Liquid -Lancome - Teint Miracle
dani8837 1/9/2013 1:50:00 AM
This is hands down the most beautiful, lit-from-within foundation I have ever tried. Its medium coverage and produces the most gorgeous satin glow that brightens my complexion without looking artificial or overly dewy. It reminds me of a longer lasting, more lit from within/glowy-without-being-dewy version of NARS Sheer Glow mixed with Chanel Pro Lumiere. TM blends beautifully on the skin, is water-based, and has never broken me out. It will cover unevenness, redness, and small blemishes without looking dull or cakey. It covers more than a TM or light foundation- definitely not sheer, but more of a medium coverage. I also love the elegant glass packaging, which looks beautiful on my vanity. It has an airless pump that has never clogged up on me. I have combo-oily skin and this holds up well. For super oily skin types, I would recommend Givenchy's Eclat Mattisssime foundation as it produces a similar effect yet has more oil control. Im an NC30 and Buff 7w is the perfect shade for me with strong yellow undertones. Although Macys and Lancome counters carry this shade, Sephora's closest match to this shade is 4w, which is slightly darker and has more neutral yellow undertones. When Im around NC25, 6w is a good match. Im not sure why there isnt more hype about this foundation. Its beautiful and everything I want in a foundation- glow without being dewy, decent lasting power, medium coverage, light feel and blendability. The luminous finish is what does it for me. Ive tried many of these new lit-from-within foundations that have become so popular recently and TM is the only one I can say that I truly love and have repurchased over again. I feel that when I wear Teint Miracle, my skin looks radiant and at its best. HG.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Color -Revlon - Frost & Glow Highlighting Kit
dani8837 11/9/2012 3:19:00 AM
This product really delivers- especially for a $7 drugstore kit. I wanted to write a review on this because of all the wonderful, helpful reviews that made me brave enough to attempt highlighting my own hair. I read just about every review and had my kit stored in my closet for months before i had the courage to try it. This was the first time I have ever highlighted my hair myself without going to a professional. What kept me from trying this? Fear of brassy, orange hair and uneven color... none of which happened. This has got a seriously good rating here for being a hair color product with bleach. Revlon is doing something right. I typically pull really brassy, orange hair when I use any sort of lightening agent or bleach. I have course, thick, Asian hair (notoriously hard to lift, doesn't take color well). I was getting frustrated spending around $145 at various Chicago salons for highlights because my hair would barely lift and i never felt completely satisfied with the end result, especially for what i was paying plus the 2 hours at the salon. With the Revlon kit in Honey, I was able to go from a level 6 light-medium golden brown to beautiful caramel and honey highlights. I purchased the Magicap from Sally's but decided that the Revlon was easier to use and fit my head better, though I did use the metal hook from the purple Magicap. Love that the bleach mixture is blue to tone down any brass/orange. In my opinion, the cap was snug and very easy to use. Both hooks worked fine and didn't hurt even though I poked through the holes along the way. The process overall was not as bad as I had expected. I was scared to do allover highlights in case the root area turned out brassy or the ends wouldn't lift as evenly. I only wanted highlights placed on the middle to bottom layers of my hair, so I went straight across my head starting at the temples, pulling small pieces out of only the circled holes. It took 45 minutes to pull the strands carefully. 5 Min to apply the color. The full 60 minutes to lift my resistant hair to a light caramel brown-honey blonde. I waited for the most of the orange to disappear and rinsed when I started seeing a peachy blonde. Remember: if you're not sure when to rinse or have any feeling it will still be a bit orange, wait 5-10 min and check again! Too light and not brassy is always better than orange and brassy. You can always tone down too-light hair color with a demi permanent dye if necessary. (I like Wella in the blue box from Sally's) The highlights come out very blended and subtle with two small pulls of hair with a metal hook. The plastic one included pulls out larger sections. With the metal hook and two pulls per hole, I had blended highlights that were nowhere near chunky or too subtle. Just very well blended, fine to medium thickness. Looks very professional and brightened up my hair overall with sun kissed looking highlights. Some advice: -Like many others have said, don't freak out and rinse early. Get past the orange stage. The highlights will blend in more and look better after drying. -Tie or pin back all unhighlighted hair and if any of the bleach mixture gets on it, wash it off very thoroughly. This bleach is very strong and even when I got tiny wisps of hair slightly covered in the mixture, then wiped it off, it still came out a tad lighter than the hair around it. -Strand test every 10 minutes and check from root to the ends to ensure the color is evenly lifted. -If you have long hair and want to do full highlights, I'd recommend buying 2 kits. One kit was perfect for half a head of highlights on hair length that is just past my chest. Hope this helps and good luck!
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Color -Unlisted Brand - Marc Anthony Easy-Lites
dani8837 7/13/2012 4:53:00 PM
I am really surprised that this worked. I have long, thick asian hair, which is notoriously difficult to lighten and although this product seemed a bit gimmicky to me, I wanted to try it out. I've had my hair bleached and glazed from my natural black color to a level 6 warm medium brown. I recently had caramel highlights done, but they were lighter toward the crown area and blended into my base color toward the middle and ends so I purchased Easy-Lites to see if I could even out my highlights and add a few highlights underneath. First, I tried this over the highlighted portions. I sprayed the product into my gloves first, then I worked that into my hair and flat ironed quickly over the pieces about 4-5 times. The sizzling sound scared me so I ended up spraying the strands, lightly passing over it with a blow dryer and then flat ironing it quickly without putting too much pressure on the strands. This worked just as well and seemed to cut back on the damage a little. To my amazement, the color immediately began to lighten with each swipe.I actually had to be careful not to overdo it and lighten too much. It lightened from a medium caramel brown to a lighter honey brown. My hair typically pulls a lot of orange and brassy tones, but this did not create brassiness. Next, I tried the Easy-Lites on my medium brown unhighlighted strands. It came out as a natural brown highlight, about a level lighter. The only thing I am concerned about is the level of damage this product can cause. It does contain hydrogen peroxide, and it is permanent. I haven't noticed any damage at all, but I only did about 10 strands. I feel like this is more gentle on my hair than bleach and I am amazed by how quickly the highlights appeared. The box states that it can also be used all over your hair, but I personally would not feel comfortable doing that. Also, be careful not to get the product on your skin- I had a slight reaction from it getting on my arms. Overall, I ended up evening out my previous highlights and creating some more face framing highlights to brighten up around my face. I believe this can lighten about 2 levels depending on how many applications you do and how many times you pass through it with a flat iron. I had about 75% of the bottle left after doing 10 sections on my long hair. I would highly recommend this product to anyone trying to maintain their highlights in between salon visits or anyone trying to create natural highlights on their own. It's extremely easy to apply and fast. I use a weaving method with smaller strands than the models on the box, similar to foiling. I think the highlights on the models look way too thick and a bit garish, but I find that by weaving through smaller sections, I am able to create natural, sunkissed highlights instead of chunky ones. I actually ended up finding a box with a free rebate at CVS, but I believe original price at CVS was $8.99.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -John Frieda - Daily Nourishment
dani8837 6/18/2012 10:28:00 PM
This really softens my long, dry, course hair. Leaves me with silky shiny hair and is virtually weightless. This spray smells amazing as well. It's the only product I can use by itself, which is saying a lot because I tend to mix cremes and serums to keep my hair under control. I use this on towel dried hair and it reminds me of Sexy Hair's soy tri wheat leave in spray, which is another favorite of mine for soft, nourished hair.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Clarisonic - Mia
dani8837 4/16/2012 2:10:00 AM
The Clarisonic Mia changed my skin for the better. I only wish I had gotten this sooner. Went with the Mia because it was cheaper than the original yet still held great reviews, and I don't regret my purchase at all! I've been using the Clarisonic Mia for about 5-6 months now and have definitely seen major results. I started seeing results around the 2nd week of using this, and I never went through a purging phase. I get breakouts less frequently (if at all) and the Mia has helped improved the clarity of my skin, which seems to have evened out in tone. I love how squeaky clean my face feels afterward and it really does do a wonderful job removing makeup residue. As an everyday foundation wearer, I can say that I feel more comfortable with my skin now than I did before since the Mia cleared up my skin incredibly. For the first time, I am getting random strangers telling me I have beautiful skin, and I attribute this to my Clarisonic. I think the biggest plus about this device is that it was able to completely clear those little stubborn, tiny (non-acne) bumps on my forehead. I would highly recommend this, and I have gifted this to both my mother and sister. If you're still not sure whether you want to shell out the money for this, keep in mind that this is a very good investment. At least for me, the changes I have seen in my skin were well worth the money.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Boots - Lifting & Firming Foundation SPF 15 [DISCONTINUED]
dani8837 12/22/2010 10:04:00 PM
*ROP for pics*
I needed a foundation for winter, the only time my skin is somewhat dry and I decided to pick this foundation up because of the good reviews. I am pleasantly surprised by the quality of this and I love the polished glow it gives me.
Shade: It was trial-and error when I searched for the right shade. I'm in the NC30 range, and I read that many NC30-35 ladies were matched perfectly to "Vanilla." After swatching Vanilla at Target, the color seemed right but the undertone was not as yellow as I had hoped. It was not pink, but more beige than yellow. "Nude" had a wonderful yellow undertone but it was too light for my skin, so I chose the inbetween shade "Blonde," which happened to be a much closer undertone match to my skin than Vanilla while still remaining in the same shade range. It definitely has a yellow undertone, but I wish it were slightly more yellow.
For reference, I wear: -MAC NC30 -NARS Sheer Glow in Punjab (best color match I've found so far) -MUFE HD in 127 -Chanel Pro Lumiere in Shell 30 Medium golden skin with strong yellow undertones.
Coverage: Medium, covers flaws and redness but still allows skin to show through. Similar coverage as NARS Sheer Glow, Chanel Pro Lumiere, and MUFE HD. Gives a more polished, clean, glowy look to your real skin. Can be sheered out with damp brush or sponge.
Finish: Definitely satin, but on the dewy side of satin. Not too dewy that my face looks shiny or oily, but it does provide a very nice glow. Looks clean on the face and extremely smooth. No oil control problems here.
Feel: Moisturizing and very smooth, does not dry out my skin or emphasize flakiness, feels light. This product has dimethicone in it, which may explain the velvety feel and finish. Cones tend to break me out badly, but I have experienced zero breakouts from this foundation. I have not had any bad reactions to the ingredients.
Texture: Not very liquidy or runny but not too thick. Texture is similar to MUFE HD. I find that this blends better with a brush than with fingers.
Packaging: I am blown away by the quality of the packaging. It comes in a heavy-feeling glass bottle and includes a pump! Really sophisticated packaging.. reminds me of Chanel foundations. The only thing I don't like it that you need to put quite a bit of pressure on the cap to take it off or put it back on.
Price: $14.99 for a 1 oz. bottle
Overall: I would have to agree with many of the Makeupalley reviews in that Boots L&F is a department store quality foundation at a drugstore price. It looks and feels wonderful on my skin and doesn't feel caked on or thick. It feels like soft, smooth skin. I would say that overall, this foundation is extremely comparable to Chanel Pro Lumiere, another one of my favorites, except that it has much better oil control. My skin appears satiny, glowy, and fresh. I would recommend you check out your local Target (especially all you ladies out there with yellow undertones!) and see if they have any testers like mine did. Some locations do and some don't. I am happy to confirm that this is a new winter favorite and will be a new part of my foundation rotation. I am interested in seeing how this foundation holds up in warmer weather.
"Blonde" swatch: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_njIq7zhTskc/TRK5Xi7lXLI/AAAAAAAAALU/CmTGZvfaLaI/s1600/boots2.jpg
glowy finish: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_njIq7zhTskc/TRK4N2C3Q8I/AAAAAAAAALE/XQWVWYkxIuY/s1600/finish.jpg
19 out of 20 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -MAC - Sheertone Shimmer Blush in X-Rocks (Neo Sci-Fi 2008) [DISCONTINUED]
dani8837 7/23/2010 1:14:00 AM
Can't believe I haven't reviewed this. This is my #1 blush in my entire collection. It's the most flattering blush I have ever found against my medium golden skin w/yellow undertones. It's a gorgeous medium plum/berry bronze with a nice sheen. What I love about this blush is that I can wear it on its own and it will instantly bring warmth and light to my face. I can get away with less makeup because it just makes my face glow. Not a light, girly color. I'd say it's more of a sophisticated shade. The texture is super silky. The color can't be duped. If you can still get your hands on one of these, snatch it up quick! NC30 for reference
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Showstopper
dani8837 7/23/2010 1:05:00 AM
This is THE perfect brow shade for those with dark brown hair. I used Brun prior to Showstopper, and although it was good for its ashy brown tones, it had just a tad too much gray and looked slightly off against my yellow undertones. Showstopper, on the other hand, is the perfect dark, ashy brown. Not too warm, not too dark or light, no strange tones. The best brow shade I have found.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Revlon - Lilac Pastelle 200
dani8837 6/7/2010 9:29:00 PM
A light layer of this gives me glowy light pink lips with a lilac tint. Unique color and good pigmentation for a lilac gloss, enough to slightly mute my rosy lips. I wasn't planning on getting this because I thought it would clash with my olive skin but it was just too pretty to pass up. I was surprised it worked on me but I avoid using a thick layer of it or else there is just too much cool lilac. I adore the sleek tube as well. My favorite combination is using this over Colorburst lipstick in lilac.
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Primer/ Corrector -Unlisted Brand - Monistat - Chafing Relief Powder-Gel 
dani8837 5/25/2010 5:23:00 PM
Rated this two stars as a primer because it broke out my face HORRIBLY, which is strange because Smashbox Photo Finish primer worked perfectly fine with my skin. Using the Monistat, I ended up with 3 huge cystic acne bumps on my face within a matter of 12 hours. My skin is still trying to recover from this. The one good thing about this product is that it is good as a blister preventer for feet. I'm glad that at least this didn't go to waste. I rub a small amount on my feet before wearing heels or uncomfortable flats that haven't been worn in yet, and it really helps prevent blisters and irritation which is why I rated it 2 stars rather than 1.
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Moisturizers -Cetaphil - Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF15
dani8837 4/6/2010 10:50:00 PM
I liked the pump packaging of this product, but that was about it. I chose Cetaphil because I thought it would be alright for my acne-prone, oily skin. I was looking for something inexpensive to replace my Clinique DDMG. Although the product went on feeling lightweight, it gradually felt heavier throughout the day like I had put on a thick sunscreen. My face turned into an oily mess and I noticed that my makeup was not going on as smoothly as it did with DDMG. I started getting bumps on my cheeks and minor breakouts around the face as well. I didn't get a terrible burning sensation like others have mentioned, but there was definitely an uncomfortable sting. Took this back to the store.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Wet 'n' Wild - Color Icon Single in Brulee
dani8837 4/4/2010 7:31:00 PM
I really like this new eyeshadow. It's soft, buttery, and pigmented. I own Blanc Type as well and although they are very similar, Brulee is slightly more beige than Blanc Type. Blanc Type is a creamy off white and slightly lighter in color. They aren't too different and the texture is spot on, so I would go with Brulee if you're choosing between the two. Brulee's texture reminds me of MAC's Matte2 shadows. Easy to blend and looks great as a base or clean highlight. The packaging is tiny and cute but I think there's a good amount of product. And for $1.99, I would repurchase!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -New York Color - Liquid Lip Shine- 552B Cappuccino
dani8837 4/1/2010 8:38:00 PM
This stuff sucks. I can usually handle frost but I can't handle this. Plus, the color is horrid. Don't buy it. Even if it's a dollar.
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Lip Gloss -Revlon - Super Lustrous in Coral Reef
dani8837 3/27/2010 11:41:00 PM
Wow, love this! Coral Reef is super creamy, pigmented, non-sticky, and would look excellent with a tan. I'm currently an NC35 and will be using this on my pigmented lips and on top of MAC Vegas Volt l/s during the summer months when I get a little more color. On my pigmented lips, this looks just like the model's lips on the MAC To The Beach promo ad, a bright coral-peach and just a touch of orange without being garish. I love corals like these because they really bring a glow and brightness to the rest of my face. For now, layering this on top of a nude lipstick base brings out the peachier side of this coral, reminding me of MAC Shy Girl. Since I'm a little I've been on a huge coral kick lately, so I knew I had to get this. I found it at Target, but there was no separate display for the collection like I had seen in Ulta. It was placed next to the rest of the Super Lustrous lipglosses and I managed to get the last one. Love the sleek packaging and doe-foot applicator. Coral Reef is a beautiful pop of color, perfect for the warmer weather. Get it before it's gone, from the stores I've been to, I've been noticing that a lot of the shades have been selling out quick. Here are a couple pictures: On bare, slightly rosy/pigmented lips: http://img.makeupalley.com/6/0/5/4/1589688.JPG http://img.makeupalley.com/6/0/5/4/1589689.JPG
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -eos - Lip Balm Sphere - Sweet Mint
dani8837 3/13/2010 4:59:00 PM
Very cute packaging (annoying to carry around though) and smells great, but not moisturizing. I'd pass on this one if you're looking for something emollient for chapped lips. The texture of this is too hard for me to like and it drags across the lips. The cute, little sphere will get you, don't fall for it!
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