Cleansers -LUSH - Let the Good Times Roll
solai 1/20/2013 4:31:00 AM
I wouldn't call this a cleanser as it's more like a scrub. I don't know how you'd be able to get your make-up off with this! It's very grainy so if you have sensitive skin, it might not be for you and it's a definite no-no for the eye area. The cleanser is very similar to Oatfix: a little oily and quite grainy so your skin feels very soft afterwards. The scent is very toffee-like and delicious. A little goes a long way with this product so it doesn't run out very quickly.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -My Beauty Diary - Q10 Rejuvenating Mask
solai 1/20/2013 4:20:00 AM
The mask is okay - that's about it. The lotion feels a little thicker/more moisturising than in some of the other MDB masks, but the effect is average. It didn't particularly brighten, smooth or moisturize my skin. Also, it's not as refreshing than for example the Natto mask. The scent is light and the mask didn't irritate my skin.
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Masks -My Beauty Diary - Natto Mask
solai 11/21/2012 11:00:00 AM
This mask is very refreshing. When you're tired and want a new start for your skin, this one is perfect. It made my skin look more even and feel so relaxed and smooth - perfect after a long stressful day. The essence absorbed well, too, and didn't leave an icky film like some lotion masks do. Thumbs up!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -LUSH - Aqua Marina Cleansing Roll
solai 11/21/2012 10:55:00 AM
I have to say that this cleanser really suits my skin. It gets rid of make-up (not mascara, though) and leaves my skin really soft. the best part is that it somehow looses dry/flaking skin so I can just rub it off in the shower (you need to let it sit for a minute or two on the skin plus you need the steam, doesn't work otherwise). No more flaking! I have a dry combination skin so it's tricky to find a cleanser that isn't too drying but not too conditioning either. This one fits the bill perfectly. It hasn't caused any break-outs so far and I've used a few pots already. I can see why someone wouldn't like this cleanser but try a sample first and maybe you'll fall in love, too :)
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Moisturizers -Avene - Cleanance Antishine Regulating Lotion
solai 8/17/2012 9:32:00 AM
A good product. It keeps me matte for a reasonable time (2-4 hours) and even if I sweat a lot, it still controls excess shine after I blot the sweat away with a tissue. That's definitely one of the best sides of this product. I sometimes start looking oily even after 30 mins of applying make-up so this product is a must for work days. The product is a light gel, which turns more powdery after you spread it but doesn't have a nasty silicone slick to it. So far, I have liked every Avene products I have tried and this one doesn't disappoint either. Thumbs up!
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Masks -My Beauty Diary - Mixed Berry Mask
solai 7/15/2012 4:47:00 AM
This mask is supposed to brighten, firm, purify and refine your skin. Does it do any of these? No. I wouldn't recommend this mask as it does almost nothing. The only good thing about it is that the serum is refreshing BUT it's not the best refreshing sheet mask I've tried. It has a very artificial berry scent to it, which luckily isn't so overpowering that you can't use it. The serum is rather sticky so if you leave it on, this mask has to be for night time use only. The serum doesn't absorb very well. Also, the mask fabric is very thin but kept sliding down constantly, which was really uncomfortable. Two lippies for being slightly refreshing and not irritating my skin.
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Lotions/ Creams -Unlisted Brand - Madara - Creamy Baby OIl
solai 7/15/2012 4:37:00 AM
As the name suggests, this oil has a cream like consistency and isn't a liquid like other baby oils. If you have really dry skin (KP, eczema etc) you should give this one a go. Being an oil, it doesn't absorb immediately but it's ultra conditioning and leaves my skin really soft and soothed plus it really improved all the dry spots almost immediately. I'd suggest applying it at night time as it doesn't absorb immediately. It's also fragrance free and doesn't have a strong scent to it, which is great for sensitive skin types.
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Makeup Brushes -Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman - Brush Collection Core Collection
solai 7/1/2012 4:29:00 AM
This set is really good value for quality. Usually brush sets miss something you need, can be quite expensive and buying individual brushes to make a set is even more expensive but this one is really, really well thought out. The set is rather inexpensive compared to other similar ones and I think this is a definite marketing strength. If it was more expensive, I think people would just buy from a more expensive brand. First I thought that the brushes look a little small but I afterwards realised that the size is really good for detailed application and applying products evenly also to more difficult places (e.g. concealer in the inner corner of the eye). Also, the brushes are very soft and easy to clean. Another major plus is the case. It's sturdy so it protects the brushes AND it has space for other brushes. Even though the set doesn't have a powder brush, you can easily add one of your own. The case fastens with velcro and the ends are open so even if you add more brushes to it, you can still close it without damaging your brushes. The case is good for travelling as it's sturdy, streamlined and fits into a small space but you'd have to put it into a bag as the ends are open. The only kind of useless thing about the case is the "display" function, which I kind of don't get as the bands holding the brushes are kind of tight (as they should) and the ends of the brushes have a matte, slightly rubbery coating so you can't really slip them out of the case easily. On the other hand, you can hang the case from the string or carry it should you have a need for that. If I ever recommend a brush set, this is the one, and I plan to get the eye make up set as well.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics - Tint Tinted Moisturizer
solai 6/28/2012 2:28:00 PM
I have to say that not everyone will love this product. It's very sheer so it won't cover any major imperfections no matter how much you hope to layer it. What it can do is perk up your skin tone slightly. If you want a natural looking, "my skin but a bit better", finish, this gives a good base - all you need to add is concealer. Being silicone free, the texture is slightly peculiar if you're used to the silicone slick. It's somehow thick and tacky but doesn't feel heavy when applied and it doesn't leave a greasy feeling on the skin. It won't keep your skin matte but won't make it more greasier either. I find that the tint is best applied with a brush and this way it goes on like second skin. All other tints and foundations usually show on my cheeks but this doesn't - a major plus for that. It's also very easy to remove so it might be less likely to clog your skin. Also, if you have a red/cool based skin tone, the shade range is very good. If you're looking for a silicone free product, I can recommend this. If you have trouble finding products for cool toned light skin and/or want a natural looking finish, I can recommend this. Others may find this tint lacking as it doesn't have some of the properties silicone products have and doesn't give major coverage.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -LUSH - Orange Blossom Perfume
solai 4/29/2012 4:27:00 AM
(solid perfume) Unlike other Lush perfumes, this one is rather straight forward. It's a simple, fresh flower scent that stays pretty much the same throughout. The only change is in the intensity of the scent as it wears on. This is one of the Lush scents that I liked straight away and if you dislike the peculiarity of other Lush scents, try this one. Orange Blossom pairs well with The Smell of Weather Turning as it lifts the grassy notes and makes the scent more feminine.
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Fragrances -LUSH - Love
solai 4/29/2012 4:18:00 AM
(solid perfume) The first note is a very citrus infused cinnamon. After a while the scent turns more apple like and ends up as a fresh apple scent. Although the perfume has apple and cinnamon in it, it doesn't smell strongly like apple pie - it's more like a light and fresh smell of green apple. This is a nice and light scent and doesn't have any of the strong musky or smoky notes that many of the other Lush perfumes have. Unlike other Lush solids, this one irritated my skin a little - possibly because of the cinnamon. It didn't turn my skin red but itched a little so if you have sensitive skin, be cautious.
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Fragrances -LUSH - Vanillary
solai 4/29/2012 4:09:00 AM
(solid perfume) Vanillary smells exactly what you'd expect by the name - vanilla. Initially, the scent is like vanilla yogurt or some dessert but turns a little more powdery as it wears on. I can see a lot of people loving this perfume but the end notes make it a little bit too heavy and sweet. I'd recommend this for layering with other scents but by its own it's not fresh and interesting enough for me.
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Fragrances -LUSH - The Smell of Weather Turning
solai 4/29/2012 4:02:00 AM
(review for the solid perfume) This is a very peculiar scent. By the Lush description I assumed it'd be more of a grassy scent. When I first opened and applied it, however, there was a very strong tar/smoky smell. The smell of mint came out only a little after but no grassy notes. Now that the stick has been "uncorked" for a while, you can smell the grassy and minty scents straight away. The fresher notes are more present after uncorking but when applied, fade away quicker than the smoke/tar scent. I'd describe this is a fresh, green kind of smoky/tar. It's more of a unisex scent but just like The Breath of God, you just have to try it to know if you like it. It definitely doesn't smell like a traditional perfume. This scent layers nicely with other scents so you can add more sweetness or freshness to it with other Lush solids.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Facial Hair Removal Spring
solai 5/21/2011 9:53:00 AM
I have a cheap $1.99 version of this - you can buy them on eBay (shipping included). If you shave, pluck or wax your facial hair, definitely give this one a go. It's cheaper, gentle on the skin, causes zero irritation and you don't need to worry about spotting the hair you want to take off. It's not 100% pain free but what hair removing method is? Some areas might hurt more (e.g. upper lip) but it's not worse than using tweezers. I'd say it's an ideal choice for someone who wants to wax but can't because of skin irritation. It takes a while to figure out how to use it but once you do, it's definitely worth it. Thumbs up for me!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Avene - Light Protective Hydrating Cream (Hydrance Optimale SPF 20)
solai 5/15/2011 2:37:00 PM
Three reasons to love it: absolutely grease free, decent SPF, doesn't break me out. This is the only sunscreen with decent SPF that doesn't break me out or make me look super oily - the only one! It doesn't keep me matte but doesn't increase the oiliness either so it's easy to blot out the shine. It's also quite easy to apply this even over make-up and the tube is small enough for carrying in the purse. It's a bit on the expensive side but I'd recommend it to anyone with oily or combination skin - it's the best :)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No