Mascara -Helena Rubinstein - Spider Eyes
msp12 8/21/2004 10:48:00 AM
A very clever mascara base that defines each lash and enhances the already superb effect of HR mascaras. I am currently using Spider Eyes with Vertiginous waterproof and I could not be more pleased, except for the fact that I feel compelled to buy 2 expensive mascara products in lieu of one. The base itself does appear whitish on the lashes, however one or two swishes of your regular mascara easily covers it up. Overall, it is the one instance when I am glad that HR products are no longer available in the US so I shall certainly not be tempted by this product in the near future. Can't speak for those of you with easy access to HR products, however :)
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Lip Gloss -Helena Rubinstein - Stellars Gloss- Star Snowdrop #12
msp12 8/21/2004 10:37:00 AM
I often fear sparkly glosses because I detest gritty chunks of glitter against my lips and in general these glosses are not flattering to my full lips. Well, Star Snowdrop and many other HR glosses are quite the exception. Although the glitter in Snowdrop is silver-coloured, it is so finely milled as victoriaf has already mentioned that the sparkling effect is simply beautiful. Very flattering to my medium-tan complexion and I imagine that the gloss, like diamonds, would suit any skin tone.
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Lip Gloss -Helena Rubinstein - Stellars Gloss in #11 Star Lilac
msp12 8/21/2004 10:21:00 AM
Yes, do not pass a Duty Free store without picking up this product :) I often find that many sheer purple lip colours appear overly silver-like against my medium-tan complexion, but Star Lilac is just perfect. Sheer, but noticeable, lilac tint with fine sparkles that twinkle yet do not overwhelm the look. One of my favourite gloss purchases this summer.
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Lip Gloss -Helena Rubinstein - Stellars lip gloss- Star Rosebud
msp12 8/21/2004 10:15:00 AM
Just adding that Star Rosebud is sheer enough to work with my medium-tan complexion while imparting a flattering pink tint to my lips! I agree with the reviewer below that this HR gloss is comparable to Chanel Sirop, however I have only tested the latter on my hand and cannot say how it looks on the lips. Overall, I prefer the brush applicator and texture of HR glosses to Chanel (although the latter makes some of my favourite gloss colours).
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Fragrances -L'Artisan Fragrances - Ananas Fizz Summer 2004 Limited Edition
msp12 6/10/2004 2:30:00 PM
Bah. Cute and transparent enough for a toddler but I really could not pay so much for such a thing. I may be the only one but when I think of a luscious pineapple fragrance, Frapin 1270 comes to mind with its gorgeous candied fruit note. Ananas Fizz would be quite nice for hot climates, but I would rather empty my wallet on a CSP or several IUNX sprays.
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Fragrances -L'Artisan Fragrances - Cologne Mure & Musc
msp12 6/10/2004 2:24:00 PM
Sorry to bring the ratings down a bit! While I do like Cologne Mure et Musc best out of L'Artisan three MeM releases (more fruit than EdT, less jammy than EdP), overall this particular combination of blackberries and musk is not my cup of tea. I'm still loyal to Parfums Delrae Bois de Paradis even though I rarely wear it. Many thanks to papillon for kindly sharing her sample with me.
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Lotions/ Creams -Stella McCartney - Soft Body Milk
msp12 6/9/2004 10:48:00 PM
I agree with jennyb: the texture of the lotion stinks, but it really helps the fragrance, including the new Sheer EdT, to stick to the skin. I am uncertain whether I would repurchase it for myself, but if you love the fragrance, I would say that obtaining a boxed set which includes the lotion will be worth your while.
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Lotions/ Creams -Pre de Provence - Shea Butter Body Butter
msp12 6/9/2004 10:43:00 PM
I often feel that I ought to buy a few jars of drugstore body butter to prove to myself that one need not spend more than $5 on a jar of body butter, however, I have gotten to the point where I can't seem to use up all the lotion that I have and I keep receiving lovely samples of luxury goods :) Pre de Provence Shea Butter Body is not quite as costly as it could be, considering that it is *fantastic*, and for that I am glad! First, the texture is incredibly dense, but is applied to the skin easily and absorbed without a trace of greasiness, unlike TBS and L'Occitane products. The scent is also wonderful: very mild and reminiscent of linden blossom and lychee. I shall definitely purchase this at the earliest opportunity.
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Fragrances -Christiane Celle Calypso - vanille
msp12 6/9/2004 10:24:00 PM
I really did not like this vanilla, either. Perfumey, yet light, and with a touch of some ill-blended floral notes. I Profumi di Firenze Vaniglia del Madagascar remains my favourite vanille-focused fragrance.
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - French West Indies Tiare
msp12 6/9/2004 10:19:00 PM
Very surprised to see so little about this line on P'ville given the quality of the line and its reasonable pricing ($38/4 oz). FWI Tiare shares similar qualities with St. Barth's luxurious Tiare: rich, heady and mildly sweet. But FWI Tiare's initial strength only lasts an hour or so before fading into a faint second-skin scent. I don't detect the peach note advertised in beautyhabit's composition notes, but it must be that fruit note which imparts a light, sweet quality to the scent. Although I probably shall (should!) purchase only St. Barth's Tiare, I must say that wearing FWI and St. Barth in combination is perfectly smashing.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -La Ligne de St. Barth - Tiare
msp12 6/9/2004 10:09:00 PM
Absolutely my favourite tiare to date. I was so sad to discover that St. Barth Vanille did not work for me, as it promised to be the vanilla of vanillas when I sniffed it in the vial. St. Barth Tiare redeemed that disappointment completely. As one would expect, it possesses the same tropical richness as Vanille but with a greater emphasis on the heady gardenia scent. The blend of coconut oil and gardenia is truly seamless. Definitely at the top of my lemming list.
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Fragrances -Comptoir Sud Pacifique - vanille tiare
msp12 6/9/2004 9:51:00 PM
I enjoy the soft combination of vanilla and tiaré, however, I am also reminded of Johnson’s baby oil. Lasting power is similar to other CSPs, roughly an hour. For a delicate rendition of tiaré, I would recommend French West Indies Tiaré.
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Fragrances -Comptoir Sud Pacifique - Vanille Mokha
msp12 5/28/2004 2:12:00 AM
Like rubbing oneself with freshly ground Sumatra or Java. Rich and deep, but ultimately a scent that I prefer to inhale from a steaming cup and consume rather than to wear. After a couple of hours, Vanille Mokha dries down to a pleasant, but faint, vanilla scent.
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Fragrances -Comptoir Sud Pacifique - Vanille Coco
msp12 5/28/2004 2:10:00 AM
Strange beginnings on my skin: a mild citrusy note thins out the rich combination of vanilla and coconut. Spare your wallet and obtain a drugstore bottle of coconut oil.
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Fragrances -Comptoir Sud Pacifique - Musc Alize
msp12 5/5/2004 2:06:00 AM
Although Musc Alize is not at the top of my wishlist at the moment, I would not mind having it in my collection as it seems to be a very close cousin to other CSP favourites, namely Amour de Cacao and Matin Calin. Musk is the dominant feature in Musc Alize instead of cocoa or sweet milk, and it is a very rich and scrumptious musk scent. If one could make a dessert out of musk (!) this would be it. Vanilla and coconut are quite prominent in the fragrance yet they are transparent enough to be just lovely in hot weather. Think L'Artisan Vanilia in tropical conditions. When the vanilla and coconut fade (about two hours on my skin), the musk base is a bit animalic for me, but I do not mind refreshing in order to enjoy the sweet top notes.
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