Makeup
- GigiSD » See my profile
- Points: 438580
- Reviews: 1103
Here are all my reviews:
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I am beyond fickle. Not only are my bedroom and bathroom overflowing with cosmetics, but shelves and containers handle an overabundance of hand and body lotions as well. I will admit that I am drawn to items with a unique quality--take, for instance, FarmHouse Fresh's "Whoopie!" cream in a glass jar. Why? It is ultra-moisturizing because of the Shea Butter and Vitamin E content. Moreover, it smells like both cake AND icing--I still can't conceive how they concocted a scent to imitate both so truly. (And I don't know whether to eat it or wear it!). It's a definite splurge at $30.00. Aveeno is far more affordable (about $10.00), and it has two KEY ingredients which make it a staple--it has Colloidal Oatmeal to comfort dry, itching skin. Most importantly, Aveeno has a patented "Active Photobarrier Complex," a 24-hour sunscreen to protect against damaging UVA and UVB rays, both during the summer and winter. It is not extremely moisturizing, and my skin drinks it in immediately. I reapply as needed. While I may stray now and then, I know what products are truly good for skin in the long run. Aveeno is one of them!
March 8, 2013
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I cannot begin any review without mentioning the fact that I am obsessed with eye shadows. There is nary a brand I haven't tried. HiP grabbed my attention as soon as it appeared on shelves--I was initially impressed by the portable nature of the container and the vivid, flamboyant hues. They are not for the faint-of-heart. L'Oreal HiP shadows are strongly pigmented. They are easy to apply, great for dramatic looks, and stay in place, especially when worn over a good primer. My only objections? The majority of the combinations work beautifully together. But just a few of the hues are too funky, too outrageous. Keep orange and yellow away from your eyes as a chief shade. You'll wind up looking like you have an eye infection rather than appearing to be in style!
March 8, 2013
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I wrote in another review that there were a few things which were grilled into me in modeling school: 1) In general, liquid antiperspirants/deodorants are much more effective than solids; 2) Switch deodorants occasionally, as your body becomes accustomed to one formula and thus it grows less effective; and 3) Never apply an antiperspirant or deodorant after shaving. I don't sweat greatly, so I broke two of these "rules." Dove, in general, makes reliable, sweet-smelling products. I thought a solid might be a nice switch to my routine. This did NOTHING for me. I liked the scent upon application, but there were the dreaded white marks on my clothing after use. It is not "invisible," as Dove claims. When I smelled a not-so-pleasant scent around lunchtime, I realized that it was--gasp!--me! I washed furiously in the ladies' room. I was sweating as well and the weather wasn't particularly warm. I went back to my tried-and-true Certain Dri clear liquid. I alternate that with Mitchum's unscented liquid, and I have no perspiration, no odor, and no marks on clothing. What was I thinking, anyhow?
March 8, 2013
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I had a very silly talent. In years past, I was able to apply any type of eyeliner--no matter how small or unwieldy--in the back seat of a car as my beloved father drove me to work. My hands were as steady as possible. I could line both top and bottom lashes while riding over bumpy, brick-laden streets or highways overflowing with potholes. Not so anymore. I find the art of lining a little more difficult (my dear mom warned me that I would need reading glasses to see close after a certain age). I went through a period when I tried nearly every eyeliner available (not counting pencils, such as the amazing Amazonian Clay ones from Tarte). My sister, suffering from the same shaky-hand syndrome, suggested that I try this jewel from Physician's Formula. I like the fact that it is available in black (for drama) or brown (a more subtle look for day). The very precise, firm brush glides on as if it is were on auto-pilot, and eyeliner over my face is a thing of the past. I can create nearly any look, from barely-there fine lines to a thick, exaggerated cat-eye, with lifted and extended corners. I haven't noticed that my lashes are growing in any faster or fuller, but with this liner and a great mascara, it doesn't matter. The price (about $11.00 for a very long-lasting tube) is incredible. Many thanks to Physician's Formula for this!
March 8, 2013
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While my budget is dictating that I can no longer spend lavish amounts of money on salon color-protecting conditioners, I have yet to find a drugstore brand with which I am satisfied. Dove, I love your bar soap. It is a classic and ranks with my all-time favorite products. I love your sinfully rich body wash; you clean and pamper me in a way few things do. But your "Color Care Conditioner" is a disappointment. This product claims to both revive hair and includes a "Vibrant Color Lock" system to prevent the need to dye hair frequently. It is replete with oils--Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Mineral Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil, for starters. But it didn't do well at moisturizing my hair, nor did it work to keep me from hitting the hair color "bottle." After rinsing, strands were still a bit rough. It claims to be "weightless." On whom? I try to wash my hair every second or third day. The day after I used this, I felt a heavy coating on my tresses. Another washing was in order. The price is right, but so far I feel more justified in using more pricey brands like Lanza than continuing to spend money on items which simply don't work.
March 8, 2013
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I recently read an article about MAC cosmetics and how it began as a humble venture. Now available in more than 70 countries and worn by virtually every runway model and celebrity, the company is huge (it was snatched up by Estee Lauder in 1998). MAC accounts for more cosmetic sales than any other non-drugstore brand. Why? MAC tries to be "all things for all women," a brand that is not intimidating, non-judgmental, and makes using makeup as much fun as possible. The company doesn't want to be stereotyped as preppy, sophisticated, or outrageous. It wants to defy description--and it does! With its mind-blowing number of eye shadow colors, there are certainly several to fit anybody. More overwhelming? MAC shadows are available in a enticing range of finishes--frost, lustre, matte, satin, veluxe pearl, and velvet. How can a woman NOT fall in love? Choosing MAC shadows is very much like visiting a Sherwin-Williams paint store, where you stand with your mouth agape at what is available. The hues have such subtle gradations that you may find yourself comparing two for half an hour. With my addiction to eye shadows, I practice the ultimate in self-control when I visit a MAC counter and make sure I research their online site thoroughly beforehand so that I know what I want. If I don't, I may be late on our mortgage payment! How does one not fall in love with the deep, true pigmentation, the plush, deluxe texture, or the all-day wear? My only problem is that I want to work with many of these shadows at once. I want to combine "Vapour" (velvety peach-pink with a violet pearl undertone) with "Steamy" (bluish-green) or possibly "Handwritten" (a chocolate so deep and inviting that you don't know whether to bite into it or wear it!). The price of $15.00 per shade is reasonable for the quality you get, but it's too much to buy all that I want. That sounds hedonistic, and perhaps it is. One trick I've learned with these wondrous gems: You can use brushes to work with them, but you can also simply employ your finger to press the outstanding tones onto your eyes for a gentle, ethereal look. However you choose to use it, just do it! (Whoops, I'm stealing your thunder, Nike!)
March 7, 2013
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We all mistakes--now everyone doesn't have to know if we have shaky hands when applying eyeliner, mascara, whatever. Revlon has created a MIRACLE in a pen, their "Makeup Eraser Pen." I never begin to do makeup without it. It contains lipids to lift off even the most stubborn products immediately, but it leaves behind no oily residue! I don't know how they do it, but I have several and will continue to buy them.
March 6, 2013
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When I did a review of Revlon’s marvelous, must-buy “ColorStay 16-Hour Eyeshadows,” I mentioned my shadow addiction. It’s nearly impossible for me to resist new eye colors. I tend to gravitate toward powder shadows, but I am so impressed with Tarte’s “Amazonian Clay” line of products (blush, shadow quad, liner pencils, concealer, etc.) that I purchased their waterproof cream shadow in a jar ($19.00 at Sephora or Ulta). I wanted to experiment. Tarte has yet another WINNER on its hands! The available colors are "Seashell Pink," "Plum Smoke, "Slate" (lustrous silver which actually appears more of a taupe), "Shimmering Moss," and "Shimmering Bronze." I chose "Slate," assuming that I couldn't go wrong with it. Each color is understated enough to give you a great look for daytime. It stunned me at how my look changed completely for the better by just smudging some of the lightly smoky, gleaming color on my lids. It is extremely sheer and virtually slides onto lids itself. Immediately I looked polished and far prettier, with the bit of green in my hazel eyes now emphasized. This shade would definitely be flattering for the majority of women. For more “oomph,” I work with a stiff-bristled brush to extend upward and outward in the area of my crease. Then I smudge some underneath my bottom lashes for a come-hither, glamorous look. These shadows are not for the faint-of-heart. They will stay put and see you through whatever your day (and/or night) has in store for you. And they are waterproof, an absolute necessity for me in any type of heat or humidity. These are lightly fragranced, but it’s hard to define what the fragrance is (neither pleasant nor unpleasant). One tip: Be sure to close the lid thoroughly so that the shadow doesn’t dry out. Tarte, I don’t know or care what Amazonian Clay is, but it works. It simply works!
March 6, 2013
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As I wrote in a previous review, I pretty much grew up using Maybelline’s “Ultra Lash” in a simple white tube (occasionally “borrowing” my mother’s Estee Lauder tube, something never to do with mascara because of the possibility of germ contamination and eye diseases). I’m sorry it’s gone now, as it worked well. I could build as much coverage as I wanted and still appear natural. When I grew older, I tried their “Great Lash” (not truly a great product, but still good). And then my experimentation grew to include nearly every drugstore and department store brand possible. Like many women, I was looking for “THE” mascara which would make my lashes much like Scarlett O’Hara’s elongated, curly, full black ones, the ones she would simply bat and have men falling at her feet. When Maybelline New York's "Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Washable Mascara" appeared on the shelves (approximately $8.50), I was reviewing items for another popular online beauty site. The marketing campaign was orchestrated brilliantly. Commercials kept flashing seductive, mile-high shoes and flashy black patent. A sultry voiced announced the benefits; I was convinced—this was IT! It was my understanding from ads that “Stiletto” would take my lashes to the sky, give them a glossy finish, and separate them perfectly. Talk about deception in advertising! “Stiletto” was one of my greatest disappointments. It did nothing—absolutely nothing—in terms of adding any length (or volume). There was no gloss. It had been misnamed; it should have been termed Maybelline’s “Slip-On Shoes” Mascara. Or perhaps “Maybelline’s Flip-Flops” (emphasis on “FLOP” here). What in the world did it have in common with stiletto heels? It tinted my lashes, but the brush wasn’t particularly useful and I had some problems with clumping. I have to mention this. There was a distinct ugly odor, very hard to describe, which emanated from the product as I used it and remained when I finished. Perhaps I had bought a tube from a bad lot; I got a refund and purchased it elsewhere. The stench remained with my new tube. And there were still no spikes for me. The next move? At least it was washable. I removed it and threw the tube in the trash can, where it belonged.
March 6, 2013
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Lipstick and concealer are two products I carry with me wherever I go. Why? My hair is naturally auburn and my complexion is Nicole-Kidman fair. Without lipstick, I simply fade into the woodwork. It’s not a pretty sight—in fact, it can be downright scary! Concealer is essential for disguising tiny blue veins under my eyes, darkness at times, some uneven skintone, a few brown spots (now fading thanks to Pond’s amazing “Clarant B3 Moisturizer”) and occasional blemishes (sigh—they don’t magically disappear at age thirty!). The concealers I use most often now? YSL’s “Touche Eclat” and Dior’s “Diorskin Nude Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer” (why must the name be so long?). I also like It Cosmetics’ “Bye Bye Redness.” I want a formula that has enough substance to disguise imperfections but one which glides on weightlessly and completely seamlessly. Yes, I’m asking for a lot. I’m particular when it comes to concealers and demand as close to perfection as I can get. But my budget will not allow me to toss various tubes of the aforementioned products everywhere I want them—not only in my purse, but also in my glove compartment, desk drawer, etc. What will you find in my purse and in many other places? CoverGirl’s WONDERFUL “Invisible Concealer” (less than $5.00!). I chose it in an emergency one day and was thrilled with what I found. It has a soft, delightful fragrance, reminiscent of Hyacinth (who doesn’t love that in the spring?). It doesn’t have as great a range of shades from which to choose as department store brands, but "Fair" works perfectly with my skin. It’s not too white so as to impart a ghost-like appearance when used under eyes nor too dark as to be detectable. It is so smoothing that it nearly applies itself and remains where I want it through long days and nights. I use a Q-tip or a clean finger rather than the sponge wand to dot on blemishes (why carry germs from my skin and contaminate the product)? (Just a reminder—when working under eyes, always use your ring finger, as it’s your most weak and will do the least damage. Tissue here is most fragile!) All in all, I keep returning to “Invisible Concealer” and applaud CoverGirl for a close-to-perfect item!
March 6, 2013
