Treatments -Payot - Speciale 5 (drying & purifying lotion)
shelly_82 2/12/2013 5:49:00 AM
AMAZING...my prayers have been answered after 14 years of horrid hormonal pimples! This is the only treatment I've found that stops pimples in their tracks (particularly if you apply it early) and minimises red marks afterwards. I'm so relieved to have found a product that works, dosen't irritate my sensitive skin, is cheap plus you use a tiny amount each time, and did I mention IT ACTUALLY WORKS!! I have tried about at least 30 other pimple treatments (dermalogica, clearasil, neutrogena, every Aus chemist based option, dr lewinns, proactive, tea tree oil, garnier, etc etc and wasted hundreds if not thousands of dollars...and finally found my HG in a product I can buy for around $30 and lasts around 6 months or more with nightly use. Ask for a free sample at your local salon...you won't regret it. But don't try the Pate Grise...it made my pimples 10 times worse!
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Lotions/ Creams -The Body Shop - Almond Oil Intensive Hand Rescue
shelly_82 12/8/2012 4:08:00 AM
I'm giving this an overall rating of 3 stars as I give the old version 5 stars but the new formulation 1 star. The 'old' version gave me beautiful radiant hands, moisturised to perfection, made them as soft as baby's skin, and made them look flawless. The new 'reformulated' version gave me dermatitis and I would never purchase it again. Anyway, if you are not allergic to the new formulation (I recommend trying it in store or asking for some in a sample pot) then it's probably pretty good. If you can get your hands on the 'old' formulation you've hit a goldmine! The reformulated or new version packaging has a sticker on the lid which is half beige/half dark brown with a hand print in white, whereas the old formulation's sticker is all beige with a white hand print.
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Concealers -Maybelline - Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer
shelly_82 12/8/2012 1:16:00 AM
This was the BEST concealer I've used and I was majorly dissapointed when it was discontinued. I've stocked up through a discount cosmetic store and plan to buy off ebay when I run out of my stash (6 tubes-yes it's that good!!). I have fair pinkish toned skin and find it hard to get a concealer which is the right tone (i.e not orange) and not too pale or dark. This in 'fair' is perfect for my coloring and looks completely natural. Ivory is more yellow and doesn't blend with my colouring - seems a little paler too but in a different tone. It is the BEST FOR UNDEREYES as it doesn't cake or create lines/make them appear worse, like ever other concealer I've used seems to do. Mind you the Maybelline Age Rewind (with illuminator end) was also really great and never caused lines either. That was also discontinued too, but I felt like I was wasting it as I didn't use the illuminator, but was also amazing for under eyes. Anyway, back to this review....I have horrid dark circles and previously had to choose between coverage and lines/cakeyness...but not with this. It never uses lines and makes me look fresh (i.e non-zombie like). It's also pretty great at concealing pimples etc and doesn't cause pimples. The fact that it blends with my skintone and looks natural is a hugh plus in this regard. I recommend trying to get hold of it though a discount cosmetics store as they often sell discontinued items or getting it off ebay. It's fantastic and I can't belive that Maybelline discontinued it...though they seem to do that with most the products of their's that I like.
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Loose Powders -Australis - Ready Set Go Finishing Powder
shelly_82 12/8/2012 12:56:00 AM
Pretty good, especially for an Aussie brand. Think is reasonably priced ($13) but after trying the far superior MAC prep + prime loose powder ($42), I don't feel as excited over it. Yes I know, MAC is 3-4 times the price but I use heaps less of MAC ( and achieve way superior results) so it ends up a similar price in the long run. Don't get me wrong, it's still pretty good, but doesn;t give the airbrushed look of MAC and I have to use quite a lot of it which doesn't make it that economical. I also find it hard to get the balance between it keeping me fresh looking (i.e non shiny) and looking very powdery (which never happens with MAC). I guess if I hadn't found MAC I'd be happy with it, so it can't hurt for you to try. It also never caused pimples etc, which is great. It can initally apprear quite ghost like but usually settles. I'm not sure how it would be on darker skins though as I am casper like. Anyway, the best powder you can buy in Aus for such a cheap price, but I'd pick MAC over this any day despite the intial price difference. Would be great for teenages who can't afford the outlay of MAC, or anyone wanting to support a pretty decent Aussie product.
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Self Tanners -St.Tropez - Bronzing Mousse
shelly_82 12/8/2012 12:24:00 AM
The BEST self tanner ever made. It transforms my casper like skin into a lovely bronze (non orange) colour that looks NATURAL!! I've had issues with every other self-tanner I've applied and had given up until my sis-in-law recommended this. It gives a non-streaky, non-orange glow without much effort. I exfoliate (as you should before any self-tanner) and wear cheap disposable plastic gloves to apply all over, but remove when carefully applying to my hands (I'm careful of this as it is the area most people forget). It's economical in Aus, about $42? at priceline or myer but priceline sometime has sales. I don't need a lot so it lasts ages.
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Cleansers -Olay - Sensitive Skin Foaming Face Wash
shelly_82 3/16/2012 7:56:00 AM
I orginally gave this a steller 5 star rating, but have dropped it to 3 as over time my skin didn't like it (but I do think it may be good for skin that is 'normal' (i.e not dryish, irritated and pimple prone). I have very sensitive skin which can get horrid pimples due to irritation usually (or during that time of month). Anyway, this worked well for the first few weeks, but then had no positive effect and my skin seemed to become dull and pimple prone. I've since returned to Dermalogica ultra calming cleanser (eventhough they have changed the formula slightly-which is why I strayed in the first place) and my skin couldn't be happier. In addition to the balanced skin I now have, the 500ml dermalogica cleanser is economical (but perhaps not as cheap as Olay lol). Anyway, if Olay doesn't work for you get some samples of dermalogica ultra calming cleanser. P.S As far as Olay cleansers go, this is far superior to the previous Olay for sensitive skin (with aloe) cleanser, which was absolutely horrible and dried me out and caused breakouts.
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Skincare - Face -Pro Activ - 3-Step System
shelly_82 2/12/2012 1:36:00 AM
HORRIBLE, DON'T BUY!! This burnt my skin so bad that I couldn't go out in public for over a week. I have never had such a reaction to any product, and wish I'd never tried it. Unless you have very tough skin, do not try. To be fair I now know that I have rather sensitive skin, but no product should cause chemical burns after being on your face for a minute. I've since found that the best way to treat my skin is with gentle skin care and a spot treatment that contains salicylic acid (not benzoyl peroxide as it causes a bad reaction in the long run).
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Moisturizers -Dermalogica - Intensive Moisture Balance
shelly_82 2/11/2012 7:36:00 AM
THIS IS AMAZING!! It is supposed to be for dry skin, however it's works so well on my combination sensitive skin, which gets the occasional pimple. This doesn't cause any breakouts, balances my skin nicely, and makes it look calm and even. I was initially hesitant to try given that I get a few pimples a month and have an oily t zone (and this is meant to be for really dry skin) , but this doesn't make either worse, and my skin loves it. I have the most sensitive skin, and this works perfectly for me (no irritation finally). Another huge plus is that it plumps up my skin and makes my acne scarring look heaps better...at first I thought I was imagining things, but even my dad commented on how nice my skin looked!! Maybe I'm just lucky, but I'm in love with this cream for that reason (in addition to the rest lol). Whenever I run out of this my skin reverts back to it's uneven irritated self, and I always end up quickly repurchasing. It's also really cost effective given that an 100 ml bottle last ages, and therefore works out cheaper that a drug store moisturiser. In Australia it costs just over $100 for 100ml, but over the internet it's about $75, which is great. Anyway, I highly recommend this moisturiser and if you're hesitant to buy, go to your local dermalogica stockist and get some samples.
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Lotions/ Creams -Vaseline - Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning lotion
shelly_82 1/6/2012 10:23:00 PM
I love this lotion!! It is light like a lotion should be, and is amazingly moisturising. When I first applied it, it had an almost watery feeling on my skin which made me think that it wouldn't be moisturisng enough, but I was wrong, as my skin feels lovely! This lotion sinks in immediately, and is perfect for summer as it never leaves my skin feelng oily, but still provides amazing moisture. My skin has never felt better. I used to use Palmer's cocoa butter moisturiser, but it never felt like it sunk onto my skin properly, and in summer I felt like it was too heavy, almost like an oily feeling, and it always sweated off my legs (which has never happened with the vaseline one!). This lotion is perfect for fake tan wearers too, as it doesn't affect my fake tan at all, and gives my skin a nice glow, without an oily or stickey feeling. I haven't tried it in winter yet, but given how well it moiturises, it should be okay. I've also found that because it sinks in perfectly, I can dress straight after without any stickey feeling (unlike the Palmer's version), so I can apply it morning and night. Also since using this I don't get bumps on my legs, which I at first thought was a shaving rash, but now think it was caused by the oily Palmer's cocoa moisturiser being too heavy and clogging my pores. I bought a 375ml bottle for $8 on sale, but even if it was full price I'd still buy it. I have a couple of bottles of Palmers, which I'll be throwing in the bin! Also the smell is nice, and not too strong!
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Fragrances -Elizabeth Arden - Fantasy Britney spears
shelly_82 1/6/2012 9:57:00 PM
This is my favorite everyday fragrance. I was given it as a gift 5 yrs ago, and have been buying it religiously ever since (even though I have at least 10 others). It is a gorgeous fragrance, and suitable for everyday. I've been given countless compliments regarding this perfume from men and women, and many of my friends have since bought it!! In Australia I can buy 100ml EDP for $39-49, so it's cheap to buy as well as being lovely to wear. This as well as 'midnight fantasy' are the only britney spears perfumes I would wear. Circus fantasy is a little too sweet smelling for me, and 'believe' isn't what I'd call an amazing fragrance, they're both just ok. I've also smelt the rest of the range, and don't find them too appealing. Anyway, if you want a lovely perfume that doesn't cost a lot and is bound to give you many compliments from men and women, why not give it a go?
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Shampoo -Batiste - Dry Shampoo - Blush Scent
shelly_82 11/24/2011 8:35:00 AM
This is a nice smelling DS, however I have to use so much of it! It's cheap to start with (between $7-10 AU), BUT I was finding that I had to repurchase after every few uses, which makes it SO EXPENSIVE!!. On the positive side, it smells nice, works to remove oliy roots, and looks natural.(no white or powdery cast once hair been brushed a couple of times) I wouldn't purchase again given the cost per use, and have since found my HG Fudge Dry Shampoo, which is around $15-17 AU, but lasts 3-4 weeks with multiple uses, so in comparison is way cheaper than Batise DS, which doesn't last me a week. Fudge dry shampoo works better than Batise and feels like it's cleaning my hair rather than just reoving oil, but I guess Batise offers better variety given the many fragrances and the brunette option too. I've used 'blush' and 'diva' and both smell lovely. Anyway, I give this 3 as it does get rid of oily roots and smell nice, but the price per use is a HUGE downfall. Here's a summary of the dry shampoos I've tried (and wouldn't buy again as long as my HG Fudge DS is around lol). Cedel's DS is top of this list of memorable ones as it was so HORRIBLE. I gor the one in the purple can and it smells disgusting (chemical smell that made me gag), and leaves a horrible white and unnaural cast (my mum and friend both noticed how weird my hair looked and they never normally say anything), so I threw it out after two uses. Lee Staddord's Poker Straight DS at least smells ok, but given the price (maybe $16-18 AU) and the fact that I also needed heaps of it to do the job, I wouldn't buy again (especially given my Fudge HG). Klorane was the first DS I used, and it was ok for the purpose, and smells ok, but I had to use quite a lot (it retails for around $12-15 AU). In summary, if the fragrances on offer from Batise outway the unbelievably high cost per use, or you have brunette hair (they have a DS for brunette hair, but I haven't tried it, maybe Batise is the brand to try. If on the other hand you want an inexpensive cost per use DS that works just as well if not better than Batise, that cleans hair, looks natural and smells nice, try Fudge DS (it got a bad rating as 3 out of 5 reviews are bad- but give it a go).
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Mascara -Max Factor - False lash effect
shelly_82 11/24/2011 8:10:00 AM
This is the best mascara ever!!! False Lash Effect (FLE) makes my lashes look AMAZING!! It doesn't flake or run ( and I have the non waterproof one), it makes my lashes look long and thick with no clumps, lasts a month or two before drying out, and is not too expensive ($24.95 AU), but Priceline in Australia often has buy 2 get 1 free, so I stock up. I've converted my mum and many friends and they all love it. I'm not a huge MF fan, but two of my most needed makeup products, this and my foundation (miracle touch), are both MF and HG status. As a word of warning just make sure you close the lid tight as sometimes I think I've tightened it properly but haven't, and it could dry out if you're not careful, so I gave the packaging a rating of 4. In comparison to other MF mascaras (and all other brands) this is my favourite mascara. MF Xperience Volumising mascara is also great and makes my lashes look so long and opens my eyes better than FLE, however ironically FLE offers better volume and fluffy and full lashes (which is more important than length for me). I double checked the Xperience one and I definitely bought the volumising rather than lengthening one, so who knows why it offers better lengthening than volume lol!! 2000 Calorie non waterproof (only the straight brush-hate the curved brush) is also pretty good, but my least fav of the three. i HATE Masterpeice and Masterpiece Max, but would recpmmend the 3 others above). If I want a cheaper mascara I very occasionally use Covergirl Volumising mascara (non waterprrof in maroon tube). It's pretty good at creating volumised clump free lashes, but I'd rather pay the extra $7 and have amazing looking lashes!! I'm a mascara addict and this is wayyyy better than any other mascara or mascara brand (and I've tried Lancome, YSL, Clarins, Estee Lauder and Clinique). Way to go MF, you excel at making fabulous mascaras!!
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Shampoo -Fudge - Dry Shampoo
shelly_82 11/24/2011 7:43:00 AM
I'm so shocked by the bad reviews. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!!!! I've have tried quite a few dry shampoos and this is the only one I would RECOMMEND 100%! This has been a saving grace for those mornings I sleep in and don't have time to wash my hair, or when I'm just plain lazy. I wash my hair usually every second day, but it's amazing how often I use this, and it lasts the two days until my next designated shampoo lol! It's also great for giving my roots a bit of extra ooph, or for when my dark roots need blonde foils (lightens the roots whilst looking natural). It has never left a white cast, or globs as some other reveiwers mentioned. I always shake it before use (as with all dry shampoos (DS's), and it always works well and looks like my hair minus the oil (i.e no weird white cast). This is also amazingly cost effective as one can lasts a few weeks at least and that's with multiple uses, and it's quite cheap to start with (think it was around $15 AU). I'm glad I bought this at Priceline (in Australia) before checking on here, as I usually trust my fellow MA's. Anyway, I give this HG status, after trying a few popular dry shampoos in Australia and all but this one falling short with either their ability to get rid of oily roots, their price per use, or their smell. Here's a summary of the ones I've tried (and wouldn't buy again as long as Fudge DS is around lol). Cedel's DS is top of this list of memorable ones as it was so horrible! It smells disgusting (chemical smell that made me gag), and leaves a horrible white and unnaural cast (my mum and friend both noticed how weird my hair looked and they never normally say anything). Lee Staddord's Poker Straight DS at least smells ok, but given the price (maybe $16-18 AU) and the fact that I also needed heaps of it to do the job, I wouldn't buy again (especially given my Fudge HG). Batisse Dry Shampoo smells nice (love 'blush' and 'diva'), and would appear to be the cheapest (between $7-10 AU), but given I have to use so much one can only lasts only a few uses on the roots-so expensive per use!! Klorane was the first DS I used, and it was ok for the purpose, and smells ok, but I had to use quite a lot (it retails for around $12-15 AU). So there you have it....this one is my faithful DS and I will use it whilst they still make it. Just wish I'd found it before all of the others above, especially Cedel-SO bad in every way!
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Lotions/ Creams -Palmers - Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Body Oil
shelly_82 10/23/2011 8:53:00 AM
This is a great product! It absorbs really nicely (especially when compared to bio oil), feels nice on my skin, is non-irratating, is quite cheap and moisturises well....what more could you want? I can't comment on if it helps with stretch marks as I haven't used it regularly or for long enough. Given it's moiturising effect I'd use it regardless of if it helps with stretch marks anyway. I do know that it gives me skin a nice glow and makes it look healthy. I'd repurchase, and I'm disappointed that I bought bio-oil first as this is superior!
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Blush -MAC - My Highland Honey (A Tartan Tale Holiday '10)
shelly_82 10/23/2011 8:42:00 AM
I'm fair with a pink base and torn on how to rate this. Like most MAC products it has great pigment, however this can look too orange on my skin. I should of picked a more peach than orange shade so I guess it's my fault. Would buy another MAC blush, but definitely not with an orange base.... If you're fair you should probably avoid.
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