Liquid -Chanel - Vitalumiere Aqua
tortoiseshellcat 11/9/2011 7:57:00 AM
This foundation has been a real surprise to me, I always used Vitalumiere as I liked the dewy finish and how moisturising it was. However the coverage wasn't always that great, particularly on a scar I have on my cheek from surgery I had on a broken blood vessel-the redness would show through and the the sheeny texture would make the slighty uneven texture of the scar more noticeable. I had thought the only alternative would be a matte foundation which I've never liked, having quite dry skin. Vitalumiere Aqua though is matte enough to give much better coverage on my scar, it gives a nice "made up" look (again surprising as it is marketed as a light coverage "second skin" formula) and it really does perfect my skin and make it look kind of glowy! In spite of being a more matte finish my skin still looks and feels moisturised and the coverage is perfect, not too sheer but not mask like and heavy. I have used for several weeks now and highly recommend. EDIT: After reading another reviewer saying she believed Chanel had changed some shades, I thought I'd add that this does seem to be the case. Having lost any trace of my tan (thanks British winter!) I tried a tester of the next shade down, B30 Beige Sable and, finding this OK I then ordered a full size one from Debenhams. When it arrived I was puzzled to find it was numbered as just 30 (no B) and the colour was simply Beige (no Sable) and when I compared it to the product in my tester sachet it is a slightly darker colour. According to the Chanel website this isn't even a shade they offer, they list B shades, BR shades and 1 BO shade. If I hadn't purchased from a legitimate stockist I would have wondered whether it was fake but Debenhams are an authorised high street department store with Chanel counters-and other than the shade it seems fine, even with the Chanel signature fragrance and a good finish.
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Lipstick -Maybelline - Superstay lipcolor
tortoiseshellcat 4/18/2009 6:24:00 AM
The best longwear lip colour I've come across. Years ago I tried Lipfinity and it was so drying and pieces would wear off leaving uneven colour. Not only this but it didn't really last as long as I would have thought. For years I have avoided longwear lipsticks but lately I've been fed up of not being able to keep lipstick on for even 30 mintes (even when not eating or drinking!) I did struggle a little with the colours-there are a good range of colours but because they are matte and highly pigmented they tend to dry a little dark. But after much deliberation I picked the timeless brown and wow! does it last! Not quite the 18 hours claimed, but certainly a good 5 hours which, on me, is nothing short of a miracle! I then also bought the chilli colour which is a warm reddy-brown. I love the fact I can use the balm over this other other glosses and it stays on. When it does wear off it doesn't look like chunks have flaked off, instead it just fades which is perfect. I have since also tried the gloss version which, although less long-lasting, I slightly prefer simply because of the sheerer colours but if I want my lippy to stay put all day I don't think I could beat the results of this product. Very impressed!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Maybelline - Superstay Gloss
tortoiseshellcat 4/18/2009 6:13:00 AM
This is sold in the UK as Superstay Powergloss - I think it may be a newer version of the Superstay Gloss, but don't quote me on this as I am new to this range! I first bought one of the Superstay lip colours, didn't even really look at the glosses-not sure why as I tend to prefer lip gloss to lipstick but I think I was looking for something that would really last. The lipstick version really does last-not anything like the 18 hours claimed but it is so good I bought a couple of different shades. However I was still looking for the perfect shade, wanting something more shimmery in a brownish-pink tone. I then noticed the gloss version and fell for the Golden Toffee shade (730). I love this product! It isn't as lasting as the lipstick but it doesn't claim to be. As with the lipstick I think "12 hours" is a huge exaggeration but it lasts far better than any other gloss I've ever tried and though the topcoat feels sticky, it is not unplesantly so and I love the fruity smell/taste. Although you ineveitably get gloss transferring onto your glass when you drink, it is only the gloss, not the colour and the gloss that does transfer is nowhere near as thick and sticky as when I wear Juicy Tubes. The gloss can also be used over the lipstick version to give it more shine than the balm but the gloss colour is that bit more sheer which I love. Definitely would repurchase.
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Mascara -Talika - Lipocils
tortoiseshellcat 3/7/2009 4:22:00 AM
I've been using this for just over a week and, it may be my imagination, but I do believe I am seeing slightly longer lashes already-mainly noticeable with my lower lashes. However it does seem to make my lashes increadibly soft which means they are even more rubbish than usual at holding a curl.. For me this does not work under mascara so I've only been applying in the mornings when I'm not planning on wearing mascara in the day. I have applied each night without fail. My other problem is the packaging-I bought a small 4.2ml size from a reputable UK website (not off Ebay) as I just wanted to try it out. The tube looks as it should but the lid does not screw down, just pushes down onto the tube. Also there seems to be barely any product in the tube so I have wondered if mine is faulty. I know you won't get loads in a 4.2ml size but for just 11 days use it does seem too little!I do plan to repurchase and keep going with this, I only hope when I get the 10ml next time there is a little more in there. Will update on progress after the recommended month.
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Mascara -Givenchy - Phenomen'eyes Mascara
tortoiseshellcat 1/29/2009 3:51:00 AM
I'm with everyone else-the ball applicator is amazing! I really didn't see how it would work but it does. This isn't a bad mascara but I found it so black and glossy my lashes actually looked plasticky! It does lengthen but I felt my lashes stuck together and looked spidery. I think the formula is too wet but with a good formula the brush could do wonders. Didn't hold a curl on me either.
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Eyeliner -Boots - No7 Amazing eyes pencil
tortoiseshellcat 1/24/2009 6:15:00 AM
I'm really impressed with this! I've recently started using pencil liner under my eyes (I use liquid on my lids) and had used the Jemma Kidd Stay-Put which I was a bit undecided about as it didn't really stay-put as much as I'd like! But I wondered if it was because I opted for the grey one and decided to give it another go and purchase the black. However it appears that the Jemma Kidd line has been discontinued at Boots (for ref I have since found out Space NK are now stocking this range). After trawling round and trying loads of eyeliners on the back of my hand -high and low-end- I was ready to give up and then I tried the No 7 Amazing Eyes. I don't normally bother much with Boots-own make-up, I'm not usually that impressed, but this seemed to have more staying power (though always hard to tell on your hand!) so I bought it and so-far I like it! The trick is to keep it sharpened, when I use it when its a bit more blunt I don't get such good, lasting results. It's a proper dark black and it lasts better than the Jemma Kidd-saves me a trip to space NK! At under £7 it's quite a bargain and I got a £5 off voucher for No 7 so I may just use it to buy another pencil to keep in stock!
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Misc Beauty Tools -Shu Uemura - Eyelash Curler
tortoiseshellcat 1/21/2009 7:42:00 AM
I just don't understand the raves! I wanted to love this but it did nothing for me! Had to hold it in place for almost a minute to get any curl at all and then it was puny and missed my inner and outer lashes. No better than any other metal lash curlers, not worth the money IMO. I have a heated Carmen one which is a proper curler (not one of those that you just push against your lashes) and that is so much better. V disappointed in this-it's going in the bin!
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Mascara -Chanel - Mascara Exceptionnel
tortoiseshellcat 1/16/2009 6:08:00 AM
Not a bad mascara-I've only tried it a couple of times but so far I'd say it's a lovely dark black, does give some "oomph" to lashes, however I didn't get as much length as I'd like and it doesn't hold a curl well enough for my liking. Personally I don't find twirling the brush makes a huge difference one way or the other to the application-I get the same results when I just use it as I normally would. Then again maybe I'm not twirling it right and with practice I'll notice a difference. I still need to curl my eyelashes before application-otherwise they stick out straight. I haven't found the problems with flaking that other reviewers have, I just think this is an OK mascara, not the WOW-factor I was hoping for. EDIT: Have knocked a lippie off-this stuff works best with a primer underneath. Got good results using it with Shiseido's base but it's very hit and miss without. Today I tried it without curling lashes and just a gentle application as I'd got puffy eyes and it was horrid-my lashes clumped and for the first time I got flaking! I think this only works if you want to be very thorough and spend a long time over your mascara application.
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Mascara -Estee Lauder - TURBOLASH-All Effects Motion Mascara
tortoiseshellcat 1/8/2009 6:58:00 AM
I am very pleased with the results of this mascara though I don't know if the vibrating wand actually works or is just a gimmick! It does define my lashes very well, separating and lengthening and gives some volume. My only complaint (and why I haven't awarded a 5) is that it isn't great at holding a curl upon simply curling lashes and then applying the mascara. To get this effect from it I have to curl my (dead straight and fine) lashes, apply the mascara, allow to dry and then (naughty, I know!) re-curl. Then it DOES hold the curl and I get wow-factor lashes. With most other mascaras when I have tried this my lashes stick together but for some reason I can do this with Turbolash and it just works! Also it is great if you want to apply a bit more mascara later in the day-again when I have tried this with other mascaras it has clumped my lashes together and made them go dry, heavy and clumpy-this mascara though is very buildable. It doesn't clump and the result is natural-feeling lashes that don't look spidery or clumpy. Usually I find the only mascaras that give me long and thick enough lashes that stay curled don't look very natural and tend to feel stiff and crunchy or else look a bit spidery. With Turbolash I get the benefit of soft-feeling, natural looking lashes but with the "oomph!" I'm looking for! One lippie removed due to having to curl lashes after mascara application as well as before and also the hefty price-tag; I like the vibrating brush but I have a feeling the application may be more down to the formula-guess I'll find out when the battery runs out! EDIT: After using a few more times I've upped my rating from a 4 to a 5-if I use my heated lash curler first my lashes don't wilt so much and I've come to the conclusion that I'm getting the best results from this I've ever had from any mascara!
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Mascara -Estee Lauder - Sumptuous
tortoiseshellcat 1/8/2009 6:44:00 AM
I was very disappointed with this-I am glad I only bought a trial size off Ebay! It completely wilts any curl in my lashes! Admittedly my lashes are incredibly fine and straight but as it is marketed as a lifting mascara I thought it would at least hold a curl (I just don't believe any mascara on its own could lift up straight lashes but I do think the right formula can be light enough to hold them up when they've been curled first). When you first apply it it looks promising, it does deliver some volume (though on me a second coat verged on going clumpy) and it is a nice rich black. But before my eyes (literally!) I watched it uncurl my lashes. I even tried curling again once the mascara had dried (this works with the Turbolash mascara) but it just made my lashes stick together and feel crunchy. It obviously works for some people as there are some good reviews here, just too heavy for my puny lashes! Horrid smell too, though if it had worked that wouldn't bother me!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Ruby & Millie - Folding Brow & Lash Comb
tortoiseshellcat 1/6/2009 5:35:00 AM
Very impressed with this. I've used plastic combs in the past and even the "Savvylash" one which is recommended by Jemma Kidd and is a single plastic pointed implement, the idea being that you use it one clumped group of lashes at a time, push into the stuck together lashes and twist to free them. It wasn't very good, the lid never stayed on and the point broke off in my make-up bag. That said it was still better than plastic combs I'd used before-which wasn't saying much! I'd heard good things about the Tweezerman metal comb but couldn't find it here in the UK-in fact I only managed to find a couple of metal combs so I opted for the Ruby and Millie one. I love the neat, fold-away design, the mascara wand is handy as an additional lash comb (haven't used it on my brows yet) but the metal lash comb is very effective. The only criticism is that it is rather sharp so be careful not to bring it too close to your eye-it smarts a bit if you catch it on your lid! But overall it is good, easy to use and clean. Recommended!
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Mascara -Christian Dior - DiorShow Mascara Waterproof
tortoiseshellcat 1/6/2009 5:24:00 AM
This isn't a bad masara-not the stuff of HG but not bad. I'd really have liked to give it a 3.5 out of 5 as it's not quite worthy of a 4 but I think a 3 seems a bit harsh as it is a nice mascara for everyday use (for me anyway but I do like very dramatic lashes-for some it may be a bit much for every day). I don't find the brush problematic at all-I quite like it. It doesn't clump and it does lengthen though not sure how much volume it gives. It does hold a curl fairly well which is the main requirement I have of mascara. I have noticed that it does smudge a little under the eyes-surprising for a waterproof formula-and I don't usually find that a problem with even non-waterproof varieties. I was a bit torn as to whether I should answer yes or no to whether I'd repurchase. In truth I probably wouldn't but that's because I'm always trying new mascaras but I am continuing to use it for every day which must say something good about it-if a mascara is really bad I just wouldn't use it, no matter how much I'd paid!
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Primer/ Corrector -Guerlain - L'OR Radiance Concentrate with Pure Gold
tortoiseshellcat 12/1/2008 9:40:00 AM
Although this is hideously expensive it really does work. Since the cold weather has taken a hold I've found it more and more difficult to keep my makeup in place-I use Chanel's Vitalumiere but was finding that the dewy glow wasn't lasting, my make-up was quickly looking flat and dull and within a few hours pretty much disappearing. I decided to look into using a makeup base but so many seem to mattify which I didn't want. I came across the reviews for Guerlain's L'OR and it sounded ideal-apart from the £37 price tag! I decided to give a try and visited my local stockist and used the tester to apply it all over my face. I then went back to my car and applied my Vitalumiere and it did go on much easier and seemed to stay on all day. I decided to go for it and managed to get some with 10% off at the House of Fraser sale which eased the pain a little! I've been using it for a few days now and even my boyfriend says I look more radiant and glowing with this under my foundation. My make up lasts much longer and I don't get so dried out under my eyes so I'm not suffering with concealer creasing into my fine lines so much. One thing I'm confused about is that the packaging tells you to apply foundation immediately over this product yet many of the reviews suggest people allow it to dry. I've tried doing both and it seems to work either way, not sure that one way is better than the other. Lovely product, just seems a bit crazy that it costs more than the foundation I put on top of it!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Jemma Kidd Makeup School - Define Stay-Put Eyeliner
tortoiseshellcat 11/25/2008 9:53:00 AM
I'm a bit on the fence with this one-I've given a 4 and would re-purchase because it is definitely the best pencil liner I've tried but I still don't think it stays put all day. However I'm wondering if this is because I went for the gunmetal grey shade rather than the blackest shade-was torn between the two, chose the grey as I thought black may be a bit harsh and the two were close in colour but now I'm wondering if the black (pitch) would have been a better buy as it gets good reviews for its durability. £9 isn't bad for a decent eyeliner but I do have to keep sharpening as it is so soft so it probably won't last me that long. Also as I only use under the lower lid (I always use liquid on the upper lid) I'm hestitant about buying the other shade yet. Am waiting to get a Boots discount voucher!
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Lip Liners -Clarins - Crayon Levres (Lip Liner)- Sienna
tortoiseshellcat 11/25/2008 9:45:00 AM
Fab lip pencil, I have been using for years, this colour being my fave. Perfect consistency and it is a proper pencil rather than those silly crayon ones. Looks really good with lip gloss as well as lipstick.
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