Makeup
- GigiSD » See my profile
- Points: 438580
- Reviews: 1103
Here are all my reviews:
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Seche Clear™ Crystal Clear Base Coat took ten years to formulate (the company actually owns the "China Glaze" line). Use as a glossy clear polish for a nice, long-lasting shine. It was specifically created to bond with natural nails without turning yellow. Under other nail colors, it prohibits nails from picking up the pigment. It works exactly as it promises and is an excellent, reliable base.
July 4, 2013
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Years ago I used Ultima II's "Fade Not Crease Not" and L'Oreal's "De-Crease" to keep shadow in place. This was before all the talk was about UD's "Primer Potion" and Too Faced's "Shadow Insurance." Now there isn't a primer I haven't tried, and I still like L'Oreal's version. It is not transparent but comes in a flesh-toned shade. That works well for me, as it immediately covers some small blue veins on my lids. It can be a tad thick, but when spread evenly, it holds any type of shadow in place for ten hours at the least and eighteen hours at the most. It doesn't crease on me and makes me happy. I also use it on blemishes. I never touch the doe-foot applicator to a blemish for fear of contamination but use a Q-tip. Once it sets, I use concealer on top and my problem remains disguised until I cleanse my face.
July 4, 2013
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My beloved mom used to save her money to buy cosmetics for me sister and me; when she would occasionally treat herself, she would generally buy Estée Lauder or Elizabeth Arden items. Before she passed away, she would still apply Lauder's or Arden's blush daily in the rehab center. Her skin was so luminous that they called her "the polished patient." I began purchasing this blush for her years ago and also for myself. It is very lightweight and leaves a flawless, seamless finish. The shades range from delicate ("Sweet Peach," a tender coral) to "Sunburst" (a pop of vivid coral). I normally use "Blushing Pink" for a truly natural but lovely look. The buildable, long-lasting color enables you to contour cheekbones if you desire. Optical diffusers distract from imperfections, while vitamins and antioxidants nourish your lovely complexion.
July 2, 2013
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I realize how amazing "Seabreeze" feels, especially in the summer when you're working in a cosmopolitan area and the air/pollution is so thick that you can cut it with a proverbial knife. In my early twenties, I carried multiple packets of this astringent in portable form in my purse. Before a night out, I would clean my face/neck entirely, feel completely renewed, and go on to do my makeup again. My older sister reprimanded me again and again, warning me of the alcohol content of Seabreeze (combined with benzoic acid and camphor, too harsh for even strong complexions and completely unacceptable for sensitive skin). I had been through modeling school; I KNEW that the application of alcohol would result in prematurely dry, aged skin, but time seems far off when you are very young. This is NOT a good astringent to use, except in extreme cases. If you have cyclical acne on your back/shoulders, perhaps it won't harm as much. For your face, a plethora of proven, less-harmful products are available from several companies (AHA's work well, as do many other ingredients). YOU CAN'T GET YOUTHFUL SKIN BACK--HOLD ON TO IT AS LONG AS POSSIBLE! Treat even very oily, acne-prone skin with care, please. Your face and neck with thank you later.
July 2, 2013
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Maybelline New York Volum' Express The Rocket Waterproof Mascara
Maybelline, This Time You're Simply Mediocre
I will NEVER stop searching for the PERFECT mascara--even though there are several I like very much and use constantly, I am always drawn to mascara displays. I had high hopes for this. It separated lashes well and gave some volume and a little length (but nothing like Benefit's "They're Real" in terms of volume or Lancôme's "Definicils" in terms of length). However, it did clump somewhat on application. During wear, it does smudge and flake, and I tried it for several days. Sad to say, I will not be repurchasing.
July 1, 2013
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My life has been dramatically changed for the better by using Yves St. Lauren's "Touche Éclate" concealer in "Luminous Radiance" for nearly two years. I didn't berate myself for spending $40.00 for this pricey product because it effectively disguises blemishes and under-eye circles perfectly and seamlessly, never drawing any attention to dry skin or tiny lines or creases. I had been hearing and reading a lot about Maybelline's similar item, and so I spent less than $7.00(!) for it at my local drugstore (there was a slight discount that day). The two are quite comparable; in fact, they are difficult to delineate! I first used Maybelline's "Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer" in "Ivory" and went on to purchase another in "Radiant" (really gives a "lift" to my skin on days when I need sleep or am not feeling well, as the pink base will negate blue veins or shadows). It has a gentle, pleasant scent, an effective brush applicator, and a very smooth, lightweight but substantive consistency. It goes a long way to meld flawlessly with my own complexion, only improving it. "Dream Lumi" wears far longer than I ever would have anticipated. I also use on the circles at the top of my nose by my eyes to give myself a "wide-awake," sparkling look and anywhere else where I am sallow. A word of caution: I would suggest using your finger or a separate concealer brush so that you do not contaminate the product unless you clean it after every use. However, always use your ring finger, as it is your weakest and will exert the least pressure on the very delicate skin in this area. I love you, YSL, but why not save the money and opt for a comparable product at a far more reasonable price? I will miss you, but "Dream Lumi" has taken your place. This is a winner from Maybelline New York all the way!
July 1, 2013
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This delightful soap is especially refreshing in "Sweet Water" and "Sea Mineral." I like the sleek, clean packaging. I wish it were an antibacterial soap, but Method's products are anti-toxin (perhaps that's even better). It contains Vitamin E and aloe for soft skin. Especially when on sale, this soap is an absolute, truly enjoyable steal!
June 28, 2013
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I found this as one of the gifts from my husband in my Easter basket. I love the foam! I love Dial's antibacterial qualities, and the foam makes me want to keep washing my hands over and over. Now, don't you wish everybody did that?
June 28, 2013
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Along with the delights of summer comes my need to feel deep-down clean, especially after a day at the pool, beach, or working in the garden. Yes to Grapefruit's "Exfoliating Body Wash" has small, non-irritating pumice particles to wash away dirt and dead, dry skin, leaving your entire body silkier than you can imagine. The scent is beyond luscious--it is citrus-based. The formula contains Vitamin C and citric acid for healthy skin. I don't use this to exfoliate my face (I'm not comfortable with pumice on my complexion), but I do keep some in a container on the sink. When I wash my hands, it's as if I have brand-new skin (and the delightful smell lingers).
June 28, 2013
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Ole Henriksen's products grow nearer and dearer to my heart by the day. I never know what summer will bring or where it will take me, so I bought these wipes to clean my skin during a particular hot, gritty day or to use as an easy beginning to my nightly cleansing/moisturizing routine. You do receive thirty wipes for $15.00. They have a delightful citrus smell and are amazing to use. Even though they are ultra-gentle, there is a gentle exfoliating quality which leaves your face and neck devoid of sebum, makeup, sand, chlorine residue, and deep-down dirt. They even make short work of removing waterproof mascara. You are left feeling completely refreshed, your skin soft and glowing. Henriksen includes his famous all-natural ingredients with benefits you do actually realize with continued use: Vitamin C brightens and tightens skin; micro algae firm skin and boost collagen production; green tea, an antioxidant, inhibits collagen breakdown; and COQ10 helps with skin repair and regeneration. Other ingredients include fruit oil, glycerin, pomegranate extract, grape fruit extract, chardonnay extract, grape and jojoba seed oils, squalane (a moisturizer), Vitamin E, and palm and black currant seed oils. So if you are wondering why your skin feels like velvet and you are luminous, now you know . . .
June 28, 2013
