Concealers -Kat Von D - Tattoo Concealer
Cosmaniac 1/23/2013 6:53:00 PM
Love this stuff! If you are looking for a natural, flawless skin look, use two tiny dots of this, mix it with a little bit of moisturizer and apply all over. I use a MAC 188 brush. In the case of any small spots, I just use a little to cover and am done! I do have dry skin so I don't use powder on top. This has been my daily routine for a few weeks now and get so many compliments on my skin. And if you are only using two small dots a day, this little tube will go a very long way.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Chanel - Rouge Allure - #85 Coquette
Cosmaniac 2/20/2011 4:58:00 PM
Love this pinky coral lipstick! It reminds me a lot an a very old and discontinued favorite: MAC Skew. This looks great on my NC20 skin and I love that I can pair with either a pink or coral toned blush. It also stays very well and almost stains the lips. The packaging is decadent and I feel glamorous applying it. It is the perfect spring color and I will be carrying this around in my "everyday" cosmetic pouch. Another winner from Chanel.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Crème -Neutrogena - Healthy Skin Compact Makeup SPF 55 Helioplex
Cosmaniac 1/12/2011 12:43:00 PM
I agree with the comments of the joey_s below.This is a suprisingly good little compact! Additionally, this is and ideal find for those with normal/dry skin. I am not sure how it will do with oilies. It did go on very "wet" and gave a nice healthy glow. The coverage is sheer to medium and buildable if you need more. I used my Sephora airbrush (#55?) and dabbed it into the compact and lightly buffed it in to my skin for a flawless look. It feels great on my dry, winter skin and the color (Classic Ivory 10) is perfect for my NC15/20 tone. I just wish they had more options for gals with deeper skintone. Only downside, I did see that it sank into my pores a little bit and had a slight "plasticy" smell...will update later if my skin reacts negatively.
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Chanel - Soft Touch Eyeshadow - 87 Taupe Grise
Cosmaniac 11/18/2010 12:13:00 PM
I am a shadow addict. I must have hundreds of shadows but I keep reaching for this one. It can be paired with just about any other shadow color you have. It is expensive but I think that it is so versatile that you could easily justify the cost. Currently I use Benefit Skinny Jeans creaseless shadow as a base (they are similar in taupey-ness). Then top with Taupe Grise lashes to crease. Lately I have been using the NARS Isolde due (copper/rose gold) to slightly line bottom lashes and gently enhance the crease. Finish with a matte grey liner on the inner rims and instant day-time glamour for work. My fair skin hazel eyes with this combo always gets comments "Love that shadow - what is it?". This grey-taupe combo is a must-have and could work with just about anything in your arsenal (navy, lavendar, rose, black, gold, green, olive, copper). Give it a chance gals - and have FUN with it...play around, you never know what gorgeous combo you will discover.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Crème -Maybelline - Dream Smooth Mousse
Cosmaniac 9/3/2010 4:54:00 PM
Wow - I must have gotten a bad batch of this...everyone else seems to really like it. I am an NC/NW20 and bought this in both 110 and 150 (the two lightest shades offered). I thought I might fall somewhere in the middle of these two shades - plus I found a BOGOF. I was so excited to try this after reading about it in magazines and from the great reviews here at MUA. Yuck. I just dabbed a little, teeny bit on my nose, forehead and cheeks and planned to blend it into a sheer finish. First, it was way to orange for my skin - weird. Secondly it was not creamy in the slightest. It was so dry and cakey that I could barely even buff it on with my Sephora #55 Air Brush. I even tried to spray a little MAC Fix+ to help with blending...but that didn't even work. I really wanted to make this one work - but no matter how hard I tried it was a dissapointment. I had to wash it off my face (lots of orange water down the drain) and go back to my L'Oreal Visible Lift. There is a part of me that wants to try this again - because I really do think I got a bad batch, or an older formula or something. But I don't want to waste my $$$. Very disappointing.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -New York Color - Blushable Creme Stick [DISCONTINUED]
Cosmaniac 6/26/2010 3:52:00 PM
I absolutely love these! I am a PPP with dry skin and love the natural look of a cream blush placed right on the apples of my cheeks. I have six of these little drugstore gems so far: Big Apple Blush (muted rose), South St. Seashell (warm rose) Plaza Pink (which is really more of a warm coral pink), Berrry New Yorker (warm berry) and two limited edition Wild Berry (hot pink/magenta) and Pink Flash (a bright orange/coral). After foundation and bronzer (placed lightly from temple to under cheekbone - in a "c" shape) I dot a little of this right on the apple of my cheeks, directly from the tube. Then, I use my MAC 130 (a very dense, short stipple brush) and gently blend. Sometimes I will dust over with a matching powder blush to set. The color lasts all day and looks completely natural. I especiallly love just the hint of sheen it gives off. Not sparkly, but glowy. And just a very little can go a long way. I can't imagine how long it would take me to go thru one of these tubes (.28 oz) but I am sure it will be awhile before I see the bottom of one of these. Only $4 in the drugstore! If you can, pick up a few and play around. I think the colors are pretty universal and could fit most skin tones. N.Y.C. please DO NOT discontinue these.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Aveeno - Active Naturals Positively Ageless Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
Cosmaniac 6/12/2010 1:13:00 PM
I have dry, sensitive skin and am always looking for that perfect SPF30 for daytime. I purchased this after reading some good reviews. The packaging is great, a nice bottle with a pump. Loved that. The first thing I noticed when I put it on was the unnatural smell. For a brand that considers themsleves "organic" and "natural" they are off course with this one. It smelled like chemicals...similar to a heavy petroleum. Not good. Addtionally, this light and fluffy looking product left a heavy-feeling slick on top of my skin that never seems to soak it. I don't how this can be noncomedogenic. Like I said previously, I have dry skin and usually nothing can quench it, but this was uncomfortable. And as other reviews metion below, I couldn't put my foundation on over the top of it becuase it balled-up - my face was shedding! This product was very disappointing. I will go back to my regular - and very reliable Estee Lauder Daywear Plus SPF30. I did rate this high on packaging but low overall.
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Mascara -Cover Girl - Lash Blast Fusion
Cosmaniac 4/14/2010 12:52:00 PM
I wasn't a huge fan of the original LashBlast, but was swayed but early MUA raves for this product. I have a fairly good amount of long, fine lashes and I love to define, curl and volumize them. This masacara didn't really do any of that. The formula was not dark enough (kind of grey) and was thicker than I like. The super-chubby brush with short, rubber bristles did nothing to define my lashes. And because of the large brush it was hard to get into the outer corners. However, it did not smear or budge all day and if you are looking for volume, this does give you thick lashes. It was fun to try, but it was not a good fit for me. I won't be purchasing again.
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Concealers -Revlon - Age Defying Spa Concealer [DISCONTINUED]
Cosmaniac 4/6/2010 7:08:00 PM
I picked up a sample of Bobbie Brown's new Tinted Eye Brightener and feel in love. But then, after reading reviews of this Revlon product, I thought I would give it a shot for the small touch-up bag I keep in my car If there is a concealer out there in the market, I have tried it.I am one of those people who can't live without underye concealer and I have tried too many to count. I always go back to my Cle de Peau - but this one, the Age Defying concealer, found its way out of my "car touch-up bag" and into my everyday arsenal. I use this everday. On the weekends, I use it alone for a natural, well-rested look. During the week I use it underneath a touch of Cle de Peau for a bright, flawless undereye. The coverage is significant enough to dimish the dark circles, and has a soft sheen finish that doesn't look cakey. I like to brush a few strokes underneath the eye and pat with my right fingers until well blended. No need to top with powder, it does not settle into lines at all. After purchasing the BB Eye Brightener pen I did a side-by-side comparison. I can say that the Revlon pen is a little heavier coverage, and a little more yellow in tone. BB's finish is also a little "finer" meaning that it is just a teensy bit softer, and leans to a light peach color - which is good for the blueness of my circles. Overall, I think this is a great product, excellent quality for the price. I will for sure purcahse again. And for those of you considering Bobbi Brown's Eye Brightener, save your money and go to the drugstore for this gem!
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Revlon - PhotoReady Makeup
Cosmaniac 4/6/2010 2:13:00 PM
I am an NC15/20 with dry/combo skin and bought this in 002 Vanilla. Overall I thought this was just okay. I read all of the reviews here and got on the bandwagon when it first launched a few months ago. I love that it is in a pump, and I love that it has SPF 20! However, this stuff literally sat in my pores. I have good skin to begin with and my pores are nearly invisible, but for some reason this stuff makes them look super visible. Not a hot look at all. The coverage is medium to heavy was hard to blend, it was streaky and I really had to work at buffing out the streaks. Also, it is too sparkly for me. I am not a fan of the super shiney look. It think this sparkle is what they use for that "airbrushed" look. I looked like Edward Cullen sparkling in the daylight! I might recommend this for someone with oily, smooth skin who needs a bit of coverage. But it is not for me.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Crème -Chantecaille - Future Skin
Cosmaniac 4/6/2010 1:51:00 PM
I really didn't need this product, but I have heard good things about Chantecaille so thought I would try it out.I have NC15/20 dry/combo skin and bought Alabaster. Because this is an oil-free and non-SPF foundation it is imperative that I that I put a moisturizing sunscreen on before application. I love Estee Lauders Daywear Plus SPF 30. Then, I dip just the tip of my Sephora #55 brush into the pot and swirl into the lid before dotting on my face and blending. The coverage is a sheer to medium (and very buildable) and leaves a nice healthy glow on the skin. Not a sparkly mess like many others, just a soft, natural, satin sheen. If I want less shine I will use my MAC MSF lightly over the top. Every time I use this I am dissapointed with the packaging. A pot? really? I wish they would put this in a pump or even a bottle. What are they thinking? However, because of the finish and the way it makes my skin look natural and flawless I would consider repurchasing. It feels clean, not heavy and even though it is oil-free, my dry skin doesn't feel dry. Perhaps due to the '60% charged water and seaweed". Recommendation: Get a sample at the counter before purchasing. $68 is a lot to spend on something that might not work for everyone.
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Moisturizers -Alba Botanica - Sea Lipids Daily Cream
Cosmaniac 3/2/2010 9:10:00 PM
I was looking for a lightweight, night time moisturizer for my dry, sensitive skin. I was using the Jasmine cream and loving it, but wanted something a little less heavy. I have not noticed a fishy smell per another reviewer, but it does have a strong scent. It is a fresh scent, almost like a green, powdery finish. Although, the smell is tolerable I wish it didn't have any scent at all. It is a little bit of a turnoff. And it does irritate my sensitive skin just a tiny bit when I first put it on. I took one lippie off for the scent, but I would still recommend this for anyone with dry skin. Good price, 100% vegetarian, simple ingredients and very clean. Sinks into skin nicely, thus not leaving an oil slick under makeup. I have become a big fan of alba becaue of their moisturizers, and this one doesn't dissapoint.
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Tinted Moisturizer -Jane - Be Pure Aguaceuticals
Cosmaniac 12/28/2008 2:58:00 PM
This product is the first from the new (release in Dec. 08) Jane "natural" collection with hydrating ingredients. I just picked it up for less than $8 (for 1.5 fl oz) at Walgreens the other day. It is available in the US and Canada for now. Apparently the entire line includes all kinds of natural hydrating makeup such as , foundation, bronzer, blush sticks, eye sticks, mousse eye shadows, lipsticks and mascara. The packaging is very nice. The press release for the product states that "JANE has made a commitment that 90% of the packaging for this Collection is 100% recyclable or made with post-consumer recycled material." This tinted moisturizer comes in four shades: Fair Tones (very fair, pink or porcelain undertones - this is me), Light Warm Tones (Beige or yellow undertones), Medium Warm Tones (Mediterranean, tanned complexion) and Dark Tones (Deep, warm complexion). It has SPF 30 (which is great) in the form of titanium dioxide and claims to "reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles) with its organic green and white tea extracts. Additionally it is Paraben free - which is always good. MY REVIEW: This stuff is good. I have normal to dry skin and am always looking for the perfect tinted moisturizer. I link to get a light to medium coverage without looking either too shiny or too matte. This one hits the mark. It has a nice smooth application with light to medium coverage, but the finish is unique. It is more of a "satin" finish. Somewhere inbetween shine and matte. Very lovely.I wore this tinted moisturizer all day and did not notice any fading. And so far, no breakouts. Overall I am impressed with this product. The finish, the price, the SPF 30 and the list of natrual ingredients are all appealing. I can't wait to try the rest of this line when I can track it down! INGREDIENTS: Active Ingredients: Ethylhexl Methoxycinnamate, 7.5% Benzophenone-3, 6.0% Ethylhexl Salicylate, 5.0%. Other ingredients: Agua, Dimenthicone, Camellia Sinesis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Stearate, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 60, Gylcerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Iodopropynl Butylcarbamate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract. May contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide.
16 out of 17 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -Olay - Definity Color Recapture with SPF 15
Cosmaniac 8/21/2008 4:01:00 PM
I wanted so much to love this tinted moisturizer. The ingredients are terrific and it has had some great reviews below. Unfortunately - it stung a little when I put it on. Not a big deal as I have sensitive skin and it didn't turn red or break out. But I noticed that by the end of the day, my face was 3 times darker than my neck. I had chalked it up to the fact that I might have put too much bronzer on. But today it is doing the same thing and I'm not wearing any bronzer. I am a PPP NC15/20 and I really notice when my foundation color isn't right. Well, this light-medium was perfect in the morning when i put it on but by 1pm I was brown. I don't know why this happens, but I think that the ingredients may oxidize and turn orangey. It is not a good look on my. This one is going back to Walgreens.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Maybelline - Volum' Express The Colossal
Cosmaniac 7/31/2008 1:31:00 PM
I have a million mascaras. And my routine is to pick one for the week and stick with it - then move on to something else the following week. For some reason, I keep using this one. The brush is similar to DiorShow but the consitancy of the mascara is like Chanel Inmitable. I love it. My lashs are already long and plentiful, but they need a little volume boost. This mascara is perfect for making my lashes look full, glossy and gorgeous. It stays on all day too - without smudging. I am really suprised by this drugstore diamond in the rough. Even worn on the bottom lashes, this stuff does not crumble or smear. Good work Maybelline.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No