Misc Beauty Tools -Clean & Clear - Oil Absorbing Sheets
cup_cakes 5/13/2008 12:01:00 PM
wow i can see that this is quite a popular product around here. I guess I'm the odd one out. I'm really not a huge fan of these "plasticky" oil absorbing sheets, I usually prefer the paper ones. I just feel like the texture is so uncomfortable to use and I don't like putting it on my face! Also I find that these are very drying, which causes my skin to produce more oil very soon. I mainly just want to gently lift off the top layer of oil, not suck it all up.
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Lip Treatments -Smith's Rosebud Salve - Smith's Rosebud Salve
cup_cakes 5/13/2008 11:57:00 AM
I used to use this as a lip balm but found that it dried my lips out really fast, later I realized it probably had something to do with the petroleum base. Now I prefer to use petroleum-free lip balms. But since I had such a big tin of it I decided to use it as a hand salve/ cuticle cream and it functions a lot better! It's quite thick but surprisingly not that sticky. My mum had a little paper cut once, and I gave her this to put a huge glob on, and she said it healed within the day. I think basically this is like a glorified, pricey, rose-scented vaseline. Don't expect it to go in and moisturize, but it does sit nicely no top of your skin if that's what you're looking for. Cute tin too.
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Concealers -Chantecaille - New Stick - Foundation and Concealer
cup_cakes 2/7/2008 10:01:00 PM
I love this stick foundation! I have it in "Cream" and it matches my skin perfectly. A note to those who have to blend two to get a neutral shade: Ivory, Vanilla, Shea and Wheat are all neutral shades, whilst Chamomile, Cream, Sand and Banana are warm shades (the shades NOT mentioned above are cool shades). Find the right shade for yourself within the three tonal families. Trust me, it'll be worth it! Just determine which tone you are. For example, Vanilla, Cream and Nude may all seem very similar (and they are, they're for people with similar "darkness/llightness"). However, Vanilla is Neutral, Cream is Warm and Nude is Cool. Picking the wrong tone might mean very unnatural makeup. Ok back to the product review. I have combination skin and have previously found other stick foundations to be too creamy/oily/ acne-inducing. However, I have not had this problem at all since I started using this stick foundation, and yet t is creamy enough to blend very easily. I don't use it all over my face, just on the areas that need extra coverage (over tinted moisturizer). The coverage is superb and easy to control: just use a light layer and blend before applying anymore. The tube is sleek and sophisticated and easy to bring around. Also, this doesn't fade!! I set it with a bit of LM loose powder and it lasts all day. Wonderful!
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Giorgio Armani - Sheer Blush #2
cup_cakes 10/31/2007 9:17:00 AM
Sheer blush #2... a soft pink with a hint of peach and a very subtle gleam. Very natural looking and also easy to build; it never looks harsh when you put it on. I like to use this at night, paired with smokey eyes and nude lips, it gives a soft sexy glow. I like that it doesn't look too obvious/ fake. However, it does darken slightly over the course of the day (esp if you have oily skin). Using primers/ oil-controllers /loose powder/ blotting paper in conjunction with this product would probably yield better results. The packaging is also very nice, which is always a plus in my books.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare -Neal's Yard - Wild Rose Beauty Balm
cup_cakes 10/31/2007 8:56:00 AM
This product is truly brilliant. I am convinced that the smell alone has a therapeutic effect. When my skin is looking a bit rough for wear, I massage this into clean, damp skin, then wipe off with the accompanied muslin cloth (damp). The box comes with instructions on how to do either a "full facial" or "simple cleansing" The butter-like consistency melts into an oil, making it easy to massage and boosts blood circulation. The scent is delicious yet not over-powering. Love this product, and would recommend it to anyone with tired/stressed skin. Definitely a winter/holiday must have what with all the partying/ central heating!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Ren - Mayblossom and Blue Cypress Facial Wash
cup_cakes 7/5/2007 11:53:00 AM
This is a really great cleanser that I use every morning. I have combination/sensitive skin and this really removes all the excess oil on my t-zone but is gentle enough that it doesn't stress out my drier cheek areas. I definitely feel that my acne has improved since I started using this product!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Ren - Grapeseed Jojoba and Shea Butter Body Cream
cup_cakes 7/5/2007 11:03:00 AM
Love this! On my second bottle already. I love the clean, fresh scent, but mostly I love the texture. It absorbs instantly and hydrates skin well. I have sensitive skin but had no problems with this cream. The packaging is also very clever!
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Conditioner -Frederic Fekkai - Apple Cider Clean Conditioner
cup_cakes 7/5/2007 9:55:00 AM
At first I was skeptical about this conditioner, seeing as how it was clear, I was convinced that it couldn't possibly be that moisturizing. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this leaves my hair so soft and smooth and tangle-free. It's not heavy at all and using it several times a week or even daily does not try out my hair. Love it!
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Shampoo -Frederic Fekkai - Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo
cup_cakes 7/5/2007 9:51:00 AM
I love this shampoo. It is so refreshing yet not drying at all. My hair didn't feel stripped of oil like it can sometime do with other clarifying shampoos. It made my hair feel so fresh and soft. Recently I went on a trip and used this daily for a week, and it was so gentle that my hair never felt dry. Usually I only use this about twice a week though. Definitely will repurchase. The complementing conditioner is also great!
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Shampoo -LUSH - Cynthia Sylvia Stout shampoo
cup_cakes 7/5/2007 4:47:00 AM
I wasn't impressed with this shampoo at all. Scent was ok -- sort of what I was expecting given the name/ ingredients. However, I didn't feel like it was cleansing and it left my hair a big tangled mess. I have fine hair but didn't find this shampoo giving me extra volume. Basically it did nothing for my hair.
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Gels/Soaps -LUSH - Flying Fox Shower Gel
cup_cakes 7/5/2007 4:43:00 AM
I generally find LUSH products quite gimmicky-- a lot of talk, not a lot of results. They're undoubtedly flashily named and fun to use, but not sure the quality justifies the price tag. I liked this shower gel for its subtle jasmine scent, although it is slightly cloudy and not perfect. However, I found it too drying as a shower gel and the scent does not last anyways. Would not repurchase.
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Skincare - Body -Jason Natural Cosmetics - Cocoa Butter body lotion
cup_cakes 5/2/2007 8:23:00 AM
I was very disappointed with this lotion!! The smell was very gross. After applying my whole body with this, I wanted to take a shower again! The smell also stays for awhile before it dissipates. It is average as a moisturizer but I would not purchase again simply because of the scent. There are a lot of good natural/ organic beauty products out there nowadays that are effective, pure AND a pleasure to use.
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Toners -Neostrata - Oily Skin Solution 8AHA
cup_cakes 5/2/2007 8:17:00 AM
I have acne-prone, oily T-zone, and am having glycolic acid peels to deal with the situation. I use this product as a "maintainence" product every night. Be forewarned that this product kind of stings, esp. if you have delicate/senstive skin as I do. However, it does a good job of getting rid of any residual oil on skin, and also works continously to slough off skin cells so there's less risk of build-up with sebum/bacteria. I suggest those who find this product a bit too stinging to use this on alternate nights. I definitely feel that this product has helped in clearing my skin up.
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Treatments (Eye) -Neostrata - Neostrata Eye Cream
cup_cakes 5/2/2007 8:14:00 AM
I have the PHA 4 Eye cream. I have tried many eye-creams and so far this has helped the most with undereye puffiness. It also doesn't sting my eyes ( I have sensitive skin/eyes/everything). I use this day and night and have noticed that any previous dryness/ fine lines are now gone. My eyes look refreshed and best of all, non-puffy. It also absorbs quickly so I can put on eye makeup very soon afterwards. Only thing is that this has not really helped with my dark circles as it claimed it would...though I've almost given up on finding something that would help!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Bioderma - Sensibio H2O (aka Crealine H20 Solution micellaire)
cup_cakes 5/2/2007 8:07:00 AM
This product is fantastic! I have acne-prone and senstive skin. I've been undergoing glycolic acid peels on a regular basis to deal with the acne, and while it is improving my skin also got a lot more sensitive! This is not only gentle and soothing, it is also soooo effective at removing all my makeup. It's super easy to use and I'll definitely take it with me when travelling. It is also good for those times when I want to clean my face during the day to change makeup looks for evening. Really really grateful for this wonderful product!!
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