Sunscreen -La Roche Posay - Anthelios XL SPF 60 Fluide Extreme 
kogepan 5/26/2006 4:38:00 PM
I have the SPF 50 version. Great texture and spreadability. I've been testing this for about 2 weeks straight. No whitish cast but it does create shine all over on my combo/sensitive skin. In my experience, sunscreens either control oil and clog pores or do not clog pores but create shine. I rather have shine than clogged pores. No breakouts or any other discomfort. Would buy it again.
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Makeup Brushes -Smashbox - Face and Body Brush #19
kogepan 5/26/2006 4:28:00 PM
I feel the bristle quality is not as good as Trish McEvoy's #5 powder brush but it does apply powder better than my TM brush. However, I got one that sheds. Buy it on eBay for the best deal.
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Moisturizers -C.O. Bigelow - Deluxe Facial Moisturizer
kogepan 12/6/2005 12:13:00 PM
My combo (oily t, dry cheeks) really likes this one better than the extra light version. Especially during winter. I keep trying other moisturizers with exotic anti-aging ingredients to prevent blah blah blah, but my skin knows better and the results speak for themselves in the mirror. I use this one at night and just started using it during the day with sunscreen on top. My oiliness is more manageable. It just works.
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Lipstick -Clinique - Butter Shine - Crushed Grape
kogepan 10/26/2005 5:17:00 PM
Very pretty color. Perfect Plum was too pink for me. This one resembles Club Monaco's Glaze but more creamy and shiny. I find that upon first application the texture and shimmer is moist. After about an hour or two, my dry lips have sucked up all the moisture and the color becomes a stain, which is fine with me since I don't re-apply lipstick too often. Clinique reps recommend using a lipliner to increase staying power. I plan to buy Rum Kiss too.
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Moisturizers -C.O. Bigelow - Extra Light Face Lotion [DISCONTINUED]
kogepan 1/30/2005 3:09:00 AM
Preliminary review of this moisturizer. I have combo/sensitive skin. This moisturizer's spreadability is A+, unlike some mattifying lotions. It actually smooths out your skin a bit and results in a finish that is very much like a primer. But the mattifying qualities do not leave a filmy dryness. My face feels very hydrated, only not dewy but matte. Here's the real winning factor, no accentuation of flakiness on my dry patches (cheeks and sides of my nose). Purchased at Bath & Body Works, 2 oz. for $12.50. Also available from Bigelow Chemists' website. Comes in three different sizes, 2 oz., 4 oz. and 7.5 oz. Will update on progress as I continue to use it. Loving it so far.
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Lip Gloss -Chanel - Lumieres D' Artifices (Holiday Collection-Shimmering Lip Gloss)
kogepan 12/8/2004 1:40:00 AM
Wow! The burgundy red is truly beautiful. I think this is the most perfect red I have ever seen that actually works for me. Reds are challenging for anyone but I think this cute little palette can work with so many skin tones. The pink is also very nice. Not too warm or cool. Both colors work great with Chanel Nude lipliner. The best part is the texture, very soft, not sticky, almost like a matte gel. This is a limited edition so buy it as soon as you can. I already bought a backup. Just perfect!
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Styling Products -Redken - Sharp Edge [DISCONTINUED]
kogepan 11/30/2004 12:23:00 PM
Easy to work with. (I said the magic words). Pumps out like mousse but once you've blow dried, it gives your hair just the right amount of hold and controls fly-aways nicely. I have super straight hair and prone to static and frizz. This wax resists humidity and definitely lasts over a day or two. Terrific.
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Fragrances -Yosh - Sottile
kogepan 9/27/2004 11:38:00 AM
Two words: Tea Rose. If you remember or still wear Tea Rose by Perfumer's Workshop from back in the day (according to Amazon's description, says it was introduced in 1975?), this is the concentrated oil version. After taking the initial whiff, I didn't want to wear this fragrance again. I tested it anyway because my nose didn't agree with White Flowers or Stargazer. As some people have pointed out, Yosh perfumes do evolve as you wear them and the staying power is better than any alcohol perfume. Sottile definitely has more body and is more lush than Tea Rose. I find with Sottile, I can revisit a fragrance I had forgotten about and wear it with more wisdom and finesse this time around.
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Powder -Giorgio Armani - Silk Powder Foundation
kogepan 9/10/2004 1:53:00 PM
I'm a huge fan of GA products and therefore bought this untested and unseen. I was quite disappointed. I asked an MA at an Armani event about this product a while ago and she did not recommend it to be used alone. It's more of a finishing powder to go on top of MSF or LSF. I should have listened to her. Although it has the same light texture as the loose powders and is very sheer once applied, it did not control my oilies nor did it cover uneven skintone as well as I would have liked. Stila IPF has a little bit more coverage. My skin has been acting weird since I returned from vacation recently, so I will retest this again to see if it might perform better. Currently, I would not repurchase. I give it a 2 for the pretty rechargable compact.
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Styling Products -Unlisted Brand - Magic Move - Light
kogepan 8/10/2004 8:38:00 PM
Best pomade/wax I have ever used. I have used Redken's Water Wax and Smart Wax and both don't compare to this super styling product. If you're looking for pliable hold, this is it. I made the mistake of applying too much early on and it made my hair too greasy. A little goes a long way Expensive but since you don't use too much, the tub will last. Will definitely buy it once I run out. Available online at Folica.
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Mascara -Fasio - Fasio- curl extension mascara
kogepan 7/9/2004 5:40:00 PM
Let me start by saying this mascara has a really nice brush. It's sort of curved but not so much that it's hard to use. The bristles are also tightly packed and somewhat stiff so it's really good at nudging the curl of your lashes. I tried this mascara first with only my Shiseido Mascara Base and it did smudge underneath my eyes due to my oily eyelids. However, I tried this mascara a second time, still with my mascara base but this time, before applying anything, I dusted my eyelashes with loose powder. That seemed to do the trick. The formula of the mascara is pretty good. No crunchy lashes. The effect is also quite natural so if you like natural lashes, give this one a try. It's a bit hard to get a hold of, so I deducted a lipstick.
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Sunscreen -Kiss Me - Sunkiller Sunscreens/Sunblocks
kogepan 7/9/2004 5:09:00 PM
The Powder-In-Milk SPF 50 PA+++ while good at controlling oil, it unfortunately clogs pores. It is also quite drying. I have combo skin, oily T-zone-dry cheeks. While my t-zone liked this sunblock, my cheeks were flaky and parched. Comparing this to the Clear Water SPF 50 PA+++, I like the Clear Water better. The Power-In-Milk is a little bit thicker than the Clear Water but still has a runny consistency. It definitely keeps the shine away but I found clogged pores on my nose after continued use for a few weeks. If you have super oily skin including cheeks and need a stay-put sunblock, this one might be worth your time, otherwise look into the Clear Water which I find much lighter and less harsh on your skin.
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Sunscreen -Kiss Me - Sunkiller Clear Water SPF 50 PA+++
kogepan 6/21/2004 5:22:00 PM
I am very impressed with this sunblock. I have sensitive skin and I have found no irritation with this product. It's easy to apply, lots of slippage. The texture is thin and watery which works great under any kind of foundation and is non-drying. I use powder foundation and I have found that this sunblock does a great job of controlling oil. Even better than my June Jacobs Microsheer sunblock (which by the way is a bit thick for my liking). My skin still gets a little shiny but I find I can blot less frequently. I also have the powder milk version and will test drive that one. So far, I am really loving this clear water version. Too bad it's a bit inconvenient to obtain but it's worth the trouble. UPDATE: Sad to report that with continued use my skin started to dry out more and more. On the hunt once again.
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Misc Beauty Tools -DHC - Silky Cotton
kogepan 6/2/2004 5:47:00 PM
I bought 10 boxes when this product was first introduced by DHC a few years ago. These were selling for the unbelievable price of $1.80 per box. Alas, I finally used up my last box earlier this year and will have to pay the full price. I can't live without these cotton pads, they really are the best in the world. When's the next sale?
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Gels/Soaps -Dove - Moisturizing Body Wash - Sensitive Skin
kogepan 6/2/2004 4:15:00 PM
I was previously using Dove All Day Moisture body wash. This sensitive skin version is terrific. It's creamier than the All Day Moisture and it doesn't have that funky unscented smell. I don't need to use body lotion afterwards which is a huge plus. And the best part is it's available everywhere. I hope this will keep my eczema away year round.
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