https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:31:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1706518 Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:05:36 +0000 K. Period. 1706518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy and Laura, you are not alone. &nbsp;I had the worst time with mineral makeup for my face. &nbsp;I haven't tried eyeshadow or liner, though. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1706514 Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:01:12 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1706514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, thanks for that info. I remember when Bare Escentuals was taking the world by storm I tried their mineral foundation and it did not agree with my skin at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1706239 Mon, 01 Aug 2016 04:01:15 +0000 Amy 1706239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent reviews, thanks!</p> <p>A word on mineral makeups and breakouts: bismuth oxychloride is notorious for causing acne (including cystic acne) and it's a common ingredient in mineral makeups. It's in that bronzer as well as most powders from Bare Minerals. It made me break out so badly I was embarrassed to leave the house. It doesn't affect everyone, of course.</p> <p><a href="http://www.annmariegianni.com/ingredient-watch-list-bismuth-oxychloride/" rel="nofollow">http://www.annmariegianni.com/.....ychloride/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1706108 Sun, 31 Jul 2016 19:22:51 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1706108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Danusia, Stila eye shadows are my absolute favorite - and they have a lot of light shades. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1705723 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 19:22:45 +0000 Anonymous 1705723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am in need of eyeshadows that are not too dark or shimmery. Will have to check out UD and Hourglass eyeshadows. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1705717 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 19:06:54 +0000 gradfashionista 1705717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chiming in to recommend Hourglass. I have had their foundation for a while and love it. It's great for photos and turns into a velvet powder. Recently, I bought their eyeshadow and prefer it over the Naked palette. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1705711 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 18:33:43 +0000 Peri 1705711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm, <b>Staysfit&nbsp;</b>where do you get that line? I've never heard of it. I'm interested because mineral powder would have no need for preservatives and everything I'm allergic to is some class of &nbsp;preservative or another.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1705551 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 10:38:07 +0000 Staysfit 1705551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I made a discovery this month. I started to tight line my eyes with mineral powder instead of a pencil. The minerals last longer. They are impervious to tears and water, but will rub away if you rub at your eyes, so the line will stay put even if you swim, etc. Mine stays in place through an entire work day, and slightly longer. I use Elea Blake and have several colors I like, but there are hundreds to choose from. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1705408 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 02:09:35 +0000 Carla 1705408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another who appreciates the investment of time and energy (and money?) you make to inform these monthly posts!</p> <p>I've been enjoying a reasonably good hair summer thanks to experimenting with hair oil! This might have limited application for most, but I Have thick, coarse, curly hair that becomes horribly unruly with high humidity. I usually wash with moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, and have had good luck with Sebastien Potion #9.<br /> However, DS#2 keeps co-opting my P#9 and it is hard to find. </p> <p>I had tried a sample of an Aveda oil that was interesting, but made me sneeze so, when it was gone I Picked up Dove Pure Care Dry Oil For Hair. I was surprised by how soft my hair felt, while retaining a defined curl. Furthermore, it seemed to keep frizz under control in high humidity!</p> <p>I was given a small container of John Frieda Sheer Blonde Brightening Oil Elixir, and it works the same. Both have mild and not unappealing fragrances (that don't make me sneeze!). </p> <p>One claims macadamia oil and the other sunflower oil, as their main ingredients. I plan to keep using them, since the results are so good for me.</p> <p>Sticking with the oil theme, I picked up some Bio-oil. I have seen it advertised for decades, but never tried it. I'm using it mostly in an effort to deal with very dry cuticles, but also using on tummy stretch marks, since that is one of it's claims to fame. Don't know if it is the miracle purported, but hands are soft and the smell is pleasant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1705391 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 01:46:56 +0000 columbine(erin) 1705391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading these reviews with interest, thanks Laura. i got Drunk Elephant's TLC serum with a 15% off coupon from DermStore. I'm really interested in the whole line, but it's pretty pricy. I've only had it a couple days so it's too soon to really tell if it's going to help my issues. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1705316 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 23:39:30 +0000 Anonymous 1705316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another dislike from me for the Simple line.&nbsp;</p> <p>And anne - I didn't realize Bum Bum Cream ( I really enjoy typing that name) made a claim re: cellulite. &nbsp;I just bought it because it smells delicious. &nbsp;Pardon my language, but I feel those cellulite creams are b*llsh#&amp;. &nbsp;But that's just me &nbsp;Thankfully in life, this isn't one issue I have to deal with (at least not very much). I deal with all of the other issues though - lol. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1705306 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 23:30:11 +0000 Keix 1705306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I'm surprised that the Simple wipes are so disliked. I have never tried them, but I love Simple's micellar water (that I use to remove makeup with a cotton pad) and assumed that the wipes would be the same formulation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1705143 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 19:10:00 +0000 K. Period. 1705143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your reviews! Thanks for sharing them and for all the effort you put in month after month. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm actually a huge fan of the "They're Real" mascara, but I have very few, very short blonde lashes and I like them to look really full and lush, so I'm the perfect candidate for it. &nbsp;</p> <p>I'm also a huge fan of Supergoop, but interestingly, not that mist. &nbsp;I adore their lip balm. &nbsp;The mist is too full of mint, rosemary and denatured alcohol for me. &nbsp;My skin hates it and the stinging never ends. &nbsp;I have super sensitive skin, though, so it makes sense that it wouldn't work for me. &nbsp;Tons of other folks would love it, though.&nbsp;</p> <p>Oddly enough, I'm totally relieved by your and lisap's comment that the pore reducing primers don't work for you. &nbsp;They never seem to work for me, and I want them to so desperately! I keep trying them and trying them. &nbsp;My face is always shiny. &nbsp;I know that's a thing that lots of folks aim for, but not me. &nbsp;I think I just need to reconcile myself with shininess. &nbsp;</p> <p>This month I've discovered a phenomenal light&nbsp;all-in-one&nbsp;moisturizer/serum/primer. &nbsp;It's the J One Jelly Pack carried by Glow Recipe and Sephora. &nbsp;It seems to be exactly the right combo for me&nbsp;and my sensitive, breakout prone, mature skin. Lots of moisture for my face, but no oil. &nbsp;The texture is crazy sticky at first though. &nbsp;Luckily it dries down to a slight cushiony texture. &nbsp;Not really sticky, but not quick powdery like a silicone primer. &nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1705120 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 18:42:53 +0000 Thistle 1705120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, this is a fab review!</p> <p>I need to retread this again!</p> <p>On my first read through, I don't think you mentioned if they're scent free or not. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1705112 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 18:38:20 +0000 rachylou 1705112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiseido had a cellulite cream that was really good... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1705107 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 18:33:06 +0000 Anonymous 1705107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm intrigued by this Brazilian Bum Bum Cream! I'm going to look that up in just a sec ...</p> <p>Scent-wise, I recommend Malin+Goetz FIG. It's a unisex scent. At $150 per bottle, I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but my 28 y/o nephew was wearing this the last time I saw him and gave him a hug ... and I didn't want to let go (but I did, I'm not a creep). It was just a clean, simple scent, not too flowery. He left his bottle out on the bathroom counter so I helped myself to a spritz or two during a powder room break! It's definitely going on my Christmas list if I don't buy it first. </p> <p>ETA: Okay, looked up the Brazilian cream. <b>Lisap</b> - do you know if it actually improves the look of cellulite?&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1705101 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 18:29:33 +0000 rachylou 1705101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never tried Bobbi Brown. Will have to check out. </p> <p>I liked Clinique's first iteration of their pore refining cream years ago, but they changed the formula and it became totally ineffective. Don't know why they did that. It was probably poisonous. Lol.</p> <p>I need some kind of non-drying, non-draggy primer/pencil for under my new lipstick. It has no staying power. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1705074 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 17:45:19 +0000 Peri 1705074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm really mad at the Simple line in general. Their whole slogan is "kind to skin" and "sensitive skin experts" but the Micellar water stings my eyes and breaks me out. Well, guess what's in there...a formaldehyde related chemical! Not so kind.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have bought two Bare Minerals matte liquid lipsticks from the nude line that I am loving. Not really matte, not really liquid and actually the colors I picked are not so nude. It goes on like a cream, and dries down and gets more matte over time, but doesn't feel drying at all to me. I bought Swag and Juju, which are kind of pinkish nudes, not the tan nude color.&nbsp;</p> <p>And still loving the LM matte highlighting powder in 01. No shimmer, all beautiful subtle glow.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1705046 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 17:00:23 +0000 kkards 1705046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've just started to use the clarisonic, which I had a separate post on. and a big thanks to everyone, for the suggestions on shaking of the excessive water, it worked great.</p> <p>I've had problems in the past with sunscreens irritating my eyes, so far these one my Dr Dennis Gross hasn't bothered them....</p> <p>the handcream from supergoop is nice, I like that it has SPF 40, but I doubt i'll buy more when the bottle is empty. not sure that the cost was justified. I think I can find something that works just as well for less $</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1704996 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 15:30:01 +0000 Jenn 1704996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chiming in on the Simple face wipes. I buy wipes for my 15yo and the Simple ones are the only brand he refuses to use.We threw the pack away after only a couple of days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1704994 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 15:27:16 +0000 Anonymous 1704994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Always a highlight of the month ! &nbsp;I have tried the Pacifica face wash too - seemed fine and no different than any other cleanser. &nbsp;I'd buy it again if it were regularly stocked where I bought it - not.</p> <p>I like that UD Nakeds palette too - as a matter of fact, where the heck is it?? &nbsp;Off to check DD's room.</p> <p>I can't figure out how so many women love Orgasm blush. I have tanned, freckled, medium toned skin (in summer) and it is WAY too over-the-top for me. I think I've bought it a few times - thinking I'll try yet again, but nope. &nbsp;I do love Orgasm lipgloss though - that is my all-time favourite lip colour.</p> <p>Agree with your assessment of the Benefit pore stuff - I don't even bother with those pore/primers anymore. &nbsp;And I DID like the Benefit mascara , a lot. I bought that small sample too, then picked up a full size later . &nbsp;</p> <p>The only new things I've tried in July were Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (lol) from Sephora, which is fantastic. I get a ton of compliments on the scent when I have it on. I layer the new Miu Miu scent (rollerball also from Sephora) on over it - nicely warm and sultry/spicy. &nbsp;</p> <p>Rachy - Bobbi Brown has an excellent brown lipstick. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1704988 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 15:07:15 +0000 chewyspaghetti 1704988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tried two different colors of the NYC lip cream- First Base (sp01 of Simply Pink), and Enamored (sv01 of Simply Vamp). These are a fat crayon type of application. This is a very thick, opaque color coverage. I was surprised because the other crayons I have used have not been packed with this much coverage. Neither one of these colors turned out to be just what I expected. The pink has a lot of purple in it and was more of a lillac when used with full force. I apply it more lightly and get the light pink color that I was after. The brown is very dark when applied full strength. I use it very lightly but it is still an odd color. I guess it's a purple brown rather than a red brown. The formula is nice, a little drying but it wears decently. I wish the colors were more true to their presentation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1704884 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 12:21:02 +0000 Anonymous 1704884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura -- I love your reviews. &nbsp;Thank you for taking the time. &nbsp;</p> <p>I have to come back to read in detail. &nbsp;Quick note about the Simple Wipes though. &nbsp;I hated them. &nbsp;They always "felt like they were depositing something icky on my skin." &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1704860 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 10:47:24 +0000 Inge 1704860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just wanted to say that I always enjoy and very much appreciate your reviews, Laura. So, thank you!!-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1704839 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 07:18:11 +0000 rachylou 1704839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, good rec, Gigi. I will! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1704838 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 06:49:41 +0000 Gigi 1704838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the thread, Laura! You've been busy this month. :)</p> <p>I just recently bought the Urban Decay Vice Reloaded palette and really like it. It has a nice variety of eyeshadows. It's fun for experimenting, if you want to do some more dramatic looks.</p> <p>Rachy, if you want a nonpoisonous lipstick, you could try the Bite line at Sephora. It's very natural, and from what I recall, a lot of the colors tend toward the brown end of the spectrum. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1704821 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 06:01:02 +0000 rachylou 1704821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aha! I have been waiting for your thread, Laura! I decided I wanted a brown lipstick. A neutral, non-berry in anycase. Went to Bare Escentuals and nada. Then went to the drugstore and tried a Neutrogena, Nyx, and Cover Girl - or was it Wet and Wild. Well, in any case, the Nyx had an awful sugary smell and they all went on looking white. Gang Girl white and frosted. Sparkly white. My lesson learned is to stay away from anything with a name sounding like coffee. Lol.</p> <p>But I found my lipstick: Revlon Mink, 671.</p> <p>I might go to the organic drugstore and see if I can find a non-poisonous brown, but this poison one is good </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-beauty-reviews#post-1704728 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 01:59:58 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1704728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used up a lot of sample sizes and packets on my recent travels, so I’ve got a lot of reviews this time! As always, add your own hits and misses.</p> <p>Simple cleansing facial wipes (Ulta)<br />I’d usually never bother to review something so innocuous as facial wipes, but these broke me out like nobody’s business. I don’t use wipes at home, just while traveling and at the gym, etc. Grabbed these before my recent trip and as soon as I started using them my skin broke out. Rinsing after cleansing helped somewhat, but the whole point of wipes is that you can use them when you don’t have water, so… I won’t be repurchasing this brand; I’ve had good luck with the Yes to Cucumbers wipes in the past.</p> <p>Supergoop setting mist (Sephora)<br />This is a combination setting mist / sunscreen (SPF 50!) which I thought was a nice idea; you can use it during the day and get some additional sun protection without having to redo your makeup. It’s hard for me to say definitively how it’s working as sun protection since I’m wearing other sunscreen underneath, but as a setting spray it does seem to work well, and helps makeup from sliding around or fading. My only quibble is that it contains peppermint, which makes it smell like you’re spraying mouthwash on your face, which is kinda weird. The scent doesn’t linger, though, and it dries nicely matte. </p> <p>Urban Decay naked 2 basics palette (Ulta)<br />This is the only eyeshadow I took with me on my recent trip and I was really happy with this palette. I find that a lot of palettes, even ones focused on nudes, have a ton of darker colors which I never use because they look so overwhelming on my pale skin. I hadn’t used UD eyeshadows before and found them really nice, quite pigmented, and these shades in particular have no shimmer, which is nice for day and hard to find sometimes. </p> <p>Benefit porefessional primer<br />I only got a small sample card of this so I could only try it a couple times. I used it around my nose, sides of cheeks, and middle of forehead over moisturizer and under foundation. It seemed to work OK but I didn’t notice significant difference one way or another. If pore size and shininess is a particular concern of yours it might be worth a try. </p> <p>Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30<br />I got several free sample packets when I ordered from PC a couple months ago. I was a bit surprised when I opened this one because it’s called a moisturizer/sunscreen but is actually quite tinted, like a BB cream. This only uses a physical sunblock (zinc oxide) so that’s probably why they chose to tint it, to get rid of the usual white cast zinc gives. It has a bit of a silicone-y feel when applied but dries down to a nice texture. However, it doesn’t seem to last all day on me; by the end of the day it’s mostly gone which is less than ideal. Given that and the fact that the color is a bit too dark on me (works somewhat OK at the moment as I’ve got my summer ‘tan’ but would be too dark in winter) I probably won’t order a big container. However, if you’re a typical medium skin tone and looking for a quick BB cream / tinted moisturizer with no chemical sunscreens, I’d recommend you give this a try. </p> <p>Benefit they’re real mascara<br />(Let’s take a moment to think about the linguistic stylings of this name: it’s mascara that’s supposed to be so good it makes it look like you’re wearing false lashes, so you can declaim that you’re not wearing false lashes. Who says cosmetics are simple?) <br />I got a mini size of this in the June Sephora Play box and am neither terribly impressed nor disappointed with it. It does give lashes a nice curl and works particularly well on the lower lashes, but it’s a bit too prominent for my everyday style. </p> <p>Nars Orgasm blush<br />I’m the last makeup-user on the planet to try this, because I always thought it was too orange/coral for my skin tone. I got a little free sample card and gave it a go, and I can see why so many people love it. It looks natural and flattering, and is much longer lasting than I remember powder blushes being (I’ve used only cream blushes for the last few years). It’s OK on my skin right now but I suspect it would be too dark and orange on me in the winter when I’m paler. I’ll definitely try more Nars blushes now that I know the formulation is so nice.</p> <p>Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash (Ulta)<br />I picked up a Pacifica travel-size kit before my trips and so far I’ve really liked the items I tried. Apparently Pacifica is a natural line, vegan and cruelty-free, and paraben and sulfate free. This face wash is foaming but not drying and I like the smell of it. If I were in the market for a new face wash this would be a contender.</p> <p>Pacifica Enzymatic Exfoliating Wipes (Ulta)<br />Nice smell, seems to improve skin texture without being too strong. I like these better than the similar First Aid Beauty ones, which stripped my skin and made it red. I think getting this kind of treatment in a wipe is probably pricier than in a serum/lotion, so I wouldn’t prefer it except for trips and the gym. </p> <p>Pacifica Dreamy Youth Day &amp; Night Cream (Ulta)<br />Unlike the other Pacifica products I tried, the smell of this was really unpleasant to me. Otherwise it seemed like a perfectly average face cream.</p> <p>Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (Sephora)<br />I’d tried this before and was unimpressed, but used some again on a very humid day for an event and was pleased at how it kept my hair from poofing out into a giant frizz ball. It’s a bit too heavy for everyday in my normal environs, though.</p> <p>Alterna Caviar Cream Leave-in Hair Perfector (Sephora)<br />I love this stuff, to be honest. I am rationing the rest of the small container I have because the full-size is a bit pricey. I tend to put it in wet hair after showering and air dry, and for that it really helps cut down on frizz and adds shine. </p> <p>Tatcha Camellia cleansing oil (Sephora)<br />Tatcha is a hot new high-end line whose marketing gimmick makes me laugh - you too can have the skin of a geisha, yeah sure. It’s generally too rich for my blood, but I got a foil packet sample of the cleansing oil with another order. Unfortunately (for my budget) I really like it. It’s just the right weight of oil - some cleansing oils are too light (rinses away easily but doesn’t get off all makeup) and some are too heavy (good for heavy makeup but leaves a film). This stuff gets off all my makeup, smells good, and rinses off nicely without leaving a heavy film. I don’t know if I’m quite ready to plunk down 50 bucks for a cleansing oil, but once I use up all my current stock of cleansers I might consider it. </p> <p>Bareminerals bareskin bronzer<br />This was another one that was in the June Sephora Play box, kind of the opposite of the Becca highlighting cream, I guess. I’m not much of a bronzer person so I tried mixing a bit of this with foundation. It adds a bit of darkness and some shimmer; I’d be more likely to use this in the winter when I’m pale unto death. I think, although I’m not positive, that it started to break me out when I tried it, but it might have been something else. </p>