Deodorants -Unlisted Brand - Degree Clinical Protection
TiaDGB 2/27/2013 11:19:00 AM
I really like this product. I sweat A LOT and this keeps me almost completely cry and odor-free. It doesn't work as well as my beloved Donna Karan Cashmere Mist, but for the price it's unbeatable...Which brings me to the fact that it IS more pricey than your standard deoderant (I think I paid $7 CAD), but the performance justifies it. The packaging is all right, but I prefer a classic stick deoderant. For this product, you have to twist the dial and the creamy product seeps through the holes. It's not that bad, but I'd prefer a classic deoderant package. You have to let this sink in for a few moments before you get dressed. Degree even advises applying this before bed to allow it to fully penetrate your pits. I find that applying this before bed, then applying my regular deoderant in the morning, then setting with some baby powder makes for one of the strongest odor-protective combos EVER. The scent is very light and not offensive or perfumey at all, so it should not irritate those who are sensitive. I find that many deoderants just use heavy, synthetic odors to mask sweat, while this one truly seems to control it. All in all? I love this product and would suggest it to any girl who has excessive sweating problems, plays sports, etc.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Anastasia Of Beverly Hills - Highlighting Creme Duo- St. Tropez
TiaDGB 2/17/2013 11:10:00 AM
I'm on the fence about this. I kind of bought it on a whim because I had no Anastasia products and I loved that it came with a coordinating creme blush and highlighter. This comes in two options: St. Tropez & Aspen. St. Tropez is a rosy pink blush with slight shimmer (doesn't show up tacky on the skin), with an antique golden highlighter. Aspen is a shimmery peach blush with a shimmering pearl highlighter. I decided to go with St. Tropez because it shows up much better on my NC 40/42 complexion. Aspen would be better suited to lighter skinned women. I will be reviewing St. Tropez. Anyhow, the texture of the blush is very hard and waxy. It's a little hard to blend and doesn't pick up on a brush well (I use MAC 130, but fingers would probably be better). It goes on very sheer, so I usually have to build it up quite a bit in order for it to show up on my skin. It actually looks quite healthy and natural when applied, almost like you are lit from within. The shimmer doesn't show up too much when you actually apply it to your skin, though it looks prominent in the pan. The highlighter is a very thick liquid, in a shimmering gold tone. It looks lovely on my tan skin, but I'm not sure how it would fare on light skinned women. It blends quite nicely and looks luminous, not greasy. One major gripe I have about this is that the applicator inside of the highlighter jar is like a very large paddle that scoops out WAY too much product....Okay I have another gripe: The amount of highlighter that this contains is disproportionately bigger than the amount of blush. I will run our of blush WAY before I run out of highlighter. Other than the issue with the large paddle applicator, this packaging for this is cute and convenient. It has a screw off lid with the creme blush on top, that is attached to the jar of highlighter. The final verdict? It's pretty, but not an essential or something worth raving about...And I'm not huge on the blush.
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Moisturizers -Ponds - Dry Skin Cream
TiaDGB 2/14/2013 11:04:00 AM
As the reviewer below me stated: This is an emergency face cream. It's not something that I like to or suggest using on a daily basis. However, to cure dry/dehydrated skin, you really can't beat this. This is NOT, I repeat, NOT, a product for those with oily skin or are breakout prone. It feels very heavy/greasy, and doesn't contain the best ingredients (petroleum being one of them). I am normally oily skinned, but decided to buy this because the harsh Canadian winter left me with dry patches on my cheeks and chin. After using this product for only a few days, they have cleared up completely. I don't suggest using this under makeup (it's heavy and takes a long time to sink in). Apply this thickly at night before bed and you will wake up with baby smooth skin that your makeup will just GLIDE onto. BTW- For extra hydration, try doing a mask with Ponds Cold Cream (green cap) once a week. it works like a charm. This is a very basic moisturizer. It contains no miracle ingredients, no SPF, no anti-aging benefits. It's nothing more or less than a great moisturizer for dehydrated/dry skin. For what it claims to be (and for the price/quantity ratio), this is excellent.
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Lip Gloss -MAC - Boy Bait Cremesheen
TiaDGB 2/12/2013 9:24:00 PM
I love this lip gloss. Cremesheen is by far MAC's best lip glass formula. It's creamy,feels moisturizing (who knows if it actually does moisturize though), relatively long wearing (but what can you really expect from a gloss?), makes the lips appear succulent, and doesn't feel sticky or heavy like some of their glosses. I would describe 'Boy Bait' as a creamy nude with very slight pinkish/peach undertones. It's funny. Sometimes I feel like this leans pink, while other times I see more peach. Either way, it goes on very sheer (only slightly more pigmented than a clear gloss), allowing it to compliment a wide range of lipsticks. It looks gorgeous with nudes, soft pinks, peaches, and even on naked lips for a little healthy shine. The texture of this is very milky, so it can settle into fine lines (use balm underneath if you're not wearing it over lipstick). It has VERY fine, almost unnoticeable shimmer. I will say that this particular shade isn't unique and is quite dupeable (similar to Estee Lauder's 'Star Pink'), but it's lovely none-the-less. The shade combined with the beautiful formula is what makes it unique to MAC. I would suggest this as a good basic gloss for anyone.
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Lipstick -MAC - Satin Lipstick in Twig
TiaDGB 2/12/2013 9:17:00 PM
I'VE FINALLY FOUND MY PERFECT NUDE! I have been looking for a great MLBB lipstick for my NC40/42 complexion, and was about to give up hope before I came across this little gem. Every other "nude" that I've tried either washed me out/looked ashy, or was too pink, brown etc. This is the perfect balance of pinkish/brown that is just slightly darker than my natural lip tone. I find that this also has very SLIGHT mauve undertones when applied (but that may not show on everyone). I highly suggest this to girls around my complexion (say NC35-45) who are looking for a good nude lip color. This is a satin lipstick. Satin is my favorite finish of all the MAC lipsticks. It IS a little drying if you don't use a balm (RoC Enydrial Lip Repair is AWESOME), but it glides on very smoothly and lasts about 4-5 hours before you need a touch-up (unless you're eating of course). I really suggest using a gloss with this lipstick since, as I said, it can be drying and accentuate lines and flakes in your lips. I pair it with 'Boy Bait' Lipglass and Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in 'Morning Coffee'. It goes with ANY eye makeup and emphasizes my naturally pinkish brown lips, while still providing me with that natural look. I gave the packaging a 5/5 because I really love MAC's simplistic, charcoal bullet. It's elegant, yet not over the top like some brands (*cough cough* YSL). This has a yummy vanilla scent like all MAC lipsticks as well! This is a gorgeous lipstick for women looking for something versatile that is subdued, yet pretty. It's bold enough to emphasis your lips, yet subtle enough not to compete with the rest of your makeup. Love it! BTW- Though this matches many blushes, I feel like it would go best with a mocha/pinkish brown blush such as MAC's 'Mocha' or 'Sweet As Cocoa'.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Maybelline - Great Lash Clear
TiaDGB 2/8/2013 9:35:00 PM
I'm going to go ahead and give this two stars as opposed to the one star that I have the regular black Great Lash because it makes a decent brow gel. I have not used this on my lashes, but it's nice as a brow gel. It provides light hold, which may not be optimal for someone who has thicker, coarser brows (since my brows are fine, it works perfectly for me). It's an all right brow gel, but there's better. Since the formula is the same as the original Great Lash (wet, goopy, and every other negative word that you can think of), I'm sure this will suck as mascara as well.
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Eyeliner -Essence - Eyeliner Pen
TiaDGB 2/8/2013 9:30:00 PM
I don't like this at all. The pigmentation is weak, it smudges easily, and does not last all day. Within an hour I had smudges all around my eyes (and I have the new "Splashproof" version of this. I can only imagine how awful the original must be). This also dries out very quickly too, which totally counteracts the fact that it's dirt cheap! The only plus to this liner is that the pen style makes it easy to do and get a precise line. Skip this and get Essence's regular liquid liner (it's waterproof, and not a pen style), which is actually awesome.
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Lipstick -Yves Saint Laurent - Rouge Volupte Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15 #11 Rose Culte
TiaDGB 2/8/2013 6:48:00 PM
ATTENTION READERS: If you like bright pink lipsticks, then this is what you need in your life. The color simply can't be beat. The closest match that I have found is NARS Funny Face, but it just doesn't seem to have the certain richness that this lipstick does. It's a true, deep rose/fuchsia shade. It's bright, yet completely wearable and not tacky or reminiscent of the 80's in the least. It's so gorgeous and makes for a very grown-up, polished look. It's crazy, yet classy. It's sophisticated, yet sultry. It's the exact type of shade that I could imagine an old Hollywood starlet wearing for a switch from the usual reds of yesteryear. The formula is SUPER creamy and it literally glides onto your lips like BUTTER. It's very heavily pigmented and looks exactly how it does in the tube after only one swipe. If you find that it applies to heavily, try dabbing it lightly, then blending with your fingers (by doing this, I find that it works nicely as a lip stain as well!). I don't suggest wearing this with gloss. Let it alone and let the gorgeous rosy splendor take center stage! Also, if you wear this, it needs to be the focal point of your look. Keep your eyes and cheeks very neutral (not that ANYTHING could compete with this anyway). This lipstick will make even the drabbest of days a chic one. I can't praise it enough!
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Lipstick -MAC - Frost - Angel
TiaDGB 2/8/2013 6:36:00 PM
This is one of MAC's most popular shades, and I'm still trying to figure out as to whether or not I think it's prestige is warranted. I guess the fact that Kim Kardashian wears this particular shade helps with the popularity. Anyways. The color itself is quite pretty. It's a true baby pink. It may look a little sickly on pale skin, but it's a nice nude for medium complexions (i.e., Kim Kardashian lol). The texture of this is really whack, which explains my low rating. 1. First of all it's drying as hell. If your lips are already dry, this will look like a train-wreck! It will adhere to and accentuate every little flake like no tomorrow. 2. It sinks into and accentuates fine lines like no other. 3. The color migrates a lot and it tends to collect/cake up in the corners of the lips. 4. It feathers. Badly. You pretty much need a lip pencil with this (I suggest MAC's 'Soar' or Urban Decay's 'Midnight Cowboy'. Those three reasons alone are enough not to warrant a repurchase from me. You really do need to wear a gloss with this to diminish the awful effects (NARS Turkish Delight compliments this wonderfully). Revlon's 'Pink Pout' is literally an exact dupe for this, and I find the formula to be much better. Even MAC's Creme Cup is similar, but with a nicer formula. Like I said, I do like the color of this. I can see why many women wouldn't. If you're a fan of nudes, this is quite lovely though. It pairs nicely with a a black or gray/silver smokey eye, but matches almost any eye shadow really. If MAC made this same shade in a creamsheen or amplified formula, it would be much nicer. The finish of this just totally kills it for me.
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Primer/ Corrector -Tarte - Clean Slate Poreless 12 hr perfecting primer
TiaDGB 2/8/2013 6:20:00 PM
This isn't perfect, but it's the best primer that I have tried to date. -The texture is very silky. After applying this, my face feels like silk and my foundation/powder/concealer applies much easier. -This spreads very nicely. A little goes a LONG way (I usually use slightly more than a pea sized amount). -It gives my complexion something of a soft-focus look and seems to blur my imperfections. -I don't have large pores, but this definitely fills them in for women who do. -It hasn't broken me out. -It comes in an ADORABLE little tube. -Foundation adheres to this very nicely. I have noticed that it keeps my makeup on slightly longer (as opposed to no primer), but nothing crazy. It doesn't really control oil either. I will buy this product until I find something better (which I'm starting to doubt that I ever will). Bottom line? This makes your face look flawless, but it doesn't really control oil or make makeup last longer.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Illamasqua - Hussy
TiaDGB 2/8/2013 6:12:00 PM
This is such a pretty blush! I've been on the hunt for a blush that makes me look happy and refreshed for years, and this is it. You could rise at 6AM after a wild night of partying, yet a pop of this on your cheeks will have your complexion looking healthy and alive. I can't say this for any other blush. I'd describe the color as a heavily pigmented, bright, watermelon pink. And when I say pigmented, I really mean it! I advise applying this with a stippling brush (MAC 188 is perfect) for the most natural looking application. It's funny. I didn't think that a completely matte blush would be able to bring life to my complexion, but this proved me wrong. Illamasqua is really onto something! The texture isn't chalky or "powdery" like many matte powder blushes either. It's very rich and almost "creamy" if that makes sense. It feels luxe. The only thing that I don't like about this blush is the crappy packaging. It feels cheap, and it's not a perfect square (instead, edges are inverted and the corners taper back out). I've heard many people say that the packaging comes apart easily, so I've been careful when storing this, lol. Other than that, this blush is pretty much perfect. Nothing will awaken your complexion like Illamasqua's 'Hussy'!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -MAC - Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - Medium Dark
TiaDGB 2/8/2013 6:00:00 PM
I'm on the fence about this. I have this twisted relationship with it that causes me to love it, yet hate it at the same time. Before I start my review, I would just like to point out the fact that this is NOT a powder foundation. On MAC's website, they suggest using it to set liquid foundation or touch up during the day. If you're trying to use a powder as sheer as this as foundation, of course you're going to despise it. Anyhow. I'm NC40/42 (depending on the time of year) and was matched to 'Medium Dark'. I don't like this shade at all. Most women with tanned skin are also warm complected. This powder is very cool with strong pink undertones, and appears a little ashy/gray when applied. It's not a huge issue since it's very sheer, but I still feel like they should have made this warmer. As I said earlier, this provides VERY sheer, almost non-existent coverage. For this reason, it's nice to set liquid foundations when you want something light that won't look masky. Don't expect to get any additional coverage from this though. The SA mentioned that this can also be applied wet, but I have not tried this. I imagine that it would give better coverage that way. BTW- IF YOU ARE GOING TO EXPERIMENT WITH APPLYING THIS WET, REMEMBER THAT YOU CANNOT REVERT TO APPLYING IT DRY AGAIN AFTER. ONCE YOU WET IT, IT CHANGES THE TEXTURE. The finish for this is matte, but not flat and powdery. That's what I really love about this powder. It doesn't give me a chalky, unnatural finish (*cough cough* Studio Fix Powder). It's actually virtually undetectable on the skin. It builds quite nicely as well. As far as oil control goes? This is nothing special. If you have oily skin like me, this probably won't do much for you. But it will set foundation beautifully for combo/dry skinned girls who don't need much oil control. I like the packaging, but I do wish that it had a mirror like Studio Fix Powder. Also, the clear plastic casing pops out a lot (no bother I guess, since it can easily be popped back in). I recommend applying this with a dense kabuki (such as MAC's 182). This product works best when really buffed into the skin (like all mineral powders). I do like this, but it's not my favorite. I like a setting powder with better oil control (isn't that the whole point of powder?), and that comes in a better color range than this. I can see why some women would love it though. If you have the right complexion and skin type for this, it could work quite beautifully.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Deodorants -Donna Karan - Cashmere Mist Deodorant
TiaDGB 2/8/2013 5:46:00 PM
This is hands down the best deodorant that I have ever used. The only reason that I clicked 'No' for repurchase is because it's almost $30CAD, and Degree Clinical Strength works great as well, for $5. Anyway, I'd describe the scent of this as "sophisticated baby powder" (if you can imagine that). According to Donna Karan's website, ithas notes of bergamot, jasmine, lily of the valley, suede, cashmere accord, sandalwood, amber, musk, and vanilla. Quite complex for a deodorant/anti-perspirant! The ending result is a delicious smell that is somehow sexy, yet fresh and not overbearing at the same time. I often skip perfume when I wear this. And this product keeps me dry like no other! I sweat A LOT and this is the only thing that's kept me dry from dawn till dusk. I didn't think such a "pretty" product would offer such heavy duty performance, but boy was I surprised! Bottom line? If you have $20 to spend on deodorant, I HIGHLY suggest this.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -China Glaze - For Audrey
TiaDGB 2/8/2013 5:36:00 PM
This is gorgeous. So gorgeous, that I specially ordered it online because at the time there was no Sally's Beauty Supply in my area. It's a precise Tiffany blue color. Though it does have slight green undertones, it's more on the end of blue than anything. It's actually quite similar to Essie 'Turquoise and Caicos' (but less green). This formula/finish is creme, and the texture of this is quite a bit thicker than most China Glaze polishes (making it difficult to apply nicely). At first it goes on weird and streaky, but those issues are usually resolved by the second coat (at which point, full opacity is usually achieved). It stays chip free for about a week with a good top/base coat (like most China Glaze polishes). This is one of the most unique, beautiful colors that I've seen in the nail polish world. It's often imitated, but I've yet to see anyone do a Tiffany blue like China Glaze. I'm not big on the formula, but I've yet to find a shade like this with any other brand. I would definitely repurchase.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Shadowy Lady
TiaDGB 2/7/2013 2:59:00 PM
The perfect shade of blackened plum for when you want a sultry eye look, but want to avoid the harshness of full on black shadow. In the pan, it appears almost black, but it's quite a bit softer when applied. The color is a true black-based plum. It has no noticeable red or brown undertones, and is completely matte. This works beautifully as a liner too (especially if you dampen your brush with Fix+ or another mixing medium). The flaws? The texture of this is quite dry. I don't find that it's as creamy or blendable as some of MAC's other shadows. It also goes on quite sheer. This doesn't bother me too much though, since it allows you to build the color up as much or as little as you want. Overall, a great color for anyone to have in their collection. Not the best texture, but the unique color compensates for that.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No