Treatments -La Roche Posay - Hydraphase Intense Serum Gel Concentrate
northerngal100 1/29/2013 8:17:00 PM
Ok - this stuff is expensive ($42 CAN) - but it is a GODSEND for dry skin in the winter. My skin has completely changed since using this (after one week). I have tried tons of products for dry skin (I am a bit of skin care junkie) but most tend to be really heavy and just sit on your skin - which is fine to sleep with, but just gross during the day. This serum absorbs really quickly, goes on light, but does a great job moisturizing. The best comparison I have for the texture is similar to clinique's moisture surge gel, but I think this delivers more moisture (Clinique moisture surge was my go-to for a long time). It also has not caused any breakouts or irritation. I went from snakeskin (-40 C is not good for the skin) to soft, normal skin. The only complaint is the price. It is really hard to purchase something that is pretty much the same price as the clinique moisture surge...but only a third of the amount! Oh well, you really only need one pump to do your face in the morning and, like I said, if you are desperate, it is the answer to your prayers.
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Cleansers -Caudalie - Cleansing Water
northerngal100 1/29/2013 8:09:00 PM
This product is ok, it didn't irritate my skin or anything... but there are similar products that work better at a lower price. I found when I was relying on this as a cleanser, I had a bit of a blackhead problem overtime - so I am guessing it didn't clean well enough for me. For me, this was enough to encourage a switch because my skin simply can't tolerate cleansing with water and soap twice a day. I tried Avene, which worked alright - but it didn't remove mascara as well. I am using Vichy now and it works much better, has less fragrance, and is way cheaper (you can find 400ml Vichy for less than the 200ml caudalie!) In conclusion: great as a primary step in cleansing, but I wouldn't trust it to remove all the grime (even light mineral makeup or tinted moisturizer).
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Cleansers -Vichy - Purete Thermale Cleansing Micellar Lotion for face and eyes
northerngal100 1/29/2013 8:03:00 PM
I am a big fan of micellar solutions. I have used both caudalie and avene versions in the past, but I recently bought vichy because the 400ml was on sale for the price of the 200ml ($22 CAN) and I heard good things. Out of the three of them, I definitely like Vichy the best. It removes makeup better (of course, if you are wearing more than a light foundation/tinted moisturizer - you might need something else...) and it also doesn't have a lot of fragrance like the others. It is also about half the price of the caudalie. I happen to like the pump the 400ml comes with, though it isn't that travel friendly - it is convenient just to reach into the medicine cabinet and dispense. Just push gently on the pump or else the product comes out straight at you! I use it in the morning with a spritz of mineral water and at night before washing with vichy cleansing milk. So far, this is keeping my dry, sensitive, and blackhead prone skin really happy. No tightness, even in the winter!
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Shampoo -Klorane - Golden Highlights Shampoo with Chamomile 
northerngal100 1/9/2013 12:24:00 AM
I like this shampoo - it is a nice alternative to blue/purple shampoo for keeping the blonde bright. I like the smell and packaging. It's not my daily shampoo as I like something a bit more moisturizing (this isn't - though it isn't drying either - more for normal hair), but 2 times a week is enough to get some of the benefits. I have had people compliment my hair more since using and I notice my hair is more on beige-y blonde side of things since using. In Canada, it isn't that expensive ($10CD a bottle, which is about average drugstore price) so its a bargain in my mind - though I see other reviewers marked it expensive, so I guess price may vary.
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Powder -Bare Escentuals - Matte Foundation spf 15
northerngal100 1/9/2013 12:17:00 AM
I have used this product (matte and original) on and off for years...I tend to go back to it in the summer, but I don't think it is a great idea on dry skin in the winter. It can get cakey on moisturizers and draws attention to flakes. Something else I noticed is that it sticks to the fine hairs on your cheeks - so you have to run your hands over your face to make sure you don't have a strange powder beard situation going on. I like sheer-light coverage, so this is fine - but if you are looking to cover a lot of marks - I don't think this follows through on its promises. If I have breakouts, I need to use concealer or something else as well. Anyway, I feel very "meh" about this. I like the minimal ingredients, etc - but I just don't think it is effective for $35CD.... This summer I will probably just stick to a tinted moisturizer and a bit of translucent powder.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Clinique - High Impact Mascara
northerngal100 1/9/2013 12:10:00 AM
I love this mascara. It is one of the few products that I actually thinks works better as you use it up - it doesn't dry up like other brands, meaning you can really use it until it is gone. When you get a new tube, it is VERY wet though - so try not to blink hard or open your eyes to wide for about 20 seconds or you will print some above our below your eyes (ack!). I like my mascara to wash off easily with water and this rinses off cleaner than anything else I have tried (saving a step and more products...). I don't find it flakes either. If I am feeling fancy I will buy it - but ultimately, I have found drugstore brands that offer similar results (maybe not quite the same) but for a quarter of the price (I like maybelline plush). Sometimes the price just can't be justified!
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BB Cream -Marcelle - BB Cream Beauty Balm
northerngal100 1/9/2013 12:06:00 AM
I didn't find this was the best product...I really wanted to like it, but I just didn't. The lightest shade was too dark for me for starters. I also found it went incredibly greasy after a few hours - this is unusual for me because I have dry skin - I usually have a problem finding products that don't make my face look flakey. Not only that, it gave me whiteheads! So strange. About a week after I stopped using it, my skin was clearing up again. Arg. It has more coverage than a tinted moisturizer and a nice texture (initially) but really was just not what I was looking for. PS. About the packaging, if you don't stand it on its lid - the pump will splatter you with product when you go to use it (meaning: this cannot be left laying down in a makeup bag)...you have been warned!
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Evening primrose oil
northerngal100 1/9/2013 12:01:00 AM
I use this product topically 2-3 times per week. I generally buy the capsules (the smaller dose ones!) and puncture them as needed. I usually apply at night and do a bit of a face massage to work the product in. A little goes a long way - but since its night, it doesn't really matter if it looks a tad greasy. If my skin is extra dry, I will sometimes rub into my skin when I wake up, make breakfast, etc. then just wash it off in the shower. This oil is a great, inexpensive, and effective moisturizing treatment for dry, sensitive, and breakout prone skin. Since using, my skin looks more hydrated (glowy), plumped, and smoother. I haven't noticed it clogging my pores at all. In fact, I find it gets rid of those little flakes that are blackheads waiting to happen. Will definitely continue to purchase.
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Moisturizers -Cetaphil - Moisturizing Cream
northerngal100 1/6/2013 1:23:00 PM
I always have tube of this stashed in my medicine cabinet. It is excellent for dry, sensitive skin. I use it at night usually, but sometimes I will rub som ein my palms and dab it all over my face for the day (particularly in the winter or after skiing, a day in the sun). I don't find it's too heavy or greasy. I have tried other (more expensive) heavy moisturizing creams and I feel like none are as effective as this - especially for the money. I usually just buy the tube as the tub seems overwhelming and slightly unsanitary if you aren't diligent with hand washing before using! The packaging isn't pretty - but it works!
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Blush -NARS - Orgasm Blush
northerngal100 1/6/2013 1:04:00 PM
Although many people are completely in love with this product, it falls flat for me. It is just WAY too sparkly! Glitter is just not a good day look and I find if you have any bumps, dry skin, etc. it really accentuates them. The pigment is just not as high-quality as similarly priced blushes either. Not to mention, it is quite pricy for such a small compact. I still have this after owning for two years because I usually would only layer a touch on top of my benetint for a night out or dinner/drinks. I didn't buy it for this purpose, but I really can't handle during the day. Which means for me, it really isn't worth it because it is too expensive for an "every now and then" application. It's not a go-to blusher in my mind. If you are looking for a peachy powder blush and want a bit of sheen, I would go with tarte amazon clay blushes or MAC. I have found their peach colour is very comparable in tone. However they look natural: not too matte but not glittery.
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Blush -BeneFit Cosmetics - Benetint
northerngal100 1/6/2013 12:54:00 PM
I am in love with this product. This is the most natural looking flush you will find - easy to use, buildable, and lasts all day. Long-lasting is probably the most important blush criteria for me because I use it to look more awake and fresh - as the day goes on, you get more tired, but your face is still looking just as perky! The key to this product is finding a good application routine. Benefit recommends applying three dabs to your cheeks and rubbing it in, but this can look spotty if you aren't quick enough. Personally, I have found the best method is to buy a dark-bristled flat foundation brush, run the benetint brush and wand over the last 3-5 cm of the foundation brush and then swirl on the apples of your cheeks and afterward lightly dab the brush up your cheekbones. This makes it mess free, precise and well-blended. No stained fingers and no spots! Another bonus: the bottle lasts about 8 months for me, so it really isn't that pricy.
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Liquid -Lancome - Teint Miracle
northerngal100 1/6/2013 12:39:00 PM
I have normal-dry to very dry skin depending on the season and also very sensitive and am prone to blackheads - I find that liquid fondation usually doesn't agree with my skin. However, this foundation has been a godsend. Texture: very liquid, almost watery, spreads very easily (and better with clean fingers) Coverage: Light (but moderate where layered). A perfect coverage if you have a bit of unevenness and perhaps a few red marks from breakouts. This would not be enough coverage for severe acne, marks, etc. Doesn't cover freckles (which is good!). Provides a natural finish (not shiny or filled with glittery bits) with a healthy glow. It perks my dry skin up. Colour: I would definitely buy a shade lighter than you initially think. It does dry a but darker and it covers so lightly that it blends in better than most. I would say I have warm undertones, but I oddly wear a cool shade for this product. Packaging: The bottle is nice. My only complaint is the pump dispenses probably double the amount of product you need. So be careful and press the pump slowly! A little goes a long way (which is nice considering the price....) All in all, I would certainly buy again.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No