Moisturizers -Clinique - Moisture Surge Intense
joyousjoy88 4/9/2012 9:46:00 PM
I have sensitive, acne prone skin that gets very dry in the winter. I decided to pick this up as nothing on the market seemed to work for me. I did my research and looked up the ingredients prior to buying. I didn't see anything that would irritate or break me out. The ingredient list is #1 for me in a product so once I saw it was decent I bought a jar for around $49 CAD. It is a cream-gel texture with no scent. It didn't irritate my skin at all and it kept my face moisturized over night. Lately I had been waking up to flaky skin and this has kept them away. I also have been wearing this under my makeup and the moisture lasted throughout the day. My workplace has circulated dry air that literally sucks the moisture out of your skin. By the end of the day I would get flakes but no longer using moisture surge intense. I have use the original moisture surge and found it's best for the summer or if you have oily skin. The thing with the moisture surge line by Clinique is that they are meant to be layered, the original one anyways. The original is marketed as a 'booster' for your moisturizer and wasn't really intended to be used on it's own unless you need a quick hydration in your skin. Intense is much more moisturizing and it lasts 10x longer than the original. I do layer skin care with MS Intense with it being the last skincare product I apply at night or in the morning and it locks everything in place. Compared to the original I find on bare skin, intense doesn't sink in as quickly and feels slightly richer and thicker. Overall I'd buy this again over the original. It is such an improvement in my opinion in terms of performance and the ingredients used compared to the original, and intense is amazing for dry skin! I am also acne prone it has not broken me out and I have used this all over my face. The only downside is the jar packaging. Wished it came in a pump because I am acne prone. **Update 6-12-2012 - I have been using this for the past 4 months and love it! I will repurchase when I run out. It has not caused any acne or irritation. *Update 12-26-2012 - I am on my 3rd jar. Still loving this on my skin and even more in the -winter.*Update 4-7-2013 I am about to buy my 4th jar. I recently went on accutane and this has saved my skin through all the dryness of the drug. I have seen the moisture surge overnight mask but I read some of the ingredients and noticed some of it is potentially going to cause breakouts so I will just stick to this. It also no comes in a large 2.5oz jar instead of 1.5oz which is better for the money.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Urban Decay - Dew Me Moisturizing Makeup Setting Spray
joyousjoy88 4/3/2012 9:18:00 PM
Wow! I can't believe I didn't try this sooner! I have dry skin and the winter and dry office air takes a toll on my skin and make up. At the end of the day during the winter my makeup looks so gross and I tend to get flaky dry skin. I normally use Mac Fix+ to set my make up and try to keep make up fresh looking throughout the day. However all it every really did was get rid of the powdery look. Here comes DEW ME and I am in love! I spray this on after my make up and it doesn't have that wet feeling you get from Fix+ where you have to let it dry. Once you spray dew me it dries right away and your makeup is set. I used it every day this entire work week and not once did I get flakes from dry skin and at the end of the day my make up still looks great! I was in awe! From 7am to 7pm my foundation barely budge, no dry-cracks, not much shine in other areas and I did not touch up my make up throughout the day or spray my face again with dew me. I am convinced this is HG status. After I sprayed this on I was set for my work day. Usually my makeup starts to wear off in 4-5 hours, but dew me really holds up my makeup and the moisture in my skin. It is pricey though at $35 (CAD) compared to MAC Fix + ($21 CAD) ...THOUGH, I will gladly pay more for amazing results. I always felt like I was over paying for rose-water buying Fix+ anyways. Dew me has done wonders for my very dry skin and makeup. **I will update on how well it works during the summer months. So far it has helped in the winter season *Update it works great in the summer. Sadly this has been DISCONTINUED. Replaced by UD's cooling mist.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -Physicians Formula - Organic Wear Pressed Powder
joyousjoy88 2/18/2012 10:12:00 PM
This in theory is a great product because it is natural and organic. On the packaging it says it has "Eco-Olive", 100% free of parabens, harsh chemicals, and synthetic preservatives. I picked up translucent light. The pressed powder has two colours which is great for getting the right colour for you. This was pricey when not on sale, it's around $20 CAD in SDM or Rexall. It didn't irritate or dry out my sensitive skin which I liked. However, I felt with this power could not "set" my foundation. I applied this with a brush and even a powder puff and still would not lock in my foundation. I would get a shine within an hour of application, and I have dry skin that rarely gets shiny! Also it feels chalky even when you don't apply a lot. I went over board to set my foundation and still my foundation transferred on my fingers and did not set. So disappointed. I really wanted to like this. Lastly, the packaging feels really cheap. The see-through cover is like thin plastic sheet and the rest is kind of like cardboard. It does come with a brush but is scratchy. It would leave streaks on your face if you used it. Overall I will not repurchase. I hate it so much.
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Lips -Revlon - Colorburst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart
joyousjoy88 2/16/2012 9:17:00 PM
LOVE! I am not a liptstick fan, I usually prefer tinted lip balms and glosses because my lips easily peel and get dry. But with this lip butter I get best of all worlds, shine, hydration and some colour.Sweet tart is a fuchsia color that looks great on warm/yellow skin tones in my opinion. It adds such a great pop of colour without settling into the lines of your lips. I'm sure this colour would look great on any skin tone and you can easily build up thr intensity of the colour. This has a bit of sparkles but not so noticable as other colours in the collection.In comparison to a higher end lip butter, specifically the ones from Korres, Revlon has a much more moisturizing formula and the colour lasts longer than the Korres. Also the Korres has fewer colours to choose from. Revlon has so many colours that anyone of any colour can find colour that suits them. I plan to buy berry smoothie and pink truffle soon if I can find them in a store that don't always have them being sold out. Ps. in Canada the cheapest place to get these are at Walmart for around $7 and most expensive I've seen are at Shoppers for $11.99.
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Primer/ Corrector -Clarins - Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch
joyousjoy88 2/11/2012 2:18:00 PM
I just finished a jar of this stuff and I plan to re-buy. I found that this primer, out of all the primers I have tried is the best for skin that had uneven texture. I suffered through acne and have some unfortunate depressions left from acne scar on my face (ie. ice picks). Using this dramatically can fill in those areas and help create a smooth base for foundation. It has a thicker consistency then most primers but it blends in really well into the skin. You don't need very much for the whole face as it spreads amazing, but you can build up the primer if you have areas on your face that need extra filling. I really recommend this stuff for those with large pores or acne scarring as I haven't found a similar primer that can do the same. This primer does not dry matte nor does it control oil. I have dry skin so I found this primer not to be drying. Also many primers have irritated my skin and this did not irritate at all. Actually I found that it somehow calmed the redness in my skin. This primer also works well with a variety of foundations without having that 'balling up' problem other primers have. The reason I took one lippie off, is that it is pricey for how much you get. $32 CAN for 15 ml. I hate the fact it comes in a jar too because I am acne prone. I always uses the spatula it came with and wash it after every use. Wished it came in a pump. There is a stick version of this but you get so little product for almost the same price as the jar which is not worth it in my opinion. For daily use, (and filling in acne scars build-able by the way) this lasted me about 7 months. It does claim to be 'non-comedogenic' and I have not broken out using this all over my face. Overall I will re-buy. Also note the latest formula of this has been formulated without parabens for thoes concerned. Other primers that I have used that I no longer use are: Smashbox, Nars, BareMinerals, CoverFx Prep, Boscia and Benefit pore-professional. ****Update 5/30/2012 - I am on my 3rd jar. My last jar lasted me from 9/2011 to about 4/2012. I love it but I still keep 1 lippie of because it's in a jar and the price for what you get is very little.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Brows -Clinique - Superfine Liner for Brows
joyousjoy88 1/2/2012 10:45:00 AM
I am writing a review because I ran out of this and need to buy a new one asap. It lasted me about 3 months for daily use. I like that it is an automatic liner so you don't have to sharpen. This is the first brow product I have ever finished! It is natural looking as long as you choose the shade closest to you natural brow colour. It is also long lasting. I found other brow pencils would itch my brows but this did not do that. I really like how it is a really thin liner so you never over colour your brows. It is around $16.50 CAD, sort of pricey but I tried drugstore brow stuff for much less and was not satisfied. The extra money for satisfaction of a product is worth it in my opinion.
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Skincare - Face -Avene - Thermal Water
joyousjoy88 12/30/2011 6:54:00 PM
Yes this is water in a spray can. However, where I live the water is 'hard'. I sensitive and dry skin and I use this a lot to soothe my skin when it feels tight or irritated. Normal tap water does nothing to calm my skin when it is red. Which is why I use this. It is also great in the summer. I also spray it over makeup during the day as a refresher. I have used this on the plane because my skin felt so dry from the air inside. I have both the large can and the small travel size in my bag. I get this at Shoppers in Canada and I find the best way to save money is wait until there is a sale on Avene products and buy the largest size can to get the most for your money. I never buy it full price and stock up when there is a sale. I tried LRP's version and I prefer Avene. I find Avene is more soothing for my skin and LRP is more expensive.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Toners -Unlisted Brand - Drugstore Rose water
joyousjoy88 12/28/2011 7:51:00 PM
I am reviewing Essencia Floral Water (Witch hazel). I bought it for $12 at the Nutrition House here in Canada. I am on my second bottle. I have t o say this is the product of the year 2011 for me. It is doing amazing things for my dry sensitive skin and not to mention my ACNE. I have been on acne creams (2 kinds) the whole year. When I had added this to my routine my skin cleared up faster than the acne creams ever did. After the first week I started using this I stopped my acne creams. I don't get cystic acne any more and I actually use this to treat remaining acne. If I have a pimple, I take a cotton swab, soak it in rose water and apply it to the pimple. The next day it is dramatically reduced. I have nearly clear skin for the the first time this year because of this product! I also have super sensitive skin and I was so happy this did not irritate my skin. I use this after I wash my face and before moisturizer. This is the cheapest and most effective toner to prevent and treat acne I have ever used. I have used Clinique's mild toner, and #1, two different Lancome toners and several other drugstore toners that did nothing for my skin or my acne. I have repurchased this and will continue to use it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Desert Essence - Jojoba Oil - 100% pure
joyousjoy88 12/27/2011 6:34:00 PM
First off I have very dry sensitive skin and currently have acne. I used this product for about 2 weeks before I stopped. I found that the first few days of use I really liked it for my skin. I felt no irritation when using the product which is a plus and I found it did a good job of moisturizing without breaking me out. The price of the product is also very affordable and I like how it is a natural product. I stopped using this because although it did moisturize for the first week, I noticed my skin was even drier a week later. I feel that since I already have dry skin, using this oil tricks my skin in thinking it is producing enough oil and stops making it (and since my skin is dry it produces very little natural oils). I researched that jojoba oil is very similar to your natural oil and which is why it probably made my skin drier. So, this did not work for me, but I feel it would be great for oily skin. I also hated the packaging of this product. I wished it came with a dropper, instead of a spout.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Crème -Laura Mercier - Silk Creme Foundation
joyousjoy88 12/27/2011 11:57:00 AM
Overall I really like this creme foundation. It is full coverage without feeling cakey or too thick an lasts all day. I love the fact that you can have full coverage and it looks like skin! I set with a powder and use Mac fix + for a flawless look! I apply it with a sponge, brush or my fingers depending on my mood. I will likely repurchase. I took off one lip because it is over $50 CND, comes in a small tube and isn't moisturizing enough for my dry skin in the winter. Though this is great in the fall/spring. Also, the colour range only goes from light to medium. If you are darker skinned there won't be a shade for you, which is kind of unfortunate because it is a great foundation. This doesn't have SPF for those who are curious. Lastly, you must shake the tube before use, to mix the foundation. If not you sort of get a separated foundation and oil texture coming out.
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Gels/Soaps -Cetaphil - Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Moisturizing Wash
joyousjoy88 10/22/2011 11:35:00 PM
I'm sorry to give this a low rating, but if you keep reading you will know why. First off I do suffer from eczema, mainly on my arms, legs and face. I have super sensitive dry skin. I bought this during the winter to help keep my skin moisturized. It does help to keep dry, itchy skin away, however it might be too rich. My back broke out like crazy because of this and around my neck. It was only after I stopped using this and switched to something else that my back acne went away. To make sure it was this product, I retried this again and for sure enough I broke out. I would not suggest this for facial use, even though a dermatologist recommended it. Overall, this wash if great for the arms and legs, but it is around $15 a bottle which is expensive for a wash I used only for my arms and legs. I actually prefer the Aveeno washes as they kept my body moisturized without breaking out. I have not repurchased this and I don't think I will.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -FairyDrops - FAIRYDROPS Mascara
joyousjoy88 8/30/2011 10:36:00 PM
My first purchase in a non-drugstore mascara and it was $28 CAD+ tax. I did extensive research before buying it to make sure I really wanted it and that it would be the ultimate HG at this price. The packaging is the most eye catching ever, gold with pink designs and the brush is bent with 3 round balls. It is a fiber mascara that is water-resistant and has 5 kinds of treatment (says on box). My lashes are a decent length, not really short. I heard so much hype on how this mascara holds a curl forever and that it your lashes would really stand out but in a more natural way. What I hated was that my lashes were droopy by the end of the day loosing it's curl. Not to mention, this mascara is SUPER flakey! I wear contacts and noticed my eye irritated, I looked in the mirror and there were tiny black fibers in and around my eye area. It was horrible and it scared me. It wasn't like I rubbing or even touched my eye area. This mascara has a lots of fibers that easily flake off when it dries. No wonder, that one time at the end of the day I checked the mascara and it looked like I didn't use any. It had flaked all off and around my face. I had tiny black fibers all around my eye area. It did look better then if it were raccoon eyes, but you don't want to get this stuff in your eyes. I've used this for 2 weeks hoping to like it. But there is no hope. Thank goodness for Sephora's great return policy. I'd be out $30+. I doubt I'll ever spend more than $15 for mascara ever again.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -GOSH - Velvet Touch Eyeliner
joyousjoy88 8/26/2011 10:52:00 PM
Great eye liner pencil! Bought this in 'hypnotic grey'. Though to me the colour doesn't look that grey it is actually pretty dark and appears back on me. Oh well. It really does stay in place and is waterproof. I don't wear this on the waterline. It says it is unsafe for that area. I read that anything waterproof is not safe for the waterline. I use this on my lower lash line an it stays really well. I applied it in the morning and late at night it was still there with the slightest bit of smearing which can be expected since it was a hot and humid day. I did not get raccoon eyes with this and it works even better when you set it with a powder. It is also really creamy. Best liner pencil ever. The only thing I don't like is that it can be pricey so I wait for sales, but they are cheaper than Urban Decay or Mac. I plan to repurchase in the future. Ps. The liquid liner from GOSH stays put like no other! I use that on upper lash line and it doesn't budge! This and that = amazing!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Deodorants -Unlisted Brand - Crystal Body Deodorant Stick
joyousjoy88 8/7/2011 9:17:00 PM
I love this deoderant! No white marks, safe and no odour! I only apply once and it lasts throughout the day. Way longer than traditional deoderants. I have been using crystal form deoderants since I started using deoderant and I will never use gel/powder kinds ever. I did use them for a short period and hated them. They weren't as long lasting or as convenient as this one. For me, this lasts well over a year. You wet this, apply and it quickly dries. Don't have to wait a while like gel deoderants or have to worry about white marks or reapplying. It also isn't too drying either. Though be careful not to drop this as it can crack and break. That was my only motivation to buy a new one, because it shattered when I dropped it on the titled floor. My only other gripe is that this doesn't control perspiration. This was $8 CAD at Shoppers Drugmart. Will repurchase. **For thoes concerned, this is rated low (0) on EWG's cosmetic database in terms of health concern.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Sephora - Precision Pore Cleansing Pad
joyousjoy88 8/7/2011 6:24:00 PM
Right off the bat, this is a a super cheap tool that is really effective in cleaning your face. It was $7 CND/$5 USD I got it at Sephora in the bins near the check out line. It is cheap in price but feels like a quality product. I've never had an electric brush cleaner or anything like that. I have super dry, sensitive skin so a moving brush on my face would be too harsh. This pore cleansing pad is amazing at getting at your pores and removing sunscreen and foundation that doesn't easily come out when using your fingers. It is gentle, despite the appearance of the spikes, it is very flexible and made of silicone. Even if I press this hard against my skin, it never feels too abrasive or scratchy. You control how gentle you want to clean or exfoliate your skin. There is also a small section that had rounded bumps for lighter exfoliation. This is easy to clean and maintain. I just rinse it and let it dry after use. Because of what it is made of, bacteria and mold will not (so I've read) grow on this. I use this wet, with my cleanser on this pad and in circular motions I use it on my face for a deep clean. It really gets in the tiny pores and cleans them. I love this for my nose and chin are which get the most clogged. This keeps black/white heads away on my chin and nose. I don't need pore strips! Obviously, it did not happen over night. It took daily uses for me to notice a difference. However I didn't really notice any shrinking of my pores, in which this product slightly claimed it would. *****5 stars - for cleaning ability, price, savings on never using pore strips and no more clogged pores.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No