Fragrances -Thierry Mugler - Alien
Poppylovee 5/10/2012 8:03:00 PM
I've been on a bit of a perfume spree lately, desperately searching for my signature scent. After reading the reviews on here, and other websites, for Alien by Thierry Mugler I was intrigued. I knew I had to smell this, based on the notes and various descriptions. However, I didn't expect to like it, or to be one of the lucky people who is able to wear this scent. I cannot wear Angel. I wish I could, I've tried many different times, but it is so harsh on me, not "Angel-like" at all. Everyone seems to describe Alien as being incredibly strong, too, however, I was pleasantly surprised at how different this scent is from Angel. This scent isn't really strong or harsh on me, instead I would just describe it as having amazing silage. One spray is all I need. On me, this actually smells a bit similar to the Elie Saab perfume (at first), and I suppose this is due to the jasmine. I also believe it is this note (or maybe another note that these two fragrances have in common) that give the grape-like scent to this perfume. When I first sniffed my wrist I did not automatically think grapes, however, I had read the reviews on here so I found myself searching for that scent within this perfume. Yes, I can understand why some people smell fake grapes when they smell this, but I think the way this stuff smells depends a lot on on the wearer and skin chemistry. This isn't harsh on me at all; it's smooth and I get a lot of jasmine and a bit of something that smells like orange blossom but instead of strictly being floral, this fragrance has a "juicy" quality that I love. After smelling it, I realized this is truly unlike anything I have ever come across. I can see myself wearing this all year round because it isn't heavy or suffocating on me in the slightest, instead the powerfulness of this fragrance simply gives it amazing lasting power. I never thought I would ever find a signature scent, one that I love enough to wear all year round, for almost any occasion. However, almost immediately after spraying this on my wrist, I knew I had to buy it. It's interesting and beautiful, but I truly recommend you test it before buying it because it definitely seems like a scent that varies greatly from wearer to wearer.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Galderma - Epiduo (aka Tactuo in Canada)
Poppylovee 12/16/2011 5:36:00 PM
I haven't written a review in a while but I absolutely had to review this! I've been on acne medication for 5 or 6 years now (I started with Clindoxyl gel and then eventually switched to Benzaclin); both of these products worked very well for me, when my main skin concern used to be angry red pimples and whiteheads. However, in the past year or so I realized I wasn't really ever "breaking out" anymore (maybe it was because I religiously used Benzaclin every night, but I seemed like I was using it more as a preventative measure because I was scared my breakouts would start again). I found that because I didn't really have the type of pimples on my skin that needed to be dried up (except for maybe 1-2 a month), I didn't really need to use Benzaclin, instead, my main problems seemed to be clogged pores and super stubborn blackheads on my nose and sometimes on my chin. So my doctor prescribed me Tactuo (which is the same as Epiduo, it's just the Canadian version). I knew that this contained a retinoid so I was fully prepared for irritation and redness and sensitivity; before I started using this I changed up my skincare routine so I was using gentler products (I use Cerave foaming cleanser, Vanicream as a moisturizer, and La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 60 fluid, the one you have to shake really well before using). The first week I didn't really have any peeling, but I was being super cautious and I always applied moisturizer BEFORE applying this at night. I didn't notice a huge change in my skin, except that a few clogged pores on my forehead did come to the surface. The second week skin started coming off; I would be able to gently rub it off with my fingers when I was washing my face. As a result, my face became smoother and softer, however, it became extremely dry. It was actually pretty hard for me to even wear makeup because it would look quite obvious due to how dry my skin was (despite constantly moisturizing). The third week, I noticed my skin tone was starting to look a bit more even (probably due to all the dead skin cells I was able to gently rub off whenever I washed my face), however, I did get 2 deep, sore pimples (not cysts, but not whiteheads either). Miraculously, they went away quite quickly and I feel like they were the result of some of the gunk that was previously trapped in my pores trying to come out due to the constant exfoliation provided by the retinoid in this product. I have now been using Tactuo for about 3 months and I absolutely love it. I think the reason I didn't experience any "purging" or initial breakout is because I've been using Benzaclin so long which contains an antibiotic and I think that really helped get to the roots of my previous breakouts (so if you're skin is like mine used to be, it might be more effective to combine Epiduo/Tactuo with an antibiotic). What Tactuo has done for my skin is amazing though. My nose (which has been plagued by the most stubborn blackheads ever) is pretty much poreless now! Also, I don't really get any pimples anymore (and if I do, they're gone in only a day or two). My skin is also incredibly smooth and soft from this, and while it does still become dry if I don't use a proper moisturizer, Vanicream has been a lifesaver. I did progress to a point where I would use this at night with no moisturizer, just on bare skin, as I think that's what you're supposed to do (I would wait atleast 30 minutes after cleansing), but I can't do this every night or my skin gets really, really red and sensitive. I do still do this about twice a week, and I do this directly on angry pimples, but most of the time I still apply moisturizer first and I only ever use this at night (as directed). I was very hesitant to keep using Tacto by the second/third week due to how dry and itchy and extremely red my face was, however, I'm so glad I kept with it because my skin looks better now than ever before. My skin is pretty much poreless now and has a smooth, healthy glow to it and I rarely get pimples anymore- and I love that my blackheads are pretty much gone. I think if your main concern is clogged pores/blackheads Epiduo/Tactuo can be really effective, but if your main concern is angry red breakouts it might not be as effective as something like Benzaclin which has a higher percentage of benzoyl peroxide and contains an antibiotic, which would be more effective for drying up breakouts. ALSO... luckily, I have really good insurance and am able to get this for less than $5, but the pharmacist told me that without a prescription this stuff is about $200 (remember I'm in Canada and Tactuo is new here, so maybe that is a factor), so I rated the price a 5 because while I would definately be willing to pay more than I do now for this, $200 is pretty high (however, a tube lasts me waaay longer than Benzaclin used to, I only have to use slightly more than a pea-size amount of Tactuo for my entire face)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Pureology - Super Smooth Shampoo
Poppylovee 2/1/2011 11:27:00 PM
No other shampoo has ever made me so happy before. I have been using this, along with the matching supersmooth conditioner, for about a month now, and I am head-over-heels in love with both of these products. Previously, my hair (which is quite long, thick but definately not coarse, and naturally wavy) was looking dull, frizzy, and worn out. After shampooing with this for the first time, while rinsing it out, I could already notice a difference in my hair. My hair was not tangled (many shampoos leave my hair feeling stripped, yet somehow not properly cleansed, and uber-tangled to the point where actual large knots form...). I also loooove the scent of this shampoo (as well as the conditioner); I would describe it as a light, natural rose scent, very pretty and not strong at all. After using this shampoo along with the conditioner for the very first time, I let my hair air dry, and I was amazed with the results. My hair was actually shiny for the first time in months! It was super soft and tangle free! Plus, the beautiful scent gently lingers in my hair which I am so grateful for. Seriously, the best shampoo (and conditioner) I have ever tried. Hands down. I will buy it again (and again and again...) despite the horrific price tag.
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Blush -Lancome - Blush Subtil in Aplum
Poppylovee 12/24/2010 6:29:00 PM
I received this in a compact about a year ago, along with another lancome blush and a few eyeshadows. Until today I hadn't even touched this blush. It appears to be a dusty berry with a tiny hint of pink in the compact, while my go-to blush shades are always a shade of pink (my usual blushes are nars orgasm, mac fleur power, mac dainty, etc.). Anyways, today when I did my makeup I decided to try this blush and I have discovered that it's amazing! It does not look obviously mauve on my skin (NC20-ish), instead, it gives me that gorgeous natural looking flush, like I just went for a brisk walk in the snow. It accentuates my cheeks/cheekbones (depending on where it is applied) beautifully. I am so glad that I tried it out because I absolutely love it. Definately reccomended.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Lancome - Creme Radiance
Poppylovee 12/21/2010 6:44:00 PM
I love this cleanser, and it's actually pretty close to becoming my HG. Last year, around this time, I used this cleanser religiously and my skin stayed under control. Lately, my skin hasn't been doing too well (breaking out way more than usual- probably a combination of stress and testing out different products more often than I should). I had a small bottle of this cleanser lying around that I probably received as a gwp at some point- I have now been using it for about a week and would not hesitate to buy a full sized tube when I'm finished with it. My breakouts have completely calmed down- no new ones have appeared, and the old ones healed quickly. I am amazed with how concentrated this cleanser is- I can literally thoroughly cleanse my entire face with an amount that is smaller than the size of a pea. It also produces a wonderful creamy lather, and it manages to remove my makeup quite well (I don't use it on eye makeup because I always use a separate makeup remover for stuff like that, but it's capable of removing my tinted moisturizer, blush, bronzer, foundation, concealers, and powders very well). My skin actually looks good after I use this cleanser. My skin is combination, very prone to clogged pores, but also prone to dryness because I use benzaclin gel and this cleanser does not aggrevate my dryness at all. After cleansing, my skin feels fresh and clean, not horribly dry, and it actually looks radiant, not stripped or red. I am getting a Clarisonic mia brush for christmas, so I am super excited to try this cleanser out with that brush, as the results are really good just on its own. I definately reccomend this cleanser for anyone with normal, combination, or oily skin.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Philosophy - Purity Made Simple (Real Purity Cleanser)
Poppylovee 11/24/2010 3:29:00 PM
I was reluctant to try this because I have previously used the instant foaming version of this product and I did not really like it (I believe it was the cause of same painful pimples). However, I have been using this regular version of Purity for about a month now and I really like it. It's actually the first cleanser I have used in a really long time that doesn't have any negative effects on my skin, and it's a cleanser that I would easily repurchase without a second thought. It's creamy, yet I can get it to foam up when I add enough water. I can get it to remove all of my makeup- including my eye makeup. Whether I'm wearing makeup or not I always make sure to massage this into my skin for a full minute before rinsing- the back of the bottle instructs you to do this and I find it really does make a difference. This cleanser does not break me out at all or irritate my skin (like the foaming version did) and what I really love about this is that my skin is never painfully tight after cleansing (many, many cleansers leave my skin feeling rough and dehydrated). Overall, I love this cleanser. I want to try out one of Caudalie's cleansers next because I am in love with their moisturizers, serums, and face masks right now but if that doesn't work out I will be repurchasing Purity and will be able to call this my HG cleanser.
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Moisturizers -Lancome - Nutrix Royal
Poppylovee 5/25/2010 6:53:00 PM
I'm surprised that the majority of reviews for this product are so negative! I've been using this for over three months now and have to say I actually consider it my hg facial moisturizer (the only other moisturizer i have ever considered an hg is creme de la mer). My skin can get oily, but if I don't use a really good moisturizer it will flake and become uncomfortably tight (as in, I can't even smile comfortably). This cream is amazing for me because its incredibly thick and rich (similar to the thick texture of creme de la mer) and it leaves my skin feeling completely moisturized and comfortable. Despite it's super thick consistency it never leaves my face greasy and it has NEVER broken me out. Another great thing is that I am very prone to clogged pores and this never causes any clogged pores for me. This is replacing creme de la mer as my go-to moisturizer because it's easier for me to access this and it's considerably cheaper than la mer. The ingredients may not be anything spectacular but this cream really agrees with my skin so I will definately repurchase and continue to use this.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -Lancome - Bienfait Multi-Vital Teinte SPF 30
Poppylovee 2/26/2010 6:17:00 PM
This tinted moisturizer is superb. I love that it has spf 30 (i hate it when tinted moisturizes are formulated without spf). It applies amazingly well. It's smooth, creamy, and looks completely natural on my skin. I find the colors run slightly darker than usual (I'm approximately NC/NW 30 and assumed Sand would be my color, but Natural is actually a perfect match for me). In the summer I may need to switch to Sand, but even then Natural isn't extremely light so it may still work for me (pale people will probably have a hard time getting even the lightest shade to work for them). It provides great coverage for a tinted moisturizer, yet never feels or looks heavy like a foundation. Also, it doesn't break me out or do any weird things to my skin. My one complaint is that it gets a bit shiny (even right after application). At first, it's a nice healthy dewiness but as the day goes on I do have to blot a few times (but I wouldn't expect otherwise since I have to blot no matter what makeup I am wearing). Also, it very easily transfers if your face comes into contact with clothing, or even onto my cellphone. These factors aside, I truly love this tinted moisturizer and will most likely repurchase when I run out. EDIT: I have repurchased this several and times and I still love it, however, shade 1 has become too dark for me- maybe I have become paler? Who knows. I would say that my skin tone right now (since it's almost winter) is around NC/NW 20/25. I can get this TM to work on the majority of my face, but the problem seems to be around my jawline where the color is visibly too dark (perhaps also a bit too pink?) for my skin. I wish Lancome would come out with a lighter shade of this product though because I love the formula. I'm not taking off any lippies however because if I could find a color match I would easily wear this everyday.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Chanel - Precision Rectifiance Intense Eye
Poppylovee 1/18/2009 4:50:00 PM
As of right now, this is my HG eye cream. I am young and probably don't need an eye cream such as this one, that is supposed to fight lines and such. But, I do have a problem with lines right under my eyes, especially when I haven't gotten enough sleep. I also have very dry skin around my eyes and always have to use an eye cream. I am now on my third jar of this, I like it that much! It moisturizes wonderully, both morning and night (as in, it works well under my makeup during the day). I also love the way it sinks in right away. I will probably be buying a fourth jar of this soon, and another after that.. unless I find something absolutely out-of-this-world amazing that I like better than this- which is highly unlikely.
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Sunscreen -Dermalogica - Super Sensitive Faceblock SPF30
Poppylovee 12/29/2008 6:18:00 PM
This has easily become HG for me! I bought it after recieving a mole-removal treatment at a dermatologists office. They said I needed to be using SPF 30 everyday following the laser treatment to prevent scarring and pigment problems. I know I should be using sunscreen everyday anyway, and they reccomended this one for me. Well, this stuff is simply amazing! I mean, it's a facial sunscreen, it's not going to be a miracle product.. but it's the first facial sunscreen I have ever used that HAS NOT broken me out- or irritated my skin in any way for that matter. Also, it's probably the only product I have found that has kept my skin from getting extremely oily/shiny throughout the day! I still have to use my regular moisturizer underneath this in the morning, because this is definately not moisturizing enough on its own. I am so happy to have found this, and I am now interested in trying out other dermalogica products. Definately reccomended, especially for oily/acne prone skin types.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Scrubs -Ren - Guerande Salt Exfoliating Body Balm
Poppylovee 12/18/2008 7:27:00 PM
This is honestly the best body scrub I have ever used! I massage it into my dry skin before getting into the shower and it leaves my skin unbelievably soft and smooth. I've tried applying it on wet skin when I'm already in the shower, and the results aren't nearly as amazing as the recommended method of application. The smell is also lovely; it's slightly peppermint-y and very spa-like. I personally don't like this in a jar, but it's so thick that it really couldn't be packaged any other way. It rinses away nicely and leaves a subtle gleam of moisture on my skin. And, for the amount you get (not sure what it is exactly, but it's a definately a generous amount), the price is reasonable (compared to many other higher end body scrubs). I was really interested in trying Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish, but after trying this body balm scrub I don't even feel like I need to experiment with any others- definately HG!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -Ren - Multi Mineral Detox Mask
Poppylovee 7/22/2008 8:35:00 PM
I bought this to use along with the Ren Glycolactic Peel Mask, and have discovered that is works equally well whether used after the peel mask, or just by itself. I have used this maybe 5 or 6 times so far (more times than the peel mask, because I can use this one a bit more frequently). Following the use of the peel mask, this simply cleanses my skin a bit more, leaves it feeling more refreshed, and leaves my skin looking poreless. When I use this on its own, I still get great results. My skin always feels softer and smoother, it looks and feels refreshed and has a nice healthy glow to it. This has never irritated my skin at all. After using both this mask and the peel mask a few times, I have seen a huge improvement in my skin (which is saying a lot because, honestly, there is not a whole lot to improve on, considering that my skin is usually pretty problem-free for the most part). I used to have a lot of stubborn blackheads on my nose, but these Ren masks have really helped with them! This is a big deal, because nothing, absolutely nothing, used to help with them even the slightest bit. I can't say for sure whether it was this mask, the peel mask, or maybe even the combination of both masks, that gave me these great results... all I can say is that I will definately be repurchasing both of the masks again and again!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Ren - Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask
Poppylovee 7/22/2008 8:02:00 PM
I knew I had to try this product out after reading all these positive reviews... I actually ended up purchasing this peel mask, along with the Ren Multi Mineral Detox mask, because I read in a few reviews that these two masks work quite well together; and, now after trying them out for myself, I can honestly say that they do work well together, as well as being fabulous on their own as well. I've used this peel mask about 4 times so far, and the results seem to be getting better and better (I believe the packaging says to use this mask once a week, but sometimes I will use this twice a week if my skin is feeling extra grimy, and I don't have problems with it). The first time I used it, I was left with amazingly smooth and soft skin, that had a nice, healthy glow to it. But, along with this, I also experienced a few whiteheads the next day. They were easily extracted and gone within 1-2 days, like usual- it wasn't a serious breakout or anything. The second time I used this, I experienced 1 tiny whitehead, but that was it. The third time that I used this, no whiteheads at all! This leads me to believe that the whiteheads that I experienced were probably caused by impurities and grime trapped deep in my pores, that this mask finally brought to the surface of my skin (the fourth time I used this, still no whiteheads). Every time I use this, I am left with super soft, super smooth, super radiant skin. Also, this really does look/smell/feel like apricot jam. I find it quite pleasant, and deliciously fruity. When I follow up with the Multi Mineral Detox mask, my results are even better... soft, smooth, glowy... and poreless!
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Scrubs -Nude Skincare - Facial Scrub
Poppylovee 7/14/2008 10:20:00 PM
If you have read my reviews on the Cleansing Milk and the Moisture Balance, you will know that I have been using these Nude Skincare products for a month now and that I have had a good experience with evry single one. This facial scrub is no exception. I obviously haven't used this as many times as the cleanser or the moisturizer because this is not to be used on a daily basis (the packaging reccomends using this twice a week, and for my skin type, which is normal/combination, this works well for me). The first time I used this, upon unscrewing the lid of the rounded-cube-like jar, I discovered that the scrub has a bit of a unique texture. The base that the rose quartz particles are suspended in is almost "slimy" feeling, and therefore I always find it a bit difficult to scoop a tiny amount of product out of the jar (I would prefer this in a pump-bottle over the jar packaging.) Once I did get a tiny amount of product onto my fingertips (yes, you only need a tiny amount of product with this scrub). I could feel the particles exfoliating my skin effectively, yet my skin didn't feel uncomfortable at all, and the particles weren't hurting the surface of my skin. In fact, when massaging this into my skin, it kind of reminded me of Dr. Brandt's Microdermabrasion in a Jar, but the particles in the Nude scrub aren't as fine, and the base isn't as lotion-y. After rinsing this off (and, unlike the previous reviewer, this rinsed off easily on my skin, leaving no residue behind), I was left with softer, smoother skin (as I would expect). My skin seems to look more "polished" and "glowy" after using this. Despite these great results, I can't honestly say that this was that much better than any other scrub I have ever tried. Yes, I do like it better than the Lancome scrub I had been using occassionally before, and I like it just as much as La Mer The Refining Facial... but I don't like it better than Fresh Sugar Face Polish, which continues to be my favorite face scrub. I won't repurchase, but I will easily finish up my current jar. If you're curious about this product, it is worth getting a sample of.
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Moisturizers -Nude Skincare - Moisture Balance
Poppylovee 7/14/2008 9:59:00 PM
This moisturizer was another one of the Nude Skincare products that I purchased from sephora.com. I have been using it for an entire month now, and I think I can now write a fair review for this product: Okay, so I have been loyal to Creme de la Mer for an entire year (may not seem like a long time, but for someone like me, who previously couldn't stick with a product for more than a month, this seems like forever!). Creme de la Mer is incredibly thick and rich, and a little goes a long way (I would only use the size of a pea for my entire face). So when I first used Moisture Balance- and I started with one tiny pump- I was a bit uncomfortable, I guess you could say, with what came out of the bottle. Yes, obviously I expected it to be more lightweight than Creme de la Mer (it is made for normal/combination/oily skin types after all), but honestly I can't even call this a "lotion". When that first tiny pump of product was dispensed onto my fingertips, what I found myself staring down at was a blob of somewhat-gross-looking gel-like stuff. I rubbed it between my fingers, preparing to spread it onto my face, and discovered that the texture is almost "slimy". I was actually quite grossed out at first. I then assumed that because this product was a "gel" that I would have to use quite a bit of product to efficiently moisturize my entire face. Well, I was pleasantly surprised, that upon spreading that tiny pump of product onto my face, it really did go a long way! In fact, that one pump, which I would say dispenses about the same amount of product as I was previously scooping out of my Creme de la Mer pot (about the size of a pea), easily covered my entire face. Once again, it feels almost slimy as I spread it onto my skin, but that feeling goes away almost instantly, as soon as the product is absorbed- which is very fast, let me add. This is actually probably the fastest absorbing moisturizer that I have ever used! It leaves a clean, somewhat matte finish on my skin (I say somewhat matte because my skin doesn't look or feel dry or dehydrated AT ALL, it actually feels very comfortably moist and hydrated, but there is not sheen or oily residue left on the surface of my skin). This has not irritated my skin at all, or broken me out either. And my skin has been a lot less oily since I started using this! I only use this at night, because I use my Lancome Bienfait Fluid SPF 30 during the day, and during the day, my skin looks/feels a lot less oily than it did previously. My makeup therefore holds up better, and I don't have to blot nearly as much as I used to! I am very pleased with the moisturizing ability of this product, as most "gels" don't hydrate my normal/combination skin enough, and I end up having to pile on more and more product, which I never have to do with Moisture Balance. The packaging is sanitary (pump-bottle), and I believe it is made from 50% recycled materials. The scent is light and reminds me of roses at first, but it disappears as soon as it is absorbed. Yes, I do plan of repurchasing this moisturizer in the future, as it has definately made visible improvements in my skin (softer, smoother, less oily, doesn't cause breakouts...). I highly reccomend this for oily or acne prone skins, as well as normal or combination skin types.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No