Lipstick -LipSense - Lipsense Color
jitterbugdoll 9/18/2012 1:28:00 PM
As a person who wears red lipstick nearly every day, I love the convenience and staying powder of indelible lipsticks! I was a huge fan of a similar product, Lip Ink, which I happily wore for many years. However, the formula (or perhaps my chemistry) changed, and this product stopped working for me a couple of years ago. After reading that Christina Aguilera was a fan of Blu Red Lipsense, I purchased a tube. Initially, I wasn't too impressed with this product, as I didn't like the feel of Lipsense (it seemed to remain slightly tacky, unlike Lip Ink, which I found to be a weightless stain.) However, after playing around with the product for a bit, I've decided that I actually like this as much as my beloved Lip Ink. In fact, I love it more! Blu Red is a wonderful bright, true red, perfect for 1940s-50s looks. It is incredibly long-wearing, so long as I reapply the accompanying gloss (I actually use Lip Ink Shine, as I prefer the feel of this—Lipsense's gloss has a very sticky feel to it), and I never have to worry about smearing, bleeding, or fading. Application requires a steady hand but is fairly easy—you must apply this in thin layers (I usually apply two layers), letting each layer dry before applying the next (and you must also apply in one direction, as swiping the wand back and forth will remove the product.) Removal is a cinch—a couple of swipes with a tissue soaked in rubbing alcohol takes it right off. I also find that Lipsense is very conditioning; my lips tend to be quite dry, but Lipsense seems to solve this issue. Overall, I am extremely pleased with this product and will continue to repurchase!
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Albolene cleanser
jitterbugdoll 9/18/2012 1:08:00 PM
Albolene became my HG after the formula of Ponds Cold Cream was changed a few years ago. My skin is very sensitive, reactive, and breakout prone, and it loves mineral oil-based products. I used Ponds for many years, and found that it did wonders for my skin. Once the formula changed, however, my skin could no longer tolerate it and I switched to Albolene. Albolene works very well for me, and I love that it is available in a fragrance-free version. I apply to damp skin, massage in for a few moments, and then remove with a damp washcloth. It removes makeup and sunscreen well, and leaves my face soft and moisturized without leaving a greasy residue. I will continue to repurchase this!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Unlisted Brand - Blinc Mascara
jitterbugdoll 9/18/2012 12:44:00 PM
As a natural blonde with very sensitive eyes, finding the perfect mascara has been quite a challenge. My natural lashes are fairly long and thick with a nice curl, but they are also very pale, making mascara an absolute must. I've never liked the look of black or black/brown shades, as I find them much too harsh for my coloring (very light blonde hair and NW/NC 5-10 skin), and so my options are already limited. In addition, my eyes are easily irritated by eye makeup and can be quite watery when a product does not agree with them, narrowing the product market even more. Enter Blinc mascara. I'll admit that this product was a total impulse buy when I was shopping online—I saw that it came in a medium brown shade and that it was highly rated at the site I was shopping on, and so I immediately purchased it. Then I checked the reviews on MUA, and saw that they were only so-so. Oh well, I thought, I probably just wasted $24. I have to say that I'm very glad that I purchased this mascara before reading the reviews here though, as it has turned out to be a fantastic product for me! The color is perfect—not too dark, but also not too light or red. The formula works very well for me too—completely non-irritating (no more annoying watery eyes) and absolutely no smudging or flaking. Removal is a cinch as well—no more needless tugging on my eyes or ruined washcloths! I like a dramatic, "falsie" look, and applying 3-4 coats (without letting it dry between coats) definitely achieves this for me. My only complaint is that it seems to dry out a little quicker than regular mascara; I end up repurchasing a new tube about every two months. This mascara is otherwise perfect for me though, and therefore I will continue to purchase it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Bourjois - Liner Clubbing
jitterbugdoll 9/16/2008 12:39:00 PM
I had high hopes for this liner, but found it quite disappointing overall. Intrigued by the claims that is a long-lasting, budgeproof liner, I picked up a tube in Brown Vibes, a dark brown with a distinct reddish cast (perhaps this is a just a bum shade though, as the other reviewers seem to have tried and had great luck with the black shades.) I tested this out on several occasions, but found that it faded and smeared quite quickly. I like to apply my liner in a 1940s-50s style, with a winged out cat eye, and found that the ‘winged’ portion pulled a disappearing act very quickly. Now, I do have trouble with allergies and my eyes are frequently watery, which does impact eye makeup. But considering the claims that this liner will last eight hours without running or smudging in hot, steamy conditions, I expected a lot more from it. I ended up returning this one, and went back to my trusty MAC Liquidlast (definitely the most budgeproof liner I’ve found.)
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Cleansers -Lumene - Lift Touch Rejuvenating Cleansing Oil
jitterbugdoll 9/16/2008 12:26:00 PM
I alternate this product with my other HG cleanser, Pond's Cold Cream. I prefer oil-based cleansers, and this does the trick quite nicely; this is the first cleansing oil that I've tried, and I like it so well I don't feel the need to try anything else. It is light and removes makeup well, without irritating my extremely sensitive, acne-prone skin. The pump bottle is nice and handy too; I use 2-3 pumps and either rinse this product off with warm water or use a damp washcloth for removal. For more stubborn eye makeup (such as MAC Liquidlast or waterproof mascara), I apply a bit more to the eye area and massage it in for an extra minute or two. I have repurchased this several times (I’m on my sixth bottle, I believe) and anticipate purchasing it again and again!
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Loose Powders -Ben Nye - pretty pink
jitterbugdoll 4/1/2008 12:05:00 PM
I mix this powder with white loose powder to create a custom blended pressed powder shade. It has a nice texture and the color is soft and brightening.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -Lip Ink - Lip Ink Off
jitterbugdoll 3/26/2008 12:58:00 PM
This does work to remove Lip Ink, and I carry a bottle in my purse. However, I discovered that plain old rubbing alcohol takes off Lip Ink in a jiffy, and you can purchase a huge bottle for a mere $1. So, my advice to those interested in trying Lip Ink--save your money and skip the remover.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -Ben Nye - Color Cake Foundation
jitterbugdoll 10/26/2007 12:37:00 PM
This is a fantastic foundation with excellent coverage and finish, available in a wide range of colors and at a price that's easy on the wallet to boot.
As an extremely fair-skinned blonde (NW10, paler than Dita and one step above Casper) I find it almost impossible to find any foundations that come even remotely close to matching my skin tone. Those that appear as though they might be suitable often cake and oxidize orange within a short time of application. Certainly, the search for the perfect foundation has been a real thorn in my side for many, many years; a veritable obsession of mine, if you will.
For those who have trouble finding a color match, particularly those of us who are so pale that most cosmetic companies doubt our very existence, I highly recommend venturing into the realm of stage/pro makeup, as the available color range is considerably larger than that generally found in drugstore or high-end lines. For me, Ben Nye's Color Cake Foundation in Bisque melds perfectly with my skin, smoothing away imperfections and blending away the natural pink tones in my skin. Though my first instinct was to reach for the lightest shade available, it is important to note that this foundation looks much darker in the pan than it actually is; the colors all dry much lighter than you would initially suspect.
Application does take a bit of practice, but pancake makeup appears quite natural and not at all heavy as you might suspect. I prefer to use a flat foundation sponge, which I saturate with water and then wring out slightly. Swipe the sponge over the foundation several times, and then stipple over your face. Layer foundation over the areas that need extra coverage and then dust with loose powder, using a brush to buff the product into the skin. This is not a product that can be applied in a hurry, but the extra time spent on its application will leave you with a flawless, Old Hollywood style canvas. I highly recommend it and will definitely repurchase!
Edited 3/31/08 - I'm forever trying new products, as I have a serious makeup addiction. Even when something works very well, I still feel the urge to try the latest and greatest products on the market. And so, like everything else, I strayed away from this foundation. Not for any particular reason, though I was applying it a bit too heavily and so I wasn’t always thrilled with the finish. I just picked up another cake, this time in the color Geisha, a pink-based pale porcelain shade (for reference, I’d say that Bisque translates to an NC10, Geisha to NW10, and Ecru to NC10-15.) And I can’t figure out why I stopped using this stuff—it is fantastic. The shade range is superior, it lasts forever (even through a night of dancing) and it gives my skin a lovely, yet still natural, ‘done’ look. I've altered my application method as well; for day wear, a barely damped sponge picks up the perfect amount of product. A little dusting with translucent loose powder to blot down the shine it leaves, and that's it!
13 out of 13 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -Lip Ink - Lip Ink
jitterbugdoll 10/8/2007 12:39:00 PM
I have been searching for an indelible red lipstick for ages--something that was not only transfer proof, but also a bright, true vintage red. I have tried a variety of products—running the gamut from Maybelline, Cover Girl, Max Factor, MAC, L'Oreal, and Chanel--and though most of these are reasonably transfer proof, not a single one had the red shade I craved. My favorite shade of traditional lipstick is MAC Ruby Woo, a bright 1940s pinkish-blue red that is perfect for my very pale complexion and platinum blonde hair. Many an indelible red lipstick promised this shade of red, but upon drying, faded into dull oblivion. My last stab at finding this elusive lipstick was Lip Ink, and though I initially hesitated due to the price and because I could not test the product before purchasing, I am so glad I took the plunge. I selected the Red shade, and it is exactly like my beloved Ruby Woo. It is indeed transfer-proof, and not nearly as drying as the other indelible options (which feel very thick, like you are wearing a heavy coat of lacquer on your lips.) Lip Ink can be layered and reapplied if necessary, unlike the options on the market, which must be removed before reapplying lest you end up with a gummy mess. This is definitely the lipstick to try if you are searching for a budge proof vintage red! I'm editing this to add that you can save your money on the pricy remover/gloss kit--plain old rubbing alcohol takes this right off, and is more effective than the remover they sell, and any of the glosses sold with the other indelible lipsticks work over this too!
12 out of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -L'Oreal - HiP Concentrated Duo - Mischief
jitterbugdoll 10/3/2007 1:50:00 PM
I purchased two of these duos on a whim (Mischief and Foxy) and they are new favorites of mine. In fact, I haven’t reached for one of my high-end shadows in weeks! I especially like this duo; the champagne shade is the perfect neutral with plenty of depth to be worn alone if I so desire (as an extremely pale blonde, I generally need to wear a darker shade in the crease to prevent my eyes from looking washed out.) The darker shade is a gorgeous navy blue with a hint of iridescent green; I find it incredibly flattering on my green eyes. Prior to picking up this duo, I had always stuck with neutral brown tones, as cooler gray/blue shades never seemed to work for me. This deep blue shade is definitely one of the most flattering colors I have ever worn; it not only complements my coloring, but nearly every color outfit I have worn it with so far. It is also an excellent shade for recreating a 1950s eye; I have been wearing this duo, along with the cream liner in brown, to create a lovely vintage look. I highly recommend it and will definitely repurchase!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Besame - Boudoir Rouge in Raspberry
jitterbugdoll 6/25/2007 4:56:00 PM
Raspberry is a lovely, deep, blue-based pink, almost a matte version of MAC Dame. This shade is perhaps my favorite of the four, and I wear it almost daily. As with all Besame products, it is richly pigmented and long-lasting, and the powder is soft and creamy in texture. I highly recommend it for those looking for a true-to-the-era blush!
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Blush -Besame - Boudoir Rouge in Crimson
jitterbugdoll 6/25/2007 4:53:00 PM
Crimson is the quintessential 1940s-50s rouge shade—a shockingly bright orange-red hue. When applied with a light hand (only a grain or two neeeded) the shade is more of a subtle coral, and it works even on my ultra-pale skin. As with all Besame products, it is richly pigmented and long-lasting, and the powder is soft and creamy in texture. I highly recommend it for those looking for a true-to-the-era blush!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Borsari - Violetta Di Parma
jitterbugdoll 4/24/2007 5:04:00 PM
I adore this scent--it is the violet I had been searching for! On me, I find it to be a very sweet, candied violet with a slightly powdery dry down. I agree that the lasting power is not great, and find I reapply in the evenings if I am going to be out and about. As a bonus, I do find that this fragrance elicits many compliments from men, who seem to really respond to it. Since I purchased this about three months ago, I have worn it nearly every day; it is my all-time favorite!
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Powder -Aveda - Inner Light Dual Foundation
jitterbugdoll 3/15/2007 5:21:00 PM
I tried this foundation on a bit of a whim and am very glad I did. I have very pale (NW10) skin that is extremely hard to match (most products are too dark or pink/yellow, and my skin delights in turning nearly all foundations that might match a lovely shade of orange almost immediately), and need a product with good coverage. Not only is the lightest shade a perfect match, I found that this foundation covers beautifully when applied in light layers (first with a damp sponge, and then lightly dusted on with a dry sponge), and the finish is quite natural. The finish is soft and matte and I find it controls oil quite well, and best of all, the color stays true all day. I will repurchase.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Besame - Boudoir Rouge
jitterbugdoll 6/19/2006 4:55:00 PM
Boudoir Rouge is my favorite blush, and I reach for it every day. The colors are richly pigmented, and like the eye shadows, wonderfully soft and silky. I have tried three colors: Sweet Pink, a neutral pink; Raspberry, a blue-based deep pink; and Crimson, an intense orange-red. My favorite shade is Raspberry, followed closely by Crimson (a very true-to-the-era 1940s shade.) Crimson is a shocking color, but when applied lightly and blended well, suits even my ultra-pale, pink complexion (NW10). I will definitely repurchase, and I recommend this blush to everyone!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No