Product Reviews by stls

Fragrances -Yves Saint Laurent - Cinema
rated 4 of 5
stls 4/20/2013 9:36:00 AM

Cinema was under my radar for a long time as I was hunting only ''stand-out'' perfumes. But then again comes a time when you can appreciate simplicity and want a soft, cozy mist around you that won't go through many stages towards the drydown. And Cinema is a darn good one. Not a femme fatale, but certainly has a distinct warm and inviting presence. You get a harmonious mix of fresh clementine, delicate almond blossom on a gentle vanilla /benzoin/ amber base. Stays close to the skin but lasts for a few hours. It's not too sweet or too warm due to the gentle sweetness and the citrusy opening, so it can be worn all year round IMO. I prefer heavier orientals for winter and most summery fruity florals are not my thing, so Cinema is the perfect compromise between the oriental cozy feel and the citrusy freshness I was looking for alluring summer nights. Also the bottle is utterly glamorous. Recommended. Edit: Using the term ''Old lady like'' is frankly a tacky way to describe a perfume and it's not only about taste - it really shows lack of knowledge about perfumery IMHO.

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Fragrances -Givenchy - Ange ou Demon Le Secret
rated 4 of 5
stls 4/20/2013 8:54:00 AM

I have to admit I wasn't impressed with Ange ou Demon Le Secret at first. ''Oh, well, just another soft inoffensive fruity floral - no need for that'' until I was offered a mini and I liked it much more than I thought. The top notes are yummy. Lemon and cranberry - fresh and a tad sweet. Then there are soft jasmine, delicate tea and a touch of peony blending in the composition. And maybe a trace of patchouli in the drydown. Not surprises here. Projection is rather low but it does last if you spray 10+ times. Yes I need to spray loads of it but won't ever become too much. Overall I think among the flood of fruity-florals in the market it's one of the few that are well composed and stands out. The other I can think of is Chance eau Tendre. A solid ''like'' for me but not a love neither ''I MUST have it'' yet.

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Top/Base Coats -Mavala - ColorFix Top Coat
rated 3 of 5
stls 4/20/2013 8:43:00 AM

Not bad, but kind of mediocre. No complains about the application, brush, packaging, consistency or price. It provides high shine and moderate protection from chipping. I prefer the Mavadry topcoat because that dries really fast when ColorFix really doesn't.

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Top/Base Coats -Mavala - 002 Protective Base Coat
rated 4 of 5
stls 4/20/2013 8:40:00 AM

This is my go-to base and have been using it for years. Applies evenly, dries fast, prevents nail staining, you get a good amount of product for a fair price, the brush and packaging are pretty good and it doesn't turn to glue consistency. My only complain is that I don't think it extends the wear time of nail color. I'd repurchase, though.

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Moisturizers -Nuxe - Creme Fraiche de Beaute Light
rated 5 of 5
stls 4/15/2013 8:21:00 AM

I'm so very pleasantly surprised by this moisturizer! I didn't know about Nuxe but stumbled upon these reviews and was intrigued. I found a tester but it was probably old and smelt really funky - I was put off for a while but I asked for a sample anyway. Did I mention it's soo great? The consistency is delightful and rather thin. I like my moisturizers this way for my combination acne prone skin. It absorbs instantly with no traces of residue and the finish is semi- matte. My skin is left so soft and plump! And did I mention the terrific aroma? I normally prefer my face products unscented but this gorgeous orange blossom scent is purely aromatherapeutic! The packaging is nothing fancy, just neat and hygienic. I find the price fair too. No negative skin reaction so far. I still like my Clear face care gel by Sebamed for the cooling gel texture and I'll alternate between the two but this is far more cosmetically elegant. Love!

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Shampoo -L'Oreal - Elvive Re-Nutrition Nourishing Shampoo
rated 5 of 5
stls 4/14/2013 11:26:00 AM

My favorite shampoo so far. Every once in a while I try others and have tried almost everything from the Elvive line but always come back to this one 4-5 years now. It's great! First of all it feels very gentle and moisturizing. Smells amazing, like white flowers and honey but the scent isn't overwhelming. Lathers easily and rinses off easily. Leaves my hair nourished, soft and manageable. Will repurchase for ever!

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Fragrances -Roger & Gallet - Fleur de Figuier
rated 3 of 5
stls 4/12/2013 2:15:00 PM

Fleur de Figuier is the sweetest Roger & Gallet so far. Tried it today and sprayed 4-5 times, 2 hours later it's still noticeable but doesn't project much. At first I got lots of sweetness and mandarin but it was more dry than juicy. Later I could really detect the cedar and fig leafs added to the composition, they are more accentuated than the actual fig IMO. Overall I think it's a well made sweet fruity summery cologne with woody and herbal elements. I like it.

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Fragrances -Jo Malone - blackberry and bay
rated 4 of 5
stls 4/11/2013 3:16:00 PM

I love perfumes in general but the fruity category is one of the trickiest for me. Most of the times fruity perfumes smell synthetic and juvenile or plain syrupy - which is something I can't take. I want them to smell fresh, natural, juicy and realistic. I really believe blackberry and bay fulfills my expectations. At first I get lots af grapefruit and less berries - stays that way for a while. I don't get floral elements. The drydown is definitely unisex with vetiver, cedar and the interesting twist of bay. Low sillage and moderate longevity. If you're looking for an uber feminine long lasting scent look further. But personally I love it because it smells natural and energizing, upbeat and uplifting. Would repurchase.

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Treatments -Phyto - Phyto 7
rated 4 of 5
stls 4/11/2013 3:03:00 PM

I'm so glad I found this product! I was offered a sample, used it and afterwards I purchased my own tube. I like the thin lotion-y texture, the slightly herbal smell and the natural ingredients. But most of all I love how soft, shiny and strong feeling leaves my hair. It also prevents freeze and tames flyways better and longer than anything else I have tried. I just use a pea size amount after styling concentraiting at the ends and won't weighten my hair down. Haven't noticed tremendous difference when it comes to split ends but overall I believe it's worth it!

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BB Cream -L'Oreal - Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream
rated 1 of 5
stls 4/8/2013 11:34:00 AM

Another BB failure here. I triend a sample but looked so terrible that I threw it away. Didn't like the grainy feel at first, the orange color and the fact that it sets super fast so you have to blend really quicky or it will look uneven/ cakey. Sheer/ medium coverage and matte finish.

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Eye Shadow -Maybelline - Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Shadow in Pomegranate Punk
rated 4 of 5
stls 4/3/2013 6:33:00 PM

I like pomegranate punk. It's inexpensive, creamy, stays in place and flatters my green eyes. I looks more brown than burgundy, though and you have to pay attention to what colors you pair it with in order not to look tired.

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Lip Treatments -MAC - Prep + Prime Lip
rated 3 of 5
stls 4/3/2013 6:28:00 PM

I'm indifferent about this primer. It feels smooth, prevents lipstick smearing, has nice scent and packaging, it's not pricey but... I don't really like the tacky feeling on my lips. Probably won't repurchase.

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Mascara -Essence - Lash and Brow Gel Mascara
rated 3 of 5
stls 4/3/2013 6:23:00 PM

I have used this product only to set brows. Pros: - Non flaky - Doesn't make eyebrows feel crispy - Odorless - The packaging is not bad - Cheap Cons: - I don't think it keeps brows in place all day - Feels somewhat wet I don't have thick or unruly eyebrows so I think I'll repurchase.

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Primer/ Corrector -MAC - Matte
rated 3 of 5
stls 4/3/2013 6:17:00 PM

Pros: - Mattifies instantly - Creates a silky smooth surface - Does a pretty good job to prevent concealer creasing - Didn't break me out - Hygienic tube - Good amount of product Cons: - Doesn't really control oil for long - Price I have repurchased it many times but now I'd like to try something else.

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Eyes -MAC - Prep + Prime Lash
rated 4 of 5
stls 4/3/2013 6:11:00 PM

I really like this primer, recently repurchased for the third time! Consistency is creamy and applies easily. Adds volume and length, definitely upgrades any mascara and you don't have to layer a million times to get fabulous lashes. A tube lasts many months and it's relatively innexpensive. I'm not sure if it's the best out there but it's a good one for sure!

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