Gels/Soaps -Kiss My Face - Olive Oil Soap
gruveechik 12/3/2007 7:56:00 PM
I use this pure Olive Oil version (ie. unscented) for my sensitive areas while in the shower. Most other soaps are too harsh. This is just as good as my favourite pure olive oil soap from Greece. I dare not use the other versions such as Olive and Honey for those... uhm.. particular areas.. only because I'm extremely sensitive. Oh delicate me :)
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Toners -Avalon Organics Botanicals - Therapeutic Lavender Hydrosol Refresher
gruveechik 11/10/2007 3:07:00 PM
I really have enjoyed this hydrosol. I've used it as a toner, a hydrating spritzer - especially when in an airplane.. AND accidentally as a cold-preventer! seriously! It's done a great job post-OCM cleansing to remove residue. Doesn't burn my skin or leaving it feeling stark/tight. The ONLY drawback = it does sting my eyes! I rectified that by diluting it with a honey+water solution. Now about the accidental cold-preventative power: I'm extremely susceptible to colds. While on vacation visiting relatives, about 1week into the visit - every single person in the house came down with a horrid cold - even the DH who's ridiculously immune to everything. I was the only one left standing, and I hadn't been taking anything special - except for using this hydrosol several times a day. Maybe the hint of echinacea in this product helped. Certainly lavender helps as well. All this being said, I've moved on to try the Lavender Hydrating Toner b/c I'm interested in seeing if the Licorice Root and Slicylic Acid will benefit my skin. If not, I'm moving back to this Hydrosol. Regardless, I definitely would repurchase to take with me on a trip. I decant into a 30ml/3oz spritz container to use on the flight + during the day.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Toners -Avalon Organics Botanicals - Hydrating Toner Lavender
gruveechik 11/10/2007 2:58:00 PM
Just started using this.. love it so far. I do have very dry skin that's sensitive, but not extremely sensitive. I use this as a toner after OCM cleansing AND (popped a spray pump on the bottle) spritz it on my face as a hydrater, after a hot shower. After the shower (during which I exfoliate) I noticed the tingly sensation. I didn't experience any tingling when using it as a toner post-cleansing. There's definitely a slight stickiness after using it either as a toner/spritz -- but it doesn't bother me b/c I apply my moisturizing oil afterwards. Effects: my face does feel more hydrated and softer. I'm looking forward to see if I get any other effects like reduced dark spots/smoother skin. So far, I've had good experiences with Avalon, particularly with the Hydrosol. That being said, THIS toner doesn't sting my eyes at all.. whereas the Hydrosol did a bit. Would definitely repurchase. Ingredients: Organic lavandula angustifolia (lavender), chamomilla recutita (chamomile) and camellia sinensis (white tea) extracts (aqueous), organic arnica montana extract, vegetable glycerin, hydrogenated castor oil, organic aloe barbadensis, citric acid, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, echinacea purpurea, ginkgo biloba, camellia sinensis (green tea) and cucumis sativus (cucumber) extracts, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (licorice root), magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (vitamin C), salicylic acid, ethylhexylglycerin, phenoxyethanol, organic lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil and other essential oils.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Boots - No 7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick
gruveechik 11/10/2007 1:58:00 PM
Me: CCC (CoverFX I40/B15 or NC43ish) - w/ medium-pigmented lips - prone to very dry lips/skin. I got this in 20 - Entice, which is on the plummy cool side. Lasts quite well in winter conditions; moisturizes. Gives more of a gloss look than just sheer lipstick, but WITHOUT the stickiness of gloss & the ironic non-moisturizing effects of most glosses I've found. On lightly-pigmented lips, this colour will show up stronger. On mine, it's just a whisper. On darker-pigmented lips, it'll just be a moisturizing shine. I'll repurchase b/c it's a very subtle colour for winter, paired with my emphasized eyes. I love the fact there's no Vitamin A/Retinyl Palmitate or chemical sunscreens in it... both of which I'm allergic to.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Boots - No 7 Sheer Temptation (ALL)
gruveechik 11/10/2007 1:55:00 PM
Me: CCC (CoverFX I40/B15 or NC43ish) - w/ medium-pigmented lips - prone to very dry lips/skin. I got this in 20 - Entice, which is on the plummy cool side. Lasts quite well in winter conditions; moisturizes. Gives more of a gloss look than just sheer lipstick, but WITHOUT the stickiness of gloss & the ironic non-moisturizing effects of most glosses I've found. On lightly-pigmented lips, this colour will show up stronger. On mine, it's just a whisper. On darker-pigmented lips, it'll just be a moisturizing shine. I'll repurchase b/c it's a very subtle colour for winter, paired with my emphasized eyes. I love the fact there's no Vitamin A/Retinyl Palmitate or chemical sunscreens in it... both of which I'm allergic to.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -L'Oreal - True Match Super-Blendable Powder
gruveechik 10/19/2007 10:10:00 AM
What was I thinking? I tried this product without reading reviews first... and there you go - a waste of money. Unfortunately I went out and bought both foundation and powder. Gawh what a mistake! First of all: this was certainly no true match! My skin is most definitely Cool-toned -- yet when I bought my 'match' ie. C6 -- it was horrible!!! My face looked muddy, overly-matte and had a RED undertone! Just utterly awful! Failed to live up to its name, this product.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -L'Oreal - True Match Super-Blendable Makeup SPF 17
gruveechik 10/19/2007 10:08:00 AM
What was I thinking? I tried this product without reading reviews first... and there you go - a waste of money. First of all: this was certainly no true match! My skin is most definitely Cool-toned -- yet when I bought my 'match' ie. C6 -- it was horrible!!! My face looked muddy, overly-matte and had a RED undertone! Just utterly awful! Failed to live up to its name, this product.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Gels/Soaps -Dove - Pro Age Body Wash
gruveechik 9/16/2007 9:19:00 AM
I'm 35 w/ extremely dry skin. My fave bodywashes are: Dove Sensitive Skin and Dove Cream Oil (Cocoa Butter/Rosewood version). While Pro Age is better than a lot of other bodywashes out there, I much prefer my other Dove faves. Pro Age moisturizes, lathers well, doesn't strip my skin or leave it dry, and is good as a shaving cream. The smell isn't my favourite, but I didn't find it horrible offensive. All in all, after having tried it, I wouldn't repurchase as I have Dove Sensitive and Dove Cream Oil to return to. If neither of those products existed, I might have been tempted to give Pro Age another go.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Prestige - Vinylwear
gruveechik 9/15/2007 9:24:00 AM
CCC gal here: NC44/CoverFX I40B15 with lightly pigmented lips. I got this in Snob - a plummy-brownish cool-hued colour. What's good: great colour; extremely long-lasting; very shiny. Why this doesn't work for me: I cannot fault this product, rather, I've realized something this shiny doesn't work for me. This lipgloss LASTS for ages because it doesn't sink into the skin of your lips. So it's weird for me to feel this lipgloss sitting on my lips, and not sinking in. Same reason why it's sticky and has a certain taste/smell - the ingredients cause this lipgloss to last a long time. PERFECT for the gal who wants long-lasting, shiny lipgloss, and doesn't need moisturizing capabilities. 1 lippy off b/c it's not for me and I wouldn't repurchase. I'm going back to L'Oreal Aishwarya Beige for nude moisturized lips.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Burt's Bees - Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil
gruveechik 8/29/2007 1:05:00 PM
Absolutely marvellous! Excellent long-lasting moisturizing power! Great ingredient list. I did get a bit of a pink tint on my lips (but that works underneath my Prestige lipstick in 'brown sugar' as it was a bit too grey). I also like the scent (I don't like menthol/mint scents). Another fantastic product from Burt's Bees.. I now prefer this particular lipbalm to all others.. including all other Burt's Bees lipbalms. Would repurchase indefinitely.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Prestige - PL-02A Brown Sugar
gruveechik 8/29/2007 1:01:00 PM
Me: CCC (CoverFX I40/B15 or MAC NC44). Very nice. Excellent long-lasting and suprisingly moisturizing formula. Nice level of pigmentation, and this particular one goes on a bit sheer. I love the fact that there is no wonky aftercolour. 1lippy off b/c the colour on the tube looks better than te actual lipstick colour. It's a cool-based taupe+plum - which I love - but just a touch of grey is in there which makes my lips every so slightly MLBW. That being said, mixed with another colour that has a bit of pink in it = MLBB! Other than that, marvellous product. I'm interested in trying the other colours. Would repurchase other colours.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
gruveechik 8/26/2007 10:37:00 AM
Me: extremely dry skin, and Vata in nature (Ayurvedic classification). I'm supposed to use non-roasted Sesame Oil or Almond Oil, but because I cook with Coconut Oil as well, I've been using this. I've been using Coconut Oil as my OCM (Oil Cleansing Method) Oil. Not one bit of soap has touched my face in over 3months - and my skin has never looked or felt better! I use heavy makeup to cover up hyperpigmentation + lots of mascara + eyeliner. I find Coconut Oil dissolves my makeup extremely well, and it's so easy to remove. I prefer it to Castor Oil (which dries my face out) and/or Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I use a microfibre cloth - soaked in hot water, and after massaging the oil into my face, I use the cloth to remove all my makeup. Followed by Avalon Lavender Hydrosol, and every trace is gone. This has been perfect for summer cleansing, in Winter I'll move on to Almond Oil for my face. As for the reviewer below, Coconut Oil is moisturizing, however, there are other oils that are more moisturizing. If you tend to suffer from being cold, you may be Vata in nature, and would need a warmer oil such as untoasted Sesame Oil or Almond Oil.
12 out of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Maybelline - Designer Chocolates Quad
gruveechik 8/26/2007 10:17:00 AM
EDIT: 4lippies for fantastic colour and very good initial pigment. However after daily use, I can now say that these shadows don't last long enough... on my lids maybe 2-3hours. I'll continue using these shadows though, until I find another company with these colours, but longer-lasting on my lids. Here's my original review ---- Me: CCC (NC44/CoverFX I40 or B15) - deep olive-brown skin with cool undertones. Dark brown eyes and hair. Review: This is for the new formula - the packaging has each shadow indicated as: crease, lid etc. GORGEOUS neutral eyeshadow quad! The shadows are cool-toned chocolates = perfect for me. There's no hint of red/orange/yellow/gold/mud. Not chalky. Doesn't make my eyes look tired. This is best for those who suit cold/cool-toned colours. The 'crease' colour is what attracted me. I've been looking for shimmery-heather-plum colours, as these make my brown eyes 'pop' and is wonderful on my skin. It's a near perfect match with Benefit's Creaseless Cream Shadow in 'Get Figgy'. I'll be using this 'crease' colour on top of 'Get Figgy' to set it. This colour is extremely difficult to find, and I've wasted far too much money and time trying to find this colour - and now it's easily available and so cheap! As for the other colours, the darkest colour is a bitter chocolate (but not as dark) - which I'll use for my eyelid crease. The 'lid' colour is a cool-toned medium brown - almost taupe which I'll use under my brow; and the lightest colour is a cool-toned cream.. which I may use to highlight. Pigment deposit is very good. I haven't used it all day yet to review how long it lasts. Packaging is cheap, which is fine by me as long as the product is good quality. Only thing is, I'm wary of breaking the package and/or the shadows.. both seem fragile. Great buy. If this works out, would repurchase indefinitely and would be HG as cool-toned lovely neutral browns -- and that gorgeous shimmery heather colour -- are EXTREMELY difficult to find! Good job Maybelline!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -BeneFit Cosmetics - Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in Get Figgy
gruveechik 8/15/2007 1:45:00 PM
Get Figgy is a beautiful shimmery plummy-heather colour. Described as "frosted heather". It's shimmery but not annoyingly frosty; not too cold a colour, not too warm a colour.. just a perfect neutral shimmery plummy-heather that looks wonderful on my skin and with my dark-brown eyes. What I LOVE MOST about this product is the COLOUR -- which happens to be a very difficult one to find out there. Great for CCC skin (ie. I'm a Cover FX I40 or a MAC NC44 or so). Great for cool-hued olive skins with dark-brown eyes. Cost = $20CAD which is pricey for me, but a little goes a long way. Layers very well. When I add an eyeshadow on top (I use Urban Decay's Purple Haze): lasts all day long, is completely creaseless, and is a fantastic colour! Without adding shadow, some of the cream shadow disappears within 30minutes (maybe b/c I have oily lids) but most of remains - especially a nice wide area above the eyelashes, and that bit lasts long. I've never been impressed with any Cream Eyeshadow, or with any Benefit product.. except for this! HG status all the way. Will repurchase indefinitely!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -BeneFit Cosmetics - Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner (All Shades)
gruveechik 8/15/2007 1:38:00 PM
I usually never like cream shadows - and I am usually never impressed with anything by Benefit. So it's very unusual that this product has pleased me! I have this in "Get Figgy" which is the MOST PERFECT shimmery-plummish colour for my darkest-brown eyes and CCC skin. I've been looking for a replacement of Lise Watier's Lavande crayon, and this is quite close. Here's my review: Get Figgy is a beautiful shimmery plummy-heather colour. Described as "frosted heather". It's shimmery but not annoyingly frosty; not too cold a colour, not too warm a colour.. just a perfect neutral shimmery plummy-heather that looks wonderful on my skin and with my dark-brown eyes. What I LOVE MOST about this product is the COLOUR -- which happens to be a very difficult one to find out there. Great for CCC skin (ie. I'm a Cover FX I40 or a MAC NC44 or so). Great for cool-hued olive skins with dark-brown eyes. Cost = $20CAD which is pricey for me, but a little goes a long way. Layers very well. When I add an eyeshadow on top (I use Urban Decay's Purple Haze): lasts all day long, is completely creaseless, and is a fantastic colour! Without adding shadow, some of the cream shadow disappears within 30minutes (maybe b/c I have oily lids) but most of remains - especially a nice wide area above the eyelashes, and that bit lasts long. I've never been impressed with any Cream Eyeshadow, or with any Benefit product.. except for this! HG status all the way. Will repurchase indefinitely!
4 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No