Mascara -Revlon - 3D Extreme Mascara - Blackest Black
Samantha_Thatcher 1/24/2011 11:49:00 AM
The only negative about this is that it does dry out in about 6 weeks. I have thin, pathetic lashes and this gives me fantastic thickness and volume while at the same time being feathery soft. I have tried just about every mascara out there and nothing compares to this. I am probably on my twentieth tube of this stuff. I actually like that the brush is SO small...it lets you get every last lash and is much easier to work with than those huge wands. I recently started using this along with Clinique Lash Primer and I couldn't be more pleased with the results! I am shocked at the bad reviews on this mascara. I was a longtime L'Oreal Voluminous & Diorshow fan...but this blows them both out of the water!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Murad - Acne Complex©
Samantha_Thatcher 11/27/2007 11:56:00 AM
I am 38 & have oily, acne-prone skin that is sensitive. I have used Proactiv in the past with great results, but had stopped using it because it had become too drying. I saw the infomercial for Murad Acne Complex Kit and thought I would give it a try. My skin was very congested (lots of little bumps & clogged pores; nothing inflamed). I used this kit faithfully for TWO months...my skin just got progressively worse. I started getting painful, red cystic type pimples along my jawline, temples and nose...like nothing I had EVER had before. I understand the whole concept of the "purging process"....so I waited patiently. In addition to the cystic acne, I could feel a million little bumps under my skin. The cleanser is very harsh, and the fumes alone sting your eyes. The glycolic seemed to be pure burning alcohol. After two months, I just couldn't take it any more....I went back to Proactiv and within TWO days my skin started to clear up. I am willing to put up with a little dryness to have clear skin. I have also had great luck with the Rodan & Fields Unblemish Kit...it is not as drying as the Proactiv; but the cost is just too prohibitive for me.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Jonathan - Dirt
Samantha_Thatcher 2/6/2006 6:34:00 PM
I really like this! I am the Queen of pomades....tried so many, and they leave my hair too greasy, sticky, crunchy, etc. I have a really textured, shag haircut & need to piece it out & finish the ends. Was half-way happy with Bumble & Bumble sumo wax until I found Dirt. First of all, the smell of Dirt is fantastic...creamy almond. It gives me definition and perfect "shagginess" without weighing my hair down or making it look greasy. I am so pleased with this & will definitely repurchase. The price is worth it, because you use so little. For reference; I have medium thick, wavy hair that I straighten with an iron.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Gels/Soaps -L'Occitane - Milk bar soap
Samantha_Thatcher 2/6/2006 12:46:00 PM
Although this soap has a great bubbly lather, I found it to be quite drying. The packaging is beautiful, but I was overall disappointed in L'Occitane's soaps. I've tried the Verbena, Milk, Bourbon Vanilla & Lavender, and they smell practically the same. Not bad soap, just pretty mediocre...I guess I was expecting more. I have had better luck with etailer soaps (GLS-now closed, Wylde Ivy & Blue Planet) for suds, moisture & fragrance.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Bare Escentuals - Glee/ all over face color
Samantha_Thatcher 2/6/2006 12:36:00 PM
This is a very pretty dark reddish/berry rose with brown undertones. It gives a lovely flushed look without being muddy. The nice thing about this blush is the sheerness; it melds with your skin and looks very natural - it does not "sit" on top of your skin as many blushes do. I know that Bare Escentuals recommends applying this all over your face as a color enhancer, but I think it is too red toned for that; I much prefer it as a blush. I prefer this to BE Warmth, which is way too orangey for me. For reference, I am fair/yellow undertones, brunette.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -DuWop - Lip Venom
Samantha_Thatcher 2/3/2006 3:54:00 PM
I am torn on this product. Received it once in a swap & promptly got rid of it. Then I got sucked in by QVC...it looked so pretty on the model...so like a dummy, I ordered it...AGAIN. Basically, it is a pleasant, very shiny clear gloss, with the tingly zip of cinnamon. It does not bring out any natural "color" on my lips (as claimed on QVC!), but nice anyway. I admit, I do rather enjoy the stinging sensation, but to be quite truthful, have never noticed any dramatic plumping effects. If you are expecting this to turn you into Angelina Jolie...uhhh...good luck!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Besame - Enchanting Lipstick
Samantha_Thatcher 2/3/2006 3:45:00 PM
I have this in Cherry Red, which is a gorgeous blue-based pinky/red. It is bright, but blotting softens it quite a bit. LOVE the consistency; very matte without being drying, doesn't bleed, and leaves a nice stain on the lips. The packaging is gorgeous; gold little bullet embossed with burgundy (art nouveau?) designs. Opening the box was like receiving a gift...really nicely presented. I also bought Dusty Rose for my mom, which is a beautiful mauvey/rose; very neutral and pretty...I am going to purchase that one for myself! I have also tried Red Hot Red, which while very pretty, is way too warm/orange for me. Special note: the lipstick IS smaller than your average lipstick, but I find the smaller size easier to use. Besame lipsticks have a special tip which allow you to line your lips. I highly recommend Besame!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -Tarte - Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Mosturizer (Smooth Operator)
Samantha_Thatcher 2/3/2006 1:00:00 PM
I have been using this for over a year now & love it! I originally purchased it due to the fact that it contains 20 spf & would give some coverage at the same time. I have had a hard time finding a sunscreen that works well under foundation, so this is a "two in one" for me. I am really impressed with the coverage of this; technically it is a tinted moisturizer, but really it is a light foundation. The color spectrum is yellow based, which for me, is wonderful. This doesn't clog my pores & works well under my eyes as a concealer. There is a very slight shimmer, which is very flattering and not at all "shiny". I am very oily/acne prone, and this works great for me. My only complaint is the tube...when you are almost out, you have to cut the tube in half to get the rest of the product out. Blends easily & really good lasting power. The shade I use is Conceal, which is a nice yellow-ivory. For reference, I am fair skinned with light yellow undertones.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -L'Occitane - Eau des 4 Reines
Samantha_Thatcher 2/3/2006 12:54:00 PM
Very light, clean smelling rose fragrance. Not powdery, cloying or overpowering at all. I have been wearing this to work alot, because it is so unobtrusive and stays close to the skin. Beautiful packaging & excellent quality & price...my only complaint would be - that it is pretty one-dimensional and not "exciting". I am hoping to find a nice rose fragrance with a "twist" and a bit more uniqueness.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Chanel - Joues Contraste - Mirage (Rose Bronze)
Samantha_Thatcher 2/2/2006 6:52:00 PM
Really beautiful color...a warm, soft rose with a touch of gold, that isn't orange or brown. I totally agree with the reviewer below, this shade is not "muddy" whatsoever - it really gives such a healthy, clean glow. Blends easily, excellent lasting power, color stays true. I wear this everyday and find it to be a great neutral...I can wear bright red lipstick or go the opposite direction with clear gloss, and both look great. I have some light pigmentation on my cheeks, and the subtle irridescence of this blush "deflects" attention away & you can't even tell I have any discoloration. My only complaint would be that it is easy to overapply & you can see it "sitting" atop your skin. Great quality...great stuff! Just for reference, I am brunette/fair complexion, with slight yellow undertones.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Guerlain - KissKiss 525 - Folie de Grenat
Samantha_Thatcher 1/20/2006 6:17:00 PM
I absolutely love this lipstick! It is a beautiful shade of deep, cool red. There are no pink or fuschia undertones, nor is it brown based, like so many deep reds. Upon application, it is quite moist, which would lead you to believe that it has no staying power...wrong! It does not bleed, goes on evenly and lightly, and stains the lips. You know when cherries are very ripe and turn from that bright red to the darker tone? That is what this looks like. The packaging is quite fab & it is pricey, but it is worth it. (Just for reference, I am brunette with fair skin/slightly yellow undertones).
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Gels/Soaps -Tocca - Saponé Stella (Blood Orange Soap)
Samantha_Thatcher 1/20/2006 6:05:00 PM
Sorry to be the lone dissenter here...but I did not care for this at all. I thought the fragrance was very sharp, green and bitter. It did lather wonderfully, but I found it to be extremely drying. I much prefer Wylde Ivy soaps for scent, moisture and price.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -MAC - Dollymix
Samantha_Thatcher 5/10/2005 3:10:00 PM
I am a total blush fanatic...always searching for that "perfect" hue! (I have dark hair and fair skin) Dollymix looks a bit bright in the pan...but it morphs into the prettiest rosey-pink. It's not too pink, or too warm, but just right. It does have shimmer, but once applied, really looks more like a "glow". I have oily skin and the subtle shimmer does not accentuate my pores. It goes on easily & sort of melts right into your skin, leaving very pretty flushed cheeks. Good lasting power throughout the day too.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Crème -Mary Kay - Cream-to-Powder Foundation
Samantha_Thatcher 1/26/2005 12:16:00 PM
I really like this foundation. I have very oily, acne prone skin & this has not clogged my pores at all - I have been using this for 2 months, so I think it's safe to say that! It goes on smoothly and gives me good coverage. It does not separate as I get oily, and lasts throughout the day. I apply it with a damp sponge and set it with the Mary Kay dual powder foundation. I use shade Ivory 1.0, which looks dark in the pan, but actually goes on a very neutral ivory, with slight yellow undertones. I am quite fair, and this stays true, without turning orange. This foundation was a pleasant surprise!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Etro - Heliotrope
Samantha_Thatcher 11/5/2004 12:45:00 PM
Love...love...love this! Soft and sweet (without being sugary) and warm. This isn't a fragrance that "shouts", but rather a very wearable, daily fragrance. It has a definite "play-dough" note which I really like...in fact, my husband commented that I smelled like play-dough (not sure if that was a compliment or not)! haha Some of the other reviewers have compared this to other fragrances: KM Loukhoum is much more powdery to me. Jour de Fete was not as sweet & kind of blah to me. BPAL Snake Oil was spicy, heavy & kind of "head shop" to my nose. POTL Luctor et Emergo went total incense on me. I also have Lady Evangeline, and while I find it similiar to Etro, I find the LE not as well blended. Etro Heliotrope even inspired me to go out & buy a Heliotrope plant, which I potted and placed on my porch. Everytime I pass it I get the soft, delicious scent of vanilla. I am on my second bottle of this, and plan on wearing it as long as it's available!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No