Bronzers -Iman - Afterglow
mmariecrys 12/19/2012 12:52:00 PM
The first time I wore this about 4 years ago, a male friend complimented me on how radiant I looked, so I knew it was a keeper :-). Back then I wore it all over and as soon as I applied it as a finishing touch over my makeup, I would notice an instant warming and evening of my skin, and it even made me say under my breath “whoa”. I don’t know any special bronzing techniques, so I would just tap gently all three colors and lightly sweep over my face with a Face Secrets deluxe powder brush. There are no tell-tale sparkles-just a smooth, professional-like airbrushing (I have an older pan-I don't know if there is a newer version with more sparkle). The pan is huge, and I will have it for a very long time given that I only wear it on nights out. All the other Iman powders suck (on me), but this one is a keeper. Over time though I noticed how this really WARMS your skintone, and now I prefer to use it simply as a blush-it works great that way also. On my cheeks it turns a soft muted rose,and I even see a touch of highlighting. In photos it is a fresh and young look. The pink is also very pretty as a standalone on my lids. Still a keeper.
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Moisturizers -Beyond Belief - VitaC+ Night Moisturizer
mmariecrys 12/17/2012 4:44:00 PM
This is a rich and dense moisturizer, more emollient than the day crème, with a soft orangescicle scent. This worked well when I was using the entire vita C+ line, then I switched over to the Natural Focus line after a few years when my skin began feeling drier. I have recently returned to using this as my single day and night moisturizer in conjuction with items from the Natural Focus line. I find this keeps my pores more refined than the Natural Focus lotions did.
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Moisturizers -Beyond Belief - Natural Focus Rejuvenating Night Creme
mmariecrys 11/27/2012 4:50:00 PM
When I first began to use this product I was dismayed at how it beaded up on my skin and banished it to the closet for a while. After a few months I pulled it back out and began to use again. I’ve noticed that with regular use the beading diminishes. When I awake some mornings my skin sometimes feels a bit tight.This isn’t the best item in the line, but I think it does work its purpose. It feels very soothing when it goes on and it has more toning and refining properties than the day crème. I continue to use it along with the entire line and overall my skin has improved.
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Treatments (Eye) -Beyond Belief - Natural Focus Brightening Serum
mmariecrys 11/14/2012 4:54:00 PM
I noticed nothing. The only brightening effect came from a whitish cast from residue. The contents also seperated within the tube and I always had to remember to gently massage the tube before opening, or I would get a squirt of clear liquid instead of the complete product. Product beaded up around eyes and hard to remove.
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Polishes -Zoya - Jem
mmariecrys 11/6/2012 12:28:00 PM
I spotted this out of the corner of my eye in Ulta and was going to cry if I did not leave with. It looked like Autumn in a bottle, a russet and gold shimmering chromatic jubille. When I began my manicure I applied to my left thumb and my enchanted bubble immediately burst. It was just a purplish garnett with a slight, well behaved shimmer and I couldn’t detect the awesome chrome effect that was rendered in the bottle. I debated returning but decided to keep it as it is a viable replacement for OPI Route Beer, which I was running out of. It is a nice color after all,and I have to admit I do keep looking at my manicure admirable. It makes my hands look slender and fair, I am a polished and professional vamp, great for a dramatic evening look.
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Moisturizers -Beyond Belief - Natural Focus Firming Day Creme
mmariecrys 11/6/2012 12:17:00 PM
An emollient crème, great for skin that is in transition into becoming drier (mature, lol). Holds a slight melon scent. Sinks in and moisturizes well. I do not get dry throughout the day. I apply the anti-wrinkle serum first. When I first began to use this entire line I experienced DRAMATIC smoothing/lifting results within 3 days.
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Treatments -Beyond Belief - Natural Focus Anti Wrinkle Serum
mmariecrys 11/5/2012 12:57:00 PM
This is a good serum for mature skins, and moisturizing in itself. When I first began using the entire line my face looked like I had a facelift within 3 days. It looked nothing short of amazing. I’ve been using this line for a year and a half now, and I may have gotten used to the instant visual effect, but everything in this line still works great for my drying skin at this time.
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Treatments -Beyond Belief - acne spot treatment
mmariecrys 11/5/2012 12:54:00 PM
Works great on my occasional breakouts and also on my acne-prone teens. The key is to take it with you and apply several times throughout the day. Blemishes usually cleared within 2 days.
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Mascara -L'Oreal - Voluminous in Carbon Black
mmariecrys 11/2/2012 12:23:00 PM
Well I’ve read the raves about this for years, and finally purchased. This works very well on me. It gives a plush texture and my lashes thicken instantly and looks luxe. Adds a bit of lift and curl and opens and brightens my eyes dramatically-very pretty effect helping to create elongating shape to my big round eyes.
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Eyeliner -L'Oreal - Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner
mmariecrys 11/1/2012 12:12:00 PM
Good day! I am posting this review written by my cousin this morning. She's not in the community but I just wanted to share-it's great! :-) So…anyone who knows me WELL KNOWS that the ONE thing I will NEVER give up regardless of the trends that come and go, is my SIGNATURE JOAN JETT EYELINER. I have no problem ignoring the “um, you do know it’s almost 2013…not 1987 right?” comments. That’s why when I stopped at CVS yesterday, I splurged on a L’Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner…I mean, how could this be a bad purchase? After all, the ad says that it “adds INTENSE black definition to your eye resulting in a look that goes from everyday to exotic”. In fact, the color isn’t just black – it’s INTENSE BLACK. AND…it promised to GLIDE on easily. Okie-dokie…sounds like a no-brainer to me. I couldn’t wait to get ready for work this morning. I woke up all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (eagerly anticipating how I’d soon be INTENSELY bright-eyed with my new makeup pencil). I have to admit that it was extremely exciting (right up there with the giddy feeling that envelops me whenever I purchase wine). Anyway…I finish the morning routine and my makeup is absolutely flawless. I am not even slightly exaggerating! My eyes are, indeed as promised, “SMOLDERING”. I feel like a million bucks (even with my cane ladies) AND…because I’m wearing riding boots I have a little more pep in the step than usual – I feel like I’m on the cusp of my old sassy self…YEAH! WHOO HOOOO…Can it get any better than this? Well, as I was wondering what AWESOME INCIDENT would next cross my path, I decided to look again at my beautiful eyes. So I open the cute little jewel box I keep at my desk – the one with the mirror inside. It has followed me for years to several jobs and has been a good friend…letting me know if/when I need to powder my nose or get the floss pick quick……why not let her share in this rare moment of admiring the exquisite beauty of my smoky eye??? (INTERLUDE) I must pause at this point to try to find the words to describe what was reflected just a few moments ago… …to my HORRIFYING CHAGRIN my perfectly applied eyeliner looked quite different from what I had last seen as I left my house at 7:30 am. For now, it somehow had morphed into making me appear as though I had let a 3 year old make up my face this morning! I kid you not when I say that Bette Davis’ portrayal of Jane Hudson in “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” by comparison looks like her makeup was airbrushed by a professional artist. Without photos, the only way I can even try to communicate this repugnant eyeliner debacle is to say that it had “bled”… (you know, the way old lady’s too red lipstick does) - that’s right, as if the dark circles under my eyes weren’t bad enough on their own, now they were more INTENSELY shadowed (SECOND INTERLUDE) pausing again, this time to stop myself from vomiting as I recount the morning. (I’m actually short of breath at the moment). Now, I know you all mean well and that my beloved family members and friends are thinking “oh, Susan…it couldn’t be THAT bad”. Well, perhaps I’d agree IF I HADN’T MADE IT MY MISSION TO SPEAK TO JUST ABOUT EVERYONE IN THE FREAKIN’ OFFICE. OH YEAH…I was feeling so great that I thought “why sit at your desk ALL DAY yet again…go speak to people…today’s a great day…your outfit is cute, you don’t need the cane and…………………………….YOUR EYES LOOK INCREDIBLE! And they did…........INCREDIBLY SMUDGED. Moral of this story: Don’t make impulse makeup purchases at CVS (especially when the 99 cent Wet ‘n Wild eyeliner you have at home has been doing a beautiful job). In other words: IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT ;-)
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Polishes -China Glaze - Millennium
mmariecrys 10/29/2012 12:34:00 PM
This is a crazy awesome shade. I brought it during the holiday season years ago and never wore it. This past weekend I puttled it out for a formal event, and even though it had settled and became thick and goopy, it still pulled off an remarkable shiny, near-reflective coat. It is opaque and smooth, reminds me of the makeup on the tin man’s face-a brushed chrome. Makes my hands look very sleek, robotic and futuristic. I can imagine a lot of neat French manicures with glitter paints. It definitely shows all nailbed flaws, so I'm sure that a ridgefiller would be beneficial to apply first. Will definitely be looking to replace this bottle asap.
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Eye Shadow -Fashion Fair - Sahara Sand
mmariecrys 8/29/2012 1:00:00 PM
Sahara Sand which is a burnt orange/russet shade and very complimentary on my NC45 skin tone. The application is smooth and pigmentation is excellent. A light hand lends this color an office-suitable, neutral eye during the day, and heavier application helps achieve a perfect smoky eye for the evenings. A bit expensive but it works so well on my heavily creased lids that I am looking forward to trying other colors of this product.
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Loose Powders -Fashion Fair - Oil Control Loose Powder
mmariecrys 8/14/2012 4:40:00 PM
I get excited when I make up my face now and call this my "magic powder". I first use the oil free pressed powder in Cashew, apply the rest of my makeup, then lightly dust on the loose powder in Sugar with my Face Secrets Deluxe Powder brush. The key word is lightly-just one soft tap of powder blended onto my entire face. After 2 minutes of settling in, my skin looks instantly transformed, smooth, blended with an airbrushed finish. It sets the makeup, but doesn’t make me look dead or dry, it leaves me with a glow. The first time I used it for an evening event, I could not believe how flawless my complexion appeared in photos afterwards. It reminds me of the high-definition powders that are all the rage now. I still have to blot lightly for oil control after a few hours, but the subtle effect the powder renders is healthy and a soft radiance- I presume that there might be a little shimmer to the Sugar tone, but very subtle. Of course it's a big tub of messy loose powder, so I just transfer a few teaspoons to a smaller container. It will variably last forever.
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Pressed Powders -Fashion Fair - Oil Control Pressed Powder
mmariecrys 8/14/2012 12:43:00 PM
I have this in Cashew and it is transparent on my NC45 tone, but I notice how it blends and smooths over my complexion. I apply it with Face Secrets buff brush, and it leaves a fresh and healthy appearance-not weighed down or grayed out, and it does not turn orange. Also, the oil control is decent-I only have to blot lightly after a few hours. I've tried several pressed powders over the years because I do not like to wear foundation, and this is the best light coverage and yellow-undertoned color match by far.
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Lip Gloss -NARS - Giza
mmariecrys 8/3/2012 12:55:00 PM
Now Giza, I love. It is a opaque glossy peach that compliments itself as a topper over any lipstick. My mouth looks polished and professional when topping a nude, and romantic when topping a color.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No