Lip Gloss -Illamasqua - Intense in Indulge
spfxchic 2/28/2013 12:13:00 AM
I bought this on a whim while shopping online during a sale. The bright pink immediately caught my eye. I wasn't sure if I could get away with it or not, because it is indulgently pink. When it arrived, I tried just a dab on and found that it sheers down quite nicely to a bright, but bearable pink for daytime, or you can build it up a bit for a more bold look. It is not sticky at all, and it definitely has staying power. My first little coat lasted through morning coffee and lunch. This product is definitely a keeper and I will be purchasing other colors! The applicator is a soft brush. I'm not a huge fan of it, which is why I marked off a lippie. I'd rather have a doefoot applicator. Regular price is a little spendy in USD, because I don't often spend more than $15 on a gloss. But again, got this during a sale, so it was within my normal budget.
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Polishes -Illamasqua - Viridian
spfxchic 2/27/2013 11:36:00 PM
The closest thing I can describe Illamasqua's "Viridian" to is MACs "Whirlwind" lacquer. However, I much prefer Illamasqua. I kid you not, this brand of polish does not chip. As a hairdresser and makeup artist, I constantly wash my hands, not to mention have it in client's hair most of the day, and polish normally chips in one day for me. This polish seems to wear down on the edges of my nails. Not really chipping or fading. I am not sure how to describe it, but I love that it does that and doesn't chip away! The packaging is fantastic, and I love the brush which is a nice quality. It is a little pricey, but no more so than Butter of London. I am definitely an Illamasqua varnish fan for life!
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Polishes -Illamasqua - Bacterium
spfxchic 2/27/2013 11:31:00 PM
This polish has a unique color. It is a stone/taupe with a greenish/silver shimmer. One coat looks fantastic and semi-sheer, but two coats are perfect for me. I have received so many compliments and questions about this shade! The bottle is Illamasqua's signature square shape. The brush is fantastic and of great quality. Makes it very easy to reach those "corners" by your cuticles, without making a mess. I generally use a ridge-filling base coat and SV or Gelous top coat for a nice shine.
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Primer/ Corrector -Smashbox - PHOTO FINISH HYDRATING FOUNDATION PRIMER
spfxchic 7/3/2012 9:52:00 PM
HG product! I have extremely dry and sensitive skin. I have tried many a primer...everything from mineral to powder to silicone, etc. I even tried several of the other Smashbox Photo Finish primers without much luck. I received a sample of this when it first debuted, and was pretty skeptical. I was not a fan of their other primers, as it felt like I was wearing a mask under my foundation. However, this one almost sinks into the skin and feels like there is nothing there. Plus, it really does help my foundation stay all day, and I've even noticed that my powder doesn't dry/cake up by the end of the work day. Pricey, yes, but sooooooo worth it.
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BB Cream -Smashbox - Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35
spfxchic 7/3/2012 9:47:00 PM
I really do like this BB Cream! I have dry skin and have been on the hunt for a foundation that works for me for years (half the fun is trying new things, though my wallet disagrees). I've stopped the search, as this (in conjuction with other products) does the trick! I like that there is not much of an odor to the product. The packaging is great, love the squeeze tube - saves on wasted product and doesn't get contaminated. The retail price isn't any worse than other BB Creams I've seen. I am a MAC NW20 in the winter/spring, and get minimally darker in the summer and the Medium/Light Shade matches well. I do use the Smashbox Hydrating Primer under the BB Cream and the Halo powder to finish.
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Lotions/ Creams -Cetaphil - Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion For Dry Sensitive Skin
spfxchic 1/6/2011 10:44:00 AM
I swear I tried everything over the last 3 years. I tried tons of products on my dry cheeks...Weleda Skin Food (too heavy/greasy), Boots Sensitive Hydrating Serum (not so hydrating), Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil (didn't do much, too expensive)...and just about everything in between. Without fail, two hours after I left the house, my cheeks were flaking again and my makeup looked awful. Two days ago, and at wits end, I picked up Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser & DailyAdvance Ultra Hydrating lotion, and my skin has stayed moisturized for those two days. While I'm sure it will take a little while for my skin to look superb, the last 2 days have been a MAJOR improvement from where my skin was. Minor flaking, and the flakes are moist, so they aren't falling off my face...and while I say moist, they aren't caking up either. My skin actually looks natural with foundation on. I am going to look into their moisturizers with SPF and see how I like those. While I understand, the lotion isn't a facial moisturizer, I used it as such, because my cheeks are the driest part of my body. I use approximately the size of a pea for my whole face and it doesn't leave me feeling greasy and does absorb well. The smell is minor, but I could see how it might be off-putting for those who are used to fragrances being added to products. The smell reminds me of my Great Aunt's shampoo in her nursing home. But if I have to suffer the scent to keep these cheeks looking healthy, count me in.
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Cleansers -Cetaphil - Gentle Skin Cleanser
spfxchic 1/6/2011 10:36:00 AM
Have had problems with dry skin across my cheeks and at my jawline for about 3 years. I've tried many different face washes and cleansers and was actually looking for a moisturizer when I picked up a Bonus pack that had this Cleanser in it. The Bonus pack had Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser & DailyAdvance Ultra Hydrating lotion in it. My skin has stayed moisturized for the last two days. While I'm sure it will take a little while for my skin to look superb, the last 2 days have been a MAJOR improvement from where my skin was. Minor flaking, and the flakes are moist, so they aren't falling off my face...and while I say moist, they aren't caking up either. My skin actually looks natural with foundation on. I like that you have the option of using water with this cleanser, and that when you do, there isn't any foam. I knocked off a lippy for the smell. It reminds me of the way my great aunt's shampoo smelled in her nursing home when I was little. But if I have to suffer that scent for moisturized, clean skin, count me in.
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Foundations -MAC - Studio Mist Foundation [DISCONTINUED]
spfxchic 6/13/2008 1:14:00 PM
I adore this stuff! I have skin that has a few scars and blemishes, with redness around the nose and cheeks. I apply moisturizer, then concealer and spray a short burst of this directly onto a MAC 187 brush and buff it onto my skin. Buh-bye blemishes, scars and redness! It did take a little time to figure out what worked best for me, but I can build the coverage up just enough to keep this looking light and natural. I set with a little Mineralize skinfinish powder, applied much the same way as BE, and I am out the door. Not powdery, cakey, dry or too dewy. Just right. 4 lippies as it is more pricy than drugstore brands, but not as high as other similar products. Note: A can of this lasts me 2-3 months, using it 3-4 times per week.
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Bronzers -LORAC - TANtalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer
spfxchic 6/13/2008 12:59:00 PM
First off, let me say that I am not a fan of self-tanners. I used to tan indoors a lot when I was younger, but I got very turned off when I saw what years of that did to a co-workers skin. For a long time, I tried every self-tanning lotion known to man and disliked the majority of them. I even did airbrush tans (both mystic and at home) and didn't really like them, either. So, I've been pale for a long time (except my forearms, which get the most sun). I was skeptical when I bought this in a kit from Sephora. Contrary to most of the reviews, the scent is what pulled me in. It reminds me of a light pipe tobacco, with a hint of vanilla and coconut. The scent does fade as the day passes, though. The first time I put this on, I used about a dime sized drop and rubbed on my decolletage, since my shirt was lower cut than usual. It blended well with my neck/face. (I am a MAC NW20). There is some shimmer to this and I wasn't sure that I would like it, but it really just works for me. I like the fact that there is some pink in the luminizer, as it doesn't make you look orange-tanned, it's just a natural looking glow. Note: This was a little sticky when I first put it on, despite the runny consistency. I did let this dry down for about 5 minutes before I got dressed. I had it on all day and it didn't come off on my clothing.
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Toners -C.O. Bigelow - Cucumber Skin Tonic
spfxchic 5/10/2006 5:12:00 PM
I have ***extremely*** dry skin. No over-exaggeration. The flakes I had in the wintertime started off feeling like scales. I know, absolutely gross. I stumbled upon this line at my local B&BW. I started with a trial kit that included the Incredibly Moisturizing Face Cream, the Cucumber Toner & the Moisturizing Facial Cleanser. This toner works wonders for me (in conjunction with the other two items listed). The packaging is to-the-point. It doesn't dry my skin out or give me break-outs, and even helps calm the redness a tiny bit. The product is goopy/runny when applied to the cotton ball, but smooths over skin nicely. The smell of the toner is much better the the smell of the cleanser. I've already purchased a large bottle of this to use once my trial size runs out. I'll be sticking with this regimen all year, as long as it continues to work well. :)
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Cleansers -C.O. Bigelow - Moisture-Rich Facial Cleanser
spfxchic 5/10/2006 5:00:00 PM
I have ***extremely*** dry skin. No over-exaggeration. The flakes I had in the wintertime started off feeling like scales. I know, absolutely gross. I searched and searched for a cleanser to help resolve it once and for all. I'd pretty much resigned to using a gentle soap and exfoliating once a week, til' I stumbled upon this line at my local B&BW. I started with a trial kit that included the Incredibly Moisturizing Face Cream, the Cucumber Toner & the Moisturizing Facial Cleanser. This cleanser is somewhere between average and above average for me. If I don't wear makeup during the day, this is amazing. However, if I do wear foundation (bE), I find that I have to use two or three "servings" of this cleanser to get everything off. It is a runny/creamy consistency and does not foam. I like the apothecary packaging, plain, but to-the-point. The smell is the reason I knocked off a lippie. It really makes me want to gag. It's a cucumber scent, and it's natural, but there is something a little off about it that doesn't sit well with me. I hold my breath while cleansing now, as I'm not sure how the regimen would work without the cleanser. I'll buy it again, but will forever be blue-in-the-face while using it.
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Moisturizers -C.O. Bigelow - Incredibly Moisturizing Face Cream
spfxchic 5/10/2006 4:38:00 PM
I have ***extremely*** dry skin. No over-exaggeration. The flakes I had in the wintertime started off feeling like scales. I know, absolutely gross. I searched and searched the dept. store cosmetic counters for a face cream to resolve it once and for all. Even paid $75 for one. None helped. I read a ton of reviews here searching for anything to help, and found Weleda's Skin Food (they didn't have the Everon face balm in stock). Skin Food kept the flakies at bay for two weeks, but was heavy and then made my face break out. I had just about given up, til' I stumbled upon this line at my local B&BW. I started with a trial kit that included the Incredibly Moisturizing Face Cream, the Cucumber Toner & the Moisturizing Facial Cleanser. I am just about through the whole tub of this moisturizer. I don't think there's anyway to express how happy I am with the results!!! The first application in the store gave me hope...could my skin really be that much softer with one application?! I've used the *set* religiously, twice a day, for a month...and absolutely no flakes still! This is HG stuff for me! It does sit on the skin momentarily but sinks in to mine after a few minutes. I don't have to reapply it 2 or 3 times a day, which is a godsend. I really can't determine a scent to the cream, though the cleanser makes me want to gag. I stopped by the store to buy a full size container, and they were out of the original version, so I did pick up the SPF version. I will update if there is any difference between the two. I'll also be reviewing the toner and cleanser under their categories. (Update...why oh why did the BB in our mall get rid of this line?!)
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Lip Gloss -C.O. Bigelow - Mentha Lip Shine
spfxchic 5/10/2006 4:25:00 PM
I actually like this lip shine. It's not as goopy or sticky as MAC's lipglass, but it's not as watery as some of the drugstore brands. It gives you lips a light tingle (but not a sting, as with DuWop's Lip Venom). The scent is extremely minty, and is said to be a breathfreshener. I couldn't tell as I generally put it on after brushing my teeth...but I'm guessing that it doesn't necessarily freshen breath, just takes it down a notch or two, as it's not technically doing anything to the inside of your mouth. I haven't had any of the dryness or cracking mentioned below, but it doesn't really moisturize my lips after it's worn off, either. The tube packaging, with slanted applicator is convenient, and comfortable when used. I'd buy it again just for the shine and non-stickiness factors.
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Cleansers -MAC - Makeup Remover Wipes
spfxchic 2/27/2006 6:43:00 PM
These are an HG for me! I've used these for years! They truly do take anything off! Even WP mascara! Just hold them over your lashes for about 30 seconds, then wipe?! Sign me up! I don't find the scent overpowering. I've never experienced a filmy feeling after using these. They come in convenient packaging (love taking them with me when I travel). These things even take off theatrical makeup. Can't ask for much more than that!
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Moisturizers -Weleda - Skin Food
spfxchic 2/27/2006 6:35:00 PM
I bought Skin Food based on all of the wonderful reviews here on the boards. The main purpose I was trying it, is because my cheeks get chapped and dry...sometimes almost scaly. I've been using this for several weeks now, and it does relieve the dryness, though I find I do have to apply another coat of it on in the middle of the day - otherwise the flakies return. It's quite thick, so a little goes a long way. If you slather too much on, you will feel very greasy! This stuff works wonders on my elbows, feet and hands, though! (Put it on and slap some cotton socks or gloves on! In the morning your skin is smoooooth!) I do like the tube (minus the minor holes that do appear, as previously stated) for the no-dip quality. The scent is probably a hit or miss with most people. An herbal citrus scent...I don't find it particularly offensive. I will be trying the Everon Face Balm (and hoping that my dry skin disappears for good!) next. ****UPDATE**** After about 2 or 3 weeks of using this, I noticed that my cheeks broke out. I knew it had to be the Skin Food doing it, as that was the only area of my face I'd made any changes in regimen to. I was a little sad because, even though it was heavy and I had to reapply during the day, it was seeming to work. They didn't have the Everon Face Balm in stock, so I wasn't able to compare the two. I have since found the C.O. Bigelow Incredibly Moisturizing Face Cream, and it is working amazingly, even after a full month.
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