Self Tanners -Fake Bake - flawless self tan liquid
jrwright 12/23/2012 11:07:00 PM
This and those by sun laboratories are the only self tanners I've tried that truly deliver a rich tan comparable to that of an olive-complected person (this one being my hg). There is no hint of orange in this, and I always receive compliments whenever I start up using this again. This comes with a spray top, gloves, and a mitt. As always, shave, exfoliate, and moisturize (particularly elbows, hands, knees, feet) beforehand, and be sure to work in sections as this tends to dry rather quickly so blendblendblend. Sometimes I use two coats before bed and rinse any color guard in the morning, and sometimes I apply two nights in a row depending on the color I want to achieve (I'm naturally rather ghostly). For reference, I picked this up at ulta for $25, and the bottle has lasted me over two months worth of twice-a-week use. Very reasonably priced, worth the money, better option than tanning in a bed, more affordable than spray tans at a salon. Will repurchase.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Revlon - Nearly Naked Foundation
jrwright 12/23/2012 10:14:00 PM
While I wish there was a more extensive range of shades for fellow cool-toned girls like myself, I do really enjoy the light feel, watery-consistency, solid wear (even though I haven't even tried setting with powder which is a bonus) and general look this foundation leaves my skin. I haven't tried the urban decay naked skin, but I actually found this comparable to lancome's teint miracle (hg) as I applied it, with the former offering slightly less coverage and the latter appearing a little more matte. I would say this shouldn't be expected to be more than medium coverage at the most, and for being surprisingly thin in texture, this didn't accentuate any enlarged pores in an unflattering way. I haven't been in any photos with flash while wearing this (in reference to the 20 spf) but I would probably just apply powder over the top if I anticipated such. I might update on the flash effect actually. This doesn't have a pump but considering the price and that it's drug store I don't find that to be a big deal so I can't complain. I will be repurchasing this foundation, as both the quality and price are solid.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Lancome - Blush Subtil Sheer - Sheer Amourose
jrwright 8/14/2012 12:48:00 AM
Flattering true matte rose-pink that's buildable while still having a nice pigmentation to it. Blends smoothly and evenly, has good staying power, and looks lovely on my cool-toned, fair skin. Worth the extra money considering the full size contains 4 grams of product which will last quite awhile.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Stila - Kitten
jrwright 7/15/2012 9:37:00 PM
This is my HG eyeshadow that I use daily, for the most part. It's a lovely pink-toned champagne color that is densely pigmented and a long-wearing beautiful frost that isn't the least bit tacky, and is great as a wash all over the lid, as an inner corner and brow highlight, and with a darker crease contrast. Doesn't crease with a primer, and is absolutely worth the $18. My only gripe is that because it is so soft and almost creamy it breaks in the compact easily so be warned!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Self Tanners -SUN Laboratories - Ultra Dark Lotion
jrwright 7/15/2012 8:56:00 PM
I'm naturally very pale and this delivers a true bronze, natural hue that's both buildable and believable. With proper exfoliation in the shower, and applying lotion to hands, elbows, knees, and feet prior to this, I experienced no streaking or blotchy areas, and it began to fade evenly after about five days before I needed to maintain again. Less goes a long way with this product so you definitely get your money's worth. Picked this up at ulta for about $36.50 and will certainly repurchase when I run low
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Smashbox - Be Legendary
jrwright 4/24/2012 7:16:00 PM
I recently purchased "Fig" from the cream collection of the Be Legendary line, and the berry shade compliments my cool skin tone. While the finish isn't matte, it isn't too shimmery or have a bold sheen to it. Definitely has plum and blue undertones which gives the wearer the illusion of whiter, brighter teeth. I don't find the formula very drying, and when it does fade it does so naturally, leaving a nice stain to the lips. I'm very surprised in the lack of reviews so I felt compelled to share, I will most certainly repurchase, possibly try out some other shades too
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Bare Escentuals - Matte Foundation spf 15
jrwright 2/10/2012 12:32:00 AM
Don't really understand all the negative reviews. Have used the matte version after switching from the original because I have oily combination skin and I have had no complaints with either. I don't need too much coverage and this feels like I'm wearing nothing. The color range is fantastic and back when I started bare minerals in high school this was the only foundation I dared try with my horrible break outs at the time. The staying power is very good for me with or without mineral vail. I really do believe that this has helped keep my skin in a healthier condition than before attempting traditional foundations way back when
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Skincare - Body -Unlisted Brand - Tea Tree Oil
jrwright 2/10/2012
After cleansing, this diluted with some rose water on a cotton ball is a godsend for treating acne and rotated into my skincare routine. Doesn't dry or aggravate the skin, leaves just a sight tingling effect. As with other essential oils, it has a number of other great uses, many of which are already stated below
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Tinted Moisturizer -Tarte - Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Mosturizer (Smooth Operator)
jrwright 2/9/2012 11:08:00 PM
So pleasantly surprised by this product and that's putting it lightly. Having been a bare minerals matte fan for quite awhile, I opted to try this after browsing through these reviews. What caught my eye was the kinder sensitive skin ingredients and sanitary tube packaging. After applying a sample I was sold. my pores are slightly more pronounced around my nose and this not only didn't settle or accentuate them but glided seamlessly over! I don't find the finish to be too dewy; more my-skin-but-better. It does have a glow to it so I might set this with a translucent powder or a little of my be for my combination skin but honestly it isn't really necessary, this lasted all day through the gym, class, and work. this evened out any redness, blended with ease, and the coverage more than I had expected from a tm without any sort of heavy cakey feel to it. Not sure if this would apply for those with more moderate to severe acne but this has in no way irritated my skin or caused a breakout =]
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Hair -Unlisted Brand - Coconut Oil
jrwright 9/4/2010 11:21:00 PM
great treatment i use once or twice a week on my hair. adds shine, manageability, and softens my parched hair :) i leave this on for about an hour, then shampoo and condition as normal. just take care not to apply too much, primarily from the shaft-down and focusing on the ends; avoiding the roots altogether. be sure to spend an extra few minutes washing this out, longer than you really think you need. cheap and effective. loads of other health benefits and uses also..
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Tarte - Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler
jrwright 6/4/2010 9:50:00 AM
this is just a great curler. i've never tried the shu uemura, but i don't see why i would need to at this point. this has made a noticeable difference, as the curl holds all day! very pleased. i'm surprised that it isn't rated higher. really, is the lack of loops that much of a challenge to get used to..? no. lovelovelove.
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Mascara -Bare Escentuals - Flawless Definition mascara
jrwright 4/30/2010 10:19:00 PM
Some people frustrate me, especially for those who rated this low for delivering no volume. First of all, nowhere on the packaging does it even mention being volumizing whatsoever. "Our wand works like a 360 degree comb to deliver outstanding definition, length and lift without clumps. The seriously tapered tip reaches even the sneakiest lashes." As far as I'm concerned, this delivers what it promises. The black shade is nice without being overwhelming, and defines every last lash without any clumps and adds some nice length and may lift a bit. This is NOT intended to be a mascara for going out at night, but it is great for a nice clean and pretty look. I've noticed that upon removal I've lost less eyelashes (BONUS) I'm pretty oily but has stayed pretty smudge-free The fact that it also is "paraben-free" and contains nicer ingredients is always good too. *NOTE: Only thing I have noticed is that, as the brush is comb-like in feel, I'm afraid I'm effectively combing out my curl..but then again that only makes sense that it would...so not a problem. **I may or may not repurchase because while this mascara does follow through, I'm rather fickle when it comes to mascara and always on the lookout to try new ones.**
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -Queen Helene - Mint Julep Masque
jrwright 4/29/2010 10:37:00 AM
simply a great mask. does its job. shrinks pours, significantly reduces blackheads. great as an overnight spot treatment. dirt cheap, and lasts a long time. what's not to love? use this once a week..
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Scrubs -St. Ives - Apricot Scrub Blemish and Blackhead Control
jrwright 4/14/2010 7:44:00 PM
Definitely reduces the appearance of blackheads. While this is a little harsh, you just have to use carefully. I wouldn't use this more than 2, maybe 3 times a week at most. Will continue to repurchase. Good quality product, lasts a long time (as I've come to realize less is more when using this)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -Unlisted Brand - Aspirin Mask
jrwright 4/10/2010 12:36:00 PM
Had NEVER heard of this until I checked this site. Was skeptical at first but very happily surprised. I mixed 2 with a couple drops of Lemon Essential Oil and left on my face for about 20 minutes, then I showered and rubbed particles into blackheads and problem areas before completely rinsing. Woke up with VERY clear skin, not red one bit, and my blackheads were reduced quite a bit. :) I do this mask once or twice a week as part of my regular skin care routine.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No