Styling Products -The Body Shop - Cottonseed Curl Booster
Espiegle 3/30/2013 10:52:00 PM
I have somewhat impossible hair because it's never really the same from day to day. I guess you could call it "supple" hair because I can straighten it easily, I can scrunch it into a lot of full bodied curls, or I can make it loose and wavy- but it doesn't like being played with- it needs to air dry in the perfect conditions, if I use a diffuser to speed it along, forget it- it looks really bad...And once dry, it's hard to make it stay in a texture for any length of time, and it at its worst it is shapeless, messy and frizzy or all three. Usually all three. When I can get it right, my hair can look great- but it's so rare- it almost never happens anymore. I wear it up all the time. First of all because I do a lot of sports, so I have to- then, I'm always showering- but obviously I can't always wash it. I do the co-wash thing, sometimes wash the roots with Grandpa's Pine tar soap. That works well. But if I don't use some sort of leave-in conditioner or detangler, it gets frizzy and really shapeless. Most of these products weigh my hair down, if not right away, definitely by the next day. Finally- to TBS Curl Booster. It works. It gives glossiness, it "forms" the curl pattern without fixing it unnaturally. It just helps it along. It smells delicious- very clean smelling, slightly nutty with the faintest tinge of cinnamon. It's not sticky. You can't see or feel it in your hair, it's just as if your hair becomes a prettier, glossier, bouncier-curl version of itself. And when I put it up, and then take it down, after I've used this, my hair isn't all deformed the way it usually is. I use a pump or two after I've showered and either shampooed/cond. or just co-washed, through towel-dried hair. Then I use my tangle teezer and do whatever I'm going to do with my hair that day. Whatever "style" I decide on- wet ponytail because I'm going to sports, or down to air dry then up or straight up in a wet bun- this helps everything just look like Good Hair. Makes life easier. One pump bottle lasts forever- and I actually finished it and actually bought another one. With me that is truly saying something- nothing- but nothing (except Wella SoFine Conditioning Mist, which was discontinued years and years ago) works on my hair. (CHI silk stuff used sparingly when straightening works well but makes my hair really dirty the next day- and doesn't work for staying curly.) Recommend. And bonus- TBS not tested on animals/natural etc. And not very expensive. Especially considering how long it lasts. UPDATE: I actually ended up buying this for the 3rd time- and I've discovered the best use so far- either in wet hair, or if I dampen my hair, and then I twist my hair into long spirals, put into a loose chignon and it dries perfectly. My hair looks really shiny and thick and healthy, and I get the impression that the longer I use it, the better my hair looks. I'm so glad I discovered this stuff. I
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Gels/Soaps -Yves Rocher - Fraicheur vegetale - Blue Cedar Energizing Body Wash
Espiegle 10/24/2012 2:15:00 PM
I have been using this for years- I discovered when in the "Wellness Center" of my old gym in Germany...I was coming out of the sauna when I smelt this gorgeous cedar emanating from somewhere- it was one of those "Yes!" moments, and I had to track it down immediately. I actually went into the communal shower and pinpointed it's origin. I asked the woman in the shower what product she was using. The woman was Japanese and didn't speak much English or German, and I fully expected her to point out some high end Japanese brand, and I couldn't believe when she told me/showed me "Yves Rocher". !!! Now, for me, Yves Rocher had always been an odd kindof low-budget shop that had stands in the Gare Montparnasse and stores a bit everywhere in Paris/France; and I had never even gone into one! I went to the one Yves Rocher in my German city where I was living immediately after leaving the gym, and bought it. I've been buying it since, that was about 4 years ago. Once in the store I was very very pleased to find out that YR doesn't test on animals, often uses organic ingredients, and a whole host of other good things-and truly fantastic prices... I was kindof kicking myself for not walking in there sooner! Anyway, this Blue Cedar shower gel is amazing. A-mazing. It smells fantastic, and it stays on skin for awhile as well. It is rare to find a good, pure, clean-smelling cedar that's not cloying, never mind at this price. It's around $5 for a squeeze bottle that lasts quite a long time. The packaging is perfectly serviceable, but nothing gloriously beautiful or anything; it's just blue plastic. I transfer to another squeeze bottle for the shower, personally, but it's cute enough on its own. (unfortunately Yves Rocher's Blue Cedar spray perfume doesn't smell the same as the gel- it's sweeter) I was thrilled to find this online in the U.S, and I bought 5 in one go. It makes myself, my bathroom, and my whole apartment smell perfect. If you like a very spa-Japanese-type cedar, definitely give Yves Rocher's Blue Cedar Energizing Body Wash a try, it is gorgeous, and amazingly inexpensive for the great quality.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Shiseido - Sun Protection Compact Foundation
Espiegle 7/9/2012 9:53:00 PM
I have been using this thrice-daily for about 3 weeks. I just moved to a hot, humid and very sunny climate 6 months ago, and I work out every day. I wear this over Estee Lauder BB cream, and it is PERFECT. I tried it on the recommendations of a French beauty blogger. She has skin about as pale as mine(before being out in constant sun) even though I'm pale olive and she has different undertones. I'm a NC20 in Mac, and she's probably an NC20-25, and she- and I- use the Shiseido 50. I only say this because it can be really disconcerting to be directed to such a seemingly dark foundation for such light skin- I never would have given the 50 a second glance if she hadn't used it, but it ended up being the right one for me, as well. I think it much be because of the sunscreen in it- it underlies the darker powder with a pale sheen, so it all works out in the end. In any event, this powder foundation is what I have been looking for all along. Smooth, natural, great finish, lovely feel, sun protection, super easy application, good staying powder, easy to get off, doesn't look like you're wearing anything, yet you look lovely-skinned and polished. I apply with either my ELF flattop, or my sigmaF80, or my Shiseido fdt brush, they all work well. I was breakout prone- no problems with this foundation whatsoever. I love that I can get refills. I love the compact- it's cute and sturdy. It's not expensive at all compared to so many foundations, I'm thrilled. My blush goes on like a dream over it. I would definitely buy again. It is my constant companion, and I get a slight moment of panic when I think that I've lost it!
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Lips -New York Color - Smooch Proof Lip Stain
Espiegle 12/28/2011 3:57:00 PM
I'm in love with lipstains since I discovered the Maybelline ones- I used to love the Benefit/Body Shop etc stains, but they were so inconveniently packaged it wasn't even worth it... I went to rebuy 2 Maybelline stains and saw these NYC stains and pounced on them. I even bought two in the brownest color (don't remember the name, but the one that is closest to "touch of brown" or "bit of brown" by Maybelline" and it is GORGEOUS. OK: Pros: The price. Obviously. The COLOUR. It is perfect for me. Maybe not for others, but I have been hunting high and low for a good lipstick/lipliner etc- and I have good ones- but this is everything in one,and totally natural looking. Brilliant. Cons: The tip isn't that sharp, so you can't really edge your lips precisely. It doesn't show that much, and you can "lay" the tip on it's side and get a clean enough line, but the tip is just a bit fuzzy. That's it- the only con. As far as the staying power, I'd say 16 hours is totally stretching it. However, it does stay put for a good long time. What I want to know is how long the pen itself actually lasts (and I had the same issue with the Maybelline pens). They are very "juicy" when you first open them, but then you can't feel them as you apply them. They impart color, there's just no initial wet feeling. And there's no gage to the amount of tint inside the pen... However- wish I had bought them all when I was there- the color is seriously perfect for me- better than the Maybelline or any other lip tint thus far- and I love the effect. Will obviously rebuy. ASAP. LOL.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -Maybelline - Color Sensational Lip Stain in Touch of Toffee
Espiegle 12/25/2011 6:09:00 PM
This is the 2nd time I've repurchased this particular color, and I've tried a couple of other ones as well- my favorites being the Touch of Brown and Touch of Toffee. Sometimes I layer them. I find this to be the easiest lipstain to use due to the marker-applier as well as the color, which is very close to my natural lip color, just brighter, perhaps a bit more pink. The brown is closer, but I like to layer them to get a bit of wow but still look natural. Mainly I love it because I can use it to line my lips and do pretty much the shape I wish for, and it looks completely natural,( whereas a lip pencil doesn't, and will also come off pretty quickly.) I have one side of my upper lip which is slightly thinner than the other side, and this just fixes that with one small stroke. I line my lips and color them in before I do the rest of my MU (so that that the foundation doesn't impede the stain getting into my lip line) ,touch up if I feel the need (usually just because I like to) during the day, but generally, it pretty much stays as long as I want it to. I also love the smell. My only issue is with the quantity- when I first buy it, it's full on and seeps out easily and it's really easy to "draw and color". but a little too quickly- like after a week or two of daily use- it goes dry and I have to scrub it into my lips to get it to work- it does work, but it's just not very liquid-ey and it's harder to see it when you're applying it. I do love it though- it's the best thing for a natural, bright lip that I've found, and of course it's a perfect base for another lipstick if you want more drama and staying power. I generally swipe some balm on after it's dried, and it looks really pretty. Perfect for sports, as well :)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Christian Dior - Addict Lipstick
Espiegle 10/16/2011 5:04:00 AM
This is a review for Dior Addict 821 "Smoky" lipstick. ( I think it may be listed under the "Be Iconic" category or something, as well.) I have finally found an all-around great lipstick! This is very exciting, people!! lol I know it's really banal, but I have really, really looking for the MLBB for the longest time, and perhaps perhaps perhaps...but I need to wear it longer before I establish that- let's move on: For the record and reference, I only have 4 other lipsticks (excluding duplicates of Chanel, because I bought 3 of the same color). I love lipstick, but as I get older, it's just not as easy to wear certain colors and textures, for both my lips, and for my skin tone, which has gotten paler, and my teeth, which used to be whiter than white, and are still fine, but some colors make them look not-as-white as I'd like. I have bought and gotten rid of tons of lipsticks, these are the ones that remain: -Chanel Allure in Obscure 137- for the serious red lip, going out, and also works great lightly blotted on. Makes teeth WHITE. Unless doing the blot-thing, it's not a "dash on" lipstick, however. Also can't be worn on naked skin (not on me, anyway) I bought backups of this, in case it's discontinued. -Lancome Beige Silk- that's for my "no MU MU" look. Totally, because I can barely see it, lol. -Shiseido SL3 (which was a gift ) I never, ever would have picked this out for myself, but it actually sortof works- but it's not, either, totally my style so I just put it on occasionally, because it's a nice lipstick. -Bare Minerals Bread Pudding (hate the name)- I had actually relegated this to the "get rid of" pile ages ago, due to the weird smell, but that seems to have gotten better,so I brought it out again when I was sorting- I love how it feels, and it gives me lips a natural, bigger look, so it's back in the collection. So those are my lipsticks. SO! Dior! For some reason I stopped and looked at the Dior display one day, and for some reason, I tried this lipstick. Right away I noticed something different about it (on me).Mainly, it gave me great lips, haha. I kept trying it, every time I could- and every time it looked great, in all lights, in, out, sunny, rainy, with my different outfits, with my skin, my teeth, my smile- I even did my hair a temporary shampoo-in red, and it looked nice with that! (I take forever to buy expensive things :)) But I bought it:) PROS: -The big one: It makes my lips look bigger and poutier- the way they used to look, actually! Oh my, thrilling! -It's a "definite" color- you can really see it, but it doesn't have that painted-on-be-careful-about-the-edges quality to it-ie it's easy to apply. So it's got that much-coveted every day quality. -It's pretty- it gives a pretty mouth, and smile. It makes teeth look white. -Some people might not like this, but I do- it sortof adheres to the lip- not in a sticky way, but a dry way. (but not a bad dry way). I love this, because I don't like it when lipstick just "settles on the surface" and slides off once you lick your lips 3 times or nibble something carefully. No, this just sortof "becomes one" with the lips. Considering the price, I find this important. - I can actually wear this with bare skin, and it's pretty. Cons: The cost/quantity ration- perhaps. This lipstick is a thinner cylinder than the other HE lipsticks, and it's an equal length...the only difference is that other, fatter lipsticks have a much wider,longer "point" and the Dior lipstick starts out with only the slightest slant to the tip- it's almost flat. So perhaps the difference in quantity is an illusion. Both a Chanel Allure lipstick and a Dior Addict have listed weights of "3.5 grams" but I'm not sure if that's the whole lipstick case, or just the product (I don't have a tiny scale :)) If it is indeed smaller, it shouldn't be, at this price. - it doesn't last very long UPDATE: Sometimes this particular color can be a bit bright for- I think because we've gone into winter, and I'm very pale and my hair is darker...(and I'm more into lipstains in my-lip-color). I haven't been wearing this at all, but I'm sure that I will during the summer. However, its lasting power still isn't great, which is kindof a pain because I no longer reapply my makeup all the time- which means that often, with this lipstick, I'm lipstick-less
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Clinique - Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle and UV Damage Corrector
Espiegle 10/9/2011 11:06:00 AM
I am on my 4th bottle of this, and it really seems to be the serum that's made the greatest- and quickest-improvement on my skin. I have come a long way from where I was a couple of years ago- over 40, all of a sudden my sun-worshipping damage became extremely obvious, etc etc. I've done some TCA peels (which "cleansed the palette") and have generally been fastidious with my skin. I tried this serum about 8 months ago- up till then I had been using EL ANR and sometimes Oil of Olay Regenerist serum. I was hoping, obviously, that the Clinique serum would do what it said, as this was my particular problem (UV). I use it morning and night and if I shower in between (gym, hot weather) I'll use it again. I do use it fairly generously- the texture, which is pretty runny, makes that happen as well, but I use it on my neck and a bit down on my decollete too. The runny texture also makes me go through it kindof fast, but it doesn't bother me- as long as it's doing what it's supposed to be doing, it's worth the price, I figure. On my neck it go rid of the slight roughness and lack of tautness that I was beginning to get in that area. On my face, the visibility of my pores is greatly, greatly reduced, and my skin is increasingly even-toned, and very soft. I spray my face with thermal water (Avene) before I apply this, and depending on the kindof day I might have, and the weather, I'll layer another serum on top during the day, or BB cream. At night I use this, then ANR on top. I never avoid the eye area- am I supposed to??! I figure that I need it on my eyelids, and undereye area, so... Because I usually have some left on my fingers, I rub the remainder into my hands. All the serums use essentially the same kind of packaging- I guess it's ok to use, and fairly nice-looking. The important thing is my skin has never looked better in my entire life, no joke. UPDATE: This seemed to stop making such a difference after awhile, and once that happened, it seemed too expensive. I stopped buying it
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Styling Tools -Unlisted Brand - Tangle Teezer
Espiegle 10/2/2011 5:26:00 PM
I finally gave in and bought this about 6 months ago, because of rave review and because I was just getting really tired of having to spend such a long time "doing" my hair. I have a lot of fine, curly hair. It's not like a mass of hair or anything, it's just the combo of fine and curly that makes it tangly. But even when I was a kid, and my hair was straight (went curly at puberty) I must have been one of the first J&J No-More-Tangles junkies. And I lose alot of it-every time I wash and condition it, every time I comb it. And if I wait a day to wash it, a ton of it comes out in the shower, and then once out of the shower, a ton more. It would worry me if there wasn't plenty of it remaining (but I make sure I take my vitamins, lol). If I don't comb it after washing it (and yes, I wait until my hair is not too wet, not to dry- to comb it), it would look like total nonsense on my head. And if I don't comb it THE RIGHT WAY, it gets frizzy and snarled (or I'd end up with cradle cap from not massaging my scalp at least a little). So I have (had) long been at the point of just feeling weary when I know that I need to wash it, because that means I HAVE to condition it, then towel-dry it just right so that it doesn't tangle, THEN use a detangling spray, THEN a leave-in conditioner...THEN I start to geeentttly use a big, wide-toothed comb, starting at the ends, working my way up...then I have to be careful again if I want to part my hair, or comb it in any direction...And it put me in a pretty irritable mood because it hurts- it yanks at nape and temples.... You get the idea- my hair just jams when I try to comb it, I never bother trying to brush it once it's dry (although I can do that if I straighten it) and I have hair all over my house. It gets everywhere. Sometimes I'm shocked at the back of my winter coat, or a sweater, if I haven't been paying attention to picking the hairs off it it. Ick. I actually lucked out and found the TangleTeezer in a beauty store here in Europe- for 15 euros- which seemed extremely expensive for something that looked like a cheap plastic dog brush. So I hemmed and hawed and read more reviews and finally broke down and bought it. And I love it. NOW I don't even THINK about detangling my hair- I don't NEED detangling spray, I don't HAVE to use leave-in conditioner for stretched-hair frizzies (I just use it for normal frizzies) and there's no more pain. This thing just glides like butter through my hair and I'M DONE. And I barely lose any hair, to boot- I didn't even know that I was actually pulling out hair, or breaking it, when I was losing it- I just thought it was natural shedding. So as a result, not only do I save time, energy and suffer less :) but my hair has gotten really nice again- it's glossy and thick and less frizzy and the curls are more "whole" and bouncy and there is less hair all over the place. And yes, I can use it when my hair is dry- I don't comb it dry when it's curly, because that just makes it look weird- but I can, and incidentally, it gives a really nice scalp massage- you can just make little circles on your scalp and it doesn't tangle your hair- it feels great. Voila- highly recommend if you have hair that just takes a long time to get through with a normal comb or brush, under normal circumstances, for whatever reason. I imagine this would be marvelous for children with long, fine, tangly or unruly hair- or all of the above- because it is quick and painless. I really want to get the travel one as well, but will wait till I go to states. I put a 3 for the price because though I think it is expensive for the material it is made from (totally cheapo plastic. It wouldn't last 10 seconds next to something too warm.(you CANNOT blow dry with it- it'll render it completely useless) it still works so well the price doesn't really matter. However I put 2 for the "packaging" because of the cheap material and because the label says to not even place the normal one down on the bristles, for fear of bending them. They could at least include a little protective shield of some sort- it sits in my cupboard like an upturned beetle! All in all, a fabulous, time-saving, hair-saving, pain-saving product, will def. buy again. Kudos to the inventor.
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Garnier - BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All-In-One
Espiegle 9/26/2011 10:48:00 AM
This is a review for the Garnier BB cream, in Pale (there are two shades- that I know of- Pale and Dark) I have been using the Garnier BB cream for about 2 weeks now, daily- sometimes several times a day. I use it over my serums, and over my Shiseido Makeup Smoothing Veil (I use serums and the S.V everyday). For background, I never (never) use moisturizers on my face, because I don't feel I need it. I mean, I probably do, because I'm getting older, but I just don't like the way moisturizers feel on my skin. (I do use serums- I layer them). (Skin background: Oily, acne-prone skin for the longest time- now just my t-zone is that, and since my skin-care regime has been perfected, I haven't had a break-out (probably a year YAHOO!!!) (and this is the first time EVER since puberty that I haven't broken out- I ALWAYS had at least a pimple- a serious one- often more than one...and thus quite a bit of acne scarring, as well.) But back to the review. So, I guess I wasn't sure what BB cream was- I knew it was sortof Asian...? And eventually I learned that it stood for Blemish Balm. So I've been curious- the French bloggers have talked about it, and I've never seen it around (nor bothered to order it online from Korea or wherever), and one day- by pure chance- I was thinking that I'd like to try it. Luck was (totally) with me because I walked into DM- a German shop that has loads of beauty things- and there, on the shelf, in the Garnier section, was the box with "BB" on it! I couldn't believe it- I practically pounced on it! I couldn't wait to try it. And....I really like it. First of all, it smells great. Nothing perfumey or anything- clean...it reminds me a bit of the Bourgois Healthy Mix line in the scent, but lighter. I put a little dollop on my fingers, and smooth it over my whole face. It really evens out the complexion, and it feels great. It's tinted, and you can see that when you squeeze it out, but once it's on it just looks like you have nice skin. I love it. I use it under my makeup, and so I find that I use a little less of my foundation. I can also just use a bit of concealer on key areas, with the BB cream, and that can do in a pinch, or when I'm just "being natural" (haha). It also works fine in conjunction with my foundation (Shiseido Perfect Refining fdt). No pilling or smearing or color change or anything. A big bonus is that I stipple it around my eyes with my Sonia Kashuk brush and it gives the whole eye area a relaxed, even-toned look, and it helps rid the area of those little lines caused by dryness, as well. It leaves your skin wonderfully soft, it really does. I've touched my skin a few times unthinkingly and it's like a baby's! I used to have really soft skin, but it hasn't been that way in so many years I'd forgotten, so I'm really pleased I am so happy about this cream because it's gotten me to finally use moisturizer, and this is going to be especially helpful in the winter for me, when my skin actually suffers from the cold. I haven't, either, broken out- that's always a concern- don't want to ruin my new record! It has, on very hot days, left me a bit shinier than usual- t-zone,the usual- but nothing icky or runny, and when I blot or powder, everything looks fine again, not cakey or mismatched. I do need to powder more with this on underneath, in general, however, but I always powder anyway. But it's just fine, and even a bit of shine hasn't kept me from wanting to use it even on hot days. I love using it after the post-workout shower and sauna- it's so soothing- my skin always looks really blotchy and needy after the sauna, and this is really just perfect for it. It's a plain plastic tube, fairly big (and it looks nice- it's like a pale champagne color) with loads of product, I got it for just under 10 euros, and will definitely rebuy. UPDATE: Rebought a few times- I LOVE the smell- however, it's a little too oily for my skin, especially now that I live in a hotter, sunnier climate. I keep it around though- for the smell, and also because when you need more moisture (winter, for example) this stuff, with a touch of blush and powder, looks and feels great. I've heard the new one is better for oily skin, so I'm going to try that one now. (been using Estee Lauder for a few months now)
14 out of 16 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Clinique - Blushing Blush Powder Blush - Iced Lotus
Espiegle 9/4/2011 5:35:00 AM
Pre-amble: I tried Iced Lotus based on the MUA rave reviews, as I had already done for Precious Posey. I have been looking and LOOKING for the right blush for the longest time (and trying, and sometimes loving for awhile, other ones (Chanel JC Plum Attraction, Maybelline mousse-blush in Peach, Clinique Precious Posey) but so far my criteria (looks natural but not invisible, applies easily, stays on, makes me look better ;)) just haven't come together on any of them. The Shiseido SA suggested a bronzer one day (the #2) as I am very pale olive, former tanorexic who flees sun now :) I've been embracing the pale-skin thing, but I do need some color.) So the bronzer was great (had a hard time finding a decent bronzer as well, the Shiseido is lovely, but that's another story :)), and I admit, I did need it- but it didn't give me that flush that's so attractive and (that I personally particularly love because I never blush or get flushed unless I'm embarrassed or doing heavy-duty sports. I want to look flushed without the embarrasment, nor the sweat! Right, so the Iced Lotus; based on MUA reviews, the two contenders I was interested in were Lancome's Miel Glace and Clinique's Iced Lotus, due to their "HG/all skin tone" status and a "I wouldn't have picked this out for myself" type reviews. So I went in and did one on each cheek, two separate times, indoor and outdoor light check. And Iced Lotus won. As it is summer, and hot and sunny, I feel that I need a bit of "tan" or else such a pigmented blush just looks too artificial at this time of year (I'm Shiseido O 00 or O 20 in the Perfect Refining Fdt; for reference) but I don't always want to use bronzer behind the blush, and I've also got an eye to impending Autumn and Winter, when bronzer won't look right anymore. (and I'm pale, but I'm getting OLD, so the pale-and-bright-cheeks doll-look doesn't work on me anymore:)) With that in mind, I also picked up "Cedar Rose" by Lancome (which just happened to be right next to Miel Glace, lol, and kept catching my eye.) I use a little of that on cheeks, temples, nose, jawline and then a bit of Iced Lotus on the apples of my cheeks. I'm telling you, that little bit of Iced Lotus makes my whole face transform, it is so pretty- and you can see it, but it looks natural. You know how when you're happy and you feel flushed and pretty? That's how this blush works. It makes me feel like smiling. It's not completely goof-proof- I def. need to tap off the brush first, I need to make sure that it doesn't get into the undereye area at all, and I do find that it looks better buffed in, then a tiny dot more after. I advise applying in natural light, as well. Best of all, once you get it right, it STAYS. It's great! All day you look the way you want. I like the packaging- I hadn't noticed until I bought it and put it next to my Precious Posey that there's a little window that shows the pan/color- it's like a blush library! I don't have multiples of my other brands yet, but I can see how I'd have to be picking them up and flipping them over or opening them to see if they're the right one- Clinique you can just see it, it's very pleasant, and rather cute. It makes it tempting to buy other ones, now, too. Maybe a square pan might be a little handier then the narrow rectangle- it's usually thinner than the brush (I use, anyway) so a lot of product powders off into the case just trying to pick it up, but it's not that big a deal if you're careful, just a shame to lose it for nothing, really. I haven't tried the included brush yet, so I don't know if it's any good. If it keeps working this well, I would def. rebuy,of course, but I do think the pan is going to last a pretty long time. But notably I wanted to say, just like the reviews but more! that I never, ever, in a million years would have picked out Iced Lotus as a blush for myself- an icey lavender-pink shimmer, are colors I would normally (totally) think were just all wrong for me (because they usually are!) I'm very much an earth-tone/nude/natural colors type- the brightest color I wear- and not daily- is my Chanel Obscure lipstick. But for some reason this blush just works, and it's so pretty- and it was because of the reviews here that I even considered trying it on. It's such a pleasure to find something like this, so thanks again MUA
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Shiseido - Refining Makeup Primer spf21
Espiegle 8/3/2011 11:49:00 AM
I've been using this primer daily for several months now, I love it, it's a basic must-have in my makeup bags (gym and home and out), I have repurchased 3 times- and I'm not someone who used primer before! (I used the Monistat anti-chafing gel-creme for a short time when that was the big thing, but it broke me out). Other than that, I never used primer. When I first got this primer I used it alone under my foundation, before I started also wearing Shiseido's Makeup Veil underneath (a whitish sunscreen prep cream- which is lovely and I use it religiously, but that's another review) which gives me a combined spf of 35 or so. That alone has done wonders for my skin. Back to the primer: even on its own, this primer gave me an even skin tone and texture- sometimes I do this stage of prep then run off and do something else, you know, morning getting ready stuff-and I'll come back to the mirror and think for a second that I've already done my foundation- it evens out that much! So it's really easy to apply just a bit of foundation after, and it looks flawless. So I think it's brilliant because: -it works -it doesn't break me out -I need less foundation, and it goes on and stays on better. -it really makes my skin look flawless -it has spf -it's easy to carry around. (About that- make sure the cap is screwed on really tight- then it's not problem. But if it's just sort of half-screwed on, it will work itself off in your bag!) It's a little expensive, but luckily you don't need much- (I just dab it on key areas- middle of forehead, nose, tiny bit of cheeks, and chin)- and I find it pretty worth it, obviously. I also work out in my makeup, and though I sweat, I still look put together- nor does working out in it break me out. All in all, 5-star product, have and will repurchase.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Maybelline - Blush in Fresh Peach
Espiegle 7/14/2011 5:51:00 PM
For a drugstore blush, this is lovely- it applies and wears pretty well almost all of the time, and done correctly it looks very natural! I've always had trouble finding good blush colors and textures- and it's so important, because without blush I'm just a shadow of myself (lol). I'd been using Clinique's Precious Posy (powder) or Chanel's Plum Attraction, and Shiseido's stick blush in Peach, but it's so hard to get right, that one. This Maybelline Peach Creme Blush is really nice. It goes on easily, it gives a definite,but natural-looking glow, but there are usually no demarcation lines- and that's just applying it with fingers (I use brushes for everything, normally, too). It stays on fairly well, I find myself hours later still with an English Rose complexion. (and I'm pale-olive complexioned.) Sometimes I find it a bit more difficult to apply- I need to buff it so that the texture and shimmer are less obvious (depending on my skin that day- and the weather) but sometimes doing that just buffs it away- so I need to add a bit more, and then I don't really like the texture.... But some days it's perfect and not a problem, so....perhaps it's best for younger skin? the packaging is nice because the little pot is cute and convenient, but if you use your fingers, it always gets under your fingernail because it's a small-mouthed pot. But overall, a very nice, and not very expensive blush, comparable to higher end ones, as well, and great in a pinch, and travels well. UPDATE; it started getting really cakey on me- I gave it to my mom, and she really likes it, luckily
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Liquid -Shiseido - Perfect Refining Foundation
Espiegle 5/12/2011 3:18:00 AM
This foundation was being raved about on many of the French beauty blogs, so I went and got a sample. At first I thought I didn't like it, because the sample was actually too dark (even though it was a light one; I 20) but I changed my mind once I found my shade. When it finally came to my Shiseido counter, there was a much greater shade selection- and maybe the lights were better, because I could see then that the l 20 was way too dark. I spotted the O 00 (Ochre 00), got a sample, tried it out for a day, then went back (immediately:)) the next day to buy the full size. The French blogs were always talking about how fast it dries/was harder to blend etc- but I never had an issue because I use a brush; I started with the Sigma F80, but I find that the Sonia Kashuk (sp.?)flattop (the chestnut and black one with the funny handle) is better, just because it's a little more dense and fine, with a smaller head, and more of the foundation gets worked onto my skin, rather than being soaked right into the brush. (it's a very runny foundation). I dot it straight onto my face from the bottle- t-zone, cheeks, chin- then brush blend it in. I can do my whole face in about 30 seconds, if I want! And zero mess. It's kindof weird, because you can't really even see how the foundation works- you don't actually see it changing your skin tint, or texture, but when you put it on, and blend it in, and it's like you have different skin. (ie; not like foundation at all). It just sortof becomes one with your skin, to use those abbreviations, it's MSBB. (and I'm not a flawless skinned girl by any stretch of the imagination- plus I'm getting OLD, lol) As far as its lasting power, it's fine- (I am someone who powders, though- I use extremely fine-milled translucent powders, in general) So I'm not sure if this is a foundation needs to be set, or if that's just me; I have the oily t-zone thing, especially nose and forehead.... If I've had a really long day, I can use a dab or two on said areas, and my makeup looks completely fresh. Shiseido is good that way- if you need to go out after work and want to freshen up, you can either add on, or, for a real "new start", just lightly dry sponge off your face a bit, then reapply fdt, bit of blush and powder (or not:)) etc, and it's like new. (Not like other fdts where you'd look weird and patchy and see the different "lines".) I've been wearing this daily for over 2 months, now, and it really is everything you need in a foundation- looks incredibly natural, but gives you coverage and polish. Doesn't settle in lines. Covers acne marks. Doesn't crease under eyes. Or laugh lines, etc. Doesn't break me out (I break out easily with the wrong products) Long lasting. Easy to apply. Perfect packaging. I don't find it hard to remove (but you do have to remove it- you almost forget you have it on!). I use micellar water (Vichy 3-in-1) and cotton it off, then wash with either soap or Noxema, depending on my skin that day. The price doesn't bother me (much:)) because it works so well- and a very little goes a long way (and I like a lot of coverage) - it's not the most expensive foundation out there, anyway. So, in a nutshell, if you want your skin to look really nice without it looking like you're wearing foundation- or just the smallest amount- this is good for you. A little extra: For about a month I wore this just on plain skin (well, over my serums and whatnot :)) but I bought Shiseido's refining primer with SPF 21 which I love- it just makes the foundation go on even better, stay on even better, and look even better- (but it looks great all on its own. I think the primers and the pore refiners are really very handy when it's hot, or you need really durable wear (like if you're going to be on airplanes for two days, or will be dancing) and I'm relieved that Shiseido has these "perfecting" tools for when you want them) Will definitely repurchase, because this foundation is a real staple in my makeup regime. I'm also really pleased because I'm discovering that Shiseido products seem to be really good for your skin. UPDATE: Still fabulous, and I've stopped powdering- I find the foundation wears much better without any powder (at least the powder I was using) (and I am using the Smoothing Veil underneath, so maybe that's what's needed). Still love it- am actually almost done with the first bottle, and will absolutely repurchase. ANOTHER UPDATE: Have repurchased :) This stuff is great, that's all there is to it.
30 out of 30 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Makeup Remover -Wet 'n' Wild - eye make-up remover
Espiegle 3/22/2011 3:31:00 PM
I tried this a long time ago, and as soon as I wiped my eye with it, I found myself peering through my tears in a total panic because I thought I had put nail-polish remover on by accident! THAT'S how bad it stung- and kept stinging. I (obviously) didn't even try the other eye, personally, and promptly got rid of it. I thought maybe there was something wrong with the bottle I had gotten (but I didn't bother investigating)- until I saw these reviews. You have to put at least one lipstick on this form- packaging was fine, I guess- that wasn't the problem. But even if it cost a penny, it'd be too much.
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Styling Products -Farouk CHI - Chi Silk Infusion
Espiegle 3/21/2011 4:35:00 PM
I bought the "travel size" of this to test it out- for 10ish dollars- to try it out after rave reviews on MUA. Founded rave reviews, in my opinion; Yesterday I bought the big size. I use a dime size squirt of this, and it doesn't weigh my hair down at all- and my hair weighs down super easily. I really don't like the smell. The travel size smells worse than the large size, who knows why- but it does smell overpoweringly of Brut or something. So it's proof that it's great stuff, because I seriously would NOT go out and buy expensive stuff that stinks unless it was semi-magical- i'm really sensitive to smell, especially on my hair; it's long, and swings around under my nose all the time. But it is semi-magical. It takes ALL the stress out of dealing with my hair. And I've noticed that my fiance- (who loves my hair in all its states, go figure)- strokes my head like I'm a cat, which he's never really done before. I love it. And the smell doesn't bother him. You know how guys are- they can hack those harsh fragrances that we can't. I'm always playing with it too! it feels so nice, and it never knots or tangles, either. Method: I finger-comb a dime of product (the first few times I listened to all the posts and just used a couple of drops, but it wasn't enough for my hair) through post-washed-towel-wrapped hair, loosely dry the whole head with a blow dryer,then blow-dry straight- (mainly front area/long bangs). It takes me about 10 minutes- TOTAL!- to do my whole head! whereas it used to take me at least 35-( and my hair would still frizz out if I didn't roll it up after drying it.) I haven't really just let it air dry yet, as the weather is too cold and I break down and end up using the blow-dryer :) But I'm pretty sure it'll give me silky curls, too, which will be fabulous in the summer time- My hair is just past my shoulders; not super long- but there's a lot of stuff to deal with. Enough to make it a detangling post-shower headache. And if I "let it go "curly", it generally just looks scraggly after an hour. If that. Anyway, short story long, this stuff detangles my hair really fast, and the end result is that it makes my hair look like it did when I was a child; silky, heavy, very shiny. (still light brown tho:)) And it's not artificially shiny, either- it just looks like really healthy hair. Brilliant product. Just get your dose right, and you'll be happy. (you don't need much at all- I'm suprised the people find it expensive because a little goes a really really long way). Fully intend to always have it on hand. Highly recommend. It's worth the smell ;)
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No