Product Reviews by KatieA

Eye Shadow -Chanel - Illusion d'Ombre Epatant #84
rated 3 of 5
KatieA 11/30/2012 1:47:00 PM

I love Chanel's Illusion d'ombre shadow/liners, but this color didn't work for me. I have very fair, neutral to warm skin with auburn hair and hazel-brown eyes. The color looked weird on me and even though it made my eyes brighter, I didn't like the shade. I think this would work wonderfully with darker skin. I own three others in different shades and love them. (Ebloui which is my favorite, Illusoire, and Emerveille). I returned this shade and purchased Illusoire which is deep purple and works better with my fair skin.

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Eye Shadow -Urban Decay - Naked Palette
rated 5 of 5
KatieA 2/28/2012 10:36:00 PM

I went to Ulta, was walking around and saw this palette. I wasn't into eyeshadow so I never really pay attention to these kinds of products. I noticed how beautiful the colors look in the package. I swatched some on my wrist and decided that I had to buy it. My favorites are Virgin, Sin, Toasted and Hustle, but I love them all. They just look sexy. That's the right word for it. Sexy. The mini primer potion is great. I have a bigger tube of it too and I use each and every time. So happy I bought this. Really changes my whole look. The brush is great too. Has a good amount of weight in the handle so when I hold it, it's steadier. Wonderful hairs/bristels too. Just use a light hand with all of them.

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Highlighters -Christian Dior - Skinflash
rated 1 of 5
KatieA 2/18/2012 1:23:00 AM

This is just okay. I bought it with the hopes it'd conceal dark circles and brighten my skin. It works okay as a concealar, but I don't notice any difference in brightness. It's about $40 at Sephora. I won't bother buying it again since it doesn't wow me. I returned it.

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Foundations -Dermablend - Leg Cover
rated 5 of 5
KatieA 1/23/2012 9:20:00 PM

Not 100% sure I've got the right product review, but I'm going to write it on here anyway. I bought the Leg and Body cover from Ulta for a little under $40. It's the only foundation that actually matches my skin tone. I'm very fair and I bought it in the lightest shade. I use this on my face mostly. Yes, I know it says Leg and Body, but it works brilliantly on my face. It's non-acnegenic and non-comedogenic so it doesn't make me breakout. I mix it with sunscreen during the day, but if I apply it directly to my skin, it lasts much longer. I have strech marks caused by puberty (which happend more than a decade ago) and this foundation does a great job at making the marks less noticable.

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Mascara -Christian Dior - Diorshow Mascara
rated 1 of 5
KatieA 1/16/2012 7:43:00 PM

I bought one in black and one in chestnut a couple days ago. The smell threw me off. I went to Sephora today and a representative for Dior was their and she told me that what I was smelling was rose oil and that it's normal. My lashes look full and a bit longer. The colors are nice and they have a matte finish rather than shiny. I liked these at first, but have since changed my opinion. They are very basic mascaras. I have returned them since posting this. The best mascaras I've ever used have a curved wand. A curved wand is key for me since they really enhance the shape of my eye and make application easier. Diorshow mascaras don't have that. So, these just don't cut it for me. My favorite mascaras are Covergirl's professional in brown and Maybelline's falsies in black.

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Eye Shadow -Chanel - Illusion d'Ombre
rated 5 of 5
KatieA 1/14/2012 8:58:00 PM

I bought this in Ebloui just today. First time I ever purchased Chanel products. The sales woman was so nice and told me about how the eye brush that comes with it isn't great, but I chose to not buy a seperate one. The color is beautiful. I have brown, slightly hazel eyes and I wanted something with a coppery touch to it to bring out their color. It has a lot of multi-colored glitter which isn't something I'd usually go for, but I like the change. You can use this as a liner or as an eyeshadow. Use a little for a bit of color or more for a fuller effect. Yes, it's pricey, but the sales woman told me it should last ages if I keep the lid closed. Seriously considering getting another shade.

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Cleansers -Philosophy - Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleansing Cloths
rated 4 of 5
KatieA 8/23/2011 2:29:00 PM

To all the women who complain: You have to find what's right for you. If it burns your skin, it's not right for you. So return them and don't buy them again. Simple as that. I've bought two of the packages when they were half off. I actually love them. If I'm tired, in a hurry or need extra makeup removal, I use them. I don't really notice a burn except around my nose and mouth which has always been sensitive. I just rinse it off with water or leave it. These don't remove as much as a liquid cleanser will, but they are good enough. I bring them to work and wipe off my face if I've smudged something or sweat so much (hot climate where I live) and need to touch things up.

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Eye Makeup Remover -Philosophy - Just Release Me
rated 4 of 5
KatieA 8/23/2011 2:24:00 PM

Biggest problem with this is that it leaks out when I shake it and I have to shake it to mix the ingredients. To solve that, I open it up, cover the top with a cotton square and then shake it. It removes more eye mascara than purity does and it leaves my skin comfortable.

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Eye Shadow -Philosophy - The Color of Grace Amazing Grace Eyelighting Shadow Duo
rated 4 of 5
KatieA 8/23/2011 2:20:00 PM

I love the colors. Very flattering. There is a hint of shimmer or iridescence that makes skin glow. It's not cheap, but should last a long time. My only problem is the print on the top of the lid has been flaking off. I don't know why since all my makeup is kept clean and neat in a drawer.

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Treatments (Eye) -Philosophy - dark shadows illuminating eye and upper lip cream
rated 4 of 5
KatieA 8/11/2011 7:01:00 PM

Nothing will work miracles. I have had bad under eye circles and bags for years. The only thing that really helps me is 1. no caffeine 2. decent sleep 3. sleeping on my back (to keep the water and puff out of my face) Other than that, eye cream can help a bit. I noticed an instant brightening effect that was very subtle after I use this. It's nothing like concealer, but it does make things prettier and more even looking. I also use it to help prevent advanced aging. I hope this can do that.

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Tinted Moisturizer -Philosophy - Hope In A Tinted Moisturizer
rated 4 of 5
KatieA 8/1/2011 11:00:00 PM

I bought two- one in light and one in extra light- (the one closest to my skin color). I really like these. They provide a little coverage, but the main thing I love is the glow I get. These are very moisturizing to me and so I use blotting papers during the day. That's the one negative I have when using a non-powder product. As I said before, the glow is amazing. I look sun-kissed and more even toned. On top of that, I need less concealer.

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Treatments -Peter Thomas Roth - Max Complexion Correction Pads
rated 4 of 5
KatieA 8/1/2011 10:54:00 PM

Disclaimer! I've only used the pads 2 times. I haven't used them long enough to give a great and fair review, but I'm writing this up anyway because I want to give you my first impression. First, I bought this at a Sephora store for about $40. When I got home, I realized that it had been slightly opened (probably someone wanting to test the scent). The cap had a brownish stain due to the adhesive being messed with. So, please, if you buy this or any other product in a store, look to see if it's been open. Fortunately, the pads were fine. First Use: I washed my face with Philosophy's Purity Made Simple then used the pads. They smell like alcohol but with a slight peach scent. They burned my skin slightly and made my eyes and nose sting for a bit. Those are the only downsides. I woke up and saw that my skin (which is pretty acne prone and sensitive) had improved. There were no new breakouts, the little bumps on my forehead improved and my skin was brighter. Second Use: I used the pads that morning. This time using Philosophy's The Great Mystery as my cleanser. The pads didn't burn as much this time around. I used a tinted moisturizer with SPF (from Philosophy) and that was it. My skin didn't need much else. I've noticed that my skin is still oily so I've been using blotting papers (ELF's that are at Target). Other that that, I don't see any issues. Maybe one little pimple that I think I've had for a day that's just now showing up more. I can't wait to use the pads more and hopefully they clear my skin up! UPDATE: It's been about 10 days since I've started using these. I am in hot and humid weather and have been sweating (a lot). I think these pads are still doing a good job. I use them twice a day. I know they are meant to be used once a day (60=2months) but I prefer doing this twice. The biggest change is the overall clarity. I do breakout less and on top of that the pads have cleared up some of the post acne marks. I feel like I just have prettier skin in general. A bit of a glow going on. My chest and back have been breaking out (thanks to sweat) and these seem to help overnight a little. I just wish I didn't break out in the first place. I'm considering bringing them to work to touch up. LAST UPDATE: It's now been a few weeks since I started using the pads. There have been a couple of nights when I skip them or days when I only use them once. I noticed that I do get little pimples during that time. Proof that the pads are clearing up my skin. I've stopped using them on my back and chest due to a massive sunburn, but will use them once that clears up and if those areas break out more.

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Lotions/ Creams -Lubriderm - Intense Skin Repair
rated 5 of 5
KatieA 3/13/2011 4:05:00 AM

I really like this lotion. It makes my skin very smooth and supple. I actually was told by the man I am dating that my skin is "fascinating" to him because of how soft it is. I told him my secret is Lubriderm because, trust me, I have to work to keep it this touchable. I use this when my skin is damp, but not dripping. And I only need it once a day. I also really like Lubriderm's ointment, but can't find it in stores. That works great too. I will definitely continue to purchase. Update: I've still never been able to find it in stores again. I now purchase it on drugstore.com.

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Blush -E.L.F. - Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder
rated 4 of 5
KatieA 3/13/2011 4:01:00 AM

I bought this because I wanted to find a cheaper/less glittery version of NARS orgasm. I think the color is okay. Not an exact duplicate, but it's fine. In comparison to orgasm, it's not as bright which isn't a good thing in my opinion, but it has less of that horrible glitter which is a big plus to me. It still has shimmer though. The bronzer went on really heavy. I tapped the brush and I got a lot of powder on it. However, the blush is very light and I have to really swipe the brush on it. So it's a weird situation. I won't repurchase even though it was okay. Pros: Pretty color. Flattering and natural looking $3 at Target. Cons: Blush was too sheer. Bronzer went on too heavy. Shimmer

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Blush -NARS - Desire
rated 4 of 5
KatieA 3/13/2011 3:55:00 AM

When I first saw it in the pan I thought it was very bright and would look awful. However, it makes my skin look flushed and gives a "cool" as opposed to "warm" look if that makes any sense. So I'd prefer this blush in colder months and I use Amour in the warmer months. I have warm undertones so I usually steer clear of pinks, but this happens to work well with me. Perhaps it's because I'm so pale. I really don't have a lot of makeup and the products I do have are typically cheap, but I really love NARS blushes and foundation (Sheer glow in Siberia). This was $27. $29.50 with tax at a Sephora. Pros: Looks natural, translucent and is matte. Of course that's only a pro if you don't like shimmer/glitter/sparkle in your blush A little goes a very long way. I know that's been said in many reviews, but it's true! Cons: Packaging isn't great. It picks up makeup and smudges. Pricey ($27 where I purchased) Perhaps not for everyone. As I said, it's a "cool" color so I am assuming people with warm undertones might not think it looks right.

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