Moisturizers -L'Occitane - Rice Ultra-Matte Face Fluid 
snowflake91 11/16/2011 7:05:00 AM
This is an amazing product for my combination skin. It keeps my face matte and/or natural looking all day. By natural i mean there is no shine but my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose are less matte than the rest of my face - not 'dewy' mind you. I only use this in summer otherwise it can get a bit drying, but in summer i get quite oily in the t-zone and it keeps me looking normal even when i'm at the gym sweating away. I've also replaced my primer with this, so I use a serum and a tiny amount of a light moisturiser, then the red rice on top when everything has sunk in. I haven't tried using this with just my serum as i feel more comfortable using at least a tiny amount of lotion under this so i get some hydration. And i can say this is 100 times better as a mattifying primer than the YSL matte touch primer which is raved about, wish i discovered this first!
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Brows -Suqqu - Brow Pen in 02 Brown
snowflake91 11/16/2011 6:54:00 AM
I absolutely love this brow pen to bits! I have tried tons of long-lasting brow pencils and nothing has been even close to this. I have black hair so I use moss green (its not really green, probably a translation thing) its more of a very pale black, but its not grey - hard to explain! I have super sparse eyebrows, ridiculous really, so I cannot deal with smudged brows. This is really waterproof for me, I can swim in it, sleep in it and everything in between. The longest i have tested it for is around 24 hours, working and sleeping included and it stayed up fine. It gives a great finish and looks really really natural. Unfortunately it is a bit hard to get a hold of and is a touch pricey but I've had it for ages and ages, I do try to extend the longevity by using it as a finishing touch and combining it with my shiseido brow pencil for everyday use. I use it to do a full brow about twice a week and i haven't run out yet. If you can find this and am willing to invest a few extra dollars, try it out, its such an innovative product :)
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Toners -Origins - Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion
snowflake91 11/16/2011 6:45:00 AM
I use this in conjunction with the mega mushroom serum and it works like a dream. I have highly sensitive combination skin, as in scaly itchy red patches and rashes. This toner is fantastic, it soothes my skin and hydrates it leaving my face feeling very very comfortable which is great for after exfoliation when the skin is a little red. I don't know how this performs on its own with a different moisturiser or serum but i do feel that it increases the effect of my serum. I use 2-3 drops on my fingers and tap into my skin, i feel that using a cotton pad wastes a lot of the product. If you are looking for a soothing toner and looking into this range, give it a go!
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Treatments -Origins - Dr Weil Plantidote Mega Mushroom Face Serum
snowflake91 11/16/2011 6:32:00 AM
This is honestly my HG serum and i absolutely do not throw that word around. In fact this is the only product I have ever claimed is a HG. I have very sensitive combination skin, dry in winter. All year round this is the perfect soothing serum and actually HEALS any rashes, eczema or sensitivity on my face. Unfortunately this happens a lot as i try out tons of products and i react to a alot of them even though i do a lot of research. I also react to foods and other inconvenient things! This is truely the best product i have ever found, if i had to use only one skincare product it would be this. It soothes any itchy red patches, reduces redness and keeps the skin slightly moisturised and very comfortable. After a few weeks of using this, i felt like my skin looked healthier and somehow less dull. This is very rare for me, i have tried in vain to see any "healthy glow" from many many products but they were either too basic, clogging or irritating to the skin. I am slightly prone to pore clogging and after using this for almost a year, i haven't experienced anything bad at all. I use this day in conjunction with the treatment lotion (toner) and it works fantastically. The toner is wonderful as well, but this was the product that made the biggest difference on my face. I have tried other serums from high end brands like Lancome, Estee Lauder, Decleor, Darphin and tons of other natural/organic brands as well but nothing has been half as effective especially considering this is neither heavy nor a straight oil. The only nit-picking issue i can think of is that it smells quite herbally, I love herbal scents but i can see some people perhaps not loving it.Some people are saying its just a moisturiser with no anti-ageing effects but anti-ageing isn't really the main use for this serum. If you don't have sensitivity or redness, then you probably won't see huge results. I agree, there are more effective anti-ageing serums but this is honestly the best anti-inflammatory, soothing and healing product i have ever come across and the ingredients are wonderful. The price isn't cheap but certainly not terrible, and well worth the buy!
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Moisturizers -Estee Lauder - Daywear Plus Cream for Normal/Combination skin
snowflake91 11/16/2011 5:24:00 AM
I am surprisingly impressed by this product as i've had ridiculous experiences with EL products in the past, Rashes, itching,breakouts you name it. I believe this was a gift with purchase and i very apprehensively tried it one day after running out of my usual moisturiser. I can honestly say, after using this for a couple of months that this is one of the best day moisturises for my combination sensitive skin. The spf is a bonus, I have even been using this as a night cream for a while and it works perfectly fine. I was worried about clogging as i'm pretty partial to it but it has been fantastic. I only apply a very thin layer to my face and it gives me just enough moisture but no shinyness or residue left on the skin. I also have redness around the nose and the cheeks naturally and i feel that it somewhat helps with that, but only slightly - you can't expect miracles! This might have to do with the light greenish tinge of the cream, but it does have a soothing sensation and smells absolutely lovely - like cucumbers but its pleasant, not overpowering at all. The best thing about it is that it doesn't irritate my skin at all even when it is extra sensitive. I like how it has antioxidants but anti-ageing isn't my primary worry so thats perfectly fine. I feel like it does more than your average moisturiser, and it does feel slightly luxurious on the skin. The price point is definitely an improvement from some of the other overpriced and completely useless products i've have tried, I'd say it's a mid range price. Estee Lauder is pretty good about giving samples so if you're looking for a good day cream check out one of the counters. I have a lot of trouble with moisturisers so I'm so glad I found this!
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Moisturizers -Ren - Calendula Omega 3-7 Hydra Calm Moisturiser Sensitive Skin
snowflake91 6/21/2011 9:02:00 PM
This was recommended to me by the lovely SA at Mecca, for my extra sensitive reactive skin. Unfortunately after one use, I woke up with horrible red itchy patches all over my face. This has happened countless times because of other products and even though it is a 'natural' or 'organic' products doesn't mean your skin will not react. However I read the ingredients and couldnt see anything particularly irritating except small amounts of alcohol which are present in another of my regular creams so I did not think too much about it.
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Conditioner -Garnier - For Color-treated or permed hair
snowflake91 6/19/2011 10:57:00 PM
I use the Garnier Color Last which I believe is the newly formulated version of this. The shampoo is rubbish but the conditioner is one of the best I have tried for the pricing. This doesn't weigh down my hair at all (the shampoo does strangely enough) and really moisturises and detangles well which is great as I have really damaged coarse hair. My favourite thing about this is the smell, sort of muted blueberries and other berries which i'm in love with but smell isn't usually a factor for me, I'm much more concerned with the quality and results. The only 2 other conditioners I prefer over this are the Tigi catwalk - Your highness and Shiseido - Tsubaki (red bottle) conditioners but both are in my opinion slightly overpriced. I use this in conjunction with L'oreal sulfate free bodify shampoo and they work really well together.
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Shampoo -L'Oreal - EverPure Sulfate-free Color Care Shampoo
snowflake91 6/19/2011 10:49:00 PM
I am so surprised to see a low rating on this shampoo because I absolutely love it. I have tried alot of sulfate free shampoo, most which are pretty nice but not geared towards color protecting. I use the bodify version and while not the best volumising one i've tried, it is definitely the best all rounder. Most volumising shampoos tend to dry out my hair and make it incredibly tangled, the best one I've tried is Tigi catwalk - Your Highness which would be my number one choice if it was cheaper and had color protecting properties. The L'oreal really cleanses my hair, lathers well and importantly doesnt leave my hair tangled, dry, flat or leave residues. The instant I used this, I could tell the difference and I still love it. The smell doesnt bother me at all, people have described it as an earthy smell which I dont mind at all, but honestly it doesnt really smell earthy to me. I haven't tried the conditioner yet because I love the smell of my garnier color last conditioner (not a fan of the shampoo though) and it is cheaper as well. I've heard mixed reviews on the conditioner so i may try it later down the track. At the moment I use these 2 products in conjunction with my orofluido oil and this has worked the best, even moreso than my old high maintenance routines of pre shampoo and post shampoo masks and all sorts of things.
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Hair -Unlisted Brand - Revlon Orofluido - Beauty Elixir
snowflake91 6/19/2011 10:32:00 PM
This hair oil is absolutely amazing. I have tried so many oils, creams, leave-in conditioners for my coarse flyaway hair, but this beats all of them by far. The consistency feels really thick and oily but don't let that scare you, it is honestly so light when applied and doesnt weight down my hair at all. I have moderately fine and long hair and most of the leave in products I have tried make my hair flat even if I apply from the shoulders down. I only use a small amount of this, less than a 5 cent piece and my hair almost reaches my waist. So despite the high price, i got mine for AU$45 it will definitely go a long way. Unlike some other leave ins which only detangle and soften after it absorbs - which for my hair can take up to hours to get rid of that sticky feeling, the orofluido sinks in and doesnt leave any oil residue and makes my coarse hair feel so smooth and baby soft. And let me tell you, that is a massive acheivement since my hair has been damaged like crazy over the years. You can apply it wet or dry but I prefer damp since it spreads out really easy. If I don't use this after washing my hair I find it is not as soft, BUT it definitely feels much healthier and less tangled than before I started using this. So I do think it is not just coating my hair when I use it, but also permanently improving the texture bit by bit. Also everytime I see my hairdresser she always applies Moroccan oil to my hair but honestly, it never feels as smooth and soft as when I use this, that's just my opinion. Another thing that has really improved my hair texture and health is using the L'oreal sulphate free shampoo, I started this a couple of months after buying orofluido and have definately seen results. I used to use color shampoos which contained sulphate because I could never find good color protecting sulphate free products. I havent tried the conditioner, but I think the L'oreal shampoo and orifluido combined have helped immensely.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Jane Iredale - Pure Pressed Base
snowflake91 5/14/2011 7:20:00 PM
I really enjoy this mineral foundation as it has amazing coverage and the perfect finish - slightly matte but it gets a little more natural during the day. It can cover up my blemishes and small scars but i dont worry too much because i prefer a light coverage even if you can tell i have a zit or two, big deal! You can definately build it up to full coverage and it wont get patchy, however although it wont look overly cakey, it is still obvious that you are wearing foundation and im not a fan of that look. On my full coverage days i use estee lauder double wear and it is a dream come true. In summer i touch up my t-zone once which i think is pretty great, maybe twice if im sweating in the sun all day or exerting alot of energy. For reference my skin is combination to normal in summer and dry/dehydrated in winter. I mix this with a touch of my Laura Mercier loose mineral foundation just for a better colour and i love the combined effect (LM is a bit 'creamier' and more bronzed). The only downside to jane iredale is it is quite overpriced i think and it is far too drying in winter as it draws out the moisture from my skin and doesnt cover dry patches well, although i dont think any mineral powder will.
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Scrubs -The Body Shop - coconut body scrub
snowflake91 5/14/2011 7:03:00 PM
This is one of my favourite scrubs, which consist of the body shop and australian organics. All the body shop's creamy scrubs are amazing, much more so than the sugar scrubs and they really leave your skin feeling soft and silky and amazing. Since my skin can get a little dry i love that these scrubs retain my skins moisture and even very slightly moisturise. I have heard a few people complain about oily residue but i have never experienced this, even in summer when my skin is normal and doesnt require much moisture. I love trying new scrubs and new scents but i always come back to this one, because of the scent and texture. It is quite a strong coconut smell which some may not like but everyone i have shown this to loves the smell. Even if it is quite strong, the coconut only lingers for a little while after showering.
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Lotions/ Creams -Yes To Carrots - C Through the Dry Spell Deliciously Rich Body Butter
snowflake91 5/14/2011 6:53:00 PM
I love love this body butter to death! Its very moisturising which i love and is perfect for both summer and winter, i have normal skin in summer and very dry skin in winter yet it is still not too heavy for those sweaty days. I love the smell its similar to the scent of all their yes to carrots products and its wonderful. Not overly fresh but quite natural and sweet without being herbal or too fruity. I wouldnt say it smells exactly like carrots though. It does leave a very slight film on top of my skin but it doesnt just sit there like some of the body shop body butters, it sinks in within say 15mins or so on normal skin and when my skin is dry it absorbs in 5 mins or less. The only body butter from the body shop which is as good as this one (because ive tried them all!) is the nutmeg and vanilla one which i will use to mix things up but i still prefer yes to carrots based on price point and a less overpowering scent. (nutmeg and vanilla smells amazing though).
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Eye Primer -Too Faced - Shadow Insurance, Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer
snowflake91 5/10/2011 8:22:00 AM
I bought this primer as a cheaper alternative to my beloved nars eyelid primer since i had heard mostly great reviews on this, many people also compared the too faced and nars primers with some saying too faced was better, so i was excited to try it out. For me it worked well, theres absolutely nothing wrong with it, it holds my makeup, no creasing or smudging. But its nowhere as good as my nars one. The packaging and pricing are great and i still use this on days where im just at University or going out shopping for the day and it does the job just fine. I often use it for work and occasionally my eyeshadow will fade a little but nothing to worry about. However for long nights on the town or hot days at the beach i really prefer my nars, its incredibly longlasting, keeps eyeshadow vibrant, waterproof and leaves a perfect smooth canvas after i put it on. I notice with the shadow insurance, it will still be tacky 5 mins after application which makes it harder to blend eyeshadows. I dont have time to wait longer than 5 mins for it to set so i put on a neutral eyeshadow first as a base but im not really a fan of that since i already use several colors the last thing i want is an extra layer plus the added bother. I even prefer my paint pots in comparison even though im not the biggest fan of them. So, this product does its job fine, but because i can compare it to my nars primer this one feels very average. I'm not saying the shadow insurance doesnt hold up on a long night, because it does, i dont experience any creasing its just that the colors dont stay on quite as vibrant and any accidental swiping of your eye might smudge it a bit.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -MAC - Studio Finish Concealer
snowflake91 2/28/2011 3:08:00 AM
A pretty good concealer which im happy to use until i find a better one. Although i have dry skin, i still find this concealer a bit oily and sometimes it does slip around after 6 or so hours of wear in summer which isn't too bad really. It does crease though so a good setting powder is needed. I use this mainly for under eye circles and i would say it does a good but no excellent job of hiding them. That being said my dark circles are ridiculously dark and i havent found anything that covers them perfectly yet. I am an NC 42 in this concealer as the NC35 that i thought would be perfect, turned out too pale. However I still think the NC42 is too yellow even for my yellow based and often spray tanned skin. Edit: I added one lippie as it is now winter and this concealer has the perfect consistency for the drier months. Instead of smoothing this on i lightly pat as the coldness makes the concealer less creamy on application (i actually prefer this) however as it warms to your body temperature, it retains that smooth moisturising texture. Since my skin is a little drier now, this is great but be warned if your under eyes get extremely extremely dry, flaky or patchy, studio finish is not going to hide that at all in fact it will emphasise the dryness and look very cakey. In those desperate times i use my estee lauder double wear foundation as under eye concealer and it works much better.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Laura Mercier - Tarte Au Citron Souffle Body Cream
snowflake91 2/28/2011 2:52:00 AM
This body cream is amazing! It;s so light and creamy and is really well absorbed by my skin. After 2 uses i already noticed my skin feeling softer and smoother. I have quite dry skin and am a bit sick of the arduous task of rubbing in thick body butter until it absorbs and living with the sticky feeling afterwards. This moisturiser is certainly a nice surprise, and smells quite divine. It is a very foody scent but not as potent as some. The issue i have with it is that most of the ingredients are not natural which is important to meas i have very sensitive skin. Also when i have significant dry spots, this doesnt do the job quite as well as some of my heavier oil-based creams but i didnt expect this too. Overall, this is a very unique scented body cream with a luxurious texture and i can honestly say i have never seen anything like it. Edit: As it is nearing the drier months my skin needs more moisture and this does not do anything for me. Perfect for summer but definately not in winter. I'm going to have to remove one lippie as there are plenty of other brands like yes to carrots which are prefect all year round.
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