mamaluv
Member Since: September 8, 2006Reviews
CARGO LashActivator Mascara
I received this product to review on behalf of ChickAdvisor. I too have messed up with this - in love with another mascara, I didn't realize I was supposed to use this exclusively, and so am not sure if it's made a difference. I probably... +
I received this product to review on behalf of ChickAdvisor.
I too have messed up with this - in love with another mascara, I didn't realize I was supposed to use this exclusively, and so am not sure if it's made a difference. I probably used this once every 3 or 4 mascara wearing opportunities.
To be honest, I was a little underwhelmed by the mascara itself. It wears fairly well, but I don't know if it was notably better than a cheaper brand. As the previous reviewer mentioned, I would like to see this as a primer or perhaps as a more liquidy lash care product (overnight use?) for improving lash health. I don't know that I would rely on this product for everyday use.
However, I am definitely willing to give it a try. I can certainly use a boost in my natural lashes!
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COVERGIRL TRUblend Microminerals Foundation
This foundation is great for a very sheer look, to polish off your naturally even tone. I did not have any issues with breakouts and it really didn't look like I was wearing foundation. It's a good choice for anyone needing just a little... +
This foundation is great for a very sheer look, to polish off your naturally even tone. I did not have any issues with breakouts and it really didn't look like I was wearing foundation. It's a good choice for anyone needing just a little touch-up.
However, it wears too light if you have more unevenness or imperfections to hide. I am also not a huge fan of the brush that comes with this product, though the overall packaging is quite convenient as a slender cylinder (similar in size to your kitchen spice jars). When I use my expensive foundation brush, I get a better performance from CG's TRUblend.
Verdict: a good staple to have on hand for a really natural look.
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Star Trek - 2009
So let's start with a confession. I was a Trekkie back in the day. However, this was not something I would have shouted from the rooftops, and in fact would demur on the subject unless in safe company. When I heard of the new Star Trek movie... +
So let's start with a confession. I was a Trekkie back in the day. However, this was not something I would have shouted from the rooftops, and in fact would demur on the subject unless in safe company.
When I heard of the new Star Trek movie to be released, I was both secretly thrilled and horrified. How could they (a) make YET ANOTHER Trek movie? and (b) how can you be true to Trek's past, do justice to iconic characters, and why must it be a prequel (which I almost categorically hate)?
While we never got round to watching this movie in the theater, the DVD release came timely for Christmas. My husband emptied the mailbox before I could and discovered his early present... and immediately sat down to watch it. I, naturally, only sat down too to see "how bad it was".
It turns out, this is by far my favourite Trek movie, and certainly one of the better sci-fi movies I've seen in a long time. They dispense with the technobabble that dogged previous Trek movies, and you need not be acquainted with the backstory to follow this one (although then you miss some of the fun insider moments). You don't need to be a Trekkie to watch, nevermind enjoy, this.
The cast reimagines Kirk, Spock, and company perfectly, without betraying or imitating. In particular, I loved Chris Pine's Kirk - so true to William Shatner and yet all his own. There is love, lust, action, revenge, loss, and friendship; you might not even so much notice the storyline itself because the viewer is sucked into the characters. In fact, this is what I remember about the movie the next day - not what happened, but the entirely enjoyable and believable acting.
So do your handsome significant other a favor and let him watch his Trek with his girl - but with one huge caveat: you may actually really like this one yourself :)
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Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream
As part of my job, I have the privilege of testing many new cosmetics and skincare products (yes, I would hate me too). It is also a hazard: my skin is subjected to a constant barrage of different products that don't always play nice. But... +
As part of my job, I have the privilege of testing many new cosmetics and skincare products (yes, I would hate me too). It is also a hazard: my skin is subjected to a constant barrage of different products that don't always play nice. But every once in a while I come across a product that stands apart - actually does what it claims and doesn't make me break out like a pimply 13-year-old. This would be one of the winners.
Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream started making a difference from the first application. My fine lines are almost completely erased, while my skin feels deliciously soft and springy. As an early 30-something, I am horrified to find my age creeping up on me and at first slathered this lotion on rather thickly (whatever it takes to get rid of them, right?). Overapplication, I discovered, does not soak in properly and made my mineral foundation difficult to use afterward. Thankfully, at the price point of this product, I'm happy to use it sparingly!
I did not suffer any breakouts at all when I switched to this moisturizer. The only critique I have is that the scent wears a little stronger than what I'm used to. I'm not picky about that, but anyone sensitive to perfumes should test this in store before investing in a full-sized product.
There are several different versions on the market. This product is for "all skin types". I recommend it!
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Ojon Restorative Leave-in Treatment for blondes
I have long blonde hair that I abuse with regular color, straightening, and washing in my country well water. So it's safe to say that it's in a permanent state of unhappiness, though I am careful to get regular trims and conditioning... +
I have long blonde hair that I abuse with regular color, straightening, and washing in my country well water. So it's safe to say that it's in a permanent state of unhappiness, though I am careful to get regular trims and conditioning treatments.
When I received this Ojon product to review, I was immediately delighted with the scent, which I can only describe as a warm spicy shea butter-like smell. It's simple to use: just apply a quarter-sized amount to damp hair, then let dry or blow out.
The result is noticeably softer, moisturized hair. I have only been using it for a few weeks and am curious to see how it will work long term (buildup?), but so far have only the highest compliments for this product. I wouldn't go so far as to put it on par with a salon treatment, but it is certainly the best DIY hair product I've ever used.
Recommended!
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Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
I bought the Burt's Bees grab bag during the recent holiday promotion, and got this cuticle cream as a gift with purchase. As much as I loved all the items in the Grab Bag, I think this is my favourite! It is a little tin about the size of a... +
I bought the Burt's Bees grab bag during the recent holiday promotion, and got this cuticle cream as a gift with purchase. As much as I loved all the items in the Grab Bag, I think this is my favourite! It is a little tin about the size of a small compact with packed lemon butter inside - similar in consistency to a lip balm. The best part about that is it will never spill or leak in my bag. The product has a delicate lemony scent and leaves a moisturized, not greasy, residue behind (for lack of a better word).
I have always had weak nails and, I must admit, have a tendency to gnaw on my cuticles. I've been on the hunt for a product to help me get my cuticles and nails into better condition for the longest time, and with winter approaching it's even more urgent. After two weeks or so of using Burt's Bees, my nails and cuticles are so much better.
I will buy this product again and again and again! I recommend it!
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Maybelline New York Volume Seduction XL Lip Plumper
I received Maybelline's Volume Seduction lip plumper in "peachy flush" (#405) in the last ShopCrawl's swag bag. I have been wearing it often lately and am impressed again and again. What I love: * the colour is perfect for me! It may not... +
I received Maybelline's Volume Seduction lip plumper in "peachy flush" (#405) in the last ShopCrawl's swag bag. I have been wearing it often lately and am impressed again and again.
What I love:
* the colour is perfect for me! It may not be perfect for everyone with the orangy-peach tone.
* it is far less sticky than most other glosses and plumpers I have tried
* the plumping effect works well for me. It is certainly comparable to the Cargo lip plumper I usually use.
* the applicator is more convenient to use than the typical wand. Since you have to dial the product up
(like a lip balm), you will probably get more product out of the packaging than with another applicator.
What I loved less:
* the colour and effect is not very long lasting. However, I have yet to find a gloss/plumper that is. So this is really a critique of plumpers and gloss in general. For long-lasting wear, I'm still loving L'Oreal's Infallible Lip Color.
Recommended!
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Benefit Cosmetics B Spot Eau De Toilette
Benefit's new b spot perfume impressed right out of the gates with its cute and cheeky packaging. On the back of the box, you'll find a body map of where to spray for maximum impact - finding your "b spot". I loved that, and hadn't... +
Benefit's new b spot perfume impressed right out of the gates with its cute and cheeky packaging. On the back of the box, you'll find a body map of where to spray for maximum impact - finding your "b spot". I loved that, and hadn't even tried the product yet.
B spot is a light and fruity fragrance of mango, peony, sandalwood, and amber. As with any perfume, it will wear differently on every woman. On me it's sweet and spicy - something I have usually shied away from. As an eau de toilette, though, the scent is more subtle and I have found myself reaching for it again and again.
I look forward to using this fragrance often in the spring. For now, I'll wear it for a fun change from my usual favourite.
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COVERGIRL LashBlast Length Mascara
I didn't think anything would tempt me away from my current go-to mascara, CG's LashBlast (the orange one for volume). My natural lashes have medium length and medium volume, and I have without exception always preferred the volume building... +
I didn't think anything would tempt me away from my current go-to mascara, CG's LashBlast (the orange one for volume). My natural lashes have medium length and medium volume, and I have without exception always preferred the volume building mascaras over the lengthening varieties. I had a long love affair with L'Oreal's Voluminous before I tried CoverGirl's LashBlast.
So when I received the LashBlast Length to review, I was curious but not expecting much. The other reviewers were exactly right - it makes a gorgeous natural look. My lashes were long and feathery light: my lashes But Better. I absolutely love this mascara and will definitely switch between the two LashBlast varieties depending on the occasion. LashBlast Length is the best daytime mascara I have ever tried, and you just can't beat the price.
Highly recommended!
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Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Concealer
Benefit sent me a bag of goodies to try for ChickAdvisor (yes, I would hate me too). I have been enjoying mostly clear skin since the shift to autumn, but still have some unevenness here and there. This trial was a little blind, because I... +
Benefit sent me a bag of goodies to try for ChickAdvisor (yes, I would hate me too).
I have been enjoying mostly clear skin since the shift to autumn, but still have some unevenness here and there. This trial was a little blind, because I generally shy away from concealers. In my experience, they are more pimple breeders than makeup.
In this case, I was very pleasantly surprised. The coverage was enough to polish my look without that characteristic pasty colour, and I have not suffered the follow-up breakout. Since that is win-win on every level, I absolutely recommend Benefit's Boi-ing!
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