Liquid -Christian Dior - Diorskin Forever Flawless Perfection Fusion Wear Makeup (new - 2011 version)
Ginaisobel 12/15/2012 1:18:00 AM
I'm a fan of Christian Dior foundations, as I used the Nude foundation a few years ago and remember it gave good coverage. I'm on the fence as to whether I would try the Forever foundation again. The reason being is that while I do like the texture and coverage, I'm not sure that the shades of the range suit my complexion. The coverage is full. Not a lot of foundation is needed. The packaging is excellent (a pump bottle). However, the downside is the coverage can feel heavy and it is very expensive. It is also perfumed, which I don't think is necessary for a foundation. Although I'm pale and am using a lighter shade, I feel this foundation washes me out and I need to use a lot of bronzer to not look like a corpse. I may have to switch foundations as it is just not the right undertone for my skin. If I did use another Dior foundation, I would go back to the Nude foundation line which I used a few years ago.
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Moisturizers -Estee Lauder - Time Zone
Ginaisobel 11/17/2012 1:54:00 AM
I began using the Timezone Creme (not the lotion in the pump bottle) after I found that the Clinique cremes were causing me to have the occasional break out and were leaving a greasy residue on my skin. I have had a very positive experience with this product over the past six months. Only a small amount is needed, which I then warm between my fingers and apply to my face. The creme absorbs into my skin quickly and I have had no break outs. It also contains SPF 15, which is a must for preventing sun damage. I'm using this as a preventative measure for wrinkles. I cannot tell yet if it is successful as I am still in my 20s, but I do think my skin looks more dewy and youthful. I recently saw a photo of myself and my skin did look as if it were glowing compared to photos earlier in the year when I had not been using Estee Lauder cremes and serums. The only negatives for this product is that I do not like cremes being packaged in jars (for hygiene reasons) and I do not like skin products being scented (this creme is scented). The creme is also very expensive here in New Zealand, so it is very much a luxury item. However, I see it as being as investment for good skin. Overall, I would recommend the Timezone creme if you are in your late 20s and are looking for a skincare regime that prevents the signs of aging.
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Cleansers -Clinique - Liquid Facial Soap - Mild
Ginaisobel 11/12/2012 2:21:00 AM
This is an excellent all purpose cleanser. I have been using the liquid soap for almost three years and I have had no issues with my skin, including breakouts. I wear a full face of makeup most days and this removes all of the makeup residue and oil from the day. The only reason I would stray from this cleanser would be to compare another high end brand cleanser. However, I have a feeling this product will always be my go to cleanser.
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Concealers -Christian Dior - Diorskin Nude Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer
Ginaisobel 11/12/2012 2:16:00 AM
This is one of the best concealers I have used. I have tried Elizabeth Arden, MAC, Revlon, Estee Lauder, Loreal, and many other brands. This Christian Dior concealer is far superior. The consistency is not too thick and you can build the coverage with a brush in the under eye area. It lasts well with powder and does not settle in creases as previous concealers I have used often do. It melts into the skin and gives a velvety soft natural finish. It is expensive, but as I do online shopping at Strawberrynet.com I got this for a very reasonable price compared to what I would pay in department store. I will continue to use this fantastic product.
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Treatments (Eye) -Shiseido - Bio Performance Super Eye Contour Cream
Ginaisobel 11/3/2012 8:53:00 PM
I've been trying out eye creams since I reached my mid 20s, including Estee Lauder, Clinique, and Loreal. I found none of them really made a difference to dehydrated skin under and around the eye. After reading makeupalley's reviews, I thought I would try the Shiseido Bioperformance Super Eye Contour Cream. I have been using the product for almost two months and it has been the best performer good to date. It has addressed the dehydration under my eye area and I think it has made a subtle difference to fine lines. I only use a tiny amount both morning and night and the product absorbs well. It does not affect wearing concealer or eyeliner. I feel it gives me a 'fresh' look once it is absorbed. The only complaint I have is that is has not addressed my dark circles, which it claims to do. I will continue to use Shiseido eye creams, as all in all I think this product does a beautiful job of moisturising the eye area.
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Treatments -Estee Lauder - Advanced Night Repair (Serum)
Ginaisobel 10/10/2012 4:35:00 AM
I have tried many products to address sun spots which have appeared on my face in the past year. This serum is excellent and I will continue to use as I believe it is making a difference to my skin. The sun spots below my eyes have almost completely disappeared. After applying the serum at night my skin is glowing and hydrated. I have noticed in recent photos that my skin looks very good. I've also been told I look years younger than my actual age, which of course is not down to a skin care product alone. Plenty of water, vegetables, fruit, and limiting alcohol and late nights also helps. All in all this is an excellent product which I would recommend.
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Moisturizers -Clinique - Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20
Ginaisobel 10/10/2012 4:28:00 AM
I've been using Clinque's three step programme when I received Even Better as a sample. When using the product I noticed that previous sun spots became very pronounced. A Clinique sales rep said when she was using the Even Better Clinical Spot Corrector her pigmentation worsened but then improved. I was alarmed by my sun spots worsening that I did not want to take the risk of finding out if the product actually worked! I have since been using Estee Lauder's Illusionist and Advance Night serums which have been amazing. They have almost reversed the damage and appearance of the dark spots.
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Treatments -Clinique - Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
Ginaisobel 10/10/2012 4:21:00 AM
I do think Clinique have some good products, but I was disappointed with this given the price is on par with many other high end brands and did not deliver results. When used as per the directions the treatment only lasted me four weeks. This period was not long enough to make a difference in my skin. I did not feel I could justify the expense of continuing with the treatment. I also had a poor experience with the Clinique Even Better moisturiser which actually made my dark spots worse. The Clinique counter rep said her dark spots worsened with the use of the Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, but then improved over time. In the end I was put off Clinique pigmentation correcting products and switched to Estee Lauders serums. They are expensive, but they have been amazing in reducing my dark spots.
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Concealers -Elizabeth Arden - Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm Concealer
Ginaisobel 10/10/2012 4:11:00 AM
I do think Elizabeth Arden produce quality makeup products, but I'm not a huge fan of this concealer. It looked great when it was applied in store by the Elizabeth Arden makeup artist, but I did not get the same look at home. The consistency is thick and can be drying, which looks aging in the eye area. The shade is very pale (I chose "Fair") and highlights my under eye area unless I blend my foundation over the top. While it does have staying power, I think I will be trying a more hydrating concealer.
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Lipstick -Bobbi Brown - Lip Color - Sandwash Pink #22
Ginaisobel 10/10/2012 4:04:00 AM
This medium pink shade is very flattering with my brunette hair colour and fair skin tone. I love the texture of this lipstick, which is creamy and yet stays on during the day. I normally reapply once at midday and it stays on until the evening. My lips feel as if they are in much better condition when I wear this lipstick. I've tried many other high end brands of lipstick (MAC, Dior, Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden) and this lipstick has impressed me the most. I would highly recommend this product.
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Lipstick -Bobbi Brown - Nude
Ginaisobel 10/10/2012 4:00:00 AM
As per the previous reviews for this Bobbi Brown lipstick, I was initially concerned with the colour - it did not look nude at all! However, after wearing the shade it really is very flattering with my brunette hair colour and fair skin tone. The Bobbi Brown website explains they are more about classic natural tones, so that explains why the nude shade is not a brownish/pinkish tone. I love the texture of the lipstick, which is creamy yet stays on during the day. I normally reapply once at midday and it stays on until the evening. My lips feel as if they are in much better condition when I wear this lipstick. I've tried many other high end brands of lipstick (MAC, Dior, Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden) and this lipstick has impressed me the most. I would highly recommend this product.
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Eyeliner -MAC - MAC Powerpoint eyeliner
Ginaisobel 10/10/2012 3:51:00 AM
I was looking for a pigmented, long lasting eyeliner and was disappointed with this MAC product. It was difficult to get the pigment on the eyelid and required a heavy hand. The staying power of the eyeliner was limited and it required reapplication during the day. I tried the shades engraved and duck, both with limited wear and light pigmentation. In the case of eyeliners, it pays to pay a bit more for a brand like YSL, Dior, or Lancome. I've tried many brands and the higher ends tend to perform the best.
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Brows -Elizabeth Arden - Dual Perfection Brow Shaper and Eye Liner
Ginaisobel 10/9/2012 4:10:00 AM
This is a fantastic product. I'm a brunette and the fawn shade is a great colour match. I was introduced to the product by the Elizabeth Arden makeup artist, and I'm very thankful as I was struggling to find a natural looking product to define my eyebrows. The pencil products from other brands seemed to give an unnatural harsh line. This product is also very economical, as you only need a small amount on an angled brush to apply. I imagine this will last me for years, even though I use it on a daily basis. The colour on your brows looks very natural and the staying power is excellent. This gives you a very classic looking brow, without looking overdone. I highly recommend it!
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Eyeliner -Elizabeth Arden - Smoky Eyes Powder Pencil
Ginaisobel 10/9/2012 4:01:00 AM
Normally I think Elizabeth Arden have great products, but I was disappointed with this eyeliner. The pigmentation is not deep and you have to apply significant pressure to get a dark line along your eyelid. It is difficult to get the colour to stay on the water line on the lower eyelid. The staying power of the colour during the day is also very poor. Unfortunately in the case of good quality eyeliners I think it is better to pay more for the higher end brands if you want a glamorous look.
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Foundations -Elizabeth Arden - Intervene
Ginaisobel 10/9/2012 3:53:00 AM
I've been using this foundation for the majority of the year and find it better than many brands I've tried (including Estee Lauder, MAC, and Loreal). It has reasonably good staying power, has descent coverage, and has SPF 15 protection. It can get slightly oily towards the end of the day, but I do not use a powder so that may address that issue. The pump bottle is hygienic, but the lid doesn't seem to click on the bottle easily and falls off. I have purchased this foundation a few times, and I do think it is worth the price tag considering I have purchased more expensive foundations and consider this to be a solid performer. However, I may try Christian Dior Forever foundation for a change to get something with more staying power. UPDATE: After trying other foundations since I wrote this review I have upgraded the rating. I reapplied Intervene and it look flawless for a night out. I also had a photo of me taken wearing this foundation and it was one the best photos taken of me in that my skin looked great (thanks to this foundation). It does have pink undertones so you may need to be carefully choosing the correct shade for summer. I would highly recommend this.
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