Powder -LaurEss - Elemental Mineral Foundation
sparkleplenty156 3/14/2007 2:46:00 AM
I have been a huge supporter of LaurEss for quite some time. I was a little worried when I heard they were reformulating the foundation since it is my favorite. Anyway I received my samples last week and have been road testing them for several days. OMG! SO AWESOME! I can't believe the difference! They still feel smooth and soft but now they are more creamy and even softer then before! The high Zinc Oxide content is doing wonders for my skin and I am thrilled with the new level of coverage. Not too heavy but still able to build for more coverage. I use much less of the product now. My skin feels like silk and I keep petting my cheek! I also notice it is not as drying as some brands I have tried that are mostly titanium dioxide. It is also not as matte as the older version, but still does not look glowy or sparkly, it's just "brighter". Using this new foundation I don't look crinkly in the eye area so it is creating a softer focus finish. I am absolutely loving this product! I would give it a 10 if I could.
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -LaurEss - Cashmere Kabuki Brush
sparkleplenty156 10/19/2006 12:47:00 AM
This is one AWESOME Kabuki! I am amazed, everytime I cave to the reviews and buy a "fab kabuki", I am always surprised how inferior it is to my LaurEss Kabuki! I have paid hundreds of dollars for kabiukis (a bit of a fanatic) and this one is not only the best I have tried but (IMHO) totally underpriced, not that I am complaining :p If you want a dense soft kabuki this is just the best out there, puts Chanel and Cat to shame, even BB could take some lessons from this bad boy!! ROFL!
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Polishes -OPI - Designer Series - DS Design
sparkleplenty156 7/13/2006 4:56:00 PM
Another major winner for me! This and Vintage are the only designer series colors that work with my fair warm skintone. This is awesome alone or over other colors. I actually prefer it alone though. it is unique and a nice neutral without being boring or invisible. Most "nudes" on me are just too bland and I prefer a clear topcoat and no color, but Design solves that problem! Not too pale, and the mega sparkles makes it exciting! Love ti and would gladly have paid double the price for these. I have never used up a polish so I don't mind paying for what I like! GORGEOUS!!
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Polishes -OPI - Designer Series - DS Vintage
sparkleplenty156 7/13/2006 4:46:00 PM
awesome!! I love this polish! I am warmer toned and this and Design were the only designer series colors I could even consider. They are both gorgeous! I am typing this right now as my second coat of Vintage dries on my nails (so excuse the typos). I can't take my eyes off this gogeous shade! It's not too bright (couture was) and it is not orange but more rosy coral. the shimmers are stunning! Like a new diamond ring that you can't stop twisting in the sunlight! definite winner and I highly recommend it to warmer toned gals!! Beautiful!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Urban Decay - Surreal Skin Mineral Makeup
sparkleplenty156 6/26/2006 4:20:00 AM
I really wasn't sure what I would think of this packaging. I have used the Rare minerals puff applicator but that was with the clear, so I was a little leary about trying this with a foundation. However, the puff isn't bad. It does prevent spills and is easy to use. I do pat it a few times to keep it flowing, but overall it is workable. As for the foundation, it is a lot better then I expected! It is silky and smooth without being too shiny. It is not my HG mineral foundation, but it could be my runner up! I have only been testing this for a short time, so need to use it more often for a better trial. But so far I like it and am happy with my purchase.
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Loose Powders -Everyday Minerals - Finishing Dust
sparkleplenty156 6/19/2006 3:20:00 PM
This product is tinted cornstarch. Yes it mattifies and creates a soft focus effect just like cornstarch does. I prefer BE's Mineral Veil.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Maybelline - Great Lash Mascara
sparkleplenty156 6/9/2006 7:31:00 PM
totally overrated. I don't see anything redeeming about this product except that it didn't blind me. lol! Totally beyond me why this is popular with professioanls, unless that's because they are paid to say that.
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Fragrances -Donna Karan - Cashmere Mist
sparkleplenty156 6/9/2006 7:29:00 PM
I love this fragrance. It is my second fav (after Givenchy's organza). It is soft a subtle but lasts. It doesn't smell like a bouquet or a soap. It is perfect for daytime!
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Fragrances -Givenchy - Organza
sparkleplenty156 6/9/2006 7:27:00 PM
This is my very favorite fragrance of all time! I love that it is floral without being annoying, it is light but doesn't disappear. it is slightly oriental but not too much. Perfect perfect perfect!
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Powder -LaurEss - LaurEss
sparkleplenty156 6/9/2006 7:06:00 PM
This is my HG foundation. I have tried tons of mineral brands and this is by far the best I have come across. Very soft and light on the skin. The finish is perfect, not matte but NO glow or sparkle. It really does look just like real skin! It is also very easy to use. There are no tricks to it like some brands. Some I have tried required spraying with water, or floofing or buffing, this one works no matter what I try! It is very buildable so if I have a good skin day I can apply a sheer layer, or I can build up to cover any mondo zits that appear. It's amazing that no matter how much I apply it never gets chalky. I have seen some people review this as a medium coverage brand but I have never had problems covering fully with it. It is a little confusing having so many foundations to choose from, but I guess to some that is a plus. I did find my perfect match after getting a handful of samples and it was worth it. I hate tweaking so I guess the initial confusion is worth it. I have talked to Lauren, the owner, on the phone and she is helpful and friendly and down to earth. Her shipping was super fast and everything is packed in a very secure and styrofoam packing free way (I hate styrofoam packing peanuts so not having to deal with them is a major bonus)! Since discovering this brand a while back I have been able to sample a little of everything and I am so impressed with all these products. The eyeshadows, the blushes, the finishing powder, the gloss, it is all wonderful and beautiful. This is a big winner for me after trying so many brands and being disapointed! You can get to the website here: www.lauress.com and get samples of everything including the lipgloss! the gloss samples come in a mini lip wand tube and they are perfect for tossing in your purse!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Bare Escentuals - Warmth All Over Face Color
sparkleplenty156 6/9/2006 6:17:00 PM
I took a while to figure out this product. At first I thought it made me look dirty. After I visited a decent SA at a BE boutique though I mastered it. The amount of powder I use is so small and when I brush it on I can barely see I have added anything, but it does add a very nice "warmth". I wish it wasn't so picky and hard to get right, but once I have it on correctly I really like the effect.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -NARS - Deep Throat
sparkleplenty156 6/9/2006 6:06:00 PM
I love this color but I HATE the name. I know that is so stupid and the name shouldn't matter, but the idea of "Deep Throat" is so unappealing to me. "Orgasm" is a bit much but at least it isn't a nasty porno. LOL! the color is great though.
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Bronzers -NARS - Laguna
sparkleplenty156 6/9/2006 6:02:00 PM
this is a great bronzer and the lack of sparkles is a plus. I get so tired of all the bronzers with sparkles. This is a nice natural option. Two thumbs up. Update: I have finally found a mineral makeup that has a color very similar to this! LaurEss bronzer in Sun Kiss. I prefer mineral makeup so I was so happy to find this color.
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Lipstick -Revlon - Super Lustrous Sandalwood Beige
sparkleplenty156 6/9/2006 5:54:00 PM
This is by far my favorite lipstick color of all time. I love how it wears, how it feels, how it lasts. A wonderful color and a wonderful texture.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Unlisted Brand - Cory Cosmetics Mineral Foundation
sparkleplenty156 6/9/2006 5:39:00 PM
In my endless mineral sampling I decided to try Cory Cosmetics. I received the samples I purchased three weeks after I ordered. These are by far the weirdest minerals I have ever come across. All the colors look very very pale but when I rub them in they get darker and have tons of color streaks. Not well mixed at all! and they are so drying they made my skin red and irritated and raw feeling. This is definitely an argument for the benefits of mica and bismuth oxychloride.
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