Lotions/ Creams -Bliss Labs - Lemon & Sage Body Butter
marisolantela 3/1/2013 10:18:00 AM
I'm really thrilled for finally having the chance of trying this product, and getting to know what all the fuss on beauty blogs was about. It took me a bit of time to find a good opportunity for purchasing it - the price is a bit high - but recently I've discovered an exclusive promotion at an online store that included a small tube (50 ml.) of this body butter. The texture was a good surprise: since it is called a "butter", I was expecting something more thick and hard to spread. Instead, its consistency resembles a lotion, without compromising on the amount of moist, which is remarkable for such a lightweight cream. The scent is very pleasant too, not at all predictable. Most of the citrusy and fruity fragrances tend to smell too artificial (like lemon candy instead of fresh lemons), however this one is a fine exception to the rule. It is light, delightful and reminds me of my mum's lemon pies made with freshly squeezed lemons - sweet yet subtle and comforting. It absorbs very quickly and the smell is not overpowering, so it won't clash with your fragrance like some moisturizers do. Now, the veredict: is it worth the money? Considering that the big tube costs more than 10 euros, I don't think so. Although it is being a pleasant experience, I'm happy that I had the chance of trying a small and cheap sample first. You can find products with this quality for a much lower price in your local drugstore and probably regret the money you spent for this pretty average performance.
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Liquid -Bourjois - Healthy Mix Foundation ] [DISCONTINUED]
marisolantela 2/27/2013 7:26:00 PM
If you aim for a medium coverage, semi-matte, oil-free and radiance-enhancing foundation, your quest is over: this is the one. I must confess that at first I was a bit worried that my usual oil-free requirement was not mentioned, but there was no reason for it - works just as fine (or even better!) as all the explicitly oil-free foundations I've used so far. Its consistency is not overly thick, nor too runny, but more like a balance of both which I find particularly suitable for combination skin, as it would make the dry parts look more moisturized without accentuating too much the dewiness of the shiny area (typically, your t-zone). My skin is overall oily, not combination, but Healthy Mix is doing a great job with it too. I'm happy that I bought it in wintertime, since it provides a little more moist that has been very helpful with the cold weather by boosting the skin's radiance in a very natural way, not at all cakey. It is very easy to spread, glides gently with the brush and blends in very quickly. Another bonus is the freshly awaken look it leaves after you put it on, so beautiful that sometimes I don't even feel the urge of putting on some concealer. Of course, I never skip loose powdering my face to help the make up to set, but that's how oily skin works. All summed up and presented in a clever and hygienic container (a plastic pump bottle) equals one of the best purchases I've ever made. Worth every penny.
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BB Cream -Rimmel - BB Cream Beauty Balm 9 in 1 Skin Perfecting Super Makeup
marisolantela 2/27/2013 6:52:00 PM
This is the first time ever that I consider a foundation to be overly matte for my skin. Let me explain it: my complexion is so oily that my main concern with make up is typically to conceal the shine excess and dewy look. Thus, the key-moment on my everyday make up routine is setting it with powder and make it look as natural as possible. Well, this product changed my mind - there is such thing as too matte for me. Despite its good coverage, suitable shade (I use the lighter color, which is not too pale, perfect for my slightly golden skin tone) and handy presentation (a plastic tube that allows a good control of the amount of product you wish to spend), its oil-free formulation is so thick that I have a hard time to blend it in. And by hard time I mean spending more than just a few minutes before the cakey strikes vanish and it starts to look more like my own skin. I've tried applying it with the classic flat foundation brush and as well as with a more light stippling brush, but the problem remained. The only way I found to make it easier to spread is by mixing it with a small amount of liquid highlighting primer (my current favorite is Catrice's Prime and Fine) on the back of my hand using the foundation brush. This makes it a little less lackluster and so much easier to put on, and also with a better balance between unified color and subtle radiance. Still, I can't help thinking that there's a long way to go before it is a well-designed universal tinted moisturizer. I'm not unhappy with the purchase and I have learned to adapt it to my routine, but probably won't buy it again. If the main purpose of BB Creams is to save time every morning by skipping steps, this one does not fulfill that promise. However, it would be unfair to consider it a bad product - for an inexpensive drugstore foundation it behaves quite decently on the long run.
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Concealers -Maybelline - Fit Me
marisolantela 2/21/2013 5:56:00 AM
It was on discount in my local department store, so I decided to give it a chance and see what all the fuss was about. First of all, good packaging choice: the sponge applicator is way more hygienic than the pots in which you have to rub you finger over and over again. It works better this way, since you can also have a better control of the amount of product you are using. The texture is very lightweight, maybe not the better choice if you have very deep dark circles, but with the advantage of being easily blended and not getting clogged over your fine lines. The available shade spectrum is also very versatile, covering skin tones from the palest to the darkest, which is a refreshing novelty in the drugstore cosmetic market, typically very limited on this concern. Thus, though it is far from being the best concealer I've tried, it is undoubtedly among the better ones you can find in supermarkets and drugstores, and a very good value for the price. Way to go, Maybelline!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Caudalie - Huile Divine
marisolantela 2/21/2013 5:39:00 AM
There are only good things to tell about this product, a true cosmetic gem. Since I have an oily complexion from my early teens, I tend to be very careful with oil remedies and fear that the mere act of applying them to body parts other than my face would leave my hands too greasy - which would end up putting that extra grease on my face and increasing the sebum production. Well, if you have these kind of issues, don't worry: this is truly a dry oil, so quickly absorbed by your skin (even your hand's skin!) that you don't have to worry about rinsing your hands after applying it. Plus, the fragrance is so delicious (a summery rose-argan blend, very exotic and sophisticated) that I doubt that you'd want to get rid of it! It is also very versatile, so I find it a real smart buy considering the multiple functions it can have: a body moisturizer, a face oil for dry complexions and an express treatment for hair with split ends. Lately I have been using it mostly for hair care, since it is deeply nourishing and very lightweight, and also because the 50 ml. will end really quickly if you use it for hydrating your body, but I'm pretty sure it does a great job in either of these purposes. Last but not the least, the presentation - a classy bottle in an amber shade, with a spray applicator and topped with a wooden lid. So beautiful that instead of keeping it in the usual bathroom cabinet, most of the times I want to show it up on the counter, next to the fragrances. Thus, the only thing I regret about Huile Divine is that it is only sold in one size. If Caudalie ever decided to release a jumbo bottle of this product, I would surely run to the stores to buy it.
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Scrubs -Caudalie - Crushed Cabernet Scrub
marisolantela 2/4/2013 3:08:00 PM
This scrub is an almost literal translation for my idea of gourmet skincare products. Not only it smells deliciously (a rich blend of essential oils with citrusy-floral notes) and the texture is a true delight (grainy yet not at all harsh - like a fruit puree), but it does make your skin silky soft and beautifully bright. Unfortunately, I only own the small size that comes with the Huile Divine gift set and save it for very special occasions. However, I'm seriously thinking on buying the actual product that has the extra value of coming in a fancy jar container. It is definitely pricey, but no more than an actual spa treatment. And we all deserve a treat sometimes, don't we?
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Conditioner -TRESemme - Split Remedy Conditioner
marisolantela 1/19/2013 4:48:00 PM
I got this conditioner for free at a beauty event in a really huge 500 ml. bottle and started using it with no expectations at all (besides from trying to get rid of such an enormous packaging). Until then, none of the products I've seen from the brand caught my attention, as I didn't consider any of them would help me with the specific issues of my hair - sebum excess and loss of volume. This one, however, turned out to be a nice surprise. Not only it did not weight the hair down (my biggest fear when it comes to products with a creamy consistency) but really help me with the moisture kick that the ends of my shoulder-long hair were lacking. Additionally, I noticed that it also made so much easier the wet combing process, especially with some stubborn tangles that I tend to have at the nape of my head. A wallnut-sized amount of product is enough to reach this results. So yes, I must yield to the marketing and confirm that it indeed does what it promises. Maybe you won't trim your hair less often, but at least you can spare yourself to the shame of showing up in your salon with an all-split mess, which is obviously money-worthy.
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Blush -NARS - Orgasm Blush
marisolantela 1/19/2013 4:19:00 PM
No wonder this product is considered an absolute classic in the makeup universe. Its rosy-coral shade with very subtle golden shimmer flatters every complexion and its awesome pigmentation allows it to stay put all day long, unlike all the other blushes I've tried so far (it's the only one that still shows traces on the skin until I perform my nighttime cleansing routine). For those who like that kind of healthy radiance that looks so natural that nobody would say you have applied anything, this is a must. Blends nicely and just a couple of brushstrokes are enough. Thus, although its high price might look like a drawback at first, it is instead a great investment as it can be used it virtually all makeup looks and a little package lasts for a really long time.
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Skincare - Face -Nuxe - Phytochoc serum
marisolantela 9/29/2012 8:21:00 PM
Sad to say for such a nice brand, but this isn't an amazing product. I only bought it because it had a big discount (50% off) but I'd lie if I'd say that I expected something average from Nuxe. It was supposed to be an anti-aging eye and face serum suitable for daily use and all skin types and promised a brighter and more toned skin. But the truth is that besides from a momentary fresh feeling when it is being applied, it doesn't really improve the skin condition on the long run. Also, the complaints I read from other reviewers about how easy it is for the skin to break out do make sense, as the formula is very strongly scented and overpowering. The smell lingers for too long in an area where there should be few to no scent at all, for not taking risks. Anyway, I'm lucky enough that my skin isn't too sensitive, so I handled this product pretty nicely, but I must show my sympathy for those who spent good money and did not gain anything but a massive skin irritation. Despite it is fresh, oil-free and easy to blend in, it is miles away from keeping its promise. Therefore, isn't repurchase-worthy.
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Eye Shadow -Sleek - i-Divine Palette - Oh So Special
marisolantela 9/15/2012 7:11:00 PM
There is not a single reason not to love this palette. The color selection is discreet, versatile and not over-the-top, full of instant classics. The pigmentation quality is awesome, almost hard to believe considering the price of the product (10 euros in my local Sephora store).Lasts all day on your eyelids, does not stray or irritate the skin and makes the glance very luminous. The packaging is classy and handy, complete with a big mirror inside the box that makes it ideal to carry on your purse. What else can I say? I'm undeniably in love!
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Lipstick -Clarins - Joli Rouge (all colors)
marisolantela 7/23/2012 7:55:00 PM
What if really good cosmetic revelations came up randomly to your life in the summer season sales? That's what happened to me with a lipstick from this range in my local Sephora store a few days ago. I was just wandering though the shelves for a while, giving a quick glace to whatever the store have decided to sell with a discount, and there it was: a little treasure, hidden behind a sober packaging, and mixed up with dozens of other totally different brands. Despite I didn't really need a new red lipstick (I was already quite happy with my awesome and recently purchased Kate Moss by Rimmel), I felt an immediate connection with the scalet red currant shade of Cupid Red. The price reduction was as significant (10 euros instead of 18.90) as the trustworthy aura of Clarins' products, so I made my way to cash register with my new discovery. Blessed decision! This is definitely the most creamy and easy to put on lipstick that I've ever tried. The color also lasts for a while in your lips, but definitely the most delightful feature about it is its silky-soft and extremely moisturizing formula. From now on, I'll pay more attention to lip products from this brand, for sure!
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Treatments -Boots - no7 Protect and Perfect beauty serum
marisolantela 7/22/2012 7:17:00 AM
I agree with the opinion of so many other reviewers: this product works better as a primer than actually as an anti-aging serum. It has a powdery hint on its lotion texture that makes it suitable for helping make-up to set on your skin and does also a good job on evening the complexion, but honestly, after almost two months of use, I don't notice like that my thin expression lines are somehow erased. The packaging - a frosted glass bottle with pump dispenser - is handy and elegantly designed, which increases the value of the purchase and makes it last for longer. As I got the bottle I'm currently using for free on a pharmacy campaign, I have no reasons to regret using it, but I'm not sure I'd pay 30€ for a so-called anti-aging product that shows no visible improvement in that purpose. Still, it is nice, light and mild for the skin, so there's no reason for not using the one I already have.
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Lotions/ Creams -Vichy - Nutriextra creme/cream
marisolantela 7/18/2012 5:50:00 AM
Although I'm really loyal to Dove Body Silk as my year-round moisturizer, I must admit I was very tempted to buy this one ever since I tried a sample of it - the fluid lotion formula and the absolutely delicious peach scent played a decisive part on my change of plans. After a really nice promotion came up in my local drugstore, I finally could buy a big tube for a reasonable price and give this one a real try. It promises to keep the skin moisturized for 48 hours non-stop, which is perfect for lazy people like me, who don't feel like smearing in cream every morning, especially when you're in a hurry or just too sleepy not to skip any step on your beauty routine. Personally, I do not consider this promise realistic for the hot weather, when your skin is too needy for hydration and exposed to every kind of aggression. Anyway, even when you can't make it last that long, it is doubtlessly a good body lotion, paraben and colouring-free and so pleasant you would be willing to put it on even in the lazier mornings. I just wish it could be on sale more often to make it my go-to product.
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Self Tanners -Garnier - Ambre Solaire Bronz up Self-Tanning Moisturising Milk
marisolantela 7/18/2012 5:36:00 AM
As a newbie in the fake bake world, I bought this self-tanner reluctantly and with a great deal of fear that the experience would turn out to be a disaster. But after two summers with no beach at all, I was so deadly pale and missed the healthy skin color so much that started making a little research on the available options in my local drugstore and eventually decided to give Garnier's lotion a try. The first good thing I noticed about it is that unlike so many other products of this kind, it doesn't stink. In fact, it actually smells pretty yummy, like apricots. Also, it is not sticky nor greasy, and absorbs really quickly. I agree with other reviewers when they that mention how sometimes it is hard to control which body areas are blank during the application, which results on sporadic spots and streaks, but overall the effect is really natural and beautiful. Takes a few hours to develop, but when it finally sets on the skin looks nice and golden, like a real beach tan (not that hideous brown-orange that is too obviously fake). The packaging is very handy and perfect for beginners, compact yet containing a generous portion. And last but not least, the price is really convenient (about 12 euros in my local drugstore). I'm happy with this purchase, definitely would buy it again and recommend it to anyone who is taking the first steps in the self-tanning universe.
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BB Cream -Sephora - BB Moisturizing Cream SPF 15
marisolantela 6/19/2012 5:36:00 AM
Like so many other products that are part of my beauty routine nowadays, this BB Cream was a casual discovery. Moreover, given that Sephora is not exactly an obscure brand, I was surprised that I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere on the web, nor in the official website, nor in blogs specialized in cosmetic issues. Before I found it, I was already looking for a BB Cream option suitable for my oily skin and not overly expensive, but everything I have seen so far failed on either one or both of these features - for example, Garnier's has a nice color, but the texture is too thick and makes my skin even more greasy; Kiko's, on the other hand, has a nice texture, but turns into a hideous orange color in contact with my complexion; Estée Lauder's seems absolutely perfect, except for the price (I just can't pay 50 euros for a tiny tube of cream). Sephora's BB cream is, so far, the best in my price-quality ratio standards. Costed me 11.90 euros with a seasonal 25% discount, but the normal price is about 16 euros. The texture is fluid, resembling a lotion more than a cream, and spreads easily on the face with my regular foundation brush. Comes in two colors (light and dark), and the light one is perfectly adjusted to my natural skin tone and is barely noticeable in a good way (no one can say that I'm wearing anything, but the imperfections are concealed). Smells wonderfully, like all the other products from the brand I've tried so far. The only downside? Maybe the glow it leaves on the skin, which is not exactly oil, but also does not flatter oily complexions. It seems like it comes from the sunscreen contained by the formula, and though it annoys me a little bit, it is easily controllable by applying a layer of translucent loose powder over the cream. In all the rest, I'm overall happy with my purchase: when I'm in a hurry, I only have to apply some serum, this cream and some powder to look flawless. And is there anything better in our stressful lives than being at your best in no time? I don't think so. If your skin is oily or combination, make yourself a favor and give it a try.
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