Eyeliner -MAC - Fluidline Eye-Liner Gel in Blacktrack
ALF1969 2/13/2013 4:28:00 AM
Fantastic eyeliner! I have this is black, sparkly black, brown and purple. I also have the same colours in Bobbi Brown and Tarte gel eyeliner. MAC is my favourite, not because of the staying power, depth of colour, ease of use, or the fact that it doesn't irritate my super sensitive eyes (Bobbi Brown and Tarte are great for all these things too) but the main benefit of the MAC pot is that doesn't dry out (the Tarte pot is dry and unusable after about a month and the Bobbi Brown after about 8 months). With all gel eyeliner pots you need to use a good brush. I have the Bobbi Brown eyeliner brush which I thought was good until I bought the MAC one and thought this was the best until I found the Lily Lolo one and then finally bought the Tarte double ended brush which is now my favourite for a thick or thin line, for flicking and smudging. Just perfect!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Lily Lolo - Mineral Foundation
ALF1969 2/7/2013 5:46:00 AM
I really wanted to like this, after all the company is lovely, the packaging is the best and the price is great too. BUT no matter how I apply this is just cakes and separates on my face! I can't understand it, the ingredients are standard. Now I am no newcomer to mineral makeup, I have used nothing else for 15 years. Can't get on with bismuth so I usually import from the US to the UK. I have tried exfoliating, lightly moisturising, heaving moisturising, using primer, building up very light coats, using a flocked sponge, using fixing spray......etc Nothing works! It just isn't creamy, doesn't sink in as it should, sits on top of my skin and separates and cakes. Never had this from any other mineral foundation inc. original EDM (before introduction of LL), BE, Aromaleigh, Mineral basics (RIP), TBS, Jane Iredale, Signature mineral (not good), Silk Naturals, 'Minerals Will Work For You' and some others. It reminds me of the new formulation of EDM with Lauryl Lysine - but much worse. The packaging is awesome though so I will toss the foundation and use the container for other mineral makeup. Funny thing is I tried This foundation about 2005/6 when they first stared and it was fine although the colour match was a bit off. I thought I would add a bit of yellow and green colour corrector (thank you Silk Naturals!) and try it again. Maybe the formula has changed? But the ingredients on the packaging are the same ?!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -BeneFit Cosmetics - They're Real
ALF1969 2/7/2013 5:30:00 AM
At last I have found a mascara that doesn't flake into my eyes by the evening, that doesn't give me panda eyes, that does a decent job and, most importantly, that I'm not allergic to. If you don't have sensitive eyes and don't worry about a bit of flaking then there will be better and certainly cheaper mascaras out there for you. This mascara does lengthen and thicken but is not buildable - once it is dry applying another coat results in spidery clumpiness instead of natural long lashes. The wand is good for applying to top lashes and there is a ball on the end for getting to the corners and for bottom lashes. Make sure you wipe off the excess or it can clump and cake. For my sensitive eyes I haven't found a better mascara.
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Treatments -Kerastase - Ciment Thermique
ALF1969 9/26/2012 4:35:00 AM
I discovered the amazing effect of root crimping and went in search of a heat protector that would stop my baby fine hair being frazzled. My daughter recommended this as she has bleached, heat damaged hair and it completely changed the condition of her hair when nothing else did (we tried several other expensive brands). I have dark, fine, oily hair that needs washing everyday and is rather thin and flat. I have learnt how to use this product for my hair: I wash (still everyday) and do not condition. I put a penny/dime sized amount through my short bob being careful to distribute it evenly roots through to ends. Then I blow dry. No styling products needed! My hair is shiny, thicker, glossy, and well, rather gorgeous :-). I don't even need to use my Babyliss root boost crimpers any more as this product seems to gives my hair enough body. I have both Ciment and Nectar and love them both although Ciment is better for my hair type. If this product makes your hair greasy consider ditching the conditioner and other styling products as together they may weigh your hair down.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Kerastase - Nectar Thermique
ALF1969 9/26/2012 4:29:00 AM
I discovered the amazing effect of root crimping and went in search of a heat protector that would stop my baby fine hair being frazzled. My daughter recommended this as she has bleached, heat damaged hair and it completely changed the condition of her hair when nothing else did (we tried several other expensive brands). I have dark, fine, oily hair that needs washing everyday and is rather thin and flat. I have learnt how to use this product for my hair: I wash (still everyday) and do not condition. I put a penny/dime sized amount through my short bob being careful to distribute it evenly roots through to ends. Then I blow dry. No styling products needed! My hair is shiny, thicker, glossy, and well, rather gorgeous :-). I don't even need to use my Babyliss root boost crimpers any more as this product seems to gives my hair enough body. I have both Ciment and Nectar and love them both although Ciment is better for my hair type. If this product makes your hair greasy consider ditching the conditioner and other styling products as together they may weigh your hair down.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Silk Naturals - Lush Mascara
ALF1969 9/28/2011 2:17:00 PM
UPDATE: had to move on as it became flaky and a bit irritating. Shame. May still be fine for those with less sensitive eyes. Well, this was a pleasant surprise. For years now the only mascara ( and I have tried about 18) that didn't end up making me look like I was hung over or suffering from a horrible eye allergy by 3pm was L'Oreal beauty tubes (absolutely no flaking). This mascara doesn't flake either so no bits in or under the eyes. That's my most important quality in a mascara. After than its lengthening, volumising, not clumping and the rest. So this mascara is not super lengthening or volumising but it doesn't clump so I've given it a 4. It's almost as good as beauty tubes with only one step and great for everyday, when I want drama I use falsies as they don't end up flaking into my eyes.
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Mascara -ModelCo - Fiberlash
ALF1969 9/17/2011 2:32:00 PM
Well, with such mixed reviews I thought I needed to try this myself. VERY DISAPPOINTING! But it does extend and look like mascara so I gave it a 2 rather than a 1. Good points - 2 step process really lengthens and adds volume, it doesn't flake off during the day and it washes off easily Bad points - clumpy- even with lash comb, fibres flake off and go into your eye while applying ( this really irritates), always looks like badly applied mascara (I like my mascara to look thick, glossy and not dry, flaky and dry) Overall, I can't recommend and will not even finish the tubes (the fibres really irritated my eyes). Back to my favourite mascara - L'Oreal double extension beauty tubes.
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Powder -Everyday Minerals - Foundation - Intensive formula [DISCONTINUED]
ALF1969 3/18/2011 5:00:00 AM
Well it's time for EDM and I to part company. I've been using EDM foundation for many years 5+ and was sure I would never use anything else. It went on smooth, lasted all day, didn't look like I was wearing makeup, no caking, perfect. I liked all the foundation formulations too (apart from pressed) and used them for different looks (o'glow for a natural look, semi for work, matte for evening and intensive in the summer etc). I stocked up (took advantage of the bulk buy discounts so I have not had to reorder since they changed their ingredients. So I ran out and ordered another lot, and to my horror it's completely different! It goes on evenly but looks like a mask (bought all the formulations, even o'glow looks fake) and then after about an hour it goes caking and blotchy and I can see patches, especially on my nose, where the makeup kind of congeals, yuk. I tried using primers and finishing powders to prevent this but to no avail. I emailed EDM asking if they still had any old stock or if they would consider making a batch [as I know from this forum and elsewhere that many of you don't like the new formulation with lauroyl lysine] but they never replied (not surprising given their customer service!). So I felt I should share this experience as I think many readers may purchase EDM based on reviews of the old foundation - which was awesome. I've moved on Silk Naturals which hasn't been around as long as EDM and is (so far) very good indeed. Can't get a good colour match from any others e.g. Lily Lolo so this was the obvious choice. I used EDM golden medium in winter and olive medium in summer so need yellow and green undertones). I hope this helps!
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Everyday Minerals - Foundation Matte Formula
ALF1969 3/18/2011 4:59:00 AM
Well it's time for EDM and I to part company. I've been using EDM foundation for many years 5+ and was sure I would never use anything else. It went on smooth, lasted all day, didn't look like I was wearing makeup, no caking, perfect. I liked all the foundation formulations too (apart from pressed) and used them for different looks (o'glow for a natural look, semi for work, matte for evening and intensive in the summer etc). I stocked up (took advantage of the bulk buy discounts so I have not had to reorder since they changed their ingredients. So I ran out and ordered another lot, and to my horror it's completely different! It goes on evenly but looks like a mask (bought all the formulations, even o'glow looks fake) and then after about an hour it goes caking and blotchy and I can see patches, especially on my nose, where the makeup kind of congeals, yuk. I tried using primers and finishing powders to prevent this but to no avail. I emailed EDM asking if they still had any old stock or if they would consider making a batch [as I know from this forum and elsewhere that many of you don't like the new formulation with lauroyl lysine] but they never replied (not surprising given their customer service!). So I felt I should share this experience as I think many readers may purchase EDM based on reviews of the old foundation - which was awesome. I've moved on Silk Naturals which hasn't been around as long as EDM and is (so far) very good indeed. Can't get a good colour match from any others e.g. Lily Lolo so this was the obvious choice. I used EDM golden medium in winter and olive medium in summer so need yellow and green undertones). I hope this helps!
11 out of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Everyday Minerals - foundation semi-matte formula
ALF1969 3/18/2011 4:58:00 AM
Well it's time for EDM and I to part company. I've been using EDM foundation for many years 5+ and was sure I would never use anything else. It went on smooth, lasted all day, didn't look like I was wearing makeup, no caking, perfect. I liked all the foundation formulations too (apart from pressed) and used them for different looks (o'glow for a natural look, semi for work, matte for evening and intensive in the summer etc). I stocked up (took advantage of the bulk buy discounts so I have not had to reorder since they changed their ingredients. So I ran out and ordered another lot, and to my horror it's completely different! It goes on evenly but looks like a mask (bought all the formulations, even o'glow looks fake) and then after about an hour it goes caking and blotchy and I can see patches, especially on my nose, where the makeup kind of congeals, yuk. I tried using primers and finishing powders to prevent this but to no avail. I emailed EDM asking if they still had any old stock or if they would consider making a batch [as I know from this forum and elsewhere that many of you don't like the new formulation with lauroyl lysine] but they never replied (not surprising given their customer service!). So I felt I should share this experience as I think many readers may purchase EDM based on reviews of the old foundation - which was awesome. I've moved on Silk Naturals which hasn't been around as long as EDM and is (so far) very good indeed. Can't get a good colour match from any others e.g. Lily Lolo so this was the obvious choice. I used EDM golden medium in winter and olive medium in summer so need yellow and green undertones). I hope this helps!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Everyday Minerals - Foundation Original Glo Formula
ALF1969 3/18/2011 4:53:00 AM
Well it's time for EDM and I to part company. I've been using EDM foundation for many years 5+ and was sure I would never use anything else. It went on smooth, lasted all day, didn't look like I was wearing makeup, no caking, perfect. I liked all the foundation formulations too (apart from pressed) and used them for different looks (o'glow for a natural look, semi for work, matte for evening and intensive in the summer etc). I stocked up (took advantage of the bulk buy discounts so I have not had to reorder since they changed their ingredients. So I ran out and ordered another lot, and to my horror it's completely different! It goes on evenly but looks like a mask (bought all the formulations, even o'glow looks fake) and then after about an hour it goes caking and blotchy and I can see patches, especially on my nose, where the makeup kind of congeals, yuk. I tried using primers and finishing powders to prevent this but to no avail. I emailed EDM asking if they still had any old stock or if they would consider making a batch [as I know from this forum and elsewhere that many of you don't like the new formulation with lauroyl lysine] but they never replied (not surprising given their customer service!). So I felt I should share this experience as I think many readers may purchase EDM based on reviews of the old foundation - which was awesome. I've moved on Silk Naturals which hasn't been around as long as EDM and is (so far) very good indeed. Can't get a good colour match from any others e.g. Lily Lolo so this was the obvious choice. I used EDM golden medium in winter and olive medium in summer so need yellow and green undertones). I hope this helps!
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -LUSH - Henna - Caca Noir
ALF1969 4/3/2010 5:48:00 AM
I have baby fine thin dark dark brown hair with no greys (yet) and colour my hair to get extra body and shine - I like my natural colour. Have been using Casting colour for this, very effective(!) giving more texture, body, shine, and more depth of colour. Problem is, even though this is a semi the condition of my hair was deteriorating with each colour application. I read the reviews (thanks girls!) and decided to try the Lush henna (over buying henna and indigo separately). So I was prepared, I knew it would be messy, I knew it wouldn't be as easy as a squeezy tube of gel. It wasn't as bad as I thought. I grated 2 squares (I have a short bob) and mixed with freshly brewed coffee until it was like cake mixture and heating gently over a bain-marie. Left mixture over low heat until colour changed from green to almost black and then applied. I applied in the kitchen in front of a massive mirror (taken off the wall) using just gloves and a towel around my shoulders. I am not sure that I applied it terribly evenly but it turned out even. I didn't want to wrap it as I didn't want red in it but I put a shower cap over it to stop the shedding. I had to put a hat on in the end as I needed to go to B&Q before my 4 hours was up. Rinsing was a bit of a chore but not as bad as other's experienced. I have a powerful shower and think this helped. I washed twice using my normal shampoo and conditioned and that was it. When I dried it my hair was dark almost black with a tiny bit of red. It did get darker over the next 2-3 days but only slightly. The shine is just incredible, like glass. I've never had hair this shiny. It doesn't feel soft and baby fine anymore but feels thicker with more texture and body - Yay!. Some people say that their hair gets drier, if you already have thick coarse hair that might be a problem but not for me :-) I will definitely do this again when it needs it and won't bother with chemical dye (unless this stuff doesn't cover grey when I need it). Also, not sure how this will fade, hope it doesn't go reddy, but if it does I will just do it again. What will I do differently next time? Well I won't use coffee coz I got a bit of a headache, I won't heat it as many of you say it doesn't need it but I will wait for the mixture to go black, I will make the mixture a bit thinner to make it easier to apply (might be messier though), I will rinse my hair with conditioner and not use shampoo until the next morning as this may give the henna a bit more time to do it's thing. Highly recommended but took off 1 lippy for inconvenience.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -BeneFit Cosmetics - Dr Feelgood
ALF1969 4/2/2010 6:34:00 PM
I felt I had to write a review for this wonderful product which has received many bad reviews. I use it to control the oilies on my nose and it actually works (spent many £s finding a HG to control oilies). I "press" this into my face after moisturising and before makeup (usually Everyday mineral MMU). I know it says to use afterwards but I find it more effective before. If I use it on my eyelids it stops my eyeshadow creasing too. I have supersentive skin prone to rosacea, and eczema around my eyes. Amazingly I haven't found this aggravates my skin and I can't use many makeup brands or moisturisers (only natural oils like jojoba or E45). After usinf Dr F my makeup stays on all day and doesn't need touching up (I never though that I would be able to experience that!) and I am much less shiny. I am half way thru' my first tin and have just bought 2 more from Lookfantastic (Benefit s0% off sale and free shipping!) as I will never stop using this product. I can even wear it on it's own, seems to even my skin tone. Doesn't do much for wrinkles.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Cetaphil - Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
ALF1969 10/12/2009 4:29:00 PM
After being diagnosed with rosacea I have been on the hunt for products that didn't cause a flare up - I don't want to take antibiotics continually! After some research I settled on this soap to cleanse PM, LUSH angels/herbalism to cleanse/exfoiate AM. jojoba oil mixed with tea tree water to moisturise AM/PM and EDM foundation to cover. And that's it. Perfect skin :-) Well most of the time. Reading the reviews here it does seem that only people with problem skin really appreciate this cleansing bar. It's not posh, no bells or whistles but clinical studies have shown it help rosacea sufferers - they used Dove sensitive for the control. This really is a HG product for me. It's fine for body use too. update... Still a great product but having even better results with E45 wash and E45 cream,,,,
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Self Tanners -Garnier - Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Dry Body Mist
ALF1969 8/10/2009 5:24:00 AM
I felt had to add to the sparse number of reviews for this product. I have used this on and of for a couple of years. It's very similar to the L'Oreal version just a few £'s cheaper. Easy to apply IF (and the if is important) you wash exfoliate and moisturise AND spray evenly. My first time with this self tanner was a disaster, my legs looked like modern art! However, with practise the dry spray application can be flawless. Pro's: dries instantly and no need to use gloves or rub in. Cons: Can be blotchy if applied unevenly. Slighlty more orangy than my natural tan but am olive so that's no surprise If you're not sure about dry spray tan then try the Piz Buin spray tan for legs. You need to rub it in but it is truly streak and smell free.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No