Makeup
- GigiSD » See my profile
- Points: 438580
- Reviews: 1103
Here are all my reviews:
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I bought a coral-pink shade because it was absolutely gorgeous in the compact. It didn't glide effortlessly on my cheeks; I found it streaky and somewhat dry. The color had an artificial sheen to it (sort of a strange neon glow), and I generally turn to blushes with shimmer. There are better blushes for the same amount of money or less. I wasn't very impressed with it at all.
March 24, 2013
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Ellis Faas is not a well-known cosmetic company right now, but I suspect it will become one in the next few years, if not sooner. Ellis was born and raised in the Netherlands and had a keen eye for color and composition from childhood. In 1999, her relatively "quiet" life came to an end when a photographer for Vogue Magazine visited Amsterdam and needed a makeup artist. He chose her. Soon she came to meet Karl Lagerfeld and managed a small army of makeup artists for fashion shows, photo shoots, and advertisements. After working with Clinique, Lancome, and MAC, she was asked to create a makeup line to accompany L'Oreal's "Biotherm" skin care products. When she completed this task, she launched her own line. And what a line it is! Eye shadows range from creamy basics to "light" shades, with very unique hues and holographic finishes. Lipsticks are available in three finishes and many colors: Creamy, milky, and glazed. Her mascara is no less unusual than the other products. It comes in a lengthy silver tube with an extended wand and a full, plush brush (it resembles a rocket to me and retails for about $34.00). The formula is extraordinary. It is glossy, thick and quite soft, so that you can build coverage with absolutely no clumping or flaking. I've been able to add three layers easily and lashes remained pliable, not "crunchy." Creating tons of volume with Ellis Faas mascara is easy because of its ability to layer! The brush separates well, defining each lash, even hard-to-catch corner and bottom ones. I never apply mascara without first using my Shu Uemura curler, and it holds the curl extraordinarily well. It doesn't lengthen ridiculously, but with all of the volume, you will be sure to capture attention with your lashes. This gem is available in true black and brown, for drama or a softer look if you desire. I love this mascara; I have some of the shadows and lip colors and am intent on purchasing their new "Skin Veil," a mix between a tinted formula and a foundation intended to make you glow.
March 24, 2013
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My husband's hands were dry and cracked about a month ago to the point where there were a myriad of small, cut-like marks. I bought this for him--nothing else prior had worked. He said it coated his hands like plastic gloves, and when he awoke his skin was in far better condition. I use it as well--on hands, arms, elbows, and dry legs, feet, and heels. It is wonderful for parched skin!
March 24, 2013
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My beauty regimen first includes an oil or a cleansing cream to remove eye and face makeup as thoroughly as possibly. But I like bubbles. This unique powder becomes a lush lather when mixed with water. It deep-cleans, removing any dirt or grime which was left behind without stripping skin. Your complexion will feel baby-smooth, not taut. A small container lasts a long time; overall, it is simply a pleasant experience!
March 24, 2013
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I don't often purchase powder blushes, as I feel that the finish they leave is drying, aging, and unflattering for anyone past their twenties. I generally stay with creamy formulas and stains. There are exceptions--I love the powder blushes by Estee Lauder, Lancome, Tarte, and some other companies--but in general they don't appear as a sheer bloom of color and are often cakey as well, leaving a repugnant look of demarcation where the blush ends and your own skin begins. I did pass the Milani products in the drugstore, and the array of their baked powder blushes looked so heavenly, so very tantalizing on the gleaming shelves that I bought two immediately--"Rose D'Oro" and "Dolce Pink." "Rose D'Oro" is what the name suggests--a gold-infused deep salmon. There is shimmer, to be sure, but not so much that this blush can't be worn during the daylight hours. It is best to keep the included brush handy for touch-ups and use your own tools when applying at home. There is more pigment than you would except for a blush that sells for under $8.00--and it rivals even the priciest brand when it is on your skin! The rose gives me a warm flush, with not even the tiniest hint of an arid, stale look. You can amplify it for a more glamorous night time look, as coverage is buildable. And then there is "Dolce Pink." Indeed it is a sweet pink--it is a particularly beautiful, delicate rose. I was especially smitten by this color. It leaves a subtle radiance in any light, even harsh, unforgiving daylight, and remains ultra-flattering. Why spend a small fortune when there are products like this available? Excuse me, as I'm on my way out of the house to pick up a few more . . .
March 24, 2013
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Perhaps you've come across the tale of my hair on this site; if not here it is in short: My naturally auburn hair was once long, voluptuous, strong, full of curl, and had a mirror-like shine. A stylist advised me to color it to "enhance" the natural auburn. I did so in my naiveté. I could strangle him--I never was able to replicate nature's most beautiful, multi-tonal shade again. The ammonia and peroxide damaged the cuticle. Afterward, I was forced to take Prednisone injections and oral doses of Prednisone for pain. That wrought havoc with my tresses. My hair began to thin, and I have been doing everything possible to bring back the hair I used to have. For those of you who are convinced that you must shampoo every single day--stop! You are only harming your own locks. Try shampooing with a great product every other day and follow with an exceptional conditioner. Use cool to cold water in the final rinse; it will strengthen tresses, seal the cuticle, and create a great deal of shine. Make sure you eat healthily and increase your consumption of B Vitamins, all of them. They strengthen hair, nails, and make skin glow. Deep-condition regularly. Sleep on a satin or satin-like pillowcase so that you don't unnecessarily rough ends. And use high-quality products--don't skimp here! In years past, I could rely on Nexxus' "Keraphix" and "Humectress" conditioners to fortify and deeply moisturize. Not so since the line was mass-produced and removed from most salons. Now I have turned to Aquage's "Seaextend Silkening Conditioner" as one item in my arsenal for total revival. It is an award-winning product which dramatically extends the life and vibrancy of color, replenishes lost moisture, and infuses hair with an emollient mix of Red Sea Kelp and Algasilk™. It has ingredients to protect heat damage and UVA/UVB sunscreens to help color from fading. Above all, this conditioner leaves your hair like strands of woven silk between your fingers. Don't worry--there is no oily or heavy coating to weigh you down. Hair stays fluffy and vibrant between shampoos. I can't recommend this line of products more highly.
March 23, 2013
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If I had to change one feature, it would be my lips. They have a great shape, but I wish they were fuller, ala Angelina Jolie's. Evidently other women feel the same way, as lip plumpers appeared on the market and continue to flourish. When they first arrived on the scene, I wasn't sure what made them enhance one's pout. And then I did some research: Plumpers actually irritate the thin skin of the lips with ingredients such as Menthol, Camphor, Cinnamon, and/or Cayenne Pepper, which rushes blood to the area to produce a temporary swelling. Others rely on Niacin and Retinol to increase the size of the blood vessels, resulting in the same effect. When lips are fuller, annoying lines and creases are smoothed and are less noticeable. Once lips have ballooned, they are enhanced by emollients to keep lips supple and lines blurred. Soap & Glory's "Super Color Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss" claims to contain Superfill® Technology and LIPSWELL™ plant oil infusion. This gloss is chock-full of hydrating ingredients, to keep lips lush and bountiful once they are slightly enlarged: Mineral, Castor Seed, and Apricot Kernel Oils, along with Silica. The "stinging" sensation which comes along with this gloss is not as harsh as it is with some other brands, and there is a delectable scent and taste as well. The colors are beautiful and produce a patent-leather shine: Among others, there is "Baby Doll" (sheer pink and a chocolate/raspberry flavor), "Dusty Rose" (with a taste like buttered popcorn!), "Yummy Plum" (dark coral-plum and a chocolate/raspberry tang), and "Candy Gloss" (champagne shimmer with a vanilla flavor). Since the plumping effect is only temporary, you do have to reapply for the effect, but you'll need to do so less often than with other brands as well. I've tried many, and this remains my favorite. On a diet? Apply some lip gloss and live vicariously. You'll save yourself from too many calories and keep beautiful at the same time!
March 23, 2013
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There is always a tub of Noxzema's "Original Deep Cleansing Cream" in my bathroom. Why? I enjoy the feel of the satiny emulsion on my hands as much as I do on my face! Camphor helps gives it the refreshing smell and tingling sensation, but other ingredients include Linseed and Soybean Oils, but it also has Eucalyptus Leaf Oil and Baking Soda! I find that it removes makeup well, although I don't use it around my eyes, and it leaves me feeling invigorated, my complexion hydrated and comforted.
March 23, 2013
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I purchased this in "Mocha" because the majority of products from this line have out-exceeded my expectations. Not so with Laura Mercier's "Lip Stain." It wasn't really a stain at all--just a hint of color. And the formula was drying to my lips. The company says that the "satin, balmy finish leaves the look of effortless polish and understated sophistication." "UNDERSTATED" is the operative word here: Understated color, understated moisture. And a total waste of $20.00!
March 23, 2013
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I had no business buying yet another blush, but when I first spied Benefit's "Hervana" blush, with its luscious swirls of "Lucky Shell," "DIvine Peach," "Heavenly Rose," and "Berry Delight," I swooned. The colors looked even better on me, blended together with a long-handled brush, than they did in the container. I am quite fair-skinned; I believe this color would be flattering for many women. It gives a gorgeous, natural, glimmering glow and smells like fresh roses! Now, what else could you possibly want from a blush?
March 23, 2013
