Hair Color -Garnier - Nutrisse Ultra Color
Banjos 4/16/2013 2:32:00 AM
My experience may be much better than other reviewers because I used the LB3 Ultra Light Beige Blonde, not one of the darker colors previously reviewed. My hair is mostly gray on the top and some on the sides but mostly med/dark brown all across the back. This really did lift the dark part a lot more than the regular Nutrisse Cream Color I had been using (#100 Chamomile) and imparted adequate toning on the gray areas. The result was outstanding for me...shiny, multi-toned beige blonde with no brass. I did not find the odor strong and had no scalp irritation. The packaging claim of "bleach-free lightening technology" is a hoot because what they mean is this product is designed to not require pre-lightening. It is impossible to lighten hair up to 4 levels without bleach. :) I was happy with the texture and shine but I will update when I see how well the color holds up to time.
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Eyes -Ardell - Fashion lashes 110
Banjos 4/14/2013 2:24:00 AM
No. 110 Ardell faux lashes look pretty nice and natural except for the clumpy way they are attached to the band. It looks like little dots with the white band showing between them. Many lash brands have this same negative. This can be improved by soaking the new lashes overnight in a small jar of 91% alcohol, then remove the softened adhesive with your nails. Let dry and proceed with a black Sharpie Permanent Marker to color the white band spaces and let dry well. The other negative is this band is very stiff and difficult to "train" to the contour of your eyelid. With a new purchase, try taping the bands around a fat highlighter pen for a few days. Ardell #136 is more natural-looking. NYC #974 Glamour is probably my favorite right now. E.L.F. Nat. Lash Kit #1713 is good but you must blacken its band, also. The E.L.F. band is the most pliant of the group.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Trim Portable Pedicure System
Banjos 4/14/2013 2:04:00 AM
This is a small battery-operated (2 AA) rotary tool with four pedicure tools, for the feet not toenails. It is a good idea but lacks the power to do an adequate job. The sponge tip does apply lotion okay without having to get it on your hands. The brush head feels good and is adequate to use with a cleanser. Neither the pumice stone nor the buffer make much of a dent in grooming. I suggest sticking with the Ped Egg.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Sally Hansen - Extreme Eyelash Curler #80305
Banjos 4/12/2013 3:36:00 AM
Here is another example of a good idea that was poorly executed and, apparently, not consumer-tested. I was excited to locate this curler that had a more extreme curve that appeared just right for small eyes. Unfortunately, the device does not open enough to get my average-length lashes into it without gouging it into my eye socket. Next, it has a groove in the top metal part and a corresponding ridge in the lower pad which crimps the very ends of the lashes instead of curling more at the base. There is another curler with I think the same name but # 80310 that has a regular curve but probably also the grove and ridge crimping design. Disappointed.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Physicians Formula - Shimmer strips custom eye enhancing eyeliner trio
Banjos 4/12/2013 3:21:00 AM
Two Shimmer Strips eyeliners were included as a bonus in another product I purchased. One was Espresso: a rich, dark brown. The second was Illuminating Black: standard black. These liners are best for use under the eye, IMO. The configuration is a thin, twist-up style that is rather fragile but very lasting on the skin. They are a little on the soft side so you have to be careful not to press too hard to avoid crumbling/breakage. For this type of delicate eyeliner, this one performs well.
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Bronzers -Physicians Formula - Magic Mosaic Warm Beige/Light Bronzer
Banjos 4/12/2013 3:00:00 AM
Although this is marketed as a bronzer, I purchased it with the intention of using it as a blush. It is really too pale to be effective for that despite my applying multiple layers on my fair skin. For a bronzer I would rate it a 5 because it applies evenly, is not shimmery and looks very natural. The compact is sturdy, contains a mirror and half-moon brush. EDIT: I tried using this as a pressed powder. I had to utilize a velvet, plush puff because the product is very compressed and brushes will not pick up enough product for this purpose. It does add nice color and seems to hold back oil and not collect in lines. It offers no coverage or SPF but is kind of nice for just around the house to eliminate shine and add warmth.
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Lips -Wet 'n' Wild - Megashield Lip Color SPF 15 Wet 'n' Wild Lipstick - Birthday Suit
Banjos 4/12/2013 2:25:00 AM
The problem could be Birthday Suit is a bad color for me. This is more like a gloss than a lipstick; the color has lots of shimmer and is quite pale even for my fair skin. The case is flimsy and does not twist up smoothly. I had a coupon and only paid $2 so I will use it as a base for some of my too-dark lipsticks. Does have SPF 15. I probably would have liked a more vibrant color better.
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Eyeliner -Wet 'n' Wild - Mega Liner - Black
Banjos 3/15/2013 6:28:00 AM
This liner has a very tiny felt tip that applies the product well. It does not dry quickly so you can correct any mistakes with a Q-tip. The finish is matte and it does not flake, smudge or irritate my dry, sensitive eyes. Also, my faux lashes adhered to the liner well. Some other liners have caused the adhesive to loosen after a few hours. Removal is average. I did not buy the waterproof version. Also, it is quite inexpensive.
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Moisturizers -L'Oreal - skin expertise-revitalift-face and neck-anti-wrinkle +firming
Banjos 3/14/2013 11:56:00 PM
I selected this as a replacement for the Olay Regenerist cream (red jar) I had been using. This product is more waxy and leaves a soft, thin film. It has the typical floral scent but it does not linger. Actually, I like the texture of this better than Olay Regenerist as it is not as greasy and does seem to be minimally firming. Also, it is about half the price of the Olay product.
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Skincare - Face -St. Ives - Scrub Free Exfoliating Pads
Banjos 3/14/2013 11:48:00 PM
Thank you, MUA posters for alerting me to this wonderful and inexpensive product. I have sensitive, acne-prone skin and this minimizes flaky areas, slightly moisturizes and is very softening. It has not clogged my pores and may even be help (contains lactic acid). It is not for makeup removal but to use as a toner. Certainly worth a try.
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Misc Beauty Tools -E.L.F. - Natural Lash Kit #1713
Banjos 3/14/2013 11:35:00 PM
I have decades of experience in wearing fake eyelashes. I noticed E.L.F. had a new style of faux lash in Target. The look of the lashes was very natural and pretty. I am just blown away at how good these are. Due to the band being black, it is necessary to use a black liner but Wet 'n Wild Megaliner Liquid works well and the adhesive sticks to it. The band is very soft and flexible which is a very important quality in faux lashes. Best of all: Only $1. Tips: Throw away the adhesive that comes with the kit and use Duo white/clear adhesive. Buy a straight-edged razor blade Purchase the long-handled, black Salon Perfect Eyelash Applicator (Walmart). The lash band must be cut the right width for your eyes. Avoid having the band covering the entire width of your natural lash line; looks too fake. Use a straight-edge razor blade to bevel the outer corners of the faux lashes slightly shorter, in a subtle notched fashion. You will notice your own lashes are shorter on both the inner and outer corners. Apply black liquid eyeliner; let dry well. Use plenty of mascara prior to applying the fake lashes. For the most natural effect, position the lashes mostly in the middle of the lid, leaving some of your own inner and outer lashes visible. When you are ready to reapply the lashes, soak them in 91% alcohol for a few minutes so the old adhesive will come off easily. An empty eye cream jar works well for this. Handle your lashes gently and they can be worn daily for months.
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Eyeliner -Aziza - liquid eyeliner
Banjos 3/1/2013 4:04:00 AM
Obviously, I bought a bad one because the second time I removed the cap the whole brush detached and fell on the floor! My one application experience with the product was not awful. The brush is tiny and the liquid liner went on modestly well, although definitely not the smoothest effect. It does tend to smear a little. I only paid $1 for it at a dollar store but, even so, I think I should have gotten more than one use. I used a lot of Aziza cosmetics in my 20s but I cannot speak for any other items of their other current line.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Revlon - Precision Lash Adhesive Dissolvant
Banjos 2/24/2013 7:22:00 PM
Alas, this dissolvant does not do the job on Revlon Precision Clear Lash Adhesive. The instructions indicate for use to remove the lashes from your eyelids but that only requires a gentle tug. The problem with this otherwise excellent (latex-free) adhesive is that it is extremely difficult to remove from the lash band. Because I reuse my faux lashes for many months, an adhesive that comes off without damaging the lashes is very important to me. I still favor Duo clear adhesive for this purpose although it is not latex-free and does not hold quite as well.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Salon Perfect Lash Applicator
Banjos 2/24/2013 7:12:00 PM
For decades I have guarded my 1970's faux eyelash applicator. Unlike most current ones, it was fashioned more like tweezers with a curved holder at the tip. FINALLY, a company has designed an effective modern applicator. Salon Perfect looks somewhat like a black plastic eyelash curler but with an eyelash-holding end. The handle has a strong curve so it is easy to see your lash line when positioning the lashes. I bought mine at Walmart, and I think it was about $6. I plan to buy a spare ASAP. With faux eyelashes once again popular, I am amazed it took so long for a company to come up with this design...and a small company, at that. You other companies must be asleep at the wheel.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - SOHO Beauty Sponge
Banjos 2/24/2013 3:58:00 AM
My first beauty sponge was Sonia Kushak, and I was not too pleased because It soon became rough, absorbed too much liquid foundation and shredded quickly. The Soho Beauty Sponge is so superior! It is latex-free, soft and egg-shaped with pointed ends. This makes it very versatile for the various areas of the face. It seems to absorb the right amount of product without undue waste and achieves a smooth, even application. I have not had it long enough to know how durable it will be. However, it is not expensive and available at Walmart. EDIT: I have started using the Soho sponge by first dampening it with water. I do not wring it out or squeeze it; just dab any excess water with a tissue. This has not compromised the sponge in any way and greatly improves the applications results.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No