Gels/Soaps -LUSH - Porridge Soap
dnuora_selcric 5/29/2008 1:06:00 PM
Porridge Soap creates a creamy, moisturising, soothing, and deliciously-light-and-not-at-all-migraine-inducing lovely cookie scent that leaves my skin gently cleansed and beautifully soft. Tiny embedded oats allow super-light scrubbing action and extra skin soothing moisture.
LUSH soaps can usually go either way with me, some having fragrances that are too heavy, textures that are too drying or greasy, or annoying bits of fruit that clog the drains, but Porridge is absolutely heavenly. The oaty-biscuit fragrance is pleasant and light and not cloying, and the texture is luxuriously creamy and pampering whilst still rinsing easily away.
My only complaint about Porridge is that its soft, creamy consistency makes it especially prone to melting, so definitely buy it and enjoy it... but don't expect it to last long!
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Masks -LUSH - Cupcake Mask
dnuora_selcric 5/29/2008 12:57:00 PM
Although its write-ups proclaim this product to be formulated for "oily or teenage" skin types and my own complexion falls under neither category, being sensitive with a tendency towards dryness, Cupcake is probably one of my most frequently-purchased and favourite skincare products.
I generally love LUSH for its bath and body items and not its facial skincare, but a chocolate face mask? Of course I had to try it! Try it I did, and I've been buying it every 3-4 weeks ever since.
Cupcake goes on lovely and cool (a result of its refrigerator storage and oddly non-irritating peppermint and spearmint oils), dries evenly, smells deliciously chocolately, and gives gorgeous results. After rinsing and patting dry, my face always looks even, clear, glowing, and fresh. Oil and shine banished, existing blemishes smaller, prospective blemishes thwarted, redness reduced. My skin feels perfectly balanced; not overly dry, not oily, not irritated. Also, unlike some LUSH masks, there are no bits of seaweed, avocado, etc. that dry onto your skin and then drop off your face.
I tend to use Cupcake about once a week, but sometimes I use it more often during hotter, more humid weather or hormonal or stress-related skin crises. Since my skin is practically the opposite of the types the mask is designed for, I imagine it'd be suitable for everyone's face. :)
As far as I can tell, the only downsides to Cupcake are its messiness (be prepared to get chocolately brown mud all over your arms and basin when you're rinsing!), short shelf life (the fresh ingredients are entirely worth it IMO though), and lack of portability (refrigerator storage and not-so-sturdy black plastic pot aren't particularly travel-friendly), but it's an extremely pampering and beautiful skin treat that I wouldn't want to be without.
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Treatments (Eye) -Estee Lauder - Advanced Night Repair Eye Recovery Complex
dnuora_selcric 5/27/2007 12:12:00 PM
Puffiness and under-eye circles? Bye-bye! Fine lines at the corners of my eyes? Visibly smoothed. LOVE!
I've been using this product (along with the matching facial serum) every night for one month now, and the improvements are amazing. This eye treatment is fantastic stuff! Its lovely, light texture doesn't bog my eye area down with too much puff-inducing moisture but keeps everything soft and supple. It's easy to apply, quick to absorb, and most importantly, IT DOES WHAT IT'S SUPPOSED TO DO. I'll most definitely be repurchasing.
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Treatments -Estee Lauder - Advanced Night Repair (Serum)
dnuora_selcric 5/27/2007 12:07:00 PM
I've been using this product (and the matching eye cream) every night for one month now, and I'm stunned at the difference in the appearance, texture, and condition of my skin.
I have dry, sensitive skin that usually causes problems when I want to try a serum, but this one is completely non-irritating.
My pores are visibly smaller. My skin texture is smoother and more even. Those little lines at the corners of my eyes have diminished (and so have the undereye circles and puffiness, but that's most likely more down to the eye cream). Any redness/flaking/irritation has vanished. My skin is looking fantastic- I'm definitely impressed. Visible results AND long-term benefits? You'd better believe I'm going to be repurchasing!
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Moisturizers -Kiehls - Ultra Facial Cream
dnuora_selcric 5/27/2007 11:58:00 AM
This is a lovely, gentle hydrating cream that I find wonderfully effective for my dry, sensitive skin. The product seems quite rich, but it sinks in easily (and without any greasiness!) and provides my skin with simple moisturisation and protection all day. I find it to be completely non-irritating and haven't had that "stinging" sensation that other reviewers have mentioned- it just slips on, absorbs, and does its work.
When I apply it in the morning, I wait 15 minutes (and sometimes use a foundation primer) before applying any makeup. No slips, no smudges, and no problems. :)
When I apply it at night, I use EL Advanced Night Repair beforehand, much like the reviewer below.
All in all, it's a simple and effective product. No bells and whistles, but it does what it says on the package.
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Mascara -Aveda - Mosscara
dnuora_selcric 5/27/2007 11:53:00 AM
I've repurchased this product repeatedly and will no doubt continue to do so- it's lovely stuff! It doesn't do anything terribly dramatic, but if you want conditioned, glossy, naturally defined lashes with a bit of lengthening and volumising effects, you'll love this... I know I do! Its conditioning formula means that I don't "lose" lashes during application, and my finished eye makeup is enhanced by glossy lashes that are soft to the touch. This product is scented and I do have sensitive eyes, but I've not had a bit of irritation from it.
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Powders -Guerlain - Meteorites powder for the face in Mythic 01
dnuora_selcric 4/15/2007 3:23:00 PM
Think "instant airbrushing." These beautiful little balls are excellent multi-taskers that immediately brighten up my complexion and give my face a gorgeous 'finished' look that's neither too matte nor too dewy.
It's incredibly easy to use. Just swirl your brush around in the pot and apply! It does come with a puff, but I've never used it.
The product is scented, but not overpowering. I do have sensitive skin, but Meteorites have caused no irritation or reactions for me..
The downside is the packaging. While the little pots are rather attractive, they're cardboard and not very well-made. The portability factor is nil, and if you want to travel with your Meteorites, I'd definitely suggest investing in their pressed powder form, the Voyage compact.
Overall it's an outstanding product and one of my HGs. I've repurchased it several times over and will undoubtedly keep a constant supply.
For reference: My foundation shades are MAC NC25 / Chanel Clair / Chantecaille Ivory/Camomile. My eyes are green-grey, and my hair is dark brown.
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Highlighters -Becca - Princess Loose Shimmer Powder
dnuora_selcric 4/15/2007 3:15:00 PM
I got my first jar of this gorgeous stuff from a lovely MUAer awhile ago, and it's since become my very first HG cheek colour. It's absolutely beautiful- a sheer, healthy pink glow with light shimmer- and quite versatile. It can be worn alone or over another powder or creme blush for extra glow. The colour is immensely flattering and can be worn with lots of different looks, and I absolutely adore it. The only downside is the packaging: the little shaker jar is adorable, but it isn't the most travel-friendly thing I've ever seen. Altogether, though? Love, love, love!
For reference: My foundation shades are MAC NC25 / Chanel Clair / Chantecaille Ivory/Camomile. My eyes are green-grey, and my hair is dark brown.
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Tinted Moisturizer -Bobbi Brown - Tinted Moisturizer [REFORMULATED]
dnuora_selcric 1/22/2007 3:48:00 PM
This is the best TM I've tried. Sheer coverage, believable colour (I use Light Tint), very decent lasting power, and a soft, dewy finish. My skin feels bare and fresh after applying it, yet the coverage is sufficient and preferable to foundation for me if I add a bit of concealer under my eyes and to cover any pesky blemishes. I top it off with a bit of BB Pale Yellow pressed powder, and I'm good to go and feeling as if I've got nothing on my skin.
My colouring: BB Warm Ivory foundation, dark brown hair, green eyes.
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Eyeliner -MAC - Technakohl in Earthline
dnuora_selcric 1/22/2007 3:42:00 PM
This is a very pretty little LE number. On my eyes, it appears as a medium taupe-y brown with subtle shimmering flecks, and it works well with all of my neutral brown, beige, taupe, and subtle plum eyeshadows. It doesn't look too harsh, which is sometimes a factor with certain shades, and it has very decent lasting power. The only issue you might have would be difficulty in creating a very thin line, as it's a twist-up without a super-thin point, but if you're willing to work at it (or if you're a fan of smudging), then you'll like this. Quite similar to By Terry's Bronze Ebene, which I also adore.
My colouring: BB Warm Ivory foundation, dark brown hair, green eyes.
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Eyeliner -Laura Mercier - Black Violet kohl pencil
dnuora_selcric 1/22/2007 3:38:00 PM
Plain black eyeliners often look too harsh on me, but this little gem with its gorgeous violet-y blackness allows me to line/define/accentuate/smudge my eyes beautifully. It does look more black than purple -I scarcely notice any of the purpleness, in fact- but the violet aspect really does something good for my green eyes. Excellent for creating smokey, smudgey looks. If you DON'T want this to smudge, you're going to need a primer, as it's quite creamy.
My colouring: BB Warm Ivory foundation, dark brown hair, green eyes.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Chantecaille - Emotion
dnuora_selcric 1/22/2007 3:33:00 PM
This gives my cheeks a beautiful wash of sheer natural pink colour. It's very pretty and natural and gives my face an instant perk-up. Excellent quality, cute dinky little compact, and a gorgeous, lasting flush of colour.
My colouring: BB Warm Ivory foundation, dark brown hair, green eyes.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -NARS - All About Eve Duo
dnuora_selcric 1/22/2007 3:29:00 PM
Out of all of my eyeshadows (and believe me, I have a lot) I probably reach for this duo the most often. The two shades create a beautiful, ethereal, your-eyes-but-better glow that looks polished and fresh, but never overdone. Apply it dry for subtlety, or use it wet (with the addition of NARS Nepal e/s single) for a bit more contouring, add some liner, and your eyes will be beautiful.
My colouring: BB Warm Ivory foundation, dark brown hair, green eyes.
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Moisturizers -Decleor - Aromessence Essentiel Balm
dnuora_selcric 12/9/2006 2:26:00 PM
The trick with Decleor is to first work out which products from their line are right for you and then learn how to use them properly, and I adore Essential Balm. After cleansing and toning at night, I just melt a bit in my hand and sweep it on, and I wake up with happy skin. If you don't use too much, you won't be as bothered by its tendency towards heaviness/greasiness, and it also helps if you don't use it over a lot of treatment oils. It also smells so fabulous that my husband has started reaching for my pot of it at night.
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Treatments -Decleor - Aromessence Rose D'Orient for Reactive and Sensitive Skins
dnuora_selcric 12/9/2006 2:22:00 PM
I was surprised by how much I love this stuff. I received a sample as an extra in a swap, and after I started to see the wonderful results I was getting, I immediately purchased a full-sized bottle for myself, and I've been using religiously since. My skin (dry and sensitive and prone occasionally to mild hormonal spots during the monthlies) drinks in a couple of drops of this oil and is completely and totally soothed. No redness, no flakiness, no irritation- just smooth, healthy, glowing skin. It doesn't clog my pores, make me break out, or cause greasiness or oiliness. Miraculous!
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