Treatments (Eye) -Kiehls - Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
maashi 8/19/2011 5:08:00 AM
If you are looking for a basic moisturising eye cream, this is pretty good. There is no detectable smell, it absorbs pretty quickly and did not sting my eyes. Keeps my eyes hydrated for the entire night (I don't use it during the day, haven't had the need to yet... I don't use eye makeup much). Price is ok, I can afford it, so I am ok with this, and don't see a reason not to repurchase, based on my requirements.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Kiehls - Line Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate
maashi 8/19/2011 5:02:00 AM
Got a 5mL sample sachet of this so thought I'd give this a go to combat my Asian undereye circles (hereditary and doing shift work having weird sleep hours). I used this 3x a week (as the product instructs to use it 2-3x per week, and I have also read about reactions in other MUA reviews), and a month later I am not seeing any difference. I am not old enough to have wrinkles yet (so I can't speak about it), but for undereye circles, this was an epic fail, so the search continues.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Toners -Unlisted Brand - Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Moisture Lotion
maashi 8/3/2011 10:12:00 PM
A ha, my first Japanese lotion/toner. This is not your typical Western toner that acts as a final cleansing step, more of a moisture booster in my opinion. Since I primarily use a light moisturizer for day and whitening creams at night, this takes care of the hydration department that I don't have in my normal creams. It is goopy, not like a water at all, but absorbs surprisingly quickly (a minute at most for me), and does not cause reactions. And a small 2cm diameter blob is plenty. I use the regular formula for my combo slightly dry skin, but I know there is a light version as well. I think applied heavily under a hot towel or Japanese compressed paper mask this would work well as a 5min hydration mask too. Highly recommended for a moisture booster. Buy at Sasa, Adambeauty, eBay, or any other Asian etailers, I think Sasa is cheapest though.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Neutrogena - Deep Clean Cleansing Oil
maashi 8/3/2011 10:00:00 PM
There is a slight smell to this, I can't pick out what it is, but it is inoffensive, maybe slightly fruity? Takes face makeup off ok, I use 1-2 pumps depending on how much makeup i have put on, performance is not so well on the eyes, and I always follow with a foaming cleanser for dirt so I can't say whether it really is one step. At least it's good to see a DS brand oil on the market... Even if it has mineral oil, which I have no trouble with and have no plans to avoid. Overall a good competitor for other Japanese DS like Kose Softymo or Kanebo Kracie Naive, but nothing stellar.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Estee Lauder - Stress Relief Eye Mask
maashi 7/10/2011 6:31:00 AM
I agree with most of the other reviewers below, the plumping effect is temporary and it doesn't do much for dark circles. As a temporary mask to use prior to applying eye makeup, I think it does a good job, but there are much cheaper Japanese eye masks that will probably do a similar duty for half the price. The cut is good and fits my eye area quite well, and there is plenty of essence to use on my eyelid as well, but I am not sure if there is enough in the mask to warrant the price.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Yes To Carrots - Yes To Cucumbers Completely Cool Body Butter
maashi 6/26/2011 9:52:00 AM
This is quite possibly the worst body cream I tried. I have no problem with the scent and price (hence the single lippie... I'd give it zero if I could!!) but it sits on my skin, does not absorb, and leaves a whole lot of grease, I especially notice it on the insides of my elbows. Urgh. I don't feel moisturised at all. There are other products at this price point or slightly more expensive that will do a better job.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Origins - Ginger Rush
maashi 6/26/2011 9:48:00 AM
The star performance of this, for me, was using it after shower, it held in the moisture so well that I for once, had non-snakeskin legs for 12 hours. I love the ginger smell, so the fragrance is right up my alley, and the fragrance does fade so it won't interfere with my perfumes. (unlike, say, Laura Mercier creme brulee.... that stuff sticks around) It is moisturising, non-greasy, which is most important, so I love it, and the only reason I won't buy it all the time is due to price... I use so much body lotion that if I used this as a staple I'll probably have no money left!! But if your financial situation allows, and you like the smell of ginger, go for it.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Laura Mercier - Undercover
maashi 6/26/2011 9:45:00 AM
There are tricks to using this product!! The left (hard) side needs to be picked up with a stiff concealer brush, put on your blemish, then using your fingers pat, warm and blend. It is highly covering and great for pimples and scars. The right side is easier to deal with - it is easy to spread for undereye circles, good to work with and doesn't crease too easily. I am happy with this, once I worked out how to use it. The hard side is perhaps a little dark for my skin (I have UC-5 and I am NC35), so blending and setting with powder is important. Next time it goes on sale on Strawberrynet i may pick up UC-4 (if still available) to see if it suits me better. I gave this 4 lippies because the application method makes it a slightly lengthier process to apply, not as easy as a touch up stick, for instance. The key is to find the right way to make the product work - just remember, DON'T try to pick up the left side with your fingers....
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -OPI - Avoplex
maashi 6/26/2011 9:37:00 AM
This is my favourite hand cream - great scent, non greasy, fairly moisturising (I have very dry hands that love to flake off near the nail, my partner calls them skin flicks?? not sure what is the name for this). I haven't found a hand cream that will cure the flicks (please let me know if you have one!!), but comparing to other hand creams, this works well and is not greasy, which is already good. I can't comment on its benefits to nails, since my nails are pretty healthy, but anyway apart from price this really is a decent cream.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics - Lip Tar - Strumpet
maashi 6/26/2011 9:31:00 AM
I have this in Trollop as well (see my review on it), this is a bright purplish red, I'd describe as fairly close to magenta I think. It does pull purple on me which was what I wanted, and a little goes a long way. I don't think this is drying on me, but I always use lip balm under lipstick, so I am not one to judge. Packaging could be better I think... I guess that's why they recommend using their mixing pots. Definitely use a lip brush. I'd be keen to try some of their other colours.... and since a little goes a long way, I think it is value for money. I don't see anyone finish this unless if they're artists, even then you'd have to constantly reach for this colour to use it up!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics - Lip Tar - Trollop
maashi 6/26/2011 9:27:00 AM
I think I'll call this a watermelon pink? It is definitely a warm pink, but nowhere near as far as coral (that would be Grandma I think). It is very bright - I couldn't wear this to work - but it is definitely a great statement colour. A little does go a long way and you will need to use a lip brush to apply this. This stuff is definitely very pigmented and because of the pigment level, it does last a long time and leaves a stain behind even after 6 hrs for me. The finish is satin I'd say, no glitter or shimmer which I really like. I think there could be better ways to package the stuff, hence 1 lippie off, but otherwise it is a great product if you want high pigment, long lasting liquid lip stick.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Bobbi Brown - Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color SPF 12 - Soft Coral
maashi 6/26/2011 8:58:00 AM
Non drying, creamy, great colour payoff, wonderful for warm toned ladies. Nice matte packaging (does not leave fingerprints and not too prone to scratching), formula feels good on the lips, good if you want a coral orange that is work friendly and not like a disco ball. Note this colour is also similar to the BB Treatment Lip Shine in Tangerine, but the colour is more opaque. (for something brighter, try MAC Vegas Volt or Tom Ford True Coral) Well worth purchasing, and I am keen to try other colours. For ref I am an Asian NC35.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Tom Ford - Private Blend in True Coral
maashi 3/18/2011 4:10:00 AM
O. M. G. The packaging is to DIE for. Weighty white with gold trim square case, I swear I'd just flash this in the bathroom purely to show off. The white doesn't leave fingerprints either which is good. The product itself is a very, very pigmented coral and it lasts and lasts. Seriously. Don't wear white clothes with it, in case you have an accident, cos it is BAM! Very bright. If you don't want to freak everyone out, it is possible to sheer it out a bit or blot to give a less bold look. It is also not the most moisturising lipstick on the planet, so do you homework and prep your lips. But if you chase satiny/semi matte lipsticks, want something bold, and want to splurge, get this. I don't know if I can bring myself to buy another one, but for what I got, I am totally blown away. For reference I am asian NC35.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Illamasqua - Lover
maashi 3/18/2011 4:05:00 AM
Great apricot/peach shade suitable for warm skin tones to brighten your complexion. Powder is extremely finely milled - though when I put the brush on it, some powder is kicked around/comes loose. Long lasting, though it seems to fade a little unevenly when it does do so on me. Highly pigmented The packaging is a bit bulky for my liking, and is a funny shape to store, hence the lippie off, otherwise I am pretty happy with it.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Lancome - Dual Finish Versatile Powder Makeup
maashi 3/18/2011 3:59:00 AM
This is my first powder pact (have always been a liquid fdtn person). I am blown away by the finish. I use this dry with the included sponge, and man I don't think I even need to bother with setting powder. The finish is matte but not made up. Coverage is medium, I hear that used wet it becomes high coverage, though I have had no need to try it. It is long lasting too, though I always prime so I can't speak for its own abilities. It is also pretty good at hiding pores. The pact is quite large and a little lasts a long way, so I am definitely a happy repurchaser and will continue to use for days when I want medium coverage. (Note Matte Amande III is a good match for me, I am NC35.)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No