Tried and Tested

brianthebard

Yea not a fan of vaseline any more...Whats a humectant?Thanks for the info btw

Madame Razz

Now for the science:


humectant is a hygroscopic substance. It is often a molecule with several hydrophilic groups, most often hydroxyl groups, but amines and carboxyl groups, sometimes esterified, can be encountered as well; the affinity to form hydrogen bonds with molecules of water is crucial here.
Since hygroscopic substances absorb water from the air, they are frequently used in desiccation. When used as a food additive, the humectant has the effect of keeping the foodstuff moist. Humectants are sometimes used as a component of antistatic coatings for plastics. Humectants are also found in many cosmetic products where moisturization is desired, including treatments such as moisturizing hair conditioners.
Examples of humectants include glycerine, propylene glycol (E 1520) and glyceryl triacetate (E1518). Others can be polyols like sorbitol (E420), xylitol and maltitol (E965), or polymeric polyols like polydextrose (E1200) or natural extracts like quillaia (E999), or lactic acid or urea. Lithium chloride is an excellent humectant.

They basically stop the balm from drying out, and alllow the lips retain moisture(in some cases), but they have been known to irritate peoples lips also as they aggravate the skin cells. Basically try to get something as natural as possible, and if your doing well with blistex stick with it, but remember less is more, you dont have to apply it all the time.

Nothing worse than an allergic reaction on the lips......owwwww

brianthebard

Wow loads of info there,do you work in cosmetics?The ingredients were prolly on the box,which i threw away,but will look it up when i get a chance.Thanks again.

Madame Razz

used to, for years and years.

Still have a keen interest.

Any other qs in this line feel free to ask/pm;)

Elle Victorine

Is Urban Decay a good brand for eye shadows and eye-liner? I don't really wear any other make up than that. And does mac really live up to all the hype?

Thanks ladies!

Madame Razz

Elle Victorine wrote: »

Is Urban Decay a good brand for eye shadows and eye-liner? I don't really wear any other make up than that. And does mac really live up to all the hype?

Thanks ladies!

The Urban decay eye shadow and eye liner are superb, and they have a fantastic colour range.

MAC is an excellent product range as a whole, its relatively reasonable and their staff are very well trained. Its like a 'ronseal' product, highly professional and will do exactly as you want it. But thats not to say that its the be all and end all either. Personally I use and like a lot of the MAC products, but there are offerings from the other cosmetics houses that are just as good if not better. For example, if you take my foto on the ladies of the ladies lounge thread, people wanted to know if that was MAC i had used for my eye-make up. It wasn't, it was mostly urban decay, in fact I only used a mac eyepencil as I recollect.

I also find that the MAC packaging can be a bit of pain also, especially if like me you travel a lot.

Their brushes are exceptionally good tho, you wont find better!

I also like the Smashbox range, its very good and very affordable. Their new bionic mascara is dreadful tho it has to be said.

Benefit is very good and well-priced, Estee Lauder and Lancome seem old fashioned but have a lot to offer, Chanel is excellent, Clarins is always worth a look. Laura Mercier is very good, as is Elizabeth Arden. Dior is fantastic, YSL is very nice also, and Clinique is great for a more natural look. and thats to name only a small few.

So yes, MAC is good, but its always worth looking at what the others have to offer aswell!!

Elle Victorine

Excellent! Thank you very much for the advice!

Quality

Urban decay big fatty lip plumper is one of the best lip plumpers going... You can get it in debenhams...

Josie_dub

Sex symbol aerotan. Don't sell it in Ireland but its available through various uk websites. Its cheap, the best to apply, comes out in a lovely natural brown colour, instant spray on that doesnt streak if a drink is spilled like sunshimmer. Takes only ten minutes to apply before going out. I have tried absolutely everything out there and I have to say this is definitely the best.

Faddymackshyte

I think MAC is good, but it's way too heavy for my skin, so I just keep to their eyeshadows and their compact powder thing. I just use a normalfoundation like Maybelline or Rimmell, which works wonders.
My skin can get very shiney, but I use the Nivea Matte Moisturiser, which keeps it in control.
I find lancomes concealor is very very good at doing the job for those icky skin days. And then to top it off, Dior Show blusher in pink. There's a glimmer thing to it too, it's lovely. Nothing over the top, keep it simple!

coco85

Smashbox Primer-

Never thought that a primer would actually work in helpinh foundation stay..but after being talked into buying it at the airport last week i am amazed with the results..

I used just one pea sized amount all over my face before applying my foundation, powder and bronzer.

As i was on holiday when i first used it i went to bed one night with make up still on.. the next day i woke up and make up was like it had just been applied..it stayed on all night!.. I was using Elizabeth Arden foundation at the time which wouldn't be great for staying on.. so i'm presuming it was the primer...

Would definitly recommend it to anyone!!!

Lilym

God I love this thread ... I am a MAC lady through and through but I need to get a good mascara so all suggestion have been noted and I will be goin shopping

Faddymackshyte

coco85 wrote: »

Smashbox Primer-

Would definitly recommend it to anyone!!!

Seriously, this product is unreal.
No more melting make up for me anyways. I love it and should probably stock up on it while I still can!!!

ams

Elle Victorine wrote: »

Is Urban Decay a good brand for eye shadows and eye-liner? I don't really wear any other make up than that. And does mac really live up to all the hype?

Thanks ladies!

I have a few urban decay palettes and while the colours are fab the glittery bits in them are quite big and go all over your face (and the boyfriends face too!!). Drives me mental!!! Their eyeshadow primer is brill though.

Mac are great especially for shimmery shades. I bought a no 7 goldey shadow recently and they seem to have improved the formulation - I was impressed!

girl_friday

I love Gosh makeup... Reasonably priced and great colours for their eye make-up!!

tantipie

i love benefit,,,i've only just come accross it,,,it so expensive tho,,but feels fantastic on my skin

tatt chic

I adore Liz Earle products, I have had excema on my face and hands and this range cleared it in a few weeks of continual use! Leaves my skin lovely and soft.

Make up- I love max factor, masterpiece mascara, gosh grey eyeliner and max factor miracle touch foundation.
vaseline is definitely a must and clairns little tub of bronzer, fab

i love garnier summer body moisturiser with a hint of tan, comes out lovely on my skin compared to fake tans.

siobhanc

well I loved my urban decay big fatty mascara until it ran out and then I bought a gosh one (waterproof) and I'm disappointed . I'll definitely be saving up for big fatty again! and I love laura mercier foundation which I stumbled on by accident. its expensive but you only have to use a teensy amount and it just glides on-I love it! The old reliable,Vaseline, is essential for eyelashes, brows etc too imo

Redpunto

Got a few bits and bobs from Liz Earle and they do seem to be good so far, nice and creamy and moisturising, their nourishing face mask is lovely, it just soaks into the skin and you can leave it on overnight and wash off in the morning.

Madame Razz

Am using the Clarins one step facial cleanser at the moment; It smells nice, feels nice etc; but its not the best at the oul cleansing!!! So thats a no from me on that one!!!

also bought Dr Feelgood by benefit there recently....lovely lovely lovely product!!!

Papillon87

In the market for a couple of new beaut-ay produits!

Need a new mascara, have battled through Chanel Inimitable the past while. Absolutely shocked how bad it is!! Had heard rave reviews, and have some Chanel make up I love. However this is genuinely the first mascara I've encountered that clumps and has caused me to have to re-do my eye make-up from scratch several times:mad: Have very long lashes, if that's relevant....any recommendations?!

Also considering a new foundation, mine are running out (have Armani and a Chanel one). Both were great initially but feel they just don't cut the mustard anymore. Am very fair and have heard Shiseido do a good range. Thoughts?

Madame Razz

Papillon87 wrote: »

In the market for a couple of new beaut-ay produits!

Need a new mascara, have battled through Chanel Inimitable the past while. Absolutely shocked how bad it is!! Had heard rave reviews, and have some Chanel make up I love. However this is genuinely the first mascara I've encountered that clumps and has caused me to have to re-do my eye make-up from scratch several times:mad: Have very long lashes, if that's relevant....any recommendations?!

Also considering a new foundation, mine are running out (have Armani and a Chanel one). Both were great initially but feel they just don't cut the mustard anymore. Am very fair and have heard Shiseido do a good range. Thoughts?

Mascara: Faux cils by YSL. Excellent. I had that chanel one and it went crap on me after time too!!

Shiseido is nice stuff, excellent comapact. If you are fair stick to shades I10 and I20. also consider Make-up forever HD foundation....If you liked chanel and Armani in the past you will love this....Shade HD15 is particularly nice!!

MH

g'em

Mascara wise (and from a fellow v. long eyelashed gal) I've been using Max Factor Masterpiece mascara - great volume, although you do have to wipe the wand a good bit before you start applying or you'll be Clumpy McGooey within seconds.

Papillon87

Thanks Manuka and G'em!

JaneyMc

Fruit of the Earth, E Facial scrub. Wow.

Amazing!!!!!

I normally have a blemish or two on my face, but when I started using this the difference in my skin was amazing, so soft, and clear.

Dumbass me stopped using it for a while, and now my skin is back to normal. :mad:

I think it'd about 9 euro a bottle, and it's a bit tricky to find, but I highly recommend it!

rosyposy

Pennys Make-up range...got a clear lip gloss here the other day and its brill, stays on for ages, good for nights out, and you can feel it plumping up your lips a bit, slightly tingly!cheap as chips €1.50, also sometimes i find the lid on other glosses gets congealed and messy sometimes, the pennys one hasn't.

Just started using Dermalogica, Daily Microfoliant is impressing me, skin feels alot cleaner and calmer after using it!
Great thread by the way;)

*Dallas

Just bought a new Mascara.. its Two Faced Lash injection €18

It separates and lenghtings the lashes.. so I've got a bit of a doe-eyed look going on. In the morning, i find one coat and I'm good to go.

Might need 2/3 coats if heading out at night.

The only bad point is its very hard to get off. you will need proper eye make up remover!

I should add, there are three different types of Lash Injection, the assistant seemed to be pushing one with a tiny head on it... however, she didnt seem to know the differences.. so i took the bigger one lol

shellyboo

*Dallas wrote: »

Just bought a new Mascara.. its Two Faced Lash injection €18

Who's it by and where did you get it?! I need a new mascara...

*Dallas

the brand is called Two Faced. They have a big purple stand in Debenhams on Henry street (old roches)

Go in without mascara so you can try before you buy

teafortwo

maple wrote: »

yves st laurent fauxcils mascara.
cannot live with out it.

Absolutely amazing, the only thing I'd bring to a desert island!

j000x

The best mascara is Diorshow blackout it curls lenghtens thickens and is very very black makes eyes look amazing.. mac pencil eyeliner lasts all day and night so do their eyeshadows. also mac studio fix powder instead of foundation is great not heavy yet great coverage.

try strawberrynet.com for products at cheaper rates has all well known brands with free shipping and a gift and a loyalty bonus some things come unboxed but who cares!!

CountryGirl1

Does anyone know of a good facial moisturiser for dry skin,within a decent price?:rolleyes:

dubscribe

YES! Believe it or not - Aldi's Siana Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream, I got it on special for Euro2.99 but I think it's usually about Euro3.50

I was hughly dubious but am on the dole so money's tight. I heard it recommended on a radio chat show, decided to give it a go. It's lovely Affordable and feels nice, great texture and does the job.

Why spend a fortune on face creams if you don't have to!!!

HereticPrincess

Anyone have MAC make-up brushes?
Thinking of asking for some as a christmas present.
Wondering if they are any good, for the price like?

LolaLuv

HereticPrincess wrote: »

Anyone have MAC make-up brushes?
Thinking of asking for some as a christmas present.
Wondering if they are any good, for the price like?

They're some of the best brushes on the market, but don't get the short-handled ones. They are utter crap. Get the full-sized or you might as well just buy a set from Boots.

lmnop

somethingwitty wrote: »

Avon is brilliant for several things. Eg the little luxury things like massage slippers!!...
Best mascara, its actually unbelievable what this can do for your eyes, is avons Supershock. It literally makes your lashes twice as long, doenst clump at all and makes your eyes twice as big.
No7 mousse foundation is also excellent... but I understand mousse can dry a lot of peoples skin....

Th Avon moisture mask conditioner is soooooo good. I have long hair and it gets quite dry. But this Avon conditioner really works. People I know have actually noticed the difference in my hair...I love it. Not too expensive either - two for €6.50 last time I ordered it. This has nothing to do with the fact that I sell Avon..

Puddleduck

Anyone know of any salon type wax you can buy in the shops for sensitive skin?

Ive used veet up until now and it was doing fairly well but Im starting to notice its not as effective anymore.

LolaLuv

I know this isn't really the right spot for this, but I don't want to start an entire thread about it. Anyone know how much a MAC lipstick retails for at Brown Thomas? I've been wanting to try Russian Red and am thinking it might not be all that much cheaper to wait for my mom to bring it over when she visits.

SarcasticFairy

Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion - actually amazing!

It really does work! The other day I was putting on my make-up, put this on my eye-lids, proceeded with my eye makeup and made a mess of one eye. Took that eye's make up off and forgot to put the PP back on. (The difference in the colour intensity was unreal aswell! I love it!)

LolaLuv

I read on some blog that you can use baby wipes to remove eye makeup. I bought some; you can about three times as many for a fraction of the cost and they work wonders!

Red Sleeping Beauty

Where in Dublin sells F cup bras ?
Is there a specialist place that does sizes above D ?

Redpunto

alan dunne 27 wrote: »

Where in Dublin sells F cup bras ?
Is there a specialist place that does sizes above D ?

I hope alan stands for alannah:):):D:P

Red Sleeping Beauty

Nah, tis for my girlfriend.

Redpunto

alan dunne 27 wrote: »

Nah, tis for my girlfriend.

ah bless, you sir are a keeper

Pythia

alan dunne 27 wrote: »

Where in Dublin sells F cup bras ?
Is there a specialist place that does sizes above D ?

La Senza, M&S, Bramora (http://www.bramora.com/).

*Dallas

So, I've never used or been able to use eyeliner in my life but something i wanted to try.

I was in Dunnes in Charlestown and they have a makeup stand with a brand called 'Catrice'.

The liquid eyeliner was only £2.99 so I said I'd give it a go.

I was really surprised how easy it was to use, and its smudge proof.. woo

best £2.99 ive spent in a while

SheRa

Pythia wrote: »

La Senza, M&S, Bramora (http://www.bramora.com/).

Don't go near La Senza if you are buying it on behalf of someone else, their sizes can be very small. Id highly recommend the other 2 though, and debenhams, do lovely bras for up to GG, Id highly recommend them.

*Dallas

*Dallas wrote: »

So, I've never used or been able to use eyeliner in my life but something i wanted to try.

I was in Dunnes in Charlestown and they have a makeup stand with a brand called 'Catrice'.

The liquid eyeliner was only £2.99 so I said I'd give it a go.

I was really surprised how easy it was to use, and its smudge proof.. woo

best £2.99 ive spent in a while

I'm going to give a go. Looks so cool but I can never figure eyeliner out

Kya1976

Philip Kingsleys hair products. Was using the Elasticizer Extreme after my hair got damaged after bleaching it and it worked wonders:)

ohthebaby

Laura Mercier foundation primer is unreal, foundation goes on easier and stays on for much longer. Also laura Mercier secret foundation is amazing. Two different colours come in a palette, a light and a dark shade, so you can mix to adjust the colour. And for an extremely cheap product 17's mineral blush is great! It's in like a container with a brush built in. I like the rose colour. Not much more than a fiver and lasts for ages!