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REVIEW: Harry Potter 7

Reviews • Jul 24, 2011

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, and Mystery
Rating: PG-13
Overall Rating: ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣  

The final chapter begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their quest of finding and destroying the Dark Lord’s three remaining Horcruxes, the magical items responsible for his immortality. But as the mystical Deathly Hallows are uncovered, and Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will never be the same again.

I have to admit that I did very much enjoy the final installment of Harry Potter, but overall  felt it could have been a bit better. Being that this was going to be the final installment of the ever successful movie/book franchise I was expecting so much more that what the movie delivered. The plot was very simple, the magical objects that held the key to Lord Voldemort where all easily destroyed, and the acting from two of the lead actors (Emma Watson and Rupert Grint) was very dismal (I do LOVE LOVE LOVE Emma Watson though!).

I was much anticipating this movie because of how boring the last movie was. I’m not saying that in a bad way either, I fully understand that part 6 was only leading into part 7 but still found it to be completely and utterly a waste of my time (sorry Harry). Understanding that part 6 was leading into part 7 made me want to see 7 so much more. I do feel as if part 6 was designed to be somewhat boring to lead you head first into part 7. And that I have to admit it did well.

As I said previously the means by which each magic object that held Lord Voldemort’s power were each obtained and destroyed was displayed as being very simple. I felt there should have been more involved and a bit more exciting. The first item, the cup, I though was silly in how it was obtained. (really? everything multiplying?) I do admit that the second item, the tiara, was a bit more exciting and less predictable. The third item (i won’t spoil what it was) I though could have been a bit more exciting. I mean… doesn’t Hermione know more magic tricks?

Now, I know that people disagree with my comments on Rupert and Emma but I stand by them. I don’t think the poor acting was completely their fault. I’m sure it has to do with poor script writing for them. They are such huge characters and it almost seemed as if their scenes could have been filmed in a days time.

The effects in this movie are absolutely stunning! Visually, I think that this movie is one of the best. It seems to be one of the least stunning out of the franchise but there are a few scenes that really take your eyes for a strong journey through the world of Harry Potter. One of the first items to really stand out was when the force field around Hogwarts was destroyed. Visually this was a very appealing scene to watch.

Even though I have never been a Harry Potter follower I have scene all of the movies in theaters and very much enjoyed all of them as they have been released. I am a bit bummed that the series is ending. The one things about the ending of this movie is that (1) its predictable, i won’t tell you why for fear of running the movie, and (2) it does successfully wrap up the series and potentially lead into a new series!

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REVIEW: Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder

Reviews • Jul 14, 2011

Manufacturer: Laura Mercier
Purchased At: Sephora
Price Point: $34.00 (us)
Overall Rating: ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣

A silky, sheer setting powder  infused with the finest French cashmere talc, this powder looks and feels natural. A unique light-reflecting ingredient creates a “soft-focus” appearance that smoothes fine lines and imperfections as it sets your makeup.

// container set upon packaging //

PACKAGING IMPRESSIONS: Overall, I feel that the packaging is great.  The outer box that the powder comes in is very chic. Its a light gray packaging that features a plain font and carries that traditional Laura Mercier logo. I do apologize that my box is dented, it was my only casualty in the review process The jar is a clear semi-frosted jar that features a top and bottom that are a purple/pink shade. The top has a shiny surface that does tend to grab onto fingerprints

The one thing that I am not a fan of in regards to the packaging is the lack of detail about the product. The majority of Laura Mercier products name the product, give a quick summary of what the product does (in one to two lines) and thats it. I for one enjoy a lot of information on the product especially when there are no store clerks available for assistance.

// bottom of container //

APPLICATION OF PRODUCT: Application of this powder was very nice. I tried application with MAC’s 150 brush as well as Sigma’s F30 brush first. In essence, both of these brushes are the same but application was flawless with both brushes. I also applied this product with Bare Escentuals Flawless Application brush. Although application was just okay with the BE brush it wasn’t great. Being a man I do have a bit of stubble even after staging and the BE brush seemed to deposit the powder right on the stubble thus making it look a bit more powdery than application with the other brushes.

// view of sifter //

TEXTURE/CONSISTENCY: The texture of this product does seem to be a bit lighter than other setting powders that I have found. I would compare the texture, oddly enough, to that of baby powder. Very lightly, airer, and tends to feel very fresh upon the kin.

CLAIM WORTHY: Sephora claims the that this product offers “A unique light-reflecting ingredient creates a “soft-focus” appearance that smoothes fine lines and imperfections as it sets your makeup”. I am always very skeptical when it comes to bold claims that can at times be hard to understand what exactly is being claimed. Now, I paired this setting powder with my Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation (which I want to review after more trials) and I do believe that my face did have a “soft-focus” appearance. I do believe that the foundation worked hand-in-hand with the powder to create this affect. I would compare the “soft-focus” appearance to an air brushed looked and that I do believe it provides.

OVERALL PRODUCT: Over the past year or so I have tried many setting powders. Most notably I have tried MAC’s Prep + Prime setting powder, MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil, and I also had a brief stint with Makeup Forevers HD Powder. All of them great powders but still seem to be a step below Laura Mercier. I have combination skin that tends to be a bit more oily in humid weather and controlling oil to prevent breakouts is big for me. I apply my makeup about 7:30 am and with most products I have to blot by 10:00 am and reapply around 1:00 pm. Not with this.. I have no need to blot until around 12:00 pm and generally never have a need to reapply.

I did choose not to swatch this product as of yet. The reason being that it is a transparent setting powder that has no color and does not just show up on the back of my hand. It ads a bit of a shine but its not meant to be warn alone. Its meant to be matched with foundation/tinted moisturizer. I will post with setting powder and without setting powder when I do the full foundation review.

Laura Mercier is the FIRST powder of all the above mentioned that I have found that go on without having that powdery after look and controls oil for hours. No need to reapply foundation or concealor. This powder lives up to every claim it makes.

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Review & Dec. Favorite: Bath & Body Shea Cashmere Lines

Reviews • Jan 3, 2011


THIS PRODUCT CAN BE PURCHASED HERE!

I have been using this product for almost a month now and I ♥ this product! I have very sensitive skin. I have to be careful with the products that I use (especially through the winter) because I could easily end up with horrible batches of dry skin and eczema break outs on my arms and legs.

I have been using the majority of this product line. The hand cream, body cream, and shower cream are my favorites. I don’t have a bath so I have been unable to use the bath bubbles and the Body & Body stores around me don’t sell the foot cream.

The product is described as the following…

“Wrap yourself in cashmere. This ultra-moisturizing body lotion is infused with soothing cashmere extract and rich shea butter to leave skin supremely silky. The perfect everyday luxury, it absorbs quickly to nourish head to toe, leaving skin addictively soft and lightly fragranced with a creamy vanilla scent that’s both fresh and comforting.

Revolutionary spa formula combines rich, moisturizing African shea butter with luxurious cashmere extract to envelop skin in supreme silky softness. Absorbs instantly to nourish skin and deeply hydrate with no after-feel

Creamy vanilla fragrance evokes warm, soft, luxurious comfort * Not tested on animals”

I agree with everything this product says that it offers. It all starts with a luxurious smell of vanilla and almonds. The hand cream is ultra moisturizing and its great to carry in my bag. It lasts for hours at a time so there is no need to reapply continuously. The body cream is great for hands, feet, elbows and knees. I have had dry knees and elbows my entire life and this the first time I haven’t had ashy skin <b>EVER</b>!

I also love the fact that I put the body lotion on in the evening and I wake up to the great scent in the early morning. At the same time its not so overpowering that i’m smelling it throughout the day because I do prefer colognes/perfumes daily.

This is a great product for the winter that I recommend for anybody!

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REVIEW: Jessica Simpson Fancy Love

Reviews • Dec 8, 2010

I know that I am only 23, but I have been looking for “MY SCENT” for a VERY LONG time! In December of 2009 I found that scent in Jessica’s Simpson second perfume, Fancy Love. It is played as “the timeless fragrance of falling in love.”

  • Top notes: Playful and sparkling, the fragrance opens with a rich radiance of Peach Blossom, Bergamot and the delicate Goij Leaf, wrapped in a celebration of Pink Champagne.
  • Heart notes: A captivating bouquet of blossoms forms the heart of this fragrance that deepens with the seductive blend of Lotus, Peony, Plumeria, Jasmine and Turkish Rose.
  • Base notes: The depth of this fragrance bursts with creamy Amber and Blonde Woods while sensual Musk and Patchouli create a loving and long lasting trail.

This seems odd reading all of the scents it lists above, but I smell somewhat of a vanilla undertone. I have always been a HUGE vanilla fan so that is the main reason why I first made this purchase (that and my love for Jessica Simpson). I love the subtle mix of peach (and other fruits) as well as the champagne like after-scent it leaves behind. I have never been a fan of flowery scents or musky scents but do love the over-all mix that this perfume provides. And, the scent seems to last for HOURS!

Call me crazy.. but.. I saw an interview I believe with Britney Spears many years ago. In the interview Britney was talking about how everybody should have a signature scent. That one scent that when everybody smells it.. they think of you!

I am on my 4th bottle of this perfume and I have 3 unopened bottles waiting for me. I go back and forth from buying this in Macy’s ($59), to Ebay ($34.99), to even China town New York ($30) depending on how much money I currently have. When I find a good deal at either place I generally try to throw in a little extra and stock up.

The one plus when buying at Macy’s is you get the $30 bottle of matching lotion for free. I LOVE the lotion as well. I have always been a Bath & Body Works lotion user until this lotion came out. It is great for treating dry spots and dry hands. Add a bit on your hand throughout the day and keep your scent. Because the lotion is so expensive I do not use it on my body, just my arms, hands, and neck.

THIS PRODUCT CAN BE PURCHASED HERE!

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REVIEW: MAC Prep+Prime Skin Base

Reviews • Dec 8, 2010

Since beginning to wear makeup I have been continuously told how important it is to apply a primer after applying moisturizer and before concealer and foundation. I have not tried a ton of primers but have found one through mac that I LOVE!

Prior to using MAC’s primer I was using the primer that came with my BareMinerals foundation. I believe that it was called PrimeTime. My only problem with PrimeTime is that it came out of the tube like a gel. I would moisturize and then ad this gel to m y face. I HATED the way that it felt on both my hands and my face. No idea why.. just didn’t like the feeling. It left my hands almost feeling somewhat powdery.

When I started to wear MAC cosmetics this primer was the first item the lady had me put on and the first item she suggested that I buy regardless of what I purchase that day. The cost is $26.50 for one fluid ounce. It is somewhat over priced, but so far, I feel the product is worth the money spent.

When using this product after my moisturizer I really enjoy the way it feels on my skin. I use the MAC Studio Fix Moisture so I feel that the two really do go hand-in-hand. The moisture goes on light, and the primer goes on almost like a thin second layer. This second layer ads a hint of moisture and a hint of shimmer to brighten the face .

There is silicone within the primer that ads a filler to pores, lines, etc. Not only does it offer a silicone but it also has and oil blotting ability. This blotting effect helps with oil production throughout the day.

In the end, the cost for this product is worth every penny. I have been wanting to try the Smashbox primer because of all the great reviews BUT can’t peel myself away from this primer. The benefits and features within the product make it worth the cost and the trouble of an extra step before your foundation. If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment below.

THIS PRODUCT CAN BE PURCHASED HERE!

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