Lips -New York Color - Smooch Proof Lip Stain
BoxcarJessie 5/19/2011 12:48:00 PM
By far, my absolute favorite lip stain on the drug store market..and believe me, I've tried the lot of them. This one is the greatest thing ever when it comes to texture, applicator/application, non-drying (as long as you exfoliate and moisturize your lips daily) and color pigmentation. It also does last hours and hours..not sure about the 16 hour claim but it at least lasted 6 on me and gradually faded evenly leaving me with a more natural look. I own the Forever Mine Wine, which is my favorite of the two I own..and the Berry Long Time which I love as well, it's just more of a natural look on me. My lips but mo bettah! Anyway, the applicator tip is pointed so it's perfect for outlining the lips for that perfect pout...use the flat side to fill in the lines like a coloring book! The smell is delicious and the color is buildable. Again, out of all the lip stains on the drug store market, this one takes the cake! Highly recommended! xoxoxo - jess
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Gels/Soaps -Dove - Beauty Bar
BoxcarJessie 3/12/2011 6:03:00 PM
This is the ONLY bar soap I will ever use on my skin...and I'm talking body..not face. I will always stick to my HG cleansers for my face but this beauty bar is just perfect for cleansing my body and leaving my skin so moisturized yet clean at the same time. The smell is fresh and lovely without being too over powering since I do have bad allergies to fragrances in products. This bar soap is a great multi tasker..since it's so creamy, it practically dissolves any oils and dirt on your skin or deep in the pores. It rinses off clean as a whistle without stripping your skin of essential moisture..in fact, it adds to your moisture content which leaves skin so soft and smooth! It has cleared up my back acne and is wonderful for shaving as opposed to using shaving foams or gels. Why pay the extra dough for another product when one can do it all?! I will always use the white, Dove bar and recommend it to all my clients until something more spectacular for the price comes around. Until then, I'm a faithful, Dove girl. xoxoxoxo - Mad Madam Jess
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Crème -L'Oreal - magic smooth souffle
BoxcarJessie 2/25/2011 2:47:00 PM
I adore this foundation! Like someone below me mentioned, this foundation is best applied with a dense brush to hydrated skin. I love this foundation! It has the undertones I need to match my skin tone and it glides on, keeping my face matte and flawless. All you need is a tiny bit to cover the entire face..I use my EcoTools Bamboo Bronzing Brush to dot this, sparingly on my face, then I buff it in using circular motions and end up with an incredible finish. It's like the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse except it doesn't cling to my dry patches NEAR as much. It also doesn't ever look cakey when used the way I described. I highly recommend this foundation to anyone that has the skin type to work well with a mousse foundation as this is the best one I've used in the drug store end of the spectrum.. It's nicely priced too! Give it a try! xoxoxo - Mad Madam Jess
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Eyes -Wet 'n' Wild - MegaLash Clinical Serum
BoxcarJessie 2/22/2011 6:50:00 PM
My lashes have been falling out as of late because of medications I've been taking and it's been rather depressing to me. I used to have such lush, long, thick, almost falsie lookin' lashes naturally.. I heard about the new Megalash Clinical Serum and thought I needed to give it a try since the price was right and Wet N' Wild had been coming out with some amazing products for the New Year. The wand is not like a mascara wand at all, it is like a mini paint brush that I use to paint a line at the upper and lower lash lines with..then sweep the serum onto my lashes as well..in the AM and PM. The first time I used it, it did sting my eyes a bit..I think it's because I went a bit overboard with it and accidentally got it on my water line..bad idea!! Keep it out of the eye or else it's gonna sting a bit. Not too bad though. It's been a week and my lashes are considerably thicker and longer, more fortified and hydrated..just as advertised! No surprise to me because of the great ingredients included in the serum..Castor Oil, Panthenol, Wheat and Soy Proteins as well as different oils from certain flowers are widely known to help lashes grow and stay moisturized. I've seen great results so far and can't wait to see how much new growth I'm going to see in another week and month! When applying mascara after applying the serum, I wait a good half an hour, comb through lashes to separate, then apply mascara of my choice. It actually works like a charm as a mascara primer and helps to hold curl as well. I'm thrilled! I was this close to acting my doctor about Latisse..now..no need. Thank you, Wet N' Wild!! Highly recommended.. xoxoxoxo - Mad Madam Jess
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Moisturizers -Alba Botanica - Hawaiian Aloe & Green Tea Oil Free Moisturizer
BoxcarJessie 2/14/2011 2:27:00 PM
Finally, after trying so many daytime moisturizers and creams from Garnier, L'oreal, Olay, etc..I've found my HG!!!! The texture of this cream is very light and absorbs wonderfully into my skin. I just dip a clean finger in the jar up to my first joint and pull it out to get the perfect amount to cover my face/neck. It smells delicious but not too potent and it seems to dissipate once it's absorbed into the skin. This cream/lotion is fantastic after using my Olay Pro X Brush...my skin just drinks this up and leaves me radiant! I don't even need to use a separate eye cream with this product, I simply carefully dab under my eyes and on the lid, avoiding getting it IN my eyes and it works beautifully to minimize my fine lines as well as leave me with lingering hydration. The ingredients are all natural and Alba never tests on animals which is a plus to me. To me, the packaging isn't a big deal because I always make it a point to have sanitized hands before dipping into the tub to avoid contamination. The little tub lasts me months, so it's definitely worth the money. It's great under my make up and when I'm out of my Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream, it works great as a back up. My skin is always clear, radiant and virtually pore-less from the combination of the Pro X and this incredible moisturizer. All the great ingredients that your skin loves in ONE fantastic product..who could ask for anything more? Again, HG ALERT! I will always have this on hand...j'adore'!! Highly recommended! xoxoxox - Mad Madam Jess
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Olay - Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System
BoxcarJessie 2/8/2011 6:09:00 PM
First off, let me start by saying that I'm a certified Esthetician and experienced in skin care as well as make up application. This little tool here is pretty much a facial for your home at an amazing price! I bought this wonderful tool at my local Walgreens last week and I can't get over the fantastic quality of the brush. Like other have said, it has a rotary brush...the bristles are soft and have a bit of "give" to them...plus, it is battery operated which is extra convenient as it doesn't lose it's charge every time you attempt a re-charge like the Clarisonic. I own the MIA Clarisonic and I must say, I prefer my Olay Pro X Advanced Cleansing System to it and recommend it more highly to all of my clients as well as to anyone that is in the market for an outstanding cleansing brush. I've been using it every day, once a day..sometimes with the Renewing Cleanser which I love for the Coconut Acid infused in it and sometimes with my normal, Clean n' Clear cleanser. My complexion has become brighter, more radiant and clear. Once I use the product, my skin literally drinks in the moisturizers and serums I apply afterwards. I also love the size as it fits perfectly in my shower caddy, sitting upright so the bristles dry in a sanitary fashion. The batteries can be changed by pulling the handle outward while rocking the handle from side to side..it can be a bit tricky but I assume the more I change them out, (I haven't had to do so yet), the easier it will be to access the battery pack. I already see such a huge difference in my skin, I cannot wait till a month passes! Then another month! Then a YEAR!!! After using this product and having a truly exfoliated surface to apply my make up, my foundation has never looked better. My blush, bronzer and eye products blend easier as well, it's like a dream come true! This machine has done more for my skin than any enzymatic peel or microdermabrasion session I've ever had. When I was doing facials at a spa, I worked with a machine that had a rotary brush head connection and we charged anywhere from $80-$500 for a facial depending on the particular facial chosen. Now, for $30..you can have your very own facial treatment in the comfort of your own hot shower..complete with steam to open the pores and allow for an even DEEPER cleansing!! The possibilities for incredible, professional skin care and treatments are in the palm of your hands with this little wonder. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! xoxoxox - Mad Madam Jess
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Treatments (Eye) -Burt's Bees - Radiance Eye Cream with Royal Jelly
BoxcarJessie 2/8/2011 1:11:00 PM
This has been my HG Eye Cream for at least a year now! I use it day and night. I have always had a problem with the lines under my eyes since I am disabled and am always making pained faces. I also have allergy shiners and the Royal Jelly in this cream really moisturizes and plumps up my under eye area. I love it! It absorbs into the skin unlike any other eye cream I've ever used and leaves the area hydrated, velvety smooth. I use this during the day under my make up and at night..really does the trick. Burt's Bees is paraben free, all natural ingredients and doesn't test on animals which puts the line ahead of the rest, imo. I highly recommend this cream to anyone and everyone looking for a great eye cream. I've used high end and drugstore eye creams and this one beats em all. I've never had milia (those little, white bumps under the eye) develop so I know the product doesn't clog my pores at all. It just gives the emollient, moisturizing effect I need to keep my eye area looking smooth, "radiant" and youthful. Love it! xoxoxox - Mad Madam Jess
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Lipstick -New York Color - 309B Sheer Red
BoxcarJessie 2/6/2011 4:39:00 PM
This lil puppy rates on my top, lush, red lippies of all time! I love it for daytime as I can't go wrong with a red lip for my skin tone. This red is gorgeous and the quality is excellent! It applies like one lovely MUAer said below, semi-sheer and builds up to a decadent, blue based, cherry, cheery, brick red that differs from any other red lipstick I own. At 99 cents, it's a steal so I can't help by recommend this gem of a lipstick to anyone and everyone I meet that is wary about trying a red lip. It tends to work on everyone I've recommended it to, either applied sheerly with finger tips as a bit of a stain, or applied in multiple coats for a more dramatic, vampy, sultry look. The smell is nice too! It wears incredibly well for a cheapo lipstick too. When paired with my Rimmel 1000 Kisses lip liners, it lasts throughout the day with minimal touch ups. Took me a while to pick this one up but I finally did and I must say, it was worth the wait. Blue Rose is my 2nd favorite in the NYC lipstick line..Sheer Red will always be my 1st. GO NYC!!! xoxoxo - Mad Madam Jess
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Lip Treatments -Burt's Bees - Tinted Lip Balm
BoxcarJessie 2/5/2011 1:16:00 PM
I have this in Red Dahlia and let me say, this is HG status for a balm next to my BB's Pomegranate Oil balm!! I adore the tint..it's perfectly sheer red that is YLBB! :):) It moisturizes just as well as my Pomegranate one and lasts longer than you'd expect..the color doesn't fade as long as you feel the balm on your lips. Highly recommend this! Of course, all the ingredients are all natural so that is always a plus. Burt's Bees, you've done it again! I can't wait to try the next product you come up with! :) xoxoxo - Mad Madam Jess
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Blush -BeneFit Cosmetics - Coralista
BoxcarJessie 2/5/2011 1:12:00 PM
Ah yes...good ol' Coralista..the 2nd Box Powder I've ever bought. As always, 5 lippies for the packaging. The color is pinky coral with micro-fine, golden shimmers. This one can definitely be used as a blush and doesn't contain individual glitter of any kind. It just imparts the most gorgeous, coral glow. I've tried NARS Orgasm and I don't think it compares to the Coralista. The shades are quite different and the NARS contains more shimmer that tends to fall out where I don't want it to be on my face. I'd definitely recommend Coralista to Orgasm in a second. The scent of all the Box Powders are light and fresh...after application, it dissipates leaving nothing but glorious, glowing, buildable color. This shade livens up the complexion adding to whatever flawless skin routine you have going on. Highly recommended! xoxoxoxo - Mad Madam Jess
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Blush -BeneFit Cosmetics - Dallas
BoxcarJessie 2/5/2011 1:06:00 PM
I adore this more as a bronzer type product..even more so than the Hoola. As always, with the BeneFit Box Powders, the packaging is sublime and beautifully constructed. Whenever I pull this out to use it, just the sight of it brings a smile to my face. :):) This particular shade is a deep, mauve, plum, bronze shade..very unique with a hint of illumination...no glitter, by any means. I'd say it's more of a satin finish, which is ideal for me. It is easily buildable....I use it with a heavier hand to contour some days for a dramatic, chiseled look...or I'll use it with a fan brush or dual fiber brush where the sun would naturally hit my face as you would a typical bronzer and it gives me the perfect, sun kissed, rosy glow. Highly recommend! I've also used this product on clients of mine with a myriad of different skin tones and had it work beautifully so give it a try! xoxoxoxo - Mad Madam Jess
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -BeneFit Cosmetics - Dandelion
BoxcarJessie 2/5/2011 1:02:00 PM
Ooh lala, how I love this product! I can use this as a good ol' blusher if I want to since I'm pale enough to have it show up as such. I also can apply this with a dual fiber brush on key places all over my face to brighten my complexion, which I recommend you do if your skin tone is a tad bit deeper. The packaging, as with all BeneFit Box Powders, is adorable and stylish. I love the box idea since every speck of product is contained within the deep walls of the container. This is a gorgeous, pale, baby pink that leaves me with a gorgeous, "just stepped in from the cold", flush. I love, love, love this!! It's definitely one of my favorite Box Powders and I highly recommend it for my pale gals to use as a blush/highlight. I've used it also with great success on my darker skin toned beauties as a complexion brightener creating more addicts of this particular product. Just spreading the beauty around! Highly recommend!! This also looks great with the PF Happy Booster Blush in Natural above it as highlight for pale girls.. xoxoxo - Mad Madam Jess
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Bronzers -NARS - Laguna
BoxcarJessie 2/5/2011 12:56:00 PM
Welp, this bronzer just does not impress me one bit. I received this in a swap with a girlfriend of mine since all the hype made me want to give it a shot now that I'm knee deep in a bronzer addiction. The color is nice but imo, a bronzer should have a matte or satin finish to it. Laguna has glitter particles in it that, even when applied with the lightest hand with a fan brush, it makes my face look like a disco ball. Very unflattering on my pale skin, no matter how I apply it. The packaging is very sleek like all NARS blushers but that's all I can appreciate about this product. I prefer my NYC Bronzer in Sunny to this and as far as a preferable dupe to Laguna, NYX has a Face and Body Bronzer #2 in medium that is Laguna with more of a satin finish when the multi-tonal shades are swirled together. I don't think I need to mention that the price is much easier on the ol' pocketbook..but I will. :) It also comes in a compact that's as big as your head! As far as high end bronzers go, I'll stick with my BeneFit Hoola and Dallas. Laguna just doesn't live up to the hype for me. Then again, tbh, I'm not really a big fan of any of the NARS products that I've tried. I do not recommend spending your money on this one..but if you're interested, try it on at your local Sephora/Department Store and see if it works for you. As with all products, one person's trash is another person's treasure. xoxoxo - Mad Madam Jess
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Body -Palmers - Shea Butter Formula in a jar
BoxcarJessie 1/25/2011 3:52:00 PM
Like others have said, this product is a lil miracle in a jar..for all seasons! This multi-tasking cream is outstanding for my eye area..in the Winter months, my skin gets so dry around my eyes, it flakes and the dry skin gets in my eyes..TMI, I know..but I apply this all around my eyes every night and voila! No more flakes! It has Coconut Oil in it as well which is another reason it works so well..the antioxidant and exfoliating properties of the Lauric Acids and AHAs help to renew the skin and soften leaving radiant, supple skin in its' wake. This works immediately but after multiple uses, the results are even better. I use this also on my legs after a shave and feet since my soles get cracked often..or should I say, USED to get cracked often. Now that I've found this affordable staple of a product, dry skin is a thing of the past for me. I can even use it as an all over the face, night cream over my acne treatment to counteract it's drying agents and it doesn't add to my break outs..in fact, it helps clear my skin up even after as long as I don't go over board! I highly recommend this product!! I find this works much better than the Cocoa Butter.. xoxoxox - Mad Madam Jess
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Ecotools - Powder Brush
BoxcarJessie 1/18/2011 2:37:00 PM
Picked this one up when I picked up my Bamboo Bronzer brush and I love it just as much!! I threw away my old powder brush and must say, this is one, high quality, wonderfully made tool. :) The price is affordable, the quality is amazing, it's great for the environment, what more could you ask for? I use this to apply a sheer dusting of my setting powder and it never cakes it on, the application is flawless..it's nearly impossible to apply too much product with this brush yet the bristles are dense enough and they never, EVER shed in between washes! Highly recommended! xoxoxox - Mad Madam Jess
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