Misc Beauty Tools -Revlon - Precision Lash Adhesive
sitknee 5/20/2013 4:48:00 AM
Compared to Duo (in the tube), this lash glue does work better. Your lashes will stay on longer and it does get sticky faster. One issue I always seem to come up against is the bottle getting dirty. Like glue with seep out when I twist the cap on and there will be a sticky mess. I've seen this again and again and it's very annoying. This is a lot stickier than Duo and makes it harder to reuse lashes. Still, you can make it work if you use tweezers to clean up your lashes. Just a little bit of attention can really get the glue off. I also want to add that I've tried D.U.P's eyelash fixer, which is a popular Japanese eyelash adhesive that goes for something like $11-12. Honestly, it works exactly the same as this Revlon glue, so don't bother with it. Except I have noticed that I don't have the weird sticky mess around the bottle opening of the Japanese product.
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Sunscreen -Shiseido - Extra Smooth Sun Protection Lotion N SPF 38
sitknee 5/20/2013 4:40:00 AM
My skin is dehydrated oily, which can be tricky to work with. I can't use anything drying, though that would be the logical route when you have very oily skin. I need more hydration/moisture, but that usually means having to shift through rich products that won't work on my oily skin. I can't use the "oil-free" urban enviro sunscreen because the high alcohol content is way too drying and harsh. I can't use any of the Shisiedo creams (haven't tried the ultimates though) because they are too moisturizing for the oily aspects of my skin (though initially mattifying). That's why I like this formula, which is moisturizing but not too much. It does have some form of alcohol, but nothing harsh, so my dehydrated skin isn't bothered by it. Though a little greasy-feeling when you first put it on, this goes away almost immediately. It does leave a white cast and should not be worn if taking flash photography. For more info on Shiseido ss in general: As of now, the following Shisiedo sunscreens are available in the US (these are the basic sunscreens, not including anything like lip protection, tinted products, etc.): Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream/Lotion N SPF 38 (PA+++/PA++) Ultimate Sun Protection Cream/Lotion+ SPF 50+ (Broad spectrum) Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF 40 (Broad spectrum) Urban Environment Oil-free UV Protector SPF 42 (Broad spectrum) I have tried all of these except the new ultimate formulas, but I will do an update if/when I sample them. Although only the last product claims to be oil-free, from what I can tell looking at ingredient lists, none of these sunscreens contain oil. (But check anyway if that's important to you). Extra smooth is best for drier skin types, ultimate is for activities that involve lots of sun exposure, and urban enviro is for everyday (though the oil-free version is targeted for oilier skin types). All formulas sink into the skin very well and leave a semi-matte finish. The blue formulas can feel a little greasy initially, but this feeling goes away very quickly. Although all of the sunscreens have some form of alcohol, I don't think they would be considered drying for most. That is, except the urban enviro oil-free lotion, which my dehydrated oily skin cannot handle due to the high alcohol-content, which I find drying. (Interestingly, even when I was very oily, I could not use this lotion, but for a different reason: no oil-control. So I find it too drying initially, or not mattifying enough later.) Many people like the cream versions because they are rather good as mattifying primers. However, they can also be a little heavy, depending on the formula. I found both the extra smooth and urban enviro creams to be a bit much for my oily skin. That is, they were mattifying in the beginning, but I did see oil later. The old formula for the ultimate sunscreen was very popular as a mattifying primer for the oily, but I've heard that the new formula is not as good. As for a white cast, I see one with every sunscreen, though it's less evident if you let it sink in for a few minutes. But in terms of photos, there is a definite ghostly face effect. One thing to keep in mind with these sunscreens is that you really need to remove them properly -- preferably with an oil. They are known for their tenacity so if you experience any breakouts, consider your removal methods too.
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Sunscreen -Shiseido - Urban Environment UV Protection Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40 For Face/Body
sitknee 5/20/2013 4:31:00 AM
As the oil-free version of this sunscreen (weird because they are both oil-free) was too drying/harsh for my dehydrated oily skin, I looked to this one. But if you're oily, I don't think this will be a good match for you because it is too rich, even if it is mattifying in the beginning. Like all the Shiseido sunscreens, this sinks in easily and leaves a nice semi-matte finish. For dehydrated oily skin, I would recommend the extra smooth lotion because it is light enough for oilier skin types, but not drying like the oil-free urban enviro version. Oil-free? Yes. White cast? Yes. Flash photography? Not with this on. Removal? Use an oil. For more info on Shiseido ss in general: As of now, the following Shisiedo sunscreens are available in the US (these are the basic sunscreens, not including anything like lip protection, tinted products, etc.): Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream/Lotion N SPF 38 (PA+++/PA++) Ultimate Sun Protection Cream/Lotion+ SPF 50+ (Broad spectrum) Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF 40 (Broad spectrum) Urban Environment Oil-free UV Protector SPF 42 (Broad spectrum) I have tried all of these except the new ultimate formulas, but I will do an update if/when I sample them. Although only the last product claims to be oil-free, from what I can tell looking at ingredient lists, none of these sunscreens contain oil. (But check anyway if that's important to you). Extra smooth is best for drier skin types, ultimate is for activities that involve lots of sun exposure, and urban enviro is for everyday (though the oil-free version is targeted for oilier skin types). All formulas sink into the skin very well and leave a semi-matte finish. The blue formulas can feel a little greasy initially, but this feeling goes away very quickly. Although all of the sunscreens have some form of alcohol, I don't think they would be considered drying for most. That is, except the urban enviro oil-free lotion, which my dehydrated oily skin cannot handle due to the high alcohol-content, which I find drying. (Interestingly, even when I was very oily, I could not use this lotion, but for a different reason: no oil-control. So I find it too drying initially, or not mattifying enough later.) Many people like the cream versions because they are rather good as mattifying primers. However, they can also be a little heavy, depending on the formula. I found both the extra smooth and urban enviro creams to be a bit much for my oily skin. That is, they were mattifying in the beginning, but I did see oil later. The old formula for the ultimate sunscreen was very popular as a mattifying primer for the oily, but I've heard that the new formula is not as good. As for a white cast, I see one with every sunscreen, though it's less evident if you let it sink in for a few minutes. But in terms of photos, there is a definite ghostly face effect. One thing to keep in mind with these sunscreens is that you really need to remove them properly -- preferably with an oil. They are known for their tenacity so if you experience any breakouts, consider your removal methods too.
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Sunscreen -Shiseido - Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream For Face SPF38
sitknee 5/20/2013 4:25:00 AM
This is a nice sunscreen for those with drier skin. It feels a little greasy at first but the feeling goes away almost immediately. Although it may be mattifying at first, it doesn't do much for oil in the long-run. Oil-free? Yes. Finish? Semi-matte. White cast? Yes. Flash photography? Not with this on. Removal? Oil is a must. For more info on Shiseido ss in general: As of now, the following Shisiedo sunscreens are available in the US (these are the basic sunscreens, not including anything like lip protection, tinted products, etc.): Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream/Lotion N SPF 38 (PA+++/PA++) Ultimate Sun Protection Cream/Lotion+ SPF 50+ (Broad spectrum) Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF 40 (Broad spectrum) Urban Environment Oil-free UV Protector SPF 42 (Broad spectrum) I have tried all of these except the new ultimate formulas, but I will do an update if/when I sample them. Although only the last product claims to be oil-free, from what I can tell looking at ingredient lists, none of these sunscreens contain oil. (But check anyway if that's important to you). Extra smooth is best for drier skin types, ultimate is for activities that involve lots of sun exposure, and urban enviro is for everyday (though the oil-free version is targeted for oilier skin types). All formulas sink into the skin very well and leave a semi-matte finish. The blue formulas can feel a little greasy initially, but this feeling goes away very quickly. Although all of the sunscreens have some form of alcohol, I don't think they would be considered drying for most. That is, except the urban enviro oil-free lotion, which my dehydrated oily skin cannot handle due to the high alcohol-content, which I find drying. (Interestingly, even when I was very oily, I could not use this lotion, but for a different reason: no oil-control. So I find it too drying initially, or not mattifying enough later.) Many people like the cream versions because they are rather good as mattifying primers. However, they can also be a little heavy, depending on the formula. I found both the extra smooth and urban enviro creams to be a bit much for my oily skin. That is, they were mattifying in the beginning, but I did see oil later. The old formula for the ultimate sunscreen was very popular as a mattifying primer for the oily, but I've heard that the new formula is not as good. As for a white cast, I see one with every sunscreen, though it's less evident if you let it sink in for a few minutes. But in terms of photos, there is a definite ghostly face effect. One thing to keep in mind with these sunscreens is that you really need to remove them properly -- preferably with an oil. They are known for their tenacity so if you experience any breakouts, consider your removal methods too.
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Cleansers -Cerave - Hydrating Cleanser
sitknee 5/16/2013 5:19:00 AM
I really liked the foaming cleanser, but sadly, it was a bit drying for my dehydrated oily skin. The hydrating cleanser, which has a very lotion-like consistency, isn't drying in the least bit, but I have been experiencing some breakouts. I'm not sure what is causing my clogged pores but I suspect it is because the cleanser cannot break through the oil on my skin, or because of the slight film the cleanser leaves on my face. In regard to my comment about oil: My skin is dehydrated but it is still very much oily skin. When I wake up in the morning, my T-zone is especially oily. If I try to use this cleanser, my skin still feels unclean and a bit slick, as if the cleanser cannot break through the oil on my face. I guess it's a bit obvious, but I don't think this would be a very good cleanser for the very oily, either because it might not be effective against a good amount of oil, or because the slight film it leaves might be particularly clog-prone on oilier skin types.
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Bronzers -Guerlain - Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder-Blondes 01
sitknee 4/5/2013 1:21:00 AM
So glad I found this! The effect it gives is very beautiful, a shimmery sheen. You get a little bit of pinkiness with this bronzer but it doesn't really matter what your skintone is because it's more of a slightly blush-y look. I'm NC20-25, very yellow, and I opted for this over brunettes because the brunettes is pretty orangey, which I dislike. Packaging is beautiful as well, and helps with the high price point.
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Foundations -Ellis Faas - Skin Veil
sitknee 4/2/2013 1:42:00 AM
I feel like there are varying opinions on how much coverage this foundation offers. Some say none at all, others say almost full. As someone with redness and hyperpigmentation, I would say this foundation gives sheer to medium coverage. I couldn't see this giving full coverage, but it can get close if you layer enough. This foundation is definitely buildable (to an extent) and it looks very natural. Of course, if you build too much, it's going to look less natural, but it is hard to look cakey. The consistency is a bit thick, but you don't feel like you're wearing make-up. It is not drying at all, though I can't say whether or not it would be good for dry skin. The way it looks natural and dewy reminds me a lot of Korean bb creams like Missha Perfect Cover and Skin79's Hot Pink. The consistency is very similar, as is the finish and also the coverage somewhat, though the coloring of Ellis Faas is very much like a traditional foundation (no grey here). I was matched to 102, which is Fair. 101 is too light and 103 is too dark. Unfortunately, I found 102 to be very peach/beige, and therefore not very suitable for my NC20-25 very yellow skin. This product has SPF 15 but I didn't notice any white cast. Lasting power was good. It lasted pretty well on my oily skin (though it is dehydrated at the moment). In terms of oil-control, I didn't see that much help. I think if you are oily, it would help to powder and use a good primer, but it's not like it slides off within a couple hours. I never used the pen so I can't comment on it, but I know it comes with two cartridges and that the total amount of product you receive is 0.47 oz/14 ml for $65. The bottle comes with 1 oz/30 ml and is $90. I was disappointed by how simple it is, especially considering how unique the pen is, but it is still a rather nice bottle, frosted glass and very sturdy (even the cap). Looking past the price, which I know is a problem for many, I didn't find this foundation to be that amazing. The finish is not as beautiful as some other foundations leave, and building for coverage was a bit tiresome. But even taking into account that these are rather personal issues, I still kept thinking I thought this foundation was pretty average. I would not repurchase or recommend, but if you want a dewy, very natural-looking foundation, perhaps you'll want to try this one.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Pixi - Endless Silky Eye Pen (all shades)
sitknee 3/18/2013 6:16:00 AM
Loved how black this eyeliner was. It is pigmented and glides on so easily. The price isn't too bad either (around $15), though higher than most drugstore brands. Without a primer, this does not last on my oily lids, but using a primer, it seems to work okay. I haven't worn the liner for too long (afraid I'll end up with smudging everywhere) but I will update when I do. When I bought mine at Target, there were testers at the top of the display wall, so look out for those!
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Bronzers -Giorgio Armani - Sheer Bronzer #1
sitknee 3/16/2013 11:08:00 AM
I really wanted to like this bronzer but it didn't work out for me. I wasn't into the color too much, as I found it a bit dark. I know pale girls love this bronzer because it is so sheer, but the color itself is a dark brown already, which I dislike. What makes this product easy is the fact that it is so sheer that it is foolproof, but it takes swipes to build any color, which can be a bit inconvenient. The sheen/shimmer this bronzer gives is rather lovely, if nothing else.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -BeneFit Cosmetics - b right total moisture facial cream
sitknee 3/11/2013 4:26:00 AM
The first thing I noticed about this cream is that it feels a little... greasy/oily. At first, the cream is a thick white substance, but rub it a bit (bring in warmth) and it will turn into this clear greasy substance. Okay, greasy isn't the best word to use here, but that's the best way I can describe it. I wouldn't say it's a bad greasy. But it's not pleasant either. If you apply this right after you wash your face, it should sink in very well. Sometimes, using another product before this makes it difficult for this to sink in. In my experience, at least. I thought this moisturized very well. My skin is oily but dehydrated due to retinoids and I've been looking for a heavy moisturizer to overcompensate at night. This seems to do the trick and it hasn't broken me out. However, it is pretty greasy and seems to have many potentially clogging ingredients so I'm still undecided.
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Cleansers -Bioderma - Sensibio H2O (aka Crealine H20 Solution micellaire)
sitknee 3/10/2013 8:18:00 AM
Since the Sensibio is for sensitive skin/everyone, and Sebium is for combination/oily, I went with a big bottle of Sebium and a small bottle of Sensibio (to try out). Turns out I prefer Sensibio a lot more. When I used the Sensibio, I would wake up the next morning feeling like my complexion was nicer and softer. I never noticed this with the Sebium. The Sensibio never irritated my skin and did a great job of removing make-up -- maybe even a little better than the Sebium. The only thing I would say is that these cleansers don't work too well on waterproof mascara/eye make-up. The Sebium takes off make-up rather well, but I did find that my skin felt a little tight and uncomfortable after using this product. Using this on my eyes also left some stinging. Neither left any residue after use but I've noticed that I seem to break out a bit if I don't wash after using Sebium. I can't just use it alone like with Sensibio. Overall, even though I have oily skin, I would recommend Sensibio over the Sebium.
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Cleansers -Bioderma - Sebium H2O
sitknee 3/10/2013 8:16:00 AM
So the Sebium is meant for combination/oily skin. While I have oily skin (which can get dehydrated during the colder months), I did not like this product all too much. I think it takes off make-up rather well, but I did find that my skin felt a little tight and uncomfortable after using this product. Using this on my eyes also left some stinging. When I used the Sensibio, I would wake up the next morning feeling like my complexion was nicer and softer. I never noticed this with the Sebium. The Sensibio never irritated my skin and did a great job of removing make-up -- maybe even a little better than the Sebium. The only thing is that these cleansers don't work too well on waterproof mascara/eye make-up. Neither left any residue after use but I have noticed that if I don't wash after using the Sebium, I do break out. This does not happen with the Sensibio. Overall, even though I have oily skin, I would recommend Sensibio over the Sebium.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -NARS - Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
sitknee 2/24/2013 5:38:00 PM
I am NC20-25, very yellow. I was matched to Alaska, which seemed to work out. This tinted moisturizer gives a good amount of coverage, about medium, and can definitely be sheered out. I thought it felt a little greasy and did not enjoy the way it felt on my skin. It has a very dewy finish and probably isn't good for oily skin even with a good primer underneath. Even after powdering, this did not last on me.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Makeup Remover -Boots - No7 Beautiful Skin Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
sitknee 2/22/2013 2:32:00 PM
Nice sturdy packaging, though the cap is kind of big, making it a bit cumbersome. This feels very clean and doesn't seem to leave any residue. Now, if only it would do what it is supposed to... lol Bottom line, this product pretty much sucks. I think it could work for you if you wear eye make-up that is already very easy to remove. This doesn't do a good job against my waterproof mascara and water-resistant eyeliner.
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Powder -Hourglass - Ambient Lighting Powder
sitknee 2/21/2013 4:41:00 PM
Overpriced and gimmicky with super cheap packaging. Try it if you're curious but don't be surprised if you're disappointed. If you didn't know this was Hourglass, the packaging wouldn't tip you off. I was amazed by how cheap it feels -- it's like the lowest of drugstore products. So there are a couple selections. I think it's diffused, ethereal, mood, radiant, luminous, and dim. It seems luminous and radiant are more of the highlighter shades, whereas the others are more for all over. Mood is a bit pink -- too pink for my NC20-25 skin, as it made my skin look a tad darker. Ethereal is a bit white but it's the most universal, even though it might not work the best on those with darker skin. Diffused is a nice pale yellow and whereas people seem to see the best blurring effects with dim, it is too dark for NC20-25 at least. Maybe something for summer. Except for the ones that are best as highlighters, the powders are better for finishing than setting. I wouldn't expect any oil-control apart from what any old powder might help you with. If you have oily skin, I would use an oil-controlling powder beforehand. In my case, doing so did not help. For some reason, this powder made my skin oilier than it ever is, with or without a different powder underneath. It was not pretty. Honestly, this whole lighting aspect is rather gimmicky -- in my opinion at least. The only thing these powders do is give your skin a bit of a blurring effect and, depending on the product, add a tint or some highlighting. In terms of radiance or overall luminosity, I did see a little something, but I really don't think it's anything to purchase this product for.
4 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No