Primer/ Corrector -Mary Kay - foundation primer
boilerscuba 6/9/2013 12:34:00 PM
I bought this prior to knowing much about primers, and this was the first foundation primer I bought. I used it for about a year. I have dry skin, and with repeated use, my skin became dryer, and I felt like my pores became more visible. It did hold onto my makeup for day-to-day use, but was not the best for going out, or hot days. I'm not an oily skin person and rarely does my t-zone look oily, but when I use this primer, I noticed that at about 4-6 hours, I start looking oily - def not a look I'm going for! I do think the price is not bad compared to Lorac, MAC and Benefit, but I will not be buying this again. I feel like for a product I use every day, it is not worth saving the money.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Nails -Wet 'n' Wild - FastDry - Party of Five Glitters
boilerscuba 7/31/2011 11:24:00 AM
I bought PoFG b/c I was hardcore lemming DL Happy Birthday! Though they are not exact dupes, I decided at 1.99 and with the Milani Gems (another dupe for DL HB) was not available at my local DS. Finish: multicolored hexagonal glitter! 3 different sizes Base: clear base Colors: Purple, green, red, silver and skyblue Opacity: 2 heavy coats or 3 medium coats to get decent coverage Dry time: fast :) Application: super easy! not thick at all Durability: I had it on for 3 days before I removed it, but really... I can't comment on it since it wasn't covering my tips. No notable chips. Removal: easy Price: 1.99 at Walgreens I think it's a good alternative to DL HB (esp with the change in glitters from what I hear), but the original DL is prettier IMO (I think it has gold and a different red colored glitter + much more dense coverage). I wish there was more glitter, but I guess if it were more loaded with glitter, it may have been more difficult to apply. I haven't used it enough to comment on whether it gets thicker with use, but I have seen no settling issues. I would re-purchase!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Smashbox - Eye Shadow Quad - Bright Eyed
boilerscuba 7/14/2011 4:12:00 PM
I have been using this e/s on and off for a year now, so I feel like it's time for a review! I bought this color for $6 or so last year during the Sephora promotion, and for that price, and especially for the amount of e/s you receive, I really don't think I can complain. I would repurchase this item IF I ever run out... but I really don't think I will EVER run out. There are 4 colors in this quad. A taupe, a beige and peachy-champagne color plus the brown. The lightest color works as a highlighting color perfectly, so I use it on the bridge of my nose as well as the e/s. The brown and the taupe color together can make a perfect smokey eye... and the dark brown is sooooo long lasting. I was on a business trip yesterday, driving a lot, in the heat outside, etc. I put on my MU at 6:30 in the morning, and by the time I got home at 5, it was still there, and most was still there till 10 when I took off my MU. The problem I have with this quad is the peach and taupe. The peach color barely shows up on my skin, but works well as a base color... or that's what I tell myself. I wish the champagne color would be a little more pigmented, but it does provide enough to look professional. Definitely a work-approved color. I am MAC C4 for the reference. Hope this helps. I don't think Sephora sells it anymore... but if they do a promo again, or if Smashbox sells it on their website for this deal, I don't think anyone can go wrong with it.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Physicians Formula - Shimmer Strips Custom Blush & Highlighter
boilerscuba 7/10/2011 4:59:00 PM
I have the SS in Rosy Glow. I bought this compact as I wanted something that can multi-task as a blush, highlighter and an e/s. I have naturally rosy cheeks, so I wanted a blush that enhanced my cheeks and helped contour just a little bit. Color payoff: low-medium. As a highlighter and an eyeshadow, the compact is almost perfect. It contrasts well enough with my natural skin tone so far during the spring and summer and helps with contouring. I love the darker colors as a pinkish red e/s. However, as a blush, it takes a while to show on my skin tone. It blends well and does not go on chalky on the skin, but is a little frosty for my liking. Irritability: I have sensitive skin and I have yet to have broken out because of this product. Price: At $11.95 a piece, it is on the more expensive side for a DS item. However, CVS and Walgreens, often have discount events going on for PF items, so I would wait to purchase till then. You get a decent amount of product. I've been using it for 3-4 months now, and I could probably use it for another 3-4 months and still not have finished it. Packaging: I don't know if I just got a faulty product, but I have such a hard time opening the compact! I've nicked the pan several times because I had to force it open, and my finger would hit the pan while opening it. I wish it had a button to open it like the Happy Boosters do. All in all, I don't think I would purchase this product again. I recommend that this item should not be purchased for the blush, but for its highlighter and e/s colors. Hope this helps!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -OPI - White Shatter
boilerscuba 7/9/2011 4:59:00 PM
For reference, I've had the black, silver and red shatters and the several of the ChG Crackles as well. Apart from the SS, this is my favorite crackle that has been released. I swapped those away (along with the ChG ones), and WS is the 1st shatter that I decided not to swap away. (Well, so far lol) Anyways... The WS has a thicker consistency than any other of the shatters, which is actually why I like it. The cracks are more apparent when applied correctly (not too thick or thin application), and provide a contrast better than the other crackles I've had. The polish has not turned gloopy for me yet (the black one did), but I plan on adding thinner to it once it does (OPI made an announcement that it was alright to do that) Cracks very well and the dry time is decent. A TC is absolutely necessary for use if you want it to last, and removal is easy as with any other crackles. I would not repurchase as I do not use the shatters often enough to run out of it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Physicians Formula - Eye booster eyeliner + serum
boilerscuba 6/25/2011 10:26:00 PM
What PF claims: -High-tech formula enhances the appearance of lashes while providing the instant definition of a liquid eyeliner, in one easy step! -Lash Boosting complex targets the base of lashes where it is most effective. -Innovative and easy to use eyelining tool delivers effortless definition. - High-tech Japanese formula is long-wearing, water-resistant and smudge-resistant. - Hypoallergenic. Fragrance free. Paraben free. Dermatologist approved. Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. -For the thickest, lushest lashes, use Eye Booster along upper lash line daily. This easy to use liner will add an instant lash-boosting effect and its high-performance formula is designed to enhance the appearance of lashes in as little as 2 weeks! After just 4 weeks, 91% of women saw longer and fuller looking lashes! The last statement is based on individual participants PERCEPTION, btw. Not actual measurements, but just perception. lol Anyways onto the review: 1. The eyeliner: 4/5 -Good wear, and can withstand a day of muggy weather However, it cannot withstand rainy weather even when my face WAS NOT directly rained on. Weird. The e/l flaked like mascara (I wasn't wearing mascara this day). - Easy removal - Like other reviewers have noted, the brush is thin enough not to give a look like from a felt-tip, but also is stiff enough to offer control. This is my first 'brush' liner, and I have no difficulty controlling the brush. - Colors: I have black and Brown. Both are not in your face, but still apparent even with one... stroke? Anyways, they are also build-able without worrying about looking like raccoons. That would take a LOT of e/l. :) - Hypoallergenicity: In all honesty, NO PRODUCT CAN BE TRULY HYPOALLERGENIC. A product may exclude certain chemicals that are harsh or known to cause allergic reactions, but if with a hyper-reactive immune system, anyone can become allergic to anything.... seriously. It annoys me when companies say that they are hypoallergenic. A company should state "contains non-hash chemicals" or "excludes known allergens," in stead. But I deviate... I have very sensitive eyes, and for some reason, I have reacted to each and every eye product that I have tried from Maybelline and Covergirl. I have also reacted to Sephora eye products as well. My eyes were only slightly irritated from use, but this does not occur every time I use it. - Price 10.95 + tax. NOT cheap for a DS product. 2. Lash booster: 1/5 I did NOT see any improvement in length or thickness or number of my lashes. I have been using this eyeliner consistently since march, and see NO improvement whatsoever. The results PF mentions on the packaging is not a trial conducted by PF but rather a participant-based non-controlled report... VERY MISLEADING. I did not really buy it for the lash boosting qualities though I can imagine some people did. It would have been nice if my lashes were really longer. No standard measurements were conducted for a control, and honestly, I think people can make-believe a lot. In other words, they see the results they want to see (longer/ thicker/ whatever lashes) than really see the reality... - Ingredients: MYRISTOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-17 seems to be the stimulant to lash growth, so I did some research on it. I found an article on Tarte MultiplEYE that concerns the said peptide: "Instead of bimatoprost or any other prostaglandin analogs, the active ingredient in MultiplEye is myristoyl pentapeptide-17, which is also the star of Jan Marini Eyelash Conditioner. Peptides are believed to stimulate hair growth at the follicle, but it needs to be stressed that all peptides are not created equal. Though certain peptides have shown to stimulate epidermal cell and hair growth in mice, myristoyl pentapeptide-17 does not seem to crop up in any peer-reviewed, independent studies documenting hair growth. On the other hand, Jan Marini is known for impressive in-house research studies and must have a substantiated reason for its choice of ingredients." So at best... maybe this peptide does actually help growth. The rest of the ingredients are normal in e/l (when compared to MUFE waterproof liquid liner, etc). All in all, I would def repurchase as many DS have deals for PF and is a decent e/l that can be bought for a decent price. I would never purchase full price. 11+ for a DS product is not the way to go. [I'd rather buy UD 24/7 Glide-on] The 3 was given based on the 2 separate parts of the review: 4 + 1 divided by 2 = 2.5 And I like rounding up... so yeah. :) Hope this helps.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Wet 'n' Wild - FastDry - Gray's Anatomy
boilerscuba 6/25/2011 10:03:00 AM
Let me just say something first. If this NP by definition is fast dry, I would probably end up becoming a SV addict... which will never happen. I love Grey's Anatomy, so when I saw swatches on Scrangie with a good review, I decided to head out and purchase this. ONLY my local Walgreens had this, so if you can't find it at CVS or Walmart, et.al. give it a try. Color: Dupe for DL Wicked Game. Trichrome with a purple-tinted grey with purple and green on the edges. Amazing-looking in the bottle. Drying time: 60 seconds? lol you mean, 60 minutes for each coat needed? EXTREMELY SLOW. I got dents after 4 hours of application even after using SV... wth? Opacity: 3 or 4 coats. I haven't tried it as a TC but that could possibly work. Formula: OK Repurchase: Nope. I rarely say that I regret purchasing NP as long as I didn't pick up a dupe for something I already have. I regretted buying this one the first time I tried it. Needless to say, I haven't tried using it again and it's collecting dust. If it weren't for its name, I prob would have gotten rid of it.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Nails -Revlon - Nail Enamel Iced Mauve 151
boilerscuba 6/25/2011 9:53:00 AM
I bought and was gifted a bottle of Iced Mauve back in late 2007 or early 2008, and just re-discovered it when I went home to visit. Color: This color is more of a brown and purple-tinted pink than mauve. It's a darker shade that has a calmer aura. I wish it were almost browner or a little darker with a grey tint to make it edgy, but still acceptable to work setting. That said it's totally work appropriate. I think it'd make a really nice lip stain color... Anyways, it isn't something altogether very unique, but something nice to have in one's collection. Opacity: If you're careful, ONE COAT. Finish: shimmer; sight metallic finish. The shimmer that's noticeable in the bottle doesn't translate as well onto the nail... it's there, but not as much as I would like it to be. Formula: Decent. Neither of the two bottles I owned gave me any problem. Nice consistency, even after owning for 3+ years. Drying time: extremely fast. I think my nail was dry within 10 minutes. Repurchase: No. Not that there's anything wrong with it, I just think with my collection of 100+ I have prettier pinks, and edgier colors that I would wear... esp seeing that I have 2bottles already. I wonder whether Revlon will make a lip stain with this color. :) THAT I would purchase. Hope this helps.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mens -Clinique - Facial Scrub for men
boilerscuba 6/23/2011 9:50:00 AM
My mom has the exfoliating scrub and my dad has this scrub and I've been using it over the summers when I come home from school. so this review is based on several months of use over several years. Between the two, I like the men's more. It has menthol which leaves my face feeling fresher than the other. Other than that, they are identical to each other. The scrub is harsher than most scrubs, so it should be reserved to using it once a week if you have dryer skin. But if you use a small amount and wash your face thoroughly, I feel like it exfoliates better than most others. It has a thicker consistency but spreads well over the skin. I have sensitive skin and I have yet to break out. I think I'm going to get my own despite the ugly packaging. Clinique's men's line has the most boring packaging ever... I would repurchase when it runs out but I know it lasts forever. Recommended.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Avon - Nailwear Pro in Olive Green
boilerscuba 6/20/2011 7:06:00 AM
I. LOVE. No, I ADORE this polish. The color is unique when comparing to other greens available on the market - OPI JITNB, RBL Recycle, Orly Enchanted Forest, etc... I love greens and cannot get enough of them. I wanted RBL Orbis Non Sufficit, but when I discovered it, it had just sold out. I cried about it and then discovered this was a perfect dupe of ONS, and thus, I had to have it. I am not sorry that I have tried it. So off to the review. Color: Not-unique in the sense of being a dupe for ONS. But other than that, I no of no other dupes available. If you love greens, especially murky ones, you won't be disappointed. Opacity: ONE COATER! Finish: Creme Dry time: fast. Application: Easy and wonderful formula. Durability: I think I had it on with minimal tip wear for 4 days... in my book, good. Cost: Currently there are 3 $ signs. Why? This polish costs 1.99 most the time b/c its on sale on the Avon website... SH is usually around 2 minimum and upward, so I'm not sure why it should be considered mid-range. I would consider ChG ~ OPI mid-range priced NP. lol Anyways, I think this is on the cheaper side. Size: .4fl oz. I think OPI NP is .5fl oz, so maybe this is why people consider it mid-range? lol Clearly, the price evaluation boggles my mind. I will definitely repurchase when I run out of this polish, and probably will prepare by buying a bottle for backup. :)
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Avon - Nailwear Pro in Jade
boilerscuba 6/20/2011 6:50:00 AM
I love this NP. I own OPI Hey! Get in Lime and Fiercely Fiona NOPI My Life Saver and my own franken in the lime-light green categories, and the Avon is my favorites. Color: Jade is not the color 'jade.' It's a 'creme de menthe/minty green.' It has a yellow tint to it, but I think it would look flattering on most people. For reference, I am a C4 in Mac F&B. Not replace-able by any means. I keep on returning to wear it. I own about 100 bottles of NP, so this should mean something. Finish: Creme. Opacity: 2 thin coats or 1 thick coat. (I don't recommend the thick coat) Application: smooth and easy. Not streaky at all. Drying time. This is what made me drop one lippie - while the dry time is not un-bearable, it does take a little longer than what I would like to put up with. This can be taken care of easily by using a quick dry TC. Durability: so far 3 days and no chips! I believe my record so far was 5 days with no chips. Removal: Easy, and does not stain. (can be a problem with blues and greens) I will definitely repurchase this NP. Avon polishes regularly cost $5, but often go on sale. The other NP I own from them (Olive Green) is also fantastic, so these 2 polishes make me very willing to try their other ones. I'll try to take a pic on day 5 and post it later. :) Hope this helps!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Smashbox - Limitless Lip Stain
boilerscuba 6/10/2011 9:20:00 AM
I wanted to love this product. Every other Smashbox product that I have tried, I have more than loved. I love Smashbox normally so much I get other people to try, love and buy their products. But this bad boy is going back to the store. I bought this in Petal - gorgeous color! It looks very natural, and applies very easily. One or 2 applications and I get a perfect, berry-pinky color. The balm at the end is supposed to seal the stain (according to the SA), and I love how it feels... The 3 reasons why I gave this stain 2 lippies are: 1) pretty color 2) didn't dry my lips as much as other stains I have tried and + the balm is amazing. Sadly, it dose not fulfill its promise. The box states: "...this marker casts a tint of color that lasts up to 8 hours without adding any texture to lips and is feather resistant so color will never run." which is why I bought it. It lasted less than 2hours. I tried several DS brands and found them too sticky, etc. This one was my 1st venture into HE lip products (normally a lip balm, mostly Burt's Bees kinda girl) b/c I wanted the low maintenance aspect of a stain, an elegant color, and the quality feel. Unless you don't mind reapplying several times throughout the day, this product is not for you. I want to touch up my lips max 2 or 3 times a day depending on how long the day is. This is the 1st product by Smashbox I found terribly disappointing... oh well, looks like I'm giving the Stila or Tarte one a try next :)
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -OPI - Rally Pretty Pink
boilerscuba 6/5/2011 12:53:00 AM
I'm not a fan of pinks generally, but when I saw swatches of RPP, I knew I had to have it. I was not disappointed, at all. Quick and dirty details first: Details: Need to purchase as part of a Serena William's Grand Slam packs; LE Application: smooth; no problems Opacity: Fully Opaque in 2 coats Durability: Superb; 3 days with minimal tipwear Drying time: Very fast Color: dupe is supposed to be Zoya Faye; Pink with purple/plum undertones with golden sparkle coming through. The golden/copper shimmer/sparkle is much less noticeable under the Red Shatter, but I still like the combo. The golden shimmer is not overbearing - much less than Zoya Reva (which I also love!) I would definitely repurchase! Highly recommended!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -OPI - Catch Me In Your Net
boilerscuba 5/20/2011 12:06:00 AM
Short and sweet review! Color: blue-green, glass-flecked foil Drying time: medium-long; takes longer than other OPI's Opacity: 3 coats to avoid VNL Durability: great Dupes: Zoya Charla Awesomeness: YES
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Rescue Beauty Lounge - -- Scrangie
boilerscuba 5/12/2011 7:41:00 PM
I get perfect opacity with 2 coats, and since it's a BiB color, I will be buying a backup bottle! I love how the green shimmer comes through on the nail, and how easily the formula applies. For anyone who is willing to pay the HE price, I highly recommend Scrangie.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No