Makeup
- GigiSD » See my profile
- Points: 438580
- Reviews: 1103
Here are all my reviews:
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Recently I gently exfoliated and thought there would be no end to the amount of dry skin which came off my winter-whipped face and neck. I turned to a deluxe sample of Skyn Iceland's "Pure Cloud Cream." The name itself was comforting and soothing; despite all of my efforts to care for my complexion in this weather, being in continual snow and ice storms eventually takes its toll. I read that it was for "severely stressed skin" (yes!) and is an intensive hydrating treatment with a mix of vitamins, almond oil, and sodium hyaluronate. It has a fresh, slightly citrusy scent and a nice texture. My first problem was that it didn't seem to absorb into my skin completely. Further researched told me that it is chock-full of emollients, from glycerin to canola oil, jojoba butter, shea butter glycerides, and so much more. But if these powerful ingredients don't penetrate completely, what's the use? My skin was slightly softened, but I've had better and more visible results with clearance creams at the drugstore (this has a hefty price tag of $65.00). I'm quite disappointed with this. It is mildly moisturizing, but the claims far outweigh the benefits accrued from this product. I won't be purchasing the full size.
March 6, 2014
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For the last few years I've used DHC's "Charcoal Shower Gel" to cleanse my skin. Charcoal really seems to clean out pores well, but I fear DHC has discontinued it. Enter Bioré with their excellent "Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser." It makes bold claims at leaving your skin 40% more pristine than with other cleansers, but it does NOT disappoint. I was impressed on several points. While it is a translucent grey in color, it won't leave your bathroom linens black or your face/neck with an ugly, hard-to-remove dark residue around crevices, as some other brands do. My skin is combination, but this did not strip it or irritate it in any way (sorry for the reviewer who had a bad experience). It simply cleaned it EXTREMELY well. With consistent use, I've noted that my pores are not as clogged and almost invisible. This wash leaves my face soft and supple--an enjoyable, wonderful way to take away makeup, grime, and oil.
February 26, 2014
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This gloss is meant to enhance your breath with a mint smell while putting a shine on your smile. It works well; I like the mint, and the texture puts an end to a dry pout.
February 18, 2014
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Maybelline Face Studio Master Glaze Glisten Blush Stick
A Fun, Flattering, Easy Pop of Spring Color!
Though I have a degree in marketing and am well aware of the ploys used to attract consumers, I fell hard for the magazine ads for Maybelline's "Master Glaze," one of their newer products. Perhaps it was especially cold that day and my skin was feeling irritatingly dry (I don't remember a day when it hasn't been cold), but the model wearing "Pink Fever" on the glossy page had dewy, slightly glistening cheeks. The pink is an absolutely charming shade with a blue undertone which works for most women without leaving a dry or cakey look (certainly you can choose from other shades). It was just what I needed in the middle of yet another snowstorm! It glides on easily, stays put a reasonable amount of time, and is buildable in terms of coverage (choose your day or night look here). Liquid pearls and shea butter make the formula feel as comfortable as it looks. It gave me a sheer pop of vitality in an otherwise dull atmosphere. This is a great little stick!
February 18, 2014
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I don't think there is a color you can't find in this intriguing line, from the most subtle, barely-there nudes to deep cobalt blues and grays. It brushes on smoothly, dries well, and last a little longer than many other brands. Overall, it's a good buy. ADDENDUM FEBRUARY 2014: I received it to review in "Sunday Funday," a fun pop of bright blue color. The shade has been a pick-me-up during this never-ending winter, and it wears beautifully, so I don't have to fear continuous manicures.
February 18, 2014
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There are few things which can't be remedied by Vaseline. Yes, using it as a moisturizer can be a tad messy but leaves you absolutely glowing. Hands can be buttery-soft when lather in Vaseline and covered in white cotton gloves. After a good night's sleep, you'll find tiny cuts and scratches beginning to heal and your skin will be akin to pure silk! The price is also something deserving raves. ADDENDUM FEBRUARY 2014: With this winter being extremely blustery, bitterly cold, and windy, my skin has suffered. Enter Total Beauty, with an amazing kit of Vaseline and other products. What I did not realize how I had been under-using Vaseline. It works like magic on rough, flaky lips and stays on all day or night long (too many lip moisturizers literally fade away, but not this). I've mixed with the coarse sea salt I received for dreamy exfoliation (and followed with the included gloves and super-soft, cushy socks). A new use for me was to mix with sugar for a scrub that deep-cleans pores while treating skin with ultimately gentleness, ridding it of dead cells. I lost the chafing and blisters I would somehow experience by applying before running and working out. My cuticles are no longer a problem when I regularly include Vaseline in my manicure and massage into nails and cuticles. Finally, one of my beauty secrets has always been to dot a bit of Vaseline above my pupils to make my eyes glow and mix with blush for a completely natural, radiant blush. WOW, WHAT A DO-IT-ALL PRODUCT!!!
February 18, 2014
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Q-tips are omnipresent in our home. When I was asked to review a number of items from Total Beauty, I was thrilled to see the "Precision Tips" included in the plethora of great items. I had had them once before, years ago, in my Christmas stocking from my sister. I intended to do a lot of cleanup with these, but I find myself doing far more application than I imagined I would. These clean, pure tips put color EXACTLY where you want it. Although I have more makeup brushes than I can count, it's just extremely handy to pull out a pristine swab and smudge or add eyeliner or stipple concealer on a blemish to make it disappear completely. The best part? You simply throw the germ-laden swab away when done! Of course I do have my share of mistaken liner/mascara/stray glitter which these dispense beautifully. I am OCD about my cosmetics. They are great for cleaning things like keyboards, but I dip in alcohol and move between the colors in palettes to keep cosmetics sanitary and appealing. These are a MUST-HAVE!
February 18, 2014
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This is a delightful, playful, wear-it-every-single-day-and-not-get-tired-of-it aroma. It is light and delicate, with notes of ruby red grapefruit, crushed green leaves, and star jasmine. I never fail to garner compliments while wearing this!
February 7, 2014
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Cream eye shadow is something I generally avoid. But there's been so much hype about Maybelline's "Color Tattoo" that I picked a few up at my local drugstore. They're incredible! I got them in "Edgy Emerald" to enhance my hazel/green eyes and "Bad to the Bronze" (just a great color to have). This is a creamy-gel texture which is easy to work with. I used my fingers when applying to eye and then smoothed the edges and a bit of shadow under my bottom lashes with a brush. They are shadows with sheen, but not to the point where they can't be worn anywhere. The color is true and really stays put--I didn't want to give it a twenty-four hour test, but it stayed in place a good eighteen hours for me before I removed my makeup. There was no creasing or caking whatsoever. It does dry very quickly after application, so be sure you have shadow where you want it before it sets (that's not a criticism--that's part of the reason it lasts so long). I'm more than impressed and am going to collect "Painted Purple," "Audacious Asphalt," and "Tough as Taupe" (just for now). "Bold Gold" would be great to have for highlights or all-over eye drama.
February 6, 2014
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This is an easy-going scent with a surprise. Top notes of pink peony and lychee impart freshness. All in all, it evokes powdery rose. If you love the smell of rose and are addicted to it, as am I, this is a fragrance for you. It is fresh yet sensual, light yet addictive.
February 4, 2014
