Liquid -Christian Dior - Diorskin Forever Flawless Perfection Fusion Wear Makeup (new - 2011 version)
covenant 5/23/2013 8:33:00 AM
I've been using GA Maestro foundation for the last year. While it is a lovely foundation, I think my slightly combination skin just didn't work with it. So I started the hunt for something that covered nicely (I have pretty great skin for early 40's. Yay for suncreen!), looked natural, and most of all, stayed in place all day without getting splotchy/greasy looking. After trying about 5, I think I've found a winner. This stuff makes my skin look nearly flawless. It goes on like a dream, not even much need for concealer, and at the end of the day, I might be *slightly* oily, but this is not separating - at all - not pulling into fine lines...just amazing. I am NW15, so Forever's lightest color - 010/Ivory - is still slightly dark for me, but because it isn't a heavy foundation, and sheers out so evenly, I can get away with it. That said, I'd be ecstatic if they released a lighter shade.
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Styling Products -Frederic Fekkai - Glossing Cream with Olive Oil
covenant 5/23/2013 8:24:00 AM
I have shoulder length, wavy/curly fine hair. I love this stuff. Surprisingly, I could have taken it or left it when I used to straighten my hair, but since I've gone back to my natural curls, I use it every day. I usually shower in the evenings, because I get up so early for work, and I have to sit so long to diffuse my curls. So I use this in the morning, as my finisher, before heading out for the day. I flip my head over, and scrunch a pea-size amount into my hair. It's shiny, no frizzies, with full, tousled curls. I'm sorry for those this isn't working for. You really need to use just the smallest amount, rub it all over your hands, letting the heat from your hands warm it up a bit, and (if you have curls) just gently scrunch. I make sure not to get it close to my scalp, fearing it will flatten my hair, and make it appear a bit greasy. The fact that it smells amazing is a side benefit, but still... :) It is expensive, but my 4 oz tube will last me a year - and that's with daily use.
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Moisturizers -Koh Gen Do - Moisture Spa Gel
covenant 1/31/2012 12:47:00 PM
I was just introduced to this line in my search for a new foundation. After matching my color and giving me a sample, the sales girl said my skin seemed a bit dry, and gave me a sample of this moisturizer. Well, I am astounded at what this did for my skin. I've been dealing with dry, flaky skin on my chin, and no matter what moisturizer I used (hubby calls me the 'queen of lotions'), nothing was working. It was quite irritating, as I would notice it when I was at work and have to try to repair it without it being obvious. Within 2 days of using this, the dry area on my chin, not to mention the rest of my face, was moisturized just beautifully. I've been using this every night, and while it's pricey, I think it is worth it. It is a nicely textured, lightweight gel, with only the very slightest of scents.
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Liquid -Koh Gen Do - Moisture Foundation
covenant 1/31/2012 12:37:00 PM
I went searching for Armani Luminous Silk at Barney's (my first time there...I'm in trouble:), but as they didn't carry it, the awesome sales girl introduced me to Koh Gen Do. As I wasn't familiar with it, she sent me home with a sample. If I'm going to spend this much, it better really impress me. I wasn't immediately wowed, as I'm used to foundations that really cover, so I felt a bit 'naked' the first time I wore this. But I went to work and my boss asked if I was wearing different foundation-that's never happened to me. She said the fine lines around my eyes were less noticeable, and overall it gave a really nice finish. I came to realize the big thing, for me, is that at the end of the day, this has not settled into fine lines! That's amazing! After 10-12 hours, this still looks as good as when I put it on. If anything, perhaps it would need a bit of powder in t-zone. My husband thought my skin looked great too, and is happy knowing that I may not have 'splotchy' makeup come summer. I can't believe I'm about to spend so much on foundation, but I really think this is worth it.
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Styling Products -Aveda - Control Paste
covenant 7/26/2011 8:28:00 AM
I have a question for someone with experience using this. I just recently got my hair cut into a shorter layered cut. I wanted something for definition, and thanks to all the great reviews I picked this up. And I love Aveda stuff, so it was a no-brainer. However, I am having a frustrating learning curve with this. When I do as instructed and rub it in my hands to warm, it does not 'emulsify' in any way, and does not really have any 'slip', so I really can't run it through my hair without it pulling and tugging. I really can only seem to rub over the top of my hair, which still works ok, but I am wondering if this is normal with this product? I do really like it, and it works ok as I'm using it, but would greatly appreciate any helpful tips from some experienced MUA users. Thank you!
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Sonoma Scent Studio--Egyptian Musk
covenant 7/2/2011 3:22:00 PM
i really like this. It truly has the feel of a 'your skin but better', natural, pretty scent. And I've been looking for something that I can wear for work that is pretty and soft but not too 'perfumey'. I work in an office full of mostly men, and to smell nice at work, not overbearing.
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Fragrances -Hermes - Un Jardin sur le Nil
covenant 2/27/2011 11:41:00 AM
Still on the fence. Bought this unsniffed...first time ever I think. First whiff seemed very sharp. At a counter I would have walked away after one sniff. Since I spent money on it I figured I better give it a chance. The lotion is more subtle and rounded out. It is quite citrusy, with a floral scent working in later. I have been wearing it to work, and it's growing on me. I was looking for a soft, transparent kind of scent that would work through spring and summer. I think I'm going to still be looking, sadly. Wish it had been love right away as for others.
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Polishes -OPI - The Color to Watch
covenant 9/29/2010 9:38:00 PM
I really like this. It's really different and cool looking.
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Fragrances -Jo Malone - English Pear and Freesia
covenant 8/29/2010 4:37:00 PM
I got a sample of this yesterday because it sounded intriguing. I am not usually a fan of fruity scents, and also many of the Jo Malones have smelled too 'cologne-y' to me. But i thought I'd give it a try. I really, really like this. It smells fruity (the pear), but not too much or too sweet. It smells flowery and breezy (the freesia). Mix in the bit of patchouli and the other 'warmer' notes, and this is just beautiful. Also unlike anything I have had previously. I was sitting in church this morning, and kept getting a whiff...I thought 'wow, if that was someone else I smelled, I would definitely go ask what they are wearing!'. EDIT: Just too overwhelming. This has confirmed that I just don't care for Fressia.
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Sunscreen -Eucerin - Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion - Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen - 4.0 FL. OZ. 118mL
covenant 8/22/2010 12:05:00 PM
I was so excited to find this again. I used it a couple years ago, and then couldn't find it for awhile. I wear sunscreen everyday, so I want something that doesn't have much scent, has good slip, and obviously a reliable sunblock. This is not fancy, but it really does the job well.
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Sunscreen -Aveeno - Active Naturals Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion - Face SPF 30
covenant 8/22/2010 12:02:00 PM
I really like Aveeno products on the whole, but I really do not like this sunblock. I wear sunblock everyday, so it is important to me to have a product I like. My reason for not liking this is: *the scent is too strong, and when on my face, I continue to smell it *main reason-it does not have enough 'slip', and therefore tugs at my skin as I try to smooth it on. *leaves my skin feeling sticky most of the day, as if it just isn't sinking in, and thus makes my face look shiny under my makeup
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Eye Shadow -MAC - Blackberry Eyeshadow
covenant 8/22/2010 11:58:00 AM
I don't know what the deal is with the reviews that say this has no color payoff. It must be the difference in skin color. I am very pale, and this is just lovely (thank you MUAers for the suggestions). I really like this shade, it is beautiful and perfect on my pale skin. I do also love that it's matte, and doesn't scream 'look at me'. Perhaps the folks who are unhappy with it have a darker/ tan skin tone...? If you are pale like me, I would almost guarantee you will like the results.
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Hair Color -Clairol - Professional Premium Creme Demi Permanent
covenant 7/11/2010 12:05:00 PM
Did not like this--at all. I have been using Wella Demi, which I liked, but did not cover gray as well as I would have liked. So I decided to try another Demi, as I have found I really prefer it over perm. They say this does not lighten...well, if it didn't lighten, then it did something else funky. I used 8A, ash blond, and my hair has this weird dark strawberry blond color at the roots. I have light to medium natural brown hair, mind you. And it did not cover gray AT ALL. Yuck, won't be using this again.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Jo Malone - Dark Amber & Ginger Lily Cologne
covenant 4/6/2010 8:13:00 PM
I had read really great things about this, and finally got a chance to try it on a whim a few days ago. Wow-I can't remember the last time I tried a perfume and had such an instant love for it. I couldn't stop smelling my skin on the way home. And it lasted well into the evening. My daughter said I smelled like the forest. :) Just loved it beginning to end. It is earthy, and warm, but not in way that you couldn't wear in on say, a summer evening. Though I thought this will smell wonderful in the Autumn. I finally splurged and ordered a bottle. My first Jo Malone purchase. I'm excited to get it. I think it's going to be a special occasion scent, as it is a bit pricey. Hoping they bring back the body products for this scent.
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Powder -L'Oreal - Bare Naturale Powdered Mineral Foundation
covenant 3/27/2010 7:31:00 PM
Really liked this. Wasn't sure about it, as I haven't bought other than a higher end foundation for awhile, and also mineral makeup has had the tendency to be shiny, which I don't like. This applies nicely, and covers well. It is very buildable, and does not shine. I wore it first on a warmer day, and while I got a tad shiny from perspiration, this did not streak or get in creases. I have gotten comments on looking 'younger' than I am recently, and am wondering if this had something to do with it. :)
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