Makeup Brushes -Jane Iredale - Handi Brush
dancer156 11/17/2012 11:57:00 AM
I searched through tons of reviews on flat-top powder brushes, and based on the positive reviews here as well as on DermStore, I decided to cave. This brush is EXTREMELY expensive ($45), but does perform as intended. I use this to apply my JI PureMatte Finish Powder (amazing oil-control powder, by the way), and this does a great job. The bristles are soft enough to swirl the brush ends in the powder and not scratch your face, yet sturdy enough to hold all the particles. I gently sweep the brush over my face and the powder is evenly deposited. I had previously used MUF HD Kabuki Brush, and while this worked well, it also picked up way too many particles-- and because of the dome shape, half of the powder particles ended up in the air (for me to breathe in) and not on my face...big waste of product and bad for the lungs. On the contrary, this flat top brush deposits most all the powder on my face and very few particles escape into the air. There may be other great flat top powder brushes out there, but I am very pleased with this one so far (has held up for 4 months and weekly washings). I liked this brush so much that I purchased JI's Retractable Handi Brush as well (a bit more expensive at $50) to keep in my purse for powder application. This has held up well so far! :)
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Makeup Brushes -Cover FX - Liquid Foundation Brush
dancer156 11/17/2012 11:46:00 AM
I have been on the search to find a nice flat top foundation brush for my Kat-Von-D liquid foundation, and am SUPER pleased with the performance of this brush!! It does not shed at all, the heavy foundation washes out easily from the bristles, AND the bristles are soft yet sturdy-- they work excellent for both stippling and blending the foundation. HIGHLY recommend!!! :)
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Foundations -Cover FX - COVER FX
dancer156 11/17/2012 11:43:00 AM
I believe the updated name for this product is Total Cover Cream Foundation. That's what I'm writing my review for.... I applaud this company for keeping the "bad" ingredients (like parabens, mineral oil, etc) out of their products, but I was NOT impressed by this foundation's performance. I applied this using the recommended cream brush. To have any sort of coverage to my moderate acne/acne scars I had to apply a good 2-3 layers (and even then my imperfections were visible). I used a powder to set everything, but literally 30 minutes later my face was an OIL-SLICK. Then throughout the day it seemed to literally melt off my face...good thing I tested this out on a weekend and not during a work day! :( For an excellent full-coverage foundation I highly recommend Kat Von D's new tattoo liquid foundation instead (if interested, you can read my separate review on this). :)
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Pressed Powders -Cover FX - Cover FX - Matte FX
dancer156 11/17/2012 11:31:00 AM
NOTE: I believe the updated name for this product is: Blotting Powder (that's what I'm writing my review for). When I first applied this powder it seemed to work well (and the lightest color was perfect for my fair yellow-toned skin). HOWEVER, literally within 20 minutes my oil started to break through. I had to blot my face double the amount I normally do throughout the day. I tried using different powder brushes for application, but the result was the same. I returned it to Sephora after a week of use. I like that this is portable and the packaging is designed well, but the performance was not good. Maybe for some it will control oil, but not for my oil-slick skin. :( The best natural oil-control powder I have found so far is Jane Iredale's Pure Matte Finish powder...it's more expensive and less portable (compact is heavy), but performs well above Cover Fx.
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Eye Shadow -Unlisted Brand - Zuii Organic Flora Eyeshadow
dancer156 11/17/2012 12:41:00 AM
I have been EXTREMELY pleased with Zuii Organic's blush and eye shadow products!! I wrote a separate review about their blush. This is one of the best brands if you are looking for a good natural eyeshadow with high pigmentation. I always like having pressed powders so they're fewer particles I'm breathing in with application. My favorite colors are: Moss (deep green), Black Diamond (very black with subtle sparkles), Blackberry (deep purple), Blue Marine (beautiful medium royal blue), Brownie (dark gold), Mustard (medium tan with slight yellow and shine), and White Diamond (sparkly white). Make sure you apply with a good eyeshadow brush (I like MAC's brushes), and wash the brush weekly. If you use a cheap sponge applicator it will eventually cause the shadow to clump up in the container. If your eyes aren't super oily, you probably won't need a primer underneath-- but I have ALWAYS needed to use a primer (even with more expensive/un-natural brands). For primer, I like Too Faced Shadow Insurance (not the most "natural" but it doesn't have the horribly bad ingredients like parabens, mineral oil, etc). The shadows comes in small containers with screw lids (about 1.5 inches in diameter), so they are very portable! Very durable too, the eyeshadows have withstood my purse without the container breaking/eyeshadows cracking. Real Purity also makes very nice eyeshadows (pressed non-nanosized), but its a hit or miss on the pigmentation. Hope this review has helped! :)
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Mascara -Tarte - Lights Camera Lashes
dancer156 11/16/2012 11:40:00 PM
I have tried a TON of natural mascaras, and while this one certainly is NOT the most "natural", it performs extremely well. The truly natural mascaras just can't provide the volume/length I was looking for. :( Considering the ingredients aren't horrible, I am pleased to have found this mascara!! It performs EXTREMELY well and gives me incredible volume!! I apply several coats of this for a dramatic effect. I love that it comes off easily with jojoba oil and doesn't pull at my lashes when removing. I have never had a problem with mascara running on me, but since this stuff is so thick it could be an issue with people prone to such a problem. If that's the case, I recommend going with Tarte's waterproof version. The case/packaging is super pretty with the purple material, very unique looking!! This is truly an excellent mascara and well worth the price-- in my opinion, it performs up there with the expensive more high-end brands. :)
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Conditioner -Unlisted Brand - Organic Excellence - Mint Conditioner
dancer156 11/16/2012 11:27:00 PM
I have tried SOOOOO many natural shampoo/conditioners, and the ones by Organic Excellence are the BEST!!!!! The ingredients are very natural, certainly nothing questionable (like honeysuckle extract, PEG, hidden synthetic stuff, etc). Both shampoo and conditioner smell great (mild peppermint scent), have a great slick through the hair when washing (a lot of the other natural ones I tried did not, and I ended up pulling my hair during application), and leaves the hair very soft and shiny! My hair is quite thin and the shampoo/conditioner don't weigh it down. Combined with Shear Miracles mousse and hairspray my very thin hair has excellent volume!! :) HIGHLY recommend!!!
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Shampoo -Unlisted Brand - Organic Excellence - Mint Shampoo
dancer156 11/16/2012 11:26:00 PM
I have tried SOOOOO many natural shampoo/conditioners, and the ones by Organic Excellence are the BEST!!!!! The ingredients are very natural, certainly nothing questionable (like honeysuckle extract, PEG, hidden synthetic stuff, etc). Both shampoo and conditioner smell great (mild peppermint scent), have a great slick through the hair when washing (a lot of the other natural ones I tried did not, and I ended up pulling my hair during application), and leaves the hair very soft and shiny! My hair is quite thin and the shampoo/conditioner don't weigh it down. Combined with Shear Miracles mousse and hairspray my very thin hair has excellent volume!! :) HIGHLY recommend!!!
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Liquid -Kat Von D - Lock-It
dancer156 10/10/2012 10:11:00 PM
I swear I almost cried when I put this stuff on--- I have tried pretty much ALL the full coverage foundations out there and none have worked for me (either they weren't really "full" coverage, made me super greasy, or broke me out). I have been extremely self conscious of my skin for a long time with my acne/acne scars. When I put this stuff on, I couldn't believe how well it covered--- the BEST I have ever found!!!!!!! My face actually looks good and I even received compliments on my skin (that has NEVER happened). I have very oily skin, and while I did have to blot a few times during the day, this foundation actually gave my skin more of a "glow" (as compared to my normal grease ball look). It didn't oxidize on my face, NOR did it break out my skin (which is incredible considering how insanely acne-prone my face is). The only issue I have is with the colors--- there is not a good range in the light shades. The Light 44 was WAY too dark and pink for my SUPER fair yellow-toned skin. The Light 42 was WAY too light-- even for my skin (that's a first)! It's literally one step away from being pure WHITE. However, to make a good match for my fair skin, I mixed equal parts of the Light 42 with the 44 (only 1/2 pump from each) and VOILA-- an absolute perfect match!!!! I sure wish they would make a "Light 43" so I don't have to mix the two, but I'm certainly satisfied considering this stuff ROCKS! For application, I make sure to moisturize my face (I found I didn't need to use a primer with this foundation, it actually seemed to last LONGER without one). I then apply this foundation with Cover Fx's Liquid Foundation Brush (in a stippling method). This creates even more phenomenal coverage!! I dust some finishing powder over top and am set to go! Surprisingly enough for such full coverage, this foundation does NOT at all appear like you're wearing a mask. If applied correctly (no more than one pump), it can look pretty natural! :) It comes in a beautiful pump container that dispenses the perfect amount of liquid. I LOVE that the formula does not include fragrance, parabens, mineral oil, and other nasties that normally break me out. HIGHLY recommended if you're looking for some serious coverage!!!!! I feel so much more confident when wearing this foundation!
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Concealers -Tarte - Maracuja creaseless concealer
dancer156 8/18/2012 10:57:00 AM
I have tried countless (natural) concealers to hide the discoloration under my eyes, but they all seem to fade or gather in my undereye creases. This stuff gives amazing coverage, lasts throughout the day, and does not crease! YAYY!! It is very thick, so you only need the SMALLEST amount per eye (pin head portion). I blend this with a Sephora concealer brush. If someone has very deep creases under their eye, you can also apply an eye primer to the area, prior to the concealer. The color selection is great--- the lightest color ("fair"), is quite light-- but it works well for under the eyes (I would probably need the next darkest shade "light" if I were to use this on my face). I can't speak as to how it works for a facial concealer, but it is definitely fantastic for under the eyes. :) I recommend you try this if you are looking for a good natural under eye concealer! I'm so happy Sephora now carries this (excellent return policy)!
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Lotions/ Creams -Unlisted Brand - Waxelene- The Petroleum Jelly Alternative
dancer156 1/30/2012 9:47:00 PM
I have been looking for a natural product to replace the petroleum jelly I had used for years on my hands at night (had no idea just how horrible that stuff was)! I was beyond happy to have found Waxelene!!! The texture and color are indeed similar to petroleum jelly, but it is all-natural and smells amazing (a light herbal/rosemary scent). I apply this at night, and in the morning my hands are incredibly smooth and soft! It applies clear, glides on easily, and is very thick in consistency (if you're looking for something to absorb quickly, this is not it). It comes in a 2oz container with a screw-on lid (see above photo). The price ($6.99) is very reasonable considering the quality ingredients and how long it lasts. Used nightly on my hands, one jar lasted me about 4-5 months (since it spreads so easily a little bit goes a long way). According to their website, there are a ton of other uses for this product (Skin moisturizing, protection, and lubrication, protection from chafing, friction, and wind burn, eczema, make-up removal, hair texture aides, after sun, diaper irritation, aftershave, etc). I purchased this from Natural Joy Beauty (link: http://www.naturaljoybeauty.com/servlet/the-553/Waxelene-The-Petroleum-Jelly/Detail)
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Blush -Unlisted Brand - Zuii Organic- Organic Flora Blush
dancer156 1/30/2012 9:29:00 PM
I have been looking for a natural blush that has good pigmentation, staying-power, and color selection. I had previously tried Real Purity's blush, and while it was natural, it also didn't stay too well on me (plus the color was a bit off). I was SUPER pleased with the "Grapefruit" color by Zuii Organics!!! It is a mix of coral (orange), red, and a touch of pink-- perfect match for my very fair yellow toned skin. It stayed on great throughout the day and also didn't break out my skin! YAYY! LOVE that this is talc-free and according to their website, "Organic rose petals to soothe and tone, Jasmine buds also soothing with properties that encourages repair of scar tissue plus the added benefit of Chamomile flowers one of the oldest medicinal plants, calming healing." Zuii Organic's eye shadows rock too, but the blush is my favorite... highly recommend!! :) I ordered this from Vitaminlife.com (have discounted prices on the Zuii Organic products and have free returns)!
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Shampoo -Unlisted Brand - Annmarie Gianni Skin Care- Tisane Shampoo and Conditioner
dancer156 12/24/2011 5:42:00 PM
It has been difficult to find a truly natural shampoo/conditioner that actually WORKS. The majority I have tried make my hair super greasy or have questionable ingredients (PEG, honeysuckle extract, etc). I was so happy when Annmarie Gianni came out with her shampoo & conditioner! The texture is great, it glides easily through the hair so only a small amount is needed. The smell is fantastic, a very light floral scent. When I purchased these bottles, they came with a pump top, but the photo on the website now shows a snap-top, so I'm not sure how the packaging is at this point. I have very fine long hair, and this doesn't weigh it down or make it dry. I have noticed my hair is much more shiny and falling out less after using this product for a month! The one strange thing I've found is that if I curl my hair and then put a brush through it, it's a bit static-y. Other than that, GREAT stuff!! A bit pricey, but it will last forever. :) Link: http://annmariegianni.3dcartstores.com/Tisane-Shampoo-Conditioner_p_96.html **UPDATE: They have since discontinued these two amazing products, I am beyond disappointed!!! :( Luckily, with much trial and error, I have found another great natural shampoo/conditioner by Organic Excellence. I have written a separate review for this. :)
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Toners -Unlisted Brand - Annmarie Gianni Skin Care- Rosemary Toning Mist
dancer156 12/24/2011 5:26:00 PM
This is a very nice toner to refresh the face, but I actually like it best when used in my hair. I have a patch in the front of my hair that is thinning. I spray 2-3 pumps of the toner to the scalp area in the morning and gently rub it in. After a few months of use, I can actually see a difference (there are fine baby-hairs re-growing to the area). I love using this in the morning, because it doesn't leave my hair looking greasy. At night I use Acure's Argan Oil to my scalp. This product comes in a beautiful dark-glass spray bottle, very high quality packaging. All of Annmarie Gianni's products rock (a bit pricey though, make sure to keep a look-out for the sales)! Here is the link for this product: http://annmariegianni.3dcartstores.com/Rosemary-Toning-Mist-50ml_p_34.html
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Deodorants -Unlisted Brand - Red Pearl - Powder Deodorant
dancer156 12/24/2011 5:13:00 PM
I am very pleased with how this product performs! My goal was to find a natural powder that was aluminum-free and talc-free. I apply this in the morning to areas that sweat a lot (my lower back and armpits especially). It performs just as well as the "toxic" talc brands and even smells great-- amazingly enough, my boyfriend even uses the stuff, and he usually doesn't like the performance of the more "natural" stuff. There are two different scent options available: Citrus Grove (citrus, bergamot & vanilla) and Fresh & Clean (tea tree, clove, lemon & cypress). The Fresh & Clean is a more "manly" scent, but I like how it performs a bit better (probably from the anti-bacterial/fungal properties of the tea tree oil). If you're concerned with the scents, they are not overpowering at all and you don't notice them once the powder is applied. The powder dispenses easily and has a twist top to close (like regular powders). The labels aren't the most stylish, but oh well! :) I found this at Natural Joy Beauty, you can also buy samples from this site as well! Link: http://www.naturaljoybeauty.com/servlet/the-345/ABC-Deodorant-Powder-by/Detail $8.00 for a 6oz container and $1.50 for a sample
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