Lip Gloss -NARS - Como Larger Than Life lipgloss
franknbeans82 9/29/2012 2:38:00 PM
After walking around Sephora for a very long time and trying dozens of glosses on my hands, I finally settled on this one. Boy am I glad I did, too. It's beautiful! It's a berry color that has enough pigment to actually show up on my lips (brown complexion) and add a subtle pop of color. It also has a very slight shimmer to it and a nice glassy finish that lasts. It's just sticky enough to have good staying power without feeling too tacky. It comes with a petite brush and of course, the simple, sleek style of packaging typical of Nars products. The price was around $26, but I had a coupon for $10 off. I think this is going to be my new go-to gloss, and when I run out, I definitely plan on buying it again. :)
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Fragrances -Victoria's Secret - Coconut Passion EDT
franknbeans82 5/27/2012 5:59:00 PM
I just discovered this stuff today. I could've done cartwheels since it's nearly a perfect dupe of the Coconut Necter Whipped Body Delights lotion Sephora used to carry. That was one of my favorite scents to wear, so imagine my dismay when they discontinued it. Ever since then, I've been testing different products to see if I could find something similar. None came close, until I checked out VS's Coconut Passion line. I wanted to get all of the different products, but I settled upon the EDT. My one complaint about the lotion from Sephora was that it ran out quickly, so I couldn't wear it often. However, this perfume should last me a good long time even with regular wear. Not to mention, I stocked up since they had a deal going on where you can get 3 products (any combo from the line) for $25. Can't beat that! Oh yeah, one last thing...the bottle seems a bit leaky when spraying, so the packaging could use some improvement. I'd still buy it over and over, though. :)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Kate Somerville - Eradikate Acne Spot Treatment
franknbeans82 11/28/2011 5:13:00 AM
This is honestly the best spot treatment I've ever used, and I have tried many others (both ds and he). I don't get a lot of breakouts since my derm put me on a daily regimen of Clindamycin lotion and Differin gel. However, every once in a while, a zit still manages to sneak through, and this stuff is a godsend. It helps make my breakouts go away much quicker, which also helps prevent scarring, and it doesn't dry out my skin. I must warn, however, that it's a bit unsightly upon application (looks similar to Calomine lotion). It also does not have a pleasant smell, due to sulfur being one of the main ingredients. The price is a bit steep for such a small bottle, but I will say that it goes a long way. I've had mine for about 6mos, and it is just now starting to get low. I definitely plan on repurchasing when it runs out! UPDATE: 07/15/12 - I just wanted give an update to say that I still LOVE this stuff! Just this past week, I felt one of those painful zits coming on, which would normally take at least a couple weeks to heal. However, this stuff brought the zit to a head after one night of use. After the 2nd night, the head cleared away, and the zit was already shrinking. It never ceases to amaze me how this stuff makes zits heal at warp-speed. Awesome!
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Eye Shadow -Cover Girl - Intense ShadowBlast
franknbeans82 11/16/2011 3:49:00 PM
I just purchased this on a whim, and I must say, I'm pleasantly surprised! I got the Blue Bomb shade b/c I was intrigued by it's silvery blue color. For a long time, I've been looking for the right shade of gray to compliment my complexion and replicate a make-up look I saw yrs ago. I've tried dozens of shadows, some very expensive, to no avail, so you can imagine my excitement upon discovering that this relatively inexpensive ds shadow is exactly what I've been searching for! It has just the right undertones and contrast to work with my skintone. I also don't mind the applicator. I just use it to sporadically dot the shadow onto my lids, and then I use a large brush to spread and blend it out. The best thing about this product is that it truly does last all day with no creasing or fading whatsoever!! Honestly, I'm so pleased that I almost feel like going out and stocking up on this stuff, haha.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Pretika Sonic Dermabrasion Facial Care System (Clarisonic dupe)
franknbeans82 9/5/2011 12:31:00 AM
I've only had mine for about 3 to 4 weeks, but so far, I love it! Like most others, I was lusting after a Clarisonic, but I just could not justify the cost. I came on here searching for a dupe and saw the reviews for this one. I also saw that a few people found theirs at TJMaxx/Marshalls for a good price, so I immediately went hunting around for one. It took me a few months, but I finally stumbled acrossed one at Marshalls.
I was a little hesitant about using a face brush since some people say they're too rough. I will say that the original brush had that came with mine was a bit harsh, so I followed the advice of others and contacted Pretika. They sent me a softer brush head to try out, and it is much better for me!
My skin was already fairly clear when I started using it. I think I experienced some purging, but it was only a minimal amount. Now, I try to use it every 2 or 3 days, and I love how clean it leaves my skin feeling. I think it helps my skincare products to absorb much better. I also think it's helping to fade my old acne scars.
I went shopping again at Marshalls the other day, and I actually saw another brush for sale. I like mine so well, that I had this irrational urge to buy that one, too, lol. I stopped myself, though because mine is working perfectly!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Biore - SkinPreservation Dual Fusion Moisturizer+SPF 30 ] [DISCONTINUED]
franknbeans82 11/7/2009 10:38:00 AM
I think I have finally found my new HG moisturizer! I recently ran out of my old HG moisturizer, Odile Lecoin or J'aime, which I can't find anymore around here. I was very sad about this, as it had been the only moisturizer that did the job w/o any leaving any residue, made my skin feel ultra smooth/soft, and kept my skin clear and glowy. The only thing it was lacking was spf. Anyway, my skin is very sensitive, so I was dreading the search for a new product, which I knew would include lots of trial and error...meaning breakouts. Luckily, something drew me to Biore SkinPreservation almost right away. I was a little hesitant to try it, as I had gotten away from drugstore skincare products a while ago. However, I stumbled upon a 20% off sale, grabbed up a bottle, and boy am I glad I did! I've been using this stuff consistently now for about two weeks, and it seems to have every quality my old HG had...PLUS, it has spf! No more wasting money on both a moisturizer and sunblock. Best of all, this stuff is eons cheaper than my old HG! Since I've been using it, my skin has been looking so clear and even w/ no new breakouts. I couldn't be more pleased! Additionally, I have been fortunate to avoid the pumping problem so many others have encountered. From the first time I used it, I've always shaken it a bit and tapped the bottom of it on the counter of my sink before I pump, and both products come out perfectly. I hope I'll continue having the same experience in the future when I repurchase this stuff. Updated to add: I'm very disappointed in Biore for discontinuing this product. :(
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Makeup Remover -Lancome - Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Make-up Remover
franknbeans82 3/18/2009 10:30:00 PM
I received this as a GWP purchase recently. I have to say, I'm not a fan. I'm not sure if I'm allergic to it or what, but it made my eyes burn for a long time after I used it. I gave it a couple more tries, thinking the first experience was just a fluke...nope, same result each time. Not to mention, it also leaves behind an ashy residue, even if I wipe my eyes with a wet towel after using it. Yuck! I won't be finishing my free sample, let alone purchasing it again.
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Top/Base Coats -Nailtek - Quicken
franknbeans82 2/20/2009 1:59:00 PM
Like the poster below, I received a free bottle of Quicken with Nailtek II. Originally, I attempted to use Nailtek II with an OPI color polish and Out the Door topcoat. My polish chipped after about 3 days of wear. Then, I gave Quicken a try. I followed the application instructions: 1 coat Nailtek II, 2 coats OPI color, and 1 coat Quicken on the first day. For the rest of the week, I added 1 coat Nailtek II and 1 coat Quicken each day. I was a bit leery about how this could work because I was certain my polish would peel right off with so many coats. However, I am now on day 6, and my polish has not budged...no peeling, no chips, no wear at all!!! I am amazed! I'm also especially pleased with how quickly Nailtek products dry. Nailtek II dries within a minute or so of application, and Quicken only requires about 10-15mins drying time...a very good thing for a girl on the go! I wanted to give this a 5-lippie rating, but there is one drawback. As mentioned in another review, Quicken can cause bubbles in your manicure. However, I can deal with a few bubbles if it means I'm not re-doing chipped nails every other day!
Update 3-18-09: I have to eat some of my words because I discovered it was actually my color polish that created the bubbles in my manicure. Quicken has given me a flawless finish with every other color I've paired it with.
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Lip Gloss -Napoleon Perdis - NP Set - Runaway Star lipgloss trio
franknbeans82 2/7/2009 6:34:00 PM
I hate to admit this, but I was completely sucked into to buying these l/gs solely based on the adorable packaging. They look like star-shaped nail-polishes at first glance. I hardly needed anymore l/g, but I couldn't resist these. Fortunately, it turned out that the product inside was good, as well. They come in 3 shades: shimmery red, shimmery pearl, and shimmery pink. The shades are not greatly pigmented on me. The gloss feels very smooth and only slightly sticky...just enough to keep it on the lips, haha. I doubt I will run out of these anytime soon simply because I have an insane amt of l/g. However, if I ever had the need, I would buy them again. I also thought the price was pretty decent...$14 for all 3 at Target.
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Blush -MAC - Merrily ] [DISCONTINUED]
franknbeans82 12/19/2008 6:57:00 PM
This is my HG blush! The color is very complimentary to my complexion, and it really warms up my face and gives such a beautiful glow. It's perfect! It's a bit on the pricey side, but it's well-worth it.
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Mascara -Unlisted Brand - Kelemata Mascara Suractif
franknbeans82 7/21/2008 10:19:00 AM
I seem to have very good luck w/ dry-formula mascaras like this. I stumbled across the only one left in the clearance bin at Marshalls. It was only $2, so I figured I would give it a try for fun. Turns out that I absolutely love it!! It gives me both volume and length w/ no clumping! The packaging is sleek looking, as well. I'm not sure what price this mascara normally runs, but I will probably purchase it again if it isn't too outrageous.
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Polishes -OPI - Peru-B-Ruby
franknbeans82 5/17/2008 9:47:00 PM
This is my favorite OPI shade! It's very similar to "It's All Greek To Me," except it has a little bit more red. I think red polish is generally known as a sexy shade, but this one is a nice alternative w/ a more youthful, flirty edge.
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Lip Treatments -Boots - Mediterranean - nectarine olive grape moisturising lip butter
franknbeans82 1/30/2008 1:09:00 PM
This stuff is absolutely divine!!! My lips feel so good right now that I would kiss myself if I could, haha. Anyway, I found this product at Target for around $6+, and the name is in a reversed order "Grape Olive & Nectarine." It has a very smooth texture. It soaks right in, but it also leaves a nice layer moisturization to protect the surface of the lips. Last week, my lips were dry, chapped, and cracking. This week, I found this product, been using it for about 3 days now, and my lips have been transformed! They feel so soft and nourished eventhough it's in the 30s and windy outside. You get a lot of product in the pot, and it lasts a long time on the lips...so I doubt I'll need to replace it anytime soon. However, I am so in love w/ it, that I am tempted to buy another couple of pots as backups, haha! UPDATE 2-3-07: I've been wearing this stuff for a full week now, and it is definitely HG status!! It has completely erased my dry, chapped, cracking lips and replaced them w/ soft, velvety smooth ones. :)))
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Mascara -Cover Girl - Lash Blast
franknbeans82 10/24/2007 5:32:00 PM
I think I may have found my new hg mascara. This stuff created the same effect that I get from a combination Estee Lauder primer and Clinique mascara...at a much cheaper price! I got it for around $7 at Walmart. It really pumped up the volume and length of my lashes! On my first day of wearing it, my coworker came into my office raving about my makeup. It struck me funny because one, she has seen me in makeup before, and two, this was the only thing I was wearing! She loved how it looked on me! Thumbs up for the brush and formula because I didn't experience any problems w/ clumping or flaking. The size of the brush was a bit intimidating on first sight, but I would assume that's part of the secret to the mega-pumped-up effect it gives! I have to say, Covergirl has outdone themselves in the mascara dept!!
Before Lash Blast:
After Lash Blast:
Sorry for the cameraphone quality photos, buy you get the idea, haha!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Plumage - Matte e/s
franknbeans82 10/19/2007 11:47:00 AM
This may possibly be my favorite es! One day I was browsing a magazine and saw a model w/ the most beautiful smokey teal es, and it set me out on a hunt for a similar shade. That day, I ended up dropping a chunk of cash on a couple es to create a smokey teal shade. Then, a few weeks later, I stopped by a Mac counter and happened upon Plumage. It is EXACTLY the shade I was search high and low for, doh! Anyway, I love to use it as a liner and to do smokey eyes. I love the idea of taking regular colors and adding a smokey element to them. It's so much more interesting than the usual black or gray, as other reviewers have mentioned. Mac shadows are a bit pricey, but they're longlasting and well-worth the cost!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No