Liquid -Shu Uemura - Illuminating Moisture Fluid Foundation
c0lap1nada 9/8/2011 5:54:00 PM
As I am an avid fan of Shu Uemura products, I'm happy to say this new (er, decently new as it's not yet arrived in North America) product did not disappoint (well, not completely). For starters, I was on the hunt for a new foundation as my oily skin became super dehydrated and was pretty much peeling everyday (as well as new breakouts appearing every other day). I had been looking for a dewy finish much like MUFE's F&B but with higher coverage and little to no oxidation. As you might know, the F&B has a weird goopy jelly consistency and feels refreshing while at the same time emphasizing some flakes here and there (but not terribly). The Shu Uemura Illuminating Moisture on the other hand looks to have the same consistency as the Smoothing Fluid Foundation when it first comes out of the pump, but on application, it glides on the skin very nicely but it does feel a little oily and eventually dries down to a smooth non-sticky finish. Tbh, I would say this is medium coverage as it does not cover all spots/redness on the face (I finish up with some Lucy minerals)--I suppose you can build up the foundation, but you will probably end up looking like a cakeface.... Oh, and for one thing, they don't lie about the illuminating moisure part, as you do end up with a glowy face (not to be mistaken for greasy!!)... but I guess the moisture just wasn't enough for my super intensely dehydrated skin. Yet, compared to the smoothing fluid foundation it did not emphasize fine lines and peeling as much. They actually advertise this foundation to be suitable for all skin types (as far as I know, correct me if otherwise)... but those who have extremely dehydrated skin may not be completely satisfied with this. As mentioned, I have dehydrated skin but is super oily, and I don't find a big problem using this with Neostrata's Mattifying Fluid (a godsend although over-application can result in flakey skin). In addition, I use this foundation on top of Estee Lauder's Daywear Plus lotion and Shu Uemura's Stage Performer for extra glowy skin. Works great and I'm not breaking out (knock on wood). Do give it a try although some may find it a little greasy feeling, but perhaps not so much in the winter time. I paid roughly $55CAD for this (shipped from overseas). For reference I am NC20-25, Shu Uemura #564, MUFE F&B 32 Alabaster Beige, Ipsa #102, ELDWL #2, Lucy Minerals Creamy Bisque
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Treatments -Neostrata - Oil Free Matifying Fluid
c0lap1nada 8/27/2011 6:32:00 PM
Not a bad product at all. Only problem I have with this is that I cannot use this on top of a matte-finish foundation. Well, technically I can, but the powdery finish just makes the makeup look cakey. It claims to reduce acne while keeping oilies at bay, but I've been using it for over 3-4 months and have yet to see any good results on it actually reducing acne... For sure it has helped curb my oil secretion though. As a suggestion, I would put this on top of makeup as I have noticed that I get shiny faster when I put it underneath.
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Primer/ Corrector -Shu Uemura - Stage Performer Instant Glow
c0lap1nada 8/27/2011 6:28:00 PM
As I love most Shu products, this one is also a must-buy! It comes out a white-grey cream with specks of dark grey but blends into the skin beautifully. To be honest, with this alone on top of moisturizer and toner, I don't see much of a difference. But under BB cream, this works amazing. I have tried this with the Shu Uemura Smoothing Fluid Face Architect, but the matte finish foundation cancels out all glowy/dewiness, whereas with my Missha Signature BB cream, the effects are noticeable. Not to mention, I put on the Neostrata Oil Free Mattifying Fluid on top (which mattifies, hence the name) but my skin still looked glowy (minus the oil). With regards to its moisturizing abilities, I don't feel that it really provides a good deal of moisture... but for certain, it hasn't broken me out yet and doesn't cake up my makeup. For sure I'd buy again, but the price is a bit steep at $55CAD~
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Bronzers -Chanel - Soleil Tan de Chanel 537 Bronze Corail
c0lap1nada 8/27/2011 6:23:00 PM
Rarely do I ever wear bronzer but maybe because of the packaging and the fact that it's a Chanel that I had to buy it. Good thing I did, as it is one of my fave buys this summer! It gives you a very dewy sun-kissed look although it may be a tad too dark for my NC25 skintone. The brush that comes along isn't that bad, the size is good if you only want the white shimmery strip to just highlight the cheekbones or whatnot. What disappointed me a bit is the fall-out... but the lasting power and the quality of the blush/bronzer itself is great. Don't think I need to buy again, as it will take me awhile to finish...
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Moisturizers -Bioderma - Hydrabio Legere
c0lap1nada 8/27/2011 6:06:00 PM
Seriously one of Bioderma's better products. It doesn't break me out and it does do its job. It's the lighter moisturizer in the Hydrabio line, but I think it may be a little too light for my skin. My skin still flakes but it's not as bad. Also, this is a decent product to use under makeup but when winter comes, I'll probably have to use more moisturizer or buy the heavier formula. Oh, and the pump bottle is OK, although sometimes it squirts really fast whereas other times it just ends up depositing a big blob on your hand.
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Cleansers -Bioderma - Sebium Exfoliating Gel
c0lap1nada 8/27/2011 6:03:00 PM
Not a bad product, but can only use this one or two times a week at most. If you think St. Ives Apricot Scrub is harsh, this feels similar. I actually prefer St. Ives over this as it is cheaper and I'm not too sure why, but the glycolic acid in this exfoliator doesn't seem to be improving my skin condition. The packaging also kind of fails in that some gel would always spurt out whenever I open the tube = hard to control how much you're using. My skin does feel smoother after using this.. but many other exfoliators do the same or even a better job.
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Cleansers -Bioderma - Sebium Purifying Foaming Gel
c0lap1nada 8/27/2011 5:56:00 PM
Bought this on sale for $16 after trying it out for a couple of days. Loved how it took off my makeup without making me feel oily at all. Bad thing is, this is very very very drying. It says it's a non-drying soap free formula, but do pay attention to the ingredients list. This has sodium laureth sulfate, parabens, and is fragranced. It does come in a nice pump bottle though, yet for $26 and something that makes my skin flake, I don't think I'll buy it again.
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Eye Shadow -NARS - Bali
c0lap1nada 6/20/2011 11:34:00 PM
Love this for my brows! Really natural on girls with dark brown to black hair! It's also pretty decent as a wet liner or just to give the eyes some depth without going smokey-eye. Would definitely recommend but not buy again since I don't think I'll be running out of this any time soon...
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -BeneFit Cosmetics - Coralista
c0lap1nada 4/17/2011 2:56:00 PM
Looks great in the pan (well, box) but doesn't work too well on my skin. If you've got dry flakey skin, it sinks into those cracks and the sparkles just.. illuminate those cracks. The color itself is decent, easily duped for sure. The packaging also isn't the best... have to remove the separator and then insert it back when you're finished using. Although it's cute, wouldn't purchase again...
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Spectro Jel 609
c0lap1nada 4/16/2011 4:47:00 PM
Great packaging, horrible product. This does nothing to your skin except leave a thin film on top. It supposedly moisturizes but my dehydrated yet oily skin is still dehydrated and oily. It doesn't clean well either, or at least it doesn't feel like it's cleaning anything. After waking up in the morning and using this, it feels like your pores still have dirt and oil in them.
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Mascara -Cover Girl - Lash Blast Volume
c0lap1nada 3/30/2011 12:51:00 AM
Needing a new mascara but being broke and all, I decided to grab one of these after reading all these reviews. This is actually for the Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Hydrofuge (there is another Lash Blast Waterproof on MUA but my product doesn't have that blue line thing in the middle so...). Anyways, it's great, costed me $11, and holds the curl all day. The only bad thing is that it gets all over the place when you're applying. I suppose you could use one of the business card technique but not everyone has the time nor hands to just whip one out while at the same time holding up a mirror and applying mascara. It really does stay all day though!! Have to use a q-tip & makeup remover to remove any traces on the eyelid or undereye after application... or just be very careful (although even that would be difficult). And one coat is good enough!
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Blush -NARS - Exhibit A
c0lap1nada 3/30/2011 12:41:00 AM
Snagged this product off of a sale for $15! Looks insane to wear for everyday just by looking at the pan, but a light tap with your brush actually isn't so bad. It stays long, but the color isn't that amazing. It suits almost everyone, although I do think it'll look nicer on darker skintones. Nothing too special about the color and it doesn't look powdery when applied... unlike Benefit's blushes. Oh, and, I suppose it will be decent if you are looking for a winter/cold/flushed cheeks look...
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Complex 15 Therapeutic Face Lotion
c0lap1nada 3/11/2011 1:39:00 PM
This is a very normal, unscented moisturizer. This is a rather light moisturizer so it doesn't do much for my skin during winter season. It works decent under makeup, but it does leave me shiny. I'm pretty oily to begin with, with a layer of flakey dry skin on the outside. Wouldn't purchase again, as it definitely doesn't cure dry spots.
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Makeup Brushes -Sephora - Professional Mineral Powder Brush #45
c0lap1nada 3/8/2011 9:06:00 PM
Edit: So, it turns out my F80 seems to be performing better... liquid foundation-wise. Still, a very decent brush. I picked this brush up after seeing the pictures on the MUFE F&B review page. This brush is great for liquid foundation but I don't like it too much for mineral foundation. There's very minimal shedding but it's more difficult to clean the other brushes I own. Compared to Sigma's F80 brush, this is way better. The small brush head is great for corners of the nose, under eyes, etc. Would definitely purchase again if necessary!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Make Up For Ever - Face & Body Foundation
c0lap1nada 2/21/2011 1:57:00 PM
This foundation is freaking brilliant. I went to Sephora with no makeup, had the lady find the right shade and apply it to my whole face, and walked out looking the exact same minus the redness/scars I had on my face. On application it has a cooling effect and dries down to a natural dewy finish. This is NOT completely transfer-resistant, I get oily damn fast and after an hour, I blotted and well, it didn't leave the tissue clear but it was light. Note: it was tried on w/o primer or setting powder. Leaves you really natural-looking; my sister did not know I had foundation on until 5 hrs later when I told her. This is some pretty legit stuff! I purchased this in 32 Alabaster Beige (and they now all come with a pump). For reference: NC20-25, Shu Uemura 564, ELDWL #2, IPSA #102; oily, troubled skin with flakey/dry patches aka horrible skin issues
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No