Tinted Moisturizer -Wet 'n' Wild - Ultimate Sheer Tinted Moisturizer--Sunkissed
jrbmua 5/28/2012 12:18:00 AM
*Product: Wet n' Wild Ultimate Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in "Sun Kissed/183" *Price: $3.99 pre-tax @Walgreens (Los Angeles) *Product claims on back label: "Color adjusts to your skin tone. Sheer, lightweight coverage evens out imperfections while appearing natural. Provides moderate protection against sunburn." *About my skin: Asian with olive & yellow tones. Oily t-zone. Acne prone. Minor light red post-acne spots on cheeks. *Experience with product: The product did for my skin exactly what it claims to do. I did not put anything else under or over this as my goal was to reduce morning routine on casual days (weekends, running errands). I used about two pea size amounts for my entire face. Blending can be tricky just using fingers so blending small tiny dots around my face worked. However, it takes some time...just as much time as my regular routine of moisturizing and brushing on my mineral foundation. Product was able to be layered for medium coverage in those spots needing more cover. Dries to a matte finish right away, a plus for my oily t-zone. Staying power very good for a typical day running errands in 70 degree So. Cali weather. No need to retouch, no slipping off. Oily t-zone needed to be blotted with a blotting sheet once. At end of day, had more of a slight dewiness...but natural looking and sun-kissed... like my skin but better, doesn't look and feel like makeup for me. *Cons: As much as I want to keep this product, my only con is it did cause irritation to my sensitive eyes. This is likely due to the ingredient octinoxate (a sunscreen agent) listed at 3%. I researched this product on the ewg.org's Skin Deep Cosmetic Data Base. They did list eye irritation as a possible effect and gave the overall rating of 4 out of 10 for this product's safety, based on limited data. However, the allergy/immunotoxicity health concern was rated moderate to high. I don't think it was the titanium dioxide giving me the irritation as I have other products with this. Anyhow, if it weren't for this one con, I would give this 5 stars. It is an excellent, cheap TM compared to overpriced ones I have tried. If you don't have sensitive eyes, skin, or allergy issues, this is worth trying. Sadly, cannot repurchase. Will give Stila TM a try as that does not contain octinoxate.
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Lipstick -Maybelline - Color Sensational
jrbmua 5/23/2012 12:17:00 AM
*Maybelline Color Sensational color purchase: "Ruby Star" *Price: $5.59 @Target *About product color & my goal: This "Ruby Star" shade was in the group of "Reds". The nice thing about this Maybelline line is it categorizes the shades into the colors "Reds", "Pinks", "Browns", "Plums", "Neutral/Nude", etc... That said, "Ruby" this is not to me. When I think of "Ruby" though, I think a deeper red close to wine to blood red. However, my goal was to purchase a creamy low budget lipstick with a poppy fuschia/pink-red color (cool toned) that I can wear on special occasions or going out. I usually wear neutrals for every day casual and did not want to spend department store price on the occasional for fun lipstick color. This "Ruby Star" is indeed the fuschia/pink-red on my otherwise dull mauve natural lips that I was hoping for. Has tiny bits of shimmer and looks sheen, not sparkly nor overdramatic at all. Color looks great on my Asian with yellow and olive tones. *Texture & staying power: Goes on smoothly, creamy, moisturizing. No drying out, no feathering. Great staying power for a drug store lipstick, fades gracefully as one other reviewer mentioned. Need to reapply after eating, drinking, kissing, of course... I do not expect "long lasting/non-budging" -it is not advertised this way. But overall, most of the color has stayed on after my eating, almost just as much as my NARS and MAC cream lipsticks stay on. This bleeds just a tad but I don't mind that at all, I don't prefer the more polished look, but some of you might. I wear this by itself, no liner. But I do wear a lip conditioner every night which I think helps all my lipsticks go on smoother. *Packaging: Silver toned tube with a see through-wine colored cover. A basic package to me. I don't care much for packaging though some of you may. *Scent: Smells like a mix of rose and clay to me if I really sniff it. But scents don't bother nor irritate my lips. For some of you, it may though. *I would recommend this particular color if you too are looking for that fuschia, pink-red color, especially for the price! I would repurchase, trying different reds and pinks in the cooler and brighter tones of this Maybelline Color Sensational line if the local drug stores and Target continue to carry. Drug store lipsticks can be so hit and miss and everyone's skin tone is different. So the "Ruby" may indeed look more 'Ruby" on some of you.
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Lips -Laura Mercier - HydraTint SPF15
jrbmua 5/21/2012 11:50:00 PM
I bought the LM hydratint spf 15 in color berry. I used every other day and the one tube lasted me about 8 months. PROS: -Has spf -Great pigmentation for a tinted lip balm. The color is a bright berry on my dull mauve colored lips. Makes my skin and teeth look brighter, especially in photos. -Long lasting color. I would only reapply after I eat. But even after eating and drinking, kind of leaves a stained look on your lips...you may prefer that or not. CONS: -Not moisturizing enough, IMHO. Actually, if my lips are not exfoliated, kind of feathers. I did not expect this from a lip balm. A little more moisture in the product would probably mean it won't have as much staying power though. -Price @ about $20. NOTES: I am looking for a lip balm that is more moisturizing, cheaper, and gives a good berry tint on my dull colored lips.... I will look into Burt's Bees tinted balms. Otherwise, may try Bobbi Brown's tinted lip treatments.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -NARS - Rose Gitane
jrbmua 5/21/2012 9:49:00 PM
About products: In tube, looks like a berry shade with mix of pink and orange undertones. In certain lighting, can come off looking like a deep red. On my Asian -light olive and yellow skin tone, looks like a bright berry. PROS: -Moisturizing -Sheen looks great without being dramatic, not glittery. -Appropriate for every day use. -Good pigmentation. Color makes my skin and teeth look brighter. -Goes on smoothly. -Good consistency, not too thin or thick. And not sticky, does not feather lips. CONS: -Price -Product seeps out of tube a little and ends up getting on other things inside my makeup bag. This was never an issue with other NARS lipgloss colors I've tried. *NOTES: Overall a great LG if you don't mind the price. Because of price and my new interest in greener makeup, I would not buy again.
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Lipstick -MAC - Amplified Creme Lipstick
jrbmua 5/21/2012 9:33:00 PM
Length of use: 1yr Amplified is the type of lipstick consistency. I purchased the color "Craving" which looks like a deep pink berry and goes on just the way it looks onto my lips. Looks great on my Asian skin with yellow and olive tones. PROS: -Non-drying -Great staying power for a creamy lipstick. I only reapply if I had something oily to eat like pizza or pasta. -Great pigmentation, the color I saw on tube is pretty much the color that was on my lips. -Does not seep into fine lines. -Great price at $14. -The rose pink shade I got really looks great on photos, makes my teeth and skin look brighter. *CONS: -None. *Notes: All in all, a great creamy lipstick. Like other reviewers mentioned below, some of the other MAC lipsticks I have tried are a bit drying and would need a balm or gloss with it. But with the amplified consistency, I can wear alone. Not a fault of the product but I would not buy again only because I am shopping for greener makeup... hopefully can find a green lipstick that is as great and reasonable priced as this.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Pro Activ - Proactiv Repairing Lotion
jrbmua 5/21/2012 9:15:00 PM
Lenth of use: 7 years Frequency of use: Daytime only. PROS: -Prevents major breakouts... I am prone to cystic breakouts and several pimples at a time. -Does not irritate skin and I have tried MANY lotions and creams... I always go back to this. -Works well on its own. I used to do the whole 3 step system for the first couple years. Then found a cheaper toner and cleanser as my skin calmed down. -Absorbs well into skin. I wait 15 min before applying foundation. -Does not make my skin look oily. -Feels hydrating enough for me and I do not need too much hydration having oily skin. -A nickle size is enough to cover my whole face. -For daytime use only, the 3oz bottle lasts me about 6 to 7 months... not bad at $20 something dollars for a bottle. *CONS: -I prefer tubes versus bottle so I can really squeeze out the last bit left. *Notes: Do not expecta a miracle. This does not completely prevent acne... what product actually does though? The occassional pimple I get, which is a lot less than prior to use of this product, is a pimple usually related to my cycle, sleep, activity and eating pattern. The major flareups I have ever had were the three times I strayed from using this BP lotion and tried other acne fighting lotions which only gave me more acne. This seems to be the only BP lotion that works with my skin.
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Blush -Korres - Zea Mays Powder Blush in Peach
jrbmua 5/21/2012 4:08:00 PM
Length of use: 2yrs Frequency of use: 3-4days/wk Pros: -a peachy pink color suited for my Asian tone skin (for ref I wear EDM in light olive, #2 in Laura M fdtn) -looks natural -easy to apply -can be buildable -does not break me out -good staying power -lasted me two yrs for every other day use -looks good on my skin tone year round (I do not tan) Cons: None Notes: Has no glitter or sparkle. Looks matte on me, which I prefer. This is the only blush I own, so I am not a big blush kind of girl. But this suits me for every day and special occasion use as it looks natural. I would buy again however as I am not brand loyal to blushes, I would also check out other similar blushes for fun.
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Eyeliner -Urban Decay - 24-7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
jrbmua 5/20/2012 12:53:00 AM
Length of time used: 2yrs Pros: Great pigmentation. Glides on smoothly. Can smudge a little if desired but must be done immediately after applying as this stays and will not budge. Even with my oily lids, has great staying power after an 8hr work day in the office. Comes in a variey of colors, funky and neutral ones. Does notit irritate my sensitive eyes. Cons: None. Notes: I have tried all kinds of long lasting eyeliners (twist tip kinds, gels, other pencil) and I prefer this UD long lasting pencil for ease of use. Just sharpen as needed and apply. No need to worry about cleaning a brush, tugging to hard. This goes on smoothly with one stroke. I can do a cat eye liner with it too if I get it real sharp. Also, for reference, I only line top lid.
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Powder -Everyday Minerals - Foundation Matte Formula
jrbmua 8/12/2011 8:47:00 PM
My HG foundation. I've been using this for past year. I have used other mineral foundations and like this the best. PROs: Does not break out my oily skin, buildable coverage, the ingredient list is short, has spf, and the light olive color is perfect for my Asian skin color (light w/ yellow golden undertone, for reference #2 w/ LM PPF). Even with a heavier layer when I need it, formula still feels on the light side. The website is easy to navigate. Allows you to compare product specs side by side. It also lists what skin colors are best suited for the product. Test samples are available for low price. Packaging is simple, powder does not spill out. Received order within 5 days (I live in L.A.) CONs: No cons for me. Some others may be put off by the packaging, doesn't look luxe. For me, I could care less about that though. NOTES: Wide variety of shades. Just be careful if you have to mix shades to get the right shade for you if you get darker, lighter. I got a little darker at one point last summer and mixed a darker sample shade in. I mixed on top of paper towel in case there was spillage I could salvage it. Used a cotton swab to mix.
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Treatments -Clinique - Acne Solutions Clearing Moisturizer Oil-Free
jrbmua 6/23/2010 1:01:00 AM
I tried this for a month.... made my skin dry out too much. Returned it. I think it caused more acne, too. Going back to my old BP lotion (Proactiv) -while that didn't totally prevent acne, it kept it at bay better that this Clnique product.
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Blush -MAC - Sheertone Shimmer Blush - Ambering Rose
jrbmua 5/8/2010 3:48:00 PM
PRO's *Product is buildable -can go light or build it up but even a little can go a long way *Color -rosy-light bronze with some shimmer -looks great on my Asian skin with yellow-gold tone. Looks like a natural blush after being out in the sun. *Price *Staying power -overall fair to good -may need to reapply when going from day to night. Though not sure how it would hold up for someone with more oily skin (I'm mostly oily at t-zone). *Overall would consider repurcahsing but as this is my first and only blush I have, I would experiement with other blushes too. CON's None.
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Lip Gloss -Korres - Cherry Full Colour Gloss #54
jrbmua 5/8/2010 3:37:00 PM
PRO's *Texture - goes on like a gloss, smooth *Color -a buildable and blush/rosy color with a hint of shimmer. Can go light for office/casual look and build up for going out/evening. Kind of like a lip polish. *Price *Staying power -very good for a lip gloss -even after eating/drinking -there's a little bit of color still left *Moisturizing -minimal to no flaking CON's *Packaging -products seeps out of tube and gets all over other things in my makeup bag. If it weren't for the packaging I would repurchase.
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Lip Gloss -NARS - Sandpiper
jrbmua 5/8/2010 3:24:00 PM
PRO's *Texture -goes on smooth, stays on smooth -no flaking -Love this about NARS LG's *Good neutral color for office/casual/nude look (my lips are mildly pigmented) *Product does not seep out of tube *Fair to good staying power for a LG (Other LG's I've tried with more staying power sacrfice the texture and end up flaking) CON's *None. NOTES: Not a fault of the product, but I would not buy again due to price and new interest in greener makeup. Otherwise, I would recommend this, it is a good product overall if you don't mind the price.
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Toners -Unlisted Brand - Drugstore Witch hazel
jrbmua 5/8/2010 3:18:00 PM
Ever since I switched over from an expensive BP toner to this...I've never noticed a difference so I'm sticking with this cheap toner. I only get ance during that time of the month and I use pretty good spot treatment for that. *Update 5/21/12: Still using this as a toner and no problems. It is so cheap and more natural than other toners with so many ingredients. I just cannot go back to expensive toners, not when this does the main things I look for in a toner -simply to remove what my cleanser cannot fully remove. The money I would've otherwise spent on expensive toners, I am able to spend on moisturizer and finally...a Clarisonic Mia.
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Skincare - Face -Ole Henriksen - Truth Serum
jrbmua 5/8/2010 3:14:00 PM
I sampled a week's work of this product. If it weren't for the con's, I may consider purchasing this product. PRO's *Face looked brighter/smoother...started to see some clearing up of mild post-acne scars *A little goes a long way CON's *Face felt too tight by end of the week...like it might crack if I smiled or wrinkle my forehead *Packaging -I hear that vitamin C becomes unstable in clear bottles
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No