Mascara -Lancome - Hypnose Drama
lauramergenthal 10/15/2012 4:49:00 PM
Mascara is one of those "no-duh" products. I can't imagine it's that hard to make a product that goes evenly on lashes, separates, volumizes, etc. I've always been skeptical about going into high-end mascaras, but since I was in Sephora, I figured I would give Lancome Hypnose Drama a try, particularly since my mom loves the WP version. Basically, this was a waste of $35 (especially since I can no longer find the receipt). Cons include: 1. The brush. You don't need to mess with a mascara brush, people. You especially don't need to turn it into a swirly loopy thing that in no way mirrors the shape of my eye. 2. The application. The first two times I put this on, it was heaven. Every single time since, it's been a mess. I think that the little fibers on it are maybe too short (?) or something, because I'm pretty sure that I'm just getting wand-application here. Seriously, it looks like I've shellacked my eyelashes with a paintbrush. I've never had to go in with eye makeup remover so often before. I've also never seen my eyelashes so clumped together. 3. The smell. Why does a mascara need to have fragrance, particularly one as cloying as Lancome's signature rose? These are my EYES. I do not want fragrance near my eyes. After about 3 weeks of use, I gave up and bought Chanel Inimitable Intense, which has been a dream. Save your money and believe the bad MU reviews.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Chanel - Vitalumiere Aqua
lauramergenthal 9/11/2012 12:57:00 PM
I begrudgingly made a foundation switch (from Origins "Stay Tunes") to Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua a few months ago, once I realized that the mattifying properties of Stay Tunes was making my skin look dry and flakey. I was a bit nervous, because I have very sensitive, acne-prone skin -- obviously, trying out new makeup has me keeping my fingers crossed! Anyway, this foundation is lovely. PROS: Application is smooth. I'd say medium coverage, and really evens out my skin tone. I no longer get an oil-slick by midday, either, which is an unexpected (but pleasant!) benefit! Also, I like the light, fresh fragrance. Finally (and most importantly), no breakouts! CONS: Some people may find it pricey, although I don't mind spending $$$ for a few months of great foundation. My major con is the packaging. You need to shake this up A LOT before applying (otherwise, you get a very watery/silicone-y output). I mean, I didn't believe people when they said you really need to shake-weight this, but you do. That being said, I love it, so 30 seconds of shaking it well worth it in my opinion.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Tarte - Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Amused
lauramergenthal 6/5/2012 3:29:00 PM
I know a lot of people say that this is "universally flattering," but I just need to disagree, with a caveat. I typically use "Dollface," which is actually the color that my skin turns when I blush. Amused is gorgeous, but for daytime wear, it's a little too bright and unnatural-looking on my very fair skin. I tend to flush easily, so the colors tend to clash. That being said, this looks gorgeous if I'm wearing a ton of foundation or going out at night, since any natural variations in my skin tone are completely concealed.
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Blush -Bobbi Brown - desert pink 
lauramergenthal 5/18/2011 10:55:00 AM
Desert Pink is my first foray into Bobbi Brown blushes. I had previously been using BeneFit's "Dandelion," but the color was often too light for my (pale) skin, and the sparkles became a bit unflattering after a few hours of wear. I asked a Bobbi Brown consultant to match me with a matte pink, and she chose Desert Pink. So far, I love it! Very pigmented (a plus after "Dandelion") and looks very natural on my skin. My only complaint is that the product disperses everywhere when I swipe it with a brush - I end up having to "dab" the middle of the compact with my brush so as not to get powder all over the container, the air, the rug, etc. Very bizarre! I would definitely prefer a less shallow container so that I don't lose product. Regardless, not a deal breaker! EDIT: This broke me out. Have moved on to Tarte blushes.
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Styling Products -Redken - Thickening Lotion
lauramergenthal 3/20/2011 4:42:00 PM
Although I have a lot of hair, it tends to turn limp by mid-day. I have a big event coming up and wanted to experiment with products to give me some volume. I absolutely trust Redken (use their All Soft combination in the shower) but wasn't crazy about Full Frame, which tends to dry my hair out - I also wanted something that would protect and define my frizzy, chemically-treated hair. I've used this stuff for 3 days now, and love it! It never leaves my hair greasy. I use a nickel-sized amount and blow dry. I'm left with fresh, healthy, lightly-textured hair that has a consistent body throughout the day. Although it doesn't give me Bridget Bardot locks, it's definitely become my daily pre-blow-dry styling product.
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Sunscreen -Pro Activ - New and Improved Oil Free Moisture w/ spf 15
lauramergenthal 8/12/2009 7:00:00 PM
I used this product for about 2 years with the rest of the 3-step system. Those 3-steps did a lot to clear my face - I'm about 99% clear now, which is amazing - but my skin was always on the drier side. I bought this when I started the system, and it gave me adequate moisture, but I'd still have dry patches. About six months ago, my skin seemed to get increasingly drier. I would slather this moisturizer on, but the area around my mouth and chin still had awful flakes. If I opened my mouth too wide to eat, or rub my cheek against my pillow, those flakes would become embarrassingly apparent. Bottom line, for $20+, this is an inadequate moisturizer. Way, way, way too light. I've moved on to Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture with SPF 15, which, in one or two uses, completely cured my flakes. I no longer have to worry about my skin sloughing off.
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