Self Tanners -Coppertone - Endless Summer Sunless Tanning Gradual Tan Moisturizing Lotion
monkeymoogle 7/12/2009 12:55:00 PM
Wicked self-tanning moisturizer. The best I've tried so far. Smells great. Goes on without a hitch (but beware the "rough" zones, like your knees and toes). Doesn't streak if you do it right. Very believable colour. I only wish it didn't take so long to build up and wasn't so easily washed away in the shower.
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Self Tanners -L'Oreal - Sublime GLOW
monkeymoogle 7/12/2009 12:38:00 PM
** It's been a while since I've tried this product (last summer, to be exact) but I'm planning on trying it out again and will update this review to follow. A decent self-tanner. Very gradual (I'm impatient). Be very careful applying it to "rough" areas like your toes, knees and elbows. Will leave a subtle "glistening" glow. Comes off in the shower easily, which means you must apply it daily if you shower daily. Very runny. *Very* smelly.
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Blush -The Body Shop - Shimmer Squares
monkeymoogle 10/18/2008 11:05:00 PM
product overview |
The Body Shop's Shimmer Square's provides a blush and eyeshadow all-in-one.
impressions |
To be honest, I wasn't even looking for blush when I was suckered into getting this product by a sales representative at The Body Shop. But I have no regrets. This blush and eyeshadow combo -- Pink Cashmere -- contains four hues of "blush": dark olive, olive, fuscia red and pink. You can take them together for the perfect shade of blush, or use them separately as a complimentary set of eyeshadows. Slightly sparkly/shiny, this product really highlights both cheek and eyelid.
packaging & price |
This product comes in a square, plastic, see-through package. The plastic latch is a little weak, so be careful if you carry your makeup around with you. This product is very expensive -- I bought it when it was on sale and it was still pricey for me. Is it worth it? Given the end result and how long it lasts (nine months and barely a dent, despite daily use!) I'd say so.
overall |
Highly recommended!
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Powder -Physicians Formula - Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Loose Powder
monkeymoogle 10/18/2008 10:52:00 PM
product overview |
Physicians Formula Talc-Free Mineral Wear Mineral Loose Powder is exactly as described: a powder mineral foundation. I'm using "Translucent Light".
impressions |
I wanted to give mineral makeup a try after hearing such good reviews about the type, particularly in relation to sensitive and acne-prone skin types. Despite, this product made me break out in irritation pimples in my t-zone. It's a shame, because it blends perfectly, doesn't smell terrible (even my cats liked it!) and provided good coverage. Even though I have bought this product twice, I don't think I'll be purchasing it again.
packaging & price |
This product has some strange but novel packaging. It's separated into two parts: a top compartment containing the application brush, and a bottom compartment containing the powder. To use, you take off the top cap, remove the brush layer (a little pull-tab is available for your convenience) and turn the entire thing upside-down, making sure to hold the lid in place, so that powder comes through the perforations. Turn it rightside-up and use the brush to grab the powder. Inventive, but prone to accidents and super messy! Expensive in comparison to regular powder foundations, cheap in comparison to other mineral foundations.
overall |
Not highly recommended.
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Gels/Soaps -Neutrogena - Body Clear Body wash
monkeymoogle 10/18/2008 10:40:00 PM
product overview |
Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash is a liquid shower soap that attempts to stem the breakouts of acne on your body. Contains salicylic acid 2%.
impressions |
After using this body wash daily in combination with a loofa brush, my back and chest acne is all but gone. It did, however, take some time to come into effect -- perhaps a couple months. Every now and then a pimple breaks loose, but for the most part there is only the remains of a battle with body acne from long ago.
packaging & price |
Fairly cheap. Comes in a plastic container with a sometimes stubborn click-flip opener.
overall |
Recommended!
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Gels/Soaps -Dove - Sensitive Skin Unscented Beauty Bar
monkeymoogle 10/18/2008 10:21:00 PM
product overview |
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar is a mild soap for sensitive skin. It claims to make your skin clean and smooth, has no fragrances, and won't clog pores.
impressions |
I love this soap. I've been using it for years now. It's the softest soap I've ever used, and doesn't leave that "slick" film that some soaps do. Although it does have a bit of a fragrance, it's nothing to get upset over. This soap works even on the tough-to-remove liquid foundation and powder combo of my daily makeup regimen.
packaging & price |
Although the packaging is visually attractive, it's simply a nuisance to open up! The paper covering sticks to the cardboard box containing the soap, and opening the cardboard box is annoying due to an odd gluing-together of its shape. A little more pricey then some of the other competition, it makes up for its price in being an all-around solid product.
overall |
Recommended!
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Conditioner -L'Oreal - Vive Pro Nutri Gloss for Normal to Fine Hair
monkeymoogle 10/18/2008 10:11:00 PM
product overview |
L’Oréal Vive Pro Nutri Gloss conditioner promises to greatly increase the natural shine of your hair and make your hair soft and smooth to the touch.
impressions |
I love this conditioner. I've used many over the years that had promised and failed to deliver certain results, but this conditioner kicked the trend in the hiney. My hair is glossy, soft, untangled and bouncy. As a bonus, the product smells delicious.
overall |
Highly recommended!
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Shampoo -L'Oreal - Vive Pro Nutri Gloss Normal to Fine Hair
monkeymoogle 10/18/2008 10:07:00 PM
product overview |
L’Oréal Vive Pro Nutri Gloss shampoo promises to greatly increase the natural shine of your hair and make your hair soft and smooth to the touch.
impressions |
I love this shampoo. I've used many over the years that had promised and failed to deliver certain results, but this shampoo kicked the trend in the hiney. My hair is glossy, soft, untangled and bouncy. As a bonus, the product smells delicious.
overall |
Highly recommended!
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Liquid -Almay - Clear Complexion Blemish Healing Makeup
monkeymoogle 10/18/2008 9:30:00 PM
product overview |
Almay "clear complexion makeup - clears blemishes" attempts to conceal and defeat uncomplicated acne. It's active acne-fighting ingredient is salicylic acid 0.6%. It claims to clear blemishes without over-drying, prevent breakouts, and provide a flawless, shine-free final effect. I'm using "120 ivory".
impressions |
I've been using this foundation for a very long time - over a year and one redesign of the packaging has gone by. It does most of what it claims: helps control acne, doesn't irritate my skin, and makes my skin look flawless. It blends extremely well. It does not, however, prevent shine: after a few hours of wear, my skin is nearly reflective. Also after a few hours of wear it begins to feel heavy, enough that I feel like washing my face and starting the makeup anew. I give it a high rating because in terms of dealing with acne, I've come across no better product -- in fact, when I don't use it, I tend to breakout.
packaging & price |
It comes in a sturdy glass container with a plastic lid that secures tightly, so there's no need to worry about carrying it around in your purse. If you keep it on your countertop, the square design will prevent it from easily toppling over. At roughly $15, it's a bit pricey for a drug store makeup, but of those available it's the most worth it.
removal |
One reviewer here asked how to remove the makeup at the end of the day. It is a bit of a stickler (it luuuurrrves your skin) so I recommend the following removal procedure: First, splash warm water on your face. Create a lather in your hands with a bar of soap. Apply the lather to your face, gently and moving in circles. Allow the soap to do its things for a couple moments. Then rinse with warm water. Works like a dream every time!
overall |
Recommended for those with acne-prone skin.
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Pressed Powders -Estee Lauder - AeroMatte Ultralucent Pressed Powder
monkeymoogle 7/17/2007 7:41:00 PM
Goes on great, doesn't smell terrible, and is the perfect "colour" (translucent). Although it did a decent job of controlling oil throughout the day, it came with a price: irritation pimples breaking out in the T-zone. It's a shame, but given the price ($30+) it might be a good thing I'm switching it for something else after all...
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Pressed Powders -Rimmel - Stay Matte Pressed Powder (ALL)
monkeymoogle 5/20/2006 1:40:00 AM
pressed powder information - The powder is meant to control shine for up to five hours, and give a natural matte finish while minimizing the appearance of pores. It's also been dermatologically tested.
impressions - I've been using this powder for over a month now, along with Maybelline's Shine Free liquid foundation. It does just as it claims - it controls shine for roughly five hours, and for me it's usually over that. My pores do look minimized in normal lighting. It also feels nice and doesn't tighten my skin, and the colour blends very well (I'm using 001 Transparent). However, either it or the liquid foundation I'm using causes my skin to break out in small irritation pimples. Also, this is not a powder you'd want to carry around with you in your purse - the cover does not twist on or stick well, and would most likely fall off if tipped over. You'll also want to buy a brush or puff to apply the powder - it doesn't come with anything. Still, for the price (under $5!) it's a pretty good powder.
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Liquid -Maybelline - Shine Free [DISCONTINUED]
monkeymoogle 1/31/2006 8:26:00 PM
So far, this foundation has proved to be a great choice. Used in conjunction with CoverGirl's "Fresh Look" pressed powder, after six hours my skin is still mostly shine free (excepting my T-zone, and even then it's not as greasy as other, more expensive makeup after the same amount of time). The colour (01 Ivory) matches great, the foundation blends great and covers great, and the price is exceptionally low. I'll consider this the perfect product for my oily, acne-prone skin as long as it doesn't break me out (and so far, so good in that department!). The container is a bit finicky, and I can foresee there being a problem getting the foundation out once it reaches the bottom, but that's a small hurdle to cross faced with its overall excellence. I can't believe I didn't try this earlier!
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Concealers -Almay - Clear Complexion Blemish Healing Spot Concealer
monkeymoogle 1/28/2006 4:18:00 PM
I bought this in the hopes that it would help clear up my complexion while disguising blemishes, though I've found that it doesn't have an effect on my acne either way. The shade is a bit too dark and is orangey as well. It's a little thin, though two coats usually does the trick on larger pimples. Though I understand the reasons for it, I find it annoying that I'm forced to use a completely different concealer for my eyes. Still, I'm happy to see at least one cosmetic company is creating products for acne-prone people like myself.
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Concealers -Almay - Skin-Smoothing Concealer with Kinetin SPF 10
monkeymoogle 1/28/2006 4:10:00 PM
Despite the lightest shade ("light") still being too dark for my skin tone, this is a great concealer when used in conjunction with a lighter foundation. I'm not sure about its merits as a "skin smoothing" solution, but as a concealer it does the job. It is a bit thick, but if I spread it out evenly I don't have a problem. This is one of the only products I've found that is actually as hypo-allergenic as it claims of itself, which I'm happy about. Overall, a great find.
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Pressed Powders -Cover Girl - Fresh Look Pressed Powder ] [DISCONTINUED]
monkeymoogle 1/28/2006 4:04:00 PM
A decent powder that mostly does the job. "Translucent fair" is a bit too orange and, despite being the lightest shade available at the store, a bit too dark as well. The scent is a somewhat annoying. My skin becomes greasy after about four hours of wear, and retouching heightens the orange tint of the powder. Still, I never break out when I'm wearing it. I consider it exceptional for the low price I paid for it.
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