Makeup

- GigiSD » See my profile
- Points: 438580
- Reviews: 1103
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I love those few days of the year when my skin takes on a life of its own. It is clear, blemish- and wrinkle-free, and has a glow from within. Benefit goes a long way in mimicking this radiance with their genius soft highlighter, "Watt's Up." I initially received it as a birthday gift from Sephora and went on to purchase the full size. Products which add radiance can be tricky for those with very fair skin, but the champagne hue is ultimately becoming (evidently it works for those with darker tones as well). It smooths on effortlessly, and so you control the amount of coverage you want (I don't like the sponge tip on the full-size product; it removes more of the highlighter than it applies). I use my finger or another brush to highlight cheekbones, browbones, whatever--it depends on whether it is day or night. The color is so sheer, so wearable and flattering that it is almost imperceptible. People don't notice that you are sporting a highlighter--they simply notice a new "glow" about you (which is the entire purpose of wearing makeup in the first place, isn't it?). If you do choose to use the sponge end, please clean it regularly so that you do not contaminate the product. I'm not OCD, just very aware of how easily we spread germs.
April 22, 2013
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I don’t like many facial primers. I prepared myself to have an all-out love affair with the original “Smashbox” version, but it felt heavy on my face; I was conscious of it being there. I went a long time without using a primer at all. Now I’m liking Too Faced’s “Primed and Poreless”--a lot! I bought it because I am enamored with their “Shadow Insurance.” The primer has silicone in it, as most do, but it was specially formulated to wear alone or under powder foundations (like my go-to Lancôme "Dual Finish Versatile Powder Foundation"). Other important ingredients include Vitamins A and C to work as antioxidants, Mulberry Extract (brightens the complexion), Ivy Extract (a natural astringent with anti-cellulite properties), and a strong dose of Retinol to restore moisture and elasticity. This is a flesh-colored, silky cream which glides on colorless and remains velvety soft, never oily or greasy. I can honestly say that the parentheses around my nose are blurred, and pores are definitely much harder to find. Best of all, it is weightless—I never recall that I am wearing it under foundation. My foundation, wonderful to begin with, performs even better and lasts longer with this as a base. I don’t think I’ll be giving this up any time soon.
April 22, 2013
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I am fortunate in that a lot of my family members and friends will give me fragrances as gifts. At Christmas I received Juicy Couture’s “Viva La Juicy.” By all accounts, I should LOVE it. With a spirited mix of wild berries, mandarins, honeysuckle, gardenia, jasmine, creamy vanilla, caramel, amber, sandalwood, and praline, I normally think that I couldn't get enough. But I find it a bit too strong and overdone. If the key notes were more subtle, as they are just before it wears off, there would be potential. It’s not bad, but it’s not great. I do love the double-wand at Sephora which combines lipgloss and fragrance. That's genius!
April 22, 2013
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Estee Lauder's "Perfectionist" is a line I've used and loved for several years now, one which my husband loves, and one which gives such dramatically noticeable results that I've received more compliments in the last five years than I did in younger years when my skin was more resilient and radiant. It all began with my using Lauder's incredible "Perfectionist [CP+R] Wrinkle Lifting/Firming Serum." It is not a moisturizer, but it works hard to plump skin and blur any lines and creases. A few winters ago, the winter was so brutal that lines still were apparent on my face, despite the serum. My husband, who was also using the powerful product along with me, spends more time outdoors shoveling snow, warming the cars, etc. Exposure to the elements left him with pronounced "slash" marks on his face. We don't watch horror movies, but at first we joked that he looked like Freddy Krueger. And then I realized that it wasn't funny at all. We needed a prescription-strength skin product--immediately! To the rescue came Lauder's wonderful, super-concentrated "Perfectionist" formula in a small tube. It is pricey but lasts a long time. The thick, silky formula has copious amounts of Silicone to fill in furrows, especially around the mouth and eyes. Other powerful ingredients include Shea Butter, Sunflower Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen (which leaves NO smell, so don't fear this), Avocado Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter, Corn Kernel Extract, Soy and Whey Proteins, Glycerin, Panthenol, and Caffeine. Despite the lavish texture, it leaves a soft, matte finish (much like a great foundation), with subtle luminosity to enhance. One hundred percent of women interviewed by Lauder experienced an immediate improvement in appearance after application. It's hard when using this to recall that it is not a moisturizer. You still need to apply a moisturizer over this problem-solving product, but it will keep you forever young.
April 22, 2013
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A friend gave this to me at Christmas. The potential for Prada's "Candy" to be sensual is there--I love the key notes of Caramel, Musk, Vanilla, and Benjoin. But it came off too harsh for me. I gave it plenty of time to "settle" and meld with my body chemistry, but I found it too strong. I wound up passing it on to another friend.
April 22, 2013
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In general, I love Maybelline's products. I was quite surprised at how quickly "Baby Lips" dried on my pout, forcing me to reapply again and again. Not so with Nivea's "A Kiss of Moisture Essential Lip Care" (about $3.00). It is packed with softening ingredients: Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, Castor Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Beeswax, Glycerin, Panthenol, and Vitamin E. My husband and I first gave it the "overnight" test. We applied this emollient, rich fragrance- and scent-free formula over peeling lips and were impressed by the immediate comfort. This is a white balm, but it applies clear (no aggravating white spots remain on the corners of your mouth). We slept with it on. It the morning, a layer of clear protection still remained, and it exfoliated dead, dry skin. Because it is not intensely glossy, it is appropriate for uni-sex use; my husband was thrilled! I wouldn't recommend this as a base for lipstick, as the color tends to wander away from lips. It works as well as Vaseline, but Vaseline tends to be more messy and doesn't last as long. We have continued to use this. Our lips our soft, moist, appear more line-free and also more plump. This is now a staple in our must-have basic skin/body care supplies.
April 22, 2013
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I remember when Caress first came out (I was a little girl); everyone talked about the "new soap" which was really different than anything before. I've used it ever since. It lathers abundantly, smells luscious, and leaves my skin like satin. LOVE IT!
April 20, 2013
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I'm finally in a firm habit of using a toner after cleansing. Toners remove all traces of dirt, grime, and any makeup your cleanser may have left behind. By their nature, soaps and cleansers are alkaline. Toners restore your skin's pH back to its natural, slightly acidic level of five to six. Pores generally shrink with an astringent, and when they are closed, impurities and environmental pollutants find it harder to make their way into cells. Some toners also function as humectants, binding moisture to the skin. Those with AHA acids can inhibit the growth of ingrown hairs. Although I am in the midst of a love affair with all Ole Henriksen products, I still use Juara's "Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner." It is oil-, paraben-, alcohol-, and fragrance-free (I like fragrance but understand it can irritate sensitive skin). It has Tamarind Seed Extract, along with White, Green, and Black Teas (these provide antioxidant protection from free radicals). Rice Bran Extract fights irritation and redness, while Honey and Hyaluronic acid fight bacteria, plump skin cells, hydrate, and smooth. My skin is noticeably hydrated with this toner and feels clean but never taut--more like pure satin. Serums and moisturizers I apply definitely seem to work more effectively. This has a "cult" following of sorts, and I completely understand why. It's simply a GREAT toner.
April 19, 2013
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Lancôme's "Juicy Tubes" come in mouth-watering shades, lovely shades. They are ultra-glossy, and the formula is quite long-lasting. This is wonderful on its own or over lipstick. I love the staying power and no-tacky feel. Unfortunately, it's hard to justify the price when there are other great glosses available for so much less.
April 19, 2013
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I love genius. I love when people or companies have great ideas. Rarely has a beauty product idea been better than the one from ELF. Their "Studio Eye Primer and Liner Sealer" is beyond brilliant--and for $3.00! Before using your eye shadows, pat the natural-colored primer over lids to keep eye shadow in place for a very, very long time. Want to create your own liner? Simply dip the other end of the tube--a waterproof, yes, waterproof--sealer into an eye shadow and create a stay-put liner. You have the perfect coordinating or contrasting color. I never have enough of these on hand (one on my vanity, another in the bathroom, and yet another in my purse). A hint here: Because you are using the liner in different shadows, be sure to wipe it clean and wash it occasionally so that you don't ruin the effect.
April 19, 2013




![Estee Lauder Perfectionist [CP+] Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler](http://images.totalbeauty.com/uploads/tx_userproducts/100/tbp6411853_v0_l.jpg)





