Moisturizers -Liz Earle - Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser - Normal-Combination
condesadepitimini 4/14/2011 1:33:00 PM
Very nice moisturizer with ingredients of natural origin. Lightly scented (smells great) it's is however poorly suited for combination skins, despite its claims. I have combo skin and a nasty T-zone (especially now that weather is changing towards summer), and while it moisturizes greatly my cheeks, it did a mess on my t-zone (broke me out!!!), even if applied at night. All in all it's a good product but not suitable foir the oily parts of your face. I ended up using my 15 ml tube on my hands ....
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Moisturizers -Olay - Anti-Wrinkle Nature Fusion Night Cream
condesadepitimini 4/3/2011 5:26:00 AM
First and foremost: i have never seen an ugliest jar. Super cheapo plastic (even food and dairy are reserved a better packaging!!), tiny pot with a kelly green lif that's just horrendous. Looks and feels "poor". These were my first thought when I opened the box (had I known the jar was so disgusting, I wouldn't have bought). Generally I am not into these drugstore brands but I am on a budget lately and I wnated a lighter night cream as the season is changing and my skin does not want anymore the heavier winter creams I have on my nighttable. So I tried this Nature Fusion afer reading the ingredients that were not so bad (for instance there is no "paraffinum liquidum" that is super cheap and clogs your pores - never buy a cream with this ingredient inside!). It's an OK cream; absorbs quickly, is not greasy and did not produce any adverse effects on my skin after a few days of application. Didi not do any miracle either. It's just OK if you're on a budget. However, Olay, please keep in mind that a little effort into packaging (it just a few more cents) would make the product so much more enticing.... (i work in marketing, you know). PS: I keep the jar into my drawer as my night cannot bear to see in on my nighttable or dresser. it's just plain ugly).
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Lipstick -Clarins - Joli Rouge Perfect Shine Sheer - Cherry 13
condesadepitimini 3/26/2011 4:23:00 PM
Gotta Love Joli Rouge Shine! I am a fan of Clarins and I own merrily many Joli Rouge "regular": a longlasting, hydrating, replenishing, non drying, fully pigmented lipstick. At 20 Euros only!! (all the other high ends brands start at 26 Euros now). Now I can spread all my love for the Shine version too. It has the same excellent characteristics of the regular version, but you get a sheerer finish and LOADS of shine! it's like a gloss, moisturizing as a lipbalm but opaque and creamy as a lippie. I have it in 13 Cherry: a spectacular sheer cherry red - slightly blue undertones (bordering a raspberry red) with tons of microglitter (that you won't feel on your lips though, and that's a plus). For reference I am a NC15-20 with yellow undertones, pale in winter and this matches my skin tone to perfection but I am sure it could go with every skin tone and lip pigmentation. It cheers your face up, makes your teeth whiter and gives you a complete face lift. I am sold! I was checking my face in various mirrors all day (car mirror included, and that's not safe when driving! but could not hold myself!!) and my lips were ....awesome! I am thinking of getting a backup (before its sold out as it will be soon, this is a much too gorgeous shade) and I also plan to get me Litchi - a petal pink shade new for Spring 2011.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Clarins - Joli Rouge Perfect Shine Sheer (all shades)
condesadepitimini 3/26/2011 4:18:00 PM
Gotta Love Joli Rouge Shine! I am a fan of Clarins (high end stuff, of really proven quality at a reasonable price) and I own merrily many Joli Rouge "regular" lipsticks: a longlasting, hydrating, replenishing, non drying, fully pigmented lipstick. At 20 Euros only!! (all the other high ends brands start at 26 Euros now). Now I can spread all my love for the Shine version too. It is also called Joli Rouge Brillant in French (yes, it's really... Brilliant!!). The compact is an elegant, solid, silver tube that feels luxury. Joli Rouge Perfect Shine has the same excellent characteristics of the regular version, but you get a sheerer finish and LOADS of shine! I t feels and looks like a gloss, hydrating like a lip balm but opaque and creamy as a lipstick. I have it in 13 Cherry: a spectacular sheer cherry red with tons of microglitter (that you won't feel on your lips though, and that a plus). It cheers your face up, makes your teeth whiter and gives you a complete face lift. I am sold! I am thinking of getting a backup (before its sold out as it will be soon, this is a much too gorgeous shade) and I also plan to get me Litchi - a petal pink shade. __________________________________________ Shades: 01 Melon 02 Rhubarbe 03 Guava 04 Praline 05 Papaye 06 Fig 07 Raspberry 08 Pink sugar 10 Sorbet 11 Toffee 12 Litchi 13 Cherry 14 Grape (12 Litchi - 13 Cherry - 14 Grape are new for Spring 2011)
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -L'Artisan Fragrances - La Chasse aux Papillons
condesadepitimini 3/26/2011 8:32:00 AM
Neroli lover know that this is a must have. I am a neroli fan but - blame on me - I discovered this gem just lately! Spring in a bottle, if you need to defin it. La Chasse aux papillons evokes just this: A field full of herbs, flowers in bloom and orange trees blossoming, with a bunch of kids running with nets to catch butterflies. It's an image of serenity and joy, and this is what you feel when you are wearing La Chasse. I was instantly transported into this paradisiac fantasy land at the first opening notes: orange blossom with green herbs, linden blossom and pollens (watch out: this could be annoying if you suffer for allergy!), hay, a tiny bit of tuberose - very , very subdued as I could not stand it if too prominent ! - and luscious gardenia with a hint of honey in the end. A joyful, flowery composition that cheers up your day. The drydown is soft, smooth and sweet. The only downside is the lasting power... can't smell the frag after 2 hours. does not matter, I am willing to re-apply! In anycase, this is FB worth!!
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Lipstick -Lancome - L’Absolu Nu Lipstick - all shades
condesadepitimini 3/21/2011 2:13:00 PM
I was very attrected by the ad in the magazine starring an awesome Kate Winslet and by the super very pretty packaging (that glossy black tube adorned by a pattern), which has a magnetised closure that fastens with a ‘click’ (sort of Rouge Allure has already although it works differently). In addition, the ads say L’Absolu Nu contains the same light-reflecting technology as in Teint Miracle foundation. Should be nice, uh? Therefore I was so excited this morning when I was able to swatch all the shades at my local Lancome counter! The outer shell - as said - is gorgeous. The shades are all very neutral, very spring like. The texture is easy to apply, feels like a lip-balm (=very moisturizing) and gets very evenly distributed on lips. However, it has a semi-glossy finish and it is definitely not opaque as a normal lipstick. It's sheer on the lips. and if you are looking for a strong pop of colour or a super shiny- glossy it’s not exactly what you should shop for. Not particularly long-wearing - indeed this is a major con (i got a short one hour wear on my lips...). Then I looked at the price tag: 31 Euros for a Lancome tube of Lipstick??? The prices are rocketing like crazy!!! Sorry Lancome, I am not going to pay that much, not when I can have a similary pretty shiny lipstick at Clarins (See Joli Rouge Shine, 20 Euros only) or a regular high-end lipstick at Guerlain or YSL or Dior for an average 26 Euros. I mean... it's a nice lippie but for what it delivers (a nice stain-shine, neutral lips but very limited wear) I am not sold. Will update if I change my mind! ________________________ the 12 Shades: 101 Corail Evanescent 102 Rouge Nu 103 Rouge Mousseline 201 Beige de Soie 202 Beige Tulle 203 Beige Feutré 204 Sienne Poudrée 205 Beige Charnel 301 Rose Subtil 302 Voile de Rose 303 Rose Caresse 304 Rose Dentelle
8 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Shiseido - Perfect Refining Foundation
condesadepitimini 3/21/2011 10:11:00 AM
Why those bad reviews and low rating? this is perhaps the best foundation issued in 2011 (of course there were and are many many good foundations in the past years!). Shiseido is a guarantee. they always deliver. and this new Perfect Refining Foundation is a winner. Absolutely fluid -a tad runny to be honest - be careful not to overapply as it is VERY pigmented. A little drop will suffice. it's feather light and offers very natural appearance and medium coverage. I have this in shade B00, a pale beige shade for my NC15- 20 skin. I used to need lots of coverage cause I have melasma, but with this foundation I got a SA asking me if I was wearing any foundation, and for me that is a compliment... it means it was extremely natural. Wears quite well considering it is not a long lasting or a matte foundation: I get 4 hours w/o a shine but then I need a little blotting. But this is normal for me with every foundation due to my shiny T-zone. Great black minimalist packaging, great shade range. you can't ask for more this year! This is the foundation to have! _ Shades : I00 Very Light Ivory I20 Natural Light Ivory I40 Natural Fair Ivory I60 Natural Deep Ivory I100 Very Deep Ivory B00 Very Light Beige B20 Natural Light Beige B40 Natural Fair Beige B60 Natural Deep Beige B100 Very Deep Beige O00 Very Light Ochre O20 Natural Light Ochre O40 Natural Fair Ochre O60 Natural Deep Ochre O80 Deep Ochre
22 out of 23 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Christian Dior - Capture Totale One Essential Skin Boosting Super Serum
condesadepitimini 3/14/2011 4:13:00 PM
I generally like Dior Skincare, the main downside being the price. However, One Essential serum - issued first in 2009 and heavily remarketed this Spring 2011 - is an excellent product. The Dior One Essential serum says that it helps eliminate surface toxins on the skin and help reveal clearer, brighter skin that is more line free. it contains AHA and Glycolic Acid, hence the peeling claim. That is good for lightening my perennial melasma! The application is a dream, it's a light white-rosey gel-like emusion (light diffusing particle can be seen at close sight) with a lovely flowery scent. Two drops will suffice for the entire face, is soaks in instantly. I have used this serum for a couple of weeks and, even if I have not seen any real miracle on my skin I must say I'm pretty satisfied! This serum helps exfoliating your skin and is supposed to help absorb the active ingredients from other creams better. That seems to be true as my treatment creams got really "boosted", my skin was plumpier and softer in the morning. When I use the One essential in the morning I have better results with my foundation: my skin is brighter (although this could be only an optical effect!) I really love this product, but the price tag is really nasty: more than 100 Euros for a mere 30 ml pump bottle... A good present to ask for your B-day, if you can't afford it yourself!
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Liquid -L'Oreal - infallible never fail makeup
condesadepitimini 3/14/2011 12:53:00 PM
this is just average: i purached this time ago kind of last year - I wanted a d/store foundation as I was on a budget) and struggled to go through the first application; it's thick (and I mean THICK), mask like and the color range is poor and always too rosy or too yellowy. I did not like the way it blocked my skin, like it could not breathe. Got break outs too. A total no-go. Skip it. You can find much better stuff (even drugstore ) for less or the same money (I am thinking Max Factor Xperience, one of the best d/store foundations in the market at the moment)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Clarins - Skin Illusion Natural Radiance Foundation
condesadepitimini 3/14/2011 8:02:00 AM
Another great foundation from Clarins! it's in the trend of "skin-like" foundations i.e. lightweight, luminous not-cakey foundations, in the same style as Lingerie de Peau (Guerlain), Teint Miracle (Lancome), Diorskin Nude, you name it. Skin Illusion is a very good one. Offers a good coverage (and I have melasma to cover!!) wiht a very light & radiant effect really, my skin looked more luminous. May it be due to the opal powder in it??(well, it's the least ingredient, meaning that there is very little in it, but if this is true, it works!!). blends effortlessly, i have the shade 110 Light Honey that is almost perfect for my NC15-20 skin tone. Wears well, but you'll have to blot & powder by mid-day (it's not a matte foundation!!). Very hydrating, fells like water on your skin, it's very light but still quite covering. I like the very glowing-radiant looks it gives to your face! The only downside I find is the scent: I really don't like it (it's cucumber, like EL Daywear, same smell!) and i cannot stand it, but as you know scent is so personal, other people may love it, so I won't be giving less rating only for the smell. Great packaging and decent price. (34 Euros for 30 ml, Dior & Chanel is at 41 now!) a must try! ____ Shades (Europe): 107 Beige 108 Sand 110 Honey 112 Amber 113 Chesnut 114 Cappuccino
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Paco Rabanne - Black XS for Her
condesadepitimini 3/3/2011 9:41:00 AM
well, it's almost your average fruity floral, with the so in-fashion woody notes in the drydown. A berry start, sweet and perhaps cloying but the violet, the deep rose and a touch of cocoa make it more interesting and deep than your average fruity floral. it has a kinda sexy note due to the loads of patchouli & vanilla in the dry down. interesting, fares much more better than the more recent Lady Million stuff, however will not be the change in the history of perfumery.... ____________________ Notes as per Osmoz: top note Pink Peppercorn, Tamarind, Cranberry middle note Hellebore Rose, Black Violet, Cocoa Blossom base note Massoia wood, Patchouli, Black Vanilla
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Fragrances -Tom Ford - Black Orchid EDP
condesadepitimini 3/3/2011 8:56:00 AM
Dark lady and vampish wiht a caress all into one, if that makes any sense. This is not a fragrance you would wear in the office or to the gym. It's deep, dark, bitter sweet as dark chocolate. Makes a statement in the room when you enter..... that said, it's a love or hate fragrance; many people find it too cloying (better not overdo it: one spritz will suffice for on day!). The patchouli and ylang in it makes it sexy, dark lady like. I think Marlene Dietrich or Greta Garbo when I wear it. I love it in winter, even if somebody will say it's very heady, don't mind them: it's high class, made with the best ingredients on the market (and expensive too). Ungaro's Diva or Opium wearers will love it (although it's a completely different perfume) as the feeling it gives you it the same: glamour and seduction and self confidence. ______________ notes as per Osmoz: top note: Truffle, Ylang-Ylang, Bergamot , Black Currant middle note: Orchid, Fruity Notes, Lotus Wood base note: Dark Chocolate, Incense, Patchouli,Sandalwood, Vanilla, Vetiver
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Guerlain - blush g serie noire
condesadepitimini 2/15/2011 4:23:00 AM
Me too. I mean, I never before shelled out 53 Euros for a blush (my max was 35 Euros for chanel JC's) but this one was sooooo gorgeous on all the blogs that I had to have it as soon as it hit counters. I am not disappointed at all... even with this super high price-tag. Instead I am thrilled to have such a jewel in my hands, the classy hight end glossy black compact, the pouch lined in hot pink, the hot pink bristles of the little brush... are just like a doll's hourse. It's a marvel just to look at it. It's a really pigmented blush therefore you need to go w/ a light hand. I am pale-ish in the winter, so the 2 bottom strips are better in this season (they're lighter and slightly shimmery ); while the 2 upper shades -a bright coral (like BB Coral) and a sparkly hot pink are better suited to tanned skins (like me in summer!!). So all in a ll it's a blush for all seasons!! :o) Absolutely a must have if you find it (as it was a LE it's sold out everywhere now):
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Elizabeth Arden - Overnight Success
condesadepitimini 1/26/2011 6:38:00 AM
Well, let me start that I like EA (many of their products are staples in my routine like the Ceramide capsules, the Ceramide mascara, the Visible Difference cream etc). I trust this brand and I thought this Overnight Success would have been another winner. In addition, with these high rates of reviews I had to try it. I bought a discounted bottle (….still 20 £ for 30 ml is not a steal!!!!!!!) but would never pay full price (say £ 40) for it, it's totally not worth. First and foremost - as another reviewer noted - the scent. mind you that I LOVE scented skincare, and I prefer scented creams to unscented ones. That said, this product STINKS. Really I can't get past the odour, that lingers for hours after application. I really do not like it. The product itself is not bad. It's quite smooth (packed with silicones) spreads evenly and gets aborbed OK. I would not say it's a real serum as it does not sink in. You can skip your night cream when using that as it's moisturizing enough. However, it did nothing "new" for my skin. I expected to get a smooth skin via exfoliation - it is said to contain exfoliating agents similar to the Clinique Turnaround cream. I have been using this Overnight Success for two weeks now, trying to be brave and endure, notwithstanding the awful smell. But nothing notable happended, and I will finish the pump bottle on my hand I guess. Disappointed, all in all.
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Cleansers -Good Skin - Perfect Balance Gel Cleanser
condesadepitimini 1/24/2011 6:48:00 AM
Excellent morning cleanser. I find it cleanses gently w/o stripping my skin. I can only use in the morning as it is not so good at effectively removing makeup. So it's fine for mornings. It will not leave your skin squeaky-clean, so if this is what you're after it will not meet your expectations. But it does a good job. I love the pale green sheer bottle, the pump bottle and the design: the packaging is very nice. I will prob. buy again when I have finished with this one.
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