Liquid -Becca - Luminous Skin Color sheer foundation
Suselew 6/2/2011 4:56:00 PM
This isn't really foundation. It's a tinted luminizer. I have not yet found a tinted moisturizer as sheer as this product. If you do not have perfect skin, you will need to supplement it with a foundation stick or tinted powder and then what is the use? What is a shame is that Becca has wonderful customer support and is very generous with sending samples to you since they realize they are no longer in Sephora so not as readily available. They also create a wide range of shades so, therefore, everyone should be able to find their shade. The problem is the formulation. Not enough tint, too much greasy moisture and only for those who are blessed with perfect skin. I had to supplement it with another type of foundation and then used powder to tone down the shine. If you have combination skin like mine, you will have to blot in the afternoon on a 70 degree day. Not acceptable. I also tried to pair it with a mattifying primer. While applying it over the primer I could see the primer being moved around on my face and deposited like clumps on my face. This product doesn't play well with other products, not even it's own Becca primer. Finally after applying Smashbox Halo powder over top did I finally have a nice smooth canvas. This is a tribute to Halo, not this Becca product. I am currently trying out tinted moisturizers from HourGlass, Tarte, Smashbox, Laura Mercier and a few others. With such a good selection, there is no reason to settle for second-rate. Becca needs to go back the drawing board and rethink what a tinted moisturizer should be. This ain't it.
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Smashbox - Photo Finish Luminizing Primer
Suselew 5/21/2011 4:31:00 PM
I thought this would be a nice luminizing primer saving me the time that I use to mix the original primer with a luminizing liquid. Instead it is too dark and turns anyone from fair to medium skintones into a pumpkin face. It worked wonderfully for my Indian friend who is dark complected. If Smashbox is going to make this product so dark, they need to release a lighter version for those of us with fairer skin. The biggest disappointment of a product from SmashBox I've ever tried.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Urban Decay - Blush Brush
Suselew 5/20/2011 3:26:00 PM
You pretty much can ignore all the previous reviews because UD revamped their ENTIRE brush line recently. They made huge improvements and their new line is much better. I just received this brush and altho, it's not my favorite blush brush, it does very well with both cream and powder products. I wish it was a bit firmer and the bristles a little flimsy but it washes nicely and dries fast. I like the angled head and the bristles are just the right length. The handle of the brush is very sleek and stylish. I have many other blush brushes so this is a nice addition for a quick wash of color where I don't want anything more than a nice glow. I use it mostly to apply cheek tints, a swipe off my Nars multiple and a cream blush. It doesn't shed or leave streaks. However, if you want a more concentrated color applied, you will have to apply several times as it is not a dense brush with sturdy bristles. I would not have this as my only blush brush. It's a nice supplementary brush but if you want only one brush, look for a sturdier synthetic brush that can do both powder and creams.
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Mascara -Givenchy - Phenomen'eyes Mascara
Suselew 4/30/2011 10:29:00 AM
This product was returned because it smudged horribly, just like I was warned. I thought maybe it was unique to a few reviewers because Wayne Goss recommended it so highly. I would have kept it and used a mascara fix product (Clarins) but I didn't like the torture wand. It took me twice as long to apply mascara. I did find it wonderfully lengthening (which is my goal at my age) but the cons outweighed the benefits.
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Makeup Brushes -Estee Lauder - Foundation Brush
Suselew 4/27/2011 11:22:00 PM
I own several foundation brushes in the "paddle" style, including Bobbi Brown and I reach for this brush more often. The ferrule of my older EL brush loosened and about a year ago I took it to the EL counter and they replaced it with the newer style. There was a known problem with the glue deteriorating and the bristles separating from the ferrule. Since then, I love the bigger paddle over the BBrown one which is pretty skimpy. I have looked at trying some of the other brushes on the market, but have passed because this brush seems to work for me with my cream foundations, primers, and illuminators. It even works with cream blushes. I don't see any streaks either. I have been very pleased with the brush and I anticipate using it for many years.
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Foundations -Clarins - Instant Smooth Foundation (mousse)
Suselew 11/2/2008 5:40:00 PM
I appreciate that Clarins took their time bringing this product to market because it is obvious that the extra effort that went into making this product exceptional was definitely worth the wait. It is so smooth and luxurious to apply. I was almost giddy the first time I used it (I guess I am too easily amused). Clarins FINALLY stopped leaning too far to the yellow side in their makeup and the 00 Ivory Beige is perfect for my NW20 (Mac) coloring. Although a squeeze tube would have been more hygienic, I find the jar nicely designed and easy to use with my foundation brush. It spreads so evenly and smoothly on my face. I don't have to worry about it sliding across my face by day's end either. And, if I've rubbed some off (ie blowing my nose), applying it hours later blends right into my complexion. One MINOR criticism is that it is very light and transparent. If you have skin that is not even-toned, this probably will not even out your skin blotchiness or redness. I have to first use Mac Full coverage NC20 on the spots where I want to cover some redness. Then I use the Clarins foundation over my entire face. I do this with every foundation I have tried so this is not a big deal. Just don't expect it to be a full-coverage foundation like some on the market. Otherwise, this is heaven to use and now I'm trying to figure out what to do with my partially used Mac and MaryKay foundations that I no longer want to use!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -The Body Shop - Camomile Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover
Suselew 11/11/2007 12:04:00 AM
If you use waterproof mascara, forget this product. It simply does not work. It works great on regular mascara, but then so does a lot of other products. I occasionally use waterproof mascara -or- regular mascara with Clarins Mascara Fix (which turns regular mascara into waterproof) and this remover fails with both. I have to follow it up with a true waterproof mascara remover - Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover which is fantastic. It's a shame that this TBS product doesn't work as it is gentle and creamy and really nice to use. But, TBS needs to remove the "waterproof" from the name of this product.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Makeup Remover -Clarins - Instant Eye Make-up Remover
Suselew 9/15/2007 6:24:00 PM
This is the only product I will ever buy again to remove eye makeup. I have tried no less than 5 brands and this wins hands down. I removes every type of waterproof mascara and liner that I've used. It is gentle and doesn't need scrubbing or unreasonable pressure to work. Even if you don't use waterproof products, you need this product to make eye makeup removal a breeze. HOLY GRAIL !!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Makeup Remover -Clarins - Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Lotion
Suselew 9/15/2007 6:21:00 PM
This is a good product, but pales compared to the Instant Eye makeup remover that handles waterproof makeup. It is gentle but doesn't remove everything. Even if your makeup is not waterproof, don't bother with this product. The Instant one is gentle as well and removes everything. I don't wear contacts anymore so you might want to try out both before buying.
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Masks -The Body Shop - Tree tea oil nose pore mask
Suselew 9/6/2007 11:15:00 AM
I used this on myself and my 17 year old son and not impressed. I really did nothing for him at all. His nose that is completely covered with blackheads (ugh..teenage years) was STILL bad. I saw nothing removed from mine like I do with nose strips. The only thing I noticed was that my nose was smoother and felt nicer. That's it. The instructions say to use a thin coat....take my suggestion and apply a rather thick coat. If you don't, you will not be able to peel it off in one nice piece. You'll have to pick at it. I will not repurchase since it is basically a waste of money.
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Bronzers -Milani - Sunset Duo 01 Sunset City
Suselew 8/5/2007 8:50:00 AM
I ended up giving this product away. On my NW20 fair skin, it looked like mud. The color was just not suitable for me. And the color of the blush was just too pinkie for me too, as I have strong pink undertones and this was just too much. I also didn't like the case....cheap-looking. But,. then again, it doesn't cost much. This would make a nice travel kit when you don't want to carry both bronzer and blush. However, for me, I found that the Clarins Duo Bronzer was so much higher quality (and higher price), better packaging (I LOVE Clarins cases), and better combination of blush and bronzer, that I'm willing to pay the quality upcharge.
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Eye Shadow -MAC - Humid (Frost)
Suselew 7/31/2007 3:56:00 PM
This broke for me as well. MAC MUA told me that their frosts are pretty fragile. Mine broke apart after only a couple months so I returned it and they exchanged it for a different color...not a frost. This color was also too vibrant on me. I exchanged it for Femme Noir which is dark mossy and only a hint of green.
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Other -Mary Kay - Beauty Blotters Oil Absorbing Tissues
Suselew 7/22/2007 10:55:00 PM
Ok, these are wonderful! I'm pretty addicted to them. I use a couple of them during the workday so I don't become an oil slick. They don't leave your makeup 100% undisturbed, but pretty close to it. I can then lightly powder my face afterwards to even out the tone and don't have to worry about that powder buildup look when it absorbs the oils. They are a nice size, unscented and reasonably priced. It's amazing how much oil they can absorb. Best blotter on the market for the price.
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Mascara -Clarins - Double Fix
Suselew 7/22/2007 10:51:00 PM
This has become a permanent staple in my routine. I don't have to worry about my mascara smearing under my eyes now. And, I can wear my favorite colored mascaras. It's easy to apply and really works! I let my mascara dry completely and make this the last step in my morning routine. I'm not fond of having to wipe the brush after using it, but you really don't want to stick the mascara/gel mix back into the tube. Not a perfect design, but not sure how you would change it. Just make sure you get a good waterproof mascara remover for this product. Clarins makes a good one that works very well and doesn't sting or cloud your eyes.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Mary Kay - Oil Mattifier
Suselew 7/22/2007 10:45:00 PM
This product is above average in controlling the oilies in my t-zone, but it is not as effective as Milk of Magnesia, which is significantly cheaper. It's easy to apply, but during summer months, I see the oilies reappear by early afternoon. This is only good for me as a travel item when you cannot lug the MofM bottle with you. Otherwise, save your money and get a plain unflavored MofM.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No