Skincare - Face -Murad - Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel
kbogusz112 3/23/2010 3:45:00 PM
I expected this product to work pretty well on my skin, considering the pretty impressive list of ingredients. While it didn't dry me out and seemed to diminish acne the first couple nights of use, it broke me out pretty badly. And when I say pretty badly, I'm talking about small bumps but also cysts, and also in spots that I did not typically break out. I thought this was due to hormones or other products I was using, but when I finally realized it may be this product and stopped using it, the acne diminished after a couple days. However, it took me a long time to get my skin looking decent, not to mention back to how it looked before I started using this. Definitely gets a "beware this product" from me, and I would never purchase this again. It was pretty expensive but you do get a lot of product for the amount you pay, and I like the pump packaging. Also, it does sting a bit sometimes, especially when I have any open sores or cuts on my face, and leaves a shiny finish, so it's really best for nighttime use.
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Moisturizers -Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
kbogusz112 7/24/2009 9:04:00 PM
This is what happens when you let sales associates recommend products for you! (At least that's been my experience with a lot of skin care recs, especially at Clinique counters.) For Clinique, oily skin means it needs tons of alcohol, and this product has that effect. Although my skin is combination, and my forehead and chin get a bit oily, I am very prone to getting flakes and I need a bit of moisture or my skin feels tight. This gel dried out my skin, and I had to use another moisturizer on top, which totally defeats the purpose of using this in the first place. Also, it made my skin look really shiny, and I would prefer that it had an SPF 15, but I could get over that if this was a good moisturizer. This doesn't moisturize at all, and there's definitely nothing dramatically different about it.
5 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Desert Essence - Tea Tree Oil (100% Pure Australian)
kbogusz112 6/22/2009 1:04:00 PM
First off, I just wanted to mention that my TTO isn't Desert Essence, but rather Nature's Bounty, but it's still 100% TTO. On to the review... I love this stuff! It has so many uses too. I mainly use this on my face. I usually mix in a drop with my moisturizer, but it can be a bit drying, so sometimes I'll have to stop for a day or two so my skin doesn't dry out too much. It helps relieve irritation, and works just as well as BP for me, maybe even better. I love that it's all natural. Just be careful - if you put on too much, it'll burn! I also make a toner out of TTO, about 90% water and the rest this oil. I spray it on my face, and also use it on other areas like scratches, mosquito bites, burns, and also on my chest to prevent any bumps there. I recently had a minor burn on my foot, and I used this on there to prevent infection and also to help soothe the burn. I also like to mix in a couple drops of TTO with my shampoo when my scalp's a bit flaky, and it works well. I like to dab it straight up on pimples on my face also, and it helps heal and dry up the spot. I initially thought this was a bit expensive - about $8 for an ounce, but it's lasted me a long time, and I still have half a bottle left. I actually like the smell, but I can understand how a lot of people wouldn't, because it has an extremely strong smell, almost medicinal. And trust me, your whole bathroom will smell with this stuff. My only gripe about this product is the packaging - mine is just in a small dark glass bottle with a twist-off cap. I wish there was a dropper or something in there, because I don't want to use too much of this stuff, and all you ever really need it a few drops. I also hate the fact that it's easy to drop, especially if my hands happen to be wet. But I would definitely recommend this for anyone struggling with acne, because this works a lot better than a lot of other things I've tried.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Max Factor - 2000 Calorie Aqua Lash
kbogusz112 6/19/2009 8:29:00 PM
I was looking for a good waterproof mascara (that was truly waterproof) and decided to try this one, since the nonwaterproof version is my HG. This did not disappoint. It starts out a pretty wet formula, and I like it better after it dries out, after about a month or so. It rarely ever clumps on me unless I put too many coats on (which is my fault), and it coats my lashes evenly. The brush is a good size, not too small but not so huge that I can still reach the inner corners of my lashes. It holds a curl extremely well, and doesn't make my lashes feel crispy like other mascaras (both wp and non) can. It's really waterproof, and I recently had a chance to test this out, swimming a few times in a friends pool. No matter how many times I got splashed or went under water, my mascara still looked as good as it did when I first put it on. It doesn't flake, and the only time it flaked on me was when I left my eye mu on overnight. It doesn't irritate my eyes, and doesn't dry out my lashes. It IS pretty hard to remove, but it's not too bad if you use an oil-based cleanser. With that, there's minimal rubbing and I don't pull out any lashes, but I can imagine that if you don't use an oil-based cleanser, you'd have to rub a lot and pull out quite a few lashes. Overall, I highly recommend this as a cheap but awesome waterproof mascara that lives up to its volumizing and water resistant claims!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Gels/Soaps -Philosophy - Bubbly 3 in 1
kbogusz112 6/3/2009 4:53:00 PM
I love the smell of this body wash! I only use it as a body wash, so I can't vouch for how well it works as a bubble bath or shampoo. It smells like fizzy oranges, and definitely something bubbly, but I wouldn't really say it smells like champagne. It's got some hints of champagne, but smells more like a mimose. In fact, this is what I wanted the Philosophy mimosa body wash to be - it smelled a little too synthetic for me. I've loved the bubbly scent ever since I first smelled it as a part of a gift set, and I'm so glad they came out with a big bottle. I don't think the price is bad at all - 24 ounces for $20, which is a huuuge bottle and should last for a really long time. It seems to lather a bit better than the other Philosophy body washes, probably due to its more gel-like consistancy than the usual creamier consistancy. I love the color too - a pinkish orange, and in the typical Philosophy bottle. The scent lingers more than the other washes too, and you can smell it in the shower, not only when you stick your nose in the bottle to smell it. The scent is really fresh and fruity. It leaves your skin really soft and smooth, and it comes in a cute box that says congratulations, so it would also make a cute gift for someone - a bottle of "bubbly." I will definitely repurchase this, but I'm sure I won't have to for a long time given the amount of product in the bottle and how little you need for a good lather. And like other reviewers have mentioned, if you want something that smells like straight-up champagne, this isn't for you. Side note - this has sodium laureth sulfate in it, so anyone with issues with SLS, stay away.
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Lip Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Abreva Docosanol 10% Cream for Cold Sores
kbogusz112 5/31/2009 1:00:00 AM
Whoever created this product should win some kind of award. I've only been struggling with cold sores for the past couple years, and didn't know what to expect with the first one I ever got. Not to go into gross details, but that one lasted well over a week and just looked awful and made me so self-conscious. I bought abreva and kept it in my stash of emergency products. One day, I felt the corner of my lower lip tingling, and started applying this product. That cold sore cleared up in 3-4 days, left minimal redness behind, and the cold sore itself didn't look that bad at all while I had it - if I put on a bit of lip gloss or balm, it wasn't that noticeable or gross looking. Ever since then, I've been using this product whenever I get a cold sore, and it's helped tremendously. I actually just got one, and used this at the first sign and it's been 4 days, the cold sore is almost gone, it hasn't burst, it's just kind of dried up, like a zit that just happened to be on my lip. At first, I couldn't believe the price for such a small tube, but I've had mine for about 2 years, it's still about a third full, and the only reason I'll be purchasing another one soon is because this tube expires in a couple months. This is definitely a godsend for me and anyone else who suffers from cold sores, and I will never be without this. I've tried everything that says it works on cold sores and this is the only one that actually delivers what it promises. This stuff is just amazing, and totally worth the price. It delivers results quickly, and doesn't make my self-esteem plummet whenever I feel that "oh crap, a cold sore's comin" tingle.
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Mascara -Max Factor - 2000 Calorie Mascara
kbogusz112 5/31/2009 12:47:00 AM
After a lot of trial and error with this mascara, I decided to delete my old review of this product and write a new one, because my opinion about it completely did a 180. I've tried basically every mascara out there, and each one left something to be desired. I can definitely call this my HG, and use it every day. It volumizes lashes like no other, holds a curl, and it LASTS. Once when I got home extremely late, I just washed my face but didn't bother washing off my eye mu. In the morning, I expected half of it to be all under and around my eyes, but it looked just as good as it had the night before. This mascara doesn't flake or smudge, and it makes it look like I either have the best lashes in the world or am wearing somewhat believable falsies. It doesn't melt in the rain or if I spray anything on my face after doing my makeup. It also separates lashes nicely, and doesn't make my lashes feel dry or brittle. It lasts a good few months before drying out, and is still pretty easy to use when it dries a bit. The only issue is that it does tend to clump after the formula dries a bit, but that's easily cureable with a lash comb or even running my fingertips over the ends of my lashes, and by that time it's almost time to replace the tube anyway. Great product for a great price, and best of all, it's also easily accessible. Try it - it won't hurt your wallet, and you might love it like I do! No wonder a lot of mu artists use this mascara. Also, in my opinion, Diorshow pales in comparison to this. Not only does it work better, it's only a fraction of the price!
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Eyeliner -MAC - Smolder eye kohl
kbogusz112 5/31/2009 12:26:00 AM
I love this eyeliner! I've already repurchased this twice, and each one I've had I've used all the way down. This eyeliner is a true black, and is the best looking black of all the ones I've tried, and trust me, it's been a lot. I've tried ds brands (several covergirl ones, revlon) and he ones also, but this is my favorite. Even though I have extremely oily eyelids, it doesn't smudge or travel, and I don't get raccoon eyes from this eyeliner, even though I don't use primer. It's very versatile - you can make a thick line, smudge it for a thinner line or a smokier look, or just press it into your lashline. The one thing I wouldn't suggest using this for is the waterline, but I don't do that anyway, so it's not a deal breaker for me. It's very soft, and doesn't tug or pull at your skin, and has never left me any irritation on my eyelids or in my eyes, and I wear contacts. Highly recommended!
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Styling Products -TiGi - Bed Head After Party
kbogusz112 4/1/2009 11:19:00 PM
I love this product! It makes my hair feel super smooth and soft, and I always find myself petting my hair when I use this in my hair. I personally like to use it on both wet and dry hair, and it acts as a sort of leave in conditioner, and makes my hair very smooth right after I blow-dry it. I love the smell of this, and I like that it doesn't make my hair greasy. One gripe I have is the packaging. At first it's kind of cute, but then when you get toward the end of the product, it's really hard to get out. What I do is take something long and thin, like the handle of my hair brush, and push up on the part that holds the product, and that pushes the last little bits of it out. (You have to be somewhat familiar with what the packaging looks like in order to understand what I'm talking about.) At the end of that, however, the product stops coming out of the nozzle at the top, but leaks through this little hole at the bottom... It's hard to explain, but basically it can get messy. I do like the product though, and will continue to repurchase. I just kind of wish it was in just a regular pump or squeeze tube.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Dove - Deep Moisture Facial Lotion SPF 15 ] ] [DISCONTINUED]
kbogusz112 3/26/2009 1:05:00 AM
I absolutely love this lotion! I have combination skin, but my skin tends to get pretty flaky, especially in the colder months, and this moisturizer helps those spots without making the rest of my face shine like crazy. I love the smell, it just smells really clean and classic, and it's also very subtle. I love the fact that it has spf 15 in it, so I don't have to wear a separate sunscreen. It's super gentle, and has never broken me out. I use this when I have some irritation on my skin from other products, and it's nice and cooling and doesn't sting. I've had one bottle for quite a few months now, maybe even a year, and there's still about a third left. I will definitely repurchase! My only worry is that it may be a little bit too heavy in the summer.
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Cleansers -Boscia - Clear Complexion Cleanser with Botanical Blast
kbogusz112 3/25/2009 3:14:00 PM
I decided to try this cleanser after reading all the positive reviews about it here on MUA and after having it recommended to me at Sephora. I love it. It's gentle, but still gets your face clean, which is important to me because I have a tendency to get small breakouts, but I can't use very harsh cleansers because I use Differin, and whenever I do, it makes my skin dry out. However, I use this together with the Clear Complexion Tonic, and my skin isn't left dry. I love that this isn't packed full of chemicals or preservatives, and it smells really nice (but not too strong). Also, I love the pump it comes in, and it dispenses a perfect amount of product each time. It's got a lot of foam to it, but I don't mind because my skin is pretty oily in most places. If I do need a bit more moisture, I just throw on some Dove lotion and my face feels great. This makes my skin feel soft and smooth, and even though I've only been using it for a couple weeks, I've been getting really good results from it.
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Eye Makeup Remover -Neutrogena - Oil Free eye makeup remover
kbogusz112 3/25/2009 3:04:00 PM
This is my HG eye makeup remover. I've tried a couple of other ones, and they either ripped out a couple lashes when I tried to remove my makeup, or didn't remove it completely. This is really gentle, and manages to get all of my makeup off without irritating my eyes or contact lenses. I also never lose lashes when I use this. It does leave an oily film on the eyes after you remove your makeup, but all you have to do is splash a bit of water on it and it's gone. I will continue to repurchase, because it's the best eye makeup remover I've found.
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Lip Gloss -MAC - underage lipglass
kbogusz112 3/25/2009 3:00:00 PM
Love the color, hate the formula. I love super pale lips, so this color was awesome for me - milky pink with a hint of peach to it. However, it's SO sticky! My hair stuck to my lips, and my lips stuck to each other. Also, after a while it would turn white on the corners of my lips and on the inside of my lips, near where my mouth is, which just looked really weird. I wish they had this color in a different formula, but it's really not worth it. I will not be purchasing this again.
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Bronzers -MAC - Bronzer in Golden
kbogusz112 3/25/2009 2:56:00 PM
I like this bronzer a lot. It's got some shimmer to it, but not enough to make it seem glittery or anything like that. When I'm more on the pale side, like in the winter, it does seem a bit dark, but when my skin starts to wake up a little bit, this makes my face glow. It's a good price for the amount of product that you get - I've had mine for about a year to a year and a half now and I still have quite a lot left. I've even dropped the compact a few times, and it's only cracked a little bit at the corner maybe the fourth or fifth time I've dropped it. It's the perfect size to fit a big brush into. I will probably repurchase this, because it's really hard for me to find a bronzer that doesn't look orange or doesn't have way too much shimmer in it.
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Scrubs -Neutrogena - Deep Clean Gentle Scrub
kbogusz112 3/25/2009 2:51:00 PM
This is my favorite scrub, and the only one I keep coming back to. It doesn't dry out my skin, and takes off all the flaky skin I have from using Differin or from the chilly and windy Chicago weather. I've never had any irritation from this, and it makes my face feel so soft and smooth after using it. It smells nice, kind of like oranges. I like the fact that it's cheap and readily available, and I also love the exfoliating beads in this. They're not as hard or dense as St. Ives, which I save for times when I need extreeeeme exfoliation, but the beads aren't so tiny that it feels like you're getting microdermabrasion. It's really gentle, and I use it about 3 times a week. I would definitely recommend this product.
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