Tinted Moisturizer -Too Faced - Beauty Balm- Vanilla Glow
MusicalAmanda 5/17/2012 11:25:00 AM
First, I do have to say that I think this product is NOT for those looking for A. heavy coverage or B. Have lots of break outs or problem skin. You will not get the coverage you are looking for and for those with extremely oily skin, large pores, extreme redness or dryness I am not sure how this product will work for you. I am also not sure how this product works on older skin. I think this product is best for those with fairly normal skin (mine is slightly oily and this is still great product for me) with no severe skin problems or issues and are just looking for light coverage and something to "enhance the skin." If that is what you are looking for--this is perfect and an absolutely amazing product! So smooth and natural and the yellowish shade of the "vanilla glow" is perfect for my warm light skin tone--I have SUCH a hard time finding a warm shade that matches my fair but very gold tinted skin tone--so many products are too orange, or too pink and look ridiculous on fair but very warm/yellow/gold skinned toned ladies. (For those with more cool/pinkish skin tones, I am afraid this is not the shade for you--and their whole line looks pretty warm toned--but who knows, ask for a sample at sephora!) I love the "dewiness" of this product--- but don't worry--when you first apply it actually looks more dewey then when it "sets"--my skin absorbs more of the product about 15 minutes after applying and the result is lovely! Even though my skin is slightly on the oily side I have not found the dewiness too much (that being said I do not apply any moisturizer in the morning as this is a moisturizing product!!) A quick blot or go over with BE or a light powder would do the trick for those who feel it is too "dewy." My skin has never looked lovely! The actual coverage is just what I was looking for-- light to light/medium--so for those looking for medium to heavy coverage--this is NOT for you! But this is the first product that has evened out my skin tone, and actually provided the claimed "radiance" and "youthful glow" that so many foundations, primers, lotions, tinted moisturizers, etc. claim. For me, it is worth the 38 dollar price tag and I will ABSOLUTELY purchase again!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Loose Powders -Bare Escentuals - Mineral Veil
MusicalAmanda 5/30/2008 4:41:00 PM
I honestly don't understand how this product always gets such great reviews. The BE mineral foundation is okay... but this is just ridiculous. It doesn't do anything. There is seriously no difference when I have this on versus not putting it over the foundation. I have tried putting on a little, a lot, putting it on bare skin... does not even absorb oil well at all--blotting my face is more effective. I don't understand how people find this like a magic powder for them, maybe it's just like a placebo: It looks and sounds like it should work so they think it does? I have to admit I bought and kept using this convincing myself it was doing something great. Not so. This product is a gimmic hands down... corn starch is not going to be a "soft-focus" light on your face. There is just no way.
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Makeup Brushes -Avon - Kabuki Brush
MusicalAmanda 5/30/2008 4:20:00 PM
I think the other reviewers have been extremely generous...Ugh... awful brush in my opinion. Smells very odd, VERY scratchy, bristles fall out all over my face, does not deposit mineral makeup NEARLY as well as other brushes I have gotten. Not even worth it as a travel/on the go brush... :( Only plus was that it was inexpensive and came in a protective bag. Will not use or purchase again.
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Moisturizers -Eucerin - Redness Relief Perfecting Lotion with spf 15
MusicalAmanda 5/30/2008 4:13:00 PM
I had mixed feelings about this product. At times I was thankful for the coverage from redness. At other times I have been less than satisfied with the coverage and have had a suspicion that it has led to some break outs. I finally came to the conclusion that it is not right for my oily/acne prone skin though it does a decent job of getting rid of facial redness/ruddiness. I am keeping the product in case I get sunburnt over the summer, but will probably not be using it anymore. I now firmly believe (after trying countless other 'soothing'/'redness relief' products) that redness relief moisturizers are great for those with normal/dry skin... but what about us oily ones!!!??? I have recently found the site everydayminerals and noted they have a all natural mineral concealer/ powder in a green color that is supposed to do the same thing as this product (minus the moisture and therfore oiliness). I will post about this product as soon as I recieve it--it just may be the perfect product for oily/acne prone red/ruddy skin!
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Tinted Moisturizer -Laura Mercier - Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
MusicalAmanda 5/30/2008 3:58:00 PM
This is a great product... just not right for me! I bought this in the oil-free version. It is a superior tinted moisturizer-- more coverage than I though (with spf which is terrific.) Though it claims to control oil I did not find this to be the case with me--if anything I was more oily. I have probably 1/3 of the tube left and not sure if I will use the rest: I have found my skin is far less greasy and acne clears up when I use mineral make-up. Final Verdict: For those without or with very minimal oil/acne problems---this would be great. Excellent, but natural coverage and a dewy healthy look. (Just beware of the price!! It is expensive if you get hooked on it!!)
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Moisturizers -Philosophy - Hope in a Bottle
MusicalAmanda 5/30/2008 3:48:00 PM
Not pleased with the product. It didn't seem to do much at all--MAYBE mattify my skin for a little longer than usual but not enough to ever purchase again. Did not help my "congested" pores or make my skin smoother. I guess I bought into the cute packaging. For those that may benifit from it (perhaps those with minor or very slight oil/acne issues)--there is nothing special in it that is different from over the counter acne moisturizers. The active ingrediant is only Salycilic Acid... you can buy far cheaper products at CVS. The only product that has made a significant impact in smoothing my skin/helping with acne etc. is Topical Retinods. For most people with Oily/acne prone skin and blocked pores I think this is really the only option... but it's a shame it is only available by perscription and that it is so expensive!
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Moisturizers -Aveeno - Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
MusicalAmanda 5/30/2008 3:38:00 PM
Not sure how this was a beauty finalist... maybe it is just not right for me, though from it's advertising I seem to be a perfect candidate for this. I have sensitive acne-prone skin that is often irritated, red or ruddy. I was expecting this moisturizer to be light, non-greasy, non-comedogenic and soothing--as advertised. However, I found it extreamly heavy, greasy, and anything but soothing. It did not calm my redness at all and was so greasy it seemed to magnify my redness. I actually was dumb enough to buy the product again a few months later hoping I just got a bad batch or my skin just needed to "get used to it." Wrong. Will not purchase again. Do not understand how the product can be so off from what it claims... Regular Eucerin or Cetaphil is a better bet for oily/sensitive skin.
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Lip Treatments -Burt's Bees - Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil
MusicalAmanda 5/30/2008 3:09:00 PM
Great lip balm. Conditions and adds a hint of natural color--like your lips are ACTUALLY that color! Not too glossy either, just a boost of moisure. THE perfect lip balm.
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Skincare - Face -Pro Activ - 3-Step System
MusicalAmanda 5/30/2008 2:58:00 PM
I had a problem with this for two reasons. 1. Far too expensive for what it is 2. Far too harsh for most skin-types. The main ingrediant that makes it successful for some people is benxoyl peroxide (which kills acne causing bacteria.) However, you can purchase products with benzoyl peroxide for FAR cheaper than Pro Activ. Also, the system has you use a cleanser, toner, and "moisturizer" all with benzoyl peroxide-- this just asking for trouble. Most individuals with acne prone skin also have sensitive skin. The kit generally just irritates sensitive skin (redness, peeling, flaking, drying) while getting minimal results for 40 dollars a pop. I saw no difference between this and any of the drug store acne kits available for half the price. While it did help with my acne-- marginally--it made my face constantly red. (I would rather have a little more acne then feel like a beet.) I also found my skin flaking and peeling. It was extremely gross-more so than the actual acne. My advice--skip this. It is NO better than any drug store stuff out there. If you want to try one of the gimmicy acne kits-- buy neutrogena, clean and clear, L'oreal, CVS, Walgreen brand kits. It is far cheaper and does the same exact thing. After years of buying into all of the acne kit hype and trying nearly all of them, I found a retinols to be very affective(Differin/Retin A) they speed up cell turnover leading to less blocked pores. It has made less acne and a smoother 'glowing' look to my skin (though expensive and only available via perscription.) Using that at night and a little benzoyl peroxide in the morning under make-up has kept my very oily/acne prone skin under control. This routine is expensive-especially if you don't have insurance. But a tube of differin ($130 without insurance) lasts for 4-5 months--all in all it is about the same as pro activ (40+ a month) --except you actually get results.
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Mascara -Christian Dior - Diorshow Mascara
MusicalAmanda 5/30/2008 2:27:00 PM
As a fair-skinned/fair-haired girl all about a natural but enhanced look from make-up; nearly any mascara can seem too much. Diorshow Mascara was no exception--even the brown shade is far to dark for me and looks pretty unnatural except for the occasional evening event. That being said-- this is probably one of the best mascara's I have ever tried. It makes lashes look fuller, thicker, darker with the least amount of clumps I have seen. Those with darker hair/skin tone that can pull off a dark/heavy eye look-this defineitly is for you! (It's just expensive!) For those of you light girls like me-- use Urban Decay's 24/7 glide pencil in Burbon (a coppery-brown toned very soft eye liner). It is perfect as an eyeliner and yes! mascara!! I just sweep it into my lashes and they look fuller, softer, slightly darker and NATURAL-unlike any other mascara I have tried!!
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Eyeliner -Urban Decay - 24-7 Glide on eyeliner in bourbon
MusicalAmanda 5/30/2008 2:10:00 PM
This is one of the best eyeliners I have found. I love the color and the subtle copperish glimmer tones to it as well. What I love best about it is you can't "mess-up" It is so soft and glides on perfectly. TIP! Wearing it like mascara is amazing-- it subtly darkens the lashes and it looks WAY more natural than mascara!! (I am fair skinned/haired--even brown mascara looks too harsh and unnatural) It makes lashes look fuller, softer and darker without being cakey, crumbly, seperated! All I do is just hold the pencil at an angle and gently sweep into my lashes. Is great for on the go--one tiny product for all my eye-makeup. The first time I did this on my eyelashesI was afraid it would be all over my face by noon but nope- no smudging! Only cons are that it is pretty expensive and sharpening it is somewhat difficult because the product is so soft. I sharpen mine almost every day so I get as pointy tip as possible. overall great product! I keep buying it-will be on my 3rd pencil soon!
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Powder -Bare Escentuals - Bare Minerals ALL
MusicalAmanda 5/27/2008 6:59:00 PM
After using Bare Minerals for almost two years now, I am still not sure what to think. With all of the hype about bare minerals I was hoping that it would be the miracle foundation for my oily and "ruddy"skin tone. The first time I used the product I was very discouraged. I was so upset that neither color in the kit was the right shade for my skin tone and it looked anything but natural on. After some experimentation however, I found I needed to blend two colors and apply much less of the product. This product only provides minimal coverage--try to cover more flaws like traditional foundation and it looks very unnatural and gives off a shiny finish that can make my skin look worse. I still use it religiously for threereasons-- First, I NEVER breakout -even if I sleep in it. I think traditional foundation is a big no no for me as my skin has improved since using it. Secondly, it feels fun and fresh to use. When applied right it really does feel as if I am helping myskin not hurting it or caking it up and not letting it "breathe."Thirdly, although it seems expensive it is actually one of the cheapest mineral foundations available. The containers are pretty easy to "tap out" what you need (although not good for on-the-go) and I use so little every application that it lasts me about seven to eight months per $25 container. Thats only about three dollars a month! Really quite a deal compared to other traditional foundations. Again, still confused about the product. Not everything I want it to be but on the other hand it is probably the healthiest foundation available. It is certainly a trade off--perhaps should be used for casual/everyday wear but a more concealing foundation may be better for evening wear. This would be an ideal foundation for someone with nearly flawless skin-as it gives a touch of coverage,is healthy and provides some sun protection. (Just wish that person was me!!!)
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Treatments -Dr. Brandt - Pores No More
MusicalAmanda 5/27/2008 6:31:00 PM
I am suprised at some of the negative comments on this product. But First thing is first: this product is for us girls with OILY skin. I don't know why some people with DRY skin have tried this product--it says right on the package "for oily/combination skin." While this doesn't make my pores magically disappear it does an AMAZING job of mattifying shine-- which is its main purpose if you read more about the product-despite the somewhat misleading name. Sometimes even after I blot my face I can see shine-- this gets rid of that giving not only a matte finish but lessens the orange peel texture of my oily skin. While it doesn't last forever I only need to apply a very small amount (NO NEED to apply too much! A little goes a long way!) 2-3 times a day to keep my skin looking fresh and clean all day. While it is an expensive product it does last for over four months if used properly-- 10$ a month is more than okay to alleviate my horribly greasy skin! This product also contains natural anti-microbials and a neutral ph level that can help prevent bacteria from forming into acne! This product is a necessity to someone with very oily skin!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No