Primer/ Corrector -BeneFit Cosmetics - The Porefessional
MedusaSant 2/15/2013 4:45:00 AM
This is hands down THE BEST primer I have used to date, I got a mini tube of it in my February 2013 Topbox and was hooked instantly. I have never used a product that literally made all of my pores totally disappear! Gone, every last one of them. My foundation goes on like a dream and lasts all day now, I mean, I loved my foundation before... But now that its being applied over literally perfect skin, I want to marry it lol. As with my suggestion with the Benetint, try to get your hands on a sample of this before you buy the full sized. Not every product will work the same on every person and at more than 30$ a tube, you probably want to make sure it jives with you before you take the plunge. Unless you have one of those friends who you can pawn off all the makeup you don't like on. I got a second mini tube in the Primping With The Stars Kit (AWESOME btw) and I will totally be purchasing the full sized when I run out of the mini's.
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Blush -BeneFit Cosmetics - Benetint
MedusaSant 2/15/2013 4:35:00 AM
I got this in my Topbox and had been dying to try it for ages. I hadn't taken the plunge because it looked scary and REALLY dark and is hella expensive (38$ Can.) So when it showed up in my Topbox I was thrilled! It CAN be tricky to apply, especially if it doesn't agree with your foundation (trial and error I guess.) I find it works best if I put it on before I put on my foundation, or if I am using BB cream it goes on like a dream afterwards. I put on three big dots (make sure to blend FAST to avoid having three permanent dots!) and blend like there is no tomorrow. It gives me a beautiful, HONEST flush. It looks like you're blushing from within instead of powder blushes that sit on top of your skin and tend to look "powdery". This isn't one of the blushes that looks good angled along your cheekbones (at least not on me.) I put it on the apples of my cheeks, where I would normally go pink if I was giddy, jogging or tipsy :) I found that a sponge soaks too much of it up too fast and a brush just doesn't move it around well, so fingers for this girl. Oh, and for all the people complaining that it stains your fingers- try washing them afterwards, it comes off with soap... Like really easily. Try to find a sample to see that this product is for you, or buy a "kit" that includes it... The other products in the Primping With The Stars kit are phenomenal! Really. Try the POREfessional, it will change your (makeup) life :)
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Unlisted Brand - Jessica - Custom Nail Colour 
MedusaSant 1/19/2013 1:43:00 AM
I found the Hollywood French manicure duo (Sheer Rose & Chalk White) at Winners for $4.99 and couldn't resist. I usually refuse to do my own french manicures; somehow they never look as nice when I have them done professionally, but the price was right and I was aware of the brand. The Chalk White polish is a good quality white, uniform and opaque from the first swipe. I have used other brands of white that are too sheer AND too thick all at once, not good. The Sheer Rose adds just a whisper of pink to the nail without being too "LOOK AT ME! I'M P-I-N-K!" When applied together the effect is wonderful, I will have to break out my little stick on manicure guides though (my lines are a tad wobbly, but I can't blame Jessica.) The only problem I have with these polishes is that they seem to take quite a while to dry completely. I did one layer of Chalk White and one layer of Sheer Rose an hour and forty five minutes ago and the polish isn't really hard yet. Its not sticky, but anything grazing the nail will just scrape the color away. I'm not used to polish taking this long to cure (I use Seche Vite all the time, but I am Dadsitting for the week and forgot it.) I'm going to assume that this is happening because Jessica doesn't use the harsher chemicals in her products or something. Hey, its not all bad, gives me an excuse to buy one of those nail dryers with the UV light in it :)
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Fragrances -Thierry Mugler - Angel
MedusaSant 1/16/2013 4:43:00 PM
I wish there was a separate Alley for Perfumes, because no one perfume will mix well with EVERYONE. This isn't the perfumes fault, its simply that ones chemistry does not mix well with the scent. Angel is AMAZING (on me) I have been wearing it every fall, winter and spring for 15 years now and have only ever had compliments from people. I get random strangers asking me what it is that I'm wearing because they LOVE the scent (sometimes its just plain creepy.) I guess I have a chemistry that compliments the perfume :) Personally, I find it too cloying in the summer months, its like a cashmere blanket for the nose. MOST IMPORTANT: DO NOT use more than 1 (one) squirt of this! It is VERY potent and overwhelming straight out of the bottle, I usually put it on after moisturizing and before I do my makeup. This gives it time to settle and mellow out a little and prevents me from being "that chick with too much perfume on". I squirt it onto the top of one wrist and quickly press it to my other wrist and then either dab it on my sides, legs or shoulders/neck. No need to rub, just press the damp wrists to other parts of your body and you'll have a nice distribution of the scent. Give it time, but if it smells too chemically, BOish or just plain funky on you, pass it on to someone else. Its well worth the hefty price (for me) and if I could work it into the summer months it would be my "signature scent".
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Bronzers -Unlisted Brand - Mistura 6-in-1 Beauty Solution
MedusaSant 12/11/2012 1:20:00 AM
I was duped into buying this stuff after seeing it on an episode of Dragons Den... NOT worth the INSANE price of 55$. It does NOT match everybody like it claims to and I actually have yellow undertones. I used a tiny amount and it looks yellow/orange no matter how sparingly it is applied. As for a "pearly" finish? If by pearly you mean stripey, orange, OIL SLICK. The pan is not as deep as the brush well either, very deceptive packaging. I returned it the same day, I can't find one use for this supposed "6 in1" product.
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Skincare - Face -Avon - Anew Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel
MedusaSant 11/5/2012 1:24:00 AM
Yet another Avon product that surpassed my expectations. I use these pads in conjunction with the Rejuvenate Regimen and my pores appear less noticeable, my skin tone is more even and people tell me I look like I am glowing. I am not a representative, but for the price, Avon's Anew line is well worth a try. These pads aren't too strong, but they do the trick for me. I recommend using them after a hot shower/bath or after steaming your face for about 15 minutes. When I have done my face, I use the pad on my decolletage and hands (the hands will betray your age!) One bottle lasts just over a month for me, as I like to use them a little more than they suggest.
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Deodorants -Avon - Perfumed Liquid Deodorant
MedusaSant 11/5/2012 1:02:00 AM
My Oncologist recommended that I avoid wearing any antiperspirant, it blocks the sweat glands and could encourage the build up of toxins in the body as a result of the blockage. I stumbled across this little gem of a product during the beginning of my Avon Buying Rampage (if you told me last year that I would be buying and LOVING Avon skin and makeup products I wouldn't believe you at all!) I am amazed at how well this liquid deodorant works, and how long it works for! The scent is floral, and quite strong when you first apply it, but it dissipates quickly and does its job without being overpowering or competing with my perfume (Angel.) This deodorant dries quickly for me, but I put it into a small pump spray bottle and use three pumps per pit. I have emailed Avon and mentioned to my Rep to suggest putting this product into a roll on or spray bottle, but so far it hasn't worked. Fingertip or cotton ball application gets the job done, but its messy and wasteful. For those of you who are looking for "wetness protection", this is NOT the product for you. It only prevents odor, not the perspiration, but it REALLY prevents odor. It worked all day (from 8am to 2 am out all day at a concert and a bar afterwards) on my first "test day". It kept me smelling fresh and clean all day at work as well, I am on my feet and on the go and this stuff just won't quit. All in all, as long as it agrees with your chemistry its an incredible product and well worth the 3 bucks it costs to try it out. Don't let the "old lady" smell deter you, it fades into a lovely light scent quickly. It has never stained any of my garments, but again, I always give it time to dry before dressing. The only tiny drawback is the bottle, which is easily remedied with a dollar store spray bottle.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -L'Oreal - Age Perfect Pro-Calcium Radiance Perfector Sheer Tint Moisturizer SPF 12
MedusaSant 10/16/2012 6:35:00 PM
I find its very "dewy" and slightly orange if applied more than sparingly. I have different needs for coverage and this one I use for "at home days", just enough to look a little more finished with a mascara and lipgloss. For "shopping" or "going out" coverage, this one just isn't enough. The fragrance is distracting for the first twenty minutes or so, for me at least. It does dissipate, or I stop noticing it... lol. I found this at Winner's with a Youth Code eye cream (full size) as a bonus on Clearance for $12.00. The eye cream comes in a tube with a terrific metal pearl shaped applicator and is worth the price. I have other BB creams that will replace this is my home coverage cream.
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Eye Makeup Remover -Avon - Moisture effective Eye makeup remover
MedusaSant 10/14/2012 12:15:00 AM
I stock up on this gem whenever it goes on sale for less than 2$. I have been using it for 4 years now and it has NEVER stung my eyes, ever. It also does NOT leave a greasy residue if you use it first to remove eye makeup, THEN cleanse the rest of face with your usual facial cleanser. It takes a pea sized amount applied with the fingers to the eye area (I start at the inside and work out, gently in a downward sweeping motion) followed by a warm moist cotton disk also in a gentle downward sweeping motion. It removes all my eye makeup, waterproof mascara included, without a lot of rubbing/tugging. I would suggest a small amount to start with, of course if you put a vast blob of product into your eye area it will get into them! So start out with less, till you find an amount that suits your needs. Its worth its weight in gold in my books.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Avon - Precision Grip Teardrop Blender
MedusaSant 9/25/2012 7:48:00 PM
I love love LOVE this sponge! Its almost as good as my BeautyBlender, but the shape is taking a little getting used to. It blends my Anew Transforming Foundation to a completely flawless finish and is also amazing for blending the setting powder once everything is on. Just be sure to soak and squeeze it prior to using or it will gobble up all your product. If you don't feel comfortable shelling out for the BeautyBlender or want to save mileage on your BeautyBlender, use this baby! Well worth the 6.99$ price. I'm buying three more (on top of the two I just bought.)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Other -Unlisted Brand - Callus Away
MedusaSant 6/23/2012 12:29:00 PM
AHHHHHHH-mazing product! Be very careful not to leave on for more than 5 minutes. Its easier to re-apply it to achieve more results than to grow skin back after having dissolved too much off. I got mine at Winners with a bottle of "Cuticle... Away!" for 8.99$ My feet havent been this awesome in YEARS. Well worth it.
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Blush -Marcelle - Cream Blusher - Raspberry
MedusaSant 4/2/2012 8:44:00 AM
This is a terrific blush for what you pay (I got mine on sale for 4.59$) Its quite pigment dense, so you need only a little to achieve a nice flushed look. I use my fingers to apply three dots and immediately blend into the apples of my cheeks, then I use a flat sponge to blend the outer edges. It is not affected if applied over tinted moisturizer, however when applied over an actual foundation you may need another dot as it melds a little. It lasts all day for me, no skipping or streaks. I use translucent powder to set my face in the morning, then rice paper when needed during the day to keep shine at bay and the odd swipe of pressed powder if needed. The blush remains beautiful thru all this. Well worth the money.
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Tinted Moisturizer -Olay - Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging UV Moisturizer Plus Touch Of Foundation
MedusaSant 4/2/2012 8:23:00 AM
I love this product! When I went to buy it the salesperson at Shoppers Drug Mart ripped open the box so I could try it, she put some on her arm as well to see what there was to see, and amazingly enough it blended in nicely on her arm (shes a Jersey Shore tanning type) This worried me because I avoid the sun at all costs and am quite fair as a result. Well it is almost a perfect match, probably because its quite sheer. It does a wonderful job of evening out skin tone, but wont cover any distinct imperfections or blemishes. It holds up well over the course of a day, I dust it with translucent powder in the morning and with pressed powder if I need to in the afternoon and it doesn't skip or go patchy. It serves as a great base for cream blush. The only drawback is the smell, its a nice smell, don't get me wrong. But for me its a little overwhelming to have on my face, thankfully the scent fades in an hour or so. All in all its a time saver for day to day use.
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Mascara -Maybelline - Illegal Length Fiber Extensions- Waterproof
MedusaSant 4/2/2012 7:57:00 AM
Despite the negative reviews Ive read for this product, I went ahead and purchased one. Blackest Black. It went on perfectly and added a LOT of length, not so much volume tho. It holds up well, 8 hours wearing and no flakes or smears. Its not easy to remove. Cream remover doesn't work fast enough for me, so I use oil remover to reduce the amount of contact with my lids. *IMPORTANT* WHEN APPLYING THIS MASCARA I FIND IT WORKS BEST IF YOU DO SLOW, STEADY PASSES. THREE OR FOUR IS SUFFICIANT FOR ME... JUST PUT IT ON SLOOOOOW.
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