Liquid -Estee Lauder - Invisible Fluid Makeup
hopflower 3/23/2013 9:14:00 PM
After trying this product several times I decided to break down and get it. I needed a base to cover redness and not be too thick or drying. I have drier skin now at my age, and need to keep it moisturized without adding too much grease. Foundations should not be relied upon for moisture, but some can be very drying. It is important to prepare skin adequately before the application of any foundation; and also year round as needed. A regular program consisting of cleansing, a serum or toner, and the correct moisturizer is important to help the foundation as well as your skin to look and perform its best. Invisible Fluid Foundation is not a base to correct anything; and it is best used on skin that has been well cared for and is not too problematic. If you have good skin, and basically want some protection and perhaps wish to even out colour and tone, it will be a good foundation for you. Should you need a corrective base, or a complete full coverage look, you will need to look elsewhere. I think of IFM as being a complement to great skin. It will cover more than a tinted moisturizer, and somewhat less than a regular foundation; although you can layer it on a second time to cover a bit more. As to the question of why use it if you have good skin already; the answer is to enhance a good skin even more, protect it from the elements, and add a bit of polish to the complexion. It is lightweight and there is a wide choice of shades to choose from. They will suit most people, and even though not a perfect match, is not intended to be a perfect covering base as mentioned before. It can be applied to certain areas to even out redness, or to cover the odd blemish or uneven skintone, and still look natural. It lasts a decent amount of time (although not like the new all-day type foundations). It is dewy in nature, and must be shaken 15 times before application. It blends seamlessly and is a delightful concoction with no offensive smell or oiliness. It is one of the best new makeups out there.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Bare Escentuals - Flawless Definition Curl & Lengthen
hopflower 2/24/2013 3:55:00 PM
What a surprise! I had heard of this mascara but have worn Chanel's for many years. No matter what they came out with, I found one that worked; starting with Instant Lash many years ago. Recently I have been wearing Inimitable and found it wonderful; but I have never been happy with the cost. For almost half the price I can get BE's lovely Flawless Definition Curl and Lengthen; and yes, it does both. I have blonde roots to my light brown lashes and must wear something. I also wore black for years, but have changed to the Espresso colour in this. It is a beautiful brown and looks very natural as well as somewhat dressy. Perhaps because it is not as harsh looking. It curls lashes that don't curl well; adds definition, and makes my eyes look awake! There are no problems with smudging, and there are no flakes to contend with. I like this mascara as well as Inimitable, and will also try the volumizing one.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Clarins - Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate
hopflower 2/2/2013 5:50:00 PM
This is an updated version of Double Serum Generation 6. The old version was a two- sided pump system where you constantly had to try to balance the hydra side with the lipid (oil) side. This resulted in very uneven results. Now, the formula is housed in a modern container with one pump that dispenses both serums into your hand at once. It is much easier to use, and also seems to be a much improved formula over the old one. It is a rich amalgamation of oils and waters that hydrate, comfort, nourish, and improve the skin. It is important to use the product correctly: one treatment per day, preferably either in the morning or the evening is all that is needed. Some people do use it twice per day after each cleansing, and before their moisturiser. If you are very dry skinned it might call for two applications per day. I find one works wonders. This winter has been very cold and my skin is quite dry. It seemed that nothing could get rid of that tight and uncomfortable feeling after I washed in the morning, and I thought I might have to change to a richer cream. I walked by my Clarins counter and tried this one week; returning the next week to find the SA out, so tried it again from the sample bottle. I am in love and am so glad I found it! I warm it in my hands first and then press it in to the skin. After leaving it for a couple of minutes, you can apply your moisturiser. It is very pleasant to use; not heavily perfumed, and sinks in quickly. My skin is much more hydrated when used with a moisturiser than when using only the moisturiser by itself. It seems to be clearer and more glowing as well. Clarins has always been a great brand for me; and it seems it still is! It runs $85 U.S. , but when broken down that is a little over $7.00 per month for a year: not a bad investment when the health and look of your skin is at stake!
7 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Clarins - Wonder Perfect mascara
hopflower 6/20/2012 11:15:00 PM
I tried some of this on at a local Clarins counter with a trial mascara wand and the formula was lovely. I applied black (01) to one eye, and to the other eye I applied the brown (02). There was a subtle difference, of course. Either one would have suited me. I thought the black looked better, so went out the door with a brand new tube of the Black Wonder Perfect Mascara. It did not budge all day. No flaking,weeping, smudging, or fading. It separated, defined, and filled out my lashes beautifully. I normally wear Chanel's Inimitable and still would swear by it, but it is getting way too expensive for my pocketbook, as it is upward of $33.00 now. Too much, in my opinion, for a mascara. The Clarins sold for $24.00 and while still high-end, I can at least justify that is it not a cheap, watery blend of goo that I would normally end up with from a drug store. I tend to drag the use of mascara out from the recommended three months to about 8 months, so I feel that this is worth it. I can never find one ( a drugstore brand) that works on me although I know that many are luckier in this regard. I think it is hard to find a good mascara anyway. It is easy to remove at night, does not drag during application, and is not a thin or watery formula. It is just thick enough, and all of my lashes are defined and thickened and somewhat lengthened in one coat; although I like two coats better. No stuck-together spidery lashes; only soft, full and thickened lashes that almost looked amended with extensions; without the terrible price! The colour is a good, rich, deep black; the brown was true and rich as well. Clarins also makes a dark blue one in this formula. I tend not to go for coloured mascara, but it would suit some people, perhaps with green eyes. I have worn navy mascara before, but I feel that the black or dark brown makes my dark blue eyes even bluer. Well worth it for the price, I would highly recommend Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara in any colour that you fancy.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Liners -Laura Mercier - Lip pencil in Potpourri
hopflower 1/18/2012 12:46:00 PM
Another winner from Laura Mercier. I needed a lipliner that was a bit pinker than the Chanel natural one I usually use. This fits the bill perfectly. It is a rosy pink, not too light, nor is it screaming, shocking pink. Just a soft, medium rosy pink; perfect with my Audrey lipstick and any neutral lipstick I might want to wear to add a bit more colour. I like it, and it is a breeze to apply. No tugging, no rough edges, nor is it so creamy that it melts right off. It does, in fact, have great staying power; often after the lipstick has worn off I have a gentle ring of colour left. It looks great worn on its own (filling the lip with the colour) if desired, although it is a little matte and you might want a gloss over it for hydration and shine.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Laura Mercier - Petite Eye Colour Trio
hopflower 1/16/2012 11:19:00 PM
While I would buy this product again, I won't be able to soon. The local store sent their palettes back, but this is still available online. The little palette of three eyeshadow colours came in three versions: Smoky Neutrals (which I bought); Smoky Taupes, and Smoky Mauves. These are limited edition palettes for the Holiday season of 2011 and retail for $25.00, which is a perfect price for these little gems. It is good value for the cost, and makes a great gift for oneself or for someone else. The little rectangular compact fits right in your handbag or cosmetics bag easily. The Smoky Neutrals palette contains Coffee Ground (matte), Bamboo (luster) and Stellar (sateen) shades. They are small, round pans in a rectangular compact and will seem to last awhile as they are heavily pigmented. They are quality colours and formula. I can imagine getting all three in their full-sized versions when this compact runs out. All three shades are wonderful for a neutral and daytime make up, and last all day when on. I never have to touch up. I use the Stellar in the inner corner of the eye, Bamboo as the main colour on the lid, and the Coffee Grounds on the outer corners and along the lash line. These are the perfect combination without being too cool or too warm. The other two palettes: Smoky Taupes: Twilight Grey, a blue-grey purple (matte), Sable, a cool taupe(sateen) and Mica (luster) Smoky Mauves: Kir Royal, an aubergine shade (sateen), Wisteria (luster) and Sparkling Dew, a pale pink hue (sateen) Go get one in the shades you like- before they are all gone!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Loose Powders -Laura Mercier - translucent loose powder
hopflower 1/16/2012 10:42:00 PM
I received this as a sample gift when I bought another product. It's quite surprising: I can use it with no problems. I have rather dryish skin now, or at least in parts. At my age some people are quite dry, but I have a somewhat oily T-zone and can still stand a bit of powder but don't like to emphasizes any fine lines. This works a treat: I pat it on after shaking some powder out of the little can, and then rub my hands together, This disperses the powder and blends it in better when I apply it to my nose and forehead. No globs, streaks, or cakiness this way. You only need a touch to set your foundation, and it goes right in immediately. A puff or brush tends to apply too much. Rub it into the skin lightly, and you're all finished! The only downside is the price-a bit on the expensive side, but then I guess quality is worth it.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Laura Mercier - Audrey
hopflower 1/16/2012 10:29:00 PM
I just got this lovely warm rose-pink colour a few days ago. I have been a fan of her lipstick for awhile now, but no one ever told me about Audrey, until last weekend. An LM artist came by the local counter and when I admired her lipstick colour, she offered to try it on me. She had been wearing the new Raspberry Sorbet colour, and it looked beautiful on her. I tried it, and it was not quite the thing for me. That is when she told me about Audrey. When I put it on, I was amazed at the shine and hydration and the gorgeousness of it. If they ever discontinue it, I hope I have plenty of warning: I will buy every last one the shop has, if I have to! Audrey looked on me the way the Raspberry Sorbet looked on her. It was just wonderful and lit my complexion right up. It feels great on, too. It has a creamy feel and look; no shimmer or frost, just a cream colour with lots of punch--whoever said it was for fair people was quite correct; it is perfect. If I could only buy one shade of lipstick again, it would be Audrey. Highly recommended.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Clarins - Super Restorative Serum
hopflower 11/9/2011 12:12:00 PM
As a long time user of Clarins all I can say is that this is the best serum of any type I have ever used. I am in the Restorative line for women in their fifties, and use the Vital Light Day and Night creams; as well as the Restorative Day Cream without SPF, which I use alternately. The creams are the best; but with the added serum underneath I am really getting the full benefit and treatment of moisture. You use a portion the size of a small hazelnut (without the shell) all over your face, and then apply your moisturizing cream. I tend to use mine at night when sleeping, as the benefits are greater then. Your skin is at work repairing and feeding skin. The only downside is the price. It is very expensive and you don't get a lot. But saving for it is not hard, and you get probably three to four months' worth of product, depending upon how you use it. Twice a day would use it up faster, of course. I have been known to use it more often as I feel my skin needs it, but always at night. It has a heavenly scent which dissipates soon after application. Highly recommended.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Chanel - Perfection Lumiere
hopflower 10/3/2011 3:16:00 PM
I like this foundation, I liked this foundation. But it is not for me. Here is why: I am getting a bit drier now in my older years, and had to moisturize very well as it felt rather tight on my skin. It dried to a nice finish and covered well; but I felt dry even with a heavier moisturizer. It is supposed to be for all skin types, and I think it is; but you must get used to the fact that when you first put it on it can feel dry. You also have to move fast to apply it. It seems to dry quickly. The colour did oxidize on me slightly. I saw it getting pinker, and it was not the right match for me. But I had read from many others that you might need to go a shade lighter if this happens to you. When I did this, it was a lot better match. I liked the Vitalumiere Aqua better than this one. I am beginning to think that the long-wearing foundations are not for me. To sum up: Nice finish, covers well or at least enough; and it looks lovely on; but it does seem drying and does oxidize on some people. Be sure to get a sample, and maybe two, to see what suits you before you buy.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Laura Mercier - Desert Rose
hopflower 8/20/2011 10:22:00 PM
Being a Laura Mercier fan, I was out of town for a day and strolled into a local Nordstrom's to see the new Canyon Collection for Autumn 2011. The new colours were all enticingly on display and I could not resist the Lip Glaces. I was immediately attracted to Desert Rose, which the sales assistant agreed would be the one for me. My lips are somewhat pigmented; although not dark, they do have colour. I never tended to go toward lip glosses and usually prefer lipstick anytime. These shades were so pretty I could not resist trying the Desert Rose on and it looks so polished and pretty I ended up getting one. It is subtle in colour, and more opaque than the Baby, Beige, Bare, Naked, and Blush shades which are also new. Desert Rose adds a bit of polished colour, but shines with a glow instead of a sparkle. I was advised that people with pigmented lips do not do well with the bare shades as they can appear too sparkly and don't enhance the complexion or look at all, because all you see is glitter! This made sense to me. I did try on some of the sheerer shades, but they were not as successful as the more opaque ones, which are still light and glossy but not frosty-looking. Frosty shades tend to make my lips look chapped; a not at all attractive look. Desert Rose adds a touch of desired colour, and a beautiful glowy shine. After I tried it on I had a little lunch, and it lasted reasonably well even throughout. It has a pleasant taste and smell that some describe as cupcakes or cotton candy. Of course it tends to come off on cups and glasses, but I must say I was impressed with how long a full application lasts. You are not reapplying every three minutes; on me it lasted at least two hours without touch up. Lip Glacé hydrates and protects lips, leaving a wonderfully smooth surface. The formula plumps and conditions your lips, adding a polished touch without looking too heavy. They are not sticky or tacky, which is one reason I always tended to shy away from gloss. Most tend to be too goopy and heavy. They are 0.16 ounces which is really plenty in a tube for the price. There is a doefoot applicator, and the shade is on display in a transparent tube. There is a large selection for colours and shine, shimmer, or glow and they range from pale beige to brick red. I am sure there is a shade for everyone; and probably several. I plan to add more glaces to my makeup wardrobe.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Laura Mercier - Eye Basics in Flax
hopflower 8/20/2011 9:44:00 PM
Flax is one of my favourite Laura Mercier Eye Basics. It is a light pearly beige, and adds a subtle sheen and polish to an otherwise unmade up eye. You don't need much else except for mascara and a touch of liner if you like it. I tend to have oily eyelids, and it is the best at staying on a long time without creasing and as a base for other shadows if needed. The Eye Basics last a longtime, too. I have had one of them for over a year and still have a lot left.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Clarins - Vital Light Day
hopflower 4/27/2011 11:20:00 AM
I too received a sample (very generous) of this cream. I loved it, as I was introduced to the Night Cream in the same line and have been using it for the last couple of weeks or so. This is no disappointment to me, either. It is very comfortable on and not at all greasy. It is more suited I think to a mature skin like mine than to a very much younger person's who, unless terribly dry, would not need it. The fragrance is lovely and refreshing; not cloying or heavy. It fades fairly quickly, anyhow. I took one point off for the expense, however. I just wish it were not so expensive. When used in conjunction with the night cream, it is supposed to refresh and make the skin's luminosity be restored through new ingredients that make the change from within. When I have used it for about six weeks, I will update and let you know if this has happened. In the meantime, it is certainly comfortable on, and I would not so far be without it! Update: It is much later than six weeks since I used this cream---I still use it, and I still love it. It will not be quite hydrating enough for winter, however. But for an everyday spring through autumn cream, it remains one of the best.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Clarins - Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed for Normal or Combination Skin
hopflower 4/22/2011 9:08:00 PM
A very good cleanser for combination skin. I have a little oil even at my age, and my skin feels thoroughly clean after using it. It takes off makeup quite well, although I do not wear a lot. It is not recommended to remove eye makeup with it, or get it into your eyes. Stick to a formulated eye make up remover for the eye area. After I wash it off well, I tone and apply a day or night moisturizer as required, and my skin feels very comfortable. I would certainly buy it again, and first got a sample from a Clarins counter; which lasted a good week to ten days. The full-sized tube was $21 and will last for months. You do not need a lot (about the size of a small pea) for the whole face. Highly recommended, but get a sample first and see what you think.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Clarins - Vital Light Night Cream
hopflower 3/31/2011 12:41:00 AM
When Clarins came out with their Vital Light line I was intrigued. It was given to me as a sample first, in the Vital Light Day version. I tried it for a week and really enjoyed using it. It seemed to smooth skin, reduce redness, hydrate, and had a light pleasant scent. I was using Restorative Cream for mature skins at night. This proved to be a little too rich for me; and the scent was a bit cloying as well. I decided it was not for me, even though I have used Clarins products for years with few returns during that time. Still, not every product suits everyone in the best of lines, of which I can certainly count Clarins. I needed a night cream as I did not have a suitable one, so remembering the experience with the Vital Light Day cream, asked about the Vital Light Night Cream for All Skin Types. These are also called Capital Lumiere Creams in French, which is beautiful name. There is a richer one which is called a comfort cream for dry skin; but I don't need anything too heavy. The Night Cream is a peach hued whipped cream delight of a treatment. It is light and melts into the skin, without being greasy or heavy. The fragrance dispels fairly quickly, although it is pleasant on. This cream is supposed to be the newest in skin care, promising to be anti-aging and helping to boost microcirculation to ensure that you wake to a healthy-looking and revitalized complexion. It refreshes and rebuilds collagen while you sleep; and works with the Day Cream to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and to restore luminosity from within. This is quite a claim, but I think it might be on the right track; since using these creams I have noticed a plumpness, a luminosity, and glow that I don't think I had before. While there are no miracle creams, some are better than others and with these two, Clarins does not disappoint. I think I picked a couple of winners here. If you are dealing with mature skin, they might work for you as well, as there are two formulas for each cream. While very pricey, they are supposed to last for 18 months upon opening, which is a good long time to get your skin in top shape! I would say, definitely, that they are worth it.
13 out of 13 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No