Foundations -Rimmel - Wake Me Up
blondefornow 3/21/2013 5:39:00 PM
I am fairly obsessed with Youtube beauty videos. After Tanya Burr went on and on about Rimmel's Wake me Up foundation, I searched for a british retailer who would ship to me. Feelunique had the color I wanted, so I confidently placed my order...ignoring the Vitalumiere I had in my Chanel.com cart. My expectations were for a foundation that would offer sheer, dewey coverage. First things first. The packaging is great with a lovely pump. 100 Ivory is nice and seems to match my skin nicely. The scent is pleasant and the texture/consistency is light, almost fluffy. There is also a slickness which allows for decent slip while applying. My hopes, while not completely dashed..were slightly nicked. I have absolutely no idea what dewey means to Tanya Burr...or the advertising execs at Rimmel, but Wake me Up left me as matt as every other foundation I have ever worn! I don't know how Awake I looked after application, but matt doesn't suggest youth or vitality!! I don't hate it. It does cover nicely, medium I would say. It doesn't accentuate dryness, but dry patches did poke through (areas that didn't look dry before application). I did have significant creasing under my eyes, which I never have. It didn't feel bad on my skin and I haven't broken out from use. Here's the funniest part.the next day I used 1/2 pump of the foundation and THREE pumps of Clinique's Uplighter and STILL had a completely matt face!!! Sigh...I am on a quest for dewey, plump looking skin. Perhpas the summer will bring more life into this foundation for me. I will continue to use, but it does not live up to its claim for me!
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Styling Products -Aveda - Be Curly Curl Enhancing Hair Spray
blondefornow 3/21/2013 5:26:00 PM
I am an absolute product junkie, and an advertising agency dream. If it is new, with utopian claims...I will most likely bite! When new curl products turn up, I am generally very attentive. Having used and loved BE CURLY Curl Enhancer since the day it was released, I was thrilled to see that line increase by two. HOWEVER...AVEDA's new curl spray is easily in the top three of my worst products EVER list! I spent 26€ on this in my salon and am kicking myself thinking of what I could have bought instead. EVERY cheap drugstore hairspray performs the same (or better) as this! I used something called "Stiff Stuff" AKA..liquid glue! to spray up those bangs and sides of my über cool 1984 hair..yeah..it has evidently been repackaged by AVEDA! I have fine curls, and my one wish is for more definition, especially throughout my top layer of hair. This makes me look like every member of Whitesnake, Poison or Bon Jovi...at 46, in 2013...not so attractive! I think I probably broke off some hair too as it was impossible to even finger comb my curls. I had to laugh at the previous reviewer commenting on her doc touching her hair. It was "only" my husband who touched mine, but I too recoiled in shame! Terrible, terrible product. Its ONLY decent quality is the lovely, typical AVEDA scent. I find it beyond comprehension that this product ever made it past the first testing phase.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -L'Oreal - Visible Lift Serum Absolute Advanced Age-Reversing Makeup
blondefornow 3/10/2013 3:08:00 PM
Whoa Nelly! Bought this on a whim as the Retinol and Vitamin C declaration on the label caught my eye. I thought color selection was decent enough and was able to find a good match for my fair skin. I liked how the foundation applied, giving a natural coverage. Oh my goodness is it ever drying though!!! I wear Cosmetic skin solutions serums, a Nuxe serum AND my Ceravie moisturizer before I even think of applying foundation. My face (after 1/2-1 pump applied with my Sigma 180) looked like I was wearing Halloween-esque mummy makeup!!! I could not get over how bad my skin looked. Cracks, separation, dry peely areas...HORRID!!! I didn't have time to wash it off and start over so I covered the worst areas with Nivea cream and pulled some of the worst skin oeels off with tweezers (yes, it was that drying!!) now I do have dry skin, but not as bad as this foundation suggested. I don't know what is in this stuff, but it was like clay on me!! I tried it again a few days later (after doing a glycolic peel so I know there was no peeling skin) mixed with my moisturizer, the finish was better. I went walking and city shopping with my family so I didn't thi about my foundation. I checked my face in the mirror about 5-6 hours after application and I areas of serious peeling again!! Super dissapointing. And not dirt cheap at $12.50 either!!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
BB Cream -MISSHA - M Perfect Cover BB Cream
blondefornow 3/1/2013 2:12:00 AM
Jumped on the bandwagon yet again! I purchased based on soooo many youtubers raving about this product. I am 46 with pale, dry skin. My hopes were for this to even out my skintone (slight areas of hyperpigmentation) as well as providing a natural finish. I have yet to find anything that can provide a natural, dewey finish on my skin. This was no exception :(. The color is strange (#21). A light, yellowy grayish tone. I don't take issue with the color however. Somehow it works on my skin tone. What I do have a problem with is how thick and powdery it is! My first grade teacher in 1970 was the queen of "foundation/powder mask". This is what my skin looks lioke wearing Perfect Cover!!! I look like I've used about 5 pumps of the most heavy duty 70's Max Factor cake makeup on my face!!!! I use one pump of Missha and apply with either a beauty blender or my fingers. One of the appeals of a BB Cream is the high SPF...yeah, if I am using 1/2 of a pea sized amount I am getting very, very minimal sun protection!!! I won't toss this, but this doesn't live up to the hype AT ALL for somewhat older, drier skin. The search continues!
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Mascara -Jordana - Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara
blondefornow 3/1/2013 1:59:00 AM
Bought this based on Msgoldgirl (youtube) being a fan. My HG mascara for the past five years has been CHanel's Inimitable and YSL cil. Lately however, I noticed a lot of flaking a few hours after application of the Chanel. My last tube smelled "off" after only 3-4 weeks of use (purchased at Chanel in Paris) so I was becoming disillusioned. While placing an order at Drugstore.com I put this in my cart as well. I didn't have high hopes, but gave it a shot. Wow! I have long, thin lashes and this made me look like I was wearing false lashes after only two coats! The brush is great. I had no issue with too much product coming out of the tube, and most important of all...I had absolutely no flaking throughout the day!! This mascara is an absolute gem! I admit that oart of the appeal of a luxury brand is psychological. It is just nice to use something expensive. When that fancy brand costs you 30€ and smells gross after a month, some of the shine fades. I can't say yet how this will stack up after a month of use, but so far...I am sold!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Revlon - Nearly Naked Foundation
blondefornow 2/21/2013 11:27:00 AM
I am 46 with dry skin and "normal" creasing. I don't HAVE to wear foundation, but just like it as a base for my blush. I have only used Nearly Naked once, but here is my initial reaction. I have it in 110 Ivory. It is a teensy weensy bit light for me, but matches my neck. As I was applying to my chin, I thought "whoa- this is fantastic!" Nice consistency, sank right in...nice. Then I moved up toward my forehead. I used my fingers to apply since my Sigma 180 was still damp from washing. As I spread the Nearly Naked on my forehead allllll kinds of dry skin starting showing up. I had just exfoliated, used serum AND moisturizer. The more I spread it, the more pieces of skin were coming to the surface. Very strange! This happened with the Touche Eclat foundation from YSL as well. Now, a few hours later (I'm home today so I keep going to check my face in the mirror), my complexion looks nice. Very even and clean. I like pale foundations on me for a porcelain look and this fits the bill. My natural oils have shown through and I have that "dewy" look now. All in all, quite nice. In no way would I recommend this to someone suffering a breakout(the foundation would glue itself to any pimple dryness), nor to even drier skinned women. I will try this again tomorrow using much less product to see if that makes a difference. FYI- the pour bottle just stinks! The consistency is relatively thick (after a good shake) so thankfully the whole thing doesn't come gushing out. But seriously, who wants to judge how much to use by pouring it on the back of your hand?? Charge $1 more and add a little pump dispenser Revlon!!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Nuxe - Nuxellence Jeunesse
blondefornow 2/21/2013 7:48:00 AM
I am 46 and have dry skin. In January I went overboard with a new Gatineau Enzyme mask and Skinceuticals 1% retinol. My skin was painfully dry and horribly flaky. I live in Germany, so I headed to the pharmacy for some help. I was already using the Nuxe 24hr comfort cream but it wasn't enough. I purchased the Nuxellence on a whim (despite the hefty price of 45€-about $58) since the display had just gone up. I was hoping the serum (under the 24hr cream would boost moisture, and provide some anti-aging benefit). I LOVE the very hygenic, twisty pump bottle. The fluid is a pinky fleshtone and smells heavenly. It is very light and smoothes onto my skin like a dream. That's where my love fest ends. I have been using it for one month now and find it does absolutely nothing. The fluid is so light that it doesn't offer my dry skin ANY moisture. I find absolutely no difference in my skin. It isn't more supple, or more moist and the pores, lines etc are the very same as before. I do enjoy using it, but really only for the lovely scent. I won't repurchase this, and actually find myself thinking..."well, guess I HAVE to use it up". I spoke with the pharmacist where I bought it. She is much younger with amazing, plump skin. She too wondered what in the world the point of Nuxellence is. She has drier skin, and she mentioned not noticing ANYTHING after application. Perhaps this is meant for oilier complexions as a substitute for moisutuizer? When I put it on, it soaks right in and leaves no trace of itself. I can't tell how much I have used (I use 2-3 pimps twice daily). Should I suddenly transform into a plump skinned, wrinkle free goddess in the next few weeks of using up Nuxellence, I will surely update! In the meantime, I will research other lines in search of the "perfect" serum.
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Styling Products -Clairol - Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Silkening Detangler
blondefornow 12/27/2012 6:12:00 PM
Superbly exceptional product! I have shoulder length, fine, curly hair as well as a bathroom full of styling products that do absolutely nothing except take up space. I bought this for "second day hair". I have amazing curls (thanks to my Aveda Be Curly styling cream) on the days I wash my hair. On the days I don't...well, I usually just twist it up since it isn't anything I want to see! Enter this amazing product!! At first I sprayed just a little...worried that once again, I would end up with a sticky mass of goo on my head. I then ran my fingers through my tangles and scrunched a little. Voila!! When I left the house 20 minutes later, I reallized my "2nd day hair" was better than the first!!! I am thrilled to have found this. I live in Germany on a military post which doesn't carry this. When I ran out, I tried the VO5 leave in spray (nah...), the Aussie Leave in...(nope...) and the Tresemmé detangler (goo-city!) as well as the L'Oreal kids detangler (no way, not on dry hair, plus the smell mixed with the Chanel 19 I was wearing was just gross!!!) but, as luck would have it, we drove to another base and I bought 3 bottles!!! Yeah me!! This is moisturizing, silkening and detangling. Leaves hair loose, with fresh looking curls. I'm sold!!!
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Liquid -Chanel - Vitalumiere Aqua
blondefornow 12/5/2012 11:28:00 AM
This was my first high end foundation purchase. Sounded perfect on paper, and while I am still on the fence as to whether I would repurchase, I do have a few thoughts. I have BR10, which may be a smidge light for me, but it matches my neck which is nice. I have been using this for approximately 9 months and it is just now getting low. Initially I squirted a bunch out and dabbed it all over my face. I have tried the Sigma 180, the beauty blender sponge and my fingers. Trial and error taught me that a pea size amount, dabbed all over my face amd rubbed in with fingers gives the best coverage. This does stick to dry patches, so be sure to exfoliate well and use a good moisturizer!!! I've found that dry skin benefits from a serum of sme sort under your moisturizer when using this foundation. I also use a little trick of pressing my hands over my face after application. I don't know why it helps, but the little cakiness Issue I occasionally have is alleviated completely when I do this. It takes a few minutes for Vitalumiere Aqua to "settle" on my face and weirdly enough, it looks amazing about 10 hours later! Again, my akin is very dry so it takes that long to become "dewey" on me. I'm 46, my skin isn't perfect, but this DOES make it look good. Now, ironically enough, Garnier's BB cream as well as Clinque's Moisture Surge look just as good (and some days better). I love going to a Chanel boutique to actually buy something and enjoy the feeling of wearing something luxurious. If I am completely honest with myself however, I think there are better products available for much less money!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Serge Lutens - Feminite du Bois
blondefornow 10/27/2012 5:04:00 AM
I wore Feminite du Bois by Shiseido many years ago. It is such a lovely, warm scent. Perfect for winter under a cashmere sweater. Cedar, smoke, incense. Very Zen, peaceful and content. On a lark I did a little research on Serge Lutens. Wanting to jump on the "great perfumers" bandwagon I ordered this unsniffed based on the name and the reviews comparing it to Shiseido's version. I am not completely dissapointed, but this is definitely not exactly the same as what I had in the past. The SL version can best be summed up as smelling like an EdT of FdB EdP. There is a lack of depth. Shiseido's FdB melded with my skin and after a few hours, the incense seemed to emanate from my pores. This one smells lovely, but is so much lighter, lacking in depth. I wouldn't go so far as to claim it smells "designer imposter-ish" but you can definitely tell it is a "version" of the original...not "the real thing". I will enjoy wearing this, but feel a bit wistful about the rich plum bottle of Shiseido I once owned. Some things just can't be replicated...maybe that's a good thing as well. I am interested in trying other SL fragrances. Perhaps his forté lies in his own creations rather than in re-creating others.
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Fragrances -Chanel - Beige
blondefornow 7/7/2012 4:35:00 PM
I love how individual and personal scent is. Fragrance does more than stimulate the olfactory nerve, it creates scent memories...snapshots of time, captured in perfume. I have come to realize not only that I can go back in time with a fragrance, but that I can fine-tune new memories with the fragrance I choose to wear or test at any moment in time. Beige by CHANEL is a fragrant capsule of my trip to Paris this past spring. The weather was perfect, Rue Cambon was hopping...we were laughing with the sales clerks (yes, the french have a sense of humor...and security guards at CHANEL's jewelry store CAN loosen up). I bought this on a whim, and when I wear it (as I am right now) it brings back the best week of the past 10 years. Soft, but with nice projection, clean, but not soapy. Sophisticated, but not snobby...and exclusive enough to catch people's attention. I have many, many fragrances....this is the one I get compliments on the most. The cleaning woman at work stopped me to tell me I smelled "expensive". A co-worker commented that I smelled of cashmere sweaters. "Beige" smells like what it is supposed to...a soft, cashmere wrap. Warm, soft, content. I am already planning my next trip to Paris. I don't want to buy this anywhere else.
13 out of 14 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
BB Cream -Garnier - BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector - Light/Medium
blondefornow 5/2/2012 10:52:00 AM
I quite like this!! I'm 45 with dry, pale skin. I have large pores on my nose and the typical creasing for my age. I have one small area of pigmentation on my right cheek which doesn't bother me, so I don't try to cover it. I use the Cosmetic Skin Solution Vit. c serum, a Eucerin anti-pigmentation moisturiser (spf30) and then the Garnier BB Cream in LIGHT. It doesn't smell delicious, but it isn't disgusting. I find it doesn't cover, but rather it enhances my skin. I don't need much, but it does do a good job of making my skin more even toned. I find the finish to be quite dewy and the color is fine on my face. I wear 51 in Healthy Mix and B10 in Vitalumiere Aqua. I wouldn't necessarily wear this if I wanted a flawless look...but it works very well for me as an everyday face fixer upper. UPDATE: I have been choosing this over my CHANEL Vitalumiere Aqua. No breakouts...just nice, smooth skin. Someone commented recently in how even my skin looked. I am almost 46 and really don't have anything to hide. I don't know exactly HOW it works, but it just makes everything look better! A real keeper! I'm wondering if this isn't suited for younger, more oil prone complexions as I am extremely pleased all around.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Revlon - Colorburst Lip Butter
blondefornow 1/12/2012 2:16:00 PM
So, once again I boight into the hype...once again, I'm kicking myself for it! Bought the Raspberry and the Fig Jam today. Normally I wear only MAC Lipglass or YSL lipsticks and Golden Glosses. I don't know why these are called Butters, other than gliding smoothly, there's nothing to indicate they are moisturizing. I don't care for the Raspberry color, and was shocked to see how vivid the color looked on after swiping the lipstick on in the car without checking a mirror. The Fig Jam is nice enough, but not deep enough for me. What shocks me though is that these bleed all over my lips/mouth AND they last MINUTES on me. Revlon did a great job of marketing these...youtube beauty gurus did a fantastic job of hyping them, but they fall pathetically short of my expectations! The light colors would be appropriate for a young, teenage girl, or someone who doesn't typically wear ANY lip product. For lipstick/gloss junkies, it's just money down the drain!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Revlon - Colorburst in Decadent
blondefornow 11/15/2011 3:25:00 AM
WHOA NELLY!!! I love, love, love purple lipsticks, glosses, balms...well, everything! THIS is THE color I've been looking for my whole life! Unreal! I picked this up for under $4 the other day, not thinking much since I've never found the exact color I've been looking for. Lo and behold. I put this on in the car and when I caught sight of my lips I stared at myself open mouthed. THIS IS IT!!! It's a perfect blue based violet. IIt doesn't scream "VIOLET LIPS!" t doesn't leave me with a fuchsia lip as it fades. I don't look embalmed while wearing. I don't look goth. It just looks good. It's moisturizing (which is just an aside since that's not my #1 priority). I'm quite pale, with green eyes and dark blonde hair. I have spent 100's of dollars on everything from MAC to YSL. I own over 70 purple lip products (right now), and have owned a couple hundred over the past 10 years. I loved MAC's "Orchidazzle" for a while, but it isn't terribly glossy.My staple lipgloss is YSL's Golden Gloss in #8 Blackcurrant (quite dark, but in the same cool color family). I am going to buy as many of the Revlon "Decadent" as I can, and store them somewhere cool so I can enjoy this one for years to come. I'm hoping a lipstick in this exact shade makes its debut someday as well. Thank you Revlon...I KNEW this color was possible!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -MAC - All of My Purple Life
blondefornow 8/13/2011 9:38:00 PM
I'm a pale, highlighted blonde who LOVES this color! I've worn purple lips for 30 years (my first being a Max Factor gloss at 13). Purple, in all shades/hues is all I wear. I ordered this online the second it was released. Boy is it perfect! Makes my green eyes POP, my teeth look whiter, my smile that much better! I will order more for backup. I wish more women realized just how good purple looks on the lips. I'd give this 10 stars if I could! Thank you afrobella...I'll stay purple allllll my life! :)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No