Eyeliner -MAC - Pro Longwear eye liner in Snow Shadow
msdi2u 5/10/2013 12:25:00 AM
Snow Shadow is a purple violet eyeliner pencil from MAC's Pro Longwear line. The pencil cost $19.50, and I find that price to be a little ambitious considering its performance. I have oily lids, so I purchased this and used it on my lower lash line only. Most good waterproof pencils (eg. Urban Decay's 24/7 pencils, Estee Lauder's Pure Color Intense Kajal eyeliners, and Bobbi Brown's Longwear eye pencils) last on my lower lash line without smudging all day, and some even last all day (in cool weather) on my upper lids. But not this one from MAC. I liked the idea of a good, purple violet pencil... and since Estee Lauder owns Bobbi Brown & MAC, I assumed (wrongly) that this Pro Longwear pencil from MAC would live up to the same standards. Snow Patrol is a pretty color and nicely pigmented, but the texture of the pencil is not as soft as EL's Intense Kajal eyeliner pencil or Bobbi Brown's Longwear pencils. It is not scratchy on my lids, but I was a little surprised that it did not glide on as easily as my other pencils. The color was not fluid, either; meaning it sort of "skipped" during application. The worst part was looking in a mirror less than 3 hours after applying it and seeing a big smudge mark under my right eye. At first I thought maybe it was my mascara... but upon closer examination, it was purple- not black. I gently wiped away the smudge, but I found it came back about an hour later. This is NOT good, MAC! At my age, I do not want an eyeliner pencil that cost me over $20 (with tax) and does not hold up... and leaves me looking like a teenager who hasn't yet learned how to use an eyeliner pencil. <--- (And this is meant as no offense to teens- I was once young and experimental, too! Inexperience happens.) Anyway, I am very disappointed in this pencil, and I would not really recommend it nor purchase another. :o(
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Blush -MAC - Poised
msdi2u 5/10/2013 12:04:00 AM
MAC's satin finish blushes are my favorites, and Poised is no exception. At first I was afraid this would be a dupe for Cream Soda from the Archie Collection (I ordered Poised online), but Poised is more pigmented. I am NW20, and this muted peachy color gives me an instant, sun-kissed look. The color is closer to some of the bronzers I own as opposed to my blushes, and I'm lovin' it. I actually prefer to use bronzer as my blush, so Poised is a welcome addition to my cheek collection. The color played nicely with my skin tone and made my skin look radiant all day. Like the reviewer before me, I didn't get that frosty-look that a few online bloggers show in their pictures. It might be that the "shine" only comes thru when photographed... but since I didn't take my picture when wearing it, I can't tell for sure. Regardless, I prefer my cheek color without a lot of frost, so Poised fit the bill and the color is right up my alley! Thanks, MAC! (I still think MAC makes the best blushes!!!)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Bare Escentuals - Pretty Amazing lipcolor in Free Will
msdi2u 4/2/2013 12:13:00 AM
Hmmnnn.... this got good reviews, but msdi2u is not impressed. This is too beige on the lips for my NW20 complexion, and it sort of washes them out. It wouldn't be so bad, except that this lip product (not sure if it's a gloss? a lipstick?) cakes on my lips and winds up on my teeth! Also, if I try to gently blot it to minimize it being too thick, I find that too much comes off; and then it leaves a weird, dry-feel on my mouth. I feel like I can't win with this product! ::sigh:: Oh, well. I guess if I want a nice, nude lip... I will stick with MAC C-Thru Lipglass. At least it doesn't wash me out or dry out my lips.
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Styling Products -Beyond The Zone - Super Sexy Styling Sauce
msdi2u 3/10/2013 11:28:00 PM
I have been on the hunt for a new texturizer to replace my previous one, which has sadly been discontinued. Saw this in Sally's and the price was right, so I thought I'd give it a try. I have short, fine, layered hair with some wave to it, and I need something to calm the frizzies I normally get after blow drying. At first try, this product made me nervous because it is such a thick, white cream; and I thought for sure it would weigh my hair down and make it look like I dipped it in a french fry vat. Surprisingly, it disappeared into my (dry) hair and gave me the piecey definition I was hoping for. (The trick is to use just a little.) Today I wanted to try it on damp hair, and again, the thick cream that spread out all over my hands made me nervous. Especially since after I rubbed it into my damp hair, there was still a lot left on my hands, and it was hard to remove with water alone! When I started to blow dry, I noticed it seemed to take forever for a section to become dry! That would be my biggest "con" regarding this product: that it increases blowdrying time. But once I finally got the dampness out of my head, my hair actually looked pretty good! I didn't need to follow up with a texturizer to smooth the frizzies after blowdrying like I normally do, and it seemed to add extra oomph to my waves and make them look like springy curls. It did not make my hair limp or flat, but it did make it look like it was, well, "slept-in," like the tube says. I think I really LIKE this stuff! I can use it on wet or dry hair and still get good results. I don't really notice a disgusting smell, but it doesn't smell pretty, either. (It's just so-so.) Overall, I would say this product does exactly what it says on the tube, and that is a first for me. I can't tell you how many products I've used in the past 35 yrs. or so that promise this and promise that, and then they do the opposite- or nothing at all. This one delivers as promised, so 5 lippies from me!
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Polishes -OPI - Cosmo-Not Tonight Honey
msdi2u 2/19/2013 8:38:00 PM
The color is lovely... a frosty, beige-champagne color... but for some reason, I had problems getting this to apply nice & smooth on my nails. OPI is my favorite nail polish brand for the main reason that most of the ones that I own apply and wear beautifully. But not this one. I actually had to do one nail over 3 times because the polish kept "dragging" on that nail for some reason, and when I tried to fix it, it only made the problem worse. Not sure, maybe I got a bad bottle? I also experienced some bubbling on a few nails, too. Then when I had 2 nails chip and peel after a few days wear, I knew I had to review my experience with this polish. I found it a bit disappointing, especially for an OPI polish. Most of my OPI manicures last up to a week (7 days), unless I am unusually rough on my hands that week. I was actually "lazy" the week I wore Cosmo-Not Tonight Honey, so I will have to blame the poor wear on the polish- and not me- this time. 3 stars.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -MAC - #129 Powder/Blush Brush
msdi2u 2/9/2013 11:02:00 PM
This would be the most PERFECT face brush in the world if it didn't shed like a Jack Russell Terrier in the spring! It has the perfect shape & density that I want from a blush brush (but I prefer to use it to apply my finishing powder); except the problem is, the shedding! I constantly have to pick hairs off of my face and powder pan when I use this! I had this problem since the brush was brand new, and figured the shedding would "slow down" with time, or, after a few cleanings. But- it just didn't happen. I agree with a previous reviewer who said that MAC really needs to address (and fix) this problem! While this brush is NOT cheap, it sure behaves like one! (If not WORSE.)
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Primer/ Corrector -Neutrogena - Shine Control Primer
msdi2u 2/8/2013 11:30:00 PM
I wish I had checked the reviews here before I impulsed bought this. This face primer is not for me, although, I don't have the same problems that previous reviewers mentioned. Some mentioned that it felt "grainy" because of the rice in it... but my tube is smooth all the way thru. Nothing chunky, gritty, or grainy in mine. I also don't have a problem with it squirting out of the tube, and it didn't appear to make my face look white. The packaging is fine- that's not my problem with this primer. What I don't like is the dry feeling it leaves on my skin (I have oily/combination skin) right after applying, which makes my foundation drag across my skin instead of blending into it. It makes my foundation look "fake"... as if I'm using the wrong color or something. I've been using the same foundation for years (MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF15) with good results, but not with this primer as a base. I can't believe how laying this primer down on my skin first made my foundation look thick and cakey. Yuck! Even when I put my usual setting powder down, my face just didn't look right. This is not the worst primer I've ever tried, I would say it pretty much is up to par with other high-end brands that didn't work for me (eg. Smashbox, MUFE, Laura Mercier, etc.). My HG face primer is still Paula Dorf's Perfect Primer for Normal/Oily skin. My only gripe about the PD primer is the price! With shipping (they don't sell it anywhere around me), I always pay around $40 a tube! Granted, the tube lasts me a good 6 months or so (used sparingly), but I just hate paying that much for a tube of primer! That was why I tried this Neutrogena one... much cheaper (around $11) and the tube is similar to the PD primer, only Neutrogena's is smaller. I would not repurchase this Neutrogena primer... I will stick with Paula's from now on.
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Makeup Brushes -Ecotools - Bamboo Blush Brush
msdi2u 2/8/2013 11:16:00 PM
I had high hopes for this brush. I prefer to use blush brushes to set my foundation with powder, but this one is not quite cutting it. I find that the bristles- as dense as they appear to be- are actually quite flimsy... which makes it difficult for me to pick up product (I use a pressed powder to finish) and deposit it evenly on my face. The brush bristles bend when I touch it to the powder, and then they are in a flattened position when I am trying to apply it to my face. I really don't like that about this brush. If anybody has any recommendations for a good, dense, blush brush (similar to the MAC 129)... that holds its form in use and doesn't shed hairs all over your face (::ahem:: MAC 129 !!!)... send me a private message with your suggestion so I can check it out! My favorite used to be the Sonia Kashuk 02 brush, but Target doesn't seem to carry that one anymore (or SK stopped making it), and mine are very old and started shedding hairs all over the place. The MAC 129 is pricey and also is a big time shedder for me... right from the start! Bobbi Brown's handle is too long for my taste, and I don't like Sephora's blush & powder brushes, either. I just can't find the right one for my needs! :o(
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Styling Products -TiGi - CATWALK VOLUME COLLECTION - YOUR HIGHNESS THICKENING GEL CREME
msdi2u 2/7/2013 9:50:00 PM
I can't believe nobody has reviewed this fantastic styling product yet! I LOVE this Thickening Gel Creme! I am on my 2nd bottle of this stuff, so YES, I would definitely buy this product again! I have fine, layered, color-treated, short hair... and this product truly adds body and texture to my hair. I can't believe the difference from when I use this Thickening Gel Creme, and when I use regular hair gel. I use 3 small pumps of this, blow dry, a little hairspray, and I'm good to go. When I use regular hair gels, I usually have to follow up with a light, conditioning, pomade or texturizer on my hair to smooth out the frizzies after I blow dry. I can usually skip that step when I use the TiGi thickening gel creme. I can also mix this (usually just one pump) with other hair gels and still have great results. I know that not everybody experiences the same results with hair products, but I have to say that in my case, this one has worked spectacularly on my hair and I hope TiGi never discontinues this product.
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Mascara -Bare Escentuals - buxom lash
msdi2u 1/24/2013 10:18:00 PM
I just saw this rated as the #1 customer favorite mascara for 2012 by Temptalia, and I had to try it. Purchased a tube from Sephora a few days later, and can honestly say that this mascara is every bit as good as they say. I'm wondering how this little gem flew under my radar the past few years without me hearing about it! This mascara not only darkens and thickens my lashes, but it gives them glorious length-- all without clumps, smears, and smudges! It doesn't apply too wet and uncurl my lashes, and it doesn't splash or leave little black balls underneath my eyes throughout the day. It's perfect for me and my lashes, and I will definitely repurchase. Right now, it is my new fave... nudging past my recent fave by Laura Mercier (Long Lash mascara).
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Bronzers -Sue Devitt - Gold Coast Bronzing Powder
msdi2u 1/24/2013 10:08:00 PM
Let me start by saying the company I ordered this from sent me Gold Coast by accident- I ordered Sue Devitt's Beau Bronze- and I was angry that they sent me the wrong product! I tried to contact the company by email and complained, but I never got a response; and the bronzer was sent in an envelope- and oddly- with NO return address label. Don't know what the story with THAT was... but anyway, this error actually worked out in my favor! I figured since I couldn't send it back, I might as well try it... and voila! It's magnificent! If I had to throw out every blush & bronzer I own and keep only one... this would be the one! I could never say I had an HG blush/bronzer... but now, here it is! The color of this bronzer is perfect for my (MAC NW20) skin tone, and it is very natural-looking on me. It is one of those colors that brightens my eyes and makes me look healthy and my skin look nice. I can't really describe the color exactly, but it is a neutral tan with slight shimmer? I have some rosacea, so this tones down any excess pink on my cheeks and mutes the redness and makes my skin look healthy and bright instead of a sickly, fevered pink. I LOVE it! I have been using it everyday, and I hope it is still available when I use the whole thing up. The pigmentation on this product is excellent, as it easily picks up on my brush and applies in a few, short, strokes across my cheeks. Lasts ALL day, too! I would definitely repurchase this- as long as it's still available when I need it. GREAT PRODUCT!!!!!
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Eyeliner -Physicians Formula - Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Trio
msdi2u 1/15/2013 11:34:00 PM
These are garbage, just like all of my previous reviewers so eloquently stated. I also bought these on impulse, because they just looked "that good" in the package- and I happen to love kohl eyeliner pencils. But these are the worst ones I have ever used. This is the first Physicians Formula product I have ever tried, and it is unfortunate that it is so crappy. I had high hopes, because I have seen other highly rated PF products, and I just thought I was buying from a good brand. I guess it was just my dumb luck that the first PF product I purchased would be the worst one they make! I tried the pencils, but I couldn't believe I couldn't get the color to transfer from pencil to my inner rims. The packaging specifically recommends this for inner rims and claims it is waterproof.... but that's a laugh! I never had a kohl pencil that wouldn't transfer the pigment at all-- not until now. Then after rubbing and rubbing until my "black" pencil finally made its appearance, the color appeared more gray then black. Might have lasted about an hour? I just can't believe how bad these are! And the worst part is... I threw away my receipt, so now I can't even get a refund. Gotta throw them in the trash and accept the loss. :oP Never again, PF... never again. I'll stick to my high-end kohl liners from now on. They might cost more, but at least I know they WORK.
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Eye Shadow -Bare Escentuals - BareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow 2.0 "The Promise"
msdi2u 1/5/2013 11:47:00 PM
I like the BE pressed eyeshadows, but I do find many of the darker colors in the duos to be "too" pigmented and dark, if that sounds possible. Then I can't really use them, except maybe for eyeliner. But this The Promise duo is the exception. The darker color, "Vow," is fantastic! It is the perfect, matte taupe-brown color, and it blends like a dream. I find myself reaching for this duo to use Vow as my crease color when using other favorite lid colors. The golden color that accompanies Vow in this duo is 'okay,' it reminds me a little bit of MAC Ricepaper (if you are familiar with MAC eyeshadows). But since I have gotten older and my lids are not as taut, I am not too crazy about using frosty eyeshadows on my lids, either. Something with a sheen- or on the satiny side- is okay, but anything too frosty and sparkly is a no-no for me. Gives my lids a lizard-skin type of appearance, which is not attractive at all. But if you are looking for a nice, neutral, lid or crease color, this duo just might be for you! I'm glad I purchased this one. :o)
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Palettes -Urban Decay - Naked Basics
msdi2u 12/29/2012 1:23:00 AM
I like this palette- I think it is a fantastic little palette to own, especially if you are interested in nude and matte eye colors. The only color I am not that impressed with in this palette is Venus, and that is only because it is shimmery. I guess Venus would make a great brow highlighter, but since I usually skip that step, that makes Venus insignificant to me. My favorites in this palette are WOS & Naked 2, followed by Faint & Crave. I like to use WOS on the lid, Naked 2 as a blender in the crease and up above, and Faint in the deep crease and outer corners of my lids. Crave (jet black) makes a great liner on my upper lash line. First, I usually line with Bobbi Brown's Longwear eye pencil in Jet, then take my MAC 266 and press Crave down over the line to blend it out and give it extra staying power. It makes the liner look a rich, deep, beautiful shade of black! I do get some fallout from Crave, but nothing that I can't quickly wipe away with a cotton swab and my Estee Lauder Gentle Eye makeup remover. I also love how these shadows last without creasing all day and into the night. I do use an eye primer before applying the eyeshadows, which could increase the staying power. Overall, I am NOT sorry I bought this palette, and I get more use out of this one than the original Urban Decay Naked Palette. (I never invested in the 2nd Naked Palette.) I know everyone has different needs depending on age and skin color, and this palette might not impress or suit everyone... but it DOES impress and suit me. =0) I LOVE it!!!
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Mascara -Laura Mercier - Long Lash Mascara
msdi2u 11/17/2012 10:51:00 PM
I got this as a free sample with a palette I ordered thru the website, and I am lovin' this mascara! I can't believe how good it is, because I never seem to have much luck with high-end mascaras. I always think they are way over-priced and perform much worse than the cheaper drugstore brands. This Long Lash mascara, however, is an anomaly as far as I am concerned. Better than any Bobbi Brown mascara I've tried, that's for sure! Better than most MAC, Clinique, and Estee Lauder mascaras, too. Yes, this one is thin the first time you use it for some reason... but it seems that- like a fine wine- this mascara gets better with age. For me, this mascara makes my lashes somewhat darker (they are already black), but noticeably longer without clumping, smearing, or flaking all over the place. I am definitely planning to purchase another tube when this one expires on me because I think this is great stuff!
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