Makeup
- GigiSD » See my profile
- Points: 438580
- Reviews: 1103
Here are all my reviews:
-
Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF 35
Wonderful Moisturizer, Sunscreen, and Luminous Makeup Base!
This Shiseido product is completely unique and a beauty must-have UNLESS you have oily skin. It is a tad thick but has an SPF of 35 (35--think how well you'll be shielding your gorgeous face!). Hold on, as this gets better: This dream cream is water-resistant and also meant to be used on other parts of the body (neck, décolletage, hands, wherever it is needed). Are you still holding? It is powered by a Hydro-Restoring Complex with nourishing amino acids which provide intense hydration. Thiotaurine (an antioxidant amino acid derived from the thyme plant) protects against everyday skin stressors with its properties. Rose Apple Leaf Extract prevents DNA skin damage which can lead to additional premature aging, cancer, and weakening of the immune system. Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract (say that quickly three times!) protects your fibroblasts from damage (these are common cells of connective tissue which synthesize collagen and play a large role in wound healing). Once again, this cream has a little heft, but that does not it from being readily absorbed into skin in a totally non-greasy, non-oily manner (it works very well under foundation). If you fear this, begin with the smallest amount possible and add until you've created a dewy, soft finish for makeup. Keep in mind that you are applying both a moisturizer and a full-blown SPF. Any leftover can be put on dry areas. I love the fact that it is water-resistant (hard to believe, but beach/pool days are approaching). More than anything, "Urban Environment UV Protection Cream" acts as a CC product as well. My skin doesn't turn white because I've learned how to apply it, but it has a gorgeous, lit-from-within radiance which enables me to go out without makeup if I wish (how cool is that?). My husband used it as a moisturizer and said to me, "Look how young I look!" I love this cream. Yes, it is different. Embrace the difference and reap multiple benefits.
March 27, 2014
-
I have to agree with the very savvy ladies here that this is a powerfully hydrating lotion with a delightful scent. It is packed with emollients but remains non-greasy (I can't figure that out): Olive fruit oil, glycerin, castor seed oil, tucuma and indica seed butters, beeswax, jojoba seed oil, and so much more. You may not realize how dry your skin is until you use this! I apply on my face, neck, décolletage, hands, elbows, and cuticles. It hydrates and comforts you and makes you feel human again.
March 19, 2014
-
I bought both "'Tini Beauty Eyetini" cream eye shadow and "Jane's" cream eye shadow because I was able to get them at exceptional prices. The colors are pretty much the same--a golden copper, which I will use over my entire lids occasionally or sometimes just dot above my pupil to make my eyes look bigger and more attractive. "'Tini Beauty" was easy to apply and stays pliable until you get the look you want. Jane, surprisingly, was not very pigmented. It took several swipes to get any color at all. Moreover, it dried so quickly that I was unable to manipulate it with brushes, sponges, or my finger. Cream eye shadow is a great idea, but this was disappointing when I couldn't even get it on correctly. I'm glad I didn't spend a great deal of money on it.
March 19, 2014
-
Physicians Formula Aging Concern Wrinkle Corrector & Firming Moisturizer SPF 15 Formula Rx111
A Velvety Cream Which Left Me Looking Younger
In general, Physicians Formula products tend to be reliable and live up to their claims. I was shocked when, months ago, I saw their boast that their "Aging Concern Wrinkle Corrector and Firming Moisturizer" promised users would "look six years younger in four weeks." Moreover, it says, "Your skin. Our passion. We promise." That's pretty bold, but it also caught my attention. Would it work for me? I like their other products, but I had never actually tried their skin care. Actually, the promise comes when you use all of the products in this line for a month, but I couldn't procure the eye cream whenever I would go shopping for various reasons or try to get it online (it was unavailable, etc.). So I skipped other skin care and used the cleanser and the moisturizer and have to say that there is a definite improvement in my skin, which is already pretty good. Six years younger? I think so. So do my husband, family, and friends. What makes it work? It is comprised of a lifting fruit acid blend, which reduces the appearance of fine furrows. An exclusive algae complex works to help skin recover from environmental damage, and alpha hydroxy acid increases cellular turnover and retains moisture, resulting in a more clarified, smoothed appearance (definitely a great mix of ingredients). Moreover, a pea peptide blends encourages the production of collagen. This cream, although it has a little heft, absorbs right into my skin. It also contains an SPF of 15 to prevent UVA/UVB damage. I like the way it feels. It is not too greasy or heavy to wear under makeup, and I also wore it before bed. My skin had a new, taut feel, a flattering radiance, and a definite velvety feel. Physicians Formula is strict about being clinically tested, hypoallergenic, and fragrance- and paraben-free. It's nice to know that they have even stronger skin care for those considering surgical alternatives. Rarely does the "Physician" let me down, and this was another pleasant surprise!
March 19, 2014
-
The colors in this fun palette (great for day or night, depending on the look you want), consist of a true bronze, a lighter toffee bronze, nude glimmer, rose-nude shimmer, and a glowing peach and beige. Pop gives thorough instructions on how to use the colors, although I highly suggest substituting good makeup brushes instead of foam applicators to achieve exactly the effect you desire. Their suggestions are fine, but feel free to experiment with the hues and make this palette your own to bring out the most from your eyes. The colors are finely-milled and soft, apply and blend flawlessly and seamlessly (Pop shadows are some of the easiest with which to work). Make sure to use over a great primer like Too Faced's "Shadow Insurance," as the colors do fade after several hours. As one of the other reviewer very wisely suggests, you may want to keep the rest of your face free of glimmer in order to allow your eyes to stand out and smolder, whether you've used a lot of color or just a little. This will flatter all skin tones and all eye colors in every season, from a warm, sultry Holiday glow in the middle of winter to a beach seductress in July.
March 11, 2014
-
Pop Beauty's slogan is "shakeup your makeup." They certainly offer the products to do that! One of my favorites is this "Plum Pout" lip gloss. I experienced only a tiny bit of plumping (have yet to find a plumper which lives up to its claims), but I love the refreshing, cushiony feel and minty scent. It is a rich, sumptuous formula which wears for many hours. I chose "Peony Petal," and I can honestly say it is one of the most GORGEOUS colors I have ever worn, a perfect blend of pink and rose. I've gotten a lot of compliments on this color, not to mention the patent-like, brilliant shine. Nice going, Pop!
March 11, 2014
-
This is a lush, highly pigmented shadow, where less is more and coverage is buildable. I found that using my fingertips worked better than any brush. The more I worked with it, the more I came to like it (I have it in bronze but it is available in violet and other shades). I like the fact that it stays pliable when applying but it also stays in place for a long time. One negative? Bronze has miniscule glitter particles which I like, but they resulted in some fallout on my cheeks. Overall, it's a fun, versatile shadow.
March 11, 2014
-
I've rarely been disappointed by Hourglass Cosmetics. They can be pricey, but I normally find myself happy that I've spent the money I have. Recently I purchased their "Best of Hourglass" set, four products for $59.00 from Sephora. One of the reasons I did so was because I was anxious to try Hourglass mascara. From their totally flattering "Ambient Lighting" powders to their primers, lip gloss, eye shadows, and cheek stain, I have been more than satisfied. The packaging lived up to my expectations--a long, sleek tube with a simple yet sophisticated "Hourglass" in gold in the smoky dark color. The brush is long but not particularly useful; it is a mediocre brush. The claims for this mascara are that "luxurious lashes are merely a swipe away. This multitasking mascara lengthens, lifts, adds volume and clump-free definition, and conditions. The triple-cut signature Hourglass shaped brush enables you to achieve full, defined, reflective, jet-black lashes." I did note that the color, "Onyx," stood out on my lashes. Otherwise, when it comes to volume and length, this was mediocre at best. Lashes did not hold the curl I spent a long time imparting with my new Shu Uemura eyelash curler. I'm surprised at Hourglass; I hope they reformulate this mascara and that it becomes a superior product like so many others.
March 6, 2014
-
Hourglass calls this "the crème-de-la-crème" of lip glosses. I'd have to agree with that statement. The tube is oblong, with the color of the gloss showing through the front. I bought it in "Ignite," a gently shimmering rose beige. It is decidedly "cushiony" and comforting, and the gloss stays in place for long hours. Glycerin, Vitamin E, castor seed oil and more go to work to keep your pout moisturized. This is a pleasure to use, with a delectable vanilla scent.
March 6, 2014
-
I've rarely been disappointed by Hourglass Cosmetics. They can be pricey, but I normally find myself happy that I've spent the money I have. Recently I purchased their "Best of Hourglass" set, four products for $59.00 from Sephora. One of the reasons I did so was because I was anxious to try Hourglass mascara. From their totally flattering "Ambient Lighting" powders to their primers, lip gloss, eye shadows, and cheek stain, I have been more than satisfied. The packaging lived up to my expectations--a long, sleek tube with a simple yet sophisticated "Hourglass" in gold in the smoky dark color. The brush is long but not particularly useful; it is a mediocre brush. The claims for this mascara are that "luxurious lashes are merely a swipe away. This multitasking mascara lengthens, lifts, adds volume and clump-free definition, and conditions. The triple-cut signature Hourglass shaped brush enables you to achieve full, defined, reflective, jet-black lashes." I did note that the color, "Onyx," stood out on my lashes. Otherwise, when it comes to volume and length, this was mediocre at best. Lashes did not hold the curl I spent a long time imparting with my new Shu Uemura eyelash curler. I'm surprised at Hourglass; I hope they reformulate this mascara and that it becomes a superior product like so many others.
March 6, 2014
