Candles -Yankee Candles - Paradise Spice
MalibuMands 1/17/2013 5:12:00 AM
PARADISE SPICE is one of Yankee's new spring 2013 fragrances, and is described as "an exotic island treasure...perfectly ripe banana and creamy vanilla, unexpectedly spiced with prized cinnamon and cloves". There's not much more that I can add to that, just that the spices are very mild and the banana is stronger then the vanilla, so the fragrance isn't too sweet and cloying. As with all Yankee candles, the entirety of the wax is perfumed; I've used some candles where the fragrance burns up before the candle does, but that is not the case here. The fragrance lasts as long as the candle does and is strong enough to travel over the house. I even catch occasional wafts of the perfume whilst the candle is unlit. I've found that the tarts and tea lights throw off a stronger scent than the candles, so I think that they are the better buys.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
BB Cream -Boots - 17 BB (blemish balm)
MalibuMands 1/15/2013 6:22:00 AM
I have very pale skin, so none of the Boots 17 foundations are actually light enough for me; even the Porcelain and Ivory shades. 17 BB BLEMISH BALM feels a bit watery, so I wasn't expecting much. But the formula actually works in it's favour; it feels very light and silky on my skin and blending is super easy. Once blended, the results are a smooth satin finish, with surprisingly good coverage. OK, it won't cover my hormonal breakouts, but my main problem is discolouration, which this product solves. It even reduces the appearance of my pores AND undereye circles too. I've found it to be transfer resistant, long lasting and it doesn't settle in my fine lines. Flaky skin? a thing of the past. I think the packing is very user-friendly; It's in a squeezable, slim tube, so you can squeeze all of the product out. Plus; it's a ideal size for small bags and the lid is very secure. 17 is a brand which is exclusive to Boots stores in the UK.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -Revlon - Just Bitten Kissable Stain Balm - Crush
MalibuMands 12/30/2012 11:45:00 AM
CRUSH is a richly pigmented berry shade. As the shape of my lips is small, and my top lip is practically invisible, I struggle with reds and vampy shades, as they make my lips look like tiny slashes on my face. CRUSH is a great discovery for me - the red/plummy overtones appear less harsh in this shade, as the pinkish and brown undertones in CRUSH soften the colour. My lips have been kept hydrated and flake free during cold weather and central heating, since using Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm Stain. And, true to it's name, not only is it a effective balm, but the colour actually does wear like a traditionally drying lip stain - it stays put for hours, through both eating and drinking. I can't believe that it took me so long to try these stains; Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm Stain is now my favourite lip colour. They remind me of Tarte's Lip Surgences, but these are better as they don't melt in the tube and the caps don't crack, making a mess in my bags.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Aquolina - Gold Sugar
MalibuMands 12/27/2012 3:31:00 PM
The mandarin is a very long lasting notes, that gives the fragrance a subtly fresh feel. The coconut and creme brulee are both present though the entirety of GOLD SUGAR too, so the sweetness is more creamy, rather then outright sugary. The floral notes aren't strong enough to stand out from the fruits and creamy vanilla notes. There is a powdery undertone to the fragrance, so I'd guess rose and perhaps peony, but at the end of the day I am just guessing. There is no strong indication between the heart notes and the base, thanks to the constant trickle of soft fruits, cream and vanilla. The main shift in the direction of the fragrance, is that the creamy notes become cleaner as the musk develops. The notes also become a bit more milkier as the fruit notes die down. Official scent notes: Mandarin, citrus, neroli, mixed florals, crème brule, coconut, Australian sandalwood, musk and creamy accord. Overall: I like GOLD SUGAR a lot more then I thought I would, and it is quite different from Pink Sugar - not just a quick cash-in release for Christmas. I admit that I do like the original more, but I will re-buy this softer, less sweet edition as I have found myself wearing it a lot. The creaminess is so soft, warm and comforting.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Revlon - Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain - Honey
MalibuMands 12/22/2012 3:41:00 PM
HONEY is a well-pigmented glossy, pinkish nude shade; it is almost the same shade as my natural lip colour - just a bit more flushed. I use this shade almost daily, as it goes with all makeup looks and has a fantastic formula. My lips have been kept hydrated and flake free during cold weather and central heating, since using Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm Stain. And, true to it's name, not only is it a effective balm, but the colour actually does wear like a traditionally drying lip stain - it stays put for hours, through both eating and drinking. I can't believe that it took me so long to try these stains; Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm Stain is now my favourite lip colour. They remind me of Tarte's Lip Surgences, but these are better as they don't melt in the tube and the caps don't crack, making a mess in my bags.
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Eyeliner -Maybelline - Master Smokey
MalibuMands 12/22/2012 3:13:00 PM
I found the MASTER SMOKEY is easy to apply, as it doesn't drag across my eyelid or scratch the sensitive skin and the line applies with a even colour in one stroke. It is also easy to smudge the colour out. This is where my problems start, as it is too easy to smoke out - the smudger works more like an eraser for me. Rather then this being a fast and easy alternative to using eyeshadow, I find myself having to take ten minutes blending, shaping and layering my MASTER SMOKEY until I get a nice, wearable look. Then comes problem two; this is NOT 'long lasting'. I'll look in the mirror after about six hours and there will just be a little colour in my crease, the rest of the liner will have vanished. My skin is dry and setting the liner with powder makes no difference. Ican set it with eyeshadow, but that defeats the purpose of using it for a smokey look in the first place. It's a shame; I bought the MASTER SMOKEY on a 3 for 2, and love the colours [I have black, grey and navy]. The pencil itself is very nice; not too hard, not too soft, but the size and price is pretty bad for using this purely as a liner. Rimmel's kohl pencils are cheaper, but smudge better.
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Lips -Revlon - Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain - Lovesick
MalibuMands 12/19/2012 11:51:00 AM
Lovesick is a well-pigmented glossy, hot pink shade. I do really like the shade, but it is lighter and brighter on me, compared to the shade that Emma Stone is wearing in the above ad - we both have fair skin, so I'm not sure what is going on there; either Emma has very pigmented lips, or someone went overboard with touch-ups in Revlon's marketing department. Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm Stain ensures that my lips are kept hydrated and flake free during cold weather and central heating. And, true to it's name, not only is it a effective balm, but the colour actually does wear like a traditionally drying lip stain - it stays put for hours, through both eating and drinking. I can't believe that it took me so long to try these stains; I wear them all of the time, now that I do have them and they have quickly become my favourite lip product. They remind me of Tarte's Lip Surgences, but these are better as they wear for much longer, they don't melt in the tube and the caps don't crack, making a mess in my bags - not to mention that Tarte isn't officially sold in the UK. I want go on to buy every shade of these balm stains, as I love the three that I own, so hopefully all of the shades will be released in the UK soon.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Candles -Yankee Candles - Home For The Holidays
MalibuMands 12/18/2012 11:21:00 AM
Home For The Holidays is one of Yankee Candles 'Festive Collection' fragrances and is officially described as "holiday spices of cinnamon and clove, mixed with earthy cedarwood and balsam". There's not much else to say, except it smells like the wood is pine - that must be the combination of cedarwood and balsam. Also I sometimes pick up on orange too, but maybe my nose is playing tricks o me, because I automatically think of spiced oranges because of the clove and cinnamon. I've found that the tarts and tea lights throw off a stronger scent than the candles, so I think that they are the better buys. I personally prefer to use the tealights; as well as having a stronger fragrance, there's the fact that for the price of a box of 12 scented tealights you get a total of 48 to 72 hours burn-time, so they offer the most value for money. The tealight costs less then 12 tarts or samplers would, so as well as being cheaper - and offering a similar burn time - then either the small jars and tumblers, and over half of the price less then the medium jars or tumblers.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Unlisted Brand - Leichner Camera Clear Tinted Foundation
MalibuMands 12/18/2012 5:06:00 AM
I came across Leichner CAMERA CLEAR foundation whilst browsing Amazon for a suitable foundation for my very dry skin. I remember coming across it before and being tempted by, but not getting it because trying to colour match it via the unhelpful chart is a shot in the dark. However as it is so cheap I decided to just order the lightest shade [porcelain] and hope for the best. When it arrived I was disappointed, as whilst the shade is nice and neutral, it looks a bit darker then what the shade name would suggest. However the creamy formula is so light and silky to apply, that blending it into the skin for a better colour match is easy. Once blended, the results are a smooth satin finish, with medium coverage (it can provide fuller coverage with layering). I've found it to be transfer resistant, another plus. I've worn with a primer, without one, with powder and alone; my preferred look is skipping primer and setting the foundation with a touch of powder, as that is long lasting and gives a natural, un-cakey look. Finally; This hasn't oxidized on me. negatives? For me, this doesn't have any. However if you don't have dry skin the moisturizing ingredients in this foundation will become greasy on your skin, so I wouldn't recommend Leichner CAMERA CLEAR to anyone other then those with dry skin. Also: remember that it applies lighter on the skin then it looks in the container, so bare that in mind.
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Lipstick -MAC - Viva Glam Nicki
MalibuMands 12/17/2012 9:08:00 AM
If you like MAC's yellow based, hot pink VIVA GLAM NICKI lipstick, then you need the lipglass edition too. This is almost exactly the same shade as the lipstick; The pink colour is just a teensy bit less fluorescent on my fair skin, as the base isn't quite as yellow s the lipstick shade is. The finish to the gloss is a cream and seems to have a thicker formula then my other MAC lipglasses, but it still gives a lovely polished shine to my lips and hasn't had a drying effect on my lips. The lasting power is good for a gloss; three/four hours, depending on food/drink. I've had no problems with the packaging and I don't mind the price as 100% of the proceeds go to the MAC AIDS Fund and the VIVA GLAM program.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Kat Von D - Foiled Love Lipstick - Forever & Never
MalibuMands 12/15/2012 5:22:00 PM
Forever & Ever is a golden peach shade, that has a matt finish. The shade is in the Foiled Love collection, which means that the lipstick has a metallic gleam to it. I bought the Star Kissed Lipstick Set last month, which features this shade. This is the only reason I own it; if I saw it on it's own in-store I wouldn't look twice at it. The gold tones and foil finish do nothing for my cool, pale skin - I look as though I've been sucking on a doorknob if I'm not careful [see above pic for my full-on look]... If I apply it lightly and blot carefully I can just about get away with it, so I've given it 3 lippies as I'll still occasionally wear it. I love that the matt lipsticks by Kat Von D all seem to have a long-lasting finish that dries like a stain. I put in on in the mornings, eat and drink, but colour is still on my lips up to six hours later - there is no feathering, no transfer on cups, and the colour still looks even. My lips are dry, but the formula doesn't flake.
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Lipstick -MAC - Viva Glam Nicki
MalibuMands 12/11/2012 6:30:00 PM
VIVA GLAM NICKI is a yellow based shade of hot pink - and by hot pink I mean it looks almost fluorescent with my very fair skin. I think that this shade is a cross between MAC's much sought after LE shades Candy Yum Yum [Quite Cute] and Strayin' [Hello Kitty]. Despite the brightness of the shade, I think that this is far more easier to pull off, and flattering, then Nicki's debut MAC lipstick Pink 4 Friday. The finish to the lipstick is satin, that is easy to apply and hasn't had a drying effect on my lips. The lasting power is average for a lipstick; no less and no worse then other brands [four hours, depending on food/drink]. I've had no problems with the packaging and I don't mind the price as 100% of the proceeds go to the MAC AIDS Fund and the VIVA GLAM program.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Boots - 17 - Blow Out mascara
MalibuMands 12/11/2012 6:07:00 PM
17's BLOW OUT mascara does it all; the colour is very rich [I've got blackest black], great separation, added length and the most noticeable volume increase that I've ever had. People have commented on my false lashes when I have worn this mascara, it really is that good. I usually wear two coats. It is so easy to build up the finished look of your lashes with BLOW OUT, and the formula never cakes or flakes. Plus it holds my curl all day and is easy to remove. The volumizing abilities of this are unbeatable, plus the increase of length is good too - my lashes end up hitting the tops of my sockets. The first time I used this mascara I was disappointed by the fact that the brush is big, which I'm not fond of. However the size of the brush is a plus point with BLOW OUT, as the size and shape of the brush separates, fans and curls lashes, right from the roots to the tips, so my eyes really pop. What else can I say? BLOW OUT is an amazing mascara and the price [£6.29] is really good too. I'll have to try more of Boots 17 mascaras - the couple I've used are both really good.
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Katie Price "Stunning"
MalibuMands 12/5/2012 5:41:00 AM
STUNNING opened nicely; I love the long top note of mandarin. It didn't smell plastic at all, just juicy and freshly sweet. Sadly it just went downhill from there. I love strawberry and violets, but couldn't detect them thanks to the overwhelming jasmine note… and when the dreaded (cue scary music) patchouli note mingles with the jasmine my stomach turned. Overall I found STUNNING to be a flatter version of Miss Dior Cherie, the only difference is that the patchouli in this is strong and cloying, so gave me migraines most f the times that I wore it. I thought the bottle and pink juice – although gaudy – were fun and cute. The staying power is very impressive for the reasonable price. Nowadays you can pick up the smaller bottles of STUNNING for under a tenner. Scent notes; Mandarin, strawberry, violet, bergamot, jasmine, patchouli and vanilla.
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Candles -Yankee Candles - Sparkling Snow
MalibuMands 12/3/2012 4:12:00 AM
SPARKLING SNOW is one of Yankee Candles 'Festive Collection' fragrances and is officially described as "the crisp, naturally fresh scent of gleaming, snow-covered pines with hints of patchouli and fruit". I'd describe it as fresh mint and pine, with a undertone of patchouli, for a earthy bite. I'm not sure what the fruit is - sometimes I get a light breeze of what I think is cherry, but it is so faint that I can't be sure. I do enjoy the fragrance as it is fresh/clean, and the pine is very festive. I usually prefer Yankee's sweet/spicy mixes for Christmas, but this is an exception. As with all Yankee candles, the entirety of the wax is perfumed; I've used some candles where the fragrance burns up before the candle does, but that is not the case here. I've found that the tarts and tea lights throw off a stronger scent than the candles, so I think that they are the better buys. I personally prefer to use the tealights; as well as having a stronger fragrance, there's the fact that for the price of a box of 12 scented tealights you get a total of 48 to 72 hours burn-time, so they offer the most value for money. The tealight costs less then 12 tarts or samplers would, so as well as being cheaper - and offering a similar burn time - then either the small jars and tumblers, and over half of the price less then the medium jars or tumblers.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No