Hair Color -Garnier - Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme in 535 Medium Golden Mahogany Brown
Karine04 1/22/2011 10:06:00 PM
After years of getting my (light brown) hair professionally highlighted with subtle blonde/honey colors, I ran out of time just before going on vacation. I desperately needed to cover my grays and hide my roots, so I read the reviews here and chose this shade. It turned out beautifully. I left the color on for about 30 mins and came out with a gorgeous chestnut shade, with a hint of auburn. I wouldn't call it red--it's truly a subtle, beautiful auburn tint. It's been about 4 weeks now, and the color has faded to a warm chestnut. My grays are still nowhere to be found. I've gotten a lot of compliments on this color, and will definitely be repurchasing.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -Laura Mercier - Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - Oil Free
Karine04 1/16/2011 9:59:00 AM
I've been using this tinted moisturizer for almost 3 years now. My skin is mostly combo/oily, NW20 in Mac (Nude in LM OF), with occasional ruddiness and the occasional minor breakout. LM oil-free TM is highly pigmented, so I mix it with equal parts of moisturizer (usually Kiss My Face Oilve & Aloe, but I find that just about any moisturizer works) and smooth it on with my fingertips. Flawless, even coverage that doesn't look mask-like. Although it is quite expensive, one tube lasts forever because it's so pigmented and I only use a small amount. Definite holy grail.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Urban Decay - Thames liquid eye liner [DISCONTINUED]
Karine04 5/26/2008 8:49:00 PM
Looks like there's a special on 5-lippie reviews from me today! Just thought I'd post reviews on some of my recent faves. Thames is *certainly* one of them. I purchased it during UD's most recent F&F sale, when most of the RIP items were 50% off. It has quickly become a staple in my 10-minute MU routine. Although it looks like a very dark green in the container, it has a beautiful metallic sheen that tones down the harshness. This color really accentuates my brown eyes, and I imagine those with hazel and blue eyes could probably wear it beautifully, too. Many of the previous reviews mentioned the lovely thin brush; I have to agree. It's easy to make a nice, thin line, but holding the width of the brush along the lash line makes a gorgeous thicker line. This liner wears quite well through a bit of a sprinkle, but it won't last through a big sob-fest. Although it's been D/Ced, it is still available in the RIP items on UD's website (listed as "Liquid Liner Vintage").
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Eye Shadow -Urban Decay - Sellout
Karine04 5/26/2008 8:39:00 PM
What a lovely color! Sellout is a slightly frosty cool-toned champagne. Although the UD websited describes it as "pink champagne shimmer," I don't see much pink in this shadow (at least on my lids). In any case, it's a beautiful color that works well as a wash or an all-over base for darker shades. The texture is smooth and easy to apply, as are all of the UD shadows I've tried. Lasting power is 12+ hrs over UDPP. If you have fair skin and need a nice, subtle cool-toned wash or highlight, Sellout is for you!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -BeneFit Cosmetics - Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner-BIRTHDAY SUIT
Karine04 5/25/2008 8:38:00 AM
This is an HG product for me. A dab of UDPP, a couple of light layers of this gorgeous shadow (applied with my fingertips, from lid to crease), and I'm good to go. It's the perfect neutral taupe with a bit of a gold sheen. Although my skin tone is cool, I find I can get away with this slightly warmer color. It pairs well with many liners (my favorites are UD Zero, Sephora Liner Electro in Khakhi, and Clinique Cream Shaper in Egyptian), stays on all day over UDPP, and just gives me that lovely "awake" look.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Unlisted Brand - Selsun Blue - Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Karine04 4/12/2008 11:24:00 AM
As much as I try to stay away from chemical-laden products, I just can't stray from Selsun Blue. It's the only dandruff shampoo that clears up my incredibly flaky scalp. I use it every other shampoo. It works! The CVS version is just as good.
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Sunscreen -Sofina - Perfect UV (UV cut milk Extra Block) SPF 50 + PA +++ [DISCONTINUED]
Karine04 2/29/2008 2:46:00 PM
Finally! Every other sunscreen I've ever tried on my face has caused one problem or another. My skin is combo/oily, so it's been difficult to find a non-greasy, non-acne inducing product. I loved Olay Complete, but I think it broke me out. This? WAY better. It's perfect, really. I know it contains alcohol, but I counteract the drying qualities by using a nice moisturizer (Alba's Very Emollient body lotion) under the sunscreen. The combination keeps me matte all day. I haven't even felt the need to wear makeup since using the Sofina--it evens out my skin as though I'm wearing pressed powder. NO new pimples, other than a couple of tiny time-of-the-month whiteheads that disappeared in a day. In fact, I think it has improved my skin's condition immensely. Amazing. For removal, I use a generous gob of apricot kernel oil, followed by a rinse with Olay's foaming face wash for sensitive skin. No residue. I ordered from Bobodave.com and received within 10 days.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -NYX - Angel
Karine04 1/20/2008 2:23:00 PM
This is my favorite everyday blush, which comes as no surprise when I read the other reviews. Most of us have the same skin tone! I'm fair-skinned/cool toned (about NW20) and this is just the perfect pinky/mauve flush for me. It's a total no brainer. Lasts all day and gives me a natural, healthy glow. It's matte and quite finely milled. Definitely deserving of 5 stars. Dirt cheap, too!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Badger - Chai Rose Lip and Body Balm
Karine04 12/16/2007 4:33:00 PM
This balm is single-handedly getting my lips through the winter! When I use a drying lipstick and they are all peely, I apply this and they are magically moisturized, soft, and comfortable. I have it in the stick form, which I prefer over the pot, since I work in a hospital and don't want to stick my finger into the pot all day. The Chai Rose scent is my favorite (I also have the Tangerine Breeze and Lemon and Ginger). It's a little bit spicy, but also a sweet smell. It's also very long-lasting! Love.
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Eye Shadow -Alima - Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow in Nigella
Karine04 10/14/2007 9:32:00 AM
This greyish violet is one of my favorite shadows. I'm cool-toned, with fair-medium skin, brown eyes, and brown hair with honey highlights. This shade is not subtle on me (I wear it dry over UDPP and get fantastic color payoff!), but I adore it. It's exactly the shade I envision when I say "greyed purple." For me, the lasting power is much better than pressed shadows. Kudos to Alima!
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Eye Shadow -Alima - Pearluster Eyeshadow in Atlantis
Karine04 9/12/2007 8:56:00 PM
One of my favorite shadows. It's a gorgeous greenish-gold that lights up my lids like no other. The color payoff is excellent, and the slightly metallic finish is just sublime. Lasts all day over UDPP. A friend with a very different skin tone complimented me on it, then purchased it herself. It looks more gold on her tan complexion, but also absolutely stunning. I usually wear it as a lid color when I'm pressed for time, but she paired it with a pinkish-purplish shade in the crease and it was lovely. Very versatile, will probably buy a full size!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - CVS All Day Moisture Lotion for Sensitive Skin with SPF 15 - Olay knockoff
Karine04 7/15/2007 8:39:00 AM
Love this inexpensive product. It moisturizes my combo yet flaky skin quite well, sinks in like a dream, and doesn't get all oily in the heat. Better than the Olay version!
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Primer/ Corrector -Alima - Balancing Primer Powder
Karine04 6/29/2007 7:02:00 PM
This stuff works so well for controlling my oil breakthrough. Although I do love Alima's foundation, I find that the best combination for my incredibly oily summer skin is this balancing primer along with Everyday Minerals' Intensive foundation. No shine at all!
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Moisturizers -Jason Natural Cosmetics - 98% Aloe Vera Super Gel
Karine04 5/19/2007 7:09:00 PM
I really do love this aloe gel. It's so soothing on my slightly acne-prone, combo/oily, sensitive, ruddy skin. When my skin is extra-oily, I use it as a nighttime moisturizer - by morning, my oil production is cut in half. Another great use for the product is as a primer for mineral makeup. I only let it sink in for a few moments, then apply minerals while it's still a bit sticky - perfect, matte look that lasts all evening! (I use lotion w/SPF during the day). I have also used it for sunburns and post-shaving. Cons: slightly odd "botanical" fragrance, although either I've gotten used to it or it's not as potent as it was when my tube was new (I've been working on one tube for 8-9 months). For the price and the results, I think it's definitely worth it. Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Gel (Aloe Vera), Aqua (Purified Water), Glycerin (Vege), Allantoin, Polysorbate 20, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Potassium Carbomer, Arginine, Menthol (Natural), Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorophyllin Copper Complex, Essential Oil Blend
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Alima - Satin Matte Mineral Foundation
Karine04 5/4/2007 8:43:00 PM
I really didn't want to try Alima. I was in love with Everday Minerals' matte formula and felt a certain loyalty to Carina's team. Em was the first (and only!) MMU line I'd ever tried, and I was pleasantly surprised. Still, I wasn't completely satisfied with EM. My red blotchiness wasn't completely covered, and the matte was sometimes *too* matte, even for my oily skin! Enter Alima.
I caved and ordered samples in C-1, C-2, and N-1 (I'm a fair cool in EM). The shipping was lighting fast (we're talking two days!). The samples came in a standard USPS priority box with an "alima" sticker on the back. Inside the box, my order was wrapped in some paper packing material, which I love because it's earth-friendly! The samples themselves were packed in a little plastic pack, which was sealed with another little "alima" sticker. There were extra samples (a couple of eyeshadows and a blush) in little plastic baggies, along with a small cardboard card with an Einstein quote on it. The receipt was personally hand-signed "Thank you, Karen!" The whole package just felt personalized and luxurious. EM also makes an effort to make their packaging eco-friendly, but Alima's just feels so much more like a treat!
Now onto the foundation. I tried the C-1 right away, which was a perfect match. It really does feel satiny on my skin, yet it stays matte for quite a long time. It's less matte than EM's matte formula, which is an improvement because my skin looks like it's glowing. It doesn't really hide my pores, but it somehow does a good job of covering my acne and imperfections. Additionally, it covers my redness better than EM! Even when I'm flushed, my skin looks a bit pink with the Alima, but definitely not red. The best part? My skin looks like SKIN! It looks natural, even-toned, a bit luminous, and it's long-lasting to boot. My skin has been less irritated since I've been using the Alima (it's been about two weeks). I'm thrilled. Sure, it's a bit more expensive than EM...but I think it's worth it and I'm already telling all my friends.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No