Foundations -Stila - one step makeup [DISCONTINUED]
daisies 4/20/2010 7:53:00 PM
I was looking for a foundation that would save me time in the morning, so my first inclination was to find a powder foundation so that I could make the foundation and powder all one step. I'd been using MUFE Duo Mat, but, true to its name, it was way too matte. Then I tried DiorSkin Forever Compact and Fresh Luster Powder, which both kinda sucked. I have a lot of freckles, and none of these gave me the coverage I was looking for. So as I wandered the aisles of Sephora not really knowing what I wanted, I spotted Stila's One Step Makeup. Ooh, "One Step"? That's what I'm looking for! Turns out it saves even more time than a powder foundation because it also serves as a primer and concealer -- and, yes, it actually works! After I wash and tone my face, I apply my usual TwinLabs NaPCA Spray, let that dry, and then apply one pump of the Stila to the back of my hand. I dip my Sephora 55 Airbrush into the makeup and basically buff it into my skin; I have to re-dip a few times to cover each area. Then I use what's left on my hand on my undereye area (using my finger) and to spot conceal (using a concealer brush). Absolutely flawless, and it lasts for hours. It is expensive, but I guess when you consider it's four products in one, it's actually kinda cheap, relatively speaking! BTW, I use the "Light" shade, and I am on the pale side of NC20; in MUFE, I wear 20 in F&B and 115 in HD. The "Fair" shade in Stila was slightly too pale for me.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Jane - Blushing Petal [DISCONTINUED]
daisies 1/7/2010 10:19:00 PM
I have tried Jane's Blushing Cheeks blushes in every color, and this is my favorite. I've searched high and low, and it's the closest drugstore dupe, in powder form, of Becca Turkish Rose cream blush that I've been able to find. It's completely matte and blends very well, giving my NC20 complexion a very natural, warm glow. I don't look washed out or OTT, just perfect!
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Lipstick -Maybelline - Color Senational - Autumn Rush
daisies 10/8/2009 2:51:00 AM
HG! I am pretty pale -- MUFE HD 117, Duo Mat 200, F&B 20 -- and this is actually a MLBB shade. It provides a really natural contrast between my skin tone and the color of my lips without screaming "too bright!" or "too dark!" It also helps my lips stand out because I have blonde hair, and if there isn't any color on my lips I look extremely washed out ... but too much color makes me look like a clown. It's absolutely perfect. It's what I wanted MAC's Verve to be, but it's more natural and definitely not as drying. In fact, I don't need to wear any lip balm underneath. It also looks great with NYC l/l in 951A. The packaging is nice and you can't beat the price, especially when Maybelline is usually BOGO.
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Lip Treatments -Carmex - CHERRY Click-Stick
daisies 8/20/2009 5:23:00 PM
This is the best lipbalm to wear *over* lips filled in with lipliner only. It imparts a natural look with no glossy shine. I wear this balm over NYC l/l in 954A, and it's not only the perfect MLBB but it keeps the liner from drying out. I have two so that I can keep one in my makeup stash and one in my purse at all times! I have not, however, used it on its own, so I can't comment on how well it works as a balm over naked lips.
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Lip Liners -New York Color - Lip Liner Pencil- #954A
daisies 8/20/2009 5:14:00 PM
I was turned on to this l/l by a makeup artist, and not only is it the perfect natural shade, but it's dirt cheap at 99 cents. I use this to fill in my entire lip and top it with Cherry Carmex (stick) for the ultimate MLBB. It's very smooth and doesn't dry out my lips. Will buy again ... in fact I've already bought three!
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Makeup Brushes -Sephora - Professionnel Platinum Air Brush #55
daisies 6/22/2009 10:00:00 PM
I must sing the praises of this brush! It really made a difference in the application of my liquid foundation. I've tried it with both MUFE HD and F&B. Previously, I had to use a damp foundation brush with HD to make it look good, but the 55 (not damp) makes it so easy to swirl in. I never had problems applying F&B with a regular foundation brush, but it was much faster with the 55 and it just looks more natural, IMO. In both cases, my face really did look airbrushed! I applied F&B this morning at around 9am, and it's now approaching 7pm and I haven't touched up once. Normally, I'd probably have to use a C&C sheet by now. But I think the fact that I buffed the liquid into my skin rather than "painted" it on helped the staying power tremendously. I actually would buy it again, even though I really don't need more than one, because I'm afraid if I lose it, and god forbid it gets d/c, I won't be able to find one again! (BTW, I use the MUFE HD primer under both foundations, and I use the MUFE HD silica powder over HD foundation and the MUFE matte loose powder over F&B.)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Make Up For Ever - HD High Definition Foundation
daisies 3/29/2009 9:58:00 PM
I'm reviewing this after the first wearing, but I have to say this stuff is amazing. I needed a medium- to full-coverage foundation because I just got over the chickenpox and my other foundations were too sheer to help cover the scars. MUFE HD foundation is definitely full coverage, but once it's on, it's so smooth you can barely tell you're wearing foundation. In addition, I'm a figure skater and I purposely wore it to practice to see if it held up after a workout. Not only did it hold up after I skated, but it's now eight hours since I first applied it and it still looks flawless. I wear shade 117; for reference, I am shade 20 in MUFE F&B, NC20 in MAC and Cashmere in Becca LSC. Also, I applied the HD foundation with a foundation brush and I used it in conjunction with the HD Primer (in shade 0 - the invisible one), the Full Coverage concealer (shade 4) and the HD Powder, which I applied with the MUFE kabuki brush. I will update this review if I encounter any problems, like breakouts, but for now this one's a keeper!
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Powder -Laura Geller - Balance n Brighten in Fair
daisies 3/23/2008 10:42:00 PM
I'd been looking for a foundation that could be applied really quickly -- I'm a figure skater and get up really early to skate before work, and I'd been doing the whole primer-foundation-concealer-powder thing, which was taking way too long that early in the morning! Laura Geller's Balance-N-Brighten in Fair is exactly what I needed. It sweeps on with a powder brush (I use the Sephora synthetic powder brush), and you can build the amount of coverage you want. One sweep evens out my skin tone, but a second sweep really covers a lot better. It also has a bit of luminosity to it, but it's not a bad "shiny" -- it looks healthy. I use concealer underneath and blush on top (I really like LG's Sunswept Blush-N-Brighten, as well as her Ethereal Rose). Add in my e/s, e/l and mascara, and my whole m/u regimen takes five minutes ... vs. the 15 minutes it takes when I use conventional foundation. The Fair shade is perfect for my NC20 skin. I will definitely repurchase, although I don't see myself running out any time soon. There seems to be a lot of product!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -Laura Geller - Lip Spackle
daisies 3/17/2008 6:33:00 PM
I am starting a review for Laura Geller's Lip Spackle because it is now sold separately from the Eye Spackle. I have been looking for years for a decent lip balm or primer -- anything that would keep my lipstick on and looking fresh throughout the day -- and I have finally found my HG. Lip Spackle is much different than any other lip product I have used ... it looks pinky-beige in the pot, and it looks whitish-beige on the lips. That was a little scary at first, but after applying my liner and lipstick, the colors really popped. Everything was still fresh before I ate lunch, and it only faded a bit after I ate. But the best part was that when I went to reapply my lipstick after lunch, I didn't have to start all over -- I usually have to basically wash everything off my lips and start over again with balm/primer, liner and lipstick, because after I eat (or after my lipstick wears off from talking or just in general), my lips are either dry or sticky or otherwise yucky. With Lip Spackle, my lips were still very smooth after I ate, and I only needed to reapply the lipstick ... not even the liner! (This is not to say I was left with a liner "ring" around my lips -- I wasn't, but the color was not faded enough to warrant another application.) As I am writing this review, it's been six hours since I first applied the Lip Spackle and it's been 2 1/2 hours since lunch, and my lipstick looks like I just applied it. I am highly impressed with this product and will definitely repurchase! It is a bit pricey at $21.50, but a little goes a long way, and I don't expect to run out for a long time. UPDATE: This is seriously the BEST product ever known to man... er, woman! My l/s remains fresh for hours, even if I talk a lot -- and I do. :) With other products I'd get that white gunk on the edge of my mouth, and that doesn't happen at all when I use Lip Spackle. It also does not dry out my lips the way Guerlain Lip Lift did. Perfection. 2ND UPDATE: It should be said that I think this product will only work well if your lips are not dry or chapped, otherwise the dryness might be magnified. I've been using Laura Geller's Lip Strip every other night, and I also try to keep my lips as hydrated as possible. But do not be afraid of how white it looks when you apply it; once you top it with liner and l/s, you are good to go!
18 out of 18 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -DHC - Light & Smooth Conditioner
daisies 3/7/2008 10:55:00 PM
Almost my entire skin-care regimen is made up of DHC products, so when I got the sample of this conditioner (and its partner shampoo), I was expecting great things -- and I was not disappointed! I have been using Nizoral shampoo for years due to scalp conditions, but after one application of the DHC shampoo and conditioner, my scalp is a million times better. As for my hair itself, it is naturally curly but also color-treated, and I generally flat-iron it straight because I don't like to use too much product and without product it's a big frizz ball. Well, after using the DHC Light & Smooth duo, my hair actually went into ringlets when I let it air dry. I immediately ordered the full size ... and since then ordered a second full-size duo because it's currently on sale and I don't want to be without! The only thing I don't like is that the pump bottles are actually too big for me ... they don't fit in my shower caddy. But that's a small price to pay for beautiful hair! ***UPDATE***... unfortunately, after using this conditioner (and shampoo) for a while, I found my scalp got really dry ... now not even the Nizoral is helping. I've started using Neutrogena's Triple Moisture Dry Scalp Soothing shampoo and conditioner, which have helped a lot, but I am disappointed that the DHC products went from so good to so bad!
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Shampoo -DHC - Light & Smooth Shampoo
daisies 3/7/2008 10:53:00 PM
Almost my entire skin-care regimen is made up of DHC products, so when I got the sample of this shampoo (and its partner conditioner), I was expecting great things -- and I was not disappointed! I have been using Nizoral for years due to scalp conditions, but after one application of the DHC shampoo and conditioner, my scalp is a million times better. As for my hair itself, it is naturally curly but also color-treated, and I generally flat-iron it straight because I don't like to use too much product and without product it's a big frizz ball. Well, after using the DHC Light & Smooth duo, my hair actually went into ringlets when I let it air dry. I immediately ordered the full size ... and since then ordered a second full-size duo because it's currently on sale and I don't want to be without! The only thing I don't like is that the pump bottles are actually too big for me ... they don't fit in my shower caddy. But that's a small price to pay for beautiful hair! ***UPDATE***... unfortunately, after using this shampoo (and conditioner) for a while, I found my scalp got really dry ... now not even the Nizoral is helping. I've started using Neutrogena's Triple Moisture Dry Scalp Soothing shampoo and conditioner, which have helped a lot, but I am disappointed that the DHC products went from so good to so bad!
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Lipstick -MAC - Composure
daisies 10/9/2007 9:55:00 PM
This is part of the Mattene collection, which is currently limited edition. To me, this is the "O" of matte lipsticks -- not in terms of color, but in terms of versatility with different lipliners. Without any lipliner, it's a muted brownish rose. I paired it with MAC Mahogany lipliner and got a deep reddish-brown. With MAC Whirl lipliner, it's a MLBB shade. The best part about it is -- and this is probably true with all of the Mattenes -- even after it wears off, it hasn't really worn off; the color is still there as a stain. I also got Caffe Latte and Flattering, which are great but not as versatile as Composure. Not even a week after buying Composure, I bought a second tube because I'm afraid they won't make it permanent. It's that awesome!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Self Tanners -Dove - Dove Energy Glow Daily Moisturizer with subtle Self Tanners - Medium [DISCONTINUED]
daisies 8/11/2007 8:36:00 PM
I am reviewing the "medium to dark" version ... I think they changed their packaging recently, and "medium" isn't available anymore, only "fair to medium" and "medium to dark."
That said, I am very pale (NC20) and my legs are even paler. I wanted a self-tanner that only made me look healthy, not tan, and I also wanted something that I only need to apply once a week, because, well, I'm lazy. I tried the "fair to medium" first, and after one day the "glow" was barely noticeable. So I bought the "medium to dark," and it's EXACTLY what I was looking for ... just a healthy glow after one application, once a week. I suppose if I kept applying the "fair to medium" one day after day, I'd get the same result, but this is faster and easier.
I apply it at night so that I can shower off that horrid self-tanner smell that pervades all self-tanners -- I think it's from how the skin reacts to the tanner itself. However, when applying this product, the scent is lovely -- sort of melon-y.
I will repurchase, but next time I will get the pump. I bought the smaller bottle the first time, but I think the pump will be easier to use. I don't quite get why the small bottle is bigger up top, but I guess it's just for show.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Make Up For Ever - Face & Body Foundation
daisies 7/21/2007 9:29:00 PM
I am so impressed with this foundation. I usually wear Becca LSC and loose powder but find I have to blot in the middle of the day. With MUFE F&B followed by MUFE's Mat Loose Powder, I *never* blot. Not once! It stays unbelievable matte, but not cakey. I wore the MUFE combo to an outdoor wedding in 90-degree heat, and it didn't budge. I haven't broken out from it, either, which is always a plus. The one thing I don't like about the foundation is the bottle. It has a very wide mouth, so if you accidentally knock it over with the cap off, it will spill all over. I would prefer something like a pump, because that would also keep the product fresher. But I haven't had separation issues like other reviewers have had. I simply shake it once before I open it, dip in a q-tip, spread across one side of my face, blend with a foundation brush, and repeat on the other side of my face -- all without having to shake the bottle again. Will definitely repurchase, although I really don't use a whole lot so I think this will last quite a while! BTW, I wear shade 20 (it's *perfect* on me) and am MAC NC20.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Boots - No 7 Time Resisting Day Cream
daisies 6/1/2007 4:33:00 PM
Finally a day cream that moisturizes all day but doesn't turn oily! I've been searching for a moisture cream for day that I can wear *instead of* makeup. Everything I've tried previously either doesn't moisturize all day or turns my face into an oil slick by midday. Boots No7 Time Resisting Day Cream makes my skin really soft, hasn't broken me out and stays virtually matte, aside from the "glow" it imparts from the mica it contains. And it contains retinyl palmitate, although it's pretty low on the ingredients list. I go to work wearing just this cream with some Becca Beach Tint on my cheeks, Becca Eye Tint on my lids, brown mascara and tinted lip balm, and I actually look decent. :)
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS - Octinoxate 5%, Titanium Dioxide 1.6% INACTIVE INGREDIENTS - Aqua (Water), Butylene glycol, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Sorbitan stearate, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Cetyl alcohol, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet almond, Huile d'amande douce) oil, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Glyceryl stearate, C18-36 acid glycol ester, Tocopheryl acetate, Polyethylene glycol 100 stearate, C13-14 isoparaffin, Parfum (Fragrance), Dimethiconol, Sucrose cocoate, Methylparaben, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Carbomer, Propylparaben, Laureth-7, Tetrasodium EDTA, Potassium hydroxide, Propylene glycol, Glycerin, Xanthan gum, Retinyl palmitate, Penax ginseng root extract, Butylated hydroxytoluene, Morus alba leaf extract, Tocopherol, Titanium dioxide.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No