Eyeliner -Stila - Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner Stingray
ljacks 9/12/2012 9:36:00 PM
Using this product feels absolutely decadent! It glides on so smoothly with no tugging at all, and makes such a nice, even line that I never really have to go over the same spot twice--no skipping! I haven't noticed any fading after ~8 hours of wear, which says a lot since the formula is such a rich black. My only issue is the smudging. I have noticed this tends to slide around a bit on my eye. When lining just the top lid, I occasionally have to wipe up around the edge of my eyes. Not exactly a raccoon effect (it could be a lot worse!) but also not a "set it and forget it" type deal either. For stay-a-bility, I prefer Revlon Colorstay, but for a bit of a luxe, effortless application, it's Stila all the way.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Stila - Long Wear Liquid Lip Color in Fiery
ljacks 9/7/2012 9:38:00 PM
I had high hopes, but this product just doesn't work for me. It does wear pretty well but it also sets very fast--you have to get the application right on the first try, every time. The doe-foot applicator makes that a bit difficult. I felt this did sink into my lips pretty well and didn't simply sit on top of my skin, but was pretty drying. The matte finish and texture just wasn't a match for me. The staying power was pretty good but I did notice some rubbing off on food and drinks. The good news is that it didn't have any weird fading/clumping/peeling!
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BB Cream -Garnier - BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector - Light/Medium
ljacks 9/7/2012 9:34:00 PM
Don't love. Weird scent. Has a really thick texture yet goes on very sheer. Super greasy. Doesn't really do much for me!
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Mascara -Cover Girl - Lash Blast
ljacks 1/14/2012 8:45:00 PM
Nope nope nope! I have literally never had a problem with any other "wet" formula but this one makes my eyes weep and water for HOURS after I put it on. It's like it never dries! I also think the brush dispenses way too much product, even if you wipe it off on the plunger/rim--I end up with a ton of product settling near the base of my lashes, which then (probably aided by the weeping) transfers onto my bottom lashes and lower lid. Overall, huge mess that's not worth it!
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Deodorants -Unlisted Brand - Certain Dri
ljacks 1/10/2012 10:40:00 PM
Will always rebuy. I can't say enough good things about this antiperspirant. Sure, it stings if you put it on right after shaving (that's how you know it's working! Hah) and it will stain/bleach the crap out of your clothes (I just wear a towel until it dries) it WORKS. And that's all that matters if you're trying to be a former sweaty beast.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Top/Base Coats -Seche Vite - Dry Fast Top Coat
ljacks 1/10/2012 10:35:00 PM
I went back and forth on whether I'd rebuy, because while I do feel there is some overrated hype associated with SV, it hands-down has the fastest dry time of any top coat I've ever used. We're talking 30 seconds and I can wash my face, do my hair, throw in a load of laundry, etc. Smell: no difference between this and nail polish remover to me, as far as intensity goes. If you're cool with 100% acetone, this probably won't bug you. Shine: nothing to write home about. I prefer Sally Hansen Megashine to be honest. Tip Wear: believe the reviews. This shrinks something awful no matter how diligently you wrap your tips. Chipping: holy crap, is it me? I can't go two days with a perfect mani. I still haven't determined if its the top coat or the SV base coat but I'll be happy to update after further testing. Bottom Line: for me, I'll keep it around for the days when I'm running out the door and realize I forgot to do my nails. I trust it to dry in record time and feel comfortable with a five minute just-get-something-on mani. When it comes to a mani I want to last, however, I'm sticking with Sally Hansen.
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Lip Treatments -Carmex - LipBalm
ljacks 11/2/2011 4:29:00 PM
I just don't get the raves for this product. It's a lip balm that works in the sense that it doesn't make my lips any drier, but I honestly can't see any difference after 2 weeks' use. I think it's more gimmicky than anything with the telltale jar. Worst of all, I find this lasts absolutely no more than 1 hour, which is extremely inconvenient. I much prefer Blistex or Nivea for longer wear.
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Polishes -Unlisted Brand - Confetti #013 Pink Paradise
ljacks 10/20/2011 10:26:00 PM
Well...this is sheer. I know, I know....that's what I wanted. But I was still hoping that this would turn into more of a milky-jelly pink with a couple coats...akin to Essie Mini How High. I'm on coat number 3 and might have to go for a fourth. It would make an excellent french manicure base, but standing alone is a bit of a long shot because I can't see this color building up at all. The formula, however, is excellent. Dries quickly, goes on without streaking, levels nicely. It's also rather gouge-resistant, if that counts for anything. And it's cheap, too!
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Shampoo -TRESemme - 24 Hour Body Shampoo
ljacks 10/20/2011 9:52:00 PM
My hair gets super oily at the scalp after 10 hours. All the dry shampoo in the world won't get me a day between washings! So because I definitely need to wash my hair everyday, I need something gentle enough to use daily, but without buildup that makes my roots look even worse. This stuff is the only drugstore shampoo I will use. Pantene leaves my hair a slimy mess, Suave dries it out completely, Aussie is a joke. This stuff just WORKS. And, it works without drying out my mid-length or my ends. The only con: Does it give me the most body in the world? Nope. Still gotta tease and use a root booster. Meh, I'll survive.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Top/Base Coats -Sally Hansen - Advanced Hard as Nails Strengthening Topcoat
ljacks 10/20/2011 9:32:00 PM
I used to think topcoats didn't matter, because my nail polish would just chip off before the end of the day anyway. Not with this stuff! I can apply this super thick to the point where I almost have acrylic-depth protection, and it still dries in about 20 minutes! My polish doesn't chip or peel AT ALL with this on...it really does act like a barrier. The only thing I notice is that there is minor tip wear around day 4....which continues to amaze me because I don't think I'd ever gotten to day 4 before previous topcoats chipped and peeled off. I love this stuff!
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Mascara -Rimmel - Glam Eyes
ljacks 10/12/2011 8:52:00 PM
Pleasantly surprised! While this is by no means my go-to mascara, when I can't find anything else I've used this with satisfactory results. Goes on nice and even, doesn't clump, and separates very well. Haven't noticed any flaking and it lasts all day.
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Eyeliner -Revlon - Colorstay Eyeliner
ljacks 10/7/2011 10:45:00 PM
This is the best long-wear eyeliner I've tried so far. Compared to MAC Technakohl, this pencil goes on smoother (less tugging), goes on blacker (none of that weird gray crap), and holds up for just as long throughout the day. I swear--I tested it out throughout a normal day, MAC on one eye, CG on the other. Both faded a bit, both smudged a TINY bit on the outer corners, but overall, CG performed better. Will repurchase.
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Primer/ Corrector -L'Oreal - Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base
ljacks 9/30/2011 9:53:00 PM
TL; DR: I love this. The end. THE FULL STORY: Bought this to tone down my in yo' face pores. Totally works. This glides on smoothly and paves over the potholes on my nose. With this on, I actually look my age (23), instead of a 60-year old sun-worshiper. Does it help my makeup last? Err, I plead the fifth. I don't use it on my whole face (umm do you have any idea how expensive an ounce is? Or how big my face is?) so I can't really say. Actually, I don't use any makeup over it because it does such a good job of making my skin look almost flawless that anything on top just seems to bust up that mirage. THE GOOD -shellacs pores -feels nice on the skin -doesn't break me out -washes clean -lasts a good 6 hours THE BAD -unhygienic -feels like my makeup kind of slides over it, not really "sticking" to it -the tiniest jar of product in all the land
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Skincare - Face -Stridex - Triple Action Pads, Alcohol Free
ljacks 9/30/2011 9:40:00 PM
I've seen a huge improvement in pore "size" while using these pads. I know nothing can really shrink pores, but these pads at least get all of the dirt, makeup, and grime out giving me a clean slate. Full disclosure: I have started really taking care of my skin lately (drinking water, washing off ALL the makeup every night, etc) so that might have helped as well. I don't use these pads every day, just because I don't want to piss off my skin, but when I do use them I notice my skin looks smoother, feels softer, and my pores look clear. My only gripe is with how big each pad is--I usually cut them in half since I only need a little bit for my t-zone. Hey, they last twice as long that way so I figure I come out on top!
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Conditioner -Neutrogena - triple moisture deep recovery hair mask
ljacks 8/29/2011 12:22:00 AM
I would and I have purchased this product time and time again! It seems like this either works for you or it doesn't, and I'm so glad that I'm on the side where it works! I love the way this product performs from the minute I put it on my hair--by the time I'm rinsing it off in the shower, I can already feel my strands getting smoother and stronger. I see much less breakage and tangling after use (about once a week) and my straight hair styles nicely with less heat and less fussing. I like the packaging (I guess a tub isn't the most hygienic...but you're in the shower, so your fingers should be the cleanest they're ever gonna get when you're dipping them in the product, right?) and I LOVE the creamy consistency. It just feels so rich, luxurious, and thick--like it means business! A+ Neutrogena.
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