Skincare - Face -Decleor - Harmonie Jour Day Cream
joanne21 2/17/2004 2:09:00 PM
I recieved this as a .17oz sample in a squeeze tube. I've been using it for several days and while I have noticed no change in my skin, I have noticed a preoccupation with trying to place the odd scent that this cream has. It is remeniscent of a head shop, yet triggers in me a recollection of working in a hospital. Sort of a medicinal-meets-stoner smell. Hmm. This day cream purports to be anti-redness. Truthfully I don't have much redness, and I haven't noticed any change in the texture/color of my skin. Perhaps this *is* a good day cream for some, but not for me at the price ($65). I can get equivalent results with any other generic, moderately pirced moisturizer. Pros: did not break me out, interesting smell, decent texture. Cons: price, no anti-redness properties that I noticed, the fact that its nothing special.
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Cleansers -Philosophy - Purity Made Simple (Real Purity Cleanser)
joanne21 2/17/2004 2:00:00 PM
This is a good, solid cleanser. Does it have a slighly funky smell? Yes, it does; but remember, its only on your face for a minute, and the scent washes right off and does not linger. Does it remove your makeup? Yes! All but the most stubborn eyeliner for me, wich is a big plus. It leaves my skin feeling very soft and clean, but not dry or stripped. This is definitely a gentle cleanser, but with the ability to power off makeup and grime. A little goes a long way, I use about a nickel sized amount morning and night, so an 8oz bottle lasts a long time. The packaging is simple but efficient. Pros: price point, ability to cleanse without stripping, packaging. Cons: the smell, and the fact that this is just not the most *exciting* cleanser out there. Bottom Line: a good solid cleanser for normal skin like mine.
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Moisturizers -Philosophy - Hope in a Jar - for all skin types
joanne21 2/17/2004 1:51:00 PM
I really, really, really wanted to like this. I have normal skin--its pretty tough---not sensitive, not prone to breakouts, not oily, not dry. I have been searching for a good, solid, moderately priced moisturizer, and was "hoping" that Hope In A Jar would be it. Pros: it's very moderately priced; I got a 1oz jar packaged with an 8oz. Purity cleanser plus samples of The Great One for only $24. It also has a really nice texture--almost whipped, and seems to sink right in. Cons: It stinks. Literally. Others have compared it to pet urine; for me it smelled like a very strong chemical-herbal mixture. So strong, in fact, that the fumes actually made my eyes water every time I applied it. I could almost live with that, except it caused me to break out within a week of starting to use it. As soon as I discontinued using it, my face cleared right up. Additionally, it comes in a jar, which forces the extra step of using a clean Q-tip each time to dip out the product, lest you contaminate this with your fingers. Oh, and did I mention the lousy Philosophy CS? I sent them 2 emails detailing the problems I had, along with questions about this product---and no response, not even an automated one. Skip this and save your $$!!
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Highlighters -Becca - Pearl Shimmering Skin Perfector
joanne21 2/15/2004 6:21:00 PM
Yuck. That's my review, and I'm sticking to it. I recived this as a sachet sample and decided to try it before going out for a dinner. I'm not big on shimmer, but the reviews so far were overwhelmingly positive, so I gave it a shot. Pros: smelled quite nice. Cons: left my face looking like an oil slick--literally like I had smeared my face with oil--I actually *glistened*, and not in a good way; much too heavy for my liking (even my tough-as-nails skin felt dragged down and oily). If you are on the fence about trying something with shimmer, save your $$ and look elsewhere!
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Moisturizers -Lancome - Vinefit
joanne21 2/12/2004 11:51:00 PM
Recieved this moisturizer as a deluxe GWP, so I'm not sure how it is packaged for retail sale. It is a pinkish-peach hue with a somewhat watery texture and smells like perfumey grapes. I found it to be an adequate moisturizer, but nothing more. Pros: did not clog pores, cause breakouts, cause skin to beome overly dry or oily. Cons: nothing special, somewhat watery formulation.
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Eye Shadow -Urban Decay - Chopper Eye Shadow
joanne21 2/12/2004 11:47:00 PM
This beautiful color, along with Roach, were my first two UD shadow purchases, and I'm quite pleased with both. Chopper is a beautiful glittery peachy-pink and complements my NW20 skin quite well. Highly pigmentted, good texture, blends well. One point taken off for the chunky glitter, more of which ends up on my face than on my lids.
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Makeup Brushes -BeneFit Cosmetics - Get Bent Brush
joanne21 2/12/2004 11:43:00 PM
Let me start by saying that this is THE brush if you are a klutz. I have always struggled with eyeliner application, even with a pencil. I'm too shaky, too hamfisted, and my lashes are just too darn long. Enter the BeneFit Get Bent Brush. At $13, I thought it was worth taking a flyer since I had ordered the BB Gel Liner and needed a brush. The quality appears, to this point, to be fine; I've been using it nearly daily for 2 weeks. Since trying it, I've even been able to line perfectly with shadow! What I like most is the bend, which fits perfectly behind my too-long lashes and produces a fine, straight line every time. Time will tell how this brush holds up--so far no splaying or shedding. Definitely worth the $13 if you need a helping hand with your eyeliner!
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Treatments -Bliss Labs - Super Groom
joanne21 12/22/2003 9:30:00 PM
This was my first Bliss purchase. Prompted by the fact that my cuticles are a ragged mess, I shelled out the $15 and hoped for the best. I think that the most disappointing aspect of this product, other than the fact that it didn't do much for me, is the packaging. It comes in a small round plastic tub. When you flip open the top, the product is covered by a layer of thin foil which you must peel off to access the product. When I pierced the foil and peeled it off, I lost approx. 25% of the product. The product itself is flesh-colored and has the consistency of a sticky balm. It smells quite good--very citrusy. Once applied, it takes forever to absorb, and after 2 weeks of use, I saw no appreciable difference in my cuticles. Maybe they are just a hopeless case *lol*. I wrote to Bliss about the packaging and got no response. Pros: smells good Cons: price, packaging, performance, customer service
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Lip Gloss -Stila - Holiday 2003 Blue Lip Glaze Doubles Set
joanne21 11/14/2003 11:03:00 PM
I guess I'll be the dissenter on this one. There are a few things that I do not like about this set. As far as price goes, I keep hearing people say how it's six for the price of one, or so cheap for so much product. I think there is *very* little product in each tube, can't quote exact numbers, but it wouldn't surprise me if the whole set was equivalent to *maybe* 2 regular l/g's. Regarding the colors, I've tried them all and not one shows up worth a darn on me. Scent, phewwww. Yuck. Especially the apricot--I think it smells like old socks. Staying power? None. And drying? You bet. This will definitely be my last Stila l/g purchase.
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Liquid -Clinique - Superfit Foundation [DISCONTINUED]
joanne21 5/23/2002 8:43:00 AM
The general concensus on this product seems to be that people want a wider range of color choices. I have heard some good news from Clinique! While at the Clinique counter last week, the consultant told me that they would be expanding the SuperFit line this summer. I switch off between Clinique's Almost Makeup and the SuperFit, depending on my needs for the day. I find that the Superfit is great for the days that I need extra coverage. Pros: 1) the packaging is great. The squeeze-out top allows you to precisely control the amount you use, cutting down on mess and waste. This makes it a great value. 2) The SuperFit gives good, long-wearing coverage 3)This makeup feels light going on and stays that way throughout the day. It doesn't drag your face down or make you look cakey. Cons: 1)The limited range of colors. I use Neutral, but could really use something just a little lighter to get a perfect match. 2)No SPF in this makeup. I live in a very sunny climate and if I wear the SuperFit, I also need to use the SPF 25 City Block underneath to get the sun protection. It would be great if the were able to incorporate an SPF of at least 15 into the SuperFit, as they did with the Almost Makeup. Overall, a good product.
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Cleansers -Burt's Bees - Orange Essence Facial Cleanser
joanne21 5/22/2002 5:48:00 PM
I recieved this product as a trial-size tube and was anxious to put it to the test. When I opened the tube, I was really taken with the delicious smell of this product--just like fresh oranges. I applied some to my dampened face and began to spread it around. It felt a bit like motor oil going on, but I persevered and kept rubbing. This cleanser does not foam, lather, or thin out at all--and in fact retained its greasy, oily texture the whole time I had it on my face. Amazingly, it doesn't even seem to be water-soluble! I also had difficulty removing it, even with a hot, wet washcloth. My face was like an oil slick. I needed to wash my face twice more with my regular cleanser just to get my "normal" skin back. Generally my skin tends slighly toward the oily side, but I think in order to benefit from this product, your face would not just have to be dry, it would have to be like the Sahara Desert! I give it a plus for the great smell and the fact that its all-natural, but that's about it.
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Lip Gloss -Clinique - glosswear for lips
joanne21 5/22/2002 5:25:00 PM
I tried Clinique's Glosswear in the Honey Bee shade somewhat reluctantly because I am not a big fan of gloss. As it turns out, the things I like about it far outweigh the things I don't and I have found myself using it quite often. Pros: 1)the wand applicator makes it simple, neat, and precise to apply. No gloss getting all over your finger, under your nail, our outside your lipline. It goes where you want it to. 2)the color is sheer, with *just* enough pigmentation and a subtle shine--it's not blinidingly glossy like many others out there. 3)it's very long lasting. One of the reasons I disliked gloss was the rapidity with which it wore off. Cons: 1)when first applying, it tends to feel a bit heavy, thick and a little sticky. I find myself rubbing my lips together often in the first few minutes after applying to thin it out. 2) as with all glosses, it reacts poorly to heat. In south Florida, where I live, I can't take the Glosswear with me on hot days or it turns into a runny mess. Again, I should add, this problem is certainly not unique to the Clinique Glosswear. Overall, as glosses go, I would recommend this one.
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Skincare - Face -Clinique - 3 Step System
joanne21 5/22/2002 5:10:00 PM
I have been using Clinique's 3-step exclusively for almost 4 years now. My skin has improved dramatically since I started using it, and I routinely get compliments on how great my skin looks. I use the mild soap, clarifying lotion 2, and DDML (as well as following it up with the total turnaround cream). I find that the keys to using this system effectively are 1) be sure you are using the proper formulations for your skin type and 2)really pay attention to *how* you use it. The soap is relatively self-explanatory. The clarifying lotion, however, is not to be swiped over the same parts of your face more than once. This can cause too much exfoliation, leading to dryness and irritation. As for the DDML, it should only take a pea-sized amount to do your whole face. More than that and you will have a greasy face and you are wasting the product. Also, parts of your face which are espeically oily should not get DDML at all (I use it sparingly on my cheeks and chin). Used properly, I think that Clinique's 3-step is easily the best system on the market.
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