Cleansers -Clarisonic - Refreshing gel cleanser
smileandactnice 5/20/2013 11:54:00 AM
I got a big sample of this on the Q with another purchase...this was before I even owned a Clarisonic.... Using it without the Clarisonic, it lathers nicely and cleans pretty well. It isn't overly drying but also isn't moisturizing either. The fragrance is really light. When I use it with my Clarisonic, it takes makeup really easily and makes my face feel clean but not stripped. However, my skin is pretty sensitive and this does cause some redness no matter how gentle I am with the Clarisonic. I like though, that it seems to be non-comedogenic and so far hasn't caused any breakouts. But because my skin is so sensitive and on the dry side, I don't think this is the right cleanser for me. I might use it once in a while for a deep clean if I'm feeling extra grungy... Overall it's a nice, simple cleanser but the retail price is just outrageous for what you're getting...I mean the tube isn't even cutsey or anything. I don't see anything about it that would justify the price except it has the Clarisonic logo on it. Plus, dry-skin types should probably look elsewhere for something less drying.
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Moisturizers -Peter Thomas Roth - Laser-Free Regenerator Moisturizing Gel-Cream
smileandactnice 5/20/2013 11:48:00 AM
I'm on the fence...This is one weird product but I kinda like it for the summer. I also got mine at the Q when I bought my Mia2. This is one *weird* product. Supposedly it's a multi-tasker. It's supposed to moisturize, resurface any fine lines, and act as a primer. That's all well and good but it seems weird to me.lol I mistakenly used it before primer and made a mess of my face with balls of primer kinda falling off everywhere....it was really gross. But when I realized it had primer *built in* I was like, Oh ok... lol It seems a bit drying to me, like it would be good for acne skin or during the humid summer months. But my skin is dry, so I tried using a light moisturizer before this...Wound up a semi-slimy mess by afternoon with my makeup kinda sliding down my face. Not kool :( But now that it's super-hot here and humid, I'm using it straight under my bb cream. Voila!! Works like a charm!!! Super smooth skin, even toned and very very nice!! It does work for fine lines like even under the eyes, so that's a plus. It says to use morning and night, but I can't think of putting a primer on my face at night along with my usual night products...seems weird to me. I think this is one confused product --it doesn't know if it's a primer or a moisturizer or a line eraser--and it doesn't really excel at any of them enough to justify the price. I'll give it points because in the summer it's a good moisturizer/primer in one so you can skip a step in the morning...But seriously the price is way out there! If I hadn't gotten this big sample I would never have tried it. It seems too that this stuff ought to last a really long time because you don't need very much to cover your whole face. All in all, I like it for summer-time use, but I would never wear this in the winter and I sure wouldn't pay retail for a full-size jar.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Clarisonic - Mia2
smileandactnice 5/20/2013 10:59:00 AM
All I can say is Wow!!! What am amazing thing this is!!!! I bought a couple of cheapo knock-off's before this and they were just 'ok'. Thankfully QVC had this baby on like 5 easy pays, so I had to get it. The new Mia2 comes in gorgeous colors....I wanted the pink blossoms but it was sold out, so I got the pretty blue/green blossoms...Love it!! Very chic! I wasn't sure if the 'sonic' cleaning was any better than the drugstore knock-offs, but it *really* is a world better!!!! The Mia2 is entirely automatic, so you press the button and it gives you 20 secs to do your forehead, then it beeps and tells you to move to your nose/chin, then beeps when it's time to do one side of your face, then the other...then it shuts itself off. Kool, right?lol You only need to charge this thing like once every 3 months with daily use. Plus the charger is totes kool...it just magnetically sticks to the front of the handle--no plugging it in or anything! Soo kool!!haha The only nitpick I have is why no stand? I think you can buy them separately online but seriously, couldn't they have thrown one in?! That's kinda cheaping out if you ask me... On the plus though, it did come with pretty good sized samples of Peter Thomas Roth cleansing gel and his funky moisturizer/primer thingy, so I guess it's ok there's no stand (although I would have preferred a stand over the PTR stuff lol) Anyway, seriously amazing product and it cleans my skin like nobody's business! My pores are looking better, my skin is glowing now... This is definitely a beauty must-have if you can get a good deal (Check out QVC!!)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
BB Cream -Skin79 - Diamond The Prestige BB Cream
smileandactnice 5/20/2013 10:51:00 AM
OMG!!! This is *the* most amazing bb cream evah!! I thought I loved the Gold, but I've been wearing this for a week now and have gotten even more compliments on my skin!!! I think the Gold is great for winter months when you want heavier coverage and a more moisturizing formula...The Diamond Pink is great for summer when you want a more-sheer look. I love that this blends easily--even better than the Gold. I just smoosh it on in like 2 seconds and blend. I don't even need a sponge to feather the edges. It's a great color for my pale skin(that I'm not going to be tanning anytime soon). I find I can just smoosh it on, dot a little concealer where needed, and then set with the Sun Powder. I tend to kind of grind my powder in with the puff, and when I do that with the Gold bb cream I see it get kinda cakey in spots so I have to be careful....Not so with the Pink bb cream...I really work the powder into the bb cream and it doesn't cake or look yucky. My skin just looks velvet-smooth and gorgeous. I have no problems with breakouts either. All the Skin79 bb creams are great for sensitive skin or acne-prone skin. I cleanse my face at night with my Clarisonic 2 and the bb cream comes right off. I have to say the Diamond Pink bb cream is probably *the* best "makeup" I've ever worn during the summer months and I never want to be without it!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -TheFACEShop - Pomegranate Mask
smileandactnice 3/28/2013 10:02:00 AM
I got a couple of these as samples with an online order. I have to say I really liked it more than I thought I would. I'd read reviews that said the mask was a little dry and would shrivel and fall of quickly...Mine was very wet and applied nicely and stayed wet for a good 30 minutes while I let it do it's thing. It feels really great on the skin..very soothing. I think this would be great in the summer on a really hot day because it's rather cooling too. After 30 minutes I took it off and my skin really did look lifted a little and my pores were tighter. I had a bit of a glow too. Really, it was a nice spa-like treatment and I think my skin looks better today...more moist, plump and lifted. The mask is kind of a weird fit...I don't know whose face it would fit, but you can get it so it fits kinda ok...It feels so good though it really doesn't matter how well it fit.lol I have one left and I'm seriously considering ordering a bunch more...I don't know how much they cost though, since these were samples...If they're not too much and come in a box of you know, several, I'd buy it in a second...but if they're pricey and you have to buy them individually I'd probably pass... Oh, and I didn't give them a 5 for packaging because seriously people, do you really such a hard to open package?? They're face masks, not medical devices...nobody's going to poison them or taint them...It took me longer to open the thing than to actually use it!lol But I have to give them props because the package keeps the mask nice and wet with pomegranate goodness... Oh, I didn't look on the package to figure out how much percent it was pomegranate...Again, sample, so I didn't care much and I liked the results so who cares...lol
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
BB Cream -Skin79 - Super+ BB Cream Pink Label
smileandactnice 3/25/2013 4:24:00 PM
I got this in a sample pack of 4 bb creams and this is my second favorite (after the Gold). The coverage is more than the other bb's in the kit, but less than foundation. It blends nicely...really nicely...like, you can't screw it up. The only reason it isn't my fave is that it is a tiny bit dryer than the Gold, and has a hint more coverage too. So if you have oily skin, you'll def love this stuff!!! And if you're looking for more coverage, this is the stuff you want! It's about as pigmented as a tinted moisturizer, but it goes on way way better/easier. Plus when you take it off, you skin will look even better...It's got all kinds of healing stuff in it that improves your skin while you wear it. Don't cheap out and buy the Americanized bb creams--they suck!! I've tried a bunch of them and they just looked stupid and made me break out...This is the real-deal Korean authentic stuff that makes skin look and feel amazing!!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
BB Cream -Skin79 - Super+ BB Cream Gold Label
smileandactnice 3/25/2013 4:20:00 PM
I hear angels singing cuz this is my HG of makeup!!lol Not only does it pat on perfectly, but the coverage is amazing and my skin looks better after I take it off...A winner all the way around!! I love how easily it applies...like you can't screw it up and leave lines...you just slop it on and you're done. It absorbs in like a moisturizer (I use it on top of moisturizer btw), so you don't have to blend blend blend...just kinda pat it on, let it set, and then add a little more to where you need extra coverage. Seriously, I am giving up all concealers because of this stuff!! I used to use heavy duty concealers around my eyes, but they look heavy and fake when I use them with this...and the Gold Label covers so nicely you really don't need concealers--just dab a little bit more on and you're ready to go! I ordered a sample set of 4 different ones from Skin79 and I think this is my favorite!! The hot-pink is my second fave as it offers more coverage, but this gold one has a bit more moisture to it and that's what my skin needs. After trying the Gold one once, I went online that same day and ordered the full-size...that's how impressed I was! I totally didn't want to run out and have to go back to regular foundation!! And like I say, although I really like the pink one too, the gold one is like a dream come true!! Definitely way better than any of the American bb creams out there...and I've tried them too..This stuff is simply amazing!! Seriously people...I do not have perfect, flawless skin, but this gold label bb cream makes me look perfect...I totally look 10 years younger when I wear it, no lie! Get yourself a sample pack, and try it...You will never go back to heavy foundations again!!
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Sunscreen -Skin79 - All Day Sun Powder
smileandactnice 3/25/2013 4:12:00 PM
This is the best powder I've ever used! I've tried all kinds--even HD--and this beats them all. As the other reviewer said, it's very light, goes on nicely and sets makeup really well. The puff does pickup way too much product so a brush works best, but I give it high marks for being a cute container. I'm also super-pale, so this color works just fine on me and although it looks kinda pinky in the sifter, it goes on invisibly. My skin has never felt this smooth...not overly tight or matte, just like how skin's supposed to feel when it's not all oily or caked with makeup--smooth! I love that it does not settle in fine lines and a little bit goes a very long way. Seriously, best $15 I've ever spent on makeup! (Next to the bb cream haha)
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Mascara -Physicians Formula - Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara
smileandactnice 3/19/2013 10:51:00 AM
I have been obsessed with Maybelline Voluminous Waterproof mascara since junior high. I have been totally against changing ever! But I bought this one time when I wanted to try a non-waterproof mascara...you know, give my lashes a break from all that stuff... I bought this a while ago so the tube is different than what you see in stores now....Mine is green and shaped like a leaf. The newer one has a leaf for the handle and the tube is beige and, well, tube-like.lol So I can only comment on the older formula, which is *fabulous*!! If I compare this to the Maybelline one, this kicks the crap out of Maybelline!! One coat and my lashes are full...two coats and my lashes look like I'm wearing falsies!! I can't believe how much volume and thickness I get out of this stuff with so little work! With my Maybelline, I use a FastLash tool to keep the mascara off my eyelids and apply two to three coats, brushing them out in between...and it still doesn't make my lashes as thick and lush as this stuff does!!! The only neg thing I can say is it's not waterproof. But, I haven't had any big issues with it smearing off more than any other mascara, including waterproof. I don't recommend going out in the pouring rain, or crying, but during a normal day it holds up really well. Seriously, the volume is incredible!! I think it's that icky brush. It looks weird and kinda like a torture device lol, but it really applies the mascara. When you first get it, make sure you get the brush really really coated before using it...That way you get the most volume with the least amount of coats. Fabulous stuff!! I only rated the packaging as a 2 because the leaf-tube looks trashy, and the newer one looks even more pathetic. Frankly though, for what it does, I don't care how the packaging looks because the formula rocks!!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Wen by Chaz Dean - Mousse
smileandactnice 2/25/2013 3:34:00 PM
Best mousse, hands down ever!!!! Makes my hair full, bouncy and perfectly styled without being sticky, hard or crispy! At nearly $30 plus shipping, this is a very pricey product--which is typical of the Wen line--however, you are getting what you pay for--A top of the line, treatment/styling product that is actually repairing and treating your hair while it styles it. It's alcohol free, and free of any of that other junk that damages hair. Seriously, if you're going to spend good money on your hair, spend the money to get decent styling products too--and this is the best investment you will make!
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Crème -Revlon - ColorStay Whipped Creme Makeup
smileandactnice 2/25/2013 3:28:00 PM
I think this just might be my HF of foundations!!! I've been MMU obsessed for years, but as my skin's gotten older, it tends to look dry on me and I feel like I don't have that fresh, dewy look anymore. So I figured I'd give this a go. I use a makeup spatula to scoop a dime sized amount onto the back of my hand so it will warm to skin temp, then I dab at it with a foundation brush and lightly stroke it on my face--concentrating on the areas that need more coverage. It goes on like a dream, covers very nicely and is the first thing I've ever used that actually doesn't accentuate pores! I set mine with a little ELF HD powder just because I have some and want to use it up.lol But it really does help make this foundation look seamless and perfect. My skin looks dewy, fresh and moist without being greasy or sliding all over the place. After a long day at work, my foundation looks as fresh as it did in the am--in fact it looks more like my own skin now without any trace of makeup slippage. The price seems steep for a drugstore foundation, BUT you can use so very little it will last practically forever!! I'm anxious to see how it works when spring gets here and the weather gets warm...For a cold-weather foundation, it's perfect--hopefully it will stay that way into spring and summer too!!
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Treatments (Eye) -Bobbi Brown - Hydrating Eye Cream
smileandactnice 2/25/2013 11:56:00 AM
I bought this to compliment the corrector, which I *love*...this however not so much... The cream is really really thick, like along the lines of Balmex or some diaper cream. And it doesn't melt into skin ever it seems. I've tried warming it by rubbing my fingers together as they suggested @BB, but that doesn't help. It kinda still just sits on the skin and doesn't melt in. I've found it goes on best with a concealer brush, patted on. My corrector/concealer goes on well and I do like the two together, however this is a very pricey eye cream that really only primes...it does absolutely nothing to rehydrate, plump, firm or anything...just lets your concealer go on smoothly. For the price, I'd expect more...plus I just can't get over the icky texture. So I won't buy this one ever again...
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
BB Cream -L'Oreal - Nude Magique BB Cream
smileandactnice 10/1/2012 4:39:00 PM
I agree with what the negative reviewers said. I am super-pale, so I got the 'fair' color. It's white--like pure white. And it goes on leaving a grey-ish cast. Frankly, it makes me look like a corpse--great makeup for Halloween.lol But for work, not so good... I will say it goes on nicely with a foundation brush, so it's sheer and nice. And it works great at controlling shine--I haven't touched up today except for a tiny bit around my cheeks which get super oily. I applied this stuff this morning without any primer or moisturizer, and it does work pretty well as all that in one. And then I used my usual MMU over top of it, very lightly. My skin looks pretty darn near perfect, *except* that ghoulish grey cast to it. So I'm kinda on the fence--my skin does look good, it does take the place of several steps in the morning (although you def need an MMU over top of it for extra coverage), *but* the color is simply wrong... Wrong in the wrongest of senses...wrong in the sense that I really don't think I'll be wearing it again no matter how perfect my skin looks. I'm going to be returning this next time I'm at CVS.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Everyday Minerals - IT Base
smileandactnice 9/5/2012 1:01:00 PM
Wow! This stuff is amazing!!! I wanted a sheer mineral makeup...My skin sometimes looks 'old' and mineral makeup can look yucky on me because of my very very pale complexion. This goes on like a dream and looks very natural. I hear what some of the other posters are saying about the coverage being really sheer. I think it's true, but you can layer it for more coverage--but it will always be sheerer than their other mmu's. I think the price is really great for this much product. The only negative is the container doesn't give you as much product as one would like no matter how much you smack it around.lol It's nice that the sifter and hole-covering thingy work to keep the product safe and sound, but maybe they could redesign it so more would come out. I've shaken the hell out of it and it only gives up so much product at a time...I'm half tempted to take the sifter part right off--but I would probably wind up using more powder than necessary and that would be bad. Overall, great great product--Highly recommend!!! Sterling Minerals can bite my butt now! Take your messed up shopping cart and wonky account problems and p*ss off!lol Definitely sticking with EveryDay Minerals from now on!
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Wen by Chaz Dean - Re-moist
smileandactnice 7/24/2012 12:22:00 PM
I'm not sure that I would buy this again...I kinda love and hate it. I like that it's organic, safe and not tested on animals--but I have a Neutrogena daily conditioner that blows this away and I don't have to sleep with it on. This product works well if you use some of the cleansing conditioner first or along with the remoist...Kinda helps stretch it out because it's super-pricy for such a small tub. Which brings me to the next point--a tub? Really? They couldn't come up with a better container than that? It looks like margarine or something.lol For the price I'm paying, I'd like a container that seals out light and keeps the product fresh. The remoist does work if you leave it on a long time and give it a chance to do it's thing. Your hair will be soft and bouncy and feel rehydrated. I don't have 8 hours to leave it on and I really don't fancy sleeping in it (smells like menthol). It works pretty well in an hour under a plastic cap--I'm going to try it under a heatcap and see if that helps. It really is a nice product that's totally organic. I think it works best with the other Wen products if you stick to organic stuff and stay away from curling irons and flat irons. I think the point is to get people to use less heat and go more green. So if you flat iron or curl alot, it might not be enough to keep your hair healthy, IMHO.
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