Makeup
- GigiSD » See my profile
- Points: 438580
- Reviews: 1103
Here are all my reviews:
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Honestly, VOLTA, I'm not copying from you (I'm a teacher and I don't permit "cheating" in my classes)! I've been using Ole Henriksen's line of products and thought that it was time to write about my results. You beat me to it--and your review was MARVELOUS! Unlike you, my skin is in pretty good condition. It is combination by nature, with a T-zone that tends to be oily. My cheeks can be arid, especially during bitter Pennsylvania winters and in dry heat. Recently I've noticed some annoying brown spots on one side of my face; I used Pond's "Clarant B3" with Niacinamide, and this truly has been working to eradicate them. I have no lines or creases yet (yes!), and I want to keep it that way. Too many cosmetic salespeople try to push heavy creams on me; they simply irritate my complexion, clog my pores, and cause blemishes to appear (and I'm hoping to be beyond the age of acne by now). Ole Henriksen's "Sheer Transformation" is a sheer miracle! The ingredients read like a homeopath's dream journal: It is replete with a trademarked additive called "Acti-White," which prevents and even corrects skintone with a combination of Pea Extract and Sugar (my brown spots are history at this point). Vitamin C goes to work to naturally lighten your complexion, while it also brightens and makes it more taut. Licorice is included to illuminate as well. A multitude of fruit acids exfoliate and hydrate. The cream has a lightweight, souffle-like feel, but don't be fooled by it. It is highly capable of moisturizing dry skin; skin drinks it in easily, with no annoying greasy residue. It would be excellent to wear under makeup during the day or alone at night. This is a formidable product, well worth the $45.00 price tag. VOLTA gave some excellent information which I'm going to reiterate here: It's important to switch from an ingredient like Hydroquinone to natural ones contained in this cream. And, in order to keep germs from multiplying, use a spatula and just-washed hands when applying. I love this cream and could go on--but I won't.
March 15, 2013
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Kudos to VOLTA for a perfectly-written review of Ole Henricksen's "Ultimate Eye Lift Gel!" Follow her advice and DO use high-quality eye creams at a young age. It's far easier to prevent damage than it is to prevent it! This is a wonderful, effective, refreshing formula for women of all ages. I wish I had used this years ago. It soaks into the eye area quickly. I have no fear of puffiness with it (many eye products containing certain oils will do exactly the opposite of what you hope they will accomplish, as these lipids will "lock in" water under the eye and cause distended skin here). This is a substantive, comforting, cooling gel. The Cucumber Extract included tightens pores and decongests. Calendula Extract softens texture and energizes skin. Glycerin adds to skin's supple feel, while Aloe Leaf Juice calms tissue. I can't say nearly enough about how much I like Copper to firm my complexion. Neutrogena used to carry it in an eye line awhile ago, and I saw immediate and lasting results. I see the same with Henricksen's masterpiece. Those with sensitive skin need have no fear of using this. Like me, most of my friends who employ this gel noted a decrease in eye puffiness and darkness and a clarified, taut look. This is a gel I intend to use for years to come. The price may seem just a tad steep at first, but the results it produces and the amount included in the jar more than justify the $38.00 you pay. Just a tip: Always use the utmost tender care when working with tissue around the eye. It is akin to crepe paper. Use your ring finger when applying products (it is your weakest and will cause the least damage), and work gently from the outside in. Never pull or tug in this area (or on your face in general). Treat it well and it will reward you for the remainder of your life!
March 15, 2013
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Since I first used Mary Kay's three-step system years ago, I fell in love with the brand. The products simply work. Inevitably, when I run into a woman with glowing skin and ask her secret, she will tell me that she uses Mary Kay (no, I don't sell it but I should). This "Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover" rivals or possibly surpasses Lancome's version. It will dissolve every last bit of even the most stubborn, waterproof products without irritating your eyes or leaving an oily residue. Mary Kay, I love you . . .
March 14, 2013
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I like the fact that Almay works with the principle of the colorwheel--opposites attract. Thus, those with green eyes can bring out their natural color with hues in the lavender/purple family, etc. I think this kit is handy and quite useful. It makes doing a "smokey eye look" very easy (however, I suggest using brushes at home for applying and blending). They are silky and long-lasting, especially when used over a good primer. And the price is most reasonable.
March 14, 2013
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I've seen Aveeno's "Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer" on one top-ten list after another. I like the fact that it is oil-free, hypoallergenic, and contains some some protection, albeit only SPF 15. It did nothing to help me glow, and I used it religiously for over a year. My skin did not feel softer. Nor was there any clarity to my skintone. For a wonderful daily moisturizer, Pond's "Clarant B3" has a fluffy, mousse-like feel, uses Niacinamide to safely and effectively dissolve any brown spots or discolorations, and leaves my face and neck baby-smooth (all for about $8.00 for a huge tub).
March 14, 2013
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Pretty much all cosmetics and beauty products are a temptation to me, but eyeshadows in particular are a great draw, my cosmetic addiction (a great shadow palette can drive me over the edge, especially one with lots of hues!). I’ve been trying to determine the reasoning for that. As an avocation, I draw and paint and am highly attracted to color. It began with mixing crayons as a young girl to combining oil pastels later and moving on to working with watercolors, acrylics, and oil paints. Color makes me crazy! When I see a department store display of shadows, I fear I might actually begin to salivate as I dab the tones on my wrist, blending for unique combinations. Last summer, my husband and I were on our way to an outdoor picnic. It was one of the hottest, most humid days of the year. I was applying makeup in the car as my husband drove. WHAT? I had forgotten eyeshadow? I asked my husband to turn into the next drugstore and perused the display. Among the new items I saw was Revlon's "ColorStay 16-Hour Eyeshadow." Each compact comes with four perfectly coordinated matte and shimmer shades, made to work together and complement each other. I chose the “Moonlit” palette, an assortment of soft golden-kissed tan, a slightly glimmering taupe, the deepest, most velvety chocolate, and a glowing ecru. There is a very easy-to-follow schematic on the back, suggesting just one way you can use the various shades for a smoked-eye look. I was highly impressed at the silky, satiny texture of Revlon’s shadows (Revlon, in general, has been a go-to company for me and does not often let me down). If I were at home I would have worked with my own brushes, but the two-ended applicator included is surprisingly useful and has elongated ends which allow you to work shadow anywhere you like. Even applying along bumpy, jolting country roads, the final look was one I truly liked. I received numerous compliments on my eyes at the picnic, and when I used the ladies’ room later that night, I noted that the color had indeed stayed exactly where I placed it many hours before (and this was WITHOUT primer). What’s a girl to do but return to the drugstore and buy the rest of the color combinations? I did and I’m glad!
March 14, 2013
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I hate hair on my legs. I hate it so badly that I began shaving my legs with my dad's straight-edge razor in fourth grade (you can imagine the results). Everyone wanted to know why I was wearing woolen knee socks in the summer! I am quite fickle when it comes to razors. I don't want to sport the hundreds of nicks and cuts I did at age ten. I expect total hair removal and smooth, silken legs (and underarms). Shick's "Quattro" has proved a real winner for me! I like the four blades, as they ensure a thorough job. I either use a shaving cream or a truly lathering body wash, and it glides like satin on my skin. I still haven't mastered the art of shaving perfectly, and I find that Shick reduces my chances of cutting myself. It seems to cut down on my need to shave quite as often. All in all, I find this an outstanding product (and no more knee socks in the summer--yeah!).
March 13, 2013
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After hearing amazing reviews of Lush products and being pleased with their "Big" shampoo, I was all-too-anxious to try this. The smell was refreshing. But application is like boot-camp training. I soaked the bar, as directed, and the conditioner lay on top of my hair and wouldn't penetrate. In short, I had oily, greasy, and yet still brillo-like tresses. Lush, you should be ashamed of yourself!
March 13, 2013
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I could make a fortune if I could sell back to companies all of the mascaras which didn't work for me. This is "front and center" among them. The wand was difficult to work with, the product so thin in texture that I tried to build coats for any length at all. All I did was tint my lashes. From a company that produces some amazing products, this was a complete and total disappointment.
March 13, 2013
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I'm hard on my nails, and I tend to shy away from vibrant shades because most brands chip easily, especially after the way I use my hands. I've been having gel manicures and loving them but, before Christmas, didn't have time to visit the salon. My husband saw a stunning, decadent, glimmering red in the drugstore and simply bought it for me. It was CoverGirl's "Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss." I had low expectations for this polish, especially after my complete disappointment with "Outlast" lip stains. I was sure that the enamel would be off my fingers by the second or third day at the most, despite using a strong topcoat. I was in for a surprise! This is a multi-tasker, with a built-in topcoat of its own for dazzling shine and lasting wear. A week later, all I needed to do was tend to some hard-to-see dents (I'm a perfectionist with my nails). It lasted nearly ten days on me, which is a record! I won't give up gel manicures, but I'm going to stock up on CG's "Outlast" nail glosses for spring/summer and keep them around for times when I can't go to the salon. At $5.50 each, there is little guilt involved with purchase, always a plus for me.
March 13, 2013
