Fragrances -Calvin Klein - Obsession
candystripelegs 5/13/2013 9:20:00 PM
I have never owned a vintage bottle but as far as the "new" formulation goes, I approve!! I applied this at 9am and it is now nearly 8pm and this has left a wonderful musky/vanilla/amber softness to my skin. I purchased this mini bottle for about $15 at Target I think, if you are looking for a scent that lasts all day, this is an incredible value and the tiny bottle should last you quite awhile since you really don't need more than a few drops. Upon first spray, I get a sense of something woodsy,balmy and green, oakmoss perhaps? Honestly, it smells very similar to a man's aftershave, there is nothing ladylike/girlie about this scent. Then the civet and spices and amber kick in like WHOA. If you happened to over-spray you will regret it big time in about an hour. It gets very sweet but not bakery vanilla sweet...I can't really explain it. It's like a heavy amber honey syrup infused with exotic spices. Despite it's sweetness, I feel this is actually a unisex scent. I have been wearing this to work and loving it. Not sure if I would wear it on a date though...on one hand, it is very sweet but it's also dirty/primal and very unisex, This is kind of like Tabu and Opium and some of the other vintage powerhouses that scream SEX...men either love it and will ravish you or they will say you "smell like their mom" or ask "where you with another man tonight?" My skin/chemistry eats perfume, 99% of body sprays and light floral/aquatic scents are wasted on me. This stuff is a keeper in my book.
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Liquid -Almay - Clear Complexion Blemish Healing Makeup
candystripelegs 4/11/2013 9:06:00 PM
Really enjoying this foundation. My skin is oily but sensitive, and mild rosacea. Occasional dry/flaky spots. This comes in a pump bottle (at this point, I refuse to buy liquid foundations that don't). No added scent or SPF which is nice for sensitive skin. The salicylic acid in this isn't really enough to get rid of acne but at least it doesn't add to it, either. I will compare this to Revlon Colorstay since most of us have used it before. Applied with my fingers, used a bit of moisturizer first and applied this at 6am. Touched up with a bit of powder at 12pm and 330pm. It is now past 7pm as I type this review and I can still see the coverage and I don't look super oily! My skin looks even toned, the redness from my cheeks is still covered and my oily nose has not totally eaten this foundation. Plus, I wear glasses to work everyday and the majority of foundations just don't last long on the nose area at all. I got the Ivory shade, which isn't really Ivory. This came out a pretty neutral color for me, neutralized my redness but not too pink or too yellow which is nice because I have a lot of surface redness but I definitely have warm undertones. MAC NCs are WAAAY too yellow for me and NW's too pink. I do use MAC N3 (N4 in summer) Studio Fix powder foundation pretty successfully. Colorstay in Buff and Sand Beige were pretty close to my coloring but too yellow. CS Ivory was too light. The coverage is light/medium, the same as Colorstay. IMHO, CS is NOT a full coverage foundation. Both can be built up to full coverage for photos but seeing the same person in real life? yikes...the texture it can leave on the skin is not attractive. Almay's formula is a bit thicker than Revlon's, and you have to work quick to blend it but don't worry, it doesn't dry as fast as CS. All in all, this is a "comfortable matte" foundation but I could see how it might make pores more visible. Definitely a good option for oily/combo girls depending on your skin texture. If you have dry spots/large pores or acne, you really need something to smooth out the skin before applying this. Right now, I think this is the best matte foundation at the drugstore. The texture of Neutrogena's matte foundation is very grainy and while Colorstay does last a long time, the bottle is a pain to deal with, it smells like paint and dries too fast for me to feel like I can really blend it properly. While Almay doesn't claim this to be "long lasting", I think it holds up well and didn't experience much transferring when using my phone. For $10, this is good stuff!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Rimmel - Lasting Finish - Kasbah
candystripelegs 4/6/2013 5:26:00 PM
Love this lipstick!! On my lips, it's a lovely terracotta shade, not as bright as what you see in the user photo (possibly because of flash?). This wears well with Rimmel Wild Clover lipliner (which is my HG). This was recommend on a color analysis blog as a good option to consider if you are an autumn (which I am). The look is "made up but still natural"...not natural as in you don't notice it, but natural as in the color belongs on me, if that makes sense. Popular wisdom says blue-ish lippies whiten your teeth (which is true) but they don't always look great one me. this is a nude/orange/rose mix and it brightens up my face and makes my teeth look whiter. LOVE LOVE the formula...not greasy or thick, it really feels like I'm not even wearing lipstick!! Doesn't seem to make lip lines more noticeable and it's got a slight sheen without being frosty/shimmery or slippery. Deducted 1 lippie for the scent and taste...not a fan of scented lippies unless they are peppermint. This has a bake shop smell...can't tell if it's meant to be caramel or cupcake.The packaging is super light and cheap but the price point and the beautiful color are fantastic!
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Liquid -Paula's Choice - Best Face Forward Foundation SPF 25
candystripelegs 2/6/2013 8:43:00 PM
If you have oily skin and want the simplicity of sunscreen with a bit of color to even out skintone without added moisture that you usually get from TM's and BB creams, then this would be a really good option! Even better if you like to use physical sunscreens instead of chemical ones, since titanium oxide provides the sunscreen in this formula. I use this in Best Bisque, my skin is oily & in the NC/NW 15-20 range. This is sheer enough to work with warm or cool toned girls within that range, any darker and you'd have a white cast. Formula is matte, looks nice and doesn't make pores any more noticeable. Didn't cause any breakouts or bad skin reactions either. Obviously if you have an oily t-zone, nothing is going to keep you matte all day long, so I'm not deducting a lippie for that. I did notice shine after about 2 hours. A bit pricey, 1oz is $15. At first, you might think that it's a good deal but most people will be buying this for the sunscreen factor. That being said, to get the amount of SPF protection listed on the bottle, I believe the recommended dose is to apply 1/4 tsp. Therefore, with 6 teaspoons in 1 oz. you would only get 24 applications of SPF 25 out of this product. The price factor does play a role in my rating since I was looking for something to use as my everyday "work" foundation/sunscreen. So, I would be buying this one a month and still have to buy another foundation for nights out/important events where I want more coverage. Just something to think about if you are on a budget. This is a solid option for sheer/light coverage and SPF protection for oily skin, keeping in mind that it won't last you a full month when used properly for SPF 25 protection and definitely not anything near medium coverage. Would I buy this again? YES AND NO. I would buy this again since I think it's ideal for traveling or weekend trips where I don't want my makeup bag to be cluttered and I want to save time. Honestly, I don't see myself purchasing it every month as my everyday SPF foundation.
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Mascara -Maybelline - The Rocket Volume Express
candystripelegs 2/4/2013 11:19:00 PM
SKIP IT. There is too much wrong with this mascara to even bother trying it since there are so many great drugstore mascaras out there that will give much better results. The look I go for is full and lifted. Lengthining is not as important to me because I wear glasses daily. I need something that is not overly smelly does not make my eye water or make my lashes super crunchy. I like the shorter wand, I feel like it gives me more control. The problem is that the packaging is that ridiculous last-blast style tube where the handle of the wand is kind of thick and makes it harder to feel like you have a good grip. I guess it is just a personal preference, but I am not fond of the fat, wide tubes that are a trend now. And the bristles didn't too much to separate my lashes. This is the third of fourth time I've tried one of the newer rubber/spiky type mascara wands and for volume and definition, I still say the old school big fluffly brushes work best. The formula is really wet and takes a while to try. After 2 coats my lashes looked spidery. Didn't do anything for volume...it only made my eyelashes look blacker and a bit lifted. It smudges too. I'll be generous and give this 2 lippies since there is no weird scent and it didn't make my eyes water or make my lashes stiff and crunchy. This will be tossed as soon as I get to the drugstore this weekend.
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Treatments -TRESemme - Split Remedy Leave-in Conditioning Treatment
candystripelegs 12/23/2012 1:41:00 PM
I LOVE this stuff! My hair is fine in texture but feels very thick and tangles super easily. It's wavy and color-treated so there always flyaways, split ends and frizz at the ends. On an average day, I don't heat style my hair nor do I use hair styling products such as hairspray. I just need something simple to help control my hair without making it feel crunchy, greasy, etc. If you don't like regular anti-frizz creams (found they weighed my hair down too much) or shine/frizz serums and oils (my hair gets oily super fast and no matter the amount I use or the brand, they always just make my hair look greasy), this lightweight lotion may be perfect for you. Personally, I like the smell, reminds me of the Vidal Sassoon products I used as a teenager. This calms frizz, makes my hair easier to detangle and improves the look of my split ends. By no means am I saying it repairs the hair (not really sure any product can do that on a permanent level), but it definitely makes a difference in the way my ends look. For less than $5, I have no complaints about this product. If you have super frizzy, super thick or coarse hair, this probably won't be a great option, but if you have fine or thin hair, definitely check this out.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Crème -Urban Decay - Surreal Skin Cream to Powder Foundation
candystripelegs 11/6/2012 8:33:00 PM
I really wanted this to work for me!! I love powder foundations and find liquid makeup too much of a hassle sometimes, this seemed like it could be a perfect compromise. I was so wrong :( My skin: fair, with a neutral/beige tone. Oily, often mistaken as being cool toned (pink) because I have mild rosacea. not broken to breakouts but sometimes clogged pores. The color ILLUSION worked perfectly on my skin! I applied this with fingers, sponge and foundation brush (not the cheap thing they put in the compact) and they all work great. For a few hours. Then this foundation just really starts to sink into pores making them look big and noticeable and I it seems like my tzone just "eats" this foundation leaving a greasy mess behind. And yes, I set with matte powder. People might say, "you need to use primer or setting spray" well, I just paid nearly $40 for this and I don't think I should have to spend another $28 for the UD pore primer just to make it work! PROS: finish is lovely, nice soft matte color match was great compact is cute but a little bulky can easily build up coverage CONS: WAY TOO EXPENSIVE for the little amount you actually get.. Seriously, if you used this on a daily basis, you'd probably be buying $40 of foundation every 2 months. the compact is heavy and big but it's deceiving. Doesn't last for more than 3 hours without needing to reapply the cheap brush that comes in the bottom of the compact is worthless. This would be nice on normal to slightly dry skin. Anybody who is oily would definitely require primer and lots of matte powder. I shall be returning mine to Sephora and looking for something better. Even the Covergirl Aquasmooth compact foundation outperforms this stuff and it's less than $10 at the drugstore. Sorry UD, I love you but this one is a dud for me.
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Cleansers -St. Ives - Naturally Clear Green Tea Cleanser
candystripelegs 11/6/2012 8:14:00 PM
Oh, how I wanted to love this product *sigh* Green tea for calming my redness, salicylic acid to help prevent breakouts and easily found for a decent price at any drugstore? Sounded too good to be true... and it was. I really should have know better. Even IF this cleanser didn't contain several irritating ingredients (which it does), neither one of the main "active" ingredients have enough contact with skin while cleansing to do much of anything. It would have been no big deal if I felt it didn't really work but it actually caused my mild rosacea to flare up and made my oily skin appear much more oily right after washing. Yuck. Would not repurchase, although they green tea scrub by st ives is nice, I use it once or twice a week for exfoliation and it's much gentler than their apricot scrubs and not as creamy so it's better for oily skin.
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Makeup Brushes -Urban Decay - Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush
candystripelegs 11/3/2012 6:07:00 PM
I have been using this brush for my MAC Matchmaster liquid foundation, CG Clean Sensitive foundation and the MAC Studio Fix powder foundation. I have not tried it with the UD Naked foundation because I do not currently own it. According the UD's website, this brush was designed to work best with the Naked foundation but it work great with Matchmaster and gives a nice poreless finish with the studio fix powder, which has a tendency to look cakey if you want to build up coverage. The covergirl foundation is a bit creamier and I found this brush REALLY helped with me using less product to get even coverage and not look as streaky.It kind of "upgraded" my drugstore foundation, which is a great option if you can't afford to buy $30 foundation a few times a year but can invest in a nice brush such as this one. I found the brush to be very dense but also soft. It's smaller than lot of the foundation brushes that are popular right now and I think it allows for better blending around the nose, under eyes, etc. The shape is domed but still somewhat flat and it's completely vegan and I believe the handle is made of recycled materials. It's soft but still firm enough to feel like you have control over the product you are applying and I like that the handle seems weighted, as compared to some of my ecotools brushes (which I do love) which seem to have the weight distribution towards the brush and not towards the middle/end where you would most likely be holding it. Be careful when washing this brush, seems like it needs a little "help" keeping it's shape. I've decided to use a brush cleaning spray instead of letting it soak. By no means do I have extensive experience with foundation brushes (I typically use powder or cream foundation with a sponge for everyday makeup) but I find that this gives me a nice, even finish and I use a lot less product overall and then lightly add a bit more to places I need to conceal. If you prefer to use vegan products I highly recommend this brush. If that is not an issue for you, I still recommend this brush but I'm sure there are a tons of good options out there that aren't quite as pricey. Would definitely repurchase if I needed to and am looking forward to testing out the other UD brushes!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair -TiGi - Rockaholic Dry Shampoo
candystripelegs 10/7/2012 6:16:00 PM
This is the best dry shampoo that I have used. However, I'm not sure that says much. Most dry shampoos smell bad, leave white flakes or just make your hair look dull once you brush it through. So, there's not much decent competition to choose from. The major problem I have with 99% of dry shampoos is that after lightly spraying and brushing it through, they somehow make your hair look dull and yet greasy at the same time. Thankfully, this doesn't do that and it's one of the reasons I think it's the best option despite my issues with the price and how many uses you get out of it. My hair: I have a lot of fine, wavy hair that feels very thick when running your fingers through. It gets greasy quick but pouf and frizz is also a problem.I also dye it red. So basically...the less I shampoo/condition/heat style/use product, the better my hair looks. Unfortunately, the longest I can go without shampooing is 3 days, max. My hair just gets too greasy, even using this stuff doesn't help after the 3rd day. The problems I have with this stuff are: 1-overpriced ($15 and up) 2-you get maybe 10 uses in a can, depending on how long/thick your hair is and how much you use. I've used mine about 5 times and I can tell it already feels halfway empty, and I only spray at the roots and brush it through. It's definitely not something that you can justify by saying "yeah, it's expensive, but it'll last awhile" like when you get a MAC eyeshadow. That being said, the mist sprays finely and evenly, smells good, and if used properly, doesn't leave white stuff in your hair like a lot of drugstore products do. Not an HG product, but I feel like until I find anther option that doesn't leave white flakes or make my hair look dull after using it, I will repurchase this.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Bath and Body Works - Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin lotion
candystripelegs 9/7/2012 5:34:00 PM
I have heard that the formula and intensity of the scent has changed over the years. While, I can't verify if that is 100% accurate since I have never tried it until now (sept.'12) I figured I would share that info for anyone reading reviews about this product. Very disappointed in this. Where's the pumpkin? This is simply a cinnamon-apple-spice scent. Description says there is a vanilla note in it as well but I don't get that either. I was really hoping this would either be like a pumpkin cupcake scent (the Slatkin candle is amazing!) or maybe a spiced pumpkin (yankee candle) but my nose detects no pumpkin in this whatsoever. I tried the body spray in store, didn't smell like pumpkin either. That being said, this is not bad, it does smell ok and evokes a fall feeling. Would be good for layering with a stronger scent. I can see myself using this after a nice warm shower with maybe a tiny dab of a perfume like Tabu, Opium or another oriental/woodsy/spice scent that I wear in the fall. Won't repurchase.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Bath and Body Works - Sweet on Paris
candystripelegs 9/7/2012 5:09:00 PM
This is how you do a gourmand/bakery scent!! I truly cannot believe how much I love this since I go for more oriental/spciy/woodsy perfumes. If you don't typically like sweet scents, you might want to try this, it's very delicate and complex...not that "knock you out vanilla" BBW likes to use, nor it is super sweet like a cupcake. This is very delicate, like a lemon cookie you might enjoy with a cup of tea. BBW has really amazed me with this one:) Scent description reads "enticing medley of juicy blackberry, lemon meringue and creamy vanilla, inspired by the sweet temptations of a Parisian patisserie." All 3 ritual products blend together well and I enjoy using them all, which is rare. There is usually one that smells off or the notes vary so much that it doesn't seem to go with the other 2 items. . Shower gel: I definitely get more of the blackberry in this. It's very refreshing and a good wake-up scent for your AM shower. Lotion: The lemon really stands out in this...it's definitely lemon meringue. no one is going to mistake this lotion for lemon household cleanser, it's more complex than that. Fine Fragrance Mist: smells like a raspberry lemonade the first 10 minutes, but then it dries down to a lovely, soft warm lemon cookie scent. Not too vanilla-ish, not super cupcake sweet. I'd previously tried Be Enchanted and liked it in lotion, but when using the body spray it became too sugary smelling and gave me a headache. This is a step up from that sort of ripe fruit/sweet blend of Be Enchanted. This is truly a refreshing yet comforting and fun scent. The pacakging is absoutely adorable. I am not your typical "girly girl" so for me to call something adorable means I that I am crazy about it...which I am! I believe this will be limited edition, so definitely stock up while you can!
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Banana Boat - Natural Reflect SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum Lotion
candystripelegs 8/28/2012 10:49:00 AM
I have been testing this SS for a week, using the recommend amount of 1/4 tsp on my face and neck. My skin is oily and sensitive but not acne prone. Before I put on my sunscreen, I use an anti-oxidant toner or MAC's prep + prime Skin Brightening Serum, both of which are very lightly moisturizing and perfect for oily skin. Why am I telling you this? Because I think it's important for people to know what is under the sunscreen, since use of several products on the skin at once can cause added oiliness, breakouts, etc and will affect how they feel about using this sunscreen as part of their beauty regimen. In my opinion, I think this is a very nice physical/mineral sunscreen option for any skin type. The actives are Titanium Dioxide (2.8%), Zinc Oxide (4%). When applying this sunscreen, you do have to rub it in and wait about 5-10 minutes before you put makeup on. This leaves no white cast, does not sting or irritate eyes and does not "ball up" like a lot of sunscreens do when lots of rubbing in is required. Again, no white cast!!! That is pretty awesome since most physical SS do give that white look. After ten minutes, There is a slight sheen and it does feel a tiny bit tacky/sticky but not greasy or heavy. Since I have oily skin my preferred daily makeup routine is to spot conceal and then powder foundation (I used MAC Studio Fix). This eliminated any shine and my skin felt baby soft and the tiny bit of stickiness from the SS disappeared. Since most ladies like to wear liquid foundation, I tested this for one day wearing liquid foundation over this SS and it seemed to work well, did not cause foundation to look streaky, products seems to blend well together. I would recommend a mattifying liquid foundation, unless you have dry skin. If you are searching for a physical SS, I think this is worth checking out!! There is a baby version of this as well, but it seems to be more thick/greasy in my opinion. Finding a truly matte zinc based sunscreen is hard, especially if you don't want to have to buy online and need something readily available at the drugstore. This is about 4oz. for $9 and it comes in a slim tube. I will re-purchase this, it's not prefect but it's pretty close for a physical sunscreen that isn't expensive.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Paula's Choice - Earth Sourced Antioxidant-Enriched Natural Moisturizer
candystripelegs 8/26/2012 4:38:00 PM
For the past week, I have been testing to Earth Sourced collection (gel cleanser, toner and lotion) and I find these products to be non-irritating and did not cause acne. They are loaded with great anti-oxidants WITHOUT fragrant essential oils that are found in the majority of "green" beauty products. The problem with using this as a daytime moisturizer is that it has no SPF. I would be interested in trying a physical SPF lotion in this line if they choose to release one. My skin is oily, not acne prone or combo. If you have oily skin or very dry skin, this probably won't work for you. I'd say this is a nice product for those with combo/normal/slightly dry skin. This is a medium moisturizer, wonderful texture and very soothing. The toner that is part of the set is moisturizing enough for my oily skin before I apply sunscreen, even when I used this at night without any additional PM treatments, the moisturizer still made me oily. I felt like my face was somewhat tacky feeling after using the moisturizer, and it seemed to take a while to sink into my skin. Perhaps, I will save this for winter, when my cheeks tend to get dry. Again, this is a great option for people who want to try more natural skin care without having to deal with fragrance, but if you have oily skin, I would suggest using the toner as a light moisturizer/pre-sunscreen anti-oxidant treatment instead. I will not re-purchase this product but would recommend it to those with more normal/slightly dry skin.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Toners -Paula's Choice - Earth Sourced Purely Natural Refreshing Toner
candystripelegs 8/26/2012 1:59:00 PM
Totally loving this new toner! Chock full of natural, skin-beneficial ingredients without irritating fragrance essential oils that keep me away from the major of "green beauty" products. The texture is somewhere between a liquid and a gel, removes last traces of makeup, I've even used it as an eye makeup remover with no tugging. This toner and the accompanying gel cleanser both glide wonderfully and have a natural, very faint herbal smell. This is definitely a good product for oily/combo skin, it's a toner and light moisturizer in one. Now when applying my sunscreen in the AM, I can use this and get the same great anti-oxidant benefits without applying a serum which is awesome because my skin gets really oily. Thankfully, I am not acne prone and have not experienced an issue with breakouts with using this product (about a week). No stinging, no over-drying alcohol, no gross menthol/mint scent...I guess my only gripes would be the price and the fact that I don't like the bottle. I think a pump bottle would have be a better option for this product because it is not as liquid-y as most toners. I will re purchase since even as a toner or pre-sunscreen treatment, it is still cheaper than the MAC serum I like and is thinner in texture which is awesome for my oily skin.
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