Treatments -Burt's Bees - Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
Hedonic_Devotion 1/3/2012 2:04:00 AM
I used to buy this stuff religiously, but they have changed their formula, & i could tell the difference immediately (which is what prompted me to compare the ingredients on the old tin with those on the new tin. It now includes superstars such as canola oil & vegetable oil & soybean oil. this used to be my HG cuticle cream, but i'll be returning my new tin tomorrow, and I will no longer be recommending this cream to everybody I know. get it together, Burt's Bees...you're losing your touch (& a loyal customer).
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Fragrances -Issey Miyake - Le Feu d'Issey Light
Hedonic_Devotion 5/8/2005 11:45:00 PM
LOVE this scent, but only gave this four lippies b/c the staying power SUCKS. i mean, truly. let me give you an example: i sprayed 5 spritzes on my neck and chest before i went out for dinner 5:30ish. around 8:30ish (when we left) i couldnt smell anything anymore. NOTHING!!! and it's not like my nose had become too used to it; my DH couldn't smell it anymore, either!!!
ANYWAY....this DOES smell amazing, which is why i bought it even though the spritz i sprayed on my arm was a bit faded by the time i finished shopping at Ulta. i'll probably end up buying this again, since i'll have to be spraying it on so frequently!! i'm thinking of buying the lotion so that i can layer it....also, perhaps it will last better if i spray my clothes? the packaging is pretty annoying too; although it's cute, the giant glass ball is not too practical, imo...and takes up more space than it needs to!! also, i can't see inside; i wish i could see how much fluid is in there, so that i know when it's time to pick up some more!! LOL.
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Palettes -Bobbi Brown - Nude on Nude Shimmerwash Palette
Hedonic_Devotion 4/26/2005 12:32:00 AM
I bought this palette at the BB counter, thinking that it would make a nice companion to my HG e/s, BB shimmerwash in Fawn. NOPE!!! Although the colors looked great in the palette, many of the colors look IDENTICAL when applied. The Wheat and Woodrose, in particular...I cannot tell the difference between the two when they are applied side by side on my skin!!!
Oh, and btw, I'm a VERY PPP/LLL (check out my pix to see for yourself!). The only way I could get these colors to significantly show up on me was to apply them all wet, and to layer more and more of all the colors on top of each other until I can obtain a sort of light, grey-ish brown color.
Uuugh, I feel ripped-off. Well, at least the brushes it comes with are nice...oh, wait...I already have 20 million brushes just like them. The Mahogany (dark brown non-shimmer shade) is nice -- I do like that, and I like the highlighter-type color the palette comes with (Nude). I don't like the thickness of the palette, either...why is it twice as thick as the Ski Slopes palette??? The sleek black case, although bulky, is very pretty, though, and the mirror is very nice (and huge), which is a plus. If the colors were better in this palette, it would be quite a bargain, IMO.
I'll see how these colors stand up to the office fluorescent lighting tomorrow...perhaps they'll do better there. I'll update if my opinion changes, but until then, better luck next time, Bobbi!!
ok, so my opinion HAS changed....my DH accidentally threw away the packaging/bag/receipt for the palette, so since i was stuck with it, i decided to use it.
then it hit me: what if i used this with an e/s base? well, i did -- and i adore the results!!! i actually used my old aveda moisture + tint as a base, since it is so...sticky-ish. so, in conclusion: do NOT wear this without a GOOD e/s base, otherwise you'll hate it! :o)
PS -- i *might* actually buy this again...we'll see....
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Lotions/ Creams -J. R. Watkins - Lemon Creme Shea Butter
Hedonic_Devotion 4/23/2005 12:41:00 PM
Based on these reviews, I dashed out to Wal-mart to snag one of these puppies. Normally I dont like lemon-meringue/key-lime pie/citrus-cream scents, but this body cream smells DIVINE.
I tried to put it on my legs, and it absorbed INSTANTLY. Actually, that's my first complaint -- I wish the cream were a bit more emollient, so that I could spread it around more easily!! For hands, though, this stuff can't be beat -- especially in the wintertime when I need heavy-duty cream to keep my over-washed hands from cracking open.
My second complaint is in regard to the packaging...although it's cute, the lid doesn't screw on very tightly. It's one of those lids that, when you screw it on tight enough, becomes unscrewed again! This container would suck for travelling, but I guess that's what travel containers are for, right?
For $4, this stuff is a steal, and I'd venture so far as to say that this stuff is as good as - if not better than - many super-high-end creams. I'm actually excited to try their vanilla lotion!
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Toners -Thayers - Rose Petal Alcohol Free Witch Hazel
Hedonic_Devotion 4/23/2005 12:08:00 PM
After reading the reviews for Phytomer's Face Dew Rosee Visage, and then lemming it for months, I decided to hit my Whole Foods store to see if I could find a cheaper alternative. And find one I did!! A much better one, at that! I'm sorry, but I just can't see myself spending $25 on a toner, especially since Thayer's is so much better with a much nicer price tag. Don't believe me? See for yourself:
Phytomer Face Dew (Ingredients): Demineralized water, rose water, dipropylene glycol, PEG-7 glyceryl cocate, nonoxynol-9 [Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this the active ingredient in spermicide???!??!] (and) PEG-20 cocamine, chlorphenesin (and) methylparaben (and) cetrimonium bromide (and) dipotassium EDTA, D&C Red #33, triethanolamine, fragrance, sea salt.
And now, for the kicker:
Thayer's Rose Petal Alcohol Free Witch Hazel Toner (Ingredients): Purified Rose Water, Thayers® Proprietary blend of Witch Hazel extract with Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Butylene Glycol ( a natural humectant used to attract moisture), Methylparaben (a gentle and safe preservative), Polysobate 20 (and emulsifier derived from Coconut Oil), and an all-natural fragrance.
See what I mean? Seriously, which ingredient list would YOU rather put on your face???
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Lotions/ Creams -Kiss My Face - Alpha & Aloe Moisturizer Fragrance Free
Hedonic_Devotion 4/23/2005 11:41:00 AM
Holy Guacamole, this stuff is wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Rundown:
My Skintype: PPP, 22-y/o Combo-dry, and acne-prone skin. I always need a good moisturizer after I wash my face.
Products I usually use on my face: I've been using Olay Complete Oil-Free lotion on my face for years, and I've been using SkinMilk's facial moisturizer in the wintertime (since it's heavy and longer-lasting). I always use a highly moisturizing facewash or a mild, moisturizing scrub. I was a bit skittish about using something with AHA in it, since I've never used it before & my face doesn't usually bode so well with chemical/acidic treatments (think: Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, etc.). That's actually an understantment; read my review on Proactiv if you're curious. :o)
The Review:
After reading the stellar MUA reviews on this product, I (of course) had to snag one. I picked up the vanilla-scented version of this lotion at Whole Foods, then ran home to try it out. The lotion absorbed pretty quickly when I used it on my face last night, and then again this morning. There was no burning, drying or irritation from the AHA, and I was even able to use the lotion on and around my eyes! Good stuff. It's made my skin soooo soft!!!
The bottle is also huge, especially since I use less than a full pump of it to moisturize my face!! LOL at this rate, this lotion will last me for a year or more. Also, my mineral makeup went on super-smoothly this morning, which IMO, is the true test of a moisturizer's quality.
The only forseeable downside of this lotion is that it doesn't have any SPF, but that's what my mineral makeup is for, anyway! For girls who need an SPF, though, this would still make an awesome night cream.
The Aloe and Alpha lotion is such HG material; I seriously don't think I'll ever touch another facial moisturizer again. Yep, sorry DH, I want to marry this moisturizer and have its babies (and I hate kids, even!).
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Makeup Brushes -Aromaleigh - Delectable Kabuki Brush [DISCONTINUED]
Hedonic_Devotion 4/22/2005 5:11:00 PM
OMFG. i expected a lot from this brush based on its reviews (both as the AL brush, and the Cat kabuki brush, since it's the same one!), but when i put it to my face for the first time, it exceeded my highest expectations. WOW.
i will NEVER buy another face brush again!! not unless it's another delectable kabuki, of course!!! and, again, i've done the research, and this brush IS the same one as the cat cosmetics kabuki (which is $40, whereas the aromaleigh version is $28).
the bristles of this brush are so soft, that with a firm pressure, it feels like something wonderfully soft and smooth (feels JUST like a high-quality chamois cloth!!! yeah, it's THAT soft!!!) is massaging my face.
the first time i used it, i put on wayyyy too much JI pressed powder b/c i couldn't stop rubbing this brush all over my face and neck!!!! this brush is, as another MUAer says, the rolls royce of all brushes. truly, if you use foundation, you MUST HAVE THIS BRUSH. seriously, it makes my BE kabuki feel like a dollar-store hairbrush in comparison!!!!
the packaging it comes in, though, is actually dollar-store quality, but that's fine by me, since i dont usually keep my brushes in a case. besides, a brush as luxurious as this does NOT belong in a cheap plastic container, IMO!!!
obviously, compared to the Cat Kabuki brush, this one is soo much cheaper, and i got mine with a $5 discount (just ask the boards for someone with an aromaleigh code). in sum, this is the brush of the gods. i'm in loooveee!!!!!! (if you can't tell!)
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -Physicians Formula - Mineral Wear Mineral Face Powder
Hedonic_Devotion 4/15/2005 10:03:00 AM
since i've been using BE, i've been trying to find mineral makeups that come in a pressed powder, since i am the world's hugest klutz and cant apply my BE without getting the powder everywhere.
i'd already tried zia pressed mineral powder, and JI amazing pressed base(which turned out to be my fav), and i noticed this in the d/s while i was waiting for a prescription to be filled. astonished that mineral makeup had made it to the drugstore, i (of course) HAD to buy it!!! i was so annoyed that there are only three shades to choose from!!!! who ever heard of such a thing?!? i chose the beige, which is the middle of the 3, since the bronze was way too dark and the lightest shade is labeled as 'translucent.' apparently, from some of the other reviews here, the translucent is actually a lighter shade....(?)
either way, this stuff went on smoothly (comparable to my higher-end mmus), but (SURPRISE!!) the color was totally off. the beige was a shade too dark (i am BE 1.2 JI satin, zia quartz for reference), and the PF turned (gasp) the dreaded orange on me!!! yikes!!! back to cvs it goes!!! maybe i will try the 'translucent' (lol, i still find the color names to be amusing in an annoying sort of way) shade.... perhaps it will be light enough for me? who the hell knows. either way, be careful when you buy this stuff...save ALL packaging and your receipts!!!!!
ok, returned the stuff to cvs and bought the 'translucent,' which isn't translucent at all! THIS is the color to get if you're a PPP gal like me!
for a drugstore brand, i give THIS color an A++. it's a perfect match for me!!! woohooo!!!! i still havent decided if i like this more than my JI, but damn, Ms. Iredale has certainly gained a healthy competition with this one! i still don't like the fact that there's no SPF, but that's what face lotion is for. :o)
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Bonne Bell - Dr. Pepper lipsmackers
Hedonic_Devotion 4/14/2005 11:02:00 AM
usually, i am not into the bonne belle lipsmackers...they just dont do anything for me in terms of color or flavor.
but, just like the other posters here, i wore this in highschool when my best friend at the time turned me on to it. i LOVE the scent, although im not too terribly crazy about the flavor. it's not bad, but it's not amazing, either. typical bonne belle -- just kind of, well, chapstick-y. my candy kisses lipbalm tastes much better!
either way, i do love the tint that it gives my lips. im a PPP/LLL, so i barely have any natural color in my lips (they are a very pale, washed-out, baby-pink), so the dr pepper lip balm shows up as a nice, rich, YLBB sheen...beautiful.
certainly a nicer color than many higher-end l/gs i've tried, that's for sure!! and for the $2 that i shelled out for it at cvs, well, i can definitely stash them everywhere!!!
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Eye Shadow -Aziza - Aziza Day Tones
Hedonic_Devotion 4/12/2005 2:40:00 PM
wow, i love these colors! i picked up the palette at big lots (along with the evening palette) for a buck, and was shocked at the quality of the colors. creamy, nicely pigmented, smooth, and beautiful shades.
i am seriously convinced that not all aziza eyeshadow palettes are created equal -- maybe 6 or 7 years back, i purchased an aziza e/s palette with a bunch of different shades of green....and this green-y one truly sucked! it's entirely plausible (being that this brand is exclusively sold at extremely discounted stores), that some batches of the aziza makeup are really sucky, whereas others are of a much higher quality.
imho, it's worth the game of russian roulette that everyone plays with 99c cosmetics!!
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Blush -Aziza - Blush
Hedonic_Devotion 4/12/2005 2:27:00 PM
i found the spiced duo at big lots last night, and forked over the $1 for it (against my better intentions). damn, i'm so glad that i didn't listen to that nagging spendthrift voice in my head!!
one of the colors looks just like benefit georgia peach, and the other one is a nice highlighter. the little brush it comes with is okay for touch-ups, but not for any other purpose. i used my BE flawless application face brush to apply these colors, and they look positively STUNNING. definitely not what i expected for a dollar, from aziza (since i had tried a green eyeshadow palette of theirs about 6 or 7 years ago that positively sucked)! i am really, really impressed. hell, for a measly dollar, why not try it?
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Cleansers -DHC - Washing Powder
Hedonic_Devotion 4/7/2005 1:24:00 AM
i tried this stuff as a sample that i got with my deep cleansing oil order. the washing powder is a very average gentle cleanser in general, and feels similar to dhc's pure/olive/whatever soaps (which are pretty much all the same, anyway). the washing powder is nothing too impressive, but i can see how it would be great for girls with sensitive combo/oily skin.
i think i might buy a full-sized bottle for travel (no spills!). lol $8.50 is a small price to pay for a dry suitcase!!! a little bit goes a really long way, and im curious to see how this cleanser would perform on the rest of my body.
overall, i prefer my deep oil cleanser and my la vitton oil cleanser, since they dont strip my skin as much as the washing powder does.
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Moisturizers -DHC - Seaweed Concentrate
Hedonic_Devotion 4/7/2005 1:04:00 AM
i really didn't like this stuff. i got the sample of this in my deep cleansing oil order, and for the $38 they charge for this stuff, i expected more.
for starters, when i spread it on my face, it was sticky as hell. it felt like i was spreading hair gel on my face!!! in fact, it felt so sticky/slimy that i went back onto the dhc website to make sure that this stuff was, in fact, a moisturizer, and to be sure that i hadn't accidentally put some kind of facewash on my face! i gave it a chance to sink in, but it just dried out and my skin felt tight and dry. i guess this might be nice for super-oily girls, but not for a combo girl like me. i hadda slather my olay all over my face afterwards, since this 'moisturizer' seemed to suck all the moisture OUT of my face somehow!!!! be warned!
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Fragrances -Stila - Midnight Bloom
Hedonic_Devotion 4/5/2005 2:14:00 PM
if you like musky scents, you'll adore this! it's sexy, and seductive...i love sandalwood and patchouli-smelling perfumes. honestly, though, for some reason, i can't smell the gardenia/white flower notes at ALL...which is good, i guess, since i usually loathe gardenia! actually, midnight bloom smells like a classier version of Coty Wild Musk (from walmart) mixed with jovan white musk....it's just more of a pure scent, somehow.
although i adore the fragrance, i'm definitely having a bout of buyer's remorse over this one, since i already own a crapload of fragrances that smell similar to my midnight bloom. for this reason, i'm wondering if i should return it. although this morning my coworker did compliment me on it when i walked in!
they make $30 smaller versions of every other stila scent except this one (maybe b/c it's newer?), which is annoying since i would really have preferred to buy a smaller bottle.
i have to say, though, this perfume has AMAZING lasting power, and a little goes a very long way.
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Fragrances -Gucci - Envy ME
Hedonic_Devotion 4/5/2005 2:01:00 PM
a light, refreshing, clean, airy, and faintly floral scent(after the dry-down), but it doesn't last as long as i'd like. actually, although it smells nice, the scent is nothing too unique...in fact, it's rather common (IMO). i think i'd like it a LOT better if it had lasted even half the day on me.
it smells like....well, kinda like philosophy's amazing grace, but stronger. i won't be repurchasing.
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