Brows -NYX - Eyebrow Cake Powder - ECP02 Dark Brown/Brown
devilzfood 2/25/2012 11:53:00 AM
Here's a long boring story shortened into a short boring story. I have very dark brown hair and it's always been super hard trying to find an eyebrow color that wasn't too dark or too light. Black brows just make me look goth, and all of the browns were either too light, too dark, or had this weird reddish/orangish tinge to it as you would start to fade it out. In my unprofessional opinion, there seem to be two kinds of browns. Browns that contain reds and browns that don't. The browns that contain reds always seem to be eyebrow pencils I wind up with, and always make me look ridiculous. Now, cut to 8 months ago: enter NYX EYEBROW CAKE POWDER into my life. Oh my god. Yes. Yes. YES!!! For six bucks this is what you get: two shades of powder, a medium brown and a dark brown. A soft wax. Two brushes (one slanted brush that I assume you're supposed to apply the product with (it sucks, not thin enough), and then a brush that almost looks like a mascara wand, great for brushing out the color for a more natural look.) If you want precision, dip a brush in the wax, dip it in the color, and draw on your brows. If you have super bushy brows like I do, you can skip the wax and just pat on the color in the sparse parts. It looks fantastically natural. I couldn't be more thrilled that they include two colors because based on the season, my complexion, my hair color, i flip flop between the two and often use both. Best part? NO RED!!! JUST BROWN!! Probably the only makeup item in my collection I can call an HG. I would recommend this particular color to anyone who is having trouble finding the perfect medium to dark brown for their eyebrows. The only downfall for me is the fact that I can only find NYX at Ulta and the nearest Ulta to me is not near at all AND their NYX selection is kind of wonky. HOWEVER, for a six dollar miracle product, I'm willing to deal.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Liners -Revlon - Colorstay Lip Liner in Nude 630
devilzfood 4/13/2011 11:56:00 AM
I hate wearing lip liner, but I have to wear it all the time because my lips are asymmetrical, and one side is higher than the other. This liner is perfect for when I don't want to look like I'm wearing anything on my lips. This is the only liner I have ever discovered that I can actually wear without lipstick or gloss. It blends in so well, it's a little scary. The texture and consistency is interesting. I have another Colorstay liner and it glides on pretty easily, but this one you have to apply pretty firmly if you want any color pay off. I think it's waxier than the other liners, or at least that's how it seems. It's not necessarily bad, just..interesting. The color is perfectly nude, and I don't mean nude as in "some random variation on the color nude," I mean legit NAKED. I put this on my lips and you can't tell where my lip ends and where the liner starts. Now that's pretty amazing considering the number of nude pencils I own. This is the only liner I need because it's so naked that I can apply a lipstick in just about any color over it without having to worry about the lipstick blending into the liner. The staying power is great, and lasts all day, through multiple meals, glasses of water, anything really. I'm just really impressed with this product (although I've not been particularly impressed with the other colors in this line). I will definitely repurchase.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -Queen Helene - Olive Oil Masque
devilzfood 4/11/2011 4:15:00 PM
Winter wreaks havoc on my combination skin. In a very pathetic attempt to try natural skin care this year, I slathered some extra virgin olive oil on my face one night in an attempt to moisturize. Well that was a terrible idea, and I'm pretty sure in order for it to really be effective and not wind up a greasy mess on your face, it needs to be mixed with other products. So I nixed that idea. A few weeks ago I was in a Sally's Beauty Supply and discovered this mask. I was excited because I was glad to see the words "olive oil" on a product. I thought maybe it would be solution for those of us who are too lazy to combine household ingredients and take the time to make our own masks. And it was! It is! It's awesome. It's pretty thick, and kind of has a vaseline consistency. At first when I put it on, it felt like it was just sitting on my face (kind of like vaseline) and not really soaking into the skin. However, after the ten minutes were over, I went to rinse off my face and 90% of the product was already soaked in. I rinsed the rest off and was left with INCREDIBLY soft skin. I skip evening moisturizer when I use this product because it definitely does the job. Other reviewers have left comments that have me completely baffled. Some said the product stings. I have pretty sensitive skin, and I didn't even feel the slightest stinging. Others said it left a "film" on their skin and my guess is that they have probably never used an oil based mask before. I will admit that no, I wouldn't use this mask in the morning and then apply a full face of makeup, but whatever it is that is left on my face after rinsing off the product is the very stuff that spent the entire night moisturizing my face while I slept, causing me to wake up with incredibly smooth skin. I wouldn't call it a film, per se, but I would consider it to be a moisturizing property, much like...well...a moisturizer. Sorry, I'm probably not making sense. Anyway, it was completely worth it and I wish I would've found it in November and December, when I was in panic mode. I will probably use this when my skin feels parched and will definitely repurchase.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Clinique - 3 Step System
devilzfood 4/8/2011 2:19:00 PM
You know that place between heaven and hell...what's it called, purgatory? This is purgatory. I used the 3-step system for years, for no other reason than the fact that it didn't break me out. It had zero positive benefits, but it didn't break me out. The rare occasion in which I would try to switch to something new, I'd break out, so I'd come running back to the 3-step system and would stay there for another couple of years. I have combination skin and in no way did it benefit my skin. It didn't hydrate the dry areas and it didn't dry up the oily areas. The cleanser was way too weak so I'd be forced to follow up with that horribly stingy toner, and a moisturizer that felt like it did nothing more than coat my face in a very thin layer of water, only to dry out immediately after. I could kick myself for using this for so long, but I can see why so many people do. It may not have any beneficial properties, but it's great for people whose only concern is not breaking out from using a product. Finally this winter I completely overhauled my skin care routine and my skin looks and feels better than it has years. My only regret is not giving this up sooner. If you are using any of these products, just stop. I promise you that there is something better with regards to cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
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Eye Shadow -NARS - Melusine Duo
devilzfood 4/8/2011 9:32:00 AM
I really really, REALLY like this duo. Most duos result in me hating one color, or not really liking the two shades put together, but these colors are perfect for each other. Sephora's website describes the colors as "pale silver lilac / bright deep purple," but I would describe the silvery one as being much more silver and much less lilac. On my eye, there is a super slight hint of lilac, but it's only noticeable in certain light, which makes me love it even more. I really love the purple shade as well. Yes, it's bright and deep, but not over the top. I really can't get enough of this duo and even though I cringe at a 33$ price tag, it takes a pretty long time to get through these shadows.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Trax
devilzfood 4/7/2011 1:05:00 PM
If I could only use ONE mac e/s for the rest of my life, it would be this. Yes I know, it's not the most neutral shade out there, but this is the most beautiful color that has ever been on my eyes. Period. I cannot find another color like it and nothing brings out the color of my eyes like Trax. The color itself is quite unique, so what makes it interesting is the fact that it's still quite flexible and can be used with many other shades. This the only mac shadow I've ever repurchased, and I will continue to repurchase it forever.
4 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Scrubs -St. Ives - Apricot Scrub
devilzfood 4/2/2011 3:23:00 PM
Were the people at St. Ive's high when they wrote the directions for this product? "Use 3-4 times a week on your face." OH MY GOD NO. If you use this product on your face that much, you won't have any face left. If I were to write a review based on the directed use/intention of this product, I'd give it a one because it's simply not okay for your face, unless your face is made of steel and covered in rust. It's simply way too strong to be used on such a delicate area. I remember when I was 12 and thought skincare required pain (thank you oxy-pads and your stinging sensation all over my acne-clad face), but I"m 27 and this is just not acceptable. There are plenty of other manual exfoliators out there that do the job and make your skin feel smooth and bright, without inflicting pain and red skin for days. HOWEVER, it's still a product I use enough that I would buy again. I use it on my body occasionally to prevent ingrown hairs from shaving. It gets the job done as well as - if not better than - any other exfoliator out there and is significantly cheaper. This is also good if you need to exfoliate prior to spray tanning. It's the kind of product everyone should own, simply because you'll definitely be able to find a use for it, but just be wary about how often and where you apply it!
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Palettes -LORAC - Box Office Hit Full Face Palette
devilzfood 3/30/2011 4:10:00 PM
Scored this baby for $15 during a Hautelook event and I'm impressed! I love Lorac's shadows and they didn't compromise on quality for the sake of a cute palette (like some companies who shall not be named). There are 12 shadows in the palette and I find that the colors - although not very "exciting" are actually quite unique. The blushes are nice and have convinced me to start exploring Lorac's blushes further. The only thing I didn't like about this palette are the eyeliner pencils. Maybe I'm spoiled because other liners I have glide right on but this reminded me way too much of the 99 cent eyeliner from the beauty supply store that takes serious effort to draw on. All in all a great palette though, and had I paid full price for this, I would've been completely satisfied as well. <3 lorac
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Brows -Maybelline - Define-A-Brow
devilzfood 3/26/2011 10:15:00 PM
I've tried about 4 or 5 other eyebrow pencils from the drugstore, and this is by far the best. The pencil is quite thin, so it's easier to get a nice even line, and you don't have to sharpen it which is of course awesome. I like the color, the texture, and consistency. The only downfall is in the packaging. I was running the comb end of the pencil through my brow and it snapped right off. You'd think I was running it through sheeps wool or something the way it just came off, but my brows aren't that crazy, honest! But in all seriousness, this is definitely a keeper.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -Tarte - Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Mosturizer (Smooth Operator)
devilzfood 3/22/2011 2:00:00 PM
After years of refusing to wear anything other than full coverage foundation, I thought I would try something new. The positive reviews on this product led me to purchase it, since I felt like I was going into this category of products totally blind. As soon as I started wearing it, the compliments began. "Your skin looks so great!!" Awesome, although it makes me wonder how hideous I must've looked when I was wearing my full coverage foundations. After I moisturize my skin in the morning, I apply concealer, and then Smooth Operator. I've used both a standard foundation brush and my hands, and honestly, I'd rather just use my hands. The application just seems smoother. The coverage is sheer and buildable. My face feels smooth, looks smooth, and i FINALLY feel like I'm not wearing any foundation. It's not the cheapest product in the world, but a little goes a long way, and I'd rather spend $36 on one product that makes my skin look awesome rather than the hundreds I've already spent on various foundations that just don't do it. Will most definitely repurchase.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Revlon - ColorStay Blemish Concealer with Soft Flex
devilzfood 3/19/2011 2:54:00 PM
Yes that's right, five lippies. It's glorious. I recently discontinued use of full-coverage foundation after five years of wearing it every day, non stop. When I wore full-coverage foundation, it covered like 95% of areas that needed to be "concealed," and since I don't break out very often, I rarely paid any attention to concealer. I had some mac liquid stuff - it really wasn't that great, so I hardly wore it. Now I'm wearing more tinted moisturizers and sheer foundations so concealing my weirdly pigmented areas is MUCH MORE important. I'm a pale girl, so my red cheeks and t-zone stick out like a sore thumb if not properly concealed. Since I have what I feel is a pretty dang large area that needs to be concealed (cheeks, chin, nose, forehead - jeez, is there anything left?), I need a concealer that is not too thick and that blends in flawlessly with my natural skin tone, but that still offers a decent amount of coverage so i can get the pink/red skin to look not-so-red. I bought this in fair and it absolutely matches my skin tone in every way. Hard Candy was much too yellow and too dark for me, and this one is a little pink (very little) so it covers up the red without changing the color of my skin. I personally think the lasting power is great. I've used it both under and over foundation/tinted moisturizer, and always use it over a face primer. I have really...annoying skin in the winter and my cheeks tend to get flakey which can make everything else a pain to apply, but this concealer glides on and doesn't cake in those areas. You know how some girls say "oh i just dab on some concealer and don't even need foundation" and you get mad jealous? Well for me, with this concealer, I can actually be that girl. It's pretty rad. I'll still poke around and see if I can find something better, but I think at least on the drugstore level, it can't get any better than this. Keep in mind, I haven't dabbled too much in my quest for the perfect concealer, so if I find something made from unicorn dust that transforms me into a fairy or something I'll come back and edit this review.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Hard Candy - Glamoflauge Concealer
devilzfood 3/18/2011 10:33:00 PM
What a disappointment =( I was really excited to try this (well, as excited as you can be about concealing blemishes) because I changed my skincare regimen which caused me to breakout for awhile. Yes, the coverage is high. But that's where any positives end. The light shade doesn't even remotely blend in with the color of my light skin. I found it to be cakey even when only the slightest amount was applied. I tried this under and over foundation. I've tried it on different parts of my face where the texture changes. I've tried it above-the-skin blemishes, as well as the little capillaries around my nose. I applied it using fingers, and I tried applying it using a concealer brush. And while yes, it covered the problems, it brought just as much attention to my face with its off-color and its cakey nature. I'm am super sad about this :-( I am baffled that so many people have liked it. My brain is having problems comprehending.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Weleda - Skin Food
devilzfood 2/27/2011 2:11:00 AM
Skin Food completely, 100%, without a doubt, changed my skin for the better this year. And we're not talking about hands and feets, arms and legs, this is strictly about my face. Winters have been DESTROYING my skin over the past few years. It's like the second the furnace comes on in the winter my skin immediately starts to flake. I couldn't find a moisturizer that could take care of it, and since I have combo skin, I always ruled out products that were designated for dry skin since I have the oily t-zone and didn't want to make it even more oily. Enter Skin Food. I started by using it at night, and the first night I used it, I woke up with very soft, smooth, moisturized skin. I then used it every night...and then started using it both during the day AND at night. As a result, my skin looks 80% better than it did last winter. This is the only product that worked. It is the thickest cream you will ever use on your face so make sure to not apply too much. Since it's so thick, it takes awhile to sink in, so when I use it in the morning, I wait around 15-20 minutes before I apply make up. I can't recommend this enough for ANYONE whose skin is being absolutely destroyed by dry winter weather. Oh, and an added bonus - I tend to break out from moisturizers that contain weird botanical ingredients so I was a little cautious when I first started using Skin Food, but it didn't break me out whatsoever so that was a huge relief. I love you Skin Food, and I will purchase you over and over and over.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -First Aid Beauty - Face Cleanser
devilzfood 2/2/2011 1:05:00 AM
It has taken me 7 years to find an HG cleanser, and this is it. I have skin that acts....well it's just really annoying. During the winter months, my combination skin becomes VERY dehydrated and starts flaking. In the past, I would use a cleanser that would be way too light (because anything too strong would strip my skin even further, making it even drier), so I"d have to follow up with a toner. Then, I discovered First Aid Beauty and all I can say is OMG OMG OMG OMG OMGGGGG. It has done something magical that no other product has done. It has eliminated my need for a makeup remover, as well as a toner. It completely removes all makeup and dirt from my face without making it feel tight, dry, and stripped. It is the only cleanser I have ever used that has been able to do this. It's formulated for sensitive skin, which is great because when I've tried switching products in the past, I've always broken out. Not this time. And at 18 freakin bucks, I think it was a steal. I'm by no means a guru, but this is a product that I think everyone should try, regardless of skin type.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Primer -Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Original (UDPP)
devilzfood 2/2/2011 12:53:00 AM
Best primer in existence. Glides on easily, helps eyeshadow stay for hours and hours and hours and .........hours. It really brings out the color of some crappier, less pigmented eyeshadows and really intensifies them. You want to make cheapy, lower quality eyeshadows look bomb on you? Use them over this primer portion. Yeah, the bottle is a nuisance (and I'm sure you wind up wasting some product when you get towards the bottom), but for the quality of the product, I'd be willing to dig this stuff out from the ends of the earth.
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