Makeup
- GigiSD » See my profile
- Points: 438580
- Reviews: 1103
Here are all my reviews:
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Make Up For Ever's "Five Camouflage Cream Palette" ($38.00) is probably in every professional's makeup box--now you can own it, too. One shade does not fit all when it comes to disguising under-eye shadows and/or blemishes. Most skins have a yellow undertone. MUFE understands this and offers a variety of shades which work together to match your own skin PERFECTLY. I especially appreciate their adding green to the "Fair/Light Skin Tone" palette to rid skin of annoying redness. This is for all women; there is a palette for "Light/Medium" and dark skin tones as well. Use with concealer brushes and sponges for a perfect finish.
June 28, 2013
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I am glad that I was given a jar of Algenist's Firming & Lifting Cream with Alguronic Acid + ProPeptide3 to review for a company rather than having to purchase it. At $94.00 for two ounces, this is a pricey product which I was pretty sure would work well. I first researched alguronic acid; Algenist claims that it comes from a strain of microalgae. The company boasts that this ingredient regenerates cells, boosts the synthesis of elastin (which results in more taut skin), inhibits the production of melanin, and provides protection from UVB rays. That's a tall order for one ingredient to fulfill. I grew more skeptical when I could not find what ProPeptide3 does at all (hmm . . . a mystery ingredient). This cream is specifically meant to rebuild skin's firmness, redefine facial contours, and tighten and lift. It is very lightweight, with a barely-there scent. It is totally non-greasy and is absorbed readily. I used it exclusively for two months. My skin was beautifully softened, but there was absolutely NO DIFFERENCE in my complexion's firmness or facial contours. Other ingredients are nice, but they are moisturizers, not miracle-workers. Some of them include: Dimethicone (an emollient which softens and comforts), glycerin, avocado oil, sweet almond seed extract, pea extract, olive fruit oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein (purportedly increases skin's firmness, nourishes, retains moisture, and decreases number and depth of wrinkles), and tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E). There was a reduction in the "parentheses" around my mouth which have plagued me since childhood, a blurring of tiny creases beginning to appear, but, once again, absolutely no changing in firmness. I have experienced a new taut feeling/look with my skin with a combination of products from others companies, but I am more convinced than ever that no one jar is the sought-after "fountain of youth." I am disappointed in Algenist for making so much money from false claims. I wish that the FDA was more proactive in policing cosmetic promises . . .
June 28, 2013
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I could not love Too Faced's "Shadow Primer" more. The "Candlelight" version has pro's and con's. It will enhance some colors greatly and make them stand out (I found this to be true when worn under ecru, champagne, etc.). But application is a bit tricky, and Volta is absolutely right--less is more here. A brush is the best tool to ensure even coverage. If your eyelids have even slight creases, do not use in that area, as they will only be magnified. I like it, but I'll keep it for special occasions.
June 28, 2013
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C. O. Bigelow's "Rose Salve" offers more moisture than the average lip balm. It cushions lips beautifully and comfortable and does leave a flattering rose tint. You won't find yourself needing to continually reapply. I smiled when I read one of the other reviewer's comments that it is nearly impossible to open when hands have ANY moisture on them at all--it's true. But once you do pry it open (use a tool, not your nails), you'll be glad you did.
June 26, 2013
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Wow! I was immediately taken aback by the dual playful/seductive quality of this exquisite, addictive fragrance. This is a delightfully unpredictable aroma. First, your senses are greeted by the floral notes. And then the seductive undertone takes over. It is mysterious, playful, and certainly flirtatious. Fragrance notes include Carnation, Wild Mint, Turkish Rose Essence, Hemp Leaves, Vetiver Roots, and White Amber. Use just a little to electrify your senses (and those of everyone around you!).
June 26, 2013
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Sally Hansen does it right again with their "Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color." The colors are plush and substantive; often one coat is all you need (I love it in "Expresso"). The shades range from demure to quite vivid and unusual. It leaves a shiny finish and does dry incredibly fast. I also get long wear from this polish.
June 26, 2013
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Thank you, Sally Hansen! Thank you for allowing me to do my nails, apply this miracle-working product to freshly-polished nails, and be on my way. This is basically mineral oil with a few other ingredients, but it does help cuticles at the same time. Applause, applause!
June 25, 2013
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Even though it's summer, sometimes my skin cries out for a lush, rich face cream (it always does in cold weather). L'Occitane's "Shea Butter" version is a dream! I never forgot a plastic surgeon's advice that shea and cocoa butters are some of the most potent ingredients you can use on your skin for healing and hydration. Besides shea butter, this gem contains glycerin (a strong moisturizer itself), dimethicone (another emollient), sunflower seed oil, and rosemary leaf extract. It comes in a very lovely tub. This is a thick cream and can be a bit greasy, so this is not for those with oily skin, only for parched complexions or those exposed to the elements. It leaves skin like pure velvet.
June 25, 2013
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I was clearing out my one of my linen closets recently and came across this set--bought for me a year ago by a friend but never used. It was a serendipitous experience. I used the "Cinnamon Buns" shampoo/bubble bath/shower gel. I am as dumbfounded by this as I am by FarmHouse Fresh--how DO they get a product to smell exactly like a food (FarmHouse is famous for their "Whoopie Cream," with a scent which exactly replicates that of cake and frosting at the same time?). It is a luscious bath/shower experience, but I think it would be far too drying for my hair. The gloss is a pleasure. The light gold sheen is never tacky or sticky and stays in place for a long time, cushioning lips. It has sunflower seed oil and Vitamin E to nourish as it gives your pout a glow. If you enjoy the gloss, it is also available in "Melon Daquiri" (peach shine) and "Vanilla Birthday Cake" (champagne gleam).
June 25, 2013
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L'Occitane's "Extra Gentle Shea Butter Soap" is luxury in a wrapper. Shea butter, glycerin, and soybean oil are among the ingredients which deeply hydrate skin. It lathers beautifully and has a delicate scent--one of my favorites!
June 25, 2013
