Foundations -Yves Saint Laurent - Matt Touch Foundation
slynsexysteph 3/27/2012 12:11:00 PM
This is one of the worst foundations I’ve ever tried. It provides absolutely NO coverage at all! Searching for matte foundation online, I purchased it solely based on its name, and the fact that I like YSL eye makeup and lip gloss. I used my regular ‘foundation prep’ routine, and then applied the YSL foundation. It did not even attempt to cover one tiny blemish or freckle. I was in a rush, and with no time to wash my face and start over, I used some of my Clarins Matte foundation over it to gain coverage. What’s worse, the YSL foundation made my face feel sticky all day. Usually, I wear the Mattify Cosmetics Ultra powder under my makeup to give it super oil control. Since I wanted to see how well the YSL matte makeup would control oil on its own, I skipped it during my first trial run of this new makeup. Big mistake! My face looked like a grease ball after a couple of hours, even with the Clarins Matte makeup over the top of the YSL. I could not wait to get home and wash my face. By 5pm, I looked like some creation from a Wax Museum. Also, I ended up with 3 breakouts. Now that I have read other people’s reviews, I see the silicone probably caused the acne. With most foundations, I realize it takes a few uses to adjust…but this one isn’t getting a second chance. I would have to pile on concealer before using it just to get an even complexion, and would also have to pile on a ton of oil absorbing products, because this one doesn’t take care oiliness at all. This really should be sold as a Tinted Moisturizer, as it does not provide any coverage. YSL…love your lip glosses, but this foundation was a big fail for me!
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Blush -BeneFit Cosmetics - Bella Bamba
slynsexysteph 6/15/2011 12:24:00 PM
I absolutely ADORE this product! Many shades of blush don’t work well on my medium, somewhat tan skin. Pink shades often look clownish and deeper maroon shades look too dark and sallow. The Bella Bamba is the perfect blend of coral and gold – it makes my whole face look vibrant and alive. I purchased it at a yard sale – they were selling the unopened container for only $5 – score! When I’d seen this product at Ulta, they didn’t have a tester & I was hesitant to purchase thinking it was too sparkly and pink. My skin has some acne scarring, which sparkly blush always accentuates – but somehow the Bella Bamba actually helps conceal it! What I love most? The gorgeous glow it gives to my face. Never have I found a blush that makes me look as alive and awake. Even on mornings when I’m exhausted and zombie-ish, the Bella Bamba gives my face an instant lift. I also sweep some of it across the crease of my eyes, and it brightens up my face even more. The only reasons it didn’t get a full 5 star rating from me? First, the color fades too quickly. I have a feeling this is due to my insanely oily skin, as almost all non-waterproof cosmetics fade within 4 hours of application on my skin. Even when I use makeup setting spray, the Bella Bamba still fades too quickly. Second, the packaging is boxy and difficult to carry along for touch-ups. I sooo wish they would develop this same product in either a travel size or a flat portable compact, because it’s something I would love to take with me everywhere!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Dove - Flexible Hold Hairspray 
slynsexysteph 5/26/2011 3:12:00 PM
Yesterday, I was reminded why the Dove Flexible Hold is my favorite hair spray. Here’s the story: I had a hair appointment and purchased a small travel size container of Be Sexy Volume Hair Spray. I got home and was getting ready to go to dinner, used some of my new Be Sexy Spray, and left the house. A little while later, I went to run my fingers through the side of my hair, and I couldn’t. They got about 1 inch away from my scalp and would not budge! The hairspray had formed some kind of ultra-tangled net on my hair, and had frozen it into a voluminous wiry mess. I’ve used Dove Flexible Hold for the past 3 years, and have never been disappointed. It provides just enough hold but doesn’t feel at all sticky or hard. My hair is coarse, thick, and wavy – but I style it in every form imaginable. Dove has never let me down, and I love the fresh scent of their hair spray. I was looking for a product that would build volume, so that’s why I bought the Be Sexy – uh if I wanted volume like that, I would have just bought a football helmet! The Dove spray doesn’t provide much volume, but it holds your style, prevents frizz, and allows your hair to look naturally pretty without feeling stiff.
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Loose Powders -Unlisted Brand - Mattify! Loose Powder
slynsexysteph 5/26/2011 3:03:00 PM
The Mattify Ultra Powder is my very favorite #1 must have product, because without it, my oily skin looks like it was dipped in olive oil! I know, nasty. But anyways, I’ve already reviewed the Mattify Powder - now I have an update because I bought their tinted oil absorbing powder last week. The sample was $3, and I got the Fair Skin color. It’s amazing!! Usually I wear liquid makeup, but in the summer am always looking for something lighter than liquid that will still provide good coverage. I applied the Tinted Mattify with a flat flexible foundation brush. I patted, tapped, and blended until all of my flaws were hidden, then put the Mattify Ultra Powder over the top. My face looked fresh and oil free for about 3 hours before I needed to touch up with the clear Mattify Ultra. I was amazed that my flaws (freckling and a few acne scars) were still hidden, and that my face still looked even colored. I have tried many different mineral powders, but they all made me itch and look blotchy only a few minutes after application. My biggest nemesis in the world of Mineral Makeup is Bare Escentuals, because it looks horrendous on my skin. I also wrote a review on that, detailing my experience, and it was NOT good! I’d just about given up on tinted mineral powder, but since I love the transparent Mattify Ultra Powder so much, decided to try their tinted version. The Mattify tinted powder is very high pigment and long lasting, at least for a mineral powder. All the other tinted minerals I tried made my face look oilier and didn’t provide any coverage at all. I didn’t need to do a touch up with the Mattify Tinted until about half way through my day. It is very easy to blend, and to layer the color. I’ve noticed that if I use the transparent Mattify Ultra first, then the Tinted Powder, then more Mattify Ultra, I can go about 4 hours without a touch up. In the summer I swim a lot, so will probably use my waterproof liquid makeup for beach days. But this Tinted powder will be perfect for days when I want to look like I have naturally perfect skin, without having to layer on a coat of liquid foundation.
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Lip Gloss -Guerlain - Kiss Kiss Gloss
slynsexysteph 5/26/2011 2:24:00 PM
Guerlain Kiss Kiss Gloss is the best lipgloss ever! I have searched high and low for a quality gloss that would offer shimmery shine, and stay put for more than half an hour. Looks like this is THE ONE! I bought it from Ebay in Color # 821 (a vibrant pinkish/peachy shade with golden sparkles) for $18. Figured since so many other glosses have failed me, I didn’t want to pay full price, assuming I would be disappointed in this one as well. But yay.. no disappointment. Only super shimmery movie-star lips that stay looking freshly glossed for about 2-3 hours. The soft, flexible brush is excellent for easy application. When removed from the tube, the brush is saturated with the exact amount of gloss you need, allowing you to apply it quickly and precisely. I actually found Kiss Kiss Gloss when doing a search for celebrity makeup lip gloss & this was one of the top picks. I notice that in so many celebrity pictures & on film, their lips look perfect, so was determined to find a product that would do the same for me. This is a super high quality gloss, and is well worth the cost.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Living Proof - No Frizz Medium-Coarse hair
slynsexysteph 7/16/2010 3:14:00 PM
I am amazed at how many people are giving this product negative reviews! Having very thick, somewhat coarse hair, I truly love this item!! I was one of the lucky ones who got to be among the first to try it, because I saw an ad in my Glamour Magazine to email the company for a free trial. After sending the email, I received a free full-sized bottle of the No Frizz for Coarse/Thick hair. I applied as instructed, after washing & before blow-drying. My hair never felt silkier or looked shinier! The best part was my hair still had a ton of movement, rather than looking sticky and flat as some anti-frizz products cause. Best of all, the No Frizz products do not contain silicones, as many anti-frizz products do. Silicones completely destroy and dry out your hair by preventing ANY moisture from penetrating the hair shaft (that’s why it looks smooth and not frizzy). But the silicones are very difficult to wash out of your strands, so the more you use them, the more they cause build-up, and the more they dry out the hair strands. No Frizz is the only product I’ve ever found that can control frizz without the use of silicones. I’ve also purchased their shampoo and conditioner, which I love as well – but the whole system is just too pricey for the average joe to afford. My one splurge item for my hair is the No Frizz Cream, and I save it for use on special occasions. When I first received the bottle to try out, I used it every day for about a week. Every day, my hair looked better, and had less frizz! You know how a ton of companies advertise that you “must keep using xxxx product to see the best results” – just so they can sell more product? Well, in this case, it’s true. The more you use it, the better your hair looks. I wish I had the income to be able to use this every day! But that’s just not feasible – so will have to settle with frizz-free hair only for special events.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Unlisted Brand - The Original Skin Store--Acne Stop
slynsexysteph 7/16/2010 2:55:00 PM
This is one of my MUST-HAVE, “couldn’t survive without” products!! Ever since I was 12, I’ve been battling acne. Around age 20, I went on Accutane and had about 8 glorious years being acne-free. Then, the breakouts came back and because of the negative effects Accutane can have on the liver, I’ve been trying to battle the acne topically. Around a year ago, I found this advertised on the website where I go to buy my Mattify Face Powder. So, I started using it, and quickly went from about 15 breakouts per week, to two or three. If I notice a breakout starting to emerge, I immediately apply the Acne Stop (just to the breakout site). Typically, the breakout will be gone by the next day! If one does happen to emerge, I dab some on with a q-tip, and it’s usually gone in 24-48 hours. I think the people with negative reviews were applying this wrong. About once a week, I swipe this over my entire face, using a cotton ball. But for the most part, I just put a little on a q-tip and dab onto the center of a breakout. It works especially well if you use it to spot-treat directly after washing your face, when pores are still open. **********Try to not get it on the skin surrounding the breakout!!********** This is when you will notice the dryness/peeling the other reviewers describe. The Acne Stop can be used as a peel, OR a spot treatment. The manufacturers should probably make this a bit more clear in the directions they include. Unless you have VERY thick, tough, oily skin, I would not recommend applying this all over your face. If you do get patches of dryness, just use an exfoliating scrub to get rid of them quickly. Personally I’d rather have a few dry areas than giant breakouts, so I’ll take the trade! At any rate, I’ve tried hundreds of products for acne, and none even come close to getting rid of it as effectively as the Acne Stop does.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Pro Activ - Proactiv Repairing Lotion
slynsexysteph 7/16/2010 2:33:00 PM
So apparently Proactiv has changed their Repairing Lotion forumula, and have re-named it "Repairing Treatment". The website claims it is the same formula, but it sure doesn't feel the same. I’m so upset they took away their original Repairing Lotion! This new Repairing Treatment feels incredibly thick and heavy compared with the original Repairing Lotion. I have crazy-oily skin, so it does not react well to heavy, waxy products such as this. I’ve been using this new “Treatment” for a week now, and have gotten 5 breakouts. My skin also feels oilier than usual. I tried contacting the company to find out which ingredients are different from the original lotion, but they would not give me a direct answer – just some marketing blabber about how the new product is the same formula, but will make skin feel better than ever. Om no, it is NOT the same formula! The original Lotion was a light weight almost transparent gel consistency, and felt cooling & refreshing to apply to the skin. This new formula is a thick, pasty, white consistency and feels like a greasy, heavy lotion. After I applied it, I wanted to wash my face immediately because it felt as though my pores were sealed by this greasy mixture and could not “breathe”. I’m very disappointed in this product, and have been scouring Ebay to buy up all of the remaining original lotion possible. Once the original is completely sold out everywhere, I guess I’ll turn to a benzoyl peroxide gel, but will have to search for a good brand. The Original Proactiv Repairing Lotion was the only formula I’ve ever found which I could use on my entire face twice daily, without causing a tight dry feeling. Granted, it did absolutely nothing to heal existing blemishes, it did help to prevent new ones from forming. For spot treatment of current blemishes, I think the best product of all time is still the Acne Stop by Original Skin Store, but it is way too strong to apply daily to the entire face. The old Repairing Lotion was the only anti-acne product I’ve ever found that I could use on my entire face. I could tell that it really worked to prevent acne, because on the days I got lazy and didn’t use it morning/evening, I would have about 3 times more breakouts than usual a few days later. **sigh** I don’t know why companies discontinue products that work well. Seeing as how this item is designed for people with oily/acne prone skin, I can imagine there will be many unsatisfied customers when they discover the formula has now changed into a thick, waxy pore-clogging consistency. If they wanted to design a new formula, couldn’t they have just kept the old one as well, to give people a choice on which one to order?!
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Eye Shadow -Unlisted Brand - Micabella Eye Shadow- Diligence
slynsexysteph 6/12/2010 7:36:00 PM
I was also attacked by a sales person at the mall - they painted me up with all the Micabella shadows, lip gloss and mineral foundation. Most of it looked awful, but I think it's because they applied too much and in the wrong colors. I'm a fan of the shimmery colors they offer, and do like the Diligence shade - but the problem was that none of the products they applied to my face stayed on for more than an hour! I guess they have some kind of "miracle primer" for 50 bucks that's supposed to help, but they didn't have any in stock the day I was there. I bought nothing because the sales person was too needy and fake. This Micabella company just irritates me SO much because their sales people are pushy and they lie about the price of the items. A $150 item suddenly goes down to $50 if you threaten to walk away. They nearly chase you down if you start to leave. It's worse than buying a used car! It just makes you feel like you're being swindled at some sort of gypsy circus and gives a very low quality feel to their makeup. There are many other similar products online for much cheaper, and with better quality. They'd have a better reputation if they would be more honest about their products and prices, and if they offered a return policy. Only a company who doesn't stand 100% behind their products would try to constantly swindle customers and then neglect to offer returns or exchanges.
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Eyeliner -Stila - Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner Stingray
slynsexysteph 6/11/2010 3:18:00 PM
Best Eye Liner on the market!!!! I am absolutely amazed at the functionality of this liner. You must understand something before reading this review. I have such oily skin that virtually no product on the market stays put for more than 3 or 4 hours. Combine that problem with the issue of going swimming while wearing makeup and forget it! Until I found this, I'd given up hope for wearing liner in the hot summer months. I applied the Stingray color on upper and lower lash line, and even on the lower rim of my eye. After an 8 hour work day, it still looked amazing! Next, I put it to the test of swimming. Four hours of fun and sun at a water park - and I still had eye liner on!! Color me happy! No liner has ever come close to staying on for this long. Also, I’ve never been able to line the inner rim of my eye without massive irritation, and the color seeping into my eye. This color does not bleed at all, and is very gentle. The color on the rim does fade after about 6 hours, but still, that’s a very long time before re-application is needed for coloring in the rim. When placed on the lash line, the color doesn’t fade at all until you take it off with remover. I can't wait to try all the other colors!
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Bare Escentuals - Bare Minerals ALL
slynsexysteph 6/11/2010 3:03:00 PM
So I finally decided to try Bare Minerals the other day … and absolutely hate it! It functions horribly on my oily skin, and made it also made my face itch. It seemed that the warmer I would get, and the more oily my skin would get, the worse the itching would become. Also, the coverage is terrible for those who have freckling and/or acne to hide. It looks cakey, thick, powdery, and sinks into pores after an hour or so – accentuating the very problems we look to foundation to hide. In initially liked the look of the clear mineral veil - but even that made me itchy, and oily after a couple of hours. And I don't have typically sensitive skin either! After doing some research, I’ve found that the Bismuth in the products does cause a lot of skin irritation to others as well. Looks like I’ll be sticking with my trusty Mattify! Loose Powder for oil control, and Estee Lauder Liquid foundation. The Mattify Powder is similar to the BM Veil, but soaks up oil for much longer. I also tried the BM Veil with my regular liquid foundation but after a few hours it made my face look even oilier than without powder. Ick! You would think that a powder foundation would be great for oily skin – but it is SO not! I just can’t believe so many people like Bare Minerals – it didn’t cover anything, accentuated every flaw, and got all sticky feeling after an hour. Maybe it works better on dry skin, but as for oily skin, mineral makeup is a disaster!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Pantene - Relaxed & Natural
slynsexysteph 6/3/2010 7:21:00 PM
This is one of the best drug store conditioners to ever exist! I accidentally purchased it without noticing that the bottle says “for women of color” ~ but it was a beneficial mistake! Besides, I’m slightly tan, so I could qualify! It’s very moisturizing to my dry, super thick hair. My hair feels like straw after using most cheap conditioners, but this one leaves it feeling soft and silky. My favorite conditioner is the No Frizz by Living Proof, but at almost $25 bucks a bottle, can’t afford to use that daily. So, I’m switching off with the Pantene Relaxed & Natural. It’s definitely one of the most hydrating conditioners on the market – especially on drugstore shelves. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly, it takes a little time to rinse out. This one probably isn't ideal for those with fine or limp hair, but for those with dry, frizzy thick tresses - give it a try!
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Revlon - PhotoReady Makeup
slynsexysteph 3/2/2010 6:24:00 PM
I have to say that Revlon has officially failed in its attempt to copy MUFE’s HD Foundaiton. The Revlon Photo Ready Liquid Foundation goes on feeling sticky, and provides less than stellar coverage. If you have oily skin, this makeup will make you look shiny and accentuate any blemish you may have. It does stay put fairly well – lasts about 6 hours without fading, which is a plus. It also gets some points for the packaging; the clog-free dispenser releases just enough product for one use. Skin does look natural in any light, and the color stays true, but my problem is that there is not enough pigment to this foundation. You must make sure to use a good heavy concealer before applying the Photo Ready, or any freckling or acne blemishes will show through. The worst part for me was that it left my skin feeling sticky all day long – even after using my trusty Mattify! Loose Powder, the foundation still felt gooey. I also tried the Revlon Photo Ready Pressed Powder to see if maybe the two items were meant to be used in conjunction – but that did nothing to fight the stickiness or hide imperfections. Maybe this item is better suited for people with dry skin, but it sure is one to avoid if you’re oily!
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Other -Unlisted Brand - Model in a Bottle
slynsexysteph 3/2/2010 6:07:00 PM
Another product I don't know how I'd live without! The Model in a Bottle Makeup Setting Spray is incredible for people with oily skin. Just a few spritzes and your foundation and eye shadow is set to stay all day. Normally, my makeup melts off my face in the summer, especially when the humidity goes up. This prevents fading, streaking & the dreaded "makeup transfer" onto other people or clothing. An A+ product I'd suggest for anyone who has problems getting makeup to stay put.
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Powders -Unlisted Brand - Mattify! Cosmetics - Mattify! Loose Powder for Oily Skin
slynsexysteph 3/2/2010 5:57:00 PM
This is a product review for Mattify! Loose Powder by Mattify! Cosmetics (I couldn't find the exact description on MUA, but this category is close enough). Anyways, this is hands down a must have for people with oily skin. Before finding this, my makeup would "melt down" after only a few hours. Now, I can enjoy a matte face for about 4-6 hours before needing a touch up. I apply it as a powder primer before using my trusty Estee Lauder Max Cover Foundation. It soaks up excess oil that normally gathers under my makeup, preventing the makeup from sliding off my face. Then, I dust it on again over my foundation & it gives me a flawless air-brushed look without adding any nasty cakey color to my face. It's completely transparent - even my boyfriend wore it a few times on his T-Zone before we went out so he wouldn't look shiny. It's so clear that even men can get away with wearing it. And he is definately NOT the type to consider wearing any type of makeup! This powder is a beauty must-have for me. I've never found any other product that would come close to sopping up the oil that accumulates on my face during the day. I usually touch-up once during the day with the powder. I just pat it on with a powder puff over my foundation and it blends right in, zapping any shine for hours. Before finding this, I would have to touch up at least 4 times in an 8 hour day, using a colored compact. It just created a thick layer and by the end of the day would feel like I could scrape the powder off my face in layers. ICK! With the Mattify! Transparent Powder there is no thick residue, my makeup looks like it did after I first applied it in the morning. Everyone with oily skin should try this powder!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No