Makeup

- GigiSD » See my profile
- Points: 438580
- Reviews: 1103
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I do embrace my porcelain skin and use cosmetics to highlight it--MOST of the year. During the summer, I start to feel pale beside the bronzed goddesses who pass me wherever I go. I quite sunning more years ago than I care to say (that includes tanning beds). Bare Minerals has come a long way with this product, offering more and more shades. I used to use "Warmth" but have switched to "Faux Tan," a lighter, sunlit bronze. Sometimes I like to sweep "Pure Radiance" (golden peach) or "Rose Radiance" (soft glow, obviously in a rose hue) over the areas of my face where the sun would normally touch them--forehead, cheeks, bridge of nose. The trick is to make sure that you remove ALL excess from the brush so that you don't use too much product. I used to have a hard time with Bare Minerals' products, but practice does indeed make perfect. I still cover clothing and items which may be hard to clean, but I'm far more adept at using this than I used to be. The reward for my patience and practice is a truly natural, light, beautiful radiance which doesn't leave me feeling like a wallflower in the summer.
June 20, 2013
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Although I don't wear mineral foundation in general, there are times and occasions when it comes in handy. It doesn't give the best coverage possible, it can accentuate pores, and it certainly can be messy. But I bought this trial kit at Ulta and got a wonderful bonus gift to boot (Ulta is a goldmine when it comes to useful gifts)! It's one of the nicest introductions to a line I know. You mix the shades to match your skin tone, have a chance to try mineral veil and see if it works for you, and experience "warmth," a hue to add radiance all over your face. My kit came with a magnificent, portable case and small zippered tote bag to carry already-mixed powder for touch-ups. I can't seem to find it and it was so helpful. With brushes and a step-by-step video, how can you possibly go wrong with this?
June 20, 2013
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Brow gel is essential for giving brows a refined look. I like to use gel to brush my brows upward and outward for a "wide-awake" yet sexy look. This is a great gel; the only reason I am not giving it ten stars is because it has a pungent smell, sort of like nail polish remover.
June 20, 2013
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Jack Black Turbo Wash Energizing Cleanser for Hair & Body with Rosemary, Eucalyptus & Juniper Berry
THIS WILL "REV YOUR ENGINE!"
My husband has a fixation about feeling extremely fresh with shower products. I had squirreled away a few samples of this for him from Sephora for an occasion when he would really need it. During the last two days, he has painted parts of our deck, replanted flowers, worked intensely in the garden, washed our cars, cut the grass, and began organizing the garage differently, lifting heavy equipment. Before he showered on both days, I gave him a sample and he was thrilled! He claims that it has an invigorating, slightly tingling feel, The cleanser contains rosemary and eucalyptus, which actually reduce bacteria on skin and serve as a decongestant to stimulate breathing. Juniper berry eliminates lactic-acid build-up in muscles. Hair and skin are also softened and conditioned by sunflower seed oil, linseed seed extract, olive fruit extract, rosemary and lavender oils, arnica flower extract, panthenol, glycerin, hydrolyzed wheat protein, shea butter, aloe leaf juice, Vitamin C, and grapefruit seed extract. The scent? Fresh, but not so masculine that I won't be using the full-size tube I just ordered! It's citrus-like and crisp. The lather is nice but not overly frothy. My husband smelled wonderful, and his skin was most definitely moisturized. He liked it for his hair. I would probably continue with my regular shampoo, but I can't wait to get my hands on it . . .
June 20, 2013
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I had nearly given up on facial primers. I use them, yes, but none made me really happy. The original "Smashbox" formula was heavy on my skin; I was constantly aware that I had used it throughout the day. Other brands also seemed greasy; instead of keeping makeup in place and looking great, I would have a shine breakthrough I normally would not without primer. And then I received a sample of Hourglass's "Veil Mineral Primer." This is SO GREAT that I believe I dreamed it! I used the entire premium sample and went on to purchase a bottle. I don't see myself switching to anything else because I can't imagine another primer topping this. The formula itself is remarkably good for skin--it contains fourteen essential oils to soften the complexion: Bois de rose, lavender, geranium, petit grain, lemon, rosemary, vanilla, clove, amyris, orange, ylang-ylang, eucalyptus, cedar, and rose geranium. Ten plant oils rich in lipids add to the enrichment and nourishment: Hazelnut, kukui nut, rose hip, borage, olive, green tea, cherry pit, sweet almond, jojoba, and primrose. Vitamins A, C, E, and B5 reinvigorate and rejuvenate skin. Yet there is NO OILY FEEL WHATSOEVER! When you apply the lightweight serum, it feels like liquid velvet. It is to be used after cleansing your complexion and moisturizing and before using foundation or to cleansed and moisturized skin alone. One of the beautiful aspects of this is that it sinks in immediately, and thus it works well with all foundation types--liquid, powder, mousse, or even a heavy cream. It is water-resistant, has an SPF of 15 (yes!), and neutralizes skintone (even those with rosacea should see an improvement). Besides correcting color, the appearance of pores is diminished along with lines and wrinkles. If you do use a foundation, it keeps it on for additional hours of perfect wear. Hourglass continues to make products which are prime quality; although they can be a tad expensive, they are worth far beyond what you pay!
June 20, 2013
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This is akin to "It's a Ten" in terms of repairing stressed or overtreated hair. It made a major difference in strengthening mine. Proteins work to return internal strength to hair; a ceramide complex reinforces the cuticle; and humectants bring back softness, shine, and manageability. This all works without an oily or heavy feel. It's simply great.
June 18, 2013
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I like "Beige Blaze," "Platinum Pop," and "Forever Pink" to "open up" my eyes. There is a lot of shimmer. I mix with other colors in the crease, as liners, etc. It does last all day and resists creasing.
June 18, 2013
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This is a good basic mascara. I have to say that it did more to separate and lengthen my lashes than Guerlain's new "Cils D'Enfer." It's available in a black/brown shade for a softer look when desired. Smudging, clumping, and flaking were minimal. I'd much rather pay $5.00 for this than a fortune for a famous name which does nothing at all (actually, Guerlain made my lashes droop!).
June 18, 2013
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Generally I have an aversion to celebrity fragrances. A friend of mine was wearing this one day. It was so feminine and delicate that I had to ask what it was, and she told me. I bought a bottle and it smells as good on me (you never can predict how your chemistry will change the scent). What gives it the wonderful scent? Iced honeydew, bright mandarin, Sicilian blood orange, mangosteen, plum, violet, white lily, raspberry, vanilla, and musk. No wonder it's so unique, so enjoyable.
June 18, 2013
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This is a great product with an amazing array of shades, but it's not easy to use. Revlon claims it's very moisturizing and contains shea butter and aloe, but I found It can be very drying. Once you master it, it's definitely worth it. Be sure to exfoliate lips first and use a moisturizing primer. I am very pleased with how long it wears, but I have to do prep work first.
June 17, 2013










