Foundations -Cover Girl - Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation
cfmarie79 1/28/2013 9:19:00 PM
I am really loving this foundation. I would consider myself somewhat of a foundation slut because I have so many of them and I am always wanting/buying more. They're just so beautiful and the promise of flawless skin is like a siren song... you know what I mean:) I have very oily skin, with some redness and enlarged pores which means foundations are very difficult for me. I have everything from Givenchy and Chanel to ELF and Rimmel. My favorites are Revlon CS, Revlon CS whipped, MUFE HD and EL Invisible Fluid. I find that no matter what I use, they all tend to decompose by the end of the day and never ever control oil like they claim. My litmus test for all foundations is wearing it a full day, coming home and taking a good hard look in my lighted magnified mirror. When I went to the store to find a match I must have stood in the isle for a good 20 minutes like an idiot. My trick with matching DS foundations is to grab a bottle of my CS in 180 Sand Beige, which I know matches me perfectly and hold it up to another brand. This has served me well in the past, but with the CG 3 in 1 it was a struggle. They only had 3 shades in my range... 810, 825 and 832 I think it was. Anyways the 825 and 832 were SO similar next to my 180 that I went back and forth for what seemed like FOREVER trying to make the right choice. In the end I chose the 825 which I think may be a smidge too light but still a great match. Once all the foundation matrix sites are updated I will reconsider my choice but I'm happy for now :) For reference I'm about an NC20/MUFE HD 118/Chanel PL 20 Beige/Rimmel LF 25hr 103. So far I have only applied this with my fingers over my primer, and set with my Tarte loose powder. When I get home and do the "mirror test" I can't believe my eyes. SMOOTH, MATTE, GORGEOUS! One pump was enough which is amazing because I notoriously use more than I need. It went on so beautifully with minimal blending and fussing and felt luxurious. I plan on experimenting with different application techniqes to see what happens. It doesn't dry too fast so you can work with it, and it doesn't have a crazy smell or perfume to it either. I hope I never have to update this review because I feel like this is what we've all been waiting for... everytime you see that commercial or read that advertisement or walk by the beauty counter... everytime there's a new release and a new claim and a new promise... everytime you read glowing reviews and are let down by the actual product (I'm talking to you UD Naked) and you think to yourself, "why doesn't this work for ME?"... all the wanna be foundations named after every letter of the alphabet promising perfect skin to tortured teenagers with acne. I know you spend too much... and then too little, and then think there's something wrong with your skin or your application or technique. I hope this works for you the way it has worked for me so far, and I hope that other companies follow suit and raise their own standards. This is a drug store miracle and I hope to love it as much in 10 years as I do right now.
46 out of 46 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Couture Colour - Pequi Oil 
cfmarie79 1/5/2013 10:11:00 PM
I too received this in my Glambag, and am pleasantly surprised with how much I love it. I never thought I could use oils on my hair as I have long, THIN, wavy hair that goes limp like you wouldn't believe. My ends are a complete disaster beause I can never afford to have my hair cut, and I love to keep my hair long...I know, I'm working on it :) Anyway, I use this oil on my damp hair only on the bottom half before I blow dry, concentrating on the ends. I probably use more than I should but even so, never get a greasy or oily residue. This stuff smells SO good ya'll! It's very lightly and pleasantly scented almost like a macaroon, but doesn't interfere with any other scented products I may be wearing. It feels very healthy and luxurious and keeps my ends from looking shredded. I received a 0.5 oz. sample and have been using it liberally for weeks and still have a little less than half remaining! I don't usually ever buy full sized products of samples but let me tell you... this is now officially part of my staple product lineup! I want to buy the 4 oz size to save some $$ because I know I will be using this for years to come, but it's sold out right now on the website so I'll wait :) I took off a star because of the hefty pricetag, but I'm okay with paying for quality products so it's not a big deal. The 4 oz is $50 by the way, the 2 oz is $32.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Rimmel - Fix and Perfect Foundation Primer
cfmarie79 1/24/2011 9:15:00 PM
Let me take you on a journey from CVS to my home... come on, lets go! My inner monologue: "Hey, what's this? I don't see DS primers that often and here one is! Rimmel has a cheap primer that looks promising, yay! Oh wait, what does the 001 mean? is that a shade numbering system? I'd better make sure I don't get a dark color... oh look, that's the only shade they sell... it's universal, go Rimmel! Go Me!!" 20 minutes later at my house: "What fun! I think I'll try my new primer, I'm so excited to see what it feels like and how it performs! (opening the cap) wtf is THIS? No really, wtf IS this? Did I get the wrong thing by mistake? (checks label) nope... that's actually what they purposely manufactured, packaged and sold as a primer... OMG. It's freaking ORANGE/PINK/SALMON and not in a good corrector kind of way. Like I need MORE pink tones in my skin! That's what I have green corrector for! Don't panic, maybe it blends out and you can't even see it... nope. I'm an Oompa Loompa now, thanks Rimmel!"
12 out of 14 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Essence of Beauty - Airbrush Primer
cfmarie79 1/24/2011 8:58:00 PM
Okay so the jury is still out on this one for now. I just picked it up at CVS for $5 @ 0.7 FL OZ. I figured if I hated it, I was only out $5 and if I loved it then I had just found a $5 primer! It has a nice opalescent quality to it which I like because I have never seen a primer with this before, and I feel like it may have illuminating properties without shimmer which is always good. Even if the opalescent quality doesn't actually do anything, it's a nice touch. There is no fragrance added so it smells a little plasticky but only if you get your nose all up in it. It has a smooth glide to it but lacks the classic "powdery" feel of most primers. I can't comment on the actual performance under makeup because I haven't tried it yet, but I have high hopes! (don't we always?). The ingredients are too many for me to type because I'm lazy but there are quite a few botanical extracts in it as well as a cone or two. There is mica in it which may account for the opalescent-ness. Also, some aloe as well as some jojoba oil. UPDATE: I really love this stuff. It is super moisturizing which really helps foundation to go on smooth and without patchy areas/dry flakies. I love the luminous quality to it, and by no means does it add any shine just glow. I have oily skin so I have to be super careful with products. My only problem is now that my tube is empty, I can't find another one!! The search continues...
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Wet 'n' Wild - Holiday 2010 LE Night Elf eyeshadow palette
cfmarie79 11/28/2010 9:41:00 PM
I am not even lying when I say this is probably the best palette I own. I originally bought it because of the Club dupe and the red color, but when I swatched it out I fell in love with ALL the colors in this. I do an amazing dramatic eye with all the colors in the palette... "Club" on lid, blended out to crease with the red, brow highlight with the white shimmer, inner corner with the gold, outer V with the black sparkle, and bottom inner lid with the silver. This creates the most beautiful eye you can't even look away from the mirror! The colors are highly pigmented and blend like a freaking dream, with my UDPP it's out of control. I am totally buying a back up of this, and I never buy backups! I think I may vacuum seal it and keep it in my freezer! I'm just going to stop myself now because I could probably write a novel about this palette. Run, do not walk... for real.
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Narciso Rodriguez - Narciso Rodriguez for her
cfmarie79 10/17/2010 6:50:00 PM
I just wanted to chime in and let people know that this is almost and EXACT dupe for SJP Lovely. It's almost creepy... my friend actually asked me if maybe they bottled the wrong fragrance by accident! Dead on from top to dry down.
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Highlighters -MAC - Magically Cool Liquid Powder - Truth & Light
cfmarie79 10/3/2010 8:05:00 PM
I played with this at the counter and just ordered it online. This stuff is quite remarkable. The texture is extremely soft and finely milled, like the previous reviewer said about the whole water content thing... I'm not sure how that works but the MA said that it was mostly water too. Wacky. Anyways, this is a unique and BEAUTIFUL highlighter! I'm having trouble trying to describe it but when I swatched it on my hand it was like sunshine and rainbows and diamonds and pixie dust all rolled into a unique angel soft texture. I have never come across anything like this, and I own over 15 different highlighters, creams, liquids, and powders. I feel like this is the future. Not just another cosmetic that's re-formulated or re-pigmented and just recycled. I feel like some scientific thought went into this and we have entered a new era of makeup. Seriously. Color wise, it was perfect for me (NC20) almost translucent base. Online it looks wicked dark but it's not at all. EDIT: It's really weird how this applies "wet" but isn't... mysterious! I really love it though, it is so natural looking and versatile. On another note, it's creepy that there are only 2 reviews on this and the collection has been out for 2 weeks. I don't get it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -NYX - Red Pink
cfmarie79 8/14/2010 1:32:00 PM
This eyeshadow stained my eyelids pink. I used ELF primer, then Milk jumbo, then this, and after washing twice with cleanser... then using jojoba oil, then using castor oil, it STILL won't come off. I can only assume that my eyelids are stained because nothing can stand up to that much removal. Other than that, it's an awesome pink color with great pigmentation (obviously too great!).. so I will never use this again and it's too bad :(
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Skincare - Face -Pro Activ - 3-Step System
cfmarie79 8/4/2010 5:02:00 PM
I used this for about a year before I finally admitted to myself that is wasn't working. I was in denial the whole time, like most people. I have no doubt that there is SOMEONE out there that this works for, but overall it's just too drying and harsh and doesn't get rid of acne! I do like the smell and the feel of the products but that was about it. If this doesn't completely clear you up in 30 days, STOP WASTING YOUR MONEY, it will never happen!
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Eye Shadow -Urban Decay - Naked Palette
cfmarie79 7/25/2010 9:59:00 PM
This is the most beautiful palette that I have ever seen. When I first got it, I just sat and stared at it for probably 45 minutes before daring to dip in a brush. I have to confess this is my first eyeshadow purchase from Urban Decay, actually UDPP was the only product I had from them before this. Usually the packaging of palettes and makeup in general from UD is so horribly garish and childish that I never had the desire to buy any, but when I first laid eyes on this palette I was astonished! UD has FINALLY gotten their act together! The quality of the shadows are great and they are highly pigmented too. The colors are so smartly chosen that the possibility of looks are endless. You can do a golden bronze look, a nude, a smoky grey/purple, night time, day time, etc., etc. If I had to choose only one palette to use for the rest of my life this would be it. Also a great bargain @ $44! Love!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Revlon - Matte Powder Blush - #003 - Perfectly Peach
cfmarie79 7/18/2010 9:52:00 PM
Eh. I don't know why people love this blush... it's okay. Not very pigmented at all, and a little chalky. The packaging is not attractive and ill-conceived. I keep it in my glove compartment for emergencies because I hate to just throw it away. Eh.
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Blush -NYX - Taupe
cfmarie79 7/13/2010 9:44:00 PM
I really love this stuff! Hit pan today so I'll have to get more soon :) I use this for contouring and it's the perfect color on my neutral light/med skin. It blends nicely and makes it easy to hide my double chin, and create cheekbones on my chubby face! PLUS... I was experimenting the other day and discovered that it makes an incredible eye shadow too!!! I love it so much I have been wearing it in my crease all week! So if you buy this and for some strange reason it doesn't work out on your face as a contour, don't despair :) just use it as a shadow.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -Physicians Formula - Organic Wear - Light to Natural
cfmarie79 7/12/2010 10:51:00 PM
If you are not accustomed to natural/organic products, then you will probably hate this TM. So far I am really loving it! I love the lavendar smell... which again is an acquired smell but is very common in natural products anyways so I'm used to it. I love that it's not thick, the slightly runny consistency is nice. It doesn't make my skin look oily at all and really softens the look of my complexion. This is VERY sheer coverage so if you are looking for a product that covers this is NOT it. I love how it doesn't feel gross or heavy on my face, some TM's just feel sticky and this is very light. I apply this over my green correcting primer and then I spot treat my blemishes with concealer and finish with my ELF HD powder. Really beautiful flawless LIGHT makeup look perfect for summer. My only complaint is that the price is a little steep for the amount of product you get. I originally bought this with a coupon so it wasn't too bad, but when I have to repurchase it's going to hurt. I hope I can catch it on sale or score another discount somehow. Oh I almost forgot... another thing that you wouldn't really know to do unless you are accustomed to natural products, SHAKE IT WELL before you apply!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -E.L.F. - Mineral Lipstick in Natural Nymph
cfmarie79 7/12/2010 10:38:00 PM
No no no. I really wanted to like this, I was searching for a nice neutral nude lipstick that was creamy and versatile...(aren't we all!) Anyways, I went to apply it and it broke! The lipstick snapped inside the tube! I didn't even have it up out of the tube far either which is the most frustrating part. I was still determined, so I applied it with a brush and oh my lord was it DRY! I consider my lips to be fairly exfoliated and moist at any given time... I never have chapped lips and this stuff made my lips look as if I had just spent two weeks on a freaking Outward Bound retreat in the rocky mountains in January with no water! Gross. On top of all that, I was not happy with the color. It was way too light. I was hoping for a more natural color but this was very chalky looking. It made my lips FEEL very dry too. And yes, I did moisturize my lips before I applied it. So overall this was a bust. The good part is that it's so cheap it's not a big deal. If I had shelled out $20 for a HE lipstick then I would have probably cried! Since it broke I was planning on just depotting it but I hate it so much that I'm just going to throw it away :( You can't win them all. I'm giving it two lippies just because the actual packaging is nice, and the price is right.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Cover Girl - Lash Blast Fusion
cfmarie79 7/8/2010 6:56:00 PM
Okay. So I finally got on the Lash Blast train! I fought it for so long as I am a die hard, life long Voluminous user. I got this as part of a BzzAgent campaign so I was very happy I didn't have to shell out 10 bucks for it. I have always been skeptical of the new "rubber" brushes that are all the rage now... I just didn't think they would be better than the old faithfuls but I was pleasantly surprised! I still hate that you can't bend them in a curve but I guess I'll have to get over it. I applied two coats immediately, really getting in there and "scrubbing" the brush around (you know the drill), then I added a few more coats after the first ones dried using the same technique. I have to say I am very impressed! I have volume AND length with no flakiness or fallout... AND my lashes are soft to the touch...wow. I'm going to try it with my EL primer next and see what happens :) This may be premature, but I venture to guess that this may become my go to mascara over Voluminous. I can't believe I just wrote that sentence. The packaging although cute and vibrant, is bulky and feels a little chintzy and cheap...not a big deal but just something I noticed right away. So far so good!
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