Best Discoveries of 2004

This includes both products released this year and older products you started
using this year.
Moisturizer/primer:
Concealer:
Powder foundation:
Liquid/Creme foundation:
Lipstick:
Lipgloss:
Eye shadow:
Pressed powder:
Loose Powder:
Lip liner:
Eye liner:
Mascara:
Blush:
Eye makeup remover:
Nail Polish:
Biggest disappointment, cosmetic–wise:

"Maladicta1" <maladic...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041222134831.08086.00002...@mb–m05.aol.com...
I'll add another category:
Deep conditioner: Feria ––find it at Sally's; it is dynamite on color
treated hair; leaves it smooth and silky

Moisturizer/primer:
Walgreen's Rosewater and Glycerin in a spray bottle.
Caudalie C80 Grape–seed cream or something like that under my eyes.
Eye shadow:
Revlon Eyeglides
Mascara:
Dior Long Optic, but it's been discontinued so, nevermind
Biggest disappointment, cosmetic–wise:
Just how few BHA/AHA products are actually effective, and how few
mascaras work well for me.
I was into haircare and lip balm this year. Smith's Rosebud is the
Holy Grail in that category, with Natural Ice a close second.
Finesse shampoo–conditioner for normal hair is wonderful and cheap.
Neutrogena Anti–Residue is still the best clarifying s'poo I've come
across yet, though I enjoy Fred Fekkai's Apple Cider products. Infusium
Leave–in Conditioner is the best–in–show in its category; in fact, I'm
really fond of the entire Infusium range, even though they don't have a
clarifying s'poo. kpr54

Concealer: Mac tube concealer
Lipstick: DuWop "Angel Trumpet"
Sugar "Super Size Sugar"
Lipgloss: Mary–Kate&Ashley "No Way"
Loose Powder: Jane
Lip liner: Milani Mauve–a–Mia
Eye liner: Still addicted to Physicians Formula liquid
Mascara: Maybelline Great Lash in Royal Blue
Blush: Almay Touch–Pad Liquid
Nail Polish: Sally Hanson Nail Prisms
Biggest disappointments, cosmetic–wise:
MAC Shimmersouffle, MAC Glitter (both overpriced)

"Maladicta1" <maladic...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041222134831.08086.00002...@mb–m05.aol.com...
Perricone Set (reconstructing cream, two eye products and the face firming
activator)– I am pretty broken out and wanted to keep at it until maybe I
cleared up, but I think it's not happening for me. I like the eye stuff
though there are no miracles.
Foundations– tried Armani, Aucoin, Becca, Chanel, Cover Girl, L'oreal,
Studio Fix, clinique perfectly real all too heavy or wrong for me. Couldn't
believe it when the MAC select worked!
MAC Pigments– Tried Fairylite and Kitchmas– They left sparkles all over my
face and I really don't want that.

Second the Bourjois Coup de Theatre in bronze

Most of my 'discoveries' are lemming products I finally got around to
trying. So I'm not feeling very original but I've made many
realizations this year.
Concealer: Revlon Colorstay
Liquid/Creme foundation: L'oreal TrueMatch
Lipgloss: Cargo
Blush: Nars (finally) in Orgasm
Nail Polish: Creative Sticky, Essie in Mademoiselle and plenty more
Hair Stuff: Fekkai Glossing Cream
Biggest realizations/disappointment, cosmetic–wise:
*That not every Juicy Tube color suits me...sheesh
*Lancome Hynose...goopy
*Finally realized that Stila is overpriced junk. (I'm aticipating a
barrage of comments for that)
*There are no good brush portfolio/cases (there are some but you have
to buy the brushes in them, so I started sweing my own cases)
*Blotting papers are just not for me. (After having bought many, many
over the years)
*It's OK to like and buy drugstore brands...not everything has to come
from Beautymark.ca or Sephora.com

I need this... *pouts* I hate TN

Biggest disappointment, cosmetic–wise:
Kel, you might want to try the Stri–Vectin Eye Cream. I have heard great
things about it and you get a pretty generous tube for $59.
Barb

Maladicta1 at maladic...@aol.com wrote on 12/22/04 10:48 AM:
I recently started using Neutrogena Anti Wrinkle Retinol cream and I like it
so far.
Nothing new. Still using and loving L'Oreal AirWear brightener, but got
Benefit Eye Bright a few months ago and like it for touch ups under and
around my eyes.
Nothing new. Still using Stila IPF.
Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse – it rocks! Love it with my staple Jane
Iredale loose minerals.
Nothing new this year that stands out. Still loving my staples such as
Bobbi Brown Ruby Shimmer, Stila Liza and Nars Dolce Vita.
I really like the L'Oreal Glam Shine glosses, but I think MAC Pink Poodle
LipGlass is my favorite discovery this year.
Francesca Guerrera shadows.
Nothing new....still using Stila's.
Nothing new either. Clinique Gentle Light Powder is my favorite.
Nothing new and I don't wear it that often.
Nothing new. Stila's Ebony eyeshadow used with BB eyeliner brush is still
my staple after 8 years. :P
Lancome Definicils has been a staple for many years and I've tried a few
this year that don't even come close.
Nars Sin and Orgasm are staples. Finally got Orgasm earlier this year and
it's great for the warmer months!
Still liking the Clinique cream eye makeup remover in the tube the best.
Orly polish in Girly Flirt (a pale yet bright cool pink) is fabulous!!!
I shouldn't have had salon acrylic nails (french manicure version)! I'm so
glad I took them off last month, but it was actually fun while I had them
on. Natural polished nails are definitely more elegant. :)
Laurie

" started
a guy's product but it helps my circles a lot!).. been trying some other
stuff. not suer what I like though.
have used up an entire facial magic moisturizer for day and the one for
night. love that a lot!
Colorescience's powder foundation is the only one I use. I need to find one
I like
KA SSE.. listed above. when I thin it with some organic oil, it's perfect
and I can sheer it down.
also been using (and loving) the Maybelline Demi Matte Mousse. It's
exceeded my expectations
Armani foundation..
translucent tints with enough color to actually do something but pretty
sheer.
Also using a some dorf and armani colors. I keep switching lip products so
other than the sheer raspberry , gold shimmer and the stains from Longo,
Dorf and Armani, nothing sticks out in my mind.
stains and MUFE lip stain..
compacts! so fun and the pink blonde is the perfect eye opener. I killed my
Paula Dorf cherub and seashell colors too.
been using MAC pigments over cream shadows with great success and also too
been using (and loving) Julie Hewett's shimmy cream
none
colorescience, Armani.
in and just use a gloss over it
kohl and permapoint pencils from MAC
blush. and a pop of Outlaw.. with these 3 colors, I can do almost anything
also I have some bourjois ones too and they are wet dry.. so if I want a
sheer color wash, I use them wet for a bit more pigment and greater staying
power.
(can use the bourjois on lips too)
don't use. facial magic cleanser, Aquadessa facial cleanser (cranberry) and
also ph advantage facial cleanser too
you didn't list mascara so I am inserting it here
... biggest boost to the lashes: Hypnose from Lancome
runnerup for best new mascara.. the curl mascara from longo. I have auburn
musk (copper/gold) and Shirazmatazz. (burgundy) and I LOVE what it does to
my lashes. Looks very similar to the one from Armani which I love too.
For a straight thickening mascara, I have the Dorf one in blackberry.. which
is pretty nice.
other things cosmetically I love
the Billion Dollar Brows brow pencil. has a great brush at one end and a
nice creamy pencil to fill in..
hmm the fact that I keep buying similar colors to what I already have. I
was disappointed with the Bobbi Brown stuff I bought earlier this year––some
of the lip glosses and lip colors just weren't doing it for me. Just trying
to wear the colors that weren't right for me.
also some of the foundations that I used were not doing it either. Chanel
vitalumiere was a bit too heavy.
the vellux shadow I use (melton mauve) is a fabulous color but there's
something wrong with my shadow. the texture of it in the pan is really bumpy
and it's so sheer that I have to apply about 3 layers to get some pigment to
show up on my lids.
some of the lip colors that I was using for spring were not quite the right
tone and I had to play with them to make them work
(bleh)
Stevie

Biggest disappointment, cosmetic–wise:
Couldn't
** agree on the Becca. I can't get this one to work no matter what I do..
it's a lot of effort.. but I love the primer/tints because those rock
using Smashbox tinted illuminator is awesome.
my
** try with a cream shadow. That makes a huge difference
Stevie

I don't use moisturizer but I "prime" my oily skin with Clinique #4. If I had
to pick a moisturizer, I would probably rec Stila Tinted Moisturizer (waves to
my AF SS!!).
Physicians Formula Duo Concealer....a doppelganger for the Clinique one!
Haven't found any good ones coz I need more coverage than that.
Loreal Cashmere Perfect...most definitely! This is a HG for me. I am on my
2nd tube. A little bit spendy for a drugstore goody, but well worth it.
Jane BDR...the perfect color! I got this on clearance from Kmart for a dollar!
I wish I had picked up a couple more tubes.
Stila Lipglazes! These are something that I would have never thought of
buying for myself (waves to my AF SS). My fave is Ginger.
Another new discovery...my other HG is CG Smoothwear Outlast! I love Berry
Satin even though I don't normally wear "berry" shades and I am really diggin'
Bronze Satin. Bronze Satin is like Jane BDR in an Outlast version for me.
Neutrogena Soothing EyeTints!!!!!! Esp the Petal Shimmer, but Honey Shimmer is
nice too. I use either one of those 2 every day.
Bonne Bell compact powder shadow quad in Cafe Classics. These shades are a
slight shimmer with great staying power and very flattering on me. Not garish.
Jane Pressed Powder in Transluscent. Too bad I can't find it anymore. The
compact was big and lasted quite a long time for me. Pressed powder is usually
what I use up the most quickly.
I do not care for loose powder....
Prestige Angora. Nuff said.
NYC Pearlized Liquid Liner in Black. This stuff stays on forever, yet easy to
remove. If you do end up crying or eyes watering, it sort of "fades out" a bit
instead of totally running which is also nice. It doesn't disintegrate on my
extremely oil lids.
NYC Pearlized Mascara in Black. I am already sad coz all of the stores near me
are out of the NYC liquid eyeliner and mascara coz it was a "seasonal item" and
I did not stock up.
Bonne Bell Bronzer in the tube. I use this instead of blush for a really nice
glow on the apples of my cheeks. You really can't make a mistake with this
because it's not super highly pigmented. I also loved the formulation of the
Loreal Cashmere Perfect blushes in the tubes, but the color range sucked and
they seemed to disappear.
Clinique creme remover in the green tube. The ONLY one that doesn't irritate
my eyes or make me get a film in my eyes, yet is very effective.
OPI Nailpolish in Innsbruck Bronze
**Almay Touchpad blush (no pigment whatsoever! I wasn't expecting it to have a
major punch, but it did not even show up on my ultra–pale skin).
**Higher end hair care...i'm still really liking V05 shampoos and I wish they
would come out with shower gels and lotions to match (always the dreamer!)
since they smell divine.
**I think the biggest heartbreak was having to throw out all of my makeup stash
when I got the Shingles back this summer. I had a fair amount of high end
stuff and unique stuff I had been collecting for awhile, along with sentimental
value items. It was bad. But I have not bought alot of makeup since I threw
it out. I became more frugal. I learned that less is more and that I had been
spending and obsessing with my makeup buying way too much. Now all the makeup
excluding nailpolish fits into ONE caboodle (that I got at Goodwill for $2). I
have been very, very picky and careful about what products I have purchased.
––Kristin

Snipping the list to products I use regularly and adding some
categories:
Moisturizer/primer – the L'Oreal Refinish moisturizer with spf 15. I
wish they sold it individually as it is very nice, sinks in quickly and
does the job.
Liquid/Creme foundation – Clinique soft finish, easy to find,
affordable and coverage that can be built up from sheer to more "done".
Lipstick – Viva Glam Palette Xmas 2004. I think it's my HG lip palette
and dammit, it's sold out everywhere, I've checked both DC and NYC for
more of them. It's scarce on ebay and MUA too. Will persevere anyway.
Lipgloss – Just one ;–)??? MAC gold charm probably as I started using
it regularly this summer.
Eye Shadow – Lola Skin Candy when I wear shadow. A wash sheer enough
for every day but with a bit of glitter for fun.
Loose Powder – Awake Stardom pinky beige shade used as bronzer – can't
remember name of course but it's cool going on and lasts well.
Blush – Lorac Rita from the Pro 9 palette used as bronzer, part of my
basic summer 04 makeup look. Also Afternoon Delight from the Lola
palette.
Nail Polish – Liking alot of Maybelline glitter/shimmer shades to oomph
up regular neutral colors. Right now on my toes I have a Versace
crimson and as topcoat a Maybelline multicolored glitter. My nails look
festive.
Disappointment – L'Oreal True Match because the color was great but it
irritated my eyes, felt dry and tight after drying, and made me look
like Leatherface.
New category, body moisturizer, TBS Body Butter especially the Shea
scent. What took me so long????
New category, at home treatment, L'Oreal Refinish. I'm still happy
with this. I can get away w/o foundation on really hectic days and
never felt I could before using this.
Vicki in DC

Moisturizer/primer:
Astara moisturizer. it sinks into your skin and really hydrates it
without any oily or greasy feeling. Oil of Olay Regerist SPF15.
Concealer:
Cle de Peau.
Powder foundation:
gloMinerals and Jane Iredale. love them both equally.
Liquid/Creme foundation:
Giorgio Armani matte and Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse.
Lipstick:
Kevyn Aucoin in Katanatura and Dantique. Now that beauty/drugstore.com
sells these, i'm all set.
Lipgloss:
don't wear it.
Eye shadow:
i'm completely sick in love with MAC Paints. I know i was the last one
on earth to try them. i can't go a day without Untitled. it's great
alone and it makes all my other eye makeup last like a bastard.
(today, i'm wearing Untitled over the whole lid, Laura Merciers's
Paltinum (see below) over Untitled, Armani 3 (deep plummish gray) in
the crease and Chantecaille Titanium (dark gray, almost navy) as
liner.) i love Naturalism as well and sometimes wear Artjam. Laura
Mercier makes a sad imitation of these that don't last at all and
crease very quickly but the colors are nice. if you wear them over
Untitled, you got yourself something wonderful. I have Platinum (which
isn't platinum, it's pale, shimmery beige) and a bronze color (which is
darker and more coppery than bronze).
Pressed powder:
don't use it
Loose Powder:
don't use it
Lip liner:
Laura Mercier Terra Cotta
Eye liner:
most days, i line with Chantecaille Titanium. if i feel ambitious, i
use MAC Paints in Artjam.
Mascara:
i didn't try anything new this year. i'm still in love with Kiss Me
Mascara.
Blush:
gloMinerals. i can't remember which sahdes. i think i use hibiscus
and bare.
Eye makeup remover:
i don't use a separate makeup remover. i'm loving Fresh Soy Cleanser.
It's a non–foaming, gel cleanser that doesn't sting your eyes and it
gets everything off. I also love Molton Brown's Rose Emulsifying Wax
cleanser. it's oily and melts into your skin. smells divine and
removes all your makeup.
Nail Polish:
don't use it.
Biggest disappointment, cosmetic–wise:
i can't stand buying makeup and skincare in big department stores. the
SA's usually don't know what they're talking about and i can't tolerate
the BS. i'd rather shop online or in specialty stores.
a lush store opened here recently. i know this is more skincare than
cosmetics but, with a few exceptions, i'm not sure what the fuss is
about.
fig

These are off the top of my head because I'm too lazy to go back and
look at my old posts...
For day, Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 for Sensitive Skin
For night, Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Nightly Renewal Cream
For a primer of sorts, Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate
Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse in Porcelain Ivory, which is not a
concealer but that's how I use it (on your rec, I think, Mal?)
Nothing new, still loving my Glominerals pressed base in Golden–Fair.
Max Factor Colour Adapt in Creamy Ivory. Gorgeous!
Hmm. I don't remember buying many lipsticks this year. I did discover
Burt's Bees Lip Shimmers, which are more like tinted balms, kind of.
They're awesome – like Terra Tints but more sheer and in prettier colors.
Lorac Lip Polish, specifically the Licked Kissed Bitten collection, more
specifically the LKB2 shade.
Nothing new, still loving Jane Eye Zings.
Nothing new, still loving Neutrogena Healthy Defense in Fair.
Nothing new, don't use this very often but when I do it's usually Almay
Luxury in Translucent.
Nothing new, don't use this very often either but when I do it's usually
Prestige or NYC.
See Jane Eye Zings, above.
Nothing new, Kiss Me is my holy grail, always and forever.
Rimmel powder blush in Rose Pink. Very, very pretty and really nice
quality for the price.
Nothing new, still using Clinique Naturally Gentle (I think that's the
name?)
Sally Hansen Beyond Perfect – OPI/Essie quality at drugstore prices!
CG TruBlend, which broke me out something awful! I *think* that was this
year.
–KMS

x–no–archive:yes
Concealer:
Yes, indeed. If you want more coverage, mix in some powdered white matte eye
shadow, i.e. titanium dioxide.
Blush:
Been wondering about this. I'm so there.
Nail Polish:
Good tip. Thanks.

Ponds with SPF 15. It's cheap and doesn't break me out.
Dior Anti–fatigue
Studio Fix
Clinique Silver Pink
I love them all but my best 2004 discoveries are the new Benefit glosses
in rave reviews and wink.
MAC Parrot
MAC Whirl
MAC Powerpoints
MAC Mascara X
MAC Trace Gold
Neutogena foaming face wash
OPI Jauva Mauva
Bare Escentuals. I so wanted this to work miracles for me like the
ladies in the infommercial. But it's just messy with no coverage.
Pam

Perricone –– the one the EMD recommended :)
Illuminare
MAC Studiofix
Iluminare
Longo "Kiss" gel lipstick
Back to Clinique Black Honey
New Clinique Color Surge
Shu Bronzing powder –– works on my fair coloring
BB Buff
BB Gel in Black Plum Ink
Clinique –– all except naturally glossy
Illuminare
Clinique in the blue bottle
Sally Hansen Gel Strengthener
Most drug store stuff. Don't know why I keep trying...they all are lacking
pigment, IMO.
Barb

Coming out of recent lurkdom to post to this thread...
started
No new ones that were earth–shattering.
Shiseido Light Enhancing concealer. I tried it recently and bought it,
I like the way it wears, no creasing.
The Armani silk powder in # 3 is excellent! I don't use it exclusively
but it's a regular in the rotation.
Becca Luminous Skin Color in Cashmere. I might have found this last
year but started using it more often pretty recently.
Hmmmm, a new one? Let's think... I haven't bought a whole lot of
lipsticks this year. Clinique Sassy Spice is one I got last winter but
really just discovered how great it is and have been wearing it very
often lately. Before that my newest fave was a sheer mauvey–plum
Biotherm color (it's numbered not named, I forget what the # is) that I
got while in Paris in the Spring. It's a great color and I love the
formula, very smooth, moisturizing, and with decent lasting power for a
sheer lipstick.
Don't use.
Too Faced in Dirt Bag which is a dark, shimmery brown, perfect for
setting brown pencil liner. And that's all I use it for. I searched
long and hard for this, and it's exactly what I wanted. I didn't buy
many eye shadows this year either so nothing else really stands out.
Becca in Sesame, their shades seem to work pretty well for me and the
powder's smooth and fine. Cute compact too.
No new ones in 2004. Haven't been using loose powder much at all
lately.
No new ones in 2004, barely use this anyway except for L'Oreal clear
lipliner when I am using a color that tends to bleed.
I don't think I have any new ones. I usually use pencils – L'Oreal,
MAC, or Clinique and I often set them with a similar–colored shadow.
No new ones in 2004, using Clinique Naturally Glossy almost
exclusively.
2004 was kind of like the Year of Blush for me. I began wearing it more
and acquired about 4 or 5 new ones. I am very enamoured of both my
Tarte sticks (Peach and Blushing Bride, though I think I got the peach
last year) and my Clinique gel blushes (Black Honey and Honeyed Red).
Am also still loving the L'Oreal gel blush – I think it's Blushing
Glow, IIRC – and my Chanel Caprice, but these are not new this year.
No new ones, still devoted to the TBS Chamomile one I've been using
since college. I rarely even try any others. It's my HG.
New OPI colors – the metallic collection with all the bronzey, coppery
shades, and the deep blue color from this fall – I have it but I forget
what it's called except that "blue" is in the name. I haven't actually
worn these much yet – I've been doing a lot of red toes, and white–pink
fingernails cause it's such a no–brainer, but I think I need a break
from that soon.
My inability to find Palmer's cocoa butter lip balms anywhere around
here! Not the larger cocoa butter swivel sticks, but the regular sized
lip balms in chapstick–type tubes... anyone seen 'em in SF? I have one
left that's half gone, and would really like to find some soon!
Additional categories in which I made a good new discovery:
Drugstore haircare: The L'Oreal Vive smoothing line (the packaging is a
burnt orange kind of color). I've used the shampoo, masque, and
smoothing cream stuff, and all are really, really terrific, especially
for drugstore products! I alternate them with my Bumble & Bumble stuff.
Used together, the shampoo, masque, and cream really do reduce frizz to
a very impressive degree, at least for me. The Vive masque is about as
great a conditioner as I've ever come across (and yes, I have the Feria
pro stuff too – which I also love – I still think the Vive one is the
shizzle).
Bath/body: Korres Bitter Almond. I love almond scents but for some
reason, my old fave, Perlier, wasn't smelling good to me anymore.
Either the scent changed, or my nose did. The Korres bitter almond is,
IMHO, the perfect almond scent! The body milk is decent, it absorbs
fast and works well enough but I probably wouldn't use it if it didn't
smell so nice. The shower gel is a silky, lovely concoction, leaves my
slightly–dry skin feeling very good. Love it!
Hand cream: Logona jojoba hand cream. Found this at a health food
grocery locally. It really does not leave my hands greasy at all.
Almost all hand creams leave some sticky, slippery, and/or shiny
residue, but this one does not. It's on the thinner side, kind of
halfway between lotion and cream. I love it, will replace when it's
gone. Also the scent is nice and light, not overpowering.
––
tWW

Moisturizer/primer: EL Idealist
Concealer: KA Sensual Skin Enhancer
Powder foundation: MAC Studiofix
Liquid/Creme foundation: Smashbox Seamless Foundation
Lipstick: Bobbi Brown Plum Shimmer
Lipgloss: City Lips
Eye shadow: Dior, in any color. The texture and pigment are unbeatable
Loose Powder: Guerlain Meteorites
Pressed Powder: MAC Blot
Lip liner: Chanel Nude
Eye liner: Smashbox Cream Liners
Mascara: YSL Luxurious
Blush: Chantecaille Thrill
Eye makeup remover: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, for all makeup removal
Nail Polish: not so much a brand or color as a technique. I love shimmer
polishes, but they usually go on so sheer I need 4 coats. I bought some
polishes in cream finishes, and I use those as a primer. I go over them with a
coordinating shimmer, and it's perfect.
Shimmer Product: Urban Decay shimmer powders. I have Marshmallow, Cocoa, and
Honey, but any of them are nice.
Body Scrub: Nyakio Coffee Scrub
Body lotion: J&J Creamy Baby Oil. Nothing from any high–end company has ever
left my skin softer than this.
Biggest disappointment, cosmetic–wise:
Urban Decay Cream Shadow Box. Before I ever even got to try all of the colors,
it turned to thick, gummy sludge.
Stephanie

Maladicta1 wrote:
started
L'Oreal Cashmere Perfect. I love this stuff!
Chicksticks from the new Flirt line at Kohl's.
Benefit –– the colors from the Dandelion pallette. They've even
replaced my beloved Stila Strawberry Daquiri as everyday colors
Nothing new here, but I have to say that after at least 7 years, I
still love MAC Blot Powder
I'm using the *new* L'Oreal Voluminous Full Definition these days, and
am relatively pleased
Concealer:
I finally tried the Dior Anti–Fatigue that everyone raves about. I
like it, but not as much as others here seem to. I also like the Flirt
concealer I tried.
Burt's Bees Lip Shimmers, or whatever they're called. Everyone else
seems to love them and think they're *sheer,* but on me, they are
garish. I DO like them after they've worn off for a couple of hours,
though.
Bare Escentuals. Mask–like on me.
Stila's Fierecely Feminine collection. Love the textures, but not the
colors.
Barbara

Moisturizer/primer: Smashbox primer
Concealer: MAC Select Cover, I believe that is what it is called, in the tube
Powder foundation: StudioFix, the old standby
Liquid/Creme foundation: L'Oreal Treu Match and Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse.
These were my first drugstore foundations (sadly I can be a but of a makeup
snob, which is not good for my student budget)
Lipstick: This is more of a balm but I love, love, love, love Burt's Bees Lip
Shimmers. I bought one at B&BW to get my free product with purchase since it
was cheap and I was curious, and I was VERY pleasantly surprised. I went back
and bought one in almost every color. Can't beat a bit of sheer color that can
be applied without a mirror, feels like a lip balm, and has buildable coverage.
Lipgloss: MAC Zazoom. Sadly the was discontinued, but I scored the last few
tubes from my local counter. The same can be made by mixing Cultered with Neon
60s glitter, but that too was discontinued. Damn MAC. I also like Chanel's Cry
Baby glossimer, I just wish it was cheaper.
Eye shadow: MAC Idol Eyes makes my icy blue eyes pop like no other by itself. I
know I sound like a broken record with the MAC MAC MAC but hey, their recycling
program rocks and I love their products so I stick with the tried and true.
Pressed powder: StudioFix
Loose Powder: MAC Silver Dusk irridescent powder, I mix it 50/50 with
Clinique's transparent powder to get a bit of glow to my
so–pale–it's–transparent complexion.
Lip liner: WnW 666
Eye liner: MAC Powerpoint in Engraved or Maybelline waterproof liquid
Mascara: Smashbox or Maybelline Blackest Black Great Lash (MAC mascara sucks)
Blush: hands down BeneFit Dandelion. If this ever gets discontinued, I'll
just... die.
Eye makeup remover: I'm in the market for a new one, I haven't found one I like
since I started wearing makeup eight years ago (I'm 21). I think I may try the
chamomile from TBS as it was recommended.
Nail Polish: OPI Love Letter
Biggest disappointment, cosmetic–wise: Too Faced blush stick in Hibiscus.
Yucky, yucky texture.
Hand cream: C&E hand therapy, usually La Source
Bath and shower gel: Tutti Dolci Creme Brulee, Angel Food Cake, or Sugar Wafer.
My roommate took my Sugar Wafer into her shower one day and I almost went
ballistic because I thought it was gone and my local stores are sold out of all
the shower gels. The body creams are disgustingly sweet and strong, sadly. I
rubbed a bit on my hands in–store and almost gagged on the ride home.
Random things:
Still love the BenFit BrowZing.
Also love my Victoria's Secret eyelash curler.
The Victoria's Secret Select Sheer lippie in Sweet is also very pretty, but I
won't repurchase because that company is evil and I feel bad enough using the
one I have.
I have discovered that nothing can really beat Vaseline lotions. Match yes, but
not beat. I do like a scent to my lotion though, especially if I am going out,
so I will layer a scented lotion over ther Vaseline. The Nightly Renewal is
excellent too, the scent is nice.
I love Cetaphil for Normal to Oily Skin and the Cetaphil Facial Lotion with
SPF15. I've tried higher end brands like Murad and DDF but this is what my derm
recommended and what i always come back too. I just wish it was in a prettier
bottle, but it is cheap and it works.
MAC Brush Cleanser does a nice job on everything but the foundation brush,
which calls for Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo.

skin look and feel great.
Concealer: Still loving CdeP in ivory
beloved Chanel Midnight #23. I recently found a reasonable sub in DVF garnet
tint. In fact, I am liking the whole DVF line, especially the lipsticks. Found
them by accident at Sephora as I have never seen an ad. The Delux line has
potential too.
Lip Liner: Still love Prestige Angora or Fleur if not Chanel Nude.
CdeP in #14. But don't use gloss on a regular basis.
Loose powder: Still use Chantecaille in subtle but recently ran out and I
couldn't get to King of Prussia so I bought Lancome photogenic in buff and it's
really OK.
Pressed Powder: I'm in between products and still looking.
gold reef or any old dark powder shadow.
standbys.
few years of being a slave to them. I am now doing my own nails most of the
time and love the Essie colors and other pre and post polish products. I also
quite like Burts Bees lemon butter cuticle cream.
soap by Olay
Fragrance: Nanette Lepore is my new favorite. Also love CSP vanilla abricot and
Dytique olene. Jo Malone French lime is another favorite.
Skin care: Retin A...always and forever.
Sandra in PA

x–no–archive:yes
Lesley

Moisturizer/primer: Eucerin Sensitive Skin SPF 30 mixed with a little
MAC Strobe Cream
Concealer: Nothing new; still use the Neutrogena drying concealer in
the pen on occasional breakouts, Almay TimeOff wand concealer under the
eyes and Laura Mercier Secret Camoflage on a random basis.
Powder foundation: Nothing new, still use Sonia Kashuk in Sand during
the summer
Liquid/cream foundation: MAC Select Tint SPF 15 tinted moisturizer.
Nice on its own as a light layer, also thins out heavier foundations
when I need a color or texture adjustment
Lipstick: Chanel Aqualumiere in Tijuana (an AJ rave) and Tobago for
lightweight but saturated color; MAC High–Bred Red, so intense the face
needs little else
Lip gloss: MAC lip glass in Bow Belle, a shimmery red–tinged wine
Eye shadow: after years of not buying many shadows, I added a few this
year. I second fig's hearty endorsement of MAC Untitled Paint, which is
unmatched as a base or as an all over wash. I love Fresh Affair of the
Necklace as a very subtle, slightly metallic wash, and I have become
very fond of two MAC shadesticks (Taupographic and Royal Hue) that I
can use for crease definition or as liner. Royal Hue in particular is
the purple liner I never thought I'd find; it works with the Stila
purples (Grace, Viola, O'Keefe) and the MAC pale purple shades
(Crystal, Digit) I like. It gives a broad smudgy line, which is easier
for me to work with than a thin pencil line
Pressed powder: nothing new; still use MAC pressed in NW25 If I need
to touch up
Loose powder: nothing new; Bobbi Brown Pale Yellow is still a grail
Lip liner: MAC Vino and Dervish, especially lined and filled over balm
Eyeliner: the above–mentioned MAC Shadesticks
Mascara: I tried some L'Oreal mascaras that were okay, but I'm still
devoted to MAC Pro–Lash
Eye makeup remover: nothing new. I use DHC Cleansing Oil, Vaseline or
any random GWP
Nail polish: OPI Paint Your Torontoes Rose is a fun metallic pink for
a pedicure
Biggest disappointment, cosmetic–wise: MAC Moisture Feed Skin, which
brought on breakouts
A couple of additional categories:
Lip balm: MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Plum Perfect and L'Occitane
tinted shea butter balm in Blackberry. 2004 was my year to chase down
the perfect sheer wine–colored lip, I guess. And I liked all the sheer
wine lips I bought!
Palettes: the Sonia Kashuk LE pinky–red lip palette (from my SS, V in
DC) and a Christmas gift from me to me: the MAC Jet Black Palette,
which is exclusive to Saks (but unfortunately, not every Saks). Very
glamorous with its black Swarovski–studded compact, the colors are all
shades I knew I'd use: Shale, Shroom, and Greensmoke, plus a
Shimmerene gleam cream. A very kind person tracked it down for me at
Saks in Boston and I know it's something that will see a lot of use.
Hair Products: Garnier Fructis Three–Minute Mask. So delightfully
cheap, so wonderfully moisturizing. What a bargain! On the other end
of the $ spectrum, that greenish Frederic Fekkai olive oil
conditioner/styling stuff. I keep buying the small $8 tubes, and for
what I've spent, I'd have been ahead to buy the big
tube..............Laurie B.

I am only writing the products I actually use:
Moisturizer/primer: Burt's Bees Marshmallow vanishing cream. This is for a
general moisturizer without "active" ingredients.
Concealer: None and I need to find a good one. I used to love Stila's undereye
concealer but it seems like there's a new formula (my old jar was from before
they were bought by Estee Lauder!) and this one is way too dry.
Liquid/cream foundation: Using the Maybelline Matte Mousse and liking it well
enough, but it's not a grail product. I also like the Cover Girl one that's
supposed to match any skintype (can't remember the name) but the Matte Mousse
is working better for winter.
Lipstick: The only lipstick I bought this year was Rimmel Bordeaux! I like it
well enough but I do prefer high end lipsticks and I am about to rectify that
with some Sephora gcs/credits I have.
Lip gloss: Lip gloss in general. This was the year of lipgloss for me. I
never much liked it before and now I'm finding some good formulas that aren't
sticky. So what if I have to keep reapplying them, they are keeping my lips
moisturized, it's fun to change colors and I use them up more frequently. Some
favorites are Rimmel Vinyl Lip (forget the name, it's a warmish red/pink with
gold flecks), Revlon Peppermint Kiss, and the two lipglosses that came in the
Flirt holiday kit I got on Christmas. I am not bothering to try high end
lipgloss since the low enders are working just fine.
Eye shadow: Loving the Sonia Kashuk cream eyeshadow palette I got a few weeks
ago. These are more like eye glosses on me but they look beautiful.
Mascara: Max Factor Stretch and Separate! This is the truest Holy Grail
product I've ever found. If they don't discontinue it or change the formula, I
will be happy with it forever. It even works better than the ones with primers
I've tried.
Eye makeup remover: Philsophy Purity cleanser! I am so glad I actually found
a cleanser that provides as good a clean as double cleansing! I also love DHC
cleansing oil but lately I've been too tired for the double steps.
Biggest disappointment, cosmetic–wise: Awake Serum Unsign. Very expensive,
does nothing, except possibly dry out my skin.
Blush: American Beauty Spiced Cider–– this is the actual color that I blush,
so a perfect natural look.
Hand Cream: Korres Myrrh hand cream. Feels perfect for Christmastime ;), is
really, really moisturizing without irritating (a lot of the highly fragranced
ones end up giving me eczema) and has the most subtle delicious scent.
Body Wash: Loving the Philosophy Hot Cocoa from the Hot Toddies Cookbook my
wonderful Secret Santa Erin sent me, but I think I might end up liking the
Spiced Cider even more.
Body Cream: Jacqua Girls Buttercream Frosting.
Fragrance: I haven't bought this yet but I am obsessed with it: Philosophy Tea
from the Tea Party set.
India

not necessarily new products in 2004, but these were my highlights....
i've rediscovered mixing my laura mercier tinted moisterizer with my stila
sport. too heavy in the summer, but really works out for me with this winter
weather
i don't think i bought but one new lipstick this year! ok i did buy 2 UD but i
never use them. the one i'm counting is wet shine diamonds glowing glimmer.
great in the summer, and for some reason its still working for me in the winter
]>Lip gloss:
as another poster stated, this was the year i used lipgloss the most as well.
i remember coming in off a cruise ship from being in port and security asked
what was in my pockets...all i was carrying was a sample sized smashbox
lipgloss. now i always carry lipgloss on me! i went crazy w/mac lipglasses
this year, and am thrilled to have the sample pack from the xmas collection.
eye shadow: my UD half baked and...oh i forget the other color....a sparkley
purple. this was my summer look and i arranged my outfits around this shadow
combo! as an aside, i had my first UD makeover at sephora and tysons and it
was one of the best makeovers ever. just coz UD seems like a younger more
funky line, i've short of shied away from it. big mistake:)
lancome defincils. i have enough samples to last me forever for some reason.
makes lashes look long and thick. i know some people have problems with it
clumping. i just stay patient and work thru it. this is the year that i took
great pains with my mascara, and learned that layering and patience is the true
trick.
not a specific product, but i can't really find anything to reduce lines around
my eye area. constantly looking for that miracle product.
stila convertible color in peony. i don't use it often, but its so easy to use
and gives me the right amount of color
the coconut line from the body shop. i just adore the smell, and used it all
summer long
bobbi brown beach. i wore it all summer
additional discoveries:
–salt scrub! i only started using it about 2 months ago and love it. looking
forward to experimenting w/several brands
–stila bronzer. the perfect bronzing powder for me. i shall never have a pale
face again!
looking for in 2005:
–a great eye wrinkle reducer:):)
–a true volumizing line (shampoo, hairspray, etc). i have yet to find the
perfect one for me
–self tanning lotion for body. can't find an easy one to use
all in all, a fun, successful year for makeup and related products!
––kel
"A new dress doesn't get you anywhere; its the life you're living in the
dress."
––Diana Vreeland

"Laurie0512" <laurie0...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:BDEF55D4.2A481%laurie0...@earthlink.net...
it
so
ITA! My mother just took hers off. She defended her faux nails for decades
saying her natural ones were to wimpy to ever look good. Now she is
surprised to find that the nails that are growing back in have good strength
and texture. She said she wishes she'd taken them off a long time ago.
Claire

"Maladicta1" <maladic...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041222134831.08086.00002...@mb–m05.aol.com...
Moisturizer/primer: LM tinted moisturizer in Nude
Concealer: been using MAC Studio Tech w/ a concealor brush
Powder foundation: keep going back to MAC Studio Fix
Liquid/Creme foundation: Studio Tech for Creme, Fresh for liquid....forget
the name but the shade is Northern Lights
Lipstick: love Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bahama, so silky, long
lasting and fades evenly. It's a pencil but acts like a lipstick.
Lipgloss: Lancome Juicy tubes are still the best imo. Miracle, Dreamsicle,
Dacquiri and Simmer
Eye shadow: Nars Babylon Duo! The orangey–peach shade is so cool bc it
blends into silver and the matte blue–black–grey is awesome w/ everything.
Pressed powder: Studio Fix
Loose Powder: crushed up SF in NC15 and NC 20 mixed from almost empty
compacts
Lip liner: definitely Clinique Sheer Shaper for Lips in Sheer Rose. I have
very pigmented lips and this is just about the perfect shade. The texture is
somewhat tacky which makes it great for keeping lip color on but I can't
wear it without either a lippie on top or gloss because of the tackiness. My
lips stick together, in an odd way.
Eye liner: MAC Eye Kohl in Prunella or Tarnish w/ e/s layered on top to
keep it in place
Mascara: Still Definicils
Blush: MAC Dada Delight
Eye makeup remover: TBS Chamomile (thanks, WW)
Nail Polish: MAC Silverware
Biggest disappointment, cosmetic–wise: couldn't get the drugstore
foundations to work for me. True Match, etc.

Maladicta1 wrote:
2004, the year I got prettier. Not saying I am pretty just prettier
than I was thanks to AF. It was the year of my first MAC and Sephora
visit. My first brow waxing.and the year I tried a foundation brush.
Not only that, but I've lost weight.
L'Oreal Microdermabrasion, the stuff works miracles
All hail the Studio Fix in NC20. Not my HG but still works very well.
L'Oreal Cashmere Perfect, which I love love love. and Tru Match.
L'Oreal's Volume Perfect line and MAC Viva Glam IV
MAC Russian Red Lipglass
Pretty much the same shades but I use shadow brushes now instead of
sponges
MAC Whirly
L'Oreal Double Extend Waterproof
MAC Angel MAC Breath of Plum
OPI I'm Not Really a Waitress and Hawaiian Orchid.and lots of Sally
Hansen. It's the year of nail products for me.
The Realization that I had spent $36 on a Lancome Foundation that does
not look half as good on me as Cashmere Perfect does.
Other Discoveries/Raves
Dove Haircare,.it gives me pretty hair.
Tweezerman tweezers, a must buy.
Veronica
––
Makeup, it takes believing in. Like a magic carpet, it's belief that
makes it fly. Otherwise, it's just a rug.
If you believe in it, makeup has a magic all it's own.
Of course, makeup is only dime–store magic. But it works well enough,
when it's used properly.",
the makeup artist, from the book Sooner or Later, based on the 1978 TV
movie of the same name.

"Veronica Moonlit" <veronicaMoon...@mchsi.com> wrote in message
news:kHkAd.651863$D%.143...@attbi_s51...
Veronica
I understand what you mean about feeling prettier. There is such a
wealth of information here that any and every problem can be solved. If
someone has a concern about foundation, for example, there are many
suggestions for specific skin type and budget. I was at a MAC counter
before Christmas to purchase my first MAC paint ( fig, you are not the
last person on earth to try these) and the SA asked me if I knew how to
use brushes with makeup. Duh the alt.fashion makeup gurus not only
talked me into using brushes years ago, but specific ones by maker and
number etc.
Happy 2005
Audrey