Fragrances -Estee Lauder - Brasil Dream
erica_74 8/23/2012 4:40:00 AM
I bought this unsniffed for 17 euros from a very well known internet store that its name contains the very popular little red fruit most of us love... It is a very nice summer scent. Fresh at the beggining, warm at the drydown. At first, I get pinapple coctails enjoyed in a jasmine garden, then a hint of suntan oil along with....wait a minute...this strongly reminds me of some other perfume.....Finally I got it!!!! This is a more extroverted, outspoken and more masculine Narciso Rodriguez For Her EDP, along with suntan oil!!!! Not something I expected, but still a nice scent!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Garnier - Anti-Dark-Circle Eye Roller
erica_74 8/22/2012 4:44:00 AM
This is a very good product. Considering its price and that you can find it anywhere here, even in the supermarket, it is a star product. Pros: -liquid texture: for me it is a plus because it does not feel heavy,feels more appropriate for the under-eye delicate skin and it is buildable. - stays put: does not settle into fine lines (nor does it make them disappear though) -ease of use -excellent packaging to carry in your bag - excellent for touch ups or pick-me-ups, it does not smudge your makeup. -fairly inexpensive cons: - not "luminous" enough: I find its finishing a bit too matte for my taste. For you over 35, I would higlhy recommend prepping with a light eyecream underneath for best results. - does not have any antiaging, anti-dark cirle effect: marketed as such, it does not deliver. I do not have heavy dark cirle/line/puffines issues to begin with, but after 3 months of use, I have not experienced any benefits. VERDICT: This is a very good "value for money" undereye illuminator and not a skincare product (even though it is marketed as such), which is fairly gentle on the delicate undereye skin, performs better than many highend illuminatiors out there and it is definatelly worth a shot. For those of you familiar with Guerlain's precious light illuminator, the Garnier product is inferior for sure, but a very close second, and when the budget is tight, this is an excellent alternative!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Estee Lauder - Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia
erica_74 8/20/2012 6:39:00 AM
Back in 2008 I was in a gallery buying a painting when suddenly I was captivated by the most glorious gardenia bouquet scent ever! I turned around searching for the vase, and then I realised that the scent was coming from this elegant middle aged woman standing next to me. Just the thought of me asking her about the perfume she was wearing made me shiver, but she was almost out the door, when I got the nerve to ask her! Thankfuly I did, because this is now my most beloved scent ever...I wear it almost all the time, with just the right amount of breaks to come running for it once and again! That day my man went and bought it for me as a gift and he continues to do so everytime I am about to run out. He says that compared to this perfume, all other perfumes have completely no meaning on me!!! And I almost agree with him... So this is a well rounded gardenia bouquet, with the right amount of jasmine and tuberose, tied together with a vanilla scenter ribbon (and dare I say I get the faintest hint of coconut? It might be just my imagination, but I think gardenia loves on or two drops of coconut milk on her). A very true gardenia note. I know gardenia from the day I was born, since my mum loved them and always kept them in a tin flowerpot because according to greek tradition, this help them flourish beautifully. It is one of my most favourite blossoms. Similar to this is Frederic Malle's Carnal Flower. A masterpiece again and even more realistic! You can even smell the freshly cut stems at the beggining! But Estee Lauder's beauty in my opinion, is a more balanced, elegant and timeless creation. It is a grand gardenia scent made to be worn and adored by many generations. This will always be part of my boudoir!
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Estee Lauder - Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex
erica_74 8/20/2012 4:06:00 AM
This has to be the number one rating of all products I have ever used! My mum used to wear this since I can remember her (btw, I do not remember a single wrinkle on my mums face, she had fantastic skin!!!!), but I never thought about trying it cause she was an all Estee Lauder girl and I thought that this must be a "hype" product like most... Oh my, was I wrong...This year , way past the 35 years of age, I thought I'd give it a try....and now I am banging my head on the wall...why oh why didn't I do this earlier???? Each time I use it, my face looks fresh and younger in the morning NO KIDDING. I came back from a beach vacation (I left ANR at home cause I was afraid it would break or degrade from heat or sth), and even though I took care of my skin with excellent sunscreen and moisturiser, it became parched. Afterwards, it took just 3 days of using ANR at night with a relaxing massage and my skin recovered!!!!!!! My mum knew this secret and she didn't have the time to pass it on... Now I consider to sometines using it at night and slathering on top some Nivea creme....She used to do that now and then I remember.... I did this 3 times already and , I am SHOCKED with the result....Beautiful glowing thankful skin!!!!!! Mind you I have combination to oily skin, easily dehydrated and with some faded melasma spots.... My skin is finally behaving and thanking me. The combination of ANR with Nivea Creme, beats any beauty treatment mask out there. It is just not for every night and I think it is a little early to give a final verdict on this combination. ANR alone, is a big miracle in a small bottle. I will never be without it anymore. Believe all that it is said about it. It just works!!!!!!
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Bourjois - 123 Perfect Foundation
erica_74 8/3/2012 5:37:00 AM
Soooo,....what's the deal with Chanel and Bourjois makeup? This one smell and feels like Chanel Mat Lumiere but it is just packaged in a different bottle (?) and frankly performs a tad better too!!! I am not sure about the ingredients list, but the similarity is striking! So here goes: My HG foundation is Guerlain Lingerie de Peau and Parure Extreme. I think Guerlain formulations are the best there is out there, but....the price is getting unbearable for everyday use. I got a sample of this Bourjois foundation, I liked what it promised and thought I'd give it a try. Well, I think I found my drugstore HG! The finish is something in between Lingerie de Peau and EL DW. Matte but not flat. Stays on for a good 6 hours (don't beleive the marketing hype). Does not oxidise on top of my sunscreen (daylong actinica). The shade 54 matches in the summer, and I guess I'll switch to 53 in the winter (for reference I wear EL DW 2N2, Guerlain Lingerie de Peau No3). Yes, it takes a little more work to blend than the others that I am used to (but so did all the Chanel foundations that I have tried) but in the end it performs really well for a drugstore foundation, so much that I am willing to keep my HG for my special occasions and wear this as my everyday foundation. This is a happy surprise find!
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Lipstick -L'Oreal - rouge caresse
erica_74 8/2/2012 5:59:00 AM
I am sorry but these feel nothing like a caresse on my lips. I mean, the trend of creamy moisturising lipsticks is going on for over 2 years now and there are a lot of alternatives that in my opinion deserve the term "caresse". I bought 2 shades since there was a discount for buying 2, the coral shade and a pink/lilac one. The colors were ok, but nothing extraordinary. The texture of the lipstick itself does not feel all that creamy or moisturising as I would have imagined.... I am disappointed. Korres Mango Butter Lipstick High Shine SPF 10 is a FAR better alternative and I am sure there are many others.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Guerlain - Rouge G de Guerlain 66 Gracia
erica_74 12/21/2009 7:51:00 AM
Ok, first of all let me admit that this is a fetish/pampering purchase. I mean there are zillions of lipsticks out there so there is no way you "need" to have this. Other than that, it is a pleasurful product and I enjoyed spending every cent of its price! The color 66, (the one that Natalia was wearing for the product ad, as the makeup artist informed me) is a true plum that makes the lips more fleshy and fresh looking, very sexy..... a great color indeed that I can see any complexion pulling it of. (for reference I am neutral toned and think 2N2 in EL Double wear as a perfect match or Guerlain Parure extreme no3 or MAC NC20 as a close match) It brightens the face instantly and it is a color that can easily be paired with many different eyeshadow colors and blushes. The consistency of the rouge g is creamier than kisskiss and the staying power is good (but not remarkable). It is very moisturising and kept my lips soft through a day out shopping on a cold windy day. The packaging? What can I say? It is one good reason on its own to buy this lipstick! A piece of gadgety art, something to show off! Elegant and sophisticated! Is the whole thing worth it? Probably no, but if I still got the money, I would repurchace. This is not a "value for money" buy....This is pure luxury!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -L'Oreal - Super Liner
erica_74 12/18/2009 5:53:00 AM
I got this in Carbon Black color. A very deep true black. It is very easy to apply and stays flawless all day. It does not smudge. The price is good. It is fairly easy to remove with a decent makeup remover. What more could you ask for?
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Fragrances -Serge Lutens - rahat loukoum
erica_74 9/28/2009 4:17:00 AM
I only gave this 2 lipsticks because it reminds me of a fantastic trip in Paris back in 2005 (I purchased it then). Besides the fond memories it evokes, it sadly is just pure "Depon syrup for kids" (which is a cherry flavored paracetamol syrup for fever and pain specially designed for kids and widely used here in greece). Yukky and overly cloying, I almost feel the stickiness in my hands, as if I have spilled depon syrup on my wrists. This is one of a few perfumes that always remind me that I am defenatelly not a gourmand scent lover.... Oh, and by the way (for those who think that I am yet another one reviewing a scent that is composed by notes I dislike), I love almond, I love bitter almond, and like cherries overall. But this composition is just too much of all that!!!
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Fragrances -Serge Lutens - Daim Blond
erica_74 9/25/2009 10:11:00 AM
How did I ever forget reviewing this divine scent? This is the closest I can get to a signature scent I think. Leather scents do not agree with me, but this one was a very big surprise. On the frist spritz its sharpness is a bit overpwering. You can clearly distinguish the suede accord, the "new" unused suede that is, like the inside of a new suede bag which smells strong and you can also smell the "plastic/cellophane" that usually fills the bag while sitting on the shelves of a store. Afte that the scent matures, in exactly (!!!) the way, the soft suede bag would! The sharpness subsides, and the scents of "real life" objects filling the bag, start to come out. I even smell sharpened pencils and lipstick waxiness! The dry down is heavenly mellow, with the delicate apricot hint softening the leathery accords, in just the right amount. For me it is not a sweet scent.... It is a scent a wear in autumn and winter and makes me feel uplifted like I would if I had been shopping. Also this is one of the few scents that get me complemented very often. Very unique....Have purchesed 3 times, and will continue!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Max Factor - False lash effect
erica_74 7/2/2009 4:44:00 AM
Pretty good so far! Does not clump, has a fine texture, not to thick not to thin, does not give me panda eyes by the end of the day, does not flake. As far as the dramatic effect goes, it’s about average, it does vamp up the look, but I wouldn’t go saying it gives a false lash effect. It gives some effect though….not that much so you can’t wear it in the office, but enough to vamp your FOTN. UPDATE 17/7/2009: After almost 2 weeks of using it everyday, the more I use it, the more I'm impressed with the performance of this product! I am still very happy with it! UPDATE 23/9/2009: Seriously, the more I use, the more I love!!!! Excellent! Actually I have minimised my morning look to foundation blush, faint lipstick and this mascara, so I can show off my lashes!!!! Really, people comment on them all the time!!!!!
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Top/Base Coats -OPI - Start to Finish Base & Top Coat
erica_74 6/25/2009 4:43:00 AM
Horrible, I just used it 5-6 times because for some reason IT DRIED OUT IN THE BOTTLE!!!!...I don't know how that happened, I always cleaned residue and closed the cap firmly (to the point I had a hard time opening it the next time). It left my nails dried out and brittle..... Horrible, just horrible product.....And so pricey, I almost cry everytime I think for the same amount of money I could go for a professional manicure treatment.....
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Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - Daylong Actinica - Spirig Pharma
erica_74 6/2/2009 6:01:00 AM
Daylong actinica will protect you from the harmful UV radiation that is part of sunlight and will prevent the development of non-melanoma skin cancer. This was proven by a 2-year study carried out on patients that were highly susceptible to the development of non-melanoma skin cancers (actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma & squamous cell carcinoma). Daily usage of Daylong actinica proved to be effective in the prevention of actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore Daylong actinica is essential prevention for people who are at risk from non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). It protects from both UVB and UVA rays. It is waterproof and contains photostable broadspectrum filters. You cannot beat the protection this sunscreen offers and apart from all research and bibliography, backing its potency there is my experience: I have melasma, many years now. With hydroquinone+tretinoin treatment (2004) and sunscreen everyday use, it subsided a lot. After giving birth (2006), it almost faded (a mystery yet to be solved!), but every summer it comes raging on my face, no matter how many buckets of suncreen do I slather on. Now I discovered this (a sample was given to me in Athens Dermatology Hospital) and decided to give a full bottle a try. Last Sunday, I was at the beach with Actinica on but with my hat missing. We spent the whole day at the beach, it was hot and the sun was intense and I was sure to come back to a face full of dark spreading blotches......NOT A SINGLE ONE!....NOT EVEN A GLIMPSE OF DARKENED PIGMENTING...Nothing! I live in Greece and I try to use the best european sunscreen I can find. I alternate a lot, so I can hit the best. I think this is it. Cosmetically-wise, it is a little sticky and heavy (no need for an extra moisturiser - after all you apply this on bare cleansed skin to get full protection), but with the protection it offers, this is my choice of suncreen this summer. Period. Ingredients Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methylene bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Excipient UPDATE 15/7/2009: I've been using it for almost 2 months everyday, I am very very impressed! No darkening (which is a first), no breakouts, no irritation!!!!!! It is mid summer with intense sun and temperatures of 35 degrees Celcius and my dark spots have not yet made an appearance!!!! I will update again after my 2 week vacation in August. UPDATE 11/7/2012: I don't know if it is scientifically provable but, this susncreen has made my melasma a minor skincare problem. During autumn, winter and early spring, my spots are vanished. During summertime they show but not in full force, thanks to Daylong actinica. I think this is because I've been using this all these years, my spots have faded and now they're not a problem worth mentioning. Mind, that my skincare routine has not been concentrated in skin lightening at all. So the only thing I've been using regarding my melasma was this sunscreen. The packaging has also been improved with a pump that measures the right amount for application. Great stuff!
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Avene - Trixera Emollient Cream
erica_74 6/2/2009 4:06:00 AM
This is one of the skincare gems, you most probably keep a secret, not beacuse you don't want to share its marvellousness, but because its understated nature helps, so it never crosses your mind to talk about it! Well it's about time I joined the raves! I discovered it, being a new mom, to help soothe the skin of my little baby Maya, who occasionally suffers from dry eczematic patches on her legs... I decided to use it on me too. ON MY GOD! First of all, the dry patches on Maya: GONE with the first application! As a body lotion, it is the most moisturising, skin replenishing, comforting, skin transforming body cream I have ever used! Unscented, paraben free, just plain and simple, a potent but gentle skin beautifier! I have como skin, but I have dared to use it on my face, on the occasional day I felt dry as a raisin and ...viola! No breakouts, skin restored! Last but not least, the pump bottle makes it super use-friendly. It is a joy to use!
10 out of 11 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Estee Lauder - Double Wear Zero Smudge Lengthening Mascara
erica_74 6/2/2009 3:27:00 AM
Great mascara! PROS: No clumps No smudge (either bottom or top, even after a whole working day...even after rubbing my eye accidentally!) Lengthens Glossy black look Waterproof properties It is easily removed (either with the oil I use, or with cleanser and warm water) CONS: Crunchy feeling lashes, after a few hours The glossy effect degrades and after 4 hours or so it's gone (but you still have black long lashes, just not glossy). OVERALL: I will def. repurchase. Since I have long lashes and somewhat deep set eyes, mascaras tend to smudge on the eyebrow bone, and I have to constantly check and wipe. This one does not! And looks preety good too! I have been using it everyday for a week and I am very happy with it. If anything changes I will update. UPDATE (22.06.2009): The crunchy feeling lashes thing, is getting very annoying, so I am on the hunt for a better mascara....Down one lippie.... :-( UPDATE (28.08.2009): I have given it some second chances...The more I try the more I get disappointed....The crunchy feeling is just horrible! I can't stand it, so down 2 more lippies! YUK!
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