Blush -Bare Escentuals - Warmth All Over Face Color
cecilija 9/28/2012 2:35:00 PM
Well, I must start by telling I was completely in love with this product because it gives a lovely, healthy, natural glow. I was using it every single day for months. Sadly, I was in the middle of the second package when suddenly I broke out on both cheeks and temples, just where I applied the most of it. I waited to make sure that Warmth was the cause of it and, alas, no doubt about it! I am very surprised, because I have generally clear skin and don't break out easily, and this is supposed to be a line for the most sensitive and reactive of skin types. I am crushed to say- there will be no Warmth for me anymore. Boy, will I miss it.
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Treatments -Dermalogica - Skin Hydrating Booster
cecilija 9/7/2012 2:43:00 AM
Meah.... One of the products I really wanted to like, because this is my first experience with Dermalogica, plus I am a sucker for super-hydrating serums, and based on product description and some raving reviews I was hoping that it might become my future favorite serum. I have been using it under my moisturizer in morning and evening for two weeks now and I can say that this product just does not do anything at all, at least for me. Considering that my skin is combination and that it is currently above 30 degrees Celsius, I can't really imagine it having any effect whatsoever on drier skins or during winter. I like the simple, medical -looking packaging, I like the watery texture that sinks right in and does not leave any film or shine on the skin. That is about it. Too bad. For the price, it should deliver. I will definitelly not buy it again.
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Cleansers -Avene - Gentle Cleanser for Intolerant Skin (no rinse)
cecilija 8/23/2012 6:01:00 PM
Once upon a time, I used to be an eye make up remover-cleansing milk-facial wash-toner kind of girl. I have been constantly looking for something that would suit me best, from Murad washes, Chanel cleansing milks, Shiseido toners...but it all just seemed the same - huge waste of money without any considerable difference whatsoever. My skin remained oily in T zone, prone to blackheads, and increasingly dry on cheeks. The breaking point must have been when a cosmetician seriusly suggested that I should actually be using one type of cleansing routine for my T zone, and the other routine for my cheeks. I mean-really?! Enough was enough! My skin may not have been intollerant, but I developed zero tollerance for those long, boring, expensive and inefective cleansing procedures. So, when I swiched to this lotion, the first thing it did was to clean up my bathroom from a bulk of different products I have been previously using and made my travel bag so much lighter. The second was the beautiful, soft sensation on my skin. I was seriously surprised with how effective it was and how easily it got rid of the tiniest traces of heavy duty make up and double layers of mascara. Just massage your skin gently with it and let it melt away the make up for a few moments- it glides beautifully - and then use a cotton pad to gently remove it. Repeat again, and you are done- it leaves the skin perfectly smooth and clean. This thing does better job than any agrresive, specialized, overpriced make up remover I have tried. No rubbing, no teary eyes, no stinging. It has been two years now since I have made the switch to this product. I use it every morning and every evening, finishing the ritual with a spritz of Avene thermal water, and my skin feels and looks so much more balanced then before. My oily areas are less oily, my previously dry areas normal. I guess that only the decision to stop using hard tap water on my skin has contributed a lot, but of all non-rinse formulas I experimented with, this is by far my favorite. In the job it does, it is very close to micellar waters, but I find this so much more user friendly- no need to rub your face with water-soaked pads and no spillage. If the idea of not using water to clean your face sounds nuts, just give it a try for a couple of days and see what happens. This thing is like water, only better. Not to mention how much easier and more pleasant it makes your cleansing routine. I would recommend this to everybody- you don't have to have intollerant skin to benefit from this wonderful lotion.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Juliette has a Gun - Vengeance Extreme
cecilija 8/17/2012 3:54:00 PM
Seriously sexy perfume. It is very strong, so definitely a nighttime treat. In fact, it is so strong that for the first couple of minutes you might get dizzy - it starts with very sharp and almost shockingly untamed top notes, but just wait -it keeps its full beauty for lower layers. As the time progresses, it dewelops into a seductive, distinctive perfume impossible to ignore. Definitely not for the shy types, because this perfume will get you noticed - I have never been complimented this much for a perfume before. It is extremely long lasting and as the hours pass it just keeps revealing new, surprising leyers. I love the bottle, although it is not suitable for travel (I can't imagine what would happen if it broke in the suitcase-it would probably take months of washing to remove a scent this strong from my things), but the heavy, dark glass bottle definitely adds to the ritual of applying it. My favorite thing with this perfume is- the morning after. You wake up with its subtle, sexy smokey-sweet hints on your hair and on your pillow- the experience after which returning to commercial perfumes seems like a giant step backward.
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Powder -Bare Escentuals - bare Minerals Foundation #2/#3 & Mineral Veil
cecilija 2/16/2012 7:28:00 AM
For years, I was swearing in Chanel's Vita Lumiere & Matte Lumiere foundation. I would now and then try something else, mostly Kanebo and Mac, but would always come back to these two (Vita for winter, Matte for summers) and became certain that no other powder or foundation could provide that perfect mixture of great coverage and glowing, dewy skin. Then, this autumn in Paris, I saw a starter kit in Light (containing 2 powders, Mineral Veil, Warmth and a primer, plus 3 brushes) for a price that was just slightly higher then what I was intending to spend on my new Chanel foundation. I became seriously tempted after the sales girl did a little demonstration on back of my hand , and in this case my inability to resist a temptation proved to be very beneficial. Although it seems like you are applying nothing on your skin, every morning I can literally see my pores and any redness vanish before my eyes. My skin looks fresh, glowing, healthy and even - and all that without looking or feeling that you have any make up on. But most of all, I was surprised with staying power and long lasting -I literally don't have any needs for a touch up during the day- and I have oily T zone and before BM I would always have to carry pressed powder and blotting papers with me. As soon as I finish with this package (it will probably last me for another month-and I bought the kit in November), I will give a Matte version a try. Yes, I am converted.
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Eye Shadow -NARS - Portobello Duo
cecilija 11/29/2011 4:43:00 AM
I was always looking for something that would go well with red matte lips that I love...and after years of searching- I can say that, ladies, my quest is over! This is absolutely perfect color combination to go with red lipstick - I adore that they are matte, obviously neutral, but yet giving just enough warmth and interest to the eye area so that you don't get the dreaded "screaming mouth, invisible eye" effect. Before I got Portobello, when I was going for red lip I was trying tons of other "neutral" eye shadows, but it never was just right. Some neutrals would turn out to have odd undertones that would actually introduce some other color to the face, which looked wrong with "Fire" by Chanel on lips. Others would always have some sheen to them - and that does not look very sophisticated either. At the end, I would most frequently settle for not using any eyeshadow at all, just powder, but that was not an ideal solution, because the rest of the face would get overpowered by the lips. This is just right. Perfect. I am so happy I gave it a chance!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Chanel - Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF 10
cecilija 5/24/2011 11:27:00 AM
I have been using Mat Lumiere compact for a long time now (this might me third or fourth refill) in 10 Lumiere. During the year, I use it on top of Mac Studio FX foundation (during winter months & when going out), on its own (warmer weather) and for touch-ups during the day. I think I keep repurchasing for the combination of GREAT packaging, solid quality and because it usually gives a good balance for my mixed skin: it is not dull, as many mat powders can be on the skin and for most of the time provides the nice, glowy-mat appearance its name promises. Used on its own, it has medium coverage and I am usually happy with the slight soft-focus effect it leaves on the skin. However, it not a perfect compact for the summer, at least for me. My T zone becomes oily very soon after the application (in spite of using matifying base underneath it) and I need repeated touch-ups on and on during the day. So, I am now looking for something else to get me through the summer heat, but will probably get back to it in autumn. This probably isn't the best compact for me out there, but I still haven't found the better one.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Murad - Intensive Resurfacing Peel
cecilija 4/20/2011 3:46:00 PM
Recently, I have noticed that my skin looked tired and definitely in need of a good peeling. My pores became more visible and, overall, the complexion was not glowing and clear as it can be on good days. However, I am not ready to try chemical peel as I think it is simply too aggressive for me. So, today when I was buying my regular Murad moisturizer, I have purchased a single dose of this and I just tried it out. The sensation on skin was slight stinging at first, so out of precaution I only kept it on my face and neck for 4 minutes. However, the results excited me so much I wanted to immediately share the impression with others: my complexion is simply glowing, the skin is looking fresh and clear like I just returned from a mountain holiday! Best of all, my skin is not irritated or red at all, so I think that next time I will keep it on for the recommended 10 minutes. There is still plenty left in the small plastic bottle, so I will definitely have at least one more or even two more uses out of it. The only reason I am not giving it full 5 lippies is that I do not know how lasting these results are going to be. I am very curious how will my skin look in the morning, and the morning after - if it does show more lasting effects, I am going to fall in love with this product. However, the instant effect is really astonishing.
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Fragrances -Lolita Lempicka - Lolita Lempicka Midnight
cecilija 2/22/2011 10:03:00 AM
I have been using LL perfumes for many years now (the original one and L during summers), but until this one I was not too crazy about the other special series (I thought each was just a pale shadow of the original scent). However, this one I like even more then the original one! More sensual, deeper, sweeter, but at the same time more sublime. Paradoxically, this scent is more intense, but still somehow more discreet. You have to try it to understand what I mean:) The bottle is gorgeous, but I had to give it 4 lippies because it is absolutely too fragile to be carries around. Luckily, the perfume is very long lasting. I am a huuuuge fan.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Chanel - Hydrabase Lipstick - Fire -Fall 04
cecilija 2/18/2011 8:21:00 AM
This is the perfect red lipstick! It instantly brightens complexion and makes you look refreshed and rested. The color is extremely saturated and long lasting, so I even wear it for dinners- even when it fades, it does so evenly, not leaving ugly remains on corners of the lips. Although it is so very RED and eye-catching, because it is also matte it still looks sophisticated, so I dare to wear it even during the day. You hardly need anything else with it, because it makes your complexion and entire face instantly fresh and done. This lipstick will last you long time- I apply it with lipstick brush and you don't need much to make a full, vibrant coverage. And no frequent retouching is necessary- when I go out, I don't event take it with me for retouching, but just the brush I applied it on instead. It is beautifully scented and surprisingly hydrating for a matte lipstick. I am truly in love with it:)
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Concealers -Kanebo - Concealer (Brush Type) Anti-Cernes
cecilija 2/18/2011 7:58:00 AM
The best concealer I ever had. Perfect coverage, long lasting, hydrating... even after long nights, when you have to wake up early and be your best- it makes miracles - no one can tell you didn't get your 8 hours of sleep. I kept repurchasing it in the lightest version for couple of years, then wanted to try something else and opted for Touche Eclat (nice, but as it is not a concealer it has much lighter consistency and needed repeated retouching during the day) and MAC (huge mistake), and now I am happy to return to it. Needless to say, I find rumors about its discontinuing very concerning. Which brings us to the only downside of this concealer- after you try it, no other concealer will seem good enough ever again:)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -MAC - select cover-up
cecilija 2/18/2011 7:44:00 AM
This might be the worse concealer I ever had. I don't have many problem in under eye area, no dark circles or much visible lines, so I don't ask for much - I just need something to give me a fresher look in the morning. Yet, this concealer fails big time even in this simple task. I have it in NW20 and I was expecting a nice brightening effect- but it simply does nothing. It has no coverage worth mentioning and the only way to achieve any effect is to pile it on. And that works only temporarily, because an hour or two after application, it seems like I have forgotten to apply any concealer! The only reason I didn't give it 0 lippies is that at least it didn't cause me to brake out. I will never buy it again- it might not be that expensive, but since it does absolutely nothing but creasing and drying out under eye area, it is not worth a penny. I would have never expected this from a MAC product.
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