Lipstick -Revlon - Colorstay LipColor
GryphonLovesLipstick 11/10/2009 4:51:00 PM
A long-wearing lipstick that is actually pleasant to wear. Nice selection of colors, I currently have Blissful Honey (a yellow-toned, slightly rosy nude/brown, very subtle shimmer) and Sheer Bronze (a coppery bronze shade, sheerer color but more pronounced shimmer). But what I really love about these is their application and wear. When I first apply, the texture is smooth and slippery, so I can still smoosh my lips and spread it around evenly. Within half a minute or so though, it dries down to its "long-wearing" state, which is still never so dry that it's unpleasant or tough on my lips. Lasts really well and wears off evenly. Packaging is sturdy and I like the long, slimmer shape.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Rimmel - Cool Shine Lipstick
GryphonLovesLipstick 11/10/2009 4:32:00 PM
Bought this lipstick years ago in several shades. I still actually have one of them. I know you probably shouldn't keep lipsticks so long, but I love this one and it's still good! I don't think you can even buy it anymore, which is a shame. Unique lipstick. It truly does feel "cool" and refreshing when you apply. The closest description I can think of is a water- or gel-like texture, but that doesn't really capture the pleasant sensation. Colors were sheer and shimmery, very pretty. The only reason I didn't give this a five was because, probably due to the formulation, these lipsticks got mashed or broken very easily. But still a worthy product! I wish Rimmel would bring it back.
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Lipstick -Max Factor - Vivid Impact
GryphonLovesLipstick 11/10/2009 4:22:00 PM
This lipstick is being discontinued??? Oh nooo.... I bought my last batch at Ulta, maybe they still have some... This is what I get for waiting so long to review it. The review option is gone under the other listing, so I'm sneaking it in here. This lipstick is a real pleasure to use. It comes in a wonderfully sophisticated and well-edited color range, from subtle shimmery shades to pure, totally chic tones. I started out with Gold Digger (a sheer, shimmery gold/champagne on me) and was totally obsessed with it all summer. I also really like Sex Kitten (a shimmery orange/coral shade), and absolutely love Skinny Dip (the perfect non-rosy pale pink, gorgeous with dark, heavy eye makeup). I think I have another shade or two, but these are my favorites. Goes on with, and retains, a very smooth, very light consistency. I read a lot of reviews comparing the texture to lip balm, and agree. Sometimes I like to feel like I'm wearing "real" lipstick, but these do feel so nice. Longevity is good, (although honestly, I love the colors and texture so much, I wouldn't mind reapplying more often) and all of the lipsticks I tried had the same consistent, quality "lipstick" scent. The packaging is uncluttered and classy looking.
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Misc Beauty Tools -DHC - DHC Eyelash Curler
GryphonLovesLipstick 11/9/2009 11:17:00 AM
I'm about to commit heresy against established makeup canon, but I actually like this eyelash curler more than shu uemura's. The top curler part is not as wide and the curve is shallower, which fits my eye better. I don't have to apply a lot of pressure as I inch along to get a nice sweeping curve to my lashes. I also just like that the curler seems smaller and more compact in general. An additional bonus: both the curler and the silicone pad replacements are significantly cheaper than shu uemura!
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Hair -Unlisted Brand - Unrefined Shea Butter
GryphonLovesLipstick 11/9/2009 10:40:00 AM
Wonderful stuff. Well, except for the smell which is awful. It reminds me of the smell of livestock somehow. But it does fade and honestly, unless I stick it right under my nose now I don't really notice. Still, I plan on mixing in some lavender oil at some point, and next time I buy this (and I will be buying this again!) I'll probably get one that already comes scented. It's still hard for me to believe, but unrefined shea butter has been great for my face and has not caused ANY breakouts. I melt a little on my fingertips and use it as an undereye cream after my retinol in the evenings, and under my moisturizer and sunscreen in the mornings. It can be a little shiny and, depending on how much I use, may never soak in completely, but I actually like the highlighter effect and love the supple rich feel. My eye area, which is starting to develop fine little smile lines, has become plumper and bounces back faster since I started using shea. I also dab a layer on any zits after applying my benzoyl peroxide cream and, amazingly for something so rich and oily feeling, it actually seems to help them heal. Using shea, the redness is often less to begin with and the leftover marks definitely fade faster (marks from past breakouts tend to last on my fair skin for months and months, if not longer). Everyone's skin is different so I'd start off cautiously with this on your face, but this has been a wonderful find for me. Last but not least, I've used this on scratches, bruises and other small wounds and it seems to help with healing and reduced scarring. If nothing else, the rich protective moisture promotes whatever healing is going on anyways and makes it feel better. I have noticed that when I use this on a larger area, like my knee, after it's soaked in the skin there is unbelievably soft and pliant. Not silky smooth, not greasy, not dry, just... really really soft. I hesitate to use this as an allover moisturizer though, because I don't think I could stand the smell and I wouldn't be able to sit or touch anything for several hours...! I may try it someday though if I'm staying in with nothing else to do for an evening. Anways, shea butter really works. On top of that, I love that it's so natural and simple.
11 out of 11 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Gels/Soaps -Unlisted Brand - Out of Africa - Organic Shea Butter Soap - African Black
GryphonLovesLipstick 11/6/2009 2:32:00 PM
I found this at Harris Teeters, where it was actually less expensive than the listed price on the Out of Africa website. I was a little nervous using it at first because I thought the shea butter might be a little too rich and cause breakouts. I've been using this on my body for a month or so now though, and really love it. It lathers well with my bath pouf, and leaves my skin somehow feeling moisturized yet squeaky clean at the same time. Amazingly, after rinsing this off I can actually see the water "beading" on my skin sometimes, but whatever moisturizing layer or film is left behind has caused no breakouts. This has a fairly strong "soap" smell, but it's a clean scent that doesn't linger after use.
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Treatments -L'Oreal - ReNoviste Anti-Aging Glycolic Peel Kit
GryphonLovesLipstick 9/30/2009 10:10:00 AM
Used this a year or two ago, and it appears to have been discontinued, but I figured I'd go ahead and review it. It'll depend on your skin-type and what your skin is used to, but with skin adjusted to a retinol serum 4-6 nights a week, I found this to be a mild at-home peel that gave some noticeable results. With the exception of a slight tingle the first time, I had no discomfort or bad reactions even though I usually kept the peel on for at least 15 minutes, sometimes as long as half an hour, twice a week (I did get some flaking when I left it on for half an hour, but it only lasted a few days). This is not an aggressive or "dramatic results" type product and I don't think it did anything for wrinkles, but after using it my skin was always smoother and my pores less noticeable. There have been times that I've rinsed it off and also felt like my skin was actually lighter and brighter, almost glowy. A nice general maintenance and preventative product.
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Polishes -Rimmel - Lycra wear 10 plus minerals
GryphonLovesLipstick 9/30/2009 10:02:00 AM
Really great polish. In general, I love the brush on all Rimmel nail polishes. Not everyone will agree with me, but I find that the size and flat shape conforms well to the shape of the nail and is very easy to control. This particular polish makes it even better. It has a thin, very smooth, even consistency that does not get thick or gloppy as you use it. And it really does last beautifully. It just seems to cling to my nails and reinforce them, even without a topcoat. I particularly like to wear this when I'm growing my nails out a bit longer. Pretty colors and can't beat the price.
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Moisturizers -DHC - Coenzyme Q10 Milk
GryphonLovesLipstick 9/28/2009 4:29:00 PM
Love love love this moisturizer. I've tried creams and lotions many times thicker and heavier, but this is the miraculous product that finally cured the dryness and flakiness on my face that I've dealt with for several years. I first tried it as a sample from DHC, and was stunned by the results after just one use. A day or two later I ordered the full size. It's a light, milky gel that absorbs easily and pleasantly with no real discernible scent. If I've just used PTR's Unwrinkle Peel pads or some other exfoliator, I smooth on a more generous layer before going to sleep and it just sinks right in without a hint of oiliness or greasiness. Since I started using this a month or so ago, not only have the dry patches and flakes disappeared, my skin has become smoother and my pores look smaller. I think it's also reduced irritation from my retinol product. All of this without breaking me out. I don't know if the miracle ingredient is actually the Q10 or something else, but for me at least, this stuff has accomplished what far richer creams failed to do! If you go to the DHC website you can request free samples. I know what works for one person may not work for another, but considering the amazing results I've gotten from this moisturizer and considering the samples are free, I highly recommend giving it a try, especially if you have dry, flaky, yet breakout-prone skin. One last note on packaging: Hefty, nice quality bottle. Just don't try to pick it up by the clear plastic cap. The cap is not attached very securely to the rest of the pump.
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Lipstick -Revlon - Matte Lipstick - Pink About It [DISCONTINUED]
GryphonLovesLipstick 9/16/2009 4:37:00 PM
I love the look of matte/creamy lipsticks so was excited to try this line. This one (like the Nude Attitude that I also bought and ended up throwing away) is no good if my lips are even a little flaky or dry, but I really like the color, a bright coral pink. It's pretty but also quite flat and unnatural, so I find it looks best when patted on lightly for a subtle retro look. Wearing it always makes me feel a little more chic. I have to say I far prefer the (now discontinued) moist matte lipsticks from Milani, which were a little creamier and had shades with more depth.
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Lipstick -Revlon - Matte Lipstick - Nude Attitude
GryphonLovesLipstick 9/16/2009 4:13:00 PM
I love the look of matte/creamy lipsticks and nude lips, so I thought this would be an awesome combination. Overall it was ok, but I ended up tossing it for several reasons. The texture felt a little grainy sometimes, and this lipstick was not at all forgiving if my lips were even slightly chapped or dry. Most importantly, this just wasn't a flattering color against my fair, yellow-toned skin.
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Masks -Unlisted Brand - Sea Salt Mask
GryphonLovesLipstick 9/15/2009 5:11:00 PM
Wow. This really does work for me. I use the sea salt "toner" on my face several times a week, although when my skin is misbehaving I'll use it nightly. I leave it on for at least an hour, longer if possible. I also take the leftover, undissolved sea salt from the bottom of the cup and dab it over any zits like a mask. Looks bizarre and sometimes it stings a bit at first. But it totally calms breakouts and stops deep, incipient zits in their tracks. Instead of erupting, the next day they just start to quietly fade away, and in a day or two they're gone. In general, sea salt also helps my skin to heal and recover from breakouts much faster. Surprisingly, it does not dry out my maturing oily-with-dry-flaky-areas skin. I think it has actually helped with dry patches. As so many others have stated, the super-minimal cost, discomfort or inconvenience you might experience is surely worth the chance that this could work for you too!
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Skincare - Face -Keys - Solar RX SPF 30 Therapeutic Sunblock
GryphonLovesLipstick 9/14/2009 6:04:00 PM
Update: I'm reducing my rating from a 4 to 3, because I'm pretty sure now that it caused one of the worst breakouts I've had in years. It's too bad because otherwise I wanted to love it. At some point in the future I may give it another try with a more controlled test, but at this point I'm not willing to risk it. I'm still a little on the fence about this one, but only because I'm not sure if it's causing breakouts or not. If I'm having a long day and this sits on my face too long, I suspect it may be a contributor. That uncertainty aside, I really do like this sunscreen. It's a physical blocker with a remarkably short list of appealing, natural ingredients. Appearance-wise, it vanishes easily into my fair/medium, yellow-toned skin, and sets (almost too quickly) with a matte finish. It actually works as a great primer for makeup! Unlike other physical sunblocks I've tried, this doesn't dry out my face. It does form a palpable layer that I can feel on my skin, and really does have a knock-you-out scent, but I consider this balanced by the high degree of sun protection and lovely ingredient list. Regarding the scent, to me it smells strongly of citrus and something that reminds me of black licorice (the cumin?). Not exactly pleasant but I find it tolerable and it does fade. I would definitely recommend taking advantage of the trial size first to see if you can handle it! One last note, on "nano-sized" zinc: current research does not indicate that this can penetrate the outer layers of the skin, with either accumulative or free radical effects.
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Mascara -L'Oreal - Double Extend Beauty Tubes
GryphonLovesLipstick 9/14/2009 5:16:00 PM
Even with the conditioning side, this is not a mascara for adding volume. However, it truly IS miraculously impervious to smudging so I use it in conjunction with my favorite mascara (Maybelline Volum Express waterproof) on my lower lashes and the lashes at the outer corner of my eyes. Hah! No more raccoon eyes or smudges on my lower lid!! I think this is basically a copycat of higher-end versions but for the price and considering it actually works, I'm a fan. Bonus: no smudging even when you're rinsing it off! Apply warm water and it comes off in tidy little squiggles.
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Lotions/ Creams -Palmers - Palmers Olive Butter Formula
GryphonLovesLipstick 9/14/2009 5:07:00 PM
Delicious lotion! This is great for applying all over after a shower (or anytime really). I like the scent, which I think kind of smells flowery without being sweet. It comes out of the bottle very thick, but then easily soaks into skin with a light, almost watery feel that's totally refreshing. I love that I'm not at all greasy after application, yet my skin is completely moisturized with that satiny, light-reflecting quality that really rich lotions give you.
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