Mascara -Estee Lauder - Double Wear Zero Smudge Lengthening Mascara
Melavia 12/28/2011 10:14:00 AM
I bought this mascara without much research here but I am glad I did. The size of the product is smaller than the other HE mascaras I had before. What the product really get me is the promise of no smudging and I have to say it keeps its promise very well. I did not get any smudge after a full day of wear. With careful application in the morning, there is no clumping, smudging or flaking throughout the entire day. I am really surprised by the result. As much as I enjoyed Lancome and Dior, they always give me a bit smudge at the end of the day. I have medium length straight asian lashes and this mascara lengthens quite well. It does not weight my lashes down and is able to hold the curl for a satisfying period of time. I use SAO to remove it and it comes off easily. Also, during the entire process of removing it, there is still next to none smudge. The mascara comes off as little black bits. Even with gentle rubbing around the eye area, I do not get racoon eyes, maybe a little bit of color but this is so much better than other mascaras. I am very impressed by the formula itself and its ability to keep its promises.
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Polishes -Sephora - Sephora by OPI - Rumba Romance
Melavia 12/22/2011 4:25:00 PM
Bought it on sale at Sephora and absolutely love it. I generally enjoy gold-tone colors. This one is more on the yellow/copper side than gold alone. I need two coats for a complete opaque look, which is the standard for most of my polishes. The color is very rich with fine glitter/shimmers. I really like the brush and somehow the fomula just glide on my nails like a dream. I always put a top coat on it so the staying power is extended. It would usually stay for a week but I tend to redo my nails with other colors before that.
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Polishes -Revlon - Nail Enamel
Melavia 12/22/2011 4:11:00 PM
I bought one in a dark purple color on sale a while ago. The color is really nice, rich and creamy. However, it bubbles like crazy, I can see so many bubbles after two coats no matter how well and carefully i roll/shake the bottle before application. The bubble is in a light rosy color so they are entirely too visible under any kind of light. I have to take it off immediately because I simply cannot stand all the bubbles. I also find the fomular to be extremely thick which makes it hard to spread. Because of this experience, it put me off on trying any other ones although I think it has a lot of really nice colors. But I like the quick dry top coat and post truama treatment a lot. I used to have a bottle in a really nice cherry red color but have long lost it. I do not remember experiencing the same thing so maybe I just picked a bad bottle. All in all, I might give it a try another time. Update 02/22/12 Bought another two bottles to try. One in copperglaze plantinum and another one in Revlon Red. I am truly in love with Revlon Red because I think it looks nice on any skin tone. It stays up par to my other polishes. However the copperglaze plantinum is a totally different story. Same thing happened to it as my previous plum night. It started to bubble upon my second use so I have to threw it away. There are many nice and rich colors I want to try but the probability of runnig into a problem bottle is perhaps too high for my taste.
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Treatments -Sally Hansen - Nail Growth Miracle
Melavia 12/22/2011 3:59:00 PM
I use this in combination with the nailgrowth serum. Together, they totally change the condition of my nails. I was a life-long nail biter. My nails were short, brittle and peel off easily. When I finally decided to quit (yet again), I started to put this on my horrible looking nails regularly to prevent myself from biting them. I do not use it every other day as written on the instruction. I use it as a base coat for my nail polishes. I have to cover my nails with colorful polishes to prevent myself from biting. That said, I usually redo my nails every three to four days so I would apply it not far between. As a base coat, I quite like it. It dries out pretty quickly and provide a good layer of prevention from yellowing or staining. Together with Rimmel's quick dry top coat, my manicure can usually last around a week. As a treatment alone, it gives a nice shine to my natural looking nails. Now I would just swipe it on if I get lazy. It totally strengthened my nails and promoted growth in general. Now I can have beautiful looking manicure and not afraid to show my hands to others.
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Treatments -Sally Hansen - Nailgrowth Miracle Serum
Melavia 12/22/2011 3:53:00 PM
I bought this together with the nailgrowth miracle treatment on sale at local drugstore. I have been a life-long nail biter but decided to quit in September. I use these two products in combination and have really seen a dramatic difference to my nails. I used to have really short, brittle and peeling nails but now no one can tell I was a nail-biter by looking at them. As much as I like the serum itself, i have to say the package sucks. The dropper never worked in my case so i basically pull the dropper out every time and just dab about one drop on each of my cuticles and then rub it in with my finger. Although the package has left much to be desired, the formula itself seems to work well on my nails. After three months of daily use, i can honestly say that my nails grow out a lot. Not only the growth is faster, they are stronger too. I can finally have beautiful looking manicures now.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Clean & Clear - Oil Absorbing Sheets
Melavia 12/20/2011 4:48:00 PM
I used this a few years back. I think if you have to use it on a daily basis then the cost adds up quite fast. I am not very oily but have oily t-zone. I blot maybe once everyday so the demand is not that high. I use to love the effect when using it to see all the oil show up on the paper. But when I tried other bloting paper I realized that they work just as effective without that much showing up. I am now using the liner blotting paper from Muji which costs much less. The paper itself is a beige color so any oil absorbed just makes it transparent. Try not to blot too much as the oil gives a natural barrier to your skin. If you blot too much, your skin will actually product more oil to compensate.
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Skincare - Body -Unlisted Brand - Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel
Melavia 12/19/2011 5:02:00 PM
I have been using it for over a year now, on and off. It is definitely a good prodcut but I would not consider it a HG. I have combination skin with oily t-zone but even for my combination type of skin, i cannot say it gives me enough hydration as a face moisrizer. Also, I feel like it turns into a layer after dries out. However, I had some bad irritations around my mouth once after came back from the beach. The skin around my mouth was dry, flaking and itchy. I dabbed a very generous amount around my mouth with this product and it truly helped my skin to heal. Although it does not work well on my face, I always apply it on my legs after I epilated them. It immediately sooths my skin and all the irritations disappeared. I really like it as a after sun/ after shave soothing product. The prodcut itself is rather cheap and a tube lasts me quite some time. I am most likely to always keep a tube around because of its soothing ability also how fast my skin absorbs it and never leaves marks or becomes messy.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Burt's Bees - Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
Melavia 12/19/2011 1:40:00 PM
I bought this in a little nice pack with a lip balm. I believe the size is smaller than the original one. I like the lemon scent. I think it is very refreshing. The cream is very light in my opinion but it is very moisturizing. I have a Nails Inc. cuticle oil pen with me but I find this one to be easier to carry. It can be a bit messier when applying. It absorbes very quickly and a little goes a long way. The only small complaint I have is the package. Although it is small and portable, the tin is a bit unsanitary with application.
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Lip Treatments -Burt's Bees - Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Acai Berry
Melavia 12/19/2011 1:35:00 PM
I have never used Burt's Bees products before. This is the first lip balm I tried so I really cannot compare it with other lip balms under the same brand. My usual go to lip balm is Kielh's No. 1 lip balm for the past few years. It looks and feels like Vaseline with a tiny bit of SPF to it. Compare to Kielh's, this one is thinner and creamier I think. It is not as glossy/oily as No.1. The package is easier to use since the Kielh's one tends to be runny during warm whether and can be a bit messy if not careful. This one has a very artificial scent in my opinion. I am not completely against it but I have not use similar products on my lips for a while. Although the package is better, the staying power for this balm is really not long. I find myself in need to re-apply it every few hours. The initial effect is nice but it tends to wear off rather fast. It might stay as an emergency lip balm but I think I will stick to Kielh's as an overnight treatment.
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Cleansers -Garnier - Moisture Rescue Fresh Cleansing Foam
Melavia 12/15/2011 1:53:00 PM
I have been using this cleanser for about a month now. Reading all the reviews here somehow makes me think if I have been using the same product. But then I double checked the name and package and I am sure it is indeed the same product. In term of cleaness, i think it does a pretty good job of removing dirts and makeup. However, this product actually makes my face tight after rinse it all off. It is suppose to be a moisture rescue product and I bought this because my previous gel cleanse was drying me out. Well, the dryness and tightness disappeared after I use my toner but still, I was hoping for a heavier cleanser to use during the harsh winter time here. I used Clairins cleansing milk for combo/oily skin together with the toner last winter and that was truly a cleanser which did not dry my skin out at all. My dilimma here is if I want that squaky feeling of clean afterward, i would always feel tight and dry. But if i do not feel anything abnormal after rinse, I would think that i did not wash the cleanser off completely. I will probably finish the tube off because in terms of cleaness, it does a good job. But my search for a gentle yet effective cleanser is still on.
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Conditioner -Dove - Damage Therapy Conditioner Intensive Repair
Melavia 12/14/2011 3:15:00 PM
I decided to try this out after some research here on MUA. I have had my hair colored, permed, straightened, blow dried and flat ironed constantly for the past few years. I always have split ends and my hair feel very dry and frizzy lately. I bought both the shampoo and conditioner on sale. I have to say the result it great. After one use, my hair is softer and shinier. Although the ends are still a bit dry, it has improved a lot. It does seem to weight down my hair a bit but then I am not sure what is the true cause of this since I have been using SAO and a leave-in conditioner too. I am willing to sacrifice some volume to make my hair healthier. I will continue to monitor the condition of my hair and update here if necessary.
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Toners -Unlisted Brand - Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar
Melavia 12/13/2011 12:14:00 PM
i hunted it down in my local health store after reading so many good reviews here on MUA. I have been battling with mild acne and monthly break outs for over ten years. The only thing that ever really worked on my is BP. I have very resistant skin that is in between combo to oily depending on the weather. I have wanted to reduce my skin care routine and switch to more natural products for a while now. After reading all the review here, i decide to give it a go. I have been using this for almost two months now. Originally, i mixed it with water in a 1:3 ratio but found it to be too diluted. Now I am using it in a 1:1 ratio with much better result. I am very tolerant to the fruity sour smell that I actually quite like it on my face. It does not stink my face normally but will hurt a bit when i have opened pimples. I use the toner twice a day. I also try to drink at least one tea spoon diluted in water every night. I am more energized and I think my skin tone is more evened. It is not a miracle product for me as I still get minor pimples. However, my skin condition has definitely improved. Next step is to try it as a hair rinse. The cost is very cheap and a little goes a long way. Even if it is too strong to use on your face, anyone should at least try to take it internally. It is a product that has varsitle uses. I will definitely repurchase. Update 02/03/12 Still using and loving it. I use the 1:1 ratio without any irritations. Keeps my skin clear and I sort of like the stingy feeling it leaves.
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Treatments (Eye) -Rimmel - Lash Accelerator Serum
Melavia 12/7/2011 10:59:00 AM
I bought this on sale a few days ago and have been using it regularly since then. I cannot say much because I have not used it long enough but I do have some opinions about this product. Upon application, it does make my lashes longer and they also appear to be stronger as well. However, I am not very happy with the formula or package. The opening of the tube has a very tight fit with the brush so I have to literally pull the wand rather hard every time when I try to get it out. I am not sure if it is just my tube or it is just the design. Secondly, I find the formula to be a bit too thick. The brush can have lots of serum on it and my lashes are not that long or thick. I can often found residues at the tips of my lashes. I could not swipe it away with the wand because it is coated with serum. I apply it every night before i go to bed and sometimes when i wake up the next morning, there are dried bits on my lashes from this product. It has not irritated my eyes and though the residues can be washed out easily, it is not a pleasant thing to see them in the morning. I sometimes use this in the morning before makeup. I usually apply it really early to let it settle completely. My lashes appear longer and more defined. I will update if anything new shows up Update 02/24/2012 After almost two months of regular usage, I have something to add here. This product perfroms better in the long term i think. Although I could not say my lashes are longer, I certainly have more lashes now. The serum helps to fill out some spots on my lashline and my lashes are definitely stronger. They are maybe a tad bit thincker too and I have much fewer lashes falling out everyday. I only apply my upper lashline every night before I go to bed. I've learnt to swipe the wand along the edge of the opening a few times in order to get the excess serum off. This way, it is easier to use and would not leave too much residue in the morning. Usually when I wake up, I actually see my lashes curl up really nicely. But I am still not sure if it is because of this serum or simply the position I sleep in. I suppose it might means that the serum is able to hold a curl when used under mascara. Because it takes sometime to dry, I only use it as a nightly treatment. Although I do not think it accelerate the length of my lashes, it sure speeds up the growth rate and makes them stronger.
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Treatments -Vaseline - Vaseline
Melavia 12/5/2011 1:59:00 PM
I was never a vaseline girl as I always think the product is too oily. Then, I devided to buy a jar on a whim because it was on sale at my local drug store. I thought I could still use it on my elbows and knees if all else fail. So far, I have tried many uses with this with different results. Face: I have oily/combination skin that is quite acne-prone. I am highly cautious about what products to put on my face. I have not tried to spread it all over yet but i have had success with it when dabbing it around the dry areas around my mouth after applying a night cream. I read a review here about sealing eyecream with this and I am willing to give it a try. It makes sense since Vaseline basically seals off all the moiture to make sure your skin absorbs it all. I also coated my lashes with vaseline a few times. I feel it is a bit too heavy and messy for me and my vision tends to be blurry because of this. Lips: I have always used Kielh's No.1 lip balm. I noticed that the main ingredient is patrolium jelly. Although it works well during the most months of the year, it is not enough for the harsh winter here. Lately, I start to experiment with different oils. I would dab my lips with sweet almond oil at night and top it up with some Vaseline. My lips are baby soft the next morning. Hands/Nails/Cuticles: I tried to apply it around my cuticles a few times at night. The problem here is that it cannot seem to be absorbed by my hand at all so it is quite messy. Same thing happens in general when I apply it on my hands. Unless i can cover them with gloves, otherwise, everywhere I touch has vaseline there. I believe this one jar can last me a very long time if not forever. It is great for elbows, heels and knees but can get messy everywhere else. Still, it is a must-have in anyone's bathroom cabinet as it is cheap and versatile.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Sweet Almond Oil
Melavia 12/2/2011 4:35:00 PM
I bought one bottle after reading all the review here on MUA regarding different types of oil. I have wanted to incorporate oil into my skin care routine for sometime now but cannot be sure which one to choose. I have oily/combination acne-prone skin so I was afraid the oil would clog my pores and break me out. After evaluating all the different options, I devided to try SAO because I have concerns regarding my undereye dark circles as well as acne scars on my face. I have not used it for long so I can only do an initial review and will update later accordingly. I use it just around my eyes and on my lips. Sometimes I rub a few drops on my dry/damaged hair when it is still damp. I have not seen significant results under my eyes but then I suppose my dark circles are not very bad at the first place. I expect the result to showup slowly so i am not worried about it. However, I have noticed instant result for my rather pigmented lips. It hydrates my lips really well, especially after i seal it off with some Vesaline. And I noticed the next morning, my lips appear pinker than before. Fortunately enough, the oil has not broke me out so far but I am very cautious when using it. I just started patting it on my acne scars really lightly and have not encountered any problem yet. I also use a clean mascara applicator to apply it on my lashes. They appear to be a tiny bit longer and stronger. I will keep up and see. I have not noticed any significant improvement for my hair but then it is very dry and damaged. I have switched to more nurishing conditioners so it is hard to say which product actually helps. I also use very little amount as i am afraid it will weight my hair down. So far, for its price, the results are good,. I understand that it will take time for all the results to show. A bottle will last me a long time since a little goes a long way.
4 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No