Mascara -L'Oreal - Voluminous Million Lashes
Melzy323 4/1/2013 12:59:00 AM
Looooove this mascara! Don't understand the hate... I have this in carbon black and it gives me long, lush, black-black lashes! It doesn't flake and smudges minimally under my eye throughout the day. And my lashes are SOFT! I don't know why this is so important to me - it's not like I go around feeling my lashes all day! But something about hard, crispy lashes makes me think the mascara on them can't be doing them any favors, I use 3 coats on top, 2 on the bottom and they're still soft! I can't speak about the flaking comments (???) as I don't have any. And as I've already noted it does smudge some (one lippy off for that) but not enough to be annoying. It is a nice creamy formula (not too dry, not too wet) that adds some noticeable thickness and length. It might not be enough for some... The rubber brush takes a little getting used to. Especially since the way it's attached to the wand makes it wiggle around a bit. But the pointed angled tip on the brush is excellent for corners and tiny lashes. This is my fav loreal mascara! Beats the pants off regular voluminous! A great bargain under $10!
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Bronzers -NARS - Casino
Melzy323 2/22/2013 3:37:00 PM
HG!!!! The perfect bronzer for me! Non-drying, non-itchy/irritating, just shimmery enough and the PERFECT warm brown tone that isn't muddy and doesn't oxidize on me. I am naturally a NW20 with dry skin but tan I'm NW40-NW50 and this gives me the perfect oomph and evens out the coloring on my face without looking cakey. No one can even tell I have it on! (I use it as an all over powder in lieu of powder or foundation - not as a contour). If I had to pick one makeup item, this would be it! At $36, the price is a little high but you get what you pay for. Worth every penny!
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Mascara -Lancome - Hypnose Star
Melzy323 2/22/2013 2:31:00 AM
I've come to the conclusion that mascara depends on two factors 1) what kind of lashes you have and 2) what kind of lashes (results) you want. That's why there are soooo many kinds! I have long but sparse lashes and I want my lashes to look like mine but better. More "oomph" (thicker, darker and yes, even longer!) but not like false lashes or a dramatic "catwalk" look. This mascara - Hypnose Star noir midnight - is perfect for me. You must follow the directions for the brush however! (See the Lancôme website for the slightly goofy instructional video. You'll see why I say "goofy" if you watch it: http://www.lancome-usa.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-lancome_us-Site/default/mProduct-Show?pid=1000571&bookmark=988031). The formula is only half of it - the brush seals the deal. My lashes become long, lush (I don't dare say "thick"), separated, and soft! No crunchy, stiff lashes here! (I'm looking at you, Defincils!). Layering the mascara using their brush technique adds to the volume and drama. The color is a nice deep black but not carbon black or black-black. And the formula is curious in that soft as it is on my lashes, it flakes right after application but then stays put once it sets. It doesn't flake or smudge. Period. I do have dry skin in a dry climate but I use the oil-filled touche éclat under my eyes and even with that it doesn't smudge. Holds a curl too. Though after several hours it does need a touch-up with the curler. At night I use the OCM and it comes right off like a dream. The packaging is gorgeous (but not obnoxious). Ergonomic curves with a beautiful glitter fade on the bottom of the tube. Just don't set it down where it can roll because the tube is round and it will roll off! $28 is pricey for a mascara but worth it to get the results I want. All in all this mascara truly is a star!
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Abdul Kareem - Egyptian Musk
Melzy323 12/29/2012 12:45:00 AM
EDIT 2/22/13: This is a little TOO faint to wear on its own for me. Nice layered with my HG Child. Probably won't repurchase though. I just received this musk today (Dec. 28th - after ordering it on Christmas!) and already it's my favorite EM! I agree completely with the last couple of reviews. It IS lighter than other EMs but with a sophisticated twist. There's a hint of white floral in there that's fresh and not at all cloying. And I would not compare it to a white musk. It's much more sophisticated than that. And yes, it does smell better than cheap "head shop" EM. Don't go by how it smells in the bottle or when you first apply it. This is an oil that sits close to your skin and "blooms" over time. You might be surprised to discover it actually smells stronger an hour or two (or more) after you apply it. The consistency is more oily or watery than other EMs. I also prefer not having a rollerball applicator so that's not an issue for me. Charlotte Vale-Allen's (writerinresidence) customer service is excellent. If you're a fan of EMs, this is a must try!
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Top/Base Coats -Butter London - Nail Foundation Flawless Basecoat
Melzy323 9/21/2012 7:31:00 PM
I have to tell you, I am underwhelmed with the entire Butter London line. The colors look gorgeous (in the bottle anyway) and the names are too cute but the lasting power of these polishes is nil. I thought if I purchased the base coat, performance might improve but it didn't. I tried experimenting with my usual pre-teatment of OPI Bond Aid but that didn't help either. 3-4 days is the maximum this polish (with its expensive base coat and top coat) will give me. BL, you are a "will not repurchase"! Save your money on this line and buy Zoya!
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Polishes -Butter London - Hen Party
Melzy323 9/21/2012 7:23:00 PM
I have to tell you, I am underwhelmed with the entire Butter London line. The colors look gorgeous (in the bottle anyway) and the names are too cute but the lasting power of these polishes - even with the BL base and top coat - is a 2-4 days. I might as well have bought a ds polish instead of a $15 dollar one. Hen Party is, like all the other BL polishes, a gorgeous color! A pinky pearlescent shade that is the ultimate neutral plus. Too bad it only lasts a few days. (Sigh....) BL, you better change your formula or change your packaging to a smaller, "seasonal" bottle because your polishes just don't last!
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Polishes -Butter London - Bluey
Melzy323 9/21/2012 7:17:00 PM
I have to tell you, I am underwhelmed with the entire Butter London line. The colors look gorgeous (in the bottle anyway) and the names are too cute but the lasting power of these polishes - even with the BL base and top coat - is a 2-4 days. I might as well have bought a ds polish instead of a $15 dollar one. Bluey is a perfect example of this. Sublimely gorgeous, glittery, deep teal color! Looks like a couture color! But doesn't last - chips after 1-2 days. So sad... In their desire to be "3-free" and fashion forward, BL has sacrificed formulation for wear. Unless you're a color fiend, save your money and buy equally gorgeous Zoya pushes. BL also loses points for beautiful but wasteful packaging.
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Polishes -Butter London - Tart With a Heart
Melzy323 9/21/2012 7:10:00 PM
I have to tell you, I am underwhelmed with the entire Butter London line. The colors look gorgeous (in the bottle anyway) and the names are too cute but the lasting power of most of these polishes - even with the BL base and top coat - is a 2-4 days. Tart with a heart is the only BL polish I've had that lasts. However, it has the opposite problem - its nearly impossible to get off! Even with the BL polish remover (the best part of the line, IMO), I have to practically chip it off. Not cool for my nails. So in spite of the pretty color/effect, I won't be repurchasing this.
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Polishes -Butter London - Pink Ribbon
Melzy323 9/21/2012 7:04:00 PM
I have to tell you, I am underwhelmed with the entire Butter London line. The colors look gorgeous (in the bottle anyway) and the names are too cute but the lasting power of these polishes - even with the BL base and top coat - is a 2-4 days. I might as well have bought a ds polish instead of a $15 dollar one. Having said that, I do like the colors - particularly Pink Ribbon. It's a little streaky (especially for $15!) but the color - a milky, cool pink "jelly" - is pretty enough to deal with the total lack of wear. It is the only BL shade I haven't traded or given away. The packaging (double caps) is ridiculous. (Hello BL, Chanel, Fekkai and anyone else who double caps their products - not cool!) For half the money and twice the wear, not to mention a wide color range AND "3-free", Zoya is a much better buy! Don't waste your money on this unless it's for the colors alone.
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Hair Styling Tools -Unlisted Brand - Tangle Teezer
Melzy323 9/21/2012 6:51:00 PM
Yes - this lives up to the hype! If you have long (at least shoulder length) and/or coarse/curly hair, this brush is a MUST! I use it wet with conditioner and nothing when dry. (My vent and boar brushes now just sit there.) It doesn't pull on your hair - just detangles it with a minimum of hair loss. I now focus on scalp massages instead of dry hair brushing. Truly worth the $11.99 at Sally's. And yes, I would repurchase if necessary.
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Treatments -Ojon - rare blend oil total hair therapy
Melzy323 9/21/2012 6:31:00 PM
EDIT 2/13/13: I won't be repurchasing this. Not unique enough to make it essential to me. I put I would repurchase this but the answer is probably more like *maybe*. It is a good hair oil, smells nice (kind of like apple pie! Lol!) but I don't think it's unique or special enough to distinguish itself from every other oil out there. It does have dimethicone high on the ingredients and that's not a deal breaker for me but there're a lot cheaper alternatives out there. I put it on my ends only so it'll be awhile before I go through this - then I'll decide whether or not to repurchase. Retails around $25 for 1.5oz at Sephora.
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Styling Products -Frederic Fekkai - Glossing Cream with Olive Oil
Melzy323 9/21/2012 6:24:00 PM
EDIT 2/22/13: I won't be repurchasing this. B&B's grooming cream won me over! Great product! I use it on my dry hair to smooth out frizzies. A little bit goes a long way so use sparingly!
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Styling Products -Frederic Fekkai - Marine Summer Hair Beach Waves
Melzy323 9/21/2012 6:22:00 PM
Love this product! I have curly/frizzy hair and this does an outstanding job of pulling the curls out to pretty waves and calming the frizz without weighing my hair down. I start out with Ojon oil on my ends, spray this all over my hair and run my fingers through it to spread it out and manually straighten my curls, then let my hair dry naturally. I finish with Fekkai brilliant glossing cream to smooth down any stray frizzies. Et voila - beachy waves all without any styling tools! This is so much better than plain salt spray (too drying) and I have yet to duplicate this in a home formula so yes, it is worth the price. The packaging is a bit questionable as it has 2 caps (!!) on it. It is a summertime product so I'll probably try the Fekkai coiff oceanique spray when I'm done with this bottle. Otherwise, definite repurchase!
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Lotions/ Creams -Jurlique - Rose/Lavender Hand Cream
Melzy323 9/21/2012 6:10:00 PM
This review is for the rose scent. HG! Perfect hand cream - so moisturizing on my dry hands! Gorgeous scent - pure rose - tons of compliments! Great tube packaging. The only downfall to this near perfect cream is the exorbitant price - $25 for 1.4 oz (40 ml)! If you can afford it, get it! If your budget is tight, pick my 2nd fave for hands - Kiehl's creme de corps, $11 for 2.5 oz.
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Lotions/ Creams -Weleda - Wild Rose Body Lotion
Melzy323 9/21/2012 6:02:00 PM
I have to laugh because it seems like a lot of reviewers use this on the face as well as their body - I'm no exception. This is a definite lotion, not a cream, so if you're looking for something super moisturizing or heavy duty, this is not it. It has a light consistency similar to un-whipped heavy cream. The smell... One reviewer below described it as a peppery rose and I would agree. While there IS a rose smell to it, it also has an herbal blend that is quite noticeable. If you're looking for a pure rose scent, this is not it. What this IS, however, is a nice lotion with jojoba and rose hip oils and shea butter that's easily and quickly absorbed. I have super dry skin so I normally use an oil on my body after bathing but for "touch-ups" throughout the day, or for a moisturizer to use on your face under makeup, this is perfect. The alcohol is a non issue on my sensitive skin. It's probably there to stabilize the natural ingredients. I have not tried the face cream so I can't compare it to that. It's also worth noting that for better or worse they have changed the packaging of this. It's no longer in a glass bottle but in a plastic one with a non-arm pump dispenser. (I can't upload a picture but here's a link to a picture of it: http://usa.weleda.com/our-products/shop/wild-rose-pampering-body-lotion.aspx) I like the new packaging - more portable for sure - but I do miss the Eco-friendly glass :-/.
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