Makeup
- GigiSD » See my profile
- Points: 438580
- Reviews: 1103
Here are all my reviews:
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Remember the days when you weren't totally overwhelmed with ads for makeup, skin, and hair products? I miss them! Don't get me wrong--I probably own more products than the law allows, but there are days when I'd like to return to simpler times, when you knew which brands worked and which didn't. Some of the old slogans for products still play in my head: Maybelline used to proclaim that they had "fine makeup, sensibly priced." Another ad? Everyone knew that Dove was "one-quarter cleansing cream." I paid that no heed through my teens and early twenties, when keeping oil at bay was a problem and I used Neutrogena or Ivory (remember dependable Ivory?) to keep my skin clear. Now Dove has its place in my bathroom, although I do switch with many other cleansers. The company has replaced their famous tag-line to say that it contains one-quarter "moisturizing" cream. I enjoy the pleasant fragrance and the unique shape of the bar itself. It does lather very well, is gentle to my complexion, and rinses completely, without any residue left behind. My skin never feels stripped or taut; rather, it is ever-so-clean smooth, and velvety. The price is a steal for the benefits provided by this soap!
March 6, 2013
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Who knew? It seemed like just last week that I was using anything and everything to stop my skin from shining. Pressed powder and oil-blotting papers were a staple in my purse, and I used oil-fighting, mattifying ingredients when I washed. It still wasn't enough. I added astringent towelettes and sometimes would use them at lunch and redo my makeup to keep from a complete melt-down, particularly during the summer months. Then someone--I'd like to know who!--put life on super fast-forward. The "oil wells" have gone dry, too dry at times, and I now find myself on a continual search for items to bring back a natural glow, a dewy finish. One of the first products I used was from Bare Minerals. This company is so wildly acclaimed and popular that I assumed their products were perfect--not so! I was greatly disappointed with their "Mineral Veil." It is proclaimed as a "spectacular finale for any kind of complexion." It is supposed to give your skin "airbrushed perfection." Perhaps if you are twenty-one years old with utterly flawless skin. I found that it added some sheen, to be sure, and it helped to keep my makeup in place to a minor extent. But it also accentuated tiny lines and creases which aren't normally visible. Worse yet, other imperfections were exacerbated with this veil, such as blemishes and pores. There was a somewhat "cakey" texture which I found more than a little annoying. When Bare Minerals came out with their "HYDRATING VEIL," I immediately knew that others had had the same problems as I did. I never returned to this company. When I want a fresh, soft radiance, I have great results with Senna's "Glisten Powder" in rose or Smashbox's "Soft Lights" powder in "Lens" (a tender peach color) or "Prism" (gentle pink). They are far more flattering and do not call attention to my beauty concerns.
March 6, 2013
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Goody products keep hair in place--with ultimate gentleness! Long gone are the days when I would grab a rubber band to pull my hair back. Goody covered bands are elastic and treatment my hair with TLC. Great products from a great company!
March 5, 2013
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Years ago, a colleague of mine came to school on a Monday and her hair was glorious--soft, shiny, and bouncy. I asked if she deep-conditioned it. She told me that her that her stylist had suggested just the opposite, that she wash it with baking soda added to her regular shampoo. My friend was informed that baking soda (obviously, a form of salt), is very effective at ridding tresses of a buildup of oil, conditioners, mousses, sprays, and treatment products which occur over time. It will also remove chlorine from hair. (FYI--baking soda can be used in an emergency as a dry shampoo; sprinkle on hair, comb through, and then fluff out the remainder with a blow dryer.) I was surprised and thought it a bit unusual. After that, another friend of mine introduced me to Lush Cosmetics, explaining that her very favorite product was one of their best-selling items--"Big" Shampoo. Sharon said that her first experience with "Big" was comical. If you are unfamiliar: This is a rather unconventional shampoo. It comes in a tub and consists of over 50% Sea Salt, with other minerals added (Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil and Avocado Butter are also included as ingredients to soften and soothe). She dug out a good bit of the salt crystals and applied them to her head, rubbing them in. NOTHING HAPPENED. Only when she added lots of water did she work up a strong, rich lather. She loved the results--her hair had twice the volume it did before and felt full of life again. I decided that I wanted the same experience. I knew to use water liberally for abundant bubbles. I enjoyed the refreshing scent. My hair felt and smelled oh-so-clean. Volume? It was hard to tame. The salt had done the same as baking soda did with my initial friend--it removed the inevitable buildup we all accrue over time. But, with my hair chemically treated, the cuticle was rough, hair was dry, and my color was stripped. This is a great shampoo before any treatments, but make sure you are prepared to condition very well or you will have unruly locks on your hands (or, rather, your head).
March 5, 2013
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A good friend of mine was born without a sense of smell. I cannot begin to describe to her to intoxicating scent of a rose, the sea air in the summer, the sweet skin of a baby, the headiness of leaves burning in the fall, or the inviting aroma of cookies or pizza baking in an oven--oh! She claims that she doesn't miss what she never knew to begin with, and thus she takes it in stride. But scent is very important to me. One of my older sister's very first lip glosses was from Yardley of London; that aura is still in my head. When it comes to me on occasion, I can almost "see" her getting dressed to go out with her friends and mingle with boys (she was still too young to date). Thus, I own a variety of fragrances and change them often, depending on my mood and the seasons. My all-time favorite is the classic, irreplaceable "Chanel No. 5" by Chanel (I savor many of their others as well), followed by "L'Air du Temps" by Nina Ricci. I also enjoy Paul Sebastian's subtle, powdery "Design," Estee Lauder's "Pleasures" and "Sensuous Nude," "White Linen" (perfect for spring and summer), and Donna Karan's "Cashmere Mist." About six months ago, I had a $20.00 coupon from Sephora and used it to purchase Paco Rabanne's "Lady Million" rollerball. It seemed strong at first, and the notes were a little hard to detect, but it is a mixture of Neroli, Bitter Orange, Raspberry, Orange Flower, Sambac Jasmine Absolute, Patchouli, Honey, and Amber. Once it "settled" into my skin, it became more subdued and seductive. My husband approached me and asked, "WHAT are you wearing? It's so good it's driving me crazy!" I laughed but wouldn't tell him. My sister came over shortly afterward with her teenage son. She said, "You smell fantastic," while Christian shyly queried, "Aunt Gigi, what is that awesome smell?" I like it. I don't love it, but I do like it a lot and evidently it works quite well with my chemistry. Even female students will say, "Mrs. D., I have to have your perfume." The price of a rollerball is very affordable and long-lasting. I now own three and have one on my vanity, one in my purse, and one in my desk at school. Next will come the spray . . .
March 5, 2013
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Ah, decisions, decisions. What primer to use under my eye shadow? My ultimate favorite, Too Faced's "Shadow Insurance?" A close second, Urban Decay's "Primer Potion?" Or my old go-to product, Benefit's "Lemon-Aid," with its soft yellow which carefully disguises any redness? My options are growing, as I've now added Benefit's "Stay, Don't Stray" to my beauty staples. And it's moving up the ladder to becoming my favorite. I first received this as a sample from Sephora. The sponge-tip applicator made things easy. The full container is a pump-type tube. It can be a bit messy, as too much product can be dispensed (I wish this had a sponge as well). But this one-shade-fits-all-nude blends easily and sheerly over eyelids and keeps eyeshadow locked tight through long days and nights, heat, humidity, and cold, biting winds which make you teary-eyed. What I really appreciate about "Stay, Don't Stray" is that is keeps concealer in place (I'm not a huge fan of placing powder under eyes, as it can draw attention to even the most miniscule lines and creases). I dot a bit under eyes and blend gently but thoroughly, following with whatever concealer I wear at the time (my current favorites tend to be YSL's "Touche Eclat" and Dior's "Diorskin Nude Skin Perfect Hydrating Concealer"). Red patches, uneven skintone, or an occasional blemish? Thank you, Benefit, for creating a product to make sure these annoying occurrences don't seem like neon lights flashing your imperfections to the world for all to see! You see, this multi-tasker can be used as a CONCEALER ITSELF! How great is that? There's even more beauty to this item than meets the eye. It does not contain harmful parabens, fights the signs of aging with Vitamins C and E, and hydrates with Sodium Hyaluronate. I love to know that a product is not only enhancing my skin, but treating and improving it at the same time. I would give this ten stars, except for my disappointment with the pump. Other than that, it makes me very, very happy!
March 5, 2013
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I wish I could return to the days when my hair was untouched by artificial color--the natural auburn hue was incredible. My locks were hardy, healthy, and full of sheen. Not only did color begin a downward spiral, but an injury I endured caused me to have to take massive doses of Prednisone to control pain. The Prednisone is over--too much, obviously, has an adverse effect on one's body. But it contributed to hair damage. My hair began to thin, lost its luster, and broke easily. One stylist after another had asked me what I did wrong as I had straw-like layers and ends trimmed away. So I decided to completely overhaul my hair routine: 1) I now wash only every second or third day; with a dependable shampoo, my hair is still full of volume (I used to wash every single day, sometimes twice in the summer); 2) I use cool water when washing and cold water to rinse, as it seals hair's cuticle; 3) I allow my hair to air-dry whenever possible. I switched my hair dryer to an ionic one with a diffuser. While it takes longer to dry, it is gentler; 4) I always use a great thermal protectant product before drying; John Frieda's "Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Thermal Protection" has worked wonders in ridding me of parched strands; 5) I sleep on satin pillowcases. The less tug on hair and skin, the less damage that is done; and 6) I've committed not only to a great, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, but an excellent deep-moisturizer and use it regularly. My new favorite is L'Oreal's "Advanced Haircare Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm." Yes, the claims on the label drew me in. It is supposed to "repair up to one year of damage in one use" (wow!). It is meant for hair which is dry, chemically treated, weak, rough, dull, dehydrated, and with split ends. The tub had my name written all over it! Would it live up to its claims? A resounding YES! I apply after shampooing to wet hair and massage through to ends, leaving it on for at least five minutes. My hair feels like satin when I rinse, without a heavy, greasy feel. Dead ends and fly-aways are less visible. There is sheen once more. This is the best deep-conditioning product I've tried in ages. I highly recommend it!
March 5, 2013
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I just wrote reviews noting how much I love Neutrogena's "Rainbath Bath and Shower Gel" and Dove's "Go Fresh Cool Moisture Body Wash with Nutrium Moisture (Cucumber and Green Tea)." But I'm fickle. I love the BEST shower products available. How would you feel about an all-natural bath and shower gel that has at least eighteen uses, is never tested on animals, and works unusually well? Try Dr. Bronner's "Peppermint Pure Castile Soap." You'll do yourself--and your loved ones--a huge favor! Although Dr. Bronner's is available in a wide variety of scents, peppermint is their most popular. It will actually want to make you get up in the morning and get going (did I actually just type that)? The peppermint essential oil can be used from head to toe for an exhilarating, tingling sensation which refreshes beyond description, a special delight if you've been working hard and want true renewal. The creamy, emollient lather cleans thoroughly, dissolving dirt completely. Available in a large range of sizes at Dr. Bronner's site ($2.99 for two ounces to $59.99 for a gallon), the formula also contains Organic Coconut and Olive Oils, Glycerin, Organic Hemp and Jojoba Oils, Citric Acid, Vitamin E, and Sea Salt. What else makes this unique? The tender nature of this product allows you to use it to brush your teeth with it (yes, you did read that correctly), clean dentures, use safely on babies and pets(!), and even wash delicate clothing, such as wool. Sinus problems, headache, clogged pores, or just a need to feel like a new person? Rinse a wash cloth in a mixture of water and Dr. Bronner's and lay over face and head, massaging gently into scalp. Sore, tired feet? A soak in this will renew them and make you want to dance! How best to convince you of its benefits? We had a thirty-two ounce bottle in our shower ($16.99). I used it several times and then it disappeared. I asked my husband if he had seen it. With a red face he said, "The dog and I used it. We like it a lot." The dog?!
March 5, 2013
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From the first moment I smelled the Heavenly, subtle mix of herbs, spices, and fruits in Rainbath's Original "Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel," it has remained a fixture in my shower. It soothes the senses while it cleans and softens my skin, creating bubbles galore. Does that mean that I don't try other bath and shower gels? OF COURSE NOT! I sample everything I can get my hands on, out of pure, hedonistic curiosity. Last year, our local drugstores had travel sizes of Dove's "Go Fresh Cool Moisture Body Wash with Nutrium Moisture (Cucumber and Green Tea Scent)." I couldn't resist and grabbed a few (my husband is a worse shower gel addict than I am). Before purchasing, I opened and sniffed. Yum! I was greeted by the most delectable, fresh, sweet smell of homegrown cucumbers and melons (melons?), perfect year-round, but especially in the summer months. What I experienced with this body wash was unique--the formula is exceptionally thick and creamy, unlike any other I have ever used. It lathers very well and leaves you squeaky-clean. Be warned--you may find yourself playing with the whipped froth longer than you think! You won't need an additional shaving product with Dove. My razor was able to glide over my silky skin and wisk away every unwanted hair with no cuts or scrapes. The benefits remain--the delightful scent stays for hours, and skin benefits accrue with every use. Dove's Body Wash put an end to the white, dry skin which often lingered on my shins and elbows. I love it! There is ONE AND ONLY ONE reason why I am not rating this a perfect "ten." The formula is so rich that, after only a few uses, I have a hard time getting it out of the opening. I have to add a little water to dilute it. Perhaps Dove would do better to add a pump top. By the way, visit Dove's home page and print a coupon for their products. Now, what else can you possibly want?
March 5, 2013
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When I was much younger and drugstore shelves were not overloaded with skin and hair products, it was much easier to know what worked and what didn't. Certain brands always lived up to their claims, and Pantene was one of them. Neutrogena and Vitabath were other companies which were highly respected and always effective (I'm still hooked on these). My hair back then (before coloring it permanently changed my cuticle, leaving it lacking) was strong, luxurious, and so shiny that I was amazed. I wanted to keep it that way, to protect it. So I bought Pantene's basic shampoo and conditioner, very high-brow products at that time, available only at department stores and recommended by my stylist. My parents were a bit shocked at the price but gave me the money I needed nonetheless. Despite the price, the conditioner from days of yore was worth far more than I paid. The old formula worked wonders; my tresses were akin to strands of silk between my fingers, and the conditioner left my hair voluminous and swingy, with even more sheen. I tried "Pro-V Ice Shine" hoping to bring back some of the gleam it used to have (with a degree in marketing, I have to admit that the words "ice shine" brilliantly stayed in my mind and made me purchase it). This product was a huge disappointment. Pantene, what have you done? Have you caved to the demands of commercialism? If this didn't have your name on the bottle, I would never have associated it with the same company. My hair was still rough after washing. Gone was the satiny feel. Shine? WHAT SHINE? I washed it again and used another conditioner because my hair had actually been dried out by this product. A conditioner that dries hair? For shame. I've been hesitant to use Pantene since this unfortunate experience. I hope they revert to their previous, unprecedented wonderful products! In the meanwhile, I have a partially-used bottle for anyone who would like it.
March 4, 2013
