Sunscreen -Banana Boat - Ultra Defense Broad Spectrum Sunblock SPF 80
Moonchyld 7/12/2010 3:53:00 PM
First off, no one needs this level of sun protection. Even those with the palest skin that burns in under 10 minutes would have to stay in direct sunlight for THIRTEEN hours to warrant a rating of 80 (and during that time, not sweat or go in the water). That said, the amount of active ingredients in this to make it SPF 80 is VERY irritating to the skin. Within 2 minutes my skin had a burning sensation and my eyes and the corners of my mouth were irritated (despite being very careful not to apply it too close to mucous membranes) Even if you don't have sensitive skin like me, the formula is very greasy and makes your face look like an oil slick; I had to put as light dusting of powder over it. Luckily, I did not purchase this; it was given to me and I used it until I could get to the store to purchase something else (and even though it burned, my theory was that some sun protection is better than nothing.) When I finally did buy a replacement, I very happily tossed this where it belongs; in the garbage.
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Lipstick -New York Color - Smooch Proof Long Wearing Lip Color
Moonchyld 2/10/2010 1:26:00 PM
Definitely one of the better formulated longwear lip colours. I tried 'Comedian'; a rich berry red. The colour is even and quite buildable with no 'pilling'. The gloss coat has a very 'plush' feeling and is shiny without being too slick. Both have a faint vanilla-like scent, similar to MAC, which was a nice surprise. It lasted about 6 hours with eating & drinking. Removal was easy with a bi-phase remover (I used Neutrogena Oil Free) At only $5CDN, this is a true bargain!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Revlon - Lottabody Setting Lotion
Moonchyld 12/23/2009 2:16:00 PM
After discovering I had a Sally's nearby (woot!) I decided to try this based on the reviews here. I have very fine, limp hair that I have permed to add body. However, the perm has grown out quite a bit so I have to use a setting lotion when I roller-set (I like big, soft curls as opposed to the small perm curls). Normally, I use an inexpensive mousse or watered-down hairspray but thought I'd give this a shot. I diluted it 3:1 according to the directions, sprayed evenly and set my hair. After my hair had dried (part air dry, part dryer with heat) I removed the curlers. Initially, the set was strong; I had to rake my hands through it to tone it down a bit. However, after only 4 hours, it started to lose volume. After 8 hours, it wasn't quite flat but had lost it's bounce. Not impressive, especially since it was a humidity-free winter day. One thing I will say is that it does leave your hair shiny so one point for that. Another for holding the curls and one for the frizz control. Will try again at a 2:1 ratio and see if that holds better.
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Eye Makeup Remover -Neutrogena - Oil Free eye makeup remover
Moonchyld 12/10/2009 2:02:00 PM
After using Paula's Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover and not being 100% satisfied, I decided to try this other bi-phase remover based on her review. While I did find that it is better overall (price, formula), it still requires a *little* work to get even regular mascara off (I don't wear waterproof so I can't say how effective it is in that regard) Also, there is no spout so you invariably dispense too much product. Still, it's the best I've tried so far and I will repurchase as does work and is only $12CDN for 5.5oz (vs PC 4 oz for $14CDN)
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Eyeliner -Bonne Bell - Eye definer
Moonchyld 9/18/2009 10:50:00 AM
I can't believe I haven't written a review until now as I have been using this liner in Midnight Bark for nearly 2 decades. I'm not much of an eyeliner gal so I use this for my brows. I had a childhood accident where I required stitches on my right brow. Subsequently, I have a scar *right* on the arch and, as everyone knows, hair does not grow on scars. This fills in the gap beautifully. Midnight Bark matches my very dark brown brows perfectly and does not have a hint of red or ash (green) like most other brown shades do. The only problem I have with it is that the formula is softer than I would like and it's difficult to keep a point to it (but really, for $2, I don't expect it to be perfect) Other than that, it is my HG of brow pencils.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Cover Girl - Lash Blast
Moonchyld 9/12/2009 1:55:00 PM
I wanted to like this; I'd been hearing great things about the rubber type brushes and how they separate and define. However this is perhaps the worst of the lot. The short wand is WAY too chunky; why they did this is beyond me as I can't see any benefit from having a wand as wide as a pencil and cap as thick as a hairbrush handle. I gave this an extra point as the short length does allow for more control. The formula is mediocre and has a bit of a chemical smell. It does lengthen but dries too quickly to build any thickness. I honestly don't see what all the hype is about this mascara and will not repurchase.
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Mascara -Maybelline - Define A Lash
Moonchyld 9/12/2009 1:40:00 PM
Finally a rubber brush that actually works for me! I agree with the other reviewers that the brush is wobbly and took some getting used to. You just have to be careful while replacing it in the tube. The results are impressive. I have average length lashes and medium fullness. The formula is great for building volume as it doesn't dry as quickly as others. The brush does a fantastic job of separating each lash and I have been asked no less than half a dozen times if they are my real lashes...they're THAT lush and long! This is my HG and will continue to repurchase over and over.
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Eye Makeup Remover -Paula's Choice - Gentle Touch Makeup Remover
Moonchyld 9/11/2009 9:43:00 PM
While I do like this product; it's better than any other biphase remover I've used; I do have a couple complaints. First, the price. It is one of the more pricier items for the amount you get. The bottle is small and doesn't last long; you have to soak the cotton pad with the remover. Secondly, you do have to wipe a bit to remove all of the mascara (especially the lower lashline) I try to minimize this by holding the soaked pad on my eye for a about 30 seconds before wiping but I still find that I have to rub too much for my liking. I will repurchase as I haven't found anything better. IMO, the remover was MUCH better before the reformulation and I wish they'd bring it back.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Toners -Paula's Choice - Skin Balancing Toner
Moonchyld 9/11/2009 3:27:00 PM
This is a must have in my cleansing routine. Before using PC, I never used toners as most are astringent and left my skin feeling parched. This gentle toner; packed with antioxidants; balances and has a calming effect on my skin. It leaves my face refreshed and, over time, has made it radiant. Again, kudos for making this fragrance free.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Paula's Choice - Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser
Moonchyld 9/11/2009 3:17:00 PM
When I first started using PC, I tried the One-Step facial cleanser and found that it did not leave my face feeling totally 'clean', so I switched to this. I've been using it for 2 years now and am in love. The foaming formula effectively cleans yet does not dry out my sensitive, combination skin. It completely removes all makeup except for mascara (I must use the Gentle Touch Makeup Remover before cleansing to be sure there is no residue left) but that is true for most cleansers. The 16oz bottle lasts my daughter and I about 4 months and is a great value. Bonus points for being pH balanced and fragrance free.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Paula's Choice - Soft Matte Eyeshadow in Nearly Nude
Moonchyld 5/2/2009 4:49:00 PM
Nearly Nude is a wonderful neutral wash from lid to brow (I'm a NW25) and perfect for a natural matte daytime look. However, unlike other PC shadows it does take a bit more product as it is less pigmented. Other than that, this is a staple of mine as it wears well and the colour is natural.
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Eye Shadow -Paula's Choice - Soft Matte Eyeshadow in Charcoal Brown [DISCONTINUED]
Moonchyld 5/2/2009 4:44:00 PM
Gorgeous shade of brown; I love that this has absolutely no red tones! It wears well and I've even used it as a brow powder on my dark brown/nearly black brows. It's a very versatile colour that is, unfortunately, no longer available on the Paula's Choice site. I hope it's not discontinued as this is my staple for a natural daytime look.
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Styling Products -Unlisted Brand - Life Brand Fresh Blends nut and honey corrective hair serum
Moonchyld 2/15/2009 12:55:00 PM
After 15 years of flat-lifeless hair, I decided to start having my hair permed again. I remembered from perming my hair in my early 20's that using a hair serum is a must to eliminate frizz. The product I used back then was Frizz Ease and it was relatively cheap (and unknown) While in my local Shoppers Drug Mart, I see that it's now triple the price for a MUCH smaller amount; about 30ml! Anyway, while in the same aisle, I noticed that Shoppers Drug Mart's Life Brand had a silicone serum for $4.99. I thought I would give it a try and am glad i did! Not only is it IDENTICAL to more costly serums (silicone *is* just silicone afterall), it is a generous amount (120ml) A little (5 pumps) goes a long way and after 2 months I am only 1/2 way through the bottle. It has a faint, sweet 'nutty' scent, which I enjoy; however, for those not keen on fragrance, it does dissipate quickly. NOTE: For those who say that serums dry out their hair; you're correct. How the product works is the the silicone coats the hair shaft and does not let any moisture in. That's what keeps the frizz to a minimum and makes the hair shiny. However, it's also what prevents your conditioner from replacing moisture if you're not using the proper shampoo beforehand. For those with this problem, I suggest you switch to a a mild clarifying shampoo to remove the buildup of silicone.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Paula's Choice - Soft Matte Eyeshadow [DISCONTINUED]
Moonchyld 12/20/2008 10:45:00 PM
I don't usually wear eyeshadow as I find them messy and sometimes difficult to blend. Not these shadows! Softly textured; not at all 'dusty'; highly pigmented, yet very easily blended. You can go from light daytime makeup to a dramatic nighttime look with a few sweeps of a brush. Nearly Nude is a wonderful neutral wash from lid to brow (I'm a NW25). I pair it with Charcoal Brown which is the BEST brown shadow I have EVER used. Not even the teensiest bit of red (really, who wants red around the eyes?) and very natural. I took a lippie off because of the limited colour selection and the Charcoal Brown came in a screw top as opposed to a flip top (although, I plan to put it in a MAC palette anyway as they fit perfectly)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Too Faced - Lash Injection PinPoint
Moonchyld 8/4/2008 8:22:00 PM
This was recommended to me by a Sephora SA after I explained that I wanted lashes that looked like the false ones I had become accustomed to. I have volume, what I needed was length. False lashes provide this but I can no longer apply them because my hands are shaky from MS.
I was tired of wasting $ buying the latest drugstore offering and thought perhaps with mascara, you do get what you pay for. This proved me right. At $31CAD it is a little pricey but it is incredible. It's short brush and bristles grab every lash and coat it with a formula that I can only describe as magical. It does not clump nor flake and it is VERY 'buildable'.(although for a daytime look, I find that one coat is enough) I have included a photo here showing the result after one coat (click 'continued' below). I did not comb through and only used the brush provided. Removal was easy. Then again, I used an eye MU remover (Paula's Choice) as usual as I find that cleanser never really removes all eye makeup anyway.
EDIT: I changed my original rating from a 5 to a 1 as after using this only a week, It dried up in the tube. I had only used it maybe 4X when it started to cake up!@ $31, I will not repurchase.
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