Loose Powders -Jurlique - Silk Dust
ApplePark 8/31/2010 2:15:00 PM
***This is a review for the Citrus Silk Finishing Powder** If you are oily, you need this product. It's controls oil better than any primer, any blot powder. I have tried MAC Blot, UD de-slick, MUFE, Shu, YSL and so many (seriously you name it, I've tried it). I used this product on my wedding day (on the beach, in July and in Mexico) and it really sucked everything up. I love the citrus, fresh scent. My application process - I use this as a powder primer. Using a foundation brush I dab the powder and then shake off access. I go across my t-zone (after primer and liquid foundation but before setting powder), and then I finish with the setting powder of my choice (usually Guerlain Meteorites. Warning - do not use the puff as an applicator. You need very little product to control oil. My only wish is that this came pressed for touch-ups throughout the day. Ingredients: Zea mays (Corn) Starch; Oryza sativa (Rice) Starch; Silica; Fragrance (Parfum)*; Iris florentina (Orris) Root Extract; Salvia officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract; Arnica montana Flower Extract; Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract; Calendula officinalis Flower Extract; Bellis perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract; Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract; Prunella vulgaris (Self Heal) Flower Extract; Spilanthes acmella Flower Extract; Lauroyl Lysine; Glycerin; Aqua (Water); Alcohol; Limonene*; Linalool*; Citral*; Citronellol*; Eugenol*; Geraniol*; Farnesol*; Benzyl Benzoate*. * From Natural Essential Oil (Palmarosa - Cymbopogon martini; Lemon - Citrus medica limonum; Tangerine - Citrus tangerine; Rosewood - Aniba rosaeodora; Rose - Rosa damascena
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Dolce & Gabbana - Perfect Finish Powder Foundation
ApplePark 6/24/2009 2:28:00 PM
The Foundation – Powder foundation is probably my least favorite formulation, so I was pretty disappointed when I found out that was the only type of foundation made by this line. However, at least once a week I find myself doing my makeup on my commute to work, and a powder foundation comes in handy at this time. With convenience many times, you are giving up something. With fast food, you are giving up nutritional value and sensibility for loads of fat and calories. Before this foundation, I felt that powder foundation was always a second choice option for when you are in a jam. You sacrifice smooth application and usually a good color match. You usually end up with a powdery, cakey face. Dolce and Gabbana Beauty The Foundation totally raised the bar of what a powder foundation can be. First, it’s not at all cakey. It comes in 12 shades, so it’s not hard to get a color match. I could have easily worn 3 different shades, but for my NC35 skin, I picked Caramel (110). The application is so smooth. It is one of those miracle products that covers but looks sheer all at the same time. I was really impressed how it even out my skintone and created a great canvas for other makeup. Now when I use powder foundation, it’s not because I’m in a rush. I actually use it when I want my skin to look good! I found the application works well dry and wet. My favorite way to apply is with a 187 brush and then spray with a setting spray like Fix+. I also love the shiny gold packing. It feel very glamorous. $59 at Saks Fifth Avenue.
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -LaLique - LE PARFUM edp
ApplePark 5/6/2009 8:42:00 AM
I recently purchased this from an online discounter for about $30. Even without considering the price, I would definitely buy this again. It's sweet done right. It's sweet and inviting oriental, not cloying or heady. The fragrance feels tailored and elegant. It is something that will invite others. The bottle adds to the overall package. It's classic, heavy glass. The Guide gives this a 1 star. I think that the they should revisit this! Notes are: Top notes: west indian bay, bergamot and pink pepper Middle notes: jasmine and heliotrope Base notes:sandalwood, tonka bean, patchouli and vanilla.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Guerlain - Mitsouko Fleur de Lotus
ApplePark 5/5/2009 2:28:00 PM
Lovers and haters of Mitsouko, this is one to try. For those who hate the original. If you find it too dusty, oakmossy, dark, dreary, this lighter, slightly aquatic version of Mitsouko is for you. If you have never tried Mitsouko, you may want to try this first. For most, even those who love the original, the big M is a definitely an acquired taste. Fleur de Lotus is a palatable version that will probably be very appealing to a wider audience. For those who *love* the original, like I do. I own the fragrance in many different vintages and a current rendition. I can really appreciate this tribute to the original. I find that Mitsouko is definitely a cooler weather fragrance. This flanker will be reminding of one of my favorite fragrances to all summer long. It’s the perfect summer-ized version of a Guerlain classic. You sniff and you know that this is some relative of Mitsouko. I think this is one flanker where Guerlain took time to think about all ways to make something unique but still a tribute to the original. Everything from the juice, the bottle is a nice nod to the original. $100 for 60ml/2 fl. Oz.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Le Labo - Tubereuse 40
ApplePark 7/29/2008 2:25:00 PM
When Le Labo made their way into Barneys over a year or two ago, I thought that the general idea and packaging were cool, but nothing about the actual fragrances made me excited. They were beautiful, unique scents but nothing about them stood out for me. Until…. This! Frederic Malle’s Carnal Flower, another tuberose scent, was one of the first fragrances to actually surprise me. I was blown away (figuratively and literally). It was very different and a very different experience of tuberose. I liked it but sometimes found it difficult to wear, especially to work. The fragrance itself is very strong. The green notes seem to add to this. What I love about this Le Labo’s version is that it is just as unique but much softer and easier to wear. It’s fresh, glowy, warm, bright vs. FM’s which is crisp, vibrant, spirited. LL’s I wear to work and to smell more mysterious or unique I would rather wear FM. Overall if you are a tuberose lover, you will definitely like this scent. My only complaint is how it’s completely impossible for people to get without a trip to NYC.
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Eye Primer -Too Faced - Shadow Insurance, Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer
ApplePark 3/14/2008 12:18:00 PM
I am definitely the type of makeup abuser that goes is always looking for the next best thing. For longer than any other product I've used, UDPP had been a staple in my makeup arsensal. I have repurchased tubes and tubes. Then came THIS! At first I didn't give TFSI that much attention because I thought, "it couldn't be better than UDPP!" So to compare I did a series of road tests. In each one TFSI was the winner. Day 1: I wore TFSI on one eye and UDPP on the other. I wore a neutral palette of some shimmery and some matte eyeshadows. The first thing I noticed was that the UDPP looked dehydrated, very matte. I haven't been spending tons and tons of money of eye cream for my eye area to look dehydrated. The TFSI side looked plump and the eyeshadow looked vibrant. The colors were not dull or muddy (as on the UDPP side). They seemed more brilliant and the shimmer caught more light. I had no idea that my UDPP made my colors seem more faded! I guess I was so impressed with its long wear that I hadn't noticed (at least comparatively) that the colors were faded. My skin is oily and I didn't have any creasing on the TFSI side. By the end of the day the TFSI looked great. I have heavy lided Asian eyes and my eyeliner had slightly transferred to the lid on the UDPP side. On Day 2: I decided to use TFSI alone on one side and a combination of UDPP with TFSI on top on the other. I think in the summer I may do the combination for longer wear, but it really wasn't necessary. There was only slight difference in color but the TFSI side alone was just a little bit more shimmery and colorful. This is trumped UDPP place in my makeup toolbox. It is more moisturizing and I may try it for other purposes. It works great for lower lashline shadow bc it is less drying. Also love the tube packaging vs UDPP ridiculous genie bottle. In summary: PROs of TFSI over UDPP: -more hydrating -better staying power -bring out e/s color better -can be used on lower lashline -prefer tube packaging
29 out of 29 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Guerlain - Parure SPF 20 Powder Foundation
ApplePark 10/5/2007 9:47:00 AM
What a disappointment. In general, the reason why I usually use liquid foundations is because of the way a good liquid foundation melts into skin, and generally, powder foundations always just sit on the face. But I am always trying to find a good one because of the ease and speed. I was completely lured by the packaging and also oooh for the talc free formula. Once on my face.. it was all over. Coverage is good but visible. You can see that you have makeup on no mater how well you blend. I think I get better results with my MAC MSF natural and Fix+. This is going back.. with no regrets. I may try the new Armani foundation next.
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Mascara -Kanebo - Kanebo Mascara 38*C Silk Performance
ApplePark 5/18/2006 3:08:00 PM
I am review the one that's lengthing and separating (the one in the larger tube that costs $30). I have those Asian eyes that mascara, even waterproof, always smudges on my lower-lash line. This is the first mascara ever to leave me all day without smudges. I have even swam in pools and the ocean with this on... and it stays. I used to always use drug store, even though I am not shy about spending money on MU, but this is really worth it for me. I cannot believe how well it stays on. My only compliants.. though very minor are that the black isn't very dramatic. This is a clean, polished, day mascara IMO. Also to this.. the black isn't very very black. It's more of a soft black.
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Lip Gloss -Chanel - Summer Plum
ApplePark 4/12/2006 1:47:00 PM
I bought three colors from the Chanel summer line and this is my favorite color. I have very rosey lips and many things are too light for them. This color seems to accentuate the roseyness without being too red/orange/blue/whatever... a glossier, dressed up version of my lip color. I love the subtle gold shimmer. I hope this isn't limited edition. Will definitely have to back-up if it is.
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Bronzers -Chanel - Irreelle Soleil - Silky Bronzing Powder
ApplePark 4/7/2006 12:51:00 PM
I, like many here, have lots of bronzers. This one is great for spring. I am NC30 and it really brightens my face but doesn't necessarily make me look tan. I also have to say I love this brush. I usually never use the tools that come with MU products but this one applies very well.. and is great for touch-ups. Definite repurchase.. but will probably stay with Guerlain and GA for more of a bronzed, sunkissed look.
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Highlighters -BeneFit Cosmetics - Hollywood Glo [DISCONTINUED]
ApplePark 1/12/2005 12:06:00 PM
I never have luck with "glow" products! They are always too shimmery or too white for me! But this one is really great! I don't feel like a disco ball. Alot of other "glow" products make my pores look even bigger, but this one doesn't seem to emphasize them at all. I love how it's a little rosier too. I am Asian and have light medium skin, so maybe that's why it didn't look so "smudy" on me. I am really happy with this product and wear it instead of foundation all the time.
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Moisturizers -Cle de Peau - La Crème
ApplePark 1/12/2005 12:01:00 PM
The biggest problem with this cream is the insane price tag of $450!!!! But I have to say I've been using La Cream for over a year now (still with the same jar) and it's amazing. I have sensitive, combo skin that gets really dry in the winter. I love the texture of this cream. It's so moisturizing without being overly greasy. It really soaks in. But what I love most of all about this cream is the way it makes my skin look in the morning. I really do feel like it looks brighter! I use it every other day in the winter and only when needed in the summer. But I use it every night as an eye cream. I've tried tons of the pricey creams La Mer, Z. Bigatti, Natura Bisse, so so many products from Bliss and Remede.. and I have to say I love this one the best. It works for me. Definitely get a sample before dropping the big $450 for the cream.
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Self Tanners -Estee Lauder - Go Bronze for Body
ApplePark 4/12/2004 2:25:00 PM
This is one of the better self-tanners I have tried. I love how it is tinted and once dry the color is never orange. Overall the quality is very good, but I absolutely HATE the smell. It has that smell that all other self-tanners have... but 10X stronger. I felt I smelled like self-tanner for days after application. Truly beautiful deep tan color is not worth constantly being reminded that it came from a bottle. The scent is so strong that my live-in boyfriend asked me to top self-tanning because he couldn't sleep at night because of the smell. It also bothered me at work... I don't think I will repurchase unless something could be done about the smell. UPDATE: I LOVE FAKEBAKE! Forget everything I said about this self-tanner. FakeBake is it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Cle de Peau - Refreshing Cleansing Foam
ApplePark 9/18/2003 5:48:00 PM
There is an amazing subtlety about Cle de Peau products. I bought a bottle 10 months ago and just finished it. During those ten months I kept on thinking, "this is just Clearasil... I've seen a foaming cleanser like this a thousand times." Only when I was searching for a cheaper alternative, I realized how well made this product was. Not even Shiseido foaming cleansers gave me the same effect. I'm really really clean (it really isn't good for eye makeup though use something separate before) but not dry. I'm really not sure what's in it to make it so different.... but there's definitely something about this product that makes it stand out.
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Treatments -Cle de Peau - serum eclat
ApplePark 9/18/2003 5:30:00 PM
I have been using this product and alot of other CdP items, and I would have to say this is my favorite. I have tried so many exfliators, peels, in-spa treatments, but this product is so gentle and so effective. 1 year prior to using CdP products, I went to Bliss at least once a month for microdermabrasion. Honestly, the clarity and overall texture of my skin has improved significantly with Serum Eclat. Every time I think, "is it really doing something," I notice an acne scar has almost completely smoothed out. This product may be expensive, but the results are truly worth it. And to compare it with going to the spa for at least $100 a session with far less results and much more pain, it seems obvious to me that Serum Eclat is actually a deal. Cle de Peau products are lovely, but I may not want to go back to all of them... except Serum Eclat. It's a keeper!
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