Lotions/ Creams -Nuxe - Huile Prodigieuse (Multipurpose dry oil)
AgingHipster 7/22/2011 11:57:00 AM
I love this product for my hair and skin. it makes my frizz-prone hair behave, imparts shine, and smells wonderful. Softens skin, sinks in well, and again, smells wonderful. The smell reminds me a bit Kenzo Summer, for some reason.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Color -Frederic Fekkai - Salon Color Kit
AgingHipster 6/18/2009 1:11:00 PM
I got Elle, 7W, Dark Golden Blonde. Before colouring, my hair was - Dark Blonde/Light Brown. After colouring, my hair is..... wait for it..... rich, medium AUBURN. WTF, right? I've been dyeing my hair since I was 12 years old, at home, usually with Loreal's Preference. I've had every colour of the rainbow, and was once a fan of manic panic colour. This colour difference is no big deal to me. It's actually a beautiful colour. I'm happy as long as it's even and looks good on me. But this will be a huge deal to many of you. HUGE. The colour on the box(which is darker than a dark blonde), is actually much lighter and less auburn than what I turned out with. It is WOEFULLY inaccurate - so those of you wanting something consistent and easy to guess results with, should RUN AWAY from this product. Those of you who are up for a guessing game and don't mind a surprise will be down for the new Fekkai hair colour. By all means. I got a lovely, if not unexpected, colour from it. The product itself: -stinks terribly. smells much worse than any dye I've ever used. similar to a very strong pine scented air freshener. -is ridiculously hard to paint on yourself. Because of time constraints, it was easiest to use the brush along my hairline, then scoop the rest into my hair(like I would normally do with at-home colour). -has great directions. nice pointers. could be very helpful for people that are new to at-home hair dye -coats nicely -doesn't drip -washes out easily(the dye, not the colour) -left a beautiful(yet unexpected) colour. shiny, rich, with subtle high and low lights. but overall, not much better than Feria, Garnier Nutrisse, or Preference(my 3 favourite at-home kits to use). The price($30 at Sephora and pretty much elsewhere) is just not worth it. The colour has only been in my hair for a little over 24 hours now, so I'll update with any new developments, if they happen. So far, though, I don't think I'd buy it again. edit 07/24/2009: after using a clarifying shampoo steadily, this colour did eventually fade into the colour on the box. Still a bit dark to be claimed as a "blonde" colour - but the same as on the box, nonetheless. It took 2 to 3 weeks for the colour to get there, though. By then, however, I had roots(of course), and dyed my hair on the 5th week.... using my old colour and dye. This just isn't worth it to me.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Liquid Keratin
AgingHipster 2/27/2009 1:00:00 PM
Didn't work for me. I have very curly(naturally), very fine, colour-treated(darkened) hair. Tends to frizz if I don't use a leave-in right after a shower. I normally straighten my hair twice a week, with a flat iron. Although I knew of the fact that the company is sending out shills to rave about the product at MUA and other beauty/hair forums, I decided to try it anyway. I had the extra money, and figured "why not", right? So I applied the product, followed all directions to the letter. I've been colouring my hair at home since I was 12 years old - I know how to read directions and am experienced in doing the at-home thing. That said, this stuff worked initially - while the treatment product(which reeks like corn chips - ew!) was in my hair - the first 48 hours. My hair looked great/felt great. Was a tad lighter, but no significant colour change. I washed it as directed. From then on, my hair was in worse condition than before. It frizzed MORE, my straightening time took LONGER, and the amount of time my hair stayed straight after the iron was LESS! All results were the exact opposite of what the company claims! very, very bad buy. I do not recommend this, and will never repurchase. Also, I do not like the shampoo, conditioner, or leave-in that the product came with. None of them worked well on my hair. Of them, the shampoo was best. The leave-in did absolutely nothing for me, and the regular condtioner was just okay.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Lavanila - The Healthy Body Butter - Vanilla Grapefruit
AgingHipster 1/16/2008 6:01:00 PM
I also have the body butter in Vanilla Coconut, and all 4 of the scents in edp, as well. This scent, and the Vanilla Coconut, are my favourites in the line.
LAVANILA Vanilla Grapefruit starts out with quite a bit of sweet grapefruit when first applied; the vanilla kicks in rather quickly, giving way to a not overly complex, but simply beautiful, scent.
It is all at once a thick, sweet, citrus, and gourmand vanilla.
My husband loves it, and as aforementioned, this is 1 of my top 2 scents(ever!).
Actual notes are:
Grapefruit, Bergamot, Lime, Orange, Cedarwood, Heliotrope, Madagascar Vanilla.
The scent itself is soothing, relaxing; the effect being not a vibrant citrus, but a sweetened, smoky vanilla.
Since this review is for the body butter, I can say that the scent is basically the same in both forms. However, the edp is much longer lasting, and more concentrated. It takes a bit longer to reach the "heart" of the fragrance in the edp. The butter gets right to it. The butter itself is light, very moisturising, not even CLOSE to being greasy. This is quite possibly the most perfect body butter consistency I've ever used. It also doesn't do that dreaded after effect that many other body butters have done: drying your skin out worse, so that you feel like you need to reapply. My skin STAYS soft and supple with this butter. Fantastic product, and despite the price, would definitely buy again. And again!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Lavanila - Vanilla Coconut - Healthy Fragrance
AgingHipster 1/16/2008 5:57:00 PM
As a HUGE fan of LAVANILA, I had to have this right away when I heard they had come out with another scent.
If you check my previous reviews, you'll see I love them all - with Vanilla Grapefruit being my favourite. Vanilla Coconut is no exception, and is at least on par with Vanilla Grapefruit.
Vanilla Coconut's notes are as follows:
Luscious Coconut, Bright Tiare Flower, Fluffy Heliotrope, Creamy Sandalwood, Madagascar Vanilla.
This is a very sweet, creamy scent, without being cloying. The coconut lends a sultriness to the vanilla. As with other LAVANILA scents, it's not quite bakery, and not quite gourmand. The scent seems to fall squarely in the middle.
Despite the floral notes, I don't get any floral or tropical headiness from Vanilla Coconut. The final effect is purely rich, sweet, creamy(even frothy or milky) coconut and vanilla.
A perfect blend, and a definite buy again from me.
EDIT: Just want to add that if you like Laura Mercier's Almond Coconut, it's pretty likely that you'll love this. The LAVANILA edp is very very similar to the LM bath product scent. In case you haven't tried both forms, the LM edp is slightly sweeter; more almondy than the LM bath products.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Lavanila - Vanilla Coconut - The Healthy Body Butter
AgingHipster 1/16/2008 5:55:00 PM
As a HUGE fan of LAVANILA, I had to have this right away when I heard they had come out with another scent.
If you check my previous reviews, you'll see I love them all - with Vanilla Grapefruit being my favourite. Vanilla Coconut is no exception, and is at least on par with Vanilla Grapefruit.
Vanilla Coconut's notes are as follows:
Luscious Coconut, Bright Tiare Flower, Fluffy Heliotrope, Creamy Sandalwood, Madagascar Vanilla.
This is a very sweet, creamy scent, without being cloying. The coconut lends a sultriness to the vanilla. As with other LAVANILA scents, it's not quite bakery, and not quite gourmand. The scent seems to fall squarely in the middle.
Despite the floral notes, I don't get any floral or tropical headiness from Vanilla Coconut. The final effect is purely rich, sweet, creamy(even frothy or milky) coconut and vanilla. A perfect blend.
Since this review is for the body butter, I can add that the scent is basically the same in both forms. However, the edp is much longer lasting, and more concentrated. It takes a bit longer to reach the "heart" of the fragrance in the edp. The butter gets right to it.
The butter itself is light, very moisturising, not even CLOSE to being greasy. This is quite possibly the most perfect body butter consistency I've ever used. It also doesn't do that dreaded after effect that many other body butters have done: drying your skin out worse, so that you feel like you need to reapply. My skin STAYS soft and supple with this butter. Fantastic product, and despite the price, would definitely buy again. And again!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Lavanila - Vanilla Grapefruit ROLLER BALL
AgingHipster 12/3/2007 11:52:00 AM
ORIGINAL REVIEW(05/17/2007)
This scent is very interesting. It reminds me a bit of Shalimar for some reason, but much sweeter.
I know that's strange. Probably the Bergamot and Vanilla combo.
Anyway. LAVANILA Vanilla Grapefruit starts out with quite a bit of sweet grapefruit when first applied; the vanilla kicks in rather quickly, giving way to a not overly complex, but simply beautiful, scent.
It is all at once a thick, sweet, citrus, and gourmand vanilla.
My husband rather liked it, and I, not normally being a big fan of grapefruit, am surprised that I think this is going to be a favourite eventually. It only gets 4 lippies for now, but I could see this going up to 5 very soon. We'll see.
Actual notes are:
Grapefruit, Bergamot, Lime, Orange, Cedarwood, Heliotrope, Madagascar Vanilla.
The texture is slightly oily(the rather impressive list of ingredients, like plum, goji berry, and olive oils explain this), but dries fast. Lasting power is excellent.
The scent itself is soothing, relaxing; the effect being not a vibrant citrus, but a sweetened, smoky vanilla.
edited on 11/30/2007:
This has become one of my all-time favourites. I never get tired of this one, and it's a perfect bedtime scent, as well.
My husband is in love with this scent, and so am I.
I can't even count the number of compliments I've gotten(from strangers, even!) on this scent.
In addition, the staying power on this is crazy long. I haven't tried the spray yet, but the roll-on lasts ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL day long. If I wear it at night, it's still there in the morning, too.
I can't get enough of this, and think this may be THE ONE. I can't believe I'm saying that, as I am a perfume/b&b junkie - but this is quite probably my HG signature fragrance. And to think, when I bought the roll-on, on a whim, from Sephora, I didn't even think I'd like it! LOL!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Lavanila - Pure Vanilla ROLLER BALL
AgingHipster 12/3/2007 11:51:00 AM
As someone who owns all 3 LAVANILA scents, this will be mostly a comparison review. Hopefully it will help those of you deciding among them.
That said, this is the softest of the 3 scents. The Vanilla Blossom is the strongest of the 3 scents, while Vanilla Grapefruit would be second for strength and staying power. The staying power for Pure Vanilla isn't super-fantastic, but it does stick around for quite a while. I can still smell it(applied this morning), but it isn't strong.
Despite the "Pure" Vanilla name, it does have other notes, which DO come through pretty clearly. Upon application, the patchouli in this is pretty strong. It thankfully resolves itself into a soft, light vanilla - but it remains with a bit of complexity that you wouldn't expect from a pure vanilla.
I wouldn't necessarily call this a straight foody vanilla, but I think it could be walking a very fine line between gourmand and foody.
This is still, to me, a daytime scent, but could be(and should be!) mixed with the other two LAVANILA scents, to create something darker for evening.
Vanilla Grapefruit is still my favourite of the 3 scents, but all 3 are fantastic. As mentioned, this would be a daytime scent for me, while Vanilla Blossom would be nighttime; Vanilla Grapefruit would be my everyday, all day scent.
ACTUAL NOTES FOR PURE VANILLA:
Madagascar vanilla, Freesia, Patchouli, Heliotrope, Tonka Bean.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Lavanila - Pure Vanilla
AgingHipster 11/30/2007 3:20:00 PM
As someone who owns all 3 LAVANILA scents, this will be mostly a comparison review. Hopefully it will help those of you deciding among them.
That said, this is the softest of the 3 scents. The Vanilla Blossom is the strongest of the 3 scents, while Vanilla Grapefruit would be second for strength and staying power. The staying power for Pure Vanilla isn't super-fantastic, but it does stick around for quite a while. I can still smell it(applied this morning), but it isn't strong.
Despite the "Pure" Vanilla name, it does have other notes, which DO come through pretty clearly. Upon application, the patchouli in this is pretty strong. It thankfully resolves itself into a soft, light vanilla - but it remains with a bit of complexity that you wouldn't expect from a pure vanilla.
I wouldn't necessarily call this a straight foody vanilla, but I think it could be walking a very fine line between gourmand and foody.
This is still, to me, a daytime scent, but could be(and should be!) mixed with the other two LAVANILA scents, to create something darker for evening.
Vanilla Grapefruit is still my favourite of the 3 scents, but all 3 are fantastic. As mentioned, this would be a daytime scent for me, while Vanilla Blossom would be nighttime; Vanilla Grapefruit would be my everyday, all day scent.
ACTUAL NOTES FOR PURE VANILLA:
Madagascar vanilla, Freesia, Patchouli, Heliotrope, Tonka Bean.
10 out of 10 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Lavanila - Vanilla Blossom
AgingHipster 11/30/2007 3:10:00 PM
I had mentioned in a previous review, for LAVANILA Vanilla Grapefruit, that the scent reminded me briefly of Guerlain's Shalimar. The bergamot/vanilla combo in Van-GF was what I thought may be provoking that association.
In Vanilla BLOSSOM, however, that heady quality doesn't go away.
In my opinion, there isn't much of a difference, scent-wise. However, the fantastic ingredient list and wicked long staying power(not to mention smaller price tag) in the LAVANILA line makes this one a big winner.
Of the 3 LAVANILA scents, this one is definitely the strongest, and has the best staying power.
The Vanilla Grapefruit would be second for strength and staying power, with the Pure Vanilla being the softest.
Vanilla Grapefruit is still my favourite of the 3 scents, but all 3 are fantastic. This would be an evening scent in my mind, while Pure Vanilla would be daytime; Vanilla Grapefruit would be my everyday, all day scent.
ACTUAL NOTES FOR VANILLA BLOSSOM:
Orange Blossom, Rose, Jasmine, Karo Karounde, Osmanthus, Lemon, Nutmeg, Madagascar Vanilla.
To be honest, though, it's my least favourite in the line. I like it... but not enough to buy a full bottle. I'm sure my sample will last just fine. Whereas, with the other scents, I bought bottles of the edp, roll-ons, and body butters.
I gave it four lippies for great ingredients, great staying power, great scent; but minus one, because it's just not "for me".
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Lavanila - vanilla grapefruit
AgingHipster 5/17/2007 5:34:00 PM
This scent is very interesting. It reminds me a bit of Shalimar for some reason, but much sweeter.
I know that's strange. Probably the Bergamot and Vanilla combo.
Anyway. LAVANILA Vanilla Grapefruit starts out with quite a bit of sweet grapefruit when first applied; the vanilla kicks in rather quickly, giving way to a not overly complex, but simply beautiful, scent.
It is all at once a thick, sweet, citrus, and gourmand vanilla.
My husband rather liked it, and I, not normally being a big fan of grapefruit, am surprised that I think this is going to be a favourite eventually. It only gets 4 lippies for now, but I could see this going up to 5 very soon. We'll see.
Actual notes are:
Grapefruit, Bergamot, Lime, Orange, Cedarwood, Heliotrope, Madagascar Vanilla.
The texture is slightly oily(the rather impressive list of ingredients, like plum, goji berry, and olive oils explain this), but dries fast. Lasting power is excellent.
The scent itself is soothing, relaxing; the effect being not a vibrant citrus, but a sweetened, smoky vanilla.
edited on 11/30/2007:
This has become one of my all-time favourites. I never get tired of this one, and it's a perfect bedtime scent, as well.
My husband is in love with this scent, and so am I.
I can't even count the number of compliments I've gotten(from strangers, even!) on this scent.
In addition, the staying power on this is crazy long. I haven't tried the spray yet, but the roll-on lasts ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL day long. If I wear it at night, it's still there in the morning, too.
I can't get enough of this, and think this may be THE ONE. I can't believe I'm saying that, as I am a perfume/b&b junkie - but this is quite probably my HG signature fragrance. And to think, when I bought the roll-on, on a whim, from Sephora, I didn't even think I'd like it! LOL!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -mark - Greek Isles
AgingHipster 5/14/2007 3:43:00 PM
I don't often buy Avon stuff, but I had heard such great reviews about this particular item in magazines(yeah, I know they get paid for it - but hey) and online, that I had to try it.
For one thing, it's dirt cheap, but the notes were similar to much more expensive perfumes that I loved or liked in the past.
Greek Isles is supposed to be notes of gardenia(think tiare flower type), white freesia, honey, and coconut. I don't get a whole lot of the coconut(almost none, actually), but the gardenia is soft - not cloying - and the honey and freesia must be mellowed out a bit by the coconut. Like I said, I don't really smell coconut, but it's fully possible that it's what is keeping those sweet notes from becoming cloying.
Overall, Greek Isles is soft, summery(but not tropical), and envelopes you in a very light fragrance that seems to stay with you most of the day. Not overpowering, and would be wonderful for warm weather wear.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Creed - Virgin Island Water
AgingHipster 5/11/2007 4:35:00 PM
The ridiculous price is not included in my 5 lippie review. Those lippies are for the fragrance itself, which I very much *love*.
It doesn't remind me at all of B&BW Coconut Lime Verbena(as some have said).
I should preface this by saying that I am in no way a perfume "snob". I can find good and bad fragrances in all price ranges. BUT, I was very worried about all of the CLV references I had heard, so I got a sample bottle first. I love CLV, but no way am I going to pay $186 for something that smells just like it.
Creed's Virgin Island Water fragrance is a lot of white rum, a little bit of tart lime, and little bit of unobtrusive coconut - not beachy/suntan, or even milky coconut - but fresh cracked coconut meat.
Although a little manly at first, it has dried down beautifully, into a fresh, clean, summery tropic(though not humid) fragrance.
I love it.
Actual Notes are as follows:
• Top Notes: Essence of copra (the white inner portion of the coconut); coconut today (a liquid derived from the sweet sap of the palm tree); lime of the Antilles; white bergamot, and mandarin orange from Sicily.
• Middle Notes: Hibiscus, ginger, ylang-ylang, and Indian jasmine.
• Bottom Notes: Sugar cane and white rum of the Antilles, musk from Tonkin.
The lasting power is, surprisingly, very good. I've been wearing this for a few hours now(just 2 little dots on my wrist) - and not only is it still going strong, but it has fantastic sillage. I can still smell this wafting up with every move of my hands. Considering the fact that it's a citrusy scent, I'm extremely surprised about this.
I still am not sure it'd be worth $186, but I am considering buying the smaller, $98 size very soon.
EDIT 03/10/08 - ended up buying the larger size. this has become one of my top 2 favourite fragrances.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Bath and Body Works - Fresh Pineapple
AgingHipster 4/26/2007 9:15:00 PM
I've been hearing some massive Fresh Pineapple hate on the B&B forum here for the past week or so.
Everyone is saying it smells nothing like pineapple, smells like musk, smells like coconut, etc.
*shrug*
I get pineapple. I really do.
Granted, it's a very light, watered down pineapple - but it's pineapple, nonetheless.
I even held my arm up to my husband and asked what it smelled like(he didn't see the bottle).
He said, "Citrus - maybe pineapple?".
And that's all I smell. No musk. No coconut. Nothing but a very VERY light pineapple.
The one drawback is that it does fade rather quickly.
I'll probably buy a full sized shower gel or shower cream when it comes out officially. Maybe a body butter if they have it in that form.
I don't think it's super awesome, but I do like it. If it lasted(or was a bit stronger) I would probably give this 5 lippies.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Gels/Soaps -LUSH - avowash
AgingHipster 4/4/2007 6:53:00 PM
This soap was super pine scented to me when I smelled it in package. It actually reminded me a lot of those pine scented tree air fresheners for your car.
In the shower, upon use, it became a soft, clean scent, though. It wasn't straight pine anymore. Just a general, vague clean.
The soap itself is very nice - moisturising, pliant, easy to lather. Left no film and no scent behind. Wouldn't buy again, but it was nice to try.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No