Misc Beauty Tools -Shu Uemura - Eyelash Curler
becomingshadows 4/13/2011 8:48:00 PM
This curls dangerously close to the skin, but my, my, my does it curl! I was told long ago that the ELF $1 curler was a perfect dupe for this. This person is going to eyelash hell! No comparison. This is amazing. I can't save if I would spend $30 for this, but being that I received it in a swap, I am very, very happy!!!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Unlisted Brand - Latisse Lash Growth Drops
becomingshadows 4/2/2011 4:49:00 AM
My mom got this for me as an early birthday present. I cannot imagine spending so much money on a monthly treatment, but it is exactly that...a treat! I've used it a week and the results are so shocking! My lashes already look twice their normal length, but they have also been very red and somewhat painful. I have not taken my contacts out in FOREVER so it could be a side effect of either or both! Regardless, this works like magic.
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Makeup Brushes -Everyday Minerals - Long handled Kabuki
becomingshadows 4/2/2011 12:41:00 AM
When I first got this brush, I thought it was a throw away. It is not dense, it will not pack product, it just seemed like a mistake-like EM duo fibre brush, which is absolute crap. But this brush is actually awesome for bronzer, finish powder, etc. Happy I read the reviews here. I put it in the drawer and never thought I would find a use for it. Yay MUA!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -NYX - Narcissus 
becomingshadows 3/12/2011 1:10:00 PM
I bought this, but I swatched it against my nc35 skin and it was too cool. :(
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Lip Treatments -Smith's Rosebud Salve - Smith's Rosebud Salve
becomingshadows 3/11/2011 9:52:00 PM
Cult products are always so disappointing. This stuff is simply scented vaseline. While it is a tried and true recipe Alba Un-Petroleum is more natural, cheaper, and well...better. I love the old fashioned-y tin though.
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Skincare - Face -Coastal Scents - African Black Soap
becomingshadows 3/11/2011 9:48:00 PM
This stuff is straight up magic! I've been using Dr. Bronners, the Clarisonic Pro and basically ever top rated product here on MUA, but this one definitely takes the cake. Not only have I stopped getting blemishes, in a matter of two days the two big ones I have scabbed over and exfoliated off! Sure I still have two pink spots of raw skin where they used to be, but that is crazy fast healing! I am just so pleased. I gave some to my mom and een though it looks like a cow pie, she loves it, too! I adore this! Good thing I bought a 10 lb box!!!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Revlon - PhotoReady Makeup
becomingshadows 3/8/2011 12:26:00 PM
I love this foundation! I almost didn't buy it because all of the bad reviews on here. I am currently in the middle of a TOM outbreak so I figured this wouldn't cover. In fact, I thought that "glitter" would collect and make the raised bumps and redness more obvious. While this does not magically erase imperfections, it makes them 100Xs less visible. Unlike Revlon Colorstay, this is not mask-like or artificial. It really does look like I'm not wearing anything. I was an Everyday Minerals Junkie and I thought I could never get a natural finish from regular foundations. I was so wrong. Better coverage, finish and staying power. Dare I say HG? I do indeed. Update: Oh how I wish it was a few days ago. I thought I had found the one. But alas, this is making little peelies on my nose show! I didn't even know I had them until now. Demoted from a 5 to 3. Still will wear on occassion, but I'm going back to my MMU for everyday.
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Lotions/ Creams -Unlisted Brand - EXTRA VIRGIN Coconut Oil (All brands)
becomingshadows 3/7/2011 10:49:00 AM
DO NOT PUT THIS ON YOUR FACE WITHOUT DOING A PATCH TEST! I have been stupidly using organic virgin coconut oil as a facial moisturizer for months before I realized that all the cystic acne and breakouts were due to this highly comedogenic product. I am not saying that this does not have other uses. I will definitely use it to cook with, but I will never again put it on my face. If you do your research on the comedogenic scale coconut oil is a 4 out of 5. Its chemical breakdown is similar to plastic pellets and it works like a mask, trapping impurities beneath the pores. Some people may be ok with it, but I have had the worst acne of my life for the last 4 months because I thought my skin was detoxing...nope. The moment I figured this out I put on a mint julep mask and started using avocado oil. The next morning my face was a hundred times better. If you are looking for a natural facial moisturizer, stick with something on the comedogenic scale under 2 (jojoba, avocado, olive, etc.).
13 out of 15 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Everyday Minerals - Foundation - Intensive formula [DISCONTINUED]
becomingshadows 3/3/2011 8:25:00 PM
I used to be Everyday Mineral's #1 fan! But their products and customer service is just a mess! The intensive base used to be creamy and sink in like a second skin, but now it is chalky, caky and just sits on top! The company has changed its philosophy and the quality of their product. It never used to break me out and now my cheeks are a mess with under the skin cysts that take months to subside. I am so upset! I bought 12 containers last time I ordered since I thought it was my HG. UGH UGH UGH. Save your skin the inflammation and scarring! Worst of all, when I contacted EDM they were sarcastic and downright rude. A few times they didn't answer and others they openly didn't care about my frustration. I've started looking into Cat Cosmetics. Only a few ingredients and I've heard rave reviews about the people behind the brand.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Clarisonic - Pro Skincare Brush
becomingshadows 3/3/2011 8:15:00 PM
Like so many others I was on the fence about the Clarisonic Pro. I had read so many glowing reviews, but at $225 it is probably an expensive and unnecessary addition to my skincare arsenal. First off, I would like to say that I totally read each and every review on Makeup Alley before I made my purchase. I weighed the pros and cons and was confident that the Pro would change my life! Of course with that high expectations, it is easy to imagine why I was disappointed. While the product did take ALL the makeup off my face, it did not change my pore size or decrease the appearance of blemishes. And because I use mineral makeup, leftovers on my face never caused any breakouts. All in all I am happy I tried it out, otherwise I would have been in envy of all the other Pro owner. But as for bang on the buck...its eh. Sonic technology is not needed for cleansing and the cheaper alternatives would probably be just as effective.
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Shampoo -Yes To Carrots - Pampering Carrot Juice Shampoo
becomingshadows 2/4/2011 1:42:00 PM
I love this shampoo! I tried it after watching missglamorazzi (http://www.youtube.com/user/missglamorazzi) on youtube. The funny thing is that she didn't even mention the hair care system, but I was so intrigued that when I saw Yes To Carrots at Target that I decided to pick up the travel set. This included the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. I love all three! I totally agree that it takes a decent about of product to get a lather, but that is a really minor issue. I love the scent, but more importantly, I love how it makes my hair feel. My hair is normally somewhat oily as I only try to wash it twice a week. Using YTC, my hair stays voluminous, shiny, and lovely. My new HG! Also, this will not make you break out! Pantene was giving me bacne and breakouts along my hairline, so I had to put my hair up while I put in conditioner. After only a week, all my skin has cleared up! Yes To Carrots does a body good!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -MAC - Studio Finish Concealer
becomingshadows 4/3/2009 1:33:00 AM
I have used this product for years simply because my mom used it. But this stuff is seriously overrated! It covers wonderfully, sure, but it is drying and creases like crazy. I will use up what I have and then hopefully find a good replacement. The price is decent, but the product is also just ok.
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