Treatments -Paula's Choice - Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion Exfoliant (2012 formula with cucumber)
glamgirl31 3/17/2013 12:41:00 AM
After using this product for a month I feel I can give an honest opinion. I have dry combination skin (drier at certain times, oilier at others). I chose the lotion formula because of the nature of my skin. I went with the 1% because I don't have acne, just some clogged and visible pores I would like to reduce. First off, I want to explain the 4 out of 5 lippies. When I first used this, I thought it smelled horrible. I didn't know if I was going to be able to have it on my face. My husband didn't think it smelled bad, so I figured if I could stand the smell and make it through the night and I wasn't offending the person closest to me (literally) I went ahead and used it. The scent did dissipate, and, by morning, was gone. Interestingly, as I've continued to use it, the smell has become MUCH less offensive. Either it has calmed down since I opened it or I've gotten used to it. Either way, it doesn't bother me at all and I'm able to use this twice daily. Scent aside, this product works well. I haven't noticed a dramatic difference in my pores but my skin does look brighter and healthier. I haven't had any new breakouts either. As far as preventing breakouts, the only problems I have are hormonal and I don't think much can change that (besides BC pills). I will continue to use this up but I think I'll try the 2% lotion formula next time. I've read that BHA can take up to 12 weeks to really show improvement, so I'll keep using this patiently and see.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Cerave - Facial Moisturizing Lotion - PM
glamgirl31 12/30/2012 8:45:00 PM
I've been using this moisturizer for a couple years. It's very light yet it moisturizes extremely well. I initially purchased this because of the niacinimide it contains. What had kept me coming back is how great is makes my skin look and feel. I use an AHA cream before I put this on. I wake up every morning to fresh, glowing skin. I even got my husband to use this and now it's the only moisturizer he will use! I highly recommend this!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Cerave - Facial Moisturizing Lotion - AM SPF 30
glamgirl31 12/30/2012 8:44:00 PM
I've been using this moisturizer for a month now. So far, so good! My normally combination skin has been drier lately so I decided to try something different. I use and love the CeraVe PM moisturizer and the foaming cleanser they make, so I thought the daytime moisturizer would make a great addition to my routine. I like the spf 30 and the ingredients (niacinimide, ceremides, and hyaluronic acid to name a few) are all great for keeping skin healthy. The only complaint I have is how thick the product is. One pump is enough for just my face, then another pump for my neck and chest. This isn't a problem, but the product itself is so thick I have a little trouble applying it. But this isn't enough of an issue to stop using it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Cover Girl - Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation
glamgirl31 12/30/2012 8:09:00 PM
EDIT: After using this for a few days & trying different application techniques I have to agree with another reviewer that this foundation looks the best when applied with the fingers! I tried using 2 different brushes and a sponge & got less-than-desirable results. Fingers seem to give this the look that makes me love it so much. I have to praise Cover Girl for this foundation. The company has really improved its products in the last few years and this foundation proves it. I'm fair with neutral undertones (for reference, NW20 in MAC is a good match but slightly too pink). I picked the color 825 Buff Beige. It matches me perfectly. I have combination skin that leans toward dry during the winter, oily in the summer. This foundation lasts all day with only one blotting with an oil-blotting sheet. I have good skin with some redness around my nose and on the apples of my cheeks. I also get the monthly blemish or two. This covered all the redness, a blemish and my slightly dark under-eye circles. This is the first time in a while that I've been able to skip concealer! So far I love this product and I hope others will love it just as much. One word of caution: In my opinion, a whole pump at one time is way too much product. This foundation dries quickly, so I would use less than a pump at a time and work in sections on the face. I used a whole pump the first time and it looked a bit thick and cakey. It wasn't a big deal; I was able to sheer it out with a damp sponge and it looked perfect. Other than that, this is a terrific and beautiful foundation! Thanks Cover Girl!
15 out of 15 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Maybelline - Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation
glamgirl31 2/3/2012 6:55:00 PM
I must say that this foundation works really well for my needs, but YMMV with this one! For starters, I prefer sheer to light coverage. Anything heavier and it feels uncomfortable on my skin. With that being said, anyone who wants or needs medium to full coverage will not like this product!! On to my review: My initial impression of this wasn't great. I saw it on an end-shelf display and was intrigued because I love new releases. When I saw what the foundation was, I was instantly skeptical. A foam? Foundation in a can? Gimmicky, right? With my better judgement screaming at me, I bought it. I went home, read the directions on the back of the can, and applied my new makeup. This is where the 4 rating comes in. You must press the nozzle very lightly or way too much foam comes out. It's a lot like shaving cream. As soon as the foundation hits air, it grows to triple its size. So I wasted most of the first pump, but that's okay. I applied it by dipping my fingers into it and quickly rubbing it into my skin in a circular motion until all areas of my face were done. I instantly loved what I saw. This has a matte, yet natural, look that still allows my skin to show through. It is also very lightweight, which only enhances how this looks. I have combination skin that many (most, in fact) foundations make more oily; I had all but given up trying to find one that didn't do this. Nude Airfoam is the first foundation to agree with my skin, so the foam part must be good for some of us! It wears decently, but no foundation is going to look freshly applied all day long, so, being realistic, I do need to blot and touch-up with powder later in the day. This is not a big deal to me. I'm around NW20 in MAC (but this shade is slightly too pink) and I'm using Creamy Natural, which is a good fit. Price is dirt cheap, around $8. Packaging, like I said, is tricky initially but once you establish the right pressure for the amount you want, it's not so bad. Application, for the most part, is fine if not a bit awkward at first. I really hope this review will help some of you decide if this will work for you. It has done wonders for me!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Suave - Professionals Captivating Curls Whipped Cream Mousse
glamgirl31 10/18/2011 10:35:00 PM
I am a hairstylist and this is by far the best product I have used on my curly, medium textured hair. I was extremely skeptical to try this, being that I am used to using only professional products on myself and my clients. But...WOW. This mousse gives me the volume I'm always wanting while defining my curls in the most gorgeous way. Frizz is eliminated and my hair is shiny and moisturized. I love this product! A tip: shake this can up and down, not side to side, and dispense it straight upside down, not at an angle. This will keep the product whipped and not turn runny toward the end of the can.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Loose Powders -Maybelline - Shine Free Oil Control Loose Powder
glamgirl31 8/28/2011 12:38:00 PM
I can't believe I've never reviewed this powder! I've been using this for YEARS ( I honestly can't remember how long; maybe 10?) Anyways, I dust this over my foundation and it leaves my face with a soft matte look. I controls my t-zone oil well and it doesn't oxidize with wear. If I'm going from day to night, I can re-powder with this and I get no caking. I will use this powder as long as Maybelline makes it! I have light, neutral skin and I use the shade Light.
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Cleansers -Neutrogena - Fresh Foaming Cleanser
glamgirl31 8/28/2011 12:25:00 PM
What can I say that hasn't already been said about this fantastic cleanser? I've been using this for the last 5 years and I have no complaints. I have combination skin that is oilier in summer and drier in winter. I use this cleanser year-round. I find that it does remove ALL of my makeup (I wear a moderate amount and nothing I wear is waterproof) and eliminates oil and dirt. I use an entire pump at night; otherwise, it will not lather or work as well. I also use a washcloth at the very end to further remove any makeup or cleanser residue. In the morning a pearl-sized amount is more than enough to lather and cleanse the dirt/oil on my face from sleeping. Since I started using this cleanser I haven't had to buy eye makeup remover or cotton pads, so I've saved $$$ over the years too! It's officially my HG cleanser.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Garnier - Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage Moisture Lotion SPF 28
glamgirl31 8/28/2011 12:15:00 PM
I've been using this daytime moisturizer for a long time. I love the consistency. It's not too thick or runny, making it perfect for my combo skin. I use one pump for my face and neck. It does feel thick when I first apply, but it absorbs into my skin in minutes, leaving it matte and comfortable. I don't breakout from this and it hasn't clogged my pores. The only thing I don't like about this product is the addition of fragrance. I don't mind the scent; it's not overpowering or offensive to me, but I believe that fragrance can be irritating, so why add it? Anyways, I give this a 4 out of 5, but only because of the fragrance. Best daytime moisturizer I've found for my skin. Also, I feel the vitamin C in this really does brighten my skin. I feel it looks more clear and radiant these days.
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Treatments -Olay - Regenerist Night Resurfacing Elixir
glamgirl31 8/28/2011 12:01:00 PM
I've been using this product for a little over a week now and I am seeing results. My skin is truly combination, leaning more towards oily in the summer and dry in the winter. I believe this serum will work as a replacement for a night lotion in all seasons. I wake up to more radiant, supple, and smooth skin. I use one pump and this amount covers my face and neck. I have noticed less clogged pores so far, and the pores that were clogged seem to be purging a bit too. I have noticed that my skin is more refined as well. So far, this product is perfect for me! FYI: Because this is packaged in a clear plastic bottle, store it in a dark cabinet or drawer. According to Paula B's research, light will slowly break the vitamins in this down, rendering them ineffective.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -L'Oreal - True Match Super-Blendable Makeup SPF 17
glamgirl31 4/3/2011 8:09:00 PM
I bought this foundation based on Paula B's review of it being a great buy for normal to oily skinned ladies. I have to agree with her! I have combination skin that, with the right moisturizer, stays pretty matte for at least half the day. Then a light blotting is all I need to stay oil-free. Some foundations, though, seem to make me more oily throughout the day. I'm always on the hunt for one that looks and feels light while evening my skintone and keeping my skin from becoming oily too quickly. This foundation does all of this and more for me! I bought it for around $9 which is a bargain compared to the $40+ I've spent in the past on dep't store foundations. The color I picked, Natural Buff (N3) matches my NC20-25 skin tone better than MAC (the NW's are too pink, NC is much better, but a bit too yellow) and my skin looks even, healthy, and radiant without the shiny slickness of oil! I love this and will continue to use.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Maybelline - Volum' Express One by One
glamgirl31 4/3/2011 7:55:00 PM
I really love the length, volume, and definition this mascara gives my lashes. I have naturally curly lashes so I never curl before applying this. One by One literally lifts each lash and coats them so evenly that I look like I have false lashes on! I adore this mascara and will continue to use!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -MAC - Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
glamgirl31 1/11/2011 7:52:00 PM
One of my best friends was a makeup artist for MAC for years and got me to give up the drugstore foundation and try this. I've been using this for about three years now and I love it. I feel that I can have any level of coverage I want with MSF. Usually I use the sponge it comes with and I start in the center of my face and blend outwards and I can acheive medium, natural-looking coverage in about thirty seconds. I use NC25 and it's a good match for my light, neutral skin. The reason it gets a 4 instead of a 5 is the staying power leaves something to be desired. I have to blot and touch-up after about 4 hours of wear, which is a bit soon for me. Otherwise, this is hands down my ultimate foundation. I still thank my friend for making me try this all those years ago :) EDIT 6-9-11 Well, I have officially given this up, as well as any other foundation. As I get older, I've found that tinted moisturizer is a better fit for my skin. I still like this foundation, I just don't spend the money on it anymore.
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Blush -Cover Girl - Cheekers Blush in Golden Pink
glamgirl31 1/11/2011 7:38:00 PM
This blush gives a natural and pretty warm glow to my cheeks. My skintone is NC25 for reference and I find that applied lightly this color truly looks golden pink. I apply this to the apples of my cheeks and lightly dust along my cheekbones. It's a true drugstore gem and one of the only blushes that mimics the natural blush tone I have. Love it!
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