Treatments -Biosilk - Silk Therapy
pinstripemafia 4/12/2008 10:03:00 PM
This is the second time I've purchased Silk Therapy, and its worth the price if you can catch it on sale or in some kind of promotion. I managed to snag a 5.64 oz bottle that came with a smaller 2.26 oz bottle for free, so it was worth it for me. Consistency wise, this is like a serum, it has a thick oily feel to it, very slippery, with a tiny bit of tackiness to it. It has no color, and the scent imo is not too overpowering or offensive. A little does go a long way with this product, i have thick hair a few inches below my shoulders and i use a quarter sized amount on towel dried hair and work it in with my hands and then comb it through. It leaves my hair feeling softer and looking shinier, and also acts as a heat protectant, which is a huge plus to me. I use a flat iron quite a bit so I need all the protection I can get to prevent breakage. I use it along with CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Bare Escentuals - Maximum Coverage Face Brush
pinstripemafia 2/6/2005 9:08:00 AM
This does indeed look like a huge concealor brush. I would imagine thats essentially what it is, a concealor brush for your whole face,lol. I have trouble areas on my cheeks and chin, and this helps cover everything beautifully. I can still use my flawless application brush on the areas like my forehead that don't need as much coverage, and everything comes out looking porcelain perfect. I thought I was happy when I discovered Bare Minerals, but I'm even more happy now that I've discovered this brush!
I have quite a few Bare Escentuals brushes, and the quality is excellent with all of them. They don't splay, shed, or scratch if you take good care of them. Frequent cleaning is a must.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Bare Escentuals - Eye Brow Brush
pinstripemafia 2/6/2005 9:02:00 AM
One word. FABULOUS!!! This applies my BE Brow Powder like a dream, and makes everything look so soft and subtle. It blends perfectly and the bristles are nice and stiff so you can really work that powder into your brows. Your brows literally look flawless when you use this brush. Its mistake proof! I'm so in love with this brush! Go buy one!!!
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Makeup Brushes -Bare Escentuals - Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush
pinstripemafia 2/6/2005 8:58:00 AM
This is a *wonderful* brush for concealing. I have yet to try the Bisques, I just use my mineral foundation for concealing as well as foundation, so theres no problems with variation of shades. The brush is dense, but pliable, not stiff, and makes covering blemishes and dark circles a dream rather than a nightmare. I'm very pleased with it.
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Makeup Brushes -Bare Escentuals - Flawless Application Face Brush
pinstripemafia 2/6/2005 8:52:00 AM
I've been using this brush for over a year, and it is a great brush to get you started with Bare Minerals. Depending on whether you need more coverage, you may consider moving up to the Kabuki or Maximum Coverage brush, but when you're getting a feel for the product initally, this is a wonderful staple to help you get acquainted with how the powder applies. Some may never need to upgrade, but I personally need more coverage in some areas, so I upgraded to the Maximum Coverage brush, but I digress.
I quickly came to realize that with this brush, you *MUST* clean it regularly and often. It was made to pick up the powder within the bristles and hold it there until you buff it in. Of course, you aren't going to buff ALL of the powder from the brush onto your face. Some of it will stick on the brush, and the less you clean the brush, the more powder will build up within the bristles, resulting in hard, scratchy bristles, and uneven application. Once you clean it it reverts back to super soft, and all is right with the world.
I have had a little bit of shedding from this brush, but a little is expected with any brush. It hasn't been enough to warrant me to never buy it again. I can happily say that this brush has put up with everything I've put it through wonderfully.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Brows -Bare Escentuals - Brow Finishing Gel
pinstripemafia 2/6/2005 8:42:00 AM
Yeah, it works at taming the brows. Thats why its getting a 3 from me. HOWEVER, if you wanted to save your money, you could just go buy some clear mascara (I use Jane) at the drugstore. It does the same thing, for a lot less.
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Brows -Bare Escentuals - Eye Brow powder
pinstripemafia 2/6/2005 8:37:00 AM
I'm a natural (but lightened) blonde, and have a horrible time trying to find blonde brow pencils, waxes, or powders that will look okay on me. Most are way too dark. The Pale/Ash Blonde shade is perfect for me. This also comes available in: Auburn, Brunette, & Dark Blonde/Medium. The packaging for the powder is another story. There's no sifter, so its a bit of a mess to dip the brush in the pot and try not to lose any powder while moving it to your brows. Applying the powder is yet another messy task, as the powder tends to fall off and land on my cheek. Luckily, it doesn't stick to my skin when I rub it away. You get a pretty hefty portion in the pot, enough to last many, many applications, and for a retail price of $11.00 on QVC's website, its a steal.
Overall, the packaging and application aren't the best, but the look achieved far exceeds other pencils, waxes, and powders that I've tried in the past, so I'll be sticking with this for a long time.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Brows -Bare Escentuals - Essential Brow Kit
pinstripemafia 2/6/2005 8:28:00 AM
This kit, which retails on Sephora for $32.00 ($30.00 on QVC), contains: 0.01 oz bareMinerals Powder Brow Color, 0.2 oz Brow Finishing Gel, & an Angled Brow Brush. Buying these items separately could prove to be a problem for some, as you can't buy them individually at Sephora, but you can on QVC's website.
The Powder Brow Color in this set is exceptional. I'm a natural (but lightened) blonde, and have a horrible time trying to find blonde brow pencils, waxes, or powders that will look okay on me. Most are way too dark. The Pale/Ash Blonde shade is perfect for me. The kit also comes available in: Auburn, Brunette, & Dark Blonde/Medium. The packaging for the powder is another story. There's no sifter, so its a bit of a mess to dip the brush in the pot and try not to lose any powder while moving it to your brows. Applying the powder is yet another messy task, as the powder tends to fall off and land on my cheek. Luckily, it doesn't stick to my skin when I brush it away.
The Brow Finishing Gel is essentially clear mascara. Bottom line, I would save my money next time and buy Jane's Clear Mascara like I've been using for years. It does the exact same job, keeping the brows tamed, for much less money.
The Angled Brow Brush is a dream. Nice, sturdy bristles allow you to really get in there and work the powder into your brows. This is what really makes the powder work. It gives you soft, well blended color, no gawdy pencil marks here! The brush is also a nice, small size. Very easy to work with.
Overall, I think that the best option is to head over to QVC's website, or maybe a Bare Escentuals store if you have one nearby, and just purchase the brow powder and brush separately. You don't really need to waste the money on the Finishing Gel, and after you buy the brush the first time, you won't need to repurchase it for a looooooong time. Likewise, the powder is a pretty hefty portion as well, and will last for many, many applications.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Philosophy - The gingerbread man- body souffle
pinstripemafia 2/6/2005 8:03:00 AM
I recieved this as a gift from my mother, and coincidentally I got her the Marshmallow souffle, and Marshmallow is definitely the better of the 2. I didn't think I would like the Gingerbread Man scent, but it is growing on me. It isn't as spicy as I imagined it to be, which is a good thing for me. It has a thinner consistency than the Marshmallow Souffle, Marshmallow is more like a thick body cream, whereas the Gingerbread Man is more like pudding. Overall I think its "okay", but I would definitely buy the Marshmallow over the Gingerbread Man any day, so I won't be repurchasing.
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Lotions/ Creams -Philosophy - Marshmallow Cream Body Souffle
pinstripemafia 2/6/2005 7:59:00 AM
I bought this as a Christmas present for my mom, and now everytime I go to her house I have to put it on myself because its so yummy! It does smell more like hot cocoa with marshmallows, but that makes it even more glorious to me! I have the Gingerbread Man souffle myself, and I can honestly say this has a thicker consistency than the Gingerbread Man. The Gingerbread Man has a texture like pudding, and Marshmallow is more like a thick cream moisturizer. The smell lasts forever on me. I put some of it on yesterday, and this morning I could still (faintly) smell it on my hands. I really can't wait to get my own!
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Eye Shadow -NARS - Misfit Duo
pinstripemafia 1/19/2005 7:12:00 PM
Another hit for NARS! This duo has slight shimmer, not overly noticeable, in ecru/cream and vivid kelly green colors. Both colors show up well enough on me, the green shade is more pigmented though I think. One swipe of my crease brush was enough to do my entire V area and blend it out. The green color is so bright and vivid that it makes your eyes stand out like you wouldn't believe! People who don't like daring or colorful eyeshadows won't like this duo, but if you're looking for a great green shade to play with, this one's for you!
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Lipstick -NARS - Barbarella
pinstripemafia 1/11/2005 10:16:00 AM
I have been on an elusive hunt for flattering peach lip shades for so long I'm about to pull my hair out. Glosses and lipsticks, balms and tints, I've been trying it all. Many were either too orange, too sheer, or just plain unflattering. Barbarella is definitely an exception. Its a perfect peach that actually looks the same on my lips as it does in the tube. HALLELUJAH!!! The only drawback is that it is a little bit drying and the color is flat. This is an easy fix with a clear or sheer gloss slicked over it. A small price to pay for a peach that actually packs a punch! Its not a HG since it requires some extra work, but it'll definitely be a stand in until I find one...if ever.*sigh*
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Scrubs -Pro Activ - Deep Cleansing Wash
pinstripemafia 12/28/2004 9:25:00 PM
This stuff is awesome. The scrubbers feel nice and the menthol in it leaves my skin tingly and fresh feeling. It makes your skin feel really smooth and refreshed. Another big plus is that you can use it on your face and your body.
The only drawbacks are that its hard to get a hold of since I can't just go to the store and pick it up, I have to order it. I would've rather had this in a tube than a pump as well.
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Lip Treatments -DuWop - Buttercream lip balm
pinstripemafia 12/23/2004 11:09:00 PM
RIS from lyssrose, I wasn't so sure about this when I first got it. The texture is greasy (or like lard), but it really doesn't bother me. The buttercream scent and taste is subtle. Not overpowering at all. The chapstick-like tube is a HUGE rave. I'm so sick of having to stick my fingers into pots. This is so easy, it can go in my pocket and I can go out the door.
As for moisturizing...it does feel nice on, but other than that you aren't going to get spectacular results from this. Once you've licked it off (for the buttercream flavoring) you just have to keep reapplying to keep your lips moist. That isn't a horrible thing with this stuff though, because the more you apply the more you get to lick off!
Overall its a pretty average tube of balm, nicely packaged, scented, and flavored. The only downsides to this are the greasiness and the outrageous price. (Which thankfully I didn't have to pay!) You could probably find something similar to this from Bonne Bell for much cheaper.
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Hair Color -L'Oreal - Feria Haircolor
pinstripemafia 12/19/2004 11:24:00 PM
I've been using the Pure Diamonds shade (very light natural blonde) for months now and I don't have a single complaint. My hair is naturally dirty dishwater blonde, and it lightens just enough that I don't look bright yellow. It looks very natural. I haven't had any problems with retouching my regrowth either. It all comes out one uniform shade, rather than ten different shades from root to tip from touch ups like I've had happen before with other haircolors. I have natural looking highlights and I'm very happy with the color and will continue to rebuy.
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