Brows -Ardell - Brow Trim and Shape
Viesha 4/14/2013 5:13:00 PM
This product doesn't work at all. I understand the concept behind it, but clearly the R&D people really didn't give this much thought. I compare it to using a 20-year old serrated steak knife on my face. It doesn't cut any hair at all, and I know this because I used it while looking in my 10x mag mirror. Neither hair nor skin would budge. I'm not willing to scrape the heck out of my face to give this a second try, so in the garbage they go. Good thing they were cheap.
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Powder -Physicians Formula - Youthful Wear Cosmeceutical Youth-Boosting Illuminating Face Powder
Viesha 11/24/2012 7:13:00 PM
This is going to be a 2-part review. The Powder This is an amazingly soft creamy full-coverage powder that I use to touch-up during the day. When traveling, I've even been known to use it as a finishing powder after my makeup, if I don't have my loose powder with me. I sometimes use a thin puff with it. Other times, I'll swirl it on with a kabuki brush, kind of like you do with mineral products. It's excellent. I'll touch up at my desk right after lunch, and it lasts well into the early evening, even through my workout. The Packaging The packaging is a complete disaster. It's a 2-part container that's become popular lately with many products. The powder rests inside of a slightly domed lid, and an additional bottom portion opens up underneath to reveal the sponge/puff applicator. While I do appreciate the sponge/puff being included as part of the product, I hate the thick bulky packaging. I suffered through carrying it in my makeup bag for months until the lid's hinge finally cracked from use. I wondered for awhile if I should just depot it and put it in a Z-palette. Today, the powder pan came loose on its own when I opened it. Fortunately, it didn't drop out or break. I love the product, but am very very hesitant to repurchase only because of the packaging. I take off one lippie because of the packaging. I would, however recommend this powder to anyone looking for a really great touch-up pressed powder.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Paul Mitchell - Super Clean Spray
Viesha 8/20/2012 11:44:00 AM
This is a decent spray. It holds nicely and smells ok, but it clogs the nozzle and makes it very difficult to use. I'm not willing to pop off the cap every day to rinse it out. Will happily go back to Nexxus Comb Thru.
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Pressed Powders -L'Oreal - True Match Super-Blendable Powder
Viesha 5/31/2012 4:11:00 PM
I bought this in W3. While it wasn't a terrible powder, I found the coverage severely lacking. Instead of being called 'Super-Blendable', it should have been called 'Super Buildable', because that's all I found that I did when I used it. I replaced the sponge applicator after a time, and inserted my own flat powder puff thinking it would help pick up more of the product. It worked fine, but it was nothing amazing. When I need a quick touch up at work, I really do need a QUICK touch up - not something I have to build layers of before I run to a meeting. Most likely, this product would best be applied with a kabuki brush to achieve full effect. I'd pass on it, though.
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Eyeliner -Revlon - ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen
Viesha 5/8/2012 12:34:00 PM
For over-40 slightly crepey and partially droopy eyelids, this product is a no-no. It took several passes before I was able to achieve a decent line. Then, even after I thought it was dry, my eyelid's normal movement caused the line to fray, causing quite a mess. After a few more passes to correct the problem, I realized it was getting worse. After fixing my eyeshadow to cover the mistakes, I went over it with my Bobbi Brown gel liner in black. Once I got to work, my eyelids were super irritated. This might be a good product for 20-somethings and possibly for use under the eye and/or to refresh my liner during the day as an additional layer. Otherwise, skip it.
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Eye Shadow -Cover Girl - Eye Enhancers Trio - Shimmering Sands
Viesha 5/1/2012 5:42:00 PM
About 20 years ago, I believe this trio was one of the staple items in my makeup. I knew nothing about high-end shadows and wouldn't have been able to afford them anyway. I absolutely love the colors in this trio. They are pretty and classy, and totally appropriate for work, interviews, and weekends. They have a slight amount of shimmer without being glittery (a no-no in my book). The pigmentation isn't very good, which is why I gave it 3 lippies. I find, however, that I can use the lid and crease color just fine and supplement the crease with a darker shade of brown and it works out just fine. Today I used Swiss Chocolate by MAC in the crease. Staying power is good. I also like the brow highlight color very much, and find its iridescent properties really intriguing in certain lights. At $5 and change, you really can't go wrong with this trio. It's not high-end but it will do the trick on those days when I want a neutral look. It's hard not to fall in love with the colors and wax nostalgic for my early makeup days. It's also small enough that it's easy to carry in my makeup bag, and having it with me for touch ups during the day is good. Just toss the sponge applicator immediately upon first opening the container, and get your good makeup brushes out for this one.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Makeup Remover -Trader Joe's - Spa 100% Pure Jojoba Oil
Viesha 1/23/2012 7:00:00 PM
This is a excellent makeup remover, and works particularly well on heavy-duty gel eyeliner, which is why I bought it. It doesn't have a scent, doesn't irritate my eyes, and doesn't 'pull' the delicate skin around my eyes when it's time to take off my makeup. It completely melts every trace of eye makeup and eyeliner to get my face ready for cleansing.The only thing I would change is the packaging. It runs everywhere if you're not careful. No biggie, though. Just transfer it to a user-friendly plastic bottle and you're good to go. I feel good using this product because I know it's natural and isn't going to irritate my eyes with weird chemicals I don't need. Trader Joe's stopped carrying Desert Essence brand which had slightly larger packaging yet they sell their brand for the same price. Not a deal breaker but it makes you wonder. Anyhow, pick up this stuff. You won't regret it.
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Lip Treatments -Cover Girl - NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Clay
Viesha 1/9/2012 6:19:00 PM
This was something I purchased today on a whim. I've been wanting to try these lip balms for awhile. Honestly the darker colors scared me off, so I went for this one and another in Grenache. Turns out from the reviews here, the darker colors are better because they're sheer but do have the hint of tint we crave. The first thing I noticed when I first applied this is the frost. Oh my gosh the frost! Think 60s actress and/or first high school makeup experiment. Clearly not my look and not something I'm willing to suffer with, especially at work. I'd be embarrassed to wear this for fear of getting laughed at. "What's that girl think she's DOING?! How old is she?!" The formula is moisturizing, but nothing amazing. It is flavorless save for a bit of the usual lipstick taste, which is no biggie.I will be attempting a return on this today. I do love Cover Girl, but seriously, what were they thinking?
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Lips -Cover Girl - Natureluxe Gloss Balm in Grenache
Viesha 1/9/2012 6:15:00 PM
This was something I purchased today on a whim. I've been wanting to try these lip balms for awhile. Honestly the darker colors scared me off, so I went for this one and another in Clay. In the tube, they look almost identical. This one, however, goes on almost sheer. There is a *hint* of tint in this, but nothing noteworthy or anything to get excited about. In fact, I'm quite irritated that this shade even exists. It might as well be a clear balm. The formula is moisturizing, but again, nothing amazing. It is flavorless save for a bit of the usual lipstick taste, which is no biggie. It is, however, a dupe for the Cover Girl lipslicks in Demure which I bought a year ago and which still sits in a basket on my desk at work, almost unused. I will be attempting a return on this today.
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Hair Styling Tools -Unlisted Brand - Tourmaline Featherweight/Travel Hair Dryer (Original and Bespoke versions)
Viesha 11/19/2011 2:28:00 PM
I really got taken in by the hype on this product. My bad. I purchased it about a year ago, and this past week, it started blowing lukewarm air. I read several reviews and noticed that most of the people who bought this dryer noticed it stopped blowing hot hair almost if not exactly one year after purchase. There was one review written by someone who said it lasted 2 years. The dryer blows at half-power. This is an expected behavior because of the technology. Supposedly, the tourmaline-infused insides are supposed to help dry hair faster and with less frizz. I still saw frizz most of the time. The drying time was average. Not worst or better than other dryers I've had but it was quite costly. It felt like I had to put my hair through quite a bit of pulling with the round brush to make it somewhat straight. This isn't good for anyone's hair. Most of the hairdryers I've owned have lasted 5 years or more - seriously. Sure, they were cheapies, but they kept on ticking. I went back to my backup dryer for a few days, and noticed poor results because it fries my hair and is way too loud. So, yesterday I bought a Babyliss Ceramic Extreme dryer. I used it for the first time today and absolutely love it. It's the most powerful dryer I've ever had, and it reminds me very much of the ones they use at the salon, which is something I've wanted for a long time and thought I was getting when I bought the T3. I got great results with the Babyliss model. Since it's new, I'll wait awhile before reviewing.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Loose Powders -Boots - Botanics Lighter Than Air Loose Powder
Viesha 11/18/2011 4:38:00 PM
This is a superb finishing powder. True to its name, it really IS lighter than air, which I really appreciate. I recently switched from using a kabuki brush to using a velour puff to press the powder into the face for better results. The puff that comes with this powder is perfect. The sifter at the top of the container is a fine mesh screen. When you think about it, this is much better than having something with little holes. The sifter controls the amount of powder delivered to the puff which sits right on top of it. I give it a gentle shake prior to opening, and there is the perfect amount of softly sifted powder sitting right under the puff. A little goes a long way, so this will last a long time. The price is perfect too. The powder is translucent so it doesn't add additional color and is perfect for setting foundation.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Rimmel - Volume Accelerator Mascara
Viesha 8/9/2011 3:46:00 PM
I didn't think it was possible for a mascara to make my lashes look like they were thinner and shorter. Seriously. My lashes are pretty good. They aren't super long nor are they super thick. But, with the right mascara, they can look pretty fabulous. This particular formula, however, made them look less-than, and that's just a deal breaker. I suppose if I were going for the natural, barely-there look, this might be a good product. However, I expect mascara to deliver and this one didn't. The brush is even a huge conundrum. It's a short, squat bumble bee looking thing that's slightly curved and gets very thin toward the end. This is supposed to help get those tiny inner lashes. I get that part. However, with the formula being as weak as it is, it didn't seem like any lashes were being covered with product. Also, the brush is thicker toward one end which is great for the outer lashes, but what about the lashes in between - the ones over the center part of the eye? Nothing covered them. I have zero patience at 6:45 a.m. to figure out how many coats of this product to use not to mention how to work with the brush. Thank goodness for Ulta's return policy. I exchanged it for Almay One Coat Lengthening, which I've used (and loved!) before. I even got $3.49 refunded!
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Fragrances -Lancome - Tropiques
Viesha 7/18/2011 9:04:00 PM
I think this fragrance originally launched in 2006. I read the description and was instantly intrigued. I'm usually hesitant to try most new fruity florals because they smell horrible on me. However, I decided to stop by my local department store, spritz on a sample and go. It starts out as a fruity yummy floral and dries down to a wonderful vanilla with fruity undertones. Perfect for the summer, yet totally wearable during the other seasons. It lasts all day, and a little really goes a long way. This is definitely one of those fragrances that you wear sparingly, or you'll be choking on it all day long. Worn minimally, you get to enjoy the benefits of a tropical treat. Also, the less you wear, the more your bottle of stuff lasts! I went through one or two bottles a few years back and totally forgot about this fragrance until I saw a bottle in my Mom's drawer. I sprayed on a little and was reminded why I had liked this so much. Unfortunately, the bottle my Mom has is a few years old, and as with all fragrances, they eventually turn if you don't use them up. I was able to locate another bottle online, but it didn't smell the 'freshest' if you know what I mean. Fortunately, it was still sealed in the original packaging and that helped keep it from becoming old. I've been using this new bottle now for a few months. I will be honest - it smells slightly different than the original bottles I had a few years back. However, it's still quite good and I'm enjoying it very much. I'm assuming it's a stretch to want retailers to carry it again, so I will just enjoy this bottle while I can.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -L'Oreal - Voluminous mascara 
Viesha 5/9/2011 1:39:00 PM
This has the potential to be a great mascara, but sadly, it's failed miserably so far. Upon first opening the tube, the formula is quite thin and watery. Applying it is quite the wet mess, and I shudder to think of a beginner trying to use this. Despite my careful application, the product got all over my eyes, and thanks to a handy wet Q-tip, constant cleanup is a must. Thankfully, it does dry quickly, allowing for a 2nd coat. However, even the application of a 2nd coat has to be done extremely carefully to avoid spider eyes. After it completely dries I comb through with a spoolie to reduce clumps. I get huge flaky fallout and have to use my powder brush to clean that up. After about 2 weeks, the product does start thickening up a bit due to being exposed to air. It's a little bit easier to work with now, but is still a mess. I'm looking forward to going back to my Almay One Coat Mascara once this one runs out.
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Treatments -The Body Shop - Vitamin E Moisture Serum
Viesha 3/26/2011 2:56:00 PM
I don't know how I overlooked this serum, but I'm really glad I tried it. It is the PERFECT little extra bit of moisture to add over sunscreen, and under night cream. My skin has been extra dry lately due to winter and a very drying facial wash I've been using. The serum absorbs quickly and has the signature pleasant vitamin E scent found in the rest of this skin care line from The Body Shop. The pump is an extra plus. I use 1-2 pumps based on how much extra hydration I need. A little goes a long way, and I will definitely continue to purchase when I run out.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No