Moisturizers -Cetaphil - Moisturizing Cream
joyousjoy88 7/12/2010 10:41:00 PM
This a definitely a must have for me. It just a basic moisturizer without spf that can be used all over the body and the face. It has so many uses, like petroleum jelly. I have very dry skin and eczema. I find that it does wonders on dry patches and keeps skin very moisturized even in the winter. It is a thick cream but is not greasy at all or has any fragrance. For me it triples as a hand and foot cream. I have tired many hand creams from Nivea, Aveeno and Glysomed, but this one keeps the dryness away, soothes skin and keeps my eczema under control without feeling sticky or heavy. A thick cream that melts away but moisturizes is HG for me! So many uses! It comes in a tube or giant tube. I bought the giant tube just that its more for the dollar, but I then went out to the dollarstore to get an empty lotion pump and used a spatula to transfer it into the pump for better use. Overall a great basic moisturizer that has many uses, great for dry skin and eczema and at an affordable price.
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Cleansers -Aveeno - Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Cleanser
joyousjoy88 7/6/2010 8:24:00 PM
I really like this cleanser. I have been using this everyday for a week now. I use to use Clinique's foaming mousse cleanser but I finished and I wanted to try something new. Clinique dried out my skin and even though its texture was very rich and luxurious, my face was still dirty (foundation etc.). I have very sensitive and dry skin so I felt Aveeno would be a wise choice. This cleanser says it is very gentle, (even around the eyes), removes make up and leaves skin soft. I agree with the claim! I found it was so much easier to remove all my make up and sunscreen using this cleanser. It even removes waterproof liquid eyeliner (have not tried mascara yet). After washing my face was sooo smooth and not dry at all, unlike my Clinique. This product has soy-extracts which I think is great for the skin. This is very gentle on the eyes which I love! I don't have to rub my eyes to remove make up, I can just lightly pat the foam on and wait and this cleanser breaks up everything and washes off easily. To know for sure how well this works in one step, after cleansing I use a toner and the cotton pad after I use the toner is clean. When I use to use Clinique's cleanser, I had to use a toner to remove all the other stuff it could not remove. Packaging- - - The cleanser comes in a pump which I really like. Texture- - - It is a very light foam (which at first I was very skeptical that it could actually remove make up and sunscreen) Fragrance- - - Nothing really Would I repurchase - - - Yes! Overall-- It is cheap, much more effective and gentle on the skin.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -Clinique - Turnaround Instant Facial 
joyousjoy88 6/27/2010 4:32:00 PM
I got this as GWP, first off. I only decided to use it when I ran out of my bamboo gentle scrub from Yves Rocher. The texture is like a cream with many tiny micro beads that you can defiantly feel when you squeeze it out of the tube. You have to spread it on your face dry after cleansing then wait 5 minutes then rinse with warm water. I was very skeptical at first for leaving it on my face for 5 minutes as I have very dry skin and I felt my face tightening. After splashing water on it and gently scrubbing in circular motions I rinsed it off and pat dried my face. RESULT: I felt extremely smooth skin, nothing my skin has experienced before. I had flakes on my cheeks, which were gone after using. As well, my skin was smoother than after using my normal scrub. Though, after using this I did noticed sparkles all over my face which I thought was very odd. Why would there be sparkle? Really, I would have given this a 5 if it weren't for the sparkle. I took a moist cotton pad and tried to remove them. Other than that, the squeeze tube packaging, and the very smooth results I would actually purchase this in the full size.
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Lip Treatments -Carmex - LipBalm
joyousjoy88 5/28/2010 12:08:00 AM
I really like this lip product. I have dry chapped lips all the time, summer or winter, its just my skin that's dry all over. It relieves, calms and soothes dry itch lips. The feeling of it on the lips is very similar to blistex daily conditioning balm, but I like this better because my lips stay moisturized without having to reapply. It really the lips moisturized throughout the night better then Vaseline. I have noticed less chapping on my lips after a week of use. It doesn't have spf so during the day its best to use an spf lip product then this on top. But on the other hand, I like the fact it doesn't have spf since you don't need it at night or when your not outside. Another downside is on the packaging it says not to apply this product more than 4 times a day. No idea why, and would like to know and hope there isn't a major alarming reason. I do stick to what it says and alternate with a another lip balm. I love the squeeze tube packaging, I feel it is more sanitary than the jar one. However, I have seen this product so many times but hesitant to buy it because the colours are hideous! The colour combo reminds me of a bottle of toxic chemical spray or something. Overall, it's a great lip product for dry lips and at very cheap price.
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Top/Base Coats -Sally Hansen - Insta-Dri
joyousjoy88 5/15/2010 2:11:00 PM
First off I have bought this several times in the past and will continue to buy it. I buy it mainly because of the 'anti-chip' claim. (I have the Insta-dri anti-chip top coat). I truly have think its a great product to keep your polish long lasting, shiny and prevent from chipping for a week. This is on the pricey side about 7 bucks CAD. But with this I can buy the cheapest nail polishes that would normally chip the next day, and use this SH top coat and the cheap polishes would stay longer! I love it! One thing though, the brush I feel is longer than the typical nail polish which is great for those with long nails, but I found it tricky to use with shorter nails.Though its not a deal breaker, the polish protection you get from this top coat is amazing!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Rimmel - Lasting Finish Pro - Steel Grey
joyousjoy88 5/14/2010 10:58:00 PM
This polish is a great colour! I agree with previous reviews that the colour is very flattering. Although it is called steel grey, its more like a taupe colour. I saw on a YT guru video that mentioned the brush being wide and she said it was a good thing, but for me my nail bed isn't that wide so the brush is a bit difficult for me and I get streaks though a good top coat erases the streaks. It took about 2 or 3 coats to get a really nice opaque colour and by 3 coats its like too thick and yea not good. Overall a great neutral-like colour, that is from a cheaper brand.
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Moisturizers -Clinique - Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
joyousjoy88 5/1/2010 1:29:00 PM
I have gone through 3 jars of this stuff. All from gwp. I would not purchase it on its own, but I use it when I get it for free. It is very light-weight and is not meant to be your only moisturizer. It has no spf or antioxidant properties. If you have very dry skin like me, it would be good to use before or after your regular moisturizer because on its own it does not do much in terms of moisturizing. It is good for summer when your face does not need a heavy moisturizer. I do not like the packaging at all, it comes in a clear glass jar 15ml and wished it came in a squeeze tube or pump. The texture is like a gel and is pink. This stuff sinks into your skin very quickly, however on its own the moisturizing effect does not stay very long, and would not provide enough moisture under make up if you have dry skin.
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Skincare - Face -MAC - Fix+
joyousjoy88 4/15/2010 9:38:00 PM
Finally something to get rid of the powdery look! I am glad to have come across this on mua and bought it because of the reviews. I agree that it takes away the cakey-look that powders can give. I have very dry skin and this did not moisturize my skin what so ever. I found however the packaging was what bothered me the most. It is a very nice looking unique spray bottle, which has twist and lock thing so that when it is locked it won't spray. Though I think the hole where the stuff is suppose to come out is way too big. Every time I use this, I don't really get mist effect. Instead I get larger droplets that goes unevenly on my face which results in me spraying a lot more, which isn't great since for what it is, it's not cheap and wasteful. For water that's about $20CAD I would expect functional packaging at the least. ---++On the upside, I spray it on my brush then sweep it across my face to finish my look and its works well and dries to a dewy look depending on how much you use. I minus 2 lips for the packaging/spray application and the price.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Shiseido - Sun Protection Eye Cream spf 32 
joyousjoy88 3/27/2010 3:07:00 PM
--UPDATE -9/1/10, I wanted to retry this, but after checking the active ingredients on CIBA sunscreen simulator this got a fail in terms of UVA protection. It got a low PPD of 4. So if you wanted to prevent aging with this eye cream, i wouldn't count on it. Removing 2 lippies ( 3 down to 1). It comes in a small blue squeeze tube and the opening is this narrow cone shape when you remove the cap, great for keeping bacteria and germs out. Its pretty small, 15ml and pricey at about 2 dollars per ml. It does not irritate the eyes when your apply it. I also wear contacts and I found that it did not affect them or turn my eyes red when applying them after my contacts. I have had no allergic reaction using this. It also is not greasy and absorbs well into the skin. Definitely go to a counter and try it out for yourself, before you spend the money. (reposted since there are two review areas for the same product) +++UPDATE: sorry I spoke too soon. I removed 2 lippies. This is very drying. It has some form of alcohol in it. I already have very dry skin and using this around my eyes without moisturizer resulted in lines around my eyes and I am only 21. Lines from dryness...no good. I guess it would be okay if I started to use this with moisturizer but I do not like how drying it is.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Shiseido - Sun Protection Eye Cream SPF 32 PA+++
joyousjoy88 3/27/2010 3:05:00 PM
--UPDATE -9/1/10, I wanted to retry this, but after checking the active ingredients on CIBA sunscreen simulator this got a fail in terms of UVA protection. It got a low PPD of 4. So if you wanted to prevent aging with this eye cream, i wouldn't count on it. Removing 2 lippies ( 3 down to 1). Wished I came across this product sooner! Thank you MUA! It comes in a small blue squeeze tube and the opening is this narrow cone shape when you remove the cap, great for keeping bacteria and germs out. Its pretty small, 15ml and pricey at about 2 dollars per ml. Yet, I would continue to buy this regardless of the price. Its great for the eye area, and non-drying! I found that my eye area did not go dry with this sunscreen. I won't go back to using my normal facial sunscreen near my eyes after using this. It truly does not irritate the eyes when your apply it. I also wear contacts and I found that it did not affect them or turn my eyes red when applying them after my contacts. I have had no allergic reaction using this. It also is not greasy and absorbs well into the skin. Definitely go to a counter and try it out for yourself, before you spend the money. (reposted since there are two review areas for the same product) +++UPDATE: sorry I spoke too soon. I removed 2 lippies. This is very drying. I already have very dry skin and using this around my eyes without moisturizer resulted in lines around my eyes and I am only 21. Lines from dryness...no good. I guess it would be okay if I started to use this with moisturizer but I do not like how drying it is. Boo...
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Neutrogena - Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 45 with Helioplex
joyousjoy88 3/27/2010 10:27:00 AM
I am sad to give this a low rating since it has many positive reviews and I wanted to like this. First off, (PROS) it is a chemial sunscreen (see ingredients) good for thoes who prefer it over the physical sunscreens. It has a high spf, it feels light and does not give too much a of a greasey face when applied. There is a bit of a white cast but it does absorbs fast into the skin and wears well under foundation and even primer. Also, the packaging is very nice, its a flat squeeze tube that doesn't have that shiny/slippery finish and very convenient to hold and carry around. --However would not recommend to dry skin folks. --->Why I did not like: My normal moisturizer with spf (cetaphil) was almost out (which I have been using for years) and I wanted to try something new and this Neutrogena was it. I liked it at first, but then I noticed it was not hydrating enough for dry skin like mine and even emphasized dry patches. I was using this for almost a month and half way through I started to get really bad pimples to the point I had to get pimple cream. It was a shock for me since my skin is dry and not acne prone and I haven't had to get acne cream in 4/5 years! I never had break outs like this before. I had no idea where it was coming from. One day when it was really sunny out I decided to take the moisturizer down my jawline and neck. That was when I knew for sure it was the Neutrogena spf 45 causing me breakouts, becuase yes I got pimples under my jawline and neck area. This never happend when I was using cetaphil. I couldn't believe you could even pimples in that area. Overall this was a terrible experience for me. =( Going back to cetaphil has made my face is so much better. --->I suggest when trying a new product, do a skin/allergy test in a small area before using it full out. I learned my lesson.
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Concealers -Revlon - ColorStay Under Eye Concealer
joyousjoy88 3/23/2010 8:44:00 AM
Overall I like this under eye concealer. I bought several in the last month trying to find a good one and I think I have found it. I first felt that the formula was very thick and hard to blend. But then I applied it by dabbing smaller amounts then using my fingers to smoothe it out and it looked fine. It really does work great under the eyes, be sure to use an eye cream or primer it helps. I like the finish looks very smoothe and does not cake or gather. It also has spf 15 which is great! This doesn't have any sparkles or shimmer like other under eye concealers which I like and lasts all day. Good stuff! Downside: there isn't a wide shade selection, I only saw 5 or so maximum shades and the applicator took a while to dispense the product (so many twists!) [UPDATE 9-3-'10] - I no longer use this, it is drying and cracks at the end of the day. I use a concealer from Hourglass which is so much more moisturizing 4 lippies down to 2
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Annabelle - Liquid Eyeliner in Black Out
joyousjoy88 3/21/2010 3:11:00 PM
The colour was pretty pigmented, but thats all I can say for this product. By the end of the day it left my eyes somehow. Smudges like crazy and melts off without touching. Does not last. Spend a few buck more and get the Maybelline version that actually stays and doesn't stray like this. Also I found this super watery and when applying on the upper lid is would run down into my eyes which is not great when I am wearing contacts. I think its watery formula must be the reason it melts or comes off easy. I won't rebuy,
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Powder -Sephora - Compact Foundation
joyousjoy88 3/20/2010 10:17:00 PM
I dont think I can live without this compact! I have been buying this for 4 years! Everytime I run out I buy more. I just think its a versatile foundation that can be used many ways. When I first asked the SA about it she showed me ways to wear it. Gives light to medium coverage. I use D32. 1) You can use it wet with a moist sponge to dip it in the powder and it goes on for a light coverage 2)You can use a brush and use it as a powder/finish powder (which I use it for) 3)Use it with the sponge it came with and pat it on your face I love this product! I find it great for dry skin. The packaging is super convenient and the sponge is great too. It provides the coverage you need depending how you use it.The finish is matte and does not look cakey. Only wished this product had some spf. *UPDATE: Man I perhaps have gone through over 10 of these compacts since 2006. 9-23-2010, I have discovered Diorskin forever compact and I love it for my very dry skin. Although Sephora is cheaper, it doesn't help my dry skin.
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Moisturizers -Clinique - Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer
joyousjoy88 3/20/2010 8:12:00 PM
Story: I bought this becuase my skin is very dry, cold winter and stress seemed to be taking a toll on my skin. I had dry patches and flakes. I tried so many d/s night moisturizers and vaseline. I normally use Cliniques DDML but it was not enough so I researched and found this! I have been using it for a month and My skin is so much better than it was a month ago! I could cry! (I got this in Very Dry to Dry) ----This stuff is rich and thick. I apply it as small dabs then spread it becuase if you just put some in one area and spread it out it won't, its too thick. I apply it at night and wake up with dewy moisturized skin! Awsome for a dry gal like me! It says fragerance free but I did detect a smell, kind of like sun screen but it went away. I did a good job on some dry patches on my face making them less rough and flakey. No allergic reaction or breakouts. When you put it on it does look super greasy, no lie. I have never seen myself with an oily face before until with this product. But since it is for night time, the shine shouldn't matter. Its gone by morning. I would not use this for day, its too heavy. It is pricey at $46 CAD for 50ml. But I did waste a lot of money on d/s night creams that did nothing so this was worth it! Thank you Clinique!! UPDATE: I'm almost done my 50ml tube and I will most likely repurchasing this! My skin recovered from the dry patches I had and skin has been great using this product. I only use it once a day, mainly because it isn't cheap and wanted to make it last. I use a separate spf moisturizer during the day. I really thing that a moisturizer with a lot of antioxidants is a very good protector for your skin against elements that can damage your skin. I suggest that for those thinking of buying this product is to search/google the benefits of antioxidants for the skin. This is a good choice as it is full of them and it come is a stable, squeeze tube for the product. UPDATE, 10-7-2010 I am on my 3rd tube! I really wasn't sure if I wanted to repurchase but after trying other night moisturizers that irritated, I went back to this one. Still loving ever drop of this stuff!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No