Tools -Urban Decay - Grind House (sharpener)
bcbrosemer 4/21/2013 6:22:00 PM
This is a good sharpener. It works well on 24/7 liners, and not many do. BUT, I returned mine and won't repurchase because its too expensive. I noticed the blade on this is stamped "Made in Germany" , and it has a little logo on it that looks like a crown or something. I saw this same stamp/logo on the Maybelline Expert Tools duo sharpener, so I picked that one up. Works just as well, for less than half the price.
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Powder -MAC - Mineralize Foundation / Loose - Light Medium
bcbrosemer 3/23/2013 10:08:00 PM
Bought the new version in the clear jar with the black lid. I do not like it at all. I bought it to use as a setting powder, not as a foundation. It's good i did because this does not have nearly enough coverage on its own, even considering how sheer its supposed to be. I am an NC25, a MUA on the MAC online chat told me to get Light/Medium. It's too light, I look very pale and washed out with it on. Also, I use a brush to apply my face powder, and the only way to do it with this is to turn the jar over and dump some into the lid. Inevitably, product gets wasted. Finally, this does not last at all on me. I apply it over Studio Sculpt foundation, so it should have some staying power. But by halfway through the day, it looks like I have no makeup on. Not good. Overall, very disappointing and will not repurchase.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Self Tanners -Lancome - Flash Bronzer Tinted Leg Gel
bcbrosemer 7/9/2012 12:50:00 AM
This is the best self-tanner I've tried. It applies well, dries quickly, and leaves a nice touch of color. The tint makes it really easy to see where you've applied it. I also like the shimmer, it feels like I dressed up my legs a bit. It doesn't give a ton of color, more like evens out skin tones and disguises imperfections. But what color it does give is even and fades very naturally, no blotches or obvious patches. I have only applied one layer at a time though, so I'm not sure how well it layers up. I honestly don't really notice the smell. I'm not that sensitive though. It is a bit expensive, but I only use it once a week or so. One tube will last me all summer. The tube can be a bit slippery when you are applying it, so be aware of that. Otherwise an overall great product.
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Polishes -OPI - A Sparkle Yule Love
bcbrosemer 12/10/2011 6:25:00 PM
EDIT- Ugh, I had to come back and take another lippie off. I've only had this on for 2 days and it chipped terribly. All my other OPI nail polishes have been lasting 5-7 days. As difficult as it was to apply, and the lack of staying power, it's definitely not worth it. ORIGINAL REVIEW- This is part of the Holiday 2011 collection. I found it at Ulta and fell in love on sight. In the bottle, it appears to be a deep holiday red base with silver, green, and pink glitter. I have been really into the OPI glitters since I got Teenage Dream this past summer. That color was beautiful, applied well, and wore like iron on me. I put this on both my toes and fingers. For some reason, it went on beautifully on my toes, but there were issues when applying to my fingers. It clumped up and got gunky on my fingers, and I had to go back multiple times and fix bad spots. I think it was because the glitter is pretty chunky, so it drags the polish around the nail in clumps. There is a lot of glitter in this, so much so that it changes the base color a bit when it's on the nail. In the bottle, it looks like a deep red. On the nail it shows up as almost a bright fuchsia pink after 2 coats. I applied 3 coats, and wound up with something somewhat close to the deep red I was after. it still leans pink though. I do like the color, but it is almost more effort than it's worth.
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Cleansers -L'Oreal - Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser
bcbrosemer 12/10/2011 1:44:00 PM
I have been using this for a couple years now. I have normal to dry skin, and am 38 so have lines beginning in my forehead and around my eyes. I have almost always been happy with L'Oreal products, and this is no exception. I need something that will clean well without drying out my skin, this product is it. If I have full eye makeup on, I do use an eye makeup remover first, but if I have just eyeliner/mascara, that extra step is not necessary. This takes all my everyday makeup off easily. This does foam up well, so you only need a small amount. I use it on a soft washcloth, and rub it in a circular motion. This gives me a gentle exfoliation without irritating my skin. It says it has exfoliating action, but there are no microbeads. I use tepid water to wash, and rinse with cool/cold water. The cleaner rinses off well, I don't feel any residue left over. I use pretty much the entire Revitalift line, and my skin has shown marked improvement. My skin is smoother, my pores appear smaller, and my fine lines aren't as noticeable. They are still there (actually thinking about Botox soon), but my face in general looks a lot better. Have repurchased this at least 10 times, there is almost always a coupon for it somewhere. I can usually get it for between $4-$6, totally worth it for me.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Maybelline - New Instant Age Rewind
bcbrosemer 11/26/2011 1:31:00 PM
I have been using MAC Studio Finish for a long time. It does provide good coverage, but I have noticed lately that after awhile, it starts to cake up and look gunky under my eyes. Not cute. I have dark circles under my eyes that aren't horribly bad, but bad enough that I need something good to cover them up. I saw the positive reviews for this and came across it on sale at Target. I am NC25 and picked this up in Light. It comes in a decent variety of shades, I think there are 4 shades and 2 corrective ones, a Neutralizer and a Brightener. The directions on the back say if your circles are really bad, apply one of the correctors and then apply a color. The Light is teetering on the edge of being almost too light, but once it's blended and has finishing powder on it, it looks good. The formula is a bit thinner than I expected. I was a little concerned about that, thinking that the coverage wouldn't be enough. But it gave a good amount of coverage, and stayed put all day! The sponge applicator I am still on the fence about. It did make applying it very easy, and I was able to blend with just the sponge. the directions say to wipe any excess product off the sponge with a dry tissue after each use, so I did. Will have to wait and see how it holds up. It says it's anti-microbial, I hope so. Overall, a good under eye concealer. Will repurchase. Unless I find something better!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Stila - Raisin Lip Glaze
bcbrosemer 11/23/2011 2:51:00 PM
Bought this in the Ulta 3-pack as well. For $12, it's a great value. I know I will use up at least 2 of the 3 colors. I have been looking for a lip color that's a little darker/brighter than my usual ones. I saw this set and thought Raisin might fit the bill. It's a very pretty, shimmery reddish pinkish shade, with some gold shimmer. I love it on me, brightens up my entire NC25 face. The formula appears a bit thick at first, but it goes on smoothly, and didn't feel very sticky to me at all. The staying power is decent, but I haven't tried eating with it yet. Will definitely repurchase.
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Tinted Moisturizer -Victoria's Secret - Tinted moisturizer
bcbrosemer 6/3/2011 3:05:00 PM
I love this product. I have been looking for a TM that offers a bit more coverage while still feeling like a TM, and this is it. It goes on smoothly, has a silky texture, blends easily, and gives a nice amount of coverage without feeling heavy. It also contains antioxidants and SPF 15. I was using Smashbox Sheer Focus for awhile, but it has a yellow undertone to it, and didn't really last very well on me. There are 3 shades, Light, Medium, and Deep. I am an NC25, and the Medium shade is almost exactly right. It has a cooler tone which is much more flattering on me. the best part of this is the price, $14 for 1.5 ounces. Compare this to the Sheer Focus, which is $30 for 1.7 ounces. Almost the same amount for less than half the price? Sold!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Sheen Supreme Lipstick - Bare Again
bcbrosemer 5/22/2011 2:42:00 PM
I bought this hoping it would be comparable to the Slimshine line. It is in some ways, creamy formula and a nice sheen. It does make my lips feel moisturized when I first apply it. However, this does not last at all on me. I'm talking an hour max. I have to admit I have not tried the full application process with liner, gloss, etc. But I have applied a good amount straight from tube and it is gone within an hour. I do like this color, it is a good neutral nude with some pink undertones. I wish it was a tad bit pinker, but I can probably add liner/gloss over it and get it to go pinker. I was just hoping for something I could apply alone and not have to worry about anything else. Overall, a decent product. But I won't repurchase because it didn't do what I was hoping it would.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Neutrogena - Revitalizing lip balm
bcbrosemer 5/2/2011 8:59:00 PM
I got 2 of these, Walgreens was doing a BOGO deal. I picked up Petal Glow and Sheer Shimmer. I LOVE this product. The Petal Glow is a very nice neutral pink, and the Sheer Shimmer has just a hint of nude color and (you guessed it) shimmer. I put the Petal Glow on by itself when I want a little color and shine, it brightens up my NW25 face nicely. I have been putting the Sheer Shimmer over other lipcolors that are either too dark or too bright that I want to tone down a bit. I love the fact that it has SPF 20, and I love the fact that my lips actually feel better after using it and I don't have to put it on 20 times a day. When I first started using it my lips were so dry I had to keep constantly putting something on. Now I can just apply this a few times a day and my lips are fine, and I have only been using it for about a week! The cucumber scent never bothered me, I actually like it. It smells better than that plasticy/waxy scent other lipcolors have. The shape was a bit weird at first, but now that I am used to it I'm not bothered by it. I turn it sideways to apply. Plus, you can put it in a pocket and avoid that ugly little lump that a round package gives you. Overall very happy and will definitely repurchase.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair -L'Oreal - Elnett Hairspray
bcbrosemer 4/28/2011 1:05:00 PM
So wish I had read the reviews here before buying this. Luckily, I bought the sample size and did not shell out for the full size, otherwise this review would be much more bitter. This stuff is crap. Smells bad, doesn't hold, flakes, and is expensive. The smell reminds me of the hairspray my grandma used in the 70's. This is not a good thing. I usually love L'Oreal products, but not this one. I absolutely loathe it. I will never repurchase, ever.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Trind Natural Nail Repair
bcbrosemer 3/9/2011 12:55:00 PM
I honestly can't believe that no one else has reviewed this. I have to be missing it somewhere. But here goes anyway..... This is a HG item for me, without a doubt. I have very weak, thin nails. They grow very slowly and are prone to tearing as soon as they get any length to them. I have found products that help them grow, but don't strengthen. Conversly I have also found products that strengthen them, but don't help with growth. This does both, quickly, and for a very reasonable price. I saw it advertised in one of those magazine inserts in the newspaper, and decided to give it a try. Even though all the customer testimonials were from women who appeared to be in their 90's. I bought a kit that came with the nail repair, something called nail balsam which is a moisturizer, and a small file/buffer. The directions say to apply the balsam to clean, dry nails and allow to sink in for about 2 minutes. Then rub in any excess. Then apply the nail repair and allow to dry. For the first two weeks you remove every day with non-acetone remover, then repeat the above steps. After the first two weeks you can remove and reapply as needed. I have been using it for about 2 months and now do it twice a week. This stuff is AMAZING. My nails look and feel healthy and strong. They have a nice shine to them. They are growing faster than ever before. And they are holding up to everyday wear, and I am very hard on my nails. I wash my hands at least 20 times a day and they are going strong. I also apply Sally Hansen cuticle oil every night before bed. I always used to think that if I wanted my nails to look nice then I would have to get enhancements put on. And don't get me wrong, I still put gel on my nails when I want them to look extra good. (See my other review for Gelish) But the rest of the time, when I want more of a natural look, this is totally the way to go for me. I will repurchase this as long as I can!
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Polishes -Unlisted Brand - Hand and Nail Harmony Gelish Gel Polish
bcbrosemer 3/3/2011 6:30:00 PM
UPDATE 12/8/11 - I have been using Gelish since January 2010. Not every 2 weeks on the dot, but regularly. I soak off after 18-20 days, with 100% acetone. And despite some people's conviction that acetone is the devil, my nails are IN THE BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE. if people have been having issues with the condition of their nails after using Gelish, then there was a problem with either the application or the removal. Both need to be properly done. When you do the soak off, lightly file the top coat to break the seal. This will allow the acetone to break down the Gelish more quickly. Also, you can apply a regular base coat to your bare nail, allow to thoroughly dry, and proceed with application as normal. This also makes removal easier. When I soak off, I soak for 10 minutes using the foil method, twist the foil, and get 99% of the Gelish off. I can usually get the rest off by cleaning the nail with remover. Then I oil my nails really well, let that sink in overnight, and reapply the next day. I can definitely attest to the fact that this does not damage your nails. I am on a medication currently that makes the skin super sensitive to UV light, so I have been on a break from Gelish (sniff sniff). My nails are longer and stronger than they have ever been. I am making do with my regular nail polish in the meantime, and I am getting better wear out of the regular polish than I ever have. It used to chip in a couple days, now I am getting almost a full week out of it. Plus it is applying much more smoothly and looks much better than it did pre-Gelish. I honestly think the gel polishes are one of the best things to happen to the beauty industry in the last 30 years. ORIGINAL REVIEW: This is one of the new gel/polish hybrids that have come out, they are marketed as "The 14-day manicure". It applies like regular nail polish, only you have to apply foundation, color, color, top coat. You cure each layer in a 36-watt UV light. There is no drilling/filing of the nail plate, just a light buffing so the foundation will stick. Then when you are ready to redo you soak the gel off in 100% acetone in 10 minutes, there is no filling in of new growth. You have to completely remove it and start over. Which sounds bad, but it's really not. This stuff is awesome. I easily get 14+ days out of one manicure, and my nails look nearly as good on day 14 as they do on day 1! No chipping or peeling! It looks very natural, and gives my nails the strength they need to actually get a little length on them without breaking. What is even more amazing is the fact that when I soaked mine off (I did it at home) it came off easily and my nails were perfectly fine. No damage at all! You can do pedicures with this also. I first got it done in a salon, and loved it so much I started researching it online. It is very DIY-friendly. You can get all the supplies online. To buy the basic supplies (including a light and a couple colors) you are looking at a cost of around $150. But they are charging $30 a manicure in the salons, so I figure I will make my money back in a few months. Now I have to say that you do need to take your time and be careful when applying it in order for it to last. You can't just slap it on and go. But there is a ton of great info, tips, and videos online that help. I get better each time I do it, and people are always asking me where I get my nails done. They can't believe it when I say I do it myself! I will definitely repurchase, I doubt I will ever go to a nail salon again.
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Skincare - Body -Bio Oil - All Products
bcbrosemer 1/17/2011 5:18:00 PM
I came across this in Ulta one day. I was looking for an alternative to Mederma, and picked this up. I am so glad I did. I have a small mound of scar tissue on the inside of my left calf. I have no idea how it got there, I just noticed it one day. I went straight to the doctor to get it checked out, because like an idiot I used tanning beds a lot when I was younger. The doctor informed me it was scar tissue and I could try Mederma to lessen it's appearance. So I used Mederma for awhile and it helped a bit, but not as much as I would like. So I picked up Bio Oil. (not to say Mederma is not a great product. I used it on my son's scar from having open heart surgery and that was a miracle worker on him. You can barely even see it, it just didn't work as well on me.) Now let me say that I have been using this twice a day for over a year, so it definitely takes some time and consistency. But the results are amazing. What was once a dark pinkish colored scar that was raised and about the diameter of a pencil eraser is now a pale colored mark that is flat and much smaller. I have also started putting it on a scar on my knee that I have had since I was a kid and that one also looks much better. I have barely used any product too. The bottle is still at least 3/4's full. If I need to, I will definitely repurchase.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Christian Dior - Serum De Rouge
bcbrosemer 11/28/2010 4:50:00 PM
I wanted to love this. What's more, I expected to love it, because I have loved every other Dior product I have tried. Not this. Not only because of the price tag, $32, but because it just does not live up to what I expect from Dior. It is basically a tinted lip balm, and not a very good one at that. I bought 640, Soft Pink. And soft it is. It is almost too pale for my NC25 complexion. It would probably look better with a slightly darker color under it, but I didn't buy this with the intention of layering it. I bought it to slick on when I want something fast, moisturizing, and with color. On top of that, it doesn't even really do what it is supposed to, moisturize. It feels good going on, but does not last. And once it wears off, my lips are left feeling drier than before. It reminds me of the Neutrogena tinted lip balms. Which costs about $6. It does have a respectable amount of shine. That is the best I can say for this product. Definitely will not repurchase.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No