Makeup Brushes -Sephora - Professional Mineral Powder Brush #45
muakitten 5/16/2010 11:12:00 PM
If you wear any type of powder foundation (mineral or not) you NEED this brush. I have over 200 brushes (I know, it's a problem) but this one blows 90% of them out of the water. I imagine it would work well for liquid foundation too. In fact, I'm going to buy another one for liquids. This brush has dense, short synthetic bristles that are SUPER soft. It feels like I'm putting my makeup on with a tiny kitten. Yet, like I said, the bristles are dense, so it's not floppy or flimsy. It has a small head, so it really gets in those nicks and crannies, around the nose and eyes. It doesn't shed a bit, either. Also, it's so easy to clean and dries so fast! I washed it with Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Liquid Soap, rinsed it, blotted it dry with a paper towel, and laid it flat to dry. It was quite dry immediately and completely dry within 2 hours, which is amazing for synthetic hairs IMO. It's $26 at Sephora.
14 out of 15 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -Cover Girl - Outlast Lipstain 
muakitten 12/13/2008 9:43:00 PM
I bought two of these new Outlast Lipstains at Walgreens for $7.99 each. The shades I got are 400 (Everbloom Kiss) and 410 (Bit of Blossom). They're actually quite close in color so I should have only gotten one. That said, I still want to get a couple more. This is a GREAT product, especially for the price. It reminds me of the old UD Lip Markers. The best things about CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain are that they're easy to apply evenly, have a light fruity scent, last quite awhile on the lips, give nice color that doesn't look fake or too bright, and have really cute packaging that won't leak. This lipstain works best when applied to clean, dry lips, but it should NOT worn alone. I like to apply a BonneBell LipSmacker over it to give my lips some moisture. The other lipstains I have are from MAC (a LE product) and Vincent Longo. These are both in lipgloss-style tubes with doe-foot applicators, so I really like the idea of CoverGirl's marker-style applicator for a change. Note: The Outlast Lipstain shade name is only on the outer packaging seal; once that's torn off you just have the shade number on the bottom. There are a total of 10 shades as follows: 400 Everbloom Kiss, 405 Berry Smooch, 410 Bit of Blossom, 415 Teasing Blush, 420 Sassy Mauve, 425 Plum Pout, 430 Coy Coral, 435 Flirty Nude, 440 Wild Berry Wink, and 445 Cinnamon Smile.
10 out of 10 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Nivea - A Kiss of Flavor Cherry
muakitten 11/8/2008 12:17:00 AM
I'm a lip balm junkie. I must have 50 different ones lying around my house. I don't really like this one at all. It's too waxy, almost leaving an uncomfortable film on my lips. Yet, it dries out my lips and doesn't moisturize them at all. It does have a nice cherry red tint. I prefer my cheap ol' Bonne Bell LipSmackers to this--especially the Cherry Coke one.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Other -Crest - Pro-Health Rinse
muakitten 9/17/2008 10:53:00 PM
I'd like to know why this product hasn't been taken off the market yet. I've read several articles from many different sources describing the awful effects of using Crest Pro Health Rinse. My sister got the brown spots on her teeth from it, and I told her to throw the rinse out after I read about what was causing it. Even her dentist had no clue. Crest needs to remove this from the shelves immediately.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -MAC - Copperplate
muakitten 8/16/2008 7:56:00 PM
I'm so glad I finally got Copperplate. I saved up my Back to MAC empties and headed to the MAC store, where you have you choice of a free e/s, l/s, or l/g with 6 empties. I orginally wanted Smoke & Diamonds, but it had just sold out. I remembered all the great MUA reviews for Copperplate and swatched it on the back of my hand. Hmm--it didn't really impress me. And in the pot itself, it looks quite ugly and boring. I got it anyway. When I got home, I applied it properly to my eyes. Wow--it really amps up the color of my blue/green eyes. The formula is smooth to apply and blend. You can apply it as a soft wash or build it up for more saturated color. I know I'll be using this e/s a lot. If you have blue/green eyes, I think Copperplate is a must-have!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Unlisted Brand - Aquelle Aqualust Marine Therapy System Lusterizer
muakitten 5/4/2008 2:39:00 AM
Aquelle Marine Therapy System Aqualust Lusterizer ($5.29 for 4 oz.) is an excellent, affordable knock-off of Rusk Deepshine Phyto-Marine Lusterizer ($13 for 4.4 oz.). I found this at Sally Beauty Supply on sale for Buy 2 Get 1 Free (anything in Aquelle product line), so it only cost me about $4. I love the scent and the fact that it doesn't leave my hair feeling coated or greasy. My hair is thick, straight, and color-treated. Aquelle Aqualust Lusterizer gives my hair glossy shine and smoothness. Sally's marketing lingo: Leaves hair silky smooth while adding moisture and body. Lightweight creme, lusterizing formula gives instant shine and brings out natural highlights. Aquelle is a rich blend of concentrated extracts derived from the ocean's nutrients; providing the minerals, vitamins and protein which are vital to replenish the hair's natural balance. Apply to wet or dry hair. Dispense a small amount into palms, depending on hair length and texture. Massage through hair and style as usual. May be reapplied to dry hair as often as necessary to maintain a soft pliable look and feel. May also be applied to porous ends prior to hair coloring so as to prevent too much color deposit on the ends. * Creme becomes invisible once applied to hair * Provides instant shine * Brings out natural highlights and revitalizes color-treated hair * Helps eliminate frizz and improves combing ability * Provides heat protection and contains a highly active UVB absorber that protects from sun damage * Helps minimize negative effects from elements such as chlorine and salt water * Ideal for all hair types
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -OPI - Bubble Bath
muakitten 5/4/2008 2:02:00 AM
This is my fave my-nails-but-better nail polish color: milky nude-pink. I have very fair, cool-toned skin and it gives me a polished, professional, natural look. The OPI Pro-Wide Brush makes it a breeze to apply this streak free. I apply three coats of this for the best opaque effect. Bubble Bath is what I had hoped Essie Ballet Slippers would be; however, Ballet Slippers is very hard for me to apply without streaks. Bubble Bath is a HOLY GRAIL for sure.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Neutrogena - Healthy Volume
muakitten 5/3/2008 8:40:00 PM
This is the BEST mascara I have ever used. I absolutely love it! I currently have about 20 different brands and formulas of mascara. I'm always on the hunt for my HG. I have found it in Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara! Without mascara, my eye lashes are very pale and thin. Just one coat of this mascara gives me fluttery, naturally pretty-looking lashes. Two coats give me luscious, look-at-me lashes. Three coats give me diva-like, close-to-false lashes. The formula doesn't flake, clump, or make my lashes spiky. It also holds the curl while keeping my lashes very soft, which is a must. I hate mascara that makes my lashes feel brittle. It's quite smudge resistant and doesn't irritate my contact lenses. I love the big, full brush. It makes it so easy to apply. I love the chic-looking tube, plus you get a lot of product for your money. I use the Carbon Black shade. I highly recommend this mascara!
Neutrogena's marketing lingo: Most body-boosting mascaras leave lashes dry and clumpy. Thanks to a triple threat of olive, meadowfoam seed, and sweet almond oils, this eye enhancer moisturizes, protects, and improves the condition of lashes while adding a whopping 400 percent more fullness to your lid fringe. Price: $7.99. (end of review)
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Bronzers -Sally Hansen - Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy Sun Glow Powder Bronzer in Spring
muakitten 5/2/2008 12:19:00 AM
This is a good, affordable bronzer for light skin tones. I'm a PPP (MAC NW15, SH Carmindy Porcelain) and this bronzer looks very natural on, without obvious shimmer. It will not replace my HG, though: Cargo Bronzer in Light, which has a touch a shimmer and a little more rosey oomph to the color than Carmindy's. Retails for $12.99.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -Sally Hansen - Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy Luminous Matte Pressed Powder
muakitten 5/2/2008 12:12:00 AM
This is a great pressed powder. I apply it over my foundation or tinted moisturizer using a fluffy brush. I also use the enclosed sponge applicator for touch-ups during the day. I'm extremely fair and am so glad the color Light is actually very, very light. It's even lighter than my MAC StudioFix powder NW15 (the lightest shade available at MAC). The only things I don't like is the somewhat bulky compact so I depotted it and placed it in an old MAC compact. Retails for $11.99.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Primer -Sally Hansen - Natural Beauty Inspired By Carmindy Fast Fix Eye
Shadow Base
muakitten 5/2/2008 12:06:00 AM
I have normal/combo skin, and this e/s base works fine for me. I actually like it better than UDPP b/c it's easier to blend and I think the flip-top packaging is more convenient. The only thing I don't like is the deep tone of the base. I have extremely fair skin and it's way darker than my natural skin tone. Once I apply e/s over the base, the deep tone isn't noticeable, though. Retails for $7.99.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Sally Hansen - Inspired By Carmindy Natural Beauty Your Skin Makeup ] [DISCONTINUED]
muakitten 4/25/2008 8:00:00 PM
I've used this foundation every day for the past week, and I absolutely love it. It's definitely a new HG. Here's why: True to its name, this product really does look like "Your Skin," or perhaps Your Skin but Perfect. It is almost impossible for me to find a good color match for my extremely fair skintone. The only thing that I've found and love is MAC StudioFix powder foundation in NW15, but I like having an option of a great liquid foundation, too.
Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Your Skin Makeup in the shade "Porcelain" seems like it was custom made for me. (Thanks, Carmindy!) The foundation applies like a dream, looks like a dream, and wears like a dream. I've been getting compliments all week on how perfect my skin is--ha! (Thanks again, Carmindy!) I'm glad that it doesn't have SPF in it, so it won't give me the dreaded ghost face in flash photos. I also absolutely love the chic packaging. The glass pump bottle is sanitary and one or two pumps is all I need for medium, buildable coverage.
Here's how I use it: Spritz face with Evian Water; apply MAC Moisturelush Cream (which has a built-in primer); dot foundation on face, and smooth on evenly with fingers; set with a light dusting of MAC StudioFix powder. I'm very impressed with this foundation. A product this great has been long overdue in my beauty arsenal.
The Sally Hansen Division (parent company is Del Laboratories) no longer tests on animals. All of the Natural Beauty products are free of paraben and full of natural, gentle, and healthy ingredients such as soy, bamboo, and fruit. There are 16 products in the line, as follows:
* Luminizing Face Primer ($9.99)
* Fast Fix Concealer ($8.99)
* Your Skin Makeup (liquid foundation, $12.99)
* Luminous Matte Pressed Powder ($11.99)
* Truly Translucent Loose Powder ($12.99)
* Natural Powder Blush ($10.99)
* Sheerest Cream Blush ($8.99)
* Sheerest Cream Bronzer ($11.99)
* Sun Glow Powder Bronzer ($12.99)
* Fast Fix Eye Shadow Base ($7.99)
* Instant Definition Eye Shadow Palette ($7.99)
* Always Perfect Liquid Eye Liner ($7.99)
* Lift and Define Mascara ($7.99)
* Moisture Plump Lip Balm ($8.99)
* Color Comfort Lip Color ($9.99)
* Natural Shine Lip Gloss ($7.99)
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Neutrogena - Nourishing Eye Duo
muakitten 1/29/2008 9:16:00 PM
These e/s have absolutely no pigmentation. I returned the one I got. Plus, $8.99 is WAY too much to pay for a drugstore e/s duo. I paid less than that for an amazing L'Oreal e/s quad (Showstopping Taupes).
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -MAC - Moisturelush Cream [DISCONTINUED]
muakitten 1/10/2008 9:09:00 PM
I will update this review in another month or so, but so far I'm loving Moisturelush Cream. I was almost out of my HG Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizer and decided to give MAC's new cream a try. I must say, a little of this goes a long way--I don't apply more than a pea-size amount. I've used it at night and in the morning for a week now, and no problems so far. It's very moisturizing, gets rid of flakiness, and sinks in really well. My skin is normal/combo and I use Retin-A every other night. I love the scent of Moisturelush, too, which is the same as MAC's other moisturizers. The packaging is super sleek, too, with a pearly white jar capped with a black rubberized lid. I like this so much, I also just purchased the Moisturelush Eye Cream, which has optical diffusers to reduce the appearance of fine lines. UPDATE: After using this for more than a month, I'm still loving it. I increased my rating from a 4 to a 5. I did change to wearing it every day under my makeup, instead of night & morning. It makes a great primer for foundation and powder. Since I've been using Moisturelush, the condition of my skin has improved remarkably. I think my skin was really craving the moisture it provides. I can't say that all the improvements I'm noticing are from using this cream because I still use Retin-A, which is amazing in itself, but I have no more blemishes or dry spots. I love this cream and will continue to use it.
INGREDIENTS: Water, caparylic/capric triglyceride, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, isostearyl neopentanoate, peg-100 stearate, squalane, isopropyl palmitate, butylene glycol, glyceryl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, peg-40 stearate, cetearyl alchohol, polysorbate 60, tocopheral (vitamin E), linoleic acid, caffeine, cholesterol, oryzanol, hordeum vulgare (barley) extract, triticum vulgare (wheat) germ extract, oryza sativa (rice) bran oil, sodium carbomer, carbomer, nylon-12, polysorbate 80, sodium dehydroacetate, acrylamides copolymer, polyaminoporpyl biguanide, ethylhexyglycerin, acrylamide/sodium acrylouyldimethyltaurate copolymer, isohexadecane, fragrance (parfum), disodium EDTA, phenoxyethanol.
DESCRIPTION FROM MAC: Moisturelush Cream is a densely hydrating face cream packed with ingredients to provide rich, lasting moisture in a silky application. The non-acnegenic formula glides on easily and leaves the skin smooth and perfectly primed for makeup application. Caffeine, an anti-irritant, helps Moisturelush wear comfortably on the skin. The unique combination of Barley Extract, Wheat Germ Extract, Cholesterol and Linoleic Acid helps to maintain the lipid barrier and immediately transforms dry skin into beautifully hydrated skin. Moisturelush Cream helps skin look and feel its best with the help of Oryzanol, an antioxidant. Moisturelush provides improved moisture to skin over time and is suitable for all skin types. It is dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Chanel - Glossimer - Waterlily
muakitten 1/10/2008 12:29:00 AM
Be warned: this color is VERY sheer. I think it's even more sheer than Glow, which is my all-time fave. I'd say Waterlily is like a cool-toned version of Glow. I was a bit disappointed that Waterlily is so sheer, rather than applying like it appears in the tube. However, I have naturally very pink lips so this shade looks nice on me. It's like MLBJ (my lips but juicier). It gives a hint of pink color with subtle golden shimmer. I'm addicted to Glossimers so I'd say it's a worthwhile purchase for me. I've been wearing it every day for the past three weeks since I got it.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No