Treatments -Frederic Fekkai - Technician Color Care Mask 
lux30 8/11/2012 4:37:00 PM
i'm in love with this treatment and have been using for a couple of years. i use it at least twice a week. i have thick, naturally wavy dryish hair that i don't like to wash every day - and this is absolutely the best treatment/conditioner (as i use it) that i've used. no build up, leaves my hair shiny, highlights and tones are pronounced. and a tub of it lasts me months. just scored some from ebay at a nice price :)
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Powder -Physicians Formula - Youthful Wear Cosmeceutical Youth-Boosting Illuminating Face Powder
lux30 4/12/2012 3:53:00 PM
Using this for almost a week. So far so good (as they say). Would prefer to give 3.5 lippies - reason not giving it 5 is because of the sparkle factor (not crazy about that). Purchased @ walmart for around $12 - noticed a bit of sparkle :( not a fan - didn't deter me, tho, as i noticed that my skin (where this is applied) actually plumps up a a little bit. Call me crazy - but i don't miss a trick. Forehead, temples and around the laugh lines - and my face looks.... a little different. Fuller, younger. Of course i follow a strict regimen of skin care with it. But the addition of this powder and directly after application, after the first few days, i've noticed the change right away. Not permanent of course (touch ups required), and not sure if using this long term will benefit my skin. But i do REALLY like what i'm seeing. Skin gets oily mid-day (as it always does) - so it's not helping with that. But not breaking my sensitive skin out, either. We shall see... will update in a month.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Self Tanners -Unlisted Brand - Extended Vacation-Moroccan Mineral - Dark Self Tanning Lotion
lux30 6/22/2011 6:34:00 PM
Always ALWAYS exfoliate/shave thoroughly, before using this or any self tanner, for the BEST results. I use a milk bath or a milk-soap (lactic acids exfoliate nicely) with exfoliating gloves, nothing with oil in it that might coat the skin and deter the tanner from adhering. Anyway, I don't know how i came across this particular brand but i'm glad i did (on amazon). Most believable tanning product i've used, thus far (have used TONS - high end to DS) This is not orange in the slightest. It's BROWN. I was using Sun Labs dark sunsation before this - which i got a compliment or two on how realistic the tan looked, but i noticed that it started to go a little orange on me after using it for a while and was a bit hard to blend, too. With this, i wake up (after rinsing off the color guide) to a nice brown tan - so it's the next best thing to the sun, for me. The smell is exactly like Sun Labs - not overly offensive or self-tanner-like, just sweet and fruity. Doesn't linger too badly after the guide's washed off. I always leave it on for at least 6 hours. Hasn't stained any of my sheets or clothes. I usually wear gloves to apply. This blends better without gloves, but it's a pain to wash off after you're done. Be prepared with some baking soda mixed with lemon juice, for your hands. CONS: $26 is a little much for only a 6 o.z. bottle, and i seem to have to apply this two nights in a row (and sleep with it on) from my starting point, which is no color at all, to get to the darker tan that i desire. One app. is great for fair skin that wants a nice, believable gorgeous glow. So naturally, you'll go through a bottle quickly if you're applying it like me and want the kind of tan i want. I want to be tan all summer, no lapses or off days. The tan doesn't last quite a week on me, another down side - so I purchased the Moroccan Mineral tan EXTENDER lotion - it's.... EH - it does extend the tan and moisturizes, but tends to bring the tan to the orange side - so i won't repurchase that one. Another thing to consider is that after using any self tanner for a long time, the skin may not respond the same way and it may not develop as well, so i'm glad to know there are other believable tanners out there that i can try. Until then, I'm happy with this one.
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Treatments -Boots - No 7 Protect and Perfect Intense
lux30 2/3/2011 1:54:00 AM
I've been using this for approximately 2 mos and I do see a noticeable improvement. The parenthesis around my mouth have been reduced. I only use this once a day, since it's not exactly dirt cheap and I'm not a huge fan of the consistency because I normally use all natural... but I can't argue with results. I'm 36 and I do see some lifting and radiance. Bought this for about $20 @ Target. Edit:::: this seems to have plateaued or maybe i just don't notice the dramatic effect, anymore because i'm used to it? what once seemed like lifting and radiance seems to be not so much, now. but then it could be that i'm not using it twice a day or just used to what i'm seeing....
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Pureology - Hydrate Light
lux30 1/8/2011 12:54:00 AM
I've used the hydrate line from Pureology for a while and became aware, recently, of how heavy my hair felt afterwards, but didn't have the energy to switch YET AGAIN to something else - i accidentally picked up a small sample bottle of this (light version) at Ulta, in a hurry, thinking it was the regular hydrate conditioner and was a little disappointed, even, when i saw "light" - - but when i used it, it was SO SO much nicer and easier on my porous hair, not weighed down, lighter and way more manageable. Definitely a keeper. I even switched back to the regular hydrate cond. for a bit and found it to be too much....... sticking with Light.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Self Tanners -Exuviance - Sunless Tanning Facial Pads
lux30 6/13/2010 12:24:00 PM
I used this last night, for the first time (was ignoring a box of these that have been in my cabinet) after reading that the color it produces is questionable, i decided to lightly moisturize my skin, first (little dab of cream) then spread this on with my fingers, all over my face. Color is subtle enough, not tan like the sun provides, but not orange.... but i do have a new cyst/pimple forming around my eyebrow. No thanks!
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Lotions/ Creams -The Body Shop - Cocoa Butter Summer Lotion
lux30 6/13/2010 12:18:00 PM
I'm with the reviewer b4 me. I like that the results of this gradual tanner, no streaks, no orange, no blotchiness..... but i hate HATE that it has the sweetest, fruitiest smell of any lotion i've ever used. I can't stand the smell AT ALL. i'm usually a fragrance free gal, so this is a shock to my olfactory nerve. also, yes, it takes FOREVER to dry, feels tacky an hour after it's applied, even. so i've used it at night when i'm sitting around, after my shower. by the next morning, however, my skin has a nice, believable brown tan and this lotion IS quite moisturizing, too - silky smooth.... i got this at TJ max for around 6 dollars.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Other -Unlisted Brand - Baking Soda
lux30 5/27/2010 7:00:00 PM
This is the most simple, inexpensive amazing way to maintain MY skin - i can't speak for everyone because we all have different skin needs. But if you're on the oily side, prone to break outs, both cystic and other, and in need of more regular exfoliation that's not going to burn or ravage your skin - than this might be the answer. It has been for me! I had some serious stress related pimples all over my face, whiteheads, cysts, just a freakin' messssss..... started using this diluted with filtered water, made kind of a runny paste, scrubbed gently at night in the shower for about a week - my face looks like porcelain, now. It can be drying, even for me -but i follow up with a decaf green tea toner, DMAE moisturizer with added Squalene oil and i'm good to go. LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS, so far. I've been using every day for almost 2 weeks - little to no zits have appeared. Not recommended for sensitive skin or every day use, though.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Stila - Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in lionfish
lux30 5/6/2010 5:29:00 PM
Impulse buy, but turns out i'm very pleased. This brown shade has gold flecks in it, which is exactly what i was looking for, something with a little pizazz as opposed to matte and flat. I have brown eyes and this makes them pop more than any eyeliner i've used (clinique, bourjois, benefit, ds brands galore), i love the versatility of it (the smudge factor).... great staying power, as well. I paid $20 - but this is the first eyeliner i've ever *loved -so it's worth it.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Gels/Soaps -Dr. Bronner's - dr bronners assorted scented castille soaps
lux30 4/11/2010 11:03:00 AM
Who can argue with 100% natural? I don't care that it doesn't work up a great lather, it doesn't need to - it still cleans quite well and can be used for so many different things - even washing veggies! it also doesn't lay on my skin and create a barrier that doesn't allow my skin to breathe - nor does it dry me out. In fact, it makes winter skin so much easier to manage. I love the almond scented one. My fave.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Pixi - Cheek Gel Blush
lux30 1/15/2010 9:41:00 PM
have this in "flushed" - produces a nice, believable, subtle "out in the cold, red cheeked" color for my brunette, brown eyes, med. skin tone - - like that it's a gel and love that it's in a tube. price is bit much, but a little goes a long way. don't think this lasts very long, or to the end of the day, but it's not a prob for me to reapply. Edit: just purchased this in SUNKISSED and it's pretty awesome. Nice, believable glow..... not overdone and of course never looks like actual makeup - like powders..... lasting power is still less than stellar, but it's better than others i've used.
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Conditioner -Aveda - Smooth Infusion
lux30 1/15/2010 9:36:00 PM
eternally searching for the perfect shmp & cond. - thicker, on the dry side, porous, nat. wavy hair needs enough conditioning w/out being weighed down. This conditioner does this if i don't leave it on too long and don't use a ton of it - the smell is subtle and earthy, i don't mind it - the only gripe i have other than the cost is that my scalp gets very oily in btwn. washings (i'm not an every day washer, can't be with this hair) but overall, i'm pleased with this for now, after using it for about 3 weeks. I think the key for my hair type and my choice to use more natural prods. is to find a shampoo that doesn't contain too much oil and weight.
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Lotions/ Creams -Avon - Skin So Soft Sensual Shape Firming Body Treatment
lux30 10/11/2009 2:18:00 AM
(* obviously none of these creams produce miracles.... eating well/working out, drinking plenty of water in addition to using these types of creams definitely produces some great results) I was using Avon's Anew Clinical Lift and Tuck for a while until they discontinued it. My Mom picked this up for me (it's only $10 a tube!) and i'm on my second bottle. Not dealing with any serious issues in the cellulite dept., but this cream does make a diff. in the area of tightening and firming. I use it twice a day, right out of the shower and use my hands rather than the massaging applicator tip (cute idea, but not really necessary IMO). For thighs and booty, and even breasts, this is a winner for now. I'd noticed with the Lift and Tuck that it didn't have the same effect after a couple of years, so i'm thinking this will be the same..... but for now it's fabulous. :)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Cover Girl - Lash Blast Length
lux30 10/10/2009 2:13:00 PM
I *think* i like this. Been using it for three days - and we all know that when mascara is BN, it's at it's best - so we'll see how this holds up for the next 2-3 wks. That said, I really like the length it produces. The brush is skinny and reaches every lash. My lashes aren't sparse so what this does to them is pretty impressive - natural looking for daytime and not clumpy at all (yet). Glides on smoothly. Nothing dramatic, though - no movie star lashes ;) What i've learned about any mascara is that application is key- don't weigh the tips of the lash down with a lot of product - - * Another good tip i read was that applying dark brown to the inner lashes and then black to the outer makes the eyes look bigger... If you're not looking for wads of volume, this one does what it says it does. Lengthens.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Kiehls - Moisturizing Lipgloss in Black Raspberry
lux30 10/10/2009 2:07:00 PM
I think they've discontinued the jar version of this, which worries me because i don't know that the tube version is the same formula. with that said, the jar gloss in blk rspbry is excellent (for me). Sticky, yes - but the stickiness lends itself to the staying power of this gloss, which is damn good, compared to the many others i've used. I like the dark stain it creates, the light (not overdone), pouty, moist lips are definitely my thing. love this so much, sad they discontinued! EDIT: Not so into this, anymore - it just doesn't work for me, throughout the day. I like the initial color, but it seems to fade, leaving the gloppy stuff on my lips.....
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