner. Lately, I've been obsessed with easy, natural eyes and a stained lip. I've been using this daily with the Esscence gel liner brush to line my upper lash line. Even without a primer, it stays all day, doesn't smudge or fade, and is easy to apply. I take a little on my brush (Essence Gel Eyeliner Brush) and smudge it along my lash line, or make on long, clean line if I want a more clean cut look. It comes in a really nice glass (or plastic?) pot with a chic black cap. It also comes with a tiny brush, which I'll keep around because it's actually quite nice for travel or staying overnight at a friend's house. It's small, yes, but it does the job. This was 3.00 at Target. The price is low, the quality is high, and I would definitely buy this again. Update: wouldn't repurchase, docked two lippies because I find it smudges throughout the day...not good for oily lids. But i really is a nice cream liner if your lids aren't oily.
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Lip Gloss -NYX - MegaShine in Natural - 122
kikidoll27 12/26/2012 10:05:00 PM
This is a lovely lipgloss. I especially love the packaging. On the cap, there's a little black bow design which I think is so cute. The shape of the lipgloss is long and rectangular. I have another one in Nude Peach, and I love them both. This one is a brownish-nude, with a hint of pink in it. I don't normally go for brown based colors, but this is very subtle and leaning more on the nude pink side. It doesn't clash with my cool toned fair skin either. It's shiny, not glittery, and non sticky. The only slightly off putting thing is the scent, which is a very strong cherry candy smell, but it quickly fades after application. This is a very nice lipgloss for my more low key days or smokey eyes. It was 5.50 at Ulta, which is sort of expensive for NYX, but I still love it.
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Lips -NYX - Soft Matte Lip Cream in Antwerp
kikidoll27 12/26/2012 9:56:00 PM
I picked this up because the Ulta I was out didn't carry Tokyo, the color I originally wanted. This was a close second, so I got the last one (score!). I actually like it a lot more than I thought I would. It's creamy when first applied, and the color payoff is awesome...almost too awesome. I actually have to dab my fingers over my lips to get of the excess color and make sure it won't sink into any lip lines. If I really sheer this out, it looks like my lips, just with a slight hint of coral to them. Another problem I have is that it's pretty drying once on. It doesn't feel too comfortable on my lips after it has set. When I lick my lips or eat/drink throughout the day, my lips begin to feel slippery and I become parinoid that they're going to look streaky. I'm also eternally parinoid that this will flake onto my lips. Bottom line: if your lips are dry, I would pass this one up. I absolutly LOVE the color though, and will repurchase unless I am able to find a matte lipstick of the same color. I think I'll be wearing it more come summer time. As someone else mentioned, I love the color, but I'm not too big on the formula. UPDATE: I've been wearing this a lot latey, and added a lippy because I find that if I apply my eos lipbalm under this in a thick layer, then apply this and let it set, it looks awesome. It's a tricky application, but I don't need to reapply too much because it stains my lips. Everything said above is still completely true. It's still very drying. But, with a thick layer of lip balm, it counteracts the dryness for the most part. As for repurchasing, I think it's a no, but I'll enjoy it while I have it. I just can't justify buying this knowing I have major issues with the formula. But the color really is gorgeous.
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Lotions/ Creams -Bath and Body Works - Paris in Bloom
kikidoll27 12/26/2012 9:40:00 PM
I really like this scent. It's a bubbly flower scent with sweet undertones and little to no detctable musk. The packaging is gorgeous. There are pink and oranges flowers, and the name of the scent is written on a pretty piece of stationary. I got this for three dollars, and will buy it again durring another semi anual sale, assuming this is not limited edition, which I think it may be. This is probably my favorite from the Paris line they have.
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Blush -E.L.F. - All Over Color Stick - Persimmon
kikidoll27 12/26/2012 4:08:00 PM
I originally picked this up on a whim, thinking I could use it for lips, eyes, and cheeks when I go on vacation. See, I have this terrible habit of leaving my makeup at whatever hotel/beach house/family's house I'm staying it, so I always pack light and cheap when it comes to cosmetics (I finally caved and bought one of those giant makeup cases to store everything in, so it's not that big of an issue anymore). Shockingly, I actually like this product! I can't use it straight from the tube though, because doing so gives me too heavy of an application. I normally dust a brush over it and swirl this on my cheeks if I'll be going somewhere where I won't be in a lot of natrual light. I find that this appears really unnatrual in natrual light when I use it on my cheeks. On my lips, it look alright, but I have so many lip products that I never reach for this. If I do use it on my lips, it gives me a bronzey-pink look that compliments my fair skin, but the taste/scent is off-putting. However, I LOVE it on my eyes. It's a pretty flush of pink that brightens up my whole face. It will crease, so I use the elf eyelid primer before I apply this. I load an eyeshadow brush with this product, then apply it to my eyelid, and a bit on the lower lash line. It gives a really nice look with subtle shimmer that catches the light. And for a dollar, it's a great buy. I'm really glad I decided to pick this up.
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