Denise Hadden Age: 37 Location: Severna Park Favorite brands: Thrive Causemetics; Bare Minerals Desert island item: Chapstick Grape Seed Cleanser by Merlot Skin Care, $11/6 fl. oz.For more information, visit https://www.merlotskincare.com/shop/grape-seed-cleanser What I liked most about the product was its: Consistency, or formulation. Comments: The consistency of the cleanser really surprised me. It was thick and clay-like, allowing for maximum coverage. This product exceeded my expectations. Comments: I was really unsure about this face wash at first. It left a film behind despite extensive washing. That film has become my best friend in that it keeps my shine at bay. No more oil blotting strips an hour after I apply my makeup! I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter. Comments: It's a basic face wash—wet face, apply product, and rinse. Doesn't get much easier than that! If I was making this product, I would change its: Aroma. Comments: No aroma with this face wash, making it great for all sexes and ages. I can understand the appeal that has for many, but I would like a hint of something. I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically. Comments: When you find something you love, you have to recommend it. I LOVE my Merlot. I am _________ this product: Running right out to the store to buy. Comments: Merlot is my new facial cleanser! My skin has NEVER been so clear. Not one imperfection after a week of use and I no longer have to worry about my oil-prone areas looking shiny. I could not be more excited for what this face wash has done for me. Anything else you would like to add? Fairy Nudes Face & Eye Highlighting Palette (in Fresh Glow) by COL-LAB, $16.99
For more information, visit https://www.collabmakeup.com/shop/fairy-nudes-face-eye-highlighting-palette What I liked most about the product was its: Color. Comments: The palette is just so pretty with its four different shades. They look to be perfect for any skin tone. This product exceeded my expectations. Comments: I've never used highlighter before and it is now an exciting addition to my daily makeup. I followed instructions for this product: What instructions? Comments: Never having used highlighter before, I definitely would have appreciated some guidance. Understandably, there isn't room on the packaging for them. A little online search and I was on my way to using it. If I was making this product, I would change its: Packaging. Comments: Because I throw all of my products in a makeup bag, it would be preferable to have a more sealing close. The product opens easily and needs to be kept flat to keep from creating a mess in my bag. I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically. Comments: I'm so excited for the way this brightens my face! It helps brighten and accentuate the area you target with it. I am _________ this product: Running right out to the store to buy. Comments: I am a highlighter convert thanks to this product! I think it makes me look more youthful in that it brightens my face. With the four shades in this palette, I can use a more muted color for my daily look but I can also play up my nighttime look with a more intense color. This highlighter is a makeup game changer for me! Anything else you would like to add? PureGloss® Lip Gloss (in Rose Crush) by Jane Iredale, $26
For more information, visit https://janeiredale.com/us/en/mineral-makeup/lips/puregloss-lip-gloss.htm What I liked most about the product was its: Texture, or product feel when applied. Comments: This lip gloss isn't overly thick or sticky. It's a pretty perfect consistency and feels good on the lips. This product met my expectations. Comments: I like the packaging, the feel of the gloss on my lips and the hint of aroma. I followed instructions for this product: What instructions? Comments: Being lip gloss, instructions are not necessary. If I was making this product, I would change its: Packaging; Price point. Comments: At $26 a tube, I definitely feel this product is overpriced. Regardless, I can't get past the applicator. It is an hourglass shape making application to your lips a bit odd. I feel like I lacked the precision I have with a more traditional applicator. I would recommend this product to a friend: Never. Comments: The price point and the applicator make this a no-go for me. I am _________ this product: Not willing to invest in. Comments:
Anything else you'd like to add?
'Me' Peptide-Infused Nail Lacquer (in Sugarhill) by Dermelect, $14/0.4 fl. oz.
For more information, visit https://dermelect.com/me-sugarhill-coco-white/
What I liked most about the product was its: Other.
Comments: This is by far the longest-lasting non-gel nail polish. I get gel manicures simply because an at home manicure never lasts more than a day for me. With this nail polish, you would have thought I had gotten a gel manicure. It lasted that long!
This product exceeded my expectations.
Comments:
I followed instructions for this product: I did my own version of the instructions.
Comments: The product calls for top coat. I did not have any so I used only the nail polish. It lasted so long without the top coat—I can't even imagine how long it would have lasted had I actually followed instructions.
If I was making this product, I would change its: Nothing.
Comments: While it's a bit pricier than other nail polishes, it's worth it for the quality and time it lasts.
I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically.
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I am _________ this product: Considering buying.
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Anything else you would like to add?
brooklyn bombshell blowout spray by amika, $10/2 fl. oz.; $25/6.7 fl. oz.
For more information, visit https://loveamika.com/products/brooklyn-bombshell-blowout-spray What I liked most about the product was its: Packaging. Comments: I really like the spray bottle with easy to use lock. I throw it in my gym bag and have no issues with leaks. This product exceeded my expectations. Comments: I like the bottle, it's on point with price, smells great and, above all, does wonders for my hair. I have very fine, flat hair. I always use a heat safe cream or spray but they weigh my hair down. This spray gives me a great amount of volume that lasts well into the next day. I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter. Comments: Simple to use—just spray on damp hair. If I was making this product, I would change its: Nothing. Comments: I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically. Comments: I am _________ this product: Running right out to the store to buy. Comments: I actually threw out my other blowout sprays and creams. I absolutely love the volume this gives my hair! Anything else you would like to add? Booster Serum with Hyaluronic Acid by Novexpert, $57/1 fl. oz.
For more information, visit https://www.novexpert-lab.fr/en/catalogue/produit/booster-serum-with-hyaluronic-acid.53.html What I liked most about the product was its: Aroma; Texture, or product feel when applied. Comments: This product calls to be applied morning and evening—you can even apply before makeup. I thought this couldn't be right because it would give a greasy feel and look, right? WRONG! Somehow, they managed to perfect a lightweight serum with zero greasy feel! It actually makes for a really nice makeup application. This product exceeded my expectations. Comments: I tend to stay away from moisturizers and serums because my skin can't handle the added weight. This is a game changer. I finally feel like I can work on the anti-aging of my face! I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter. Comments: Instructions are not lacking with this product. You actually get a leaflet in the box! They tell when, how, how much—they even tell you according to the weather how many drops to use. If I was making this product, I would change its: Nothing. Comments: Packaging is thorough and pretty. Smells great, feels great, and, I feel, priced reasonably in comparison to other anti-aging products. I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically. Comments: I am _________ this product: Running right out to the store to buy. Comments: I'm excited to start being pro-active with my anti-aging beauty routine. This is one I can stick to. Anything else you would like to add? OMG! 4-in-1 Zone System Mask by Double Dare, $7/1-pack; $31.50/5-pack
For more information, visit https://doubledarespa.com/products/omg-4-in1-kit-zone-system-mask?variant=34087661646
What I liked most about the product was its: Texture, or product feel when applied.
Comments: It was hard to choose what I like best about this product!
This product exceeded my expectations.
Comments: I immediately went online and bought a pack of 5. I typically do a charcoal mask once a week and this is my new go-to. Nothing has made my skin look or feel this good. My skin is AMAZING!!
I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter.
Comments: The packaging is fantastic. It's broken into 4 packs based on steps 1-4. You can't go wrong.
If I was making this product, I would change its: Nothing.
Comments: The scent is super clean—mild and simple. At $7 a kit, that's a steal for what leaves you feeling like you just got a facial!
I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically.
Comments: I love that there are specially formulated products for the different zones of your face. The mask has a great cool feeling when you first apply it. That turns to a tightening as it hardens. Add in the final step of moisturizer and it's magic. I actually think my skin feels better than when I get an actual facial. I have an incredible glow. If I could say only one word about this, it would be MAGIC.
I am _________ this product: Running right out to the store to buy.
Comments:
Anything else you would like to add?
Runway Lash Amplifying Mascara by ECRU New York, $22
For more information, visit https://www.ecrunewyork.com/shop/product/runway-lash
What I liked most about the product was its: Other.
Comments: Results
This product exceeded my expectations.
Comments: I have my mascara that I love but this one definitely gives it a run for its money. One word for this mascara: DRAMATIC. It actually made me look like I put on false lashes—volume and length were amazing without looking clumpy like many mascaras do. One coat of this and I felt the confidence to go out without any other makeup!
I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter.
Comments:
If I was making this product, I would change its: Nothing.
Comments:
I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically.
Comments:
I am _________ this product: Running right out to the store to buy.
Comments: I was shocked at the results and further shocked by the price tag. I would have expected this to be more expensive. I will definitely be buying this mascara.
Anything else you would like to add?
Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeliner (Throwback Black) by Deck of Scarlet, $19
For more information, visit https://www.scentbird.com/makeup/eye/eyeliner/deck-of-scarlet-long-lasting-liquid-eyeliner-in-throwback-black-1022
What I liked most about the product was its: Texture, or product feel when applied.
Comments:
This product exceeded my expectations.
Comments: At 37 years old, I have never tried liquid eyeliner. I thought there was too much margin for error. I was completely wrong. I found this to actually be far better and easier to use than my normal pencil. The applicator is so precise and the eyeliner glides on so smoothly. I got the perfect look with one swipe and added another for a more dramatic look. I can't believe it took me so long to discover this!
I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter.
Comments:
If I was making this product, I would change its: Nothing.
Comments:
I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically.
Comments:
I am _________ this product: Running right out to the store to buy.
Comments: Being cheaper than I expected, this is an all-around win.
Anything else you would like to add?
H2O Fresh Dewy Hydrating Face Primer by J. Cat Beauty, $7.99/1.05 fl. oz.
For more information, visit https://jcatbeauty.com/collections/face-primer-foundation-powder/products/hydrating-mattifying-face-primer-1?variant=16817519100002 What I liked most about the product was its: Texture, or product feel when applied. Comments: This felt like water on my face. Very hydrating but dries quickly and leaves you with cool, fresh feeling. I was afraid it might leave my face looking shiny but it didn't. Smells great, feels great, and at only $10 a bottle, this is a fantastic option for a primer. This product met my expectations. Comments: I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter. Comments: If I was making this product, I would change its: Nothing. Comments: I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically. Comments: I am _________ this product: Considering buying. Comments: Anything else you would like to add? Lip & Cheek Tint (Dazzling Ruby) by EOS, $4.99
For more information, visit https://evolutionofsmooth.com/products/mood-stones-dazzling-ruby-tint
What I liked most about the product was its: Color.
Comments: The Dazzling Ruby is the perfect choice to get a pop of color. With the creamy consistency, you can adjust from dark to light or anywhere in between simply by rubbing it in with your fingers.
This product exceeded my expectations.
Comments: I have never used a cream-based blush. I love the level of control you get with it. The applicator is cute and fun, and allows you to get the perfect stroke for application. My fear was that this type of blush would make for a mess but that was absolutely not the case. I love it.
I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter.
Comments:
If I was making this product, I would change its: Nothing.
Comments:
I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically.
Comments:
I am _________ this product: Running right out to the store to buy.
Comments: I now use this on a daily basis. It's the perfect blush and lip tint.
Anything else you would like to add?
This Is A Sea Salt Spray by Davines, $15.50/3.38 fl. oz.; $28/8.45 fl. oz.
For more information, visit https://us.davines.com/products/this-is-a-sea-salt-spray-w-travel-size
What I liked most about the product was its: Aroma.
Comments: Smells like beach heaven!
This product somewhat met my expectations.
Comments: I simply don't think my hair responds well to sea salt sprays. I really wanted to love this but it made my hair look and feel awful. I have coarse, fine, thin hair. I think this would be great on someone with silkier hair.
I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter.
Comments:
If I was making this product, I would change its: Nothing.
Comments:
I would recommend this product to a friend: Somewhat.
Comments: If they had the right hair type, I would recommend this. It smells like heaven and would give texture to the right type of hair.
I am _________ this product: Not willing to invest in.
Comments:
Anything else you would like to add?
Alpha Beta® Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel by Dr. Dennis Gross, $38/7.5 fl. oz.
For more information, visit https://drdennisgross.com/alpha-betar-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel.html
What I liked most about the product was its: Consistency, or formulation.
Comments: This is very thick; unlike any cleanser I have ever used. It feels like you get full coverage and cleansing action.
This product exceeded my expectations.
Comments:
I followed instructions for this product: I did my own version of the instructions.
Comments: I'm not a morning and night cleanser. I'm a wash cloth and face wipe kind of girl except for the shower. Instructions say morning/night. I only use this in my daily shower and clearly it works.
If I was making this product, I would change its: Price point.
Comments: At $38 a bottle, this is a little steep but it's worth it!
I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically.
Comments:
I am _________ this product: Running right out to the store to buy.
Comments: Stop what you're doing and BUY. THIS. NOW. My face looks like I'm constantly doing facials since implementing this wash. No need for pore perfecting strips with this cleansing gel. Gets your face super clean and glowing without drying it out (soap and sulfate free!). I noticed the difference in my pores the other day and it took me a minute to figure out why. Add on that my face is clearer than EVER! Major, Major winner right here!
Anything else you would like to add?
3D Volume and Thickening Conditioner by amika; 3D Volume and Thickening Shampoo by amika, $38.40 (duo)
For more information, visit https://loveamika.com/collections/shampoos-conditioners/products/3d-volume-and-thickening-duo
What I liked most about the product was its: Aroma; Packaging; Texture, or product feel when applied; Consistency, or formulation.
Comments: I love everything about this product! It has the Amika smell that seems to run across their product line. Has a great consistency in a fun bottle and works!
This product exceeded my expectations.
Comments: My hair is super fine, thin, dry, limp hair. It's so blah. This shampoo and conditioner gave it a silky OOMPH! Height and thickness—love it!
I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter.
Comments:
If I was making this product, I would change its: Price point.
Comments: $24 per bottle but it works!
I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically.
Comments:
I am _________ this product: Running right out to the store to buy.
Comments: Out of all the shampoos and conditioners I have tried, this has given me the best result. I'll pay the price for hair that looks and feels this good!
Anything else you would like to add?
