Concealers -Hard Candy - Glamoflauge Concealer
lizzbear 7/13/2011 12:58:00 AM
They better not discontinue this concealer! I have tried SO many concealers to cover up my dark circles and none of them have covered them without settling into fine lines or looking cakey. This is the product that has finally ended my search :) A few things about this concealer. I have the medium and its may not work with those with pink undertones because the tone is somewhat olive. Luckily for me it's an exact match for my skintone. I find that if I try to set this with powder, it will make fine lines show up. So at least for me, just applying it and letting it dry is the most natural look. The staying power is great without setting it anyway, even in hot humid weather (95 deg/65% humidity). I really wish that this came in more colors and tones so more people could use this concealer. If you find one that matches your skin tone, it is so natural looking!
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Eyeliner -L'Oreal - Voluminous Marker eyeliner
lizzbear 6/13/2011 12:41:00 PM
Just want to add to all the negative reviews so people thinking about buying this liner will change their mind. I bought this product before I joined MUA unfortunately, so I had no idea how bad it would be. It is not pigmented at all. The marker type tip is so thick and stiff that it actually makes it more difficult to apply. Also, I couldn't even get a full line out of it when I pulled the tip across my lash line... the product just stopped coming out about a third of the way on my eyes! If I try to go back over to finish the line, the tip will wipe the liner I just deposited off! It's not like I've only tried to use this a couple times either. I have tried SO many times to make this product work. I can honestly say this is the worst eyeliner I've ever purchased and I cannot believe it's still on the market. It's one of the more expensive drugstore liners too... don't waste your money on this crap!
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Hair Styling Tools -Unlisted Brand - Tangle Teezer
lizzbear 6/4/2011 11:44:00 PM
I have waist-length fine hair that is very difficult to detangle. It normally takes me 10-15 minutes to detangle my wet hair after a shower. This product does detangle well and cuts that time dramatically, but it disrupts my curl pattern for some reason. I think my hair is 2a type. Now I will only use this in the shower to detangle since it only seems to mess up my curls when I use this brush as the final detangle before drying. I like using this in the shower because it helps me use less conditioner since it distributes product really well. I don't notice a different in shedding unfortunately, but I will continue to use this brush in the shower and use my Body Shop wood comb for the after shower detangle.
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Lipstick -Milani - Rose Hip #07
lizzbear 6/4/2011 11:32:00 PM
I'm pretty addicted to bright lipsticks since they are the only ones I will wear. This inexpensive lipstick is just as good as any of my $20-30 lipsticks. The color is very opaque and has a creamy texture. It's pretty close to being a matte finish and never accentuates dry spots on my lips which is pretty remarkable. I know a lot of reviewers hate the smell, but I personally like it. It kind of reminds me of a candy/sweet smell. I don't find the scent to linger, but if you have a super sensitive nose you might. If you hate it, it's only a $5 loss...
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Milani - Infinite Liquid Eye Liner
lizzbear 6/4/2011 11:02:00 PM
Infinite is a perfect name for this liner. This will not come off on my very oily lids even when I tried to remove with my cleanser and rubbing. I have use vitamin e oil to remove this at the end of the day, but I'm sure any oil would work well. I do agree with some other reviewers that the formula is a little gloppy, but all you need to do is wipe off excess on the cap and dip the brush back in whenever you're ready to make another line. As for application, I actually thought this is so easy to apply and I'm usually quite inept at applying liquid liners. The brush has just enough stiffness that makes a winged cat eye quite achievable. The only thing you have to be careful of is if you do make a mistake, you have to work quickly to remove it because when it dries it's on there! This product is less than $6 at Walmart and better than any other of the many liners that I've tried... even the really expensive ones from department stores and Sephora. HIGHLY recommend! *Update* I was too lazy to remove my makeup before I went for a run in 90 degree HUMID weather and when I got home, my liner looked just as good. I had already been wearing it for about 10 hours before I went for my run too! It was easier to take off after my run, but that was a plus since this stuff is so hardcore to begin with :)
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Lipstick -Lime Crime - Airborne Unicorn
lizzbear 2/22/2011 1:16:00 PM
LOVE this lipstick! It's such a beautiful cool toned lavender/purple that would compliment many skin tones provided the right makeup is paired with it. The formula is nice and creamy feeling on the lips and the finish is totally opaque and satiny. I would say to the people who find this drying to just put some balm on a few minutes before you add this lipstick. Also, you should make sure that your lips are properly exfoliated in preparation for this lipstick as it will show up every imperfection. I think the price is too high, but I love the lipstick formula/color/packaging that I would probably purchase other colors. I bought directly off the Lime Crime website and shipping was really fast. Overall, I do recommend this lipstick to anyone who loves purple :)
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Shampoo -Nature's Gate - Herbal Hair Shampoo
lizzbear 2/20/2011 3:39:00 PM
I really love this shampoo :) I never even knew Walmart carried these products because I never payed attention the the natural/organic beauty section, but from now on I will try more products like this! I finally found a hair routine that is making my curly, damaged hair more healthy and shiny looking. This shampoo changed the way my hair looked from the first time I used it. Ever since I moved to an area with hard water, my hair has looked like crap! Dull, tangly, unmanageable, and curls have become non-existent. I used this shampoo for the first time and was really skeptical, but when it air dried my hair was shiny looking again! I was so happy I jumped up and down hehe. I know some people will not like the smell of this shampoo, but I agree with another reviewer that it does smell similar to freshly ground nutmeg. It's a smell you would expect from a more natural product, which I usually don't care for, but I think this one is pretty nice. It's spicy which I like because I think the citrusy/flowery scent is the only smells you can find from the mainstream products. The smell does not linger much in my hair, but I wouldn't mind if it did since I do actually enjoy it. I saw some reviews that say this contains SLS, but I think the product has been reformulated because mine did not contain any. Also, the front of the bottle says "improved," so I think removing the SLS might have been the improvement? I will post the ingredient list that is on mine... Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (Coconut Derived), Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine Coconut Derived), Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate (Coconut Derived), Glycerin (Vegetable Derived), Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Bark Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Sesquicaprylate (Coconut and Corn Derived), Polysorbate 20, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (Plant Derived), Sodium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Undecylenate (Vegetable Derived), Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance*.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Aubrey Organics - GPB Conditioner
lizzbear 2/20/2011 3:23:00 PM
This is probably the best conditioner I've used so far to help out my damaged hair feel and look healthier. My hair has been destroyed by using dye/bleach, heat, sun, ocean water, wind, etc! When I still lived in Honolulu my hair still looked pretty good despite the damage, but since I've moved to the mainland my hair looks terrible! I think it's partly due to the fact that I now live in an area with very hard water. I decided to give this a try since every site I went to gave this conditioner above average reviews. I'm so glad I did! Even after my first wash and using this, my hair was visibly shiny! My hair hasn't looked this shiny since ever I think lol. Using it a little tricky if your hair tangles easily in the shower. I just apply the usual to less than usual amount on my hair. It will feel like you have to add more, but don't.... just let it sit in there for about 5 minutes or so and then try running your fingers through your hair. i have curly tangly hair and it works great. Currently I'm pairing this with Nature's Gate Herbal Shampoo which I also love! This is my first time using more natural/organic products and I doubt I will ever go back to the mainstream junk.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Sally Hansen - Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy Airbrush Spray Makeup
lizzbear 1/11/2011 8:11:00 PM
I think this is a really great product if consumers are aware of a few things before they consider buying this foundation. First, you aren't supposed to spray this foundation directly onto your face. I know people will be like, "what's the point then?" I totally understand that, but Carmindy even states on the What Not to Wear show that you should apply it to a sponge first. Second, the coverage is pretty light. I would only use this foundation if your skin is in pretty good condition to start with because it will not hide a lot of redness and/or blemishes. It's true that you can apply more for a fuller coverage, but I would not suggest it because it defeats the purpose of this product as the finish will not look as natural. Also, if you skin is on the dry side I think you may have problems getting a natural looking finish with this particular foundation and it may too drying. That being said, I personally LOVE this product. Yes, it has it's downsides, but I think it's attributes outweigh the negatives. I actually apply this foundation by spraying it onto a highlighter brush and then to my face using light circular motions. The coverage is so natural and light that if applied correctly, it will look like your bare skin, but just better :) The best part is that even in bright direct sunlight, it will look very natural. I do think this foundation is good for oily skin, but don't expect it to keep you from getting oily all day. In summer it takes my skin about 4 hrs to get oily, but for me that is a long time! There can be some oxidation with this foundation too, but I have only noticed it after 5 or more hours and it was pretty minimal. My only real complaints about this foundation are that it is expensive for the amount and the shades are very limited. I do think one shade can blend a shade darker or lighter though, but those with olive skin tones should probably go a shade darker than they'd think they need when looking at the color swatches. I would definitely purchase this product again :)
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Beyond The Zone - Noodle Head
lizzbear 7/26/2010 4:00:00 PM
So far this is my favorite styling product for wearing my hair naturally curly. It doesn't give a whole lot of shine, but it gives enough to look nice even though my ends are fried from styling and dying my hair. My curls look really nice when I use this and let my hair air dry or use my dryer lightly. I only have to use about a quarter size rubbed between my palms and then distributed through the length of my hair. I would say that if you used a lot, it probably would make your hair a little crunchy, but not as bad like when you use too much mousse. I know some people do not like the smell of this... personally I love the sweet smell. Even if the smell isn't for you, it's not really strong once your hair dries. If at first you don't get the style you desire, try this product again using a different amount or more scrunching/twisting... the first time I used the product it didn't work out as good as when I experimented with it more. For reference my hair is mid-back length, fine textured, color treated loosely curly hair.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -Good Skin - All Firm Finishing Powder
lizzbear 7/20/2010 12:25:00 PM
I'm also surprised that there are basically no reviews on this product. This is one of the best powders I've ever used. I've always lived in really humid climates (Hawaii, Kansas, Singapore) and this powder has more staying power than most. Of course my face will still melt it after a few hours and I have to touch up, but I'm talking about in a temperature of 105 and high high humidity... like sauna kind of humid (I wish I was kidding). This powder looks great on it's own and gives very nice coverage without looking cakey. I have also added this over liquid foundation for special occasions or when I know pictures will be taken and it gives the best natural looking coverage. I used to only use bare minerals, but this powder looks much more natural, lasts longer, and gives better coverage. Also with bare minerals I have to mix two colors to get my perfect shade, but with this powder I just use the level 4 and it's perfect! I'm not sure if Kohl's still sells this makeup though. If they don't, I will be very sad and have to find a replacement.
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Lipstick -Revlon - Colorburst in Fuschia
lizzbear 7/20/2010 12:11:00 PM
I absolutely love the creamy richly pigmented formula of this lipstick. Just as good as more expensive brands and the color is amazing. I think this shade would look great on almost any skintone and undertone. This lipstick does last a long time and does not feather or bleed in my experience. I do think that it's a little pricey at $7 for a drugstore lipstick, but I would still buy it again because of the color pigmentation and wonderful consistency and it's still less expensive than other lipsticks of the same quality too.
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Lipstick -NYX - Margarita
lizzbear 7/20/2010 12:06:00 PM
I was not impressed with this NYX lipstick. The finish is frost... it looks 80's shimmery and application is uneven. I usually like NYX lipsticks, but unfortunately this is not for me. I'm half asian and half caucasian with pigmented lips, so maybe this is why this didn't work for me. To be honest, I didn't like the shade either. I can see this working on someone with a fair and/or cool toned complexion, but my skin is pretty tan and olive/yellow. Even after swiping over lips several times, the application did not look more even. It just looked worse.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Self Tanners -Banana Boat - Sunless Tanning Creme - Deep Dark
lizzbear 7/20/2010 10:20:00 AM
I have used a TON of self tanners and so far this one is THE BEST! I cannot believe how cheap it is either. Before this, I thought the Coppertone Gradual Tan was the best, and it is great, but I find the Banana Boat has less of the self tanner smell and gives me color after only one application. Coppertone I would usually have to apply two or three times to achieve my desired color. I also think the Banana Boat lasts longer because I only need to apply it once or twice a week. I do have to say that if you're pretty fair, you probably would not want to use the deep dark. I'm half asian so my skin is olivey/yellow and I tan very easily and this gives me such a natural looking tan! I'm from Honolulu, so I used to get tan just from walking around, but since I had to move to Kansas with my husband I don't really get the opportunity to do that and it is way too hot here in the summer anyway. I feel my tan with this cream is just as good as my natural tan looked and probably a little more even. It has a tint so you can see where you've applied it which makes application that much easier. I don't have a problem with this streaking nor do I need to exfoliate before I use this, but I use one of those japanese washcloths everyday to shower so that might be why. I apply this with circular motions to prevent streaking and just wash my hands with soap immediately after applying to avoid tan hands. Also, if you are applying this in humid as hell weather like I am, you probably want to stand in front of the fan for a few minutes after applying to dry it faster. It dries pretty quick (even if it feels a little moist it may be dry) and I haven't had it transfer to my clothes yet. Then in the evening when I shower before bed, the moisturizer feel will be washed off and what little self tanner smell there is will wash right off. You could even rinse of several hours after applying too and you won't have to worry about it transferring or any smell if you want. You will just be left with a beautiful tan ;) I have also used this on my face and it seems to work fabulously and does not break out my sensitive skin. If I want to keep my face tan I have to apply this more often than I would to my body though because self tanner never lasts on my face.
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Skincare - Face -Clean & Clear - Advantage Acne Control Kit
lizzbear 7/16/2010 11:15:00 AM
First off, I just want to say that I understand everyone's skin is different and you never know how a product will work on your skin until you try it. I was not going to write a review for this product until I saw how many negative reviews there were. I LOVE this set of acne products. I was having the worst case of adult acne for about three months until I finally decided to do something about it and bought this system. It cleared my face completely and beautifully by the 5th week or so! I had women coming up to me and telling me how beautiful and dewy my skin looked. However, if I had read all the bad reviews, I probably would not have bought it though :( I just want people who are having the same acne problems I had to try and in hopes that it will help them too. I do agree that the cleanser can be a little strong for the first few days of using it. My face was a little pink for the first couple of days, but I used it twice a day. The cleanser states that if your skin is too sensitive you can reduce applications to once a day, and if your skin gets really red from it maybe every other day. I just lived with the slight sensitivity I got for the first couple of days and then my skin must have adjusted to it because it went back to normal without any pinkness. You could also try not washing for the full 30 seconds as well to see if that helps. Also, if your face does experience sensitivity like mind did, you probably don't want to wear makeup during that time. I tried, but it just slid off my face anyway and it irritated my skin more to have to cleanse an extra time. The moisturizer is great and non-oily and the spot treatment helped me get rid of incoming zits and even cystic type acne (mine stay on my face for months at a time) within a couple of days! The spot treatment is also a winner. Reduces the redness and shrinks pimples in 1-2 days for me. The trick is to use the thinnest layer of this over the affected area. I just wanted to tell people to try this product despite all the bad reviews. Don't listen to the reviews from people who only tried this for less than two weeks who give this a poor review. Like any product, you will never see instant results... skin takes time to heal and adjust to new products. *Update* it's been about three years since I first used this system and I still use it religiously. My skin has never been this clear for this length of time ever! I'm so happy to have found this product :)
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No