Moisturizers -Josie Maran Cosmetics - Argan oil
iEndlessly 4/19/2013 8:55:00 PM
I had the opportunity to try this product through my Ipsy bag subscription in January. I was very excited to try this product, especially after seeing so many raves about this! I admit, I was skeptical. I already have acne-prone skin and I was afraid that if this Argan Oil did not work out for me... I would be expecting a terrible breakout! I was proven wrong, and I found that the Argan Oil is an excellent moisturizer! I find that it does take time to absorb in to the skin, so you may have to wait at least 2 or 3 minutes before you can apply primer or foundation or whatnot. For me what made this product a favorite is how moisturizing it is. Recently I started to try Proactiv because of how badly I have been breaking out. Because I was using Proactiv, my skin (which is usually oil/combination) became super dry! After washing my face I could see my skin flake! I tried many moisturizers, including the once included with the skin treatment and nothing worked to hydrate my skin until I tried this product here. My skin dryness improved within two days and I am super impressed. On the label it says that you could use this as a hair oil.... and though I have not tried it, I don't think it would be a good idea (just a speculation) because of how much of heavy substance this product is. Since my sample from the Ipsy bag I have bought two full size bottles! I am currently going through the second one. Please note that this product is VERY expensive, holy moly. One full size bottle (for me) lasts around 2 months, and this is for using it twice a day (morning and night) everyday. This product has become part of my skin care routine. Overall, I am satisfied with my purchase. The packaging could be improved though.... the bottle creates problems getting to the last bits of the oil once it's near the end! To be honest, I this is my first 'Argan Oil' product, which may explain why I am so impressed. I have yet to try other similar products because I have read many comments that there are many cheaper ones that promise the same result!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -beautyblender - the sponge
iEndlessly 11/6/2012 11:48:00 PM
After seeing the crazy raves everywhere on blogs and Sephora online, I gave in to purchasing this product. It isn't cheap, I bought two sponges and the cleanser for 40$ on the Sephora website. Needless to say, I had very high expectations. I REALLY REALLY like this sponge applicator. The shape is great for applying to small corners around your face due to the small tip and circular sides. The sponge may look small when it is dry, smaller than the palm of my hand, but after running it under water it expanded to around double of its size. This applicator only works with the "stippling technique" and it does give you this nice HD finish. Even my friends were asking if I did something different with my makeup because of how good the foundation looked. ;) The down side to this in terms of foundation application is that like most sponges, it absorbs a TON of the product. I would suggest dabbing the make up on your face with your fingers then blending (in this case "stippling") the foundation out. Saves some product for the future right? I didn't particular enjoy the plastic "stand" thing to hold the sponge, I found that using it as recommended actually damaged my sponge, so instead I would just place it on top rather than in the plastic teeth things to hold it up. This sponge is obviously reusable, I have heard that many people skipped the cleaner and just used baby shampoo to clean it. I however really like the cleanser. It has maintained my sponge in tip top shape and the color. It also has a great formula removing with no problem the foundation absorbed by the sponge. A great purchase over all, no regrets here.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Tarte - Smooth Operator Micronized Clay Finishing Powder
iEndlessly 8/16/2012 6:19:00 PM
I was recommended this product by a Sephora sales associate that reminded me of Snooki; (that part was completely irrelevant but I just thought I'd share my story) needless to say I was a bit skeptical but I gave in to the purchase. I am so glad I did ! I actually really like this product from the packaging to the finished result it promises. Compared to the Finishing Powder from the Cover FX line, this is by far much better. This makes my foundation look amazing - keeping it looking fresh and well put together. The packaging can be a hassle if you do not know how to effectively access the product. Personally I just tip the container upside down (with the lid on of course) and give it a shake. Usually when I open the lid I will have enough product for my Powder brush. This small jar costed about 37$ CAN if I remember correctly, so it is a more expensive product on the market. However, this product has lasted me for a full eight months so far and I am relatively impressed. I will most certainly be repurchasing this in the future and will be recommending it to friends.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
iEndlessly 7/19/2012 1:55:00 AM
This is one of my make up essentials in so many ways. I personally use Extra Virgin Olive oil as make up remover, brush cleaner and an exfoliator. In terms of make up remover, this is by far the best product to remove heavy eye make up including eyeliner, and mascara. I have never had any problems with eye stings or irritation when using this product, and a little goes a long way! I usually pour some of the Extra Virgin Oil on a cotton ball or cotton pad and rub it on my face. It removes all of the makeup. It is oily, and a cleanser is a must. I also use Extra Virgin Olive Oil as a brush cleaner. By grabbing a dish. I pour half of the dish with the olive oil and the other half with dish washing detergent. The dish detergent will break down the heavy make up particles that have build up in the brushes and the Extra Virgin Olive Oil will help maintain the quality of the bristles. Simply mix the brushes in the mixture and wipe until they are clean. Finally I use this product as an exfoliator for my face. I usually mix sugar and Extra Virgin Olive oil together to create a paste. Be careful not to overdo the portions or the mixture will be very watery. Apply the exfoliator to a clean face and leave in for about 10-15 minutes. If you happen to get some in your mouth, it isn't a big deal. (The stuff actually tastes pretty good haha) - and then basically you just rinse it off, and cleanse your face once more. :) Hope this helps
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Cleansers -Biore - PORE PERFECT Warming anti-blackhead cream cleanser
iEndlessly 7/19/2012 1:45:00 AM
This is an interesting product, targeting the removal of blackheads. I personally only get black heads around my nose and under my chin (gross stuff..... yep), After using the product a few times, I can't say I'm thrilled or raving about it - it is a adequate product although in my opinion nor worth the purchase of 10$ at a local drugstore. If I had not received this product in my June Glossybox, I would never have ever considered buying it. This is actually my first "warming" cleanser, so it was a neat experience. I found that (like many reviews mentioned), when applying the product to my face, it burned compared to the warming masks I have tried previously. When I say burned, I mean that that you could definitively feel the heat, more than you'd expect. I had to stop using the cleanser daily after a few days because it was becoming to rough on my skin... so if you are planning to try this product I'd say maybe use it every 2 -3 days. Texture wise the product is in a paste like form - it is easy to apply and sticky (obviously). Because of the texture, every time I opened the lid, some would be "spilling out". So it was at times troublesome. Effectiveness of the product is something that I am uncertain about. I never really worried about blackheads before, but I started to pay attention to them when I received this product. Maybe it is my paranoia but I have not noticed any change or reduction of my blackheads - if anything I think this product made them even worse (Don't take my word for it..... I just constantly check often so maybe that's why I don't notice the little differences)
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Makeup Brushes -Sephora - Pantone Stroke of Nature Brush Set
iEndlessly 6/21/2012 11:14:00 PM
I received this brush set as a gift for my birthday from my lovely boyfriend. This is a limited edition set, so I expect that it will no be in stores for too long. On first glace on the website, the brushes are extravagant. The handles are absolutely gorgeous, and the bristles are dyed in blue. I personally think the brushes fit the "nature" theme of the set. The set is about 46.00$ CAN - which in my opinion is a steal if you are in need of eye make up brushes. A regular brush from sephora starts at around 22$, so 46$ for 5 brushes is a steal in my eyes. The bristles are very soft, which is nice, and I find that these brushes are of decent quality. The brushes do come in a plastic hard case. I was pretty disappointed about that actually because I originally assumed that the case would be of a higher quality than plastic. There is also a mirror included. The large case does make travel and storage inconvenient though. Overall, it's a pretty set just to look at. The colors are stunning, Sephora did an excellent job on presentation.
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Eye Shadow -Urban Decay - Naked Palette
iEndlessly 6/15/2012 5:05:00 PM
After reading so many reviews about the Naked pallets by Urban Decay I decided that I was going to purchase one for a personal birthday gift (excuses, excuses.) Anyway, I do agree that for anyone who uses eye makeup regularly or who is in the processing of learning that having of of the Naked pallets is essential. Firstly, Urban Decay has 2 pallets. The Naked (1) Pallet is centered around more warmer tones, where as the Naked 2 Pallet focuses more on cooler tones. I myself purchased this pallet specifically because I am more of a warmer tones kind of girl. The Naked (1) Pallet also includes a deluxe sample of the popular Eye Primer, which is kind of nice if you are starting to experiment with eye shadows. The sample Eye Primer itself it my opinion can get you pretty far, I'd say about 8 - 10 uses if you are careful and do not over use. An actual tube of the product retails for around 24$ CAN at Sephora. The Naked 2 Pallet however does not include the deluxe sample of the Eye Primer! It comes with a lip gloss sample instead I believe. There is also a brush that is included with both pallets, it is of decent quality. Overall the pricing of the Naked (1) & Naked 2 Pallets are around 60.00$ CAN. Which seems pricey at first. Normally an eye shadow from Urban Decay is around 15 -20$ each, this pallet contains 12 eye shadows for 60.00$. Technically that is around 5 $ per eye shadow. (I consider this a steal hahaha) The Packaging of the Naked (1) Pallet is decent. I am however not a fan of the magnetic velvet cover - I find that it is impractical and not as great as I'd like it to be for travel purposes. The shadows themselves are basically set to match any skin tone and complexion. There are the essential browns, golds, and neutral colors. Technically the pallet itself is divided in 3 non official quads. The first four colors starting from the left (Virgin, Sin, Naked and Sidecar) are for a "day-look", the next four (Buck, Half Baked, Smog and Dark Horse) are for an "evening look" and the last four (Toasted, Hustle, Creep and Gunmetal) are more for a night out smokey eye. So yes, I think this pallet is pretty diverse, and can be used any day no matter the event. The pigmentation for the shadows are great - a little goes a long way here, which makes application much easier. Overall I like the colors and the quality of the shadows. I guess the product loses one lipstick (thing?) for the packaging. Good product overall though! :)
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Fresh - Sugar Rose Lip Treatment SPF 15
iEndlessly 6/15/2012 4:50:00 PM
If Sephora did not offer this as a Beauty Insider Perk (deluxe sample in the Sugar fresh and Sugar rose), I most certainly would never consider buying it. I believe that one regular size lip balm is priced at around 22 - 25 $ CAN at Sephora. Pretty ridiculous for a lip balm if you ask me. However, because I did receive the deluxe sample for free - I must say I am impressed. Sugar rose is my favorite of the two, it is in a nice tinted shade that immediately dresses up any make up look. It is moisturizing, I find that it does have better results than the usual lip balms that I use (EOS and Chap stick), however it does not do too much more to buy for 22$. The smell is also very refreshing and the packaging is superb. I like how you need to unscrew the cap to open it. I suppose if you do have a couple extra dollars lying around and do not mind spending it on lip balm then yes, totally go buy this product. If you're on a more tighter budget (like myself) I'd say just skip and use a regular lip balm or chap stick instead. If you are not a Beauty Insider at Sephora I would suggest that you sign up, after all - who can say no to a free deluxe sample on your birthday right?
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Primer/ Corrector -Urban Decay - All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
iEndlessly 6/2/2012 11:55:00 AM
I admit, I had such a hard time debating to purchase this Makeup Spray for the longest time. I originally heard about it via youtube, makeup gurus raved about it. However because a small bottle is about 36$ CAN, I was hesitant in making this purchase. This make up spray does as it's told to - I find that my make up does last much longer (foundation especially) throughout a day. This product has become a daily essential for my makeup routine. The packaging is decent, it comes in a small spray like bottle. I am about 3/4 through with the product and I'm slightly worried that there will be inaccessible product once I reach the near bottom of the bottle. However, I have found through experimentation that this spray alone will not keep your makeup on for 12+ hours. Finishing powder is a must (I have been using Cover FX's Finishing Powder). I also find that the recommended 2 sprays on the face is not enough, and that I do need to use about four sprays to maintain foundation throughout my entire face (My skin is slightly oily so...) Overall it's a decent product, and I have found it has made my complexion (with makeup of course) much smoother and clear. It's pretty expensive though.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Lemon Juice
iEndlessly 5/14/2012 2:37:00 AM
I did not even realize that this is considered a 'product' on the site. However, all I have to say is that Lemon Juice is a miracle worker. I've spent countless hours researching home remedies for acne since I was about thirteen or fourteen. One of the best ones I've come across is Lemon Juice. Why? Because it has the most uses and is effective. I've been drinking 'Lemon Water' aka diluted lemon juice for about 3 years, and I do notice a difference during the weeks that I drink it daily and the weeks that I forget to drink it. It is a excellent detox for the body and also helps with digestion. ( I try to drink about 1L a day... for starters who want to begin drinking diluted lemon juice, I would start by adding small quantities of lemon juice in a glass of water. Add more as you start to accommodate to the taste. It is hard to drink at the beginning, it will taste bitter - similar to medicine.) Lemon juice has also worked wonders on eliminated acne. I usually avoid using lemon juice when I have an opened pimple or one with a scab because of the sting, however Lemon Juice is good to use on a pimple in which the skin has no been broken (which means you haven't tried to squeeze out the pus). Do make sure you've cleaned your face with cleanser, and apply plentifully the lemon juice on the pimple. (I, myself have oily skin so for me using undiluted lemon juice works, but if you do have dry/sensitive skin be sure to delude the juice with water). I would apply this before going to bed, and by the morning the pimple should have reduced in size. Lemon juice kills bacteria because of the low PH level and dries out the oil causing the clogged up pore. Lemon juice is also good for reducing acne scars. Simply apply it on healed acne scars consistently and they will be reduced. Avoid sunlight .
10 out of 11 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair -Unlisted Brand - MACADAMIA NATURAL OIL Deep Repair Mask
iEndlessly 4/27/2012 4:54:00 PM
I originally purchased the sample sized packet at a local salon. This product is pricey! Even the sample packet was about 5.00$ CAN. and a large container is about 35.00$. However the treatment works wonders I'd say. I can definitively see improvement in my hair (which is usually dry, split and damaged at the ends due to styling with a straightener daily) - this product does not mend split ends, but it does prevent them. I have had comments from friends and coworkers after I've used the product, mentioning that my hair looks healthier. I am still on my first large container, and I use about a quarter size of the product each time, every three days. Little is more! A large container should last minimum 6 months to about 9 i think. The packaging is decent and it helps scrape the entire contained. I just wish there was some kind of grip on the cap so it would be easier to take off when I just get out of the shower. That's my only critique on the product though.
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Polishes -China Glaze - Material Girl
iEndlessly 2/23/2012 10:48:00 PM
I am surprised that there have not been any reviews on this polish yet. A polish from the "Eye Candy 3D Glitter" Collection from China Glaze. I believe this was released this past Christmas. A light pink, rose colored polish completed with micro-glitter. By the looks of it, the polish is mostly made up of small round rose colored glitter. There is also an added medium/larger hexagon glitter in the clear base. I would say, from the entire polish collection, this polish gives the best 3D effect in my opinion. It's a nice color, although I think it is very similar to Pom Pom from the Specialty Glitter collection. Looks very nice though, I think one of my current favorites so far. China Glaze has done well with the formula. To apply an opaque "color" two coats will do. I've used this polish about four times so far, and have had no problem whatsoever with application (unlike other glitter polishes). Dry time was decent, be sure to let the nail completely dry before applying the next coat - to avoid glitter clumps and whatnot. Compared to the Muppets collection, must easier application for sure. Standard China Glaze/OPI packaging. The stay power on this polish is pretty good I think compared to other polishes out there. And removing this polish is a pain, like most glitters. Overall, I really liked this polish. Never mind the polish, I basically adore this collection. Would recommend!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Nicole - Kardashian Kolor - Rainbow in the S-Kylie
iEndlessly 2/21/2012 5:21:00 PM
(I bought this product specifically because everywhere I went the Rainbow Connection from the OPI Line was sold out. I believe I got this polish for 12$ at Shoppers Drug Mart.) This is a polish from the Kardashian LE Line as someone stated earlier. It is more or less identical to the Rainbow Connection from the Muppets Collection that was earlier released. The usual packaging for any OPI/Nicole for OPI polishes, there isn't anything special. Overall texture is common for a glitter polish like this, like I mentioned this is exactly the same as Rainbow Connection. The glitter is very flamboyant and fun. To have full opaque nail coverage, you do need about 3 coats. It looks alright on it's own, although if you choose to pursue this method, I would recommend using a toothpick to help move the glitter on the nails so that things are more even and symmetrical. Be careful when applying coats Too many will lead too all the polish peeling off together in one go! (hate it when this happens, I find that it is more frequent with this specific polish - maybe because I like having full glitter nails?) The polish is without a doubt unique, would recommend to wear to a ladies night out or something! Although it is pricey (as are all OPI / China Glaze Lines), it is a good buy for someone looking to add some personality to their nails. Removing this nail polish, is a pain. No lie there - it just takes forever! That is the consequence of this polish but other than that overall it's nice to have.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Maybelline - Eye Express Eyeliner
iEndlessly 2/9/2012 1:39:00 AM
A product very similar to that of MAC's gel eyeliner, a cheaper alternative certainly! The product's packaging overall is very similar, a small little container, that is 3/4 full with a lid. There is a brush included, although it is not of good quality. (If you constantly wear a winged eyeliner, I would suggest using a different and better quality brush.) The eyeliner brush included is not that horrible, it works if you have no alternative. The eyeliner has a soft texture, definitively easy to use. The overall application is smooth. I am on my second container, and as of yet I have had no problems. I do find that with this eyeliner smudges much easier which could be a bad thing. Good for the smokey eye effect, and a bit bad for the winged liner. The stay power is that of a typical gel liner, avoid rubbing or touching your eyes during the day. To summarize, this is a great alternative for MAC's gel liner just simply because it is cheaper! The quality is pretty close I think.
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Katy Perry - Purr
iEndlessly 2/3/2012 8:52:00 PM
Since the advertisement was release a while back, I have been meaning to get this perfume. The only thing holding me back for awhile now has been the cost - it is a pricey perfume. However finally I did manage to catch the perfume on sale at Shopers Drugmart for 20$ for a 50mL bottle. I've read many raving reviews about the unique scent and I must say there are indeed true! Definitely a very unique perfume, a first that I have seen in awhile that smells truly beautiful and soothing. Although the advertisement seems to be targeted at teenagers, young adults and adults alike can for sure pull this off! I usually find that artists have a hard time creating a great perfume scent, I'm not sure why - personal opinion but I suppose I have high expectations. Congratulations Katy Perry, you deserve a round of applause! The bottle is so cute and looks great when put for display on a dresser! I am looking forward to any future fragrance launches Katy Perry may have in the future!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No