Mascara -Christian Dior - DiorShow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum
noname103 5/24/2011 6:36:00 PM
This would totally be my HG primer....IF it didn't totally kill my curl :( Packaging is gorgeous - even more so than the other Dior mascara products. Leaves my lashes soft rather than stiff or brittle. Washes out easily. Adds both length AND volume especially when used under DiorShow. However, my wimpy straight lashes definitely need curl, and although I have never had issues with DiorShow mascara, this primer definitely weighs them down. I still plan to use this but I hope they can tweak the formula :(
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Blush -BeneFit Cosmetics - Coralista
noname103 5/24/2011 6:31:00 PM
Never seriously considered buying this because I figured it too red for my skin tone. However, I am a fan of benefit products and decided to use my Sephora points for a sample of this when it popped up. I have to say that I'm pleasantly surprised. The color is very flattering, easy to blend, lasts super long, and - something I never really thought about in a blush - SMELLS DELICIOUS! Although the sample size is generous, I'd be happy to purchase this when it runs out.
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Moisturizers -Philosophy - Hope Oil-Free SPF
noname103 5/18/2011 2:56:00 PM
Two words - BURNING EYES. Despite deliberate intention to carefully apply this to the undereye area WITHOUT getting it in my eyes, I invariably have experienced painful teary burning every time I've used the deluxe sample I got from Sephora. This alone is more than enough for me not to purchase. The area I am most vigilant about sunscreen is under the eyes. I typically use the spf 40 sunblock from clarins but like to try out lesser-spf sunscreens for those days when I just need sun protection for a few minutes. I applied this daily for a week over my regular moisturizer and really did not feel that it contributed any moisturizing effect. In fact, my skin has felt less moisturized overall the past few days. The good things about this product are that it leaves skin looking less greasy than many other brands I've tried, there is no offensive odor, and it comes in an easy-to-apply squeeze tube. If you're looking for lightweight sunscreen conveniently packaged with moisturizer and have eyes that aren't very sensitive, this might work.
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Eyeliner -L'Oreal - Telescopic Liquid Eyeliner
noname103 5/15/2011 5:57:00 PM
Like many others out there, I purchased this in the hopes it could replace my all-time favorite Maybelline Line Works eyeliner. After just one use I ended up throwing out the cap/brush and using the one from my last Maybelline liner - thankfully, it fit!! The felt tip on the L'oreal is larger, flimsier, and blunter than the Maybelline. For me, this translates to a thicker, less precise line, made by an applicator which is more difficult to control. I love me a good wing tip and this one makes me struggle (I'm a 10+ year veteran of the liquid liner wing tip.) That being said, the L'oreal is indeed waterproof, which was a gripe many people (myself not included) had about the Maybelline. At the end of the day, the L'oreal practically needs to be scraped off, as stubborn flakes of black will remain behind on your eyelid and in your sink. Personally I can do without that, though I know others may appreciate this more. It does dry fast during application - so corrections need to be done quickly otherwise the formula will be difficult to budge. I plan to finish my bottle of L'oreal with the help of the Maybelline applicator, but will not be repurchasing.
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Eye Shadow -Bare Escentuals - Glimmer- Bare Skin
noname103 5/15/2011 5:46:00 PM
I had been looking for a perfect peachy pink eyeshadow and this is definitely it. It is shimmery but without chunks of glitter. More appropriate for warmer months as it has bronze tones as well. Applies beautifully and stays all day without creasing when applied over UDPP, and blends well. Like all BE glimmers you get a ton of product and only need a small amount for each application. However, also like all BE glimmers you have to deal with the sifter/jar which I find annoying - as I have spilt product on more than one occasion. Still, I'm happy to deal with it for this beautiful eyeshadow.
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Moisturizers -Shiseido - White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Gel
noname103 5/15/2011 5:42:00 PM
I wanted to love this but it was a disappointment. It did not have a noticeable brightening effect. Interestingly, when I applied this to my hand in the store, I immediately noticed some brightening yet this didn't really work on my face. Furthermore, the product did not feel like it was absorbing into my skin, and its moisturizing abilities were only average. The container is pretty and feels comfortable to open and close. The smell was a mix of chemicals and perfume - didn't love it but didn't hate it either. Overall would not purchase again.
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Treatments -Clean & Clear - Advantage Acne Spot Treatment
noname103 5/14/2011 11:44:00 PM
I am pretty much always amazed by this product - it is a MIRACLE WORKER. I have always had good skin however I do tend to have occasional acne. For me, this product works best on pimples that show up on my nose where my skin is most oily. I usually get a small red spot heralding the imminent arrival of a zit, but if I apply a small dab of this, the spot will generally disappear overnight. It does not burn on me and while it does have a mild alcoholish scent, it does not bother me or linger. It mattes down pretty well and I have no issues with applying makeup or sunblock on top. The packaging is great. Comes in a foil tube which means you can squeeze out the tiny amount needed. Not the prettiest packaging but it does the job. Amount is generous - at the rate I use it, the one tube will last me years and years provided it doesn't spoil. Cost is pretty cheap as it is a drugstore brand. I would happily buy this again.
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Pressed Powders -Maybelline - pure stay long wearing pressed powder
noname103 4/13/2011 8:30:00 PM
I initially reviewed this product 2 years ago when I bought it impulsively at a local CVS to cover a blemish. At that time I gave it an overall rating of 2, with a 3 for price and a 4 for packaging. I now feel I have to adjust my review because I've come to appreciate this product much, much more. The best thing about this product is that it gives you smooth, blendable coverage with skin that appears flawless. However, it is a powder formula so this will only work if you do NOT have dry skin or flaky areas. The product packaging is unattractive - it's definitely not one of those that you pick up to try out just because you're attracted to it. In fact it's usually on the bottom shelf at the stores. The compact flips open and includes a mirror and a square sponge which is super soft and perfect for applying the product. There is a very limited shade selection, and although the shades apply lighter than they appear in the compact, the lightest shade (10) probably will not be light enough for those with extremely pale skin. Likewise, there are no available shades for darker skin tones. Overall I now love this product because of the flawless look it gives, and I actually think its equal to and possibly better than many of the high end brand pressed powders I've used. I consider this a treasure of a drugstore find and will definitely repurchase.
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Concealers -Sephora - Cooling Cover Stick in Vert 03
noname103 8/14/2010 9:10:00 PM
Personally, I like this. Bought it as my first GREEN concealer to tackle a little bit of redness around the nose. Yes, it's difficult to blend, but I absolutely LOVE the cooling sensation. Not sure what achieves that feeling - probably menthol, but the packaging is missing an ingredients list - but it's just wonderful. Tackle the blending problem by dabbing it lightly then blending with the fingers. It's probably more of a pain if you're planning to use it in delicate areas like the eyes, but for my needs it's great. Plus, it's on sale for $6.
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Masks -Boscia - Luminizing Black Mask
noname103 7/28/2010 10:18:00 PM
I really wanted to like this product. Peel off mask from a quality skin care company, colored chic black and in cool packaging? Sounded great but I was rather disappointed.... First of all, the bottle is small, especially because the application of this mask requires a thick layer. After just one use there was a considerably-sized dent in the tube. At $34 that's quite a lot of $ per use! The peeling process isn't very satisfactory. It won't come off in one fell swoop - I spent at least 5 minutes picking off pieces because I could only manage to rip off small sections at a time. Furthermore, you can't really see anything that has been removed from the skin. Nowhere near as satisfactory as an Ultra Biore pore strip. Finally, it just didn't do much for my skin. Yes it felt a bit smoother afterward, but I also had excoriations from where I had to scratch to remove tiny pieces of mask. No obvious luminosity either. Overall, I'll probably keep it but would not repurchase.
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Mascara -Clinique - High Lengths Mascara
noname103 6/24/2010 1:51:00 PM
Oh my goodness! I finally found a mascara I like just as much, if not MORE, than Diorshow. I got a sample of this in a swap from a lovely MUAer, and honestly I was just interested to try it because of the brush...didn't really expect much. I have short straight lashes and Diorshow has been the only mascara that I've found does a great job volumizing (I like volume more than length) and keeps a curl. High lengths actually does a great job volumizing PLUS lengthening. And at $14???? Yes, the bristles on the brush are tiny, but if you apply in a slight sideways/diagonal direction, they will literally grab every lash - you can feel a slight tug. Totally love this and will be buying a full size.
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Lip Liners -Lancome - Le Lipstique
noname103 6/23/2010 11:23:00 PM
First off, the brush that comes with this is a piece of junk. It's stiff and fails to apply or smudge evenly. Honestly I am considering just sawing off that part of the pencil. The liner itself is great. Applies smoothly without being too smudgey, and lasts a while. For me, Bronzelle is a perfect color for outlining a nude lip. Lancome: please repackage this without the brush (and save us a couple bucks in the process).
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Lip Treatments -Too Faced - Lip Insurance
noname103 6/23/2010 11:15:00 PM
Great lip primer. I've been using MAC P+P for years and this one is much better. A tad less convenient since it's a doe-foot applicator rather than lip balm form. Applies like a liquidy gel (I actually find that too much product comes out initially and I have to wipe off excess on the inside of the tube). Dries down in a couple minutes and then ready for you to apply liner/color. Helps prevent my lips from drying out, keeps color longer, and lips feel smooth. Still want to try out other lip primers but this one's quite good and I would repurchase.
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Lipstick -Illamasqua - Sonnet
noname103 6/22/2010 2:32:00 PM
Love this! I originally purchased Illamasqua Obey but the color was so off from what I expected that I hesitated to make another buy. However, this is such a great pinky-peachy-nude color. I have very pigmented lips but this is highly opaque and does a great job of staying true to color. Yes it is a bit dry being a matte formula, but applied over a lip primer it still looks fantastic. Very happy with this little guy and would repurchase.
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Eyeliner -Smashbox - Waterproof Shadow Liner Duo in Slate
noname103 6/21/2010 2:33:00 PM
A bit disappointed in this product. I purchased it to use as eyeliner but it is a little too thin for that purpose. I have Bobbi Brown's gel eyeliner and I guess I was expecting something similar. The colors in this duo are exactly the same except the one on the left is more shimmery -- another disappointment. Finally, I was expecting true gray, but both colors have a good deal of blue in them. They do blend easily if you intend to use them as eyeshadow. The compact is well thought out in that it has 2 lids - one with a mirror and a second lid to protect the product. It is slightly annoying to have to open 2 separate lids though, as the first opens vertically and the second horizontally. I might consider purchasing this in another color, but definitely not this one.
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