Cleansers -LUSH - Fresh Farmacy
justynae 10/22/2008 2:01:00 PM
This is a HG spot treatment! I moved to Montreal from the prairies 3 months ago, and after several months of perfect skin, began suffering from acne... at least a new spot everyday. My facialist told me it was because my skin was overwhelmed by pollution. I spent over $100 switching from my usual products to Vichy, and it only made my problem worse. I have tried every spot treatment possible... BP, salicylic acid, sulfur, zincadone, glycolic acid, etc... absolutely nothing worked. Fresh Farmacy cleared the spots on my face after one use. I have not used it to cleanse my skin, just as a spot treatment. I'm only on my 3rd day, but coupled with Coalface, my skin is now clear. I tried it yesterday by wetting a cotton pad, rubbing it on the bar and applying a thin film all over my face (like a toner), then put a thicker amount over the individual spots using a wet concealer brush. It dries up the acne overnight so it's barely there when you wake up. I'm so happy with this product... I think it will last a very long time (if I don't use it as a cleanser) and it definitely keeps my skin clear and smooth. Please buy!
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Cleansers -LUSH - coal face soap
justynae 10/22/2008 1:50:00 PM
This is a HG cleanser! I moved to Montreal from the prairies 3 months ago, and after several months of perfect skin, began suffering from acne... at least a new spot everyday. My facialist told me it was because my skin was overwhelmed by pollution. I spent over $100 switching from my usual products to Vichy, and it only made my problem worse. I tried everything and it only irritated my skin. Then, I discovered Coalface. I swear by this product... my skin was already brighter and better the first try, and coupled with Fresh Farmacy, after only 2 days of use, my skin is completely clear! A recent chemical peel and microdermabrasion did absolutely nothing for my skin compared to Coalface. I wash with Coalface, focusing on the parts that need to be treated, making sure to rub it in well. Then, I apply Fresh Farmacy to my spots... My skin is literally perfect. 2 days! I think the Coalface is doing most of the work. Please buy this product if you've tried everything else and nothing works!
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Moisturizers -Vichy - Normaderm Anti-Imperfection Hydrating Care
justynae 9/14/2008 11:41:00 PM
This is the worst acne care line I have ever used... I moved from dry Manitoba to very humid and hot Montreal, and began having the worst breakouts of my life. I decided to shell out over $100 to switch entirely to Vichy because I thought it was a premium brand--I should have stuck with Clinique or something cheap from the pharmacy! This brand is seriously a joke... their cleansing milks are greasy (like putting eye makeup remover all over your face!) and this acne line is even worse. I went from having decent skin to whiteheads all over my face. I've been blaming it on the weather but I've realized after reading similar reviews that this product is to blame. The anti-imperfection hyrdrating care is good only for its *very* short ability to make the skin appear matte. All it's really doing is leaving a thick mask of pseudo-mosturizer on your face that blocks your pores (and thus oil production), but not for long. If you wear makeup, you'll have cakeface. The night lotion is even worse--it's very greasy and I feel extremely uncomfortable putting it on my skin, as I can already feel it's the cause of the red bumps on my face. The targeted spot treatment is not strong--NONE of the products in this line are! As much as I've spent so much money on this line, I will just abandon it and spend $10 on Clean and Clear or something else tried and true. I think I will keep using the Normaderm cleansing milk, toner and cleanser, because I feel they might be the only decent products in the line... but I will avoid the lotions. Please don't waste your money--you'll end up with worse skin. If you have oily skin or good skin to begin with...stay away!
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Highlighters -Clinique - Up-Lighting Liquid Illumintor
justynae 2/23/2008 3:16:00 AM
Whenever I try this on the back of my hand, it looks very iridescent and glittery. But on my face, it doesn't work for me :( I applied this in 'natural' after using Superbalanced makeup in 'sunny,' and I couldn't see it. I tried applying it on only the areas where the light naturally hits my face, and I couldn't notice it, so then I tried ALL over my cheeks, and still saw nothing. I started with a little, and ended up putting on quite a bit. Maybe it's my skintone--I could try the shade up, but I just don't think its as iridescent as I want it to be. This was supposed to replace my MAC iridescent powder in 'belightful' but I think MAC's product is much better for this. The Up-Lighting liquid has a lovely texture, is easy to spread, is not greasy (even after an entire day!), and would work well on lighter skin tones in the 'natural' shade. The packaging is really nice and compact, however, I found it hard to control the amount of product (it's hard to press lightly, and too much dispenses). Also, it's reasonably priced for the size (the old Colour Rub Clinique sold was 11ml for 21.50CAD...this product is 29.00CAD for 30ml!)
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Liquid -Clinique - Superfit Foundation [DISCONTINUED]
justynae 2/21/2008 3:31:00 AM
This is my favorite foundation of all time. It hid my pores, made my skin even, and didn't melt off my skin. For months I wore the foundation on its own, but towards the end of my bottle, I began mixing it with lotion and still found it gave good coverage. I just bought a bottle of Superbalance but I think I will return it to buy Superfit... the only reason I bought another product was because they didn't have it in my color at the counter! This foundation is really silky and lasts a long time because it's so smooth to apply... and the colors are fabulous! Buy it... it's so luxurious! The only cons with this product are the packaging. I do like that it's a squeezable, but the product does ooze out as soon as you open the bottle. When you're done using it, tap it at the bottom. Do this again before opening. It is hygienic packaging, but not if you let it ooze out and have to 'suck' it back in from your hand! Edit 22/11/08: I bought a giant, 200ml (6.7oz) bottle of this 4 months ago. I've gone through about 40ml, the equivalent of nearly one small bottle. This will be the only foundation I wear for the rest of my life.
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Toners -Clinique - Clarifying Lotion #2
justynae 2/21/2008 3:23:00 AM
I've always wanted to go back to the clarifying lotion because the price is so attractive--the product isn't. I hate salicylic acid... and this is contained in most cheap drug and grocery store brands of toners and astringents. Why would you buy something so similar from Clinique? I have even read bad things about the mild version. I started the 3-step program 2 years ago, when I was 19. It was good for possibly 2 weeks, tops. I quite enjoyed the soap, and I love the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (I have a huge pump along with 3 smaller tubes) that I use twice daily. The toner was useless and irritated my skin. It made me break out and I had redness on my nose... I had much more success with $3 astringent! I have now moved onto Mario Badescu Glycolic Toner... better than salicylic! The only things I liked about it were its price and packaging (with the pump). I saved it and plan on using it with the next toner I buy! And I agree with the previous reviewer... it is abrasive and leaves your skin feeling raw. It has too much denaturated alcohol (which is bad for your skin).
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Brows -MAC - Eye Brow Pencil - Brunette
justynae 2/21/2008 2:08:00 AM
This stick is great! It's SO fine and sharp... you can draw on each hair! After I plucked my brows and put this on, they were flawless! It gave me a strong arch and it easily gave me a strong 'square' look at the bridge that I really like. I used to use Avon Glimmersticks brow pencil in 'blonde,' but the color wasn't dark enough for my hair, and the stick was too fat. Brunette is a perfect shade. I bought this on ebay ($5!), but I was trying to buy the wax-style Brow Finisher... I was glad I got this by mistake. I gave this a 5 for price, even though it ended up being free with a refund, but I think it's a reasonable price for a product that is so superior. I really feel like a hottie now because my brows look so good! It gives a put-together look.
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Mascara -L'Oreal - Volume Shocking Waterproof
justynae 2/21/2008 1:59:00 AM
Please don't buy this mascara! I haven't tried the regular, only the waterproof, but it is the worst mascara ever made. The primer is like superglue, and the mascara is like cement. Neither work well (I tried the primer with Voluminous mascara, and I couldn't get it off, either). It took me 4 days to get off the Volume Shocking mascara... and for that reason, it stained my pillow because I went to bed so many nights with it still on! I couldn't wear any eye make up or other mascara during that time. It was a nightmare getting it off! The mascara sucked otherwise. I got no volume, and the brush was short and lousy. It clumped my lashes, and made them fall out while I was putting it on. They looked even more thin and shorter than how they did when I had no mascara on. I gave this a 1 for price, even though I got it on sale at Target along with a felt-tip eyeliner, because I don't think it's worth the $7 on sale or the $12 CAD... because you can spend a little extra and buy Clinique!
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Lips -Fusion Beauty - LipFusion Lip Plump Color Shine - Kiss
justynae 2/21/2008 1:51:00 AM
The color is great. I have olive skin and it suits me nicely. I find that when the gloss wears away, which takes quite a while, a bright pink remains. It is sticky but not sticky like MAC lipglass. It has a more slippery texture. I like this gloss particularly for the color, and the plumping comes second for me. It DOES plump. I would say it plumps more AFTER than it does DURING wear. I have pouty lips and sometimes I think applying gloss makes them look smaller... but I do see a slight plump with this. It's very moisturizing and for the last week I have used this, I haven't had dry lips. When I'm not wearing it, I've noticed my lips look even bigger than they did a few weeks ago. It has obviously saved my dry lips (I live in Canada near the mid-west... -49F weather!), given them much needed moisture and thus plumped them even when I haven't applied it for the entire day (as if the plumping from hours ago or the day before is still going!). That being said, I do think it lasts 24 hours+. I will definitely repurchase, for the moisturizing benefits and the fabulous colors (not to mention the tangerine scent cheers me up)... and I don't have to pay $40+. These go on ebay for $15 with shipping! My lips haven't looked better.
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Blush -MAC - Frost Blush in Margin
justynae 2/21/2008 1:38:00 AM
I really like this blush. It's possibly the only MAC product I would ever repurchase. I have come to dislike the brand, but I trust their blushes. This is a great color on my olive skin, and goes great with dark hair and brown eyes. I wanted to go for a pink but this shade was recommended instead. I thought I didn't like it in the store because too much was applied when I tested it, but I loved it after. You can really control how much you want to apply. You can have it sheer and look sun-kissed (for this, I put it on my chin, too), or really make the hollows of your cheeks stand out by putting more. I don't notice the frost all that much, which I think is a good thing. I find that it's a shade that really stands out from the others. It's almost half blush-half bronzer!
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Lip Gloss -Smashbox - Lipgloss - Smashing Pout
justynae 2/21/2008 1:31:00 AM
I found this on ebay for $5 and I'm glad I did. I would definitely pay the full price for it (but I know I don't have to!) I love it's texture--it is not thick and tacky like MAC lipglass. Instead, it's smooth and creamy. I love the way it smells, too. I have fairly dark skin and this shade is wonderful on me. It gives me the exact pink color I have wanted on my lips for years. After the gloss wears off, a pale pink remains (which surprised me because of my pigmented lips). I think the lasting power could be better, but I don't mind reapplying because it's so wonderful to have on! I have tossed my chapstick and use this instead because it's so moisturizing (all lip glosses dry out my lips). Also, the shine is not 'whorey' and won't make you look like a 14 year old who can't apply makeup. Buy it!
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Toners -Mario Badescu - Glycolic Acid Toner
justynae 2/21/2008 1:24:00 AM
If I could only own one beauty product, this would be it. When I use it, I will not wear any foundation or blush on my face. It leaves my skin looking PERFECT. I generally have good skin, but sometimes it does not behave. Acne will be tiny and harmless and only last me a day, but I have no patience for it. This toner doesn't make me worry about that. It gives me glowing smooth skin free of dark spots and blemishes. Some problems that I did notice was that after 2 weeks of using it, my skin was so flawless and my skin tightened significantly and it almost looked like I had wrinkles at the sides of my nose (that was just the tightness) and crows feet! I also noticed it didn't help much with blackheads, and I think it made my nose break out (very tiny and unnoticeable, though). I can avoid this by not using it on my nose, not applying it so close to my eyes and using a good moisturizer. I had a sample of this so I only used it shortly, but I have already ordered a full-size bottle and am awaiting its arrival in the mail. It is really a god send and I can't wait to use it again. If you've been using toners, especially ones with salicylic acid, that do nothing for you, this may work. Get a sample from MB first. I am certain for now that I will use this product for the rest of my life, because my skin has never looked better. I stopped using it for a month, and I can't live without it!
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Eye Shadow -MAC - Swimming
justynae 2/21/2008 1:15:00 AM
I loved the color in the container. It is gorgeous. After you take the first swipe... glitter galore! I couldn't use this all over my lid. It would only work if I used 'knight divine' e/s in my crease and swimming in my outer half. Glitter would get everywhere, even with enough preping, and the color just wasn't intense and wouldn't last. It's a gorgeous shade but I think the glitter is the problem. I need a better green, that lasts. I tried to make it work, but couldn't. It went back to the store today.
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Mascara -Clinique - High Impact Mascara
justynae 2/21/2008 1:11:00 AM
My HG mascara. Don't be fooled--it doesn't clump if you know how to apply mascara properly! I received this in a GWP in 2005--strange to say but I still use that same tube. It doesn't irritate my eyes, flake, or smudge. I didn't use this for a while but I can't recall if it was not as thick 2 years ago, or if it's thickened upon sitting around. I just got another GWP size of this today and I noticed the brushes are different. Maybe people don't like this because they have changed the brush and formula. I used to have thick long lashes, but months of testing poor mascaras have left me with sparse, short lashes. This makes them oh-so thick, soft, long and lush. They are curled and sky high. I can't say enough good things about this mascara. I have never had a problem. If you are looking for something cheaper that works similarly, try Cover Girl Fantastic Lash.
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Mens -Clinique - Facial Scrub for men
justynae 2/21/2008 1:06:00 AM
I LOVE this scrub. I used this after my boyfriend bought it in a kit for men. He told me never to use it but I sneaked it daily. I have sensitive skin and I find it to be safe to use on a daily basis. I use this along with Mario Badescu glycolic toner and my skin has never been better. I recently stopped using these 2 products (ran out of the toner, and broke up with the boy) and my skin has looked horrible for my standards for the past month. I bought a tube today and it saved my skin. It gets rid of all the dryness, dead skin, and blemishes. For $20 CAD, it's a steal. I wouldn't use any other scrub. The granules are medium sized and very dense. You only need a pea-sized amount for your entire face... so it would take a while to run out. Buy it!!! Your skin will glow.
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