Makeup
- GigiSD » See my profile
- Points: 438580
- Reviews: 1103
Here are all my reviews:
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I've come to associate this brand with innovative, intriguing products which live up to their promises (my "Vitality Lip Flush" goes with me everywhere). "Hello Lashes"™ is a nourishing mascara which tints, primes, and conditions lashes with a mixture of peptides, jojoba, and protein. The tube itself is unique--the end you hold is padded for extra comfort, while the brush is elongated and ends in a round ball much live Givenchy's "Phenom Eyes." The tiny teeth on the brush grasp, color, and embolden each lash (I love it for bottom lashes), imparting volume and lengthen. Lashes are defined and there is a definite "wow" factor, but they remain soft and pliable. I love the formula and the applicator! And yet another winner from It Cosmetics . . .
January 29, 2014
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There are times when I wonder what Urban Decay is doing when they create a palette. The colors, while vivid and beautiful, seem unrelated and are hard to use to create an entire "look." This is a nice palette, with hues which can be used together easily, although Vice 2 is my favorite sets of shadows from UD. Lush, plush shadows glide on easily. Some shades, like "Midnight Cowgirl," incorporate a tiny bit of gold to enhance your eyes. The packaging is very unique. This palette includes eye primer, liner, and mascara, along with a cord and speaker for your cell phone. You "plug in" codes for various tutorials. Overall, it's fun to use and the shadows stay in place a long time, especially over primer.
January 26, 2014
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Bliss is one of the more intense hand creams available, with a rich mixture of ingredients, including glycerin, hydrogenated vegetable oil, the wax-like lubricant glyceryl stearate, dimethicone, grape seed extract, macadamia nut oil, panthenol, lecithin, algae extract, and sodium hyaluronate. It has a pleasant lemon scent and, despite the number of emollients, is completely non-greasy. For very dry and/or damaged hands and cuticles, follow with Bliss' "Glamour Gloves" overnight. You will awake with new skin!
January 26, 2014
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ELF's concoction is very much like Bare Minerals' former "Well-Rested Eye" powder. The color is made to disguise shadows and imperfections, and it does it in a beautiful way. Please be careful when applying powder to the under-eye area, as it can exacerbate wrinkles here. Be sure to use ELF's amazing Kabuki brush or Beautyblender's sponge so that no excess product is left behind.
January 25, 2014
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The very faint rose-like scent of this cleanser is enough to make you want to wash again and again. It is a creamy formula and doesn't create a rich foam when it comes in contact with water. Nonetheless, Lancôme has created a product which is a total pleasure to use. Gentle enough for all skin types, it purifies your complex of impurities, makeup, and oil with a blend called Bio-Network™. Bio-Network™ contains wild yam, soy, sea algae, and barley to help restore radiance and elasticity. You are left with a complexion which is not only completely cleanser but soft and supple--no tightness here! With continued use, the benefits accrue.
January 25, 2014
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This is unique, rich, decadent color which lasts forever, especially over a good primer (I prefer Too Faced's Shadow Insurance). Urban Decay offers shades which you will find nowhere else and a consistency second to none. While I love the singles, I love them even more in a palette.
January 25, 2014
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Lancome Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara
An Above-Average Mascara for Volume and Definition
I like to work with the shape of Lancome's "Hypnose Drama" mascara. I don't get a lot of length, but I do get volume and definition, especially when it comes to my lower lashes which are actually long but quite fair. This is a good mascara. It's not my favorite, but it definitely is above average.
January 25, 2014
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Although I own Urban Decay's first and second "Naked" palettes, I was a little wary of purchasing "Naked 3." I knew that the colors were a range of pinks, but I feared the undertone of the shades would be orange and make me look like I had an eye infection. So I hesitated for a long time. I could not have been more wrong! These are hues to flatter all eye colors in a soft way (my eyes are hazel/green, but they would be even more fantastic for blue- or brown-eyed beauties). There is no limit to the number of gorgeous effects you can achieve by blending these plush, silky shadows which come in matte, pearl, and shimmering finishes. One of the benefits is the double-ended shadow brush; one side is stiff enough to allow for contouring. Besides pink, there are shades with a tiny mix of gold to them. Even the darker colors--the mauves and taupes--have a femininity which is unique. The deepest hues are "Darkside," a matte charcoal, and "Blackheart," which Urban Decay describes as the deepest black with red micro-glitter throughout. This is my favorite shade, completely wearable for day or evening. It is somewhat reminiscent of Too Faced's decadent "Black Forest Truffle" from their incredible "Chocolate Bar" palette (yes, it does smell as good as you've heard and looks even better). In fact, all UD shadows would take you from the office to a night on the town with a bit of mixing and blending. The lightest shade, "Strange," is a white with a tad of pink. You can place it on your brow bone without it looking garish or overdone. If I were getting married, this is one palette I would definitely be using on my wedding day--it's all softness and beauty! Hooray for Urban Decay--although I love Naked 1 and 2, the third one is the total charmer of the group!
January 24, 2014
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bareMinerals Prime Time Brightening Eyelid Primer
TOTALLY FLATTERING AND HELPFUL FOR LONG-LASTING COLOR!
I don't know how I made it through long days and/or nights before shadow primer. My favorite is Too Faced's "Shadow Insurance," but there are several other varieties I love. Not only does your shadow stay put for many more hours than it otherwise would (no matter how pigmented your shadows), but many add depth to the color which has been applied. I am absolutely thrilled with Bare Minerals' "Brightening Prime Time" Primer. I chose it in "Pearl." Although the tube is a little small, it dispenses easily and is a lovely slightly lightening shade to give your whole face a wide-awake look without appearing artificial. Right now I'm wearing it under Urban Decay's luscious Naked 3 palette colors, but this would suffice as eye shadow itself in a pinch--and be very flattering. I am very grateful for primer; after modeling and learning makeup tips from professionals, I've learned what works and what doesn't. Primer is essential--period.
January 24, 2014
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There was a time when I changed foundations nearly as often as I changed socks. Liquid, souffle, powder--I tried them all. I finally started settling for Christian Dior's liquid version, but they discontinued my shade. I bought a compact of Olay's "Complete Day Radiance Foundation" and was absolutely delighted with the luminosity it imparted and the ease with which I was able to apply it. Once again, the shade best for my complexion was discontinued. I turned to the Lancome counter, hearing great things about their "Dual Finish Fragrance-Free Versatile Powder Makeup" from the media, friends, and family. I use this 99% of the time. I began in my twenties and am entering my forties, but the foundation "fits" me perfectly all the same. It used to keep my oily T-zone at bay and I knew I didn't have to make a run for the ladies' room to make sure my complexion was flawless. Now it imparts a perfect, lightweight finish with nary a line or wrinkle to show. For the most part, I use it dry (the sponge which comes with it is excellent, or I turn to Beautyblender's sponge or ELF's amazing kabuki brush). At times I have used it in wet form; it gives more coverage and lasts even longer (I am able to teach a full day at school and spend an evening out with no touch-ups, and that is without primer). This is the ULTIMATE FOUNDATION for me. In "Matte Porcelaine Delicate I," my ivory skin is transformed into a glowing version of itself. Pores and blemishes are completely disguised, yet the powder is ultra-natural and breathable, never artificial looking. It would be hard to wrestle this out of my hands--I have one in my purse, desk drawer at school, glove compartment, bedroom vanity, and an extra in my travel supplies. It is simply superb, and I have tried hundreds of foundations before I settled on this.
January 23, 2014
