Blush -Cargo - Panama
ania81 10/18/2006 2:07:00 PM
I bought blush after seeing featured in a magazine without really bothering to test it out first.. not a smart move when buying expensive cosmetics of course. Being new to Cargo at the time, I did not realize how highly pigmented their blushes are! I was ready to return this product after seeing that it's way too bright for my very light (warm) skin tone. However, I decided to play around with the application and wow... you can really make this colour work even on pale skin! It's really all about the application. The key is to use a light hand and appropriate brush. One of my blush brushes seems to work ok with this but I plan on investing in a skunk brush soon (fan-style) because an SA advised me that those work best when light application is needed. Can't wait to try more Cargo blushes.. this certainly won't be my last!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -BeneFit Cosmetics - Benetint
ania81 10/15/2006 10:14:00 PM
I love the idea of this blush - natural looking "just pinched" cheeks, lasting power and no powder to rub off. Even the nail-polish resembling packaging looks cute at first. However, I've grown to dread applying this stain due to the "pink fingers" syndrome it produces. Because you have to blend it with your fingers on the cheeks, the fingers end up stained as well and that just sucks. Who wants to walk around with hands like that? I think next time I'll have to try those gel blushes that come in a handy stick instead. I don't plan on purchasing this again however I likely won't even have to because the little bottle lasts forever.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Cetaphil - Gentle Skin Cleanser
ania81 10/15/2006 9:58:00 PM
Well this one is certainly a mainstain on my bathroom shelf. I've been using Cetaphil for several years and it is one of the few products that I actually purchase again and again. What I like about it is that it's truly non-irratating and goes with whatever other products I'm using at the time. I'm a real product junkie so I'm constantly trying new stuff, including other cleansers. There are some cleansers that are better in terms of cleansing "power" but too often they also result in leaving my skin feeling too dry or "filmy". Cetaphil is just right and best of all, it never stings my eyes! I can use it to remove eye makeup and it works quite well. The key is to massage it for a few minutes. I will continue buying this cleanser unless I find something that is just as gentle and effective but without parabens.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Color -Clairol - Natural Instincts Hair Color
ania81 10/4/2006 10:54:00 AM
Well this was really an experience for me.. this was only my second time using a DIY hair color. The first was a wash-out color 10 years ago when I was a teenager. Since then, I've been highlighting my dark blonde hair on a fairly regular basis (sometimes more blonde sometimes less and varying the base color with different brown or red shades). However, something sparked me for a change! With over an inch of roots showing, I decided not to go back to the salon and give my hair a break from the bleach. I chose this brand in 9N (Dark Neutral Blond) as I wanted something very close to my natural color to darken the highlights and blend them in with the roots. I also wanted to neutralize some of the yellow/gold tones that remained in my previous "brownish" base color that stayed behind after the brown has lightened over the summer. The result? The color I got is definately darker than what's shown on the box..but I love it! I was always freaked out about going dark but this color really works well for me. It's a bit hard to describe but a really nice light brunette kind of shade. After, a few washes my highlights have started showing through increasingly and overall the color is starting to look more like the one on the box. Some people were discouraging me from putting on boxcolor on light blonde highlights but now I'm glad I did! I've gotten plenty of compliments on this color .. will buy again.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Self Tanners -Clarins - Liquid Bronze
ania81 9/28/2006 2:18:00 PM
I had just about given up looking for a face self-tanner but I saw the good reviews for this product on MUA and decided to give it a shot. Wow, I'm glad I did too! Finally, a self-tanner that looks so natural.. no one would notice that this is from a bottle! The effect is definately subtle but perfect for this time of year. In the summertime, I will probably apply more often to build. The only drawback is that it doesn't last too long so for now I'm applying every other day to maintain. However, this is not too much of a problem because this product is a pleasure to apply. I apply it with a cotton pad just like a toner. It feels refreshing like a toner too! The scent is a bit chemically but disappears very quickly. The product also dries right away so you don't have to wait to apply moisturizer or makeup.. love it! I will likely repurchase this even though it is pricey for a self-tanner.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Clarins - Face Treatment Oil - Lotus
ania81 9/28/2006 2:09:00 PM
I've been using this product for about a month. I could really see and feel a difference on my skin after the first few times of using it! Now the novelty factor has kind of worn off but I still continue to apply the oil every night and overall my skin is in good shape, slightly better than it was before. My profile? I have combination skin with some enlarged pores that clog easily and end up with blackheads. However, most products I've tried to use for this problem end up drying my skin badly. I've never really had a problem with my skin appearing "oily" but I love how this products seems to just normalize everything. It's truly a sensory experience when you put this on because of the aromatic scent and it feels really good knowing that I'm putting something totally natural on my skin. I'm trying to get away from all those harsh ingredients found in my most products.. and this is my starting point :) Overall a great product that I'll likely repurchase. I just hope that Clarins finally realizes what a pain the packaging is and puts a dropper in there! It would be so helpful to have that. The SA suggested using a q-tip to get the product out but instead I carefully pour a small drop to the palm of my hand.. rub it between the palms to warm up and pat into my skin. If you don't apply too much, the oil will get absorbed so no worries about it getting on your pillow or scaring away the SO ;)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Alba Botanica - Alba Hawaiian Cocoa Butter Hand & Body Lotion
ania81 8/31/2006 11:38:00 PM
Hey for all you Canadians out there, I just bought a tube of this at Shoppers Drug Mart! I found out about the Alba line from MUA and thought I'd have to search for it in a health foods store but was pleasantly surprised to find a few AB products at SDM today. So I bought this today and so far only used it on my hands and boy, it sure feels nice! I love how it sinks right in so there's no greasy film on my hands. It seems to make my skin really smooth and soft at the same time which is great. Can't wait to try this on rest of my body.. although, I'm not sure if I'll end up using this as a regular body lotion as I find the smell to be a bit too strong and it will likely clash with my usual fragrances. I'll definately be trying more Alba Botanica products in the future.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Clinique - High Impact Eyeshadow in Foxy
ania81 8/16/2006 3:58:00 PM
I got this eye shadow as part of a gift with purchase so unfortunately it's not in one of those sleek cases but instead in a plastic green one. The color is great for a taupe-y shade because like many have mentioned, it's got just the right amount of shimmer. In addition, I can see how this would work with many skintones and compliment a wide range of other shadows to create versatile looks. However, with a name High Impact, I am surprised how sheer this goes on my lids. I have to apply multiple layers to get the actual color to show. I am thinking of buying a good eye primer as this is a problem that I've experienced with many eyeshadows. Will I buy again? Likely not as I'm always looking for something better..
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Avon - Daring Curves Mascara
ania81 6/21/2006 10:41:00 PM
Hello! This is my first ever review on Makeup Alley. I'm soo glad I found this site! .. And I just had to contribute because for the past few months I've been using this Avon mascara and I'm so impressed. I've tried a couple Avon mascaras in the past and the were totally forgettable. I wasn't expecting much from this one either. I purchased it because there was a good deal on and I just happened to be running out of my current one at the time. To my surprise, Daring Curves turned out to be just as good and if not better than some of the more expensive mascaras I've been using (I usually use Lancome or Loreal). It adds volume, definition and wonderfully "lifts" the lashes. My favourite part? I can wear it all day and it doesn't end up on under my eyes.. even after exercising! The brush is quite unique and takes some getting used to. However, it's all worth it because the effect is so great. EDIT: After a few months of use, the results get a bit flakey. The key is to replace it regularly. However at this price, that's not a huge isse.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No