Fragrances -Diptyque - Tarocco eau de toilette
KKAI 8/12/2010 3:01:00 PM
I am not a fan of this one. It is a unisex-leaning towards masculine scent . The first notes of zesty orange and grapefruit are quite nice but the rest of the mix ( saffron, cinnamon, rose, ginger and musk) is too messy and smells "cheap" and unblended on me. Minimum sillage and the lasting power is really poor.
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Polishes -MAC - Scorcher
KKAI 8/7/2010 10:44:00 AM
The colour is great: a bright coral-red. But the quality leaves a lot to be desired. First of all, it is very sheer-you need three coats to achieve opaque bottle colour. And after only two days, I had tipwear! I believe that you can find this colour in another brand for a better quality and a lower price.
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Fragrances -L'Artisan Fragrances - Tea for Two [DISCONTINUED]
KKAI 8/5/2010 5:10:00 AM
The initial impression is tea, vanilla and cinnamon with a little bit of tobacco. I would describe it as a light gourmand fragrance, good for cozy moments when the weather is chilly. It is also the type of fragrance that I personally like to wear during the Christmas holidays.I do not consider it unisex (contrary to L'Artisan's marketing), as I find it too sweet to be worn by a man. Overall, it is ok but nothing complex or spectacular. Staying power is mediocre. I will enjoy my sample and I will retry it in autumn but for the moment this is not full-bottle worthy for me. EDIT: Upon further testing, I realised that the rather strong tobacco note does not really agree with me. I am deducting one more lippie.
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Skincare - Body -The Body Shop - Sweet Lemon body butter
KKAI 8/4/2010 3:49:00 PM
This is one of my least favorite body butters ( moringa and monoi are my absolute favorites). The smell is indeed very true to the name and it is quite intense from the pot but it does not linger on the body. My main complaint is the consistency: it is very thick and difficult to spread and even after massaging, it leaves an oily residue. I would not repurchase.
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Moisturizers -Aesop - Oil Free Facial Hydrating Serum
KKAI 8/2/2010 11:48:00 AM
I just finished a small bottle of this included in the sample pack for combo/oily skin. My impressions are lukewarm to say the least. I hated the consistency-too sticky and it makes the skin in your face tight and uncomfortable. I did not notice any improvement in my skin either. Considering the price, I do not think it is worth it. If you are after a natural serum, I would suggest the rose one by Korres.
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Jean-Charles Brosseau Ombre Rose
KKAI 8/2/2010 7:21:00 AM
Lovely, demure fragrance! There is an initial strong alcohol smell ( I guess it's the aldehydes) but then the sweet rose with a slight powdery note emerges. I always associate rose fragrances with soft and romantic and this definitely falls within this category. It is ideal to wear either with a cashmere sweater on a cold day or with a long, boho dress ( or even a 50s full skirt) in the summer. I wouldn't call it "mature" but rather girly and flirtatious. Good lasting power and not too overwhelming to wear even during the day. Although, it is not spectacular, I would find a good use for a full bottle of this.
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Lotions/ Creams -The Body Shop - Spa Wisdom Polynesia Monoi Miracle Oil
KKAI 8/1/2010 3:34:00 PM
First of all, I have to say that they have changed the packaging for this product and I suspect that they have changed the formula as well ( tho, the shop assistants deny that) for the worse. Anyway, it is still a great product with a luscious exotic smell ( altho, it is not so intense as in the original version). I use it both for the body ( dry skin) and the hair ( frizzy, processed hair and i use it as a leave-in conditioner/styling product) and it works great on both occasions. I would rebuy but I think the monoi body butter is even more effective for the body.
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Fragrances -L'Artisan Fragrances - Fou d Absinthe
KKAI 7/30/2010 7:44:00 AM
Surprisingly I really like this! It starts with a cool and sweet alcohol smell that warms up rather quickly. Definitely a unisex scent but not very masculine in the "aftershave-y" way. Refreshing and different to wear on a hot summer day. Good lasting power especially for L'Artisan standards. I would be really intrigued to smell this on a man but I do not love it enough to purchase a full bottle.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -L'Occitane - Neroli EDP (L'Oranger line)
KKAI 7/28/2010 7:03:00 AM
This is a heavy, sweet, spicy neroli, unlike all the other light, fresh, herbal nerolis that dominate the market today. I would say that it is relatively similar to SL Fleur d' Oranger without the cumin but with an added sweetness. It is a glorious and luscious floral, although it tends to get a little too sweet in the drydown for my taste. Excellent sillage and staying power. I already have a full bottle and enjoy it a lot during spring and summer months.
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Fragrances -Jo Malone - Vintage Gardenia
KKAI 7/27/2010 5:28:00 AM
This is gardenia with a strong hint of smth spicy ( cumin/cardamon?). I definitely understand the "vintage" feeling they want to create but I have never been a fan of this style and this fragrance does not agree with me. It smells "matronly" and "old". I generally enjoy gardenia in its fresh/girly/sexy version but this one is somewhat outdated for my personal taste. Good sillage, tho.
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Fragrances -Prada - Infusion d'iris edp
KKAI 7/26/2010 6:54:00 AM
This is a nice, serene perfume that exudes calm and confidence. That makes it an ideal office fragrance, as it is generally non-offensive with low sillage. As for the actual scent, I would say it is a light powdery floral-iris with a hint of pepper in the begginning and soft aldehydes-that evolves into smth sweeter and woodier after a couple of hours. It is not very original, sexy or refreshing but it has a decent lasting power and it works well for several occasions. Overall, it is a fine fragrance and I will gladly use up my full bottle, but if you are looking for an iris fragrance that rocks, try Bois d'Iris from TDC.
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Fragrances -Balmain - Ivoire
KKAI 7/14/2010 8:58:00 AM
A classic! Old-school perfume that falls into the soapy category while remaining sophisticated and classy. Very strong initially but softens soon and the flowery base blossoms. Very beautiful and feminine but more on the "mature" side. Good staying power and sillage. I would definitely buy a full bottle of that, not for everyday but for the few occasions that I feel very elegant and lady-like.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Christian Dior - Pure Poison
KKAI 7/14/2010 5:51:00 AM
A light old-style floral which is pretty and romantic. Average staying power. Nice but nothing too exciting. I would not purchase a full bottle but I have enjoyed my sample.
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Fragrances -Givenchy - Very Irresistible
KKAI 7/9/2010 7:28:00 AM
This is a modern, girly rose scent. Very romantic and could be worn day and night IMO. Definitely not too heavy for summertime. Staying power is good for an edt. It falls within the category of floral/sweet fragrances which is not my style but I would consider buying it as a gift for a teenage friend or relative. In summary, nice and non-offensive but nothing extraordinary.
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Polishes -OPI - Jade is the New Black
KKAI 7/7/2010 7:46:00 AM
I love it! Definitely not a discreet colour, but it gets lots of compliments from the fashion-conscious crowd. I would describe the colour as emerald green-really pretty and bold in a non-tacky way,as it is shiny with no shimmer or glitter. Two coats are essential to achieve bottle colour and staying power is good. Totally worth it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No