Fragrances -Burberry - Brit
swt_mimi 3/14/2006 8:53:00 PM
I bought this on impulse because I LOVE sugared almonds. I absolutely hate the scent of lime so I was very happy that the initial citrusy note disappeared within seconds. The biggest problem I had with this is the staying power; by the time I could smell the sugared almonds, my nose was already nuzzling my arm. The staying power is that bad. The second problem I have with this: it smells EXACTLY like Anna Sui dream once it started to disappear (and let us not forget the terrible staying power of Anna Sui). I wish I tested it for a few hours first before paying $93 CDN for the 50ml EDT. I'd recommend this to those who like sugary scents and doesn't mind reapplying throughout the day.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Chanel - Praline Glossimer
swt_mimi 2/3/2006 10:13:00 PM
This lipgloss is for those of you who love MAC viva glam v lipglass - but found it too sticky. Chanel's praline is the perfect, non-sticky and non-shimmery lipgloss with great lasting power. I also like the fact that there is no detectable fragrance. Praline is a pinked-brown mauve, and it gives my naturally pale lips a lightly "tinted" MLBB look. I don't think anyone can go wrong with this because it's the most versatile lipgloss besides clear!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Neutrogena - Advanced Solutions At Home MicroDermabrasion System [DISCONTINUED]
swt_mimi 2/3/2006 10:08:00 PM
I have problems with my cheeks, you see; they are very dry to the extent where they are almost "flaking" off. I saw this on sale at SDM and paid about $45? The first time I used it, it was okay (thought the vibrating sensation is something to get use to) but I expected it to rotate. Anywho, my skin glowed, and my dry patched were almost gone! I started to see problems after the second and third time - I began to have many MANY bumps all over my cheeks. I stopped and waited about one week for them to go away. As soon as I started this "microdermabrasion" again I broke out. No way I'd touch it again!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Shu Uemura - Lash Repair
swt_mimi 1/28/2006 10:48:00 AM
I purchased this in Hong Kong for $150 and LOOOORDY this really does lenghthen and strengthen lashes! In my opinion, it's useless as a mascara base because it doesn't do anything extraordinary and it only "funks" up your lashes when you curl them with the base on. However, as a night lash treatment it's fantastic as long as you don't get it in your eyes. I think it's a little irritating for sensitive eyes but the feeling goes away quickly. I saw result after one week when I curled my lashes and noticed that they reached past my crease a mm or so more. I highly recommend it!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Shu Uemura - Depsea Therapy Moisture Recovery Cream
swt_mimi 1/28/2006 10:42:00 AM
I thought this moisturizer was disappointing; there is no "deep moisture" and it drives my skin crazy! My face stung a bit, got a little inflammed, and felt heavy even though it was still flaking. It's no good for someone who has sensitive and patchy skin. It was also pretty expensive for the amount (30ml) and quality you get. No way would I repurchase...two thumbs down.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Anna Sui - Sui Love
swt_mimi 1/28/2006 10:37:00 AM
Okay, in grade eleven I thought this smelled horrible - a little bitter and a little "childish girl" smelling. However, a couple of years later I think its fantastic! On my skin it smells a bit fruity and cinammon spicy...its nothing that I've ever smelled before. The staying power is much like Sui Dreams, about 4 hours. The packaging is much to brag about because it's this mix of yellow, orange and pink butterfly. I think this is one frangrance you need to try in person; it does turn a little rancid on some people!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Anna Sui - Anna Sui Dreams
swt_mimi 1/28/2006 10:29:00 AM
This has GOT to be my favorite vanilla fragrance ever! I really can't sniff out anything else than the foody vanilla...I think it's very classy and versatile fragrance without being over the top and in-your-face. The lasting power wasn't all that bad on me - about 4 hours. The packaging is very cute: a glass purse. I'd recommend this to anyone who loves a foody vanilla. Oh, my mother loves this too :P
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Shu Uemura - Cleansing Beauty Oil Balancer
swt_mimi 1/24/2006 5:55:00 PM
I LOVE this! You rub one-three pumps of this baby all over your dry face (or, just on make up areas) before adding a bit of water to lightly "milk" it up before rinsing. I think that this is a wonderfully gentle cleanser for everyday use and yep, it gets rid of all traces of make up without stripping your skin or making it feel oily. It's surprising that an oil can rinse away so cleanly! I've been using this for about a month and no complaints; it leaves my skin soft and glowy. I'm just disappointed in myself for buying the 150ml version while I was in Hong Kong...I think I might be clean of this soon and it's not available in Canada! Overall, I think that the balancer version is the perfect version to buy if you're not sure which is right; you can't go wrong!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Shu Uemura - Eyelash Curler
swt_mimi 1/24/2006 5:47:00 PM
Shu is better at getting my outer lashes than Shiseido BUT the curl is constantly softening after each 10 second curl. I think that Shu is a bit time consuming because I have to recurl my lashes about 4x per eye. The curl is actually more "natural" looking because it's not bent at a 90 degree angle. I'd say that Shiseido and Shu is extremely close and wouldn't pick one over the other.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Christian Dior - Dior Addict - eau Fraiche [DISCONTINUED]
swt_mimi 10/10/2005 10:04:00 PM
I like this version of Dior Addict because its much more suitable for day time wear - its not overpowering or nauseating and can be worn both day and night. However, it is missing that deep and dangerous incense and smokey note...which, by the way, I absolutely LOVE in the EDP! Truthfully, I was disappointed because the eau fraiche version left out what made Addict so darn sexy. The lasting power of the original is also far superior compared to this one; the staying power is about 3 hours on me. In my opinion, the two are different enough to have both: it still has those yummy bourbon vanilla, sandlewood, orange blosson and tonka bean notes. The packaging is pretty as well: a clear lavender glass bottle!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -The Body Shop - Vanilla Spice Body Butter
swt_mimi 10/9/2005 6:58:00 PM
If you love the scent of nutmeg, cinnamon and cream, this is for you. Its very softening and sinks in rather quickly for a heavy based body butter. I absolutely love the scent of this! I only purchased the butter but I plan on getting the entire line...the body lotion I'm not too sure of because it is HIGHLY shimmery. Overall, it's perfect; not overpowering (even with a all over application) and the scent has good staying power. I think this deserves a perfect score!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -Sephora - Stain and Shine
swt_mimi 8/22/2005 6:07:00 PM
I am surprised about this stain and shine because hey...I love it! The Stain & Shine is a double ended product: one end is the stain with a doe sponge tip applicator. The other end is the clear gloss with a black lipbrush.
Texture: it has the same thick consistantcy as regular vaseline; almost gel like but not quite which makes this incredibly easy to blend and handle (unlike liquid stains)
Wearability: Because of the gel like texture, it goes on with absolutely NO streaking! It doesn't dry right away so you have plenty of time to blend or blend away. I tried this baby on my cheeks and it was fantastic. There were no harsh lines and it lasted ALL day with no fading. However, the staying power on my lips did not have the same story; it did fade after I had a meal and yes, retouching is needed.
How useful is the gloss on the other end of the stain & gloss? In my opinion, not much. The gloss will make your stain "flake" if you use more then 2 or 3 layers of the stain and will affect the staying power. I probaby should add that I am a bit bias because I personally like my stain to be matte or satin. The gloss itself has good staying power with LOTS of shine!
Colours: I was very impressed with the shades. They were all "realistic" stain colours that provided a sheer tint to your lips with one layer and can be built up to your desired intensity. I purchased "Fig" which appears to be a gastly grandma purple plum in the tube but goes on much, much more sheer so don't be intimated by the tube!
Maybe its just me but there is a definite scent and taste. It seems barbie-ish...jello mixed with bubblegum. I REALLY hate the smell of it but I can tolerate that factor because this is a product thats worth a try.
I highly recommend this product to those who have never tried stains before or are beginners. Even though it claims its only for lips, it works wonders as a soft dewy cheek stain. I got it for $18 CDN which is pretty good so I'll probably have to get more shades! Two thumbs up for me!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Christian Dior - Miss Dior Cherie
swt_mimi 8/1/2005 7:38:00 PM
Maybe its just my nose or my body chemistry but I really wouldn't describe this as fruity. Its more "brown sugar" oriental on me and sadly, I cannot pick out the caramel popcorn but that is not to say that this fragrance deserves a 2.9 rating! I agree with those who say that its an inoffensive and classic scent. I smell dried prunes, roses, just a *tiny tiny* bit of strawberry and something else I can't make out(its sort of like a more foody spice or oriental). Its not overly strong with sharp notes as long as you only use one or two spritz.
The packaging is beyond GORGEOUS! This must be my prettiest bottle in my perfume collection...you really must see this for yourself because it simply takes your breath away. Dior also has one of the best application sprays because it spritzes out evenly and never clogs. The staying power is okay but for a EDP, I expected it to last longer then 3-4 hours. I purcased the 100ml and paid $100 for it (Miss Cherie Dior is the most expensive perfume I believe; the 50ml cost $80CDN) but its worth it! Highly recommended for all age groups and to all noses.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Donna Karan - Be Delicious
swt_mimi 7/28/2005 11:25:00 AM
This is the only fragrance I can wear that doesn't turn overly sweet on a hot summer day. I really like it but it does smell generic and the staying power is so-so. When its first applied, it smells like a real granny smith apple: fresh and just ever so slightly tangy. It dries down to a melon-apple like smell. The only problem I have with this perfume is the nozzle! Instead of giving me an even spray, it just spritz out droplets. Its very odd for a high-end perfume because I've never experienced this with any other pricey fragrances. The packaging is kind of cool but it doesn't really blend in with my other bottles. I purchased the 1.7oz and I really don't think I'll finish this anytime soon due its generic dry down. I'll give it 4 stars anyway because theres nothing exceptionally wrong with the actual scent itself.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Christian Dior - DiorShow eyecolor
swt_mimi 7/18/2005 4:41:00 PM
I remember using MAC's paint and wondering, "so this is...it?" because I found most eye make up bases to be too "cakey" on my eye lids since they are on the dry side. When I purchased the new Diorshow eyecolor, I was blown away.
If you've touched one of those click concealer pens, you'll know what this is about. You basically twist the top of the pen-container and ta-da, out comes the eye shadow. I've been told that you could use the applicator but nuh uh. Its no good unless you want a streaky application.
This stuff goes on like pure velvet! Its very smooth, and well pigmented (although I wouldn't say that this is as pigmented as other eye shadows) and does not leave a cakey or powdery finish. In fact, it sets like a soft velvet finish foundation. It sets but its not drying. It blends like a dream and importantly, it last ALL day without creasing or fading. It doesn't get any better then that!
The colours I purchased was "showroom violet 157" (which was actually lavander without any shimmer on the lids) and "snow white 017" (which I use strictly to highlight inner corners and lashlines-it is blue tinged). I love them both and I do plan on getting more! However one complaint: too much product comes out when I twist the knob. I have to constantly put the excess eyeshadow in a samply container to store the "left overs".
Anywho, highly recommended for those who did not have much luck with neiter MAC paints and Urban Decay's primer.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No