Blush -Barry M - Blusher - Rose No. 2
hrtbrkr78 3/7/2013 1:56:00 AM
I thought this was a great way to try some bright colors since I've heard such good things about this brand. It did not disappoint. Bought 3 Barry M blushes and have been wearing this one for a few days. It wears for over 12 hours! I couldn't believe it. You'd be hard pressed to find some HE brands last this long. Of course, it could have to do with the combo of things I am wearing but I used 2 diff primers on separate days and while it didn't look freshly applied, you could still see my blusher. I know this is available primarily in UK but if I run out before I get to the UK, I would pay double what the blush costs. This one doesn't have any sparkles and completely matte. I love how natural it looks on my NC30ish skin. It looks bright but it takes a few passes so it doesn't go on clownish. Has a very nice, natural looking texture on cheeks. I think it would look great on all skintones, even darker.
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Blush -Physicians Formula - pH matchmaker 
hrtbrkr78 12/31/2012 4:36:00 AM
Edit 02/25/13: After trying this on for longer periods of time in 1 day, I conclude that this DOES NOT live up to the claim of 14 hour wear in terms of color; glitter, yes, I can still see it at night. The problem with this is the color: it goes on super bright and pigmented with just 1 sweep. If I put on more, I look like a member of the Ringling Circus. I have found that layering with a cream blush doesn't really help for adherence because that's not the problem. It's the tone. In a matter of a few hours, it's very toned down though to the point where you ask yourself if you put on blush this morning. Maybe if I tried the lighter color and really piled on the layers, it may help? I am downgrading it by 1 lippie for wear. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is super-pigmented (or maybe my pH is just reactive?)! I applied a tiny amount of Rose with the included soft brush and I could see the blush turning pink immediately. I'm an NC30 right now on my cheeks. This gives me the color I naturally flush when cold or exercising. I do not like that it has a tiny bit of sparkles in it but at $7 on clearance, I can live with that. This is one of the better blushes on drugstore shelves. I like the compact; haven't tried the lighted mirror yet and don't plan to. It does look garish in the pan but surprisingly natural on. The brush included is also one of the better ones and useful. I'll save this for nights or under a powder only as I do not care for sparkles on my cheeks. It's noticeable closeup but great for photos. Box claims 14hr wear. We'll see about that...
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -L'Oreal - The OneSweep Blush
hrtbrkr78 12/29/2012 11:24:00 PM
I've known from trial & error that if there's one consistent thing drugstore blushes lack, it's pigmentation. This can be a good or bad thing: good because you won't look clownish; bad because the color may not look as it does in packaging. Armed with that knowledge, I chose the darkest color, 830 Flush. I'm NC 30-35 and it shows up beautifully on my skin. In fact, 2 applications were a bit much. What I did is took the included brush and swiped the blush and contour shade until the brush was saturated evenly. One application would be fine if I were using lipcolor however, I chose two swipes because I like a rosy glow that looks like I just came in from the cold. I need to be a bit more light-handed since I could have easily looked like a clown. Two hours later, it still looks freshly applied. It starts to degrade at hour 6, maybe less in humid conditions. While the brush was what initially drew me in AND I continue to use it, I dislike it because it's rough and I feel like it takes off the foundation I very carefully applied. It also caused me to look blotchy. I wouldn't mind paying $1 more for a softer brush. Bought this for under $10 at Longs/ CVS Honolulu. I think it is well worth it on sale but would hesitate paying full price. I didn't expect Nars or even Sephora quality with this but I'm pleasantly surprised with the overall quality. Def better than CG!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -Revlon - Nearly Naked Pressed Powder
hrtbrkr78 12/29/2012 10:09:00 PM
The color range on these are horrible right now. As the product gets popular hopefully Revlon will add more yellow tones to this line. I selected 020 Light Pale since the next one up looked too dark (I'm an NC 30-35). It has a powdery texture to it but not nearly as finely-milled as non drugstore brands. No overspray, comes with a velour sponge w/ a large see-thru window in a thin, rectangular compact. It has a small mirror on the inside where the puff would be when compact is closed. This is good so the mirror doesn't get foggy from the powder. I don't think that will be a problem since the powder is very compacted. This also feels weightless on my skin. I won't buy this again unless there is a better shade range, even though I liked the finish and formula. I understand their market leans towards pink & beige tones as supposed to yellows and olives so it makes sense for Revlon to cater to them.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Revlon - Nearly Naked Foundation
hrtbrkr78 12/29/2012 9:53:00 PM
Update: Combined with the powder, this lasted over 8 hours for me with very little deterioration. While it didn't look freshly applied, about 75% was still there. Great formula but still returning because of the color. This could work for you IF you have more beige or pink tones in your skin. For olive & yellow toned girls like me, this ends up looking slightly ashy and gray on your skin. I do have pink tones in my skin also and could go to a neutral tone but it is not my preference. I bought the Medium Beige 180 as that was the closest to my NC30-35 skin; probably more towards 30 right now. It's a shade too dark but I could live with that. This is a very fluid foundation, more so than Colorstay. I applied it with my fingers and evened out some areas with a wet, cheap disposable sponge. This gave me a nice, medium, breathable coverage meaning it evened out my redness but still let my natural freckles show through. I wouldn't personally do another layer unless I'm in a humid area as it will start to look cake up like under my eyes where skin is thin. This has a dewy finish which I don't care for but I knew that when I purchased it. The coordinating powder went on top of this to mattify my skin. I won't repurchase because I prefer more yellow; could probably wear this on the days where my neck isn't exposed. I also dislike the messy bottle dispenser; it always flows out with too much. A pump is more sanitary and easier to use. If you can find a shade match, this would be an inexpensive addition since I do like the coverage that feels nearly weightless on skin, like a light moisturizer would feel.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Christian Dior - Diorshow New Look Mascara
hrtbrkr78 12/29/2012 6:25:00 AM
Unless your lashes are naturally sky-high and don't touch your face, this will smudge. I usually don't have a problem until later on in the day but this smudges within 1-2 hours. I love the brush - it covers even the tiniest hairs. I do have to wipe off excess mascara before I apply (in the tube) and use a lash comb as it applies thickly. The formula does not hold a curl and my lashes get flatter. I haven't used my heated curler with this one but I will. I won't buy this again because there are tons better at cheaper prices that won't smudge.
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Cleansers -Neutrogena - Clear Pore Cleanser Mask
hrtbrkr78 12/29/2012 2:01:00 AM
I went to Target looking for a cheap, clay mask but to my surprise, I had a hard time finding ANY mask. I didn't see any of the Freemans or Queen Helenes that I grew up on. So I bought this for $6 which I thought was pricey since I'm used to drugstore masks being $3 (haven't shopped for masks in DS since I was 18). It sat in my cabinet for a while but I should have packed this on my trip instead of a cleanser and mask! I loved when you use this as a cleanser, it leaves your skin feeling refreshed and smooth, not tight like some acne products. It is not drying at all. When used as a mask, I love love love the cooling, tingling sensation. It was easy to rinse off but it will be even easier if I used a washcloth. I don't find the need to use an acne medication if I use this instead. Granted, I don't have acne-prone skin but do have breakouts occasionally and when Flo comes to town. I love products that do double duty so this will lighten my load on future trips. I just love this!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Maybelline - Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles
hrtbrkr78 12/29/2012 1:49:00 AM
For a drugstore product, this is pretty spendy ($10) and useless. It doesn't cover dark circles well or evenly. I bought this in the neutralizer shade since it has tons of yellow in it. All it did was settle into lines and looked very unnatural and cakey. The applicator always pumps out too much product. Colorwise, it was great; coverage is like your typically under pigmented DS product. Gave this to my mom who liked the easy-to-use applicator. I will spend a bit more to get better results from a makeup counter. DS makeup is hit or miss with no returns usually.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -TRESemme - Fresh Start Dry Shampoo for Oily/Straight to Normal Hair
hrtbrkr78 12/28/2012 2:46:00 AM
I've long known that washing daily isn't necessary but wasn't satisfied with just conditioning my hair in the shower - I could still smell the day-old oily scent on my scalp after 5 hours. I bought this on a whim at CVS and I am glad I did. I love the clean, slightly citrus scent. It did leave a white powder that I hadn't seen with Psssst. It gave me a glimpse of what I look like with salt n pepper hair - not bad. It took away almost 2 days of grease; still noticeable grease but fresh smelling. Scent is really important to me and I don't care how good a product is if I don't like the fragrance. I'll continue to try other brands but I will repurchase this unless I find a better one!
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Fragrances -Pacifica - Tuscan Blood Orange
hrtbrkr78 12/28/2012 2:24:00 AM
I got this in the rollerball from Down to Earth Honolulu for under $11. Tried on almost every one of the samples and this was the one that had a combination of longevity and my preference. I love the top notes that smell like sweet oranges. It lasts about 2 hours on dry skin, maybe more if layered. I dislike the bottom notes and sillage because it starts to smell a bit floral then. The rollerball, body wash and butter were in a pre-boxed set at Nordstrom Rack for $20 pre-xmas but didn't want to lug it home on a plane. I like that the rollerball is a stainless steel applicator and not a cheap plastic one; just feels nicer and cool on skin. I had this upside down in my purse unwittingly and the contents had spilled a bit so do be careful to store it upright in a bag.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Givenchy - Mister Mat Mattifying Foundation Primer
hrtbrkr78 12/28/2012 2:15:00 AM
I've been a sucker for HE products since I was an SA for YSL in my late teens. I haven't been as avid a product junkie as in my teens but I'm still looking for new products since my skin has changed a bit. I was looking for a matte finish under makeup. Meghan at Sephora Ala Moana applied this on me on moisturized skin under my foundation w/ a sponge. I wasn't looking for a primer but after she sold me on the texture and look of this. It smells of roses, may be strong to some but not for me. I prefer fragrance in my skin care and cosmetics to mask the "unscented" scent; it just feels more luxurious to me plus my skin doesn't react to fragrance that in ways that I am aware of. It applied very smoothly and does not flake like Smashbox. It feels like a silicone-based primer; didn't check ingredients. This just made my foundation go on like butter. It truly is a luxurious product but there are probably things that money is better spent on. You get very little and I'll probably go through this in a few months, maybe less. Nonetheless, I like the finish and fragrance enough for me to repurchase. Deducted a lippie for price and for not keeping me matte like it should; I was shiny in a few hours however, it could be due to the foundation or moisturizer I wore as well.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Suqqu - eyelash curlers
hrtbrkr78 12/28/2012 1:14:00 AM
I asked my mom to buy this for me on her trip; I should not have because it's not at all what I expected it to be. This is their signature product and what they're famous for, according to the SA in Nagoya Takashimaya. The packaging is very nice in a sleek, matte box that contains 2 refill pads (extra lippie for that). However, it is very very very difficult to hold a curl unless you've already got upturned, long lashes that don't need much. I have stick-straight-down lashes and while difficult, I've found success with a CVS brand & Shiseido curlers. With the Suqqu, I can curl and curl and get just a touch of upturn. I also don't get why an Asian company decided not to make the metal part a bit more flat to fit hooded Asian eyes better like the Shiseido. Suqqu, being Asian-based should know how to fit the contours of the eye. Maybe they've changed it since they're in London and other areas. Aren't there enough curlers made for non-Asian markets already??
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Liquid -L'Oreal - True Match Super-Blendable Makeup SPF 17
hrtbrkr78 12/28/2012 1:03:00 AM
I bought this in W5 in accordance with Temptalia's chart for NC 35. It was a tad dark and the formula sucks balls. It has tiny, duochrome red & gold shimmer particles in it. I don't understand how they can tout this as "the best-selling drugstore foundation". I used this with the medium loose powder of the same name & brand. The combination turned orange on me in 15 min and gave me a gray, ashy, unnatural cast as well! I've never experienced that with more expensive ones and this makes me not want to waste anymore money on DS brands. The liquid was easy to blend but quickly turns cakey and accentuates every pore on my face. I don't even have undereye wrinkles yet but this gave me a lot and aged me by 10 years to say the least. I would give this a huge negative if I could. I would rather go bare-skinned than wear this.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Christian Dior - Diorskin Nude Hydrating Makeup SPF 10 [DISCONTINUED]
hrtbrkr78 12/27/2012 11:23:00 PM
Edit 02/02/13: I may have been too quick to review. This lasts a good 8 hrs on me in dry LA weather. I just wish the colors leaned a bit more olive/ yellow. I went in for a MUFE HD foundation at Sephora and I'm such a sucker that I came out with a foundation, primer and powder, all in HE brands, but no HD foundation. I let the SA apply this on me in Sand 031 on my NC 30-35 skin. She applied this over a primer with a sponge, stippling. It evened out my tone and the color was a good match, though it could be a tad darker (I also bought the Forever in 031 and it is at least a shade darker, if not more; a bit too dark for me). Yes, it looked superb and natural in the store and a few hours later. Mind you, this was in humid Honolulu where everyone's skin acts like oily skin. My complaint is the longevity. I knew I wasn't purchasing a long-wear foundation but is 3 hours is all I get, even with no sweat? Come on! I love how this glides on my skin, doesn't cake and finish is medium to full (just stipple with a brush or cheap sponge). It covers light marks with ease and didn't break me out the 1 week that I have been using it. I wore this alone in humid, Hawaii weather and got 2 hours. I mixed half of this with Forever and rode a 5 hr plane back to LA. By hour 2, it was gone. Yup, I was sweating like a pig, carrying bags on and off. I gave it another try today in LA winter weather, no sweating and still got only 2 hours that look freshly applied, at 4 hrs looked degraded (plus pores were visible by now) and by hour 8 could see it on a remover but it could have been loose powder, on a good, cold day. All of these times were with the same primer, moisturizer, etc. This foundation is great for a quick trip to the store but who wants to pay $50+ and having to retouch every 2 hours? Not me. I will not buy this again.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -L'Oreal - Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base
hrtbrkr78 12/23/2012 9:27:00 AM
Edit 02/02/13: In humid Hawaii, this was too drying. In LA, it's a no go for me. It makes my skin look flaky and I don't even have flakes. This may work for those with very oily skin, though. I still love how much this evens out skin as just a primer. More so than Miracle Skin by Sarah McNamara; that product was a total fail. I gave whatever I had bought to my almost-70 mum who still raves about this every time I call her. She says her skin feels so smooth and makeup goes on evenly. That is a good thing because she is constantly powdering her lovely complexion every few hours. This helps to not get a cake-y look on her skin. She has normal to oily skin even at her age so it works for her. I'll try it again in a few months, though. I saw the before and after pictures of the advertisement on the stand at Longs and I knew I had to try it: the pictures were just amazing with, what I am presuming, just the primer. As soon as I put it on, I could instantly see my skin looking even. It truly is magic in a jar. I told my 69 age mom to try it. She has amazing skin with just a few wrinkles on her cheeks but very dark circles and heavy wrinkling on the eye area. I knew she would love it also! She said it made her makeup go on really smooth and helped with brightening and smoothing on her wrinkles. My mom liked it so much, she took my jar. On sale, it's under $10 so no biggie. While I love the longevity and packaging of my more expensive primers like Hourglass, Shiseido and Givenchy, I'm pretty sure that this is the one that will get the most use because of price and quality. The only thing I don't like is the primer kind of sticks to your fingers upon dipping into the nice glass jar. One lip removed for the messiness but it's minor, really. It's great for my combo to oily skin and with this, I can just wear translucent powder for a fast and easy weekend look without shine. This diminishes the look of my pores enough for others not to notice but not quite 100% for me; maybe 80% which is still good. It is silicone based and quite drying for my skin, even in 90% humidity. I do have to wear a thick coat of moisturizer under this and let it sink in a bit. If you're in Honolulu, you can go the Longs/ CVS and ask to try the testers. Beware that when this is on sale, the shelves are almost empty. I bought 1 in a suburban area of Hon. at the beginning of the week and by end, all but 1 was on the shelf. When I get back to LA, I'm going to test it out in those weather conditions, as well as sponge/ brush applications. I've been using my fingers and it's good but maybe a brush will get it more evenly covered over pores.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No