Powder -Physicians Formula - Super BB All-in-1 Beauty Balm Powder
princess101 3/14/2013 12:51:00 PM
So I've been on the hunt for a powder that doesn't settle in my pores and makes my liquid foundation look too matte. This is it. After testing 6 powders over a 2 month period this has trumped those both department store and lower priced drugstore. Pros are that it is readily available, provides a smooth, healthy and natural finish, does not settle in pores and does not oxidize. Also works great at controlling oils and keeping my tzone shine-free for up to 7 hours. Cons? Not enough shades (only 2) and pretty pricey at $19 CDN. Also, my pan came out of the compact and I hadnt even opened the cardboard package yet. This works better than the following I've tried recently: Too Faced Primed and Poreless Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder Nars Light Reflecting Loose Powder Palladio Loose Rice Powder Milani multi-tasker Pressed Powder Fdtn
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Cover Girl - Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation
princess101 2/9/2013 3:50:00 AM
I have never been able to try out a CG foundation until now; none of their previous formulas provided me with a good color match. I'm generally NC20-25 in Winter and 25-30 summer, and purchased both Classic Ivory and Buff Beige (shade numbers are different in Canada than US). Classic Ivory is a great match for my winter skin; is neutral with a slight cool yellow undertone. Buff Beige will be good as I transition into the summer months, has more of a warm yellow undertone. The consistency is that of a thicker foundation---but spreads and blends like a lotion. I prefer to apply this with a beauty blender, but have used my fingertips and a brush. All applied easily, but I had the most coverage with my fingertips, medium coverage with a brush and a more natural coverage with a sponge. This dries to a natural matte finish; neither dewy nor flat looking, just looks like great skin. This lasts a good while without fading or looking patchy. I've gotten average wear at 5 hours without a setting powder and needing to blot, but with a setting powder this lasts a good 8 hours. I really love that this does not emphasize my larger nose pores, nor does it sit in the wrinkles/lines around my mouth. This just makes my skin look flawless, smooth and naturally healthy. I prefer this over all of my foundations at the moment. I hesitate to call this HG material, as it's only been a month, but so far so good.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Christian Dior - Creme de Rose 001
princess101 1/26/2013 3:47:00 AM
My HG lip treatment used to be La Roche Posay Ceralip. It hydrated well and prepped my lips sufficiently for other lip products but over the past 8 years it seems as though my lips just got used to it. This past winter my lips were a flakey, dry mess and nothing could soothe them. I purchased this on a whim and am so glad. This saved my dry, shrivly lips and turned them into plump, full, well-hydrated kissable lips again. The price tag hurts but I stocked up during Sephora's VIB sale. After 2.5 months of twice daily use I have used about a 1/4 of the tub. I have not experienced the product turning yellow as others have noticed. This has officially become my favourite balm.
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Lipstick -Maybelline - Color Whisper
princess101 1/9/2013 5:46:00 PM
I am IN LOVE with this formula! They glide on better than the Loreal Caresse but like others have said, not as thick as the Revlon Lipbutters. I purchased this in 6 shades: 20 - Mocah Muse - (nude peach) 25 - Lust of Blush (nude pink) 30 - Pin Up Peach (peach/pale coral) 55 - One Size Fits Pearl (pearly pink) 60 - Petal Rebal (cool light pink) 80 - Made it Mauve (dusty rose) These are sheer, but can be layered for a more opaque look. The colours stay shiny and glossy after initial application but tend to fade by the 4 hour mark. Re-applying is not a problem as these don't bleed into the liplines (pointing my finger at you Revlon) and look chunky. These do not dry out my lips, but I also apply a lipbalm prior to these, as I would any other lipcolour. I prefer these over the Loreal and Revlon handsdown. They are cheaper, better quality and the results are nice on my lips. I purchased these at London Drugs for $9.99/each as they were having a buy 2, get 1 free on all Maybelline. These can also be found at Walmart Canada for $7.97 each. They are NOT in a special display, but in a permanent display in the Maybelline section.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Highlighters -MAC - Skinfinish-Stereo Rose
princess101 12/30/2012 6:38:00 PM
I've had a chance to purchase twice during its re-release and I have to say, I'm not a fan. The original is far superior in terms of colour and finish. While I know MSFs can vary depending on veining, I have found the new releases to be much more frosted and on the peachy side compared to the original. The original was much softer, with a golden pink shade and had a slight sheen---which offered a nice healthy glow to the cheeks. I will not re-purchase these again as I don't think they will ever compare to the original. The re-releases are nice in colour but calling them Stereo Rose is an insult to the original. Nice try MAC.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Revlon - Nearly Naked Foundation
princess101 12/29/2012 1:43:00 AM
I had been eagerly waiting for this foundation to hit Canadian soil and it is finally here!! I did not have much luck in terms of shade selection with UD's Naked Skin as they were far too yellow and jaundice looking on my light neutral/yellow undertone skin. I'm generally NC20 in winter and 25/30 in summer. For my winter skin, I wear this in shade "Shell" which was the recommendation according to Revlon's shade match finder. The shade is perfect for me. It is the best shade match I have had from any Revlon foundation and in drugstore foundations overall. I am also impressed with the finish and formula. It has a fresh, glowy finish without the shimmer and is easily blended into the skin. The formula is very fluid and borderline watery, but applies easily with a brush or fingers without streaking or patchiness. While it is a light coverage, it can be layered to achieve a more flawless finish. I do not suffer from any major skin discolourations, trauma or acne but do have larger pores on my nose, redness of my cheeks and purple/brown undereye circles. This evens out my skin nicely, and with the addition of a brightening concealer I'm good to go. It wears nicely throughout the day, even on my combo/oily skin. I have used this in conjunction with the Nearly Naked Pressed Powder and it works wonders. I do have a slight sheen by midday but I think this can vary depending on what is used on the face prior to application (ie. type of moisturizer, sunscreen, primer etc). Overall, my skin has never looked better. I now prefer this over my Nars Sheer Glow. I like the glass bottle and the snap shut cap, but would prefer a pump as this formula is so fluid it is easy to spill when trying to get the product out for use. Also, this is limited in shade selection for those that are very fair or with deep rich coloured skin. Canadian prices vary from $9.99 to $12.99 which is unbelievable for a Revlon foundation, as most are in the $17.99 and up range. Highly recommend giving this a try.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Bare Escentuals - Buxom Lips- Dolly
princess101 11/4/2012 4:38:00 PM
Texture is good, colour is a nice mauvey shade and the minty tingling feeling is nice but not at all painful. This definitely leaves a slight plumping effect, not big balloon lips but a subtle fullness around the lips edges. My main complaint is within the packaging. There appears to be no stopper within the neck of the bottle so when I pull out the wand it is full of gloss from the tip (which you can't even see) to the top threads where it screws into bottle. This is so disgustingly messy that it is not even worth using. Will not repurchase.
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Nails -Unlisted Brand - Red Carpet Manicure System
princess101 10/15/2012 11:09:00 PM
So I am relatively new to the whole gel manicure/shellac manicure at-home systems. I have been doing these at home for about 6 months and feel that I can finally give a proper review of this particular gel polish (polish only---not the LED light). I purchased the RCM Prep (primer), Structure (base), Brilliance (top coat), Revitalize (cuticle oil), Purify (alcohol cleanser), and Erase (polish remover) in a kit for $32, all of which were full sized, and got a free polish with it. I already had a 36W CND UV lamp which I used instead of the Pro LED light recommended with it. If you check the RCM website, you can use these polishes with a UV lamp instead, but will have to cure for a longer period of time. Long story short, the base, polish and top coat work wonderfully together. Removal is quick and easy, BUT application can be tricky depending on which shade you purchase. I've had a cleaner finish with shimmer than I've had with creme finishes. Creme finishes tend to show more lumps or unevenness ifyou are not careful. Do not waste your money on the Prep, as I didnt notice any difference with/without it. All of my manicures lasted a full 14 days without any chips or dings, and were only removed due to new growth. I use olive oil, almond oil etc as my cuticle oil---cheaper and works just as good as their Revitalize. I also use regular rubbing alochol instead of their Purify and 100% acetone instead of their Erase. All of have done no harm in the way my manicure looks, applies, or cures. Also, for those lint free pads, I just used J Cloth (Canadians will know this as the blue cloth you find laying around the garage) and they work wonders. Be sure to push back your cuticles, and apply gel only to your nail on not on your skin. You only need a thin layer, especially on the caps. Lastly, give yourself some time. Don't rush or you may end up with a lumpy manicure. **This review is of the polish when used with a UV lamp, and not the recommended LED lamp.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Palettes -Urban Decay - Vice Palette
princess101 10/11/2012 5:15:00 PM
I am a neutral lover at heart. I typically shy away from anything with bright colours, lots of shimmer, glitter or something I can't wear to the office; however, once I saw this palette in person and swatched a few shades there was no turning back. This has a variety of finishes and colours that are out of the box for me, but the quality of each and every one is so incredible that it was hard to refuse. I've used this palette for evenings out and have created some wonderfully colourful, but wearable eye looks. The shadows blend beautifully and last all night. I don't have any issues with glitter as I am a contact wearer, and removal is easy---no staining! This is a great investment for professionals and newbies alike, as there is something for everyone. Highly recommend!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Kat Von D - Tattoo Liner
princess101 10/11/2012 5:06:00 PM
My first liner from the Kat Von D line and I am somewhat disappointed. This liner is not as rich and pigmented as I'd hoped, nor is it water-resistant. This would appeal to those looking for a very fine tip pen-style liquid liner, as it is great for precise line work and beginners. Those looking for the water-resistant aspect will have to seach elsewhere. This is smudgeproof for regular daywear, but definately flakes/fades/runs upon contact with water. I will not repurchase this again, as there are far better options available at a more reasonable price.
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Eyeliner -Urban Decay - 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
princess101 10/11/2012 5:02:00 PM
In general, I love most Urban Decay products, however, this is not one of them. The ultra-thin brush tip applicator is great for creating precise lines, but the formula is just all wrong. Besides the fact that it is very fluid, the watery consistency lends itself to streaks and uneven color application. I find myself going over the same area multiple times (allowing to dry between applications) in order to acheive the rich dark pigment that one would expect from UD. Also, the liner is far from waterproof. I would, at best, call this water resistant. It lasts all day and is great at resisting smears and smudges from body oils, or rubbing, but it is not waterproof. Upon contact with water, the water will glide off and the liner will appear to be intact, but if rubbed, even gently, the liner will flake off. When I purchase something claiming to be waterproof, I expect to only be able to remove it with an oil-based product not plain tap water. Overall, there are far less expensive options out there if you are in search of a brush-tip liquid liner. If you are looking for a waterproof liquid liner, unfortnately this is not it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Unlisted Brand - Laboratoire COSMEPRO - Light Blue Shade shampoo
princess101 8/31/2012 12:39:00 PM
I recently dyed my hair with a home box coloring system, from a warm tone to a cool toned brown. My hair is naturally jet black. After three washes I saw the cool brown looking a touch red, which is not what I wanted. I went looking for a tone-correcting shampoo or treatment but came upon this at the local drugstore. After my first wash and condition (same line) I saw results instantly and have used it twice more since purchasing. My hair is now back to its original cool brown color, with a great amount of shine. The accompanying condition is also light and does not feel heavy at all. Word of warning, you MUST use the conditioner with the shampoo. After my first wash, my hair felt like STRAW, and it was hard to rake my fingers through. I applied the conditioner, let sit for 2 minutes and rinsed and my hair felt like silk again. I believe by using just any conditioner with the shampoo will not provide you with the same results. Cost was $6.96, but I've seen it as high as $12.99. For people having a hard time finding this, it can be purchased at Walmart(both Canada and USA), and I've seen it online as well.ca which ship internationally (based out of Canada).
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Concealers -Hourglass - Hidden Corrective Concealer
princess101 8/27/2012 11:43:00 PM
This concealer has by far, the best consistency for undereye concealing. The formula is super creamy and blendable, yet does not feel heavy or settle into any fine lines/wrinkles/undereye creases. The product dries to a somewhat powdery finish, and does not require an additional powder over top (although some may want to use a brightening powder, such as Benefit powderflauge or some other finely milled powder). I love the tube style packaging, as it is very convenient for travel and application is a breeze. The packaging is heavier in weight and has a luxurious feel to it---much like my weighty Armani mascaras. I do feel like the price ($37 CDN) is quite hefty but I can definately see where the quality is in this product which makes me justify the price. While I know that they have expanded their shade availability, I would like to see some salmon/peach toned concealers offered for those who require more color correction rather than just brightening. If I have some really heavy dark circles, I will apply a thin layer of Laura Mercier concealer which has a peach tone, and then this on top as the finish of this is much better. I have two shades, Pearl and Natural. Natural works best for my darker summer skin, while Pearl works best on my pale winter skin. (MAC NC20-25 winter, 25-30 summer). I recommend this to those simply for the formula, as it is something everyone who has ever used a dry concealer and hated it, will greatly appreciate. If you have the disposable income, go for the plunge, I'm sure you won't regret it!
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Hair Color -L'Oreal - Superior Preference - sun-kissed caramels UL51 Hi-lift Natural Brown (cooler)
princess101 8/22/2012 9:19:00 PM
This home hair coloring system is designed to lighten the darkest hair, without any brassiness and adding shine. The shade guide says that "UL51 is an icy brown shade with ash tones, which will minimize red/orange tones. For optimal color results, use on your natural medium brown to black hair." For reference I have jet black hair that has been dyed both in salons and at home, for over 16 years. I have not seen my natural color, with the exception of my roots every now and then, for that same period of time. My hair has been as light as a dark blonde shade and also dyed dark black with blue undertones. My hair shade prior to using this was 4" natural black roots (yikes), the remaining an ombre of burgundy to copper. I also swim daily in a highly chlorinated pool. I purchased this in the USA. The Canadian version is called: Loreal Superior Preference Les Caramels LC51. Boxes are the same with the exception of french added to the Canadian version. I followed the directions as best as possible, despite being warned NOT to use this on previously colored hair, dyed darker than medium brown...it worked out fine. I mixed the contents of the first box and applied 1" from the root all the way to the tip, starting the hair closest to my neck and working my way up to the crown. I know I'm suppose to do to the opposite, but for some reason the layers down the nape always take longer to develop, and my crown never has problems, thus I worked my way up. That took about 10 minutes to do, in which I waited another 10 minutes before applying to my roots. At the 10 minute mark I applied the remaining bottle, plus another 1/2 bottle to my roots, again starting from the bottom and working my way to my crown. That took 10 minutes to apply and after that I waited another 10 minutes to wash and condition. Total dye time was 40 minutes, though the box said 30 minutes. I dont know about you, but I've never had my jet black hair lighten in under 30 minutes. Upon washing and conditioning, I rinsed with cool water and squeezed out the excess water with a towel. I could instantly see that my hair had lightened---even the nape area. After blowdrying the results were FANTASTIC. I had a cool toned medium brown hair with some lighter ash brown hi-lights (probably from my previous hair dye). The color was even and my hair was soft and looked healthy and shiny. My only gripe with this product is that the dye is strong. The chemical smell was lacking but the vapours made my eyes water...I know it has to be strong to be able to lift pigment but dang it, my eyes were watering like I'd cut onions. Also, the gloves included in the box kit need to be longer. They barely covered my wrists, and I am by no means a tall or larger person with larger hands. I'm actually a petite asian, under 5'3" and of normal height/weight. If these gloves dont' work for me, I can't imagine them working for people with longer limbs... Overall, a great buy and I'm glad I got 3 boxes---gonna need the other for touch ups. I will have to order online, but it is worth it!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Urban Decay - Supercurl Curling Mascara
princess101 8/13/2012 1:43:00 PM
This is the very first mascara I have been able to use that actually does what it claims! I have stick straight, sparse asian lashes---I almost always require a good curl with a warm curler prior to any mascara application all of which are dry waterproof formulas. This mascara does curl if used properly. I hold the curved brush against the base of my lashes and slowly wiggle upwards, letting the mascara dry a touch before going onto the next section. This allows the mascara to dry enough to create the curl rather than a quick swipe and hoping for miracles. My lashes are curled and the mascara stays put---doesn't smudge, smear or flake which is unheard of on my oily lids/eye area. I really like that it works, BUT is this a timesaver? No. It would be much faster for me to curl my lashes and apply whichever mascara, rather than waiting for sections to dry between applications. This is a space saver though, for those travelling without a curler, or good for those hesitant to use curlers or their delicate lashes or for those who simply don't like curlers. I did get this as a sample from Sephora but wouldn't hesitate to purchase this on my own.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No