Palettes -Too Faced - Naked Eye Kit
jillirific 11/16/2010 6:41:00 PM
I absolutely fell in love with this palette online and even more when I swatched it in person at Sephora. The colours were beautiful and the pigmentation seemed great after swatching, so I went ahead and bought it, hoping it would be something I could use every day. I have used this palette nearly every day for several weeks now, trying out different combos and I like this much more now. The colours are sheer and two do not show up on me at all if you use them all over the lid-to-brow as the cards suggest and shades do not layer over top of them (and I am extremely, extremely fair). Pink Cheeks shows up as nothing but soft glitter and In The Buff hardly shows up either. So far, In The Buff is an okay highlight and that's it. Birthday Suit is great though. Satin Sheets looks pink in the pan but once on my lid, it is barely pink but a beautiful gold-ish shimmer. The other shades are great. Soft and sheer, but pretty. The looks you can create with these shades are very pretty; definitely "soft & sexy" and not for anyone who is attempting a dark, smokey eye (obviously). I do not find they apply the same shade as they appear in the pan though so don't expect that. They also apply drastically differently than how they swatch in-store. I actually kind of like the packaging. Yes, it's a bit bulky (and for no good reason since the brush is useless), but I kind of like the size of it. And it's attractive otherwise, and the names are cute for the theme of the palette. The look cards, however, are useless, as I implied above. I really do love the looks I have made with this palette once I got the hang of it, but I am finding that the shades are maybe not as flattering on my skin tone as I was hoping. I have cool toned skin and blue eyes, which I always thought meant I could pull off cool toned colours (silver jewelry and cool coloured clothes look best on me). However, I have red hair, and I find it dictates what kind of makeup I can wear - warm blushes look better on me than cool ones, warm golds flatter nicely, and these cool eye shadows stand out in a bad way when on me, even though I can pull off other cool toned shadows. Again, LOVE the looks I get out of this palette, but I'm afraid they aren't flattering on me. It's strange. Try before you buy if you can, or keep your receipt, since I found this does require some time and effort to love and it may not be flattering on all skin tones. I can see this looking absolutely stunning on blondes with cool skin.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -GirLActik - Star Shadows
jillirific 11/14/2010 5:06:00 PM
I had never heard of this company before when it arrived at my local Sephora. One of the brand reps pulled me over and showed me the products, and I was intrigued by the eyeshadow "Timeless" as it had won something like "best brown eyeshadow" (as per the rep) two years in a row from my bible, Allure magazine. It did have the Allure sticker on it and it was a pretty nice brown, so I decided to give it a shot. I like it. I use it all over the lid as a quick, smokey eye and it doesn't crease or fade (I always use UDPP.) It definitely brings out my blue eyes. However, my favourite thing about this product is the packaging. I love the mirror - it's pretty big compared to other eyeshadows I've bought with mirrors in the lid. You also get a lot of product. That said, not a very unique colour at all and nothing to write home about. I took a chance and tried something new, liked it, but I acknowledge that it's nothing special. It's a good quality eyeshadow and good value, and I would "buy again" (maybe try a new colour) but it's not a life changing product or one I couldn't live without.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -MAC - Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - Light
jillirific 11/9/2010 1:37:00 PM
This has been my everyday/lazy foundation since it became permanent - and thank goodness it did! I've gone through so many of these (they're easily my #1 B2M empty.) I have a very good complexion - I almost never get breakouts and my skin is smooth...I just have some redness which I like to cover. Therefore, I don't like to wear liquid foundation or anything too heavy all the time since I don't need much anyway (though I do still like to wear Revlon PhotoReady for special occasions). Plus, this is super quick! I'm also pretty stoked that this matches my skin (or is very forgiving since it's a light powder) because no other foundation at MAC matches me. It baffles me that this is sold as a setting or touch-up powder. The website implies that it can be used as a foundation ("provides perfect low coverage"), and strongly suggests it for touch ups and setting, but I constantly hear MAs sell it as a setting powder only. I've even had one discourage my mother from buying it as a foundation exclusively, saying that it is not a foundation. This is such a perfect, no mess, no fuss, low coverage foundation. I'm sure it's wonderful as a setting powder, but I think its use as a foundation isn't promoted enough. Buffed onto the skin with a 182 or another buffing brush (I don't find the 187, though popular for this, makes the most of this product as a foundation), it provides a beautiful matte-satin finish. It's advertised as matte but I don't think it gives off a stark matte look, it almost mimics skin and brightens it without any shimmer at all. Applied with a buffer brush (can't vouch for other methods of application), there is no powdery look left on your skin at all. It photographs beautifully. It covers my redness and lets my light freckles show through just enough that you can still see them, which I like. It also lasts through the day on me, and I'm a waitress running around with greasy food. I don't find I need to touch-up at all and actually prefer how this looks on me after a couple of hours or wear. The only thing I don't like is the price. In Ontario, after taxes, this is almost $40. I go through one of these about every 4-5 months which I guess is pretty decent value...I just think it's a lot of money and isn't something I look forward to buying/spending even though I do love the product. If it were $25-$28 I'd feel a lot better about it. Also, it does get 'dusty' for a while when it's brand new - but I find after the dome starts to flatten, there's less product that becomes loose and flies everywhere. Be cautious of that when using it, and don't wear black or dark colours when applying because it does fly off the brush. Regardless, this is an excellent foundation (would not spend the money on it as a setting powder though) and I think it's a great option for those without trouble skin who want a quick foundation routine but great results, too. I would stock up like crazy if they ever got rid of this...I've strayed and tried other foundations but ALWAYS come back to this for its convenience and how it doesn't feel like I'm wearing makeup.
11 out of 11 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -MAC - #187 Duo Fiber Face Brush (Stippling, Skunk Brush)
jillirific 11/9/2010 12:57:00 PM
I think this brush is worth any and all hype it gets. It's fantastic. The Quo version doesn't hold a candle to it. I've experienced minor, minor occasional shedding but otherwise, it's been a perfect brush. Love it for MSF application, foundation and cream blushes. I have the 188 as well but I don't love it as much as this brush. For foundation, it gives a beautiful 'airbrushed' look. It blends cream blushes out like a dream. Makes the most of MSFs and how they should look on the skin when applied with this. It's quite expensive but a very, very worthwhile investment. If you have expensive cosmetics, you may as well buy the best tools to apply them with!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -MAC - 263 Small Angle (Ox & Synthetic hair)
jillirific 11/9/2010 12:46:00 PM
This is the perfect brush for fluidlines and other gel liners. I had been using the 266 for it but it was too thick and the hairs were too fluffy. This one is thinner and the bristles feel sleeker. I like the 209 for gel liners too but it takes more time and effort. The 263 is quick and precise, while still allowing you to play with the thickness of the line. This was recommended to me at MAC for filling in my eyebrows but I disagree...I don't think it does that job as well as the 266. 266 for brows, 263 for liner!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -MAC - Mineralize Blush - Dainty
jillirific 11/9/2010 10:55:00 AM
I really like the shade of this blush, but I don't like the shimmer/glitter. It's not crazy or over-the-top, just not something I want in a blush (if I wanted that look, I would use an MSF.) It's a really pretty peachy pink and it goes on easily and blends well. I haven't noticed any problems with pigmentation or applying it, but I'm very fair. Minus the glitter, this looks like a pretty and natural flush on me. It was my everyday blush until I decided to search again due to the finish. I'm coming to realize that I really hate MAC mineralized products (except for certain MSFs) so I will not be repurchasing this, but if they're your kind of thing, this is a very decent product in a pretty, non-scary colour.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Nylon
jillirific 11/7/2010 2:12:00 PM
This is a super, super shimmery and pigmented light white/gold eyeshadow. I love it for highlighting on the brow bone for dramatic eye looks and especially the inner corners. Nothing brightens my eyes like some Nylon in the inner corners. One of my favourite looks is lightly brushing this from lid to brow and putting some Woodwinked or other gold shadow in the crease...with tons of black mascara and fake lashes. It's a beautiful shimmery wash that supports an "all lashes" look. This shadow blends like butter and is really gorgeous, and a little bit goes a very long way as it's extremely pigmented. I recommend it to everyone I know, as it was recommended to me and I've been in love with it for years.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -MAC - Sheertone in Pinch O'Peach
jillirific 11/7/2010 1:55:00 PM
I was tiring of my usual blush as it had glitter (mineralized blush) and while I like the way MAC's Well Dressed looked on me as a product, I didn't love the colour. So I went to MAC and tried on some blushes and fell in love with this one. I don't find it terribly peachy - more of a warm pink - but it looks gorgeous on me. A natural flush that blends into my skin perfectly. A great product for everyday for those with fair skin!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Cover Girl - Lash Blast Fusion
jillirific 11/7/2010 11:27:00 AM
Really like this mascara for a drugstore mascara. I bought several tubes of this when I was vacationing in the States since we do not carry Covergirl mascaras in BROWN here in Canada. I took a bit of a chance since I hadn't yet tried this particular big purple tube, but I have enjoyed all of CG's spikey wand mascaras (Lash Exact, Volume Exact, Lash Blast Length, etc)...and I think this is the best one of the bunch, as it does hit every desired trait in one affordable little package. I'm pretty impressed with what it does to my lashes for a drugstore mascara. Will definitely be buying more next time I'm in the US. (Please bring your brown formula to Canada, CG! I don't know anyone who uses the blue you provide here in place of brown...) EDIT: this mascara isn't as great as I thought it was. It's not lasting me through the winter very well. It wears away with minor eye watering and it flakes everywhere. I will keep buying it/using it as a cheap alternative, but Diorshow Iconic is still the best mascara I've used.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Cover Girl - Lash Blast Length
jillirific 11/7/2010 11:13:00 AM
This mascara is pretty decent. I have long lashes to begin with, but this definitely lengthened. It didn't thicken or curl, but it added length for sure. I like using this for looks where my lips are the focus because it doesn't look clumpy or thick, and it brings my more subtle eye look together nicely but isn't distracting. It doesn't provide the kind of look I want for my everyday, more eye-heavy looks, but it's great for the above purpose and for 'no makeup' looks. I would probably buy it again for those reasons but it is definitely not my everyday mascara. It's a decent price and I like Covergirl Lash Blast tubes.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Clinique - Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
jillirific 11/7/2010 11:03:00 AM
I like this product. I don't find it moisturizing enough on its own all the time, but I love the feel of it on my skin. It dries very quickly and leaves my skin satin-y soft; not at all greasy. You don't need very much either! I find this effective in the summer when you don't want a heavy, greasy moisturizer (try storing it in the fridge! Feels amazing!) It feels really fresh but sometimes my skin feels tight after using it, like it's not sufficiently moisturized. It's not something I would use alone right after I've washed my face...more something for instant plumping/moisturizing mid-day or if you didn't apply your makeup right after washing/moisturizing. Worth trying!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Chanel - Hydramax+ Active Moisture Cream [DISCONTINUED]
jillirific 11/7/2010 10:42:00 AM
This is an excellent product. A little bit goes a very long way. My mother splurged for me when I was a young teen on Accutane and I do credit this for keeping my dry skin (turned dryer from the Accutane...not to mention I was taking it during the winter! Dry skin times three!) excellently moisturized during my treatment. It has a light fragrance that I find very pleasant. It's feels very light on the skin, applies like a gel-cream and feels cool and refreshing. It is very, very expensive (for me) for a face cream but it does last longer than other creams due to how little is required. You're also paying for the brand name, obviously, but for someone who does not buy a lot of very-high-end stuff like Chanel, it's nice to own something so expensive. I would love to buy this again but, again, very expensive. I can absolutely survive now without it but it's certainly a nice indulgence! If you have the spare cash or are willing to shell out so much for a face cream, this is well worth it.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Urban Decay - Sin Eyeshadow
jillirific 11/7/2010 10:32:00 AM
I decided to pick up an eyeshadow I really liked from the Naked palette to tide me over until getting my paws on the palette and I really loved Sin. I'm glad I got it (even though I know I'm getting the Naked palette for Christmas!) because I can see myself using this a lot. I already have. It's extremely versatile. A shimmery light champagne that looks pinkish in the pan but not on my very fair skin. It almost provides a very light, neutral wash of shimmer. I've been looking for a colour like this for a long time. It's perfect for everyday with a soft crease colour, but it's easily amped up for a super smokey eye with a darker colour in the crease. It's a rare colour that I use all over the lid AND all the way up as my highlight, too...not something I can usually do due to being so pale. It goes on super smooth and lasts all day with UDPP. I am so happy that I purchased this on its own. I've gotten more compliments on my makeup looks using this than any other shadow for a long time! (UD packaging is really cute too!) Granted, the idea of this colour is not terribly unique and I'm sure there's something similar in every makeup line, but if you are looking for a light, neutral shimmer shadow, you can save yourself the search and give this a try. It really does the trick!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Cork
jillirific 11/7/2010 10:21:00 AM
Everyone raves about this being an awesome eyeshadow but I can't sing its praises enough as an eyebrow filler. It matches my red hair perfectly and complements my complexion so nicely. If you have dark strawberry blonde hair or light auburn, or any red hint in your hair, consider this eyeshadow for your eyebrow needs. If they ever discontinued this, I can honestly say I would buy at least 10 of them because it's perfect for me and I've been through probably 3 already. Considering the other reviews about this as an eyeshadow, it's clearly an awesome shade for more than one need - highly recommend!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Neutrogena - Facial Cleansing Bar
jillirific 11/7/2010 8:49:00 AM
I bought this to try something different but never got to actually try it. The smell was too awful. I am not even particularly sensitive to smells but this soap actually kept me out of my bathroom until my BF threw it out for me. It sounds melodramatic, I know, but something about this bar really triggered my gag reflex. I can still smell it in my memory... ugh. I would not use this on my face due to the smell alone. So buyers, be aware that this stuff has a very unpleasant smell. I had NO idea when I bought it.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No