Review of Health And Beauty Products

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume For Infini Curl #1 Infinte Black

2011-06-14T02:09:00.000-07:00

I wanted to try some posh upmarket makeup and purchased the Yves saint Laurent Mascara Infini Curl.

I purchased the item online off Amazon because I figured the product would be more fresh then purchasing off the local shops which probably sell way less items. I recieved the item within a few days and was very impressed with the packaging of the product. Slick, thick gold packaging makes it very eye catching. The wand is medium sized and perfect for applying the mascara without ending up with panda eyes. The product is good but to be perfectly honest I was expecting better out of this brand. It takes a few applications to really see a noticable difference in the lashes so I will have to rate this product a 4 on 5

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Olay anti wrinkle daily moisture fluid cream

2011-03-02T01:58:00.000-08:00

Now that I am over 30 I feel that I should be graduating to stronger creams. I can’t really see wrinkles on my face but I want to be sure it stays that way. The line of creams I wanted is unavailable in my area so I decided to purchase off ebay. The transaction went smoothly as usual and within a few days I was trying out my new Olay anti wrinkle daily moisture fluid cream.

The cream smelt beautiful like all other products I have tried in the Olay range. It promises to help prevent premature skin aging and reduces the appearance of fine lines. As an added bonus it contains an SPF 15. Although the SPF is pretty handy to have, it usually stings my eyes when it accidentally gets there. Being a bit clumsy with my routine it tends to get in my eyes pretty frequently.

The cream is easily absorbed leaving the skin feeling elastic. It is non greasy and dries pretty fast allowing me to apply my make up without having to wait. I’m not sure if it did reduce the fine lines on my skin but it sure made my skin feel supple and soft. Another typical great product by Olay, modest packing and fantastic product!

Spa Breaks and Spa Days

2010-02-02T02:51:00.000-08:00

When stress gets to us, almost everyone dreams of relaxing in a spa or having a massage; taking spa days or tranquil breaks. Spas in particular are created solely to provide a beautiful escape from everyday life. Mind, body and spirit are refreshed in a tranquil oasis, making them a haven of luxury.
Not everyone can afford a spa break, which is why spa days are ideal. Spa days can include as many treatments as the guest wants and are happy to pay for. Even for spa days, every detail is given the closest attention, from the precise blend of aromas diffused in the air, to the careful selection of the finest spa treatments and products that nature can offer. This ensures that each and every guest has a wonderful experience.

Most spas are made up of treatment rooms, a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, gymnasium and relaxation room. In addition, there is a comprehensive list of luxurious treatments and therapies available to choose from.

Some spas offer exercise classes, so why not book in for a healing pilates or yoga class to rejuvenate. Treatments use products from a comprehensive range of traditional, holistic and tailor-made programmes designed to harmonise body and mind and meet your every need.

Spas are designed to give you a feeling of relaxation from the moment you arrive. Health and fitness spas are the ideal place to de-stress and invigorate you, or even if you simply want to kick start a health or diet plan. Many places also offer breakfast, light lunches and dinners, depending on what suits your needs. Some also offer a free extra night, if you are already staying two or three nights, giving you the opportunity for that extra night of pampering.

Mothercare Little Softie Baby Lotion.

2009-10-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

Popping into Mothercare to get some baby stuff, I came across the Mothercare Little Softie Baby Lotion. Besides being good for baby, it is also ideal as a body lotion or cleanser for adults. Never being the one to refuse the idea of a good body lotion I had to buy one!

This baby lotion contains extract of milk protein and camomile to moisturise and pamper the skin. It is dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic and can be used upon babies from birth.

The bottle is plastic and contains 300ml of pink baby lotion. I applied some of this product on my hands and it felt very smooth and silky on the skin. The scent is soft and mild but very long lasting. Even after washing the dishes and still I could smell the faint smell of this lotion. After a shower, I applied this baby lotion and my skin felt really soft without an overpowering scent. It is non greasy as a product so it gets absorbed in the skin really easily.

With this baby lotion being so versatile as a product, I think it is worth having one in the house. If you won’t use it on a baby or as a body lotion it will certainly come handy as a back up plan for when you run out of your usual cleanser.

Pricewise, I got this product for just over 3 Euro from the store but I have seen even cheaper prices online so if you want to save something you may want to shop around!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Lip Finity 185 Sultry

2009-08-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

With a relative’s engagement party coming up, I needed to hunt for a long stay lip stick that will last me through a whole night of eating, drinking and partying. After some consideration I picked the Lip Finity 185 Sultry. I picked that colour because it was the closest to my natural lips and I wanted a bit of an au natural look.

The lipstick isn’t packed in its usual traditional form but is in a mini bottle similar to a liquid eyeliner bottle. The product is in a liquid form with a sponge applicator. I applied a coat of this product and let it dry for a couple of minutes. It is important to let the product dry completely to make sure it won’t smudge. Then I set it with the moisturising top coat. To be honest, I was impressed. The colour was a nice rich deep shade and lasts all day and more without fading or slipping. I say more because I had a hard time removing it since I hadn’t bought the cleanser that comes with it. However, baby oil did the trick and it was gone!

Just a tip, try using a little lip balm before applying Lip Finity, because if you don’t, your lips may feel a bit dry. This Lip Finity is true to its name! I loved the shade I chose but they had a huge selection to choose from. I would recommend it to everyone who doesn’t want to have to touch up. Perfect for work or for when you need it to last all day.

PRODUCT RATING 4.5/5

Keune Shampoo 389B

2009-04-22T05:32:00.000-07:00

I have never used any Keune products so when the opportunity to purchase a professional keune product came along I grabbed my opportunity. I bought 389B Neutral Shampoo which offers deep cleansing mild with a neutral pH level for professional use (hey I’m a professional right?!).

The bottle is a large black bottle (1000ml) so not very handy to have in your shower (you may want to pour some in smaller manageable bottles). On the other hand, a larger bottle makes the product more environmentally friendly and more economical so that’s not too bad after all.

The product smells different to commercial shampoos in that it smells more salon like then the usual perfumed kind I use at home. The shampoo itself is yellow, which to me is a peculiar shade for a shampoo.

The shampoo lathers up very easily and you only need to use a very small amount so a 1000ml bottle is going to last months! The effectiveness of this shampoo though can be observed after the hair is washed. The hair feels and smells clean and if you use the same conditioner that goes with it, it will be easy to detangle.

The best point of this shampoo though is its lasting effects. Although my hair is very oily, this shampoo helps to reduce a lot of its oiliness so I need to wash it less often then usual. In conclusion I would say that I can certainly see a difference between this professional salon shampoo and other commercial shampoos. Definitely a thumbs up products!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Clear Pores

2009-03-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

I keep getting a few spots here and there and over a coffee a friend suggested trying out ClearPores. To be honest, I had never heard of it but a quick search explained to me all I needed to know.

ClearPores is a 3 step cleansing system for acne. The system is a natural one that is endorsed by both doctors and herbalists. Basically the system helps to kill the bacteria that causes the acne, from the inside and outside of the skin.

Step 1 is a deep cleansing wash that removes all the dirt and grime from the skin. It unclogs the pores and removes excessive sebum while preventing the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.

Step 2 is a herbal supplement that works to protect the skin from the inside. The natural herbs it contains work on the acne bacteria at the source. It also prevents the productions of excessive sebum and reduces inflammation, redness, scarring etc.

Step 3 is the protection cream which provides anti-inflammatory relief, protects the skin and prevents from clogging.

I basically tried this system for a few months to get rid of some spots that seemed to always crop up on my face. The result! I loved it. It doesn’t work immediately, it took me around 2 weeks to start seeing results and then I was very happy with what I saw. Literally no more of those red inflamed spots! I was worried that the spots would return once I went off these products but amazingly 4 and a half weeks have now passed and I still have very clear skin. Definitely a product I would recommend to friends!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Stott Pilates Sculpt and Tone DVD

2009-01-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

Stott Pilates has produced a series of Pilates flex band workout DVD’s. In this article I will focus on the Stott Pilates Sculpt and Tone DVD. I have watched a number of other Pilates workouts and I think that Stott Pilates is the best that I have tried, so I wanted to check out this DVD.

I think that Moira Stott has done a great job of including a number of different workouts in her flex band workout program. Instead of only focusing on the abdominals, her workouts include exercises which work to tighten and strengthen other important muscle groups including the biceps, pecs, triceps, and leg muscles, offering a total body workout.

What I have liked about Moira Stott’s DVD’s in the past is that she has a strong focus on good form. This DVD is no different and she is repeatedly emphasising how to breathe properly and what posture you should have to complete each exercise.

All the Pilates workouts in the video make use of Flex bands. I have heard them also called Thera-bands, Pilates bands, Resistance bands, and Exercise bands, which all refer to the same band.

Beginners always ask questions about how to grip flex bands, how much tension to create, where to anchor the bands for different workouts and so forth. All these questions are put to rest with this workout video, as Moira Stott workouts are demonstrated well and are professionally produced.

You will need to buy the Stott Pilates flex bands separately. They come in two different tensions (green/blue). If you feel the workouts are not tough enough with the green bands which are designed for beginners, attempt the same workouts with the blue bands which offer added resistance. I like the Stott Pilates flex bands because other brands tend not to be long enough for some Pilates exercises, but I have never had a problem with these bands. I have also had other brand bands snap in half, and the Stott pilates flex bands seem strong enough.

Conclusion

If you are new to Pilates workouts then you will find great value in getting the Stott Pilates Sculpt and Tone DVD.

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

BYS Lip Liner Fresh Chair

2008-10-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

One of my latest purchases was a lip liner I got from a cosmetic store. I went to the local store and found a new brand. It was BYS and as a range it was inexpensive. I got a lip liner in Flesh Chair no 10 for 2 Euros. The liner was in the usual typical style of a black pencil with a plastic cap as a cover.

The colour I chose was a nude shade which I wanted for morning use. This liner did not disappoint. It was a nude brown shade that turns into a slightly bronze look but still looks absolutely natural. It is a matt shade and spreads well over the whole lips so if you are too lazy to apply lipstick, or simply want a matt look you can cover your whole lips with this shade.

The durability of the product is also very impressive. It lasted a whole day of heavy use and that included a couple of coffees and two meals besides the odd snacks.

If you want a dramatic look, this is not the colour for you. This is an understated tone that will blend with the rest of your natural face and give you style and sophistication without looking as though you are trying too hard.

I personally loved this product and I think I will be going back to get a matching lip gloss to use on top of this liner at night time. Don’t snob this product just because it’s cheap, because the quality is top of the range!

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Rimmel Colour Loose

2008-06-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

Rimmel just launched Colour Loose which is a brand new powder-dip eye shadow. The bottle has a dip and design precision applicator which means it basically looks like a bottle of nail polish with the difference that it has an eye shadow applicator rather then a brush. I picked a delicate grey shade because the other colours seemed a bit too intense to me.

Being loose powder I immediately thought this would be a bit messy to apply and so I placed a tissue under my eye to prevent spillage. The shadow seemed very smooth but you have to pick only a tiny bit of powder otherwise you end up with way too much. I did have a bit of a mess with spillage but since I had covered up it was no problem. The colour in itself is very pigment rich so you can get a very bold bright look. Personally I blended in only a tiny amount to get the effect I needed. The result was very long lasting.

The eye shadow is good for those one off occasions when you want to make a statement. It’s not ideal for everyday use since its way too fiddly and too bright. Thumbs up for durability and smoothness though!

PRODUCT RATING 3.5/5

Simple Refreshing Shower Gel

2008-05-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

Simple is a company that never adds perfume or colour to products, so I was interested in trying out their shower gel just to see how this concept will work. I am used to buying strongly perfumed shower gels so showering with no scent will be a bit weird for me. This Simple Refreshing Shower Gel contains Cucumber Extract and Chamomile Oil so there is plenty to soothe, soften and purify the skin.

I used this shower gel and it felt very rich and smooth on my skin. It builds up quite a bit of lather so it feels pretty luxurious. Although it’s meant to be scentless, it did have a bit of mild smell. I’m not sure what it smelt of, but it smelt fresh and clean and didn’t irritate my skin one bit.

Regarding packaging, it’s nothing special so I wouldn’t think of giving this item as a gift but at a mere $3 it’s worth the price. This item is for sale at most department stores and available on Amazon.

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Constance Carroll Perfecting Eye Mousse

2008-05-06T11:28:00.001-07:00

With spring in the air, its time to experiment with some new vibrant colours instead of the usual brown tones I wear all winter. I checked out the Constance Carroll Perfecting Eye Mousse Collection and picked a metallic green tone. I don’t normally wear green eye shadow but I want a different look.

The product feels really silky and smooth. It is a long wear product and lasted all evening without any need to touch up. I like it because it’s got the feel of a liquid and the lasting power of a powder. What more does a girl need? Apart from that, you can choose how dramatic you want the effect. Just one coat for a subtle minimum touch or layer it on for a dramatic effect. Finish off with a touch of eyeliner and a coat of mascara and hey presto sexy eyes!

This collection is definitely a must have if you are looking for a flexible long wear eye colour. Loads of shades to choose from, and they are so cheap that you can afford to experiment as much as you like.

PRODUCT RATING 4.5/5

Redermic Eyes

2008-04-22T04:35:00.000-07:00

La Roche Posay has just come up with one of the latest anti-ageing innovation. This is their new product Redermic Eyes. This cream is a fill-in, anti-wrinkle, firming care that combines madecassoside, an active ingredient stemming from skin-healing research, with pure vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. This means that this cream should correct crow’s feet and reinforce the eye contour area.

This product comes in a handy tube that makes application easy. Just a tiny amount of this product gently patted into the eye area does the job. It gets absorbed really quickly and it’s not a problem to apply makeup immediately. As regards the results, that’s another story. To be honest I never see much of a difference when using eye creams. I don’t get to see any miracles. However, I am sure that if I had to stop using eye creams in general, my skin would deteriorate faster! So, that keeps me using eye creams regularly.

This product is also dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested which makes is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Also check out the rest of the Redermic range as a daily anti-ageing skincare for the face and neck, correcting deep wrinkles and loss of firmness.

PRODUCT RATING 3/5

The Body Shop Lavender Pure Essential Oil

2008-02-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

It’s a Sunday and I was surfing the net when I came across a very interesting site full of Health Articles and Directory. One of the articles I read there was regarding aromatherapy which reminded me that I still haven’t used the Lavender essential oils I bought last week. This kind of essential oil is known to relax and calm while soothing the skin and promoting restful sleep. Definately what I need after a hard day of erm....relaxing.

With a good reason for a hot soak, I filled up the bath and added around 5 drops of The Body Shop Lavender Pure Essential Oil. The result was amazing. Thirty minutes of total relaxation surrounded by a delicious floral scent that was strong enough without being overwhelming (don’t pour too much in because it might be too strong). The good news is that this product is not too oily so you are not going to come out of the bath feeling like an oil slick but with softer moisturized skin. Again, I guess using the right amount of product is the key.

At $12 this product is worth the price because it will last for months if used with care. Time to sleep……….

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Trevor Sorbie Conditioner for Long Straight Hair

2008-02-09T09:33:00.001-08:00

My hair is growing long, in fact it’s already halfway down my back and that must be the reason it’s getting so tangled up. Combing it through after washing it is becoming a complete nightmare. The edges seem to stick together and knot up. I think I desperately need a trim, but being too lazy to go get one, I buy the Trevor Sorbie Long Straight Hair Conditioner. This conditioner is a nourishing salon formula that detangles, improves smoothness and boosts.

The bottle is white with a slanting cap. This in itself is a disadvantage because you simply cant place the bottle upside down to get the last bit of product at the bottom. Apart from that, the conditioner is really thick so you have to shake it a real lot to get it out. I think I would prefer it if the conditioner was packed in a tub other then a bottle.

Initially I didn’t see much of a difference in my hair and I thought I wasted a good $12 on a bottle of ineffective conditioner. However, once I was close to finishing the bottle I did think that it was improving the quality of my hair. I kinda had less knots and it was easier to comb through but the ends were still sticking together. Nevertheless I got to say, the results are not astounding and I think I will not be buying this product again. For $12 I expect to have better results and this conditioner is just a tiny step above a cheap $4 commercial conditioner. Nothing too salony about this Trevor Sorbie Long Straight Hair conditioner

Ingredients:
Ethyl eicosanoic acid - a lipid that is the key to natural shine
Amino Acids - used to combat static and remoisturise
Benzophenone 3 or 4 - a water soluble filter that absorbs UV light which can cause the hair colour fade and the breakdown of the hair's natural structure
Panthenol - pro Vitamin B5 which improves the hairs natural shine
Phytantriol - works with the Panthenol to enhance the conditioning effect

Product Rating 2/5

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara

2007-12-23T01:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming so its time to start stocking up on some new makeup for those loads of Christmas parties and reunions. I had a quick look through my cabinet and noticed I needed quite a few things. One of the things that always needs replacement is a mascara so I went on the quest to check out the latest mascaras on the market.

After checking out a few brands, I was seduced by the L’Oreal Telescopic mascara because I was impressed with the really thin applicator. It reminded me of a magician’s wand and I hope it does some magic to my lashes. The applicator is over five inches long with the brush at the edge measuring around 1 inch and is flexible. I was a bit uneasy using this brush for the first time because I have never used such a kind of brush. So I started tapping as lightly as possible on the lashes. One single mistake and your lashes will clump up so you need to be really careful with this. With patience you can get beautiful looking lashes but for quick everyday use it’s probably too much of a hassle and too hard to apply. However it’s a long lasting mascara and lasted all through the day without the need of any further application. I guess I will keep this mascara for those special occasions when I have the time to apply full makeup slowly. One last tip, don’t try to use this mascara while driving cause you will definitely end up with some very unsexy panda eyes!

The price of this mascara is an average of $8 and the shades you can choose from are black, brown black, and blackest black. This product is easily available in most department stores. I won’t be giving it a very good rating because it’s a bit too fiddly to use but if you have time, patience and a steady hand, go for it!

PRODUCT RATING 3/5

Dove Hair Silk

2007-07-19T04:20:00.001-07:00

I’m practically drowning my hair in conditioner this summer because it’s just too sunny around my area. I got a Dove Hair Silk for dry or damaged hair.

The packaging is very practical and the price is in the lower bracket so those are already 2 pluses! The texture of the product is very thick. I first shampooed my hair and then massaged some of the conditioner into my hair and left it on for 3 minutes as recommended. I noticed the difference immediately upon rinsing it off. My hair felt smoother and I realized I was going to have no problems combing it. I let my hair dry naturally to avoid splitting more ends and yet my hair looked shiny, healthy and fantastic. My friends actually asked what I used on my hair!

On the negative side, this conditioner smells a bit soapy. It smells very much Dove which is weird for me because I associate Dove with body lotions and shower gels not hair products.

Otherwise, aside from the smell, I really can’t complain about this product. So thumbs up from me!

PRODUCT RATING 4.5/5

L’Oreal Elvive Color Protect

2007-05-20T05:29:00.001-07:00

Summer is here and my hair is already suffering the effects of the sun. I feel it very dry at the edges and the normal conditioner is not helping much. So I wanted to buy something stronger like a conditioning hair mask.

The repair mask I chose is the L’Oreal Elvive Color Protect because I do have some highlights at the moment! It is attractively packaged in a red plastic tub with a maroon rimmed top. The product is very thick and if you turn the product upside down it won’t even move! It’s literally got the consistency of a face cream.

The product smells fantastic. I stick my nose in the tub quite a few times. It is also very easy to use. Just apply a bit of the product to the edges and leave in for a couple of minutes. Then simply rinse with warm water. The result is softer and smoother hair. I’m pretty pleased with the results and I can honestly say my hair does feel better. I would suggest that this product gets applied only to the tips because I’m sure that if I had to use it on the roots it would make my hair too oily. Definitely a good pick me up for my hair!

PRODUCT RATING: 5/5

Stendhal Hydro Harmony Eye Contour Gel Cream

2007-05-01T04:28:00.000-07:00

Stendhal is a brand I had never tried so when I saw this range at a new posh perfumery in my area I had to try it out. I picked the Eye Contour Gel because it promises to erase dark circles reduces puffiness smooth fine lines and relieve irritations. Having very sensitive skin, my eye area often needs to be soothed and restored.

The tub of eye gel is very feminine yet simple in a pearl white with a purple top. Elegantly designed and at roughly $33 for a 15ml it is moderately priced. The product itself feels very light and fresh on the skin. Although I can’t say I observed some long term miracles on my skin, the eye area definitely felt revived. It’s a kind of instant pick me up for the eye area so I would be using this product! I noticed it works really well after a late night out and I don’t go to work looking like a zombie. Good product to have for emergencies in your cabinet.

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Angel by Thierry Mugler

2007-04-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

This colleague at work kept coming with this delicious scent. After a few days I couldn’t resist any longer and I asked her what it was. Angel by Thierry Mugler was her response.

So I went and got a 25ml EDP bottle. At $60.00 it was a bit expensive, more then my usual spend on a perfume but I really had to have it. You may find some cheaper deals for Angel on Amazon. The bottle is star shaped and doesn’t stand up on its own. So you need to leave it propped on its side or in the box which is a bit inconvenient really. I like to decorate with the bottles and don’t like the hassle of having to place it back in the box (Yes I am THAT lazy)!

However the perfume itself is definitely not disappointing. It is light and sweet yet it is complex and rich. At first you might think the smell may be overpowering but within a couple of hours you notice it isn’t. It will mellow into an aura of delicious haze! Angel contains patchouli, honey, chocolate, vanilla, and sandalwood which together make the unique combination you will love!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Radox Showerfresh Active

2007-03-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Radox Showerfresh Active

I hate carrying loads of stuff and a huge bag when I go to the gym. So I wanted to buy a shower gel that doubles up as a shampoo so I can take just one bottle with me to the tiny gym showers. I got the Radox Showerfresh Active which is a shower gel and shampoo 2 in 1 with sea minerals. This looks more like a shower gel aimed at men, but it was the best I could find (I think women prefer to use separate shampoo and conditioner).

The bottle is very conveniently shaped because it has a hook so you can just hang it inside the shower. It opens and shuts with a clip strategically placed at the bottom so you don’t have to move the bottle out of place to get to some gel. The scent is light and fresh and gives you a boost, definitely a very appropriate product to use after a workout. While the gel foams up pretty well and looks good as a shower gel I am very skeptical about its effects a shampoo. I have this feeling that it doesn’t clean my hair as well as a proper shampoo. My hair also feels a little bit dry when I use this product. So, although I would this product as a shampoo at the gym or other occasions I would not use this as my permanent shampoo.

Perfect for some weekend breaks, traveling or simply the gym, Radox Showerfresh definitely wins points for convenience.

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Artist's Eye Pencil by Estee Lauder

2007-03-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

The smudged look around the eye is pretty in at the moment. I do not really have much of a clue how to get this look without ending up looking like a panda. So I got one of the most professional liners in the local stores, the Artist's Eye Pencil by Estee Lauder. I love the products by Estee Lauder especially the Magnascopic Mascara. The shade of eye pencil I chose was the brown writer because to be honest I felt the black was a bit too dramatic.

The product is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, so it should not cause any adverse effects. The pencil has two sides. One side is the actual liner while the other side is the smudger. I never used a smudger so I was a bit nervous and needed to practice a few times before I dared venture out. However, it was really not as hard as I imagined. The liner is really soft and glides upon the skin. You don’t have to press down for ages to get a semi decent line. When you’re done, you can use the tip of the smudger to smudge down the line and lose its harshness. The effect can be pretty astounding since it looks way nicer then a straight line painted with liquid liner. The liner lasts for hours and does not slip all over the rest of your makeup. Rest assured that you can safely apply it in the morning and still look good at night!

I love the new look! Really worth trying out especially if eye pencils and smudging is a new process to you!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

The Body Shop Camomile Eye Make-Up Remover

2007-03-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

I picked this product from my local Body Shop store because I was desperately out of my last eye remover. The packaging of this product is a simple typical body shop bottle which in my experience is very convenient because they usually have wide openings.
The product is oil free and fragrance free which is a bit of a plus for my sensitive skin.
I like the idea of Camomile because I know it’s used as an anti irritant so I guess it’s really good to use around the eye area!

The instructions on this bottle state: "apply with cotton pad, using a separate pad around each eye. If product gets in eyes, rinse with clean water." So I did just that and removed the makeup with cotton discs and was pleased with the result. This product quickly cleaned my eyes off makeup. I did not have to rub at the skin for ages to get rid of the last bit of waterproof mascara. So I would say this eye makeup remover does its job pretty well. What I am not happy about is the residue the remover left. It wasn’t oily but it was like a few specs on the skin. I had to rinse off my eyes with water to get rid of it.

At $12 I guess it’s a fair price for 250 ml so I won’t be complaining on the price. This product can last for ages because you really need a tiny amount to get clean eyes.

PRODUCT RATING 3/5

Palmolive Aroma Therapy Anti-Stress

2007-03-11T06:22:00.000-07:00

On my quest for a new shower gel I bought the Palmolive Aroma Therapy Anti-Stress. This shower gel from Palmolive contains pure essential oils of Lavender (relaxing), Ylang Ylang (reduces stress) and Patchouli (balances moods).

This shower gel is available from all supermarkets and department stores and is fairly priced at under $4 for 500ml(you may even get a better price cause they have regular special offers). The bottle is a large plastic rounded shape with a click shut top and doesn’t slip out of your hands when wet.

The shower gel in itself is a rich purple and is very thick so you only need to use a very small amount to build up a nice lather. The smell of the gel is very pleasant and combined with a hot steamy shower it does help you to relax and unwind. The gel also claims to soften your skin but to be honest I didn’t notice much of a difference from other regular shower gels. I also noticed that the smell of the gel didn’t really linger on my skin so don’t expect the scent to last all day.

On the whole I am pretty satisfied with this product as a package. The only drawback I could see is that it tended to dry out my skin a bit so if you have dry skin you may want to steer away from this product.

Otherwise, help yourself chill out and enjoy a hot shower with this gel!

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Vitol Creatine Monohydrate

2007-03-06T11:29:00.001-08:00

I’m not into bodybuilding myself but my brother recently got into it and is doing pretty well ever since he started experimenting with creatine supplements and liquid creatine.

After several recommendations from the people who work out with him, he started using Vitol Creatine Monohydrate. This dietary supplement is in liquid form and very simple to use. Just place one drop under the tongue for 10 seconds and then swallow. For the best results, take around 30 minutes before working out!

I feel that this product is working on my brother. He has always been on the thin side yet with this product coupled with a workout 3 times a week he is really filling out nicely. I guess it’s a good product to consider!

Estee Lauder Minute Blush

2007-03-03T00:02:00.000-08:00

I usually stick to powder blushers because I find them practical and easy to use. However I was convinced to part with around $25 for the Estee Lauder Minute Blush. I got the shade spice because it seemed to suit my skin tone best.

This is basically a cream blusher that needs to be worked into the skin with your fingertips. The more you rub it in, the more it will look like a healthy glow. The downside is that you need quite some time to achieve a natural glow. My few first attempts at using this product were a disaster because I used way too much then I should have. I finally learnt that the best way to do it is swirl your finger along the top of the product and then just gently pat on to the cheekbones and blend.

I am not so convinced with this product. I mean it does work well and give quite a natural barely there glow but it is pretty fiddly as a product and you really need to know what you’re doing to get the right look. If you’re planning to apply this before you rush out to work, you may want to reconsider your choice!

PRODUCT RATING 3/5

Desert Essence Facial Cleansing Pads

2007-02-23T02:35:00.000-08:00

Recently I came across a very interesting site with nutritional supplements and beauty products. They had a particular product which really caught my eye. This was the Desert Essence Facial Cleansing Pads.

The packaging was really attractive and to me they looked like the ultimate in cleansing pads and I thought I would give them a try. The pads come in a small tub that contains 50. The pads are not normal commercial cleansing pads but promise to cleanse the face and gently exfoliate dead skin cells. The also contain Vitamin A and C. I really have to say that I did feel a different super clean sensation on my face when I did try them, and I did not get any annoying pieces of cotton sticking onto the cleansers as sometimes happens with cheap commercial pads.

You do not need to use anything with these pads. They contain pure essential oils and natural botanical extracts which are combined to remove oil, dirt and other impurities with one easy step. Since this product contains alcohol I personally didn’t use it to clean the eye area. I just wiped the face and neck and then rinsed off with some cool water. My skin felt refreshed and not tightened so I will be using these pads again! They really are convenient especially when you are traveling or want to shorten your beauty regime.

Ingredients:
Alcohol (Denat), Hamamelis Virginiana (witch hazel) Extract, C11-15 Pareth 12, Calendula Oil, Aloe Vera Gel, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Oil, Lavender Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Goldenseal Root Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Retinyl Palmitate (Vit A), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Purified Water, Aromatic Proprietary Blend.

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Bourjois Very Vernis Nail Enamel in Rose Virtuel

2007-02-22T08:35:00.000-08:00

This particular shade of nail varnish suits everyone because it’s not too bright and comes with some lovely sparkly flecks. It can be work for both morning and nighttime use although personally I prefer it for the evening.

The bottle is a decent sized 0.3Fl Oz and costs under $10, which I guess is a medium range price for a nail varnish.

The product is easy to apply and being silicone based, it dries off pretty easily. The effect is pretty homogenous and there is no streaking even with just one coat. Although one coat was good enough, I applied two coats because I like the color to look as solid as possible.

The product is acetone free and enriched with calcium and Vitamin B5 to strengthen nails. It lasted a few days without chipping although I have to admit that I did avoid washing the dishes! Overall I am satisfied with this product. It’s a better then average varnish but not outstanding!

PRODUCT RATING 3/5

Noni Juice

2007-02-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

Noni juice is a big hit around my area at the moment so I wanted to join in the trend and try it out. I got my own Noni juice online since I found a reputable site that gets it directly from the Pacific Islands were it is created. For those who haven’t heard about noni juice it’s a 100% organic nutritional supplement that provides you with loads of benefits like, boosting your immune system (perfect for the flu season), lowers blood pressure, reduces cramps, asthma, depression, and strokes.

The product arrived within a few days from ordering and the delivery was free. Although I was a bit anxious about its taste, it was actually a pleasant drink because it was mild. The bottle lasts a whole month or so but if you have problems drinking the juice, they also have noni tablets, noni lozenges, noni peppermints, noni creams and more! After drinking this juice I did feel a bit better. It was like a perk me up booster to me. I felt full of energy and forgot those dull little aches I sometimes get. I liked this product and when I consulted other people who have tried it, I got the same positive reaction. I guess I will try to get some more of these noni products in the near future.

Just a quick tip, the more items you order, the better the prices get! Check out the Noni Juice Blog for more information from other noni juice users.

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Femalite for PMS

2007-02-11T02:44:00.000-08:00

I tend to suffer a lot from PMS. Around 2 weeks before my period is due I start getting mood swings, anxiety, sore breasts, lower back pain and water retention. A couple of months ago I was on this PMS site and I checked out the PMS relief products they had for sale. The site looked very reputable and they reviewed several PMS products before giving out their recommendations. So I decided to buy Femalite which is their top recommended product.

The site I got the product from was secure so I had no issues to pay. The product arrived within a few days and was packed well. It’s basically a small bottle with liquid form natural herbs. The herbs are Foeniculum Vulgare (Sweet Fennel), Pulsatilla Vulgaris (Pasque Flower), Melissa Officinal (Lemon Balm). Before using this product I did a quick findout about each ingredient and was happy to see that they are all safe to use and claimed to be effective.

I put around 12 drops of this product and mixed with some water. I stirred and swallowed it down with one gulp to make sure I don’t taste much of it. When I swallowed I realized it didn’t taste too bad after all. The product claims to work within 5 minutes. I’m not sure it was effective so fast, however within half an hour or so I felt strangely calmer. Even my boyfriend wanted to sit near me instead of hiding behind the monitor on the other side of the house. My breasts and lower back still felt a little bit sore but I can say the pain was definitely lessoned.

Overall, I would say this product was pretty effective on me. I was quite skeptical to start off with but the results really convinced me. I will definitely be buying a 3 month supply when this bottle is finished!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Eye Shadow in Tulle

2007-02-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

Impressed with the high class Estee Lauder MagnaScopic Mascara I wanted to give some expensive makeup a try. So I opted for the Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Eye Shadow in Tulle which basically is a light shade of pink.

The packaging is really posh with the product being in thick plastic casing with the trademark Elizabeth Arden in gold. Definitely not one of those flimsy little cases that break the first time your drop them. The casing also has a big window so the product can be seen through the top.

When I opened the case I was disappointed to find one of those tiny eye shadow applicators. It looked way too small and useless, and for such an expensive product I expected a better applicator. I decided to use the applicator thinking that this must be specifically designed to give the best of this product. Big mistake! The color was hardly getting picked up by the applicator and I was literally applying nothing! Fuming, I gave up and decided to use my own eye shadow brush. This worked better, however the eye shadow was still too light. I mean it looked the right shade in the box but on my face it hardly shows. I guess this range was meant to promote the barely there look!

I evaluated the product during the rest of the day and it didn’t last as long as I expected it to. It starting discoloring and disappearing from the middle part of the eyelid and eventually reached the side. As a side note, I tried this product for work and not for a workout at the gym so I was expecting better staying powers!

Nothing else to say about this product apart from the fact that it’s a complete waste of money and I would have probably been better off buying a cheap commercial box of eye shadows for a fraction of the price!

PRODUCT RATING 1/5

Estee Lauder MagnaScopic Mascara

2007-02-06T02:25:00.000-08:00

I went to town to buy a mascara and there was a promotion on Estee Lauder MagnaScopic Maximum Volume Mascara so I got that. There were four shades available Black, Brown, Purple & Blue but being a conservative person I picked the safe black!

The shape and deep blue color of the tube make it look very chic and definitely a cut above the other commercial brands! The tube is easy to handle since it feels like a thick pen and the wand is short and stubby, while the brush is perfectly shaped to reach those out of the way lashes that other brushes may not reach.

When I tried it on I was looking at the mirror for ages! I couldn’t believe my eyes! Just two quick coats and I was instantly blessed with long thick lashes that defined my eyes without clumping up the lashes. It didn’t smudge at all and lasted until I took it off without running of causing panda eyes. I took it off with my regular Olay Daily Cleansers Eye Make-Up Removing Cream and it went off without any trouble.

Although at around $30 for a mere 7ml, I felt the mascara was a bit expensive, I think it was worth the price, since it defined my lashes, lasted all day and didn’t irritate my eyes in any way! I guess the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ really holds well in this case! Definitely a 5 star product!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Simple Facial Wipes

2007-01-25T06:41:00.000-08:00

Lazy girls like me love having facial wipes to quickly wipe off their makeup before passing out on the bed!

I got the Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes because they remove all makeup, even waterproof mascara. This is definitely a plus because it avoids fiddling around with a separate eye makeup remover. Another added bonus is that they are oil and alcohol free so they should cause no breakouts or irritations.

The packaging of these wipes is in light green and the sticky piece which closes the packet tends to stop sealing well half way through the packet. So it’s best to keep the wipes upside down so as to hold them down with their own weight.

The wipes themselves are like largish thin pieces of fabric. They feel soft and have a gentle smell. As I ran them across my face, some on the moisture on the wipe must have got into my eyes which removing the mascara and believe me, my eyes stung for a few minutes. The stinging was so bad that I actually had to keep my eyes shut until the pain subsided. The next morning, I found some eye makeup residue under my eyes which convinced me that the product is not as good as it claims.

INGREDIENTS
Aqua, Cetearyl Isononanate, Cetearth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol. Glyceryl Sterate, Glycerin, Cetearth-12, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1, 3-Diol.

I think I need to bum some more beauty samples to review soon.

PRODUCT RATING 2/5

Dove Body Silk Moisturizer

2007-01-20T05:55:00.000-08:00

Dove products always smell fresh so when I need a think all over body moisturizer I got the Dove Body Silk Moisturizer. My skin is always a bit on the dry side so the idea of having smooth and silky skin is very appealing to me.

The cream comes in a stylish white plastic tub container which although a bit heavy, makes it convenient to carry in your bag.
The cream is a pearly white color and is thick so you only need to use a little bit. In fact the tub will probably last me a good 6 months. The feel of the cream is luxurious and spreads into the skin easily. It also feels smooth without being sticky or greasy. It has the richness of a cream and the absorbing power of a lotion. I definitely felt a difference for a good 24 hours! Available in most supermarkets (shop around cause the prices vary). Good Buy!

INGREDIENTS:
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Panthenol, Cholesterol, Bisabolol, Sodium PCA, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate), Dimethicone, Linoleic Acid, Ceramide 1, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II, Phytosphingosine, Isohexadecane, Saccharide Isomerate, Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Isostearyl Linoleate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Linoleamidopropyl BG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, PEG-4 Laurate, Disodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Nailene French Manicure Set

2007-01-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

I don't do much to my toenails usually apart from some nail fungus treatment! I’m not really a person for French manicures because I hate all the fiddling around with different polishes. However, I’m fed up looking at my boring nails and I got a French manicure set by Nailene that contains a tip whitener and a French polish top coat.

The nail tip whitener was a bit disappointing to me because it was a bit too light and needed at least two coats to cover up well. On the other hand, the French pink top coat was good and the color lasted a few days before chipping. The bottles are also decent sized and overall the pack was excellent value for money since it only cost $10.

I have to admit that it is worth the extra few minutes needed to do this manicure because for once my nails looked pretty feminine.

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Aquolina Face Exfoliating Gel with Red Fruits

2007-01-14T03:09:00.000-08:00

After the success with all the Aquolina products I tried like the Aquolina Eye Gel and the Aquolina Coconut Body Milk, I had to try out more of their range. So I picked the Aquolina Face Exfoliating Gel with Red Fruits at a natural health food shop.

This product is particularly suitable for delicate and normal skin. Reading through the product details, I found out that this product is also made with real fruit extract. It contains raspberry plant juice (5%), black currant (3%), blueberry (1%) and bamboo extract. These fruit extracts help to provide vitamins, moisture and a soothing effect. The use of red fruits that contains polyphenols also provides protection for capillaries. On the other hand, the bamboo extract is rich in oligo-elements and vitamins, and provides excellent toning action. Finally, this product is also dermatologically tested.

I used this peeling gel on my face particularly around the T-zone. I dampened my skin and then rubbed the product into my face for a minute or so, and it smelt and felt divine! I almost didn’t want to stop scrubbing. I rinsed the gel off with lukewarm water as instructed and my face felt literally new! The skin felt velvety and my face literally glowed. I looked radiant. I will definitely be using this product twice a week as recommended!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Max Factor Lip Liner no 10 (Ruby)

2007-01-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

Max Factor is a top brand in my books so I wanted to try out their lip liners. I got a liner in Ruby no 10. The name may be a bit misleading because the color is not red but not on the pink/plum side.

This lip liner is different to the others because the color itself is not encased in wood but in some other kind of black material. So when you sharpen it, you do not get wood shavings but rather some kind of black shavings. The texture of the color is a bit soft, so the point tends to break or rather lose its shape if you press a bit too hard. Otherwise, the product is really good and gives a nice deep shade, so I actually ended up filling the rest of my lips in and using it as a lipstick!

Final verdict? For me it’s a nice deep color that matches well with the lighter shades of pink or purple eyeshadows.

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Rose and Co Lavender Bath and Shower Crème

2007-01-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

The scent of lavender always brings back childhood memories. So when I’m feeling nostalgic or need to unwind and relax, I use Rose and Co Lavender Bath and Shower Crème.

The style and scent of this product is typical English, simple yet high quality. I love it because it is very versatile and I have used it both for a quick shower and a long soak in the bath. The scent is heavenly and relaxing and the quality is very good. The product is pretty thick and the soap builds up a nice lather. In fact, you will only need a little amount of the crème to build up a bathful of foam, so the bottle lasts for ages!

I consider this a classy luxury item, and at a mere $12, it’s a real bargain. Definitely makes a nice gift and wise to have a bottle of this in your bathroom!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Rimmel Shine Temptation Femme Fatale 010

2007-01-05T08:05:00.000-08:00

A classic pink lipstick is always a must in a woman’s bag. So I went in search of the perfect pink shade and after a lot of trying and testing, I finally bought the Rimmel Shine Temptation Femme Fatale 010.

This lipstick comes in a chic lilac tube and smells of strawberry. Yes, the lipstick is actually like a scented lip balm! The color of the lipstick is a light pink that is very shiny and shimmery so it tends to look like natural lip gloss, other then lipstick. The texture is on the oily side so it does not dry out the lips like some other lipsticks. Although it looks like lip gloss, this product has the staying power of lipstick and it does not slide off the lips within a few minutes. The shade of this lipstick is light so it ideal for summer or morning use. It may look a bit too pale for nighttime use.

Definitely well worth the price! Shine up those lips ladies!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Nina by Nina Ricci

2007-01-02T10:27:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! We have to start the New Year in style so I picked myself a bottle of perfume for the occasion. I’m a fan of practically all the perfumes by Nina Ricci, so I allowed myself the extravagance of buying the large 100ml bottle of the perfume Nina by Nina Ricci.

The bottle is in the shape of an apple tinted in raspberry pink, suggesting that the perfume may be tempting and suggestive. The scent in itself is unique although as a follower of Nina Ricci perfumes I would immediately notice it was a Ricci scent. While the perfume is a fresh floral it is not overly feminine and the touch of toffee apple hints at independence, seduction and emotion. This perfume is ideal both for morning and night use since it is neither too strong nor too mild, just the perfect balance. Yet another excellent Nina Ricci scent! Full Points! Give way to temptation…….

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Magnolia Moisturising Hand and Nail Cream by Marks and Spencer

2006-12-28T02:42:00.000-08:00

One of the Christmas gifts I received this year was a set of Magnolia Bath items from Marks and Spencer. Since I have dry hands (as usual in this cold season), I tried the Magnolia Moisturising Hand and Nail Cream.

One of the first things I noticed about this product is that is very runny and not thick at all. In fact when I pressed the tube, quite a lot of the cream came out. The scent is light and pleasant and lingers onto the skin for a while. Regarding the quality, I felt that the cream was not effective enough. It felt very light on the skin and although it was immediately absorbed, my hands felt sticky for a few hours after (even the mouse and keyboard feel sticky now). Definitely not enough for dry winter hands although it may be sufficient for summer use.

PRODUCT RATING 2/5

Love at First Glow by JLO

2006-12-22T08:07:00.000-08:00

This week I got a Christmas present from a close friend of mine. She gave me a bottle of Love at First Glow by JLO. This is a pretty new scent and I have read good reviews about it so I was very happy to receive it.

When I opened the box I immediately noticed the pink bottle. It’s a very feminine sleek pink bottle that suggests style and glamour. This scent is sweet yet sexy based on peach, romantic wild rose and vanilla. It brought me back memories of when I was younger, single and used to go out partying with my friends. It reminds me of carefree relaxed periods in my life. The scent is pretty strong and lingered on a whole day. I think I will be using this scent in the morning because it may be a little bit too sweet for nighttime use.

Definitely a must have perfume perfect for a young at heart girl!

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Body Shop Lip Line Fixer

2006-12-18T11:46:00.000-08:00

Even though I use lip liners regularly, sometimes lipstick or lipgloss ends up slipping or feathering over the mouth. So when I came across the Body Shop Lip Line Fixer I thought I would give it a try. The idea behind this liner is that it creates an invisible barrier through which lipstick cannot pass.

So I applied the Max Factor Hypersmooth Foundation all over the face and lips (to give the lipstick a good base). I then applied a thin line of this body shop liner. To be honest it felt weird applying a transparent liner because it was a novelty to me. However, the texture was great because it felt smooth on the lips without being sticky or drying. After a few minutes, I applied the lipgloss. I kept checking the gloss throughout the night and unfortunately I have to admit that I saw no difference from usual. The liner made absolutely no difference to the staying power of my gloss. It felt like a waste of $12.

PRODUCT RATING 1/5

Constance Carroll Diamond Gloss Nail Polish

2006-12-15T13:23:00.000-08:00

With the Christmas season coming up, I need to have some nice nails. You can’t go to Christmas parties and functions with ugly nails can you? So I picked a few shades of Constance Carroll Diamond Gloss Nail Polish. I picked a Pink Ice, Claret and Bronze to complement some of the clothes I intend to wear soon.

I tried the Pink Ice because it is a very natural shade for morning wear. The first thing I noticed is that this nail polish is very runny and it doesn’t do a lot of covering. This means that I need at least 3 coats of polish to get an even non-streaky color. Unlike the Oreal Ceramide Resist Polish this nail varnish takes a while to dry off. In fact, I managed to dent the polish a few times until it was completely dry. Regarding quality, I found that this polish chipped off within 24 hours. Considering the polish takes ages to dry off and chips within a day, it is personally not worth the hassle of using this product.

PRODUCT RATING 2/5

Nivea Soft Intensive Moisturising Cream

2006-12-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

Its getting a bit cold here and my hands immediately start drying up and flaking at the knuckles. So I need a good intensive hand cream to sort out my skin. Having run out of free beauty cream samples, I had to go buy some!

I got the Nivea Soft Intensive Moisturising Cream from the supermarket for a relatively cheap price. I usually find Nivea products pretty up to standard so I did not hesitate to buy this product. When I opened the container (comes in various handy handbag sizes), I immediately noticed the pleasant smell of the cream. The cream in itself is thick in texture and is easy to rub into the skin. When the cream gets absorbed, it leaves a slightly oily feel. So I would recommend that you do not apply this cream on the palms of your hand if you do not want to stain everything you touch. I got around this by applying the cream all over my hands and then wearing gloves on top. When I took the gloves off after a couple of hours my skin had definitely picked up and was feeling very smooth.

I definitely will be adding this product to my winter routine. It’s a fantastic product at a cheap price!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Biore Shine Control Moisturizer

2006-12-09T05:12:00.000-08:00

My T-Zone tends to get annoyingly oily at times. Within a couple of hours of applying makeup the oil manages to seep through and I’m always topping up with translucent powder.

So I came across the Biore Shine Control Moisturizer at just $9. It is a non-comedogenic and oil free product so it will be good for people who have acne. This product comes with a handy pump dispenser that controls how much cream comes out of the bottle. The scent of the product is very sweet and I could also say it has a hint of fruitiness. When I applied this product, it glided on and felt smooth and velvety and was immediately absorbed by the skin. Within a few minutes I was able to apply the Max Factor Hypersmooth Foundation and it stuck on without sliding off. After a few hours, I was happy to notice that the T-Zone was relatively shine free so I will be using this product again.

Ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat, Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG 100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Ceteareth 20, Stearic Acid, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Fragrance, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, DMDM Hydantoin

As with all facial moisturizers, avoid getting product into eyes. If you do, rinse thoroughly with water.

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue

2006-12-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

I was traveling last week so I managed to get access to the duty free section of the airport. The perfumes were fantastically priced and I made a beeline to the discount section. I found the Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue for around 40 EUROS so I got myself a bottle! I know it’s not a latest perfume but I’ve wanted to try it out for a few years!

The perfume is light and subtle, making it perfect for morning use. It is lively, fresh and feminine and the smell lingers all day. Although this perfume seems to be based on citrus, it is still understated as a scent. I would consider this perfume to be summery and ideal for warm weather, although I loved it so much I will probably use it all the year round!

I guess I’m going to have to give full points for this perfume!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Max Factor More Lashes Waterproof Mascara

2006-11-22T10:57:00.000-08:00

I hadn’t bought any makeup for quite a while now, so I got myself a Max Factor More Lashes Waterproof Mascara. I opted for this product because it promises to multiply, separate and add volume to my lashes.

Although this mascara is a good one, it is nothing spectacular. The color is dark and coats the lashes well making them appear longer. The lashes do not clump up together but remain separated! Regarding durability, it lasts the whole day without streaking, smudging or disappearing. However, I was disappointed when I came to remove this mascara. Even though I used an eye makeup remover, it was a big hassle to remove all of it. The color kept running onto the cotton wool and it was hard to remove. I really had to rub the cotton wool and lost a couple of eyelashes in the process. I guess I wont be using this product too often!

PRODUCT RATING 3/5

Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion

2006-11-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

Last summer I got some Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion Samples (Normal to Darker skin) but I never really tried it out. Last weekend I wanted to wear a short skirt, and since my tan is fading, I decided to give this product a try. This product is made of a unique combination of ingredients that will have the skin glowing all the year round.

The product is relatively cheap and very delicately scented with a hint of vanilla. I’m a bit wary of products that offer to build a tan because I’ve always ended up streaky so I used very little of this product. I showered, got dried and applied a little bit of this cream on my legs. However, I immediately noticed a bit of a problem with it. The cream did not get absorbed properly so I spent a good fifteen minutes working it through my legs making it a point not to miss out any parts. After fifteen minutes it still felt sticky on my legs and I was afraid to get dressed because I thought it would ruin the clothes. Anyway, that day I saw no results, however I did wake up with streaky brown legs the next day. Very disappointing!

PRODUCT RATING 1/5

Artdeco Perfect Color Eyeliner

2006-11-16T09:15:00.001-08:00

You can never have enough eye liners! Or can you? I wanted to start to buy beauty product online
so I got an Artdeco Perfect Color Eyeliner because I needed a really thin brush to create those thin lines on top of the eyelid. The product is classically designed and moderately priced so I thought there was no harm in giving it a go.

When I opened the tube, I was impressed at how thin the brush was. I really had trouble holding my hand still and creating a thin line with a super thin brush. The problem is that the brush’s tip is not stiff like the L’Oreal SuperLiner, so when you touch it on the eyelid it runs everywhere (unless you have super steady hands which I don’t). After a few attempts, I created a semi straight line but I deciding it wasn’t worth the fiddling around. I guess I prefer products with a stiff tip.

Otherwise the color was pretty dark and lasted a good part of the evening. It also went off very easily using the Olay Eye Cleanser. So if you have the time and patience to use this product it’s worth a try.

PRODUCT RATING 3/5

Bionsen Roll on Deodorant

2006-11-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

Its usually a bit hard to find free deodorant samples, but this week I came across Bionsen Roll on Deodorant with active minerals. This is an alcohol free, hypoallergenic, roll on deo. It also contains no aluminum which is normally very commonly used in deodorants. Aluminum and alcohol really irritate my skin so I was relieved to find a product that contains none of these chemicals.

I was glad to notice that this deo has a very fresh distinctive smell and unlike the Sanex Deo, it does smell feminine. The scent does last for hours on the skin and it does help the underarm area stay fresh and dry. I also tried the ultimate deo test which is applying it on a few minutes after shaving the underarm and I noticed no stinging. So this product gains full marks from me!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Rimmel 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Liner Pencil 011(spice)

2006-11-03T05:31:00.000-08:00

I needed a lip liner to match my hot new pink outfit for tonight! So, after trying out a few liners, I bought myself a Rimmel 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Liner Pencil in 011(spice).

This liner is simple, cheap and practical to have since the color is a very neutral kind of pink that would match most of the pink lipsticks you may have. The color is matt and durable and lasts long on the lips. I think that the lipstick vanished before the liner did! Finally it’s also a product that gives you are certain amount of flexibility since the tip is neither too hard nor too soft. This means you can press the liner on your lips as much as you like without worrying that the tip will lose its shape or that it will break!

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Clinians Bags and Shadows

2006-10-29T15:39:00.000-08:00

Clinians Bags and Shadows is a product that I have wanted to try out for ages. Since I almost ran out of the Aquolina Eye Gel, I thought I will try out the Clinians since it’s advertised as a soothing light gel that reduces shadows and deflates bags with bio-cellular extract and vegetable proteins. Although I don’t normally get bags, this product is a preventive product so there is no harm in trying it out.

Upon application, I noticed that the gel is indeed very fresh and soothes the whole eye area. It also gets absorbed pretty easily so I could apply my makeup almost immediately. Being a preventive product, I cannot say that I saw any results. I just felt a refreshed eye area which helped to perk me up. This is an ideal product to use when your eyes are feeling tired and they need a quick pick me up!

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

L'Oreal Super Liner

2006-10-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

After my recent disaster with the Essence Eye Liner Pen I thought I will check out some reviews before buying my next liner. So after checking a few sites, I decided to try out the L'Oreal Super Liner. I opted for a brown shade since I'm pretty fair skinned and black may have been a bit too harsh on my eyes.

The liners tip is very fine making it very easy to apply this liquid liner without it smudging all over the place. It dried up instantly too so I was really impressed. The color is also very intense and long lasting so I didn't have to worry about reapplying all evening! Definitely an easy to use product with excellent effects! This is a keeper ladies!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Essence Eyeliner Pen

2006-10-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

Today I managed to pick up and Essence Eyeliner Pen for a bargain price of $2. This eyeliner is made with original Japanese ink so I assumed it would be a good product. However, what really made me buy the product is neither the price nor the special ink but the fact that it is in a pen form and therefore there is no fiddling with fine brushes.

The pen format of this product does make it an easy to apply especially early in the morning when my eyes are only half open. The ink on the other hand is very disappointing. What I thought would be nice dark black lined eyes ended up being very light brownish! Moreover the product is a bit light and runny and refused to sit on my eyelids preferring to slide all over my face. In fact within half an hour I could see no traces of this liner anymore!

I will definitely not be using this product again. I won’t even be finishing this newly purchased tube because it’s useless to me! Very disappointing!

PRODUCT RATING 1/5

Olay Daily Cleansers Eye Make-Up Removing Cream

2006-10-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

I just spent a whole weekend shopping on ebay. I managed to get myself some good deals on beauty products so I will be reviewing some Dior and Chanel within a few weeks! One of the items I picked out a few weeks ago is an Olay Daily Cleansers Eye Make-Up Removing Cream.

This product is enriched with Olay moisture that cares for the eye area. I just applied a tiny amount of this product upon my fingers and gently rubbed my eyes. Some of the product must have managed to get into my eye since I felt some burning. However, I just wiped the product off with a moist cotton wool as directed and the burning stopped while the heavy eye makeup got transferred onto the cotton wool. The result was very satisfying because my eyes were free of makeup and the whole eye area felt slightly moisturized instead of dry and tight. Definitely a good product but make sure you don’t get any of it in your eye!

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Goodbye Cellulite by Nivea

2006-10-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

I managed to talk my depressed friend out of the plastic surgery but now she is determined to go on a diet. While a good healthy diet never really hurt anyone, I don’t want her to have the wrong reason for dieting and I don’t want her to overdo it. She’s been asking me about diet pills but I told her that you guys haven’t given me any recommendations. If you still have some diet pill tips and recommendations just check out the previous posts.

Anyway before this health and beauty blog turns into a diet blog, I’ll get back to the product up for review. In a bid to get a nicer body without having to make too much of an effort, I got myself the Goodbye Cellulite by Nivea. Selling at just under $12 from most supermarkets or chemists, this product is worth a try. This product contains L-Carnitine, which is a substance that naturally occurs in the body and when applied, it quickly breaks down the fat deposits that cause cellulite resulting in smoother skin. When I applied this gel on my skin I felt a refreshing cooling sensation. Later on in the day, I noticed that the skin also felt smoother and softer then usual. So while the cellulite hasn’t disappeared within a day, I can honestly say that I did feel a difference to my legs. I will be trying out the recommended 4 weeks to see how much of the cellulite will go away.

I think I’m going to regret not having discovered this product in the beginning of summer!

PRODUCT RATING 4.5/5

Gucci Rush 1

2006-10-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

I was doing some more diet pills research on this morning but I will not be taking my decision until I read some reviews (hint hint….I’m waiting for your reviews and comments). There are just too many products on the market and I don’t want to pick a random product. Anyway, I was chatting to the sales assistant at the shop today and she told me she has some samples of an older perfume and asked whether I would like to have them. I never refuse free stuff, especially when its health and beauty related so I went home with 6 tiny samples of Gucci Rush 1.

This scent immediately struck me as a unique strong smell. It’s a bit on the strong side and not subtle at all. It’s the kind of perfume for a strong, bold, confident girl who knows what she wants. I loved it, especially since I kept on smelling it for hours however my boyfriend commented that it was a bit too strong for his liking. Definitely a night scent, don’t even consider buying it for daytime use and make sure you don’t spray on too much of it.

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Meridia - Your reviews

2006-10-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

My cutting out on snacks diet is not working very well and I haven’t managed to lose any weight off my hips. The promoter at the department store told me about a product Meridia today but I need to learn more about it before giving it a try. There are so many different types of this product that I wouldn’t know which to pick. So if you have tried any of this product range, I would love to hear your feedback and reviews. For those who don't know about this product, here is a link to an online Meridia store that I found through a google search..

Max Factor Hypersmooth Foundation 002 Ivory

2006-10-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

Another close friend of mine is really depressed. She is considering plastic surgery because her boyfriend of 4 years broke up with her claiming he didn't quite find her attractive anymore!

Over a coffee I try to explain that he was a pathetic loser anyway and she can consider internet dating if she isnt ready to face the pubs yet. Nothing seemed to work with her so I decided to try retail therapy and we hit the town for a few hours of glamour.

By the end of the trip I had bought a few clothes and a tube of Max Factor Hypersmooth Foundation 002 Ivory. This product promises to plump out uneven skin texture but I just needed it to create an even skin tone all over my face. When I tried out this product, I noticed that it feels very fine on the skin and spreads lightly and easily. It gives good coverage without feeling like a thick mask! Moreover it did serve the purpose I used it for because it made my face look one natural color. This foundation is most definitely a good buy and one of my favorites.

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Additiva Multivitamins and Minerals

2006-10-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

With winter coming up, I need to boost my immune system because I don’t feel like being stuck in the house with endless bouts of colds. I usually buy vitamins online but this time I went to the local vitamin store to get some multivitamin pills.

I picked up Additiva Multivitamins and Minerals. I picked these multivitamins because they come it a very practical tube and they are soluble. This makes them very convenient to carry around in your bag and easy to take one even at work. You just place them in a glass of water and they fizz up into a drink. They take a minute or so to dissolve and they don’t dissolve completely. A few specks of the tablet remained so it was like drinking an orange drink with some floating powder. Regarding the taste, it’s not the best in the world, but it’s not disgusting either. I will definitely keep these vitamins handy for when I’m feeling a bit weak, however it’s wise to use a spoon to make sure they dissolve completely.

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Clairol Herbal Essences Colored/Highlighted Shampoo

2006-10-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

The wedding was yesterday so last night I went to the hairdresser to do up my hair. Nothing too fancy, just a simple quick blow dry. When I was there, I got myself a Clairol Herbal Essences Shampoo for Colored/Highlighted hair. The product promised me healthy hair growth, a protection of color and silky shiny hair.

My hair gets very oily so I wash it everyday and this morning I decided to give my new shampoo a try out. The product contains Celandine, Water Lily and Peony extracts which make it smell very fresh. I used very little of this product but it was enough to build up a good lather. On the other hand the lather was also quick to rinse out and it didn’t take me long to get it all out of my hair. I was a bit disappointed with the results though. I felt my hair a bit dry and heavy at the edges even after applying my usual conditioner. I certainly saw no out of the ordinary shine and I pretty much thought it was a low quality product. I think I will just go through the bottle and then switch to another brand

Rimmel Lycra Glam Rock (no 473)

2006-10-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

My boyfriend needed to buy some fitness equipment last week and I went along with him to this local department store. He was immediately approached by a sales rep who kept talking about fitness, exercise, different kinds of diets (including atkins, diabetic diet, etc). After a few minutes I got bored of the sales talk and went in search of some beauty products.

I picked a Rimmel Lycra in Glam Rock (no 473). This is a transparent nail varnish with tiny specs of gold glitter. It promised to be chip proof for 5 days, so I thought it was worth the price. The nail varnish was quick to apply, easy to dry and it really did last over a week or so until I got bored of it and took it off. Taking it off was harder the hard part. The glitter seemed to stick to the nail and it took me a few minutes of rubbing until I took it off completely.

I definitely loved this polish since it’s very high quality and the color is really subtle. The glitters inside the polish are really tiny so they do not show up on the nail but rather, they give the nail a sparkly look.

PRODUCT RATING 4.5/5

Mavala Waterproof Mascara

2006-10-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

I was surfing online some time ago and came across a Health Shop. I was really impressed with the amount of products they had on sale and the prices weren’t bad either! They stock a selection of Mavala Products which are a bit hard to find in my local shops. So I eventually got myself the Mavala Waterproof Mascara which promised to thicken and lengthen my lashes thanks to its protein enriched formula.

The applicator of the product is very handy because it is curved and it takes the shape of the lashes so that I could reach every lash easily. Although I liked the quality of this product, it was nothing out of the ordinary. My lashes did look a millimeter longer but it was nothing too noticeable. However, at $10 it is very good value for money and I would probably buy it again and keep it for daily use.

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Glysolid Lip Protection

2006-10-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

Today I popped over to the beautician to wax off some body hair before the wedding this weekend. I didn’t really need to buy anything since I’m pretty well stocked on beauty stuff at the moment. However, my lips were feeling a bit dry and I picked up a Glysolid Lip Protection at the counter.

Glysolid Lip Protection is a no frills product, its not glamorous but simply convenient and cheap. This lip balm feels really thick and buttery on the lips so it may be annoying for those who prefer lighter balms. Personally, I don’t mind the thickness of the product as long as it does its job. What really did annoy me is the color. This balm makes the lips turn into a weird unsexy shade of lilac! So while this product may be handy to have at home when your lips turn dry, I really don’t recommend its use outside the house!

PRODUCT RATING 2/5

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss Pink Afterglow No 12

2006-10-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

I got invited to an acquaintance wedding ceremony next weekend and this is a good excuse to get myself some new wedding makeup. With the weather still being relatively hot I chose a dark pink evening dress that shimmers into gold. I have makeup that goes with this kind of dress but I needed a good lip gloss that will last a whole night of eating and drinking.

I’ve always heard good things about Revlon Lip glosses so I decided to give them a go. I picked a Super Lustrous Lip Gloss Pink Afterglow No 12 because it was the exact color of my dress and the girl at the counter promised me it will make my lips look big and shiny.

Although the wedding is next weekend, you can’t really wear makeup for a special occasion without testing it first, so I tried it on yesterday. The gloss feels a bit sticky on the lips but that feeling is compensated by the fact that it lasts through a whole dinner. The very fine glittery particles in this make the whole lips shine creating the illusion of big sparky luscious lips! This definitely scored some points in my books because I’m not blessed with super big lips and this gloss helped me trick my way into that!

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Radox Herbal Bath Stress Relief

2006-10-01T02:53:00.000-07:00

It’s been a really stressful week so I thought I will treat myself to a long bath before I start another week. I’ve been seeing advertising for Radox products for years but believe it or not I have never tried them out. After smelling a good 10 different products (much to the annoyance of the supermarket staff) I finally got myself a Radox Herbal Bath Stress Relief. I didn’t choose this particular bottle for its scent but more for its promise for relieve me from stress!

The first thing I noticed about the product when I tried it is that’s its very runny. I tipped the bottle expecting a small amount to fall into the bath but I managed to waste quite a big blob of it! With such a big amount of soap, it obviously bubbled up pretty fast and easily and I could have a bath just like they show you in the advertisements! Unfortunately the bubbles didn’t last too long and proceeded to burst before I was ready from the soak! However, the product smelt nice and a 30 minute bath did help me chill out and relax. So, I guess I would use it again, but I would tip the bottle very carefully!

PRODUCT RATING 3.5/5

Aquolina Yogurt Coconut Body Milk

2006-09-30T04:50:00.000-07:00

After trying out the Aquolina Face Eye Gel, I had to try out the body range! I needed a good body lotion, since my last body lotion ran out, so I checked out the Aquolina selection at my local perfumery. It took me ages to decide on a scent because there were too many to choose from! I literally came across an impressive selection including chocolate, marzipan, crème caramel and fruit scented body lotions. Anyway, I finally opted for the coconut body milk because I was simply too scared to try out something wilder!

The Aquolina Yogurt Coconut Body Milk is a reasonably priced body lotion with a very authentic scent and fine texture. It glided along my skin and a very little amount is enough to hydrate and scent the skin for hours! I’m expecting this 250ml bottle to last at least a few months with daily use! Definitely a high quality product and well worth its price! I will probably invest in a wilder scent from this Aquolina range when this coconut body milk runs out!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Ghost Deep Night by Scannon

2006-09-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I got a check from Treasure Trooper (that’s a paid to signup program for those who are curious!) I made a good $200 from this program so I thought I would splash out on some nice perfume. I went for the Ghost Deep Night by Scannon. I know it’s not the latest perfume around but it’s such a subtle scent that I loved it. After shopping around for the best deal (it’s amazing how prices vary in different perfumeries), I ended up going for the large size in a promotional pack with a free 100ml shower gel and 100ml body lotion.

The bottle is dark and decorative in a moon shape so it can be used as an ornament too. The fragrance is light yet distinctively fresh, mixed with a touch of apricot, peach and vanilla. The scent lasted for ages especially when I used the gel and the lotion from the pack! All in all I loved the perfume and my fiancé commented that he liked “this new scent” (which means a lot considering he never notices when I change something!). This perfume definitely qualifies for those special occasions!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Simple Deep Cleansing Facial Mask

2006-09-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

Now that hot season is practically over, its time to deep cleanse the face from all the free beauty samples and junk it got exposed to over a long summer. So, a few days ago I was at the supermarket and picked up this Simple Deep Cleansing Facial Mask. Its packaging really caught my eye because it gives an impression of a simple yet effective product with no frills!

When I tried it on, I discovered that the packaging really reflects the quality of the product! Besides being a very good and effective mask, it is 100% perfume and color free with no unnecessary additives making it a perfect choice for those with sensitive skin. Another positive thing about this product is that it works fast. I didn’t have to sit for 15 minutes with the concoction on my face. I just had to keep it on for 3 minutes while I showered and then just washed it off with causing a mess!

Another plus is the price! It’s priced very reasonably at $4 for a 75ml tube. A 75ml tube should last for more then 10 treatments so it’s a real deal! This product is definitely going to turn into one of my favorite must haves!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Absolue Soleil by Lancome

2006-09-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

Yet another chic product to join my collection of beauty products! This product contains a 30 UV filter and Bio-Defensine which is an active ingredient that protects the skin against free radical attack. In a nutshell, Absolue Soleil helps the prevention of fine lines and protects the skin against the harmful effects of the sun.

Although the packaging of this product is a bit on the plain side, the product itself is definitely impressive! This product is very creamy with a smooth texture and feels very good on the skin. The effect of this cream can be felt for hours and the light scent lingers on too. This is definitely a very good make up base that I would be tempted to use daily if it weren’t so expensive (around $45).

PRODUCT RATING 4.5/5

L’Oreal Ceramide Resist Nail Polish

2006-09-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

I love having nice nails or at least decent nails, especially when I’m going somewhere a bit special. I was invited to a wedding this weekend so I wanted some natural looking pinkish color that will look elegant whatever I decide to wear (I never know what to wear until the last minute!). My local beautician suggested this L’Oreal Ceramide Resist Nail Polish (no 102) since she claimed it lasts for 5 days without chipping! That hooked me!

This nail varnish was not one of the cheapest in the range. In fact it cost around $10 which is more then I usually spend on a varnish. This product is very easy to apply since its smooth in texture. It also dries up real fast leaving the nails deliciously coated in a slick of pink shimmer! I needed just 2 coats to instantly obtain glamorous nails! I guess I still have to see if it does last 5 days, but it has already lasted 2 days with no signs of chips!

PRODUCT RATING 4.5/5

Sanex Dermo Protector Minerals Anti Perspirant Spray

2006-09-13T02:36:00.000-07:00

A good deodorant is a real must for me so I’m always on the lookout to try out any new deos I come across! Today I came across a Sanex Dermo Protector Minerals Anti Perspirant Spray and as usual I gave in to the urge to BUY IT! This deo enticed me simply because it has no alcohol while still being in a spray form. Alcohol tends to sting my skin and sometimes causes irritations so the no alcohol factor is very important to me.

This deo is very plain and has no fancy smells. It just smells of clean soap. I tend to prefer deos that are more “girly” scented because they makes me feel more feminine. So this Sanex deo has lost some points on scent. Another drawback of this product is that it takes some time to dry off, so if you spray it on before you dress up, you’re going to end up with white lines on your top (like me!). Otherwise, the product is pretty effective and does it job surprisingly well!

PRODUCT RATING 3/5

Beauty Clutch Compact by Markwins

2006-09-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

I started a new diet so I wanted to treat myself to some small new product. I came across a very cheap makeup box in a department store and I couldn’t resist it! The box is Beauty Clutch Compact by Markwins. It’s a small sweet box with loads of eyeshadows and a couple of blushers and lipglosses. The box also comes with a handy inside mirror and a few applicators. Perfect to take on a trip or just to keep on the dressing table!

The eyeshadows are fantastic. They are shimmery and easy to apply yet colors are subtle shades that look good on the skin. The blushers were not the right shade for my skin tone but I will be using them as eye shadows! The lip glosses are really good quality too, it’s a pity there is so little of them!

As the day wore on, the eyeshadows tended to lose a bit their color. However, they lasted pretty well for most of the day so at less then $9 for the whole box they are definitely well worth it!

PRODUCT RATING 3.5/5

Givenchy Fluid Foundation Pure Radiance

2006-09-09T05:12:00.000-07:00

I have a bout of PMS. so there is only one way to cure it…..Retail Therapy! This is the reason I am now the proud owner of a Givenchy Fluid Foundation. This product is on the expensive side with a 30ml bottle costing over $50. However I have to admit it is worth every penny. The packaging is fantastically chic, but that is not the most important thing! It is the product inside that matters and this product is top of the range!

Why does this product qualify as a top of the range? For one thing, the product is light and easy to blend. Notwithstanding it offers very good coverage and looks completely natural both in daylight and under a naked white light! The product has added benefits too. For one thing it is oil free making it good for people with oily skin or acne. Furthermore, it’s got an SPF of 15 so you may get away without having to apply another sun protection if you’re not going to spend a day in the sun. The final bonus is that this Givenchy Foundation is lightly scented leaving you surrounded in a cloud of scent all day!

Will I use it again? Definitely when I can afford it!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Phyris Tinted Day Protection

2006-09-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

Tinted moisturizers are very handy to have especially in summer. With a good tinted moisturizer you can avoid having to put on the foundation especially when its hot weather and your face is practically melting. This is the reason I HAD to buy the Phyris Tinted Day Protection because I thought it was something I could slap onto my face when I need to run a couple of errands! The added benefit of this product is that it contains an SPF of 15 so that even saves having to put on a thick sun protection.

The product is very conveniently packaged in a sleek tube that gives an impression of glamour. The consistency of the cream is very light and pleasant making it easy to blend in. The color is also very natural giving the face a nice healthy glow. The only problem I found with this product is that it tends to be a bit greasy, so you have to put on some translucent powder on top otherwise you end up with a very shiny face! Being such an oily product, I doubt it would be good for people with oily skin. However, I would use it again!

PRODUCT RATING 4/5

Effaclar - Face Wash Gel

2006-09-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

Got an Effaclar sample today. Effaclar is a face wash by la Roche Posay that’s designed for acne prone skin. I do get the occasional pimple so I guess there is no harm in trying this product!

The first thing I noticed about this product is that it’s a weird kind of blue shade with kinda got me worried that the product is expired or something! How did I notice the color? The product is so runny that as soon as I opened the miniature tube to use it some of it fell out on my trousers. I hope it doesn’t stain!

Back to the product, I did put the strange blue concoction on my face. Since it was a gel I was not expecting it to lather up however, it did! I do like getting some lather since it psychologically feels more cleansing! The product felt good on the skin and when I rinsed it off, I was left with a pleasant perfume. My only worry was that my face felt a bit dried out after using Effaclar so I doubled up on the moisturizer. I suppose that would not be a problem for people with oilier skin.

Although the product is a relatively good one I will not be using it again. It just didn’t impress me!

PRODUCT RATING 3/5

Max Factor Natural Brush-on Satin Blush

2006-09-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

So last weekends shopping trip was a very successful one and I returned home with loads of new products to try and review! I’ll start with the Max Factor Natural Brush-on Satin Blush. The shade I picked out is number 245 (subtle amber) because it looked like a natural looking color.

The product is conveniently packed in with a little brush to help application. The problem is that the brush that came with the product didn’t particularly work well. For starters it is way too small to do its job properly and the bristles are a bit too hard. The result being blotches of blusher on my face that didn’t blend in properly.

Giving up on the standard brush, I decided to try applying the product with my own professional brush. The product was still a bit hard to blend but the result was satisfactory. I got a very natural and healthy looking glow with the product. The color stayed on for hours without turning too shiny so I guess I can’t complain. I suppose I would recommend this product, however definitely use your own brush!

PRODUCT RATING 3.5/5

Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil

2006-09-03T03:14:00.000-07:00

I picked up this Rimmel eye pencil for a couple of dollars, so I thought it was worth a try. The product is very much like an ordinary eye pencil, only its one of the cheapest on the market. I’m a bit wary of using Rimmel products since I don’t normally have a good experience with them! But I thought I will give this little eye pencil the benefit of the doubt.

So yesterday morning, I had to run some errands around town (mainly shopping for more beauty products and checking out weight loss supplements). and I thought I would try on the eye pencil. I must say it was easy to line the lower lashes since the product was soft. On the other hand, I could not manage to line the top eye lid! The pencil just couldn’t mark! Anyway, thinking it’s not much of a big deal I left it at that and went around my errands. When I got home after a few hours I looked into the mirror and the line had disappeared! Yeah it literally disappeared and it wasn’t down my face either. It was absolutely nowhere!

I must say I wasn’t too impressed with this product and will probably not use it again unless I need it to stay on for an hour or two. Otherwise I will definitely need another product.

PRODUCT RATING 1/5

Aquolina Eye Gel

2006-09-01T04:04:00.000-07:00

Today I invested around $17 on the Aquolina Eye Gel. This is a small attractive plastic jar with a yellow cap containing 30ml of fresh fragrance-free gel. This gel claims to moisturize, tone and smooth the skin while reducing puffiness and dark circles. It also contains 5% grape juice and 15 bamboo extract which are both soothing and refreshing agents. The 2% ceratonia siliqua extract helps to reduce the formation of fine lines!

I used it this morning on cleansed skin. It did feel very refreshing and was easily absorbed by the skin. I could apply makeup easily just a minute or so after applying this gel! It certainly made me feel more refreshed and my under eye area felt more smooth all day! I guess this gel is going to turn into part of my daily routine!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Coverderm Concealer

2006-08-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

Coverderm is marketed as a high coverage make up brand that can even be used to hide deep scars or unsightly veins. I tried the Coverderm Concealor to see if the product really lives up to its name. My testing was based on the under eye area. As I dabbed on the product, I immediately noticed that its a very thick product and it would need to be blended in very well in order not to show up. It felt smooth on the skin and was comfortable to wear!

The result: I'm very satisfied with the product, since it conceals very well without feeling too heavy on the face. Furthermore, the product is waterproof and does not slip off. I literally wore it for over 12 hours without having to reapply or touch up and it still looked fresh at the end of the day.

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Sample Surprise

2006-08-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

Today I came across an Acne Forum and decided to signup and have a look at it. I do not have acne although I do have the occasional spot like everyone else! As I was going through the forum catching up on the latest products and advice, I was absolutely delighted to find a Free Health and Beauty Freebies section! They literally have hundreds of beauty samples listed! I'm going to be requesting one of each and them reviewing them on this blog!

Oil of Olay Beauty Fluid

2006-08-30T07:12:00.000-07:00

Oil of Olay Beauty Fluid is a light and non greasy moisturising fluid thats ideal for normal/dry/combination skin. This product is pretty liquidy so its ideal for young skin. When I applied it, I noticed that it was easily absorbed by the skin leaving it smooth and hydrated. This beauty fluid is lightly scented making the skin smell clean without clashing with other fragrances!

The advantages of this product is that it is REALLY non greasy and it does dry up pretty fast. Better still, its on the cheap side with a 100ml bottle costing less then $9. After using this product my skin feels really soft and smooth and it will be a few hours until greasy patches start showing on my face!

Its no wonder that Olay products have been around since the 1950's!

PRODUCT RATING 5/5

Nivea Visage Aqua Sensation

2006-08-30T06:28:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I came across a free sample of the new Nivea Visage Aqua Sensation for face. Being such a beauty product junkie, I had to try it out. This product is a gel cream that contains Magnesium, Ginseng and Cucumber extracts. When I opened the sample packet I noticed that the cream is on the thick side and was very easy to spread. However I was very disappointed with the results. I waited for the cream to dry but it took pretty long to do so (even though I had only used half of my 2ml sample). Not having much time to spare I started to apply my makeup. BIG MISTAKE. The makeup started peeling off into small specks. The result? I had to cleanse my face again, apply my normal moisturizer, put on my make up....and arrive late to work (as usual!)

PRODUCT RATING: 2/5