Foundations -Revlon - Nearly Naked Foundation
teacherjess 2/3/2013 6:04:00 PM
I bought this foundation two days ago on a whim and I am really glad I did. I love this foundation, but I think the secret lies in wearing the foundation and Nearly Naked powder TOGETHER.The results are naturally gorgeous. On its own, the foundation is great--it is of thinner consistency and actually feels good going onto the skin. That is one thing that is important to me because some foundations just feel too thick and gloopy going on and I can feel my pores clogging up on contact...anyway, I applied it with my MAC foundation brush and it blends in soooo easily-- quickly, light, and smooth. The coverage is beautiful- it is medium coverage, but it looks very natural and feels amazing because you can't "feel" it on. I only applied one coat and was really pleased with the coverage. I was afraid that two would be mask- like, but I may try two coats soon. It lasted through a night of dinner and drinks with friends---looked better longer than my Colorstay! I am a regular Colorstay user (my shade is 400 caramel) so I went with 260 caramel in Nearly Naked. The NN caramel is slightly lighter than the Colorstay caramel, but it still matched my skintone. I used my flat top E.L.F. brush to apply the Nearly Naked powder over the NN foundation, and I buffed it on like I would a mineral foundation. My skin looked flawless! Best of all, it felt so nice. My skin just looked like smooth, blemish free skin- not makeup. I was previously hooked on Colorstay foundation with NYX matte not flat foundation powder over it. I think I found a new favorite!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Victoria's Secret - Face Prime
teacherjess 10/21/2012 7:35:00 PM
Best makeup setting spray I've tried without a doubt. The price is nice, you get a fine mist (unlike Model in a Bottle with HUGE droplets) and its a dual primer and setting spray (although I've only tried it as a setting spray). In love with this. Let me tell you the test I did: put on my face as usual, sprayed this on, & headed out around 9:30. I got home around 1:30, checked my face- still flawless. Then I went for an hour jog/walk outdoors- sweating as the day was bright & sunshiny. I got home & cleaned my kitchen and cooked a meal (so once again- hot, sweaty, steamy conditions) then took a nap for an hr. I woke up at 6:00 and looked at my face- STILL FLAWLESS- Like my makeup application was fresh!!!! I have oily skin that "eats" makeup. This stuff is truly amazing. I used to work at VS and they are notorious for discontinuing products. I'm going back this week and cleaning the shelves- I want to have this stuff forever!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Shea Moisture - Thickening Growth Milk
teacherjess 6/24/2012 10:16:00 PM
I bought this product about 4 or 5 days ago. I have relaxed hair, moderate thickness, a little past shoulder length. The first time I used it was as a nightly moisturizer for my ends. My hair was dry and all I could think was, 'wow this stuff is really greasy.' I wasn't impressed with the texture of it or so called thickening properties. But the smell was FABULOUS (so fresh, feminine, pleasant, and almost perfume- like but not overly perfume-y) and the ingredient list reads like a VIP list of good, high quality ingredients for ethnic hair care (jojoba oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, glycerin, etc.) so I stuck with it. I am now in LOVE. Used sparingly, it is an excellent moisturizer that imparts incredibly beautiful body, sheen, and softness to the hair. My hair hasn't looked this healthy in a long time. The hair absorbs the product well and is not left greasy or weighed down (just don't use too much). I tried it on damp hair after shampooing and conditioning. It seemed to dry a little thicker looking, but wasn't as soft. I did use a keratin spray with it and that could have made it less soft...overall, I recommend this product for both relaxed and naturals. The jury is still out on how well it thickens, but I have noticed significantly less hair lost during styling and increased shine, body, & softness. Also helps hold hairstyles better. Curls look gorgeous-- full, bouncy, shiny...go get some!
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Conditioner -TRESemme - Vitamin E Moisture Rich Conditioner
teacherjess 2/19/2012 7:22:00 PM
Great on my relaxed hair for conditioner- only washes...left my hair very soft, full of body, and moisturized. After I used it, colleagues at work commented on how great my hair looked-- I had one of the best "good hair days" I've had in a very long time. The price is excellent, especially for the amount you get. Just be careful. The bottle is huge & bulky, and when hands are slippery and wet, you're prone to dropping it. I said so many bad words when that bottle hit my foot.... :( I've only used it a few times, but I really like it so far. If my hair continues to respond well to it, I'll likely purchase again :)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Neutrogena - Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation SPF 20
teacherjess 2/18/2012 9:42:00 PM
*Sigh* I'm already afraid. Everytime I find a product that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Enough of my soap opera; let me get down to the review: I was in CVS today blowing $$ on drugstore cosmetics. I needed a new foundation as my regular was looking too orange/dark on me. I have been reading reviews on Revlon colorstay foundation so I picked up two bottles (B1G1 half off)-- one in toast and the other in the next shade darker-- (I like to mix to create the perfect shade). I also picked up this mineral foundation in tan 80. I prayed as I held it---I have a nasty history w/ mineral makeup--breaks me out like hell within hours...I'm talking itchy, swelling cystic acne within a matter of 2- 3 hrs to a day or two. Bad news. But since its Neutrogena and the package says "dermatologist- selected minerals" I thought I'd give it a go. I spread a layer of the Colorstay liquid over my face w/ my MAC foundation brush and used a fluffy brush to set with this powder foundation and WOW--my skin looked flawlessly gorgeous! Not a pore in sight, no acne or acne scars showing....just smooth, even, soft, shine- free yet glowy, PERFECT skin. No need for a concealer. I squealed in delight! I've searched for a long time for products to make my skin look this beautiful; wasted a lot of $$$ on expensive brands, only to find my possible HG in a drugstore :) Its only been one day---too soon to tell----but I'll update if this stuff breaks me out like all other mineral products I"ve used in the past. Keep your fingers crossed!
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Primer/ Corrector -Unlisted Brand - Monistat - Chafing Relief Powder-Gel 
teacherjess 2/18/2012 12:30:00 PM
If you have acne prone skin, BEWARE!!!!! I wanted soooo bad for this to work for me. I was looking for a makeup primer to give me that dewy, flawless, smooth look. I was so excited to hear that I could achieve this with a drugstore product around $5 instead of spending big $$$ on a high end product.I've tried Smashbox's in the past, and don't remember having a bad experience. When I say that this gave me the WORST ACNE BREAKOUT of my life, I mean it. Ladies, if you are an acne sufferer, RUN FAST away from this product. It made my skin look great for about 1- 2 weeks, and then I had consistent and severe acne breakouts-- red, cystic, hugely inflamed pimples, papules, and pustules...you name it, I had it. They were everywhere-- PIZZA FACE. It was worse in my areas that were bad before I went to a derm---hormonal chin acne, my cheeks, forehead...I had zits EVERYWHERE. My skin wasn't even this bad before I saw a derm. :( Maybe I'm sensitive to silicones or something, but if you are prone to acne, seriously consider before buying this product. It has taken weeks and weeks to clear the acne and fade the acne scars. My face still looks awful. I have to wear heavy, heavy foundation (Dermablend) on those places where I got breakouts. Not a happy girl.
12 out of 17 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Clarisonic - Mia
teacherjess 1/11/2012 10:38:00 PM
I tried to wait a month but my excitement and disbelief got the best of me. Stop thinking about buying this; just do it- NOW. Save up, start a paper route, or cut back on your Starbucks and movie rentals- buy this because it is worth every penny. A week ago my face was flaky, super oily, clogged, and angry hormonal acne on my chin. Not to mention little oil bumps and engorged pores. After just one use, my skin started peeling in large flakes & felt real dry. While this was annoying, I realized the Mia was breaking up the top layer of dead gunk that caused my face to look like hell. After the 3rd or 4th use, the flaking stopped and revealed smoother, brighter skin that felt soft to the touch. Pores shrunk a bit too. No touch of makeup, oil, or dead skin when I swiped with toner. Going into a week, I still have that soft smooth feel and my skin glows. My makeup looks better. Products perform better. Acne scars fading, and blemishes I have go away faster. This is all in less than a week. WOW. I use Mia 2x a day for about a min & a half to 2 mins. I can't believe I waited to get this
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Dermablend - Cover Creme - Cream
teacherjess 1/5/2012 6:57:00 PM
Itrs probably way too early to give a review, so I'll edit if anything changes. I bought this tonight on somewhat of a whim...I've suffered from mild to moderate acne for about 3 years (still do) and have the scarring and current blemishes on chin & forehead to prove it. I have tried regular foundations & concealers to cover the trouble spots, but it just screams "obvious & cakey" when I try to layer to cover them, even when I use expensive brands. I tried it on while at the dept. store and was pleased, but still when I got home I needed an honest assessment starting with a bare face. I removed my makeup and cleansed, then moisturized just as I would in the morning. I applied the cover creme over the spots and sort of blotted/ blended gently with a sponge. then I applied my regular foundation lightly all around it (I either use Mary Kay med coverage or Lancome Teint Miracle- this time i used TM). I then set lightly with loose powder. Ladies, when I say it looked like I had a new face, I really mean it! My blemishes and scars were either completely gone or barely noticeable! I can't wait to see if it lives up to its claims of longwear (I work 12+ hr days). I can get away with a more natural daytime makeup look if so-- this will save me a lot of time in the morning. All I did to complete the look was add lipgloss and blush-- i didn't even do anything to my eyes and still achieved a nice, clean look. Several reviewers commented about the coloring being off. I'll admit, the shade selection doesn't look like they cover all skin tones, especially very light ones, but rather catered more towards minorities or those with yellow/ pink/ red undertones. Which probably explains why I easily found my perfect shade as I am african american with warm undertones. It is a bit pricey at $34, but if you use sparingly the jar should last for years. I don't think this was intended to use all over the face, but just for covering trouble spots, blemishes, etc. For one thing the texture is super thick, almost like a paste- not fluid at all. Overall, I like so far and will likely repurchase if it ever runs out!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -Unlisted Brand - Milk of Magnesia
teacherjess 11/20/2011 12:18:00 AM
So ladies....I was VERY skeptical about this when I first read of women using it as a primer to mattify skin. I think I'm on day 4 or 5 of this and it is amazing~ it really is! I think it works better with each application. The first day I still had oily breakthrough about 2 hours after doing my makeup, but it has gotten soooo much better with each passing day (with the exception of the one day I used too much-- ouch! tight, dry face was not comfortable). The last two days I only had to touch up a light dusting of powder around my t- zone at the END of the day, and shazam!! skin was flawless again. I usually do my makeup at 6:00am or earlier for work, and 15 hours later it still looked good---I NEVER had this happen before. Applying too much can be a big problem. I did and got a dry, tight feeling and my face looked dull, chalky--that didn't go away til I washed and moisturized that night. :( I learned that the best way is to apply with a makeup sponge and smooth a thin layer over the face. I let it dry about 1 min, then put a layer of Monistat anti- chafe gel, wait 1 min, then apply foundation. As long as this doesn't make me break out or really dry my skin out over time, I plan to make this a regular in my routine! Plus for the price you can't beat it!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Mary Kay - Cranberry Ice Shadow
teacherjess 11/19/2011 9:32:00 PM
On a whim I bought this on ebay. There was an offer that if you bought 3 MK shadows you got the compact free (I've always wanted one of those goofy mary kay compacts, really! but so expensive...lol). I bought this color, goldenrod, and currant craze. They are GORGEOUS together. I apply creamy, light golden EL base for staying power, then apply goldenrod from lash to browbone. I lightly apply cranberry ice over my lid up to the crease. Over the gold, it makes a very pretty, yet neutral pop of pink- y gold...yum for brown eyes and my skin tone! Then I apply a pop of currant craze ( a deep brown- berry shade) in the outer corner and blend. Very, very pretty for daytime and easily intensified (because these are buildable and can even be used wet) for evening!
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Lipstick -Mary Kay - Signature Lipstick in Raisinberry
teacherjess 11/16/2011 8:03:00 PM
I know a lot of women complain about Mary Kay lipstick being dry and the color selection being off...but, I LOVE their lipsticks. I am African- American w/ caramel color skin, black hair, and dark brown eyes, and their color is perfect for me for several reasons. One, the color is true to what it actually appears in the package. I have several Clinique & EL lipsticks & they all look great in the tube, then when you put some of them on the color turns too pink/too red/ too orange, etc against my skintone. I waste a lot of $$ b/c I have to throw it out. Second, Mary Kay lipsticks are long wearing. Sure they are a tad drier than most (but not to the point of being uncomfortable), but the formula is long wearing. I'll take that any day over a too- moist color that slides around. These babies stay put. Top off w/ a pretty gloss and you get the best of both worlds-- creamy, full coverage with some shine. This color, Raisinberry, is super pretty. I have been a fan of Downtown Brown by Mary Kay since 2003. Raisinberry is like the more plummy version of Downtown Brown. It is a sweet symphony of frosty, plum, rose, brown for warmth---not too cool, not too warm, pretty sheen...yum! I just recieved this in the mail today (ordered online) and it is a pretty, neutral, yet polished daytime shade. It looks great with my brown and taupe eyeshadows as well as the cooler plums and grays. I can see how it would be beautiful on a range of skin tones. So....try this if you like a medium coverage lip color that stays true and lasts long. You won't be disappointed.
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Moisturizers -Sephora - Instant Moisturizer
teacherjess 10/12/2011 8:03:00 PM
This is the BEST moisturizer I've used ever.I have oily, acne- prone, but now sensitive (thanks to retin A cream to control acne) skin and I can literally hear my pores say "awwww yeah boiiiii" when they see me get this out every AM lol. It is like a cool, hydrating drink of water for my face. It is light, almost a whipped texture, not heavy in the least but with enough oommph to leave your skin moist, hydrated, and healthy. It absorbs quickly so you can go right behind it and apply makeup with no problems. I used to use Cliniques dramatically different gel, but I had to use umpteen different mattifiers just to soak up the grease before my foundation went on. I even think this has made my complexion brighter, more even toned, and just so healthy looking. Best: no acne, because this isn't oily at all. Worst: the packaging is not the greatest. The jar is big which makes travelling a pain and a pump or tube would be more sanitary. Other than that, it is great!!!!!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Clinique - Black Honey Gradient Powder Blusher
teacherjess 10/9/2011 7:17:00 PM
I was out last weekend shopping and stopped by the Clinique counter with my mom- of course, not intending to buy anything. I saw this and felt compelled to try some out. Soooo glad I did! I have tried everything in the black honey family and have always been left disappointed. All of the black honey lip products turn a bright red on me (which I'm not a fan of), so I was shocked when I tried this and loved it. My skin tone is a warm, caramel brown (sorry, I don't know the fancy letter/ number types) and this is the PERFECT shade of blush for me. It is like a neutral plummy shade that just makes my skin glow with a pretty freshness! My face pops when I wear this blush with my simple neutral eyeshadows and pinky brown lipcolor/ gloss combination-- very fresh and pretty for daytime. I can wear this look all year round, at work and on the weekend. The $30 price tag almost scared me off, but I feel that it will last a long time. The compact is huge. I am happy with this purchase, but since it is limited edition, I probably won't get the chance to repurchase :(
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Estee Lauder - Pure Color Lipstick- Autumn
teacherjess 8/21/2010 12:58:00 AM
I got this in a GWP and really wanted this to work out because the color is so gorgeous in the tube and technically should be my "perfect shade" because I have golden-y mocha brown skin with reddish undertones...anyway...I played around with this using a dark lip liner and rich berry colored gloss and it makes a bold, striking, dramatic red color that is WAY too much for day but would be gorgeous for a formal event. I didn't want to reduce this to a special occasion only color because it is so darn pretty but I cannot bring myself to wear red in the daytime. I ended up trying it with a neutral lip liner that matched my natural lipcolor. I then lightly applied Autumn and topped it with Clinique Fireberry lipgloss..OMG....this combo made a PERFECT made for me shade with a very pretty rosy, glossy finish- perfect for a polished work look when paired with neutral eyes, flushed cheeks, and mascara . I am glad that I've finally found a wearable, everyday shade in Autumn. It is versatile and very pretty.
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Moisturizers -Estee Lauder - Daywear Plus Cream for Normal/Combination skin
teacherjess 8/21/2010 12:45:00 AM
I was very pleasantly surprised by this product. It feels very light for a cream and absorbs easily into my skin. My skin feels comfortable, smooth, and soft and my makeup looks fabulous when I use it in the AM. I have used it every morning for a week (I use acne control products in the evening) and can tell a difference in the tone, clarity, texture, and feel of my skin. I couldn't be happier. It is pricey, but this product is well worth it. I will most likely purchase when this sample runs out. I have oily, shiny, acne- prone skin all over my face and I can never usually wear anything with "cream" in the title. I got a sample size jar in a GWP. All Estee Lauder skincare product samples I got in the past always made my skin look and feel so greasy and the products felt heavy, plus it was hard to integrate their products into my current skincare routine (which was never EL). If you're in doubt try it- you may fall in love!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No