Shiseido
The Skin Care
IRinse-Off Cleansing Gel
Night Moisture Recharge
Eye Moisture Recharge
moved to About Face!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Urban Decay Matte Eyeshadow
Urban Decay
Matte Eyeshadow
Secret Service
Once again Urban Decay has sold me on their product. This pigment rich eye shadow is great. It comes in a neat little subway token compact with a snap shut lid. The Secret Service color is a nice dark brown shade. I have actually used it as an eye shadow and eye liner, but I have not tried it wet. This little product has made its way into my every day routine. I can't wait to go out and buy a few more colors.
Catherine's Review:
I'm also a UD convert. I tried the Matte Shadow in Chronic - a fresh, light green color. Beautiful on my brown eyes as a shadow, want to try as a liner. A great shade for Spring (and those, like me, with Spring Fever!). Easily adjustable from sheer to full coverage.
Matte Eyeshadow
Secret Service
Once again Urban Decay has sold me on their product. This pigment rich eye shadow is great. It comes in a neat little subway token compact with a snap shut lid. The Secret Service color is a nice dark brown shade. I have actually used it as an eye shadow and eye liner, but I have not tried it wet. This little product has made its way into my every day routine. I can't wait to go out and buy a few more colors.
Catherine's Review:
I'm also a UD convert. I tried the Matte Shadow in Chronic - a fresh, light green color. Beautiful on my brown eyes as a shadow, want to try as a liner. A great shade for Spring (and those, like me, with Spring Fever!). Easily adjustable from sheer to full coverage.
IsaDora Gleaming Eye Shadow
Isa Dora
Gleaming Eye Shadow (Wet & Dry)
88-Metallic Rose & 82-Frosty Seashell
Let me start out by saying that I have been using this product every day since I have tested it. I LOVE the Frosty Seashell color. It is a light neutral highlighting shade that works great with my coloring. It actually goes well with the Mary Kay Highlighting Pencil that I have (to be reviewed at a later date). These colors come in a single, round case with a crazy curved applicator. At first, using the applicator was a little awkward. However, I soon realized that it is curved perfectly to apply under your eyebrows. I only wish that it could be curved at one end and straight at the other, because holding it can be a little challenging at times. I actually tried the Metallic Rose wet and dry. Wet, you are going to get a richer more flat color. Dry appears more "gleaming" and obviously not as intense. Both of these are easily everyday wearable colors.
Gleaming Eye Shadow (Wet & Dry)
88-Metallic Rose & 82-Frosty Seashell
Let me start out by saying that I have been using this product every day since I have tested it. I LOVE the Frosty Seashell color. It is a light neutral highlighting shade that works great with my coloring. It actually goes well with the Mary Kay Highlighting Pencil that I have (to be reviewed at a later date). These colors come in a single, round case with a crazy curved applicator. At first, using the applicator was a little awkward. However, I soon realized that it is curved perfectly to apply under your eyebrows. I only wish that it could be curved at one end and straight at the other, because holding it can be a little challenging at times. I actually tried the Metallic Rose wet and dry. Wet, you are going to get a richer more flat color. Dry appears more "gleaming" and obviously not as intense. Both of these are easily everyday wearable colors.
Urban Decay Loose Pigments
Urban Decay
Loose Pigments Eyeshadow
Baked, Smog, and Yeyo
Nicole:
Baked, Smog, and Yeyo are the 3 colors of Loose Pigment that I was able to try. Baked is a shimmery "solid gold" color, Smog is a deep shiny brown, and Yeyo is light shimmery white. The spill proof tube definitely prevents cracking and spilling if you drop it. (Don't you hate when that happens? I do!) The only thing is that I am not sure about the brush attached to the tube. I felt like I got it all over the first time I used it. There was glitter everywhere. The best way to approach it is to either use the brush to get it on your eyelid and then spread with another brush, or try to remove as much as you can from the brush and apply lightly and evenly to your eyelid. As far as the colors go, they are great. Baked is more of a night time "going out" color, Smog can be used as an every day color, and the Yeyo is a nice highlighting color. Overall, once you get the hang of application, these are great little compact colors that can be taken anywhere.
From Eleasha:
the colors are nice and I like the quality of the shadow, but I hate the brush. It is too hard and it makes the application of the shadow very difficult and messy, especially since it is loose eye shadow. There needs to be a spongier type brush, not something with bristles.
Loose Pigments Eyeshadow
Baked, Smog, and Yeyo
Nicole:
Baked, Smog, and Yeyo are the 3 colors of Loose Pigment that I was able to try. Baked is a shimmery "solid gold" color, Smog is a deep shiny brown, and Yeyo is light shimmery white. The spill proof tube definitely prevents cracking and spilling if you drop it. (Don't you hate when that happens? I do!) The only thing is that I am not sure about the brush attached to the tube. I felt like I got it all over the first time I used it. There was glitter everywhere. The best way to approach it is to either use the brush to get it on your eyelid and then spread with another brush, or try to remove as much as you can from the brush and apply lightly and evenly to your eyelid. As far as the colors go, they are great. Baked is more of a night time "going out" color, Smog can be used as an every day color, and the Yeyo is a nice highlighting color. Overall, once you get the hang of application, these are great little compact colors that can be taken anywhere.
From Eleasha:
the colors are nice and I like the quality of the shadow, but I hate the brush. It is too hard and it makes the application of the shadow very difficult and messy, especially since it is loose eye shadow. There needs to be a spongier type brush, not something with bristles.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Laura Geller Brow Marker and SmashBox Brow Tech
Let me start by saying that my brows are 1-2 shades darker than my hair color (and yes, this is a naturally occurring phenom, which I sometimes address by coloring my hair to make them match my brows). Being very dark brown, my brows are a prominent feature. They require daily maintenance (plucking the ones that are too many or shouldn't be, and trimming the ones that have gotten unruly and too long). As we all know, maintenance can be tricky, as evidenced by a little bare spot in my left brow, and if I get too cut trim-happy, I end up exposing it. Which is what happened this morning.
I thought I'd give Laura the chance to help me out. I'm happy to report that Brow Marker goes on easily, doesn't have the tell-tale look that pencil gives, and has wonderful staying power. I tried it in brown (it comes in either Taupe or Brown). If only it were dark enough to match my real brow hairs, I would have declared a blessing from Aphrodite.
But, since it didn't quite match up, I turned to my reliable old friend, SmashBox Brow Tech in Brunette. If you use a light hand, Brow Tech is wonderful (get carried away, and you look like either Frankenstein or his lovely Bride). It comes with wax which (depending on the coarseness and determination of your brow hairs) does a fairly good job of reigning them in. Again, restraint is the word, or you'll look like you have greasy brows - what an image! Brunette is the perfect color for dark brown/almost black brows! It also comes in Auburn, Blonde, Grey, Taupe, and Soft Brown (available on QVC with a free full-size Smashbox Soft Lights Quad in Allure).
In summary: Brow Marker is great, just be sure the color is right for your brows; and Brow Tech is great if you have a little self-control, and has colors to suite everyone.
Laura Geller Brow Marker does not appear on her website, and is not avaiable online at Sephora. To buy, visit QVC or BellaSugar. Brow Tech is available at Sephora, QVC and Smashbox.
Happy Brow-sing!
I thought I'd give Laura the chance to help me out. I'm happy to report that Brow Marker goes on easily, doesn't have the tell-tale look that pencil gives, and has wonderful staying power. I tried it in brown (it comes in either Taupe or Brown). If only it were dark enough to match my real brow hairs, I would have declared a blessing from Aphrodite.
But, since it didn't quite match up, I turned to my reliable old friend, SmashBox Brow Tech in Brunette. If you use a light hand, Brow Tech is wonderful (get carried away, and you look like either Frankenstein or his lovely Bride). It comes with wax which (depending on the coarseness and determination of your brow hairs) does a fairly good job of reigning them in. Again, restraint is the word, or you'll look like you have greasy brows - what an image! Brunette is the perfect color for dark brown/almost black brows! It also comes in Auburn, Blonde, Grey, Taupe, and Soft Brown (available on QVC with a free full-size Smashbox Soft Lights Quad in Allure).
In summary: Brow Marker is great, just be sure the color is right for your brows; and Brow Tech is great if you have a little self-control, and has colors to suite everyone.
Laura Geller Brow Marker does not appear on her website, and is not avaiable online at Sephora. To buy, visit QVC or BellaSugar. Brow Tech is available at Sephora, QVC and Smashbox.
Happy Brow-sing!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Urban Decay-- 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
Urban Decay
24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
Yeyo
Let me start out by saying I am not an eye liner fan. It's the poking yourself in the eye with a pencil, then dragging it... I know that people say to warm in up in your hand (nothing) or to soften it with a lighter/match (molten eye liner is NO fun).
This Urban Decay pencil is different. It is soft. It goes on easily. They are not kidding about the Glide-On!!!
I managed a smooth, even line on both upper lids, right up into the lash line.
This magic pencil also has staying power, which is super good, as if I decide that the occasion is fancy enough to warrant eye liner, it best be on for the whole night;)
24/7 is actually easy enough to use that I'd consider wearing eye liner on a semi-regular basis!
The Yeyo shade is a shimmery white. It kind of freaked me out, then I put it on--Hello Brown Eyes! My eyes stood out (in a good way), I looked awake... For me, it's more of a night look, but I am sold!
24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
Yeyo
Let me start out by saying I am not an eye liner fan. It's the poking yourself in the eye with a pencil, then dragging it... I know that people say to warm in up in your hand (nothing) or to soften it with a lighter/match (molten eye liner is NO fun).
This Urban Decay pencil is different. It is soft. It goes on easily. They are not kidding about the Glide-On!!!
I managed a smooth, even line on both upper lids, right up into the lash line.
This magic pencil also has staying power, which is super good, as if I decide that the occasion is fancy enough to warrant eye liner, it best be on for the whole night;)
24/7 is actually easy enough to use that I'd consider wearing eye liner on a semi-regular basis!
The Yeyo shade is a shimmery white. It kind of freaked me out, then I put it on--Hello Brown Eyes! My eyes stood out (in a good way), I looked awake... For me, it's more of a night look, but I am sold!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
SexySmile
Tried the dual "Plumper Lip Gloss/Tooth Whitener"; here's what I thought (despite thinking that it's an odd combo??):
Plumper Lip Gloss: I liked it as a lip gloss, actually had somewhat of a strawberry scent, lasts pretty long. As for the "plumper" part, not sure I noticed a difference!
Tooth Whitener: Not sure it does anything; will try it for a few days to see if that makes a difference. Seems like too much work, but could be my laziness!
Plumper Lip Gloss: I liked it as a lip gloss, actually had somewhat of a strawberry scent, lasts pretty long. As for the "plumper" part, not sure I noticed a difference!
Tooth Whitener: Not sure it does anything; will try it for a few days to see if that makes a difference. Seems like too much work, but could be my laziness!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Shiseido-- The Makeup Automatic Lip Crayon
Shiseido
The Makeup
Automatic Lip Crayon
LC3
Smooth & even going on, the lip crayon is fun to use! It's like an automatic pencil, but fat for your lips!
Good staying power.
No nasty taste or smell.
The shade was not so great on me-- looked hot pink, like I was trying to be a teenager. Tested it on a pigment-rich (lucky) girl, and it looked awesome.
I think I will try the same thing, but in LC5...
The Makeup
Automatic Lip Crayon
LC3
Smooth & even going on, the lip crayon is fun to use! It's like an automatic pencil, but fat for your lips!
Good staying power.
No nasty taste or smell.
The shade was not so great on me-- looked hot pink, like I was trying to be a teenager. Tested it on a pigment-rich (lucky) girl, and it looked awesome.
I think I will try the same thing, but in LC5...
Sunday, March 16, 2008
IsaDora Protecting Waterproof Mascara
IsaDora
Protecting Waterproof Mascara
Dark Brown
Ok, maybe I shouldn't have tried the dark brown. I usually wear black, but I have used brown mascara before. The brush on this mascara is clump-free and big enough, but I didn't feel as if I had put enough on. I couldn't really see that I had any color on at all. Very thin. The positive is that it is definitely waterproof, but not impossible to get off with makeup remover. I didn't have smudges and smears all over, but it didn't really thicken as I had hoped. Like I said before, maybe I should have held out for black.
Protecting Waterproof Mascara
Dark Brown
Ok, maybe I shouldn't have tried the dark brown. I usually wear black, but I have used brown mascara before. The brush on this mascara is clump-free and big enough, but I didn't feel as if I had put enough on. I couldn't really see that I had any color on at all. Very thin. The positive is that it is definitely waterproof, but not impossible to get off with makeup remover. I didn't have smudges and smears all over, but it didn't really thicken as I had hoped. Like I said before, maybe I should have held out for black.
Shiseido Shimmering Lipstick
Shiseido
Shimmering Lipstick
SL12
Kate was kind enough to let me help her test. My first test was the Shimmering Lipstick by Shiseido. The color is called SL12. It is a soft pink color. The tube of lipstick itself is very chic, as all Shiseido products are. The color glides on as smooth as lip gloss. It applies almost as if it were liquid. None of that normal dry cracked feeling. The color is not overwhelmingly pink, almost a nude pink, but with a little sparkle. The other great thing is that there isn't that awful lipstick taste floating around. The only downer is that it isn't long-lasting and it will get left behind on your coffee mug. I think I would try a darker color on myself next time, but the soft pink is a great summer look.
Shimmering Lipstick
SL12
Kate was kind enough to let me help her test. My first test was the Shimmering Lipstick by Shiseido. The color is called SL12. It is a soft pink color. The tube of lipstick itself is very chic, as all Shiseido products are. The color glides on as smooth as lip gloss. It applies almost as if it were liquid. None of that normal dry cracked feeling. The color is not overwhelmingly pink, almost a nude pink, but with a little sparkle. The other great thing is that there isn't that awful lipstick taste floating around. The only downer is that it isn't long-lasting and it will get left behind on your coffee mug. I think I would try a darker color on myself next time, but the soft pink is a great summer look.
Friday, March 14, 2008
No!No!-- The Chronicles of Hair Removal, Part 1
no!no!
Hair Removal System
This post has been moved!
Check it out at its new home:
http://brainybeautysusegadgets.blogspot.com/
Hair Removal System
This post has been moved!
Check it out at its new home:
http://brainybeautysusegadgets.blogspot.com/
Monday, March 10, 2008
Lancome-- Color Design Lipstick
Lancome
Color Design Lipstick
Fashion Icon
I like color on my lips. I'm not much for nude lipstick, except during the summer (about 2 months in Michigan)-- I need the color to keep from looking like vanilla pudding. This is deeply saturated COLOR, with sparkle. Not for the faint-of-heart! I love it. I have gotten several compliments. Sometimes I wish that it was a little less glittery, or that the glitter flecks were a bit more towards microscopic. But it feels nice on, and it looks good:)
Color Design Lipstick
Fashion Icon
I like color on my lips. I'm not much for nude lipstick, except during the summer (about 2 months in Michigan)-- I need the color to keep from looking like vanilla pudding. This is deeply saturated COLOR, with sparkle. Not for the faint-of-heart! I love it. I have gotten several compliments. Sometimes I wish that it was a little less glittery, or that the glitter flecks were a bit more towards microscopic. But it feels nice on, and it looks good:)
Cosmedicine--MegaDose Skin Fortifying Serum
Cosmedicine
MegaDose Skin Fortifying Serum
Bit of a sticky wicket here, as I can't really say whether or not this product works. I did NOT try it on a long-term basis. I don't think I had it on for more than a minute. I opened the package (brand new), put some of the gel-goop on my finger, spread on my nose (my first lotion area) & almost retched. Have you ever had to plunge a backed-up sink? Pretty much same smell. I don't know if the stuff somehow went bad or what, but it was seriously foul. It took 2 face washings & some toner before I could get rid of the stench.
MegaDose Skin Fortifying Serum
Bit of a sticky wicket here, as I can't really say whether or not this product works. I did NOT try it on a long-term basis. I don't think I had it on for more than a minute. I opened the package (brand new), put some of the gel-goop on my finger, spread on my nose (my first lotion area) & almost retched. Have you ever had to plunge a backed-up sink? Pretty much same smell. I don't know if the stuff somehow went bad or what, but it was seriously foul. It took 2 face washings & some toner before I could get rid of the stench.
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