Lotions/ Creams -Soap and Glory - Big Butter- Blueberry thrill
maysong 7/23/2009 11:03:00 PM
I want to marry this stuff and have little blueberry-muffin scented babies with it (in a totally non-creepy way, I promise). It’s that good :) The first thing that’s going to hit you about this product, most likely, is the SMELL…it smells exactly like blueberry muffins straight from the oven (especially once it meets the heat of human skin). Now, I’m not usually a fan of synthetic scents, especially fruit ones, but this one is really nice (to the point where the first time I put it on, my husband asked me where the muffins I had just baked were…he was highly disappointed to find out it was a beauty product and not something he could eat). Beyond the scent though, this is really a very nice product. It’s very rich (hello shea butter!), so a little goes a long way. I’ve had my tub for a good 3 months, and am just now getting down to the halfway mark, using it for full body application 1-2 times per week. It moisturizes very well (great on feet), but isn’t super greasy–it leaves the skin nice and silky rather than oily. I do find it a bit heavy for the summertime as a daytime lotion (great for right before bed, though). As if all that isn’t enough, it has antioxidants to help with smoothing the skin and chasing away signs of aging, and the packaging is adorable–I refer to the slightly kitschy, retro inspired aesthetic as “retro pop” (Similar to the packaging for other brands such as Benefit). The blue plastic tin is nice and sturdy, and has an insert to help seal the product and keep it from drying out. Granted, the tub is a bit unsanitary, the price is a little high for body lotion (I tend to cheap out on lotion, I’ll admit), and the scent is too strong to wear with other perfumes (I use this on perfume-free days only), but those complaints are minor and definitely not enough to keep me from purchasing again. If you don’t like blueberry-scented things, it also comes in a peach version and the original big butter scent, a concoction of lemon, flowers, and orange. *copied from my blog, http://moderndame.wordpress.com/
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Maybelline - Dream Matte Mousse
maysong 7/13/2009 3:26:00 AM
PROS: -matte finish -didn't break me out -good coverage (acne scars, redness, etc) CONS: -jar packaging (boo...not as sanitary) -color selection is a bit off/difficult for many...there are "gaps" in the shade range -unusual consistency might not appeal to some -can be trying to blend -not for those with dry skin, as it accentuates every flake and is very drying I have oily skin, and my neutral skintone can get away with wearing "light 2: classic ivory"...it's a bit peachy/pinky, but some yellow powder pushes it close enough to neutral for me to wear it (Ref: Estee Lauder DW = Linen, MAC SFF =NC15, Laura Mercier TM = nude, Sue Devitt = Tanami). Because I am oily, and because I happen to match one of the colors, this foundation works for me. It's easy and quick, the coverae is nice, and it wears really well on me in the summer heat. I find it blends best with fingers, and over moisturizer, as it is drying. The moisturizer helps with the blending too. Beware that this does set fast, and you may want to work in areas rather than on the whole face at once. All in all, a foundation that will appeal to some, but a definite love or hate type of product. Also note that the product is made even harder to match since the color in the pot looks very dark/orange compared to when it is applied...be sure to purchase somewhere there is a good return/exchange policy!
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Mascara -Physicians Formula - Plump Potion Lash
maysong 7/13/2009 3:14:00 AM
I'll admit, I am a mascara junkie. I have tried just about every mascara known to womankind, from high end to drugstore, and everything in between. I prefer very dark, almost false looking lashes, and have a decent base to start from (my lashes are med/long, not super sparse, and naturally curly). That being said, I usually go for volumizing formulas, and I hate spidery, clumpy lashes. This mascara is a current favorite of mine. It gives me enough oomph in one coat to be nice, and pretty natural, but can be built up for a very dramatic lash. It's even more dramatic with primer underneath (I use Lancome Cils booster XL). The pigmentation is very black (I have the "ultra black potion" color), and the angle brush gives my lashes alot of lift and makes it easy to get down to the root of the lash. Also, it is pretty smudge resistant...not something that's gonna last through a marathon crying session, but then again, that's what waterproof mascara is for. I have oily lids, and smudging is usually an issue, but not so with this little gem. Onto the "meh" part of the review. The packaging...it's cute, in a cheesy kind of way I suppose, but I prefer the sleek, chic packaging of HE products. Even the cartoony Lash Blast packaging is better than this, IMO...I guess the whole cuteness to the "potion" test tube just kinda wore off for me quickly. Also, the product has major issues with piling up at the tip of the wand, so the rim of the mascara tube gets gunky pretty quick. All in all, though, these are very minor problems, and certainly won't keep me from repurchasing. The price is a bit steep IMO as well...I have no problems shelling out big bucks for product, but for mascara I prefer economical since I toss is every three months on the dot for bacteria reasons. I think it ran me about 10/12 dollars at my local CVS...next time there's a sale, I'll stock up :) All in all, a nice mascara...def. worth checking out! For reference, other mascaras I like are Lancome Hypnose, L'oreal Voluminous, and Maybelline Full n' soft (as natural a mascara as I go for, lol)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Estee Lauder - Double Wear
maysong 4/30/2009 10:25:00 PM
NOTE ON PACKAGING! I know many people are concerned/disgruntled because this does not come with a pump. However, the MAC pump sold at MAC counters fits the Double Wear bottle perfectly :) I have tried so many foundations over the years (liquid, mineral, mousse, airbrush), and I keep coming back to this one. The quality is superb, and the finish on this is so versatile (easily sheered out with moisturizer or layered for fuller coverage). It does take awhile and a bit of trial and error to figure out your best way to wear it (I use the MAC 187 brush to layer one medium coat), but a sponge works well, or even (gasp!) fingers. Just make sure to moisturize/prime your skin, especially if you have dry skin, since it can stick to flaky areas. I have oily skin and this glides right on, and looks pretty natural as long as I blend well. Also does a nice job of controlling oilies throughout the day and really does last. I haven't broken out from this either, which is great...just make sure to use a separate makeup remover to get all of it off at night! "Linen" is my HG color, and I have tough skin to match (neutral leaning towards warm, and super fair). For reference, I wear "Buff" in revlon Colorstay, NC15 in MAC SFF, and N4 in MAC Studio Fix powder :)
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -NYX - Round Lipstick - Peony
maysong 5/15/2008 3:50:00 PM
I recently bought a ton of NYX round lipsticks off of cherryculture.com, because I had heard such great things about them, and they are only 99 cents a pop! I bought about 16 colors (so many choices...), including several highly recommended by MUA (Rea, Circe, Indian Pink, etc.). Although I know from reviews that the cherryculture swatches are really off, I decided to try Peony because it looked so pretty and neutral. I AM HOOKED! This was my favorite color out of the group (although I liked almost all of them), because it is just so wearable and pretty. I usually go for more nude/peachy colors, and this looks like a deep peachy rose in the tube, but it has a plum/violet reflect that deepens this to a berry color on my lips. It is still nudish (if that makes sense), but it gives my pigmented lips a berry stained look that is just gorgeous. Would be great with a lightly smokey eye, or just for everyday. Would even work for a night out on the town! The formula is creamy and smooth, and lasts a good while (though not as long as MAC's matte formula...that's the trade-off for a moist lipstick I guess) The packaging is basic but cute, and there;s a light fragrance but it goes away quickly. The pigmentation is also great. Overall, a total steal for 99 cents...may be a new HG! EDIT: knocked off a lippie because it leaves a white ring on me...still a beautiful color and a real steal pricewise
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -NYX - Fig
maysong 5/15/2008 3:40:00 PM
Fig is a satin finish (more on the matte side), neutral-to-warm pink. It is truly pink...a beautiful shade that reminds me of tulips in the spring. I love it on its own, or paired with a neutral liner and stila's brown sugar lip glaze. The packaging is basic, but cute, and the formula is smooth and creamy. Staying power is average to good...not nearly like a longwear formula or MAC's matte formula, but pretty good nonetheless. Overall, a very inexpensive lipstick (99 cents!) that outperforms many HE products. Very happy with this one :) EDIT: knocked off a lippie because it leaves a white ring on me...still a beautiful color and a real steal pricewise
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -MAC - Strada 
maysong 5/12/2008 11:19:00 PM
My everyday contour color...perfect for my N4 skin...stays all day with no oxidation...simply put, I love it!
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Blush -NYX - Mosaic Powder - Latte
maysong 5/12/2008 11:01:00 PM
I am really liking this blush (although I don't use it as a blush...more on that in a sec). I was in RiteAid today, just looking around, and found this on the *new* NYX display (yay!) I immediately noticed that it has a slight gray/brown tone to it, and knew it would be perfect as a contour color :) I am a neutral/slightly yellow PPP (MAC NC15 in studio fix fluid, N4 in studio fix powder), and MAC's "Strada" is my everyday contour. I love it, but sometimes wish I had something a bit deeper for summertime/evenings out. I tried MAC's "Harmony," and it was okay, but it was a bit bronzy for me and a bit dark. IMO, NYX's "Latte" is what would happen if Strada and harmony had a baby...perfect! The powder is in a mosaic form, but blends really evenly, so you get the same color every time. It also has no shimmer that I can detect (which I like, since I don't like shimmer in contour colors) The packaging is fine...clean and functional, with a see-through lid so you can easily see the color. It's nothing fancy (no mirror or anything), but feels sturdy and takes up minimal space. Best of all, you get a ton of product (the pan is the same diameter as MAC blush powders, although I don't have the exact amount of product you get on hand at the moment), and they only cost ~6-7 bucks (depending on where you buy). Overall, definately worth a try!
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Tilt
maysong 4/24/2008 7:48:00 PM
I was a bit nervous about this one...I mean, blue eyeshadow? I actually bid on this on a whim on eBay, and ended up winning it - I am so glad I did! The color is really lovely...a violet blue/periwinkle with a green reflect...perfect for springtime. It also makes a great liner shadow. I have worn it during the day with neutrals as a color "pop" and gotten lots of compliments. However, it looks equally great as the "blending" color for a blue/violet smokey eye (paired it up with carbon and a random medium grey color) for a night out (just wore it like this with a nude lip to a cocktail party, and the compliments rolled in) As for the formula, the color payoff if great (of course...this is a MAC product, and they are known for their shadows for a reason), and the formula glides on nicely, especially over a primer (may I suggest Too Faced's Shadow Insurance). The shimmer is definately there, but nice and adult...no glitter eyes here! Overall, a great shadow, and worth the price in such a unique shade :)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Sally Hansen - Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Camindy Natural Shine Lip Gloss
maysong 4/24/2008 7:38:00 PM
EDIT: I had this review under a different heading until today, but moved it over here in the spirit of consolidation :) This is for the lipgloss in "SWEET NECTAR" Allright, so I like this lipgloss so much that I reviewed 5 other products just so I could get to 20 reviews and add this one to the database, lol. I am tentatively calling this my HG lipgloss, and no one could be more surprised than me (I usually buy higher-end stuff). Let me explain why I like it so much: 1) First off, the packaging. It is really cute! I like the greenish-gold top, and the packaging, while not as sleek as my other favorite lipgloss (NARS), feels nice and sturdy in my hand. Also, the wording on the gloss is actually embossed onto the tube, rather than being a sticker like many drugstore glosses. 2) The color. This is, by all appearances, very similar to Revlon's Nude Lustre lipgloss (I went to the drugstore in the first place to get that based on MUA reviews, and Sally Hansen was on BOGO1/2O, so I decided to try this instead) The colors in the two tubes are virtually identical, although I cannot speak to whether they appear the same on lips, as I have not tried the Revlon. Still, the color is a peach/nude/pink that on me, is totally MLBB. Although there is a shimmer to it, it is a true shimmer rather than a frost or a glitter...a nice champagne/gold accent, IMO. 3) The finish is lovely. I love lipgloss, but I have a hard time finding glosses that aren't too sticky (MAC lipglass), or too slick (my one complaint with NARS). This is the perfect texture--light enough for your lip color to show through a bit, slick enough to glide on easily, but "grippy" enough that it doesn't wear off super fast. 4)The applicator - the gloss is packaged sans the usual doe-foot sponge applicator. In its place is a brush. I prefer this, but some may find it annoying (just a preferential thing, I suppose) 5)Finally, the price - for $7.99, it outperforms just about every other gloss I own. I haven't had it long, but so far it's hit a home run as far as my gloss pet peeves. There is no annoying white ring effect. It lasts a good while. It is moisturizing, yet stays put. It has no obnoxious smell (not chemically, not fruity, just pleasant and slightly floral/herbal). I will update if something goes awry, but so far, HG material!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -MAC - Lipglass in Prrr
maysong 3/27/2008 4:13:00 PM
So I am definitely in the minority here, but I tried this today at the MAC counter, and I HATED it. I know, I know...but before you yell boo, let me say I was as surprised as you. I love MAC products...they are my favorite. I wanted a nude lipgloss for spring, and of course I headed right to the nearest MAC counter. I tried Underage and Florabundance first, and they were so pale and opaque I looked dead. So I tried Prr, knowing what awesome reviews it has gotten from the best reviewers in the world...I was shocked, but I hated it. On me, it was thick, sticky, and filmy feeling, The color was too pale and washed out (and I am PALE...NC15)...sad day for me, but I will stick to NARS for now.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Pure Vitamin E Oil
maysong 3/27/2008 3:29:00 PM
I use this at night over my tea tree oil to boost the healing process of my acne. I also use it on my eyes and lashes to strengthen them and make them grow faster. It is a bit sticky, but since I'm just going to bed, I don't care. Love how it works on my skin, but wish the bottle came with a dropper.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Peter Thomas Roth - Ultra Lite Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30 
maysong 3/27/2008 3:24:00 PM
YUCK. I wear sunscreen every single day on my face, and when I ran out of my bliss sunban (love), I decided to try this. I have acne prone, oily skin, so I liked that it claimed to be ultra lite and oil-free. However, after trying this, I broke out horribly. I gave my skin some time to calm back down, then I tried it again to be sure...yep, a miniature pimple mountain range all down my face...blech. It was greasy (anything but lite), and it smelled bad to me (not a "rotten" smell, just a chemical smell). Bummer, since I really wanted to like it :(
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Clearasil - StayClear Skin Perfecting Wash
maysong 3/27/2008 3:20:00 PM
I bought this product because I wanted something pretty basic with a pump dispenser that had a low percentage of salicylic acid in it. Also, it was on sale for the low, low price of $3.00 at CVS. I figured I had nothing to lose, and Clearasil has alwas been my favorite drugstore acne-product brand (their three step kit is actually really nice) I use this to wash my face morning and night. It goes on smoothly, and I like the little scrubby bits in it. I don't know how good it would be for removing makeup, since I use a separate makeup remover first (DHC Deep cleansing oil), but it does get rid of any traces of dirt or oil nicely without stripping my skin. I have been using it for about a week, and haven't noticed any dramatic change in my skin, but I have very little acne to begin with, so that would be a tough order to fill, I guess. Overall, a very nice, basic cleanser that does it's job well and costs a minimal amount. Worth a try, for sure :) EDIT/UPDATE: 4.16.08 I have switched my skincare to the Clinique 3-step (love it), so i use this as a backup cleanser in the shower now (I love the Clinique, but only use it AM and PM since it is on the pricey side...as such, this has become my cleanser for when I need to wash my face during the day, like before applying makeup to go out with friends) I love that it gets my skin clean without stripping it, and the pump cleanser is great. Overall, a GREAT product that i am very happy with!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -DHC - Water based moisture
maysong 3/27/2008 3:13:00 PM
I like this pretty well. I fell in love with DHC's deep clansing oil, so I thought I would try some more of their products...I boucht a kit for "blemish prone skin" which had a cake of their "pure soap," a balancing lotion, and this moisturizer. I like all three just fine...they felt so light and clean on my skin. However, out of the three, the only one that really stood out was the Water based moisture. (the other two are still sitting in my cabinet...not ready to toss them, but not excited about using them either) So, on to the review. First off, the texture was surprising to me...I mean, I know it says "water based" in the name and all, but this really looks and feels like slightly "thick" water (hope that makes sense). The bottle it comes in allows you to shake a few drops out at a time, but I put it in a spritzer bottle and use one spritz in my hand and then pat it into my skin. It is nice and light, and really does a good job of moisturizing my skin without making it oily. I think I am going to try a glycerin moisturizer when this runs out, but if that doesn't work out, I'll be buying this again for sure. I just wish it had some SPF in it!
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