gabyfauchon
Member Since: March 19, 2009Reviews
Annabelle Cosmetics Mineral Powder Bronzer
The claims: For a bronzed complexion that is free from the sun’s harmful effects! Especially formulated for sensitive skins, the Annabelle Mineral collection is perfect for creating a pure and healthy complexion without compromising your... +
The claims:
For a bronzed complexion that is free from the sun’s harmful effects! Especially formulated for sensitive skins, the Annabelle Mineral collection is perfect for creating a pure and healthy complexion without compromising your health. Offered in a shade reminiscent of naturally sun kissed glowing skin. Its texture is so light you’ll forget you’re wearing anything!
How to use:
Using a Kabuki brush (available in limited edition only) specially designed to be used with mineral powders, simply apply to the apples of your cheeks to get that natural, glowing sun kissed look! The A-12 blush brush is another excellent option for applying bronzing powder.
Ingredients: MICA BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE IRON OXIDES TITANIUM DIOXIDE
Pros:
* highly pigmented
* contains very subtle shimmers for the perfect radiance
* delivers the perfect coverage as it's easily buildable
* great packaging for a drugstore product (it doesn't look cheap)
* light, finely milled
Cons:
* only one shade available
* as it is so pigmented, it's easy to overdo it
* expensive!
What I think:
I'm still relatively new to mineral makeup, but so far, I'm loving it. This bronzer gives a natural glow to my face, but even if at first I thought the color was a little dark for my skintone, it's easily buildable, so it's not a problem. As it's so pigmented, I like that you don't need a lot of product to achieve the perfect look (however, it's easy to overdo it). However, I would have personally opted for a lighter shade, but there's only one available.
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Avon Solutions Winter Moisturizing Mask
The claims: Replenish winter-weary skin in minutes with this viatmin-infused super-hydrating mask. Fortified with Vitamins A, C, and E, it immediately moisturizes ans retexturizes skin. How to use: Apply after cleansing. Smooth mask... +
The claims:
Replenish winter-weary skin in minutes with this viatmin-infused super-hydrating mask. Fortified with Vitamins A, C, and E, it immediately moisturizes ans retexturizes skin.
How to use:
Apply after cleansing. Smooth mask generously over face and neck, avoiding eyes. Wait 10-15 minutes. Rinse or tissue off. Use as needed.
Pros:
* smells fruity, but I can't tell which fruit exactly. Maybe apricot...
Cons:
* the texture looks nice at first, but once applied on the face, it is too light for a mask.
* this product is a mess to remove! I wouldn't recommand to tissue off this product because it leaves residues behind. Even when rinsing with water, it took me a while to remove all of the product!
* not moisturizing enough, and it doesn't "immediately" moisturizes
* didn't notice any retexturization in my skin
* this product doesn't seem to want to sink into the skin!
What I think:
Overall, I'm really disappointed by this product. It's a big FAIL. Even after using it for several weeks, I haven't notice improvment in my skin condition.
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Annabelle Cosmetics Zebra Bronzing Pressed Powder
The claims: Annabelle Cosmetics offers you a golden item this summer by launching its new Zebra Bronzing Pressed Powder - Haute Gold. A fast favorite, makeup junkies have not stopped asking for more of it since it was previously offered as a... +
The claims:
Annabelle Cosmetics offers you a golden item this summer by launching its new Zebra Bronzing Pressed Powder - Haute Gold. A fast favorite, makeup junkies have not stopped asking for more of it since it was previously offered as a limited-edition item in 2008 and 2009. Now they can benefit from the warmth of its splendid golden rays all year round!
This magnificent Zebra Bronzing Pressed Powder sports the animal's original print in a variation of golden strips this time. Light-textured and luminous, this oil-free shimmery powder is suitable for all skin type. It creates a natural glow of summertime tan and sheds a soft amber light on any skin tone.
Shed a little light on your look with the best bronze and golden shades to enhance that summer glow… or fake it! The Zebra bronzing powder compact provides a perfect balance of shades to create the natural glow of a summertime tan.
How to use:
For guaranteed sun-kissed results, the Zebra Bronzing Pressed Powder is best applied with the Annabelle A-13 Makeup Pro Powder Brush, which promises a natural and translucent application. Locally powdered on cheeks, following the hairline on the forehead, then ultra-lightly on the nose bone and chin; they'll think you just got back from a few days' vacation... day after day! A few light touches on the legs will also give them that summer glamorous pin-up shine!
Ingredients: TALC, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, ETHYLPARABEN. MAY CONTAIN: MICA, IRON OXIDES, TITANIUM DIOXIDE.
Pros:
* light-textured
* easily buildable
* really pigmented
* won't make you look orange
* contains very subtle shimmers for the perfect radiance and sheen (not overly glittery)
* delivers the perfect coverage as it's easily buildable
* great packaging for a drugstore product (loving the stripes!)
* the variation of golden strips makes it perfect for any skin tone
Cons:
* looks super shimmery in the packaging (I didn't buy it the first time I saw it just because of that!)
* as it's so pigmented, it's easy to overdo it
* only one shade available
What I think:
This might be the best bronzer I've tried so far. The most common problems I face when it comes to bronzer is shimmers: there's always too much! I mean, I don't want to look like a discoball, I want to look tan! As I mentionned in the "cons", the first time I saw this bronzer at one of the Marcelle Warehouse Sale, I walked by it without even swatching it because it looked too shimmery in the compact. But when I received it by mail, I swatched it and I was like "OMG!" This is the perfect shade... and it's not even shimmery! Even if I'm fair, this bronzer gives a natural glow to my face without overdoing it. However, I have to be careful because this bronzer is extremely pigmented, but it's not really a problem because it's a pressed powder. Not to mention that the A-13 Makeup pro Brush makes it super easy to control the quantity of product you want.
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Incoco Dry Nail Appliqué Self-Stick 100% Nail Polish Stripes with French Tips
What is Incoco? INCOCO. The Revolution in Nail Polish. The world of nail polish is about to change forever! Finally, there's an answer to the spills and smears of messy nail polish bottles: Incoco Self-Stick 100% Nail Polish strips. No other... +
What is Incoco?
INCOCO. The Revolution in Nail Polish.
The world of nail polish is about to change forever! Finally, there's an answer to the spills and smears of messy nail polish bottles: Incoco Self-Stick 100% Nail Polish strips.
No other product can provide base coat, color coat and top coat in a single dry self-stick nail polish strip. In minutes, you can have a professional manicure that lasts up to 14 days.
Each packages includes:
* 16 French Tips
* 16 Double-Ended Color strips
* Mini File
* Cuticle Stick
* Reseal Tape
* Polish Removal Cloth
* Instruction Booklet
The claims:
Reminiscent of the blush from your first kiss, this color will touch your heart with warm red for the perfect delicate French manicure.
* Self-Stick 100% Nail Polish Strips
* Goes on dry
* Professional results in minutes
* Lasts up to 14 days!
* Made in U.S.A
How to use:
* For best results, clean and buff nails lightly.
* Push back cuticles with wooden cuticle stick.
Nail Strip application:
Tip: Start with pinky and work towards index. Apply thumbs last.
1. Select the size that best fits your nail. Gently remove top clear film.(The assortment of strip sizes allows the perfect fit for anyone)
2. Gently peel each French tip strip from backing paper, holding onto the silver tab.
3. Position French tip onto edge of nail for desired coverage. Firmly smooth French tip and crease at nail edge. File off excess in a downward motion. To realign: Peel nail strip and readjust.
4. Color Strip: Gently peel color strip from backing paper, holding onto silver tab. Carefully break away silver tab from color strip. Choose one end of the strip that best fits your nail.
5. Grasp the color strip lay rounded edges against cuticle. Firmly smooth until wrinkle-free.
6. Crease strip at nail edge and file off excess in a gentle downward motion.
Saving Unused Strips:
* Place nail strips in package and seal with silver tape.
* Once package is opened, exposure to air causes nail strips to dry out.
To Remove:
* For best results, use the enclosed Incoco polish removal cloth.
Ingredients: Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid / Neopentyl Glycol / Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Butyl Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, N-Butyl Alcohol, Ethyl Acetate, Triphenyl Phosphate, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Etocrylene, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Polyvinyl Butyral, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate.
MAY CONTAIN: CI 77891(Titanium Dioxide), Mica, CI 19140(Yellow 5 Lake), CI 15850(Red 6 Lake), CI 15850(Red 7 Lake), CI 77499(Black Iron Oxide), CI 77491(Red Iron Oxide), CI 15880(Red 34 Lake), CI 77510(Ferric Ferrocyanide), CI 77266(Black 2), CI 77007(Ultramarines), CI 60725(Violet 2).
Pros:
* doesn't contain any formaldehyde, DBP (dibutyl phtalate) or toluene
* each strip includes a base coat, color coat and top coat
* since they recommend to buff nails and push back cuticles for best results, a mini file and a cuticle stick are included in each package in case you don't have some handy
* the assortment of strip sizes - 16 in all - allows the perfect fit for anyone; however, if the strips still not fit as desired, you can try sligthly stretchnig each nail strip for the perfect match
* the nail appliqués are easily removed with nail polish remover (you don't have to purchase their nail polish remover)
* "How to apply" videos, photos and PDF are available on their website
Cons:
* doesn't last up to 14 days (I noticed chips on the first day!)
* requires some practice to be able to quickly and perfectly apply strips
* expensive for a single-use product
* hard to remove
* the polish removal cloth is too small and it doesn't provide enough product to completely remove the polish (I had to finish with regular polish remover)
What I think:
When I first received the Incoco package, I was really curious. I think I have heard about their products before, but I never got to try them for myself. Before beginning to apply the nail strips, I checked the photos and viedos on their website, and I thought it looked easy... boy I was wrong! It probably gets easier with practice, but I had a hard time using them the first time!
After reading the instruction booklet like 5 times (and watching the photos and videos on the website a couple of times), I decided I was ready. I was afraid I would mess up, because the strips look so delicate.
I had a hard time deciding which size would best fit each nails, but as the strips are adjustable (you can stretch them), it was OK.
Applying the french tips was the hardest part because you have to position them the right way for desired coverage. I ended up with slighlty uneven tips. Applying the color strips was easier as they go on the entire nail. Oh and doing the right hand was harder since I'm right-handed.
The final result was beautiful even if the french tips were slightly uneven. However, after a few hours, I already noticed some chips!
The polish removal cloth is too small and I hadn't enough product to completely remove the polish. I had to finish with regular polish remover.
I would recommend this product, but for $8.99, I would personally invest into a good nail polish that will last me several months (and even years?) instead of those single-use nail appliqués.
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Avon Anew Rejuvenate Mineral Facial Rinse-Off Treatment
Here's the description of the product by Avon: "This is the most recent Avon's spa-like rejuvenation product infused with bioactivated zinc, copper and calcium to help regenerate the skin and to considerably refine its pores and texture... +
Here's the description of the product by Avon:
"This is the most recent Avon's spa-like rejuvenation product infused with bioactivated zinc, copper and calcium to help regenerate the skin and to considerably refine its pores and texture. Skin seems smoother, younger and practically without pores."
They say to use it 3 times a week on clean skin, before applying moisturizer.
You only need to apply a thin layer of product. It dries really quickly, and you can feel your skin tightening (which I like), so you don't have to let it on for a long time.
- My skin seems considerably smoother after each application of the product.
- It does refine the pores and texture of my skin, but, as we all know, nothing can really make pores invisible. And mine are pretty streched because I had bad acne as a teen.
- The brush makes it easy and clean to use, since you don't even have to touch your skin to apply the product. When you're done, don't put water on the brush; just clean it with a towel, and put the cap on.
- I bought it for 19.95$, but the regular price will be 30.00$, which is pretty expensive for a 50 mL tube, in my opinion.
Overall, this is an effective an nice product to use, but the results are similiar to what can be achieved by using a clay mask, which is an inexpensive alternative (even more if you use cat litter).
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Garnier Nutritioniste Purifying Wet Cleansing Cloths
I'm not a big fan of cleansing cloths since they don't give me the fresh face feeling I'm used to get with liquid cleansers, but they do the job. These are ophtalmologist tested, non comedogenic and oil-free. It is said to leave skin... +
I'm not a big fan of cleansing cloths since they don't give me the fresh face feeling I'm used to get with liquid cleansers, but they do the job.
These are ophtalmologist tested, non comedogenic and oil-free.
It is said to leave skin deeply clean and pure (which must be true, but I couldn't really feel it).
These cleansing cloths are supposed to be gentle on your skin and instantly remove make-up, but I had a hard time removing my regular makeup (not waterproof!) and the skin around my eyes becamed itchy and irritated.
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Maybelline New York Volume Seduction XL Lip Plumper
This doesn't plump my lips at all - I notice no difference between the softness/plumpness of my lips before and after. I didn't even experienced a little tingling sensation. This does provide a noticable & lustrous shine, but you have to... +
This doesn't plump my lips at all - I notice no difference between the softness/plumpness of my lips before and after. I didn't even experienced a little tingling sensation.
This does provide a noticable & lustrous shine, but you have to apply more than one coat for the color to really show up on the lips. Otherwise, it's a really sheer lipgloss.
This product is a bit sticky (not on the lips, but your hair will get stuck in it).
The formula is not long-lasting. This lipgloss last for about one hour on my lips.
This product doesn't have a particular taste or scent.
I like the plastic applicator which is not as messy as spongy ones, & it allows to apply the gloss smoothly.
The casing is very nice & kind of classy.
As said on the website, this product does dry my lips, so it may not be a good product for you if you have sensitive lips.
Overall, this is a nice lipgloss, though it's a bit expensive for a drugstore lipgloss (that is supposed to be a lip plumper). I'm not a fan of Maybelline lipgloss, but I would definately buy it again if it's on sale or if they lower the price.
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UAN'S Crema Plus Intensive Reconstructor
My hair was totally fried from repeated bleaches and coloring, and my friend bought me this product. Unlike many conditioning treatments, UAN’S Crema Plus reconstructor is said to begin with an alkaline pH, allowing them to open the cuticle and... +
My hair was totally fried from repeated bleaches and coloring, and my friend bought me this product.
Unlike many conditioning treatments, UAN’S Crema Plus reconstructor is said to begin with an alkaline pH, allowing them to open the cuticle and penetrate the cortex. While hair is drying, the formula neutralizes to a normal pH, closing the cuticle and locking in emollients. The results are supposed to be exceptional manageability, silken softness, sheen, strength and thickness.
While I didn't especially experienced strength or thickness, I did see some great improvments in my hair condition. It did feel soft and healed.
What I like is that this product contains whole wheat proteins.
What could be improved is to give this product a thicker consistancy. I think it's way too runny and messy.
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Freeman Vitalizing Away We Glow Peel-Off Facial Masque
I got this a while ago as a gift, and I think it has been discontinued because I had a hard time searching for it on the net, so I ended up taking pictures of the product myself. I don't really like this product. It is okay, but I won't pay... +
I got this a while ago as a gift, and I think it has been discontinued because I had a hard time searching for it on the net, so I ended up taking pictures of the product myself.
I don't really like this product. It is okay, but I won't pay for it. I seems to be drying my skin more than anything else.
It smells great: blueberries and white grapes.
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Freeman Facial Enzyme Mask Pineapple
I was not really into the Freeman products, but I saw this in the cosmetics aisle at Wal-Mart and decided to give it a try. It does make my face feels clean, fresh, soft and smooth, but I didn't see amazing results. But, well, it costs only 7$... +
I was not really into the Freeman products, but I saw this in the cosmetics aisle at Wal-Mart and decided to give it a try.
It does make my face feels clean, fresh, soft and smooth, but I didn't see amazing results. But, well, it costs only 7$, so I won't complain.
It smells good because it contains pineapple extract.
The only thing is to be careful not to overuse this product because AHAs can be rough to sensitive skin.
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