Fragrances -Illamasqua - Freak
sassykzt 11/13/2011 7:41:00 PM
I received this as a gift from a dear friend in the UK weeks before the US release. The bottle itself is unique…toppled at an angle with a silver snail sneaking it’s way up......combines timeless classic design with unexpected features. I’ve been wearing it for a few weeks now-- it’s somewhat of a sweet floral fragrance. Not what I was expecting at all with a name like "Freak"! All the hype that preceded it's debut would lead one to believe this would be a dark, mysterious, sensuous "witches" brew with notes of black davana, opium flowers, belladonna, datura and poison hemlock. A powdery orange flower and firewood note ia at the opening. which quickly morphs into a very enjoyable floral blend of poppies, rose. jasmine and a honey accord-- there is definitely a sweetness here!!! Maybe a hint of a lily note coming in and out. The flowers develop, expand, but they don't turn into a cute fruity floral. The incense peeks through at the end on me and it doesn't over power the floral background. Does Freak live up to my (and probably countless avid perfume fiends) expectations? Sadly, no.It's marketed as unisex but it was much too floral on my BF and my son. But it's still a very likeable, floral fragrance for women. Sillage and longevity are great!
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Mona di Orio Vanille
sassykzt 11/9/2011 12:26:00 AM
Vanille includes notes of Brazilian orange, Indonesian cloves, petitgrain, rum extract, Bourbon vetiver, ylang-ylang, Indian sandalwood, gaiac wood, Vanilla absolute from Madagascar, amber and tonka. I very much like vanilla that is not teeth-rotting sweet and light. I like unusual, dark vanilla fragrances like Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille, Shalimar Ode a la Vanille, Annick Goutal Vanille Exquise or Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensée. SDV is more boozy and sweeter, Shalimar OV is not really comparable in the first place, it is Shalimar – so that’s a different story after all, Goutal VE is smokier, rougher and on the whole more transparent, as is the Atelier Cologne. Vanille starts with a fresh orange accord and a blast of incense/smoke before the heavier spices, woods and the dry vanilla kick in. A bit of rum makes it boozy, the smooth sandalwood and the cool vetiver lend a dry, entirely unsweetened base, upon which dark vanilla and sweet ylang-ylang can do their languid dance.An amazing combination of dry and boozy vanilla and spices Sillage is average but longevity is excellent .I think it's the most sexy unisex vanilla on the market.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Serge Lutens - Jeux de Peau
sassykzt 11/7/2011 12:25:00 AM
The first whiff is indeed delicious! Fresh, warm, sweet baked goods, a caramel note that is a little burnt, the sweet air of a bakery store. But, BIG but, for me this lovely bakery scenario last only 10- 15 minutes, then starts to veer in other, no less interesting, but non-baked goods associated directions for me. And a what good thing that is-- I'd never get anything done because I'd be too busy smelling myself--LOL! What is most prominent to my nose is a spicy celery note and then a blooming of fruity-apricot scented osmanthus. The woody backdrop of sandal wood lies there soft and warm, as a rich, yet never overpowering canvas upon which, a little dance of spicy, almost incense-y at times and slightly sweet puffs of air takes place. They hush in and out of my awareness. Jeux de Peau is almost linear, but not steady. There is constant movement, like a river of scent that seems still, but is alive with thousand of tiny waves and movements. The perfume has uncharacteristically low sillage (for a Lutens), it wears close to the skin, paying tribute to its name, but it lasts for a long time. With this scent it will take several wearings to sniff out all the nuances. The last time I wore it I got a distinctly salty, savory bread note in the dry down that I had previously missed. Jeux de Peau is a gourmand scent in the very best sense of the genre. This is no bakery to me-- this is the idea of a bakery, filtered and refined, rendered abstract, removed from reality as seen through the eyes of Christopher Sheldrake and Serge Lutens. I have many perfumes in my collection (many of them are by Serge Lutens) ,but I have nothing that is similar to Jeux de Peau. If you are in doubt about this perfume (as I was before I really got to know it), it is worth your time. I am glad Lutens has created something so strange, yet likable, so unique, yet wearable.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -New York Color - Smooch Proof Lip Stain
sassykzt 11/7/2011 12:06:00 AM
I bought 497 Rock on Ruby which is a true INTENSE red! I 've tried other lip stains w/ no luck and ended up returning every single one. I've been wearing this for about a month and am impressed. Lips must be prepped or this will emphasize any dryness. For an all out evening look I applied two very light layers. I love the sharp point that makes outlining the lips a breeze-- no lip pencil needed. Needed to apply a clear balm after two hours to keep my lips from drying out( alcohol is the 3rd ingredient). I applied at 6 PM and at 4 AM my lips looked great w/o a touch up. Also did not get all over my BF-- always a bonus & much appreciated. Can be applied as more of a sheer wash- one coat followed by gloss and blotted, and gloss again. This will cut down on the length of wear to 5- 6 hrs. but makes it appropriate for a clear day time red lip. Great stain for 4.99 @ CVS!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -New York Color - Ultra Last Lip Wear Air Kiss
sassykzt 11/6/2011 11:50:00 PM
Best 99 cents I've spent at CVS! A bright pinky-red w/ med. color saturation.I'm a NC 30, blue eyed blonde and this color is perfect for daytime-- brightens my face & teeth. I think the long last finish is a bit of a misnomer. This is not one of those l/s that is matte and wears for 8 hrs. The texture is light and slightly moist. Had to apply a clear balm after 3 hrs. to refresh the finish. I appreciated the lack of fragrance & flavor. Has the slightest amount of shimmer, but nothing too inappropriate that I can not wear it to work. I received more compliments on this l/s than any of my Guerlains, Armani's, or MACS combined!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -New York Color - 309B Sheer Red
sassykzt 11/6/2011 11:37:00 PM
Wow- 99 Cents! As others have mentioned this is not sheer,but semi-opaque. A few swipes and the color is well saturated. Nice amount of moisture in this l/s. To further the length of wear I applied and blotted twice. Still left my lips fairly moist. Sheer red is a brick red-- very close to MAC's Dubonnet ( which does dry my lips out if I don't apply a balm after an hour). Left a stain on my lips after 6 hrs. and a few glasses of wine. The smell is mild, somewhat fruity and dissipates after a few mins. The only con is the packaging. OK, I admit I'm a makeup snob and love the packaging of my Armani , Guerlain and Tom Ford l/s! But this color and texture is gorgeous!! Took off one lippie for the fragile, clear plastic cap (something that won't last if dropped on a hard surface).
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Gucci - Eau de Parfum
sassykzt 10/28/2011 4:46:00 AM
I love, love this fragrance - love it! It reminds me of a spiced dessert syrup that's part of an Indian dessert called golub jamun. It's a dish I've had many times and in the company of good friends. It's a fragrance that smells like it looks - lusciously, exotically sweet and thick, a little spicy, delicately perfumed with florals at the fringes (the golub jamun syrup is actually flavored with rosewater - the Gucci instead has orange blossom, a very different floral but also a common flavoring in Middle Eastern/South Asian desserts and so somewhat similar in associative memory for me) and generally just delicious. I will always have this in my collection and consider it a staple. Top notes: orris, heliotrope, orange blossom, and vanilla absolute. Middle notes: cistus, cumin, and thyme Base notes: patchouli, vanilla, and deep musk. Musk is particularly dirty here! The vanilla is not over-powering. It is a floral scent , yet it is warm and rich, and not a innocent, sweet floral, but a dangerous and intriguing one at that. No annoying fruit notes like many other women's scents seem to push forward lately. (As if I want to smell like Fruit Loops!!) Finally the heaviness of the gorgeous bottle, the weight, the shape, how the juice sprays itself out of it, the packaging, the amber color of the perfume, and the ad campaign with the model Natalia Vodianova with the bedroom hair and that haunting expression on her face (if you remember it) are all perfection. It is not for everyone I'll admit, but to me, it is riveting,controversial, sexy as hell. Well done Tom Ford. Gucci has now discontinued this --the most asinine decision any company has ever made. This gem was the only redeeming quality remaining in the company's perfume portfolio and without Gucci Eau de Parfum, they won't have anything that will make them stand out in today's watered down, 'peony-and-pink-pepper'-ed scent market. Frankly, they should be ashamed of themselves!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Revlon - ColorBurst in Fire
sassykzt 10/17/2011 3:41:00 AM
Oh, I love this color-- good saturation that leaves a stain after wearing for approx. 3- 31/2 hrs. This is a perfect warm red for my blonde hair & blue eyes. This one has no shimmer, just a beautiful red creme. I've put this over my matte red lipsticks-- it brought my lips back to life. No noxious taste/smell-- thank you Revlon for reformulating your glosses & lipsticks w/o the previous ghastly odors! Have this in sev. colors. I put these up against any he gloss. Can't beat the colors & performance for 6.99 USD.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Revlon - ColorBurst Strawberry
sassykzt 10/17/2011 3:36:00 AM
Great pigmentation and longer than avg. wear on this warm pink w/pearl shimmer gloss. Great summer color!! No noxious taste/smell-- thank you Revlon for reformulating your glosses & lipsticks w/o the previous ghastly odors! Have this in sev. colors. I put these up against any he gloss. Can't beat the colors & performance for 6.99 USD.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Revlon - ColorBurst lip gloss in Bordeaux
sassykzt 10/17/2011 3:31:00 AM
Beautiful dark red/ brown/plum w/ slight gold shimmer. No obvious noxious smell/ taste. I like the strong color saturation of this formula. It has a soft sheen and the staying power is above average. Typical sponge applicator in a long, narrow tube w/ matte black cap-- looks elegant. Have this in a few other colors. I would put this up to any of the he glosses. I don't think I'll be going back to Chanel anytime soon. To me I don't care what a product costs as long as it performs. This one does for 6.99!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Clinique - Long Last Lipstick Soft Matte finish in Pink Chocolate
sassykzt 10/17/2011 3:23:00 AM
One of the other reviewers said "clay rose"-- I'd agree! In the tube it look OK, but when I tried it on it became oh, so lovely. It's a couple shades deeper than my natural lip color. I was worried about the matte finish but it did not dry out my lips. After 8 hrs. in a warm hospital-- very low humidity-- it still looked good. I put a little balm over it. Truth in advertizing-- it actually is long last. This is a color I can wear every day and is appropriate for board meetings.
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Lipstick -Laura Mercier - Baby Lips
sassykzt 10/17/2011 3:14:00 AM
This is a a sheer creamy formula in a warm pink that matches my lip color exactly. Usually I wear much more saturated colors that make my dark blue eyes pop. Nude colors usually make me look like a zombie. I consider this my nude when wearing a smoky eye. The texture is very light and moisturizing. Lasting power is so so but this is one of those lip products you can apply w/o a mirror. Unfortunately, this color does not have the ability the leave a slight stain behind such as LM's sheer lipsticks in sexy lips, healthy lips, and tender lips. Slight vanilla cake smell.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Rimmel - Lasting Finish - Metallic Seduction
sassykzt 10/17/2011 3:03:00 AM
just like my predecessors I love this lipstick. med.-dk plummy warm red.it has med. color saturation and the metallic finish is more of a sheen/iridescence that is a golden hue and is elegant. Not a teenager-ish iridescence/glitter ( no offense to teenagers!!). Unlike BB metallic or Mac frost lipsticks, this one did not dry out my lips. It feels supremely smooth and light, yet leaves lips comfortably moisturized with a soft gloss finish (or shimmer, depending on the shade chosen). I’d put this up against any department store lipstick selling for $20 and up. I got a few compliments at the grocery store & dry cleaners on the the color. It makes blue eyes pop. I usually abhor scented cosmetics, but I actually like the scent of this-- it smells a bit like cherry cola. Lasted approx. 5 1/2 hrs. Rimmel's Stay Glossy in Seduction (see sep.review) looks great applied over this and since it is a longer lasting gloss it did not diminish this lipstick's wear time.
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Lip Gloss -Rimmel - Stay Glossy
sassykzt 10/17/2011 2:48:00 AM
Wonderful gloss- no smell,taste,stickiness. Nice pointed plush applicator helps in application. Did it last all 6hrs.? Almost! The only gloss I've had stay on longer are MAC's but they are so so sticky and the vanilla scent can get to be too much-- especially when you're drinking a great smokey,peaty scotch! This one lasted approx. 4 1/2 hrs. The color is Seduction which looks like a dark wine color but ritually morphs into a deep rose color. I think I'll go back tomorrow and get a few more. This would definitely stand up to any dept. store gloss and it was only 4.96 USD.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Ormonde Jayne - Ta'if
sassykzt 10/15/2011 11:39:00 PM
I'm not swayed by pretty packages but this one for the pure parfum is stunning. The stopper was monogrammed for me. It's the first bottle I saw when walking into the Bond St. store. So, here I am reviewing this after 6 yrs. of that purchase. I've kept it in a strict temp. controlled room and away from all light-- it still smells wonderful. Top notes: Orange blossom, pink peer, saffron, dates, white peach Heart notes: Taíif roses, freesia, lily of the valley, jasmine Base notes: Amber, Tonka Bean, Musk, Vanilla Absolute A ravishing combination of the headiness of the rose and other florals beautifully framed by the dryness of the saffron and broom, with a glowing amber base. The pink pepper and date beautifully top this scent to give it an exotic edge.The staying power and sillage are excellent.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No