Fragrances -Chanel - 1932
goldenjoy 2/22/2013 5:33:00 PM
I was lucky enough to receive a sample of this fragrance and I love it so much I can't wait to buy a bottle. This is the first of the Chanel Exclusifs line that I have sampled, so unfortunately I can't compare it to any of the others from this line. 1932 is meant to be evocative of Chanel's first fine jewelry line. If you look at any Chanel fine jewelry pieces, they are beyond gorgeous. They are whimsical, airy, and sparkling. I feel like 1932 captures exactly that mood of the jewelry. This fragrance is a light and airy floral, with some soft woods to add depth. This is not a long wearing fragrance. On my skin, it lasted maybe 2 hours before I couldn't smell it anymore. I did spray it on a cashmere scarf as well and there the fragrance lasted and lasted. I could still smell it the next day. At first spray, I did smell some similarities between this fragrance and my EDT of Chanel No.5. The jasmine in 1932 is gorgeous. It is clean and airy and sparkling. Definitely not heady or dirty. So overall it gives the fragrance the feel of a very refined soft clean floral that sparkles at the beginning and then settles into a soft woodsy clean drydown. Overall this is my perfect fragrance for everyday, very easy and wearable. This is the type of fragrance that makes you feel polished and put together. Be prepared to reapply though since the lasting power on this is fleeting.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Chanel - No 5 Eau Premiere
goldenjoy 2/19/2013 4:38:00 PM
Chanel is my favorite fragrance house hands down. I love the original Number 5 and I'm so happy that Chanel did a beautiful job updating this fragrance in Eau Premiere. The whole thing from top note to drydown is gorgeous. The initial opening of bergamot and lemon on my skin stay on throughout till the fragrance fades on me about 6 hours later. The jasmine and rose notes on this are so well done and perfect, not sharp or overly sweet and flowery, rather just keep everything clean and fresh. I thought inititally this would be perfect for me in summer and warmer weather. Surpringsingly, I love this and wear it more in winter. It felt to heavy and cloying in summer, but I have allergies and can get headaches from fragrances. In winter it becomes a fresh clean floral but still with a warmth that is perfect for me.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Guerlain - La Petite Robe Noire
goldenjoy 2/1/2013 8:12:00 PM
I can see why some have compared this one to Lolita Lempicka. Both have that fruity sweetness with a deeper amber type drydown. This Guerlain however replaces the anise note of Lolita for a cherry note that is fruity while not being overly sugary. I love the tea note in this, it is evident from beginning to end. This scent lasted over eight hours on me, so for lasting power and how smoothly the notes went from top to drydown, this fragrance is very well done. However, this fragrance is not for me anymore. I have worn fragrances like Lolita and others similar for over a decade and I guess I'm over that style now. Its a nice fragrance if you're looking for a warm fruity floral with an ambery drydown though....
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Chanel - No.5
goldenjoy 1/28/2013 4:04:00 PM
Such an iconic fragrance. Most famous I think for its association with Marilyn Monroe. My advice to those first trying it would be to go with the Eau de Toilette. There is a big difference between the concentrations of this fragrance. I have tried them all and while all gorgeous, the most wearable for me are the body products and the edt. You still get the essence of No.5 but in a much lighter, fresher way. The only thing is I wish the edt lasted longer on my skin.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Dolce & Gabbana - The One
goldenjoy 11/16/2012 4:09:00 AM
I had first tried this fragrance during summertime and I hated it. It was overly sweet and too warm. I was cleaning out my fragrance vanity and samples and tried this again from a sample I had forgotten about. I love it so much I went out and bought a bottle! This fragrance for me is perfection during fall and winter months. Now that the weather is cooler and air crisper this fragrance's sweetness and warmth works perfectly with my chemistry. This is a sweet floral oriental and the description fits perfectly. It starts out fruity then I can smell some light florals which keep the fruit notes fresh not overly ripe or syrupy. Finally the drydown is still clean but the vanilla is beautiful and keeps the fragrance warm all along. I'm so happy that I tried this one again! The bottle is gorgeous as well. It is heavy, so I just keep it in my vanity and then use an atomizer for my purse.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Kuumba Made - Pikaki Lei
goldenjoy 5/20/2012 2:32:00 PM
Gorgeous scent. I've had this one for a while, and with most white florals, its an acquired scent for me. At first I used it by itself, and while beautiful, it was a bit sharp on me. Then I thought of blending it with a Jovan White Musk perfume oil (that i had hunted down on ebay, since it's discontinued). It's a perfect combination! I know some have referenced this oil to Child perfume and even has notes of Jennifer Aniston perfume as well. If you like those clean, beachy white florals, definitely worth a try.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Stella McCartney - Stella Eau de Parfum Roll-On
goldenjoy 5/20/2012 2:21:00 PM
This is a fantastic way to try this fragrance. I've always been on the fence about it, and finally bought the roll on since the price wasn't too high to give it a good try. Now I'm in love with this fragrance! I'm very picky with rose scents, and this one is light and fresh and then when it settles on the skin the amber gives it a softness and sweetness. Perfect balance of rose and amber where no one dominates and the whold things creates a beautiful, soft floral oriental. Now I own the 3.4oz size and it has become one of my signatures for spring.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tools -Gillette - Mach 3 Razor (Men's)
goldenjoy 9/6/2011 5:22:00 PM
This is the best razor ever! I have used this one for years. I keep trying others but go back to this one again and again. Recently I tried the venus goddess extra moisture and Mach 3 still beats it! Three blades is the perfect amount, any more and it feels like it doesn't do anything extra but irritate my skin more. The blades stay sharper and give you the closest shave. Also, it's good against curves because the way the blade pivots, so less nicks and cuts. The only thing I wish was that the handle was a little bit more durable at the junction betwwen handle and blade. Overall minor complaint though. I will never stop using this razor.
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Foundations -Maybelline - New Instant Age Rewind
goldenjoy 8/7/2011 3:27:00 AM
First the bad: though there is alot of product, the packaging sucks. I wish it had come in a tube. I end up clicking out product and then using a concealer brush to pick it up and apply to my under eye area. Aside from that, I love this concealer! I bought the brightener, thinking I would layer another concealer on top. I've been looking for a great brightener and this does not disappoint! The formula itself is light weight but with alot of pigment so it covers well. I have very dark under eye circles. I am in the light to medium skin tone and I was surprised to find I didn't need to add another concealer on top. The staying power is great. Also no creasing. Overall very pleased.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -E.L.F. - Mineral Eyeshadow
goldenjoy 3/29/2011 4:20:00 PM
I got a chance to try these when they went on sale at Target. I got the kit in the smoky colors with 2 shadows and the mineral eye brush. These shadows definitely are shimmery. So pretty though! I used a cream shadow underneath as a primer. The shadow goes on smooth and stayed on all day. The colors are gorgeous. Overall great value!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Color -L'Oreal - Superior Preference Hair Colour
goldenjoy 3/29/2011 4:06:00 PM
I have naturally soft black hair. I alternate between this and Revlon's Colorsilk. I've been dyeing my hair since I was 17 (just to experiment with changing color) I actually hardly have any grey hairs. I had used a haircolor that had turned my hair dark matte black, and I ended up stripping the color out and re dyeing it dark brown. The Revlon faded on my hair so quickly. I tried the L'oreal Preference after and it really did make a huge difference as to how long the color stayed true. The formula is kind of runny so be careful when applying. I do like the gloves that come with the box. Also the conditioner is amazing. I wish they sold it on its own. I have no problems with the smell of the haircolor at all, and I have a pretty sensitve nose. I use shade Dark Mahogany Brown from the decadent chocolates collection. It gives me a nice warm dark brown with red undertones. Overall very happy. EDITED To add: they have changed the formula I think since now it irritates my scalp :( can't use this one anymore. I would be careful if you have sensitive skin.
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Mascara -Rimmel - Lash Accelerator
goldenjoy 3/29/2011 3:52:00 PM
This for me is the best lenghtening mascara. I love the brush. It picks up the lashes and pulls them through looking longer while i apply mascara. Something about the shape of the bristles for me rally grabs and combs through my lashes. I even use this after I apply a volumizing mascara and it gives me great dramatic lashes. This mascara is not the best for volume though. It is a nice conditioning formula. I can also reapply throughout the day and it doesn't clump or get heavy. I've already repurchased.
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Hair Color -Revlon - Colorsilk
goldenjoy 3/29/2011 3:39:00 PM
I have used this haircolor for years. I usually alternate between this and L'Oreal Color Preference. Whatever is on sale wins. Anyway, my hair is naturally a soft black. I have tried Colorsilk in Black/Brown, Medium Golden Brown, and now Burgundy. I have gotten so many compliments on my hair, especially with the burgundy shade. My hair has a lot of red in it naturally, so it picked up the red easily. I will say, my hair when I'm done with this has never looked exactly like the model in the box though. Just adjusted color to my own natural haircolor. The formula itself is kind of runny, so definitely apply carefully otherwise it will be a mess. Aside from that, the formula is gentle, I've never had a bad reaction or itchy scalp/skin. The conditioner is good, it leaves my hair nice and silky. I do find this on me tends to fade quickly (especially the red) and I need to reapply about 1x/month. Overall very good product.
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Skincare - Body -The Body Shop - Exfoliating Gloves
goldenjoy 1/22/2011 4:26:00 PM
I love these gloves so much! I have used wash puffs, a natural bristle brush, all kinds of granular exfoliators, and yet nothing is as effective and easy to use as these gloves. They make soap or shower gel last so much longer, It only takes a little product to get a good lather. These gloves have just the right amount of exfoliation for me, not too rough or soft. I also have some bumps on my arm and these gloves have helped so much. I use them 2-3 times a week in the shower. Also, these are great for using with any sugar or salt scrubs, it makes it a lot less messy to use them. I have only used the body shop brand, so I'm not sure how much better the cheaper brands work. However, I'm glad to spend the extra money since these work so well for me.
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Liquid -MAC - Face and Body Foundation
goldenjoy 9/19/2010 11:25:00 PM
This foundation is tricky. First of all, I couldn't pick out the color in person, so I ordered this online trying to guess the best match for my skintone.The finish is sheer and dewey. I have oilier skin and for me it made me oilier and there wasn't enough coverage. I did do my research online to make sure I got the right shade and was aware it would be a sheer foundation. I have pretty good skin and felt I could go with a sheer coverage formula, but this was almost like a tinted moisturizer. Also the foundation just sat on my skin and took forever to dry, it felt sticky on my skin. I just wasn't wowed by this product enough to try to make it work for me. I sent it back to MAC. There's better sheer coverage foundations at the drugstore.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No