DuWop Lip Venom 2nd Sin

Good: Cute packaging. Works the same as the original, but with a bit more sting to plump.

Bad: There is a little part that settles to the bottom of the tube, but since the gloss is thick, its hard to mix it in without having to pump the tube.

Overall: Although I like Lip Venom in general, this doesn't seem to be much more than its original version. Just more expensive.

Philosophy's Hope in a Jar & Purity made simple

Good: Purity face wash removes makeup, feels good & smooth going on & washing off. Minimal lathering, light fresh scent.
Hope in a jar has that complimentary fresh scent, very light to apply & leaves skin feeling supple.

Bad: Although Purity doesn't irritate the eye area, it doesn't thoroughly remove mascara & eyeliner. Leave that to your eye makeup remover.
Hope in a Jar is a very light moisturizer, sometimes I need to apply it twice over on dry areas of my face.

Overall: Two of the best products I've used on my face and will continue to use. No wonder they are on the 'Best of Sephora' list.

Sephora Classic Blockbuster

Good: Oodles of shades to choose from, applies easily & smoothly. Colors blend well & flatter each other. Color is strong even with finger application. Staying power is average.

Bad: Lipstick is drying and the gloss fades easily. Mini applicators... well you just can't get enough of those in a set like this. Case can be hard to open at times.


Overall: This is a very portable artist's palate. And its very flexible with skin tones since there are both warm & cool shades or just mix & blend to your heart's content. Multiple looks can be achieved with this. Like it.

Stila Lip Glaze (Raisin- Limited Edition)

Good: Limited edition, available in Japan. Very flattering sheer tone on olive skin. Decent shine. Very faint pleasant scent. Easy to control brush. Not too sticky.

Bad: Twist up applicator. Small amount of gloss for its size of package. Comes off easily. Barely any flavor if even, as the product boasts to have.

Overall: Its simply a colored gloss. I didn't feel any extra moisturizing benefits. The color was very nice though. Although all the shades are sheer, so it would flatter any skin tone. Hate the twist pen--I took it on an airplane & the pressure of the flight made the gloss ooze out of the brush, so it was messy too.

H2O+ Eyeliner in Caviar (dark black)

Likes: Applies very smoothly, evenly & quickly with great control. Doesn't feel dry or heavy.

Dislikes: Because there is shea butter in this, it may feel great, but its staying power is not so fabulous. It smudges very easily and I can almost guaruntee that it won't last in the water or with sweat.

Overall: The ease of application is fantastic & uncomparible to others, but I don't use it too often unless I'm willing to touch up to reapply, and fix occasional smears.

H2O+ body balm

Likes: No artificial colors added, scent selection is highly fragrant and pleasant. Very clean & energizing scents, looks like a cream, but applies smoothly as a lotion.

Dislikes: Scent starts off very powerful and fragrant, but it also fades quickly within the hour of application. So you're left with a hint of the scent but with pleasantly soft skin.

Overall: I love this stuff. Kiwi-Cassis is my favorite scent so far, and there is a lot of variety with scents. It's a little expensive at $11.50 USD (not incl. shipping on H2O+ online store), but strawberrynet.com carries this stuff at $11 USD (shipping included in the price!!), plus this site offers deals with multiple purchases.

Lavanila Vanilla Blossom

Likes: Packaging box is lovely. Scent is definitely feminine, with a heavy yet gentle tone to it. Not overpowering & has layers of scent as it fades during the day. Supposedly has vitamins and antioxidants in it that you inhale.

Dislikes: There is essential oils in this, so if you don't like patchouli or scents like that, this may not be for you. The initial scent is beautiful but very short lived, and the overall scent fades quicker than I had expected. Doesn't really smell like vanilla.

Overall: I don't really see the benefit of smelling vitamins and have yet to see the powers of antioxidants working, but because this perfume is 100% natural with no harsh irritants, I found that I can wear this in the hospital and I have yet to hear of anyone whining about a fragrance allergy with this on. There is also a travel size version in vanilla grapefruit, so if you wanna trial it, that is a much cheaper alternative to buying the bottle.

Maybelline Define A Lash

Likes: Separates lashes with application. Pigment is dark (in very black), and doesn't smudge or fade. Does noticeable lengthening for lashes.

Dislikes: Formula is a little thin, so if you want decent volume, you need to apply a few coats for some serious fringe.

Overall: I like this, it's easy to apply without a mess, applicator gives you great control, and because it separates lashes so well, they look more natural too.

i.d. bare Minerals All Over Face Color

Likes: Only need a small amount, so a tiny jar goes a long way. Has long shelf life, color blends well into face. Evens out skin tone. Doesn't clog pores.

Dislikes: Doesn't travel well. I end up with too much powder out of where it should be after it's jumbled around my makeup bag.

Overall: Product is fantastic. I own 'soft focus true' which has a very sheer appearance, so you can layer until you reach the desired tone. The brushes it comes with are just as phenomenal.

Smashbox brush cleaner

Likes: Comes in a spray container. Scented very lightly. Easy to use, doesn't damage bristles.

Dislikes: Doesn't really replace the notion of having to actually shampoo your brushes because it doesn't clean the inner center bristles.

Overall: Nice refresher for brushes. Meant to prolong the life of your brushes. Works for me, but I'd rather buy a nice shampoo for it.

M.A.C. Strobe Cream

Likes: Cream that can be a base for makeup or worn alone for a healthy glow. Contains irridescent pigments to reflect light to hide flaws. Goes on smoothly. Suitable for all skin tones. Doesn't clog pores.

Dislikes: Cream is a little paste-like. Scent is unremarkable. Shelf life is okay. Feels light, but heavy enough to know that it's still on your face.

Overall: I like this. Is very much like Eyeko cream, but readily available at MAC cosmetics counters.

Benefit Valley of the Stars

Likes: This multitasking portable set includes something for face, lips & eyes. Mostly to add a luminous shine/ healthy glow. The eyeshadows on the right can be used like Benefit's Mr. Frosty & Gilded. All is easy to apply. Again comes in portable magnetic box complete with mirror.

Dislikes: Not much to hate. It's a little odd having Highbeam & Moonbeam in the same set, especially since they do the same thing. Moonbeam is more an irridescent gold glow, that you practically can't tell the difference compared to applying Highbeam.

Overall: I like this set better than the Realness of Concealness. There's a better chance of me using all the items. And each item is universally flattering. This was a limited edition set on Sephora & not even advertised on the Benefit site, so I'm glad I snapped this one up ASAP.

Benefit Realness of Concealness

Likes: Multiple handy items in a cute magnetic compact complete with mirror. It's very portable and like a sampler of Benefit products.

Dislikes: Doesn't have an applicator hidden away to apply the Lemon-Aid or Boi-ing, so you need to use those fingers. I do not like the lip plump (it's like putting foundation on your lips & not something that can be worn alone without lipstick. Feels cakey after). I hate ooh-la-lift too, but I bought that one separately before. That one is useless & ineffective.

Overall: It's a cute investment to sample Benefit's Goodies and decide on. I'm absolutely hooked to Lemon-Aid & Boi-ing... those are something I'd buy in full size. High Beam is a Benefit bestseller that gives highlight & radiance to your face/ cheekbones.

L'Oreal Sublime Slim Abs

Likes: Looks like gel, absorbs quickly and leaves a baby powder scent.

Dislikes: Targets only abs. Need to apply twice daily. Doesn't happen often for my lazy forgetful butt.

Overall: I like this. With the massaging technique that's easy to follow, it does tone my belly even without religious use. Of course I'm not expecting it to make my fat disappear, but it does keep it toned to my expectations.

Dior Voyage Lipgloss set

Likes: Highly portable, comes with 5 shades. Super pearlized sheen. Non-sticky feeling. Good on top of lipstick.

Dislikes: Scent is nothing worth mentioning. Color doesn't show through well, just pearlish shine.

Overall: I like how this is travel ready & purse sized. And the price was good for that many Dior glosses.

Bourjois Effet 3D Lipgloss

Likes: Color shows strongly but lightly. Applicator is like a very firm brush tip, so lots of control when applying. Shines just enough for a shiny natural finish. Average staying power.

Dislikes: Shade selection can be tricky. I found it to be either too vibrant or too dull with some shades. Some of the gloss colors look like a matte lipstick with gloss on top.

Overall: I wouldn't go for this. Even though the color shows, I still haven't found the right color for me. And that's after 4 shades. Price is not so cheap to keep collecting this either.

VS Beauty Rush Lip Gloss

Likes: Highly sheer & super shiny lipgloss. Price is reasonable. Very portable & easy to apply without mirror.

Dislikes: Feels very sticky. Color is not potent enough to show on lips. Even the darker colors hardly show through. Staying power is like the average lip gloss, but this leaves a white film at the corners/ inside the edges of the inner lip.

Overall: I like the scent & how there is a slight sugary flavor to it, there is a lot of selection, but it's not something I'd think of as an investment.

VS Sexy Little Things Keep the Lights On

Likes: Something you supposed to be able to sleep in. Has ingredients that are good to your skin. Blends well with fingertips, but has a brush applicator tip.

Dislikes: Supposed to hide the undereye circles... didn't do that. It's a universal shade, but the tone was more tan than my own skin tone, so it made it even darker.

Overall: I might like this better in summer when the sun tans me up, so it matches better. Not a good thing for those with lighter skin tones.

Lise Watier Metamorfix

Likes: Although this is not an eyeliner itself, just a drop of this baby to some powdered eyeshadow instantly makes the eyeshadow double as a liquid eyeliner. If you have a lot of eyeshadow powders or pigments, it multiplies your eyeliner choices. It is easy to control & apply.

Dislikes: When it dries, it starts to lack on staying power, so if you rub your eyes, it will fade or come off sooner than regular eyeliner. But, since it is an eyeshadow, you can easily blend it onto your eyelid like nothing ever happened.

Overall: I like it. I just don't have to the time to play with it. It's kind of like painting and mixing paints, but the price is good for the amount that is required for each application.

Revlon Eyeglide

Likes: The color isn't overpowering. Comes as a stick for better control & is easy to apply without much effort. Twist up application makes this cleaner to put on.

Dislikes: Price is as much as buying a 4 pan shadow which has more color selection.

Overall: Handy to carry around. Good for gals on the go because of its quick & easy use.

Urban Decay Flavored Body Shimmers

Likes: Cute package complete with little leopard pouf. Comes in different scents. Although the colors look different, the glow you get is pretty much the same overall. The powder is also lightly flavoured but not with a definite scent, so when you actually lick your skin, it just has a hint of sweetness.

Dislikes: Initially the powder comes on too shimmery, so its almost like body glitter for kids, but it fades out quickly throughout the day, so you're left with a hint of shine which is a good thing it doesn't have a lot of staying power. It is messy to apply, so you might get shimmery clothes too.

Overall: This is probably something I'd use for evening events. I have this in 3 scents: caramel, red hot (cinnamon) and Gimlet. Gimlet is the worst smelling of the three. So be sure to smell it before you buy cuz it may not be as promising as it looks.

Cargo Liquid Shadow Collection

Likes: Comes in very portable small tubes. Highly concentrated pigments mean that a dab goes a long way, so this set can last a long time. Lots of color variety. Sheer on skin, so it flatters universally.

Dislikes: Need a lot of control or speed to put this on. It dries fairly quickly, and you have to blend fast with your fingertips so it will look natural & even. It can be a little messy since vials are so small.

Overall: The price was good & lots of colors means it suits many occasions & outfits. Although you have to work with it fast, it stays put throughout the day.

Eyeko Cream

Likes: Pretty much unscented. Serves as an illuminating moisturizer. Has a slightly pink color that adds a faint hint of blush or evens out skin tone. Leaves you with a healthy shine.

Dislikes: Feels a little heavy or concentrated & doesn't absorb as quickly as it is a cream.

Overall: I like this. The price was reasonable & the illuminators in the cream reflects light which gives you a brighter glow & dulls imperfections.

L'Occitane Shea butter Hand Cream

Likes: Smooth, lightly fragrant. Great softening very dry skin, lasts long. I double it as a body moisturizer in winter months. Despite being in a metal tube, it doesn't go all over the place after one squeeze.

Dislikes: Those with normal skin may find this cream too greasy because of the high shea content. It is a little expensive, but also comes in cheaper miniature sizes or in lotion if the cream is too heavy.

Overall: I really like this stuff. It's gentle with just enough moisturizing effect to stop me from using medicated cream. It's great for those of us who wash our hands frequently on a regular basis for a living. ^_~

Benefit Eyecon

Likes: Cute little package. Sounds convincing to remove dark circles & fine lines. Light formula, absorbs quickly. Long shelf life.

Dislikes: It's a pleasant moisturizer for under eyes, but I see no changes in the dark circles.

Overall: I'm a little pessimistic about eye creams now cuz they seem to bring up hopes and wishful thinking that a dab of their magic potion can replace what sleep & proper hydration is supposed to do. I think I'll stick to something with SPF so at least I can prevent wrinkles in my eye area.

Benefit Gilded

Likes: Gives a sunkissed glow with a warm gold tone. Doubles as a highlighter if you apply & blend underneath corners of the brow, the top of cheekbones, and in the bow of the lips. Looks very natural.

Dislikes: It is a fat pencil, so more control is needed for the eye area, it doesn't show up that strongly there either. It's color doesn't really open up your eyes as the Mr. Frosty. But as a highlighter, it's fantastic.

Overall: Like this as a highlighter. Again, could probably buy something cheaper like Rimmel Crystal Shimmer Shadow... but that was a 2002 limited edition.

Benefit Mr. Frosty

Likes: Only need to apply to inner & outer corners of the eye to look more awake & radiant. Blends easily.

Dislikes: The pencil is fat so you have to use more control to apply precisely. Because it blends easily, it also smudges off just as quickly.

Overall: I like how it makes your eyes seem less tired. But you can get that effect cheaper using similar silvery white toned eyeliner of a different brand using that same technique.

Benefit Glamazon

Likes: Blush & bronzer in one. Easy to apply & blend. Tinted clear formula for universal skin tones.

Dislikes: Color was a bit too strong & dramatic. Probably better for evening use. Was a bit messy to apply.

Overall: I am tan, and I guess using a bronzing blush made me seem even darker. And the color was overpowering it looked kinda obviously fake or bordered a whore-ish kinda style. I'd probably stick to something else lighter minus the bronzer.

Evian Brumisateur

Likes: It comes in different sizes, so it can be carried in your purse too. It freshens up your moisturizer with just a light mist to your face. Or just to moisten your face without having to use lotion.

Dislikes: Only needs a light spray cuz its not that quick absorbing. Too much will look like you are sweating and bead off your face.

Overall: This is basically water in a spray can. It feels nice, but you have to decide whether you want to pay that much for a spray can of water versus just drinking water or splashing water on your face.

Benefit Jiggle Gel

Likes: The woman at the counter said this product serves also as a cooling gel on a hot day for tired feet & hands, etc. Main purpose is to stop the fat from jiggling.

Dislikes: Liquidy green gel. Doesn't absorb easily. Scent is not very flattering...almost pungent. Enough to stop me from using it. Don't really notice its firming properties when using it.

Overall: The advertising on the packaging is hip & convincing, but this is a Bad product. I will never use this again.

StriVectin-SD Intensive Repair for Existing Stretch Marks

Likes: This is for facial wrinkles, stretch marks, & skin imperfections... so basicaly apply to problem areas. Has a refreshing minty scent. Again, good shelf life, quickly absorbed.

Dislikes: This is a collagen builder, so I could see it removing fine wrinkles, but I don't have any to speak of, so I can't comment on that. Avoid the eye area, the mintiness in the cream may irritate your eyes. They have a cream for that zone. As for stretch marks, well, those are still there, same as before really.

Overall: Not something I'd buy again until my face starts to wrinkle. This specific formulation doesn't have SPF either, but their new physician's formula is basically the same thing with SPF 15.

StriVectin- SD Eye Cream

Likes: Long shelf life, builds up collagen to remove fine lines under the eye area. Unscented. Is more of a lotion than a cream, which is really good because less rubbing is needed to the eye area which is the thinnest part of skin on your face... so all you really need to do is pat lightly.

Dislikes: Because it builds up collagen, its more like a plumper, so in my opinion, its like I have slightly puffier eyes than wrinkles or dark circles... I don't really think it does much for dark circles.

Overall: Maybe I expected too much since they advertise to be "Better than Botox". Not really worth the investment for this one.

Biotherm Aquasource non-stop oligio thermal cream -Intense Moisturization

Likes: Very lightly scented and feminine. Looks like a gel cream. Balanced hydration, leaves skin soft & relieves tight/dry areas well. Lasts all day.

Dislikes: Jar is small, but its a one month supply and it does last one month.

Overall: One of my favorites. No complaints here. Simple & clean. Light enough to use for all seasons.

Dior Capture Totale Multiperfection Creme

Likes: Super packaging, comes with a wee little spatula & 'how-to-apply' book. Smells pleasantly light & feminine. Skin feels supple after applying.

Dislikes: Feels a little heavy to wear. After using for a few days, I noticed my skin was a heck of a lot drier after washing & I had to apply more cream on.

Overall: I think this stuff is potent with the anti-aging ingredients, so this might be more beneficial to aged, mature skin... cuz it doesn't do a heck of a lot for my 20-something skin. And its not something that fits into my 20-something budget either.

Decleor Hydrating Fresh Emulsion

Likes: Formula is very light, absorbs quickly. No oily residue feeling for those with normal to oily skin. Feels refreshing... probably from that mint extract ingredient.

Dislikes: It is a more expensive moisturizer... got mine from Evelyn Charles. I had to use a bit more on my dry face, but it doesn't clog pores. The only annoying thing was the bergamot mint scent. It's a light fragrance, but it still smells a little stronger than others. And it's a touch bit liquidy when using its squeeze tube.

Overall: Like this stuff. Feels nice, lasts long. Good to use in the morning cuz of that refreshing mintiness.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

Likes: Goes on easily, absorbs well & balances evenly (just enough for dry areas, but also just enough for the normal areas). Great for all seasons.

Dislikes: Not much to hate about the lotion itself. It's well balanced & feels light. Don't like how it comes in a bottle though, but the new version comes in a handy squeeze tube.

Overall: Love it. May not look fancy, but it does the job & does it well. Price is reasonable too.

Lancome Aquafusion

Likes: Nice packaging. We all love pretty things... It looks like a pale blue gel and has a very very light scent. Can't hardly tell... may as well be unscented. Goes on smooth. Absorbs quickly. Doesn't clog pores. The lady at the counter told me that it would clog my pores since it was heavier than the lotion cuz the gel is for "mature" skin.

Dislikes: I have really dry skin, so this is the heaviest cream of this line. But its one of the lightest moisturizers I own. Good for summer weather when my skin isn't as parched. Apparently this is supposed to be a moisturizer that diffuses slowly in 24 hours. I think it lasts waaay less than that... a few hours at best.

Overall: I think I paid too much for something as light as this. This one would probably best suit normal skin on the drier side. Plus for it's price, it has no additonal features like boosts radiance or evens skin tone.

i.d. Beautifully Luminous Lashes

Likes: Goes on top of your mascara for sparkly tipped lash fringe. Gold color is a nice contrast to black lashes. Packaging is nice, but tube is a bit large.

Dislikes: Formula is basically like a clear gel with fine sparkles, not as fine as powder, so it ends up looking like "something's on your eye" rather than pretty even golden fringe. The gold sparkle comes out unevenly too, so it's like little spots here & there on your lashes. Nothing like how it looks in the tube, even after multiple applications.

Overall: Pass this one up. It's like body glitter for little kids but it goes on your eyes. I'm not suprised that it's no longer included in the bare escentuals "peacock collection" on their website. But it is still included in the "Shake your tailfeather collection" at Sephora. Personally, I think the Peacock collection on the Bare Escentuals website is better because it basically has the same stuff minus the luminous lash gel, and instead comes with a very sheer mineral veil and a cosmetic bag for like $5 USD more than Sephora.

DuWop Reverse Time

Likes: It comes in a cute little box with a sharpener. Both eye & lip liners are clear which makes it great for any color over it. They both go on smoothly with a matte texture and is unscented.

Dislikes: Hard to sharpen without losing product. I lost chunks of it and had to re-sharpen because the filler chunked off the end-- maybe it needs to be a little warm before sharpening so it holds together. Didn't really see a remarkable difference with the eyeliner in filling in those fine lines. More marked results with the lipliner.

Overall: You save about $4 USD buying this as the 'Reverse Time' set as compared to buying it separately. I really like the lipliner though, so that would be a cheaper investment overall.

DuWop Lip Venom

Likes: One of the first lip plumping products out there. Has different versions like: gold, silver, and pink shimmers, and a lite one for milder tingling sensations. Has a nice shine, goes on evenly, and clear to wear with or without lipstick. Also comes in colored lipgloss versions. Tingly sensation is milder than 'too-faced lip injection' and is more of a refreshing minty feel.

Dislikes: A little sticky on the lips. My hair sometimes sticks to my lips sometimes when it falls on my face. The colored glosses come in squeeze tubes for easy application, but its a bit more dry than the original stuff & some of the colors just don't flatter very well.

Overall: This is my fave lip plumper. It plumps, makes your lips feel soft and is pleasantly refreshing to the lips. Not a big fan of the "fierce" colored gloss collection, but the clear stuff does the trick. It's no wonder that this is one of Sephora's bestsellers.

Too-Faced Lip Injection

Likes: Clear gloss that can go over lipstick. Does have lip plumping effect. Has a strawberry-like scent. The sparkly tinted gloss versions has a nice shine to it.

Dislikes: Although it has a warning that you will feel tingling for up to 5 minutes after applying, it tingles to the point of stinging. So if you have sensitive lips, this stuff may be too potent. Feels a little drying after a while, so reapplication needed a few times throughout the day.

Overall: If you use it often enough, it doesn't sting as much or as long. And if you kiss your mate with this stuff on, they get tingles on their lips too. hehehe. ^_~

Smashbox O-GLOW blush

Likes: Blush in a tube is more hygenic than using a brush or sponge. Supposed to go on clear, then change to a lasting universally flattering blush tone that compliments your natural complexion. Only a small amount required for use. Smooth application & easy to apply with fingertips.

Dislikes: This does not work well for my skin tone (olive- medium complexion) because I hardly saw the difference when I put it on. As soon as I put it on my fingertips, it instantly changed color, but when applying to my cheeks, I had to smear it on fast so it would go on evenly, but the color disappeared.

Overall: There is a lot of hype over this new blush, but its just hype. At $34 CAD I can get better results with cheaper blushes especially now that most companies make sheer blushes that flatter most skin tones anyway. However, I heard it does work for those with very light/ fair complexions, maybe even more so.

Mary Kay Intensive Moisturizing Cream

Likes: Super thick & rich cream for Extremely Dry skin. This cream worked wonders for the dryest part of my face. And I only needed the very slightest bit for it too. (I had started applying baby oil to my forehead because regular moisturizer was not enough & the baby oil was barely doing the trick). Just a dab of this Mary Kay cream covered my entire forehead and it brought back the moisture balance perfectly.

Dislikes: It contains petroleum and a couple other ingredients, so its purely for moisturizing, but it can clog up your pores and feel a little greasy if used all over your face. I actually started to break out in the areas that were only slightly dry after using this. I needed to use astringent to take it off.

Overall: This is a great heavy duty cream especially in winter with dry chapped skin. I'm sure it could do wonders if applied to rough areas like heels and elbows. And a key thing to remember is that very little goes a long way which is fantastic cuz this jar is gonna last a long time.

Estee Lauder Magnascopic Mascara

Likes: It has a short, but stiff bristle for better control to comb through lashes. Formula is rich & black. Lengthens & volumizes to the point of "false eyelash" effect. Stays put & does not flake off. Comes off fairly easy with makeup remover.

Dislikes: Feels a little sticky and thick when applying. Sticks lashes together, I needed to use a lash comb and dry mascara wand to separate lashes and comb it through for 30 seconds until it set. Was a little messy because the formula didn't dry as quick.

Overall: This is nice for evening use cuz it gives you rich dark & lush lashes with only 1-2 coats, but it takes more time to apply than most mascaras I've used, and I'm a girl on the go, so this isn't a daily use mascara for me.