Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Rosa Fina Joie de Vivre lotion
zoomusicgrrrl 5/15/2010 8:13:00 AM
I tend to go for lotions rather than creams because I like the lighter feel and the fact they don't interfere with the longevity of my makeup. This lotion is silky and lightweight. It absorbs quickly and makeup goes on smooth over the top without the need of a primer. I love the fact that it is made from 100% natural ingredients, although I'd like a built in sunscreen - I've not managed to find a natural product that has managed to successfully combine gentle, lightweight natural ingredients and a good spf. This lotion is claimed to feature ingredients which serve as "collagen boosters" - but I've used maybe four or five bottles and have seen no real change in my skin's firmness or elasticity, so I think the claims may be exaggerated. The lotion is recommended for virtually all skin types: "Sensitive, Mature, Rosacea, Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Combination, Oily, Young" (the company seems to be trying to cover all bases!) Overall, a pleasant lotion that doesn't make me greasy, that anchors makeup and that has a light lemony scent. But at £23 for a 30ml pump, I'd like something a bit more special. Ingredients: Aqua, Rosa Mosqueta (Rosehip Seed Oil), Glycerin (vegetable moisturiser), Cetearyl Alcohol (vegetable wax), Cetearyl Glucoside (vegetable emulsifier), Oryza Sativa (Rice wax), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba oil), Squalane (Olive extract), Argania Spinosa (Argan oil)), Borago Officinalis Seed Oil (Starflower), Macadamia Ternifolia , Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Glyceryl Caprylate (Palm/Coconut emollient), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E), Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle), Xanthan Gum (vegetable thickener), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower oil), Tocopherol (vitmain E), Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle), Allantoin (Comfrey extract), Dimethyl Sulfone (MSM/organic Sulphur), Retinyl Palmitate (vitamin A), Alcohol (from Sugar Cane), Santalum Album (Australian Sandalwood), Ascorbyl Palmitate (vitamin C), Linalool*, Rosa Damascena (Damask Rose), Limonene*, Citrus Amara (Neroli), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Citral*, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense), Citronellol*, Alchemilla Vulgaris (Lady’s Mantle), Calendula Officinalis, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail), Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot), Pelargonium Capitatum (Geranium), Geraniol*, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin), Farnesol*, Litsea cubeba (May Chang), Eugenol*. * Aromatic components of essential oils. Certified Organic ingredients used wherever possible.
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Lip Liners -NYX - Slim Lip Pencil - Pinky 835
zoomusicgrrrl 5/15/2010 7:44:00 AM
These NYX liners are great in some ways - there's a good colour selection, they are creamy so comfortable when worn as a lipstick base, they are excellent value. What I don't like, though, is that I find them tricky to sharpen (they are soft, so have a tendency to crumble unless I'm really careful), and the colours aren't always what I anticipate. 'Plush Red' on me turns out quite pink (a fuchsia shade) and 'Pinky' is therefore an uber-pink. For reference, my lips are a light plummy shade; a blue-toned pink. 'Pinky' on me is a striking neon pink, an electroclash, eighties or nu-rave statement pink - so be warned if you are after something soft or subtle. I won't repurchase this particular shade (the pencil is so long that I shouldn't need to, anyway!)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Liners -Rimmel - 1000 Kisses Stay on Lipliner in Red Dynamite
zoomusicgrrrl 5/15/2010 7:27:00 AM
Gorgeous red that looks fairly neutral/cool on me. This one has a creamy, blendable texture that reminds me a bit of NYX, although the precision of the Rimmel seems better. Weirdly, my liner in this shade is more creamy than others I've used from the range, like the 'tiramisu' and 'wine' - the texture of my 'red dynamite' is just right, giving perfect definition but also been comfortable when used all over the lips to anchor my red lipsticks. Great value, too. UPDATE: While I still love the texture, finish and cost of this, I'm finding it looks a bit pinker than I'd like - a pretty shade, but not the true red I'd hoped for. The problem lies with me, really, and my plum-toned lips - the blue in my lips seems to turn most red liners fuchsia.
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Lips -Mally Beauty - High Shine Liquid Lipstick
zoomusicgrrrl 5/15/2010 7:18:00 AM
I've got this in 'Perfect Pink', which is a very pretty shade that looks slightly lighter than it does in the tube. It is a light, muted pink shade that is neither garish nor bubblegum. In fact, it creates a lovely nude pout that looks clean and pretty with just a slick of mascara, or striking with a smokey eye. I'm always looking for a decent nude that has enough pink in it to avoid the concealer-lips look, and this shade is ideal. Like other reviewers have noted, it is a semi-opaque gloss that gives good coverage and shine. I find that it is pretty longwearing - a true gloss/lipstick hybrid. Another positive is that each tube contains significantly more product than the Stila version (3.5 compared with 2.25ml) - and they retail for roughly the same price in the UK. The negatives for me are that the thick texture makes it difficult to get even coverage without visible brush strokes. Also, the formulation dries my lips out after a while - demanding a quick exfoliation before re-application. This is a bit high maintenance, but manageable. Overall, an above average product recommended to those seeking a longlasting brush-on lipstick alternative. UPDATE: I've come to love the brush-style applicator. The click pen dispenses product far more evenly and controlled than the Stila version, and the brush is so much more user-friendly than the doe foot style I used to prefer. The shade range is limited (when compared with Stila) and a few of the pinks I've tried ('Mally's Glow', 'Flirty') have been slightly too cool - pastel pinks with hints of lavender. (My preference is for yellow-based pinks, flamingos, corals, peaches...) I've just ordered the 'Summer Peach' and have high hopes for this particular shade. UPDATE #2: Hated the 'Summer Peach' shade - it was extremely garish on me. (NC 20 complexion, golden blonde hair, green eyes.) I'm not at all shy of a bold lip, but this shade was NEON on me. And no amount of muting with concealers or primers made it wearable. Also bought the 'Fuzzy Navel' shade. Not crazy about the name, but it's a gorgeous and wearable peachy nude - probably my favourite shade in the range.
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Shampoo -Unlisted Brand - Peter Lamas wheatgrass purifying shampoo
zoomusicgrrrl 5/14/2010 5:23:00 PM
This is claimed to detox the hair, removing mineral deposits and product build-up. Wheatgrass and fruit extracts are said to remove oil from the hair and scalp, whilst aloe and avocado moisturise. My hair tends to be oily in the scalp area, but the ends are dry. I wanted a light shampoo that would deal with my oily roots without stripping the rest of my hair. I find this product too moisturising - so that it feels weighed down and greasy within a day. I also don't like the blueish pearlised formula which really reminds me of a mass market product in look, feel and scent. I've been using natural shampoos for so long that I can't remember which specific product it reminds me of - maybe a Wash and Go 2-in-1 type product. If I wanted that kind of thing I'd go to my nearest pound shop - rather than fork out nearly £20 for an apparent dupe! That said, it is chock-full of natural and organic ingredients like other Lamas products, so I can't understand why this is such a letdown. INGREDIENTS: Water (Aqua), Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (and) Glycerin (and) Lauryl Glucoside (and) Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (and) Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Certified Organic Pelagonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Allplant Essence*, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycol Stearate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Wheat Amino Acids, Certified Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Extract1, Certified Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract1, Certified Organic Hydrastis Canadensis (Golden Seal) Root Extract1, Certified Organic Yucca Aloifolia Extract*, Certified Organic Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract1, Certified Organic Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract1, Certified Organic Rosa Canina Fruit Extract1, Coco-Glucoside (and) Glyceryl Oleate, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonim Chloride, Citric Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance with Essential Oils. EDIT: As this product contains good quality natural ingredients, I'm happy to use it up as a shower gel and to wash my makeup brushes.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Unlisted Brand - Lamas Beauty Soy Balancing Conditioner
zoomusicgrrrl 5/14/2010 5:01:00 PM
Lamas recommend this conditioner for all hair types, especially dry or damaged. The soy protein is claimed to help reconstruct and strengthen weakened hair shafts, and restore elasticity, body and shine. Its E and B vitamins are claimed to smooth the cuticle and prevent static. Lamas say you can use the conditioner as a rinse out or leave in product. I would only use it as a rinse out because it's very rich - and would otherwise weigh my fine hair down. I paid about £20 for a 360ml bottle, but as a little goes a long way on my hair, it lasts and lasts. Love the almond scent, its organic credentials and the fact it doesn't contain harsh chemicals. But I won't rush to repurchase as it doesn't do wonders for my hair. INGREDIENTS: Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Glyceryl Stearate (and) Stearalkonium Chloride, Certified Organic Pelagonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Allplant Essence*, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Soy Amino Acids, Certified Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Extract*, Certified Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Certified Organic Hydrastis Canadensis (Golden Seal) Root Extract*, Certified OrganicYucca Aloifolia Extract*, Certified Organic Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract*, Certified Organic Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract*, Certified Organic Rosa Canina Fruit Extract*, Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Extract, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Phytantriol, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Zea Mays (Corn) Oil (and) Beta Carotene, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance with Essential Oils, Caramel.
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Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Naturetis moisturising day balm
zoomusicgrrrl 5/14/2010 4:40:00 PM
Naturetis is a French brand created by a botanical scientist. Its organic skincare products are centred around oil extracted from the lily - claimed to regenerate skin cells, soothe and soften dry or sensitive skin, even out pigmentation, and calm redness. As well as lily oil, the Fleur de Lys Moisturising Day Balm contains wild rose floral water, turmeric and acerola extracts. 98.9% of its ingredients are of natural origin and 12% are produced by organic farming. My skin borders on oily, so I like a light moisturiser that absorbs well and provides a good base for makeup. This balm does the trick. It is certainly light and sinks in quickly to leave a semi-matte finish. I tend to think that balms will be waxy or oily, but this is more a light-textured cream. Makeup glides on easily, without the need of a primer. It's conveniently and hygiencally packaged in a pump - and one pump dispenses ample cream for my face and neck. I can't say I've noticed any great changes in my skin since I've been using this, but it's a pleasant scented and textured cream that does a decent job. My one gripe is that I paid about £25 for a 30ml pump, but have had very similar results from Martha Hill's Mimosa day cream which costs £12 for 50ml.
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Makeup Brushes -BeneFit Cosmetics - Concealer Brush
zoomusicgrrrl 5/12/2010 2:55:00 PM
Feels to me like a smaller version of a foundation brush - in its shape and texture. I find I can't use it to dab concealer onto small areas (like blemishes) because the head is too wide. It's got a flat shape that makes applying product right up the lower eye rim or around the nose (ie nooks and crannies) quite easy. However, I'd agree with reviewers who've said it's a bit stiff to use under the eye. I only use mine to apply foundation to my eyelids as a base for eyeshadow - and, to be honest, I could do that just as well with my Smashbox foundation brush.
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Makeup Brushes -BeneFit Cosmetics - Fluff Brush
zoomusicgrrrl 5/12/2010 2:49:00 PM
I wanted a natural bristle brush for eyeshadow and, certainly, this does a good job of picking up just enough product and is soft enough for comfortable blending. My gripe, though, is that mine (although only purchased quite recently) tends to shed hairs - every now and again I'll swipe on some shadow only to find a black bristle 'glued' to my eyelid. The brush is definitely an efficient blender because those awol bristles really do grip my lid and need to be carefully peeled away. I've had cheaper (non-brand) brushes which have matched this one for effectiveness - without the alopecia tendencies.
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Polishes -Avon - Nailwear Pro in Perfectly Flesh
zoomusicgrrrl 5/12/2010 2:38:00 PM
My second polish from this line (love the 'Warm Black'). Same pretty high-shine finish and great value (12ml for £6 when full price, but it's often on offer - I paid £4). Two coats gives full and glossy coverage. The colour of this one just doesn't suit me. I wanted a nude for workwear, and anticipated a pinky-peach, but this was quite a browny-peach. My skin is coolish in tone and I just can't wear browns. Maybe on warmer skins this would be a decent choice for understated work nails - hence my on-the-fence 3 lippies rating. (Oh, and it chipped in a couple of places within a day - but I'll put that down to my sloppy, rushed application. I slapped it on virtually as I was heading out the door - no base or topcoat.) Still want to try some other shades from the range though. EDIT: I've just noticed that my 'Warm Black' is labelled just 'Nailwear', as opposed to 'Nailwear Pro' - so, different formulas, presumably. I prefer the older 'Nailwear' version.
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Cleansers -Freeman - Good Stuff Organics Foaming Facial Cleanser
zoomusicgrrrl 5/9/2010 11:31:00 AM
My first Freeman product and I'm impressed. I like a foaming face wash for a quick a.m. cleanse, but find that they are often drying - even the ones billed as natural/organic. I've been using this foam a couple of days and so far my skin's been left feeling soft - neither stripped nor coated, just balanced. It contains some nice ingredients such as Organic Cocoa Seed Butter, Organic Matricaria Flower Extract, Witch Hazel Extract, Camelia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Rice Extract, Pomegranate Extract, Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Organic Grape Seed Oil and Vitamin B5. I expected the cocoa butter to make the product thick and pore-clogging, but the foam texture is really light. I wouldn't use this product to actually remove makeup (I like to massage my skin with peanut oil and remove with a muslin cloth in the evening, for a really deep - and cost-effective - clean.) But it seems to be doing the trick of gently cleansing my bare morning skin. Lovely fruity smell is a bonus, as are its eco credentials - it uses Fair Trade cocoa butter and features packaging made from recycled plastic. Retails in the UK for about £9 for 200ml. Full ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Organic Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Organic Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrance (Parfum). UPDATE: Still finding this a decent a.m. face wash. For makeup removal, though, forget it. I've been wearing only mascara for the past week (a single coat of non-waterproof) and have attempted to remove it with this (not wanting the hassle of doing a full oil cleanse for the sake of just mascara.) I've found I've had to wash the area three times before the mascara is fully removed. This has even caused me to lose a few lashes in the process. I've taken a lippie off because, although it makes for a pleasant face wash, I'm doubting its cleansing abilities.
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Primer/ Corrector -Unlisted Brand - Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel
zoomusicgrrrl 5/9/2010 11:17:00 AM
Great if you can get this product to work for you because, at under £6, it's a cheap alternative to the overpriced 'proper' primers. It felt heavy and greasy on my skin, and made my makeup go blotchy (both when I tried it over and under foundation). That said, the expensive silicone-based primers I've used haven't really fared any better.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Longcils Boncza - Satin lipstick
zoomusicgrrrl 5/9/2010 11:07:00 AM
This lipstick glides on quite smoothly and I like the fact that it contains vitamin E, and is free from parabens and phthalates. I got the colour Fuchsia, which is deep blue-toned pink (other colours include Beige Pearl, Mysterious Red, Pink Diamond, Red Desire and Spiced Red.) What I didn't like was the finish - on me it felt heavy and looked opaque and almost metallic, whereas I was hoping for something lighter and shinier. Something more, er, satiny. Ingredients: ricinus communis seed oil, butyl stearate, ozokerite, Octyldodecanol, cera alba, coco-caprylate / caprate, Cctyl palmitate, cera carnauba, lauryl PCA, tocopherol acetate, parfum, + sensitisers from essential oils:-hydro citronellal, geraniol, linalool, benzyl benzoate, d-limomene, 3-methyl-4(2,6,6-trimethyl-2cyclohexene-1-yl)3-butene-2-one, +/-:CI 7491, CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 15850, Mica, CI 77891, CI 42090, CI 15985.
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Hair -Unlisted Brand - Coconut Oil
zoomusicgrrrl 5/9/2010 11:02:00 AM
I buy pure cold pressed coconut oil, without preservatives, colours or additives. It's suitable for cooking - contains vit e and antioxidants, and is cholesterol free (and it's a tasty, healthy substitute for dairy in smoothies). Apparently, it's close in molecular structure to natural sebum, which makes it so good for skin and hair conditioning. It's also believed to give the skin some protection from the sun. Personally, I tend to use it as a pre-wash hair mask. I melt some (and sometimes combine with a teaspoon of honey), massage it into hair and scalp, leave it while I take a bath, then shampoo it out. I find that it makes my hair really soft but not greasy - important to me because my roots tend to get greasy naturally, while the ends are dry. In fact, when I've used a coconut mask, my scalp tends not to grease up so fast. I get better results from coconut than from most commercial hair masks which can often dry out the lengths of my hair, or leave a crispy residue.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Laura Geller - Welcome Matte Skin Enhancer
zoomusicgrrrl 5/9/2010 10:39:00 AM
I'm starting to realise that smoothing a bunch of silicones over my skin isn't going to do anything positive for its look or feel. As ever, this dimethicone product felt greasy and made my skin slippery and congested. To be honest, I don't think I really need primer anyway - my skin produces just enough oil to prevent longwearing foundations from looking opaque and masky; makeup adheres well to my moisturiser-only skin. I'm going to stop wasting my time and money.
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