Fragrances -Creed - Fleurissimo
kaelipup 3/24/2011 2:16:00 PM
LOVE Fleurissimo (and Creed)! I won't go into the details on the fragrance itself, as many others here have noted the flowers, etc. present. It's a wonderful, sophisticated and yet light scent. I've never smelled anything quite like it. I've worn it for years. When I got pregnant, I got really weird about some of the chemicals present in perfumes. I quit wearing perfume while pregnant, but now am venturing back in....I called Creed to find out if their perfumes contained phthalates. Not really expecting a call back, since most companies claim "trade secret" and won't tell you if they use them or not, I was surprised when I got a call back the same day from their rep in the U.S., who assured me that they do not use phthalates in their fragrances, and are committed to using natural products whenever possible. I love this perfume, and this company, even more now!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -L'Oreal - Waterproof Voluminous Carbon Black
kaelipup 1/18/2011 10:18:00 PM
I agree with other posters that this stuff smudges horribly. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara (Waterproof) in black is my HG mascara. I was excited to try this for the extra impact, but it's awful! The brush is good - the same as regular Voluminous mascara, but the product is not.
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Profumi del Forte - Vittoria Apuana
kaelipup 5/18/2010 6:39:00 PM
Incredible tropical scent! One of my HGs. Warm, soft, coconut and creamy tiare is what I notice most about this, although the banana comes through (very subtly). I don't pick up the citrus notes as much. Not as musky/sharp as Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche. It's like the most elegant coconut sunscreen scent imaginable! LOVE!!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -The Body Shop - Body Butter Shea
kaelipup 11/30/2009 1:27:00 PM
This stuff is incredible - thick and intensely moisturizing without being greasy. And I LOVE the way it smells. I would love to see it in a tube packaging rather than the pot - would be easier to get into in some ways, but that's small potatoes. This is a staple for me.
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Fragrances -Prada - Infusion de Fleur d'Oranger Eau de Pafum Spray
kaelipup 7/10/2009 5:24:00 PM
Oh, no no no. This smells exactly like Sebastian Shaper hair spray! Terrible! The Infusion d'Iris is wonderful - a light, green, powdery heaven. No comparison between these siblings.
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Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Rodin - Olio Lusso
kaelipup 6/9/2009 6:57:00 PM
Yes, this stuff is expensive, and yes, it has a very strong, heady floral scent when you first apply it, but is it wonderful. I have been a long-time Creme de la Mer user, and always thought it did a great job soothing my bizarre, dry in places, oily in others and sensitive-all-over skin. This stuff is even better. I occasionally have breakouts of perioral dermatitis (itchy red hormone-related bumps around my nose, mouth and chin) and sometimes get a blemish or two. After a week of using this, my skin has cleared up and looks better than ever - smooth, glowing and healthy. I like the fact that it is made from natural oils rather than chemicals (although I still think La Mer is an incredible moisturizer). It doesn't claim to have any special anti-aging properties or purport to be the latest "facelift in a bottle!" - it's simply a wonderful, deep, nourishing moisturizer that calms cranky skin. The sent is hard to describe - starts out a rich, earthy tropical white flower scent (that's the Jasmine) that could be off-putting to some (indeed, it obviously is from the reviews here) but it fades very quickly. Highly recommend.
7 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -Laura Mercier - Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - Oil Free
kaelipup 3/23/2009 2:35:00 PM
This is a great TM - the best I've tried. Light coverage that looks luminous. I use Nude and mix it with LM illuminating TM in Bare Radiance - my HG foundation combination! No breakouts, no color changes/oxidation, smooth coverage that stays on and doesn't settle into pores, and a non-greasy feeling (which is amazing when it comes to products containing sunscreen, in my humble opinion...). I apply with my hands and then brush lightly with a foundation brush to smooth it out.
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Skincare - Body -Estee Lauder - Bronze Goddess Body Oil Spray
kaelipup 2/23/2009 6:03:00 PM
Oh. my. god. I am absolutely, positively in love with this fragrance. I like the oil formulation the best - it's a creamier version than the eau fraiche, but I just purchased all three products (eau fraiche, lotion, oil) because I want to layer. This is a warm smelling fragrance (think sun!) - I think it's the coconut milk and musk notes, but absolutely not overbearing or heavy. It's lightened by the citrus/floral top notes. And thank goodness, no "water" smell to it at all. I much prefer this to Tom Ford's Azure Soleil. Really, a summer scent that can be worn year-round.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Unlisted Brand - Body Drench Lotion
kaelipup 10/21/2008 4:52:00 PM
I have been using this lotion for years as my primary body lotion. Can use on face in a pinch too. Light fresh baby-powdery scent that softens to almost nonexistence over course of day. A lighter but incredibly hydrating lotion. I would compare it to Alba Botanica's lotion in weight/feel, but it has better staying power. Non-irritating for sensitive skin.
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Cleansers -Shu Uemura - High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Fresh
kaelipup 8/14/2008 12:07:00 PM
I am really surprised at the negative reviews on these oils! I just bought the Fresh oil, and have really been pleased. I have sensitive skin that is oily in the t-zone and can be dry on my cheeks, and this stuff works wonders! It will take off your make-up, then when mixed with water, rinses off clean leaving your skin soft and not tight at all - just feeling balanced. When I say I have sensitive skin, I really mean it, and many products sting - this one must be pretty gentle, as I've had no problems with it at all. Highly recommend. UPDATE: 10/21/2008 - I think this stuff is really incredible. Have been using now for awhile and my skin actually looks smoother and has had fewer breakouts.
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Moisturizers -Mario Badescu - Seaweed Night Cream
kaelipup 2/7/2008 7:30:00 PM
I wanted to like this project, as I am currently using La Mer and this is 80% cheaper ($20 vs. $110 or so) for the same amount. It is a light, whipped cream that has a slightly shimmery light green color and a noticeable, flowery-clean scent. For being oil free, it felt rather oily on my skin, but I understand that might be the hyaluronic acid in it (which, incidentally is found naturally in our bodies and, in stronger forms, is apparently Restylane). Bottom line is, it stung. I have veeeery sensitive skin (Cetaphil, Boscia or La Mer are all I have been able to use on my face and eyes day or night). I love the fact that it's ingredients list is short and it contains no oils. Other products by Badescu (including the Glycolic cleanser) I really like. In short, I'd advise folks to try a sample before purchase.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Exuviance - Skin Healthy Home Resurfacing Peel System
kaelipup 2/7/2008 7:11:00 PM
I agree with other reviewers that this is by far the best over-the-counter home peel kit out there. Slight tingling sensation when you apply (it's a saturated, individually-packaged pad), leave it on for 5 min or so, spray with the neutralizer, cleanse with the exuviance cleansing gel, and wake up the next morning with noticeably smoother skin. Helps esp. with blocked pores. I use this to help with the little bumps, and then use Duac & Differin on a daily basis to keep larger problems at bay.
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Cleansers -Exuviance - Purifying Cleansing Gel
kaelipup 2/7/2008 6:52:00 PM
This is a good basic cleanser. Good for combo to oily skin. Gentle overall I'd say, but can be a little drying in the winter. Light green-apple/fruit smell. I have extremely picky/sensitive skin and this is my go-to cleanser. Doesn't remove eye makeup well (but I wear waterproof liner and mascara...)
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Fragrances -Bulgari - Omnia
kaelipup 1/21/2008 1:16:00 PM
This is a lighter, spicey scent that sweetens a little bit on drydown for me. It would be a good day scent for those who like spicey/oriental notes in a perfume. Doesn't stay on well and if you like a stronger scent will likely need to reapply throughout the day.
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Liquid -NARS - Oilfree foundation
kaelipup 1/21/2008 1:09:00 PM
This has become my go-to foundation. I use the yellow-based Budapest and it helps even out the redness in my skin (which is seriously high-maintenance--oily t-zone, dry cheeks and breakout prone). I mix it with an equal amount of Boscia oil-free moisturizer and apply with my hands. Great, sheer coverage that makes my skin look healthy and glow. I follow up with a little T. LeClerc loose powder in "Banane" on my t-zone and am ready to go!
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