Misc Beauty Tools -Clarisonic - Mia
pinky33 4/27/2012 5:17:00 PM
Ok I'll admit, I was one of the skeptics of this item. Especially with my super sensitive skin. (I thought this would be something I would definitely need to pass on) My birthday was in January & my sisters & brothers chipped in and bought me one. (my sister had heard me wondering outloud about this & thought it was something I really wanted). I debated returning it...but thought what the heck, I'll give it a whirl and if I hate it (or even if it's just meh) then I'll return it. (They bought it at Nordstrom) Luckily they bought me the delicate head. (which I understand is the softest one) I am 44 and have mild rosacea which is under control. (no flare ups unless I use a skin care item that irritates it) In my "old age" I have come to understand that less is more with my skin. I pretty much have given up on all forms of manual exfoliation. (too irritating) I started out using this every other day, which I quickly discovered was too much for my skin. Did I notice a difference right away? You betcha! My skin was VERY soft & smooth. I have figured out that once a week is perfect for my skin. My skin care absorbs much better, I have less flaky skin & my skin is just all around more smooth & soft. I do NOT use the cleanser that they sell with this. I use a very mild cleanser. (currently Paula's Choice) Would I buy this on my own if I hadn't been gifted one? YES! Overall I really like it. And wouldn't be able to dupe the effects I get with anything else.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Josie Maran Cosmetics - Argan oil
pinky33 11/2/2011 6:03:00 PM
Me: mild rosacea, finicky skin. I used to be oily in my teens, 20's and 30's...and thought I still was...but for the past couple years I've had flakes on my face. I chalked it up to the products I was using (Vit C, retinoids, etc) But all the SA's kept asking me if I was exfoliating and putting products for dry skin on me. I finally came to terms with the fact that my skin is dry and have been babying it more. Got a sample of this oil from Sephora and put 2 drops in my moisturizer at night and 1 in the morning and Wah-la!! No more flakes! My skin is actually really healthy looking right now. I may have to up the amoung of drops I use once winter hits. It'll be interesting to see if it will still get the job done once it gets really dry. It hasn't caused any breakouts (but I'm not breakout prone per se) I do get irritation rashes (red bumps) but this hasn't caused any problems. Would I buy a full bottle? Probably not because it's really expensive. But I have swapped for a bottle AND they sell Argan oil at Whole Foods/Sprouts, etc. for much cheaper. (Josie Maran 4oz bottle = $96, Whole Foods/Sprouts 4oz bottle = $29.99) I've been using the no name brand 100% argan oil and my skin accepted it w/out any problems.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Laura Mercier - Caviar Stick Eye Colour
pinky33 8/4/2011 6:58:00 PM
ME: NW20, brunette, light green eyes, contact lens wearer. I actually really like this product. I bought 3 colors, but this review is for PLUM. I would say this is a very neutral color. I think most plums tend to lean on the cool side. I worry about colors like this making my eyes look bloodshot. (which make me look tired or like I've been crying) I tested this product on one eye (lower waterline only) and I used Chanel cassis stylo yeux waterproof on the other eye. The LM lasted MUCH longer. I usually have to clean up *small* smears under my eye as the day progresses. But this one is still going strong & no smears! (I have tried MANY H20proof eye products - MUFE, UD, Chanel) It's hard to keep anything on my waterline. I may have to swap away my Chanel eyeliners and go back for ALL of these puppies! I'm excited to try the other 2 colors I bought (smoke & amethyst)
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Laura Mercier - Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Creme Anti Aging Treatment
pinky33 7/10/2009 4:13:00 PM
Ok, my skin is VERY finicky and I really like this cream. I have sensitive, rosacea-prone, combo skin. I use this mostly at night, but lately I have used a little on my cheeks in the morning since I've been kinda dry lately. It sinks in fast and I've had NO problem putting makeup on over it. The smell is fine, it doesn't make my face red (big problem with most products) hasn't caused any breakouts or rashes and I wake up with smooth glowing skin. It IS expensive at $95 a pop. But I guess there are MORE expensive products out there. I'm about halfway thru my jar and it's been 3 mos. I would like it to come in a more hygenic container, (ie pump or tube) but oh well. I will definitely buy it again. I've tried other high end products like Chanel and Chantecaille, but this cream is the best for my skin type.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Bobbi Brown - Coral LE 2007
pinky33 6/9/2009 4:02:00 PM
This is for the new square packaging and the new coral (w/shimmer) blush. I really like this a lot. I walked by the BB counter and this called out to me. I looked at it wistfully, doubting that my light, pink-undertoned skin could pull it off. The MA said sure I could and put it on me. Needless to say I walked out of Nordies a happier (and glowier) person. I own about 13 blushes. (some of you old-timers are laughing at me) I just dug this out of winter hibernation and have been using it over bronzer. I forgot how much I love it. I haven't used it in winter, but you def could. I'm NW15/20 w-green eyes and brown hair. It makes my eyes pop. Looks fresh and glowy. I do apply it with a lighter hand because it is on the bright side for my lighter skin. Definitely one of my faves!!
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Liquid -Estee Lauder - Double Wear LIGHT Foundation SPF10
pinky33 6/9/2009 3:52:00 PM
Me: I have very sensitive skin (mild rosacea) and trying a new product is usually pretty nervewracking for me. I never know HOW or WHEN I'll react to something. I'm about NW15/20. I have normal skin with a slightly oily tzone in the summer. I got a sample of this & have been using it for a little over a week. I really like it. I got a sample in #1 & #2 and #1 is perfect for me. The coverage is pretty good, one coat covers everything for me. I just need evening out, nothing major to cover. I haven't tried the original DW, so I can't compare, but read reviews and thought this would fit my needs better. Plus I like foundation in a pump bottle or tube. I will buy a full size tube as soon as I run out of this sample.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Chanel - Professional Eyeliner Duo La Ligne De Chanel
pinky33 5/19/2009 6:40:00 PM
Well, I hate to bring the ratings down, but as much I wanted to love these liners they just don't work for me. I bought the brown and black ones. Beautiful colors and I loved the brushes they came with. The problem for me is that the color transfers to my eyelids and also when I tightline the color transfers to my bottom lid. (some people may not mind this, but I don't line my lower lids.) It was super easy to apply and even though the brown matte color was kind of a red/brown it looked dark brown after applying, which is what I wanted. I'm returning them to Nordies and going back to MAC blacktrack and BB gel liners. Excellent quality and colors, just didn't work for my heavy lids. =( My loss.
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Powder -Bare Escentuals - Bare Minerals in 1.2, fairly light
pinky33 3/12/2009 11:00:00 PM
(I'm actually 32, really fair, blondish/brown, and green eyed...this is my sisters profile)... :/ :) I went into a beauty supply store years ago and had them put this on me to try it...they applied it SO thick, I was TOTALLY turned off the product! My sister was using it all the time, so I decided to give it another go about 5 years ago, and I could not be happier! I don't get all the complaints about the product...I used to have such bad acne until I started using this product ( I do not have sensitive skin at all...that could be a reason why it doesn't make me break out) and now my skin is sooooo clear! I think girls are wearing the makeup too dark if they are going through a pot a month!!! I can use one pot for about 6 months! And I NEVER have a problem with spillage or ill-fitting lids! I use the Bisque all over underneath, and then apply the Fairly Light Foundation, glee for blush, and then mineral veil and VOILA! I am ready for the day! I naturally have MAJOR oily skin and while this doesn't really help that ( I blame my face, not the product) I never look oily, I just FEEL oily. I did notice about 3-4 months ago that the foundation was emphasizing my facial expression lines ( I refuse to recognize them as wrinkles!) I have started using the Smashbox Light Primer and could not be happier...(unless I all of a sudden had perfect, model skin and never had to apply make-up ever again!) That will never happen, so until then, I will continue to use my Bare Esentuals!
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Eye Shadow -Clinique - Maple Blossom LE Spring 09
pinky33 2/25/2009 5:10:00 PM
I love the flower pattern on this shadow and that is what initially drew me to it. After looking at the colors I bought this one and tiger lilly (later took tiger lilly back cuz it looked a little too orangey for me.) I LOVE this color. The 2 shades are amazing together. This is what I had hoped Dior's silvery look would be like, but wasn't. This is heaven for green eyes. Blends really well (of course they aren't as buttery as Dior's shadows, but for the price point, I'm ok with it.) I put the lighter color all over my lid and use the darker one in my crease and outer v. Silvery taupey goodness and yes I'd buy it again.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Sally Hansen - Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy
pinky33 7/31/2008 7:16:00 PM
I really love this blush. I bought Ethereal about 2 1/2 months ago and it's the only blush I've been reaching for (besides BB coral). The price is right, the color is perfect for me (NW 20) and it hasn't caused on any breakouts or irritation on my sensitive (rosacea prone) skin. LOVE!!! (can't say the same for the carmindy foundation though.)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Unlisted Brand - RevitaLash
pinky33 7/31/2008 7:11:00 PM
I bought this on ebay (sealed) so the price didn't hurt as bad as it could have. I went into this skeptical, but after using it for about 2 months I honestly have to say that my lashes are longer. I have to say that I have relatively good lashes to start with, (I always got complimented on them when I was younger) but as I've aged I've noticed that they started getting shorter and a little more sparse. So I bought this and now they are back to their long self. I wear contact lenses normally but on the rare occasion I put my glasses on, my lashes definitely scrape the lenses. (i'm not complaining though) I will buy it again.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Lumene - Energy Cocktail pampering drops [DISCONTINUED]
pinky33 5/30/2008 8:21:00 PM
I REALLY like this product! My skin: sensitive, rosacea prone and lately VERY dry. My skin has been so flaky and dry lately and I know it's because I abuse the HE*@ out of it. I used to use a lot of harsh products (for acne) and my derm told me to stop. I'm so used to having oily and acne prone skin but I've had to take a step back and realize that I'm middle age now and my skin needs to be pampered. So...I tried these "pampering" drops and it's just what the DR. ordered. I don't SEE a lot of change as far as toning down the pink so much, but I really feel a big difference. No more dry flaky tight irritated skin. I used this AM and PM for about a week, but then switched to just PM since this can be slightly oily during the day. I've swapped for another bottle since I believe this has been discontinued and can't find it at any stores. :( There is a new product that looks similar but not sure if it is yet. As long as I can get my hands on the old one, I will. HG product for me. I use it every night.
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Foundations -Giorgio Armani - Face Fabric Second Skin Nude Makeup
pinky33 5/22/2008 4:20:00 PM
Ok, I have been watching the reviews on this and finally decided to bite the bullet and buy it. I'm about NW20 and I got #2 which is perfect for me. I took this on vacation to Puerto Vallarta where I tried it for the first time. I was a little worried about it covering everything. I don't have perfect skin (mild rosacea and small blemish marks) This really does "blur" them out and makes you look natural (but better) It's not full coverage by any means, but I like it. a lot! It held up VERY well in the heat and humidity. I even wore it on a zipline, mule ride, boat ride and repelling "adventure". (7 hours) I was worried the whole time about what I looked like, but I shouldn't have, because I got back to the hotel and was shocked at how good I looked. I'm back at work and wearing my old (toleriane - LRP) foundation. I need to use it up. But I will be switching over to this face fabric soon. I do have 3 new breakouts, but I think it's because of the new sunscreen I tried on vacation. :( I will update later if it's this stuff that's making me breakout. I think not though.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Cargo - Cargo Blu-Ray High Definition Powder Makeup
pinky33 2/12/2008 6:23:00 PM
I just bought this powder yesterday. I'm crossing my fingers that it doesn't break me out. I REALLY love the finish of this. The SA at sephora put it on my hand with a sponge/puff and it looked disgusing but I put it on face and then noticed that my face looked kinda dry and flaky (I use a retinoid) By the time I got home and looked in the mirror my face looked flawless!! No sign of the flakies. This stuff just melded in to my face and was wonderful. Normally powder is a tough one for me. I'm very picky. If I was any lighter it probably wouldn't work color-wise. (I'm MAC NW 20-ish maybe 15.) I recently purchased shiseido's powdery foundation, Lorac's wet/dry foundation AND Palladio wet/dry powder foundation. I returned the Lorac (coverage was crap) and I'm going to return the Shiseido (haven't even tried it yet but I love the Cargo one) The palladio I'll probably keep and use for swapping or a gift or something. (it was pretty cheap) I bought the blush highlighter too and will review it also. I'm hoping this doesn't break me out because the coverage and finish are beautiful!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Giorgio Armani - Sheer Powder Blush #11
pinky33 12/20/2007 4:13:00 PM
I have just gotten into the biggest blush craze lately. I used to never wear blush because I have rosacea and putting color on top of already rosy cheeks seemed a little ludicrous to me. Well, I have since had laser done and now most of my "rosiness" is gone. YAY!!! (I envy people with pale porcelain complexions.) I still have a little bit of a pink undertone so I can't get wild and crazy with blush yet... Anyway...I have bought several Chanel blushes because they are just so beautiful to look at. I have learned a hard lesson though. What is beautiful in the pan is NOT necessarily beautiful on me. (I'm talking to you Narcisse!!) As much as I try to love these gorgous bright colors, they just aren't for me. Well, I swapped for GA #11 blush and when I got it I thought, "meh". Then I put it on and the world stopped rotating for a couple of seconds. I am in LOVE!! I use Chanel nude for contouring the hollows of my cheeks and then use this for the apples and I'm telling you....it's gorgeousness!! (is that a word?) Anyway...my other blushes will have to take a back seat for awhile I'm afraid. Will most def buy this puppy when I run out.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No