Fragrances -Calvin Klein - Euphoria
iamcasihart 5/8/2010 5:36:00 PM
Several years ago, I was gifted with a bottle of Euphoria. At the time, I had yet to really learn about the importance of letting a perfume unfold on the skin. I have always loved perfume, but until the past couple of years, I often purchased what was "popular" or I would buy a bottle of something based on it's scent straight from the bottle. Oh, my ignorance! After trying Euphoria a couple of times, I scrubbed it off within five minutes, never allowing Euphoria to work it's magic. I hastily gave my bottle of Euphoria to a friend, thinking that it was too sharp, not my taste and a bit unwearable. Later, as I learned all that goes into creating a perfume, I began to understand how to REALLY WEAR perfume. I had a sample of Euphoria and after seeing the notes and reading some reviews, I decided to try it again. It has become a favorite! On my skin, Euphoria opens with sharp, crisp, sour pomegranate and violet. Normally, violet doesn't wear well on me, but the orchid, amber and musk come together to create a softness. All of the notes are beautifully blended and within thirty minutes of application, I am wearing a warm, slightly woody fragrance that has a clean sweetness. Euphoria wears close to my skin, while still having lovely sillage. It is long lasting and just one spray is all that I need for at least six hours. This is a staple in my fragrance wardrobe. When my nose grows tired of my various vanilla-based, fruity florals and sweet orientals, Euphoria is a unique breath of fresh air! In retrospect, I regret giving away my first bottle of this.
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Fragrances -Thierry Mugler - Angel
iamcasihart 5/7/2010 10:22:00 AM
I tested Angel for over a year prior to buying a bottle of this precious perfume. In addition, I have the perfuming body lotion and perfuming hair mist. I recommend the hair mist to anyone that already wears and loves Angel. I would also recommend it for those that may wish to wear Angel in a less intense but very luxurious way. I am wearing both the perfume and the hair mist now and Angel's beautiful scent is wafting all around me. Angel is complex, sweet, fresh, warm, deep, powerful, interesting and well balanced. I love how Angel takes me on one hell of an olfactory journey! On my skin, I smell the patchouli, dark chocolate and honey from start to finish. I don't smell any one particular fruit or flower. Instead, there is a lush blend of many notes that creates a definate clean, freshly cut grass base. This base combined with the chocolate, honey, vanilla and amber, creates an earthy sweetness. One, maybe two sprays, is all that is ever needed to last all day and into the evening. Honestly, the quality of this perfume cannot be matched by anything else that I own in my fragrance collection. If Angel is used properly and not abused, there is nothing like it. In my opinion, Angel is a utterly beautiful, totally unusual modern-day classic.
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Fragrances -Coty - Halle by Halle Berry
iamcasihart 4/24/2010 8:33:00 AM
Normally, I don't write a review for a fragrance unless I like it or love it. However, I feel compelled to give my opinion of Halle Berry's first fragrance. As others have mentioned, Halle has no "wow" factor. This is one of the most watered-down, bland, unmemorable perfumes that I have ever tried! It doesn't smell bad...In fact, it really doesn't have much of a scent at all. Upon testing, I detected a cheap-smelling, very faint pear and musk. I could hardly smell it and after about ten minutes, it had completely evaporated. The notes for Halle read like a pleasant, wearable fragrance. The advert campaign for Halle sounded promising, as Halle Berry claims that she created something that would wear, using some of her favorite notes. It is unfortunate that this "perfume" fails to translate into anything more than lightly-scented tap water, at best.
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Eye Shadow -ModelCo - Colour Box Eyeshadow Single
iamcasihart 2/5/2010 4:56:00 AM
A few days ago, I was browsing my local Marshalls. Regardless of what I am planning to purchase at Marshalls, the "B-Line" to the bath & body section is inevitable! As I was browsing through various scented luxury soaps, bath salts and body creams, I came upon an end cap with little hot pink boxes on the top shelf. I had never heard of this brand, "Model co" and, to my delight, I found that they were mono eyeshadows. I opened several of the tiny, mirrored compacts before finding my very own little gem! The shade is "Capri 09" and to my eye, it is a perfect taupe-neutral brown. I was not expecting this eyeshadow to "wow" me, but I saw an open compact and decided to check it out. I swatched it on the back of my hand and I was impressed. This shadow has a lovely, velvety smooth texture. I don't know about the other shades, but "Capri 09" is a nicely-pigmented matte with a subtle sheen to prevent it from lookig flat. I wore it yesterday to create a wearable, flattering smoky eye. A little bit goes a long way and it blends effortlessly! I wore it the entire day and I experienced no creasing or fading. "Model co" is manufactured in Australia, so I don't suspect that this will be an easy find here in the states. Having said that, I am going back to Marshalls ASAP to stock up on this shade and a few of the others that were there, as well. At less than $4.00, without a doubt, these shadows are a total steal! For me, this product is HG material. I would be thrilled to see "Model co" readily available in the America.
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Fragrances -Juicy Couture - couture couture 2009 perfume
iamcasihart 1/26/2010 8:06:00 PM
When I was a pre-teen, I looked up to my neighbor's eldest daughter. She was so beautiful and she always smelled amazing! It was the late 80's and she wore Anais Anais, (Cacharel). For Christmas, I asked for a bottle of Anais Anais, as it smelled so delightful on my neighbor. However, it was rather horrid-smelling on me! From time to time, I tried, even into my teens and early twenties, to wear Anais Anais, as I so loved how it smelled on her. It just did not work with my chemistry. I have always wanted to find a fragrance that had that certain something that I loved so much in Anais Anais and that I could wear well. Couture Couture is it! The first time that I tested CC, I was taken back to my childhood. This fragrance wears beautifully on me. It smells the way that I always wished Anais Anais could smell on my skin. I was pleasantly suprised, as the previous frags by Juicy Couture have been very common, very "commercial." While they were pleasant smelling, they were not special. Couture Couture is the best fragrance to come from Juicy Couture. If you were unimpressed with JC's previous frags, I implore you to give Couture Couture a try. It is feminine, powdery, long-lasting and it's floral notes compliment it's fruity notes to perfection. I feel truly beautiful, feminine and sexy when I wear Couture Couture. There is a lovely, soft sweetness to this edp that is NOT sugary or syrupy. I appreciate that! The sweetness is so natural, no doubt from the orange and jasmine combination. Nothing about this edp smells synthetic or cloying. Couture Couture is truly special.
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Fragrances -Thierry Mugler - Angel Celestial Hair Mist
iamcasihart 1/20/2010 8:57:00 PM
I have a sample spray of TM's Angel Perfuming Hair Mist. For what this product is made to do, it is absolute perfection! After I dry and style my hair, I use two or three sprays in my hair and I must say, this is my second favorite way to wear Angel. I have long, fine hair and I love that this product does not alter my hair's appearance or weigh my hair down. The scent lasts and lasts until I wash my hair. It is subtle, but it will be noticed. The scent is divine and on me; the honey and chocolate notes are most present. Having said that, this product doesn't smell too "sweet" or "foody." It is warm, soft and sweet in an earthy sense. Plus, this product does what it promises- if I am around smoke or any bad-smelling elements, this keeps my hair smelling fabulous! I love everything about this product! In fact, when I wear this coupled with the Angel Perfuming Body Oil, I am blown away by how lovely and "just right" I smell. While I do adore the EDP, I actually prefer the way that I smell when I wear the hair mist and oil, rather than the EDP. I would recommend this to anyone that loves Angel. I would recommend this to anyone that perhaps loves Angel on others but doesn't think that it is a great scent on them. The hair mist may be a great way to enjoy Angel for those that feel that the EDP doesn't mix well with their body chemistry. This is an affordable, yet luxuriously feminine way to wear the most unique fragrance that I have ever known! 5+ stars! I will always have this product on hand!
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Moisturizers -Aveeno - Positively Ageless Night Cream
iamcasihart 11/22/2009 8:31:00 AM
I have loved every Aveeno product that I have ever used. Aveeno offers gentle, effective, quality products for a fair price. Over the years, I have used numerous brands, ranging from drug store to higher-end. In my teens and 20's, my skin was normal to oily, so I never used anything too heavy. With the exception of one other favorite, Aveeno's Positively Radiant daily moisturizer with SPF 15 was my go-to moisturizer, day and night. About three months ago, I relocated to the desert and the climate is, of course, very dry. Around the same time, I began to wean myself off of a medication that I had been taking for several years. The medication wreaked havoc on my hormones and my skin has gone through spurts of cystic acne breakouts. So, with both environmental and internal changes, my skin has been much more dry and problematic. Since I am on a budget, I need something that can be used both morning and evening. I chose Aveeno's Positively Ageless Night Cream because Aveeno has never let me down, the price was right and most importantly, the formula is just perfect for me! It is rich and nourishing but it does not feel heavy or oily. The scent is very minimal. I have been using it, AM and PM, to great results! After cleansing and while my face is still damp, I apply one dollop on each cheek, my forehead and my chin. Then, I gently massage it all over my face and neck, (even across my closed eyes and I haven't had any irritation). This cream leaves my skin looking and feeling soft, smooth and glowy. This product is just what I was looking for. Another reviewer mentioned that she saw an improvement in her fine lines and scars. I can say the same! I really cannot say enough great things about this. I love that I found a moisturizer that is perfect for day and night use for about $16 dollars! I have been using this for over a month and I won't need to repurchase for at least two, possibly three months. Some women may not find this cream suitable for daytime, as there isn't any SPF protection. To be honest, I don't like SPF in my moisturizer and these days, it is incredibly difficult to find face lotions without SPF. SPF doesn't "get along" very well with my sensitive skin. I spend limited amounts of time in the sun and if I plan to be out for longer, I can always apply my Aveeno moisturizer with SPF on top of this. As women, our skin changes with age, hormonal and environmental factors. Having said that, this product may not be adequate for a woman with aging and/or very dry skin. Overall, I will purchase again and I would recommend it!
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Fragrances -Coty - Princess
iamcasihart 7/29/2009 6:22:00 AM
I tested Princess today. As with many EDTs, I didn't expect it to have great staying power, but Princess has got to be the most watered-down fragrance that I have EVER encountered! I sprayed this fragrance three times over and still, my nose only detected the most faint scent...almost an after thought, in fact. I am blown away by the lack of quality from this fragrance from Vera Wang! My partner couldn't smell it either and she was sitting right next to me. At best, Princess smelled like sugar water. It fell flat, to say the least. The notes that are listed sound delightful and wearable, especially for warmer months. However, it was impossible for me to detect anything good or bad with this one. Too bad...the bottle is cute enough and Princess looks/sounds good on paper.
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Fragrances -Lavanila - vanilla grapefruit
iamcasihart 7/28/2009 11:05:00 PM
This is divine! The lime and grapefruit add a bright, juicy zing to the madagascar vanilla that is at the core of all of LAVANILA's beautiful perfumes. The sillage is impressive, as Vanilla Grapefruit lasts nearly as long on my skin as Pure Vanilla. It can be tricky finding the "right" summer fragrance. I find that fragrances labeled for summertime are too sheer, like bland, scented water. I would wear this year 'round, but I must say that this is one of my must-have frags for the summer!
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Fragrances -Elizabeth Arden - Midnight Fantasy Britney Spears
iamcasihart 7/26/2009 2:03:00 AM
Midnight Fantasy opens with plum and sour cherry. From beginning to end, I smell the dark berries as they mingle with the amber, freesia and musk. Personally, I appreciate how the top notes remain present throughout, as this EDP unfolds. MF is sweet and rich, while being tart and soft. A very lovely contrast, indeed. MF reminds me of a delicious cordial that one might enjoy as a dessert after a nice meal. I have read many reviews of MF and while many are favorable, there are just as many that would label this, (or any frag with Brit's name attached), as "juvenile/young" or not appropriate for a woman past her early twenties. I roll my eyes at that notion! I am 31 and I would have worn this ten years ago...I would wear this ten years from now, as well. Women of any age should wear what they like...what makes them feel great...what smells divine! MF is perfect for me on these hot summer days, when something dry and heavy would be too much. I am curious to see how this smells in the cooler months. I do not doubt that it will be just as amazing! Midnight Fantasy is a very wearable, feminine fragrance that took a few days to grow on me. It is not complicated, nor is it simple; I just find a very nice medium with this one. The lasting power is unbelievable, really! A few generous sprays in the morning and I can still catch hints of this by the evening. However, I rarely allow it to get to that point, as I love to re-apply my fragrances a couple of times a day as a fantastic "pick me up." I found this at TJ Maxx for under $20.00 and that is a steal, in my opinion! Nothing about Midnight Fantasy smells cheap or synthetic. The packaging is attractive, but not beautiful like say, my bottle of KenzoAmour. Still, for the amazing price, this everyday perfume is a great addition to my collection. I would consider buying this again, but it is more likely that I would buy one of the other two in the Fantasy line before repurchasing this. I love to switch up my scents, and I rarely wear the same fragrance for more that a few days in a row. I have tested Fastasy and Hidden Fastasy and I am pretty sure that Hidden Fantasy will be my next bottle from Brit's line of goodies! *Edit* Midnight Fantasy has become a staple in my fragrance wardrobe. I have went through several bottles and since learning that this has been discontinued, I have an unopened bottle for backup. This is easily in my top 10 favorite fragrances that I own. So, my rating goes from a 4 to a 5!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -BeneFit Cosmetics - My Place or Yours Gina
iamcasihart 7/25/2009 1:49:00 AM
I really like all three scents in the Crescent Row line, with Gina and LeeLee being my two favorite. Gina smells very fruity and sweet, but not in a sugary way at all. I smell every note listed except for the patchouli, (which is a slight disappointment). The pink pepper and raspberry make for a beautiful opening. Gina develops quickly and the peony, vanilla and tonka bean carry the fragrance through to the base. If I could change one thing about any of these frags, it would be that they were EDPs rather than EDTs- the lasting power is rather short.
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Moisturizers -Vaseline - Petroleum Jelly
iamcasihart 7/21/2009 12:44:00 AM
Ahh, Vaseline! I cannot recall a time in my life when there wasn't a jar of Vaseline in the home. There are so many uses for Vaseline and it is so affordable. Every single night, right before I go to sleep, I put some on my lips. I haven't had chapped lips in over 15 years because of this! I have used Vaseline on my feet if they are really dry. Just slather some on, put on some comfy socks and in a few hours...Voila! Softer, smoother feet! Vaseline makes a great eye makeup remover and it is even a cheap alternative to wrinkle cream. I have massaged Vaseline into my dry cuticles and if done on a consistent basis, the condition of my nail bed/cuticles is greatly improved. I will always have a jar of this on hand, (or the generic brand with lavender that I currently use)! Great stuff.
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Shampoo -Matrix - Biolage - Ultra Hydrating Shampoo
iamcasihart 7/20/2009 1:22:00 AM
I have used Biolage and other Matrix products nearly my entire life. Matrix is the main brand that my Mom sells in her shop, so we always had this shampoo at home. It is safe for any type of hair. It cleanses without stripping the hair shaft. It is conditioning without being heavy. It lathers well. The scent is wonderful, fruity and clean. I trust Matrix as a brand and this shampoo will always be a staple in my home.
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Blush -NARS - Orgasm Blush
iamcasihart 7/17/2009 10:51:00 PM
I must give credit to NARS for their outstanding quality cosmetics. In addition, Orgasm is undoubtedly one of the most coveted and loved blushes of all time. On many people, Orgasm is a lovely peachy-pink shade with a nice golden sheen. NARS' products have pristine packaging...NARS' blushes are encased in sleek, black compacts that are classic yet modern. There are no useless "el-cheapo" brushes included, which I find refreshing. I purchased NARS Orgasm blush a few months ago, after years of hearing such favorable reviews about it. Plus, it was my first purchase from NARS, so my expectations were rather high. On me, Orgasm is NOT a flattering shade. This blush would not blend on my skin! It was streaky and sharp looking. I love shimmer and subtle glitter on my eyes and/or my lips and I wear shimmery makeup often enough. However, I have never been found of SPARKLY cheeks/face. I ADORE a nice glow or a beautiful SHEEN on my cheeks/face, but NEVER glitter/sparkle. For me, this equation seems accurate: ~Unflattering shade + Streakiness + Glitter = NOT A GOOD LOOK ON ME!~ Luckily, I returned it to Sephora and found my PERFECT pink blush for $10! *I will write a review for the Sephora brand Mono blush in Rose Rebelle...SUPERB pink shade for my ivory-toned skin!* I have purchased two products from NARS and both were returned, as they were not what I was looking for. I am not deterred, though. To be fair, my experience with NARS is limited and I made both purchases online, without testing either. In the future, as with most cosmetics that I purchase, I will do a "test run" in person prior to purchasing. Obviously, I will not buy this product again, but I would recommend this product to anyone that has the right coloring for this beautiful blush. ***TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT!***
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Eyeliner -New York Color - Eyeliner Duet
iamcasihart 7/17/2009 3:15:00 AM
I have about five or six high-end eyeliners, (both liquid and pencil), in my preferred colors, (bronze/brown, rich brownish-black). Those liners are my everyday staples and they are well worth the investment, considering I use them most often. For my fun, more "outrageous" colors, (bright blues, gold, silver, white, aqua), I turn to N.Y.C brand, since I wear these for going out to kick it with friends or to toss in my purse for touch ups. I can purchase ten N.Y.C eyeliners for a fraction of the cost of one of my staple liners. Usually, I find N.Y.C eyeliners for about $1.00 USD. I especially like the duets because I am actually getting two for the price of one. Who can't appreciate that, right? About these liners...With the exception of a few, they glide on smoothly and produce a moderately-pigmented shade. I don't mind layering the liner until I attain the desired intensity. These sharpen nicely--a huge bonus, considering many cheap pencil liners can be a PITA to sharpen, (breaking apart or becoming uneven). The packaging is simple, yet efficient--clear plastic caps cover each end of the liner. These are gentle on my eyes and I have never encountered any irritation from using them. These have next to no scent, if any at all. All in all, these are affordable, quality eyeliners. I will purchase again and I don't have to recommend these to my friends, as all of them already use them. Great product!
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