Skincare - Body -Clarins - Bust Beauty Extra-Lift Gel
mrsminniver 4/3/2013 11:31:00 AM
Bought this and its sister, the lotion for the bust as well. Use this in the morning and the lotion at night for a month already. I am also a size c and I reckon I am going to need a lot more than a gel to lift my bust. Sorry, no results so far. Will keep using till finished. One thing I will say, it has moisturized my skin and the area feels soft and smooth to the touch. But any good moisturizer will do that. Sorry ladies, big fail for me from Clarins. However, it's not enough to stave me off Clarins, I use everything else from them. Good line of products.
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Eye Shadow -Guerlain - 2013 spring/summer quad, Coup de Foudre
mrsminniver 3/29/2013 12:48:00 PM
I gave all stars but said no to repurchase simply because I can guarantee the next season's collection will be equally irresistible. Guerlain has always been a leader, never a follower when it comes to color selections for all their quads and palettes of 6 shadows. This particular one is called Coup de Foudre which means love at first sight. The colors reflect spring which include your pink, green, and smokey taupes which are perfect shades for contouring purposes. The only reason for hunting for new shadows is because I had been using a brown quad from Chanel for 3 years and I was in desperate need for a change. Nothing wrong with Chanel's quad...just wanted a change. I am also a conservative when it comes to colors other than browns and I tend toward matte colors. Let's face it, I'm 47 years of age and the boat has sailed when it comes to carrying off wearing iridescent shades of god knows what other than brown...or so I thought. When I first laid my eyes on Coup de Foudre, it certainly wasn't love at first sight. Moreover, while I love guerlain's makeup collection, I always shied away from adventurous colors. I only have ever used their foundation, lipsticks and blushes. What motivated me to entertain even a thought of checking out this particular quad was because I recently purchased clothes that were exactly the same color as this palette. Still, the iridescent quality of the light green and the color pink (?!) were enough to make me dubious. Nevertheless, the rep at sephora was kind enough to oblige a little makeover lesson on how to use the colors without making me look like mutton dressed as lamb. Ladies, I was impressed...she made a sale. The iridescence of the shadows was understated because you do not need a lot of shadow to achieve the intensity of color. Also, if you DO want the effect of an iridescent and dramatic look, just layer more shadow, that's all. Also, all the colors are in harmony with each other, making any combination of even 2 colors for a subtle daytime look possible. It's perfect synchronicity. The texture of the shadows is of course outstanding, as anything from guerlain always is. Oh, and by the way, I also bought their palette of 6 as well...the one called Vendome which have...you guessed it, browns (someone help me...can't help it) and also blue! Wow, I'm so out there!
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Lotions/ Creams -Clarins - High Definition Body Lift
mrsminniver 3/26/2013 1:29:00 PM
Waited for a good 3-4 weeks before I submitted my report. This must be used in accordance to the application method proposed by Clarins. If not, money will be wasted as this product is not cheap. Having said that, I use this product faithfully in the morning along with their other Body Shaping Cream in the evening. I think there is a subtle difference to my thighs which were riddled with cellulite. Do not get me wrong, they are still there, just a little less obvious in the daylight; hubby confirmed my hopes as well. The reason why I tried these body products is because I am trying to look my best as swimsuit season is approaching and I must say, I am feeling a little more confident in donning that lovely swimsuit I bought. I will probably continue purchasing and using these products (this product and the Body Shaping Cream) as long as summer is here, but will stop temporarily during the winter. Brace yourself for some work in using these products because if utilized correctly, they will deliver, in my opinion. On this product itself, the scent is refreshing and the lotion has a cooling effect which I do not mind, great for waking up in the morning.
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Scrubs -Kiehls - Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub "Grapefruit"
mrsminniver 3/1/2013 9:03:00 AM
I generally dislike body scrubs which make me feel like I need to have another soaping after because it's just too oily after the scrub. Not with this particular grapefruit scented scrub. I always end up feeling renewed, refreshed and ready for hydration with a good moisturizer. The grains are not too refined to leave you feeling like you need to do it again but not too rough like a sugar and salt scrub (I really hate those) which makes me feel like I need a skin graft after what is supposed to make you feel good. I said I'll buy this again but feel compelled to try clarins bamboo powdered scrub. Should that prove a gigantic fail, I'm definitely coming back to this. Lovely product ladies.
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Treatments -Clarins - Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil
mrsminniver 2/18/2013 8:43:00 AM
Have been using a combination of bha in the morning, aha in the evening and clarins vital light range day and night cream for the past 3 months. Results are outstanding with a face that is smoother, more radiant and firmer. The smoother part comes from my use of bha and aha, and the firmer and radiant attributes which I have been experiencing comes mainly from clarins' vital light range. However lately, my skin has also been drier on some days than others, I suspect for a number of reasons. It may be trying to adapt to the use of aha or simply just hormones at my age (47 years). It also was not practical to invest in another jar of hydrating cream like clarins' hydraquench, which I have used in the past (another excellent product by the way) because I wanted to continue using their vital light creams. Hence, the solution was to purchase something which I could use alongside what I am already using. This is where this face oil came in. I am very happy with this product because I can use this on nights when my skin felt drier. The rep told me to use this twice a week at night initially in place of my night cream because it was quite rich. Upon first application, I could tell she was quite right to suggest that because any more, and my skin may break out. The trick is to know your skin type - I have mature skin but not dry, more normal. Also important was the method of application; check out clarins' website on how to apply this oil properly. When I started to gain confidence with the use of this oil, I began putting a drop into my day or night cream on days when it seems to need it. I love this product because once you get more comfortable with the use of this face oil, you can then adapt it to serve its purpose without causing any eruption to the skin. There are 3 types of face oil in the clarins' range and blue orchid has indeed come through for me. It is not too rich for me, just the right amount of hydration needed without it feeling greasy at all. The scent is indeed very therapeutic and I always look forward to using it at night. Highly recommend it.
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Moisturizers -Clarins - Vital Light Day
mrsminniver 2/18/2013 7:54:00 AM
It is time to return the favor I owe to the ladies in this forum. Background to my ritual first. I have normal skin which tends to have blackheads and clogged pores if I am not vigilant about my products, am 47 years of age, brown spots - some from the sun and some which are the results from the occasional pimple due to hormones mainly at my age. I also use Paula's choice (bha 2% in the morning, aha 8% in the evening and her antioxidant serum - the Skin Balancing formula for normal to combination) to tackle the pigmentation and acne on my skin. I also use clarins' vital light day and night cream along with their uv plus 40spf high protection everyday (even in the winter). I used to use their vital light serum till it finished and have not repurchased only because I am waiting to finish the rest of my creams (maybe I've 1 month's worth left). My verdict is this: I think the above combination of paula's choice and clarins works quite well together because while the bha and aha kept my skin smooth from breakouts and lightened my pigmentation, the vital light range has been responsible for firming my skin. I also use clarins' phyto tenseur serum in the day as well, and am diligent about using the clarins method of application. I do believe that it is the vital light range that also contributed to the glow from my skin - I do not generally wear foundation except when I am out for the day and there is a sheen that is definitely not from oil because I do not possess oily skin. This sheen is apparent even through my foundation (I am using lingerie de peau from guerlain). I am very pleased with the outcome and have started this program for a total of 3-4 months before I started seeing results. My skin was in a terrible state mainly from dense pigmentation on my cheeks, clogged pores and blackheads from using products without reading the ingredients. I cannot stress enough the importance of reading the ingredient list before investing in any product. Once I have finished my vital light creams, I am thinking of checking out their super restorative range not because I am displeased with vital light but I think my skin is becoming unpredictable - some days drier than others and super restorative is supposed to address that particular issue. I love that clarins has a range for any problem encountered as one ages. Love my face.
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Treatments -Paula's Choice - Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant
mrsminniver 1/18/2013 11:50:00 AM
I chose this product mainly to tackle pigmentation in conjunction with their 2% bha liquid to tackle my skin's clogged pores and slight acne "infestation". Bha in the morning and this product in the eve. It has been about a month and I have to say that my skin has become smoother, lighter in pigmentation spots and looking much better. Occasionally, I also use a 10% benzoyl peroxide over the counter gel to tackle the occasional tiny lumps and bumps when my skin goes ape with hormonal cycles and it just takes 2-3 days with the aha gel at night for the situation to clear itself. I do however need to counter the drying effects of the aha with an adequate moisturizer (not Paula's choice but clarins - an excellent line). One thing I like about this aha/bha routine is that one can still continue to use their preferred skincare line without disruption to address other issues like firming, or wrinkle reduction. I don't think Paula's choice is effective enough for me where firming and fine lines are concerned. That said, an adequate enough product for lightening your pigmentation.
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Treatments -Murad - Acne Spot Treatment
mrsminniver 12/5/2012 11:46:00 AM
Tried the sample size with the murad acne program. It is a very effective product in ridding the complexion of huge zits and cystic acne. Blackheads are another matter altogether and I do believe that murad's exfoliating acne gel is better at blackheads than this product, if your skin can tolerate the alcohol content. The sulphur is tolerable for me and not too invasive...one gets the occasional hint of a whiff of it but it doesn't linger. Am getting the full size as I believe it is a very effective product. Will also get the exfoliating gel in a smaller size as they do go hand in hand with each other in dealing with my zits and blackheads. While I am careful with the exfoliating gel (it tends to be too drying for my skin and I need to take an occasional break from it), this spot treatment is gentler than its sister and I find I can use it everyday without hesitation.
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Sunscreen -Clarins - UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection SPF 40
mrsminniver 12/3/2012 11:44:00 AM
Excellent product and on my second. Light in texture and quite runny in nature (so be awfully careful when you dispense it) which makes it excellent for those with oily skin. I have normal skin which tends toward acne and have come to a conclusion that no matter how much research I do before investing in any product when it comes to pore clogging ingredients (of course I try to use products with the utmost minimum of pore clogging ingredients), I still break out. This is probably because of the amount of layers of product one uses at my age- bha/aha treatments, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen, and if necessary, primer, foundation and concealer ... the list goes on, sweeties. Lots of layers, lots of acne contributing factors. But this product is a constant because not only is the pore clogging ingredients almost non-existent, it is so light in texture and high in protection. This makes it possible for those with drier skin to compensate with moisturizer while getting the best insurance against sunspots and damage. The rep also stressed that you only need a small amount to cover because it is quite potent in content (this was met with dubiousness at first because I always held the belief that with sunscreen, more is safer). I can say that it has held its end of the bargain, and as far as I can tell, it's saved me from new nasty sunspots. For those who can afford it, because it costs quite a pretty penny, consider purchasing. I simply cannot do without it.
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Skincare - Face -Murad - Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel
mrsminniver 12/2/2012 8:44:00 AM
I have acne prone skin lately that has been very reactive towards any makeup, cream or treatment which tends to be a little too rich but necessary at my age (and I use Clarins products with great satisfaction, aimed at normal/combination skin). Did some research and decided to give bha/aha treatment a go. It finally came down to 2 main brands - this product (along with their Spot Treatment) by Murad and Paula's Choice 2% bha and 8% aha gels. Both brands are equally good but the main difference between this product and Paula's bha/gha exfoliating treatments is the use of alcohol in this product. As I did not possess any sensitivity towards the alcohol denat in this product, I found it useful because it was the alcohol as well as the bha that did a good job of ridding my cheeks of the lumps and bumps, tiny irritating blackheads and pimples - extracting them was quite easy if you possess a good extractor and I use Sephora's. In quite a short period of time (about a week) my skin looked a lot smoother. Also, with all the layers of moisturizer, sunscreen, primer and foundation, the alcohol and bha was a good balance in keeping the skin clear. However, bear in mind that with prolonged use of this product (more than 1 week) because of the alcohol, I had to give my skin a break because it can be too drying. True enough, the lumps and bumps came back again in a week. Hence, I guess that for me, on and off usage with this Murad product is the best means of guarding my skin against lumps and bumps during frequent usage of makeup, while listening to my skin telling me when to give it a break. I use Paula's Choice instead during that time ensuring continuous exfoliation. So, depending on your age and skin type, if your skin can take alcohol and needs constant checking against acne, Murad may be a better choice. If not, give Paula's Choice a go. They have aha and bha in different forms and percentages (lotion, gel or liquid) and is definitely gentler in the long run, assuming you are not sensitive to bha or aha. I will give a review of PC's exfoliating treatments in a couple of weeks' time when I give their liquid formula a go. I really hope this helps.
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Treatments (Eye) -Shiseido - Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist 24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream
mrsminniver 9/2/2012 1:13:00 PM
When my foundation dries and settles after application, and if I do not apply an adequate moisturizing eye cream underneath it, my laugh lines get enhanced when I smile. With this particular brand, my laugh lines are not so pronounced. There is very good hydration provided throughout the day with or without makeup and is adequate for me in winter as well. It also does not make my eyes tear up which is very rare as I have sensitive eyes too. However, I fear that it may be a bit too rich for me at night because sometimes, I do wake up with slightly puffy eyes. I may try Shiseido's other eye products with less dense textures as I do think Shiseido makes good eye creams. However, I am quite happy with this one during the day; lines are definitely softened after 2 months of continuous use as a day eye cream. There is a definite improvement where wrinkles are concerned..will continue to use and repurchase.
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Treatments -Clarins - HydraQuench Intensive Serum
mrsminniver 9/2/2012 6:24:00 AM
I totally love this product. I have mature skin but is normal in summer and only ever slightly drier in winter. For the past summer, I decided to give my skin a break and just went for a hydrating based product. Bought both this serum and the gel-cream from the same range. Used only the serum for day along with my sunscreen and makeup if necessary and for night, this serum along with the gel-cream in this range. I'm on my 2nd bottle at the end of summer and am awfully satisfied with my skin. Blackheads are rare these days and no whiteheads so far. I have decided that my skin is now ready for another treatment course (will try Clarins' Capital Lumiere next) and will definitely repurchase their Hydra Quench when my skin needs a break again.
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Moisturizers -Clarins - HydraQuench Cooling Cream-Gel
mrsminniver 9/2/2012 6:11:00 AM
I have always had the belief that since I possess mature skin, I need a heavier moisturiser despite the fact that only have normal/slightly oily t-zone (but only in summer). With this cream, Clarins has managed to dispute that myth and improved my skin to no end. Towards the end of last winter, I was finishing a heavy textured skin cream aimed at wrinkle reduction and while it was alright, I did end up with blackheads and whiteheads and surmised that I needed to give my skin a break and just go back to a basic moisturiser which provided hydration and nothing else. Read the reviews here and decided to give this product a go. Again, I automatically reached for the cream for drier skin but the consultant stopped me and told me to give this alternative a try as she felt that a lighter textured cream-gel was more suitable for me and the heavier version would be better reserved for the winter months. I was dubious but bought this and the serum along with it. It has been 3 months in summer and am using a 2nd bottle of this beautiful cream. My skin is looking great (there is no dryness at all); I wear only the serum during the day with a sunscreen and makeup if necessary and both the serum and this cream at night. I do not feel at all tight in the morning...just right. With autumn, I feel that my skin is ready for another treatment and because Clarins is winning points with me, I might just give their Capital Lumiere range for all skin types a go. If that works, perhaps I'll switch to the heavier version for winter. Will let you know how that goes.
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Liquid -Lancome - Renergie Lift Makeup SPF 20
mrsminniver 9/2/2012 5:50:00 AM
Pigmentation is dense in this particular foundation, so you get very good coverage with this product which is great for my lightly pigmented cheeks. However, its texture is watery and I am not convinced that it would provide adequate protection in the colder months. Will only wear this in summer because it addresses more matured skin like mine (normal/slightly oily t-zone) but still searching for better. Shade-wise, this range is perfect for my skin tone. May repurchase next summer if I can't find better.
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Liquid -Giorgio Armani - Luminous Silk Foundation
mrsminniver 9/2/2012 5:42:00 AM
Texture-wise, goes on like a dream. As my skin is normal, staying power with this foundation is good. However I do put a good amount on my face as there is pigmentation on my cheeks. Lines are obvious only when I smile but I make sure I put a good eye moisturizer. Colour-wise, I use 5.5 which is closest to my tone but it has a pinkish undertone and I have yellow undertones...however I shall finish the bottle but shan't repurchase. Main reason is the colour and frankly, I have tried better foundations with similar if not better textures. Will try Armani's cream foundation (designer shaping range) in the coming winter and give update.
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