Stick -Vichy - Dermablend Ultra Corrective Cream Stick
MadameChic 6/17/2013 2:55:00 AM
This is a good foundation. But somehow I always forget about it and it never lets me down. I have a bunch of foundations, as you could guess, and I feel sorry for this little guy who gets neglected. I think I just forget it's foundation full stop. I'm not used to crèmes, especially in stick form. Apart from this one, I've always used liquids and it's just a bad habit to pick something else up. But I do love this stuff, it's good stuff. Pros: *The lightest shade is a perfect match and I find that really hard to come by. I'd say it was closest to NC15 in MAC if I had to (everyone always wants a MAC shade comparison) however, I do think it's slightly warmer than that. *It glides on so smoothly. I use it like a crayon and draw up both cheeks, across my jawline, down my nose and across my forehead. Then I get a foundation brush and blend it all together. *It stays on all day. And I mean all day - and won't budge. I will point out that I have dry skin so that's probably why, but I think if you were oily it'd still do a good job of staying on. It's a drying foundation because... Cons: *It makes my dry skin feel very tight and sometimes leads to it becoming dryer. Which is a downside. However, if I moisturise properly like I'm supposed to, then this doesn't happen. So the fault is partly with me and getting lazy. But if you can control your dry skin, then it's not so bad. *Packaging. I'm not a fan of the packaging because with mine, the lid keeps sliding off. Which is annoying. The reason it slides off is because it got a crack in it from being in my handbag. So I guess the packaging is not the best. However, the product inside is what counts and the product inside is great.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Revlon - ColorStay Makeup
MadameChic 2/12/2013 10:41:00 AM
HG. Doesn't get better than this, well, for me. I wear the shade 110 Ivory. For some reason, when testing this in the store it seemed pinkish under the lights but it's not. I am neutral, leaning a teensy weensy bit to the warmer side and this is perfect. In MAC I am an NC15. Stays on all day, blends easily, no patches, looks flawless. I went out clubbing, got drunk, was a raving mess, went to the bathroom, looked in the mirror and foundation was still perfect! I don't know how but it was. Also photographs well. I just love it and will buy it forever. I haven't found anything better. The end.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Primer -Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Original (UDPP)
MadameChic 11/11/2012 7:32:00 PM
I don't use this every day, only on special occasions. Let's face it, with me rushing around every morning I don't have the time to mess around with primers. However, when I do use it I think it works. My shadow doesn't crease and it seems to stay on longer than usual. However, I do use a lot of pigmented, long lasting shadows and I have yet to find out if it works wonders for cheaper shadows that are more likely to fade. Primer Potion is expensive and I don't think this item is a necessity but I do like it, especially for under the eyes before my concealer. I have really dark circles and it brightens the area and helps with the longevity of the concealer. Although my lids are quite oily I'm not sure if I'd buy it again, it's a so-so product for me. I'd rather spend money on good quality eye shadows that I know work for me and don't fade. Three lippies is a good enough score.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Collection 2000 - Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer
MadameChic 10/7/2012 8:59:00 AM
I've been using this for years, I had no idea the YT beauty guru's were into this. It does exactly as you'd want it to and even more for the price. Long wearing - lasts all day and won't budge, nice selection of colours, cheap - affordable, covers effortlessly - don't need much product. What else can I say? Buy it and you'll see for yourself and it's so inexpensive you won't mind.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Unlisted Brand - Duac Topical Gel
MadameChic 9/25/2012 7:18:00 AM
A couple of months ago I suffered from a break out on my chin, which I tried to clear myself with various skin care products. I would scrub and wash and pester my skin all day. Which lead to making it worse, not better. Pretty soon the breakout spread all the way up both cheeks and all over my jawline. Pretty soon I had a huge acne break out that wouldn't budge. I tried using the acne.org regimen at first. Which did work, but not for long. The regimen was way too harsh for my sensitive, already dry skin. And whilst it worked for a few weeks and almost cleared me up. Suddenly my face flared up again and the Acne.org regimen would not budge it. In fact, all it seemed to do was make it worse. Anything that went near my face would burn it. It would be red, dry and extremely flaky. Not to mention I still had the awful acne problem. It really got me down because all through my life up until then my skin was great. I used to sleep in make-up and it'd still be baby-smooth. Oh, how stupid I was. If only i'd realized all those years of sleeping in it contributed to my skin eventually being a mess. After realizing that the Acne.org regimen was not working in the long term and soaps and scrubs were irritating, I went to my GP for help. This is where she prescribed me the Duac Once Daily Gel. So first of all, it never cost anything. Which is always a plus if it doesn't work because at the least you never wasted any money. It had definitely worked over night. There was a clear reduction in the amount of spots and white heads. I was so happy - at last, success. I've been using it almost every night since. The only reason it hasn't been every night is because I ran out of moisturizer and didn't want to use Duac on it's own as I know how drying it can be. It's very important to always moisturize in combination with this product. I would never use this product on it's own because it could be damaging rather than healing. Routine (only once before bed): Step 1 - Baby Oil. Massage into skin to remove and break down make-up. Step 2 - Cleanse. I've been using Dove Beauty Creme Bar. Lather it up in your hands, apply to face and rinse with warm water. Pat dry with towel. Step 3 - Duac. A tiny, pea sized amount dabbed ONLY onto problem areas. Wait until it has just dried. Step 4 - Moisturize. My favourite is Derma500 which can be prescribed in the UK by your GP. Step 5 - Sleep. Today I've woken up with soft, smooth skin with no spots. I do still have some white heads buried in the skin. I also have some marks where spots have faded. But within a few weeks I'm certain they'll be gone. I've been using the Duac Once Daily Gel for about 3 weeks - 1 month now. And I am astounded by the results. It's been the only thing that worked for me and I've never been happier with a product. Update: 04/01/2013 - My skin is now clear. I only use the Duac when I get the odd blemish and it takes it down. If it wasn't for the Duac I'm not sure what my skin would look like right now. Update: 09/02/2013 - When the Duac had finished, I stopped cleansing with baby oil and just removed with Dove soap and moisturizer. I ended up with a nasty break out all over my forehead again. Went back to the Dr and was prescribed more Duac. I'm now back to my old routine as described above. The only con with this product is, if you run out the acne can come back!
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Schwarzkopf - HENARA treatment wax
MadameChic 6/8/2012 1:56:00 AM
HG HG HG HG! You need to try this, It's like therapy for the hair. I have never raved about something like this, but I must tell the world. This product is amazing. It cost me £1.69 in the UK from Savers. It comes in a 400g green and white tub as mentioned. I wash my hair as normal and condition it once (using only a little conditioner) and then apply the treatment wax. This stuff is like a thick creme/cream, I take about two tablespoons full (guessing) and apply it to the ends of my hair, rubbing it in with my fingers. The treatment will then thin out a little and you can start working it all the way up your hair. I would refrain from using it on my roots/scalp as it will make your hair greasey. I can feel it working instantly - my hair untangling, becoming soft, managable. I love the smell of this stuff, too. It's not a chore anymore to comb or brush my hair afterwards and when it drys - my hair feels silky smooth, like I'm just out of the salon. I urge you all to try it, couldn't say a bad thing about this product.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Palettes -Urban Decay - Book of Shadows Vol. IV
MadameChic 4/2/2012 9:57:00 AM
My first BOS. Let me just start by saying the amount you get for your money is impressive, if you were to count individual products you'd be amazed at what you can save. I didn't get into shadow until very recently. I'm glad I made this purchase because I now have a variety of colours I can now play with - brights and neutrals. What else was great about this product is that it comes with two minitures, the super curl mascara, primer and a full size 24/7 liner pen. This gave me the chance to try out Urban Decay products that I wouldn't have purchased soley on their own. And you know what? I absolutely LOVE all three additional products. So not only have I got wonderful, pigmented shadows I also have a new mascara, primer and liquid liner to add to my growing collection. The packaging is where the let down is, however. it's not practical for travelling and the drawer where the makeup is contained gets jammed. When it arrived I could not open the drawer and tried to use tweezers to run down the sides and make it less 'sticky'. In doing this I damaged one of the my shadows - Zephyr. And although I have now repressed it, there was white shimmer all over the joint until I cleaned it up. Other than that the products themselves are great. It's what's inside that matters. I do not really care for the huge butterfly packaging - although it was cool to look at, at first. The speaker and videos are good for beginners.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Giorgio Beverly Hills - G
MadameChic 2/26/2012 2:18:00 PM
A 90ml EDP for the price of £11.55 is astounding. (I purchased from a discount store online). In my opinion, a smell is a smell. It doesn't matter whether it is Gucci or indeed Giorgio G. I think these perfumes were popular in the 80's and 90's. Hence why the price drop and lack of availability now. It's a shame because this perfume in particular is gorgeous and should get the credit it deserves. I have had many compliments (especially from men) whilst wearing this. It's light, fruity and floral. It reminds me of the summer because I bought it as an extra to go on holiday with. And wouldn't go amiss in the spring time. I also wore it to work on many occassions, as it's great for everyday. It's acceptable and unoffensive. Great for an interview, for example. I would find it strange if someone was to be repulsed by this fragarence. The only down side to this is (for me) that it didn't seem to last long. I had to reapply a few times. But as it was such a big bottle and cost so little, I didn't have a problem with doing so. However, despite this, others did tell me they could still smell it. I guess smell is a personal thing - and I really like this one. ***Unfortunately, the spritzer broke at the top of the bottle. And the perfume is stuck inside - without being able to come out. I'm really sad about that, so deducted a star! But other than that, I was happy with my purchase.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Elizabeth Arden - Ceramide Plump Perfect Lipstick
MadameChic 2/26/2012 2:12:00 PM
*I was gob smacked at the price - for £5.95 these definitely look and feel five times as much. I purchased them from cheapsmells.com, a website in the UK. I will be buying again! *Nice packaging - cream with gold writing and had the Elizabeth Arden red door emblem shining on the front. *Once opened the outer case of this lipstick is devine. It really looks beauitful, and expensive. I would proudly show these off on my dresser. Not to mention that it is made of a really good quality - so no chance of these breaking or becoming flimsy over time in your hand bag. *Once applied these lipsticks feel exquisite. They glide on like silk, they feel moisturizing - yet last all day. They do not seem to have a smell to them, so that's good for all the ladies who don't like scents on their lip products. *I purchased these in Rose Gold and Scarlet - Rose Gold is a deep rose with brown/reddy undertones and Scarlet is a true red - similar to MAC Rusian Red, and a cheaper alternative.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Self Tanners -Unlisted Brand - St. Moriz Self Tanner Foam
MadameChic 8/10/2011 9:52:00 PM
This is a HG for me. I am an N10, and tanning can be a daunting thought. It was my cousin who recommeneded this to me. She is crazy about tanning - never seen without that bronze glow. She said, "It's the exact same as St Tropez, but a fraction of the price!"... Normally I wouldn't believe someone that something worked as well as a trusted brand such as St Tropez, but since it was her, I was a believer. So, off I went - to Semi-Chem, a discount chemist in the UK where they sell this gem for £2.99, and it's a A LOT of product. I also bought the ''Tantastic'' tanning mit there too. I am unsure of how much I paid, but it was not expensive. The glove is reallt good too, but that's not what I am reviewing - but if you are going to apply a self tanner such as St Moriz, then I do urge you to buy one. After I showered, exfoliated and moisturized, it was time to apply. When I first pumped the product out, it was a dark mousse like consistancy. I like the fact that it is dark because then you can see where you are applying it. It spreads far and you don't need a huge amount. Although you may want to top up at the end if you have missed anything. Initially I ''dotted'' the product over my body and then blended with the mitt. The only problem I have is that this stains hands, and I wish I had actually bought two mitts, so that one of my hands wasn't completely brown. But a little soap powder (yes, the stuff you wash your clothes in) takes it off very easily. A trick my mumma showed me ;)! It only took me about 20 minutes to apply to my whole body. I got my sister to do my back where I couldn't reach. And then I went to bed. My boyfriend made fun of me because it looked very odd at this moment, but the magic is when you wash it off in the shower. The only downside to this is that although the smell isn't as bad as most self tanners, it was irritating me when I was trying to sleep... All I could smell was the St Moriz as I was drifting off. In the morning I wash it off. It left a very natural glowing tan that suited me well, for one being so fair... Or should I just say white. Other girls who are not as pale as my N10 may want to try the "St Moriz Dark". But I can see anyone being satisfied up to an NC30. Anyone above should try the St Moriz Dark. I am very happy with the results of this product. And the application was fool proof, for a self tan virgin like me. Or I was before this stuff converted me!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Bare Escentuals - Warmth All Over Face Color
MadameChic 4/26/2011 10:25:00 AM
No, no, no, no. Yuck. Every time I put this on it would mess up my whole face. I know you opnly need a tiny, tiny bit - but no matter how I tried, it just went everywhere and made me look orange and dirty. Not for me. For refference, I am an NC15. I can't say i'm a BE fan at all.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Rimmel - Glam Eyes
MadameChic 1/29/2011 9:12:00 PM
HG HG HG. I haven't used anything else since this product was launched. Honestly, an amazing mascara! I'm very surprised that over all it only gets three and a half lippies. It is excellent. I would reccommend that everyone gives this one a try. It's cheap and it makes my lashes huge.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Simple - Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
MadameChic 12/16/2010 8:53:00 PM
I have only been using this two days but would still like to comment. I bought this moisturizer as my skin was red and sore on my cheeks. After using this product, they're looking great. Really healthy and i'm pretty impressed. The packaging is really cute and I'm a huge fan. I also bought this along with the Simple Moisturising Cleanser (Foaming). Which I like aswell, as it didn't hurt my sensitive skin when using. HOWEVER. One point to make is that after using this cleanser wash, I put the replenishing moisturiser all over my face, and not just my cheeks. Now my fore head has broke out really bad, and I have some other spots i'm not happy about on my T-zone. I have realised that this moisturiser is only made for extreamely sensitive and dry skin (like the skin on my cheeks for example) and not anywhere else. I will not be putting it on my t-zone again. Although, may I point out, that I do not have oily skin. I have normal skin on my t-zone and haven't broken out on my forehead since I was going through puberty! So by trial and error I will stick to using this on my cheeks only as it does a really good job. But I know by fault of my own that it will make you break out if used on non dry ares. I will update this review and let you know how I get on with the rest.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -MAC - Pro Longwear concealer
MadameChic 12/16/2010 8:16:00 PM
So far this concealer is my HG. It covers my heavy dark circles effortlessly, which is what I use it for. I have always found it hard to find something that can do the job so well. Likes: - Great coverage, for so little product needed. - How far it spreads - Colour choice - Price tag - The packaging (But then again I like all MAC packaging) Dislikes: - The smell. It smells heavy and like chemicals. But smell I can deal with, you can't smell it once it's on your face - only during application. So I don't reccomend to those with a sensitive snout. - How it dries. It's capable of causing lines/streaks because it is very fast drying. But if you learn to work with it fast, it shouldn't be a problem. - How annoying the pump squirts out so much product. One little tap of the top of the pump and way too much product flies over the back on my hand. I feel like I've wasted half of this little bottle. I wish it came in a bigger bottle really, but for the price it was money well spent. Although this review has been harsh. The over all product - quality and coverage, is very very good. I have just finnished my first bottle and I will be back to buy again ASAP. EDIT: I am taking a lippy off for being too drying. But over all, good product.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Max Factor - Second Skin
MadameChic 4/2/2010 2:13:00 PM
I also bought this product when it had a 25% discount. It was £9.99 instead of it's usual £13.99. I can never, I mean ever, find a pale enough foundation for my skin. I am a scottish lass and it is almost always pouring of rain here so most of us all look the colour of milk. When I first put this on it SEEMED to match okay. And blend nicely. The second it dried it must have went up FOUR SHADES DARKER. I looked streaky and oranage. I went over my face with a translucent powder after that, and it still never really died it down. I don't need a lot of coverage and thought this would be a nice natural look. But it seems to me that there are no natural skin colours with this foundation. And I think it only comes in five shades.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No