Lipstick -Kanebo - Sensai Collection Rouge Intense Lasting Color in Soubi
amarise 4/13/2013 1:52:00 PM
First off, let me talk about the collection as the lipstick line as a whole--I'm new to this brand/line, but it's quickly found a place in my heart as my FAVORITE, HG long-lasting lipstick formula. It's my go-to now for events like weddings and other formal occasions, since I can eat and drink with little to no need for touching up throughout the night. Seriously, I'm amazed at this lipstick's staying power (like, never-leaves-residue-on-my-glass-of-water, stays-on-even-if-I-absentmindedly-bite-my-lips, and fades-totally-evenly kind of staying power). Also, I've noticed that RILC lipsticks don't dry my lips out at all, as other long-lasting formulas tend to be. It isn't exactly emollient, but provides just enough slip that it doesn't annoyingly drag on your lips when you apply it. Now, as for the color--I laaaaaaaahve it to pieces! Soubi is a very bright orangey red, and looks like a creme finish from afar (though up close I detect a very fine microshimmer that gives the finish that dewy look). The color pay-off is great, but I would say that it's not 100% opaque so I feel like it might skew a little deeper on pigmented lips (mine aren't, particularly). All in all, I'd highly rec for people who love bold lips!
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Foundations -Hourglass - Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation
amarise 12/23/2012 7:14:00 PM
This foundation was pretty disappointing to me, for several reasons--the first and most frustrating being how the pump was entirely nonfunctional :/ One defective pump I could understand, but the second one I received after returning the first foundation bottle was also broken! (To be fair, though, I hear that Hourglass has already re-released this foundation with an improved bottle and pump, so I hope that no one buying this now runs into the same problem). So my product design griping aside, I had issues with the foundation itself. I had a really hard time finding a decent color match--everything ran too dark and/or too yellow, even the lightest shade, and even then while it was applied very sheerly. The coverage is decent, and the foundation's finish was nice and matte from far away, but up close the texture was totally jacked up--pooling into my pores and creating flakies that where there weren't before (I like what another reviewer said, calling it 'a 30 foot foundation,' lol!). To top it all off, it smells kind of stinky too D:
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Korres - Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Face Primer
amarise 2/1/2012 4:54:00 PM
This primer has made a markedly noticeable difference in keeping my oiliness at bay! I can go for much longer without needing to blot my face, and it is a major relief to not have to worry about my face looking shiny as frequently as I used to. It also enhances/extends the performance of my foundation, as a good primer should (though I have noticed it's much better in conjunction with my liquid foundation, rather than mineral/powder foundation. This isn't a problem for me since I typically use liquid foundation). To top it off, it's silicone-free and doesn't break me out--which is what most high-performing, silicone-based primers I've tried out ended up doing.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Ren - Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask
amarise 6/16/2011 9:26:00 PM
I have to jump on the bandwagon--the Glycolactic Mask's a gentle yet effective alternative to manual exfoliation, and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin or aggravate existing acne. It greatly helps brighten my complexion, remove dry patches, and generally improve skin tone and imperfections. I can't say it's prevented or reduced my moderate acne flare-ups, but the mask definitely has helped with blackheads and hyperpigmentation. I also don't know if it does anything for wrinkles. It's not an aggressive peel (it never stings, and barely itches after it's been on for some time), but I think that's what makes it so well-suited for me. I'd definitely recommend to someone with similar skin issues. The mask smells like apricots and never sets, instead maintaining a thick, sticky consistency. I try to use it about once a week, finding it best if I apply a generous amount and keep it on for 45 minutes (the directions recommend 10 or so, I believe).
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Korres - Lip Butter - Jasmine
amarise 5/31/2011 7:53:00 PM
Jasmine has been my least favorite of the lip butters, which is a shame because it just smells so good! It's like cake icing, or something. While it isn't extremely moisturizing (I know of many cheaper products that do the job better), the real problem I had with it was that the color just looked "off" on my lips. Even though the Jasmine shade is so light, I had trouble distributing the color evenly--even when my lips are in perfect condition. It also settled into lip lines and made them look deeper/more obvious. I'll use it up and wear it when I'm not going out, but will not repurchase.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Korres - Mango Lip Butter
amarise 5/31/2011 7:42:00 PM
I found this to be the most moisturizing of the lip butters, as well as having the smoothest consistency. While it's definitely not *the* best lip balm I've ever had, to me the Korres lip butters are more like sheer lipglosses that just happen to be hydrating. I love the peachy, orangey color of Mango--very summery. The only thing that stinks is that it comes in a pot and makes reapplying a bit unsanitary once you leave your house. It's a pretty color, smells fruity and delicious, and not sticky at all. I love putting it on my lips!
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Eye Shadow -NARS - Violetta Duo
amarise 3/18/2011 11:38:00 PM
This duo is more of a "quiet" purple, so I can understand the negative reviews here that say people were looking for more vibrant, louder shades. For me, though, that's what sold me; the purples are understated and elegant but STILL clearly purple, giving me a chance to play with color in a daytime school/work look without feeling overly done or too dramatic. I especially love the matte, mauve-ish color. It's so, so gorgeous, and really brings out my blue eyes. I haven't seen many others like it--can't wait to experiment! The shadow texture is smooth and easy to blend (as it really should be with the price). Will definitely repurchase.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Aquolina - Pink Sugar
amarise 3/11/2011 5:36:00 PM
Ugh, I'm sorry but I have to hop on the "hate it" bandwagon. I got a sample of it from Sephora but didn't even bother to finish off the little vial--disappointing, since I thought I would be a fan of the interesting combination of notes. It was the cotton-candy I think that killed me, because to me it didn't come off as sweet so much as ... burny and headache-inducing, like others have mentioned. It smelled like I had rubbed one of those car air fresheners all over myself. *gag*
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Eye Shadow -Clinique - Pair of Shades - Lovey Dovey
amarise 12/29/2007 10:28:00 AM
These shades were subtle and pretty, but not drop-dead gorgeous. It's a nice look for me at school or work, and the lighter pink is really cute by itself, too. One problem I had with these shadows is that they would inevitably crease, but ever since I bought the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion this no longer an issue. Since I'm very pale myself and I really have to layer it on, I can see how these colors wouldn't even show up on darker-skinned women.
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Makeup Brushes -Bare Escentuals - Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush
amarise 12/23/2007 8:24:00 PM
I agree with many of the reviewers here who say that this is the best brush that comes with the BE starter kit; I'd like to take that statement a step farther and say that it is the best brush BE has made, period. I generally use it for covering blemishes with powder concealer, but it's also decent for applying creme concealer. The brush is excellent for blending, it never looks fake or caked on.
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Lip Treatments -Burt's Bees - Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil
amarise 12/23/2007 4:36:00 PM
I like how it doesn't feel waxy like the original Burt's Bees, and that it leaves a nice light sheen. The smell, however, is a little too cloying for me. I would've been willing to put up with it if it had amazing moisturizing properties, but it's merely passable in that department. Back to Honey Trap for me!
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Lip Gloss -Lancome - Star Gloss - Corail
amarise 8/24/2007 2:48:00 PM
This is an awesome nude-peach color that would go great with a bold eye. Most nudes have too much brown in them to work for me. I love how it goes on pretty opaque, that way I don't have to keep slathering it on and wasting product. I wasn't particularly attracted to the smell, but it's by no means unbearable. The texture is very nice too.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Burt's Bees - Honey Lip Balm
amarise 8/4/2007 10:28:00 PM
OK, yuck. This is one of the most vile-smelling lip balms I have ever tried. It doesn't smell like honey to me AT ALL, or else I'd probably be in love with it. It's gives off an overwhelming odor of plastic and artificial sweeteners (or how I'd imagine they would smell). It actually gives me a headache! I've never managed to keep it on long enough to judge just how moisturizing it is.
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Eye Primer -Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Original (UDPP)
amarise 8/4/2007 10:11:00 PM
This stuff is absolute magic! Before using this, my eyeshadow would crease without fail only a few hours after application. With this, no more creases or smudges! Ever!
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Lip Treatments -LUSH - Honey Trap Lip Balm
amarise 8/3/2007 4:46:00 PM
I can't stop touching my lips! This is without a doubt the BEST lip balm I've ever used. It makes my lips cushiony and smooth, and the smell is soooo good (white chocolate and honey.... mmmm....) The little tin is annoying, but the product inside is beyond worth it.
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