Liquid -Clarins - Ever matte 
abbykariya 4/16/2013 11:41:00 AM
I was not expecting to fall in love with this Clarins foundation. I had never used many Clarins products before, but had received samples from time to time and really liked everything I tried . I picked up the ever matte foundation in honey beige, in a pinch when I ran out of my Laura Mercier Tinted Foundation. That being said, I really really love this Clarins foundation. It has wonderful coverage but I do not feel like it is too heavy. I apply a small pinky-nail sized dab onto my face and use my fingers to spread evenly on my face and it looks natural and great! I have combination skin, with occasional dry spots between my eyebrows and sometimes on my cheeks, but I find that this foundation does not accentuate the dryness, as long as I apply moisturizer before hand! The matte finish is also really great because I don't feel like I need to set the foundation with loose powder...unless I want to avoid mid afternoon shine! I don't usually need to, but I set with a loose powder if I know I have a long day ahead of me (8+hours). I am not particularly loyal to my makeup or skincare products, but I really liked the quality of this foundation and will probably repurchase when I'm done! The color matches my skintone, has a natural finish, light/medium very buildable coverage, light texture, matte finish, and long-wearing! I will note that the foundation IS a bit pricey, as I spent almost $50CND on it, but I think it's worth it for how long it'll last...AND I hate buying lots of cheap foundations/ or foundations that dont' match my skincolor...and having to throw it out! So I see it as a savings in the long run...haha
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Shampoo -Batiste - Original Dry Shampoo
abbykariya 11/22/2012 4:11:00 PM
It's been awhile since I've written my last product review...and I must say, this Batisse Dry Shampoo is SOO great, I had to write a review. It is one of the very very few things that I've stayed brand loyal to. I purchase my Batisse at Winners/ Marshalls and pretty much anywhere I can get it on sale. The bottle is relatively small, but lasts at least 2-3 months...and I use it every other day. I have fine black hair with bangs that usually gets really greasy and flat within a day. I used to wash my hair everyday because my bangs would just lie limp on my forehead!! But now, I give a generous spray of shampoo at my roots and comb my hair upside down to give it some volume! I really love my Batisse...I'm probably on my 7th bottle of this!!! The Tropical scent is OK too. I personally like the original better...but this one was on sale and the scent is not overpowering.
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Shampoo -Batiste - Tropical Dry Shampoo
abbykariya 11/22/2012 4:11:00 PM
It's been awhile since I've written my last product review...and I must say, this Batisse Dry Shampoo is SOO great, I had to write a review. It is one of the very very few things that I've stayed brand loyal to. I purchase my Batisse at Winners/ Marshalls and pretty much anywhere I can get it on sale. The bottle is relatively small, but lasts at least 2-3 months...and I use it every other day. I have fine black hair with bangs that usually gets really greasy and flat within a day. I used to wash my hair everyday because my bangs would just lie limp on my forehead!! But now, I give a generous spray of shampoo at my roots and comb my hair upside down to give it some volume! I really love my Batisse...I'm probably on my 7th bottle of this!!! The Tropical scent is OK too. I personally like the original better...but this one was on sale and the scent is not overpowering.
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Eye Primer -Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Original (UDPP)
abbykariya 5/26/2009 8:18:00 PM
WOW WOW WOW. i am so mad at myself for not purchasing this YEARS ago. It is the best best best eye product i have ever used. I have always suffered from smudged eyeliner, and had since given up hope for long lasting eye makeup! that was until i discovered this primer potion. i don't know how it works- but man is it amazing. i am now able to wear eyeshadow without creasing! and even pencil liner! it is just so amazing. I got all my friends to use it as well. with this primer potion, i was able to wear eyemakeup onto a plane...which was a 9+ hour flight! without ANY smudges. none. not even creasing of my eyeshadow. i used to avoid all sorts of eye products, and would only use gel liners, or liquid liners, which would still smudge mid day! BUT this primer is just phenominal. not a smudge...plus i have very greasy lids and it keeps that under wraps too. just buy it now. =)
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Bronzers -NARS - Laguna
abbykariya 4/25/2009 11:00:00 PM
Not bad! I love the bronze color, comes off very natural. and I like that it has tiny 'nars' esque shine in it (i.e. golden shimmer, but very tasteful and glam) I think it is a tad on the expensive side...and I am still a little bit too pale to use this all over my face and I can only use a tiny tiny bit with a blush brush to apply. my skin color is a C3 in Mac (if that is a reference). I can only use a tiny bit on my cheecks without looking weird. But the color is really natural ilke a real tan, which I love. Great look with a tiny bit of blush over top (very very lightly) so it looks like a tan + flush.
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Spectro Jel for Blemish-Prone Skin (Fragrance Free version)
abbykariya 4/25/2009 10:57:00 PM
I ALWAYS seem to be going back to this cleanser...i've been using it on and off and on and off and on and off for about... 10 years. I can't say enough about it. It is a weird jelly texture...and it smells kinda medicinal but it works like a charm. It doesn't make your skin feel like it's overly 'clean' like tingly or anything, but it is SO gentle it works really great for when you are suffering from dry skin in the winter, or are using a new acne med (like me- my derm gave me neostrata glycolic acid toner (8%) mixed with clynaminacin) I like to alternate between this cleanser and some other face washes (oil of olay daily facials, or neutrogena 'wave') every other day or so. This face wash does a decent job of removing make up, so I would use this on a 'light makeup' day or stick to using this for the morning. This a great alternative to cetaphil cause I feel it cleans better, and i love the gel texture vs. 'cream/lotion' feeling of cetaphil! I really do love this cleanser...i always have this on stock even if I am alternating between/ using another one for everyday.
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Mascara -Christian Dior - Diorshow Mascara
abbykariya 3/7/2009 1:25:00 AM
I think that it is really difficult to find a nice mascara, that doesn't clump, adds volume, adds length, and doesn't SMUDGE!! this one does all of the above. It also helps to hold a curl which is kinda nice. I am a big fan. I really like it. It's a tad pricey- but it is worth it...I don't know if I would make this my HG mascara, but it is definitely a favorite for when I feel like splurging. To me- I think that this mascara is a bit over hyped, I would probably recommend the L'oreal Voluminous mascara for day-to-day wear, since you have to throw out a mascara ever month, or 6 weeks. But then again, I do love how this mascara really makes my eyes pop even when I am not wearing any eye shadow or liner. I will definitely repurchase this again eventually. haha
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Cleansers -Neostrata - Foaming Glycolic Wash (AHA 20)
abbykariya 3/4/2009 12:51:00 AM
In general- I LOVE Neostrata products. They are wonderful. Anyway, this wash is so great. I never repeat purchase, but I will definitely repurchase this wash. It foams up wonderfully, it does not dry out my skin, removes makeup, and exfoliates the skin! I've been using this facewash with the glycolic toner (see reviews) and my skin has been much softer! This is a great cleanser, and it is such an affordable price! I'm using it in the winter time- and even with the drier temperature, my skin never feels tight after I use it! My skin is combination- so it really helps to exfoliate all the dead skin cells so my skin is never flakey even in the dry temp in CANADA! Quite an accomplishment. I just finished my first bottle and will be getting a second one tomorrow.
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Lotions/ Creams -Neutrogena - Norwegian Formula Fast Absorbing Hand Cream
abbykariya 3/3/2009 11:35:00 AM
I live in Canada...and in the winter time my hands are so dry, itchy, and painful! But this hand cream is fantastic! My mom recently bought me this "Neutrogena Norwegian Formula" set- it comes with hand cream, foot cream, and this body lotion. It is all the same texture...the weird clearish gluey looking formula. But it works so well!! I love it. I have really dry sensitive hands and feet, so this lotion really saves me from red rashes from itchyness!! I carry the hand cream with me everywhere. You can use it very sparingly which is great. But it can be a tad oily for day-to-day...so you often have to wait for it to obsorb before you can pick up a pencil! hahaha totally worth it. I recommend all the norwegian formula stuff. Even their lip balm is really moisturizing!
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Toners -Neostrata - Toning Solution (8%)
abbykariya 3/2/2009 1:52:00 AM
I went to the derm and he prescribed this neostrata toner + cynaminocin (sp) solution for me to use before bed. I must say that it has been working wonders! I had mild pimples and blackheads on my forehead and on my cheeks, and since using this toner it has really helped to clear my skin. it has helped to smooth the white heads and now my skin is slowly exfoliating and clearing up! It does not dry my skin, and one bottle lasts at least 2-3 months if you use it once a day. I really like it. I don't usually like using a toner, but I can see the dead skin on a cotton pad after I use this. It really helps to speed up the healing process of your skin as well as wipe off all the dead skin cells which are clogging your pores. I would highly recommend this product- or talk to your derm about getting a mixed solution
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Cleansers -Sebamed - Anti-Bacterial Cleansing Foam
abbykariya 3/2/2009 1:48:00 AM
I bought this product when I was in Hong Kong. I used it a few times when I was there and then again when I was back in Canada. I like how gentle it is on the skin. It doesn't dry out my skin and is probably better for combination/dry skins with mild acne. BUT it doesn't remove makeup! NOR does it get rid of pimples and blackheads. I found that it was a decent cleanser. But just not really worth a second try. I finished my bottle, but I don't plan on using it again.
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Gels/Soaps -Dove - Cream Oil Shower
abbykariya 2/8/2009 3:39:00 PM
I really like Dove bath products. I have very sensitive and dry skin so I purchased this wash in the sensitive skin formula. Canadian winters are often really dry and painful for my skin. Super super itchy. SO I usually stick to the Dove sensitive skin soaps (the actual hard soap) but I decided to give this a shot. I haven't been itchy from it which is a first. I like it a lot. Not really crazy about the scent. would've liked the lavendar or something, but scared to try anything with fragrance.
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Polishes -Rimmel - 60 Seconds Nail Polish
abbykariya 2/8/2009 3:33:00 PM
Recently, I have become obsessed with dark nail polish. But I refuse to spend anything more than $5 on a nail colour, unless I am getting a manicure! SOOO to curb me over I found these at my shoppers drugmart. What a steal, only $4 each and I can afford to change shades all the time. Honestly, who actually finishes their nail polishes? I never do, so this is great for any trendy color you want to use infrequently. I had to do two coats, and it does dry very quickly, which I love. I do like the brush as well, the brush is just the right size and allows for just the right amount of polish! I'm a big fan. I have two shades of dark purple, one with glitter, and one without. I love it. I am thinking of getting the brighter reds next. I really like the line, as there is a wide range of colors available. I recommend it.
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Eyeliner -Bourjois - Liquid Eyeliner - Liner Parfait
abbykariya 11/25/2008 9:35:00 AM
I bought this liner in the deep purple and it definately took some time getting used to. after a little bit of practice, i find that this brush is just incredible. as is the staying power. I can put it on at 6am and it will ALL still be there (even with my greasy lids) up until the late late night =) WITH NOOOO reapplying. it's amazing. i bought the black one right after. I think thati f you have a steady hand, this brush is really amazing, as is the product itself. it's a bit pricey, considering you have to replace fairly often. But i really love it. i've tried pretty much every eyeliner on the market because i smudge easily, and i am constantly unsatisfied. But this one has actually got me repurchasing...quite an accomplishment
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Treatments -La Roche Posay - Effaclar K
abbykariya 12/9/2007 10:33:00 PM
I love this product. I have very sensitive skin and it is difficult to find products that I can use for my slightly acne prone skin. I have repurchased this product three times already. It is so great =). It keeps my skin moisturized and after using it, my skin has really cleared up! all the tiny little pimples have gone away. Highly recommended.
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