Pressed Powders -MAC - Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - Medium
1Agatka 7/11/2012 8:22:00 PM
I'm a NW20 in MAC, Santa Fe in NARS. I was torn between Skinfinish in Medium and Medium Plus, girl at the MAC strongly recommended the former. Medium Plus looks more like my skin in summer while this shade is just a bit too pinky and chalky. I've not noticed it oxidising at all, it stays the colour it is. But then I don't use it as my main setting powder. I set middle of my face with pure talcum powder and the outside with NARS loose powder in Desert. I brush on Mineralize Skinfinish Natural to add a bit of glow and I use it for re-touching. On the days I wear less make-up I brush it on my bare face after setting under eye concealer with talc. It looks fresh and glowy, very natural though when worn on foundation can look a bit too pale. Sill love it though! Tip: it does look amazing on a bare moisturised face applied with a wet sponge! Super glow, so light and natural! It is baked so works both wet and dry.
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Hair Color -L'Oreal - Superior Preference Les Blondissimes
1Agatka 5/5/2012 3:38:00 PM
I used it. Now my is GREY!!! As in "colour of concrete". My hair is naturally cool dark blonde and I've been using Nice 'Easy in 88 Ultra Light Ash Blonde for about two years. It worked perfectly but I somehow convinced myself that L'Oreal could work even better. I chose Les Blondissimes Preference in 03 Lightest Ash Blonde. On the box it looks exactly like the shade I was using, only features a prettier model in better make-up than my shade from Clairol. The recommendation as to on what shades of hair it should be and not be used were exactly the same, the before&after pictures of the results did not vary either. Should work, right? Wrong! At first it burned my scalp terribly but that stopped after few minutes. I did the patch test and it was ok, but now the day after dye-job I have few painful scabs on my scalp so it did cause a reaction after all! The instructions recommended to keep the colour on for 45mins but I rinsed it off after about 40mins after noticing that the ends of my hair that used to be platinum blonde turned grey. I hoped I would look different after it dried but it's only worse. My roots are similar to what Nice n' Easy did, only a bit grey and lacking shine (Preference has "NEW! High Shine ELIXIR".... high shine my a**!) while the ends are colour of concrete. This product did not damage my hair much but as now I will need stripping and re-dying it will be badly damaged. Before L'Oreal ruined my hair it was glossy, full, waist-long blonde gorgeousness. I fear what it will look like once I get it back to a human colour. EDIT: I contacted L'Oreal right away and after a week delay they asked my to call them at my convenience. At that time my hair was nearly sorted so I did not bother. I will NEVER buy any L'Oreal (or Garnier, Maybelline etc) products ever again and I'm looking for replacements for my staples from Shu Uemura and The BodyShop as it's all the same company. They lost a very, very good customer. My hairdressers rescued my hair. All it took was few long and thorough washes in a special cleansing shampoo. Some 10mins of massaging it in each time and my hair is back to normal. The grey tint is gone, gorgeousness is back!
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Hair Styling Tools -Goody - Spin Pin
1Agatka 3/20/2012 6:52:00 AM
With this stuff it takes you less than a minute to make an up do and it will not only be a very comfortable one but also last the whole day (even in the gym!). You can do everything from a very simple quick up-do, french twist, messy bun to the most complicated creations that you might think would never stay in your hair. Spin Pins stay, they won't budge until you want to spin them out. Easy and pain-free. Genius!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Primer -NARS - Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
1Agatka 10/7/2011 6:16:00 PM
The best eye primer I've ever used. Hands down. It's pricy and as it's only 8g I expected it to last a month, maybe two... but it's been 3 months and despite using it every single day it does not seem to be anywhere near finishing. Maybe it's because it does not dry out inside of the packaging one bit, unlike so many other primers (UD, anyone?). It applies white but spread out becomes completely transparent, even on black skin. It dries pretty quickly but it is best to wait a minute or so before applying eye shadow as colours applied when it isn't perfectly dry come out darker, otherwise it brings out true colous, it does not affect tones or blending. It's the only primer that lets me wear NARS Strada (officially the hardest eyeshadow to wear) in its full smoky-purple-golden glory (not looking like sparkly grey-green mess). It does not crease... I mean, really it DOES NOT CREASE! First crease-proof product I've tried that does what it says on the packaging. This primer lasts ALL DAY ...and umm... even longer. Once (due to too much partying and oversleeping for work) I've had my eye make-up on from Saturday morning to Sunday late evening... and it looked all freshly-applied even after some 36hrs (do not try this at home!). Amazing. The only downside (because the price it ok considering how long it lasts and how well it works) how the packaging looks after even two days... that rubberised plastic gets dirty super-fast and looks even worse on this product, as the bottom half of it is white.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Christian Dior - Diorshow Extase Flash Plumping Mascara
1Agatka 8/31/2011 8:02:00 AM
While most of my make-up is high-end but I use a £8 mascara after discovering it worked better than my YSL. I got EXTASE from a friend who used it once and hated the false-lash-effect it gives. I gave it a go and quite liked it. Not the easiest mascara but the effect can be spectacular. Gives volume and length but the first time I've used it it went a bit clumpy. I guess the wand is a bit awkward... With practice you'll get the best lashes of your life. Just give it time.
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Lotions/ Creams -The Body Shop - Spa Wisdom Polynesia Monoi Miracle Oil
1Agatka 5/31/2011 7:41:00 AM
In past five years I've never run out of this oil. I make sure I have my next bottle ready before the last one is finished. It's that good. Well deserved five lippies. It's amazing! The smell is amazing and whichever way I use it... it works. My HG.
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Other -Shu Uemura - Brush Cleaner
1Agatka 5/30/2011 7:45:00 PM
Wow... it works! It's expensive but removes all kinds of make-up (even dried Draline from Inglot!) from my brushes and a little goes a long way. I'm puzzled as to how some of the other reviewers said the bottle is small and doesn't last... I pour a small amount in a little glass souffle dish, tilt it to the side, immerse the brush in the liquid and work the bristles gently against the flat bottom of the dish removing most of the products. Then I pat brush in kitchen towel removing the rest of the dirty liquid and let the brushes dry flat. The toxic-smelling solution evaporates quickly leaving brushes like new. This way use very little product yet get my brushes clean, sanitised and conditioned. I will be buying this again.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -The Body Shop - Moroccan Rose Body Butter
1Agatka 5/29/2011 6:31:00 PM
So-so. Not worth the money. It leaves skin greasy yet after few hours it can feel dry again. The gorgeous scent doesn't last. Go for Moroccan Rose Body Milk spray instead. It soaks into skin immediately, keeps it hydrated and smelling beautifully for the whole day! It costs less and lasts longer too!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Body -The Body Shop - Deep Sleep Dreamy Pillow & Body Mist
1Agatka 5/29/2011 6:25:00 PM
It really does what it says on the bottle. It's so easy to fall asleep when you spray your pillow with it! It can be used on the skin too. It isn't drying at all, in fact it's very moisturizing (yet it doesn't stain the sheets). Worth every penny.
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Lotions/ Creams -The Body Shop - Mango Body Butter
1Agatka 5/29/2011 6:21:00 PM
The smell itself is a good enough reason to buy this. Add soft texture and moisturizing of even the driest skin... and it's a huge Y E S ! ! ! The only con is that it can leave a greasy film that takes a little while to soak into the skin so it's not a product I'd advise to use if you want to put clothes on right after applying. Still... I love it!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Bourjois - Suivez mon Regard - Multi Shimmer Loose Eye Shadow
1Agatka 5/24/2011 7:16:00 PM
This is one of the best loose pigments around in possibly the worst packaging ever. I have an easy TRICK TO OPEN IT without wasting any of the product though ;) I'll tell you what to do at the end of this review. The quality is amazing and once applied it stays on very well. Unlike some loose eyeshadows which can be too powdery this thing sticks: to itself, edges of the jar, brush, skin... basically everything apart from the brush it comes with. Unless you decide to use the built-in brush you will experience minimal fallout. The colours are brilliant, vibrant and very sparkly without being glittery (apart from one gold shade- that one is pretty much just fine glitter). I've used several shades and found them all very good for the price. Now I am using Rose Or, very similar to (the discontinued) Round Pot eyeshadow and blush of the same name. It's a lovely golden rose pink. I love this colour so much I've actually stocked up on it, I have several unopened jars. I use it: -when I want to add sparkles, on top of my NARS Deep Throat Blush -alone on bare lids for a fresh edgy look -on MAC paintpot as eyeshadow (it's easy to pack LOTS of it and it stays put!) -mixed with Inglot Duraline either as eyeliner or liquid eyeshadow (it is sooooo intense with this mixer! Gives a polished metal look, I love it!) The packaging was obviously meant to be easy to use for those who never tried loose pigments and think they can be messy... and it's a fail! The nylon brush attached is utterly useless yet it's the only thing that can properly reach the pigment at the bottom. Tilting the container upside down and shaking it gets only a tiny bit of pigment out, due to the unusual shape. Without opening the jar it's impossible to use even half of the pigment, once the brush can no longer reach it at the bottom there's still lots of it stuck to the inside of the jar. Don't even think of keeping it in it's original packaging. Do what I do: HOW TO OPEN: You will need a clean cosmetics jar (I get mine form Muji), a flat screwdriver and fire (gass cooker is perfect). Turn closed jar upside down and remove the sticker from the bottom. You will notice that the bottom of the jar underneath the sticker is made of a different type of plastic. Heat the end of the screwdriver on fire and when it's hot push it anywhere along the edge of the two types of plastic. The bottom will just pop open! Voila! Now you can empty the contents into your new jar. The 2.6g will last you a long, long time!
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Lipstick -MAC - Lipstick in Creme de la Femme
1Agatka 5/18/2011 5:51:00 AM
I'm torn. The colour is simply fabulous- frosty pink with lavender tones and slight gold shimmer. Very pretty and looks fab against my NW20 skin. A perfect shade. The smell is lovely too, like a vanilla-flavoured cake. But then is the consistency... ...it makes my lips feel dry but it doesn't actually dry them out. It settles in lines in my lips like only the cheapest lipsticks do. It's thick, it's lacking gloss, it loses most of the gold shimmer once on the lips. Yes it does stay long but so do many other much more pleasant lipsticks. It feels good enough for every day wear yet there are so many better lipsticks. I bought this one because I have a MAC on my doorstep and I had no time to go Harrods and pick up my favorite Dolce & Gabbana Shine Lipstick in Emotion (high-gloss mauve pink with gold shine). Creme De Le Femme is similar to it but different enough. Great for every day and so close to my lips that I can apply it with eyes closed. I like it... but due to its consistency not enough to buy it again. It's ok-ish and this is not enough for me.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -NARS - Violetta Duo
1Agatka 5/17/2011 6:16:00 PM
Unique shades, very pigmented. The price is OK £23.50 for 4g. Not bad considering the smart container with a large mirror and how fab these colours are. Lilacs and violets are tricky colours. When used correctly they make you look fresh and young... but it's easy to go too far and look either goth or like an 80's pub landlady. This duo is impossible to go wrong with though- the shades work together perfectly, giving a fresh modern look! So beautiful! I've purchased this duo mostly for the metallic purple on the right as it's perfect for the daytime-to-night smoky eye. The matte mauve on the left is a shade that probably no sane person would probably buy on its own, so I'm very happy I got it in this set as it's a gorgeous and very wearable colour, just odd. I'm a NW20 with blue-grey eyes and Violetta makes my eye colour pop. I usually use it with matte MAC Blanc Type on my brow bone. Great fresh and professional look for work, but sexy enough for a hot date. The only downside is that the matte mauve goes too powdery when swiped with some brushes, wasting a bit of product. Still worth every penny.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Loose Powders -NARS - Loose Powder
1Agatka 5/17/2011 5:38:00 PM
This is one of the NARS products really worth investing in. Even though it may seem expensive it contains a massive 45 grams of an excellent quality loose powder... it's THREE TIMES MORE PRODUCT than most brands! Do your maths, seriously. The packaging isn't very functional... but then find me a loose powder that doesn't make mess... The luxe looking black rubbery NARS gets dirty easily as it is. Not for traveling but if you need loose powder on the go (do you really?) just put a bit in a small container from Muji. Problem solved. I apply it with NARS #27 Yachiyo Kabuki Artisan Brush (OMG this brush, OMG!!! If you don't have it yet you better buy it and you'll know why people go on about it so much. It's the best brush ever) and it sets my MAC foundation perfectly. I applied it with puff it comes with over foundation once and I looked terrible. This powder has great coverage so it looked caked. With brush it looks perfect- smooth, even, matte but you can not see it. It does not accentuate pores or lines. Perfection. I don't need to re-apply it throughout the day. It stays on very well, I just use blotting papers on my t-zone when I get too shiny. The puff is great for the days you don't feel like using foundation. Just put on a bit of this fabulous powder and your skin will look great. I'm not very impressed with the colour range though. There are only 6 shades and nothing for dark skin tones. I'm a NW20 so it wasn't really a problem. MUA advised me to try Eden but that really stood out against my skin, it was very pale and too yellow. Beach was better but still to yellow. I really needed to buy powder and was in a rush so I tried Desert, which in pressed form is totally not my shade surprisingly in loose form is a different colour- lighter and with more yellow tone. It blends perfectly into my skin. I give it 4 lippies not 5 due to poor colour range (at least half of my friends won't be able to use it!) and the messy packaging. I will certainly buy this again but not for a long, long time. I use it every single day but considering my last 15g loose powder lasted me 9 months and this is 45g... like I said, do your maths.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -BeneFit Cosmetics - Hello Flawless!
1Agatka 5/8/2011 5:17:00 PM
The powder itself looks great on the skin, very natural. When applied with a brush though lots of it just wasted (a powdery mess... not nice). Once it's on skin it's blendable and stays well. Applied with sponge looks too thick (blending with brush then and more mess...). There are better powders around. This one is ok, but I don't think I'd buy it again.
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