Eye Makeup Remover -Kiss Me - Heroine Make - Mascara Remover
shi1 5/17/2013 7:03:00 PM
I got this mascara remover with the Heroine Make mascara. It came as a promo pack. I also tried their eye makeup remover that comes in a bottle but I prefer this one. I actually only wear eyeliner and mascara on a daily basis, so a mascara remover is perfect for me because it gets both off. I really enjoy this product because of the wand. It's basically a mascara wand but instead of bristles it has grooves so it's really good at coating your eyelashes with makeup remover. This is the first step I take when starting my makeup removal - I apply it to my lashes and allow it to melt away my mascara while I remove the makeup on the rest of my face. Then I gently hold a cotton pad to my eyes and slide the mascara off. It takes about 2-3 swipes to get everything off and it works really well. I don't have easy access to this product where I live so I found a sneaky solution. Once the tube is finished, I refill it with my Shu Uemura cleansing oil and its just as good. To do this, just pull the stopper out, wipe the inside clean if necessary, refill, and put it all back together. In fact, you can probably use a regular empty/clean mascara tube and fill it up with a good makeup cleanser the same way to make a DIY version of this product.
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Moisturizers -Kiehls - Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion
shi1 3/7/2013 3:01:00 PM
I have combination acne-prone skin. I was looking for a basic moisturizer that wouldn't clog my pores. This moisturizer sounded perfect because it was oil-free and it is supposed to have oil control which is great because my t-zone tends to get oily. I tried this in two climates: cold and dry, and hot and humid. Unfortunately, this moisturizer did not work at either extreme. It did nothing for oil control. In fact, it made my skin even greasier! I would put it on in the morning and by noon I would be like an oil slick. It seems like this is one of the products that either really works or really does not work depending on the person. Thank goodness for a good return policy because I was able to exchange the lotion for something else.
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Brows -Shiseido - Eyebrow & Eyeliner Compact - Light Brown BL3
shi1 2/4/2013 8:58:00 AM
Let's start off by saying I have sparse asian eyebrows. I believe I have the darker shade, but I have the older version where the two colours are split horizontally and not diagonally. Its selling for 37$ at Sephora which seems like a lot, but I've honestly been using this powder everyday for at least 2-3 years and I still have not hit pan and it doesn't look like I will any time soon. This stuff will last you for years which is why I gave it a 3 for price. A natural looking colour is always an issue for asian eyebrows. Colours often are too red/brown or too black/grey, but this one works well. I don't use the brush that came with it. I've used it with both a synthetic and natural stiff angled brush. It works either way. Its easy to use, and it gives a natural finish. I would have preferred a smaller compact, but its still very nice looking (like all of Shiseido's products). I highly recommend this product.
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Scrubs -Kiehls - Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub "Grapefruit"
shi1 2/4/2013 8:38:00 AM
This is a body scrub that actually works! A lot of body scrubs just have a few grains in it, and aren't very effective at exfoliating, but this always leaves my skin nice smooth and soft. It leaves your skin lightly hydrated and not grimy. It is very grainy and it has a nice light refreshing smell. It is 30$ CDN a bottle so its not the cheapest but its a quality product. It comes in a tube so its easy to use in the shower.
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Toners -Kiehls - Calendula Toner
shi1 2/1/2013 4:07:00 PM
I never wanted to like this because of the price. It is 49$ for 250ml in Canada which is ridiculous, if you ask me, for something that doesn't claim to do much. And yet, I found myself buying a bottle. I'll be honest. I wasn't very impressed with this stuff when I tried it because it didn't seem to do anything, but after giving it a try for a few months I came to love it. This is a product that my skin seems to welcome when its feeling a little under the weather. Its that simple. Its like comfort food to the skin. If my skin is irritated, dry, or just needs a pick me up, this is the perfect thing to put on. My skin feels instantly comforted and ready to take on the world. It absorbs well and feels moisturizing. Moisturizers/serums seem to absorb better with this on, it calms irritated skin (reduce redness/inflammation), it does not clog your pores and it does not interfere with other products. It doesn't seem like much but this toner has definitely earned a spot in my skincare shelf!
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Moisturizers -Josie Maran Cosmetics - Argan oil
shi1 2/1/2013 3:46:00 PM
I have acne prone skin that can be both oily and dry at the same time. I have to give it up to this product for its moisturizing properties because it kept my skin quite moisturized during -40 degree canadian weather. Normally during this season I would be slathering on thick creams to try to keep moisturized which would then be followed by breakouts caused by the creams and dead dry skin clogging my pores. I use between 2-3 drops of this oil on my face/neck during the day, and when I need extra moisture, I add about 2 drops of this to my nighttime moisturizer. I do not get greasy during the day which is fabulous. I might blot a bit after about 8-12 hours but that's about it. I've used this for about a month now and have experienced no breakouts. I do think it can clog pores if you put too much so I would suggest being very lighthanded with this stuff. I can't say if it has helped with acne or scars because I have other products incorporated into my regular routine to take care of that, but this product certainly hasn't caused any issues. I like the simplicity of the bottle, but the dropper isn't that great because the oil tends to drip out by itself. I love that I can use this product for something other than my face. I've been using it in my hair and I like it. It's probably one of the better oils i've used in my hair (but not the best). I put a few drops onto damp hair before I blowdry, and sometimes a few drops after if needed and it doesn't feel greasy. It absorbs into my hair nicely. I gave this product a 5 in the price department because it seems like there are many cheaper alternatives out there. I haven't tried any others yet so I can't say whether the product merits the high price. So for the meantime I say I would repurchase this product because it works well but this may change if there is a cheaper (but equally good) version available.
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Hada Labo TAMAGOHADA Daily Foaming Wash
shi1 2/1/2013 3:14:00 PM
I have combination skin that is acne prone and can be both oily and dry at the same time. I bought this product when I was traveling in a tropical climate. It worked great when I was there. I used it once a day at night and it didn't dry my skin out. In fact I was able to go without moisturizer during the day the whole time I was there. I think it did help fade scars and kept my skin spot free the whole time I was using it. I wouldn't say this product is very drying, but it definitely isn't moisturizing. I'm back to Canadian winter weather (aka extremely dry and cold weather) right now and I do notice flaky patches after using this so I don't use it everyday anymore. The price is not very expensive at all, especially for a product with AHA/BHA so I would say its a good option to consider if that's what you're looking for. I would suggest using this in warmer months or in humid climates if you're afraid of it being drying. Also, as a general rule, I wouldn't use these types of exfoliating cleansers more than once a day.
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Mascara -Kiss Me - HEROINE MAKE long and curl mascara (black)
shi1 1/14/2013 4:25:00 PM
I love this mascara! I have straight lashes and issues with smudging. This mascara is just perfect for asian eyes. The brush is nice and small so it is a great size for small eyes and getting to all the little hairs at the corners. It separates your lashes nicely, is buildable, and is gives a nice natural look. Its not THE most volumizing, but it doesn't claim to be so that's ok. This stuff holds a curl like nobody's business and it is completely smudgeproof and waterproof. I wore it for long days in a hot country, skidooing, for 30+ hours (flying back home) and it withstood it all. No flakes and no drooping. It does take a little patience getting it off since it is a waterproof mascara. I recommend soaking a cotton pad with a bi-phase eye makeup remover and holding it on your eye to gently breakdown and remove the mascara. What I love the most about this mascara is that once its on, I don't have to worry about it. No need to check for smudges, flakes or droopy lashes.
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Mascara -Urban Decay - Cannonball
shi1 12/27/2012 1:11:00 AM
I like this mascara. It is able to get me through a day of work followed by a session of hot yoga. It really holds a curl and makes lashes nice and separated but it does smudge if you have oily skin. Once the oil starts breaking down the mascara the waterproof power is weakened so it kind of smudges/flakes. Aside from this, its a nice mascara with a natural finish. If you don't suffer oily lids, this should work well for you. The packaging is simple but the cap locks into position well so I like it. The brush is not too large which I also appreciate because it makes it easier for small eyes and getting into corners.
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Lotions/ Creams -Neostrata - Smoothing Lotion - AHA 10
shi1 11/21/2012 10:18:00 AM
This is a review of the oil-free version. I am a changed person ever since I have started incorporating AHAs into my skincare routine. I was always acne prone, suffering from breakouts and enduring scars. With much trial and error I learned the needs of my skin so it had gotten to a "good" state, but once I started using AHAs my skin has REALLY cleared up. The little bumps under my skin have gone away and blemishes are pretty much strictly hormonal (and not severe). I tried using an AHA cleanser only which was good but I still noticed a few blemishes starting to form. I added this moisturizer back into my routine, and the blemishes never formed and just disappeared. It does have a bit of a vinegary odour and can tingle when applied but both go away quickly after application. It can cause the skin to pill so it may not be the best thing to wear under foundation. It can be drying for the skin so I think I may alternate moisturizers, but it is a good staple to have around, especially during breakouts. The price is slightly high but not too unreasonable. In Canada its available at Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix and it goes on sale for 30% off every now and then which makes the price more palatable.
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Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - Cliniderm Gentle Protective Lotion SPF 45
shi1 11/19/2012 1:41:00 PM
I bought this sunscreen for use on the face. I needed something that would not clog my pores, was non-greasy, would not burn my skin and did not have that horrible sunscreen odour. I was very happy that it met all of the above criteria, however, the downside is that it was very drying for my skin. It is unscented, has a matte finish and does not leave a white cast. I have since switched to Clarins UV Plus HP which meets all of the above criteria but does not dry my skin out. I also prefer the texture and scent of the Clarins one so I will not be switching back.
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Scrubs -Murad - AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
shi1 11/12/2012 10:17:00 AM
This product is great for keeping your skin clear and clores unclogged. I recently became interested in products with AHAs and is basically how I got started using this cleanser. I deal with sensitive and acne prone skin but it has gotten much better over the years after I've learned to understand my skin and its skincare requirements. This product has taken my skin from good to great. I truly don't need to wear foundation anymore and I use concealer just to cover up dark circles. It has eradicated all the tiny bumps I had under the skin except for some stubborn milia. I used the wrong type of cleanser on my skin for 3 days and my skin instantly became clogged and a few pimples popped up. I then used this for a few days and it cleared it back up. Its a great cleanser on its own, but I have found that using it with a moisturizer with AHAs is a winning combo for keeping skin clear. When I first started using it, I used it nightly because I was hoping I could use it as a daily cleanser. I find the product to be a bit on the drying side so I now use it on occasion. I use it with my Clarisonic. I agree with the other reviewers that the marketing is terrible because it targets only aging skin when it is really fantastic for acne.
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Hair Styling Tools -Unlisted Brand - Tangle Teezer
shi1 10/15/2012 1:04:00 PM
I grow and donate my hair to make wigs for women with cancer, so my hair gets really long (up to my belly button). When it is that long I am always battling with knots so this brush is a godsend. Please note that it does not replace any of my regular brushes. I use it specifically to get the knots out of my hair and for that it does a great job. It is much easier, quicker and painless making it fantastic for children. Little girls will love the bright fun colors they come in. I will first detangle my hair with the TT, and the follow with my trusty boar bristle/nylon brush. For reference, I have straight thin/medium asian hair.
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Other -Boscia - Green Tea Blotting Linens
shi1 10/12/2012 5:15:00 PM
I just picked these sheets up recently because I finally used up all my old blotting sheets (Shiseido and Napoleon Perdis - both powderless). I've also tried the powdered Crabtree & Evelyn ones. My general preference is non-powdered since the powder from the sheets may look cakey. While I had no qualms with the Shiseido and NP sheets, I marginally prefer these sheets. Sheet size was comparable between the 3; NP one was a roller so I could tear as large/small a sheet as I wanted. They are all nice and thin, but the Boscia seems a bit softer and more like "linen" whereas the other two were more silky. I think the linen-like texture of the Boscia makes it slightly more absorbant. I also love the green tea smell of the Boscia ones. I'm a tea junkie so the smell is right up my alley. The other two were unscented so Boscia gets an extra point for that. I've tried the Clean and Clear ones many years ago, and from what I remember, those ones feel a bit more rubbery so its not as delicate/luxurious feeling (I might be mixing it up with the Sephora brand ones though). I compared the price of the C&C with the Boscia and the C&C ones were actually slightly more expensive if you consider the price per sheet even though it is a drugstore brand. The sheets come in a cardboard holder which will no doubtedly get beat up in my purse eventually but I don't mind because that means its recyclable. I also don't mind if the packaging isn't fancy because its not one of those things you would whip out in public for everyone to see anyway. For reference, I have combination skin that can get slight to moderately oily.
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Blush -Giorgio Armani - Sheer Blush #3
shi1 10/7/2012 5:36:00 PM
This product is wonderful. I had forgotten how gorgeous this blush is and how much I love Giorgio Armani products. Giorgio Armani products give you a very natural look. If you want something that is very obvious then this is not the brand for you. The color is a mix of peach, rose, bronze and gold. It gives a beautiful glow and highlights and contours where you need it to in one simple sweep. The product is smooth and silky with very fine shimmer in it. I usually hate shimmer but this one is barely there and the finish is very tasteful (not cheap looking). The application is pretty effortless since it blends out easily. You cannot mess up with this blush. Price is quite high as with all of GA's products but the quality is there. I absolutely love this blush and am sad that its almost finished. The packaging is sleek and sexy but I have broken the clasp that holds the compact closed on one of my GA blushes.
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