Shampoo -Redken - Color Extend Shampoo
sandrathp 3/28/2013 11:40:00 AM
Worst shampoo I have ever used. I bought it w/ the mask of the same line and used up half the bottles until I realized that the allergic reaction I was having was from these 2 products. They are so harsch on my scalp, worse than the cheapest drug store brands. I switched to Redken after using Kerastase Reflection for years, just to try something new, what a bad idea. My hair was healthy w/ the Kerastase Reflection line and the Redken absolutely ruined it. I do not know why High End Salons use this... It have thick hair and now they are very thin and I have a bad dry scalp condition. The only thing from Redken that is OK is their anti-dandruff shampoo. Dozens of hairstylist and colorist have recommended it. It does works at actually healing (light condition, normal type) dandruff not just temporarily stopping it like most other brands. b/c my Salon uses Overall, Redken and being a canadian local product, I thought it would have the same quality as HE brands without the import duty/handling markup... I still cannot beleive that in Europe Redken is as expensive as Kerastase is here, I would never pay so high for something so mediocre. I bought mine 20$ on special before taxes, Kerastase is 34$ before taxes. This will be the last time I try to save a few bucks on shampoo! I should have stuck w/ Kerastase:-(
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Eyeliner -Shiseido - Automatic Liquid Fine eyeliner
sandrathp 4/8/2012 8:59:00 PM
I have used Shiseido liquid eyeliner for the past 5 years and was very happy w/ the product. They have recently changed the packaging, from the sturdy high quality metal pen to the plastic version which isn't refillable either. Shiseido left the same price tag but produced a much much lower quality product, packaging and formula both are very mediocre compared to the old version. I was also very disappointed by the formula, which seemed much more liquidy and transparent and cheap with an almost diluted greyish color. Holds very badly and flakes away at the moment you put it on. They only way I was able to make it work is on top of 2 layer of powder. I am very disappointed since the old formula held super well on its own and made a beautiful line from the first stroke...this new formula needs to be drawn 6-7 times before looking like an intense line and then fades after an hour maximum! I was so happy w/ the old formula and packaging that I repurchased about 8-10 times, approx. twice a year, but will definitely not repurchase this new one. The only good thing about it is that like most Shiseido products, including mascaras, the product expires 24 months after opening which is good compared to all the other liquid pens that last only 6 months. I use it very little compared to regular eyeliners so it is very economical not having to replace it every 6 months, other pens like Chanel's is the same price but needs to be replaced often but not a problem if you use them up fast.
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Misc Beauty Tools -MAC - Brush Cleanser
sandrathp 3/10/2012 7:35:00 PM
This is a decent cleanser. Nothing extraordinary. It is gentle on bristles so it gets 5 stars for being safe on even the natural most delicate bristles. But it does not perform so well depending on which product you are trying to get off your brush. It didn't get thick cream concealer off my synthetic concealer brush at all, but on the other hand got off my liquid to cream mineral foundation from my MAC 187 stipple (mix nylon and goat bristles) brush so very easily and extremely fast. I just sprayed a few times after moistining the bristles, left the product to work for 20 seconds then swirled it around the palm of my hand and rinsed. The brush is perfectly cleaned. I wouldn't buy it again since I prefer trying other brands but I would come back to this only if i don't find better. The most important quality in a brush cleanser is the alcohol-free factor. The Lise Watier is very harsh because it is packed mostly w/ alcohol and it can dry up and even ruin delicate bristles, so I stay away from it. MAC is decently priced, since the bottle lasts years. I replace the lid w/ a spray nozzle which is easy to find. The Lise Watier nozzle, for instance, fits perfectly. This helps to use a decent amount each time. I tried the original MAC nozzle but too much product came out which wasn't helpfu w/ the cleaning process. The advantage about the spray nozzle is w/ powder brushes and stipple brushes mostly b/c it sprays evenly the product in and out of the bristles. I hope MAC changes the cap on this product very soon or sells a spray nozzle that fits to make things easier!
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Crème -Chanel - Teint Innocence Cream to Powder Compact Foundation
sandrathp 7/17/2011 2:57:00 PM
I have one thing to say: skip this and buy the Liquid version. The compact comes no where near the quality of the liquid TI (although both seem very drying, need moisturizing prior to application). Also, the same colors are actual 1 shade darker. The 01 in liquid is so light w/ neutral undertones, simply lovely color. But is completely dark and yellow in the compact. Awful texture, greasy, mask like finish. Nothing natural. You skin ends up looking exactly like the inside of the compact's pan. Yellow or orange or pink, no skin show under, no sheerness, nothing. If it could help...it really looks identical as the Bobbi Brown corrector. I love the corrector but I wouldn't put it ALL over my face!! So it is too thick and you definitely feel like you are applying BB corrector everywhere on your face except than BB corrector is less drying and has MUCH lighter shades. I absolutely hate it and it doesn't look nice in the pan...looks like a muddy mess in pan and on the face. Also, avoid the sponge, best is a Kabuki bush (natural pony or goat hair) or foundation brush w/ synthetic hair. Both seem to work well and apply evenly without putting too much product on the face.
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Concealers -Chanel - Eclat Lumiere Highlighting Face Pen
sandrathp 7/17/2011 2:48:00 PM
BEST highlighting pen. GREAT coverage. VERY moisturizing and MUCH cheaper than all the others...which is quite odd since it is Chanel! Only 45$ compared to 57$ for YSL and Dior. This is perfect and you need ti use much less so it lasts much longer. If I needed to repurchase I would buy the Chanel and pass on the others.
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Concealers -Christian Dior - Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen-002 Candlelight
sandrathp 7/17/2011 2:44:00 PM
AVOID....unless you want to throw money in the trash. It was far the worst I have tried. It was way too drying, zero coverage, sting my eyes and skin, dried out all the eye area plus the pink color looked awfully pink, think of barbie pink....awful consistency/color/texture...and it ran out after 2 weeks. What a waist, 57 dollars in Canada...save your cash and buy a nice brush or eye palette that will LAST... for exactly the same cost !!!! It was far the most useless item in my makeup bag! I would give it ZERO lippie if I could....Although, packaging is nice, especially that they put it in a velvet pouch but come to think of it....why woudl this actually need a pouch, since it will last a month tops....would you put your mascara in a velvet pouch???
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Highlighters -Yves Saint Laurent - Touche Eclat No 1
sandrathp 7/17/2011 2:41:00 PM
I have tried all these type of highlighting pens and I always come back to the original pioneer, YSL, it is creamy, soft and sheer but could be layered for medium coverage. It isn't my favorite. Chanel's Lumière Eclat pen is my favorite b/c it gives more coverage and costs much lest. 57$ for the YSL is ridiculous, especially if you need coverage...then you run out after a month unless you use it sheer, 1 layer tops and very minimal. Took 1 lippie off for the cost, *absolutely* not worth 50$+tax. Otherwise, the Chanel is more suited for covering using MUCH less product and it is even more creamy and moisturizing and it 40$ compared to 50$ for the YSL. I am addicted to theses pens, but I would only repurchase the Chanel b/c of the quality versus cost issues. The Chanel lasts me about 4 months daily use b/c a little goes a long way compared to YSL that lasts 1 month! Also please AVOID the Dior highlighter Pen....unless you want to throw money in the trash. It was far the worst I have tried. It was way too drying, zero coverage, the pink color looked awfully pink, think of barbie pink....awful consistency/color/texture...and it ran out after 2 weeks. What a waist, 57 dollars in Canada...save your cash and buy a nice brush or eye palette that will LAST... for exactly the same cost !!!! It was far the most useless item in my makeup bag!
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Eye Shadow -Chanel - Ombres Perlees de Chanel
sandrathp 7/16/2011 4:31:00 PM
I agree w/ other reviewers. Need a wet brush w/ natural bristles. SA recommended concealer brush but nope...this is not exactly a cream formula and it isn't exactly a powder formula. Best is 239 MAC brush if you have it otherwise any eyeshadow brush soft or firm lightly moistened is a great tool. Agreed....you need a good base plus a matte color to finish a whole look otherwise, looks great for day time light makeup. Agreed also for the price....Chanel's pricy and for makeup that is expired 18 months after opening the package....well, it is not worth the cost. This palette actually cost the same amount as a Chanel face brush or 2 eye brushes!! And these brushes last a lifetime without exaggeration therefore nope...I wouldn't spend 77$ on a palette that has an expiration period of 18 months, unless it was foundation which is hard to find and unless these colors weren't replaceable which isn't the case.
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Lip Treatments -Christian Dior - Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm
sandrathp 7/16/2011 3:59:00 PM
It is great. I am on my 4th purchase b/c haven't found a proper replacement. Yes, it runs out VERY fast so not worth the 40$ price tag. W/ daily use...it should last 2 months, tops. I buy it over and over again b/c of summertime when I need SPF. And since I can't wear more than 10SPF on my lips b/c it is so sensitive, then I have a wide choice and I always end up w/ this. But recently I found the formula has slightly changed? Not sure, but it starting to be very drying especially when you built if up to 2-3 coats, which I do during intense sunny days. My lips seem so dry that I think I need to reapply and when I look in the mirror I see it is still there, in full! So the feeling of dryness is really due to the product itself, perhaps the dyes/color it contains. I've heard red and dark pink dyes are drying. It could explain why reds and dark pinks are the most drying in any lipstick range. If I find any better SPF lip balm, I will def. not repurchase. Also, Dior makes the most amazing and attractive lip product packaging. I usually prefer Chanel's classy packaging but Dior surpasses Chanel overall in their lipstick and lip balms....Lip glosses....that's another story, I def. prefer Chanel's lip glosses.
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Lipstick -Chanel - Rouge Coco Shine - Boy
sandrathp 7/16/2011 3:47:00 PM
Nope...not for me. This had no color effect on me, not sublimating anything! It won't show up if you have pigmented lips. This wasn't flattering since the brown and mauve hues this lipstick has don't give much of a flattering and youthful appearance. Makeup should actually brighten up the complexion and this def. doesn't. Could work for some but I avoid any brown or mauve in lip tints or any other lip products. I took one lippie off for the packaging b/c I hate the gold tone they use on all their lipstick packaging and I am always hoping at each new lip product release, that the gold be replaced w/ silver instead like most of their European brushes, compared to the US gold tone versions.
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Liquid -Chanel - Vitalumiere Aqua
sandrathp 7/16/2011 3:32:00 PM
I wouldn't call this a foundation but more of a tinted moisturizer b/c it is very watery and if you layer it, it can work as a foundation but would feel very greasy even if it is oil free. Really not a proper canvas for a makeup application, will make eyeshadow, blush, highlighter slip right off. Also, you need to shake the bottle at least a whole minute to mix well the substance in order to have the shade perfectly blended w/ a smooth application. Still, very watery. Didn't do anything to beautify my skin. Also, there is no shade light enough. I got it in BR20 and it was too dark pink and B10 was too dark yellow and the colors really do show even w/ one single layer. Even if the formula is oil free, it still feels very greasy and absolutely too moisturizing for summer. The only thing nice about it, is that it doesn't create any flakiness nor does it highlight any dry patches you may have when most foundations do... really similar to a tinted moisturizer. This was actually the only foundation that didn't accentuate pores or dry areas of the skin. If you find the right shade for you, then it could look nice the first hour... but if you wear it after a couple hours, it will start to get darker w/ oxidizing and could become greasy mixed w/ your skins natural face oils...so this is not good without touch ups every hour. Conclusion: This is definitely a tinted moisturizer and nothing close to a liquid foundation w/ the benefits of being quite natural --although containing alcohol which is not recommended for any skin. If you are looking for something similar w/ much better results, try the Dior Skin Nude...it is perfect and does all it claims to do, plus it i gives sheer, medium to full coverage w/ a color selection that start very fair w/ neutral undertones available + lasts several hours...the only downside is that it absolutely doesn't last very long b/f he product starts to expire and turn bad since this formula is mineral based w/ minimal chemicals or preservatives. Although healthier for the skin, you need to use it in less than 3 months tops. This is probably due to the ingredients which are supposed to be very natural based on minerals w/ less chemicals than the foundations in the other lines. Perhaps would work best and last longer when stored in a very cool place.
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