Misc Beauty Tools -Clarisonic - Mia
martiangurll 10/18/2012 7:35:00 PM
Okay, for those reviewers who said it didn't make them look younger or take away any wrinkles, that isn't what this is supposed to do. This is a deep skin cleanser that acts as a mechanical exfoliator. It isn't a time machine. And, there isn't any product that can credibly claim to cure acne, as with everything else, your mileage may vary, and this may not work for you. My skin is mature, not especially wrinkly as I avoid radiation by wearing sunscreen religiously, but very sensitive, drier on the edges and oilier in the middle (okay, let's face it, my t-zone is an oil slick by noon unless I employ countermeasures), reactionary but not necessarily break out prone. That being said, I get the monthly breakout at PMS time, it seems no matter what I do, this happens. Also, I have rosacea with the annoying redness and the tendency to be both oily and flakey at the same time, especially over my t-zone. I have the Clarisonic Mia, have used it for over a month. I use it every other day due to concern after reviews that my skin would get too dry and flakey if I exfoliate too vigorously. I like many of you avoided shelling out the cash for this due to my thought that it is a gimmick but after reading some internet information, took the plunge (and got it at a discount). I am glad I did. Normally, I don't like paying for bells and whistles. But a knowledgeable make up addict advised me that the sonic technology does more than scrape the make up off of your face. It exfoliates, encourages sebum flow, and stimulates lymphatic drainage, all of which are good for your skin and are not really assisted by the crappy drug store knock offs of this product. And like many other reviewers have described the metaphor of once you use a sonic toothbrush, your teeth won't feel clean with the old manual method, same goes for using a sonic exfoliator on your face. My advice is to be gentle and remember sometimes less is more, especially if you have finicky skin. Start with once a week and move up from there. Let the brushhead do the work, don't press down, you are vibrating, cleansing and stimulating, not waxing or buffing! Use a nonfoaming cleanser (I use Paula's Choice, it is great). Glide over areas for a few seconds each, moving constantly. Use an oil based eye makeup remover to get the stuff off your eyes if you need to do that first. Use a moisturizer for your skin type following the cleansing. Results: My skin was definitely smoother, softer, toned and yes, it appeared to glow (likely due to improved circulation and lymph drainage as well as removing dead cells and debris including gross make up). Did I still have the monthly acne, yes but it wasn't as "deep" and went away on its own without the old incise and drain like before. I don't look ten years younger, it didn't cure my rosacea or break outs or erase any wrinkles, but I didn't expect it to do that. I would purchase again as it was well worth the money. It cost less than many ladies I know spend on a MAC Collection haul or getting your hair colored at the salon. Or, the price of 3 facials. Long term benefits are well worth it. My make up goes on smoother and I have actually switched to using mainly tinted moisturizer as I actually love the look of my skin and just need the sun protection. My nose doesn't have the annoying flakies and oil productions seems to be much less. Moisturizer absorbs way faster now, less annoying wait between it and the foundation step, when I bother with foundation. Less redness overall. Cons: Charging this contraption is a pain in the neck, you have to wait overnight to charge it, like when you buy a new i-pod or cell phone; I go through this annoyance once a week unless I remember to charge it on the 5th or 6th day. The vibrations are a little intense when I use it on my nasal area, I LOL'd reading about someone vibrating their "facial nerve off" but honestly it isn't that bad. I cannot really fault the cost as a con, as I agree that it is a long term investment and again, about the same price as a monthly make up "haul" for most of us. Unlike the haul items, I will keep using this product again and again and it makes my skin better, not just temporarily pretty.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Prada - Infusion D Rose
martiangurll 10/18/2012 5:44:00 PM
I have tried a few Prada perfumes and I don't consider myself an expert at perfume reviews, I am not very good at picking out individual notes at all, but since there are no reviews at all, I feel compelled to at least try. The bottle is clear glass with a rosy/mauve impressionistic caricature of a young girl with a rose bud. It is similar to the Infusion D'Iris bottle (I have the EDP, big bottle, 3.4?) Did I mention the juice is lightly rose colored? This is a lovely tea rose scent with a citrus support, perhaps yuzu or bergamont. The reason I cannot tell is that I don't smell the citrus, but I sense it because it makes the rose smell "freshly picked." Great sillage, lasting power not so much. Its a lovely, fresh picked rose, slightly green, but pure. I can't really detect a dry down, it is fairly one dimensional, but certainly the zen rose, quintessential. Maybe a slightly powder impression at the end. What it lacks in complexity it makes up for in purity. I cannot really comment on the dry down, as I cannot appreciate one. I had a single tea rose oil that smells very much like this, but no sillage as it was a skin oil, if you can imagine a single tea rose note balanced with a sunny citrus note this would be it. I cannot tell Turkish rose from Bulgarian rose from other roses, so I am no hope there. Notes listed say it is a blend of those (Turkish and Bulgarian). I don't detect the supposed honey notes that are allegedly in there. I am really not a fan of rose in scents, which may prompt the question why I got this in the first place, but it was a good deal, it was Prada, I love Infusion D'Iris so I took a chance on it. I am glad as this one is quite lovely and may serve to change my mind about rose scents as a category. I am really more of an iris or jaz girl.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Clinique - Almost Makeup [DISCONTINUED]
martiangurll 10/5/2011 9:35:00 AM
I would buy this again if I could but it looks like it was discontinued--nevertheless, I am sure I could purchase it at my CCO or on e-bay if I want to stock up. I think "Almost Concealer" would have been a better name for this because it is really so full in coverage for me, that is what I use it for. This is great to add around the eyes for SPF coverage and for spot coverage on days when I need it. It is really too much coverage for me for all over. It is quite moisturizing, so as it does not stay on my really oily areas without a good primer, which is why it does not give a 5 rating from me. There is no settling in fine lines for me or cakiness. There is a little creasing around the eyes, but not too noticeable. It is not too pink like many Clinique foundations for me. It lasts about 6-8 hours for me, except on really oily areas. It is easy to remove with standard detergent based cleaner and washcloth or make up wipes. It does not break me out at all, although it is very dewy coverage--I would describe as not matte at all. If you are looking for a foundation that is very moisturing with good SPF, you may like this one. If you like a TM with a lot of coverage, this could be HG for you. If you want a foundation that will go the distance over oily areas, I would check out Even Better with SPF. Clinique is my go to company for foundation, I keep going back to them even after trying the higher end stuff.
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Liquid -Clinique - Even Better Makeup SPF 15
martiangurll 10/5/2011 9:22:00 AM
Believe me when I tell you that I have tried a lot of foundations, but this has been the best for the price I have tried. It improves on Revlon Colorstay in that it does not look cakey or powdery and improves on Revlon Photoready in that it has much better SPF coverage and stays on all day for me. I have very oily skin in my t-zone and this is one of the few foundations that does not slide off by midday. I would say medium coverage is what this gives, although it could probably be built up to full. I got a good color match with 01 (alabaster) and I am usually a NC15 or NC20 with a tan. Not too pink like many of the other Clinique foundations. It does not break me out at all. I also do not need a primer and I do not notice this creasing into lines or peeling over dry patches. It isn't too expensive as Department store foundations go, considering how well it performs. It comes off easily with standard remover (detergent based) & washcloth or wipe off cloths and water. It usually lasts 8-10 hours for me which is good--it there isn't a lot of humidity here though. I give it a 5 because I have yet to find anything better, honestly and at this price, it is worth a try. The other great thing about Clinique products is the will give you a sample at the counter, so you can make sure it is the right color and it works for you.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Fanfare Cremesheen
martiangurll 6/21/2010 3:21:00 PM
I simply love this color. It looks like it will be too warm in the tube, and maybe a little boring, but it is the perfect warm mauve with hint of brown. On me, it looks like the inside of my lip with a hint of warmth. So, if there is a MLBB shade for me, this is it. I wear this with everything. It isn't a nude, but it is a very natural flattering color. I can't really compliment the amplified cream formula enough. It has it all as far as I am concerned, pigmentation, creamy consistency, and lovely glossy shine without being frosty or metallic. It doesn't have the tenacity of a satin or a matte, but it doesn't require a coat of gloss or balm either. Love, love, love this color, I may be buying some back ups because I just find myself reaching for it again and again when I want the MLBB but leaning somewhat warm tone look. (if that makes any sense, which I hope it does)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Naked Paris
martiangurll 6/21/2010 12:21:00 PM
This is such a gorgeous color, I know I will be wearing it all through the summer and into the fall season as well. First of all, it is a glaze finish which means it goes on fairly transparent so the color it will be on your lips may be very different than it appears on my lips or your friends and family members lips! It is a sheer brownish plum that leans cool with shimmery silver glitter sparkles that are not visible unless you get up very close (like less than 6 inches or so) so the effect is a silvered shimmer with plum brown. It is WAY lighter on the lips than in the tube, so don't be frightened by the appearance--remember its a glaze! What I love about this is it just enhances my lips with an almost sheer wash of plummy brown with silver shimmer that is surprisingly versatile. I think it looks best with cool toned eyeshadows or neutrals of course but I paired it with a coral blush and didn't look weird. This may be a color I have to buy a back up tube because it is so unique and versatile. :) This can also be used over another color, like a matte to add glaze or cool tone or sparkle. The consistency is very creamy, and it looks like a nontacky gloss without all the stickiness or mess. It lasts a long time too, not like a matte finish but more like the amplifieds.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Pink Plaid
martiangurll 6/9/2010 7:40:00 PM
This is a beautiful color, a medium, blue toned pink that doesn't look mauve or bubble gum toned. I am not sure what is meant by Barbie Pink, but this one would be quintessential in my mind. It is very girlish and feminine, but it doesn't look like I am trying to cruise cosmetics meant for the underaged set IYKWIM... This matte finish is great, it really lasts. I am really more of an amplified cream girl, I love that finish but this tube of lippie was so creamy and stayed on so well, it is inspiring me to try more of them. It has good pigmentation and goes on opaque and true to the color in the tube for me, my lips are probably medium pigmented and I have fair to medium skin if that helps. Even though this is a cool (blue) toned pink, I can pair it with warm colors. Of course it has the MAC lippy taste--nice vanilla if you dig that
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Fragrances -Guerlain - Aqua Allegoria Figue-Iris
martiangurll 1/27/2010 7:26:00 PM
I rather liked this scent, and it was hands down my first choice of all the Aqua Allegoria line as I adore iris and love fig. This starts out almost all sweet fig and honey but quickly becomes soft iris. Unfortunately this doesn't last on me and I don't detect much of a dry down. There may be a vanilla note but I don't detect the milk note others have mentioned. The fig does appear creamy, but not milky. I wish I could detect the tonka others mention, I would love that. There is a slightly powdery note but this could be violet or soemthing else and it is quite subtle. Since I went to Sephora with the plan to purchase one of the D&G scents, I am pleased that I chose this instead because I think it is more sophisticated. I only wish the Iris had better lasting power. I will say that this isn't like anything else that is popular right now and the bottle with the adorable beehive design is super cute.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Pigment in Dark Soul
martiangurll 1/15/2010 6:34:00 PM
I think this is one of the best MAC pigments. There are many attempts to duplicate it out there, so if you don't get any, I do recommend trying a dupe, but I like it so much I would buy more as soon as I saw samples available and would consider buying a whole jar, although I doubt I could ever use that amount, a little bit goes a long, long way with this pigment. I would describe this pigment as a deep charcoal gray going on black that is matte except for fairly fine silver microglitter. It is quite beautiful in the V, as a contrast, or as a liner. You can also use this to smoke out any eyeshadow look. This is so versatile. I would compare this to Urban Decay Oilslick in color except the glitter is way tinier. You will get some fall out with this and it is quite noticeable since this is such a dark color, unless you apply this wet or use a fix like Fyrinnae Pixie epoxy. I have purchased pretty close dupes of this on Aromaleigh and Fyrinnae, but I can almost always find samples of the real MAC Dark Soul pigment for sale on the usual etailer sites. I think this is worth the money for the sample jars and doubt anyone would ever need a full size jar, but I would snatch up one of those small vials in a minute if I saw one on discount websites. This was sold as part of the christmas sets in the smaller vials, so if you see one for swap or sale, I recommend to jump on it, I know I will.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Pigment in Steel Blue
martiangurll 1/15/2010 6:26:00 PM
This is a beautiful and vibrant MAC pigment that is difficult to describe and should be experienced in person. It is a steely blue with hints of teal and grey tones that has golden irridescence. Unlike most pigments, it is somewhat chunky and not smooth in application and blending. It is quite vibrant with a shimmery, not quite metallic finish and no glitter. This is great as a liner or for smoky blue or grey eyes. I think it could be fairly easily replicated if you look on websites like Fyrinnae or Aromaleigh. Nevertheless, I would recommend getting a sample to experience for yourself if you can find it. Many etailers sell a little in a sample jar, about half a teaspoon or so for less than five dollars. Since this amount will last you probably 15 or more applications, I think it is a good deal for the money. I would likely not buy a replacement of this when I run out because I use blue eyeshadows so infrequently and have no use for a full size jar, but I am glad I have a small amount to play with.
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Eye Shadow -MAC - Ruby Red Pigment
martiangurll 1/15/2010 6:15:00 PM
Okay, you may say that I am being picky here, but this is another misnamed pigment. This does not look like ruby red grapefruits to me, or like rubies the jewels. This looks like fushia, hot pink, or berry pink like raspberry color. It is silky in finish with an intense, vibrant shimmer and no glitter, no duochrome. Almost pearlescent finish, but not "metallic" or patina finish, almost golden shimmer to it. I think this would be easy to duplicate so it could be purchased from other etailers like Fyrinnae or Aromaleigh or Coastal Scents. MAC pigments, however, have a silky smooth consistency which makes them unique, so you may want to buy the real thing. I don't really see much use for this as an eyecolor, unless you are going for a showgirl or working girl look or using it for costume make up. On the other hand, a small amount could be mixed for blush or you could mix this with a lipstick, lipgloss or balm for a beautiful lip color. I would not repurchase this, although I am glad to have sampled it as I do most pigments as a half teaspoon sample in a sifter jar from the usual etailers. I would not rebuy as I see little use for myself, and could not imagine using a whole jar.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Black Pigment
martiangurll 1/15/2010 6:08:00 PM
what can I say about this that hasn't already been said? I am not sure but I will give it a try. This is quite black. It is quite matte. Like most MAC pigments, it is finely milled and quite silky and buttery which means it applies and blends very smoothly. This is a true black which doesn't appear too yellow, too green, too blue or any other undertones. I think it is quite dupeable which is why I say I would not repurchase it, but the truth is, I love most MAC pigments and if I saw a sample of this for sale by an etailer, I would buy it if the price was right. I don't know if anyone except a real make up artist would ever use a whole jar of this. Like the old ad for Brillo cream, a little dab will do you.
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Eye Shadow -MAC - Jardin Aires Pigment
martiangurll 1/15/2010 6:00:00 PM
This was a suprise for me, as I expected it to be too orange or golden, but it was a pleasantly peachy butter yellow that was almost neutral with golden microglitter. It is a lovely color for the browbone and would likely be a beautiful addition to face powder or as a highlighter over blush. The consistency is buttery and silky making it smooth in application and blending. Used with a primer, I don't get a lot of fall out, but I could see without the primer it could have a tendency to do that. This had a nice shimmery finish, not metallic or too shiney which I don't like too much and not really opalescent either. I guess it is semi-matte with subtle shimmer. I would definitely repurchase this, as I have only a small amount in a sifter jar, and would love to buy a whole jar. I would also love to try this mixed with mmu for a complexion enhancer. Lovely color. It can probably be duplicated, but it is lovely I recommend it to be tried if you can find it--it is LE but many etailers will sell a sample for less than 5 bucks and it is well worth it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Electric Coral (Pro Pigment)
martiangurll 1/15/2010 5:55:00 PM
Love this color. I agree with the reviewer that said this was a better version of Melon. I am looking at it side by side with Coral and I cannot see a lot of difference. This is slightly more shimmery and brighter, but not by a whole lot. I would say if you have one, you don't really need the other one. This is simply a lovely coral color that leans pretty evenly red and orange, at least for me. The finish is quite smooth, buttery and silky, which makes it super easy to apply and blend. The color is quite intense, vibrant and shimmery but NOT metallic, which I rather like. I did not appreciate any glitter or duochrome. Lovely color and I am glad I purchased a sample half teaspoon in a sifter jar, I will be unlikely to need more as I already own a few teaspoons of Coral already and they are quite similar. This is lovely as an eyecolor, or mixed with clear lipgloss or balm/vaseline as a lippy. I have never tried mixing with nailpolish, I think you could do that. I have not tried as a blush, but I bet it would be interesting.
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Eye Shadow -MAC - Circa Plum Pigment
martiangurll 1/15/2010 5:50:00 PM
I was disappointed in this pigment. maybe it is just because I expected it to be more--you know--plum colored. I am not sure what would have given me that idea. I guess circa means they took artistic license with the name. This is a fairly (medium) shimmery finish that is purple with a silver tone. This really does not show up well at all on my lids even with primer and even though I am pale (NW20). Maybe it is meant to be foiled. I have about a half teaspoon in a sample sifter jar that I bought from my usual online etailer and will likely not repurchase when I run out. Or maybe I got this in a swap, I don't recall. Either way, I wanted something more muted and more plummy in color. To be fair, if they had named this Silvered violet, I would likely have loved it. Maybe there is more to a name than we give credit. Any way, I will try it again foiled, but it isn't my fave color, that may be because I prefer more warm toned plums and less silver color. I amm still glad I gave it a try and think it was worth the price for a small amount.
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