Lotions/ Creams -Bath and Body Works - Body Butter (any scent)
x0kerbear 10/3/2011 9:33:00 PM
I used to be obsessed with Bath and Body Works in my teen years (who wasn't!). However, I tried to steer clelar of it for a while to use up what I have. I went in for the first time in a few years the other day and I was very impressed to see all the new (to me) products. I quickly grabbed a body butter since I LOVE body butters and was new to the BBW one. I chose Paris Amor, which is a fresh, romantic scent that suits me perfectly. I also picked up the Eau de Parfum which is lovely as well. Anyway, this body butter is amazing! I am so impressed with the quality - it has a great texture that is thick and almost whipped feeling. It absorbs into my skin very quickly and a little goes a long way. My skin looks and feels amazing. I must say I am very impressed with the quality of BBW products - I think they have improved over the years. I will continue to use this body butter and try other scents!
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Blush -NARS - Exhibit A
x0kerbear 6/6/2011 8:52:00 PM
I have recently become obsessed with NARS blushes. I'm a blush lover to begin with, so I'm all over their blushes. I love each one I have for different reasons, but Exhibit A is by far my FAVORITE! It looks crazy scary in the pan, but on the cheek is does amazing things. I'm fair skinned and it works just great on me, and because of the pigmentation I believe it would work for every skin tone. It's the perfect flush. Period. I have a a ton of blushes that give a great flush, but Exhibit A is the most natural looking flush - that out-in-the-sun flush or windy day flush. I use my MAC 188 to apply because I feel I have the most control with that brush - it's small so you can place it exactly where you want it and then blend it to get a natural look. I like to apply this to my cheekbones to avoid my cheeks looking too red - it works perfectly like this. I would definitely recommend this. With the right application and blending it is amazing - you won't be disapointed with this one!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
x0kerbear 6/5/2011 4:45:00 PM
I absolutely LOVE this moisturizer! I have crazy skin these days - last year at this time I was so dry that nothing seemed moisturizing enough. Into the fall my skin became SO oily and then my acne came back in full force (I was on accutane a few years ago and acne free up until the fall). Back to the derm I went and she put on Solodyn 115 mg and Zania gel. Working great, I find that it's not very drying, but enough that I need a light moisturizer or my skin feels tight. In comes DDMG. This absorbs SO fast and gives the perfect amount of moisture! I wish I had discovered this long ago! I use this mostly at night because I need SPF during the day (I use Eucerin Everyday Protection SPF 30, which actually works great for my sensitive, oily skin!). I also love to use DDMG mixed with foundation to make a tinted moisturizer - it helps the foundation to sink in really fast while feeling light on the skin - perfect for summer! I would highly reccomend this for normal/oily skin. If you don't like the lotion version (I didn't - to greasy and burned when I put it on) you should give this a try - non-greasy and non-irritating. The pump is a bit of a pain, but it doesn't bother me that much.
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Blush -MAC - Blushcreme - Posey
x0kerbear 4/27/2011 8:07:00 PM
LOVE this cream blush! I bought Posey a few months ago and used it once and then kind of forgot about it. I pulled it out a few days ago and have been using it constantly! It truly gives a "just pinched" or "just out of the sun" look to my face. I can't get enough of it. It's pretty easy to over apply, which I am guilty of because I get carried away, LOL. However, I find that using a stipling type brush works the best because it blends in beautifuly and just melds with the skin. Applying with my fingers left it too unatural looking. This is my go-to blush for sping!
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Liquid -NARS - Sheer Glow Foundation
x0kerbear 1/10/2011 9:37:00 PM
I have wanted to try Sheer Glow forever, but I would always talk myself out of buying it due to the price and I already have so many foundations! I had 3 foundations in my rotation - MAC face and body, Neutrogena healthy skin, and bare minerals. I love all of those, but I have to say NARS Sheer Glow is the holy grail foundation for me! 1. Application: I have found that this applies the best with my fingers, which also happens to be the recommendation from NARS. I've also used a traditional foundation brush and the Sephora airbrush foundation brush. With the brushes the foundation never quite sinks into my skin and I can see the makeup sitting on my skin. With my fingers it just blends amazingly into my skin and I get a beautiful even skin tone with a "no-makeup-look". 2. Coverage: Definitely medium to full for me. I would say this is the fullest coverage foundation I own. I would only call this buildable if you use your fingers - I usually start with a very small amount and then add a little more to my chin (my problem area). It also does a good job at covering my dark circles. I still use concealer for them, but I use a lot less than I would with other foundations. 3. Packaging: I personally LOVE the packaging! I don't feel it needs a pump at all. I just shake it really well and the product comes to the top and I just tap my finger on it to get some product out. I never pour foundations out of the bottle, you're just asking for a mess! 4. Lasting power: This foundation lasts all day on me, which is about 8-10 hours of wear. My skin looks amazing with this on - it really does "glow". I have combination skin - being combo-dry sometimes and combo-oily other times. I do use MAC mineralize skinfinish natural on my t-zone to set it and keep that area from getting oily. 5. Color: This is probably the first liquid foundation that matches me perfectly! I have pretty light skin, especially in the winter. Usually I'm the lightest or 2nd lightest in foudations but they are always super pink on me. I'm pretty neutral and Mont Blanc is perfect for me. It has more of a pink undertone, but not so much that it makes my skin super pink - it actually has a great balance of pinky-yellow. In the summer, I will probably wear Deauville. Overall, I think NARS Sheer Glow is the best foundation I've ever used. I love the glow my skin has with this and I have been using it most days of the week for ~2 months. I rotate between this and bare minerals. I really think this is worth a try and forget the makeup brushes - use your fingers!! I will most definitely repurchase this -$42 is a lot, but definitely worth it for me!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Origins - Checks and Balances
x0kerbear 1/7/2011 11:02:00 AM
Checks and balances is a great cleanser for combo skin - my skin was never too oil or dry with it. I love the way it foams and rinses clean - works great with the clarisonic! However, I probably won't repurchase. I don't find it a harsh cleanser, but my skin would feel a little uncomfortable after, but not dry. I've recently discovered goat milk soap and am currently testing out the tea tree oil soap to help with my mild acne. So far I am loving it, so I probably wouldn't repruchase check and balances due to that reason. If you have combo skin though it's defintely worth a try because it kept me balanced. If you are more on drier side it may be a bit too much in the winter. It also has an amazing smell!
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Moisturizers -Origins - VitaZing SPF 15 Energy-boosting moisturizer with Mangosteen
x0kerbear 1/7/2011 10:59:00 AM
I am in love with this moisturizer! VitaZing is meant to energize the skin while brightening to give that "glow" that we all want. I have to say, it really does what it claims! This evens out my skin amazingly well and if I wasn't going through a hormonal breakout I would probably skip foundation most days! Like others have said - this isn't a tinted moisturizer, but it does self-adjust color to even out skin tone. I personally think this is better than a tinted moisturizer. It sinks into the skin wonderfully and it never leaves a greasy feel. I also love that it has spf15 and it doesn't make me break out! Another great thing about origins products are that they are formulated without harsh chemicals and they use mostly natural substances. I have already repurchased a back up of this for when I run out!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Origins - GinZing
x0kerbear 1/7/2011 10:52:00 AM
I have been on the hunt for an eye cream for over a year. Each on I've tried (from drugstore to high end) have either been too thick, too thin, or geared toward something that I didn't need (wrinkles, puffiness, etc). I am 23 years old and just wanted an eye cream that would moisturize, keep my under eye area smooth, and help with dark circles (I have hereditary dark, dark circles!). I was intriqued by GinZing because it seemed to be exactly what I wanted - refreshes and brightens the eyes while moisturizing. It also claims to help depuff, but I don't get puffiness so I can't say how it works for that. I will say that it really does make a difference in the appearance of my dark circles! It's not going to get rid of them, but I beleive that are less pronounced in that this cream is adding the perfect amount of moisture and diffusing the light to make them appear lighter. It works amazing under my concealer and I love the consistancy - very creamy but not too thick or too thin. I also love the packaging - cute little jar that feels luxurious (not cheap!). I've been using GinZing since November and I'm about half way through the jar - so a little does go a long way. I love the way this feels so I do find myself using more than I probably need! The directions say to use in the morning, which makes sense because it's meant to "wake up" the eyes. I use it both morning and night because I don't want to buy 2 different eye creams - I think that's unecessary at my age as I don't need anything else right now. It is a bit pricey, but a little does go a long way so I definitely think the price is worth it. I have already repurchased a backup for when I do run out!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -MAC - Mineralize Blush - Warm Soul
x0kerbear 12/9/2010 7:21:00 PM
I really love this blush- another purchase I made due to Tanya (pixi2woo) using it in a lot of her tutorials. This color is so unique and really makes a natural glowy cheek. You can also build this up for a more dramatic look. I have light skin so I use a pretty light hand with this and it's perfect. The shimmer is subtle and the color shows up on me as a beautiful goldy beige flush with a rosy glow. I find I get the most natural look when I swipe this on with my fingers- it blends like a dream and looks like my cheeks but better type of color. Can't say enough great things about this blush!
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Highlighters -Christian Dior - Shimmer Powder 002 Amber Diamond, Spring 08
x0kerbear 12/8/2010 10:12:00 PM
I have wanted this highlighter for months. I see Tanya (pixi2woo) using it all the time and raving about it on youtube. I wanted it before I even started watching her, but then she made me want it even more! I finally caved in a forked over the $42 (for a highlight!) and I have to say - IT IS WORTH IT! I have fairly decent skin all over except for my chin - full of hormonal acne at the moment - painful and ugly. I can't really explain how wonderful amber diamonds makes me feel. My skin just glows and I feel like eyes are off of my blemishes. It's a step I never miss in my makeup routine - my face just looks so flat without it! I love the glow it imparts - not shimmery or glittery, just a glow. I also enjoy using this on the eyes on days when I want some sheen and definition. I'll swipe a brush through one of the darker colors and blend it into my crease and then highlight my brow and inner corner with the lightest. It makes me look so awake and fresh. $42 is the most I've ever spent on a makeup product (besides NARS sheer glow) and I am SO happy I did. I will never be without this stuff - it has replaced all of my favorite highlighters (pearl cream color base, high beam, retrospeck eyeshadow, vanilla pigment). I think everyone needs this product!!
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Treatments -Acne.org - Treatment 
x0kerbear 11/7/2010 5:47:00 PM
I bought this back in July after using Neutrogena's On the Spot with good results. I figured this would work better since it's in gel form and would last me a lot longer being I got the huge pump bottle. Unfortunately, this BP didn't work as well as the On the Spot for me. It took FOREVER to absorb into my skin, while the On the Spot absorbs quickly for me. This treatment also dried out my skin much more than On the Spot. I also seemed to get more breakouts with this. I went back to using On the Spot and my skin is so smooth, flake free, and blemish free! I think maybe it just depends on your skin type - so give it a try as it seems to get better reviews than On the Spot. I think On the Spot works so well for me because it's creamier rather than a gel so it seems to be more gentle on my skin. I don't have severe acne (my chin is my problem area) so I only apply it to my skin. I would definitely recommend checking out acne.org because the regimen works - On the Spot just works better for me than the acne.org BP!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Neutrogena - On the Spot Acne Treatment Vanishing Formula
x0kerbear 11/7/2010 5:42:00 PM
I began using On the Spot in May - my chin is my problem area and no matter what I do it always breaks out. I've been on every acne medication - both meds (including accutane) and topical treatments and it worked for a while but then my stupid chin was back to breaking out. I was using proactive for a while and it was working well, but still an occasional break out. I may be being picky, but I don't want ANY breakouts! So, I did some research and came across the acne.org website. I found out about the wonders of BP and realized the reason the proactive wasn't working so well was because you need to use a lot of BP for it to be effective. I started using more of the proactive "lotion" (step 3) and saw some better results. Once I finished those products, I decided to buy On the Spot since it would be cheaper and I could just use a different cleanser. The acne.org regimen uses a gentle cleanser, BP treatment, and a moisturizer. So, I went out and got some On the Spot (acne.org sells a gel version of BP in larger sizes, but I wanted to try the regimen first before buying it), some cetaphil gentle cleanser and pond's dry skin cream for the moisturizer. Within the first month my skin was completely clear! The trick with BP is to start with a small amount and work your way up to using a lot more - I didn't really have to do this because I was already used it from the proactive. I only apply this to my chin and upper lip because those are the only places I break out. I don't have any issue with dryness and it really does vanish into my skin - leaving no white residue. After a few months of using this, I decided to buy the huge pump bottle of BP gel from acne.org as it was supposed to sink into the skin better and obviously it would last a lot longer than the tiny tube of On the Spot. After using the acne.org BP for a few months I have come to the conclusion that I like On the Spot MUCH better. The acne.org BP left me dry and I still got breakouts. It also took forever for it to absorb into my skin. I went back to On the Spot and my skin is nice and smooth and the pimples cleared up very quickly. I think that On the Spot works better for me because it's in a cream form and seems to be more gentle on my skin and absorb better than the gel. I'm sure this depends on your skin type. Also, some people are allergic to BP, which is unfortunate because it works so well on acne! I'd recommend going to acne.org and reading about the regimen because it works! I have since modified to suit my skin (again I don't have severe acne, just one problem area) since I love to try out new products. Currently I'm using Biore skincare line and it works fine with the BP. One more thing, this little tube lasts me at least 2 months because I only apply it to my chin and use about a fingers length of product (twice a day), so I'd say that's pretty good!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Bronzers -Bare Escentuals - Faux Tan all-over face color
x0kerbear 10/27/2010 11:04:00 AM
I LOVE Faux Tan!! I am a big fan of bare minerals foundation and I've always just stuck to what came in my starter kit. I decided to branch out and try some of their other products. This was the first one I purchased and I am so happy with it. It really gives me an amazing naturally bronzed look. I'm pretty pale and I only need a little bit, but it looks SO natural! I just use the flawless application brush and swirl, tap, and buff all over my face - concentrating mostly on my forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. With whatever is left on the brush I dust over my eyelids and then just blend all over my face. For those comparing this to warmth - warmth is NOT a bronzer. It's meant to be used for a little glow to the skin and bring life to your face. I use a small amount of warmth and then use a small amount of faux tan. I would never be without either of them! Unfortunately, this doesn't have a sifter in it like the foundation does, which means it can get messy and you can end up with way too much product. I just left the little sticker over the holes and poked 3 holes in it. This way I only get a small amount of product out and it stays nice and clean. I would definitely recommend this for all skin tones - just adjust the amount you use depending on how light or dark your skin is.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Alba Botanica - Alba Hawaiian Kukui Nut Body Butter
x0kerbear 10/17/2010 5:17:00 PM
I just finished my tub of this and I must say, I really really like this. I have fairly normal to dry skin, but I am sensitive to mineral oil - it makes me itch like crazy. So, a lot of lotions and body butters usually have mineral oil in them so it makes it difficult to find one without! I came across this in the Nature's section at Wegmans and it was one of the cheaper natural body butters. Previously I was using Yes To Carrots body butter, which I liked but I wanted something with a nice scent, I don't really wear perfume because I'm sensitive to lot of them - burning nose and headaches. So, I like a nice, light scent to my lotion. This scent is very strong at first, but it does mellow out after being absorbed and lingers softly. I think it smells delicious, and it doesn't give me a headache! As for moisture - it does a great job for me. All of my rough spots are gone, no dry patches, and it absorbs into my skin and isn't greasy. I also use the Salt scrub by Alba and in conjuction with the body butter my skin is so smooth and glowing. I decided to try the Coconut MIlk body butter (I think that's what it's called) and see how I like that one. I've only used it once so far, and it definitely doesn't smell as good as the Kukui Nut, but it seems to moisturize well. If you don't like the scent of this, maybe the coconut will be better for you - it doesn't really have a scent in my opinion. I will definitely be picking up another Kukui Nut when I'm out of the coconut!!
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Eye Shadow -MAC - Retrospeck (Lustre)
x0kerbear 10/17/2010 5:04:00 PM
I really like Retrospeck, it's a beautiful shimmery, pale cream with gold. I like using it with every eyeshadow - Bronze, Romp, Club, Sumptuous Olive, Tempting, etc. I LOVE it! I would say that this is the closest eyeshadow to Vanilla Pigment. I use this to brighten my green eyes as well as to highlight my cheek bones, down my nose, cupid's bow, brown bones, and the inner corner. It's very versatile on my light skin! I love using it alone as a highligh, but I love it even more over MAC's Pearl Cream Color Base. I really love highlighting my face - I never miss it because it really gives some life to skin and I just love the way it looks!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No