Toners -Unlisted Brand - Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar
Starfie 7/11/2010 11:31:00 AM
I liked the idea of this product. It seems really healthy, you get it at the organic section of the grocery store, and using a vinegar instead of alcohol for a toner surely has to be better. However this was not the case. I even diluted it, using a recipe I read in MUA of 10% acv 40% brewed green tea and 50% distilled water. Even with that it was incredibly drying. I kept watering it down more and more. Not to mention THE SMELL! It smelled like really strong vinegar. Now I know this should be expected because after all it is vinegar but I thought that it would be subdued from the apple cider...? I don't know, it was not what I was expecting and not worth it considering it was doing nothing for me. Now to be fair I haven't used it for my hair (or as a weight loss aide!?!). I'm still opened to finding a use for it because I still have over half of the bottle left over and I just like the idea of it so much. Will update if I can make it work for me but it is definitely off my face.
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Masks -Unlisted Brand - Oatmeal
Starfie 7/11/2010 11:04:00 AM
Lately I've been trying to simplify my life and in extension my skincare regime. MUA has helped a lot with finding items that are natural, organic, and not only makes you beautiful in the inside through ingestion but on the outside as well. So far my favorite addition is the oatmeal. I use it as a daily exfoliate and it has replaced my 30$ a bottle Shesiedo cleanser. Since using it my skin is noticeably more even in tone and smoother. It's not rocket science, the act of buffing you skin regularly gets rid of the dead cells on the surface of your face therefore what you're seeing is new baby skin. What makes oatmeal great is it's really calming and mild (and cheap!). I can't imagine anyone breaking out from it. And for less than 2$ a pound for organic you really cant go wrong. Makes for a great and healthy breakfast as well. It's important to grind up the oatmeal to a fine powder so that it absorbs better and is just more manageable to use. I keep it in a small airtight container next to the sink. Take about a tablespoon in your hand and just add water. I like it thicker when I'm feeling for a more exfoliating experience and when I want it as a moisturizing clean I add more water. I really do feel like it has improved my skin greatly. I never had terrible skin to begin with but just for the fact that I've refrained from using harsh chemicals and such, my skin is just more consistently good and I feel a lot better. The only reason I didn't give it a five rating is it's a little inconvenient. It's difficult to wash away all the little grains completely and when I get it in my hair it looks as if I have a huge dandruff problem. Maybe I have to grind it up more or be careful with it near the hairline. I make sure to wash my face right before a shower in the morning or right before going to bed for the night, which isn't a huge deal and I guess many of you do that already anyways.
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Shiseido - Pureness Blemish Control Cream
Starfie 5/15/2006 9:15:00 PM
Blech, this is the worst blemish control cream ever! It didn't seem to do anything to pimples and the skin color tint to it didn't really conceal anything either. I heard they replaced this with the Clearing Gel which I have not tried but I can bet does a better job than this.
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Polishes -Essie - Pink Glove Service
Starfie 5/15/2006 8:23:00 PM
This color was a dissapointment from the color on the bottle. It seemed like a sheer salmon/grapfruit pink. The problem was, it was too sheer. Almost clear when you first put it on. You would have to paint on many layers for it to show, and I am not a fan of having a thick layer of nailpolish...it doesn't last as long and it's a pain. I still like it though and it's a color that I would probably keep in my collection and wear now and then (especially in the coming summer months), but it's not my favorite and I would not repurchase.
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Blush -Bobbi Brown - Powder Blush in Soft Pink
Starfie 5/15/2006 8:07:00 PM
My absolute HG blush! This is definatly a pure pink color, perfect for pale skin. I love how it just breathes life into my face. Of coures, probably not for all since peach seems to be the popluar hue for blushes these day. Soft pink, is for those who like a "flush" on their cheeks (like babies or dolls). It makes me feel innocent. I also like how there are no apparent shimmer or glitters; just plain vibrant color. It sells for 20$ which is a fair price for a quality blush that lasts forever IMHO. The only problem is that I don't live near any place that sells Bobbi Brown cosmetics (except for the outlet mall an hour away from where I live and their range is so small...they never seem to have any basic colors). I am currently looking for an alternative to this blush that I can readily get at my nearest Sephora or department store.
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Fragrances -Gucci - Envy ME
Starfie 5/15/2006 7:29:00 PM
This is my current signature scent. I don't really have a talent at describing fragrances but I can tell you up front that it is dominantly floral (which I like). The thing about perfumes is that it is different for everyone, especially because of body chemistry and just plain personal preference. What works for one does not mean it will work for another (it doesn't matter if they are practically twins). My very good friend (which I share a lot of makeup/girl stuff with) always complemented me on this fragrance, but when she tried a spritz on herself she said it was too over powering and it gave her a headache. I found this really surprising because when I wear it, it almost seems to sink into myself and many times I even forget I have it on. I personally feel that it is such a subtle scent and reminds me of spring time. In fact, it's so subtle that sometimes I feel that the perfume may be too weak. A lot of the reviews state that this is a really girly and young scent which I totally agree with. I adored this for my teenage years and maybe still for my playful/casual moods, but as I'm growing up and soon going into a more professional phase of life, I feel the need to find a scent to mirror that...and Envy Me is not that scent. I still really like it though.
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Pressed Powders -Clean & Clear - Invisible Shine Control Powder [DISCONTINUED]
Starfie 5/15/2006 7:04:00 PM
I consider this my HG powder. Alot of people complain about this showing up blue for them, and I can totally imagine that happening to most people. It doesn't end up being invisible like the name suggest and they should really consider making an array of colors for different skin colors. I'm pretty fair though so the slight blue left over is not really apparent on my face just as long as I don't pile it on. I don't wear make-up because my skin is quite clear and I'm still young so I don't have wrinkles, however, I'm fond of that matte look so this is the powder I use after my moisturizer. I usually only put this on my Tzone area (not all over) and it doesn't feel like I'm wearing makeup. My skin can breath and my pores don't feel like they're being clogged. I also love the cute compact case it comes in, with the mirror and folding separater for the puff. I can bring this anywhere. With the recent trends of dissapearing micro-purses I don't have to worry if I have enough space for this. It sells for about 8$ and lasts forever. I already bought three, not because I ran out but because I lost them. A little goes a long way! Definate rave for me but with a warning that it's not for everyone.
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Treatments (Eye) -MAC - Fast Response Eye Cream
Starfie 5/15/2006 5:52:00 PM
I'm really fond of this product. It is a sort of light cream that when applied leaves a "powdery" smooth feel (not sticky or greasy like other eye creams). Also, it dries incredibly fast and doesn't leave your lids looking oily and unattractive. I truly do feel that it tightens your lids. Once, after a great big fight and hours of crying I put some of this cream on before I went to sleep. Usually, after crying like that I would wake up with incredibly puffy eyes. However, with this cream, I only woke up with slightly reddish eyes. For me this is a miracle. I'm pretty young and not yet at the age when I have to worry about wrinkles and fine lines but I can only imagine it helping in that area because of the tightening effect. The only thing missing in this cream is that it doesn't seem to do much for dark circles. Of course, I haven't come across any cream that did much in that department and am beginning to doubt the existence of one. They're probably found only in the fantasy land where diet pills work and you can get rid of those pesky cellulite with a topical cream. I got my tube for 25$ but when going to repurchase, found out that they increased the price to 27.50$! In outrage, I went out and bought another cheaper eye cream which turned out to be mediocre. I'm going back to the fast response cream immediately after I'm done with this one. I think it might be worth it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Tweezerman - tweezers
Starfie 5/15/2006 5:13:00 PM
These are certainly the best tweezers out there. They get every single little stubble! Quite expensive at around 18$ but after you buy these you'll never need to spend your money on tweezers again. I got the pink breast cancer awarness one around 2 years ago and they are still "sharp". Before, I would have to constantly buy new tweezers because they just didn't work anymore after a couple months. Also, on the box I remember it saying that the company would resharpen your tweezer if it ever gets dull for free. I'm pretty sure I would never have to repurchase any Tweezerman tweezers anymore, unless it's b/c I lost my current one.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Once Removed Polish Remover & Nail Treatment System
Starfie 5/14/2006 1:48:00 AM
My HG nail polish remover!! I'm usually really stingy with my ratings...only giving out fives to those that are truly worthy. For me, having well groomed nails is a vital part of my everyday appearance...therefore, my nails have never seen the light of day since I was a sophmore in high school. That is why, Onced Removed is so important to me. It's a total depature from the traditional nail polish remover (the only similarity being they both take off nail polish). It doesn't dry out your nails or skin (instead of being a harsh alcohol it's a moisturising oil). And it doesn't have that irritating stink associated with removing nail polish. To me it has a kind of pepperminty scent. I am no longer forced into isolation from my family when I do my nails. I found it a year ago at this Rite Aide during a vacation trip (I was there for batteries) it was around 6$ and although it seemed a little expensive for a mere nail polish remover I decided to give it a try. Now, I just regret not buying two. I think it is fairly hard to find b/c I havn't seen it anywhere yet and am begining to panic. I will definatly buy again if given the chance. This time I will stock pile.
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Scrubs -St. Ives - Apricot Scrub
Starfie 5/12/2006 12:45:00 AM
I used this scrub for years. It was effective yet not harsh on my skin. I felt like my skin was truly refreshed and new. Then I heard from someone that the St. Ives scrubs left your skin with microscopic scars after prolonged use. Now it's in the back of my bathroom closet. I am currently using the Neutrogena Micro Dermabrasion as my weekly exfoliant. It seems alot safer because the consistency is alot finer (like sand). You can never be too careful with your face =]
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Smith's Rosebud Salve - Smith's Rosebud Salve
Starfie 5/12/2006 12:35:00 AM
I love this! Smith's Rosebud comes in a pretty little tin that you can bring anywhere and sells for around 6$. You actually get alot so the 6$ that you spend will last you. It's incredibly emollient and just sinks into your lips. It also has a slight pink tint to it so it's like you're wearing lipgloss. I have turned so many friends on to this lip balm. At first they would just comment on the tin, then they'd want to try it, and before long they all owned one just like me! My only problem with it is that it melts so easily. Sometimes I would leave this around on its side or upside down and get a huge suprise when I open the tin. I'm not even talking about during hot weather inside a car for hours...just room temperature=/
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Lip Treatments -Burt's Bees - Beeswax Lip Balm
Starfie 5/12/2006 12:20:00 AM
This is my favorite chapstick kind of thing. It's extremely thick on the lips so it feels like it's really protecting them. I wouldn't recommend this for super chapped/bleeding lips b/c I don't feel that it moisturizes that much. The first ingredient listed for Burt's bees is beeswax (hence the name) therefore, like wax it has a firm yet smooth consistency...however, not very emollient so it doesn't really sink into the lips. I also like the minty scent and tingle (both of which are incredibly strong). Here's a little anecdote including my burt's bees: I was as usual late for something (with my brother waiting for me outside in the car), I quickly swiped the balm on my lips a couple of times and ran out. Later during the car ride my brother asked if I had gum b/c he smelled mint...it was the lip balm! I just had to laugh=]
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Cleansers -Cetaphil - Gentle Skin Cleanser
Starfie 5/11/2006 11:38:00 PM
I can see how this could be a popular cleaser. It's cheap, it doesn't irratate your skin, doesn't burn, doesn't dry out your skin...unfortunatly it doesn't really do much of anything. I usually use foaming cleasers so it was wierd going from that to cetaphil. When washing, cetaphil just felt like I was rubbing my face with a thick water like liquid or a lotion. My face didn't feel clean (the left over residue didn't help either). I just didn't like the way it left my face feeling. It also didn't seem to improve my skin at all (it didn't ruin my skin either but still). All in all, this cleaser wasn't bad but it also wasn't good. It was just "meh".
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Chanel - bubble glossimer
Starfie 5/11/2006 3:41:00 PM
Got this for my prom a couple years ago b/c it matched my dress. The quality of this gloss is like any other glossimer; Extremely smooth, not sticky at all, no offensive scent. The color is an incredibly cool, light baby pink, a hint of violet with a plethora of silver shimmer (but not too much shimmer to make it tacky)...I think if not used with a heavy hand, this could be an everyday color. I admit it does look extremely frosty in the bottle but if used sparingly I promise you won't look like a hooker or a teen pop queen. That means that this gloss can last you a long time. Apparently Bubble is LE...what a shame! However, prom was two years ago for me and I still have alot in the tube so I'm not too worried.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No