Blush -Tarte - Cheek Stain in Flush
ALStephens 4/30/2012 6:07:00 PM
I love how light this gel formulation feels. I tend toward minimal makeup (especially on the skin), and this fits the bill. Sheer feeling, light color, and quick to apply. This (or JM argan stick) + a Korres lip butter is my one minute makeup routine so I can look somewhat put together in the office.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Josie Maran Cosmetics - Argan Color Stick
ALStephens 4/30/2012 5:55:00 PM
I don't like putting heavy makeup on my skin, so when I opt to wear blusher, I will only use this or Tarte. This is light and cool feeling, dewy-looking, and adds just a small bit of color if you use a light hand. I have this in petal pink and it is my natural cheek color +1. Perfect. I see some people complain about the scent, but I quite like the herbal-menthol smell and feel of this. This (or Tarte cheek stain) + a Korres lip butter is my one minute makeup routine so I can look somewhat put together in the office.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Korres - Lip Butter - Jasmine
ALStephens 4/30/2012 5:46:00 PM
Pros: Easy to apply, non-sticky, and the little tub lasts forever. But this color is not very flattering on me. My lips are quite pink naturally, and this just washes them out. I love other shades of the lip butter, but I will not repurchase this one.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Korres - Lip Butter -Quince
ALStephens 4/30/2012 5:44:00 PM
Easy to apply, foolproof (light rose) and flattering tint, non-sticky, and the little tub lasts forever. These Korres butters (and burt's bees pomegranate) are the only lip products I use. I can't stand the feeling of lipsticks or glosses; so this is my choice for moisturizing my lips. I always wait to get these on sale. As much as I like this, I just don't think any lip balm is worth $12.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Shiseido - Extra Smooth Sun Protection Lotion SPF 33 PA++
ALStephens 4/30/2012 5:28:00 PM
This is my daily face sunblock, and I have been using it for years. It is smooth, light, doesn't make me oily, and doesn't cause breakouts. Most importantly, I don't burn or tan when I use it. For my needs, this product is as close to perfect as it gets. I tend to be frugal, so I'm a little annoyed at the price. But sometimes quality warrants the price, and that is certainly the case here. Until I find something that performs as well (and does not break out my temperamental skin), I'll continue to purchase.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Fresh - Lychee Sugar
ALStephens 4/30/2012 5:23:00 PM
I rarely wear perfume, and I don't own much, but I adore this one. It is a very soft, breezy combination of crisp citrus and sweet fruits. This is not what I would deem a strong, sexy, noticeable fragrance. But as I generally prefer smelling like soap+skin, that is right up my alley.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Scrubs -Peter Thomas Roth - Anti-Aging Buffing Beads
ALStephens 4/30/2012 5:18:00 PM
I only use this for my face. Though it is a bit expensive for a body wash, when used as a face wash it is actually quite economical; I have made the tiniest of dents in it after a month and a half. I'm not concerned with aging at this point in my life, but I've found this combination of glycolic acids + gentle exfoliation keeps my skin clear. I'm pleased with how clean my face feels and looks. And it is getting progressively (if slowly) better as time goes on.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Boscia - MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil
ALStephens 4/30/2012 5:11:00 PM
Excellent sunscreen and makeup remover. Seems to get every last bit off. (I'm only judging this by appearance, though, as I finish off with a buffing cleanser after using this. Then my face is completely clean.) This is also refreshing and cooling. I love the clean feeling I get after using this, particularly after a humid/smoky day. It is a bit expensive, but the bottle has lasted a long time. I use it every time I wear makeup (so, about three or four days a week), and after five months, I am only halfway through.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Urban Decay - Underground 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
ALStephens 4/30/2012 4:43:00 PM
I was a bit unsure about this bronzy-taupe eyeliner; I thought it would be too cool or neutral (has some silver shimmer) to flatter my pale skin and warm brown hair/eyes. But it is surprisingly complementary and I find myself using it often; also, it is highly pigmented and long-wearing. I have no complaints about the product itself, and I will most likely continue to purchase. My only complaint is regarding how expensive this is. And this considered, it would be easier to stomach the price if the packaging were a twist-up tube. Sharpening this pencil wastes more of the expensive product. Still, I'm pleased with the quality.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Urban Decay - 24-7 Glide on eyeliner in bourbon
ALStephens 4/30/2012 4:39:00 PM
This is a fantastic everyday brown eyeliner, and the bit of gold shimmer is stunning on brown eyes; highly pigmented, long-wearing eyeliner. I have no complaints about the product itself, and I will most likely continue to purchase. My only complaint is regarding how expensive this is. And this considered, it would be easier to stomach the price if the packaging were a twist-up tube. Sharpening this pencil wastes more of the expensive product. Still, I'm pleased with the quality.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Urban Decay - 24-7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Baked
ALStephens 4/30/2012 4:35:00 PM
This is a positively beautiful golden color, and is stunning on brown eyes; I use it when I feel like spicing up my go-to brown eyeliner. Highly pigmented and long-wearing. I have no complaints about the product itself, and I will most likely continue to purchase. My only complaint is regarding how expensive this is. And this considered, it would be easier to stomach the price if the packaging were a twist-up tube. Sharpening this pencil wastes more of the expensive product. Still, I'm pleased with the quality.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Urban Decay - 24-7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
ALStephens 4/30/2012 4:31:00 PM
Very rick, dark, highly pigmented, long-wearing eyeliner. I have no complaints about the product itself, but I would like to find a cheaper dupe. I'd happily switch this out of the rotation, as it is a plain black, nothing too exciting here, and should be pretty easy to replace. (This is not the case with the other 24/7 eyeliners I use: baked, underground, bourbon - those are quite unique colors and will be hard to find dupes for.) My reason for not repurchasing is regarding how expensive this is. And this considered, it would be easier to stomach the price if the packaging were a twist-up tube. Sharpening this pencil wastes more of the expensive product.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Burt's Bees - Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil
ALStephens 4/30/2012 4:21:00 PM
Smooth, simple lip balm that provides the perfect amount of light tint. On days when I don't want to wear any makeup, I'll put a little of this on to boost the pink in my lips so I look fresh and awake. I do not find this to be waxy at all.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Almay - Clear Complexion Blemish Healing Spot Concealer
ALStephens 4/23/2009 1:52:00 PM
This is my go-to concealer for blemishes/redness. I've used this for years now, and I keep coming back to it. It conceals well, has good staying power, and the packaging is great for touch-ups during the day. It comes with a pretty good amount, too; tube last a while. For the price, it can't be beat.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No