Fragrances -Annick Goutal - Musc Nomade
hpunkinway 4/4/2013 7:22:00 AM
I am really surprised at the reviews for this fragrance. I find myself using this even more often than Eau D'Hadrien and Nuit D'Hadrien. It smells like a Morroccan household. I collect Annick Goutal perfumes, but cannot stand Petit Cherie nor Le Jasmine.
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Powder -MAC - Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
hpunkinway 3/20/2013 5:39:00 AM
I love this stuff, and I lost my last compact while traveling. After 18 months or so, I am looking to replace it, having realized that this is the ONLY makeup I could ever use for concealing. When I say that, do NOT use this under your eyes (far too powdery and dry for that), but only on blotchy portions of your skin or blemishes, if you happen to have them. I would never consider using this as a foundation, as it is truly heavy, heavy, and will look like a mask. (If there is another method of application, I do not know about it.) Simply put, I pulled out this compact a number of years ago before going out with some friends in sunny daylight, and my girlfriend commented, "Oh my God, it really works." I of course responded, "Well, of course it does." I use this as a concealer only in the areas where I need it. It lasts and lasts. I am not one much to fuss about details, but I do require that a makeup look natural. Although I have not fussed much in that last few years, I am treating myself to another one of these compacts. Believe me, if you find your color, this will be the best concealer investment you've ever made. It could conceivably last a lifetime. And because it is a dry powder, you needn't worry much about longevity. Just keep it dry, and it will stay fine. Best application: Use clean fingertips and dab it on and blend around imperfections.
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Crème -Paula's Choice - RESIST Instant Smoothing Anti-Aging Foundation
hpunkinway 2/18/2013 3:38:00 AM
This is a good foundation, but a bit heavy. I like to use only a half pump and add moisturizer to it. Lovely finish.
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Fragrances -Yves Rocher - Naturelle EDT
hpunkinway 2/18/2013 3:28:00 AM
I did not buy this fragrance, but received it as a gift with purchase. While I generally like all YR fragrances, this one turns my stomach. On me, it smells like watermelon with lots of isopropyl alcohol. It's still on my shelf because the bottle is very pretty, but I really need to give this one away. I have no idea how to "swap" on this web site, but would love to give this to someone who likes it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Clarisonic - Mia
hpunkinway 12/24/2012 2:46:00 AM
I am generally a skeptic about these gadgets, and the fact that Paula Begoun did not have a very nice take on them left me wondering even more. Nevertheless, I purchased this little beast 2 years ago, and almost cannot do without it now. My skin looks better than it did twenty years ago (that is, considering acne, etc. The device will not erase hollows or wrinkles in the skin.) Bear in mind that I am commenting on the MIA, not the other devices. Also take into consideration that I have tried a few different brush heads to varying degrees of success. The one brush head that I swear by is that for acne, as it is indeed the most gentle. I have not experienced the same results with the other brush heads. However, I think that after two years now is a good time to adequately comment on the results of this gadget. I hope that you find this helpful. Oh, and by the way, use the cleanser that you usually use. There is no need to use the manufacturer's formula. You might even consider using something lighter.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Cerave - Foaming Facial Cleanser
hpunkinway 12/11/2012 4:24:00 AM
I am so happy to have found this cleanser. I was using Paula's Choice "Hydralight," which I kind of preferred due to the non-foaming aspect, but this is SO much less expensive, and good/ neutral to skin. So far, very happy. I still use Paula's for other skincare products.
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Makeup Brushes -E.L.F. - Eyelash and Brow Wand
hpunkinway 12/9/2012 4:09:00 AM
This is a fine tool, don't get me wrong, but for this price, you could buy twenty on Ebay. I use these not only to comb my eyebrows occasionally, but also to clean my hummingbird feeders (not with the same tool). I just think that you are spending too much for what you get. This is probably how ELF makes up for profit margin that might slightly be lost on other products, so at least buy one or two, I'd say.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Paula's Choice - RESIST Ultimate Anti-Aging Hand Cream SPF 30 + Antioxidants
hpunkinway 11/6/2012 6:55:00 AM
Great stuff. I use this on my face, however. It's just too expensive for hand lotion.
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Skincare - Face -Unlisted Brand - Grapefruit Seed Extract
hpunkinway 10/7/2012 5:24:00 AM
Just Grapefruit seed extract. It's the best cleaner i have found. I don't know anything about it COSMETICALLY. I know that it cleans wood, carpet, tiles, etc., and without toxins. (As a caretaker of a parrot, this is really important.) Please let me know what more you find out about this substance.
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Cleansers -Yves Rocher - Micellar Cleansing Water
hpunkinway 10/7/2012 3:17:00 AM
Very refreshing. I would not use this to cleanse my face every night, but it is great during the day. The weather where I live has become very uncharacteristically humid, and I find that I like to cleanse it more often now during the day. If you wear makeup all over your face, however, it might not be the best. No irritation at all. Very pleasantly scented--not overpowering. Ordinarily in this weather i would have more clogged pores, and by using this daily in the afternoon I find that my skin is much cleaner and clearer. You may need more moisturizer, however, after using it.
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Liquid -Yves Rocher - Second Skin Effect Foundation
hpunkinway 8/28/2012 4:22:00 AM
Wow! I am amazed by this foundation. Almost too much coverage (I mix it with moisturizer), but the consistency is so LIGHT! I love that. I bought it from Yves Rocher on a whim, and did not have high expectations. I do love that they do not test on animals. Yves Rocher is generally not a good place to buy your makeup--mediocre formulas, and snail's pace shipping, until they let you know that they're out of a product. Let's just hope that they don't discontinue this one. UPDATE: I am lifting this to 5 stars. I cannot believe how light this is with the coverage that is gives, and still manages to look so natural (so long as you have the right skin tone match). This makeup is an A+++ and I certainly hope that this company doesn't discontinue it. (They are not known for their makeup, and they frequently change products.)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Salux Nylon Japanese Bath Towel
hpunkinway 8/28/2012 4:10:00 AM
I ordered these cloths form the Salux distributor here in California, and received them so quickly. I had my doubt given that I've been a "scrubber" my whole life, but WOW BABY!, these things do feel like 10 million microscopic elves exfoliating and massaging your body at once! I've been careful not to over-use (although the temptation is difficult), as I am concerned about being over-doing and creating a nightmare on my already over-sensitive skin. I think I'll just need to work up to more scrubbings. I've ordered more for friends and family, as I am sure that they will love the experience. Please make sure that you go to the manufacturer's web site and order, and please do not be over-zealous in your scrubbing. I think that most of you ladies will love these! Thank you, Makeupalley gals! UPDATE: I am still using these, but only once per week. Perfect! It is the most amazing sensual experience! Nothing like it. 2nd UPDATE: Status quo--these are still great, just make sure that you do not over-use. I am still at once weekly.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Color -John Frieda - Luminous Color Glaze in Sheer Blonde
hpunkinway 8/12/2012 4:58:00 AM
I have tried this product twice. This first time I was quite incredulous of the results, and figured that I had just done something wrong. the second time confirmed my suspicions. If your hair is blonde and relatively straight, as mine is, please do not waste your money on this product. My hair was so incredibly greasy and horrible--and I had used this stuff right before an interview! (Interview went fine, obviously it is not about hair products, but if you want to feel comfortable during and interview, don't use this!) Honesty, just grease and more grease. Please do not waste your money. This company makes so many other wonderful products, I was truly surprised.
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Lotions/ Creams -Yves Rocher - Arnica Daily Moisture Cream
hpunkinway 6/20/2012 3:26:00 AM
This is a fine product, one that I used to stash because i could use it on my dry hands (I have a million hobbies, and what's more, I am in health care as a career). This is a relatively inexpensive product that you can use while working, handling documents and not get them greasy at all. It is is still a 5-star for me, HOWEVER, I have discovered Triple Lanolin Aloe Vera. It is much stronger, still nongreasy (after you wait 60 seconds to tackle your keyboard and/or documents), and stays on after mild hand washing. However, some people have reported that the scent is too strong for them. It does not bother me, but something to check in to before you buy the full size. Good luck! I know that I have absolutely torn my hands apart in the past, and it is painful and itchy. My best friend commented to me just before she died, "My, your hands are SO rough." This was before I discovered hand lotion, of course. I now use this stuff, and what a difference it makes---no itchiness anymore, either!
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Lotions/ Creams -Unlisted Brand - Triple Lanolin Aloe Vera Hand & Body Lotion
hpunkinway 6/20/2012 3:04:00 AM
Wow! If you want an amazing effective product, go with this one. Let's face it emollience is not that difficult to achieve, but none of us want to smear olive oil on our hands, especially when we have to handle documents for our work or business. This elegant formula fits the bill. Put it on your hands (or elsewhere, and just give it 60 seconds to sink in. I used to love Yves Rocher Arnica Essential for the task (and still do, while it's much lighter). You can still type and perform your administrative duties without a cloud of oil on your keyboard or documents. I almost cannot believe what I am seeing. I used to like l'Occitane, but so greasy. (Maybe still good for overnight treatment) but why bother while this is so inexpensive? It's perfect! I am still amazed. By the way, it stays on your hands even after you wash them (unless you scrub as a surgeon or surgical nurse--in that case, this does not apply). While I rely on the Arnica by Yves Rocher, I cannot say that it stays on the hands after you wash. In my field, I have to wash my hands at least every hour before dealing with clients, so this will become my mainstay. My stash of Arnica will have to go to those who do not deal with patients, otherwise, that is also a great product.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No