Styling Products -TRESemme - Heat Defence Styling Spray
CAZUAE 10/29/2011 12:14:00 PM
I have fine straight blonde hair which goes 'fluffy' if I don't blowdry it, and even if I do when there is high humidity. It lacks volume unless I have a good blow out at the hairdressers and I hate using volume mousses or other styling products as they either leave my hair dry, sticky or dull and anyway I just don't have the time or inclination (I am lucky in that I can blast dry with my particular style and it looks good without using brushes etc).. Then I found this genius product... Wow! I use this instead of a conditioner (I know it was not meant for that but it works really well) and it gives me volume, shine and strength. My hair feels thick, shiny and strong but without any trace of dryness. Just feels like a really good head of hair. And my style stays in until the next day so that I could literally go another day without washing (never happens - it is flat and greasy usually and have to wash ever day). It's a fine spray and goes on like water.. it doesn't feel as though I have put anything on my hair at all. I personally think the smell is OK but let's face it, it is not Chanel.. 8-) I paid Dhs45/USD12 which is not cheap for a supermarket product but a little goes a long way and it lasts several months. A huge winner for me.. I will definitely repurchase as I cannot imagine not using this now and reverting to how my hair was before.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Josie Maran Cosmetics - Matchmaker
CAZUAE 9/9/2011 11:04:00 PM
I love this. It goes on white but quickly turns to a very natural shade for my light beige skintone. I don't feel like I am wearing any foundation at all and I only need apply a very small amount. It lasts throughout the day without going shiny (this through a very hot day in Rochester today).. I like the pump dispenser as it keeps the product fresh and allows me to pump the right amount. I love Josie Maran products and this is another keeper for me.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Bare Escentuals - Bare Minerals in 1.2, fairly light
CAZUAE 5/2/2011 3:17:00 PM
WOW! I had heard of mineral powders/make up but just thought that, regardless of the claims, they would dry out my skin and sink into my fine lines making me look both much older and fake (which any kind of loose powder has done before). Not the case! Sephora Dubai has been selling the bare Minerals starter sets for ages now and whilst I was always tempted I resisted just thinking it would be (more!) money down the drain in the quest for that 'dewy glowy' look which I barely remember from my 20s.. 8-) Today I went in looking for the Nars Laguna bronzer but was unsuccessful as they no longer stock it there... so anxious to buy SOMETHING I thought I would finally go for it! Am I glad I did?!!! I watched the DVD accompanying the starter set but was still convinced I had wasted my money... not so! I followed the instructions exactly (the video is actually really good, very simple and easy to apply the steps) and in literally around 8 mins I have an incredibly natural looking glow with a 'no make up' just 'good skin' look!! I can't quite believe it. I did use a tad bit of Urban Decay in Greedy as I like to enhance that 'just in from the cold' look (it suits my blonde hair/complexion) and, of course, the usual mascara/lippie/shadow. I am very happy with the results and don't feel like I have any make up on at all - just a healthy all over glow. I applied it around 7 hours ago and even after a little nap .. foolish not to!... it still looks great! BTW, I applied Bobbi Braown's Vitamin Enriched Face Base first and then blotted but not sure you are supposed to use anything but a primer under this makeup.... perhaps that is why my skin does not feel dry at all as other reviewers have mentioned. Yes the whole process is a bit messy and not very convenient when you have to carry around so many pots and brushes but I would definitely say the results are worth it and as even a first timer completed the process in under 10 mins I guess with practice you could complete it even faster and less mess... let's see how I do tomorrow. Conclusion : A definite must buy for those with less than perfect skin!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Chanel - Rouge Allure in Incognito
CAZUAE 4/20/2011 10:38:00 AM
Audge723 got it spot on ! This lipstick is VERY expensive .. I paid Dhs165 / GBP 30 .. but as she mentions, if you use it then it is well worth it... and I will use it! I got this alongwith Chanel's lipliner (32 Pivoine) as I was looking for a replacement for my Tarte liner which you cannot find in Dubai. I took my old pencil with me and matched it almost perfectly to this colour. As I use the lipliner all over my lip and this can be a bit drying and flat I needed a lipstick over the top and this colour (Incognito) is a perfect match. It has great staying power - usually my liners and lipsticks are off within hours if not less than an hour depending on the weather or if I am eating or not! Both the liner and lipstick are as fresh as when I first applied them and not at all drying. I am a Chanel convert (at least for lip products)... plus the packaging is incredibly nice.
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Powder -Givenchy - Matissime Absolute Matte Finish Powder Foundation SPF 20
CAZUAE 4/20/2011 10:25:00 AM
I rarely wear foundation and had a bad experience with powder foundation many years ago (dried out my skin and made me look really pale) so have always steered clear of it. I did want a powder though as the weather is heating up here (in Dubai) and my skin is getting a bit oily so.... ... off to Areej. I have been very happy with Givenchy purchases in the past so thought I would give it a go (without checking MUA first or even considering other brands.. haram!). I was recommended this in beige and I have to say that so far it has proven to be a perfect colour for my fair to slightly tanned skin. It does not feel powdery at all and looks incredibly natural (I am still shocked at this - perhaps I was getting the wrong colour previously!). I do have to say that it does not stay matt all day for me - in fact I find after just a few hours I need a very slight touch up, however, as it doesn't feel heavy or made up I have no problem with this. As most reviewers, I love the packaging too but feel the sponge that comes with it does not do the product justice. It goes on much smoother with my own thicker/softer powder buff. It looks a llippy for that. Price-wise I can't remember what I paid for it but it seemed reasonable. As most Givenchy products - this is a keeper! Highly recommended
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Moisturizers -L'Occitane - Ultra Confort Moisturizing Cream
CAZUAE 2/9/2011 2:57:00 PM
I got a few samples of this with another purchase (one of my favourite fragrances - Ruban D'Orange). As I was not looking for another moisturiser and don't really associate the brand with 'proper' skincare I was not overly excited to try it but so glad I did. There are very few moisturisers that can really 'feed' my dry hyper-sensitive skin - this one does and without any kind of irritation or greasiness. Seriously - it is fantastic stuff. I work in an office with A/C on full time and usually have dry skin at the end of the day but not since using this stuff. In addition, I have to admit there are times when I can't actually be bothered to wash my face when I get up in a morning (there, I've said it!! It's usually on a Saturday morning when I am doing my laundry etc.. ) and I always find that by 09:00 my skin is feeling dry and irritated, despite what I put on the night before. It happened last weekend and I realised at about midday that my skin still looked & felt really good. In fact it actually seems to be improving day by day. I actually got a sample of the face scrub in the same range and that is excellent too. Although I also bought the face soap too on a whim but that stings my eyes really badly so had to use as a body soap instead. I obviously bought the full size moisturiser after using the samples for a week and I find it quite expensive given the small size, ie, 30ml (Dhs175 / USD 50 / GBP 30) but it works so well that I will definitely repurchase once this one runs out. I think the dispenser is excellent as it is a small pump action so keeps the product hygienic. Oh, this also goes very well under makeup.....
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Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Steamcream
CAZUAE 1/31/2011 2:38:00 AM
Like everyone else I could not resist the GORGEOUS packaging this product comes in. I nearly bought more than 1 (there was a deal if you took 3) but the price is exorbitant for the product itself so resisted! I paid Dhs75 / USD 20+ / UKP 15 in Dubai at Debenhams... the deal was 3 for Dhs185 I think.. or somewhere thereabouts. The cream itself is certainly not moisturising enough to use as a facial cream nor a body cream IMHO. It penetrates very well on my hands and smells divine but even here it doesn't do a great job. I cannot smell oatmeal just an overall essential oil smell which I personally like a lot and always gives me a lift when I smell it. Consistency-wise I am not sure the tin is a good packaging for this less dense 'cream' texture, I tend to think tins do better with balm and I am worried when I open it that the cream will spill everywhere - especially if it has been in my bag and tipped upside down. I have to say this hasn't happened yet but I think it will one day.. 8-) No, I definitely bought this product for the tin - I have the 'Masquerade' one. It is so lux and I just absolutely love it. I would repurchase for myself despite the cost and actually as a gift this would be perfect. I reckon the tin will last 1.5 months if I dab my hands twice a day (I don't use a lot)... The 3 lippies is because I have to rate it on the overall product - I don't find the product itself moisturising enough to be pitched as an overall moisturiser so was bit disappointed in that.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Makeup Remover -Bobbi Brown - Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover
CAZUAE 1/7/2011 10:06:00 AM
I got this as a free gift with a ton of makeup I purchased from BB and wasn't initially very excited by it - was expecting a more exciting free gift.. 8-)) So very happy I got it now though - it is superb. I have to agree with a previous reviewer that this encourages me to take my make up off every night as it makes the process much much less of a chore. It literally sweeps it off in ONE go, does not irritate my VERY sensitive eyes and leaves my skin feeling comfortable and really nourished. Once I have finished this bottle I will most definitely repurchase... As I didn't buy it I don't know how much it is locally but whatever it is it will be worth it just to take the tedium out of my evening cleansing ritual..!!
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Cleansers -Boots - Expert Sensitive Cleansing & Toning Wipes
CAZUAE 12/1/2010 2:02:00 PM
I drive/camp in the desert quite often so need something more convenient than my usual lotions and potions on those occasions, and for this cleansing wipes are perfect. Except they are not! I had yet to find - until I found Boots' Expert Sensitive Cleansing & Toning Wipes - a wipe which would not feel like paint stripper, could remove makeup and didn't make my face blotchy! Seriously, I have tried so many of them. This product, however, is fantastic! It removes all of my makeup - even waterproof mascara (although I do have to use 2 wipes) and leaves my skin clean and calm. I would prefer they came in a more robust packaging and felt a little wetter (they can feel as though they are a little dry) but they are small gripes really cos they do the job incredibly well. I also use them when I am too lazy to wash at home and love the convenience especially as I do not feel as though I am compromising or undoing all the good work my usual La Roche Posay products do.. The price is very reasonable compared to some of the other brands and will definitely continue buying.
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Treatments -La Roche Posay - La Roche Posay Active C for dry skin
CAZUAE 10/31/2010 12:17:00 PM
LOVE this. I am sure it is responsible for making my skin more luminous/bright. It is comfortable on the skin and has just enough moisturization that I can use it without a moisturizer on top (although I do use one). I use the Hydraphase Essence underneath and the Redermic XL on top and they seem to work really well together. I use it morning/night with no irritation. Price wise LRP is not the cheapest pharmacy brand out there but for the results I find it cheap. This line is now my new HG.
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Treatments -La Roche Posay - derm aox serum
CAZUAE 10/31/2010 12:08:00 PM
HATED this product. It was sticky and seemed to leave my skin with a dirty orangey/brown colour. Horrible, horrible. It is expensive for the amount you get so I did try to use it up but gave up after a week cos just hated the way my skin looked. Gonna have to toss it now... 8-( I have since switched to LRP Hydraphase Essence and LOVE that, as I love all the other LRP products I use.
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Cleansers -La Roche Posay - Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser
CAZUAE 9/26/2010 1:08:00 PM
I, too, was surprised by the comments about this cleanser not taking off makeup as it takes off mine (although I don't wear a great deal) incredibly easily and leaves my dry and easily irritated skin perfectly comfortable. I LOVE this cleanser. But.. in the interests of balance and because I owe MUA reviewers a small fortune for their own advice and reviews so far I thought I would really put it to the test. So today I wore full foundation, loads of waterproof mascara, blusher, eyeshadow and lipstick - looked like a hooker but the guys seemed to like it... LOL!! Well, this cleanser took it all off - it did take 2 applications to get it really clean but it certainly lived up to expectations. I did buy this cleanser to tissue/cotton wool off but I find I prefer to take it off with water which is what I did this time. It doesn't really leave a film behind but rather a touch of something which is far from unpleasant and is not oily or greasy. I have seriously sensitive eyes too so even some of the gentlest products irritate them. This also did - I really rubbed this stuff into the eyes to help get the mascara off - but it was very mild and did not make my eyes red (which usually happens), and thinking about it perhaps this was the mascara itself rather than the cleanser. I follow this with the Physiological Toner and find both work very well together. Price-wise it's not the cheapest product out there, given the relatively small bottle size (200ml) - I paid Dhs 70 / USD20 - but it is worth every penny.. or dirham!! Highly recommended. UPDATE: Continue to LOVE this cleanser. I must say that I do use the Physiological Micellar Solution to take off my eye make up now though as it does it so well and, again, without irritation. UPDATE2: Bobbi Brown's Instant Long Wear Makeup Remover has now taken over my affections as a quick and easy evening cleanser - superb. Above comments still stand though.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -TiGi - Catwalk Fashionista Big & Bigger volumizing foam
CAZUAE 9/1/2010 12:04:00 PM
It's sticky, it's smelly, my hair feels like a hedgehog's bottom BUT this mousse really is the only thing which will give my fine light blonde hair VOLUME and keep it there in the high humidity of Dubai and the next day!! Not recommended for romantic evenings though ... 8-))
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Mascara -Boots - Extravagant Lashes
CAZUAE 8/16/2010 1:18:00 PM
I was surprised by the 'square' clumpy brush on this mascara and did wonder how it was going to work, however, whatever the physics behind it.. it does.. work that is. I LOVE it! I prefer volume over length and that's what I get with this but as a previous reviewer mentioned, it is rather like a wet gelling together of lashes (definitely not clumpy though). I don't find the wand difficult to use at all, and even coat my bottom lashes with this, although I do have to wipe off the excess with a cotton bud. On the other hand, my friend, who had commented on how fab my eyes looked with this mascara, was not at all happy when she bought and tried it.. it did not work for her at all. So, I guess it is not for everyone but it is definitely my HG of mascaras. Plus I have quite sensitive eyes and usually get some kind of irritation from most mascaras but not with this one. At around 13-14 quid (Dhs70) it's not dirt cheap but certainly not the most expensive out there either..
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Treatments -Good Skin - Lumecin
CAZUAE 8/16/2010 1:07:00 PM
GREAT stuff! I bought this on a whim from Boots in London. I thought it was a bit pricey at 30 quid for a small tube and had never heard of it but having confidence that Boots normally only sells stuff that actually does what it says on the tin I bundled it into my basket. Living in a really hot climate I do have a problem with open pores so was hoping this would help - it does! My skin is definitely smoother and pores VERY visibly reduced. Does it brighten my skin? Maybe... my skin generally just looks really good. I will definitely buy this again but can't find it in any of the Dubai Boots outlets... 8-((... so I see some grovelling to my sister coming on... ;-) BTW, a small amount goes a long way and you only use this at night. There is no need for a moisturiser on the top either as it sinks in very well and does a good job of moisturising.
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