Shampoo -Alberto Vo5 - Extra Body Shampoo
six30 10/11/2009 8:49:00 AM
I live in Toronto, Canada and have typical Asian (Chinese) hair. I've had not a lot of success in finding the right shampoo to keep my hair moisturized but not heavy and greasy by the end of the day. In Toronto the product is known as "Alberto VO5 Volume Boost Shampoo". I'm genuinely pleased with how manageable and smooth my hair is since I've been using it almost daily! I can't say that it added much volume, but for such a inexpensive (about $5.50 CDN) and excellent product, I will definitely repurchase. I'm currently not using it with the matching conditioner, but may consider doing so now.
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Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Complex 15 Therapeutic Face Cream
six30 8/18/2009 10:34:00 AM
I'm Asian with sensitive combination skin (oilier T-zone, dry patches in winter) and have been using this for years. I admit I did stop using it one winter because it didn't seem rich enough for the harsh Toronto cold. But, I switched my cleanser and toner to La Roche-Posay Physiological and have been super happy with it ever since. I also use it during the hot hazy Toronto summers, but with a lighter touch.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -Rimmel - Stay Matte Pressed Powder (ALL)
six30 8/18/2009 10:04:00 AM
I've been using it during a hot muggy Toronto summer and although it looked good at the beginning of the day it tended to look a little bit chalky on my by the afternoon. I'm usually a MAC NC25 in the Fall/Winter to NC30 in the summer and chose the '001 Transparent' to try. This was a good matte pressed powder for the price, but I think I will stick to my MAC Blot in medium.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Rimmel - LASTING Finish foundation
six30 8/18/2009 9:57:00 AM
I'm a usual MAC Studio Fix fluid foundation user in NC25. I picked up a tube of the Rimmel Lasting Finish foundation in 200 soft beige to try in the summer. I have to say that I have been impressed that such an inexpensive liquid foundation can look, feel and stay so well! There are times that I've thought it felt a little sticky on my face during high humidity of hot Toronto summers, even though I finish with MAC Blot. But quite a good product overall -- feels light with little transfer and no oxidation. I'll definitely repurchase and may try True Ivory 103 in the Fall/Winter. Just a note: the container colour is a little darker than the foundation colour itself.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Shiseido - Extra Smooth Sun Protection Lotion SPF 33 PA++
six30 4/19/2008 1:37:00 PM
The product that I actually purchased is "Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Lotion, For Face / Body, Water-Resistant, SPF 34" and is now the only sun protection lotion that my husband and I will ever use on our face, neck, back and upper arms - basically anywhere that we're prone to clogged pores and break-outs. Sure, it's a bit pricey, but a little bit really goes a long way. It has a very fluid consistency that spreads very evenly with a matifying effect that lasts just about all day. It also smells pleasant and light, not girly or "old lady", and fades shortly after application. Which is great because my husband would refuse to use it otherwise. I would definitely purchase this again, but right now it seems like the bottle is still has lots left even after months and months of use. Here are the list of medicinal ingredients off of our 100 mL bottle: Zinc Oxide 9.3%W/W, Octinoxate 7.4%W/W. Update - Aug., 18, 2009: My husband and I were breaking out from the use of the sunscreen and have since moved on to La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Cream SPF 60. It was recommended for sun sensitive acne prone skin.
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Shampoo -L'Oreal - Vive pro Style and Body-infusing Shampoo
six30 4/19/2008 1:24:00 PM
This shampoo is my current favourite. I have Asian hair that's generally dry most of the year, bordering on coarse during the winter. It's been a lifelong challenge to find the right shampoo that delivers what I really want: the right amount of moisture with body and manageability without feeling heavy, greasy or coarse. Well, this shampoo is it for me. Plus it smells fresh, kind of fruity, and soft but not strong. I use this with the matching conditioner and have never been disappointed with flat hair by the end of the day or stray fly-away spots due to not enough conditioning. I highly recommend that those curious about it give it a try. It's also the right price as it's available at most drug stores.
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Lotions/ Creams -Palmers - Olive Butter Formula with Vitamin E - Organic Body Balm
six30 4/19/2008 1:13:00 PM
I initially purchased the lotion on sale in the winter and was disappointed by it's strong smell. That and the fact that it didn't seem to be rich enough for my dry winter skin. Now that it's spring, bordering on summer, I find the lotion to be very good and delivers what it claims to do on the label: moisturizes instantly, emulsifies on contact for skin smoothing. And, the amount of scent is spot on as it's balanced by the amount personal scent produced by natural body oils that come with rising temperatures and lots of sunshine. I would definitely buy this again!
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Lotions/ Creams -Vaseline - Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Extra Rich Cream
six30 1/20/2008 2:11:00 PM
I bought the Vaseline Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Lotion on sale at Shoppers Drug Mart in Toronto thinking that it would be an inexpensive, long-lasting body lotion that would smell great. This was based on previous reviews I had read. It turned out to be the most awful, long-lasting, strong smelling lotion I had ever used. Even my husband commented on how strong and cloying it smelled from another room! Maybe they formulate the product differently in Canada. It did moisturizer fairly well, but did not last into the evening -- my legs looked flaky. I returned the product and swapped it for Vaseline's Extra Strength Intensive Rescue lotion, which is OK, but not my favourite. At least the smell isn't as strong and fades after a while.
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Mascara -MAC - Loud Lash
six30 1/20/2008 1:57:00 PM
I have never had any luck with any waterproof/smudge proof mascaras and have tried expensive department store products (Shiseido) with the same results. They always end up feeling gloopy and transfer all around my oily Asian eyes. A friend at MAC suggested I try this with a warning that the brush is a bit fat and that the product is a bit clumpy. I have to say that she was right all around. It is the best waterproof & smudge proof mascara I've used to date. It stays all day without smudging and feeling soft & melted by the end of day. I recommend curling lashes first before use. Then combing though to remove any clumps, which are usually very minor. I remove it using the MAC Super Cleansing Oil followed by Dove Sensitive Skin Soap to remove the oily residue feel. Lid Care pads are also excellent, again followed by soap and water. Loud Lash MAC Mascara seems to be popular item as it's out of stock regularly. Update - Aug., 18, 2009: This has been discontinued for quite some time. I've switched to 'blinc tube mascara' and am happy with the staying factor and complete lack of smudging. Not the greatest for thickening, but great for daytime use.
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