Archive for September, 2010

Bare Escentuals Face Forward Collection Review | Great Coverage Sun Protection Foundation

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

Bare Escentuals Face ForwardBare Escentuals Face Forward is a collection of RareMinerals and bareMinerals, with these combined they help your skin adapt to the current season, says Bare Escentuals.

The collection is also devised to nourish, invigorate, and promote cell turnover in the skin to help create a fresher, brighter and renewed complexion.

As always with Bare Escentuals all the ingredients are natural and all the products contain sun protection.

Below is a list of the products included in the collection:

  • RareMinerals facial moisturizer 1 fl oz – helps restore moisture in the skin.
  • RareMinerals eye cream 0.17 fl oz – rejuvenates the eye area.
  • BareMinerals Original SPF 15 foundation 0.03 oz – covers imperfections.
  • BareMinerals Original SPF 25 mineral veil 0.05 oz – provides the face with a soft luminosity.

Users Conclusions

I have compiled a list below of what the patrons using this collection think of it:

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Good coverage
  • Non greasy moisturizer
  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Light weight
  • Long lasting
  • Good value

Ingredients

Titanium Dioxide 25%, Bismuth Oxychloride, Mica, Iron Oxides Light: Titanium Dioxide 16%, Titanium Dioxide 16%, Bismuth Oxychloride, Mica, Iron Oxides, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide.Medium Beige: Bismuth Oxychloride, Mica, Iron Oxides, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide.Medium Tan: Bismuth Oxychloride, Mica, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide.Medium Dark: Mica, Iron Oxides, Bismuth Oxychloride.Golden Dark: Iron Oxides, Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride.bareMinerals Original SPF 25 Mineral Veil:Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Corn Starch Modified, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.RareMinerals Purely Nourishing Facial Moisturizer:Water (Aqua), Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cocoglycerides, Jojoba Esters, Behenyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Soil Minerals, Propanediol, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Lecithin, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, Honey, Panthenol, Sucrose Cocoate, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Punica Granatum Sterols, Tamarindus Indica Seed Polysaccharide, Trehalose, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acacia Dealbata Flower/Stem

To Sum Up

Basically Bare Escentuals fanatics don't have a bad word to say about the Face Forward collection. They admire the great coverage from the foundation and the lightweight, non greasy feeling of the other products.

One patron says it is the only product that actually works for her sensitive acne prone skin.

It is tremendous collection that is reasonably priced at $30.

Buy Face Forward by Bare Escentuals

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Compact Eyelash Curler By Laura Mercier Review | Creates Dramatic Lashes

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

Laura Mercier Eyelash CurlerLaura Mercier's Eyelash Curler is devised to give eye the dramatic eye look by accentuating the lashes.

This curler is 2.5" X 1.5" X .75"/6.35cm X 3.81cm X 1.91cm, compact enough or travel and should be the perfect size to create the best lift and curl for the lashes.

The shape of the eyelash curler is unique compared to others, there is no need to squeeze this curler, as the easel-style handle flips down to provide the perfect amount of pressure with the cushiony pad for lasting curl without grabbing or pinching.

It has a replacement pad at the base for when the other pad is warn out.

Users Conclusions

The list below summarizes what the users think of Laura Merciers eye lash curler:

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Travel size
  • Dramatic curl
  • No Pinching or pulling skin
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • A little flimsy (one users opinion)

Directions For Use

Flip down the easel-style handle and position lashes into curler and gently squeeze. When desired curl is achieved, flip handle up into locked position.

To prevent less lash breakage and fall out, always curl before you apply mascara. This also stops the curler getting sticky and dirty.

To Sum Up

The reviews for the curler are first rate with the majority of the users saying how much easier it is to use. They also cherish the dramatic lashes it creates.

However, one patron did say it works well but the curler itself seems a bit flimsy compared to others.

I think the price is a little lavish at $16, as a metal curler could be bought for less than half. Although, this is a lot easier to use and more compact, plus it has a extra replacement pad.

Buy Laura Mercier's Eyelash Curlers

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Pronto Color Root Touch-Up Pen by Oscar Blandi Review | Non Permanent Color Highlights & Covers Greys

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

Oscar Blandi root touch up penOscar Blandi root touch up and highlighting pen is formulated to be the quick and easy solution to cover roots in between hair appointments.

It is devised to be a solution for those days in between hair appointments. If your not happy with the color, it can be washed out in one wash.

This highlighting pen is safe for use during pregnancy as it doesn't contain ammonia or peroxide and has gentle conditions, says Oscar.

It is available in these 6 shades listed below:

  • Jet black
  • Light golden blonde
  • Beige blonde
  • Neutral brown
  • Warm reddish brown
  • Dark brown/black

Personally I like the idea of using a pen shaped root touch up as it would be easier to use but does it actually work?

Users Conclusions

I have summarized below what the users think of Oscar Blandi's highlighting pen:

Pros

  • Quick and easy
  • Good color
  • Doesn't dry hair out

Cons

  • Doesn't cover greys
  • Can be gunky if too much is used
  • Color gets everywhere

Ingredients

Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Quaternium 90 Bentonite, Propylene Carbonate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Propylene Glycol, Kaolin, Talc, Stearic Acid, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Polysorbate 80, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Triethanolamine, Cetyl Alcohol, Disodium Edta, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cellulose Gum. May Contain: Iron Oxides (Ci 77491,Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Fd&C Yellow 5 Al Lake (19140:1), Chromium Oxide Green (Ci 7288).

To Sum Up

All in all an average product by Oscar Blandi with some patrons finding it very handy for a quick root touch up in between hair appointments. A few people using the pen say when you twist to get the color, you should blot the tip else you will get a big blob that will make a sticky mess.

The majority of the users found it didn't cover their grey hair. However, one user did say it works wonders for her greys.

It is a little overpriced at $23 for a 1.7oz pen but patrons say they get a few uses out of one pen, so it's worth it.

Buy Oscar Blandi's root touch up pen

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Calvin Klein’s Euphoria Eau de Parfum Spray Review | Unique Sexy Fruity Floral Fragrance for Women

Monday, September 27th, 2010

Euphoria by Calvin KleinEuphoria by Calvin Klein is devised for woman with a contrast of exotic fruits and seductive florals, for a rich, creamy, seductive signature.

The bottle is average looking, just clear glass with a silver lid nothing spectacular. Obviously this isn't the main selling point, the fragrance is the most important thing. It just helps if the bottle is attractive too!

Calvin Klein says, this scent is inspired for a for a confident sexy chic. It is a very popular fragrance as its got the number 1 spot on Amazon's best sellers list.

Notes:

Below are the scents that make up Euphoria:
Pomegranate, Persimmon, Green Notes, Black Orchid, Lotus Blossom, Champaca Flower, Liquid Amber, Mahogany Wood, Black Violet, Cream Accord.

Users Conclusions

I have summarized below what the users think of Euphoria:

Pros

  • Strong scent (most users think this is a good thing)
  • Long lasting
  • Sexy
  • Feminine
  • Unique

Cons

  • Strong woody smell ( one users opinion)

To Sum Up

Euphoria is a extremely popular fragrance with nearly all its reviews positive. The users cherish the long lasting, unique and strong sexy scent.

However, one patron said it wasn't for her, she said it smells to strong and woody.

This might not be a perfect match for someone who prefers more of a floral scent, although this is very popular and could be one of the fragrances that changes your mind.

It is on sale at the moment for $39.40 for a 1.70 oz bottle, it usually costs $58 a little pricey.

Buy Calvin Klein's Euphoria Eau de Parfum Spray

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9-Piece Set Mega Self Holding Rollers by Conair Review | Big Loose Curls Without Pins

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

Conair Mega Self Hold RollersConair Mega Self Holding Rollers come in a set of 9, which are all 2.8 x 9 x 8 inches. This size should create a goddess like full soft loose curl.

These rollers are self holding, therefor should stay put without the use of pins or clips. This will make for quick and easy application, if they work anyway.

The rollers have been devised to suit any hair type, be it thick, fine or smooth. Conair say, they work in wet or dry hair are fast setting, drying and are lightweight and comfortable to wear.

A few years ago when I thought of rollers I would think of older ladies, but now it is so on trend and I really want some!

Users Conclusions

I have summarized below what the ladies using the rollers think of them:

Pros

  • Nice loose big curls
  • Quick and easy
  • No hairspray products needed

Cons

  • Pins required

To Sum Up

A little disappointing that nearly every users said they still had to use pins to hold them in. Fortunately that didn't seem to bother them, as the rollers accomplished big loose curls.

At $16.28 for the set it is a reasonable price for a set of 9 rollers. Could be worth a try for those of you that like to create big curls with little effort.

Buy The 9-Piece Set Mega Self Holding Rollers by Conair

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Honey Flavored Body Powder by Urban Decay Review | Shimmering, Edible & Gives a Natural Glow

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

Urban Decay Flavored Body Powder - HoneyHoney flavored body powder by Urban decay is devised to give the skin a shimmering glow that's good enough to eat, literally! It can be applied onto the face, arms anywhere.

The powder comes in a gold container with a signature leopard print buffer puff, very saucy. Personally I really like this product, it is good for a bit of fun.

I'm reviewing the honey powder which tastes and smells of honey, though not an over powering smell. Urban Decay also made this powder in Chocolate and Marshmallow flavors too, yummy!

Users Conclusions

Below I have listed the opinions of people using the honey flavored body powder:

Pros

  • Long lasting shimmer and glow
  • Tastes great
  • Smells sweet
  • Fun and flirty

Cons

  • Rubs off on clothes
  • Hard to spread evenly (one users said)

To Sum Up

Most patrons relish this powder as they say it tastes magnificent and they also like the natural shimmering glow it provides.

One problem that a few users had was it seemed to transfer easily onto clothes but one fanatic did suggest applying a smaller amount, as she found that helped. There was a couple of ladies who found it hard to apply the powder evenly over their body.

The price is average at $26, it could be fun to try if its within the budget.

Buy Honey Flavored Body Powder by Urban Decay

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Natural Golden Goddess Collection by Korres Review | Smudgable Long Lasting Shades

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Korres Golden Goddess CollectionThe Golden Goddess Collection is Korres best selling color products. All the products in the collection are natural and don't contain Parabens- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Petro-Chemicals- Phthalates- GMO or Triclosan.

Korres put these shades together so a goddess like look could be created. It says the colors blend well together, so a natural smokey eye look can be devised.

What comes in the collection?

Below is a list of the products in the Golden Goddess Collection:

  1. 0.27 fl oz Abyssinia Mascara in Black- Volumizing for a false lash effect
  2. Silver 51S eyeshadow- contain primrose oil for easy blending
  3. Golden Bronze 27S eyeshadow- contain primrose oil for easy blending
  4. Golden Brown 34S eyeshadow- contain primrose oil for easy blending
  5. Golden Green 44S eyeshadow- contain primrose oil for easy blending
  6. 0.04 oz Eyeliner Pencil in Golden 6S- creamy for easy smudging
  7. 0.20 fl. oz Cherry Oil Lip gloss in Bronze 37- contains antioxidants vitamins C and E

Personally I think this is a really nice set of colors, could be very appealing for those of you that like the more natural look and ingredients.

Users Conclusions

Below I have summarized patrons opinions from sephora.com:

Pros

  • Good value
  • Nice pigmented shades
  • Smooth application for the shadows
  • Long lasting color
  • Lip gloss is moisturizing

Cons

  • Gold eyeliner is a little light
  • Eye shadows felt itchy (one user said)

Ingredients

Abyssinia Mascara Black:Water, Sorbitan Olivate, Glycerin, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Stearic Acid, VP/VA Copolymer, Sorbitol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Bis-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Isopropyl Myristate, Methyl Pyrrolidone, o-Cymen-5-ol, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyurethane-2, Tocopherol, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, [+/- (May Contain) Mica, Iron Oxides, Ultramarines, Carmine, Titanium Dioxide, Ferric Ferrocyanide].Silver 51S Eyeshadow:Talc, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Silica, Isopropyl Isostearate, Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Squalane, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Zeolite, Diisostearyl Malate, Sorbic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Passiflora Incarnata Seed oil, [+/- (may contain) Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Manganese Violet, Ultramarines, Ferric Ferrocyanide, Bismuth Oxychloride, Carmine, Chromium Oxide Greens, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake].Golden Bronze 27S Eyeshadow:Talc, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Silica, Isopropyl Isostearate, Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Squalane, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Zeolite, Diisostearyl Malate, Sorbic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol, Passiflora Edulis

To Sum Up

The color combination went down very well with most patrons, as they said they work well together to create a pretty natural look.

However, some of the users found the colors didn't work for their skin tone (usually very light skin ). One lady even said the eye shadows made her eyes itch.

On the whole most people relished this collection and they think it is good value at $39.50 for the set.

Buy The Golden Goddess Collection by Korres

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Benefit’s Confessions of a Concealaholic Review | Medium Skin Concealer Kit Covers Blemishes

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

Benefit Cosmetics Confessions of a ConcealaholicConfessions of a concealaholic is a set of 6 concealers designed to hide anything you want to hide. It is devised for the medium skin tone.

The kit contains:

  • That Gal- a brightening facial primer.
  • 2x Boi-ing- an industrial strength concealer (01 for fair skin and 02 for medium )
  • Erase paste – Brightening camouflage for eyelids and face (for medium skin)
  • Lemon aid – Color correcting eyelid primer (pale yellow)
  • Eye bright – Instant eye brightener ( pale pink)
  • 2 brushes
  • A step by step lesson on how to apply the products correctly

I personally find it a bit strange how Benefit has mixed light and medium shades together into one kit, as some of the shades will be too light for medium skin and vise-versa. I suppose 2 shades could be mixed together to create one perfect shade.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Good value
  • Covers imperfections
  • High quality

Cons

  • Chunky case ( one patrons opinion)

To Sum Up

Most users think confessions of a concealaholic is an excellent buy at $36 for the set. They like how it has everything to hide all those horrid imperfections.

The only downside I found one patron commented on is the chunky case that the kit comes in. Compact is usually a plus for most of us, good for travel and fitting into that already bulging makeup draw.

Buy Benefit's Confessions of a Concealaholic

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Sophisticated Sparklicity Shimmer Dust Review | Tarina Tarantino’s Long Lasting Body Sparkles

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

TARINA TARANTINO Sparklicity Shimmer DustSparklicity Shimmer Dust was devised by Tarina to add a little sparkle to bare shoulders, legs, hair, and décolleté.

Apparently the finishing touch of Sparklicity is made from an Italian formula called reflex, which delivers pure glitter and crushes it up into tiny pieces and adds an adhesive so it will stick to the skin.

This is a more sophisticated shimmer dust, the way its made means it does add a shimmer to skin rather than kiddy looking chunks of glitter. It has been designed with the more mature woman in mind. So your never to old to enjoy a bit of sparkle.

The bottle it comes in is beautiful, looks like a perfume bottle, this is definitely designed for the girly girl who loves pink.

Users Conclusions

I have complied patrons opinions of Sparklicity below from reviews on sephora.com:

Pros

  • Long lasting
  • Fast drying
  • Sophisticated shimmer

Cons

  • Big chunks of glitter (one reviewer said)

Ingredients

Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Bismuth Oxychloride CI 77163, Silica, Tin Oxide CI 77861, Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Mica CI 77019, Iron Oxides CI 77491, Carmine CI 75470.

To Sum Up

Sparklicity shimmer seems to be a big hit with most users who say it is sophisticated shimmer that's long and fast drying.

One users didn't have the same opinion, she found it was big chunks of glitter, like we wore as teenagers.

I like the idea of this product although it is pricey at $39 a bottle, it is only a shimmer after all.

Buy Tarina Tarantino's Body Shimmer Dust

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Natural Mango Butter Lipstick by Korres Review | Moisturizing & Non Sticky with an SPF 10

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

Korres Mango Butter Lipstick SPF 10Korres have brought out a Mango butter lipstick. It is contrived to moisturize and hydrate lips with mango butter. The lipstick also contains Candelia cera this should help soothe dry lips.

It is also made of all natural ingredients and doesn't contain Parabens- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Phthalates- Petro Chemicals, which a lot of cosmetics do.

There is 12 different shades to choose from, there is a 47 Russet, anything from a natural nude to a bright red color.

You will be glad to hear that these lipsticks do contain an SPF 10. A very important factor in my book, as this protects the lips from sun damage and also the risk of premature aging.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Moisturizing
  • Sheer with a glossy finish
  • A little shimmer
  • Non sticky
  • Natural
  • SPF

Cons

  • Too orange ( opinions of a couple of users)

Ingredients

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) (6%), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) (2%). Other ingredients: Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Isostearyl Isostearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Polybutene, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, PVP/Hexadecene Copolymer (VP/Hexadecene Copolymer), Candelilla Cera (Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax), Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Ozokerite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Anise Alcohol, Aroma (Flavor), Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Lecithin, Mangifera Indica Extract (Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract), Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, [+/- (May Contain) Mica, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake, Red 7, Red 6), CI 77491 (Iron Oxide), CI 15985 (Yellow 6 Lake), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 45410 (Red 28 Lake), CI 77492 (Iron Oxide), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 75470 (Carmine), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 17200 (Red 33), CI 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride)].

To Sum Up

It seems that Korres have done a exceptional job with these lipsticks. Most patrons found the trio hydrating, non sticky and they favored the fact that there is an SPF.

However, there are a couple of users who found the shades too orange for their skin tone. If you prefer a orangey shade, this collection might be worth a try.

Especially at $21 for the set, many korres fans think that is a bargain and I would agree it is a very reasonable price.

Buy Natural Mango Butter Lipstick by Korres

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