Makeup
- GigiSD » See my profile
- Points: 438580
- Reviews: 1103
Here are all my reviews:
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As Joan Rivers asks, "Can we talk?" Aren't you just a bit stunned and perplexed at the endless creams promising to take years off your face? I mean, come on--a cream is a cream is a cream, right? Not right, especially when a product is radically different and highly effective, such as Oil of Olay's "Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Regenerating Serum" (fragrance-free). Wow, has Olay come a very long way from when it was a simple, humble pink moisturizer in a subdued black-and-white box with its amazing line of products. Yes, this is one of the items you continually hear proclaiming to outdo any high-end competition to turn back the clock and erase lines, so much so that it alleges that your skin is regenerated without the need for chemical peels, cosmetic surgery, or lasers. Could it be that good? How could I resist? I clipped a coupon from the Sunday paper and shopped. I followed directions and applied the lightweight serum as directed (once or twice daily, alone or under moisturizer and/or foundation). This cream deeply seeps into skin in a completely non-oily way, and the scent is quite delicate. I was anxious to see what would happen, as Olay promises immediate improvement and benefits which increase with time. I didn't morph into Cinderella, but the soft feeling was welcome, along with a slight increase in radiance. After using it religiously for a week, the results were obvious. Smile lines around my mouth were diminished, and those across my neck (which I have been trying to hide since childhood) were less visible. My skin was silky and hydrated. Seven days later, "silky" was now pure, luxurious velvet. Creases had virtually disappeared and my skin was visibly more refined and clarified. All this for about $21.00? Yep! The luscious formula includes an amino-peptide complex, some sun protection (SPF 15), B Vitamins, Vitamin C, and green tea leaf extract. As they say, "it's a keeper!"
March 4, 2013
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And yet another story from my days of modeling school, which I enjoyed immensely. We learned to apply makeup--lots of it for the camera (sometimes I feared I'd near a trowel to rid myself of it!). We did the catwalk and had our photos taken, sometimes blending more than seven shades of eye shadow and topping it with liner and professional mascara. Removal always began with a cleansing cream, applying lavishly and then gently massaging into skin and around eyes, paying careful attention to take off heavy eye makeup without pulling or tugging in any way. We used wash cloths, working until every bit of color disappeared. Until then, I would simply have reached for a bar of soap or foaming cleanser, but I learned from classes that it sometimes TAKES OIL TO REMOVE OIL. Lipids bond together and unwanted products are completely eradicated (thus, the huge success of olive oil as a purifier). Lancome, originally built as a house for skin care, understands this. Their "Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover" is pricey at about $28.00, but definitely worth it in the long run. Bi-Facil is an award-winning formula that is half-emollient. It's a good thing. Watch even the longest-lasting waterproof mascara disappear with ease and no tears or harsh, irritating ingredients to sting you. Be careful around eyes; eyelashes do not always grow back and skin is as delicate as tissue paper here. The more tenderly you remove eye makeup, the better your eyes will look in the future (read that again, please). A water-based part of Bi-Facil refreshes eyes and conditions skin with no greasy residue. Be sure to shake the solution well before using and dab on liberally with cotton pads. I love it to rid my skin of foundation, blush, and lipstick as well. Even if your skin is oily, have no fear. It will not cause blemishes (they come because of clogged pores, dead skin, and more). I generally follow with a mild cleanser and then a serum and/or moisturizer. It is even effective for those with sensitive eyes. Don't forget that Lancome has wonderful bonus gifts with purchase, so it's best to buy this during those times!
March 3, 2013
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When is a soap not just a soap? When it's DHC's "White Soap." I bought this when purchasing other DHC skin products because the price for a three-bar pack was reasonable ($11.00). It said it is non-irritating and leaves you "angelically clean." I liked the sound of that. I had no idea that I would fall in love, even to the point of becoming highly agitated when we were running low and my next order from DHC hadn't arrived yet. What makes this soap so different? It is pH-balanced, great for sensitive skin and, thus, perfect for everyone in the family. The ingredients are super-moisturizing: Olive oil, olive leaf extract, and glycerin comfort skin, while the super-rich, creamy lather washes away every bit of oil, dirt, makeup, and grime you can imagine (it's easy to get carried away with the lush bubbles). This is the kind of soap for every single day, but you could count on it to clean you to a polished gleam if you had spent hours working with wet paint or playing in the sand. Because of the finely-milled quality, one bar lasts a long, long time. I've had guests ask why I have both liquid soap and DHC's white bar soap in my bathroom as well as in my kitchen. Because DHC cleans what any liquid soap leaves behind, in a soothing, luxurious way. Kudos to this company on quality, affordable products!
March 2, 2013
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Beautiful lashes are a girl's best friend. Think how Scarlett O'Hara used her dark black ones when she wanted to garner attention from her gentleman friends. We women all seem to be pursuing the "perfect," mascara, the mascara which will give us lashes from here to eternity, so lush and full that we'll need a scythe (not a comb) to work our way through them. At least that's what I want; I wasn't naturally endowed. With auburn hair and fair skin, my top lashes are scant. My bottom ones are lengthy but colorless. "Lash Blast" has been on nearly every top-ten list I've seen when it comes to drugstore brands. Celebrities list it among their "must-have" products. It appears that women simply can't rave enough. So I had no hesitancy parting with my debit card to pick up CoverGirl's sensation. With this, I would be ravenous, sexy--I would be Scarlett herself! HARDLY! The brush itself is quite large--I liked that in some ways. It's actually patent-pending. Clumping wasn't a problem, although I do keep a lash comb handy. Neither was flaking. But my lashes were simply enhanced with color, nicely separated. The brush was a bit awkward to work with on my bottom lashes and I needed Revlon's "Eye Makeup Eraser Pen" often to remove unwanted marks. I wasn't looking for "natural." I was looking for BLAST! And I didn't find it. This is touted to "max out" each and every lash, giving users the "ultimate" big-lash look. NOT HERE! This is a fine product if your lashes are already lengthy and have volume and you want to tint them. Otherwise, leave it on the shelf. One question keeps bothering me; if it is so great, so magnificent, then why did CoverGirl need to come out with other versions of this? Because it's not the be-all mascara it claims. For shame . . .
March 2, 2013
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I am on a continual search for a shampoo and conditioner to help my (sigh--artificial) hair color last a long time. Gone are the days when I washed my hair daily (sometimes twice in the summer!). Even for robust, virgin locks, such treatment can damage the cuticle. I allow two to three days to pass between shampoos and wash gently, using lukewarm water and treating my tresses with the ultimate care. I deep-condition regularly and condition after every shampoo, working through to the ends. I hate coloring my hair and want to postpone the need for this. I have spent hundreds of dollars on various conditioners--from the most pricey to drugstore brands--in search of the "perfect" one to soften, add luster, and keep my auburn hue locked in for a long time (however, Leonor Greyl products are still too hedonistic to try; I will not pay the obscene prices). Two months ago I purchased L'Oreal's new "Advanced Haircare Color Vibrancy Nourishing Conditioner" (about $5.00). I've been deluged with ads for their new system of products, and I scrutinized the container carefully. It claims to give you up to eight (count 'em) weeks of vivid color. I was impressed: It contains anti-oxidants and UV filters to protect hair from damaging rays. Arginine-K Complex is included to penetrate the hair fiber "from root to core to tip for healthier hair." It has a subtle, pleasant fragrance, albeit not much different from most shampoos. At first, I was in love. My hair can perform as a Brillo pad after shampooing, and this conditioner left it like silky strands between my fingers. Was this MY hair? It styled easily, with lots of swing and shine. That lasted a day. The next day, my hair felt as if a weight had been placed on it (there was an oily feeling). Gone was the volume. I was sadly and officially a "helmet head." I tried the shampoo and conditioner for a few weeks and noted no color protection. It was the same as with most products--back to hair color bottle for me! I'm sorry, L'Oreal, as I truly thought I'd love you. But you let me down, literally.
March 2, 2013
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A few things I learned in modeling school years ago which I will never forget: 1) A liquid antiperspirant is generally more effective than a solid one; 2) Vary your antiperspirants, as your body can become accustomed to the ingredients in one over time; 3) Unscented antiperspirants will not interfere or conflict with any body powder, lotion, or perfume you wear; and 3) Never apply right after shaving. Minor irritations can become major, uncomfortable problems. I went through a huge variety of antiperspirants and liked many of them, but I noticed sweating and slight body odor at the worse possible times (for instance, occasionally at corporate meetings or while standing in front of my students, who miss absolutely nothing!). A friend recommended Certain Dri. With my modeling days in mind, I opted for the non-scented, liquid variety (about $5.50). She told me that she had thought it was once available by prescription only. That in itself was enough to convince me to try it. CERTAIN DRI PUT A TOTAL END TO MY SWEATING AND ANY UNPLEASANT ODOR! It contains Aluminum Chloride, an ingredient most often chosen by dermatologists for patients suffering from excessive sweating, or Hyperhidrosis. Certain Dri is different from other antiperspirants--it is supposed to be used only at night, after washing, as sweat glands are least active then. You can shower the next morning, but the protection will stay through water and soap. It is a clear liquid which will not stain clothing or leave annoying white marks behind (applause, applause!). I have unintentionally traveled and left Certain Dri at home. Not to worry, as the protection lasts longer than twenty-four hours for me. There is a "refresher" product available for touch-ups in the morning, but I've never needed this. Certain Dri has proved itself again and again, even through ninety-degree-plus temperatures and outrageous humidity! Just a word of warning: Be sure that you have allowed a good amount of time to pass between shaving and application. This potent product can produce slight stinging which generally passes with time, and you don't want to irritate open pores. I still vary antiperspirants; when I do take a break from this treasure, I turn to Mitchum's unscented liquid for excellent results!
March 1, 2013
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Have I got a treat for you! If you suffer from any brown spots (a result of pregnancy, hormones, aging, or simply genetics) or if you simply want a wonderful daily moisturizer with the consistency of a souffle, try Pond's "Clarant B3" (available for normal-to-oily and normal-to-dry skin). For about $8.00 (yes, you read that correctly), skin is renewed and refreshed. I use the normal-to-dry formula; it contains Niacinamide, otherwise known as Vitamin B3. Studies have shown that there are no negative effects to B3 as there can be with artificial ingredients. With regular use, all brown spots are completely gone. The weightless cream sinks into my skin immediately, and any foundation--even powder--works well over it. It has a fresh, clean scent which takes me back to the days when my grandmother, very lovely well into her eighties, applied regular Ponds each night before bed. Try it and do the Happy Dance with me!
February 28, 2013
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I used Proactiv in previous years, and it combated my cyclical acne like a miracle. I remember purchasing a set for a friend who was upset over her combination skin and continual break-outs. She couldn't have been more pleased by the time she finished the first kit, yet she continued to order them. I saw what a true transformation this three-step system can create when my nephews--all fair-skinned--developed severe cases of acne in high school. They had had perfect skin and then were suddenly besieged with blemishes! Nothing helped them and they were understandably self-conscious and actually didn't want to be seen (they were not shy). My sister bought this particular kit for each of them and made sure they used it religiously (regularity in use seems to be the key here). Within just a short time, their complexions went from red and blotchy to clear, smooth, and blemish-free! The products work for even those with sensitive skin, as they contain a relatively low concentration of Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%). My nephews really enjoyed the mask. Used two to three times a week, the mask's white kaolin clay helped to pull out impurities and clean clogged pores (which, left unchecked, would have become blemishes). Sulfur in the mask is a natural antibacterial agent. It also cleans and improves the look of ravaged and large pores and removes excess oil. Sulfur is gentle to blemished skin. The best part? They did not suffer from raw, scaling, peeling complexions as Proactiv worked. The whole idea behind Proactiv is to address acne as a whole, not just on particular annoying spots. Their faces clear and smooth, and so were their shoulders and backs. Just a word of warning here: Benzoyl Peroxide can possibly bleach colored clothing, so wear something underneath to prevent this from happening. With Proactiv on the market, acne is becoming a thing of the past--finally!
February 28, 2013
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When I was young but beginning to use Maybelline's "Ultra Lash" in a white tube, my older sister came home from college and showed me a "treasure trove" of products she had bought on her own. She was working part-time while going to school, living on campus, and so she shopped the aisles of the drugstores of the college. I remember being in complete shock at the vivid pink-and-green packaging of this item. I held it in my hand in disbelief. What? Did my sister lose her mind with "Great Lash?" Pink and green? Who mixes pink and green? "Ultra Lash" was demure, as was the Estee Lauder mascara in a sedate navy tube I would occasionally "borrow" from my mom without her knowing (I've learned since then--please NEVER use mascara belonging to someone else!). Would this radical mascara make my eyelashes so long that they appeared false? Would they touch my nose? Would my parents politely stop me before I left for school and ask me to wash it off? I quickly learned that the tube is far more ostentatious than the mascara itself. "GREAT LASH" IS SIMPLY A GOOD, BASIC MASCARA. The curved wand does indeed make application much easier (I would suggest having a mascara comb on hand to weed out any clumps which may occur, but this hasn't been a problem with me). It doesn't add fantastic volume or length, but it does color and accentuate my small lashes, especially once I have curled them. The ability to wash it off is something I truly like. Eyelashes often do not grow back; years ago I was brutal when I would remove makeup, thinking that they would reappear as regularly as my natural hair. There is no flaking involved with "Great Lash." It is long-lasting. And I can always afford it. Yes, I prefer other brands to really make my eyes pop, but for some reason--perhaps because of sentimentality and the love of my sister--"Great Lash" remains in my makeup stash. Hey, Maybelline is still selling it, so there must be a reason why . . .
February 28, 2013
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It's hard to keep up with the hype about Urban Decay's "Eyeshadow Primer Potion" ($20.00 at Sephora, Ulta, or online). Long after its introduction, it seems that I can't pick up a beauty or fashion magazine without seeing ad advertisement or an endorsement for this. Is it great? Yes. The pros? It applies easily, with just enough product dispensed from the clever tube and its small opening. Originally, it was available only in "Sheer Nude." Now UD's icon also comes in a range of shades--from "Greed" (gold), "Eden" (a tawny matte), and "Sin" (glimmering champagne). I like the ability to use the primer as an enhancement to my shadow, not just a base. And, yes, it does last a long time and makes eyeshadow appear more vibrant. SO WHAT IS MY PROBLEM? A friend gave me Too Faced's "Shadow Insurance" (also $20.00 at the same venues). This colorless potion is available in a tube very similar to Urban Decay's, with a little less "glitz." The formula, with its silicone base, virtually applies itself and then locks to a finish that basically nothing can ruin. Just the tiniest bit--the size of a water droplet--is necessary to cover your entire lid. It sets immediately, so there is no "wait time" in your beauty regimen. (A tube lasts forever!) And, with two great competing products, Too Faced has proven time and again a longer, stronger ability to stand up to long hours, heat, humidity, and the elements. It's a tough choice to make, but I choose Too Faced (Urban Decay is a very close second).
February 28, 2013
