Bronzers -Estee Lauder - Bronze Goddess: Luminous Liquid Bronzer
Josie4468 7/5/2012 1:56:00 PM
Estee Lauder makes fabulous bronzers and this is no exception! The color is not orange (oompa-loompa) or muddy and gives a glow without glitter or too much shimmer. It's long lasting and blends very well; kind of melts into my skin (in a good way) for a natural look, which I love. I confess to not loving the open top bottle (but not seeing another option) until I learned from Dusty Hunter on YouTube that the MAC foundation pump fits perfectly on the bronzer bottle, and it does! This makes it so much easier and more sanitary to use and I don't waste any product. This is my new fave!
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Blush -Estee Lauder - Evening Rose Creme Rouge
Josie4468 7/5/2012 1:31:00 PM
I have never had much luck with cream blushes even though I have dry skin and have been told it's the best option for me. All that changed with this blush (which I admit I bought because it's the Mad Men LE and to get the gwp at the time). I never thought I'd love it this much but it's blush perfecta. It's easily applied and blended and long lasting. The blush kind of melts into your face (I mean that in a good way) leaving behind an adorable & natural flush. The color seems to adapt to my skin and whatever lip & eye colors I wear for the most flattering look. It's not just pink, but pink/rose/coral/raspberry; indescribable in a good way. I have tried going back to my other blushes since I bought it just to mix things up but find myself unsatisfied until I put this one on. Then I am blissfully happy...and isn't that what makeup is supposed to do?
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Treatments -Lancome - Genifique
Josie4468 12/23/2010 9:26:00 AM
First, I'll say that I am the last person to want to add a step to my skin care routine. In fact, I'm usually trying to pare down! So I don't know what persuaded me to try this product but I am so glad I did! I don't know what kind of magic it contains, but it is a perfect booster shot for my routine. It really did make all my other products work better, my skin smoother & more radiant, and even improved the condition of my skin. Meaning, products which irritated my skin before Genifique now work beautifully. Definitely get one of those generous samples and give it a try.
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Lipstick -Burberry - nude beige
Josie4468 11/9/2010 9:49:00 PM
This nude is VERY pale, and would not work for a lot of skin tones. It does seem very moisturizing, but for an overall look not very flattering although the nude beige gloss is divine! Since most of us have to order Burberry without the benefit of a counter to try on, just be aware this one is light. For a similar look, Nars Honolulu Honey is more flattering...
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Eye Shadow -Burberry - Eyeshadow
Josie4468 11/9/2010 9:44:00 PM
Like everyone else, I was obsessed with owning some Burberry shadows after seeing their ads, but sadly I was disappointed. I did my research by looking at reviews, board postings, and swatches on other websites. The colors I chose were Trench, Almond, and Taupe Brown, because I was looking for a good, neutral look for everyday that could be jazzed up on occasion, and I didn't mind the price for such a look. When the shadows arrived, I was disappointed to find them average at best. I found them not near as soft as I was hoping. They didn't blend very well either. I gave them a 3 because they weren't the worst I'd ever seen, but definitely not worth the price! I scored an Urban Decay Naked Palette, and the matte shadows there were a lot softer and more blendable for a lot less $. The Burberry packaging, however, was divine!
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Lip Gloss -Burberry - Nude beige Gloss
Josie4468 11/9/2010 9:38:00 PM
This is a great gloss! Featherlight but still covers, long lasting (although I will specify I wear it over lipstick) and for those of you who do this you know how a gloss will make your lipstick fade quicker? Well this gloss doesn't do that! The color is a gorgeous, true nude with just the right blend of beige, pink, peach, and no shimmer but not a flat matte either, if that makes sense. Maybe luminous? would be the right word. I think it would work on most if not all skintones, and it's not sticky or goopy and has very nice packaging. I was going to take off a lippie due to high price but I had to give it 5 since it's so hard to find a good nude. Sadly, the Burberry Nude Beige lipstick is not as good.
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Eye Shadow -Estee Lauder - Blue Dahlia Five Color Eyeshadw Palette
Josie4468 10/8/2010 10:46:00 AM
I bought this palette because I'm in love with the teal shade which is everywhere this season, and happily discovered these shades to be more wearable than I thought. I had thought to use the teal & blue shades as liners only but discovered that by shaking my brush before applying to remove excess product and using a good blending brush, even these dark shades were quite wearable. Also, although teal & blue are generally not considered everyday shades, I have been wearing the teal everyday on top of my regular brown shadow to add a little pizzazz. The teal blends very nicely with my regular shadow and gives me a lovely updated fall look for day, and can be applied heavier for a more dramatic night look. These are easily blended, have good staying power, true color, and although this palette isn't cheap, it also isn't as expensive as Dior, YSL, etc., so I gave it a 4. The packaging is pretty and the shadows are well distributed. The included applicators are pretty good as far as those go. Overall, an A+++ !
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Moisturizers -Paula's Choice - RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer
Josie4468 1/26/2010 6:39:00 PM
So sorry, Paula! I use several of her products and can't say enough good things about them, but I just didn't like this one. Truthfully, though, her moisturizers don't work for me; they aren't moisturizing enough and they irritate my skin, don't know why, except perhaps my skin finds the lack of moisture irritating, lol...Anyway, it would probably be a great product for someone with normal skin, which is why I gave it 3 lippies instead of 1 or 2. If you have dry or very dry skin, like me, you will probably find this not hydrating enough. But do give her serums and exfoliants a try; they work fabulous on me with no irritation at all.
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Shampoo -Living Proof - shampoo
Josie4468 1/17/2010 12:09:00 PM
My original intent was to try the Straight Making Cream but bought the shampoo & conditioner because the Sephora lady said the cream had a negative effect when mixed with products containing silicones. The shampoo & conditioner left my hair dry & frizzy, although the cream seemed to work OK. I checked out the Living Proof website and contacted them by e-mail to ask advice on the silicone situation, and was told by the CEO that it was OK as long as you didn't mix them in your hand before applying, so I switched back to my Organix Coconut shampoo & cond and have loved the Straight Making cream ever since. I am reviewing to let other readers know what I learned and hopefully will help them make an informed decision if they want to try these products.
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Conditioner -Living Proof - no frizz conditioner
Josie4468 1/17/2010 12:08:00 PM
My original intent was to try the Straight Making Cream but bought the shampoo & conditioner because the Sephora lady said the cream had a negative effect when mixed with products containing silicones. The shampoo & conditioner left my hair dry & frizzy, although the cream seemed to work OK. I checked out the Living Proof website and contacted them by e-mail to ask advice on the silicone situation, and was told by the CEO that it was OK as long as you didn't mix them in your hand before applying, so I switched back to my Organix Coconut shampoo & cond and have loved the Straight Making cream ever since. I am reviewing to let other readers know what I learned and hopefully will help them make an informed decision if they want to try these products.
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Styling Products -Living Proof - No Frizz Wave Shaping Curl Defining No Frizz Styling Cream for Medium to Thick Hair
Josie4468 1/17/2010 12:04:00 PM
At first I tried this product in conjunction with the matching shampoo & conditioner, because the Sephora lady said the cream had a negative effect when mixed with silicones. That might account for the bad smell as referenced by other reviewers. The shampoo & conditioner left my hair dry & frizzy, although the cream seemed to work OK. I checked out the Living Proof website and contacted them by e-mail to ask advice on the silicone situation, and was told by the CEO that it was OK as long as you didn't mix them in your hand before applying, so I switched back to my Organix Coconut shampoo & cond and have loved the Straight Making cream ever since. I do coat my hair as directed and am therefore a bit concerned about the price, but since I am still on my first bottle I'll see how long it lasts before a final judgement on affordability. Thus far, it performs as promised. My hair is not frizzy after I style it, and it doesn't seem to feel the effects of humidity as with other products. Although, since I am in Atlanta and travel frequently to New Orleans in the summer, the true test will be a humid GA/LA summer, and I will update this review at that point. Until then, I've said "yes" to repurchase and I would have given 5 lippies except when it comes to hair and humidity, nothing's perfect. Also, a note about the packaging, the flat top is very handy when you reach the end of the bottle to upturn it to get every drop out. UPDATE: It made it through a high-humidity concert with my daughter with no frizz, so that's a good sign!
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Bronzers -Estee Lauder - Bronze Goddess Soft Duo Bronzer
Josie4468 12/7/2009 1:11:00 PM
Finally! My HG bronzer! (and yes, I have tried them all! ;) The texture is very fine and smooth, the two colors are infinitely blendable and flattering, and the package is big enough to swirl a large, fluffy brush in to get the amount of color just right. I can see a subtle glow on my face after application, but not too shimmery or glittery. The two shades can be blended or worn alone to customize your perfect bronze for year round wear. The first time I used this, I was so pleased I even skipped blush, and I am definitely a blush girl...that's how great is the color shading. Not too orange or brown, but again just right. The Goldilocks of bronzers! A little price-y, but not only is it huge, with Estee Lauder you can usually find a free GWP which makes it more affordable, and it's definitely worth it!
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Concealers -Maybelline - Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector [DISCONTINUED]
Josie4468 11/5/2009 9:16:00 AM
Actually, I really liked this! And I am very hard to please when it comes to concealers; most are too "cakey" or too invisible whereas this one is the Goldilocks, "just right." I love a highlighter feature, but when I tried to use Touche Eclat or something like that, I find I have to layer it over a concealer and it is way too expensive to spend for both products. That is something else I like about the Maybelline product in that it contains both. I realize that including both means less of each, but the price is so reasonable that's not even an argument. I paid $5 for mine on sale and with a coupon. The regular price is between $7 -$8 which still means you can get 4 of these for less than one Touche Eclat! I don't know if the quality is the same since I was never a huge touche eclat fan but IMO it is close enough. And I like the packaging which includes a sponge wand on the concealer side and a brush on the highlighter side...I have never been a fan of the click/pen packaging since it ends up being wasteful. But that could be my ineptitude, lol. And did I mention the color and texture is really good? It is! I will definitely repurchase this HG...
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Palettes -Stila - Runway
Josie4468 10/7/2009 3:00:00 PM
One of the best palettes I've found. All colors work well and are beautiful, great pigmentation, long lasting, and can be worn year round. Although I've only had it a short time, it's become my fave "go-to" palette. I actually think if I had to choose only one palette to keep, this would be it, and that's saying a WHOLE lot...LOL...and best of all, I got it free when I purchased some Barbie palettes for Christmas gifts :). Finally, the packaging is adorable with the detachable flower, which I have worn as a choker necklace and bracelet. I can't speak to the eyeliner since I gave it to my daughter but she seems happy with it...:)
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Liquid -Christian Dior - Diorskin Nude Hydrating Makeup SPF 10 [DISCONTINUED]
Josie4468 9/19/2009 2:19:00 PM
This is a great foundation! I don't find it to be very hydrating, but it does provide a nice, sheer to medium coverage that is not "cakey" or obvious. And I have been able to go without concealer under my eyes since I started using this. But the ultimate kicker was how many unsolicited compliments I got since I started using it. Many were saying how great my skin looked, even my uber-critical mother and hard to please teenage daughter! Definitely gives me a polished look without being mask like, which I hate. So although it boasts an incredibly high price tag, I will probably repurchase since compliments are a salve to the soul, lol....Give it a try, sit back and enjoy the good word :)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No