Lipstick -Yves Saint Laurent - rouge pur 50 - flamboyant pink
cadbury 4/4/2009 6:45:00 PM
I agree with everything the reviewer below me said. I have tried the Rouge Pure Shines, and thought they were okay, but they don't compare to the Rouge Purs at all! Firstly, I love the smell! I haven't been able to figure out what I used to have that smelt like this. I'm not big on scented products, but I can tolerate lipsticks with scent as long as it goes away once it's on your lips (Anna Sui, L'Oreal). This definitely does that, so if you don't like scented lipsticks, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. Secondly, the packaging is chic and functional - I like the reassuring click when the case is closed. The Rouge Pure Shines have nicer packaging IMO, but this is simple and classic YSL. Thirdly, the formula is perfect - pigmented, smooth, non drying and long lasting. You can wear it in a variety of ways to either play up the bright, solid color of flamboyant pink or soften it by wearing it as a stain. Fourthly, the color #50 flamboyant pink is just that. It's a hot pink that brightens up my complexion without looking over the top. If you like wearing reds, this is a nice alternative. I can see this suiting a wide range of skin tones, from very light to very dark. I want to get some more colors, if only they weren't so expensive (the only downside IMO). You can get them cheaper from auctions, but you won't be able to choose from all the colors. In short, I love the formula and the color, and would definitely repurchase! I have never given a lipstick such a positive review, so i feel like I've been missing out all this time, dealing with mediocre products!
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Lipstick -Yves Saint Laurent - Rouge Pur #96 Red Desire
cadbury 2/21/2009 6:33:00 PM
I bought this without seeing it in real life. In pictures it looked like a true red, which is what i was looking for - but on my lips this is more of a berry red. I would like to see a picture of it on someone's lips to compare. On me it is in the same color family as Clinique's Cranberry Cream Buttershine lipstick. I find that dark berry makes me look yellow, but I can pull off a medium or sheer version with no trouble. (for reference i am a light/neutral olive with dark hair and eyes) The packaging, as usual with YSL, is gorgeous. I have a Rouge Pur Shine in a gold case, and now this one in silver. It has a nice scent, the same as the others in this line, and a very smooth texture. I would not purchase this color again, but definitely love YSL lipsticks!
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Eyeliner -Wet 'n' Wild - I-Sparkle Liquid Liner in Midnight Magic
cadbury 2/16/2009 4:42:00 PM
I don't want to be the one to change the buy again rating from 50% to even lower... but I would not buy this again. I agree with the other reviewers about the brush - it is like a non absorbent felt tip, so if you draw a line, there will be a gap in the middle where the brush was. Definitely use your own liner brush with this! The formula itself is very watery, so if you sweep it onto your eye you do not get a pigmented line. If you go over it twice, you will achieve the color you need. Unsurprisingly, this removes easily with water and makeup remover/cleanser. I bought this because I was on the lookout for a dark blue liner, and this fit the bill. I figured for the price it was worth a try.For just a few dollars more you can get a better product (e.g. Bourjois Clubbing Liner). I will definitely use this liner whenever I want a shimmery dark blue - until I get the urge to find a better product- but it is nowhere close to HG material.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - Key-Sun Clear Zinke and Tanne Zinke
cadbury 2/1/2009 6:11:00 PM
I bought this at a pharmacy in Australia for around $12.95 (large size). It is easily spreadable unlike a lot of zinc sunscreens, and comes out white but does not leave a white cast even on a medium-dark person's skin. It comes in a tube, so there is nothing special about the packaging. It says to store below 30 degrees, but at the time it was 45 degrees where I was, and on one day it started peeling off my arms and neck. It did protect me during the day, so I can't blame it too much for not withstanding extreme conditions for more than a few hours. My main complaint with this sunscreen is - After my initial tube, I looked for it in every pharmacy, supermarket, any store that sells sunscreen - and they didn't have it anywhere!! All they had were one tiny tube of white zinc! I don't live in Australia so unfortunately I won't be able to buy any more of it unless I go back.
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Cleansers -Ettusais - Medicated Acne Gentle Make Off
cadbury 2/1/2009 6:01:00 PM
I have always been interested in Ettusais skincare, as it was one of the few Japanese brands that had a lot of oil free, sensitive and acne friendly products. They reformulated their line before I went to Japan in 2007, so I had less interest in their skincare and ended up not buying anything until now. I needed something that could remove my zinc based sunscreen, as my regular cleanser left a film which led to break outs. Although I originally wanted to get Fancl's Mild Cleansing Oil, it was priced way too high (at a boutique selling asian cosmetics, not in Japan or online), so I bought this instead without knowing anything about it's performance. The first day I used it I put it on my face and could smell alcohol (this contains ethanol, but its lower down the ingredients list) so I didn't put it near my eyes. (I would advise the other reviewers not to remove their eye makeup with this) I had mild sunburn despite all my sun precautions that day, but despite the alcohol content this didn't cause any reaction at all, not even tingling. I need two pumps for my whole face, and it removes sunscreen, foundation and powder easily. After I follow with my regular Neutrogena cleanser. The other reviews say this is an oil, but it doesn't look like other cleansing oils, it looks more like a liquidy gel. Packaging wise, I love that although it is a pump, it comes with a little plastic stopper! I bought this while travelling, so it was so useful for me to just put the stopper on and know it wouldn't leak. I have used it for seven days now and I'm not sure if it is related, but my skin doesn't even have one pimple or visible clog. It also feels smoother. As for the price - I bought this outside Japan, so it was bound to be more expensive - it was $49 australian dollars, which i found reasonable at the time, and if it is a good product I am happy with it. I will update on the long term effects - I hope it stays this good! update 2011 - I have since bought 3 bottles of this. Last year the name changed and it seems to have less alcohol in this version. I use it for the sole purpose of removing my sunscreen, but this can also be used for makeup removal.
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Eyeliner -Bourjois - Liner Clubbing
cadbury 2/1/2009 5:45:00 PM
I didn't know these existed until seeing them in the display at a drugstore in Australia. I immediately tested the teal blue on my hand. The color was so intense and deep, it looked better than any of the other swatches on my hand. It was $21 AUD but I got it for around $14.50 on sale. I wore it as soon as I got home and accidentally got some on my fingers from the wand - the color wouldn't budge with makeup remover, cleanser, rubbing.. so i just left it til i got home and it came off when i washed my face. That just shows how good the staying power is. The brush is okay but I wouldn't rave about it... It's length and thinness makes winging liner out a bit difficult but it's not really big enough to complain about. update - although I love the color, I tend not to reach for it because this is so pigmented that it stains my eyelids.
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Sunscreen -Skinceuticals - Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30
cadbury 1/2/2009 8:45:00 PM
I find it very difficult to find a sunscreen that i can wear, because: a) it must be oil-free b) it must have no titanium dioxide c) it must be suitable for harsh NZ sun d) it is very hard to access brands here, so even if I find something that can be shipped internationally, it is very expensive. I bought the small size of this for something like $56 NZD. I think that is reasonable for a good product, although there seems to be very little inside the tube. (Not sure if that's normal). I specifically bought this because it is SPF 30, oil-free and the actives are zinc oxide and octinoxate. I was very hopeful it would not break me out! It does smell like sunscreen, and it is thick, but spreadable. It does give a white cast, and makes my face shiny. Foundation can be applied on top, but this sunscreen isn't the best base. If I am going out I will always wear makeup, so powder can tone down the shine easily. I haven't worn this consecutively, so I don't know if it would break me out if worn on a daily basis. I do get a few whiteheads from it, but I can live with that. The other day I wore this on my face and neck before going outside. After walking around (in the shade whenever possible, and some direct sunlight) my neck had new freckles where there were previously none, just like previous reviewer "hoku" mentioned below. Despite the downsides, i am not completely dissatisfied with this product, so I chose yes to purchase again - but I will definitely be on the lookout for something better. If you have any recs, mua mail me :) EDIT - I have noticed a few freckles near my eyes and my face is definitely tanner. [I really don't understand this as I dont freckle *that* easily and wasnt really in the sun.. can i blame global warming? :P So have changed repurchase to NO. Will use it til I find something better (have been searching!!) I don't hate this sunscreen though, and will definitely work for others - it just cant stand up to the weather here I guess. I wouldn't dare wear it in Australia or anywhere with a similar climate.
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Lipstick -Yves Saint Laurent - Rouge Pure Shine Sheer Lipstick SPF 15
cadbury 11/5/2008 5:13:00 PM
Before buying this lipstick (which I picked up much cheaper online) I had read that they were pigmented, smooth, and smell like mango. I fell in love with the packaging, and I didn't own a light pink pigmented lipstick, so I bought #11 Pink Diamond. I was able to see a swatch of the color, which is the sheerest and most shimmery of all the Rouge Pur Shines. On my lips, it is WAY more shimmery than I expected. It is actually quite frosty. It's also pigmented, which I am pleased about. If I was to wear this, I would have to wear a gloss on top to tone down the shimmer, which is in particles, not finely milled. edit - I like to wear this on top of a beigy nude lipstick - it creates a really nice nude pink lip, and the shimmer is subdued. The cool pink would really suit blondes going for a barbie doll or 80s look. I am brunette with a light complexion, and it is not too cool for my coloring. My conclusion- I would repurchase again in another color (but not for full price! it's almost $70NZD).
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - United Pharmacies - AcneDerm Cream (Azelaic Acid)
cadbury 10/30/2008 6:28:00 PM
Edit 2012 - This is now called Azclear medicated lotion AcneDerm is an equivalent to Skinoren or Finacea, containing 20% azelaic acid. I chose AcneDerm because it is oil-free. (Here in NZ I can buy either AcneDerm or Skinoren at the pharmacy. It cost me $20NZD for a 25g tube, which looks quite small. It can be purchased online for slightly cheaper, plus shipping.) My skin is currently plagued by blackheads and comedones. I also have scars and uneven skin tone. I have combination skin, but now my forehead is flaky, and devoid of the oil it once had. I have recently started using microfiber cloths to exfoliate, which have helped my skin texture somewhat. Yesterday was my first day of using AcneDerm. I had heard the consistency was thick like glue - but I didn't find this at all. Don't get me wrong, its not liquid and runny, but it spread easily on my face with no offensive scent. I do see how it will be difficult to wear certain lotions or makeup on top, because when I put my moisturiser on top, it created a weird texture. This can be remedied by using moisturiser first, if needed. I have not tested it under makeup or sunscreen, but if it doesn't work, I'll just wear AcneDerm only at night. I used it twice yesterday, and had no adverse reaction even though I have sensitive skin. My skin felt soft and my pores looked instantly smaller, especially on my nose. Today is Day 2. In the morning my skin was still smooth and soft, no excess oil or dryness. A few small scabs were peeling, and two small pimples were being brought to the surface. I had heard this may cause a bit of purging initially, so I assume that is the reason. I used AcneDerm all over my face, even my cheeks where I don't break out, because I am also hoping to fade pigmentation. I'm not sure if it will work on old marks, but fingers crossed. I will update this review as time passes. Hope this helps ! Day 5 - Parts of my skin are very smooth, while most of my forehead is still purging. It is a bearable purging though..so I will persevere. Update Day 17 - My skin is a lot clearer. There are spaces of smooth skin on my forehead that haven't been that way for a long time. My skin is not close to perfect yet, but it really is a good improvement. I have been using acnederm twice daily, and the tube is not empty yet, but I'd estimate it will be in another 2 weeks. One thing I don't like is that it hardens the skin so that what is trapped underneath can't surface. However this is minor, especially if it stops breakouts, then this won't be a problem. I also think it makes spots more red than they would usually be, and they take slightly longer to heal. I've found i can wear liquid foundation over this as long as I don't rub too much, or else it will flake off. Overall, I am very impressed and will definitely keep using it in the hopes my skin will gt even better. Day 47 - My tube is now completely empty, and I am going to repurchase today. Although around the one month mark I thought I might not see any more improvement, my skin did continue to get better! I still break out on my forehead at least once a month, but acnederm prevents these pimples from growing. (It does make it harder to extract though, so I tend to leave it alone). My clogged pores are now much smaller. I spend less time putting on makeup and dont need concealer. The best way to describe my skin is CALM. I really didnt think my skin issues could be solved by finding that one elusive product, but acnederm has made a huge improvement. Will continue to update :)
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Microfiber cloths
cadbury 10/17/2008 9:40:00 PM
I happened to see a review for this on the product review page, and I bought one immediately since it was inexpensive and foolproof. I can't really use scrubs because they tend to break me out, or just don't suit my skin. I have sensitive-combination skin, and my main problem recently has been clogged pores and blackheads, and flakiness. After using one of these cloths (I didn't buy the automotive ones, although I'm sure they are exactly the same) my skin felt so much smoother! It removed all the flakes and I think it's a good way to exfoliate. I have used these cloths about 3-4 times so far, and definitely will buy more.
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Cleansers -Neutrogena - Liquid Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Formula
cadbury 10/12/2008 9:53:00 PM
I am on my second bottle of this. I tend to use Neutrogena skin care because it's easier to find items without oil, alcohol and fragrance. I previously used up a bottle of Neutrogena's fresh Foaming cleanser, but by the end it dried my skin and felt (and smelt) too much like detergent. So when i was next in the pharmacy, I picked up Liquid Neutrogena. It had no adverse reactions on my skin, and I find it removes makeup well, so I have repurchased. I would recommend it for anyone who wants a cleanser that does its job without any added extras (vitamins, AHAs, BHAs etc) for a reasonable price.
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Liquid -Maybelline - Pure Makeup [DISCONTINUED]
cadbury 10/12/2008 9:41:00 PM
I have this is Light 2, which I think is too dark to be called 'light'. It's more light-medium. I bought this color because it was yellow-based, but it isn't a great match for me (neither are any of the other colors). Because the formulation is more like a tinted moisturiser, it is okay if the shade does not match you 100%, as long as it looks good once blended. I find I have to apply and blend quickly, or else it will leave lines. I was surprised that this makeup made my face look so dry, then after a little wear, made me look oily and patchy! I have combination skin, so I don't have areas on my skin that are very oily or very dry. I can not be certain if it broke me out, but my skin, which was relatively clear, did get some blemishes after using this - don't know if it's related, but I see others broke out from this, so its possible. [it has titanium dioxide so this could have been what did it to me] I would recommend this makeup to someone who has good skin, and just wants very light coverage to even it out. There are plenty shades available, but those of you who are on the fairer end of the spectrum may have some difficulty. I was hoping to like this enough to use as an alternative to my Almay Skin Stays Clean but Maybelline Pure wears badly on me, so I will not be repurchasing.
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Lipstick -Anna Sui - Gloss Lipstick
cadbury 5/1/2008 6:59:00 AM
I bought this online in #307, and in the picture it was a vibrant hot pink. When I actually got it, it was a nice medium pink with no shimmer. It is imparts a sheer wash of color to lips. It smells like roses, in a delicious, fresh way. It is not overpowering or old fashioned. The packaging is gorgeous. Without it I wouldn't have been attracted to it in the first place! A glossy black with gold shimmer, ornately detailed with a rose on top. Perfect if you want a subtle lip color. Would definitely buy this or other colors again if they were cheaper!
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Eye Shadow -Shiseido - Majolica Majorca Majolook BR762
cadbury 5/1/2008 6:54:00 AM
Firstly, I like Majolica products mainly for the packaging, and I find that the size of some things is small for the price (like the lip amulet). When i was in Japan i chose BR762 out of the palettes available because I liked the colors the most, and saw that I would wear them the most. I didn't want to use the white cream base at the top at first, because it had pretty swirls printed on it. :P I did use a bit of it, and find it very shimmery and pretty, but I don't think it helps with staying power. Usually I will just put these on top of Lancome's Color Dose, which is the base I use for everything. The gold color is *very* shimmery, the olive is nice but not pigmented enough for me, and the brown is really wearable and pretty. I tend to dislike browns that are too red, and this is the opposite. I think the shadows are quite small, and I was disappointed to quickly make smalls dents in the brown and olive when i had hardly used them. I like the colors in the trio, and is all japanese things weren't limited edition, I would probably buy it again.
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Lipstick -L'Oreal - Colour Riche Lipstick
cadbury 5/1/2008 6:41:00 AM
I have two Colour Riche lipsticks, in the shades 235 Nude and 240 Dune. Nude is marked "for blondes" and Dune "for dark brunettes". As with other L'oreal products marketed for specific eye colors, I ignore this. Nude is a color I was actually searching for, like many looking for the perfect nude. I was going to say it has no shimmer, although if you look at it in the tube, there are tiny shimmer particles in it. These are not noticeable. On lips it just has a nice sheen. This color may be a touch too brown for me, but I do like it. EDIT - I have been wearing this more. I like the satin finish, and if it was a touch less brown and more peach I would like it more (they probably do make a shade like that). Dune is lighter than Nude, very shimmery (gold), and more caramelly. I like how this looks on my lips when I wear it alone, when my lips are not too pigmented. The shimmer looks nicest near the cupid's bow. All in all, I find them to be good colors, and good quality. I like the gold cases, and find it convenient the numbers are on the top and bottom. The bottom also has a circular swatch of the color. I did not buy these, but if they had been in store when I was on my nude lipstick quest, I would have snapped them up! I think I would repurchase.
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