Liquid -Vichy - Aera Teint Pure Fluid Foundation Finish Up to 12 Hour Wear
bex9 11/15/2012 10:25:00 PM
This is my HG foundation. I have tried more brands than I care to name (a few being colourstay, LM oil free, dior forever, MUFE HD...) and vichy has become my go to. I am extremely active day to day, like to workout, have an active job and I will only use a long wearing foundation. The problem is I also hate mask like foundations and am sensitive to breakouts. This foundation is the lightest longwear formula I have tried, and it has great buildable coverage. I don't use concealor with this because it builds and covers so well. It has a natural finish that I appreciate, neither overly matte or dewy. This is the only foundation I have ever repurchased more than 2x, and I will continue to do so. It is so natural looking and performs so well, I really can't rec this enough.
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Toners -Neostrata - Toning Solution (8%)
bex9 11/8/2010 3:49:00 PM
Even after accutane my skin was still problematic, and very prone to clogged pores that would easily become pimples or blackheads. This toner has been magnificent. I use it twice a day, in the evening I use it under differin. I work out and swim numerous times throughout the week, and no longer having to worry about foundation and concealor is priceless. I don't overly like the neostrata smoothing lotion, but have had great luck with the new vichy normaderm face lotion, it's moisturizing and also has chemical exfoiliators.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Marcelle - Hydra-C ComplexE Eye Contour Gel-Cream
bex9 9/19/2009 6:38:00 PM
This is my HG eye area moisturizer. I've tried a few other drug store brands, clinique and a few HE brands. Before this I had been using just vit E oil but this absorbs much better and actually makes a noticable difference when it comes to the fine lines associated with dryness, puffiness, and dark circles. If I forget to put this on I notice it all day especially if Im low on sleep. The consistency is perfect, it's very gentle and I highly recommend it! This is something I always used to pass over in the drugstore until I got a sample with purchase, now there is no turning back!
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Mascara -Fresh - Supernova
bex9 9/18/2009 4:05:00 PM
I also bought this from sephora as a mini duo with firebird. I liked this one better all round and if I were to purchase this again I would only buy supernova. They were nice together but definetly not worth buying both full size. My favorite thing about this mascara is how crazy soft it makes my lashes. And I dont mean soft ie- lack of crunch, they are actually soooooft and feel so nice to the touch, and this mascara has never flaked. I find it's nice for everyday but also can be layered beautifully for some drama. I think it's a nice mix of volume and length. Another interesting point that someone else also noticed is that is mascara actually was nicer a few weeks after purchase compared to when it was brand new. Overall this is probably one of my HG mascaras, if only it were not so pricey I would give it 5 lippies!
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Cleansers -Garnier - Pure 3 in 1 Wash-Scrub-Mask
bex9 7/31/2009 3:03:00 PM
Nice suprise with this product! I bought it on a whim at walmart, because I love cleanser's with exfoiliating beads and it has clay and zinc in it, which I know are both awesome for skin like mine, which is combination prone to acne, but sensitive due to accutane, and also prone to redness! I was a little worried that it would dry me out, because since accutane I haven't been very oily, but actually this leaves my skin sooo soft, clean and matte without being tight. Amazing! I wear neutrogena dry touch spf 55 or spf 70 everyday, and work outdoors doing a laborous job. By the end of the day no matter what I started with on my face, I can actully see that my pores are cloged from sweat and dirt. Not good. Properly cleansed this is easily fixed and almost never turns into to blemishes, but I have to say I think this is one of the best cleanser/scrubs I ever used. I usually spend a decent amount of time geeently massaging it on my face then wipe and rinse off and I really am happy with this. 5 lippies for sure!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Rimmel - Sexy Curves Waterproof
bex9 7/31/2009 2:53:00 PM
I'm also shocked at the low reviews for this. This is the best "WATERPROOF" mascara I have ever used. Ever. When I buy waterproof it's not because I want smudgeproof or long lasting, it is because I want WATERPROOF. I want to be able to go for a run in the rain or a swim (my eyes get wet even with goggles) and not have racoon eyes. And while this is NOT perfect it's the best combo of pretty lashes and at least a very solid water resistance that I have found. There are only a rare few mascaras that are waterproof, and usually they look pretty crappy. This makes my lashes pretty and actually will hold up if your lashes get wet, as long as you don't rub at them. I have worn this to the pool and in the rain and it has not let me down. This mascara, like the non-waterproof sexy curves (which I also like) is a nice combo of length, volume, definition and curl, without being OTT in any one way. I have and will buy again.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Make Up For Ever - Mat Velvet PLUS Matifying Foundation
bex9 6/22/2009 12:24:00 AM
I have waited about 3 months to review this because it has taken me a long to to make up my mind, and really figure out how to make it work. When I bought this I was very oily and acne prone, and it worked pretty well at that point (read: ~ 3.5 lippies). A little dry going on, but over all it was predictable and long lasting, which are my main concerns. I live an active life and my biggest peeve is having to worry about what my makeup looks like. Once it is on, I expect it to not transer, fade, oxidize or grease up. So it was pretty good, but not HG or anything. But a few weeks after buying this I went on accutane, and whoooolly flake city, my skin was dryyyy, and at this point I shelved my matt velvet+ and never really thought it would work for me again. It took me a while to figure out how to calm my skin down, and turned out what works best is the combinate of jamieson intensive moisture vitamin E cream, follwed by either neutrogena heliplex dry touch spf 55 or aveeno ageless spf 30 moisturizer. The reason why I am mentioning this is because if anyone has used either, they know those products are all super rich and heavy, and it probably sounds like the greasiest combo ever. But on me, my skin drinks in it, and turns out that's just what I need, at least while on accutane. And the beauty is, matte velvet has just been an absolute gem for me on top of my heavy moisturizer and sunscreen, because it is so effective at combating the oilyness and leave me looking very natural, and best part is it lasts all day without rubbing off or doing anything funky. And after I have my blush etc on Ive started using MUFE fix spray instead of a finishing powder and Ive been really pleased with it, because this fdtn is so matte I dont want to add any powder to make it any more drying... so overall I dont know how helpful this will be to the average woman, I know my skin has become very 'special needs' lately, and my routine is a bit odd, but it works so well for me I hope if anything I can just inspire people to play with this a little more before giving up on it, or dubbing it too drying. It may just mean now you can actually wear a higher spf sunscreen or something without feeling oily, who knows, play with it though! good luck! ***EDIT*** switched to vichy aera teint longwearing fluid. so much better
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Jamieson - Vitamin E 30 000 IU Rich Moisturizing Cream
bex9 6/8/2009 2:32:00 PM
I am really happy with this! Lately I've been trying products like crazy to cope with accutane combined with very dry weather, and this is definetly what has been working the best for me. I actually broke out a bit when I first started this, though I don't know if this was to blame as I was experimenting with a lot of products. I stuck with it through the breakout (it was pretty mild) and Im am very glad I did because since then my skin has been clear and this cream is actually one of the only things that has helped take down the redness of my face and the redness of my acne scars. I find if I give this a few minutes it does absorb well, and suprisingly Im still able to put on my neutrogena spf 55 over top of this and not feel like I have a lot of heavy crap on my face. Pior to this I was getting dry spots on my face and body that would become dry to the point of getting scabby, and now they are completely healed. I think the intense moisture combined with high vit E content has been the perfect combo of healing and moisture for me. I am so HAPPY and relieved to have finally found something that works! Ive been using it long enough now I am finally going to go return aaall the other crap Ive been messing around with! I will update after I finish with accutane ot note if it becomes too rich for my skin etc..... Until then LOVE. *EDIT* so once I finished accutane I started only using this as spot treatment for dry areas, and for daily use switched to the vit E gel-cream from the same brand. It's a fanastic product as well. If this is too rich for anyone I would highly recommend that. It's similar to clinique DDMG or moisture surge but actually better IMO. Great product as well.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Neutrogena - Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55
bex9 5/27/2009 12:03:00 PM
I use the version of this with helioplex. I use this every day over my burts bees ageless serum. I am currently using differin and accutane, so as you can probably imagine I am quite sensitive. Some days this does burn a little to apply, so I took one lippie off, but overall I would rather have that compared to sun burn. I work outdoors for 8hr a day and rarely get time to reapply, which I know is not ideal, but I have not burned yet despite being so sensitive to the sun (and everything else!). This doesn't leave me clogged, and for my combination skin it's a nice balance between moisture without gease. I usually use colourstay fdtn over this and it wears well all day. Overall Im happy with this, and despite being curious about other sunscreens, this is probably what I will repurcase because I like the protection, and I like how it seals in my burts serum and it's still nice under foundation. Also I am training for a triathlon right now, meaning lots of time spent swimming, running and cycling outdoors in the sun and still no sun burns, clogged pores, or running into the eyes. Bonus.
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Treatments -Burt's Bees - Naturally Ageless Serum
bex9 5/27/2009 11:48:00 AM
After two months on accutane my skin is almost completely clear but now I'm finding it sensitive, totally parched, and (probably because of the dryness) looking aged. I was happy with my Juice Organics brightening serum and moisturizer but after it was discontinued I needed a replacement. I also used jojoba oil on and off but found it never really left me feeling moisturized. SO, in come this. I've seen the rave reviews for this for a long time now, and I love the ingredients listing so I decided to give it a go. I use once a day in the morning, because at night I use only differin. I've been thrilled with it so far! I use it first thing after cleansing, and find it leaves me feeling supple and balanced. I give it a moment to absorb, then follow with an spf 55 (I feel like a good sunscreen sort of 'seals' the serum in), allow that to dry, then finish with fondation and am good to go! Though I would not longer consider my self acne prone I can still get pretty clogged up, and I have not had any problems with this! It was expensive and may be a little hard to find in Canada, but I did finally find one in Shoppers Drug Mart for $30. I think it will last a long time though, so hopefully I won't be replacing too often. When the time comes though, I will not hesitate to repurchase! Also I plan on re-purchasing Clinique DDM-GEL to mix with this a I apply it, as I've found with any other oils Ive used on my face (E, jojoba) that it has really improved the application. Oh and one more thing.... I personally reeeally like the smell. Some had said it was stinky but I find the herby scent quite nice.
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Shampoo -John Frieda - Sheer Blonde Color Renew Tone-Restoring Shampoo
bex9 5/26/2009 2:33:00 PM
Yay! I've been looking for a shampoo just like this forever! It really does refresh the colour of my hair, and cleans without drying, and leaves me shiney and manageable. Great find. I use with the matching conditioner. I have dry ends and my scalp flops from oily to dry, and this shampoo is working nicely either way. I think I want to try the lightening one next!
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Lipstick -Clinique - Long Last - Blushing Nude
bex9 5/17/2009 5:22:00 PM
Very nice for a simple polished lip. The pic is very accurate, the colour doesn't vary much from that even if different lighting etc.
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Hair -Moroccanoil - Moroccan Oil
bex9 5/7/2009 10:44:00 AM
I've waited about 3 months to review this, so I would have a better idea if it truly makes a difference. I bought it from the salon where I get my hair cut, I think I paid approx. $35 Can. for it. I had heard raves about this product here on MUA and was curious, though I hadn't seen it around the city (though Edmonton AB isn't exactly the metropolis of all that is new and cool). So I was suprised and pleased to see it featured at the salon I go to. I asked my hair stylist about it, and she was really fond of it and said it was working wonders with many of her clients. She used it on me and honestly... without ever touching my hair, just seeing how shiny it looked and the smell... god I love that smell... I knew I was at least buying a sample. But then I touched my hair and it was like silk. For reference: I have long naturally blonde hair. It's been coloured only a handful of times in the past 5 years, though it's still had its fair share of damage due to the fact I live and work on a horse ranch and spend most of my time outside in the wind and sun. So of course at first I was in looove with this product, but I resisted the urge to come on here and shout my praises to world, because I had just got my hair cut so I knew it really didnt take much to make me love my hair. It did consistently make me really soft, shiny and take away the frizz, without any weight or greasy feel. And my bf is equally in love with the smell, which is pretty awesome ;) Now that it has be three months I can safely say this is worth $35 to me, for sure, because my hair still looks and feels amazing. At one point I randomly forgot about this product for a week, and all week my hair just seemed... lacking, then when I remembered this and started using it again, my hair was revived. I think Im even going to wait another month before getting a trim, because thanks to this I dont really feel I need it..... overall great product, with lots of pros. Only cons that I find is the price (thought Im willing to pay it seeings how this is way better than the Fredric Fekki stuff I payed equally as much for), and while the bottle is pretty, I wish it had a pump or something that what prevent that whole thing from dumping should it ever fall (knock on wood!)... <3
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Sudocrem
bex9 4/29/2009 9:50:00 PM
Ah, sudocrem. You sounded like you were just what I needed. Im on accutane so I'm not breakout prone, though I am fighting the occasional extra stubborn blemish, and my face has been so red and sensitive lately. I was pretty hopefully this would help with at least one of these problems, if not both. However every morning I woke up with sudocrem on after wearing all night, I woke up to skin that didnt look improved at all :( and my skin actually felt... quite gross after wearing this all night. I had to wash numerous times to feel like all the residue was finally off. And sadly my skin wasnt any less red or reactive than before, and the size and / or numbers of my blemishes remained the same. Im still giving it 3 lippies because I did have better luck with it when I used it on some red ingrown hairs around the bikini line. It also worked well when I had a small breakout on my chest (or it might have been a rash, but either way the sudocrem really took away the redness of the bumps). Overall if you live in Canada I would still recommend trying it, it's like $5 and if it doesnt work for your face chances are its not going to make it worse, and is does really work for bodily skin irriation. I already know the next time I go on a beach vaction Im bringing just for use after shaving (bikinis dont hide much :P ). Hope others have better luck than I did.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -Maybelline - Dream Matte Pressed Powder
bex9 4/27/2009 3:07:00 PM
I bought this on a whim, not wanting to spend the $$$ on MAC blot powder but needing something portable and of the same general function. Like others, I found this to be a very nice suprise. Offers just the lightest coverage, but biggest asset of this is its ability to leave skin matte, without feeling heavy or leave you looking dull. Some powders don't layer well over foundation but I find that is where this excells. I like it for midday touchups, or as finishing powder that wears well without adding weight or any cake-factor. Im an NC20, 10 in dior and bought this in light. It is not an extremely mattifying product, you will probably have to apply more than once over the full course of a day, but I dont mind that personally seeings how well it reapplies. I used this previous to accutane and liked it, and am very suprised that I still like it now that my skin has changed so much from the accutane. Somedays I am so dry I dont need this, but more othen than not I find my skin gets oily yet dehyrated and even then this is still a good finishing powder, especially if I know its going to be a long and active day for me. Overall good product. Would recommend over blot powder because I find it mattefies so well and adds a little coverage without adding weight, changing colour, or accentuating flakes, or drying me out. Nice drugstore find.
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