Cleansers -Clinique - Take the day off cleansing oil
kristyc 6/18/2013 12:28:00 AM
I got this on sale and really like how effectively it removes all traces of both my face and eye make up. It gets off eyeliner, mascara (I one use non-waterproof though), foundation, and everything else. I have combination skin (oily in the T-zone and dry on the cheeks) so this works well for both - however, I do end up "double cleansing" with my clinique facial soap just because I don't feel like it washes off completely.. it might be just my imagination but there we go. However, its pretty expensive for me to re-purchase at full price although it lasts quite awhile since you don't need a lot .. at this point, I can't decide if I would re-purchase.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Avon - Glimmersticks eye liner
kristyc 6/17/2013 11:53:00 PM
I'm an eyeliner fan and most of the time, I have trouble finding an eyeliner that meets my needs 100%. Avon's Glimmerstick comes pretty close. I have it in Blackest Black and its the deepest, velvetiest black I've seen on a twist-up eyeliner. Its almost got a rich suede look to it. It lasts well, and goes on like a dream but the issue I have with it is that I have difficulty applying in between lashes (to fill in the gaps) without it leaving little clumps on my lash itself - probably because its such a soft formula. So what I do is use an angled eyeliner brush to smear it-between instead of trying to apply the pencil directly. For the price, it can't be beat - I've already bought it for myself and for others. Now if only Avon would come out with a deep blue shade!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Maybelline - Color Sensational in Blushing Brunette
kristyc 6/11/2013 4:47:00 AM
Unfortunately, this did not work on my skin. I'm an NC 42 / BB 4.5 Warm Natural / Graftobian Desert Sand but my lips are darker - and this shade didn't suit me.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Maybelline - Color Senational - Autumn Rush
kristyc 6/11/2013 4:45:00 AM
Unfortunately, this did not work on my skin. I'm an NC 42 / BB 4.5 Warm Natural / Graftobian Desert Sand but my lips are darker - and this shade didn't suit me.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Revlon - Colorburst Lip Butter in Pink Truffle
kristyc 6/11/2013 4:42:00 AM
A little pricey for a drugstore lippy but its the first shade I've come across that is really MLBB on my skin. I haven't found anything else that works as well. I'm an NC 42 in MAC, a Warm Nautral 4.5 in Bobbi and a Desert Sand in Graftobian. My lips are quite pigmented so they are darker than my skin and no other shade I've tried has worked on me so far. This is the best by far. The only thing is that its not as long lasting - and can easily disappear. So I'd try layering it with another Revlon matte shade to help it along. Unless I find something better, this would definitely get re-purchased.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Lancome - Tresor In Love
kristyc 3/27/2013 8:46:00 AM
I absolutely loved the smell of this on those little paper strips. The only thing that held me back was the cost. Anytime I was in store, I'd ask for a sample to see if it was really nice enough to justify the price tag. I finally, found a bottle online that was slightly cheaper and was seriously considering purchasing it. It just so happened that I was again in a mall that evening and decided I wanted to test its longevity. So, for the first time, I asked for the tester to be sprayed on my arm. But within 10 mins, I felt a headache coming on. I couldn't believe my nose. On me, the scent was ridiculously strong.. nauseatingly so. I got absolutely none of the soft, feminine, gentle breezy notes that I loved. Instead, it was an overpowering mix of alcohol and chemical that got stuck in the back of my throat and made me feel ill any time it wafted up. It didn't help that I just couldn't get over the shock and had to keep sniffing it to check if it *really* was that *bad*??? And it was - every single time. In vain, I tried rubbing my arms together and do anything that would help it tone down. Nothing helped. Eventually, it seemed to be softening - it would finally take about 2 and a half hours before it morphed into that beautiful, gentle scent. But by then, it was also starting to fade. I guess I'm still on the hunt for a perfume..
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Avon - superSHOCK Mascara
kristyc 1/11/2013 9:49:00 AM
Pretty happy with this. On days when I want to go as natural as possible, I'd use my elf mineral infused mascara. But when I want some definition and volume (not too much though so I only do about 2 coats) I'd go with this. I like the bristles on the brush but it can be tricky to get shorter lashes (the elf is super easy). Also, a slimmer tube would be more travel friendly
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Primer -E.L.F. - Mineral Eyeshadow Primer
kristyc 1/11/2013 9:14:00 AM
I've got oily eye lids and live in a humid tropical country. I've tried a few of those stick type of eyeshadow primers (body shop as well as the elf studio one) but nothing seemed to last the day. Forget about being creased, everything just melts off and all I'm left with is 2 or 3 thin lines of eyeshadow - which I'm sure you can imagine is NOT a good look. So when I had a big event coming up, I "splurged" on one of those little trial tubes of UDPP and was ecstatic when my eyeshadow lasted for 6 hours without budging. For the first time in my life, my blending and smoking efforts was intact even when I reached back home. The downside was the price. I just couldn't bring myself to use it on regular days. Then came the day when I was rummaging through my stash and came across a long forgotten, brand new tube of elf's mineral eyeshadow primer. I didn't have much hope.. Actually, I had none.at.all. I tested it ONLY to see if it would at least help for 3 hours or so. So imagine my incredulity when my "oily lids" stayed crease proof for 6 hours (after which I had to sleep). I couldn't believe it. Figured it was a mistake. Bad lighting? too tired to see the creases?? But lo and behold, its the same thing the next day. This time, it was on for about 8 to 9 hours before it finally started creasing. Incredible. The issues? I'm fine with the doe applicator.. Just wish the tube was transparent. Also, on my warm skin tone (Bobbi brown warm natural) its not sheer - more like an ashy cream. Same thing with UDPP but a little stronger. Maybe its because the doe foot is a little heavy on application? It gets covered up so i don't mind - but I might try the blush shade next. Do be sure to only dab a little and spread with your finger (as recommended by the other reviewer Moral of the story: Is it right up there with UDPP? Not exactly - Because UDPP lasts longer. But is it worth it? Definitely. Repurchase? I'm gonna be stocking up!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -E.L.F. - Complete Coverage Concealer
kristyc 12/18/2012 1:18:00 AM
First off, the packaging is great. Nice sleek compact case which is convenient to carry around. ELF has thoughtfully provided a mirror and overall I think they did a good job with the feel of it (other than the brush - which didn't work out for me at all). As for the colors, maybe I picked the wrong set but the color was a little ashy on my skin tone (I'm a Bobbi Brown Warm Natural 4.5 with warm undertones). ELF isn't exactly consistent in quality so in my case, whilst I wouldn't call it sheer, I wouldn't say its as pigmented as the Coastal Scents palette. It does tend to need a little rubbing sometimes before the color comes out - almost like a wax layer builds up on the surface (or maybe its just the humidity in my country). If you don't mind gambling on $3, then I'd give this a try - especially if you've got cooler undertones to your skin. Do note that its better suited as a regular concealer - I'm not sure the texture would work as an under eye concealer.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -E.L.F. - Studio Mineral Infused Mascara
kristyc 6/15/2012 3:13:00 AM
I finally got my first ELF haul and I must say that this was a lovely, unexpected surprise. I mean, I knew I had purchased it - but I didn't expect to be so happy with it! The ELF brush is brilliant in this - no comb needed because it doesn't clump! I previously used Body Shop's mascara and I would have to follow Goss's trick of applying mascara to a eyelash comb and then apply it to my eyelashes to avoid the clumps. Its also nicely lengthens whilst keeping to that natural look - I'm not a falsies-kinda girl so the lack of any additional volume is fine by me. The packaging is basic, black and discrete so I wouldn't think twice of carrying it around (what can I say? I'm not one for oversized tubes in neon colors). The price, of course, is the topper - living in South East Asia means that I end up paying triple for ELF - but its still half the price of my Body Shop mascara! I've only just started using this and already I'm on the lookout to buy extra for squirreling away. Pros - No clumping - Nice brush / Discrete packaging - Nice lengthening effect - Affordable Cons - Errmm.. can't think of any! - Okay, maybe its lack of availability in SE Asia - Lack of volume (but seriously, this is a plus for me!)
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -The Body Shop - Perfume Oil - Vanilla
kristyc 2/1/2012 1:26:00 AM
I do so love Body Shop's perfume oils.. the old black-capped ones used to last forever and only required a little smear over the skin for loads of scent - so I was over the moon when I saw Vanilla back on the shelves. Unfortunately, whilst it smells nice and I wanted this to be my signature scent, it barely lasts for 2 hours. Its a good thing its small enough to carry around for repeated applications or else I'd be completely scentless by the end of the day. Disappointed by this "watered down" version. If you see a black-cap TBS perfume oil anywhere, I'd snag it immediately. As it is now, I doubt I'd ever buy another white-cap oil from them again.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Highlighters -MAC - Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle
kristyc 6/29/2011 2:46:00 AM
I have NC45 skin and was looking for a nice highlighter that made my skin glow and was suitable for day time use. Initially, I purchased Belightful but it had a ridiculous amount of glitter in it and so I ended up exchanging it for Soft & Gentle.
This has a pink/gold shade. Whilst it definitely has way less glitter than Belightful, Soft & Gentle is still not that soft sheen/glow that I was originally looking for. If I apply this with a light hand on my cheekbones, I can get away with it - but if anyone comes up close, they can still pick out the individual dots of glitter on my skin. What surprises me though is just how many different skin types can use Soft & Gentle - its one of the few things that my sister and I can share. But because of the glitter, it also makes enlarged pores really obvious, so avoid areas with troubled skin.
Overall, it takes practice to apply. When you get it right, it can brighten up your face. And since you don't need a lot of product, its going to last a really long time. Would I re-purchase? Probably not - I'd want to give Benefit's High/Moon Beam a try before I'd consider getting Soft & Gentle again.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Revlon - Colorstay mineral lipglaze in perpetual plum - 550
kristyc 6/29/2011 2:21:00 AM
I love Perpetual Plum! Its a nice subtle color thats close to my own & its perfect for daytime/office use, has a nice feel to it, very pigmented and has a light citrusy scent which I like :) It also sort of moisturises your lips without feeling sticky.
As for drawbacks, I would say its more of a deep reddish pink than a purple though - so not sure it qualifies as "plum". It also is not as shiny as your traditional lip gloss - I would agree with the other reviewer who described it as a "liquid lip color". As I'm not into the highly-glossed look, this is fine by me.
Staying power? I'm not sure.. it definitely doesn't survive a full meal. I guess I'm still on the hunt for a lip color that does. But I do like everything else about it. Got it on sale a few months back and immediately bought one for my sister as well. Now, its on sale again and so I got my second tube as a backup :)
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Revlon - Luxurious Color Eyeliner
kristyc 6/28/2011 9:02:00 PM
Got this on sale and now, I LOVE this eyeliner. No tugging needed on your eyes, it just glides on with the barest of pressures. Super creamy and yet gorgeously intense.
The Sueded Brown is slightly bronzey and has a beautiful sheen to it - for that expensive sort of look. Very nice, and so glad I got it :)
The Blackened Sapphire is a gorgeous deep blue metallic sort of color. Nothing too crazy.. its a sort of deep blackish blue (I don't even know why I'm trying to describe this any different - it really is a Blackened Sapphire color!)
One lippie off because it seems to run out faster than other eyeliners (I think its because of how creamy it is). It also smudges on me - and unfortunately slides off as the day wears on (and the oil builds up).
Overall, very happy and would rebuy if it was on sale again!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Highlighters -MAC - Iridescent Powder - Belightful
kristyc 5/2/2011 11:33:00 AM
NB: I'm a Bobbi Brown "Warm Natural" (the closest MAC shade is NC45 but it doesn't complement me as well as Bobbi Brown). As Bobbi Brown didn't seem to have a highlighter that suited me, I walked over to MAC and asked the MUA for something that would highlight my face for day time use, and she recommended Belightful.
She put it on for me and it looked wonderful and pretty in the store's complementary lighting. Since it was in the evening, I couldn't walk out to check it out in the sunlight as I would usually do. The MUA told me I could easily tone it down and blend it for a subtler look. Well, that was not my experience at home.
I tried using the gentlest hand with this highlighter but no matter how much I tapped the brush, blew on it etc there was way more glitter than I would've been comfortable with in an any environment - let alone the office. IMO, Belightful is probably better suited to evenings and/or those who love glitter.
After all the drama below, I've swapped Belightful for MSF's Soft & Gentle - which seems to give a much subtler shade minus the chunky glitter. I just hope it works out because there's no way I want to step foot into that MAC store again!
--- Begin Rant About Poor Customer Service ---
After about 3 tries, I gave up and returned to the 1Utama MAC store in a week and was annoyed to be given an unexpected yarn about how "by right, it is not our store policy to allow swapping once a product has been used" - which I thought was ridiculous as MAC is known for being exchange friendly and plus, I had only tried this abt 3 times in the effort to make it work AND I was swapping for a higher priced product and was going to top up the difference!
I voiced my surprise as the last time I bought SF foundation from a different MAC outlet, they hadn't given me any grief when it hadn't matched my skin tone in sunlight - they were more than willing to take it back and that bottle didn't even have a pump - it was the "pour out" kind compared to this being a sort of compact highlighter!
After conferring with her "colleague", the MUA stated that she was willing to "buy the powder from me with her own money" so that I could get another but I "would have to fill up a form". When the "form" turned out to be the standard product complaints form - I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes. I mean, come on people! This isn't some drugstore brand and I don't pay premium prices to be treated to such story telling.
--- End of Rant ---
UPDATE: I'm definitely happier with Soft & Gentle ... really glad I swapped!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No