Fragrance -LUSH - Dirty fragrance
thefaces 12/25/2012 12:53:00 PM
Absolutely disgusting scent. I revel in fragrances that are a little out there, away from the conventional floral vanilla juice everyone seems to wear. I sampled a few Lush perfumes, most were pleasant and dull, Orange Blossom was a fuggy, almost overpowering standout. But this! I got a bit of this on my cuff as I was spraying it on my wrist and it made me gag. Like I said, I love an unconventional kick to my perfumes--tobacco, wood, tar, leather, dirt even. A man's neck. A sharp fruit. I love men's cologne. I can even get behind salt-bathed warm sweaty bodies. I walked back to work (this was my lunch hour) and all through the afternoon I would accidentally smell my sleeve and HATE myself. I realise now the notes coming from this heavily are mint and liquorice. But a bastardized version of these are present in Dirty, because I love both. I even have mint in the garden that I can eat leaf by leaf! Liquorice too is a wonderful scent. In Lush's Dirty it seems like the most synthetic imitations of these are present, with other disgusting elements. Like (to me) the smell of freshly cut grass or burning tyres, it makes the contents of my stomach churn and want to rise. I can understand what they were going for--the name says it alone! But instead of a skanky, naughty scent for your man (or for a lady to splash on if she's feeling fearless), it's as though they've bottled nausea. Avoid it. Everyone will avoid you anyway.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Lady Danger
thefaces 12/25/2012 11:01:00 AM
MAC Lady Danger. What can I say about MAC Lady Danger. I think no matter how many people go to Ruby Woo, or Russian Red, the talk will always come around to Lady Danger. I saw it in some magazines and was intrigued. I have olive skin which tends to yellow, so I don't really agree with straight orange lipstick. I'd love to, so many of my friends can pull it off but I always look a bit silly. Revlon Fire & Ice broke my heart because I had my heart set on a strong orange/red (and I do love Revlon) but it really did look heinous on my lips. So I was comforted by Lady Danger being referred to as a red-orange, but also a showstopper, a risk-taking kind of colour that isn't for everyone. the Amelia Earhart of lipsticks! but with a tough bright edge, like a blonde in a Raymond Chandler novel. I went through such a palaver to get it after ordering alone (somewhere in transit, a person read the label on the envelope and ripped it out of it, delivering an empty bubble-wrapped paper shell!) But eventually I received it, purchased on eBay for a slight saving (it's still pretty expensive for one lippy!) And I was a little, but a little, disappointed. It was eye-popping, yes, and I certainly got a few words from people wearing it out for the first time. But for me, it could be even brighter! It comes out on me like the first photo here--it is very orange-red. It almost feels tame sometimes! Perhaps I need to use a lipliner and maybe a lip brush to make it stand out. I have photos of me with it on though, and it's very lovely. I have problems with chapped lips but with a dot of Vaseline, it glides on nicely. It even feels moisturising, I have to touch up when eating or drinking, or pop on some clear gloss at the middle of the day/night--but it still feels great and I think that justifies the price a little, MAC makes some great stuff. It is my go-to when I don't feel like red or shades closer to fuchsia/pink, but also when I want something that gives a little pop. On my yellow-ish skin with a made-up face it doesn't come out its strongest, but it's still a compelling shade. Packaging and moisturising also justify the price, so I will repurchase--but once i've melted down and used every inch of this tube. I suggest people buy into the hype and try it, I think it changes to suit the face and wearer, you may be in for a pleasant surprise!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Revlon - Cherries In The Snow
thefaces 12/25/2012 10:47:00 AM
I bought this online, so it was dirt cheap. I got onto it after seeing Patricia Clarkson (a truly beautiful lady) wearing it. On her it looked like a dark muted red. So you can imagine my surprise when I received a bright pink tube of lipstick! On me (olive skin, brown eyes, dark brown hair) it isn't 'cherries in the snow' so much as it is 'raspberries in the snow.' Something closer to fuschia than red. I was initially unhappy with it, possibly because I put on too much. However, whipping it out now on holiday, I can say that I love it. It's bright bright bright. Not a shade for the mousy and the meek. Especially if you layer it on carefully, the effect pulls all attention to your lips. Sometimes even, I sail out with just my shades and a glorious slash of Cherries in the Snow on, dirty hair and coat on, face otherwise unpainted, letting it speak for itself--even to the supermarket or messing about at home by yourself, it can cheer you up and make you feel like the strong lady that you are, who doesn't mind a vivid pop of colour that gets you noticed. I also like to put on my daily makeup (blemishes covered by light SPF makeup, dabs of creme peach blush, defining eyeliner on the top lid and a lick of mascara) and then positively slathering this on for a stunning effect. Keep the eyes and cheeks simple, even the hair simple if you want, and prepare to be looked at, and maybe complimented on your gorgeous, glossy, very out there lips. Of course it comes out different on some people--I see some fairer people it turns out a little more red. On me it's a bright berry that I love, and would repurchase. As per Revlon, the packaging is excellent, sensible black and gold that is redolent of its vintage beginnings as a deeper cherry red colour. I'll keep buying it online, and urging my friends to wear it! It has a vintage charm, but there's nothing demure about this shade. It's still classy in its own way though, if you know how to downplay the rest of your face. Like most Revlons it's also pretty moisturising, especially with a tiny bit of lip balm on beforehand. One lippy off because it can sometimes transfer easily, but not as much as some other brands (Kate Moss for Rimmel, etc) Love it. 4 lippies much deserved.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -Natio - Tinted Moisturiser SPF 20
thefaces 1/7/2012 9:55:00 AM
I use this as an everyday face base so I have been literally using it daily and I'm happy with it. The shades are also limited to 2--my olive skin went well with both. I downgraded from foundation every day to this and it has reduced the number of breakouts and blemishes. The coverage is sheer but it gives you a healthy, not too orangey even colour when you blend it well. I have tried many many tinted moisturisers and this is my favourite for its ease of use and great shade. Took a lippy off because recently--after months of using with no problems--it exacerbates my dry patches, especially in hot weather. I haven't had obvious, flaky skin on my forehead for YEARS and can only trace it back to this. I keep moisturiser on hand and make sure I regularly exfoliate and also cleanse and tone well before use. I've almost finished my first tube and I'm definitely repurchasing!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Serge Lutens - Fumerie Turque
thefaces 10/11/2011 2:22:00 AM
I'm surprised at how heated the discussion can get about Fumerie Turque, but I bought it on sale without having smelt it beforehand... When I first gave it a sniff I was a bit disappointed, as the various adjectives and descriptions people have given it were quite seductive. At first it made my wrist smell like an incense candle (which I don't mind!), and it has since mellowed on my skin to a sweeter musky smell with a hint of smoke. I think with too much on it could be very overpowering. A light spritz or dab will probably have me sniffing myself all day. :) One thing I didn't like was the packaging. I have the 50 mL EDP which supposedly is a spray bottle... not a nozzle in sight! I'll just have to pour it into an atomiser and farewell that lovely bottle. All in all it's alluring, smoky and sweet with a bit of an edge. A little pricy but I'm sure the bottle will last.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Clinique - Liquid Facial Soap - Mild
thefaces 9/28/2011 11:00:00 PM
NEVER AGAIN. I gave this a try today and boy, do I regret it. It didn't lather up all that well and even after washing it felt like there was some soapy residue. As well as that it left my face DRY. SO DRY. Even after putting on my oiliest moisturiser I can feel horrible dry patches on my skin. I'm probably going to have to grease up constantly throughout the day to stop flaking. It didn't feel like a 'mild cleanser' so much as a harsh oil stripper. And no wonder, if you look at the back of the bottle, the ingredients list is about a mile long! Don't bother.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Ponds - Dry Skin Cream
thefaces 9/9/2011 9:14:00 AM
If you're reading through these reviews thinking about whether or not to buy it, DO IT! A jar costs almost nothing & you'll definitely find a use for it. Although it might not be suited for oilier types, it's main ingredients are water and mineral oil, but it IS called Dry Skin Cream after all. Pond's products are classics, and they have lasted for a reason, so try them out if you can because many people (like me) swear by them. I started using DSC as an all day moisturiser. A small dollop is often all you need and it gives a dewy, slightly shiny finish all day with a pleasant fragrance. I still use it as that sometimes in Winter or if I'm going to the shops (I need SPF which it doesn't have & now I use heavier makeup instead of just a moisturiser). What it's perfect for now is use as a night cream. I wipe off makeup with Pond's Cold Cream (HG makeup remover), tone with TN Dickinson's Witch Hazel and then smooth this over my face. Whenever and however I use this my skin feels so soft and my thirsty dry skin feels seriously hydrated. Some might not like the heavy consistency or smell (which I quite like), but give it a try. It was here before all of those newfangled moisturising serums, milks and waters, and it will be here long after them.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Revlon - Fuchsia Fever 901
thefaces 9/9/2011 8:01:00 AM
Such a fun colour for Spring. One coat gives a cute pink, two coats give a more fuchsia shade to your nails. I prefer one to offset my olive skin. Dries super quickly, good price, the packaging is classic elegant Revlon--does what it says on the bottle; and unlike most polishes these days it doesn't even need to advertise itself with constant promises (dry in 10 seconds! one coat only! and other such nonsense). Love it.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Sally Hansen - Lip Inflation
thefaces 9/9/2011 7:51:00 AM
I'm actually not that interested in getting plumper lips, I found this while rifling through my sister's old makeup bag. After applying your lips sting and feel hot for a while, but the colour is gorgeous, I think I'm going to use it as a lip gloss (replacing Cherries in the Glow which I think has unfortunately been discontinued, at least where I live), the shade I have is a dead ringer for that beloved Revlon product. Not sure if it really plumps up your lips but it's a cute lip gloss if you can stand the temporary sting.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Revlon - PhotoReady Makeup
thefaces 9/9/2011 5:54:00 AM
I bought this after taking some photos and being terrified at how ghostly I looked in them, like as though I'd rolled around in Max Factor Pan Cake, despite the fact that all I was wearing was a Nivea tinted moisturiser and light concealer! So far I've applied it with my fingers (using a slightly wettened sponge didn't work for me as it was too runny and I wanted more coverage). God bless you Photoready, I took a lot of photos yesterday and my complexion showed up bright and glowing (healthy, not shiny) and has permanently eliminated my usual deathface. I think I'll stick to tinted moisturiser for an everyday natural look and whip this out for photos and when I want to do some heavy makeup. Love love love it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Australis - Makeup Finishing Spritz
thefaces 9/8/2011 10:58:00 PM
My skin is too dry to finish with powder so I bought this. Smells nice, seems good value for money (hopefully) and once it dries it leaves the face feeling refreshed. Definitely recommend it if you have access to Australis products, it seems to work as well as more expensive brands (MAC, Jurlique, etc etc).
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Cetaphil - Gentle Skin Cleanser
thefaces 9/8/2011 10:54:00 PM
I ran out of this and the moisturiser and started using different products before I replaced them... However I know that if my current skincare regime needs a shakeup I'll definitely buy Cetaphil. It's gentle, cleans your face and leaves it feeling soft and not over-dry as a lot of products I used (too many to mention!). It's not too expensive either, if you're thinking of buying a new skincare set, forget about your brand names and grab a Cetaphil set.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Scrubs -Freeman - Creamy Apricot Scrub
thefaces 9/8/2011 10:50:00 PM
I used to use St Ives apricot scrub years ago but stopped it when I changed up my beauty regime (which was happened many times over the years). I've actually repurchased this and think it's not too bad--the apricot smell is pleasant and as a scrub it's not too bad. I did find, however, that for an exfoliating scrub it eventually just blocked up my pores more than it cleaned them out. I've switched to using bicarbonate of soda to exfoliate and scrub in the shower and it's much more cheaper and effective, this scrub got a bit too harsh. I've got a full bottle left over so I don't think I will ever repurchase.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Ponds - Deep Cleanser Cold Cream
thefaces 9/8/2011 10:41:00 PM
This is the best make up remover I've used. It can also doube up as a cleanser but I find that like all Ponds products it's sometimes a bit oily for the daytime, but perfect for the night. It also feels refreshing and smells nice. I recommend letting it sit on your face a bit before rubbing in. I got onto this after years of using liquid makeup removers and I can honestly say I'm not going to ever look back. It's cheap (about $8 for a pot that lasts months, even when you share it), gently works on your skin (wipe off with a baby wipe or make up removing wipe) and effectively removes makeup. It's a bit tricky removing mascara with it (I'm paranoid about it getting into my eyes), but a few minutes of gentle rubbing works. I then use my toner (TN Dickinson's Witch Hazel) which then removes any excess I didn't manage to get off. But as the packaging says it removes even waterproof mascara, if you're not scared like me and give it a good scrub around the eyes it should do the trick. I use moisturiser after that (either a light hydrating Nivea or Ponds Dry Skin Cream if it's before bed), and it makes my skin feel great. I definitely attribute some of my good complexion to Ponds products and recommend them to everyone. They're simple, cheap and take care of your skin better than more expensive makeup counter products (like La Mer or the Clinique 3 step... or anything else, really). The only problem is that in Australia the products have been mostly discontinued (I still find the cold cream at Chemist Warehouse but the dry skin cream is a little rarer).
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Maybelline - Full 'N Soft Mascara
thefaces 9/8/2011 10:31:00 PM
I can't fault this mascara, no matter how many I buy I keep coming back to this one. I use XXL Pro Extensions after this for some lengthening, or else keep layering it on for a full, soft look that is just nice. One lippy off as I have poker straight eyelashes and this don't set a curl as well as it could. This was my first mascara and I'll definitely keep one on hand. I really recommend it rather than wasting money on gimmicky mascaras (Rimmel Sexy Curves, the lastest Loreal Telsecopic, etc).
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No