Liquid -Estee Lauder - Double Wear 
sdrayt1 2/24/2013 11:29:00 AM
I got 2 10-day samples of Double Wear and this was enough to let me know that I would not be purchasing the full size. As a WOC, I have a hard time with MUAs color matching me. I’m BB 6.5, Mac NC 50/NW45 for reference. I was color matched with Truffle and it was all wrong. I don’t understand how a MUA can “color match” in poor dim lighting but they seem to certainly try. Anyway, Truffle 6N1 is too dark upon application and gets darker as the day goes on. I probably should have insisted on getting multiple colors to sample. The coverage seems a bit heavy and leaves a powdery, mask like finish. Since I’m fairly oily, I don’t care for foundations with dewy finishes but this left me looking dull and like I over powdered. It does seem to do a good job of controlling oil. I like how the formula covers well and stays put but it is thick and heavy so I’ll have to pass on this one.
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Liquid -Clinique - Perfectly Real Makeup
sdrayt1 2/1/2013 3:19:00 PM
I really wanted to love this foundation. It’s not the worse but definitely nothing special imo. First of all, Clinique MUA seem to not be able to color match whatsoever so I was almost turned off before I even purchased it (for reference I’m Mac NW45/NC55). It works for now but I don’t plan to re-purchase. I ran out of Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation (the best I’ve tried so far) and was looking for a less expensive department store foundation that looked like real skin (as much as foundation can). So I read up on Clinique Perfectly Real. The color seemed dull, turned darker after application and did nothing for my complexion. It is medium buildable coverage. I had to use a damp sponge for this foundation to look okay to me. Anyone who does not like this formula, wet your sponge (of course squeeze out excess water) and apply it…this may make the application a little better. I admit, it does stay put pretty much all day which is definitely a good thing. I have sensitive skin and this has not caused any irritations or breakouts. The shade ranges for darker complexions seem to be yellow based which is why I decided to try it. The available colors (in addition for the texture once it applied) just don’t totally work for me. I will use this tube but I’ll probably go back to Bobbi Brown once I get the nerve to buy another bottle of that $46 + tax bottle of foundation I like.
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Blush -Bobbi Brown - apricot powder blush
sdrayt1 10/5/2012 10:02:00 PM
Yes, yes, yes! For reference, I am 6.5/Warm Almond in BB and NC50 in Mac. This blush is named apricot but it looks bright pinkish in the pan. I definitely would not have chosen this myself. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how natural looking it was when the MUA applied it. When applied, it gives a pinkish flushed glow and really complimented my skin tone! Don’t be afraid to try this if you have a deeper complexion. I imagine that it works on many ranges of skin tone. The MUA that helped me said it’s her go-to blush and she has fair skin/hair. It’s sheer with buildable coverage, so don’t let the actual color of the blush scare you away. At $24, it is pricey but I can’t see myself running out anytime soon….Being the product junkie I am, I’ll probably find a new product that I can’t live without before actually running out of this blush. Anyway, the next time you stop by a BB counter, give this a try!
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Liquid -Maybelline - Fit Me Foundation
sdrayt1 10/3/2012 12:48:00 AM
In nc50 for reference (deep brown with yellow undertones). This foundation did not work for me. It was too red for my complexion and it is probably one of the oiliest products I’ve ever used. I was being cheap and wanted to try it out. It does nothing to beautify! I would apply it before work, get dressed and I was an oil slick in less than an hour. I eventually started using paper towels to blot since blotting papers weren’t enough because I was using 2 at a time. Save yourself the trouble and spend the money on a better product. Definitely not repurchasing!
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BB Cream -Maybelline - Dream Fresh 8-in-1 BB Cream
sdrayt1 10/3/2012 12:46:00 AM
In nc50 for reference (deep brown with yellow undertones). This BB Cream did not work for me. It was too red for my complexion and it is probably one of the oiliest products I’ve ever used. I was being cheap and wanted to try it out. It does nothing to beautify! I would apply it before work, get dressed and I was an oil slick in less than an hour. I eventually started using paper towels to blot since blotting papers weren’t enough because I was using 2 at a time. Save yourself the trouble and spend the money on a better product. Definitely not repurchasing!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Bobbi Brown - Skin Foundation SPF 15
sdrayt1 10/3/2012 12:36:00 AM
I originally went to Nordstrom’s for the BB Stick Foundation and was not too impressed but I requested the Skin Foundation to sample. I applied it with used my regular concealer on dark spots then walked around and did other stuff without thinking too much about it. A few minutes later, I looked at myself in the mirror and knew it (the Skin Foundation) was a HIT and has now become my HG foundation. This stuff really gives you the look of airbrushed, perfect skin. My pores seemed to disappear, but they were not too bothersome in the first place. I only have to use 1 blotting paper during my entire 8 hour work shift. I exchanged the stick foundation and got the Skin Foundation instead and am very happy with it. It’s light-medium buildable coverage and lets your skin shine through. You may need a separate concealer if you have extremely dark spots to cover. The first day I wore it, I got compliments about having a beautiful complexion from a total stranger. I like that versus when someone says they really like your makeup…to me that means, I have on too much or something about it isn’t working. So, I would definitely give BB a try! There are so many foundation formulas that you are sure to find one to suit you. Know your skin type, ask the MA questions and don’t be afraid to request for a sample. But budget-wise, the liquid foundations seem to be a better bang for your buck! I love this and will repurchase when it runs out. I use 2 pumps a day so I can see this lasting 3 months or so and is definitely worth the investment. But I’m looking forward to trying the Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer, creamy concealer, corrector and a few other things. I’m definitely a Bobbi Brown fan from now on!
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Stick -Bobbi Brown - Foundation Stick
sdrayt1 10/3/2012 12:22:00 AM
I read really good reviews on this product and was tired of my makeup always looking ‘off’ color wise. For reference, I am nc50 in MAC and have a deep brown complexion with yellow undertones. I usually end up having to mix foundation (umm, who really wants to do that?) but I mostly end up wearing makeup that looks too red for my skin. Trying to cut back, I tried to find some cheaper makeup that would work, like Cover Girl Queen, Maybelline BB Cream and Maybelline Fit Me foundation all of which were a hot mess in different ways (I’ll review those separately). I read that BB has foundations geared towards yellow undertones so I decided to splurge for my birthday. I got blush in apricot (gorgeous!!!), BB Stick Foundation, and the tinted eye brightener both in 6.5 (warm almond). I also received a sample of the Skin Foundation and a sample of the tinted eye brightener/concealer since mine had to be shipped to me<< 1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Cleansers -Burt's Bees - Orange Essence Facial Cleanser I tried this when I was on the lookout for a cream or oil based cleanser….something that wouldn’t strip my skin or irritate it. I started using a compound from my Derm (strong stuff) and I wanted a very gentle cleanser. I have sensitive skin, combination skin. I tried to use this cleanser twice about 2 months apart and got the same result…..IT BURNS! I mean as soon as I put it on, my skin starts to sting and made my face feel hot for a while after I washed it off. I’m assuming it’s the orange essence…whatever it is, it’s way too strong smelling and too strong for my sensitive skin. It smells like a commercial bathroom cleaner also. No Bueno.
I understand the concept of oil cleansing, but imagine smearing orange scented vaseline textured oil over your face. I didn’t expect it to foam, but it leaves a film behind that made me feel like my skin was dirty. This went in the trash because I couldn’t image anyone who would benefit from using it. Maybe if you have very dry skin that is not sensitive and you like oranges?
NOT purchasing again nor will I try again. I found Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple to be what I was looking for and I’ll stick with that from now on!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Treatments -Phyto - Phytonectar Yes, this product is expensive but it’s a nice treat for my hair. My Mom uses it and I decided to give it a try when I dropped BIG bucks on an edgy salon cut with highlights (double process color since my hair is so dark). My hair is also relaxed so I was worried about damage. I saw results after the first use. I left this on, put my hair in a ponytail and ran errands for a few hours. I shampooed when I got home and followed up with a moisturizing conditioner. My hair was so soft with no frizz and was easy to detangle! Please note that Phytonectar is a PROTEIN treatment that you use before you shampoo your hair. Not everyone needs a great deal of protein for their hair. I do, as it’s chemically treated and can tend to be dry at times. BUT protein overload can lead to dry hair and breakage. So you must balance protein with moisture. I use Nexxus Humectress Moisturizing Conditioner after I shampoo my hair and it balances the protein treatment and moisture perfectly.
I’m giving Phyonectar a 4 only because of the price (It’s okay because I wash my hair every 5-7 days) AND because of the glass bottle. I would be upset if it broke or slipped out of my hands while I’m using it. For this reason, it does NOT go in my shower and I handle it with caution. But I will purchase again unless I hear about another miracle oil/protein treatment that beats this…
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Cleansers -Philosophy - Purity Made Simple (Real Purity Cleanser) I really LOVE this cleanser. It has become my HG! I started with the small 3oz/$10.00. I use it twice a day and it works well with my combination skin. In the morning I’ll smooth it on my dry face and rub it around. After a few minutes, I add water to create a creamy lather and rinse off. It may not lather like you are used to, but that’s because it doesn’t have any added detergents to make the foam. At night, I wipe it off with a wet towel or use it with my Clarisonic to remove my makeup. I have sensitive skin with the occasional breakout and this cleanser has been gentle on my skin. Even though it has a few oils in the ingredients, it cleanses and moisturizes very well. I use a retinol/glycolic/HQ mix at night that leaves my skin really dry at times. Purity Made Simple cleans but does not strip my skin or irritate it…it leaves it soft and removes all of my makeup. I sometimes use witch hazel as a toner but it isn’t really necessary. I personally like the smell, not strong or even really that noticeable.
I definitely see this cleanser staying in my skin routine. I honestly don’t have anything bad to say about this product. Start with the smallest bottle and try it out for yourself. A little goes a long way. The larger sizes are more economical though but either way it’s money well spent!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Styling Products -Oscar Blandi - Jasmine Oil Serum Okay, this is my HG hair product. I love the smell. It is well worth the money. FYI, you can get a small travel size at Ulta (maybe other places too) for about $15 or so if you don’t want the more expensive glass bottles. I dropped the large bottle and was very upset when it cracked.
But, this is a nice anti-frizz/smoothing serum that gives a lot of shine. I use a little when my hair is wet before drying. Also, I use a bit before I use my CHI flat iron….gives nice shiny (not oily or greasy) bouncy hair. You don’t need a lot of this product so a bottle lasts.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Stick -Iman - Second To None Stick Foundation I really like this foundation. My skin is oily and this doesn’t leave me looking shiny all the time…I even use sunscreen underneath! I normally use MAC liquid foundation that I have to use a mixture of 1:2 NW45 and NC50. But this foundation doesn’t have overly red or extreme yellow undertones that I dislike with other foundations. You can choose light to medium/heavy coverage. I have hyperpigmentation issues that I am working on. Still I don’t have to use a lot of this product. Just swipe and blend with fingers. I dot on ‘dark areas” then dust with sheer powder then I’m done! I don’t mind paying $15.99 for this because I’ve paid way more for more ‘prominent’ brands. Testers can be found at Ulta! Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Shampoo -Aqua Glycolic - Shampoo and Body Cleanser This is my HG body product. This body wash has worked wonders for evening out my skin tone. It is helping to fade dark marks on my arms and back from mosquito bites, scars, etc. It makes my skin very smooth and soft. Shavers: Great for use if you struggle with ingrown hairs. I have always been a regular exfoliator but this body wash is something I cannot live without. I have repurchased this item three times since my initial purchase. I use it daily (sometimes every other day). Since using AQ I don’t have problems with the occasional blemishes I sometimes had on my back and chest. It doesn’t smell great but not horrible either….it IS a body treatment not a ‘smell-good’. The price cannot be beat. There are other GA body washes (glytone, etc) but you are getting exceptional value for your money with the Aqua Glycolic. One recommendation would be to offer a larger size bottle of this. One bottle lasts approx. 4 weeks of daily (or every other day) shower use. Nonetheless, I will still continue to purchase this item! 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
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