Makeup Brushes -MAC - #183 flat buffer brush ] [DISCONTINUED]
starlitedc 7/10/2010 3:11:00 AM
Like many other reviewers, I purchased this brush at my local CCO (this review is a bit delayed; I think I purchased it in April 2010). I feel that it has been discontinued due to the fact that there are better buffing/kabuki brushes available from MAC that you can use to apply or buff powder/mineral makeup (such as the MAC 181 [which i prefer] or the 182). This is a nice brush to have but it is not a necessity. Nevertheless, since its so difficult to find, I would recommend picking it up if you can find it at a CCO, especially if you are a loyal MAC user or a fan of collecting brushes in general. To address some specifics: 1. Size and shape: My main problem with this brush is that I find it a little too large for comfortable use. I prefer brushes that are a bit smaller so I reach for my MAC 181 over this one to apply powder products. Also, because of its flat-top shape, it is a bit awkward for applying powder products to the crevices of your face. On the other hand, the shape actually makes it nicer for buffing out the edges of your bronzer/blush/highlighter, rather than the actual application of products. For that reason, I always finish "putting on my face" by sweeping over my face with this brush to get rid of any obvious lines of demarcation. 2. Quality: This brush, like most of its MAC cousins, is amazingly soft and excellent quality. It is made of white bristles, which I believe are goat hair. It is not scratchy at all and I have had no shedding. After washing, the brush bristles tend to splay out in a wide shape, so I use a brush guard or the plastic sleeve that it came with to reshape it into a more narrow circumference. 3. THE SMELL: Oh my GOD. Like most of the reviewers have mentioned, this brush has a horrible smell. I've never had a brush that smelled so awful in my life. This is the reason that it took me so long to write a proper review; I rarely used this when I first got it because it literally smelled like something had crawled into the brush and died in it. I was going to use Enkore's deodorizing trick but I was too lazy to buy the necessary materials and I found a much easier and equally effective way to neutralize the horrible stench. I kept the plastic container that the brush came in and I stuck the brush back in it. Then, I applied a generous slathering of scented antibacterial hand sanitizer (I used Bath and Body Works apple scented one) to the inside of the lid of the plastic container and left the brush closed in there for a day. Make sure to not put so much sanitizer that it drips onto the brush, as the alcohol in the sanitizer is not good for the natural hairs. Anyway, I did this for about 3 days and within that time, the smell gradually but completely went away. Try this trick if you have a problem with the smell, it really works!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Highlighters -MAC - Cream Color Base in Luna
starlitedc 11/18/2009 10:06:00 AM
I originally bought Luna to use as an eyeshadow base. I wanted a brightening base like NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Milk. However, Luna (over UDPP) creased horribly on my eyelids within several hours. After that, it sat untouched in my drawer for a few months. I recently rediscovered Luna when I was looking at my stash to see if there was something I could use to brighten/lighten my lipsticks. I use my LE Mac Fun Fun lipstick sparingly, and I wanted to get the same kind of bright Barbie pink color from some of my warmer pink lippies. I put Luna down as a lip base and VOILA. It transformed the look of so many of my lipsticks, making them brighter/lighter/frostier/bluer. Now, I've got double the amount of lipsticks because of this base! Also, on its own, it looks a bit like the much sought after Bubbles LE lipstick from MAC. My new-found love of Luna prompted me to use it as a base color on other areas of my face. Now I use it as a base under blush, and I find that it intensifies the color and makes my blushes more long-lasting. However, I find that it does not really show up too much on my NC25 cheekbones as a highlighter. I do use it on my nose, and it seems to look great there, although it doesn't last very long. I always apply it with my fingers - no brush necessary. Luna is also great to use on your brow bone. So although it doesn't really function as a shadow base for me, I definitely recommend Luna CCB for its many many other uses.
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Eye Shadow -Chanel - Ombre D'Eau Fluid Iridescent Eyeshadow - #40 - Source
starlitedc 11/18/2009 9:47:00 AM
I bought this fluid eyeshadow over a year ago to pair as a base with the Chanel 86 Garden Party quad. I wore both religiously for two straight summers. I find that as a base, this is awesome. I do use UDPP as a primer before the Chanel fluid, as I have terribly oily lids that tend to crease unless I use UDPP. But with the primer, this stays on all day and doesn't go anywhere. It's also gorgeous to use as an all-over wash of color by itself. The color is a champagney pink, and its bright and gorgeous - perfect for lovers of pink and peachy eyeshadows. The consistency is watery, as its marketed as a fluid eyeshadow. Some people commented on the fact that they don't like the liquidity, but I love it. It spreads and dries easily. But that being said, it does dry quickly, so you have to work fast. I use the doe foot applicator to dab a dot of color and then blend it out with my pinky in 2-3 sections. If I just use the doe foot, it dispenses a lot of color. I use it this way sometimes, when I'm not wearing any other colors and I want a quick stroke of the Chanel fluid. I would definitely repurchase this again. I think the color would be flattering for most skin tones, although I wonder how well it would show up on darker tones. I'm an NC25/Giorgio Armani 5, and the color shows up beautifully. The price is of course a bit expensive. If you don't like the consistency of this, or are turned off by the price tag, I would recommend Stila's Kitten smudge pot. The smudge pot is the consistency of a whipped cream. I swatched both side-by-side, and although they looks totally different in the container, I swear they are dupable. Although the Chanel fluid 40 is a bit pinker, they look almost identical in certain lights. Maybe also try MAC Fresco Rose paint pot? But I don't own this shade and can't really vouch for how similar the colors are. Just a suggestion, but I love the Chanel fluid and I definitely recommend it!
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Lipstick -MAC - Lustre - Nude Rose
starlitedc 11/6/2009 4:09:00 AM
I bought this lipstick with the launch of the DSquared collection but am only now getting around to writing a review because it took me a while to realize how amazing this shade is. When I went to the MAC counter after the DSquared launch, they were already out of the lip erase that I was after (there are no Pro stores in Korea, sob). Determined to walk away with something, I bought Nude Rose, thinking that it doesn't hurt to have another light pink lipstick, but figuring that it wouldn't be anything special. In the tube, it looks almost identical to Creme Cup (Cremesheen) lipstick from MAC. I also LOVE my Creme Cup but what sets Nude Rose apart from Creme Cup is two things. First, its a Lustre, which is my favorite of the MAC lipstick formulations. It goes on a lot more sheer and easily than Creme Cup and is non-drying on my relatively dry lips. Second is the color. Although they look the same in the tube, with Creme Cup, you can certainly tell that you are wearing a pretty thick lipstick. With Nude Rose, however, the color looks so pretty and natural. It's a perfect balance of soft pink and flesh tone, which makes it the ideal "my lips but better (and shinier)" color (I am an NC25 in MAC). For those looking for a highly pigmented lipstick that gives you a burst of color, Nude Rose is not for you. But if you want a fresh, natural, sweet looking lipstick, this is it. Try to track it down and stock up!
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Lipstick -MAC - Freckletone lipstick
starlitedc 10/31/2009 8:00:00 AM
I've always overlooked this lipstick because it looks so dark and peach in the tube. I was eyeing Peachstock (available at the regular MAC counters in Seoul, Korea) when the SA more or less forced me to try Freckletone. I'm SO glad he did though! Freckletone is the perfect "my lips but better" nude lipstick. It's what I was hoping NYX Orange Soda would be, but the formula of the NYX is pretty awful and the color makes me look like I've been dead for three days... In color, Freckletone is understated and natural, without making you look like death. I feel like a lot of women try to get a really nude lip and end up getting a lipstick shade that is far too pale or matte for their coloring. I think I wear this a little differently from the majority of Freckletone fans, as I'm an NC25 and Freckletone is almost the exact same darkness of my naturally dark lips, although my lips are a bit more pink. I oscillate between this and Creme d'Nude (which is closer to my actual skin color and therefore more of a pale lip) but I think that Freckletone is more everyday and wearable. As far as formulation goes, its a Lustre, which is my favorite of the MAC lipstick formulas. It goes on butter smooth, and has a bit of a sheen to it. It's less drying than Cremesheens, IMO, so it goes on nicer than Creme d'Nude and it definitely wears nicer than Myth (Satin formulation). I find that staying power with Lustres is generally pretty good, going for 2-3 hours without needing a touch up. I am a chronic lipstick reapplier so this is a pretty long last for me, and I don't mind touching up throughout the day. I love this lipstick! Its what I wear when I have a dramatic/dark eye and don't want too much color on the lip. I also think it is work appropriate, unlike many concealer-lip-nudes. But I'm still going to go back and test Peachstock, hehe.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -LUSH - Wow Wow Face Mask
starlitedc 10/23/2009 9:40:00 AM
In Wow Wow, I found the first product from LUSH that I do not love. In fact, I pretty much hate this product, which really saddens me because I have always had great results with everything I've ever purchased from LUSH. I received Wow Wow as part of the Girls Night In sampler, so although I got a regular sized tub of it, I'm relieved that I didn't pay full price for this product alone. I was looking for a deep-cleaning product that would clear some clogged pores and would refresh my tired, dull skin. I had originally wanted to try the Brazened Honey mask, but the SA advised against it, saying that Wow Wow was a better product for my sensitive skin. First and foremost is the smell. I've read other people's reviews about the oatmeal or mushroom scent. I actually get none of that at all. Maybe its just my batch, but the first thing I noticed about this mask is the strong, overwhelming, overpowering, offensive smell of roses. Now, I am one of the few people on earth that absolutely hates all floral scents, but the smell in this mask was just something else. One of the ingredients in Wow Wow is rose oil, but the smell coming from this mask was just so strong, it caused me to get a huge headache. Still, I toughed it out and kept it on for the 10-15 recommended minutes. After rinsing, I was hoping to be rewarded for sitting through the awful stench of Wow Wow, but honestly, I noticed absolutely nothing. Nada. Zilch. In the past, I've used oatmeal masks (just plain Quaker oatmeal mixed with water) to calm and hydrate my skin, and this mask basically has the same effect. In fact, the consistency of it is exactly the same as oatmeal, so its kind of difficult to distribute evenly on your skin. In short, I do not recommend this mask. It reeks and it does nothing that regular old oatmeal doesn't do. Instead of Wow Wow, I highly recommend Mask of Magnaminty (also from LUSH) or I highly recommend using a regular DIY oatmeal mask, or buying the Aveeno Skin Relief Bath Treament (its a 100% colloidal oatmeal powder thats meant to be used in the bath, but it can also be used with less water as a paste) and making a mask out of it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Christian Dior - Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect 267 Rose Satinette
starlitedc 10/5/2009 8:50:00 AM
I bought this product eons ago but am only now getting around to writing a review. I just went on the Dior website and don't see this color listed under the shades for this product. So I'm writing this review and hoping that they will bring it back or that it hasn't been discontinued. Colorwise, I love this shade. In the tube, it is a bright bright pale pink. It is super girly, which is what I was looking for when I bought the gloss. My tube is actually sitting right next to a pack of pink post-its right now and they look very similar in color, only the Dior is brighter. What really makes this product special is the fine white/silver glimmer that is spread out throughout the gloss. It looks beautiful on and reflects light magnificently. I have very pigmented mauvey-pink lips and I have always just worn this gloss on its own, with nothing under it. It looks very true to the tube color on, and the glimmers really pop. With respect to the consistency, it is extremely thick, thicker than Chanel glosses or MAC lipglass, in my opinion. However, its not unpleasantly so, The texture is really nice and doesn't dry out. Overall, a great product for anyone looking for an over-the-top girly, shiny, Barbie pink lip gloss color. For reference, I am a MAC NC25 and 5 in Armani Luminous Silk Foundation/Modelling Compact Foundation.
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Lip Gloss -Chanel - Cristalle Gloss - Melon
starlitedc 10/5/2009 8:27:00 AM
I received this as a gift a year and a half ago and I just rediscovered it sitting in my lipstick/lipgloss bin. I loved it when I first got it and I still love it now. The color is actually really gorgeous in the tube - kind of coral with teeny tiny gold flecks throughout. It looks great on too. I have very pigmented pink lips and it just looks bright and summery on, over nude lips. I think it looks great in the fall and winter too, and it also looks nice over red lipsticks. The consistency is light and not sticky, which I love. I can't comment on the price but I would definitely repurchase this on my own! I don't know if Chanel is still making the Cristalle Gloss line, but I hope so. Highly recommended if its still available.
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Shampoo -LUSH - BIG
starlitedc 10/3/2009 9:30:00 AM
I live in Seoul, South Korea, where it seems that there is a LUSH in almost every major shopping district. I always hated LUSH, because the smell coming from the store was so strong and overwhelming. I could always smell it from the opposite end of the sidewalk as I walked by, and I thought it reeked. Well, a few days ago, I had some time to kill so I wandered into one of the stores. I was curious why so many girls were always in the store. I ended up walking away with Big, which is obviously my first foray into LUSH products. I am SO glad that I bought this shampoo! I've only used it once, so this review might be a bit premature, but this is how excited I am about this product. After using it once, my hair looks shiny and is less flat looking. I'm not saying that it has given me volume... I have extremely fine hair that always sits flat against my head, but I'm okay with that. Volume was something I wasn't looking for with this product. But what I mean is that my hair just looks more vibrant somehow, and less dull. Another thing is that my hair felt so clean and soft after using it once. I was really dubious about the ingredients listed in the packaging and about the effect of sea salt on my hair. I also didn't like the smell in the tub. But after shampooing it into my hair, my hair just feels light and smells crisp - almost like...fabric softener? I know that sounds weird, but its a nice, subtle, clean scent. I'm kind of shocked about this because my hair is really fine and porous, and doesn't hold product scents well. After about 5 minutes outdoors, my hair usually smells like whatever it's been exposed to outside. I'm going to continue using this and see if the results stick, or if its just an initial reaction that I'm having to the product. Nevertheless, I'm LOVING this shampoo and really recommend it to anyone as of right now. I had to take a lippie off though because I find that the price is a bit expensive. But compared to products like Kerastase and Bumble and Bumble shampoos, I guess it's on par, both in price and quality. So far, I like it much better than those shampoos. EDIT: I've been using BIG for a month now and it's still amazing. The reviews about BIG making your hair very tangly are true. It does such a good job of cleaning it that it leaves your hair super slick and kind of matted. So a good conditioner paired with BIG is crucial (I alternate between American Cream from LUSH and Vidal Sassoon). I know I will be sticking with BIG for as long as they make it though because a few of my guy friends, who never notice anything, even commented on how soft and healthy my hair looked and asked to touch it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
BB Cream -MISSHA - M Perfect Cover BB Cream
starlitedc 3/26/2009 1:50:00 PM
Before I actually start my review, I'll give a little background. I'm in my mid-20s, Asian, with relatively sensitive NC25 skin. As a teen, I had extremely oily skin and breakouts along my t-zone. I am now experiencing a resurgence of breakouts (pimples, whiteheads) as a result of hormones and environmental factors. My skin type has also changed from oily to normal/combination. With that said, this is only the second review I've ever been compelled to write because I had such a horrifying experience with this BB cream. After hearing so much hype, I feel like it's necessary to give a warning to all the girls out there that are desperately trying to get their hands on this. IT'S NOT WORTH IT! I am currently living in Korea, where Missha is quite inexpensive and widely available. My aunt recommended this product to me, citing its cheap price (20,000 won, which is about 15 USD) and the good results she got from using it. I've never used BB cream in the past and was keen to give it a try, especially since Missha products are so inexpensive compared to the Giorgio Armani primer and foundation I normally use. I purchased the 21 shade, which was a tad too light, but the 23 was too dark. I started using this product daily. The packaging is actually kind of convenient--it comes in tube form, with a pump to dispense the cream. I'd pump it just once, spread it over my face, and continue with my regular makeup routine. Right away though, I noticed that I didn't love the consistency. It was very creamy--none of the pulling and tugging that some of the BB creams I've used since require. This might seem like a good thing, but it was just too liquid and rich, which made it sit very oily on my face. A week or two into using this product, I started breaking out WORSE THAN I EVER HAD BEFORE IN MY LIFE. Big, painful, cystic acne all over my face--even in areas where I have never broken out before: my cheeks, forehead, along my hair and jaw lines, and around my lips. At first, I didn't suspect the BB cream and chalked it up to stress. However, after the breakouts kept getting worse, I went to the dermatologist for a visit and a skin cleaning/extraction. The aesthetician who was extracting my zits got down to work and I heard her gasp. She asked what I was using as a BB cream and I told her I was using Missha. She commanded me to stop using it immediately as it was horribly clogging my pores. As she squeezed and cleaned each blemish, BEIGE CREAM WAS COMING OUT, which is how she knew it was BB cream. It was trapped in there, causing my huge, inflamed cystic acne. I was horrified and thinking about it now is literally making me shudder. I know that this product has done wonders for many of its loyal users. But ladies, sometimes a product really is just too good to be true. Missha isn't widely available in many other countries so please beware before you try to hunt this down and spend a pretty penny trying to get it shipped to you. After discontinuing use, my breakouts have stopped but I have big, red scars from the cystic acne and small residual bumps that I'm still trying to get rid of, which will require a lot of patience and expensive visits to the dermatologist. My skin has never looked or felt worse, which has really affected me and my self-esteem. This product might work for you, but I would NEVER recommend it to anyone and suggest that you be careful using it. It's by far the worst product I've ever used. Edit: A couple of people have asked me what I use to cleanse my skin at night. I use Dermaviduals DMS, which is a cleansing milk from Germany that I get from my dermatologist, and I alternate between Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 3% Facial Wash and LUSH Fresh Farmacy, followed by LUSH Tea Tree Toner. All are really effective at getting my face really clean so I don't know how it was possible for the BB cream to clog my pores so badly.
86 out of 120 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Donna Karan - Cashmere Mist Body Lotion
starlitedc 6/7/2007 10:50:00 PM
I received Cashmere Mist body lotion as a gift and had such a horrifying experience using this product that I felt compelled to write my first review. I've been a fan of the fragrance for many years and have never had a problem with the perfume. However, I put the lotion on my arms and legs one night and woke up with a severe case of hives the next morning. The hives and welts were so extreme and frequent that I had to seek medical attention. It is now three days later, and although I received a shot of steroids and have been prescribed medication, I am still red and itchy and have bumps all over my arms, legs, and back. Granted, I realize that I experienced a possibly rare allergic reaction to this product that others may not have experienced but I am still shocked that this product could cause this. I've used all types of creams/lotions/perfumes throughout my life and have NEVER experienced any adverse reactions to any beauty/cosmetic products in the past. This has left me completely scarred. I will never use this product again and do not recommend it to anyone.
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