Blush -Tarte - Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush - Blushing Bride
Maria25 10/26/2011 11:09:00 AM
I was a big fan of the Blushing Bride cheek stain...great, all around color that works on so many skin tones...but I'm not the biggest fan of having to blend and "work at it"...so when I spoted this at an Ulta sale, i had to snatch it up (along with Natural Beauty)...I swiped it next to the stain and it is pretty darn close in color, with a slight shimmer. The color payoff on the cheek is amazing! A very tiny little bit goes a long way and it truly does last all day! 12 hours, maybe not...but at least a full work day..so that is more than enough for me! For reference, I am an NC35, olive tone, brown hair and eyes.
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Highlighters -Bare Escentuals - Healthy Radiance
Maria25 6/10/2011 11:05:00 AM
This a relatively new BE product that I can't believe no one has reviewed! Sephora claims that it is exclusive to them (perhaps the packaging them have is) but it isn’t, QVC has it as well. Sephora also says that it is limited edition. They say that is a sheer coppery rose…that’s a pretty solid description. This is part of the Radiance line and it is absolutely STUNNING On! I am not a fan of anything that shimmers or glimmers on my cheeks, but this really does give a glow from within look to your skin. I am completely in love with this product! So much so, that on the off chance that it IS limited edition, I will be going back for more. Lately I have been using this in place of my bronzer (NARS casino) and serves also as a blush. The only negative is the packaging…I wish the sifter could be closed because TONS of product comes out, and you only need a little. I am an NC35/Golden Medium in BE (extra tan in the summer)
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Moisturizers -Cerave - Facial Moisturizing Lotion - PM
Maria25 5/14/2010 11:22:00 AM
I purchsed CeraVePM after all the raves and buzz on the skin care board...once I realized that this was something I could purchase at my local drugstore, I was all for giving it a try! To give the low down on my skin...i am currently on an anti biotic/spiro/Acanya routine daily as perscribed by my dermatologist...so I am battling a bit of dryness, but nothing over the top. My nightly routine now consists of washing with Dermologica cleanser, then a bit of Acanya (if needed, but not usually) then about 3 pumps of CeraVe all over my face. A few people have mentioned some stinging or itching with this product. I did notice that as well...but i basically sat thru it and it went away in about 20 min, tops. When I use this at night, i wake up with the SOFTEST skin I have had since i was a kid...and i just look a little more glowly and a LOT more refreshed! Amazing! So far...no real complaints...I will update if that changes.... Rating overall-5 Price-2 (not the cheapest, but cheap as far as face creams are concerned) Packaging-5 (who doesn't love a pump moisturizer!)
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Unlisted Brand - Acanya
Maria25 4/29/2010 12:41:00 PM
WOW! I can not begin to rave enough for this amazing product. Through the years, I have used Differin, RetinA, and a few other similar products...of course, along with every imaginable OTC product. When i was about 21 I started using ProActiv for random breakouts, and continued to use until about 2 years ago (age 28) when i felt it wasn't doing the trick anymore....also, I started breaking out regularly and more severly than ever before...cystic acne galore!!..for whatever reason i just let it go and didn't take action until this January. I had tried multiple dermatoligst and finally found the most amazing one in Chicago. Turns out, much like many, many women my age...its adult acne caused by hormones. So....he immedietly put me on a routine of Acanya gel in the morning (along with 2 different oral meds.) This gel is over the top great! Within 3 days, there was a difference...within 2 weeks, i was blown away! This gel dries 99% clear (as long as you smooth it out) and does not dry me out at all. I did start using it at night as well to move the process along, and that DID dry me out...so i went back to just day. As of today, 3 months later, i haven't had a breakout in weeks, and when i have, prior, this speeds the healing up by days! Price...i have a special card/special offer from the company that makes this to get my perscription filled for the next 3 months for no more than $25. I have heard the price after that is VERY high...i hope not too high, because my hope is to stay on this for quite some time. Packaging: not so great...its in a tub, so you have to make sure your hands are extra clean when you dip in, or you start spreading the germs...but since they mix this from a powder form at the pharmacy, i can see why its in a tub. Anyone who reads this and has more questions...feel free to PM me!!!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Olay - Definity Intense Hydrating Cream
Maria25 4/27/2010 10:47:00 AM
I am writing this review for both the Olay Definity AND for the "dupe" CVS version. I have used them both and could not find one bit of a differnece...all the way down to the smell, they were the same in my book. I recently (3 months back) started a skin routine with my dermatologist that began to dry my skin out quite a bit...I often turn to Clinique DDMG, but it wasn't quite enough this time around. This moisturizer, as thick as it is, at the same time, feels light as air once I apply it...I take a healthy, scoop out (size of a nickle at least, sometimes a quarter) and apply all over my face. It leaves a lovely sheen, if you want to call it that on my skin, and dries to feel like silk! I adore it! Best of all...it doesn't clog my pores or break me out! It helps my makeup (i use cream concealer and BE foundation) go on even smoother... Now that i finally tried the CVS version, I likely won't go back to the Olay version...no reason to when i had identical results. The price (if on sale) is up to $8 cheaper, i believe....so, worth it in my eyes...this also makes me want to try other CVS/Olay dupes.... Negatives: packaging...knocked a few lippies off for that...MAKE IT IN A PUMP!...Any lotion that goes on the face should just be in a pump, period...am i wrong!? :-) Negatives: price...knocked a lippie off there as well...still pricey, but still worth it.
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Skincare - Face -MAC - Fix+
Maria25 3/9/2010 12:23:00 PM
A few weeks back, on a whim, i decided to try out some new MAC foundation and picked up the Mineralized creme compact (which FYI is FANTASTIC!)...and the sales associate that assisted me used this to finish the look....i was very concerned about using the creme because it seemed like it wouldn't finish that nicely on my combo skin...but WOW!...with 3-4 spritzes of the Fix+ over the foundation and it is perfect!!! The completed look is dewey, but not too doo, glowing, but not too glowing...just an ideal, finished look...but is this really just glorified water??...maybe, but it does smell lovely and the packaging is convenient and ideal for this use. I will gladly purchase again! Also, i give this a 4 out of 5 only because i could live without this...and have forgotten to use it and am still happy with my look...
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Hair Styling Tools -Farouk CHI - Big CHI Turbo Professional Ceramic Curling Iron
Maria25 12/10/2009 3:55:00 PM
Let me start by saying I am confused by why there are so many reviews for the CHI FLAT iron in here, when this is clearly meant for the CURLING iron...yes, the Flat Iron can curl your hair as well, but let's talk about the curling iron. :-) :-) This is an truly wonderful curling iron...I have VERY VERY challenging hair to curl and more importantly, to HOLD a curl...I have naturally wavy hair that I typically straighten with a CHI flat iron...but on days in cold Chicago that i have to wear a hat (which is every day in the winter!) I like to add some body and curl to my hair...this curling iron is AMAZING! It heats up at lightening speed..and it curls my hair even quicker...just a few seconds per curl is more than enough. With every other curling iron I have ever used, the curl would fall out within an hour or so...with this, it lasts all day. I curled my hair, for example at 6am this morning...it is now 3pm and i literally just had a curl bounce on my shoulder when i flipped my hair! What more could I ask for! It does exactly what it is designed to do. Now the cost is another story...yes...very pricey...but having tried 3 or 4 different curling irons in my time...this one blows them all out of the water and I wish I had just invested in this from the start...but that's how you should look at this as...an investment! As for the packaging...i did remove a lippie, only for the fact that the "cool tip" at the top, could be a little larger...i have burned my fingers a few times trying to master holding it just right, but i'm getting the hang of it.... I would gladly repurchase again, if I ever need to!!!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Paint Pot in Soft Ochre
Maria25 11/24/2009 11:31:00 AM
I picked this little gem up last week and could not be happier! I used to be a BIG fan of UDPP...but it dried my lids out terribly...I also tried the Lumene eye shadow base and had a severe allergic reaction. So, I gave this one a try...I LOVE some of my "base" e/s colors, but the color fades on my lids so quickly...so i picked this up to help the color and shades POP...and sure enough, it does the trick!!! I'm an NC35 and this is the ideal shade for me as a base that is neutral enough to pick up and emphasize any color I put on top of it. Lasts ALL day and doesn't fade or turn greasy!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Styling Tools -Farouk CHI - Chi Ceramic Flat Iron by Farouk
Maria25 10/20/2009 10:30:00 AM
I gave in recently and picked up the Chi straightener..Just prior to this, i had purchased (and quickly returned) the InStyler (which was a waste of time and energy.) I am soooo happy i decided to exchange it for the Chi Straightener! This tool worked a miracle for me hair! I have curly (loose curls) hair...LOTS of hair, but the hair itself is fine...It is just below shoulder length right now and I am growing it out another few inches or so....I typically like to wash my hair at night, then style in the a.m. This is just the tool for it! I wake up, hair is a frizzy mess....spritz it with a bit of the Chi44 protector...then section it off and straighten away!!! Amazing, soft, smooth, frizz free hair! I adore this! I have tried to do the curls with this as well, but have yet to master that technique...The biggest downfall (only downfall as far as i am concerned) this this product, is the cost...Very pricey...but if I were to add up all the cost of all the straightening balms, brushes, etc,etc...that I have purchased, and apply it to the Chi...this is the smartest investment I could have made. If anything ever happens to mine, I WILL be purchasing again.
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Styling Products -Unlisted Brand - Magic Move - Light
Maria25 10/19/2009 10:39:00 AM
I am a sucker for a new product....although this product is by no means, new, i saw it for the first time recently on Folica.com and gave it a try...I am on the eternal mission for a new product to transform and change my hair...this may be just the thing...I have shoulder length brown hair. Naturally curly (loose curls) and a LOT of hair...but the hair itself is very fine. I straighten it with my Chi iron 3-4 times a week...and on the weekend/special nights, blow dry with a round brush then lightly go over with the flat iron. My problem lies in getting some texture in my hair (despite the fact that I do have layered hair)...it needs a little "oomph!"....this product does that. After styling, i take a pea to lima bean sized amount and rub it between the palms of my hand to warm it up, then start, almost scrunching my hair and running my fingers thru to get the product in. This really does add a lot of body and movement, without any stiffness...The key for me, with a product such as this is day two. DOes it still look good? Not look greasy? and still feel good? The answer to all of these questions is YES!! Overall, bety satisfied. The price is high, but you get TONS of product...also, I am a bit of a hair snob, and lean toward high end items regardless...so taking that into consideration, the price isn't that different from salon pomades you would find...packaging, it is what it is...a crew top tub...nothing bad or good to say there...But YES!!!! i would re-purchase!
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Hair Styling Tools -Unlisted Brand - InStyler-Tre Milano brand
Maria25 10/13/2009 2:27:00 PM
To start...I have just past the shoulder length hair...it is naturally slightly curly, and although i have a LOT of hair, the hair itself is quite fine....so....here we go.... Where do I begin....Let's start with me walking up to the counter at Ulta to purchase...When I asked the cashier what her thoughts were on this, she said that FIVE of them had been returned in the past 2 days...I got it anyway, only because i know they have such an excellent return. policy, and that maybe it would be different for me. It was not. It is, quite possibly, the WORST styling tool i have ever used. The bristles on the brush are so short and have so little "hold" to them that they will do nothing to straighten your hair...that is the start of the problems...a quility blow dry with a round or flat brush, requires a quality (or decent quality) brush in order for it to look right...especially for us curly haired gals...this brush does NOTHING for that..they are nylon bristles, i believe, and all nylon does to curly hair is frizz it up. Cutting to the chase...when i was done...the end of my hair looked fried (thank god just looked fried, but weren't actually that damaged)...and it did manage to pull out a good amount of hair...so not ok!....I had to go back over my whole head multiple times with a round brush/blow dryer to get it straight... For the price, this is beyond a waste of money...invest in a quality brush and blowdryer or a a quality straightener, and I promise, you will have better results. The infomercial is VERY, VERY decieving. I am very dissapointed...Just today, I brought it back to Ulta, and the lady that assisted me today told me the same thing the other gal had...MANY returns so far, and not one positive comment yet. Sorry for such a negative review ladies...but...i'm just telling it like it is...:-( UPDATE!!!! **Spoke to my stylist about this and she had 2 things to say to me: 1) "Maria...you should have known better!" and 2) "I've seen this thing at Ulta, and the brush alone will do more bad than good to your hair." My stylist has been doing hair for more than 10 years...i trust and value her opinion...makes me that much happier that i returned this.
19 out of 19 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Maybelline - Expert Wear - Browntones
Maria25 5/22/2009 10:09:00 AM
I picked this up only to use as a brow filler...and i am sooo glad I did! PERFECT color...the brow colors they have available are very dark for me...I have very thin, not dark, eyebrows, and a little blend of these two and its perfect! i was slightly worried because there is a smidge of sparkle in the darker of the two shades, but nothing you can notice on. Great, cheap brow option for me! For reference, I am an NC35, olive skin, dark brown hair, light brown brows.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Sally Hansen - Inspired By Carmindy Natural Beauty Your Skin Makeup ] [DISCONTINUED]
Maria25 4/22/2009 11:45:00 AM
I tried this package out of sheer frustration in DS brands and trying, yet again, to find one that would work...My HG is still and likely always will be Perscriptives, but at well of $30 a pop, I really needed a cheaper alternative to tote around in my gym bag, etc...I am an NC30-35 and picked this up in Sandy Beige. Color wise, it is a perfect match, and I believe actually enhances my skin tone. My skin routine now consists of Cetaphil moisturizer (i let that sink in for a while) and then this....It is a medium coverage, but also covers well enough that i really haven't used concealer since i started using this...very nice coverage. ON A SIDE NOTE: Last weekend, i dropped this on the floor and it shattered EVERYWHERE...fair warning, it shattered into many, many tiny little pieces, so be careful. :-) Overall, excellent, will pick up again, and very happy I found this.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Aveeno - Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
Maria25 4/14/2009 10:33:00 AM
What a big dissapointment. I picked this up 2 weeks ago. For starters...pretty high price tag for a drugstore TM. (mine was $16.99 at CVS.) Picked up the medium shade (i'm an NC30)...i thought it was fine at first, until i saw my skin outside...almost made it look a little dirty, matte and chalky. On to the 2 big problems...it broke me out....huge negative, of course...but the strangest thing, it actually dried my skin out. All over my nose, chin and around my nose was dry and flaking off within a week! Nothing else about my skin routine changed with the exception of adding this...so this pretty much tells me that it was the TM. Back to CVS it went...gotta love their return policy! Back on the hunt i go for the right one!!!
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Lotions/ Creams -Herbacin - Kamille + Silicone Glycerin hand cream
Maria25 2/9/2009 3:34:00 PM
Hands down, my new HG, must have lotion...Where has you been all my life Herbacin. I went to my local Apothecary in Chicago recently and found this little gem!...This Apothecary specializes in Eurpean/Import items...many of which are from Germany. This one is made in Germany, but I have been told can be found at some Sally locations...anyway...i picked up a tiny little tin (20ml size) of the hand cream, just to have something small to throw in my bag...I used it that night for the first time and was blown away at how moisturizing this is. It sunk right into my skin, not greasy in the least, and boy did it last. Even after I washed my hands, they were still saft and smooth. I live in Chicago and my skin in the winter gets crazy dry and cracked and this is a life saver! This blows away, any other hand cream I have ever tried. I will be getting this again, and again. Oh, and i also picked up their lip balm of the same name....amazing as well!
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