Blush -BeneFit Cosmetics - Dandelion
sandymontreal 5/16/2007 2:36:00 PM
I love this blush, it gives me the best fresh glow! (Asian fair skin, NC30) Every time I use it, everyone comments on my lovely youthful radiance. If only it were in a "normal" blush compact instead of a cutesy carboard box... Will definitely buy again (but who knows when, there's so much in the lil box!).
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Annabelle - Haute Chocolate Trio Eyeshadow
sandymontreal 5/16/2007 2:32:00 PM
COLORS: very easy to wear, tho I rarely touch the lightest color. It's true: the darkest shade w/ the shimmers is beautiful!
PACKAGING: I love the flip-top case.
Buy again? Definitely but I use so little every time that I don't see myself needing to repurchase anytime soon.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Lise Watier - Lise Watier Waterproof Eyeliner
sandymontreal 3/22/2007 2:43:00 PM
Would I buy this again? Yes, I'm on my 2nd one! I got it in the dark brown shade and it's great, stays put even on my oily lids. Better than the Lancome waterproof liner, imo. The only slightly-bad aspect is that it needs to be sharpened manually (instead of the easy twist-liners out there). All in all, great product!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Styling Tools -Unlisted Brand - Solia Ceramic Ion Flat Iron
sandymontreal 4/5/2006 11:03:00 PM
My Unil flat iron broke for the 2nd time after 3 years of every-other-day use, and I couldn't even last one week with it being in the repair shop before going online to buy a new flat iron. It came down to choosing between a Sedu and a Solia (the eternal flat iron question) and I chose the Solia because it was cheaper. Slightly regretting my decision because:
1) The plates don't match up, so I have to actually use my other hand to press on the tip of the flat iron (which luckily never gets too hot). I never had to do this with my old Unil.
2) Since I have to clamp down extra hard with my right hand to ensure proper hair straightening, I practically got carpel tunnel syndrome the first time I used the flat iron. I don't seem to strain as much now (after 3 weeks of usage) but I'm not sure if it's 'cause I've gotten accustomed to the pain or my technique has improved...
3) The indentations on the surface (top and bottom) of the flat iron dig into my fingers as I'm pressing the iron. What is up with this extra pain-inducing feature?!
The Solia goes up toe 450 degrees F, as opposed to my Unil that only goes up to 375. I used to set my Until to 340, but the Solia jumps from 310 to 370 so the extra heat worries me (hair breakage and such).
The effect: my hair is straight, yes, but not flat. The Solia does nothing to decrease hair volume, which may or may not be something you are looking for. All in all, if I had to do it all over again, I think I'd go with the Sedu...
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Aveda - Brillantine Conditioner
sandymontreal 7/11/2005 1:10:00 AM
I went into the store in search for the Currescense conditioner, but the s.a. told me that my hair looked healthy and did not need such a potent hair treatment. She then recommended the Brilliant conditioner.
The smell's interesting enough, tho it reminds me of elderly Chinese folk (it's all good, I'm Chinese). The conditionning effects are decent, but I don't think the $30CAD price is justified. Will not repurchase.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Lancome - Foundation Brush
sandymontreal 7/11/2005 1:07:00 AM
I use this brush mainly with my Lancome Maquicomplet concealer for my undereye circles, as I hardly wear foundation all over my face. It works a lot better than just using my fingers, since less concealer is "wiped off" my face when using the brush.
Would I buy it again? Probably... during another crazy random Ebay items splurge.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Rembrandt - 2 Hour White
sandymontreal 7/7/2005 11:56:00 AM
I read every review on this board, as well as those on Amazon, since so many reviewers had such painful experiences.
MY THOUGHTS:
- I wasn't able to mold the trays to conform to my teeth perfectly, and I tried multiple times. However, they're soft and pliable, so the fit was alright to begin with.
- The "resealable" cap is NOT resealable: once you break off the tip, there are no grooves or any parts that will fit/slide into each other. I even called the Help line to ask about it, and the operator gave me the tip of "leaving it in a drawer so that it's not moved". Uh, right. I just saran-wrapped the tip between applications.
- The operator also told me that cutting the molds was not recommended (like some other users who said to cut off the top of the molds, so that only your teeth are covered). I chose not to cut them.
- I was surprised that I was actually able to do all 4 applications within a day! I thought that I'd have to space them out within a week, for fear of burnt gums and outrageous tooth sensitivity, but I experienced no gum pain at all. The next day, my teeth are slightly sensitive, but nothing an Advil won't fix. (I had crazy sensitivity when using the Crest Whitestrips Premium...)
- I used a "thin ribbon" of gel as specified in the booklet, and I had enough gel left over for one more application on both top and bottom teeth. So a total of 5 applications per syringe.
RESULTS:
My teeth DO appear brighter/whiter, but not that much. Maybe my hyper saliva production washed away some gel during the process, or maybe I didn't apply all the gel on the OUTSIDE of my teeth, so take note of that. However, I have read elsewhere that it took 3 days for a user to see the final results, so I'm gonna wait it out.
I have 2 syringes left, and since the process was so painless, I'll definitely do it again in a few weeks. Will update then.
- July 7,2005
Redid the process and the same thing happened: I THINK my teeth look brighter but I'm not sure. *sigh*
- January 1st, 2006
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -The Body Shop - Papaya Body Butter
sandymontreal 5/18/2005 3:17:00 PM
For someone who doesn't like FAKE smelling, overtly obvious smells, I really enjoy this papaya body cream.
Applies very easily, probably because it's the "Normal" skin formula (unlike the Shea butter version for more dry skin). If only it were in a pump/squeeze bottle packaging... Will repurchase (when it's 2/$30CAD).
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Alberto Vo5 - Oasis Jasmine and Aloe Conditioner
sandymontreal 5/18/2005 3:06:00 PM
Smells amazing, but like a previous reviewer wrote, it irritated my scalp! Average conditioning ability. Won't repurchase.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Paula Dorf - Angle Liner Brush
sandymontreal 9/26/2004 10:05:00 PM
I love it! I use it with my Stila Smudge Pot in brown, and it helps me apply a clean, precise, straight line (both top and bottom) w/o fuss or difficulty. I'm not an expert when it comes to make up application, but w/ this brush, my lining is absolutely superb.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Stila - Smudge Pot in Brown
sandymontreal 9/26/2004 9:59:00 PM
PROS: lovely dark brown color that goes well w/ my Chinese skin/color, lasts the entire day on my oily lids.
CONS: I have to wash my Paula Dorf angle brush every few days, but it's worth it for the look/results.
I would buy this again in a heart beat.
EDITED 16/05/07: I've since found a better and easier to use liner that is great for my oily lids: Lise Watier waterproof liner. :)
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -MAC - Lipglass in Nico
sandymontreal 7/31/2004 5:27:00 PM
It's been said before: it's surprisingly hot once you put it on! I can put it w/o a mirror. I used to pair it w/ another lipcolor, but got lazy after a while, and discovered that it's great on its own as well. Lovely sparkly fun.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Styling Tools -Goldwell - Unil Quick Heat Hair straightener
sandymontreal 7/9/2004 12:51:00 AM
Loved it until it broke 10 months after I started using it ~ 3 times a week.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -L'Oreal - Voluminous Waterproof
sandymontreal 4/24/2004 10:38:00 AM
PROS: great price, great staying power (I have really oily skin/eyes, and it doesn't smudge until late late in the day), result is nice full lashes. Seems to work better after a few weeks of use.
CONS: like any waterproof mascara, kinda drying to use every day, may lose a lash or 2 if don't have the right remover.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -MAC - Blot Powder - Medium/Dark
sandymontreal 3/18/2004 6:33:00 PM
Love this! It's sheer, doesn't cake on when I apply mid-day, and lasts for a long time. ~$20 CAD as compared to the $30 CAD that I paid for Lancome Matte Pressed Powder. And you get more w/ MAC. (I use both powders actually, 'cause I haven't finished my almost-gone Lancome powder. Use Lancome to set foundation in the morning, use MAC for touch ups during the day) Will definitely buy again.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No