Makeup
- GigiSD » See my profile
- Points: 438580
- Reviews: 1103
Here are all my reviews:
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Tarte's products rarely disappoint, but I found this eye primer somewhat lacking. The color is lovely and brightening, but it doesn't glide on as easily the way other primers do (Too Faced's "Shadow Insurance," Urban Decay's "Primer Potion," and L'Oreal's "De-Crease," for starters). It left my lids feeling dry and accentuated tiny lines and creases. Shadow lasted an acceptable amount of time, but other brands outdo Tarte here.
April 25, 2013
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What does a woman do when she's torn between two loves? I'm admitting this in public because it's making me crazy. I was very, very happy with Ole Henriksen's "Sheer Transformation" cream. The very lightweight formula penetrates my skin, smoothing facial lines, brightening my complexion, and fading discolorations. Then I got my hands on their "Truth Revealed Super Crème." Now I'm torn between them. "Truth Revealed" is suggested as a day crème by Henriksen, but it is thicker and more dense than "Sheer Transformation." (I have worn it under makeup during the day and it works just fine. It is completely oil-free, is never heavy, and wears well under any type of primer and/or foundation). The scent? Ah, how to describe it? It has a citrus undertone, but it is so rich that what continuously comes to mind is eating a luscious Dreamsicle on a warm summer day. Micro Algae firms skin and boosts the production of Collagen. Other ingredients include Glycerin, Aloe Leaf Juice, Mountain Peanut Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate (a popular and effective humectant), Carrot, Hazelnut, and Oatmeal Extracts, as well as extracts of Sugar Cane, Sugar Maple, Orange, and Lemon (these fruit extracts have high concentrations of antioxidants, add vitamins, stimulate Collagen production, purify, smooth away fine lines, and hydrate the skin all at the same time). My skin is baby-soft after using this, akin to the finest satin. It has a clarity like that given by all Henriksen products, especially "Sheer Transformation," and it leaves my face with a new and most noticeable radiance (colleagues have been asking what I am using on my face, if I am exercising more, taking vitamins, etc.). My pores seem less visible with this. My skin drinks it in and absorbs it easily. It is wonderful for the winter for additional moisture, but I absolutely recommend using it all year long for skin perfection. Even better news? The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends this crème as an effective UV sunscreen. I suppose I will have to split my time between my two loves--what else is there to do?
April 24, 2013
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I first used Ellen Sirot’s “Hand Perfection Complete Day Cream™” several years ago and recall that it felt absolutely divine. I decided to purchase it again a year ago (about $50.00 for nearly four ounces). Ellen Sirot is a highly-paid hand model who often earns from several hundred to several thousands of dollars a day and created her own line of products. Work, exposure to the sun and elements, and age itself have changed my hands over the years, although I have cared for them all along. Five years ago they were beautiful; I have long fingers and loved to display jewelry and pretty polishes. Not so much these days. There is a repugnant crepe-like texture just beginning, along with a smattering of most annoying brown spots. The back of the container boasts: “Soften, smooth, and shield hands with this ultra-rich hand cream packed with advanced moisturizers, antioxidants, and skin brighteners that help even and clarify skin tone, promoting radiance.” It is a subtly-fragranced, lightweight cream which you pump from the impressive chrome-ornamented tube. It is suggested that you use just a pea-sized amount, especially after your skin has been exposed to water (I definitely needed a little more than that just to cover my skin). Yes, it still does indeed feel like a “top shelf” emollient as it caresses hands, leaving behind a satiny feel and a faint coating that leaves them protected. I noted that there was no sunscreen (I seek sunscreen in skincare products and cosmetics). The other ingredients gave me great hope for change: Amino acids are included, along with Evening Primrose and Linseed Oils, Sodium Hyaluronate (a popular humectant), Vitamins A, B, and E, and one skin lightener, Alpha Arbutin, which is midway down the long list (not much is included in the cream). But the cream "pilled" on my hands and I began to doubt that it was truly penetrating them. After using a tube faithfully, my hands felt younger and rejuvenated, but there was absolute no difference in appearance. Hands were not brighter; spots remained. Would I buy it again? No. It's easier to use a product to break up and dissolve brown spots and comfort hands with an exceptional, all-Glycerin cream like O'Keeffe's "Working Hands" (a mere $7.99).
April 24, 2013
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Exfoliation of the skin is critical. Many men age more attractively than women simply because they exfoliate daily--with a razor blade as they shave! It is critical to remove the upper, dead layers of skin cells. It deep-cleans and can dislodge blackheads and whiteheads without damaging tender skin. Serums and creams you apply are able to penetrate more deeply and thoroughly. Furthermore, circulation is improved and your complexion is left looking and feeling smoother, finer, cleaner. I have one huge problem with Ole Henriksen's "Walnut Complexion Scrub." The smell is so luscious, so enticing, so amazing that I am tempted to eat it (I think I'm kidding here--not quite sure). Seriously, the scent is a mix of citrus with a nutty undertone, but it is so gentle and scrumptious that it is definitely one of the scrub's benefits. The scrub is to be used no more than twice weekly. Take care here; this is not the best choice for sensitive skins. The pulverized walnut shells may have rough edges which can create minute tears in your complexion, resulting in irritation and additional places for bacteria to hibernate and cause problems. Even if your skin is resilient, use with caution. Only a very small amount is necessary for extraordinary results. Work this very gently into cleansed skin for one to two minutes and enjoy the slight foaming action it produces. Be certain to rinse very thoroughly. Avoid the eye area when exfoliating with any product (always keep in mind that tissue around the eye is as fragile as crepe paper and can appear as wrinkly as it if not treated carefully). When you have rinsed and patted your face dry, you will note a velvet-like feel which is beyond description. Rough patches are dissipated. Skin even appears brighter, and pores seem to disappear (pores? what pores?). This is another one of the extraordinary products in Ole Henriksen's skin care line. Try them all--I have used more skin care items than I can count, but these are certainly among the finest available!
April 24, 2013
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Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner, Eye Candy Collection
Lovely Palette for Outstanding Eyes!
Ah, palettes. The more they produce palettes, the more I will continue to purchase them. Physician's Formula first created "Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow and Liner" in a mix of colors to accentuate your own natural eye color. They did a splendid job! I bought a palette for green eyes. My own eyes looked brighter and were more noticeable. Physician's Formula shows you how to create natural, playful, and dramatic looks by using them either wet or dry. They do have a subtle sheen, but it is not overwhelming. When put over a good primer, they glide on pretty easily and wear a good while. They may not be as buttery as Hourglass or Dior Cosmetics formulas, but they are user-friendly, to be sure. I was so pleased with the way my green eyes stood out that I went on to purchase other palettes. They have them for smoky eyes. There is a relatively new collection based on UD's "Nude" palettes. These hues are all in the beige and brown family. I normally just keep the applicator which comes with shadows for touch-ups, but this one is unique; it is a triangular, solid velour edge which gives you a lot of control when contouring or highlighting. For a price of about $10.00, you can't possibly go wrong with these collections. Bravo, Physician's Formula!
April 23, 2013
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When Josie Maran first's "Argan Oil" was first all over the media, I have to admit that I was a tad intimidated. I couldn't pick up a magazine without seeing at least one article devoted to the benefits of this Moroccan wonder. Oils are widely used and accepted today. Several years ago, they were pretty much relegated to facial and eye makeup removal (think of the huge success of DHC's "Olive Oil" here). I had quite a few reservations: I thought the oil wouldn't absorb into my skin, was sure that it would cause blemishes, was convinced that it would leave my hair oily and heavy, and didn't really see any good uses for it except for the aforementioned makeup removal. At the time I was writing for a making site and received a large bottle (four ounces!) of Josie's oil to review. Hmm . . . well, I had made some strides. I saw that John Frieda's "Frizz-Ease Thermal Protection Serum" had brought new life to my hair, so I bit the proverbial bullet and tried it. This is rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, and I liked that, so I tentatively put a few drops into my hands, rubbed them together, and then gently patted it over my face and neck. The scent was soft and the oil was lightweight. What remained behind was massaged into elbows and cuticles. I was taken aback at this oil's ability to hydrate and plump my skin! I grew more bold. I began to dab a bit daily over my skin for a dewy look. In the winter, it is absolutely essential to bolster my regular moisturizer. I worked it into my hands, feet, and cuticles on a daily basis. My skin LOVED it! I then spread it lightly on split ends and fly-away hairs. When my hair was being particularly stubborn, I washed it and then left the Argan Oil in my hair in a plastic cap while I slept (my husband wasn't thrilled, to say the least). In the morning, it was as if I had someone else's tresses. It was bouncy, shiny, and strong. Now the bottle travels everywhere, including my kitchen, where the oil performs as a first-aid agent to small burns and cuts. I can now laugh at my hesitancy--I love it!
April 23, 2013
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This powder is ultra-sheer and ultra-flattering. It gives a gently radiance to your face. It is lightly pigmented, and so you can work with it wherever you need it. A perfect pick-me-up (I agree that you should use another brush, not the one which comes in the box).
April 23, 2013
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I am very grateful that my skin is in pretty good shape. Sure, there are occasional blemishes (which seem to be diminishing), some miniscule lines which I can easily disguise with a great moisturizer and concealer, and some inherited parentheses lines around my lips which I can also blur with products. Perricone items, albeit expensive, are rarely disappointing. Their "Power Treatments Set," while $98.00 at Sephora, is a $227.50 value and worth every single cent. So I had great, high expectations for their "No Foundation Foundation" ($55.00 for one ounce). What I read before I received it was about the benefits this product would give. Alpha Lipoic Acid delivers powerful anti-aging benefits and smooths the surface of the skin. Vitamin C Ester corrects skin undertones and provides a natural, dewy finish. I also like Vitamin C because it has been shown in many studies to stimulate the production of Collagen, which is plentiful in our skin when we are young but diminishes with time. Zinc and Titanium Oxide go to work to protect skin from the sun's potent, damaging UVA/UVB rays. I expected it to be clear and leave a velvety, matte-like finish like that of Estee Lauder's "Perfectionist [CP+R] Wrinkle Lifting/Firming Serum" and "Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler." I was completely shocked and disappointed! It is a heavy, tinted foundation, much like they used to make many years ago. The color is far too dark for my fair complexion, no matter how well I blend with sponges. I am conscious that it is on my skin, and it masks my skin instead of highlighting it. There is a greasy feel. WHAT? Oh, and then there's the scent. The scent is hard to describe, but it is generally foul. If I had bought this at the end of October, I would have thought that this was a Halloween joke. I returned it, never to be purchased again.
April 23, 2013
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Multi-tasking products make me happy. Saving money makes me happy. ELF Cosmetics makes both possible with their amazing, completely affordable items. I am in love with their "Studio Eye Primer and Liner/Sealer." With it, my eye shadows stay in place and I can create any color of liner I want. When I originally bought this palette (I wasn't afraid of spending $3.00, no matter what the results), it came with a coral-toned blush and bronzer (aptly named "St. Lucia"). I was most happily surprised with the duo. It worked well for me, despite the fact that I normally don't wear powder blush, so I went on to purchase it in "Antigua," a fun, flirty, true blue-based pink blush great for this time of the year. The blush and bronzer have a lovely, imperceptible sheen to them. The bronzers are dark for my fair skin but have a faint, enticing gold undertone. I recommending starting with less. Build coverage as needed, especially with the bronzer, as it is highly pigmented (the blush is less pigmented). Swirl a brush in it, tap off all excess, and apply with a light hand. I love the ability to contour as well as giving a "sun-kissed" look to my skin. Thank you again, ELF!
April 23, 2013
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Paula's Choice products are generally highly effective; the line is amazing. I was anxious to try the "RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer" (and use it in conjunction with other items in the RESIST line). As with every product from this company, the products are carefully formulated to work synergistically and are free of irritants. The ingredients of this moisturizer read like an organic chemist's dream: Licorice Extract (breaks up and gets rid of brown spots), Vitamin E, Chamomile, Retinol, Pomegranate Extract, Squalane, Glycerin, Green Tea, and Shea Butter, just for starters. Paula says that this is "a unique complex of ingredients proven to remodel your skin by building and preserving collagen, firming skin, and protecting against moisture loss." I do apply it over the RESIST "Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum." It is a silky, very lightweight moisturizer which skin drinks in immediately. After months of this regimen, however, I'm not impressed by the moisturizer. My skin was far more hydrated by Ole Henriksen's "Sheer Transformation,™" "Truth Revealed™ Vitamin C Super Crème SPF 15," and especially their "Pure Perfection." Paula's Choice products do have a money-back guarantee. I won't take advantage of that; this did a fair job, but other products do work better. I won't be purchasing it again.
April 22, 2013
