Hair -Got 2 Be - Rockin' It Encore Fresh Dry Shampoo
GrandPriestess 5/16/2013 5:08:00 PM
I highly recommend giving this dry shampoo a chance. I have tried Aveeno, Dove, Tresemme, Pssst, Batiste and Suave. This takes the cake. Let me just also note, I have very oily/sensitive/acne prone skin. Which includes my scalp. All of the other dry shampoos I have tried have either broken out my scalp or my face around my hair line. Also, NONE of them have had such a wonderful lasting power against second day "grime" as this has. Meaning, if I found one that didn't effect anything else, the lasting power was absolute crap. I aurally have a dark brown, multi-tonal hair color, but I dye it a dark black blue color so finding a dry shampoo that doesn't turn me old lady gray has been difficult as well. The other thing I started noticing about dry shampoo's is that they all have a starch in them...aluminum, corn or otherwise...and this one has rice starch, which is a little less toxic.This also has wondrous volume that lasts and allows you to style your hair whatever way you want without getting in the way.You can also use it on freshly washed hair for some added volume and style ability / texture. So as you have probably guess by now...This is my HG dry shampoo. It meets all my expectations and more. The sent is very pleasant, but I know scent is a very personal thing so I really cant say everyone will love it. (I don't like really girly fragrances) Anyway, so here is the best way to use this amazing product: Section hair; spray a small amount in a line along the roots of the section; message in with fingertips; let it soak in for 5 minutes; brush and/ or blow our hair. Ta-da! :)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -beautyblender - Pure Beauty Blender
GrandPriestess 4/21/2013 5:16:00 PM
I hate to admit it...But I am absolutely in love with this thing. Let me just say also, I HATE applying foundation with sponges and brushes. I only use either my fingers or on a rare occasion a paddle/filbert style foundation brush. I've tried a lot of brushes and buffers, but I like a smoothed full coverage foundation and I just don't like how much the brushes and sponges typically leave streaks and soak up product. I am blown away at how well this works. What every person has been saying about the beauty blender is true. I smooths on foundation and gives you complete control of how much coverage you want. You can layer foundation easily. You can smooth out your powder after applying it to get rid of any cakeyness or powderyness. You can apply foundation,concealer,powder and blush with it. you can use it to touch up throughout the day. Blah blah blah. =) I really adore this thing. Its a shame its so expensive, but I fond one on Amazon for a little cheaper. Also, I use Dr Bronner's Unscented Soap for cleaning it and it works very very well. I will be repurchasing.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Cover Girl - Cover Girl Olay Pressed Powder
GrandPriestess 4/19/2013 11:21:00 PM
I had some coupons for Covergil and wanted to pick up the Simply Ageless Conceale. When I went to Wlagreens they had a buy 1 get 1 - 50% Off. I figured, this was something that I hadn't heard much about and decided to take a chance. I was so upset that I didnt have this until now! This powder....I don't think I am going to be able to express how much I love it. Its so smooth, and lightweight. It doesn't sit on top of the skin but doesn't sink into lines and pores. It is a PERFECT satin finish. It set my foundation and make me look flawless all day, even through hot AZ weather. No matter how much I build it up it NEVER, EVER cakes up! It hasn't broken me out. It doesn't oxidize. It keeps my oily t-zone in check. It is however a little more on the expensive side for a drugstore powder, but Covergirl, Uta, Walgreens and lots of other stores are typically good about having some sort of deal or coupon, My only con would be I wish the packaging was a little more sturdy, but it hasn't deterred me from buying a back up. And it wont deter me in the future from repurchasing. I didn't think anything was ever going to override my Rimmel Stay Matte. But this...Well it has completely overtaken anything else I have been or have ever used. A must try!!!!!!!!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Cover Girl - Olay Simply Ageless
GrandPriestess 4/19/2013 9:30:00 PM
I used to use the Old Version of Revlon Age Defying Concealer (in a reed tube.), the only issue is that it is discontinued. It was a concealer that I could use on blemishes and under my eyes. It was beautiful. So I have been searching high and low for a replacement, trying both high end and low end. Unfortunately my skin is very sensitive and there are a lot of products I cant use for various reasons. (breakouts/dryness/oily-ness etc.) When I first used this, I literally took a deep breath and said "Finally." It does run a little light so even though I am about an NC-15, I use the color Light-Medium. I can use this on my blemishes, acne scars and under my eyes. It has a wonderful "second-skin" like texture and takes very little effort to apply and blend. I have only tested it through 8 hours, but I am sure it would last as long as I need it to. Even through sweating and heat. It set and didn't fade or move. It never got cakey or settled into creases. And it hasn't broken my out. I will be repurchasing.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Smashbox - Photo Finish Primer
GrandPriestess 4/8/2013 9:23:00 PM
I use a face primer for a few reasons. First being, I have pretty oily skin and need some hep with keeping my face makeup on, matte and flawless all day. Secondly, If I noticed if I don't use one, I tend to break out more from any foundation that I use. Speaking of which, this primer has not caused any breakouts for me at all. A lot of the reviews for this deterred me from buying this primer for a very long time. Ulta had a Smashbox primer trio on sale and I had a coupon, so I said..."Screw It, I can always return it. " and bought it. There is no way in hell I'm returning it. I am so blown away at how well this works for me. I actually went without powder today...I have oily skin people...That's normally a BIG no-no. Yes, it's a little on the expensive side. But so its the Tarte Poreless (also a silicone base) one that I have been using and loving. This really makes everything about my foundation better. My texture is DEFINITELY more even and smooth. Also, I use less foundation because it holds the pigment of the product better. And the rest of my makeup on top lasted a lot longer as well...IE Blush/Bronzer etc. I cant believe I was missing out on such a great product. I'm in love. =)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Primer -Milani - Eye Primer
GrandPriestess 4/8/2013 9:10:00 PM
For me, this just didn't work properly. I think its because I happen to have most of my oily-ness on my nose, chin and ...you guessed it...eyelids. =) I would say, if you have pretty regular lids then this would be stellar. It definitely holds pigment (color) of shadow/concealer/powder or whatever very well. And gives it great lasting power. But for me, I still had quite a lot of creasing. I much prefer the Smashbox or Tarte.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Yes To Carrots - Yes to Carrots Conditioning Lip Butter with SPF 15
GrandPriestess 4/7/2013 2:31:00 AM
Hands down, my new favorite lip balm. Fragrance, texture, moisturizing ability, staying power...etc Also, I happen to live in a very hot and very sunny state, so the SPF is something I actually seek out in a lip balm, and its very important to me. You cant even smell / taste it. Everything about it is a prefect 5 out of 5 for me. Will be repurchasing more.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Rimmel - Stay Matte Pressed Powder - Transparent 001
GrandPriestess 4/7/2013 2:24:00 AM
I happen to think this is the best drugstore powder out there. (At least for the US. I haven't had the pleasure of trying UK or Canadian powders.) To start off with, this is one of the few powders that doesn't crack and crumble once you hit pan. I know smell is a big issue for some people but I happen to very much like the slight fragrance to the powder as well. I have never had it leave an ashy quality to the skin, and yes...even fair girls deal with that. Its very good in my option for sensitive skin. I have had absolutely no reaction to it. (Which for me is incredible.) It keeps my oils at bay, but It doesn't feel like..."mask-face" when you wear it throughout the day. Now this powder can cake up (just like an other powder)...BUT, if you use a big face brush and "push" it into the skin it avoids the cake face of over application. And you can always use a setting spray to take down any further powderyness if you don't like the minimal it gives. But compared to every other drugstore powder I have used...This knocks it out of the park. I just wish they had a better color selection.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Revlon - Colorburst Lip Butter in Pink Truffle
GrandPriestess 4/5/2013 9:22:00 AM
I think the Revlon Lip Butters are an either you love them or hate them product. I Really tried to love these and I had Pink Truffle for the longest of the ones that I bought. (Bought 5 and slowly returned them to the store until I had 1) The more I wore it, the more I hated it. there really isnt a flattering shade for my skin tone in this line and the consistency doesn't work for me either.Just couldn't get it to work for me.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Tarte - Clean Slate Poreless 12 hr perfecting primer
GrandPriestess 4/3/2013 12:08:00 AM
As far as primers go, I seem to be very picky and very sensitive. My skin very picky in general, but when especially when I comes to primers, its a very black and white situation. During the holidays, Tarte was putting out the "Clean Slate Trio Mini", which I had bought... as often as I could. =) So i was really able to test these out. I already put up a review on the "Brightening" primer from this trio and definitely loved it. But this seemed to slowly creep in and take everything else over. The more I use it, the more I love it and don't want to be without it. Its a primary silicone base, which normally my face doesn't like too much. This however, has almost an "airy" quality to it that has never clogged my pores. Looking back on it, I have had no adverse reaction to anything in this primer. It does a really great job of smoothing everything out texture wise. (I.E : Filling in pores / smoothing out lines/ smoothing over acne}. I aso noticed a more substantial staying power to my foundation which is really why I want a primer to begin with. It's defiantly on the expensive side, BUT: 1. Tarte always seems to have sales and discount codes floating around. (Sign up for trier email) 2. Tarte also seems to put out a mini trio including this primer. And 3. (The most important)... You need SO little of this product that its well worth it. Its gonna last you a long time no mater what size you get. I give it a high recommend.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Shi Kai - Color Reflect Color Lock Volumizing Mousse
GrandPriestess 3/31/2013 3:47:00 AM
I am very disappointed in this product. I really happen to love ShiKai products in general. Not only did the packaging break, but the product is just not worth it. I have found way better hair foam/mousse products than this for about the same price and still in an "organic" line. This is sticky and never really dries. Once it finally dries, it leaves my hair crunchy, heavy, flat and greasy. And it does that after only 1/2 of 1 pump. I got no lift, no volume, no bounce... Just a bust in my opinion.There is definitely better out there. If you are looking at buying this, try the Giovanni one first.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Rimmel - Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Taupe
GrandPriestess 3/21/2013 10:50:00 AM
This is just a stunning color. I have been really enjoying the Scandleyes Kohls in general. I have 3 other colors. I have always gone for a black or nude waterline because every "brown" comes out black on me. I think its because i am so fair. This, however, comes off a really beautiful brown, with a nice taupe undertone. It looks great on the lash lines or waterlines and of course as with the rest of this line, it stays put for a good 6 to 8 hours. Its goes on very creamy and pigmented, but not to creamy that it breaks off r runs. Ad for the price, you cant beat it. Definitely will be repurchasing.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Desert Essence - Thoroughly Clean Oil Control Lotion
GrandPriestess 2/28/2013 7:12:00 PM
I have to say, I am glad I tried this out for myself and didst really read many reviews. I am so pleasantly surprised by this moisturizer. I have a very...picky skin type. I am Dry on the outside of my face (cheeks and jawline) oily through the T-Zone, acne prone, dehydrated and sensitive. I was using the Desert Essence Daily Essential Facial Moisturizer, which was pretty good, but being oily, my makeup just broke down to fast. I trust Desert essence because I have tried a lot of their products, and nothing has irritated or broken me out. (I also use their body and hair care as well.) So, I said screw it and ordered this on Vitacost. I have been using it for a little over a week and I am SO IMPRESSED! It has really helped balance my skin out. It moisturizes VERY well even though it is an oil control lotion. So my skin is no longer dehydrated and the dry areas are no longer and issue. My T-Zone stays "matte", well moisturized and healthy without getting greasy or oily. It wears beautifully under makeup. AND...My redness and breakouts have been drastically reduced. Once again, Desert Essence blows me away. I highly recommend it if you have any similar skin issues. Its definitely a fantastic product for the price.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -NYX - Chocolate Mousse
GrandPriestess 2/21/2013 8:33:00 PM
Finally! I have been looking for a bronzer for so long. I cant use 99.9% of bronzers because of skin tone and everything seems to come out orange, ashy or dirty on my face. I have been using the NYX Blush in Taupe for my contour for about a year now (Which I love as well) and I saw this on amazon while I was shopping for a back up. I gave it a shot and I am so grateful I did. I actually don't really use my taupe any more unless I am going out for a special occasion and need some "chizzling" This color never comes out dirty or orange, it really is truly a neutral brown. Taupe, is way more red based. I can use this to contour, bronze, warm up my skin a bit or as a full on blush. All I have to do is change brushes and the amount I use. NYC Sunny cant hold up to this! And of course because its a NYX blush it has the Holy Trinity: Great Pigmentation Great lasting Power Apply s beautifully to the skin (Never patchy, Never powdery, Etc) I highly recommend this for fair skin chicks. Not sure how it would show up on a deeper skin tone. But even then I would say try it because its not ashy at all!.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Revlon - ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen
GrandPriestess 2/8/2013 7:07:00 PM
I know a lot of people don't seem to like this liner, but I really love it. I have tried the Essence, ELF and a few other pen liners, because I am just starting to get into liquid pen liners, and I have to say, this one has really worked out the best. The tip on the ELF liner is rock solid and hurts. The one on the Maybelline one is a little flexible. This one is right in the middle. Its has a little give, but not enough to effect your control. I store mine upside down in my eyeliner cup, and it has never leaked or spilled like the Essence one. It also has a very even application, but as I stated, storing it upside down is very important. It also is very black, and doesn't fade very much or go patchy. I have hooded eyes so I need something that sets but gives me a second to correct any mistakes easily which this one does, and then it sets and stays put. I haven't had any issues with running or shifting. I would suggest also, make sure you use cream shadow it is either set and dried or set with a powder. I say if you have a coupon or see it on sale, really give it a shot. you might be surprised. Ill be repurchasing.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No