Bronzers -Wet 'n' Wild - Color Icon Bronzer Princess
blooiejagwa 1/27/2013 3:43:00 AM
BEAUTIFUL. I have medium skintone and i need to buff this in (only a DAB is needed on the brush) a little bit, but it looks more natural than my other, more expensive, powder bronzers. V pretty effect. Easy to overdo, depending on your skin colour. The minuscule shimmer particles are not at all apparent on the skin, look v naturally and subtly "glow-y"
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Masks -Dermalogica - Sebum Clearing Masque
blooiejagwa 1/26/2013 4:15:00 AM
Flattens pimples. Good deep cleansing mask that simultaneously brightens skin. Try using it 3 or 2 times a week and I'm sure you will notice a marked difference in your skin. May not repurchase as I want to try making my own with aztec healing clay, as recommended on this site.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Microfiber cloths 
blooiejagwa 1/24/2013 6:34:00 AM
This is great with cleansing balm. I use SAAF pure cleanser and soak a microfibre cloth in warm water before wringing- it takes a couple of gentle swipes to thoroughly clean n remove makeup, along with a teeny bit of (gentle) exfoliation. Will always have on hand.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Indeed Laboratories - Hydraluron
blooiejagwa 1/21/2013 4:00:00 AM
edit: i'm reserving this in my stash for emergencies--e.g. extremely dry patches of skin. it does make moisturizer more effective, but on my skin it also leads to breakouts! dunno why this is. -- Perhaps I was wrong to purchase it in the first place--I do have dry skin, but it's young, and maybe this was too strong for it? All I know is, that it took 3 applications (actually, six, since I used it morning and night)--and my skin now has a bunch of under-the-skin pimples festering (!!) and my pores on my cheeks and nose most definitely look enlarged (!!!!!). Not by a huge amount, but noticeable to myself, at least, in the mirror. I have (had?) good skin and this has me a bit mad because I've heard that once your pores are enlarged, nothing can shrink them down again. I am ABSOLUTELY positively CERTAIN it was this product that did it, as I was using my otherwise tried and tested skincare regimen as usual. SAAF Pure cleanser to remove makeup, Dermalogica Tri-Cleanse, and the very humble NIVEA cream that I've been using for years and years without issue. . I would have reduced the rating further to a 1--were it not for the fact that the dry skin does look a bit better moisturized than usual. Just a bit better though. Not enough to justify the crazy under-the-skin pimples and most-definitely-larger pores! What pisses me off the most is that I only used this 3 times and i have a huge (to a mouse) bottle that's gone to waste. I won't give it to anyone either, because i don't wish these "results" on anybody. This didn't work for me, it might for you, but I will NOT repurchase.
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Lotions/ Creams -Unlisted Brand - Saaf Organic Foot Softening Balm
blooiejagwa 1/17/2013 12:28:00 PM
I disagree with the previous reviewer, because I have found it DOES absorb well and doesn't sit on top in a thick layer, unlike almost every other foot balm I've tried. I've tried ones recommended by a doctor, even, with stuff like urea and salicylic acid to slough away the dead skin. In my opinion SAAF's is one of the better ones. - I would be repurchasing only because the other good foot balm i've found is 1. not natural (harsh chemicals) 2. doesn't absorb well (thick occlusive layer--good or bad, depending on your preference) 3. difficult to find. I really like this after a good soak and scrub. It gives that feeling of hydrating relief that my dry skin craves. This is really expensive iMO. However, I like this line, and from my reviews it may sound like I'm sponsored to praise it or something. Well, the 2 SAAF products I don't like (from what I've tried) are 1. face and body balm (not hydrating enough) 2. eraser body oil (stinky).
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Saaf Enriching Hair Oil
blooiejagwa 1/17/2013 2:22:00 AM
edit: i found Monoi OIl works way better than this for me. --- I find it very effective for my dry thin curly hair. In order to assess it properly I used basic Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoo and no conditioner. It defined my curls nicely and kicked frizzies to the curb. No greasy or heavy residue. I may repurchase-unsure. I honestly don't care about my hair enough to use expensive hair oil that needs to be washed out, and actually gave my bottle to a family member who is obsessive about it. He was very pleased :)
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Saaf Organic Complexion Boosting Serum
blooiejagwa 1/13/2013 4:58:00 PM
If anyone is curious about ingredients (high concentration of effective and proven ingredients, no other fillers) in the SAAF line, I just noticed this page they have up -- makes for a good read! http://www.saafskincare.com/about/a-z-of-goodness/ === I imagine as long as one isn't sensitive to smells, this will be a hit. (It has a scent like lemons). With combo skin, oily yet dry forehead/nose/chin, this fixes the flakiness and regulates the oil production somehow so I don't look greasy in those areas. I use this to moisturize my T-zone. It hasn't clogged pores or caused pimples. It's a dream to use, as it absorbs very well and doesn't look greasy. I have put yes for repurchase, but I am so satisfied with the ultimate moisture serum, even moreso as I have dry skin usually, that i may not. As with the ultimate moisture serum, you need SO SO little of this. I only have a mini size from the travel kit, and in future I don't think i will get full sizes of the serums, but only the travel kit versions. Convenient and easy to take anywhere, but lasts a long time even with 2ce daily usage. . High recommendation from me. I actually passed mine on to a friend (oily skin) because I am so very pleased with the Ultimate Moisture serum.
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Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Saaf Organic Hydrating Face and lip balm
blooiejagwa 1/11/2013 11:43:00 PM
Edit: i've figured that this moisturizes and absorbs very quickly but leaves a matte yet glowing finish. Sounds contradictory, but it makes the skin feel smooth and matte but luminous. This is if massaged all over as a face mask. When I do this it truly works wonders. I tend to leave it on like the Sisley Flower mask, and the end result esp after a couple of hours, is very nice indeed! Would repurchase for this reason- i still think it is only a mediocre lip balm as it absorbs fast and leaves no protective occlusive layer! Saaf ought to think about marketing this as a mask. -- I tried using it on drier parts of the face as suggested in their instructions, but it seems to make my skin drier after it has had time to settle. I don't like it as a lip balm because after it's sunk in, my lips feel chapped again. Not as bad as before, but I want a layer of protection to remain. Maybe it absorbs too well? I love their body balm, but this was a miss for me. I only have a teensy pot of this from the travel set, perhaps it can be salvaged by adding a dot of Lansinoh Lanolin to truly seal it all in. edit- been using this on my baby's chapped skin during his cold... it really did the trick and the chapped skin hasn't returned, so top stars for that.
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Saaf Organic Pure Face Cleanser
blooiejagwa 1/11/2013 11:31:00 PM
I really rate this. Use with microfibre cloth- takes a gentle pass or two to totally remove makeup, no scrubbing. Made for winter and cold climates! Similar concept to Clinique's Take the Day Off balm. I was actually using organic raw coconut oil before this, mixed with organic extra virgin olive oil--for the same purpose- which, it must be said, is an amazing mix- but way too expensive. About 100 dollars if I add up the cost. This balm takes off my makeup compleeeetely, and soft skin to boot. Dewy, very clean, fresh, not greasy at all. As another reviewer said, feels like a mini facial. very luxurious indeed. On dry skin-- massaged on, wiped off with lukewarm -not hot- damp cloth (see amodelrecommends' cleansing video on youtube for a very helpful demonstration and tips). . Warm water is much milder for the cleansing process than 'as hot as you can stand it' as suggested in a previous review. I prefer that because hot water can lead to tiny broken capillaries and heightened irritability for our delicate facial skin. Not every product in this line suits me. But when it does, it reeeally does. Finally, it is reassuring to know that this is organic, and the business is certified on so many levels.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Saaf Organic Ultimate Moisture Face Serum
blooiejagwa 1/11/2013 10:51:00 PM
Edit2: repurchased again.. HG for life. I can use the cheapest moisturizer on top n it's perfection. My skin looks AWESOME. edit (at risk of sounding fanatic): The effect is definitely cumulative as well as immediate-- Have been using for a while now and my skin seems *stronger* (less prone to irritation, bouncier) and brighter! Acne scars on forehead also nearly faded! TOP MARKS!! Also seems to have fixed the damage that a brief stint with Hydraluron did to my pores. An added bonus is that, since it's such a saturated dose of pure, effective ingredients, I can even dilute this with whatever moisturizer (whether it's cheap or expensive) i have on hand, and apply, and still get results. It makes the moisturizer richer, and helps the serum last longer. LOVE THIS STUFF + GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY. The nicest thing about the SAAF line is that aside from the great blend of oils, this is just TEEMING & BRIMMING with antioxidants! And they will mop up damage from sun exposure/irritation, and all that, thus preventing aging, in the long-term! This has replaced my Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, which wasn't that wonderful to begin with. -- Right from the start this has been effective and wonderful. Makes my skin so supple, soft and smooth. Absorbs completely, makes my pores refined/smaller looking- I don't think I'm imagining it. A lifesaver this winter esp with the heating on all the time indoors. I apply on damp face and my skin is perfectly moisturized but not greasy all day. I find myself touching my face randomly because it feels so soft and nice. I would recommend to anyone. I consider this more of a serum and find it extremely moisturizing which normalizes my dry skin. I don't feel the need to add a moisturizer on top of this but you might. Side note, if you are pregnant or at all sensitive to smells, preferring no scent in your products, you may not like the Saaf skincare line. The scent may be natural, and subtle, but it's present and doesn't dissipate completely. I find this vastly different to plain rosehip oil- more moisturizing and skin is brightened over just a few days, and feels fresher. Rosehip oil is okay but often leaves my skin feeling irritated and 'hot'- also believe it or not I found it quite drying over time (many months' usage- but it only took a couple of days for my skin to feel dry). This is much better for me. I really believe the blend of oils is perfection.
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Moisturizers -Omorovicza - Illuminating Moisturiser
blooiejagwa 1/2/2013 8:33:00 AM
Smells exactly like my baby's diaper rash cream, Sudocrem. This is a refreshing, soothing treat for my dry, sensitive skin. It calms down my skin from harsh masks/treatments. The scent reminds me of Lush's moisturizer, imperialis. . A good basic product. It clogs my pores, I suspect, so I don't recommend it over other, cheaper buys.
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Tinted Moisturizer -Omorovicza - Complexion enhancer SPF15
blooiejagwa 12/31/2012 7:34:00 PM
edit: have noticed texture comes out a bit grainy some days. not nice, considering the price i paid! :( not sure if this is a packaging or formula issue, but not acceptable. Also wears off in like 2 hours even with primer and like 3 layers on... . Edit- after a week of using this I can safely say it is something I will stick to and continue to replenish every time I run out (no matter how much I have to scrimp and save). It is very very overpriced. BUT! if you are a sucker Like me, it is perfect for winter dry skin.... keeps my skin moisturized and soft as a baby's all day. It gives the luminous look of a fresh young face without really masking or covering anything. The light bounces off in a flattering way and it gives a very pretty effect indeed. If you have dry skin you will like this, similarly if you have sensitive skin and find that other tinted moisturizers irritate your skin. Using other moisturizers beneath this, as advised on the omorovicza website, doesn't work for me. This works best on bare skin, with perhaps a bit of face powder over the top. I ADORE the effect. When I take it off at night, I am always pleased at how hydrated, smooth and fresh my complexion's become. I also notice it really soothes any irritation I may have from using face mask/AHA toner. It shrunk 2 monstrous pimples the very first day I put it on, no lie. My husband commented on how much my skin is improving, and this is probably the first time he has ever commented on such a thing, so I definitely am not just imagining it. Price is very ridiculous, and i don't think this product is worth it, considering that even Dior and Chanel don't price theirs that high. It is very possible to over-apply this product whilst covering nothing. It starts to look cakey. Depending on the weather, sometimes it comes off. So no, it is NOT worth what I paid.
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Bronzers -Estee Lauder - Bronze Goddess
blooiejagwa 12/10/2012 9:05:00 AM
So-so. Doesn't show up too well on me. Doesn't last very long. Colour would suit paler people more. Hard to build up. I wonder if I will ever finish it up, as I don't find it useful. I prefer liquid bronzer- tge finish is more natural.
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Eyeliner -Rimmel - Spark It Up! Gleaming Eye Darkening Liner in Black Gold
blooiejagwa 12/10/2012 9:01:00 AM
Have been using for years. Get compliments every time. Brings our brown eyes better than any other eyeliner I've tried. MAC's Uniform is similar but not as good. Would repurchase but have scoured many stores and can't find it. If you see it, purchase a backup pencil too- you will be glad you did.
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Highlighters -Guerlain - Les Meteorites balls powder
blooiejagwa 11/28/2012 3:41:00 AM
I can safely say that I regret getting it. I have it in Teint Dore 03, the ones that look like Reese Puffs, which is what the salesgirl recommended to me though i was gravitating towards Teint Beige 02. I am about NC25-30, sometimes darker. Anyway, this is beautifully packaged, beautifully scented, beautiful idea. Once when I was applying this my hubs walked by and remarked "That looks really cool. Like something rich noblewomen in ancient Rome would have. Or a queen." That's exactly why i love using it. It's the packaging and the whole concept that makes it worth the price. You just feel great finishing your makeup with it. . Good things: lasting power is awesome. Light dusting in AM is still present at night. Mattifies the skin, and if you don't over apply, it has a nice, soft-focus effect. Yet it also looks like I'm sweating glitter, if that makes sense. The colour i have definitely leaves a bronzed glow, but not in a good way. It's rather greyish/greenish cast, than just a healthy bronze look. As though I'm depleted of essential vitamins or deprived of fresh air. In fact, whenever I use this, I have people asking me whether I'm feeling okay as "your skin looks a bit dull...did you get a good night's sleep?" and similar comments. I have also been advised not to use "whatever you're using these days" because it's giving my complexion a dull/grey/dirty look. I get comments like this EVERY single time--and trust me, without makeup, my skin is nigh flawless, aside from a bit of light acne scarring. Like the reviewer below, I look better without this powder, than with. . Speaking for myself only. I actually used it on my mom once. It made her skin look radiant. So 4 stars for her, 1 star on myself. Even it out to 3 stars overall. . I really wanted to love this. I've bought into the whole luxurious concept so much that I still do. That's what Guerlain's great at--even if a product is mediocre, there is the aura of luxury surrounding it that still redeems it to the buyer. "No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the consumer" applies in this case. Recommended for the fantasy, not for any actual cosmetic benefits. For an all-over glow, I'd recommend LORAC perfectly lit oil-free powder, applied with a large brush.
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