Powder -MAC - Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
SexpotOnTheRocks 8/26/2011 9:08:00 PM
I tried to make Studio Fix work for five years (using it nearly every day). On a good skin day, it made my skin look flawless - for a couple hours. But as each day went on, my skin would become more and more shiny as the hours passed. Retouching was nearly impossible. Even if I used a blotting sheet first, the areas where I retouched would look extremely cakey up close. Every now and then, I would try out a powder from the drugstore (I am not a "high-end-only" gal.) but most were even worse than Studio Fix and did not have competetive coverage or color selection. When I watched reality shows, I would always catch a reality star reaching for her MAC compact, so I assumed that this was probably one of the best out there, and I continued to walk around with my t-zone looking like a cakey disco ball by noon. But one day, I swatched a Shiseido matte powder on the back of my hand in Nordstrom and was blown away by the soft, silky texture. It ended up giving great coverage that was much smoother than MAC's and when I need to touch up (which isn't often), it still looks gorgeous. So I finally let go of Studio Fix, although I will still use it to conceal redness now and then on my cheeks only. So glad those five years of shine are over.
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Top/Base Coats -Seche Vite - Dry Fast Top Coat
SexpotOnTheRocks 8/19/2011 12:33:00 AM
Seriously? All I wanted was a topcoat that was long-lasting with a nice finish. And this was a huge disappointment. I did my nails in the morning and later that afternoon, the polish was practically falling off. I even tried applying it over bare nails and got the same result. There may be certain polishes out there that work well with Seche Vite, but I'm not going to spend the money and time revamping my entire polish collection just so that I can use this topcoat.
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Cleansers -Bioderma - Sensibio H2O (aka Crealine H20 Solution micellaire)
SexpotOnTheRocks 7/3/2011 4:22:00 PM
I was blown away by this product - in a bad way. I ordered this from frenchcosmetics for around $40 since I live in the US. I only justified this after hearing that everyone uses this backstage at runway shows. I never expected miracles, but it was such a pain to try to remove foundation/powder/bronzer with this. My skin even looked a little irritated afterwards. So I decided to reserve this for eye makeup only. Except every time I use it, it really stings my eyes. It doesn't remove makeup any better than some of the drugstore makeup removers.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Bonne Bell - Lip Smackers
SexpotOnTheRocks 3/20/2011 3:13:00 PM
This is the only chapstick that I will ever buy as long as they keep making them. It's better than all other drugstore brands. Better than pricey lip treatments like Go Smile's $20 lip butter. Better than organic balms. Like another reviewer mentioned, I especially love that it does not appear very shiny when you apply it - it just makes your lips look healthy and soft. I apply it at night, and while so many other lip treatments would leave me waking up to chapped, peeling lips, this leaves me waking up with a kissable pout. I also use it throughout the day and it primes well for lipstick. But what I really love about these are the cute tubes and adorable flavors it comes in. HG!
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Skincare - Body -Victoria's Secret - garden line- ultra softening body butter- any scents
SexpotOnTheRocks 1/9/2011 10:15:00 PM
V.S. body butter is my favorite item that I discovered while working for Victoria's Secret. I avoid using this on my chest, neck, and face. But this stuff works beautifully on my arms, legs, and tummy. It is the perfect amount of moisture for my dry skin, leaving me soft but not greasy. And I'm really surprised that it doesn't irritate my KP like so many other lotions do. Only $10. The only downside is that is has too many chemicals and can become a little irritating for sensitive skin with continuous use. Otherwise, a nice treat to pick up if you're browsing through the V.S. beauty section.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Organic Neem Oil
SexpotOnTheRocks 1/9/2011 10:05:00 PM
I researched and read tons of reviews about neem oil. It sounded like the *perfect* oil for my skin. I bought this and massaged a couple drops into my skin before bed. (The smell was worse than I expected.) When I woke up, there were new tiny bumps on my face, and flat red irritation dots. It was the exact opposite of what I hoped the oil would do for me. The texture of my skin looked awful. I returned the oil and slowly but surely, my skin is recovering.
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Treatments -Joico - K-Pak Color Restorative Styling Oil
SexpotOnTheRocks 10/20/2010 7:06:00 PM
I was first turned onto this because the SA at Cosmoprof said that this was similar to Moroccan Oil. I don't know if this is true or not, but this makes for one hell of a leave-in overnight treatment! I brush a few pumps of this through my hair, put my hair up in a high bun, and go to bed. I love how my hair looks and feels totally luscious after I use this.
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Cleansers -Neutrogena - Oil-Free Acne Wash
SexpotOnTheRocks 10/20/2010 6:39:00 PM
This worked great for me in my mid-to-late teens. (compared to the other stuff I tried back then, anyway) Now that I'm in my twenties, it's way to harsh and sensitizing. I recently was dealing with a breakout that was worse than usual and decided to give this a try for old time's sake, but it dried out my skin like crazy and left it feeling tight, stripped, and irritated, especially after using it for a few days in a row.
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Moisturizers -Dermalogica - Active Moist
SexpotOnTheRocks 10/20/2010 6:24:00 PM
I have combination, sensitive skin, slightly dry in cheeks and under eyes, and oily yet dehydrated t-zone. I'm also KP-prone. It could have been the acne cleanser I was using at the time, but this moisturizer did not hydrate my skin enough, and I was left feeling dry in the morning and throughout the day. My foundation did not set as smoothly as normal and the dyness turned into an overcompensation of oiliness throughout the day, which made my foundation slide right off. I turned to Dermalogica's smoothing cream next, which I didn't like either. I've found a better match with Mario Badescu's Buttermilk moisturizer.
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Scrubs -Mario Badescu - Kiwi Face Scrub
SexpotOnTheRocks 10/20/2010 5:25:00 PM
This isn't a bad scrub, but it isn't great either. The ingredients aren't too impressive. Although my face DID feel smoother after I used this, I ended up returning this because I would rather use masks/chemical exfoliators to treat my skin rather than manual scrubs. Sorry MB!
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Gels/Soaps -Sephora - Vanilla Cupcake Bath & Shower Bubbles
SexpotOnTheRocks 10/11/2010 6:34:00 PM
I love this as a shower gel. The smell is fantastic to me, very rich and comforting. I'm a sucker for cupcakes in general and this takes the cake. Since I have KP, I can't use bar soaps and can only use gels to cleanse my skin. Even many gel formulas irritate my KP, but this one doesn't seem to. The perfect satisfying shower treat.
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Lip Gloss -Unlisted Brand - Sorme - Lip Thick in "Lollipop"
SexpotOnTheRocks 6/16/2010 12:52:00 AM
The holy grail of highly pigmented lip glosses. I discovered these at the Long Beach Beauty Expo and was finally able to track them down at an independent beauty supply store a few miles away. This color especially works well with my complexion and is a more subtle (but still very pigmented) alternative to my usual lipstick/liner combo. The tingling feeling and sweet minty flavor is also amazing. I'm surprised these aren't more popular and I'd love to see more colors appear in their collection sometime soon.
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Eyes -Unlisted Brand - Red Cherry - False Eyelashes
SexpotOnTheRocks 6/15/2010 3:30:00 PM
I wear these lashes every day. They've honestly changed my life and are now part of my signature look. I've seen them being sold for up to $3.00, but I buy mine for $1.49 at a hair extension store. I love that there are so many different styles to choose from. After three years of fake lashes, one of my favorite things to do is to cut different strips apart and design my own personalized pair. Can't live without them now. Love it.
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Lip Liners -Bobbi Brown - Creamy Lip Liner
SexpotOnTheRocks 6/15/2010 2:21:00 AM
Have this in Beige and it makes me feel like a true sexpot. You can find me many nights wearing this paired with MAC's snob l/s and a pink gloss. It's easier to apply than any other lipliner on the market and lasts forever. It's a little pricey, but so worth it.
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Prince Matchabelli- Cotton Candy Cologne Spray
SexpotOnTheRocks 6/15/2010 1:29:00 AM
The combination of this + Victoria's Secret Heavenly equals pure Vegas stripper scent. Whether you think that's a good thing or not, men love it. You know those scenes in movies where a guy goes into a club and is totally taken by some amazing exotic dancer? Yeah, I put this on when I'm feeling like that.
4 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No