Eyeliner -Bourjois - Liner Clubbing
alexa94 12/4/2011 7:40:00 AM
Let me start of by saying I'm usually MAC obsessed, most of my make-up is MAC, and except mascara and (now) liquid eyeliner, I use MAC everything. I bought the MAC Liquid Eye Liner (in the little pot) and found the brush too thick. It made applying it very hard because my eyelashes got in the way and I found it didn't last very long at ALL (would start 'cracking'). I then tried MAC Superslick Liquid Eye Liner. IMO this is the worst eyeliner from MAC. It dries up ridiculously quickly and there's never much of the actual product on the brush so you have to keep dipping it in. Another thing, I bought it in 'On The Hunt', described as 'true black' and I would NOT say it was true black at all. It's definitely leaning towards a dark grey. One plus is that it is OK in terms of long lasting, it doesn't crack or smudge but the negatives definitely outweigh this one plus. Now, onto Bourjois Clubbing Liner. I bought this after I decided to start trying out drugstore liners in my quest to find the perfect one. I LOVE the thin brush. It makes applying it SUPER easy and I'd definitely recommend for eyeliner beginners or just users of eyeliner in general who are perhaps not complete experts at applying it. With this, you can apply it in one sweep. No dotting and joining, a sweep is super easy and application takes about 15 seconds. Eyelashes don't get in the way, and although I've read reviews saying the brush is too 'thin' I don't think this AT ALL. It is absolutely perfect. If you want a really thick line you can very easily create one by simply sweeping across twice - think!! The liner is super long lasting and lasts until I go to bed. It doesn't smudge AT ALL, and I love being able to go out and not whip my mirror out every 1-2 hours to double check my eyeliner is OK. If you apply it thick in the corner of the eye it may start 'cracking', but this is just because of blinking and does happen with most if not all liquid eyeliners. I'd never looked at Bourjois being a favourite brand of mine, but it has definitely gone up in my estimations and I value it as much as I do MAC. I do hope people give this beauty a chance because it is a diamond in my collection. I hope this helps someone. :-)
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Brows -MAC - Eyebrows Crayon (Stud)
alexa94 11/20/2011 8:45:00 AM
For SURE my HG eyebrow pencil. My eyebrows used to be in a pretty bad shape (.....literally speaking) because I went pluck mad. Learnt my lesson, but in the meantime this was my saviour. It fills in smoothly, is easy to control and doesn't go on 'heavy' (although this can be done if you don't have a light hand). I love how it's self-sharpening, really useful not having all the fuss. ONE thing - it doesn't last long, especially if you use it to fill in most of your brows. Because mine have grown back I only use it to create longer brows, filling in the ends because the hairs are quite fine and I like them somewhat thick at the start but end thin. Another thing is that sometimes the twisty part comes off but you can simply slide it back on - just a bit annoying. Totally recommended, smooth application and matches my eyebrow colour to a T. So happy with MAC!! Yet again :-D
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Treatments -Avon - ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Intense Repair Overnight Elixir
alexa94 11/6/2011 8:44:00 AM
I <3 this. The bottle pumps out a tiny bit at a time because you really don't need much at all so it lasts FOREVER. (Which wouldn't be a problem anyway because it's so cheap, but no hassle of buying another etc). I use it before bed and pump out quite a lot (about 4-6 pumps) so I get a lot of coverage all over my hair which is in the middle of medium/long in length. In the morning I shower, shampooing and conditioning my hair. You can get away with not rinsing or washing it out if you apply only a very small amount, but applying a lot really does help more. I'm planning on growing my hair quite long and I can honestly say it feels super soft when it's dried after showering. I use it maybe once a month, or once every 2 months whenever I remember, and I'd recommend this in a heartbeat. Very cheap and indeed works. I straighten, curl, backcomb... do pretty much everything to my hair and using this definitely helps damage. Avon is actually my go-to brand when it comes to hair-care, and although I wouldn't use their make-up (most of it's pants, to be frank!) they have some brilliant hair products and I'd recommend anyone to give them a go.
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Other -Crest - 3D Professional Effects White Strips
alexa94 10/28/2011 1:24:00 PM
5 lippies (it should be toothbrushes in this case lol) for Crest Professional Effects!!! I paid £29.99 for a pack of 40 strips (20 top, 20 bottom) off eBay. It's pretty safe buying them on eBay, I've never had problems, just make sure the buyer states the expiry date. I've used Crest Advanced Vivid a few months prior and they were great, totally worked and made a difference, but I wanted more whiteness because they weren't WHITE WHITE. They were in pretty bad shape beforehand, I had braces for just under 2 years and found it difficult to brush, and when I had them removed my teeth were stained, especially the teeth at the sides, straight as a pencil etc, but YELLOW. Now, I would NOT recommend Professional Effects if you have sensitive teeth in any way, shape or form. These will be the bain of your life. I'd recommend Gentle Routine for sensitive teeth, I personally haven't used Gentle Routine but it's by Crest and Crest has been totally successful with Advanced Vivid and Professional Effects so I'm guessing the rest of the range is A+ too. I've so far used 8 strips so have 12 strips left. Let me just say this, my teeth are WHITE!!! And I mean, WHITE. My dad has told me I shouldn't make them any whiter because they'll look too fake, so maybe I'll stop for a while (maybe.... I'll no doubt keep going and finish the pack by next week lol) but I am so completely over the moon with the results. One negative is that just recently, I have experienced some blister type sores above one of my teeth on the right hand side. Although, I think this is because I've had the strip too far up, I do genuinely think it's my fault, so I'm not going to blame the product so much. I have a little sensitivity, but I've been using these things TWICE a day, not once a day, so I expected the worse really and it's not been bad at all. I've decided to give up the fizzy drinks and stick to water and green tea (I cannot and will not give up the tea lol!!) so I can keep my teeth as white as possible for as long as I can..... Let's see how long it lasts haha. Good luck to anyone who decides to try these, you won't be disappointed and it WILL make quite the difference! I have heaps more confidence when it comes to my teeth now. Hope someone finds this review helpful. :-)
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Concealers -MAC - Pro Longwear concealer
alexa94 10/27/2011 7:19:00 AM
This concealer is brilliant. My colour in concealer is NC15 and I use NC20/25 foundation. This concealer is relatively thick, which means it's easy to cover dark circles under your eyes, and I also use it to cover the darkness under the sides of my nose. Another plus is that it stays put all day, (I'm guessing because it's 'pro longwear'....!) I will literally apply it at half 7 in the morning, get home at 4, and when I go to wash my make-up off at half 6 it's still like it was all them hours ago. It does not fade away into the unknown (which my drugstore concealers do!!!). So all in all I recommend this concealer 100%. ONE THING about this which I do not like!!!!!!!! Although it has nothing to do with the concealer itself. It is difficult to control the pump. >:( >:( >:( I often pump out much more than I need which is just a waste because it can get cakey very quickly so I am reluctant to apply more, and of course all that wasting will add up. However, it has lasted me over 6 months so I'm willing to let it go a bit. But yes, I do wish the pump was different. Other than that, top marks to MAC.
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Mascara -L'Oreal - Telescopic
alexa94 10/20/2011 2:23:00 PM
Ohhhhhhh Telescopic! <3 <3 <3 <3 My HG mascara completely. I used Maybelline Falsies (which I thought I liked...!!) then came to this. I have also used Benefit, Max Factor, Rimmel, AVON, MAC.. (all I can remember right now) but Telescopic wins the gold. ;-) Before applying I curl with my MAC eyelash curler (which I recommend completely, it's brilliant) and then put on about 2 coats. It gives you more length than volume, if it had more volume it would honestly be the most perfect mascara in the world. I love the brush, it's thin yet long and you can get the very little lashes. I have NO idea why mascara adverts brag about their mascara having a 'big brush'.... NOTHING to be bragging about as smaller/thinner brushes are way way way better! My eyelashes are SO long after applying a coat. I apply another moreso for volume than length. I've had compliments off my friends wearing this, and people I very rarely speak to(!!!) have asked what I use, which is weird for me considering I know my eyelashes are little stubs naturally! I hope this is a useful review to someone, and I hope people give this a try despite the hit and missy reviews because it has really truly worked for me and I couldn't want any better lashes when I apply this. Fabulous :-)
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Self Tanners -Unlisted Brand - St. Moriz Self Tanner Foam
alexa94 10/20/2011 2:08:00 PM
I bought the original, not the dark. I'm an NC20-25 for reference though I'm sure my face is darker than the rest of my body - my body seems white white! ¬¬ - Easy to use pump and you can control the amount you pump out. The mousse itself is a dark, muddy, 'dirty' colour, but it does look fine when you finish rubbing it in. Anyway this helps you out because you can see where it is and don't get any shocks when it fully develops! (Damn other fake tans lol) - On the bottle itself it says you should exfoliate and moisturise, which I don't really do properly (I just can't be bothered, not gonna lie) and the application is still beautiful! So I really don't think it matters much unless you have a very dry skin. (My skin is pretty 'normal' though slightly dry I guess) - You can wear gloves but it's not essential. I don't. It washes off my hands with soap after rinsing a few times so I see no need. After showering it comes completely off my nails (they are sometimes a LITTLE stained but not badly) - It says for best results apply in the morning and allow at least 4 to 6 hours for the tan to develop before showering. However, you can apply it half an hour or so before going out and you're good to go. It develops instantly but does get darker. I applied it this afternoon then 4 hours later went in the shower. SO pleased with results. Read on for an explanation ;) - After applying it and leaving for 4 hours, I went in the shower. You can see it in the water and it does fade very slightly, but I like that about it. It blends in and gets rid of any 'harsh' lines, all in all it just seems very blended and they are no streaks whatsoever. I put it on my face (which looks DARK and muddy after application) and after showering it looks super natural. NOT ORANGE AT ALL. Honestly, I don't understand other reviews saying it's orange! I cannot see it. It's a golden brown. SO much more brown than orange. Not streaky, no problems with it over spots etc. Flawless colour really. - It says for mid tan, reapply in 5 to 7 days, and for a dark tan reapply in 3 to 5 days. I sort of agree with this, it doesn't fade immediately and it does stay for about 3 days so if you apply it after 3 days it will give you a darker tan because some of the tan will still be left on your skin. I think after 5-7 days it's very faded, pretty much gone, so it will need applied at least once a week if you want to keep your glow. - Oh, one more thing, it makes my skin feel super moisturised. Honestly I can't stop touching my face especially!!! Truly recommended and I do hope people give this a chance. The price is just a massive plus. Hope this is is a helpful review for someone!
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Lipstick -MAC - Up The Amp
alexa94 10/13/2011 2:13:00 PM
I like I like! Though darker than I thought it would be. From photos it simply looked purple but on my lips it's dark purple. I also thought it would be more pigmented that it actually is. However it's still quite purpley, almost a 'safe' purple in my book! It isn't over the top - unless you go swipe mad of course! ;-) It has a creamy consistency and it's not drying at all. Actually, after wiping it off my lips they felt very moisturised. One thing, it does make your teeth look slightly on the yellowy side. Dayyyym, I hate that about certain lip colours! Anyhow, I think this would look great on all skin colours, especially the paler types and people with brown eyes. Hope this helps someone! :-)
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Blush -MAC - Dollymix
alexa94 10/11/2011 10:57:00 AM
I LOVE Dollymix. Definitely one of my favourite MAC blushes along with the mineralised Gentle. It's very pigmented and I only ever need one swipe to each of my cheeks. 2 is DEFINITELY pushing it and you can easily look like a clown with this! (A cute clown maybe, but a clown nonetheless). It makes your cheeks look very rosy, I'd say it's one of those blushes that can give your cheeks that dolly look. (Haha just realised.. suppose it is called dollymix?) It's shimmery, but I wouldn't say it's overly so; I guess I'm used to a bit of a shimmer, though I do think a few people are OTT on here when describing the amount of shimmer lol! I apply it before going to college but occasionally wear it for a night out. It's versatile. Picking up a little of the product will give you a nice slightly shimmery flush, one or two brushes of it will give you a made up look. Lasts a good while too. I'd say it's the ultimate hot pink blush. I'll noo doubt purchase again when I've ran out! :-D
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Eye Shadow -MAC - Typographic (from Matte2)
alexa94 9/29/2011 1:28:00 PM
Woohooooo! First of all let me say that I am a 'newcomer', if you will, to eyeshadows in general. I've never been an eyeshadow girl but recently I've became besotted with looking at all the different colours on the MAC website. I bought this after an extensive search through reviews and favourites and Typographic was among the 3 I bought (along with Satin Taupe and Espresso) although I did already have 2 that I use now and again... but pretty much rarely really (Woodwinked and Era). I have to say that Typographic applies very smoothly and is BLACK. Black, or you can say a very dark grey. Either way, it has a creamy consistency and is very pigmented. It LASTS and doesn't 'slide off' your lids into the creases. I'd recommend this to anyone. I pair it with Satin Taupe on the lids and Typographic in the crease when I have a night out. Fab fab fab! :-)
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Lipstick -MAC - Crosswires Cremesheen
alexa94 9/25/2011 2:46:00 PM
My favourite MAC coral lipstick! In fact my favourite coral lipstick period. I wear this to college - it's definitely a lipstick you can wear to work or school without worrying about standing out much. Much love for the cremesheen formula too, creamy, not drying, pigmented - pretty much the perfect lippy!! Go buy or at least test it out when you're next hitting the shops!!
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Lotions/ Creams -Johnson & Johnson - Holiday Skin Body Lotion
alexa94 9/19/2011 1:38:00 PM
Arghhhh! Had my ups and downs with this product and used it on and off for about 3 years when I've needed a tan before going to a party and this was all I could find in my bathroom! If you're not worrying that it hasn't applied evenly then you're worrying about anything coming in contact with you when it's sinking in or worrying about the mess it's left on your body after showering. Let me just say that you have be EXTREMELY careful you apply it evenly because it's one of those fake tans that can easily streak like crazy. And afterwards, you have to continue being super careful that nothing touches your body for about 1 hour because it WILL streak! It takes forever to sink in and makes your skin feel greasy. Not to mention the SMELL! Though I can easily look past (...smell past? haha) a smell if it does a good job. However, the amount of work it seems to take to get non-streaky 'holiday skin' I don't think it's worth it. The next day when you go in the shower it comes off in some places and doesn't come off in others so you just look different colours all over the place. It's a mess basically! And if you exfoliate - nightmare! It comes off and you're left with the streaky skin you tried your hardest to avoid in the first place. I wouldn't recommend at all. Though I do have to say, after spending hours achieving the tan and praying before waking up in the morning and inspecting your legs, it looks pretty good. Not too orange. However I wouldn't waste my time with the 'light' one because it barely makes a difference and for the time you put in applying.....!! Hope this has helped and put you off lol. Go for St Moriz. Pretty much just as cheap and is WAY less hassle!!!
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Liquid -MAC - Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15
alexa94 9/17/2011 9:20:00 AM
Decided to give this 4 stars. Which pains me as I'm an avid lover of MAC! By the way I'm an NC20-NC25! :-) Pros: * Medium to high coverage * Easily covers spots, doesn't draw attention to them unlike a lot of foundations!! * Applies evenly * Smooth application * Dries pretty fast * Stays put all day * Looks amazing with prep & prime finishing powder (honestly!!) * MANY shades, MAC is the brand for a very likely identical match * Would recommend for 'normal' skin types, not very drying or very oily! * Oh and the SPF is a plus! Cons: * Gives me forehead break-outs :'( * Can make your skin dry * Although it's also a plus, the SPF can make you look white in flash * Paint smell... you do get used to it lol. * Can be 'greasy' on your face if you have oily skin anyway Overall I do indeed recommend this. It's a brilliant foundation for an actual flawless look! When I get spots as well, all other foundations I've tried have caked up around the spot, whereas this simply covers it smoothly. I have slightly dry skin in some areas and I just use moisturiser 5-10 minutes beforehand (so it can sink in) and I have no problems whatsoever with it not applying evenly and flawlessly over it. However, if you have excessively dry skin I wouldn't recommend this so much. When the foundation dries it may 'crack' on the really dry areas and just.. not look great! Hope this has helped people. :-)
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Lipstick -MAC - Satin Lipstick - MAC Red
alexa94 9/14/2011 1:18:00 PM
WOW!! Now this is BOLD!! It almost looked '3D' on your lips... God knows where I got that from haha, but it is extremely pigmented. I don't find this lipstick drying at all for some reason, I think this may be one of the less drying satins. I definitely think this is one of the less drying BOLD red lipsticks out there! I have Lady Bug which I do love, but compared to MAC Red - no comparison in colour! MAC Red is the ultimate red for me. Definitely reminds me of Marilyn Monroe or that actress who always has pale skin and red lips (I forgot her name, argh! :() but this is an absolutely beautiful lipstick. I'd definitely recommend if you're wanting the perfect true red, this lippy doesn't make your lips all dry like Russian Red and Ruby Woo do.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Satin - Pink Nouveau
alexa94 9/14/2011 1:11:00 PM
I can't believe I used to almost 'slate' this lippy!!! :( I feel so awful now as I absolutely ADORE this lipstick!!!! Oh my god. Every time I went to a MAC counter I'd try Pink Nouveau on, hoping I'd love it and decide to buy it. However every single time I'd somehow walk out the shop with Chatterbox or Girl About Town or Impassioned or Morange.... Yeah the list does go on! For some reason I never had the guts to buy it and when I tried it on at a MAC counter it always felt dry on my lips. HOWEVER, I decided to order a whole lot of MAC online (like to thank my Dad here for the money for my good AS level results lol yay!!!) and added Pink Nouveau to the basket. FINALLY IT WAS ON MY WAY. When it got delivered I felt SO excited to try it. The lighting in Fenwicks (where I buy my MAC) is the most unflattering I have ever came across and I always go out feeling so depressed about my appearance haha, but thankfully, I put this on in my bathroom mirror with natural lighting etc and, no exaggeration here, it is BEAUTIFUL. Amazing pigmentation and not drying at all!!! Which I didn't understand one bit as when I tried it at a MAC counter it felt like I was scratching my lips off lol. Blue based pink, very Barbie! I am so, so, so pleased I bought this. I am an NC20 and I feel it really suits my skin tone, though I'm sure it will suit a wide range. Grrrrr the stupid artificial hideous lighting preventing me from buying it all this time! FINALLY I have been united with this beauty!! :P In love!
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