Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Elie Saab-Le Parfum
JavaJunkie 1/21/2013 1:42:00 AM
I very rarely comment on fragrances, because I am almost completely "tone-deaf" when it comes to picking out the notes of scent unless they're very obvious. It's precisely for this reason that I am compelled to review this fragrance. I received a gift set of the EDP for Christmas, and it IS spectacular. Mr. Saab has most definitely hit the mark with me on this scent. I don't normally wear florals because they turn into bottom-shelf gin on me after a couple of hours but I most happily and humbly make an exception for this delicious scent. The warming of this elixir by the skin turns this into the most heavenly concoction of orange blossom, jasmine and rose. My terribly defective "sniffer" cannot really detect the patchouli here, so it's likely subtle, but I do like most patchouli. And it lasts for hours--no constant refreshing, and lingers softly. This fragrance never has to raise its voice to get attention. DH is crazy about it, too. Enough said.... Often I find that the companions products I layer with fragrance are a little "off"; that is, they either have an under-scent of something unpleasant in the lotion or other carrier, or they turn. Not so with the lotion; it stays just as faithful to the scent as the EDP. I plan to expand my collection of this beautiful, beautiful scent just as soon as possible.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Burberry - Complete Eye Palette in Mocha No 2
JavaJunkie 1/21/2013 1:23:00 AM
Just received this palette and couldn't wait to try it out. For reference, I am light to medium skintoned, with light brown/dark blonde/light auburn (depending on the season and my mood), with beige neutral to ever-so-slightly warm undertones, and hazel eyes. What a treat it is to open this rather simple cardboard box to find the small treasure inside. The first thing you'll notice is the sheer heft of the box--this is a substantial palette. You'll never confuse this with the quad from the drugstore--not even in the pitch dark. This little box has some serious weight. It's wrapped in a velvety envelope that has 3 pockets in front which hold applicators, separate and away from the actual compact. When this gunmetal beauty is slid out of its plushy sleeve, you're looking at the Burberry name along with some subtle plaid markings in the metal. Tres chic.... You look for the button to undo the clasp, but there isn't one...lid and base are brought together by some really strong magnets. When you look at the diagonal pans of color, you see a small dark corner of lovely chocolate, topped with a milkier shade of cocoa. Next is a camel shade, all topped with another corner of smooth ivory. The powder shadows float on smoothly, almost cream-like, and blend to a whisper... just like that. The payoff is sure without being garish or overbearing, but soft--so very, very soft. This compact is the secret smile you keep to yourself when someone tells you that "no eye shadow is worth that kind of money". This eyeshadow is like the sexy, outrageously expensive lingerie you keep in a satin pouch in the back of your drawer for those really special occasions. This truly proves the argument of quality over quantity. I'll be buying more--much more--of this. I just might put it in a satin pouch in the back of my drawer....
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -La Mer - Skincolor De La Mer The Treatment Fluid Foundation SPF 15
JavaJunkie 12/18/2012 4:27:00 PM
I finally caved and ordered a sample of the liquid foundation, hoping I'd hate it. I'm light to medium, Bobbi Brown Cool Beige for reference, and my skin tends to be an uncomfortable combination of oily, dry, sensitive and aging (ever so slightly!). The foundation sample shade is Natural, which I thought looked a bit dark in the bottle, and it is the liquid form (rather than the cream). {{{{sigh}}}} I love it. It feels like I have nothing on (makeup-wise, of course). The formula is flawless, glided on without a hitch (for my first application, I used a sponge wedge), and didn't have the heavy, hard-to-distribute qualities I've read about in the reviews here. I won't be using a sponge to apply it going forward, since sponges tend to absorb and waste a lot of product but I have found that this is the best way to check shade and texture. Like most of you, I've travelled the entire foundation spectrum, from drugstore to OMG-you-did-NOT-pay-that-much. This is a bit more than I'd like to spend for foundation, but what have I already spent for itchy, shiny, slick, pore-enlarging preparations? The scent is a little medicinal, a little sharp, but I didn't notice it except during application. As an aside, I didn't notice any flaking or settling while wearing this, but I prep my skin according to its nature and the weather, using Oil-Absorbing Lotion in the hot weather, or the LM Gel Cream when it's cooler. The only time I use Soft Cream or the original cream is at night--too heavy for my combination skin during daylight. Color-wise, I have virtually no warm or cool tones to my skin; I'm nearly a straight neutral beige which only suggests the barest hint of warmth. The shade turned out quite well, as it goes--as close to invisible as I'm likely to see without custom-mixing my own.That said, most of the foundations I use tend to look far too yellow or pink on me, so I either look liver-diseased or feverish. The Natural shade still might be a smidge dark, but my face and my neck are several shades apart in color anyway. This color tones the ruddiness down enough so that it actually brings my face into closer compliance to the shade of my neck, which surprised me. Before I sock any serious dollars into a full-sized bottle, I will try another shade or two perhaps, but I WILL be purchasing this foundation. If you're curious about this foundation, I do suggest getting your hands on a sample of it first. I suspect that this has been reformulated since the earlier reviews; I don't know about the creme formula, but there's nothing heavy about the liquid. If you're really smart, exchange shades with a few friends of different complexions and get it right before you buy it (unless, of course, you have retail access to it, which I do not at the moment). Trade all or part of your sample here for the shade you might want. It's a product worth taking the time to get right and, personally, I can't wait to get my hands on it. I've spent enough dollars and time on the "cheaper" solution.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Lancome - Hypnose Doll Lashes
JavaJunkie 7/29/2012 6:00:00 PM
How disappointing. I thought this would be a wonderful addition to my Lancome mascara wardrobe but, sadly, I am not pleased at all with this. I didn't find it to be thickening, as the regular and Drama versions of Hypnose, but I did find it to be annoying in its lengthening properties. I kept looking in the mirror, thinking "Spiderwoman" after applying this in my usual manner. Spindly, spidery, and not terribly flattering. I didn't even finish the tube, which is probably a first for me with a Lancome mascara. There won't be another purchase of this item.
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BB Cream -Dr. Jart+ - Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++
JavaJunkie 7/20/2012 9:46:00 PM
Mmmm...fabulous. Doesn't look like much out of the gate, but goes on like, well...water. Very cooling and light. Looks rather pale, but if you wait just a couple of minutes....the formula seems to merge with the skin. All I do is dust on some mineral powder or sunscreen powder (love Colorescience Almost Clear) for a truly flawless, seamless complexion that holds up in New England summer humidity. It evens out redness, holds up without looking makeup-y and doesn't break me out. If I had one wish, it would be for shade options but, being a natural paleface, I can make this work easily. Super summer option...skip the powder for the no-makeup days.
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Blush -Maybelline - Dream Bouncy Blush - Candy Coral
JavaJunkie 5/28/2012 3:02:00 AM
I'm not really sure HOW I feel about this product. As stated in other reviews, it is a fascinator more than anything else. The bounce is oddly compelling, and you just want to sit around and push your blush around for a while. But after the honeymoon's over, what do you have left? I do like the color--I am almost a perfect straight neutral, but have a slight, slight warm tone to my skin and hair, so the color was a good choice. I appreciate the ease of application; I've tried it with a sponge, with my fingers, and with a brush, all with pleasing results. However, I do agree that, for as smooth and dry as the initial application is, the staying power is nothing to write home about. This is particularly true if your skin, like mine, tends to oiliness on the cheeks. It doesn't even go tacky like some blushes do with oil--it just vanishes. I really don't see myself purchasing more of this, unless perhaps towards autumn I see a difference in the lasting power of this product. Granted, I don't have the best luck with blushes but, with the semi-failure of the Bouncy Blush, the horizon doesn't look much different.
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Eye Primer -Trish McEvoy - Eye Base
JavaJunkie 5/28/2012 2:45:00 AM
Bought this in Bare after receiving a couple of trial sizes. I think I may want to keep looking. My HG primer from Lancome is no longer available, and I wasn't sure I was crazy about anything else I've tried. This base from Trish is good, and has great staying power, but someone else pointed out something that I'd noticed myself. If you don't blend in this base very well--and very quickly--it will dry into a crepy landscape. Not a good thing, because it's almost impossible to buff down once it's dry. That said, I often smooth a bit of this around to the area under my eye to hold my liner a bit longer, especially if I use powder to line. It really does keep my shadow in place, but I am troubled by the crepe effect, since I'm not 25 anymore and would rather not exaggerate problems in the eye area. I wasn't crazy about UD, so I may try for a better shade of LM--I do like that brand. All in all, I'm still on the hunt to replace my HG shadow base (sigh)...will keep trying.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Philosophy - Kiss Me Tonight
JavaJunkie 5/28/2012 2:12:00 AM
I have found an HG--that's not easy. I have Burt's Bees lip balm sticks all over the house, and--gulp--I think I've found something I love even more. This little pot of gold is it; without a doubt the most soothing balm my lips have ever felt. It sits on my coffee table, and I massage this in every night while I'm watching TV. My lips are actually plumped a bit--incredibly soft and smooth by morning. Don't let the price of this pot deter you from buying it...it lasts forever. This sounds ridiculous, but I use one finger from each hand to massage the balm on, then smooth whatever's left onto my elbows. I've got the softest, smoothest elbows on the East Coast. This balm works far better than my LaMer balm for half the cash. Burt's Bees can go into my handbag for use during the day, but my nights are strictly reserved for Philosophy...
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Powder -Jane Iredale - Amazing Base Loose Finishing Powder
JavaJunkie 5/28/2012 1:51:00 AM
I think it's finally happened. I have actually found a mineral base I can love. I've been through all of them, and thought I was more or less resigned to PurMinerals, which is a great product, but I can't find a good shade for my skin. Enter Jane Iredale, and my search is likely over. BE makes my skin look like an oil slick, no matter which formula I use; Aromaleigh is too damn confusing and, again, the shades are not good to my skin. PurMinerals is probably the kindest to both skin and wallet, but Iredale's formula is the best. It has none of the astringent or chalky sensations I've experienced with the others, and it doesn't melt into a shiny, slick, muddy mess. It has the best shades, the best feel on my skin, and the lowest shine factor of any I've tried. I'm not in love with the price tag, and it doesn't seem to have the coverage I need sometimes, but it takes down my ruddiness fairly well. If I pair it with my tinted sunscreen, I'm in great shape for the day. It's got a lightweight feel to it, so I don't feel like I've trowelled on my makeup, and I feel less guilty about not taking it off at night. After the bajillions I've likely spent on my mineral quest, though, I don't feel so bad about buying a jar of this. It works the way I want it to, and that's good enough for me.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Skinceuticals - Physical Fusion SPF 50
JavaJunkie 5/28/2012 1:28:00 AM
I am in love with this product. My skin tends to be a bit oily, especially in the summer and humidity of New England. I absolutely hate sunscreens because they either make me break out or they feel slimy on the skin. This stuff is fabulous for me; it's a lightweight, elegant formula that works wonderfully on my skin without the nasty "sunscreen" side effects. It has a light and pleasant scent that doesn't linger; I'm not a fan of scented products on my face, but the upside is that it doesn't smell like sunscreen. This dissipates very quickly so I'm not bothered by it. I discovered something I didn't expect with this, too. It reduces the appearance of my pores and, if I buff on a bit of my mineral powder over it, they just disappear! I have a flawless complexion which stays put all day long. I can put away my foundation and tinted moisturizer for the summer and just use these two products for a smooth and protected complexion. The texture of this sunscreen is non-sticky, very light and fluid. You must shake it well before applying, and it has a slight tint to it to keep the telltale sunscreen "chalk-face" at bay. Once you blend the product in, the tint is invisible. I don't consider the price of the product a factor here; it beats the daylights out of biopsies and skin cancer. for the quality and staying power of this product, I'll bite the bullet. I will continue to purchase this as long as SkinCeuticals continues to make it.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Alima - Nourishing Lipbalm
JavaJunkie 5/28/2012 1:08:00 AM
This is sweet, soothing and cooling lip balm with sheer color in a slender swivel tube. I like the slim tubes because I tend to just swipe it on and the larger tubes leave balm in places I don't want it. No, I'm not especially graceful. I have a light to medium complexion, and tried Rhubarb, which is a neutral, non-shimmery pink. It pays off like YLBB, but the mint in it is very soothing if you're chapped or burnt. I'll keep this around, and would buy it again. But it's not HG status for me; I won't globe-trot for it. It's a pleasant little change from my usual balms and I'll probably check out another color out at some time.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Fresh - Full Impact Mascara
JavaJunkie 5/28/2012 12:45:00 AM
I'm blown away. I never, EVER thought anyone could walk me away from my beloved Lancome mascaras. My stepdaughter had to crowbar my Hypnose and Definicils out of my cold hands to give this one a try, and she was spot on! This may well be my daily go-to; I get the lushest set of lashes I've had in a long time, with no combing out. I get great payoff from my Hypnose mascara, but it can be clumpy and I do have to comb it. But this stuff? If the second (third,fourth, etc) tube of this performs as well as the first, I'm in love! Long, sweeping and NON-CRUNCHY lashes are all yours in this formula. I'm not a packaging snob as long as the goods are inside, but I do like the sleek metal, and the delicate design on it. I am hooked. I've been using my Lancome HGs for years, and have given a thumbs-down to so many others that have received rave reviews, but this one truly is different. I already had lashes before using this, but now I have carpet sweepers. This one's a winner.
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Fragrances -Dawn Spencer Hurwitz - Perfection Connoisseur Fragrances Cafe Noir
JavaJunkie 10/21/2009 12:44:00 AM
Oh...my...gawd. I would DRINK this if I could. I am a spicy, smoky, sweet fragrance lover, and I feel like this was made just for me. This was my first journey to DSH, and I'll be back for more. I had a really hard time deciding whether to give this the coveted "HG" status or not, though--it doesn't last very long, and it's quite expensive. This is the description from the DSH website; all I know is that the stuff is the headiest nectar I've ever worn: Cafe Noir Eau de Parfum Spray (Natural) "It is a Paris Night. Dark and sophisticated, it evokes late concerts in smoke filled rooms...sipping coffee and listening to jazz." A spicy Oriental perfume made with 99% Botanical ingredients. Composition* Top notes: Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cinnamon Bark, Pimento Berry Middle notes: Benzoin, Bulgarian Rose Otto, Jasmine, Labdanum Base notes: Coffee Absolute, Tolu Balsam, Vanilla That's exactly what it reminds me of: a smoky night in a Paris cafe-how appropriate. This stuff is so sexy it should be rated; I would never let my stepdaughter wear it, lol. Seriously, if you like Opium, Obsession or Coco (and I do), then you'll fall hard--really hard--for Cafe Noir.
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Mascara -Maybelline - XXL Waterproof Mascara
JavaJunkie 10/21/2009 12:26:00 AM
I'm surprised, and not just a little humbled. For years now, I've been strictly a Lancome Hypnose/L'Extreme mascara girl-NO ONE makes mascara like Lancome. However, I needed "cheap and cheerful" and needed it waterproof in a hurry, so I bought the XXL Waterproof. The packaging is not much different than any other mascara of this type: it's a dual-ended tube with a primer on one end, and the waterproof on the other. I used just the WP on my lower lashes, and both on the upper. Voila-I actually got respectable volume from this product, and it didn't burn my eyes like so many WPs do. I was really impressed with that, and with its staying power. No raccoon eyes, no burning, no crunchy lashes, no flaking off. I got long, full, soft lashes that lasted as long as I wanted them to: I sweated in them, I swam in them, I went out in the rain with them. And I will continue to do so as long as this product stays this good. I may not have anything good to say about Great Lash anymore (my teenage era HG) but I have nothin' but love for this drugstore diamond!
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Lipstick -Dolce & Gabbana - The Classic Lipstick
JavaJunkie 10/20/2009 11:40:00 PM
Wow. That's all I feel like I can say at the moment.....ok, I'm back. What an incredibly gorgeous package, what enormous chic and elegance, what class and joie de vivre....what a disappointment. I bought Cashmere (I think I was one of the first on the planet--yes, the PLANET) because I couldn't get my hooks into this divine piece of cosmetic artistry fast enough. Well, damn. This lovely lip dried me out so much I nearly cried. Very, very drying formula, and so not worth the Scarlet hype. I wanted to love this, and maybe it's just me ( I know I have very sensitive lips) but I have spent my last on D&G lipstick. Maybe that gorgeous shadow quad will redeem the label....
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