Moisturizers -Biotherm - Pure.fect Skin Hydrating Gel
dolcefan 5/15/2013 7:46:00 AM
I may have found my HG moisturizer, especially for summer, for my combo-to-oily skin! This lightweight gel moisturizer has a fresh scent and it absorbs quickly into my skin. I must admit I've noticed a real difference in how oily my skin becomes in the day.....which is much less! I find myself blotting less, or almost never if I use MUFE's HD loose powder over my makeup as well. I like the bottle and the fact it has a little cap to put over the pump to prevent spills if you travel with it. I'd buy this again.
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Mascara -Maybelline - Volum' Express Turbo Boost Waterproof 
dolcefan 5/8/2013 9:10:00 AM
I have the "newer" version in the black and orange tube. Yet another Maybelline mascara fail for me. Overall I have to use about 4 coats to get any length or volume....otherwise it doesn't really do anything for my lashes. It's quite waterproof so I will use it up since pool and beach season is almost here. Once used, however, I'll be looking for something else.
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Highlighters -Too Faced - Absolutely Invisible Candlelight
dolcefan 5/6/2013 3:28:00 PM
Meh. I really wanted to like this. I thought it would give me a subtle shimmer/glow whether tan or pale that I could wear for day. The product is pressed so tightly, it's difficult to pick up any on a brush and it's really quite invisible...as the name states. I wanted subtle, but this is just TOO subtle for my liking. I find the sponge applicator quite useless and tried dabbing it on with that, to no great effect. I tried using my ring finger to pat it on, but still barely detectable. Unless you want a very very subtle 'candlelight glow' all over your face (using a big powder brush) but are NOT looking to use this as a highlight for cheeks or browbone, don't bother with this one.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Revlon - Colorburst Lip Butter - Berry Smoothie
dolcefan 5/2/2013 5:30:00 PM
I generally like lip butters....and I used to really love this shade. It was my go-to summer color last year. I don't know what happened, but lately I don't love it anymore. All of a sudden its shimmer and the shade of pink look retro and tacky on me (I've seen swatches on others which don't look anything like this). The color is cooler than I originally thought and I won't be buying this one again.
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Liquid -Rimmel - Stay Matte Foundation
dolcefan 4/27/2013 7:31:00 AM
I had read the reviews here, but since I wanted an inexpensive foundation for my 'in-between' season (I've been outdoors a lot lately and have some color) before I get tan in the summer, I chose this. While I don't have any issues with it looking or turning orange (I've got it in shade 300, which was a tad lighter than I thought once home and not in-store), I do not like the coverage or application. It looks creamy when you squeeze it out of the tube, but it applies very watery....and it's almost sheer coverage. It's like using a tinted moisturizer. I never apply more than one layer of foundation (normally I use Revlon ColorStay oily/combo or Rimmel 24 hour) but with this I used two. I didn't have any issues with streaking or unevenness but I just don't love this one. I don't think it's very clear on the packaging about the coverage and consistency, either. One thing I DO like is the squeeze tube since it's hygienic and easy. Edit: I added a lippie because I've come to like this product more when paired with my MUFE HD loose powder. Never oxidizes, and I have to admit, I've noticed my face stays matte for several hours and that's something I like. I still don't love the coverage, but I can work with it.
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Lipstick -MAC - Viva Glam Nicki
dolcefan 3/25/2013 8:46:00 AM
I really love this color. Usually I prefer MAC's creamsheen or lustre lipsticks to satin, but anyway, I had to have this one. Unlike Nicki II, which is "too much" (opaque, pastel, too cool and lavender for my skin) for myself, this color really brightens up my face! I think it will look even better this summer with a bit of a tan, and I like playing around with ways to wear it, playing up , or down, its intensity (full on straight from tube application, or blotting, or finger-staining etc). I didn't buy the gloss because I can achieve almost the same results with clear gloss under or on top. Edit: I've gotten so many compliments with this lipstick! And I wear it in the day, not just at night. This color is so workable, like I noted above. You can amp it up or feather it out, gloss it up for day, etc
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Eyeliner -MAC - Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Feline
dolcefan 3/15/2013 2:17:00 PM
I'm disappointed this doesn't work exactly as I'd hoped. The color payoff is PHENOMINAL, first and foremost. It draws a jet-black line quickly and easily. Beautiful. The problem is, no matter if I use my Too Faced primer or not, it smudges too much....and not in a good, smoky sexy way. It's just too messy on me for the waterline or lower lash line (upper lid lining is "ok"). However, IMO, Too Faced's Perfect Eyes liner in black is much better....it gives me the color AND sets, even on my waterline.
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Eyeliner -MAC - Phone Number eye kohl
dolcefan 3/15/2013 2:12:00 PM
Another good liner from MAC. This is a softer 'sister' to Smolder, IMO. It's easy to get away with in daytime (if you can't wear/don't like strong day looks) and can be played with or built up for evening. When I wear eyeliner, though, I usually like it more dramatic, so it's not my favorite personally. I might buy it again, though, to keep on hand for more-understated but still decent color.
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Eyeliner -MAC - Smolder eye kohl
dolcefan 3/15/2013 2:08:00 PM
I like this liner. It isn't my HG, but it gives me an easy smoky eye look pretty easily. Good pigmentation, lets me "work" with it, only decent staying power. I haven't had major issues with smudging/travelling, but I think the wear/staying power could be better than it is. Overall, though, I like and use it quite a bit.
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Mascara -Christian Dior - Diorshow New Look Mascara
dolcefan 3/9/2013 12:07:00 PM
I got a deluxe sample of this from Sephora and upon seeing the brush, I didn't have much hope in liking it. I was quite wrong! This builds, defines and lengthens my lashes and I really like the effect. I haven't had any issues with smudging and I also apply to my bottom lashes. I like the tip of the brush, too, as I can really angle it well (as it's small and tapered) to really get my inner lashes covered as well as the outer corners, too. It's quite expensive but I am thinking of buying the full size as to me it's worth the price. I just bought a YSL Faux Cils Shocking which I like as well so will have to wait to finish that before deciding 100%.
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Styling Products -Frederic Fekkai - Coiff Oceanique Tousled Wave Spray
dolcefan 3/9/2013 10:54:00 AM
I have naturally wavy-curly hair that I usually straighten. The only thing that really works on my hair to give it locked in, defined sexy waves and ringlets is the SEA water+air. Every product I've tried never gives me the same effect and that includes the Fekkai Oceanique. I don't even know why I bought it since I've never found his products to be that great, but seeing 'Ocean' on the bottle probably spurred me on. The smell is pleasant (to me) and distinct. This doesn't dry out my hair or make it crunchy, at least, but it doesn't really do much of anything. Since there's no hold, it also doesn't give any volume, which is also what I crave. I apply this to dry hair or when my hair is slightly damp and 'scrunch' it through and twist some ends as well. The problem is, after about 10 minutes it looks like the effort was for nothing. The curl falls and meh.... I'm giving it 3 lippies because of the scent, non-drying aspect and the packaging. It also seems to work for some women, but it didn't give me what I need and want (real beach hair!)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Palettes -Urban Decay - Naked Basics
dolcefan 3/8/2013 5:28:00 PM
I do not get the hype for this. Yes, the colors blend and are pigmented....but I suppose I don't see the need for a "basics" palette when many people already own dupes of these colors or similar (if they want to admit it or not). I've got a plethora of similar shades from MAC, UD itself, Bobbi Brown, L'oreal, Too Faced and NYX which wouldn't justifiy spending money on this. It's tiny, to boot (although for travel it would work quite well). I would say for a true makeup VIRGIN this is a decent palette....for many beauty junkies I think it's an overhyped marketing scheme to persuade people into thinking they need these colors in one place. Boring, contrived, marketed towards lemmings, expensive for what it is.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -TRESemme - Climate Control Tres Extra Hold Firm Control Mousse
dolcefan 3/8/2013 7:44:00 AM
I needed to write a review of this. While not perfect, it's quite a good product for such an inexpensive cost! One, I love the scent, first reaction. Second, I really like the way this sets my hair. My hair isn't stiff or hard afterwards, but shiny and quite 'pliable'. I mean, when heat-styling, my hair does pretty much what I want and stays that way. As far as humidity and "element" control, I've noticed my hair still gets a bit "wavy" after a while if I'm out in the rain (haven't tried this in summer yet) but my hair isn't 'frizzy'. Also, my style stays in place fairly well on windy days....just a touch up with my hands and my hair's back in place nicely....not crazy, pokey and sticking out with no hope to brush it. I really like this and would buy again and again!
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Makeup Brushes -MAC - #213 Fluff Brush
dolcefan 3/6/2013 6:51:00 AM
This brush is something I use quite often but tend not to think about. I've had the same brush for 4 or 5 years now at least and it's lasted, not shed, and this has impressed me. I don't use this to try to pack on color (I use the 239 for that), but it applies a wash of color beautifully, and I also like it for applying dark colors for a readily smoked effect. I call this my "worker brush" because it gets its job done without fancy fanfare. I'd buy it again.
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Deodorants -Suave - 24 Hour Protection Invisible Solid in Sweet Pea and Violet 
dolcefan 3/5/2013 7:33:00 PM
The worst deodorant I've ever used! I don't have an issue with perspiration and normal deos usually work fine for me. Seeing how cheap this was and knowing Suave can make some great "knock off" products, I tried it. Funky doesn't begin to describe....average wetness protection and terrible 'deodorant' function. I was so embarrassed to notice just a couple of hours after each application I could definitely notice the scent had long gone. After a few weeks I just tossed it. IMO Secret and Dove are so much better.
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