Styling Products -Aveda - Pure Abundance Style Prep
alula 1/23/2013 10:25:00 PM
Went in to get my Phomollient ....came out with this. I actually love it though, and I'll have to have a stern debate with myself on whether to get this or the Phomollient when it runs out. I have fine, loooong, colored hair and this gives it some lift, hold, and *ever* so slight wave/texture. When I don't use it, my hair doesn't feel like it 'hangs' quite right. I use approx. 2-3 squirts a day and I think it'll last me about 6 months or so. Deducted a lippie for the price.
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Blush -MAC - Virgin Isle Cream Colour Base (CCB)
alula 11/4/2010 10:16:00 AM
Wow. I haven’t done a review in a long while, but I had to for this blush. Virgin Isle is a beeeeautiful color. I’ve been wearing blue-based pinks for years and never in a million years would have bought this from just looking at the color in the pan. However, when I read that this is the product used on both Joan and Betty on ‘Mad Men’, I knew I had to try it. First of all, Mad Men truly has the most gorgeous makeup ever – and my coloring is very similar to Joan’s. I’m NW20, but with both pink and heavy yellow/neutral undertones and red hair. I don’t know why it’s never occurred to me to try coral blush before, but this stuff is a revelation! It’s sheer but buildable, and a flushed pinky/peachy/corally natural color. After wearing it for the first time, my coworker commented that I looked ‘glowy’ like I’d been walking around on a crisp fall day. This is one of those products that is so good, it actually makes you want to throw out all your *other* similar products in disgust. Thanks to MUA, I ordered this online. The MAC girls at the store didn’t even know what it was or where you could buy it.
4 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Make Up For Ever - Aqua Eyes Light Brown 19L
alula 5/26/2010 12:05:00 PM
Really great pencil. I have a hard time wearing eyeliner sometimes due to my fair skin and smallish eyes, but this color looks great - and the formula is very smooth. I wear MUFE Aqua Eyes 1L on top lid with 19L on bottom (blended with Lancombe Waif eyeshadow all around). This combo really makes my eyes stand out. Very impressed with MUFE eyeliners. BTW, Aqua Eyes 24L is very similar to this - but maybe less red? I'm not sure of the difference, but both are great light brown eyeliners.
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Lip Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Lansinoh Lanolin
alula 2/26/2010 1:50:00 PM
I really like this product and would definitely buy again. I found this stuff on MUA and mainly bought it for my lips, but ended up using it on my face! This winter has been really hard on my skin. I've been experimenting with Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream and plain ol' Vaseline to heal my super dry, red, sensitive facial skin. They both definitely helped my skin the most (and I have other really nice Chanel/Lancome products, plus some good basics like Cetaphil. Nothing helped!) So, after reading that pure lanolin is not really the pore-clogging villain some people think it is, I decided to pat a *tiny* amount on my face after moisturizing in the morning. Well, I cannot tell you how much my skin has transformed back to a smooth, glowy, porcelain, (mostly) zit-free face. Naturally, a little goes a long way, but I do not find it greasy - just glowy. It also looks great under mineral makeup IMO.. My advice for those of you with very sensitive skin is to not immediately write off lanolin or petroleum based products. If you don't have wool allergy issues, products such as 8 Hour Cream or lanolin can really buffer and heal skin in the winter. I never thought my skin would tolerate something so thick that I assumed would break me out horribly, but my skin really did get better. Took a lot of courage to try it though!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Chanel - Hydramax + Active Moisture Gel Cream [DISCONTINUED]
alula 12/4/2009 10:37:00 AM
This gel moisturizer is wonderful. I previously used the Hydramax Cream version last winter, which truly helped my *very* senstive-extreme-combo-Taz-treated skin stay moisturized. The only thing I didn't like about the cream was that it would occasionally make my chin burn (esp. after a bout of dryness and overexfoliation with Taz). This winter, I received a sample of the Hydramax Gel and decided to switch. For me, it has been even more soothing and gentle than the cream version. It gives a nice even glow and smoothness to my face and helps me stay really protected in the harsh NY climate. And no burning. Also, I'm prone to plugs/clogs on my chin. I haven't noticed that this moisturizer makes them any worse....or better for that matter, but that's what my Taz is for. _____________ I have removed a lippie because it's way too expensive. I have to stalk ebay to find an affordable jar of this - but since I only use it in the winter, and a little goes a long way, it's not a major hassel (I use LRP Toleriane Fluid in the warmer months). Also, I use a dab of Clinque Moisture Surge over my Hydramax Gel because....yep, I'm that dry and I think it makes my MMU look better.
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Conditioner -Ojon - Tawaka Rejuvenating Conditioner [DISCONTINUED]
alula 7/30/2009 12:55:00 PM
I stole this Ojon shampoo and conditioner from my mom (who loves purchasing random things off of HSN) last month during a visit. I must say.....I'm really blown away by the conditioner! It's creamy and thick, smells heavenly, and really works into your hair (I use a Body Shop wooden bath comb to coat it through the bottom half of my hair). I didn't notice tons of 'slip' and wondered if it might not work that well - but! when my fine, and very slightly wavy, hair dried it was soft, bouncy, *full*, and my little waves were more defined. This stuff rocks! My mom is totally amused by my Ojon conditioner obsession and has promised to purchase it again when she sees a deal on HSN. In the meantime, I purchased it 1/2 price off of Ebay. My only complaint is that the matching cleanser does NOT rock. I barely use it, as it's a little on the harsh side. Instead I pair the conditioner with Shikai Color Reflect Gold shampoo. Love it!
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Moisturizers -La Roche Posay - Toleriane Soothing Protective Light Facial Fluid
alula 5/14/2009 1:22:00 PM
I dig LRP and absolutely love their products. This is my very favorite moisturizer, and I've been using it about 6 months after receiving a ton of samples at CVS. I find this very moisturizing for my Taz-treated skin. The lotion is thin and very hydrating. It wears wonderfully under makeup (I usually apply LRP Anthelios Moisturizer SPF 15 over it, which is nice and creamy) and I get nice, very dewy (in a youthful, not greaseball way) skin. I apply LM mineral setting powder over it and I'm done. I have sensitive, plug-prone skin (in chin area) and haven't had any problems. As I said, I use Taz every night so maybe that just keeps my skin clear, but honestly....it's never looked better. I use it day and night!
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Primer/ Corrector -Make Up For Ever - HD Microperfecting Primer
alula 1/7/2009 8:50:00 PM
I totally agree with the review below. I don't wear foundation, but I like that this primer keeps blush in place and just evens everything out on my face. I use the blue shade because I'm very fair and try to rock that ivory, luminous, 1.5 shades away from bordering on 'Twilight' type of winter paleness. I also think the mauve shade is nice because, although I'm fair, I do have noticably yellow undertones - but the mauve was not as brightening on me. Like tiger says below...try 'em all. I moisturize, apply my Sofina sunscreen, then apply 4 dots of the blue primer, then loose powder. Voila! Done. Nice and even skin tone.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) - 50% Glycolic Peel
alula 11/13/2008 8:27:00 PM
Love this product so much. I'm on my 4th week and it's made a huge difference in my skin. I've been on RAM since March, but I would still get blackheads in my T-zone and dull skin. This makes my face so smooth, radiant, poreless, and *greatly* reduces my blackheads. Follow the directions and don't be tempted to go overboard. This is a great way to clean out your pores and firm up your skin. I look forward to using it every single week. Price isn't bad at all either.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Givenchy - Mister Light
alula 10/28/2008 9:53:00 PM
I've never gone goofy over a concealer before, but I love my Mr. Milk, I'm very fair and it really does help me look fresh and pulled-together. I dab it underneath my eye (a little goes a long way for me) and I use a very *minute* amount on my blemishes and then blend with a tiny brush. I've never gone for the 'full coverage' under eye concealment look - I just want the purple at the inner corners brightened so this is great for me. I love the formula - it brightens and never, ever cakes. Just wonderful!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Cerave - Moisturizing Lotion
alula 10/28/2008 9:18:00 PM
I don't understand the fuss. I originally bought this lotion to help my super dry, retinoid-treated face. I used it for about 4 months, but did not experience the relief I was hoping for based on these reviews here. Maybe the stuff just doesn't agree me, who knows, but I found the stuff very overrated. It didn't break me out really, but I do think it clogged the pores on my chin quite a bit. Now I'm using it just on my body after I shower (and after I put on coconut oil) and it does seem to seal in moisture and make my skin smooth, so I'll give it 3 lippies for that. I would not repurchase though. Glad it works for a lot of other people.
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Treatments -Skinceuticals - Hydrating B5 Gel
alula 10/28/2008 4:49:00 PM
Love the concept of this stuff, but it doesn't do much for me, and doesn't justify the price. I've used it for 4 months, but did not notice that it helped me retain moisture *any* better than before (I'm on RAM and get dry very easily). I've used it under moisturizer, over moisturizer, mixed with moisturizer, with different moisturizers. I bought Lumene's Energy Cocktail for $15 on sale and it works better than this, so I will not be repurchasing.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Retin A Micro
alula 10/15/2008 3:47:00 PM
I’ve been on RAM 0.4 since March, so about 7 months now (pleeese, MUAers...wait a while to review these retinoids! At least 6 months if possible - or just update as you go along). I do have clear skin but I’m going to give the product a mixed review as I’m *still* prone to plugged pores around my chin and the rest of my T zone. If I’m not careful it can STILL cause a lot of irritation and peeling, even after all these months - even recently I looked chapped and sunburned, esp. when the air got drier this fall. However, I do not get cystic acne anymore and my skin does look better overall. My purging was quite bad, even though my acne was actually pretty mild. And it peaked around week 12 or 13, which is later than the product claims, but not unheard of. At that point, I had a gazillion red spots on my chin (my most clogged area) and it seemed to get pretty scabby. It was hard to move my face/chin sometimes. I almost gave up. But knowing everyone reacts to RAM differently, I hung in there and tried to embrace the process. Unfortunately, no moisturizer seemed to help my dry skin. Really, nothing. Lots of embarrassing flaking and peeling in addition to the purging. My skin finally cleared by July, but I still have to be on top of the situation so I don't get dried out. Here are some other things I would have done differently overall: 1.I probably would have visited a spa and done a round or two of extractions first – to at least help minimize initial purging. 2.I would have started the medication in summer, when the humidity was higher. The dry air of winter was such a killer for me. 3.I did go on antibiotics at the peak of purging, but I should have insisted on it from the beginning. My derm didn’t think I needed it because my acne was mild. Wrong! 4.Less is more! I think I overdid it sometimes, using fairly large pea-sized amounts. 5.I would have found a moisturizer that worked for me – and used it at night! I was too afraid to buffer every night, but it just increased my horrible dryness. I probably should not have used RAM every single night either. I did try Cerave, Skin Food, Skinceuticals B serum, among others but none really helped with my dryness. 6.Sunscreen, of course, is key. Many sunscreens *really* burn the skin of people on RAM. After experimenting, I finally started using Sofina Lucent and it’s really helped me a lot. 7. Also key is exfoliation. I never did quite figure out the best way to handle it. Dry skin builds up so quickly on retinoids, but my skin was so sensitive that I couldn't really exfoliate much - even gently - and it just seemed to encourage more peeling. I did end up using plain baby wipes in the morning to remove the flakies. Again, find a good moisturize to use after. My skin does look good now. I wouldn’t go examining it too closely under a super magnifying glass or anything, but it’s nice. After experimenting with different moisturizers, I’m now using Hydramax Active Moisture by Chanel during the day (and at night under my RAM. I very lighly tap on a very tiny amount of RAM after my moisturizer sinks in, concentrating on the areas where I tend to clog). It’s expensive, but a sympathetic coworker gave it to me, and I would have no problem shelling out the money for it now. Very soothing and moisturizing. It was one of the most important steps in helping my skin look its best again. Finally, I’m in my early 30s and do have some fine lines. The jury is still out on how much the RAM has helped in that department in 7 months. We’ll see. Good luck. This is just my experience, but RAM was no miracle product for me. It was a lot of work and I STILL don’t always feel it was worth some of the pain – until I realize I don’t have cystic breakouts twice a month. Find a great moisturizer and hang in there, and get lots of samples of other retinoids from your derm. Find what works for you. UPDATE 3/1/09: During my last visit to the derm, I took a couple of 0.1 Tazorac gel samples. I actually had gotten a few cystics after the New Year and wanted to try something new. I've been using them a couple of months now, and I'm totally impressed. I know Taz is supposed to be the strongest Rx retinoid, but my skin has responded very well to them. I do still get some flakies (like with the RAM) but my skin seems to peel in a less harsh way. My skin is less red and more glowing with the Taz. I don't know what it would have been like to take Taz from the very beginning (through the purging stage and all), but I'm loving it now. Clear skin and minimal effort!! I'm deducting another lippie off of the RAM.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Chanel - Hydramax + Moisture Boost Cream [DISCONTINUED]
alula 10/15/2008 10:17:00 AM
Update: I've stopped using this. Something in it does not react well with my skin since I switched from RAM to Taz. Very red skin for 70 bucks a jar! I also prefer a dewier finish, so I've switched to LRP Toleraine Fluid and couldn't be happier.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -BeneFit Cosmetics - thrrrob
alula 10/1/2008 11:23:00 AM
Like many, I'm not a huge fan of BeneFit - but I do really like this blush. Years ago, I went through 2 boxes of Dandelion after hearing it recommended by Kevin Aucoin, but it never quite 'worked' for me. The pink just didn't quite suit my NW20 skin tone for whatever reason. I never really wanted to try Thrrrob either because of all the sparkle, but when I finally did I found it to be what I always hoped Dandelion would be - a wonderfully sheer and natural flush. I apply this with my Shu pony brush and it's *very* seamless, which IMO is one of the most important characteristics of a great blush. I did give Dandelion a shot again. The SA put it one one cheek and Thrrrob on the other, but even she thought it looked ashy and weird on me. P.S. I hate the box. It's looks terrible after only a week in my m/u bag and it's way too bulky, but this is not enough to deter me from repurchasing.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No