Eye Shadow -Everyday Minerals - Eyeshadows All
zazubinx 3/13/2011 10:10:00 PM
EM shadows go on better and last longer with a primer, however, even with a primer they aren't the most strongly pigmented shadows. That said I still really like some EM colors like Smokey Pink and Diary. I'll continue to use what I have on hand, but once I run out I probably won't bother ordering from EM again. Especially since they've gotten rid of their smaller tubs and replaced them with those useless rollerball applicators.
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Lip Treatments -Burt's Bees - Tinted Lip Balm
zazubinx 3/13/2011 5:57:00 PM
First off I Iove, love, love Burt Bee's lip balms; I NEVER go anywhere without at least one or two in my purse. So when I happened across an almost empty display of the tinted lip balm in Target I grabbed the last Hibiscus. Then just a day later I decided I needed Honeysuckle and Red Dahlia. All three enhance the natural color of my lips and add a slight sheen without looking or feeling slick or greasy like a gloss. The other thing I love about Burt Bee's tinted lip balms (besides their conditioning qualities) is that they work very nicely with lipstick; Red Dahlia and MAC's Viva La Glam Cyndi is my favorite combination at the moment. I suppose the only negative would be the price. As others have mentioned, they could lose the cardboard tube packaging and knock a bit off the cost.
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Hair Color -L'Oreal - Healthy Look Creme Gloss Color
zazubinx 9/14/2010 4:45:00 PM
I was another long time user of L'Oreal's Color Spa before it was sadly discontinued. Up until a month ago I was still able to track down rare boxes of my color, but I eventually had to start looking for a replacement - enter Healthy Look. _____________________________________________ I bought 6R Light Red Brown, a.k.a. Spicy Praline. Since I had been using a darker color in Color Spa (30 Reddish Brown on my medium brown hair) I was worried this one might cast copper/cherry or even "OMG orange!", but it didn't. Matter of fact it's a lovely soft warm color, very true to what's on the box. Plus the texture is smooth and healthy - I like it a lot! _____________________________________________ Another nice result was that it completely covered the grays, but after a couple of weeks they did start to show a bit. That said I should mention that (with the exception of the first 24 hours after application) I wash my hair every night, otherwise the grays might not be peeking through. Also the color is still hanging in there; not much perceptible fading. _____________________________________________ As for the packaging and conditioner provided, I don't like the over-sized thin gloves, but the conditioner is wonderful. _____________________________________________ All in all, it's a decent replacement that I will be stocking up on until I'm forced to find something else again. _____________________________________________ Edit: I recently started applying this color on slightly damp/towel dried hair. Not that this does anything one way or the other to the results, it just seems to go on easier that way.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Maybelline - Great Lash Mascara Waterproof
zazubinx 6/11/2010 12:10:00 PM
I was hoping it would be a less expensive travel alternative to my regular mascara. What a mistake. This is the worst mascara I have ever tried both in the regular formula and waterproof. I can deal with the clumping and the fact that it makes my lashes stick together - those problems can be fixed. The problem I can't fix is the flaking. This stuff flakes a lot even with only a light application at the outer edge of my upper lashes.
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Oil Cleansing Method OCM
zazubinx 5/6/2010 2:35:00 PM
For the past two years the OCM has been my skin's HG for night time cleansing. It does a thorough job of removing my make-up, keeping my pores clear, and reducing the amount of oil my skin produces. I've also noticed that my pores aren't as obvious and the monthly hormonal zits I used to get are very rare and short lived. ******************************************************************** My mixture and evening OCM routine are as follows: 2 Tbsp. castor oil 2 Tbsp. jojoba oil 4 drops tea tree oil I put all the ingredients into a 2 oz. amber bottle (with a handy dropper) and shake it until thoroughly mixed. Everything including the bottle I purchase at a local health food store. ******************************************************************** I use a quarter size amount (a little more than a dropper full) of the oil mixture. It's enough to cover my entire face and allow my fingers to move smoothly over my skin, but not so much that it makes a runny mess. I rub the oil between my hands, then massage it on my face using slow, firm circular motions for 2 to 3 minutes. I then take a warm steamy washcloth and hold it to my face until it cools; wipe gently, rinse the washcloth, and repeat this step until the oil residue is removed. When done I use a good oil-free moisturizer. Alba Botanica's Aloe and Green Tea moisturizer is my fave. If I went through a purging period with the OCM, it must have been short lived because I don't recall it. All I know is that my skin looks and feels smoother and healthier. ******************************************************************** EDIT: I must point out that while this method has worked for me it may not work as well for others. There are a lot of factors that go into whether or not a skin care product or method is successful - this is especially true of the OCM. It's important to keep in mind that the oils used and their ratios can effect how the skin reacts to the OCM. Castor oil is essential because of its cleansing properties, but it's better to start out with a low ratio since it can cause skin irritation, breakouts, and drying. Also some oils, like sunflower and almond, can cause skin irritation and/or breakouts in some people who are prone to seasonal allergies. One more thing: I use MMU which I believe has also contributed to the improvement in my skin.
19 out of 19 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Viva Glam Cyndi [DISCONTINUED]
zazubinx 3/10/2010 5:57:00 PM
I hardly ever buy lipstick, but this is for a good cause and an occasional splurge is OK, right? Love the texture and how it goes on, love the coral/red color, and I especially love the packaging. The only con would be that it doesn't last very long, but most lipsticks and glosses are pretty short lived on my lips even with a good primer. At any rate, it's a very nice splurge for your lips.
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Liquid -Revlon - PhotoReady Makeup
zazubinx 3/7/2010 11:00:00 PM
I've been using PR in Shell a little over a week. I apply a light layer with a makeup sponge then set it with a dusting of Alima's Satin Matte mineral foundation (C1). My skin is a bit oily, but using this method, it looks great and stays that way for hours with very little need for touch ups. This is the best liquid foundation I've tried in a very long time. What I love most about it is that it's not too matte or too dewy and does what a good foundation should do: enhance the appearance of my skin, not mask it. ____________________________________________ EDIT 03/24/10: I now remember why I stopped using liquid foundation and switched to MMU all those years ago; little bumps are starting to appear on my cheeks. Dangit! I love the beautiful coverage PR gives me. Oh well, I'll just wear it for special occasions and forget about using it as an everyday foundation. Besides, my skin gets more oily in the summer months, so I probably would have had to go back to the lighter coverage of my MMU anyway.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Make Up For Ever - HD High Definition Foundation
zazubinx 3/6/2010 11:01:00 PM
Not a bad HD foundation; it's light, goes on nicely and has a wonderfully smooth finish. Unfortunately, none of the fair colors worked for me. 110 & 115 were too pink, 117 too yellow, and anything after obviously too dark. Too bad, but it's probably just as well considering the price.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Primer -Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Original (UDPP)
zazubinx 3/1/2010 7:32:00 PM
It works fine, but it's too expensive to justify purchasing again. Especially when there are other products that work just as well or better at almost half the price.
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Foundations -Revlon - ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex SPF 6 for Combination/Oily Skin
zazubinx 2/27/2010 9:17:00 PM
I thought I might like the coverage, but it's just a little too heavy for my liking. Even when I use a very small amount and apply it with a light hand, it ends up feeling like a mask. As for my color match (Buff), it was OK, but I could have used a little less pink. I also agree with other reviews that the packaging leaves a lot to be desired; it really needs a pump dispenser and a tamper seal.
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Brows -Everyday Minerals - Silver Gray
zazubinx 2/27/2010 8:54:00 PM
I apply this wet with a Bare Escentuals angled brow brush. It took me ages to find a brow product that goes on quick and easy, looks natural, and lasts all day. I couldn't be happier with the results.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Clean & Clear - Oil Absorbing Sheets
zazubinx 2/24/2010 10:03:00 PM
They do the job they were intended to do, I always carry a package of these in my purse, but holy cow are they ever expensive. Unfortunately, I have yet to find a replacement that is just as effective at a cheaper price.
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Makeup Brushes -Ecotools - Bamboo Foundation Brush
zazubinx 2/24/2010 9:30:00 PM
Besides Ecotools angled eyeliner brush, this is my favorite. I love that an inexpensive brush can hold it's shape after regular use and cleaning and do a consistently great job of applying dry or liquid foundation. In addition, I've had no trouble at all with bristles falling out. Awesome brush.
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Makeup Brushes -Ecotools - Bamboo Angled Eyeliner Brush
zazubinx 2/24/2010 9:04:00 PM
I've had this brush for several months now and it looks and works as good as the day I bought it. Not too stiff or too soft, perfect for wet or dry applications; I've never found a better eyeliner brush.
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Powder -Revlon - PhotoReady Translucent Finisher
zazubinx 2/24/2010 2:49:00 PM
I bought the 001 Translucent; It's not the best powder I've ever tried, it's also not the worst. It goes on nicely without going too matt, and appears to work well (as it should) with the Revlon Photoready foundation. I've had both on today for a total of six hours and, barring a touch up or two, my skin still looks pretty fresh and even. On to the bad: over all the packaging is flat out awful. I could easily see the powder breaking up in no time, plus the design is so awkward. And just one look at the brush compelled me to toss it out immediately and use my mini kabuki brush. What this product needs, besides a better brush, is a practical container that will house the powder securely at half the size.
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