Cleansers -Natura Bisse - Oxygen Cleanser
dennymc 4/5/2013 6:55:00 AM
I discovered this brand quite by accident after having the best facial of my life. Afterwards I discussed the product line with the Estetician and she was a good representative of their company selecting products for my skin type and explaining in detail how each worked etc. I was under no pressure to purchase as she gave me generous samples. I had the Vitamin C facial and have since purchased the products recommended...they were the Oxygen cleanser, Oxygen concentrate and Vitamin C+ cream. I also got the Vitamin c+ facial scrub. First of all I am in love with these products, after almost one month of use my skin looks amazing. I had areas of pigmentation across my temples and tops of my cheeks. My skin was ok, luckily no major issues, but it was a bit "bumpy" and clogged (now I know that it was!) and never really had that glow or smoothness. I am 37 and have tried so many brands including Estee Lauder, Clarins, Clinique, Decleor, Phytomer, Nuxe, Lancome, Nivea, Ren, Chanel, Dior...and this brand is light years ahead of them all combined. I will say though that some of Natura's products are crazy expensive and at this point I don't think I would be willing to spend over a certain amount on a serum or cream. The products I purchased are working out similar to Lauder, Chanel, Clarins etc. For example, my multi active day from Clarins is about 54euros for 50ml...I paid 77euros for the Vitamin C+ cream but it is 75ml. The Oxygen Cleanser came free with the Oxygen Complex that I purchased. This is a cleansing mousse in a pump plastic bottle and is my first time using this type of formula. My first attempt I dispensed 2 pumps of foam and thought this won't do much for cleasning my face....how wrong I was...it lathers beautifully on the dampened skin. One pump is all that is needed. I take my time with this and gently massage over my face, neck and decollege. Then rinse with water and my skin is left cleansed but not stripped. It is soft to touch afterwards and there is no tightening or uncomfortable dry feeling, just clean. I haven't used this to remove makeup yet and always cleanse with a milk cleanser first and then follow up with this mousse when I want to remove foundation etc. This product will last a long time as it is easy to measure how much you need to use, one pump and off ya go! As I have already said in other reviews I have posted from this brand, a month using and I am in love with all the products I am using. I might purchase a cream cleanser from this line to use to remove makeup but this mousse is a fantastic product which I will definitely repurchase. HG brand for me! EDIT: After seeing Caroline Hiron on youtube and reading her blog, I have decided to switch to balm cleansers and here's why....even though I still love NB, my skin is STILL dehydrated...I checked NB's cleansers and MOST of them contain mineral oil...I can't say how disappointed I am to discover this as I thought a brand at this price point would not use it, but you live and learn I suppose. However, I am now questioning how good are the ingredients in their other products...are they really any different to mainstream brands? The oxygen complex has lightened the areas needed on my face, and I do like the Tolerance cream, but I am going to re-evaluate this line and decide whether to continue.
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Scrubs -Natura Bisse - C+C Vitamin Scrub
dennymc 4/5/2013 6:00:00 AM
I have written a review on the Oxygen Concentrate with a background on how I discovered this brand. Briefly it was after having the best facial of my life! This facial scrub is one of 4 products I am using from Natura (Oxygen cleanser, Oxygen Concentrate, Vitamin c+ cream, Vitamin c+ scrub) I love this product. I was recommended to use this scrub with instructions that it is to be used only once a week...I'll repeat that, ONLY ONCE PER WEEK. Now I have used Clarisonic in the past and while delighted initially, after about 6 months using once a day my skin had enough. It is really tempting to use this scrub at least every second day, but I have stuck to once a week (am using the products almost a month) and my skin is looking amazing. The texture is very finely grained and leaves my skin soft and smooth. The smell is a gorgeous citrus scent that personally I love. It comes in an orange tube. This will last me a long time as I will keep using it only once a week. This scrub is my HG along with the other products I am using. Fantastic brand that works brilliantly for me and my skin.
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Skincare - Face -Natura Bisse - Oxygen Complex Intensive Concentrate
dennymc 4/5/2013 5:47:00 AM
I discovered this brand quite by accident after having the best facial of my life. Afterwards I discussed the product line with the Estetician and she was a good representative of their company selecting products for my skin type and explaining in detail how each worked etc. I was under no pressure to purchase as she gave me generous samples. I had the Vitamin C facial and have since purchased the products recommended...they were the Oxygen cleanser, Oxygen concentrate and Vitamin C+ cream. I also got the Vitamin c+ facial scrub. First of all I am in love with these products, after almost one month of use my skin looks amazing. I had areas of pigmentation across my temples and tops of my cheeks. My skin was ok, luckily no major issues, but it was a bit "bumpy" and clogged (now I know that it was!) and never really had that glow or smoothness. I am 37 and have tried so many brands including Estee Lauder, Clarins, Clinique, Decleor, Phytomer, Nuxe, Lancome, Nivea, Ren, Chanel, Dior...and this brand is light years ahead of them all combined. I will say though that some of Natura's products are crazy expensive and at this point I don't think I would be willing to spend over a certain amount on a serum or cream. The products I purchased are working out similar to Lauder, Chanel, Clarins etc. For example, my multi active day from Clarins is about 54euros for 50ml...I paid 77euros for the Vitamin C+ cream but it is 75ml. The Oxygen Concentrate is more expensive than ANR at 77euros for only 30ml, but I haven't made a dent in it yet after a month's use. Right onto the review! Depending on how much pigmentation you have and the texture of your skin determines how often to use this product. I began with nightly use, and am now using it every second night only in places that I need it. I haven't noticed any lightning around my hair line or brows but have consciously avoided those areas after some of the reviews here, so thanks to those reviewers! The concentrate doesn't have a scent that is noticable to me. It is a medium texture white creamy lotion. I love the packaging with the pump as it is easy to depense. My skin is absolutely smoother and my areas of pigmentation (from the sun even though I use SPF) have pretty much vanished...I reckon another couple of weeks they will be gone completely. The result is my skin looks so even, smooth and glowing. I am thrilled as never thought my skin could look this good. I have also noticed that the beginning signs of crow's feet seems to have stopped and any fine lines around my eyes are now gone, but I am not sure if it is this Oxygen Complex or the Vitamin c+ cream (which I have also reviewed) or the combination of both which has done the trick! Either way any fine lines I had are definitely gone around the side of my eyes. I don't believe in having to use all products from the same brand but I decided to just exclusively use the products I am using from Natura and it has made a huge difference to my skin. Although I don't use a lot of makeup on a daily basis, I find that I am skipping foundation more and just having to lightly conceal if needed. Certainly I suppose the biggest indicator that your skin is looking good is when you get complimented and asked what is your secret..... Sorry the review is so long. To those that made it to the end, bottom line...Natura Bisse is now my HG.
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Moisturizers -Clarins - Multi-Active Day Cream *new formula*
dennymc 12/12/2012 4:41:00 PM
I have used the old version of this cream years ago and as you do, changed brands and creams over the years. Last summer picked up a jar of multi active while travelling and was disappointed as it felt greasy after an hour or so...BUT......fast forward to Winter time and having ran out of moisturiser, found this lurking in my cabinet and thought it was better then nothing.... couldn't believe the difference this time, I had lovely fresh plumped skin without any greasiness that I had experienced before. Delighted with it as I now know this suits me when it's colder and my skin is dehydrated. Perfect for winter time use and it will probably carry me through until May where I will look to change to the lighter version...I suppose we are always looking for the next great all singing and dancing serum and potion, but I am sticking to this moisturiser, it works. I am also going to go back to the multi-active night as I have tried other creams that just don't do the job. The only bad side is the price...Clarins used to be mid-priced but have increased their prices over the years, it's a pity because it is tempting to look at Lauder, Lancome etc as the price bracket is almost the same now whereas when Clarins were a bit cheaper I wouldn't think about it as much.
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Eye Shadow -Make Up For Ever - Aqua Cream 14
dennymc 12/8/2012 6:37:00 PM
I love this colour...it's so versatile and can be used for a quick easy sheer wash of colour, or for a dramatic smoky eye paired with black pencil liner. MUFE have a youtube channel and it is interesting to see how their MA's work with the various products. But back to the product...you need to work fast as it dries very quickly.I usually apply with my finger and blend any harsh edges with a q-tip. But it stays put, has never creased (I don't have oily lids) and stays true to the colour in the pot. Packaging is perfectly fine, light for travel and easily accessible for your finger or brush. Great great product for an easy "modern" eye.
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Treatments -Nuxe - Creme Nirvanesque (for all skin types)
dennymc 10/2/2012 4:46:00 PM
I have used this moisturiser in the past and since then been through Clarins multi active jour, various Decleor, EL, and clinique. Honestly, I think there isn't much difference between all the "singing and dancing" creams out there...my skin likes this one....the texture is hard to describe, not moussey, more creamy but it melts into my face within half a minute. I use this mornings and sometimes at night (depending if I feel like using my decleor at night). My skin feels fresh and plumped after using Nuxe. I was lucky to purchase this in France so price was good and Nuxe is in almost every pharmacie and pretty easy to find. Will be a staple for the moment.
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Eyeliner -Lancome - Le Stylo Waterproof Long Lasting eyeliner
dennymc 9/14/2012 5:19:00 PM
Picked this up at the recommendation of an SA as I don't normally buy Lancome. Straight away the sponge end is completely useless. The liner itself has decent pigmentation but it drags as you apply...now I like to be gentle on my eyes but even after sharpening it stills drags. On the plus side it does seem to "set", and the only way to describe it is as sticky which I don't enjoy at all!...it won't go to waste as will use it off a brush on the back of my hand for more subtle looks, but am overall very disappointed.
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Tinted Moisturizer -Clarins - Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer
dennymc 6/9/2012 4:57:00 PM
Been using this for the last month coming into the summer. I like not having to use too many products in the heat. As already mentioned by the previous reviewer, the shade range is pretty limited. I am fair, and the lightest shade is a little dark for me. It goes on very dark, but does lighten when blended in...just make sure you cover behind your ears if wearing hair up! I like to give the tube a good shake before using as otherwise it can squirt out everywhere (learnt the hard way :) I like the texture, the scent is subtle and fades quickly. The finish is dewy, but I set with Chanel poudre universelle and I love the end-result....my skin still looks like my skin, but just so much better (if that is the look you are going for, which I prefer for the summer). Not sure if I will repurchase yet(I selected "no" for the moment)...heading over to the reviews of BB's to see if they are worth a look...(gotta love this site!)
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Lotions/ Creams -Clarins - Eau Dynamisante Moisturising Body Lotion
dennymc 3/25/2012 9:34:00 AM
I love the Eau Dynamisante range....especially for the Spring/Summer months. This lotion has been repurchased many times over the years. The scent is long-lasting and if you layer the products it's even better. If I am going out for an evening, I shower with the mousse, then apply the body lotion and finish with the spray where I would normally use perfume. I can still subtly get a hint of scent THE NEXT MORNING! As other reviewers have mentioned, it is instantly absorbed although for drier skin I imagine it might not be moisturising enough. So overall it's a great everyday lotion for a subtle hint of scent, and works well for the evening used in conjunction with the other products in the range. I love it!
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Lotions/ Creams -Decleor - Moisturizing Body Milk
dennymc 3/25/2012 9:25:00 AM
I've had this moisturiser on the shelf for the last couple of months and every time I use it I ask myself why I don't reach for it more often. It does a decent job, and is quickly absorbed. I think it is the scent that puts me off....it reminds me of "crayola" , that waxy, childhood rubber smell. For me, body lotion is one of those little luxuries that I use to make me feel good. Nothing can beat a fancy lotion with a sultry subtle sexy scent and this Decleor lotion just doesn't do it for me. Granted, for an everyday lotion, maybe sultry isn't what you are looking for, but I like a scent that on initial application makes me feel better, especially given the price of this lotion. At the moment I am using it as a night hand cream...first I apply sweet almond oil, then use the Decleor over it...for some reason my hands are not greasy, just extremely soft. So it won't go to waste, but will go back to my Clarins eau dynamisante....I've just realised I'm a "set girl" at heart....love having shower gel, lotion and spray in the same scent.
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Cleansers -Decleor - Foaming Cleanser
dennymc 3/19/2012 12:44:00 PM
I seem to have a "neverending" tube of this foaming cleanser, and I use it every night. So it is good value for the price in my opinion. I use this with my Clarisonic and it is my HG routine at the end of the day. As others have already mentioned if you are expected lots of suds you will be disappointed, but I prefer the lighty foaming texture of this. Skin is cleansed, soft and glowing but without a greasy feeling. Actually it also doesn't have that "squeaky" clean effect that I have experienced with some other foaming cleaners...so I feel the natural oils haven't been stripped away, yet my skin is still clean..does that make any sense? What more can I say, I'm a happy camper! (EDIT - just noticed the review below mine that also mentioned the "squeaky clean" and the stripped of natural oils feelings.....sorry wasn't being a "copy-cat", I hadn't read it but had the same experience, so that's probably a good thing!)
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Cleansers -Decleor - Cleansing Milk
dennymc 3/19/2012 12:32:00 PM
My HG cleansing milk! Used this in my early 20's and as you do, tried other brands over the years, but since last summer have come back to Decleor. The consistency is thinner than most cream cleansers. I usually use it in the mornings for a quick cleanse, smoothed over the face and massaged in for a couple of minutes, then removed with damp cotton pads. If I have worn makeup I will use in the evenings, it removes everything for me....eye makeup, mascara, foundation, no need for a seperate eye makeup remover. I will follow up with Decleor cleansing foam used with my Clarisonic(which is my usual night routine). Leaves me with beautifully cleansed and glowing skin. The 400ml bottle seems to last forever too.
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Eye Shadow -Guerlain - Ombre Eclat 4 Couleurs - Perle D'Argent 480
dennymc 7/31/2011 6:54:00 PM
I had been searching for a good smokey greys palette and decided to try Perle D'argent. The packaging is beautiful and pure luxury and the applicators that come with it are not the worst (although I would still prefer to apply with a brush.) I am in two minds about this palette. Sometimes I like the subtle shades, but mostly I get frustrated with the lack of pigmentation. I thought for the price that the colour payoff would be comparable to Dior quints, but the latter are definitely better. Maybe for a soft daytime look, this palette satisfies, but for a deeper smokey nightime eye, this let me down. The texture of the shadows are good and in no way cakey. But I won't repurchase....gorgeous packaging is not enough, the product itself mostly disappointed me! I won't look to purchase other guerlain quads either, will stick with Dior quints.
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Eye Shadow -Bobbi Brown - Long-Wear Cream Shadow - Beach Bronze
dennymc 7/31/2011 6:43:00 PM
This is the first BB longwear cream shadow I have purchased and I love it. Great colour, doesn't budge although you do need to work fast before it sets. I have since purchased other colours in the range, but this remains my favourite....great for creating a smokey eye with long wear gel liner (any of the browns or black), quick, easy and don't have to worry about fallout like with powder shadows. I have the pot about 6 months now and so far have no problems with drying out. Will repurchase.
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Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Sweet Almond Oil
dennymc 7/31/2011 6:37:00 PM
Love sweet almond oil for using in my hair. After conditioning, I use 4 to 5 drops on wet hair, then air dry. Keeps my hair moisturised and soft. I don't use on my face. Great carrier oil for essential oils for use on the body. Easily absorbed and leaves skin feeling pampered and soft.
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