Foundations -Clinique - Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30
debra110 4/25/2013 8:27:00 PM
For those of you who hate BB cream as much as I do, you might prefer a CC cream. This was very easy for me to apply with fingers. It went on smoothly, and even though it looked a bit light at first, after a minute it was perfect. My skin looked flawless. I looked alive. But my real test was how it lasted, since I don't have time during the day to play with my makeup. I put it on at 8 a.m., and when I came home from work at 5 p.m. I checked in the mirror and I still looked good. All I had over it was some mineral powder on my T-zone to take care of the oilies. Well worth it if you want a quick foundation look that makes you look bright and youthful, that lasts all day.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Lancome - Hypnose Doll Lashes
debra110 10/2/2011 12:16:00 PM
I think this would be a nice mascara for a young teenager just starting out using makeup. I do like the brush because it does make it easy to get at those side lashes, also nice for that teenager not used to mascara. In fact, I could have used this in catholic school and gotten away with it. This mascara does nothing more than give your lashes a coat of color. If that is what you are going for, go for it. I like a lot more wow for my buck, and given the price this doesn't wow me at all.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Chanel - Precision Eyelash Curler (recourbe cils de chanel)
debra110 9/25/2011 5:29:00 PM
Better known in my neck of the woods as an eyelash curler, this is now replacing my shu uemura. I have used and loved the shu for many, many years, but it never really fit my eye shape. This Chanel eyelash curler does fit my eye shape, and that is what makes the biggest difference. I have basic round eyes, and with this curler I can get at all of my lashes easier. Plus, the curl holds well for me. It doesn't crimp, and I can curl from the base to the very tip of my lashes with ease. Ease is important, and this curler makes curling my lashes actually fun instead of a chore. It is just so very easy to use. I love it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Palettes -Chanel - Quadra Eye Shadow TOPKAPI Collection Byzance de Chanel
debra110 9/25/2011 11:14:00 AM
I had no idea I would love this quad so much. At first glance, the colors were nothing special - but they are. In a subtle way, they are very unique. They work together in such a way that it is nothing like I have seen before in eyeshadow colors. They make my eyes look wide awake, and very interesting. The combination of these colors together is fabulous. Secondly, the quality of these shadows is amazing. I hardly had to blend at all, they go on like a dream. But most important to me is that they stay put all day. I get a good 10 hours before there is any fading. On my sensitive eyes that is important, because my eyes do water in pollution and at the slightest breeze. But these eyeshadows stay put throughout my little bouts of unwanted tears. I am so very happy that I bought this quad, and I don't think I have ever felt this way about eyeshadows!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Chanel - Illusion d'Ombre
debra110 7/10/2011 10:15:00 AM
I do love the giorgio armani eyes to kill eyeshadows, but the consistency does bother me a bit. So I decided to try these by Chanel. Wow. I use my finger to apply on the lid, over an eye primer, then blend upward. A little eyeliner and mascara, maybe a brow highlighter, and I'm done. The colors are fabulous, at least on brown eyes. But here is the best part: they last all day. I can put the shadow on at 7 a.m., go to work, go teach my class after work, come home by 7 p.m., and my eye makeup is still looking good. No touch-ups throughout the day. The best part is that the color seems to get better as the day goes on. I do have oily lids, and even with a little breeze my eyes will water. And this eyeshadow stays put. I love the consistency, ease of application, and the colors are perfect for my taste and coloring. There is just enough shine to enhance my eyes. Perfect for day and night.
15 out of 16 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -The Body Shop - Liquid Lip Color (all)
debra110 9/6/2010 10:12:00 AM
I am also in the minority, but this lip gloss is one that I will buy again. The reason: My hubby likes it. It is the only gloss that will still get me kissed. He says it isn't sticky, doesn't transfer to him, and feels good. So, reason enough to repurchase!
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Treatments (Eye) -L'Oreal - Lash Boosting Serum
debra110 6/11/2010 7:35:00 PM
I have always had naturally long and thick eyelashes, but now that I am older, I've noticed that my eyelashes have become more sparse than years ago. That never worried me enough to spend a lot of money on an eyelash product, but this serum was well in my price range. I finished my first tube. And I have repurchased. After the first two weeks using this product only at night I noticed longer lashes, but no thickness. After four weeks my right eyelash was thicker but not my left one. After I finished the first tube both eyelashes were fairly thick, mostly in the center, and incredibly long. You can see why I repurchased this product. My "new" eyelashes make me look younger. They open my eyes and give me that youthful wide-awake look. I don't have any issues with the brush. In fact, the way the brush is designed allows me to dig out all of the product and get all of my money's worth. With three kids in college, that is a big plus! I highly recommend this.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Alima - Satin Matte Mineral Foundation
debra110 5/22/2010 5:29:00 PM
Okay, I think it is safe to say that winter is over in Boston. As much as I love my liquid and cream foundations, it's time for something lighter. I admit that for years I have passionately hated mineral powder foundations. I have tried every brand imaginable from BE to Laura Mercier and every other drug store and high end mineral powder that's out there. I'd either end up looking cakey or patchy or sallow. Until now. I was first amazed to find the array of colors they offer. And, if that's not enough, you can mix your own combo. Imagine my delight! I don't have to buy several containers to mix to get the right shade. I did get a few samples first, and there I found a formula that was smooth, silky, and that stays on and in place all day. It feels lovely on my skin, and keeps my face looking young and fresh, not old and powdery. So of course when I found the perfect shade I was delighted. I recommend this highly. I really believe there is no better mineral foundation makeup on the market.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -NARS - Firming Foundation
debra110 1/3/2010 10:34:00 AM
I have been using this product for the past 3 months. I also use Chanel MatteLumiere, GA, Diorskin Nude, Face Atelier, and I still have managed to hoard some Revlon Ulta. I have been alternating among these foundations to see what I like the best. I like them all for different reasons. I have very oily skin, so I need to use a mattifyer under any foundation. I also have what I think is an unusual tone to my skin - I seem to have all the colors of skin tone in one. I have pink, some beige, some olive, and I am very pale even though every SA is amazed that I test for the lightest color range of their foundations. I seem to look like I should be darker. Maybe it is my dark eyes, but I do understand their inability to be able to match my skin immediately. Here's what I like about this foundation: With a mattifyer it lasts my entire work day. I don't need to blot. I do set it with Chanel loose powder, but I have also used MAC with no problem as well. The color stays true. I don't find around 2 p.m. that I am turning orange, or some other color that I don't normally have. It doesn't cake or move around on my face. (Note that some foundations do even with a mattifyer). I think in life I have exhausted every brand of foundation out there, including DS brands, and it is always difficult to find one I like that matches my odd skin tone. This foundation comes in a color called Punjab, which they advertise as "for light complexions with a golden apricot glow" on the Sephora web site. Now, I do have a lot of pink undertones, and apricot is never a description I've used for my skin, nor has anyone else, but this shade absolutely works for me. At this point in my life I think the shade of any foundation is 80% of the way to a good looking face. You really need to be happy with the shade. I have always applied foundation with my fingers. I've never known any foundation that doesn't need to be "warmed up", at least on MY face. (This comes from years of listening to Kevyn Aucoin. :)) So application is not an issue. This foundation makes my face look flawless. I don't have many lines (it's genetic) but I do have large pores and a round face that is starting to succumb to gravity. This foundation does mininize my pores, and does give me a healthy glow, so my slipping cheeks still look good. It goes on easily and covers and evens out my imperfections. This may not be your HG foundation, and I don't know even if such a thing exists. But I think if you are on the hunt, this might be a good one to try.
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Estee Lauder - Estée Lauder 'Double Wear' Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil
debra110 1/1/2010 10:26:00 PM
Stays on all day, and the only liner that will stay put in my waterline. I love the colors, and everything about this pencil. It's a real find for me!
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Eye Makeup Remover -Clinique - Take The Day Off Eye Makeup Remover
debra110 11/15/2009 10:24:00 AM
I admit I have to wear a full face every day for work, and sometimes on weekends as well if I think I might run into someone work related. I had been looking for a good eye makeup remover that would remove all my eye makeup quickly, without pulling on my eyes or requiring me to rub and rub. I thought I would give this a try, even though I have never been a fan of this line of products. I love this remover! It easily dissolves my waterproof mascara and all of my eyeshadow and liner. No rubbing, no tugging, just a smooth pat and swipe of the cotton pad and my eye makeup goes away completely. There is no greasy feeling to it, and my eye area feels rejuvenated afterwards - not like I had been wearing makeup all day. For me, this is the best remover I have ever used.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Maybelline - Color Sensational Lip Gloss (All Colors)
debra110 10/28/2009 2:36:00 PM
I bought one of these at CVS pharmacy and loved it so much I went back for two more. The colors are fantastic - not too shiney and not too dull - just right for every day, but the choices of color are very wearable. They go on smoothly and do not dry the lips, and they stay on most of the day. Not all day, but it is a gloss and easy to reapply with precision. They also have a great scent. Not all the time, but when you apply them, they smell like pineapple candy. Then the smell subsides. But the smell does put a smile on your face, it is that nice. Let me repeat, the colors are fantastic. That alone is a reason to buy these. And of course, the price is right. A great drugstore find!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - total wow!
debra110 10/26/2009 4:06:00 PM
For anyone who is a lip gloss user, and who wants to start wearing lipstick, IMO, the MAC glaze formula is the best place to start. Furthermore, anyone who wants a lipstick that is not drying, that is somewhat sheer and glossy, and that lasts a good while, again, try the MAC glaze formula. That being said, this is a fabulous color, especially if you want to move towards a nice red but are afraid of looking too "out there". I wear this to work, and I love it. It really is a nice red shade that is definitely wearable during the daytime, and even at night!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Giorgio Armani - Idole d'Armani
debra110 10/25/2009 12:52:00 PM
I had bought this scent because I liked it in the store, got home and read the reviews and found that some of you liken it to an "old lady" smell. So I asked my daughter age 17 what that is, and she said that it wasn't necessarily a bad smell, but a smell that all old ladies seem to have, as if "they all bathe in the same water". Hmmm... So I put it on one day and asked her to tell me if this Idole had an old lady smell. She said not at first, but that there was an "after smell" that hinted at that. She said to make sure I look young when I wear it. It is a very pretty scent, but I think I get it now. There is almost a sour smell that lingers after a while. At first it is very lovely, but after a few minutes I do get that whiff of sour - like those hard candies my grandma use to keep in her purse, and then had on her breath. Not bad, just sweet/sour. I will wear it, but I will try my best to look "young" when I wear it. :)
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Mattene in Night Violet
debra110 10/2/2009 7:12:00 PM
The firs time I put this on I applied it right out of the tube. I loved the color but thought it was too dark and heavy, even after blotting. And it seemed a bit drying. So, the next day I used a synthetic small concealer brush (from CVS drugstore) and it was perfect! This is the color I always wanted! My lips are very pigmented, and this lipstick made them look very natural but richer, if that makes sense. This is my first MAC mattene, and as much as I always disliked MAC lipsticks, this formula is one I will go back to. Applying one coat with the CVS brush lasted all day. And it wasn't drying. In fact, it looked, well, rich. Today I added the Blackfire Glimmerglass over it and my colleagues at work thought I looked very professional- which I took as a compliment. I just love love love this color!
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