Makeup
- GigiSD » See my profile
- Points: 438580
- Reviews: 1103
Here are all my reviews:
-
I vacillate when it comes to skin-cleansing towelettes; I often change brands depending on the scent, texture of the towelette, etc. What DOES remain in my bathroom vanity at all times even though I may temporarily stray are Neutrogena's "Makeup Removing Cleansing Towelettes." They are soft cloths, and you really only need one. The scent is fresh and clean but subtle. I have put these to brutal tests repeatedly and they have excelled: They will remove waterproof mascara, waterproof eyeliner, eye shadow primer, eye shadows, concealer, foundation, highlighter or bronzer, blush, lipstick, brown products, and more with great ease and absolutely no irritation at all. As "Lipglossandspandex" does, I place them against the toughest eye makeup and allow the formula to penetrate layers of products before I very gently cleanse my complexion. I don't have to worry about losing eyelashes or pulling tender skin. My face feels fresh and clean, ready to go again! There is no need to rinse, but I generally use cold cream and follow with a cleanser anyway. I don't quite understand how such a powerful formula can be so gentle to skin, but I'm not questioning the beauty of these. I have to agree with "Volta" and "Lipglossandspandex" that the packaging could be improved. Sometimes the adhesive foil does interfere and I wind up pulling out more cloths than necessary. I have had experiences when the closure dried, causing the towelettes to do the same. All in all, though, they are a very refreshing experience which I highly recommend.
September 10, 2013
-
I was in awe of this pen and its capabilities. It strokes on effortlessly, enables me to create a thin or thick line, and lasts a long time. I was thrilled with the choice of colors, especially "Coffee" (brown), "Midnight" (blue), "Plum," and "Hunter Green." However, in my last several orders the eyeliners arrived completely dried out. I was beyond frustrated and switched to others. ELF, you had a great thing going--what happened?
September 9, 2013
-
This is a good primer. Vitamins A, C, and E enable it to glide on smoothly, keeping all types of shadow--not just mineral--in place all day. I found the consistency a little too thin, but still workable. Some women use it under eyes as a concealer and claim that it never calls attention to lines. I will still stay with Too Faced's "Shadow Insurance," but this is nice to have around as well.
September 9, 2013
-
With summer still hanging on and nary a cold wind in sight, my lips have been burning, peeling, and chapping. I thought I took good care of them over the last few months, but I do tend to get lax with the lovely weather. Enough was finally enough, and I needed a complete "fix" for this problem. I loved using Paula's Choice "Lip Perfecting Gentle Scrub with Micro-Beads" to remove dead skin. I then liberally applied her "Lip and Body Treatment Balm." There is plenty of product in the one-ounce tub, as a little goes a very long way. This is an ultra-rich, ultra-thick cream which instantly provides relief in the form of cushioned comfort. It should: The ingredients are plentiful and lush, from lanolin and Vitamins C and E to wheat germ oil, castor oil, shea butter, and beeswax. The pros of this product? After one night of wear, my lips were greatly improved. I didn't feel as though I needed to continue to use it, although I chose to do so for a nearly perfect pout. The burning has disappeared, and my lips seldom peel now. The little container is great for travel. I have already treated my cuticles to the benefits, and I can go anywhere this winter knowing that I have an all-purpose deep moisturizer for face, hands, elbows, and even rough knees, heels, and feel. The price? Right now, a very friendly $9.60 for (discounted from $12.00). The cons are not enough to convince me to switch from this. It is supposedly fragrance-free, but there was a slightly repugnant waxy smell (emphasis on slightly). I also have a problem with the packaging, as Paula herself is a master of packaging to preserve the integrity of products. I would like to see this dispensed in a squeezable tube. The open tub is an invitation to growing germs and bacteria in the formula unless you are meticulous about washing your hands between uses and between using on different areas of the body. Other than that, I'm more than pleased!
September 9, 2013
-
Paula's Choice "Lip Exfoliant with Micro-Beads" is definitely one of the most effective exfoliants I have ever tried. I have enjoyed other products, but I found them to be overly oily, and I had a hard time ridding my mouth and my hands of the residue. Paula's Choice uses grape seed oil, Vitamin E, glycerin, wheat germ oil, lanolin, Vitamin C, castor oil, and shea butter--and it is still a PLEASURE to use. The product is a thick, non-scented pasted which you rub tenderly into lips until you feel that you have removed dead skin. The beauty of this product is that there is no oily feel afterward which you have to wash again and again with soap or another cleanser. Lips feel truly revived and rejuvenated, free of dead skin cells. They are left as soft and smooth as a newborn baby's skin. (I have to admit that I want to keep applying again and again for the wonderful feel!) Paula's Choice suggests using just a pea-sized amount and massaging gently for thirty seconds in circular motions before you rinse. Your pout is now ready for the wonderful moisturizer from Paula's Choice "Lip and Body Treatment Balm" or the product of your choice. I find that it makes a HUGE difference in how well my lipstick applies and wears. This is a tremendous item!
August 23, 2013
-
There was a time when I only used real-hair brushes when applying makeup. When it became too costly to replace my favorite brushes, I turned to beautifully made synethic-hair brushes. My mouth hung open when I received set last year. The brushes are extremely soft, wonderfully shaped for different uses, and very dense. They do not shed. I like the quality of the carrier ELF has placed them in, and I like the fact that many brushes are covered with plastic to keep them in shape. I handle them as gently as I do natural-hair brushes, wash often, and I get tremendous, wonderful wear from them!
August 20, 2013
-
I've had this concealer sitting by me for the longest time and never reviewed it. "Volta" should get a reward for her advice, because she is an extremely wise woman. Do choose a shade which is two tones lighter than your skin/foundation because it does dry to a deeper hue than you initially think it will. This has been a Godsend for women with Rosacea, scars, tattoos, and anything which needs to remain disguised at times. It is non-oily, totally waterproof, has a rich formula, and comes in a multitude of shades. Because the cost is $32.00, I agree with Volta that you should probably visit your local Sephora and test some on a cleansed area of your jawbone in strong light, preferably daylight, as you may actually need two colors (some women have problems with both undereye darkness and scars elsewhere on their body, so one shade will not suffice). Try to determine what you need from swatches on Sephora or MUFE's own site isn't enough. I have one problem with this, though: I find it too heavy for the very delicate skin under my eyes. I applied it with a brush, but I was aware of it being there (I hope that makes sense). Then I used my ring finger (because it exerts the least pressure and will do less damage) and allowed the warmth from my hand to soften it first. No change. It will call attention to any fine lines in this area, and my eyes are in pretty good shape. I also like to be able to use a concealer as a shadow primer in a pinch, but putting this on my eyelids is like wearing clothing--far too thick. I just reviewed Maybelline's "Superstay 24 Hour Non-Transfer Concealer" (about $7.00). Although it isn't waterproof, it does last a full day, will never transfer to clothing, and has staying power which is unexpected from a drugstore product. I actually prefer Maybelline's version when it comes to "powerhouse" concealers. This is nice, but it's definitely not my favorite . . .
August 11, 2013
-
Not long ago, I spent $32.00 for Make Up For Ever's "Full Cover Concealer." Thirty-two dollars! I wanted a long-wearing, waterproof concealer for summer, something that wouldn't budge in heat and humidity. MUFE's is a hardy cover-up, as it will actually disguise tattoos, scars, burns, you name it. But I found it a bit heavy for use under my eyes. It's better for imperfections; it covers discolorations and blemishes quite well. I didn't even realize that, at the same time, I found myself picking up my FOURTH tube of Maybelline's "Superstay No Transfer 24-Hour Wear Concealer" at my neighborhood drugstore (rarely do I finish anything to the very bottom!). There is always a tube at my vanity and one in my purse. It is not as substantive and cannot be used like the products from Dermablend or MUFE. However, for less than $7.00, it absolutely lives up to its name ("Superstay"), and I prefer using it under my eyes to MUFE's formula (it is lighter weight and doesn't call attention to any possible tiny creases). I had a stubborn blemish which healed, but the redness remained for a few months. Maybelline's "Superstay" kept it concealed through long, hot days, even when my skin brushed up against my collar. I'm depending on it to continue to do the same for me when I begin teaching again, as we have no air conditioning and building is nearly all windows. It also keeps shadows and tiny veins under my eyes covered. It never transfers onto clothing. The "Ivory" shade works well for me, and this is one of those great products which truly lives up to its claims. In a perfect world, I would have this item be completely waterproof and there would be a much wider range of shades available, but all in all, it is spectacular!
August 11, 2013
-
I had the chance to try Nelson "Argan Oil 7 Non-Foaming Shampoo" at a discount from another great site. It can be pricey--at least $22.00--and I thought it would be a great help in streamlining my hair routine. It is along the same concept as Wen's cleansing conditioner. Nelson Shampoo is meant as a seven-in-one product: It is supposed to function as shampoo, conditioner, detangler, sheen enhancer, smoothing serum, color protector, and a styling product at the same time. One of the things I most enjoy about it is that it is free of ingredients which strip hair of its natural oils and damage the cuticle. I was sure I was ready for a non-foaming product which would save my hair from damage and save me time. Directions are to completely rinse hair before applying this creamy lotion, beginning with your scalp and then massaging it through the remainder of your hair. Hair is supposed to feel silky and smooth; my hair isn't in perfect condition, but it's in good condition, and I did not experience any satin-like feel. I found it unduly thick and hard to work through my hair at all. The peppermint scent is eerily reminiscent of toothpaste. Once it is in hair, you leave it there for three minutes or for the duration of your shower. I hoped that something would change in three minutes, but it didn't--my hair wasn't terribly dry, but I couldn't run a comb through it after rinsing very well. I did wrap my hair in a towel and dried it afterward, but it was definitely lacking manageability, softness, and sheen. I struggled more than I ever do with normal shampoo and conditioner. What was perhaps one of the most disappointing aspects was that my hair didn't feel truly cleansed; it was as if I needed to rinse more, but I had rinsed for several minutes, longer than I needed to. And, in truth, I missed bubbles. Maybe I shouldn't equate bubbles with cleanliness, but I cannot recommend this shampoo in good conscience.
August 9, 2013
-
I tend to love nearly all things Neutrogena, and this is no exception. It has no strong scent, but it does have sun protection and glides on easily, actually repairing my lips when they are dry from the cold or the heat. More applause for this company!
August 3, 2013
