Blush -The Body Shop - Brush On Beads - Buff
archgirl06 5/2/2009 1:48:00 PM
In the midst of shopping my stash (trying to pare down though somewhat unsuccessfully) I found these. I'm pretty sure that I bought these on sale but have been hesitant to use them mostly due to the shimmer and the packaging. Well, I am happy to say that this works very well for my PPP/NW10 complexion. Using a skunk brush I am able to get a very subtle glow on my cheekbones and forehead. It's not over the top shimmer and it's not orange on my pale skin.
The packaging is not the best. It involves a bit more care than normal pressed powders. The little balls are a little hard to get used to but so far I haven't had any casualties. The actual jar is quite pretty with a nice gold top that actually screws on right and the amount - a full ounce - is pretty generous. The "puff" to keep the balls from bouncing too much is also a nice touch, though I'd probably reach for this more if it was pressed.
The brush on beads retail for $21 on thebodyshop.com but I don't think they sell buff anymore? I can't find it anyhow. I doubt I paid this much. It is a bit excessive. I most likely picked this up during one of their semi-annual sales for 3/$10 though I don't remember exactly.
I would repurchase if I ever used this up (unlikely) and more unlikely if the shade has been DC-ed.
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Lipstick -Avon - Glazewear Diamonds Lipstick in Ruby Slippers
archgirl06 5/1/2009 11:49:00 AM
I recently ordered from Avon when they were having a free ship code and were having a decent sale on some of their products. This was one of the products in my order. I was able to pick this up for about $3 (retail price is $8).
When I first opened up the box and looked at the color in the tube I was a little scared. It is a bright pink with obvious shimmer. As I was first applying it I was a little nervous as it seemed sticky in a way, but after the heat from my lips warmed it up a bit it turned into more of a gel and it's actually quite moisturizing. Even though my lips are pigmented, it is not a shocking fuchsia (which usually happens with pink lipsticks with me) and the shimmers are not gritty or over the top once applied.
It really does seem like I'm wearing something in between a gloss and a lipstick except without the stickiness of some glosses.
According to Avon: Avon's revolutionary lipstick combines the shine of a lip gloss with the luscious color of a lipstick. This lightweight formula glides effortlessly for full, glossy color that feels incredible on lips. No sticky feel - just smooth, silky lips. Dermatologist tested.
2g/.07oz
Not sure I'd rebuy at the retail price of $8 but certainly if it goes on sale again - and definitely if I happen upon a free ship code again!
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Lip Gloss -Stila - Lip Glaze Stick in Apricot
archgirl06 4/24/2009 11:16:00 AM
I can't believe I haven't already reviewed this product. This is one of my favorite lipglosses - though the texture is more of a sheer lipstick. I'm also a bit sad to see the low reviews, but at least I'll give you my input. I love this lipstick/glaze! It is a beautiful sheer coral. Mine doesn't have any hints of glitter at all and just goes on with a bit of a peachy sheen. If you are looking for a very pigmented lipgloss/stick you aren't going to get it with this, but it is a perfect color if you are doing a smokey eye look.
The scent is that of sweetened apricots which I happen to love. I can see it possibly offensive to some but I find it rather pleasant. I actually love the "pencil" like applicator. I find I can get a much more precise application than the regular glazes and of course, this product is much more moisturizing and much less sticky than the glazes.
As far as product wastage, I never sharpen it all the way. I usually leave about a milimeter of product above the pencil itself (more of a flattened top not pointy) so it applies more like a lipbalm. I have already repurchased this product thanks to beautycrunch I didn't have to pay full price (not affiliated) since it is on the pricey side retail wise. I have almost finished my wonderful stick and have become thoroughly addicted to all but a few of the lip glaze sticks from Stila.
If you are a fan of a muted lipbalm/sheer lipstick that is moisturizing and not sticky at all, I think you'd love these, I know I do!
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Lipstick -Calvin Klein - Delicious Truth Sheer - Backstage 202
archgirl06 3/23/2009 6:49:00 PM
I was able to try some of the CK products thanks to some insider info. I don't think I would have ever tried the line myself knowing full well that it was re-do from a once loved line, especially here on makeupalley and that Markwins was producing it this time, but I'm pleasantly surprised.
The CK makeup line is sold exclusively at Sephora (mostly online) and has a large range of products, mostly in the $10-$30 price range. Their line of sheer lipsticks are $18 which is rather on the high side but they are great.
Backstage is a pearly plum. You can just barely feel the glitter in between your lips but it's not garish and it doesn't bother me. There seems to be a bit of a berry undertone as well, though I could see it going brown on some skin tones. With just a swipe, it's MLBB - but it can be layered for increased intensity. When it is layered on me, it goes raspberry, which is just a hint brighter than my natural lip color.
I think one of the best things about this product is there is no smell and no taste. The packaging is quite sleek as well and the cap stays locked on when it is closed. It does not dry my lips out either.
Would repurchase. Swatch & Picture to follow.
Update: I wound up wearing this on my wedding day over a stain and I have to say it held up rather well. And my mother and mother in law also wore it and it suited their skintones as well as mine quite well. I'm changing my overall rating to a 5 and am very dissapointed that it appears that CK Beauty has dropped this particular line of lipsticks. For reference, I am around a NW10, my mother is about a NC25-30 and my mother in law is about the same (though she's more olive) and it suited all of us perfectly. I will be very sad when my tube is gone.
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Lips -Bath and Body Works - Liplicious Double Kiss 2-in-1 Lip Stain & Gloss in sheer bling & beyond berry
archgirl06 1/28/2009 11:06:00 AM
I was able to pick up a few of these at the Semi-Annual sale this year and I have been pleasantly surprised. I've been testing different lip stains to wear on my wedding day and these definitely compete with some of the more expensive products on the market (Benetint, TheBalm, etc). I am able to either get a very sheer layer that's very much "my lips but better" or layer for more color. As with most stains, I do find these a bit drying, but layering a gloss or balm on top fixes that and these don't transfer color at all, which is wonderful. The scent is a sweet raspberry/berry scent and it is a bit sweet when you lick your lips and might not be liked by all, but I find it pretty pleasant. I have not tried the glossy end yet, but for the price I paid, it's enough just for the stain. I'll update when I try it.
I believe I paid around $3 in store (they are still $4 online), originally priced at $12 which is still a good deal for a stain and gloss.
Ingredients
Beyond Berry (stain): water, glycerin, flavor, sucralose, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, ppg-26-buteth-26, carbomer, sodium hydroxide, imidazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate, methylparaben, geraniol, linalool, carmine, red 22
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Tinted Moisturizer -Bath and Body Works - Goldie Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
archgirl06 1/21/2009 7:36:00 PM
I was so thrilled to try this product and I was able to get the lightest color "Shade One" during one of Bath & Body Work's sales.
Unfortunately, even the lightest shade is too yellow. It would probably work better on someone that is NC15 or even a bit lighter. Other than the fact that it is too yellow, the product is very nice. First of all, it has an SPF which is always appreciated, and it comes in a very hygienic and neatly designed pump bottle. The bottle is adorable with the Goldie design swirled on it and it's see-thru so you can see the product and the amount remaining
I don't remember the original price, but it looks like the item was DC-ed since I can't find it on the website
The bottle says it is oil-free, obviously it has SPF and claims to wear for 8 hours and be water resistant. It's a pretty nice product if you can find a color match, just not for me.
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Lip Gloss -mark - Toute Sweet Sugar Dipped Lipgloss - Sugared Almond
archgirl06 1/6/2009 8:07:00 PM
I've already repurchased this product when it came out with a squeeze slanted tube applicator (I do prefer that over the spatula) though the idea is cute.
This is a medium sticky pearly peachy pink lipgloss. It's a bit on the thick side and has a very sweet, but in my opinion, delightful almondy sweet scent and flavor. The only issue with it is the size (though I still haven't used up my original tube) and that if my lips aren't well moisturized, it tends to build up and leave a sticky residue.
Otherwise, I really like it - not bad for $6. It gives just a hint of peachy pink to my pigmented lips and lasts a long time. Rebought already but I've found that in general, I tend to prefer smooth glosses over anything sticky.
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Eye Shadow -Tarte - Glow
archgirl06 12/30/2008 12:47:00 PM
I have a palette of several Tarte eyeshadow pans and this is my go-to shade for highlighting. It is a very light pale yellow with shimmer. It is quite pigmented and is wonderful under the brow bone, on the inner corners of the eyes and especially right under the lower lash line (I find having a light color there really enhances my brown eyes). It also works for any facial highlighting if you prefer powders to cremes (the result reminds of a slightly more pigmented version of Stila all over shimmer in #3 - liquid version).
In my experience, Tarte eyeshadows require a certain application style since they can be a bit powdery on the pan and I have experienced some fallout underneath the eyes if I don't apply properly. In my experience, the best application method is to tap a tight-bristled brush against the shadow and then press to apply on the eye, then to use a slightly bigger brush to blend. If I'm in a rush, blending with a finger is also a decent way of getting the shadow to melt into the eye and once it does it is pigmented and shimmery but not over the top.
Tarte eyeshadow usually retail for $14 for singles, although if I recall correctly, I bought this as part of a "tester" lot on Ebay for a more reasonable price. I am not 100% sure, but I think this shade is discontinued. To compare to a permanent shade, it is quite a bit lighter than mrs. robinson (which tarte advertises as a light gold shade).
net wt. 2.2 grams/.08 oz
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Mascara -Neutrogena - Healthy Volume
archgirl06 12/23/2008 6:51:00 PM
I've been wearing a full-face of makeup for the past few days and this has been the only mascara that hasn't irritated my eyes due to the near constant tearing from the cold (20 degree, around 0 with the wind chill). It also has not flaked off during a 9+ hour work day.
I've found that it does add volume, it holds a curl decently but unlike some curling mascaras, still requires the use of a curler (and I've found you need to apply very soon after curling - but that just be my stick straight lashes rebelling). Because the brush is on the large side, it does have the tendency of clumping, but I've only experienced this on my lower lashes and cleaning off the brush tends to help prevent this.
I can't comment on the price much because I bought this when it was free or nearly free during a CVS deal but I would repurchase.
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Shampoo -Phyto - PHYTOSYLIC
archgirl06 11/29/2008 7:41:00 PM
I bought this shampoo during the Sephora FF event, hoping that it would work well on the dermatitis and dandruff on my scalp. It has helped in the flakiness and greasy patches, but not as well as the prescription strength shampoos (though I'm not terribly surprised). The smell is a very neutral, earthy spa smell and much nicer than a lot of the dandruff shampoos on the market (T-Gel - I'm talking about you! Disgusting)
My major problem with this is the packaging. Now, there's only a little over 6oz of product but it is packaged in a large aluminum bottle. It took me several tries to open the bottle when it first arrived as the top was on rather tight. Also the product is quite watery so it just runs out of the rather large hole and then you have to quickly apply to your head before you lose the majority of the shampoo on the shower floor! The bottle is quite heavy and in my opinion overdoing it. I doubt it helps the price, which is a whopping $24 a bottle.
That being said, it's a good shampoo and I will be rotating it with my other dandruff ones (I normally use Paul Mitchell Tea Tree and The Body Shop Ginger).
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Lip Gloss -L'Oreal - Colour Riche Lip Gloss--all shades
archgirl06 11/18/2008 9:17:00 PM
I picked this up a couple of months ago in the #400 color "soft coral". I found this to be one of the most moisturizing, pleasant lip glosses I own and it has earned a permanent spot in my purse. If my lips are the least bit chapped, I can put this on and within a few minutes, my lips are smooth and it provides the tiniest bit of peach and soft shimmer. No obvious scent and the packaging is nice, although I'd prefer a brush applicator instead of the sponge wand. Either way, I'll be picking another one of these up when I'm done with my current tube (which I've used 50% of! This never happens given the amount of lip products I have!).
If you are looking for any intense pigment, you won't find it here, but for it's moisturizing properties, it sure beats regular 'ol Aquaphor or chapstick.
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Lips -Vincent Longo - Baby Balm Lipstick Fresh Carnal
archgirl06 9/8/2008 6:29:00 AM
I decided to pick up a couple of these after streamlining my makeup collection, knowing that I usually only wear balms or balm-like lipsticks and was able to get 3 of them at Bath and Body Works for $5.75 a piece.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Scrubs -Unlisted Brand - 24.7 Skincare Daily Purifying Facial Scrub 24.7 is a skin and mineral makeup brand found only (as far as I know) at CVS pharmacies. The scrub is packaged in a red box and comes in a white tube (similarly to the other products in the line). The squeeze tubs holds 4.2oz of product and it retails for $15.99, which to me is a bit much to spending on a drugstore face care item. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Fragrances -The Body Shop - Of a Man eau de toilette Every year or so for Father's Day or birthdays my dad gets some bath & body or fragrance product. This year my mother commented that he could use some cologne since my younger brother had stolen the EDTs from the old Bath and Body Works mens collection.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Shampoo -Philip B. - White Truffle Moisturizing Shampoo The only reason I even bought this product, was I found it on clearance at ULTA for $14.99 (+ my 25% discount, made it pretty reasonable), surely more reasonable than the normal $55 price tag.
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Fresh Carnal is bright pink in the tube, but adds the slightest hint to my pigmented lips making them a touch rosier. There is no frost or garish shimmer. This "lipstick" is perfect for a day at the office.
archgirl06 9/7/2008 9:34:00 PM
The reason that I bought it was it was on sale in early August and I wound up spending about $1 on it after coupons and Extrabucks so it was worth a shot.
If you enjoy tingly face products, this is for you. If you don't then I wouldn't recommend the product. I am a fan of all things tingly (I use a peppermint soap and tea tree peppermint shampoo). I would also only recommend this for oily skinned gals. If I use this in the morning, I can't even think of skipping a moisturizer because it may dry me out. I usually use it at night before I go to bed with a lightweight moisturizer and it works nicely. It gets rid of the black heads I tend to get on my nose and hasn't made me break out (after a month of use). Even though it says it is safe for everyday, I tend to do every other day and it's fine.
I would purchase it if it goes on sale again (I'd say anything under $10 would be reasonable).
archgirl06 6/10/2008 8:56:00 AM
Anyway, I brought home some of the sniff strips so they could smell what they liked and this was their choice. It's a very likeable scent. It actually borders on unisex and reminds of the Gaultier II scent. It has a slightly citrusy top note and after awhile it mellows down to a really nice scent with just a touch of musk.
My mother and I both really like, and my dad thinks it's nice too (but what does he know!).
Price is $28 (I have a Love Your Body card so it comes out to $25 for me) for a nice size fairly pretty bottle (kind of frosted glass, green, heavy, with a metal top). I doubt he'll ever use it up but I'd repurchase, definitely.
archgirl06 2/3/2008 7:31:00 PM
This stuff is not bad. I wouldn't say it's worth it's retail price, but it's a pretty decent shampoo. I use it once or twice a week on my very thick, curly dry hair that is usually further dried by stripping anti-dandruff shampoos. After I use this, my hair is soft! The smell takes some getting used to, and no I would not repurchase at the retail price, but at $11.25, I definitely would. I actually wished I stocked up.
Thankfully, since you only need it once or twice a week, I'm not even halfway done with mine and I've had it a bit over a month.