Polishes -OPI - A Oui Bit Of Red
SEAWEED 11/27/2009 10:37:00 AM
I bought this from eBay and wasn't blown away by how it looked in the bottle - like 'just another red'. But I applied this last night and can't keep my eyes off my fingertips - I love it! This is a happy shade, a bright, elegamt red (perhaps veering towards cool?). It makes my hands look chic and, excuse the pun, polished. It's gorgeously creamy with a very subtle fuchsia shimmer. I'm wearing it with a light grey jumper and loving the contrast. Perfect for this wintry weather, will be great over Christmas but I can also see this working in the summer. Haven't tried it on toes yet, but I will. I rarely wear reds preferring browns, but I think this will be a staple. Only downside is it takes three coats to get a totally opaque finish. Staying power seems pretty good so far too!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -Liz Earle - Liz Earle - Deep Cleansing Mask
SEAWEED 8/25/2009 11:51:00 AM
I returned to this recently after my HG Sisley Express Mask with Red Clay seemed to stop working. I used it last night after thoroughly cleansing my skin, left it on for ten minutes and wiped it off in the shower with warm water and using my Liz Earle muslin cloths. Afterwards my skin looked fresh and clear. Today it still looks clear and in great condition (I also used my new Chanel foundation which may be helping! But I think the mask definitely had an effect). It has quite a strong honey smell which I don't mind. It is a little messy, but overall, I think this is a good product at a reasonable price.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Neal's Yard - Rose Facial Oil
SEAWEED 8/5/2009 6:37:00 AM
This had been sitting in my medicine cabinet unused for a while whilst I experimented with more expensive moisturisers such as Sisley All day All year. I've been using DDF Glycolic Exfoliating wash recently and whilst it is very effective it has been really drying my skin out - enter Neals Yard Rose Facial Oil... I applied some on a whim whilst searching for something in my cabinet to get rid of the tightness, and it worked like a dream. My skin felt immediately softened and more comfortable. I applied my make up on top and it looked great, in fact my skin looked lovely and glowing all day. I've now started using this morning and night over a couple of drops of Estee Lauder Night Repair, and it seems to be a winning combination. My skin looks calm, rested and healthy, and my oily T-zone also seems to under control. Love the soothing scent too. A winner! PS Only negative is no SPF if using in the day.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Other -Crest - Whitestrips SUPREME
SEAWEED 4/18/2009 1:07:00 PM
I bought a week's trial of the Whitestrips Supreme from eBay, and was impressed with the results. I used them once or twice a day and either my top or bottom teeth (I even used the lower strips on my upper teeth without any problems) - I couldnt use them on both upper and lower as my mouth became too foamy! They're a little bit fiddly to use and not exactly pleasant as your mouth fills up with saliva. I did experience a little bit of sensitivity but only I left one on my upper teeth for too long, about 45 mins instead of 30, although it does say you can use them back to back, however I wouldnt risk it if you're prone to sensitive teeth. Anyway, they definitely lightened my teeth a couple of shades even in just a week or so, so much so I felt confident enough to wear some of my lipsticks and glosses that I normally avoid as they make my teeth look yellower (my teeth weren't massively yellow but could look quite dull especially as I am partial to tea and red wine!). I will definitely be purchasing a full size pack. It's worth it for a nice smile and the confidence it brings, and is way cheaper than professional whitening. edit: i still think these are great but they have caused me a bit of sensitivity (bizarrely even on my bottom teeth where i didnt apply the strips!) which can last about a day and makes my mouth water quite a lot! i'd make sure you don't leave them on any longer than you need to and thoroughly rinse your mouth afterwards.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Deodorants -Dove - Nature Fresh Hair Minimising deodorant
SEAWEED 4/18/2009 12:56:00 PM
This works!! I didn't have great expectations as I've used hair minimising products before... with minimal results! However I've been using this deoderant for a couple of months now and it really has made a difference - my underarm hair is much, much finer and less noticeable. I have very dark, course body hair and don't shave under my arms as the hair grows so quickly and is really noticeable, so I usually choose to grow the hair and was. Since using this I find there is much less hair than there would normally be and it is as such far easier to wax. I'm sure also that now when I shave the hair won't be visible straight away as it usually is. Normally I give up with hair minimising products as I can't be bothered to apply them regularly (probably why I haven't had much success with them!) but also as I prefer to use a different moisturiser on my legs. So the idea of a deoderant hair minimiser is just genius. Seriously, if like me underarm hair is (was!) the bane of your life, give this a go for a few weeks. Oh, as a deoderant it works fine too! The price is a bit higher than a normal deoderant, but it still comes in at under £3.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -John Frieda - Frizz-Ease Spiral Style Curl Defining Spray Gel
SEAWEED 4/15/2009 8:27:00 AM
This is a new addition to the Frizz Ease group of products. I'm as yet undecided about this product - it is quite sticky and if your hair is too dry when you apply it it will clump and mat like mad! I tried it again last night while my hair was quite damp and sprayed it liberally (as advised on bottle), concentrating on the roots, from about 30cm away. The results are better - my hair is definitely bouncier and curlier though not exactly defrizzed. I think I'll persevere and also try it twisting as opposed to scrunching my curls, and also using a diffuser to dry my hair as opposed to letting it dry naturally. Further report to follow but wanted to get this listed for now! PS My hair is naturally curly, lots of it but quite fine.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Bronzers -Lancome - Star Bronzer Bronzing Powder
SEAWEED 4/15/2009 6:59:00 AM
I'm not usually a fan of either bronzing powders or Lancome, however my mum received this as a gift and passed it on to me, and I'm very impressed! It makes my skin look glowy, healthy and golden, and isn't too powdery. I usually shy away from powder products in general as I find they clog my pores, but so far, my skin seems to like this. I'm loving this at the moment, as we head into the summer... it's perfect at with tinted moisturiser and a coloured lip balm, very low maintenance. I apply it with my Smashbox brush on temples, cheekbones, nose, forehead and chin. I only have the small sample product and its very difficult to open, but I can live with that. Think I will purchase the full size in due course.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Korres - Lip Butter -Quince
SEAWEED 4/8/2009 4:40:00 AM
Very impressed with this product. Whilst I agree with the previous reviewer that it's not particulary effective as a lip moisturiser per se (I wouldnt use this on chapped lips - 8 hr cream is my HG for that), I think that its title 'Lip butter' is pretty accurate. Basically it gives a pretty colour to your lips, that does feel quite buttery as opposed to glossy or creamy. I agree with another reviewer who said it makes lips look sexy and pouty. Not great lasting power but again not really a problem for me, I'm happy to just dab it on every so often - you dont really need a mirror either. The colour is a hot pink - I have yellow toned skin and think it looksgood against my skin - don't see any cool or purple tones in it as mentioned below. I like to wear this with just a pop of gel blusher high on the lips (MAC subtropical, sadly discontinued) and a clean eye with just a slick of mascara. I also like it with a nude, contoured cheek (Nars Zen). It's just great, low maintenance product for spring / summer. Definitely going to try more shades (Pomegranate next), especially at the bargain price of £6!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Chanel - Barcelona Red
SEAWEED 3/23/2009 11:36:00 AM
I used this as a pedicure colour around Christmas and it was just perfect - it's just the most divine, warm red which seems to have golden / russet tones in certain light. Everyone in the salon was oohing and aahing over it! It's a great festive colour, although I'd be less keen at other times of the year. I also had it as a manicure and was less keen on the effect (possibly due to a rather poor manicure) but for toes this is a favourite. I've given it a 5 even though I'm not hugely keen on the consistency of Chanel nail polishes - but the effect is worth it. I do have yellow toned skin and I think this polish is more suited to warmer skin tones.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Max Factor - Masterpiece Max
SEAWEED 3/16/2009 8:42:00 AM
It's okay - it has more of a lengthening than a thickening effect, but doesn't really do much for my average lashes. Nowehere near as good as the original Masterpiece - with that i literally just need to touch my lashes with the wand and they look thicker and fuller. With this, they look, well, just average. I don't think the consistency is as good either, it's a bit messier to apply. I've also tried the False Lash effect by Max Factor and of the three Masterpiece is by far the best.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Highlighters -Shiseido - Accentuating Color Stick In Glistening Flush
SEAWEED 3/12/2009 6:28:00 AM
Have to agree with all of the positive reviews - I had been searching for a highlighter like this for quite a long time and was beginning to doubt it existed. I use this almost every day, even when not wearing any other make up, as it adds a really pretty softness - i apply it to the cupid's bow, bridge of nose, cheekbones and brow-bones. I either apply it to my fingers and dab it on, or apply it straight to my cheeks from the tube, which gives a more obvious highlighted look but still in now way glittery or tacky. I think the name 'glistening flush' sums up the effect of this highlighter perfectly. Also, my skin seems to like it - my cheeks are prone to a bit of stroppiness with certain products particularly cream and powder blushers, but this doesn't cause any irritation - and nor does the rouge flush which i also have and love, separate review to follow. The packaging is gorgeously luxe and hardwearing. It is expensive - I think they retail at about £24, but for something this good I don't mind - and I think it will last quite a long time. Highly recommend and blows other highlighters eg High Beam etc clean out of the water!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Garnier - Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller
SEAWEED 3/12/2009 6:08:00 AM
I bought this after it was voted best eye product for diminishing puffiness by In Style magazine UK (2009). I am impressed! First up it only cost £5 as it was half price in Boots. I had previously been using Sisleya Eye and Lip Countour Cream for which I forked out a whopping £88 (review of that to follow). While I enjoy using the Sisleya cream I wasn't noticing much actually change in the eye area, so I decided to try this cheaper roll on. It's not targeted as a line treatment, however I think it has actually done a better job of diminishing my fine under-eye lines than the Sisleya cream - it seems to have a kind of tightening effect. It definitely also makes me look more awake. I only use this in the morning when my eyes are a bit puffy - in the evening I still use my Sisleya as it feels so much more luxurious and moisturising and is really a pleasure to use. The Garnier doesn't feel very moisturising - it's lovely and cooling when applied but does feel a tiny bit sticky - I pat it lightly in and then it disappears - you should do this otherwise you'll be left with strange shiny patches under the eyes. I think this did give me a couple of small bumps under the eyes but these disappeared literally within hours. Overall, I think this is a good product to wake up and soothe your eyes in the morning at quite a bargainous price.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Kiehls - Creme de Corps
SEAWEED 10/19/2008 5:24:00 PM
I've been using this daily for about 3 weeks. My skin feels incredibly soft and smooth and looks in much better condition. Expensive but for a product that works so well I don't mind the price. I also have the vanilla hand and body lotion which is a bit lighter but also works a treat.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Liz Earle - Superskin Concentrate
SEAWEED 9/13/2008 6:03:00 AM
This is a great product at a reasonable price - £16.95 for 10ml if ordered off the Liz Earle website, which should last you quite a long time. I found that night creams were sitting on my skin, so it looked greasy when i woke and generally making my combination skin more oily. This oil is so light and easily absorbed, and as others have mentioned, it feels luxurious and calming when you massage it in in upwards and outwards sweeping motions as sugggested - kind of like a mini-facial massage. The smell is also pleasant. Most importantly, the results. I wake up, my skin looks smooth, soft and balanced with no excess oil, and one or two blemishes even seem reduced. This product really delivers - along with the eye cream and cleanse and polish. Highly recommended.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Christian Dior - Pro cheeks in Hip peach
SEAWEED 9/12/2008 7:53:00 PM
Don't be put off by the somewhat garish colours in the pot - they are transformed when applied on the skin. I have just purchased this in the peach shade, and am very impressed. It's a very light mousse-like texture which goes on very easily, and surprisingly, has great lasting power. The colour is gorgeous, a lovely, natural peachy flush, very wearable and without looking obviously made-up. Not too creamy or greasy like many other cream or gel blushes I've tried - Bobbi Brown, MAC, Nars for example - this just glides on and feels soft and velvety, without feeling like it sits on the skin at all. The colour range seems limited with only four shades, but I think Dior have been very clever here - i really think there would be one of these shades for everyone (except for very dark skintones perhaps) - the others are pink, brown and a lighter pink highlighter shade - really, how many other colours would you wear on your cheeks?! Overall, this is a definite winner in my rather large blush collection. Having tried most brands, this really does stand out as a cut above. Expensive, but I think it will be worth the investment (£19 in the UK).
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No