Mascara -Revlon - DoubleTwist
penelopemb 2/4/2011 5:01:00 PM
Worst mascara ever! I really have nothing to add that's different from what else has been said here. I am just shocked at what a bad product it is -- clumpy, dries out quickly, doesn't wear well AT ALL. This really is the worst mascara I've ever purchased and I just wish I had read the reviews here before buying!!
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Cleansers -Ponds - Deep Cleanser Cold Cream
penelopemb 8/2/2010 3:54:00 PM
So I have to say that I'm very surprised to be writing this, but ... this product has done wonders for my skin. I've been using it as my primary cleanser, twice a day for about three weeks now. My skin has never been so soft and smooth. Not so much as a hint of a pimple. The little blemishes I used to constantly have around my jawline and on my cheeks have vanished. I always use a warm damp washcloth to remove the product and I notice that it *really* takes everything off -- you can see the makeup residue on the washcloth. I think it gets my skin cleaner than the stuff I used to use (I went between Neutrogena Deep Clean and Mary Kay TimeWise for normal/oily skin), and it definitely isn't as drying. I think I'm hooked for good. I will say that I am not using this as an eye makeup remover; I'm just skittish about putting it on/around my eyes. But I'm sure it would be great for removing those impossible-to-get-off waterproof eyeliners and mascaras. Who knew that going old-school would turn out so well???
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Ponds - Dry Skin Cream
penelopemb 7/22/2010 10:32:00 AM
So yeah, this product is old-school, and its mineral oil-based formula isn't great for everyone. I don't use it every day but I keep a jar around -- it has rescued my skin from disaster more than once. I travel a lot, both for work and for fun, and spending a few days in a different climate (especially a hot, sunny one) is usually enough to send my skin into a flaking, rough tizzy. I bought my first jar of this when I was in Vegas and looking for the heaviest facial moisturizer I could find. This stuff always does the trick -- I wouldn't recommend it for day wear (greasy, and no sunscreen), but if I slather it on at night, within a few days my skin will be soft and smooth again.
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Mascara -L'Oreal - Waterproof Voluminous Carbon Black
penelopemb 10/9/2009 11:56:00 AM
I am a fan of the original Voluminous mascara, so decided to give Carbon Black Waterproof a try. I think L'Oreal does a pretty good job with mascara overall and is probably the best brand you can buy in the drug store. What a disappointment! This formula leaves flakes, flakes, and more flakes. I find it under my eyes all day long. Also, it goes on pretty clumpy. And it's very hard to remove, even with copious amounts of eye makeup remover. I end up having to resort to baby oil to get the last of it off. This is by far the most disappointment L'Oreal mascara I've tried. Stick with original Voluminous ... this formula is not an improvement by any means.
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Eye Primer -Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Original (UDPP)
penelopemb 4/22/2009 11:21:00 AM
Wow, I am MAJORLY impressed with this product. Imagine, buying something that actually does what it's supposed to do! I've used this product with many different brands of eye shadow, from the high-grade stuff to the dirt cheap ones, and every time the shadow stays put all day -- and I mean ALL DAY, 12-14 hours -- without a hint of creasing. It helps the color to "pop" a little bit more. Even worn on its own without shadow, it helps brighten your eyes. The makeup artist that turned me on to this stuff also says it works for lips. I haven't tried that yet but you can bet I will someday soon!
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Lipstick -Clinique - Butter Shine Lipstick - Delovely
penelopemb 4/22/2009 11:16:00 AM
I am loving this lipstick. It's the perfect nude shade for me -- not too much pink or purple, not too much brown. I like the lightweight feel and somewhat sheer coverage. It also does a good job moisturizing my lips and has just enough shine. For special occasions, I prefer to go heavier on eye makeup and leave my lips more neutral. I'm about six months away from my wedding and think this shade might be "the one" for the big day. And I just love that pretty silver bamboo tube!
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Primer/ Corrector -Smashbox - Photo Finish Primer
penelopemb 1/9/2009 11:03:00 AM
Wow, what a disappointment! I had been eye-balling this stuff for some time but the price tag kept me from going for it. But the last time I was at Sephora, I found out I had enough "Insider" points for a free gift, so I chose a sample of this product. I have broken blood vessels on the side of my nose, and it seems no matter what kind of concealer/foundation/whatever I use to cover it, it ends up settling in my pores after a couple of hours and looking terrible. So I thought this product would be the long-awaited solution. Sadly, no deal ... the foundation and concealer still settles in. And overall, I don't think this product did anything for me on any part of my face -- my foundation looks and wears exactly the same as it did before. Such a shame! I've been happy with other Smashbox products but not this one.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Revlon - Nail Enamel
penelopemb 11/24/2008 11:43:00 AM
I was pleasantly surprised by these polishes ... in an attempt to save some money, I've been cutting down on my salon visits and taking care of my own nails. I had been using Orly polish for a couple of weeks, then switched to Revlon's Raven Red. I actually found that this polish wears much better and chips much less than the pricier Orly. I also use a strengthener for a base coat, and Seche Vite top coat, both of which I used with the Orly, but I am much more pleased with the wear from the Revlon polish. The color itself is great for fall -- deep crimson red with brown undertones. It's a nice neutral and I would imagine it's flattering to most skin tones. Will definitely purchase more of these!
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Nails -Unlisted Brand - Duri-Rejuvacote
penelopemb 5/8/2008 1:29:00 PM
I've been using this stuff for a week now, and I have to say I am very impressed. I didn't think anything could ever beat Nail Envy, but I think this stuff just might do it. My nails, thumbnails in particular, always get these annoying "splits" that run in horizontally from the sides. Sometimes they are pretty far down on the nail, so I can't just clip it off -- then the split gets snagged on my clothes, hair, whatever. I haven't found a product yet that keeps my nails from splitting, but if this stuff does the trick, then I will be convinced that this is the best strengthener on the market. So far, so good -- my nails are much harder than usual.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Milani - Runway Eyes shadow palette-Gorgeous Gems
penelopemb 4/17/2008 11:53:00 AM
Wow! With the pigment in this stuff, color me impressed (ha). I wanted to experiment with some greens and these are a great mix of colors. The only downside is that the first time I opened the compact, one of the shadow bars fell out into my hand -- so it probably won't travel with me. One lippie off for the packaging. But the pigment is unbelievable. It builds beautifully. I'm going to try more of these. I was about to lay down the big bucks for some MAC eye shadows but I might be just as happy with these for now!
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Eye Shadow -Rimmel - eyeshadows
penelopemb 4/14/2008 10:38:00 AM
I have been very pleased with a number of Rimmel products (specifically the mascaras and bronzer), but these eye shadows were a HUGE disappointment. I bought the Colour Rush Trio in Tempting, which is two shades of minty green and a frosty white, and Maritime, which are shades of aqua blue. The shades are beautiful in the package, but they have almost no pigment, and even layering doesn't help build color much. I tried using both an eye shadow brush and sponge tip applicators and neither helped. I might try applying wet. What a letdown! UPDATE: I applied with a wet sponge-tip applicator and found that did help somewhat with the pigment, but it still lacks the "pop" of color you'd expect.
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Eyeliner -Smashbox - Cream Eyeliner in Smashing Caviar
penelopemb 11/20/2007 1:35:00 PM
I first got a duo of the Cream Eyeliner as part of a larger set -- I believe it was Caviar and a different maroon shade, the name of which I can't recall. I loved it and it really turned me on to eyeliner applied with a brush -- I later tried MAC Fluid Line and found it a little too gel-like (hence difficult to control), and Stila Smudgepots, which I found way too dry in consistency. When I ran out of the duo I purchased Caviar and Midnight Purple separately at Sephora. I believe this might have been reformulated because it's much more similar to the Smudgepots now -- much drier in consistency and not nearly the "pop" that I found before. I'm very disappointed and won't purchase again. Looks like it's back to Fluid Line for me ...
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Lipstick -Revlon - Super Lustrous Toast of New York
penelopemb 11/2/2007 2:57:00 PM
I really love this lipstick -- I believe it would be very flattering on many complexions. It's my current "everyday" shade, a beautiful reddish brown. A hair darker would be too much but this shade is perfect. I'm fair-skinned with blue eyes and reddish-brown hair but I have fairly neutral coloring (can wear both warm and cool shades) and I love how this shade looks on me. The formula is creamy and wears really well for not being a "long-wearing" lipstick. I know this shade has been a long-standing member of the Revlon lineup and there is a good reason for that!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Revlon - Super Lustrous in Wine with Everything
penelopemb 11/2/2007 2:43:00 PM
I have both the creme and pearl versions of this lipstick. I much prefer the creme ... the pearl is a little too much to the pink side for me. I have fairly neutral coloring and will go between warm and cool shades of makeup, so when I wear cool, this is my everyday lipstick of choice. (Toast of New York is my typical warm shade.) I don't think it looks as red on me as some other reviewers have noted, but it's definitely on the deep side. I really like the Super Lustrous line, especially the reformulated version, and I no longer notice any smell/taste. It's highly pigmented and wears really well, especially if applied with a lip brush. Good stuff!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Rimmel - Magnif'Eyes Eye Magnifier Eye Opening
penelopemb 4/10/2007 11:50:00 AM
UPDATE ON REVIEW: I tried wearing this a few more times and the flake thing must've been a fluke (perhaps I had on too much moisturizer that day) ... I actually like this mascara now. It can occasionally clump up but overall it's good -- just keep your lash comb handy! (original review) I liked how this stuff looked going on because I'm into fat, dramatic lashes ... but those who want a more natural or separated look won't like this because it does tend toward the spider-eyes side. But while I liked it initially, it became FLAKE CITY within a few hours! I rarely experience flakes so I was (unpleasantly) surprised. It's a cheap price and good if you're only going out for a few hours and want "wow" lashes ... but it's not HG material by any stretch of the imagination.
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