Mascara -Chanel - Mascara Exceptionnel
emn0141 8/28/2008 10:03:00 AM
...I think I would buy this product again. I was on Chanel's website about to buy my go-to Inimitable Mascara when I saw their newest product "Exceptionnel". I have somewhat short, straight eyelashes; nothing that a curler and a volumizing mascara can't remedy, though. I've been a fan of the Inimitable since it came out last year and figured I could handle the splurge (ie cost) every few months. It makes my lashes fan out beautifully, adding thickness, length, and curl. I found that it even stood up to humidity better than the waterproof version, and it never made my lashes brittle or stiff. But, I digress... I went to the Macy's nearest to me in downtown Boston. I asked the MUA about the Exceptionnel, and all she could say is that it is the newest on the market but that she loved it even more than Inimitable because it was basically was Inimitable but even more dramatic. I've used it twice now...the first time made my eyelashes look fake, Halloween, and costumey. My lashes clumped together and were ridiculously (bad) long. I tried it again this morning, taking a little more time with the 6-sided comb wand-- do not wiggle the brush; instead, roll it between your fingers as you start from the lash base outward. Yes, it does take some coordination. Maybe 3 swipes/rolls, but no more. And there is a big glob of mascara that lingers at the end of the wand...so beware of that. Overall, I think Inimitable does a better job of volumizing, whereas Exceptionnel does a lot for lengthening, curling, and separating so it's pretty but I don't think this is the one for me. I'll update more as I use it.
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Mascara -Chanel - Inimitable Mascara Multi-Dimensionnel (Waterproof Version)
emn0141 6/11/2007 12:42:00 PM
Okay, I'm generally addicted to all things Clinique, mascara included. HOWEVER, seeing as how it's been unseasonably humid so early on in June, my usual favorite High Definition mascara has underperformed (think raccoon eyes), and their waterproof mascara just does nothing for my short, thin lashes. So, I decided to try Chanel's Initmitable Waterproof mascara (in black), which claims to lengthen, define, volumize, and curl. I must say, it does all of the above. I'm shocked especially about the curling factor-- most mascaras do this for a few hours after application, but my eyelashes have never looked better with Chanel all day long. Seriously, ladies-- this stuff really does live up to its promises and is worth the $27. And as the last review pointed out, this mascara can look natural with one or two swipes OR look really dramatic with a 3rd swipe of the wand. It's an amaaazing mascara. One tiny gripe: The suction at the opening of tube stinks, as in there's a small glob of product at the end of the wand, so wipe that off with a paper towel before you apply. Otherwise, I love this mascara.
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Lip Gloss -Clinique - Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine gloss in Cherry Bomb
emn0141 3/17/2007 1:11:00 AM
I didn't buy this product specifically for the plumping effect. I actually just liked the color in the tube, the packaging, and the application wand. I'm cynical of topically-inducing lip plumpers, but this gloss has a surprising effect on lips. They're not grossly inflated, but if nothing else, give the illusion of full, smooth lips (I'm only 25, don't smoke, and moisturize my lips constantly, so they're in good shape to begin with). As for the color, it's actually quite sheer, but with this shade the color looks like a faint blush. Quite lovely. I'm not sure that I would specifically go out to buy this again, but I really do like the effects, so if I ever run out...maybe I'll buy again?
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Lip Gloss -Elizabeth Arden - Clear Lipgloss
emn0141 9/26/2006 11:20:00 PM
This gloss really does have a lovely texture-- thick enough for staying power but not so tacky as a JT or MAC Lipglass. The spearmint scent is only noticeable to me when I put it on, otherwise it seems odorless and tasteless, which I really like. I think my only real problem is the teeny opening; if the tube is fairly new, a little bit seeps out as you re-cap the gloss. Not enough to be wasteful but it could cause a bit of a mess in your purse if you're not careful. Soooo, overall, I really like this gloss-- it imparts a simple, elegant gleam and at the same time looks so casual and cool. Will buy again.
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Mascara -Clinique - high definition lashes
emn0141 8/28/2006 10:10:00 PM
All right, I get a little overly happy about every new product I try unless it is explicitly garbage. In any case, I've been using this for over a week, and I must say that I'm pretty pleased with this mascara. Of course, I'd like to start by dismissing the bad rap it has gotten-- Yes, it does take a bit of time and patience to apply. I find that you can swipe the brush through as many times as you want, but that using the comb the same way does create spiky lashes. So, be light on step 2. But really, we are all guilty of using a heavy hand with our old mascaras, so you're not saving time per se. You just have to be patient. I don't think it takes a really long time to dry; it's actually good that it stays wet for a while because I think if it dried, the comb would create an absolute mess. Overall, the staying power is way better than High Impact which after a workout leaves smudges, and this doesn't. Also, it doesn't burn my eyes the way High Impact does when I wash it off at the end of the day. So final analysis: It doesn't have the deep drama of High Impact but it definitely creates long, full, and separated lashes. I'll most likely repurchase. UPDATE: I am not kidding at all when I say practice makes perfect with this mascara...with a light touch, gently roll the wand in your hand when you use the comb. That way, any mascara caught between the teeth doesn't saturate and make your lashes spidery. I swear, this works. I really love this stuff, and the non-irritation is superb, too (again, unlike my much beloved High Impact).
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Mascara -Prescriptives - Lash Envy
emn0141 7/22/2006 11:40:00 PM
UPDATE 8/17/06: So I've been using this for almost a month-ish now. I was reallllly impressed at first, but then I noticed that near the end of the day, my eyelashes were falling out. Yes, I know that lashes do fall out, but every night after 12-15 hours of wear, my eyelids start to get itchy and without doing anything more than blinking, eyelashes fall into my eyes. And I don't have lots of full, long eyelashes as it is to be losing them. So ultimately, while this product lasts and lasts, it's not worth the dryness. Will NOT buy again. Hello again, Clinique High Impact.
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Lotions/ Creams -Avon - Moisture Therapy Intensive
emn0141 3/15/2006 11:39:00 PM
Okay, so many of the products on MUA are high-end, and we gals we review those products in the hopes that we can save each other a buck on a dud product or share something fantastic. Of course, we've ALL had a run with some kind of Avon product...last time I really loved something from Avon, I was 15 and found an incredible gloss that they discontinued. Oh well. Recently, though, my mom purchased this through her friend who's an Avon rep, in the hope that she could find something for my ever chapped, cracking hands (I have Reynaud's syndrome-- bad circulation + dry hands). I didn't expect much from this stuff, but as it turns out, this is the best hand cream I HAVE EVER USED. It feels waxy if you use more than a dime sized amount because your skin is so easily moisturized with just a bit of product; it takes about 3 handwashings before you need to re-apply. Your skin just sucks this up and your hands aren't greasy. I've been using this cream for over 4 months and have had no chillbains all winter. So cheap, too! This is a fantastic lotion!
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Powder -Clinique - Perfectly Real Compact Powder Foundation
emn0141 3/14/2006 10:34:00 PM
This product only has one strike against it: the price seems a bit high for a Clinique powder...I think I paid $22.50. Otherwise, nothing but good things to say. The powder really is like my skin (perfectly real) but only better-- after 8 or so hours, no shine; the powder is still there but doesn't sit like chalk or dust on even the finest facial hairs. I'm amazed by how fantastic my skin looks. Buyers beware though: The colors in the compact are completely different than the way they will look on your skin; typically, at a glance, I can narrow down my ideal shade just by looking at the stuff-- the Clinique MA probably went through 5 or 6 colors on me before we found my color (which, by the way, was almost a pasty looking color in the compact #114 but is soooooo perfect anyway). I'm really happy, so I'll definitely repurchase.
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Lip Gloss -Clinique - Colour Surge Impossibly Glossy-Luau
emn0141 3/1/2006 11:27:00 PM
I don't think I've ever received so many compliments as I have while wearing this gloss. Initially, I was kicking myself because it seemed like a lightly tinted, clearish gloss, and when I held up the tube to "Camisole," I thought I wasted my money because the colors are quite similar looking. HOWEVER, this shade has a distinctively more gold and whimsical feel. It looks very fresh and feels like a dream to wear. I love this entire line-- so moisturizing, easy to wear. Will buy again...hopefully, it's not a limited-edition!
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Mascara -Clinique - High Impact Mascara
emn0141 2/23/2006 12:37:00 AM
My favorite mascara ever-- it's a perfect all-in-one for someone with short, thin lashes. I'll admit, when Clinique first introduced this mascara, I hated it. My lashes clumped together and the cap cracked after about a month. I was not impressed, though to be fair, the cap thing was probably a one time faulty issue. In any case, I recently bought the mascara again on a whim and noticed that the wand had actually improved, with the bristles better spaced out, distributing an even coat of mascara. I love the deep black color, too. My only gripe is that when tears or water hits the stuff, your eyes will burn and sting like they never have before; it's fleeting, though, and if you know you'll be crying or going out in the rain, just throw on a quick coat of Gentle Waterproof mascara on top. When and if Clinique ever comes out with a waterproof version, I will certainly snatch that up. Definitely will repurchase.
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Lip Gloss -Bobbi Brown - Shimmer Lip Tint SPF 15 Posey Shimmer
emn0141 2/12/2006 1:32:00 AM
I first saw this shade in "Glamour" as one of the top 10 prettiest lip glosses now. It looked absolutely rosey and natural; I was a bit shocked when I received it in the mail to discover that it was a light pink-- light but pretty nonetheless. I really didn't like this shade at first because it seemed to make my mouth disappear into my face. This gloss is a very natural, neutral, soft pink. It is a cool color, but thankfully, I didn't see any major sparkles. Surprisingly, the more I wore it, the more fond of this gloss I've become. The color just glows because the texture of the gloss itself is satiny and not artificial looking. I think that, due to the fact this a gentle color, it could be worn year-round, and I really appreciate the SPF factor. I'm pretty sure I'll buy this one again. *** Thanks for the tip, Gummybear77! Glad I wasn't the only who thought Glamour had a mix-up!
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Moisturizers -Good Skin - All Bright Moisturizing sunscreen SPF 30
emn0141 2/5/2006 10:53:00 PM
UPDATE: Ultimately, I still have not broken out; however, the texture is just too thick and feels heavy under makeup. If you are going relatively au naturel, it's a good product, but I would steer away from this otherwise. AMAZING! I have odd skin-- my complexion is pretty good, but at 24, I do have minimal sun damage; plus, my skin gets flaky at the slightest change of weather, winter or summer. Of course, the winter is harsher on my skin, and I need a heavier moisturizer. Most of the thicker stuff out there does the job but eventually makes me break out. This, however, is entirely different. I was concerned that this would be a problem and not moisturize enough. When I put this on my face, though, imagine my surprise when no flakes appeared and my skin didn't start breaking out. And I swear, my skin looks brighter and clearer and feels so soft and smooth. Beyond a bit of concealer, all I need is a dusting of loose powder and my complexion looks flawless. This moisturizer would be appropriate year-round.
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Lip Gloss -Clinique - Color Surge Impossibly Glossy - Cream Soda
emn0141 1/3/2006 10:59:00 PM
I received one of the best/worst presents this XMas...it was the set of mini Color Surge glosses with around 10 different shades. I say best because I can try virtually every color from this collection on but worst because I never know which one to wear! The shades are all so beautiful, and in all honesty, I didn't think I would like Cream Soda. Imagine my surprise to find such a lovely, muted bronzy rose color--- not too brown, not too pink. It's a wonderful shade for either pale skin or a healthy tan.
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Lipstick -Clinique - Butter Shine Lipstick - Delovely
emn0141 12/30/2005 12:21:00 AM
Okay, so I couldn't make myself break down and buy ANOTHER Butter Shine color....so Santa brought it for XMas ;) Anyway, I'm really enamoured of this shade-- I was skeptical because in the tube the color is just brown, and I usually wear more pink than anything. In actuality, it is a fantastic light neutral color that's hard to define (in a good way). On me, I found the undertone had a bit of plum in it (possibly because I have fairly red lips), but it's shade that just blends so well with a smokey eye or a clean makeup look. It looks very natural in a I-can't-put-my-finger-on-how it can look so special. Would highly recommend. Just one warning about these lipsticks: as they are so moisturizing and are so smooth to apply, you can go through a tube very quickly (case in point: I purchased First Love 2 months ago, and now I have to use a brush to scrape out the last of it from the tube).
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Lipstick -Clinique - Butter Shine Lipstick - First Love
emn0141 11/7/2005 11:54:00 PM
Okay, so I broke down and bought another color from the Butter Shine line. It's funny because even though I bought Praline first, I just knew I'd be back for First Love. It's a lovely, subtle pink that just makes your complexion glow. I'm a lip gloss addict, but the colors from this line are so sheer and smooth that even if you make a mistake during application you can easily wipe it off and reapply. So easy. Sigh...I'll probably be buying another shade soon.
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