Pressed Powders -Max Factor - Creme Puff - Translucent 5
Shazzer1976 11/3/2010 9:00:00 AM
What a disaster! I thought I had found a bargain - a way to touch up and mattify during the day at no great expense. I think this is meant to be fragrance free but the first thing that struck me when I opened the product was the smell of old ladies' talc and, funny enough, talc is one of the first ingredients listed. This looked heavy and cakey when applied - either using the puff supplied or using a brush. Within days I had a major outbreak of spots - sore and inflamed spots all over my face! (And I don't really get spots aprt from the odd hormonal one!). This works for some people, but not for me and I won't be repurchasing. Disappointing as Max Factor has so many other good products.
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Fragrances -Clinique - Happy Heart
Shazzer1976 11/3/2010 8:54:00 AM
I am currently using up my old perfumes and came across this old favourite. A friend recommended it to me as an alternative to Clinique Happy - plus it was on offer with a free shower gel and moisturiser. At first I really liked it but grew bored of it eventually. It was a bit too sweet for my taste and I reverted to the sharper Clinique Happy and it was consigned to the back of my wardrobe. As I said, I have been trying to use up my old perfumes before I buy anymore new ones - a bit of a project ten pan only with fragrances... This perfum is starting to grow on me. It can be a little sweet if you over apply it, however applied lightly it is a lovely clean, feminine smell and it does attract compliments. I don't need to reapply during the day - i find that if I do, it becomes a little too much. I've just googled another description of it to be more accurate than 'really nice'! sandalwood, mandarin and cucumber, green and fresh. Definitely a day time fragrance amd one to be applied lightly rather that liberally but very pleasant otherwise.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Boots - No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow in Wheatsheaf
Shazzer1976 11/2/2010 9:12:00 AM
As a rule I don't wear eyeshadow but sometimes if I am wearing heavy makeup with a strong lipcolour and blusher I think my eyes look a little bare without it. This colour is perfect as a neutral base. It has a little shimmer in it but does not fall out. It compliments the blue in my eyes but I think this would probably suit most skintones and eye colours. A lovely champagne sort of colour that can be worn by itself or as a base for other darker colours.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Bronzers -Estee Lauder - Bronze Goddess
Shazzer1976 11/2/2010 8:48:00 AM
I am really impressed by this product. I have very pale skin and have had bad experiences with bronzer in the past. I wanted to get a Bronzer recently however to try and sculpt myself some cheekbones. The sales assistant tested this on the back of my hand by putting a little bit of tape on tha back of my hand and then dusting over it. At first it looked like there was hardly any on my hand until she removed the tape. The colour is lovely and I have been able to use it in different ways - with a blusher to try and create the effects of having cheek bones, all over to create a healthy glow and even to set my makeup when I had forgotten my powder at the gym. The colour is subtle - it just gives a sheer hint of a glow - you could add more if you wanted. This might be expensive but I can't see me needing a new bronzer in the near future because it takes so little of the product. I was a little put off initially when I opened the bronzer for the first time and saw what looked like glitter after having specifically chosen this one because it was matte but thankfully it does not look glittery or shimmery on. I also really like the packaging - a really big mirror and a not bad brush for little top ups during the day - not that I have needed any! For reference, my skin tone is NW20 in the new MAC foundation - Pro-wear plus.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -Boots - No. 7 Dual Protection tinted moisturiser SPF15 MEDIUM
Shazzer1976 11/2/2010 8:33:00 AM
This is a great product for anyone who wants just a hint of a colour. It works equally well for everyday use and for more formal use. It was a lifesaver on one occasion when I had to get ready for a formal in under an hour. My friends were so impressed by it they went and bought themselves a tube! It gives a very natural healthy look. Great for the Summer with a little bronzer and some lipgloss.
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Mascara -L'Oreal - Voluminous Million Lashes
Shazzer1976 10/29/2010 7:02:00 AM
This is only day three of using this mascara so my opinion could change. Infact, it has already changed. I bought this in an airport when I had an early morning flight and had had no time to put any makeup on. I have been wanting to try this for some time. Initially I was pretty disappointed. I found the mascara messy and difficult to work with. It seemed to make my eyelashes clump together and I got loads of the product all over my eyelids...Nice! It seemed to flake during the day as well. I found the packaging a little tacky as well! When I tried to fix up my mess I just seemed to make the problem worse - mascara smeered all over my face! Never had that before! Day three however, my opinion is improving. I'm not sure if the air has made the product fry a little and make it easier to apply without clumping my lashes together. The applicator is a fairly decent plastic brush that coats all my eyelashes. They have not clumped together and each eye lash seems defined. I applied a couple of coats but would not risk any more than that. I still find the smell a little odd but once it's applied that is no longer an issue. I'm not sure if I would buy this again - it is still early days. It is cheaper that other mascaras I have bought so if it works out I might repurchase. My other issue is that I bought this in black and I find black a little harsh.
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Lip Gloss -Max Factor - Vibrant Curves Effect
Shazzer1976 10/7/2010 7:58:00 AM
I think I bought this in 'Vibrant' precisely because this is how it looked in the tube: bright and vibrant. How disappointing when I actually applied it. Hardly any colour pay off. I would have been as well with vaseline. The product is over priced - maybe not as expensive as other lipglosses but no better than cheaper brands. Guess I won't be repurchasing!
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Treatments -Clarins - Beauty Flash Balm
Shazzer1976 10/7/2010 7:49:00 AM
I think this is my favourite Clarins product, not that I have tried that many due to the cost of it. I bought this after my mum had bought a Clarins primer and I thought it made her skin look amazing. Unfortunately I was not able to get the same primer but the assistant suggested this one as an alternative. I am so glad I tried it! It is expensive but it does not take a lot if you are just using it as a primer and it makes your skin look fantastic. It might be a bit tricky to get the hang of not rubbing it in and making sure you apply your makeup while it is still not set on your skin. It's hard to describe the effect it has. It just seems to enhance your complexion by balancing out any unevenness and my skin looks more luminous - though it is not glittery! You could wear this alone if you are feeling a bit lazy and fancy a makeup free day. The only downside of that is that it contains no SPF. Great fot the morning after or when you are feeling a little sleep deprived. You could also use this as a face mask if you are feeling a bit saggy. Of course this is only a temporary effect but it is a lovely effect! As for the smell, it is gorgeous! Pity you can't buy it in a bottle! Pros: Complexion enhancing, smells beautiful, doesn't take a lot to achieve effects Cons: cost, application takes a bit of getting used to ps. There is a special edition version out at the minute with a lovely diamante feature on the lid.
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Lipstick -Clinique - Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick
Shazzer1976 9/17/2010 10:24:00 AM
I'm surprised by the other reviews on this website. I have this lipstick in different colours. The one I am currently using up is called natural gloss. It looks like a very pale pink in the tube but goes on quite clear and looks natural. It's great for putting over other lipsticks to give them a bit of a shine. My lips feel moisturised and cared for. I do have to reapply more often than some other lipsticks but they tend to be quite drying. I definitely will be repurchasing and I would recommend this to other people.
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Mascara -Estee Lauder - Double Wear Zero Smudge Lengthening Mascara
Shazzer1976 9/15/2010 10:35:00 AM
I got this as part of a set and was holding on to it to use it post eye surgery - so very sensitive eyes. as you can imagine! The only reason I would not buy this again is because of the very high price tag and the fact that you are meant to replace your mascara every 3 to 6 months. At first I found it quite 'wet' however it applies really well. One of the few mascaras that does not end up all over my eye lid after I have applied it! It also coats your eyelashes really well, it lenghtens and it seems to curl my lashes slightly - I'm not sure if I have a natural curl in my lashes anyway! It hasn't irritated my eyes but late in the day I find it can flake a little bit but that is usually at the end of the day when my eyes are tired and everything seems to irritate them! I just wish I could find a mascara that was as good at a fraction of the price tag! I would recommend this to other people and I am tempted to repurchase inspite of the price!
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Lip Gloss -BeneFit Cosmetics - California Kissin'
Shazzer1976 9/15/2010 10:28:00 AM
I bought this after a makeup trial session in a local department store. At first I was really impressed. My lips looked nice and shiny and natural and the minty taste was delicious - ok, you aren't meant to eat you lipgloss (somewhere along with eating crayons, I suspect!). I think the packaging is lovely - as with all Benefit products - but I am now having some doubts about the actual product. My problem is that if you apply too much you can look like you have been asphyxiated but if yoy don't apply enough, it doesn't make that big an impact. To be honest, you could probably pick something up for half or less the cost of this and it would be every bit as good, if not better.
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Fragrances -Chanel - Coco Mademoiselle
Shazzer1976 5/20/2010 10:30:00 AM
I bought this as a gift to myself after a rather stressful week at work! I felt very over-indugent of myself but I fell in love with it straight away! It is pricey but it lasts a long time because you only need to spray a little of it. I tend to wear it in the evenings and I always receive compliments from all age groups - teenager right the way up! I'm pretty useless at describing perfumes, so I found this on Wikipedia! Top notes: orange, bergamot, mandarin, Tunisian curaçao Middle notes: morning rose, Italian jasmine, ylang-ylang, mimosa Base notes: Indonesian patchouli, Haitian vetiver, Bourbon vanilla, white musk, opoponax, tonka bean
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Clinique - Aromatics Elixir
Shazzer1976 5/20/2010 10:24:00 AM
How opinions can change! The first time I encountered this fragrance - in my early twenties - I thought it was vile! I received it as a sample with other Clinique cosmetics. My intitial reaction was that this smelt like fly spray, it made my eyes water and filled my nose up like Vicks rub... Not the best of starts... A few years on, and ready to give things a second chance, I have really fallen for this perfume. it is definitely floral, but floral with clout. This is no saccarine sweet girly floral but one that needs to be perservered with a little to let it settle. It is certainly unique and instantly recognisable with a real presence about it. This is no shy and retiring scent but something of a bombshell. This is certainly not a perfume you need or would want to douse yourself in. I find it works best when misted on the wrists. Anymore and you'll have people complaining of headaches and allergies - you might even have one yourself! (Not to put anyone off!) It is a clean fragrance that nearly reminds me a little of the herbal smell of certain natural cold remedies, however it eventually settles into a lovely warm fragrance that has heads and noses turning (in a good way!). A good example of an acquired taste but a very fine fragrance and wirth spending the time with. Maybe that's what it is - floral and herbal. is there such a thing as a 'herbal' family in perfumes? On my list of 2012 of perfumes to buy!
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Crème -L'Oreal - Matte Morphose
Shazzer1976 4/29/2010 7:12:00 AM
It all started so well! I picked this up in Boots using my card points. I'm glad I didn't actually use my own cash to buy this! As I have said, it started well and things looked promising. I was initially very pleased with how well it balance out my skin tone and the natural, healthy look. I also thought that Golden Ivory - Ivoire Dore - was an excellent match for my skin tone. It was easy to apply and it didn't need a lot of blending. It also lasted very well during the day. I carried the jar with me for little touch up around my nose - it runs! Unfortuately after a week of using this foundation, I have started to notice little spots on my chin and then on my cheeks! I have had a similar reaction to other products in the past and I am disappointed by how this has started happening with the L'Oreal foundation. I also do not like the smell of the product in the jar! I know this is not an issue when you are actually wearing the foundation but it is a little off-putting when you just open the container.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Clinique - Superbalanced Foundation
Shazzer1976 4/29/2010 7:04:00 AM
This is my favourite foundation. I have used it for years and I always end up returning to it after I try other products! It is not heavy and has a natural finish. You can set it with powder, if you want, but I find powder too heavy and can look a little chalky. It does exactly what it says on the tin - super balancing. I have dry combination skin so this foundation both moisturises my dry areas whilst keeping my T-zone shine free. I also find that a little goes a very long way. I can use a bottle for moths and still have plenty left. There is a good colur range, though I am finding my current bottle a little on the dark side. I think it would be very difficult not to find a suitable foundation from the huge range available at Clinique.
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