Palettes -Estee Lauder - HOLIDAY BLOCKBUSTER SET
uvitana 12/28/2008 8:25:00 AM
Love the "2008 Holiday Blockbuster Set". DH bought this for me for Christmas. I am truly loving everything. This is the first time I have every used this much of EL makeup. I usually wear Bobbi Brown, MAC or Laura Mercier. The Set Includes: A Deluxe All-Over Face Compact (Blush). Colors: Bronze goddess Soft Matte Bronzer, (a light bronzer) EL Signature Silky Powder Blush in Nude Rose, (a dusty rose) EL Signature Silky Powder Blush in Pink Kiss. (a light pink) Deluxe Eye Shadow Palette. Pure Color EyeShadow (13) and EL Signature (2). Colors: Vanilla, Ginger Drop, Sand Box, Amethyst, Bronze Cube, Camouflage, Cinnamon, Honey Drop, Mocha Cup, Pale Moon, Mink, Ivory Box, Roseberry Duo (Berry), Roseberry Duo (Rose), Sugar Cube. Eye Liner: Softsmudge Black Lip Gloss:Rose (a light peach) Berry (a rosy pink) LipSticks: Pure Color Long Lasting "Sugar Honey" (a neutral) Pure Color Long Lasting "Bois De Rose" (a wearable red) EL Signature Hydra Lustre "Pink Champagne" (a sheer pink w/sparkle) Brushes: I didn't care for any of the brushes. I didn't think they performed well. The lip brush came without a cap. I usually use Bobbi Brown and Chanel. Eye Makeup Remover: The romover worked very well and I would repurchase. The Makeup Cases: I found the big case to be very good for travel. Because its hard and won't budge in a suitcase. The soft bag is a nice size and feels durable. I loved that the set also came with a "Look Book" which gave 4 looks to do. All of the colors are in the neutral family. I wish there would have been more matte colors because some are extremely sparkly. But all in all a great value and you can make them all wearable for day as well as omph them up for night. The LipSticks were wearable for me. Even the Red (Bois de Rose). I never really wear reds they don't usually look good on me. I wear Roses that are in the red family instead of true reds. But EL's color is a good red for me. The three LipSticks are not drying and have staying power while being moisturizing at the same time. The colors are really good and very wearable for day or night. I would definately repurchase these The EyeLiner I haven't worn much. I instead prefer Bobbi Brown's Gel EyeLiner. But I did find that EL Softsmudge Black is a nice color. It just doesn't last as long as Bobbi's Gel Liner. The Blushes are beautiful and love the variety. I would repurchase these. The Bronzer is soft and light which I like cause it doesn't make your skin look orange or dirty. I have had such a nice time mixing and matching that I would definately consider buying EL Holiday set for next year. Of course this set has so much I don't know if I will finish any of the colors, even though I wear makeup everyday.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Other -YBF Cosmetics - 9 piece Celebration Collection (from HSN)
uvitana 11/7/2008 8:56:00 PM
This is a very nice neutral color kit. I am very pleased with all the colors provided. I purchased this kit from HSN. I thought it was a good deal with all that is included. The Eye Shadows have high pigment as in "MAC". The Eye Shadow Quad provides many looks with its neutral color selection. The colors range in a creamy vanilla highlighter, neutral smoky gray, light chestnut brown and a burgandy. The Blush is nice rosy color and is buildable. A little goes a long way. It looks very nice on the apples of the cheeks. Soft not harsh look. The Transforming Neutralizing Powder/Bronzer Compact is quite useful especially for traveling. The Neutralizing Powder is very good and reminded me of Bobbi Brown's pressed powder which is also a light yellow. The "ybf" Neutralizing Powder is very easy to use again a little goes a long way. I used it at the end of my foundation application and before applying my blush. The Bronzer is very nice again I used a light touch on the forehead, nose and chin very little to the hollows of the cheeks. It warmed up my face much like Bare Escentuals "Warmth" does. The Lipstick is a deep Rose color. I found that if you use a heavy hand it will look very dark. So I applied it lightly and then patted my lips with a tissue and it was the perfect rose color for me. The texture of the lipstick was very creamy and easy to apply. I love creamy lipsticks. However it was not so creamy that it smeared all over the place. This creamy lipstick stayed put. The Lip Gloss I must say I did not like the color on me. When applied on me it looked golden beige. Not a good color for me. This is the only item in the Kit that I did not like. And that is OK with me. However, on some people this color would look good and it even would tone down the Lip Stick color which is a deep rose and can look harsh if applied to heavy. The Lip Liner is a Dusty Rose color and is great. The texture of the pencil is smooth but not too soft that it breaks. Love it and can use it with other lipsticks as well or alone with a clear gloss. The Eye Liner is called Serenity Sable. I found it to be almost a smoky burgandy in the violet family. It really looked good with the Eye Shadow Quad matched great. The pencil had a smooth flow but not too soft to break and smear. Works very well when using a smudging technique but also looks good without smudging. The Eye Brow Pencil in Universal Brown. I must say I really wanted to try this. Well this applies with such ease and is the perfect brown for me. I love it better than my Estee Lauder "Automatic Brow Pencil Duo" in Soft Brown. And ybf's Eye Brow pencil price two for $10. I will continue buying ybf's. I can't believe Stacy's claims were true. This is the best brow pencil ever!!! Final Comments: I normally use Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Estee Lauder and Bare Escentuals MAC & Smashbox make up. I am impressed and very happy with my "ybf" purchase. This kit came with alot of products to try at a very good price. I do not know how this make up compares to QVC's Models Prefer. I just know that this "ybf" is very good and worth purchasing.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Smashbox - Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner - Bronze
uvitana 10/26/2008 7:43:00 PM
I usually use Bobbi Brown's "Gel Eyeliner". I like it and know that it stays put all day but it is expensive. And I can never use it as a liner for my lower lashes. Anyway I bought a Smashbox Kit and "Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner" in Bronze was included. I'm so happy I gave it a try. I can actually line my upper lashes and lower lashes with Jet Set. I could never use BB's Gel Eyeliner to line my lower lashes. BB's is more oily and soft when applying and it gets way too messy to do the lower lashes. And if I use powder shadow, that fades away too fast so why bother. Now my eyes have definition with a creamy liner that is waterproof. Jet Set stays put all day no smearing or fading. Very easy application. The bronze color is perfect not too harsh and not barely there either. It looks good on me with my light brown hair, hazel eyes and light to medium skin tone. The bronze is a nice shade in the brown family it is not overly shimmery or metallic it has a copper color to it. Very nice would definately purchase again. It is too soon for me to know if this Jet Set Eyeliner will dry out in the glass pot it came in. None of my BB's have ever dried out in there glass pots. I am storing Jet Set the same way I store my BB's. In a dark Vanity drawer. The pots are tightly screwed on and face down so that I can read the color on the bottoms when I'm in a hurry in the morning.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Sally Hansen - Natural Beauty Sheerest Cream Blush Inspired By Carmindy
uvitana 9/10/2008 1:48:00 PM
I bought the blush in "Beaming". I do like the blush color and the texture. It applies well and sheer with a lit from within glow. The cream blush is not sparkly or shimmery but when applied there is a definate lit from within glow. That is not a bad thing it gives me an angelic look even if I'm not :). I was looking for a coral peachy color and decided on "Beaming". "Beaming" is not coral or peachy, it is in the pink family. Even though it is in the pink family it has a very very slight coral in it on me when applied. In the future I will buy another color and see which one is the perfect peach for me. Its always trial and error when you buy drugstore brands. Bottom Line: The blush "Beaming" has a nice color and texture. The blush stays put all day even in my humidity and hot sun weather. It gives me a nice lit from within look which was unexpected and an appreciated extra. The packaging is easy to travel with and not as cheap as other drugstore brands. The price is perfect for a drugstore good cream blush which is hard to find outside a department store. I can't quite compare it to Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge which I love. Because I believe Bobbi's has more color pop than Carmindy's. Carmindy's is sheerer. But than again you can always apply a little more but thats all. I feel that if you over apply on the Carmindy it will look to powdery and your pores will definately show not a pretty site. Edited: I have since done away with this blush never to repurchase again. I found the color and texture is just not what I'm used to. I much prefer Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge. So you get what you pay for. I prefer paying extra for Bobbi's Pot Rouge. I have since bought Bobbi's "Calypso Coral" and love it.
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Eye Shadow -Sally Hansen - Natural Beauty Instant Definition Eye Shadow Palette
uvitana 9/10/2008 1:31:00 PM
I bought the Metallic Eye Palette. I'm happy with the colors and the application. Also there is staying power and non creasing after a whole day of humidity and the hot sun. The packaging isn't that cheap as in some other drugstore brands. The sponge applicator means nothing to me since I apply all make up with Bobbi Brown and MAC brushes. First I must say that even though this palette is called metallic it is not teenager high metallic shimmer. So for those who are scared by the "Metallic" you could rest assured. The eye shadows are high pigmented enough that you could see color. But they are also sheer and neutral. If I had to compare these eye shadows to another brand it would be Bobbi Brown's Nude Palette. I would say that MAC eye shadow is definately more pigmented than Bobbi Brown's or Carmindy's. Bottom line it was a good purchase and I would purchase again. The compact is easy to travel with. The colors are very well coordinated. The price is very good compared to Bobbi Brown and MAC. And its very easy to go to Ulta and pick one up without having to go to a high end mall for the others I normally purchase.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Maybelline - Dream Mousse Blush in Peach Satin ] ] [DISCONTINUED]
uvitana 9/4/2008 1:58:00 PM
I bought this blush because it was very cheap and on sale and I like cream blushes. I'm always on the look out for a better and cheaper product that I will hopfully love. Well this is not the product. I found this product to barely have any color. It was more pink than peachy. Very very light color with extreme glow. It did feel creamy and applied very nicely and easily but it totally went right for the pores and settled in there forever. So the look was glowy clogged pores with barely any color. You'd think I'd learn my lessen and not buy these cheap drugstore brands which always let me down. In the end I always end up buying a higher end department store brand and loving it. Clinique's Blushwear Cream Blush in "Peachy Blush" is excellent. Will continue to buy Clinique because the price is right for an excellent product. Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge in "Pale Pink" and "Powder Pink" are excellent. While I like these I won't purchase again because I like Clinique's price better for the cream blush.
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Blush -Clinique - Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Aglow
uvitana 9/4/2008 1:42:00 PM
This blush is nice for a very nude look. The color is very subtle and if you don't like wearing make up this is for you. I must say I have many moods. So for a day that I don't feel like wearing to much make up this is great. The blush feels nice and easy to put on. The color very nude. Its just that it barely shows any color while on. So you have to apply alot and that is never good with powder. I rarely use it anymore and would not repurchase it. But again I keep it for those days when I don't want too much on.
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Blush -Clinique - Blushwear Cream Stick
uvitana 9/4/2008 1:35:00 PM
I have this blush in "Peachy Blush". I must say I have been very impressed with this cream blush. It did not go into my pores and it lasted all day. It has buildable coverage so use a little at a time till you get the right amount of color for you and your mood. It looks very fresh with a slight halo glow. This product didn't make my skin break out and I have sensitive skin. This is a perfect peachy color for me. I have light brown hair with light to medium skin tone and hazel eyes. My first cream blush was Bobbi Brown's "Pot Rouge". I have BB's "Powder Pink" and "Pale Pink". While I am very happy with Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge, I wanted to find another cream blush that would be less expensive. With Clinique's Blushwear Cream Blush I have found a good product with a good price. Will definately be getting more colors from Clinique.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Olay - Regenerist Targeted Tone Enhancer
uvitana 12/16/2006 9:33:00 PM
I bought this product in the hopes of getting rid of my hyperpigmentation. (Brown spots due to sun exposure) I only have these spots on my cheeks and they are not extremely dark but bothersome. I always have to use concealer on them along with foundation. This product seems to be working. I only apply it to my cheeks and on the bridge of my nose. I have been using it for about a month. (I have also in the past used prescription medication that has cost $100 and has not worked at getting rid of these brown spots. I have also used Dermatologists brands that have not worked and drugstore Porcelana they all have not worked.) I will continue to use Olay Regenerist Targeted Tone Enhancer since it has been working. I feel that if already I have noticed a difference than the longer I use it I will see better results. It also says to use it for long term to keep the results. As with all lightening products you need to use it for an extended time and then give it some time off. But with this product it seems you don't need to give it any time off. The price was good and the tube lasts a long time and is easy to use. But of course the main thing is that it works.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Bobbi Brown - Lip Sheer -- Rosy
uvitana 12/11/2006 8:12:00 AM
I like Bobbi's Lip Sheer in "Rosy" and "Bare". If anyone is afraid of wearing a close to red lip color this is the perfect color (Rosy). And if you add clear lip gloss to it, it adds to the look of perfection. These lip sheers are perfect for everyday and going out. This type of lipstick doesn't go on over done and is not overwhelming. Yet you get the look and feel of having something on. They last a long time so that is a good thing. They are moisturizing as well. The price use to be $20. As with everything now they've gone up. But like I said the colors are perfect and they do last so it is worth the money. They are not overpriced as a Chanel lipstick. I like "Yucatan" from Chanel. However this one does not last as long as the Bobbi Lip Sheer. But both are sheer and moisturizing. I have repurchased and will continue too.
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Lipstick -Bobbi Brown - Lip Shine- Blush
uvitana 12/11/2006 8:03:00 AM
I love this color "Blush" and texture of lip shine. I hate that it costs $19 for such a small tube. However if you have money to spend this is the color and texture. I also like "Naked Pink" both have a nice light feeling. The shine looks natural and the color is beyond perfect. I love Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. They truly are the only colors that I believe have a true natural look. I think this one is over priced and it doesn't last long at all. It comes off quite quickly. It will mositurize your lips and leave them in perfect condition. I have repurchased the "Blush" more times than I have repurchased the "Naked Pink". But I have stopped buying these due to them being over priced and not lasting long. I have since moved on to Bobbi's "Lip Sheers". Of which I am loving "Bare" & "Rosy" too much.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -C.O. Bigelow - Extra Light Face Lotion [DISCONTINUED]
uvitana 12/11/2006 7:54:00 AM
I bought the formula without the SPF. I usually use this as my nightime moisturizer. I have sensitive, delicate combination skin. Every moisturizer I use at night runs all over my face and gets in my eyes and is annoying. This product works excellent. It moisturizes my skin. It controls the oils with its clay ingredient. When I wake up my skin is matte and soft and it looks healthier. This has definitely made a difference in my skins appearance. I know its the result of this product because I stopped using all my other moisturizers. I loved it so much because it has made such a differance to my skin that I purchased it again. I also love the matte soft feeling after application.
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Cleansers -C.O. Bigelow - Deluxe Gentle Foaming Cleanser
uvitana 12/11/2006 7:43:00 AM
First this product is meant to be used on DRY skin first for it to work best. Instructions as on bottle: "Apply a liberal amount to the fingertips and massage in an upward circular motion. Remove with warm water and a washcloth or rinse off, as desired. Repeat if necessary." I think it got some bad reviews because it was being used like other cleansers where you wet your face first then apply. It is true there is no foaming action. This is a soft moisturizing creamy feeling product. Since you don't have to use too much product this will last for a while. This stuff works really well on sensitive skin. I normally was using Cetaphil but wanted to try something different. I found "C.O. Bigelow Deluxe Gentle Foaming Cleanser" left my face clean and soft. There was no tight feeling afterwards. I waited a while after cleansing before applying moisturizer just to see if I would get that tight feeling. There was none with this product. I am very happy to have discovered another product that works with my sensitive, delicate skin. The only two products now that work best for my skin type are "Cetaphil" and "C.O. Bigelow Deluxe Gentle Foaming Cleanser". I would definitely repurchase again even though this one costs more than my Cetaphil. I find this product lasts longer than my Cetaphil.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Estee Lauder - Pure Color Gloss in Praline
uvitana 10/25/2006 5:18:00 PM
I received this in a GWP. I thought I would not like the color. But have ended up loving this color on me (Praline). I would never buy a gloss that comes in a tube w/a twist off top. I normally like glosses that come with a sponge tip or brush applicator. But since I had no choice due to it being a GWP. However the texture is non sticky and lasts awhile. The color is a pinky, coral beige. It works well for me. It brightens my face in a good way. It is not sparkly like for a teenager. Since I ended up loving the color I would repurchase again. Other glosses I love are: Clinique's "Sunset", and MAC's "Viva Glam V" (both I would repurchase).
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Lip Liners -MAC - Subculture
uvitana 10/5/2006 2:49:00 PM
This color is great and neutral. I always wear it with Viva Glam V lipstick and gloss. The look is perfection. I only wish that the pencil was more creamy. However it does wear well. I will still repurchase this lip liner.
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