Moisturizers -Clean & Clear - morning glow spf 15
CookieMonster222 10/21/2012 9:09:00 AM
I was getting tired of how dull my skin looked, so when I saw this moisturiser I thought it might just do the trick. On first application, I liked how light yet Moisturising it was, and it had a nice, not overpowering scent to it. But that was it. By 'Morning glow' I didn't realise that meant literally GLOW. Yeah my face looked a little brighter, but it also looked really shiny! A bit too dewy for my liking... I don't have very oily skin, in fact it has a tendency to become dry very easily. However this moisturiser made my face look like I do have very oily skin. I'm not sure if it did have any shimmer in it, but I know a few other reviewers have mentioned that it does. So I guess that explains the very obvious, yet not pretty, glow that it gives. I know quite a lot of people like that it makes their skin look glowing, however it wasn't what I was looking for. I kind of thought that the product, over time, would actually help to brighten up my skin, not only achieving that after applying this moisturiser. Plus I can't stand products that make my face look shiny :( so it was a good job I was planning on wearing makeup over the top of it. Of course I did persist with using it, just to give it a fair trial and in thinking that it might grow on me. It didn't. After using this everyday for about 2 weeks, I had to stop using it. Not only cause I didn't like how it looked on my skin, but also because I suddenly developed a few breakouts. I've since bought Simple's Radiance Brightening moisturiser and it has really helped my skin to look much brighter.
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BB Cream -BRTC - Blemish Recover Balm SPF 28 
CookieMonster222 10/18/2012 12:11:00 PM
I'd been eyeing up BB creams for a while, as I hated how many products I needed to put on my face just to get the coverage I wanted. I know I could have just headed down to the nearest Boots and bought the first so-called BB cream I come across, but we all know they're just tinted moisurisers, with a fancy name. If I wanted any sort of coverage, I knew I was going to have to go with one of the real Korean BB creams. Anyway, I was going to go with the Missha M brand, but couldn't find any samples to try. (Didn't want yet another beauty fail on my shelf) I then came across the BRTC Blemish Recover Balm. I read a few reviews, and bought several samples from eBay. The product came in 6 individual sachets, and from looking at them, it felt like there was barely any product in them. Certainly not enough for one sachet to do one full face application! However today I decided to try one out for the first time since receiving them in the post. Now I don't usually do reviews so early on, as I like to make sure I have an informed as possible opinion on a product before I share that opinion. However in this case, I was so impressed with it already after having only just applied it, that I just had to review it. Like I said, I got this product in sachets of about 0.5 - 1ml, and I really did think I'd need to use two of them, just from the empty feel the packet had. There weren't any instructions on how to apply, but I just presumed it would be like applying a foundation. Therefore I just cleansed and moisuriser my face before applying this. The first thing I noticed as soon as I opened the packet was the smell. It definitely has an obvious tea tree scent to it, however this does die down after application. Although if you can't stand the smell of tea tree, it might put you off from wanting to use it. I personally like the smell of it, so that doesn't bother me. Plus my usual Revlon foundation has a scent to it too, so that's nothing new. The colour is very light with a dull-pinky tone and fairly thick but smooth and creamy in texture. I'd say it's only slightly thicker than my Colorstay foundation, so that wasn't an issue either. One thing I was worried about from looking at the product was the colour. Although having a pink tone to it, the colour is also quite dull, and having dull skin already I didn't want it to appear worse... Luckily it didn't. Just a little pale. I know quite a few people have commented on the product being very light in colour, but being manufactured in Korea, this was to be expected. Plus it's only slightly lighter than my natural skin tone, nothing that couldn't be fixed with my usual powder. I think I'm around an NC20-25 / Revlon Colorstay 150 Buff, so anyone of this shade or lighter would be fine. Anyone a shade or two darker, would probably still get away with it with a bit or bronzer on top. A good thing about this product is that not only is it meant to help heal your skin of blemish scars, redness etc. But it also has an spf rating of 28! Which of course is very high for a cosmetic product, so you probably wouldn't even need to wear a sunscreen underneath. The product describes this as a 'light, oil-controlling blemish balm for oily and troubled skin'. Initially I was a little worried that it's oil-controlling properties would make the product a little too drying on my skin. However after applying my skin didn't look at all matte, or as if it would be once it had dried fully either... So I'm glad I didn't have to worry about that. Although having more sensitive/dry skin, I found it odd to have such a contradictory result compared to people who have really oily skin. Would still recommend wearing a moisuriser underneath though, as a precaution. I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting from this product, but this definitely exceeded those expectations! The coverage this gives for a start, was completely not what I expected! Although taking the plunge and purchasing several samples of it, I really didn't have high hopes for a decent coverage. I was half expecting it to be similar to a tinted moisturiser, or at best a light coverage foundation. I'd say this gives a definite medium coverage that can be built up to a full coverage. Despite the little amount of product each sachet has, I still only used half of it, and even then it was after applying more than one layer to some areas. This is a huge difference compared to the amount of product I usually use with just a standard foundation. What's more, I didn't need to apply a single bit of concealer! Something I've certainly not been able to do in a while. The coverage of this product is so good for what it is that it was almost like, 'dark circles, what dark circles?' It also completely got rid of any redness. The only thing I had to do was apply a little more of the product to a few blemishes and dark spots -but no concealer! I then applied my Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder over the top, and this gave me that semi-matte finish I love. Admittedly I do think I applied a little too much product, despite how much I actually used. Maybe less really is more?? However it doesn't look cakey considering, just settled a bit in the fine lines under my eyes and smile lines around my mouth. Apart from that it looks fairly natural, and from a distance is hard to tell that I'm wearing makeup. The thick consistency of the product does make it a little hard to blend out, so it's best to apply a bit at a time. However after applying to one or two areas of the face, you soon get over that. Plus if you're thinking of getting this, then you're probably used to "full coverage" foundations like Revlon Colorstay which is also harder to blend than a standard foundation, but still somehow blends in nicely with the skin. Overall I'm super pleased with how good this product is, and will continue to use it to see if it really helps heal your skin, and update as I go. Either way this takes a lot of time out of my daily make
4 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Alima - Satin Matte Mineral Foundation
CookieMonster222 7/23/2012 5:42:00 PM
It's a shame I don't live in the US where postage would be cheaper because I absolutely love this brand. I really like how they have a guide to help you find your perfect shade, plus the option of buying as many sample sizes as you want so you don't waste all your money on the full sizes to find out the shade is too light/dark. They also have the biggest range of foundation shades I have ever seen! Which is great because there really is a shade to match everyone. I also like how when searching for a concealer or finishing powder, the description tells you exactly which shade to get depending on your foundation shade. For example, I'm beige 2 in the satin matte foundation, so I was recommended based on this choice to buy the mineral concealer in Sand, and finishing powder in shade Keiko. I also like how they send you a couple of free samples or their other products as part of your order. One of the free sample I received was a pot of their Pearluster eyeshadow in the colour Champagne, and I loved it so I am now buying a full sized jar of it :) Anyway back to the foundation... I really like the way mineral foundations feel and look on the skin. Especially in not looking too powdery or cakey, instead giving your make-up a nice and natural looking, even finish. Alima's mineral foundations do exactly that, Not to mention the fact that they're MATTE minerals meaning they're great for those with slightly oily skin. I'm definitely glad I was introduced to this brand because now I have a foundation that matches my skin tone perfectly and has the benefit of being a rather good mineral powder. I love it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - So...? Kiss Me
CookieMonster222 7/23/2012 4:50:00 PM
Seeing as this was the first fragrance I ever bought, I thought I might as well give it a review. I first came across this scent in a small sample-type bottle as part of a set of various sample-sized fragrances. I received the set as a Christmas present from a friend one year, back in my first year of high school. I'd never really worn 'perfumes' before then so didn't really wear any of them other than to simply see what they smelled like. However, out of this set the So...? Kiss Me was by far my favourite and as I progressed through high school, I do remember having worn it on several occasions until it finally ran out before I left. Therefore this does remind me of being at school and does resemble something a young girl would wear when finding their first signature fragrance. In that sense I guess this holds some kind of sentimental value, which I'll probably still love it for even when I'm too old to wear it :) I say 'old' because I really wouldn't describe this as being a scent that would be worn by mature people. It is definitely a 'young' person's fragrance. Now I hate all the aimed-at-10-year-olds fragrances as much as anyone but really don't let the teeny looking packaging and cheap price put you off! This has such a lovely scent that isn't really sweet and sickly like you would expect it to be. I don't know anything about distinguishing between the different notes so I can't help you with that! All I can say is, that this is a very attracting, flirty fragrance, perfect for anyone who's still young or not ready to grow old just yet! I'm now in my twenties and I still love to wear this for special occasions and nights out. Basically any time I'm wanting to feel pretty and confident, this is my go-to fragrance. If you're reading these reviews and you haven't yet tried it, go buy it. One bottle will only cost you around £6 so it's worth a try even if you don't like it :)
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Primer/ Corrector -L'Oreal - Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base
CookieMonster222 2/5/2012 2:21:00 PM
I was looking for a primer to hide my enlarged pores and the fine lines that appear after a few hours of make-up wear. I saw this one which claimed to do exactly what I was looking for, so decided to take the plunge and give it a go. I apply the primer under foundation, and it really does help to create a smoother surface as well as leaving my skin feeling soft. I've never had any problems with the primer coming off when I apply my foundation, but I always make sure to let the primer dry before I apply anything else. I've definitely noticed a difference in how much better my make-up looks when I use it. I haven't noticed any change in terms of making my make-up last longer but I don't think it's supposed to anyway. With regards to hygiene issues... as long as you make sure both your face and hands are clean before using I don't see what the problem is. Also because it's not in a tube or bottle, you can actually use all of the product instead of feeling like you're wasting any bits you can't get to. It can seem a little pricey at £14 for a small jar. But you really only need to use it on targeted areas; enlarged pores, fine lines etc. I've been using it almost everyday for the past few months, and I've still got more than half of the jar left. Looking at it that way, it really isn't that expensive and is in fact a worth-while purchase.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Maybelline - Volum' Express One by One
CookieMonster222 2/1/2012 12:08:00 PM
I hate that with most mascaras, in order to get longer looking lashes they also have to be clumped together. I can't stand mascara that clumps on the brush either. Therefore I was really glad when I decided to try this. For me, I like my lashes to look lengthened but individually defined at the same time. This mascara really does what it says. It lengthens your lashes one-by-one yet still making them stand-out beautifully. The mascara doesn't clump on the brush either. The brush on this one is made out of plastic, with a pointed tip so you can easily reach the lashes in the corners of your eyes without accidentally getting mascara everywhere. Also, to say it's not waterproof it does a very good job at staying put! I've been using this mascara for a while and even on my emotional days I didn't need to worry about it running down my face. It lasts all day too, until you take it off. I'm yet to find any real faults with it... A very good mascara and my new favourite :)
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Concealers -BeneFit Cosmetics - confessions of a concealaholic
CookieMonster222 2/1/2012 11:50:00 AM
I like the idea behind it that it allows you to sample the various concealers benefit has to offer in one product. This kit is particularly good for people, like me, who are new to Benefit and want to try a few before buying the full sizes. I quite like the box they are presented in and labelled brushes so you know which one to use for which concealer. It also comes with an instruction booklet on how best to use each one and where. However for me, I kind of found the whole kit to be pretty pointless... None of them really did anything for me that would make me want to even consider purchasing the full sizes. The lemon aid was probably my favourite one out of all of them. But even that didn't make much of a difference. Boi-ing No.1 concealer was a good match for my skin, but it felt a bit heavy on my skin. I'm glad I didn't pay the full price for this as it is a lot of money spent to then find out you don't really like any of it. The only thing I found that it did do was make me feel like I was wearing more make-up than usual and didn't look as good. I love trying out new products from various brands, but for now I don't think I'll be trying out any more Benefit products. If you usually buy and like these types of concealers, then you'll probably love this kit. I'm personally best off sticking to my cheaper trusted liquid concealers instead.
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Eyeliner -Rimmel - Exaggerate Liquid Eye Liner
CookieMonster222 1/25/2012 10:33:00 AM
I love wearing eye liner to make my eyes stand out, but the problem I always seem to have, is that I can't find one I want to keep going back to... I prefer the consistency and solid line you can create with the liquid liners, and on most, the soft bristle brushes are small enough for you to be precise. However, for people who don't have a steady hand, it can be quite difficult to get a straight line! Anyway, one night I remembered I had forgotten to put any eye liner on when a friend handed me this. It was a definite 'FINALLY!' moment. What I love most about this liner is the applicator itself. The applicator resembles that of a felt-tip. Therefore making it much easier to apply, but still with the pointed-tip to give you precision. I also quite like that the bottom of the tube is flat so you can stand it up without having to keep hold of it whilst applying the liner. The only downside I've found so far is that it definitely isn't waterproof if you suddenly become emotional or whatever, so it is a shame that Rimmel don't sell this in a waterproof version as well. However for the other times, it has lasted me all day without having to do touch-ups. Plus, it's not a bad price either. Thanks again Rimmel :)
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Blush -Bourjois - Blush
CookieMonster222 1/11/2012 10:52:00 AM
I simply love this blush! I had never tried Bourjois products before but Boots had a 3 for 2 offer on Bourjois products so I decided to give them a go. One of the great thing about these blushes is that there are so many shades to choose from. I tried a few on the back of my hand, however the colours didn't seem to show up very well, but I figured they would show a lot better when applied to the face. After some long and careful consideration I went with the shade 'Rose D'or'. In the pot the blush has quite a nice pinky-gold colour to it. Admittedly I was worried that the gold would make the blush appear rather shimmery on the skin, but after the first time of using it, I'm glad I didn't let that thought put me off. I also really like the packaging on these blushes. Each pot is a different shade, and has a small button on the outside which you then press to open the lid. On the inside of the lid, is a small mirror, application brush and some instructions on how best to apply. The pot is also small enough for you to carry around in your bag etc. The price might seem expensive for the small-looking amount of blush you get, but surprisingly it does last a long time. I've been using it almost everyday for the past month or so, and looks like it's hardly been touched. It's also very easy to apply and looks beautiful. Not at all obviously shimmery either. My new favourite blush.
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Fragrances -Boots - Natural Collection - vanilla body spray
CookieMonster222 12/10/2011 3:13:00 PM
I was looking for an inexpensive all-over body spray that I could use on a day-to-day basis or after showering. I had bought the mango and papaya spray from the Natural Collection range a while ago which had a really nice sweet scent to it, but I soon found it to be a little too sweet for my liking. Anyway, I was browsing through the Boots website when I came across the Vanilla body spray which happened to have good reviews. However you can't rely on good reviews so I took a trip to my local Boots store and sprayed a small amount of the tester bottle onto my wrist. The smell was a lovely scent of vanilla that wasn't too sweet or overpowering, and despite only having used a tiny amount, I could still smell it hours later. The packaging consists of a basic plastic bottle with a screw on spray lid. It gives you 150ml of good quality product and all for around £2. Bargain!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Collection 2000 - Perfecting Minerals
CookieMonster222 11/24/2011 9:42:00 AM
I cannot believe this was discontinued!! It's such a good powder and for such a cheap price. Luckily I'm still managing to buy pots of eBay, but once they run out I'm actually going to have to pay more than double the price for a more expensive brand one, and for less product :( I really love this powder. I use it over liquid foundation, and it's so lightweight and soft. My skin looks almost perfect and like I'm hardly wearing any make-up. The colour is a tad too dark for my skin but it gives me a more healthy colour, other than just really pale. It creates a perfect finish for my make-up that lasts nearly all day and doesn't break me out or need a lot of touch-ups. I really cannot praise it enough. The only problem I have which I would most likely have with all loose powders is that when you're applying it the powder gets everywhere!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Removal -Unlisted Brand - Schick Quattro for women Trimstyle
CookieMonster222 11/23/2011 10:16:00 AM
It's a really nice idea, and it's ok but I'm not hooked on it. I mainly bought it for the trimmer end, however it just wasn't as good as I thought it would be. Although I could live with the loud buzzing noise, the trimmer itself just didn't trim as close as I would have liked. I really liked the razor end, it gave a very smooth shave without irritation. However for the price I could of paid if it hadn't been on offer, plus the price it costs to buy replacement blades for the razor, I would rather stick to two separate disposable razors. EDIT: I used it again and this time I found the trimmer to be actually rather good. It's great for quickly trimming your bikini area. Plus, it doesn't cost a lot to buy replacement blades that last for ages. I wouldn't use it with the guard on though as I find that part to be pretty useless. Other than that, I've now decided it's worthy of a 5..
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair -John Frieda - Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Illuminating Shampoo & Conditioner
CookieMonster222 11/23/2011 9:55:00 AM
I bought these on offer and I love them. My hair had become so frizzy everytime I washed it. Particularly if I blow-dried it. But not anymore! They are a little pricey if you're on a tight budget, but as the saying goes, 'a little goes a long way'. If you make sure to use only a small amount they can last for at least a couple of months. Thanks to these lovely items my hair now is no longer frizzy, but instead looking healthy, soft and shiny.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Maybelline - Dream Matte Mousse
CookieMonster222 11/23/2011 9:36:00 AM
I don't know whether I may have missed something with this foundation but this was one of the first foundations I ever bought, and I really didn't like it. It was during the summer when I bought it and in the summer I do tend to have rather oily skin. However somehow, this just seemed to make my skin look slightly dry. The coverage, from what I remember wasn't that great either. In fact the only thing I did really like about it was the texture. This foundation is probably great for girls whose skin is almost perfect, but it wasn't for me. I've since found another Maybelline foundation which I really like, so probably won't be purchasing the matte mousse one again.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Toners -Garnier - Fresh Toner
CookieMonster222 11/23/2011 9:26:00 AM
I wasn't too sure on this the first few times of using it so I stopped. But after reading all the good reviews on here I decided to give it another go. It definitely does make your skin feel more refreshed and doesn't contain alcohol which must be good for the skin. It has quite a nice fresh smell to match. I usually use it after using Garnier's pure 3 in 1 cleanser. My pores feel and look almost invisible and my makeup looks much smoother and more natural looking. I'm not sure exactly how much of a good job this does as I started using it at the same time as some other new products, but at least it hasn't broke me out!
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