This was the year I discovered the joys of cheap makeup, and websites such as Cherry Culture, Makeup Geek, and my personal favourite (they're currently having a 20% off sale - get shopping!), Nonpareil. Consequently, my makeup collection has pretty much exploded in the last few months. However, eventually I managed to narrow down five particular favourites, and here they are:
5. Joey New York Semi-Permanent Concealer Set. Unfortunately, the one I have now is probably my first and last, since Strawberrynet have sold out of my colour (#01), and I haven't seen it anywhere else at a reasonable price. This is a cream concealer which comes with a powder to set. At first I didn't like it - it was fiddly and I couldn't find quite the right brush for the powder. However, a friend gave me a Coastal Scents blending brush which turned out to be the perfect implement for this purpose, and after that I was as happy as a clam. This is the first product I think I've ever hit pan on in my life. Aaagh! What will I do when I run out???
4. Stila IT Lip Gloss Shimmer. This actually came free with a Strawberrynet order, and I almost gave it away. I've never been a fan of lip gloss - I hate having sticky lips, and I often wear my hair down, so you know what a pain that can be. They just seemed to be a waste of money to me. However, the one I received was such a pretty colour (Sweet) that I had to try it out, and as it happened, I loved it. It's smooth and shimmery, and doesn't feel heavy or sticky on my lips. I've since begun a small collection of various lip glosses, and I am finding that I don't hate them so much after all. Thanks for fuelling my addictions, Strawberrynet!
3. NYX Single Eyeshadow. I think there are about 160 of these, and I would love to own every one of them. They're cheap, have great pigment, and come in a huge range of colours. I only have about a dozen, and since I have eyeshadow coming out of ears, that's where I plan to stop for the time being, but I'm sure I'll be back collecting them at some point in 2010.
2. Revlon ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex. Another free product! My friend Jodi bought this and then sent it to me after it irritated her sensitive skin. Although this year I also fell madly in love with Chanel Mat Lumiere, I would have to say that the Revlon ColorStay tops it because of the price (about half the cost of the Chanel). Both products are fabulously long-wearing and give good coverage. I usually apply them both, as one is lighter and the colours mixed together seem to be better on me than either one of them on their own. It really does peeve me that this product is available in the US for about $12US, but here it costs about $37AUD. Such a rip off.
1. NYX Round Lipstick. I am totally in love with these lipsticks. They are cheap, reasonable quality, and come in a huge array of colours. I have about 20, and there are about another 10 being shipped to me as we speak. They don't last a hugely long time, but no lipstick ever does on me - I have $50 Lancome ones I have to replenish every couple of hours. If you want a huge wardrobe of lipstick colours, this is the brand to get into. I can't recommend them highly enough. My only gripe is that the websites that sell them (as listed above) have ridiculous computer-generated colour swatches that bear absolutely no resemblance to the product itself, so you have to either take a wild shot in the dark and see what you end up with, or spend ages Googling swatches to have a proper look at them. (See, I say that like it's annoying, when in fact looking at swatches is one of my favourite things to do on the internet. So I should probably thank those websites for their crappy swatches.)
So that's my Top 5 - next up is Bath and Body. Feel free to tell me about your favourites for the year!
Showing posts with label joey new york. Show all posts
Showing posts with label joey new york. Show all posts
Monday, December 21, 2009
My 5 favourite skincare products in 2009.
I started to make a list of my five favourite products, but I couldn't narrow it down (I have shopped a lot this year!), so I've decided to break it up into categories: skincare, makeup, perfume and bath and body. I'm only including products I actually discovered this year, not those I love and buy over and over. I've also tried to include only one product from each brand (with limited success).
So, starting with skincare, here are my five favourites for the year:
5. Skin Beauty Repair Concentrate.I have tried a lot of Clarins products over the last few years, and I'm generally a fan. Earlier in the year I was at the Clarins counter stocking up on cleanser when I got into a discussion with the sales assistant about how my skin had been playing up (I had been trying out lots of different samples, and basically just slapping too many different things on my face). She recommended this serum, and though I nearly keeled over at paying so much for something I'd never even heard of, I am a sales assistant's dream when it comes to falling for the spiel, so I shelled out for it, thinking that she really did know a sucker when she saw one.
The premise of this product is that you use it for a week or two when your skin is unbalanced, sensitive or problematic, and then put it away until you need it again. I did just that, and damned if it didn't work! It settled my skin down considerably, and the redness and breakouts disappeared. And even though it's a teeny bottle, it seems to go a long way - I'm still on the same bottle I originally bought, and I've used it nightly for a week or two at least three or four times. When I run out, I will definitely buy more (though probably on Strawberrynet, where it's way cheaper) just to have on hand for when I need it.
4. Joey New York Correct-A-Line. It's just my luck that I should discover this the same year the company closed down. However, I do have two unopened jars and one that is still almost full, so I doubt I'll be running out any time soon. This is a primer that does an amazing job of blurring and smoothing out fine lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow's feet. Not much more to say about it, really. It does exactly what it claims to do.
3. Chanel Precision Huile Confort Silky Cleansing Oil. A few months ago I read a blog post about double cleansing - removing makeup with an oil-based cleanser first, and then using a cream-based cleanser to get rid of all the residue. I love the idea of being really clean, so I decided to try it. I searched around Strawberrynet looking at various cleansing oils, and eventually decided on this one, mostly because I've liked every other Chanel product I've tried. It's the type of oil that you apply to dry skin, and then add water, causing it to turn into a milky cleanser. It's great for getting all the last bits of makeup off, particularly eye makeup, and it makes my skin feel really soft and fresh. I've been using it for about two months and I still have about two-thirds of the bottle left, so it seems to last a long time as well. Definitely worth the money.
2. Skinn by Dimitri James Wrinkle Balm Replenishing Night Treatment. I've raved about this product before, so I won't go on about it too much. Suffice to say that this is the best moisturiser I've ever used. When I wake up, my skin is soft and smooth, and the wrinkles in my forehead have diminished considerably since I started using it. I have a few unopened moisturisers that I have made a resolution to use before I buy any more of this, but to be honest, I am beginning to panic a bit at the thought of being without it.
1. Estee Lauder Perfectionist CP+ Wrinkle Lifting Serum. Oh man. I think this might be my favourite skincare product of all time. Soooo expensive, but soooo worth it. If I were rich I would just bathe in this stuff every night. It smoothes out wrinkles, softens skin, and lasts for ages. Ridiculously expensive, which is why I don't currently have any (sad face), but I'm saving my gold coins until I have enough to buy a big bottle. Love, love, LOVE it.
So, starting with skincare, here are my five favourites for the year:
5. Skin Beauty Repair Concentrate.I have tried a lot of Clarins products over the last few years, and I'm generally a fan. Earlier in the year I was at the Clarins counter stocking up on cleanser when I got into a discussion with the sales assistant about how my skin had been playing up (I had been trying out lots of different samples, and basically just slapping too many different things on my face). She recommended this serum, and though I nearly keeled over at paying so much for something I'd never even heard of, I am a sales assistant's dream when it comes to falling for the spiel, so I shelled out for it, thinking that she really did know a sucker when she saw one.
The premise of this product is that you use it for a week or two when your skin is unbalanced, sensitive or problematic, and then put it away until you need it again. I did just that, and damned if it didn't work! It settled my skin down considerably, and the redness and breakouts disappeared. And even though it's a teeny bottle, it seems to go a long way - I'm still on the same bottle I originally bought, and I've used it nightly for a week or two at least three or four times. When I run out, I will definitely buy more (though probably on Strawberrynet, where it's way cheaper) just to have on hand for when I need it.
4. Joey New York Correct-A-Line. It's just my luck that I should discover this the same year the company closed down. However, I do have two unopened jars and one that is still almost full, so I doubt I'll be running out any time soon. This is a primer that does an amazing job of blurring and smoothing out fine lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow's feet. Not much more to say about it, really. It does exactly what it claims to do.
3. Chanel Precision Huile Confort Silky Cleansing Oil. A few months ago I read a blog post about double cleansing - removing makeup with an oil-based cleanser first, and then using a cream-based cleanser to get rid of all the residue. I love the idea of being really clean, so I decided to try it. I searched around Strawberrynet looking at various cleansing oils, and eventually decided on this one, mostly because I've liked every other Chanel product I've tried. It's the type of oil that you apply to dry skin, and then add water, causing it to turn into a milky cleanser. It's great for getting all the last bits of makeup off, particularly eye makeup, and it makes my skin feel really soft and fresh. I've been using it for about two months and I still have about two-thirds of the bottle left, so it seems to last a long time as well. Definitely worth the money.
2. Skinn by Dimitri James Wrinkle Balm Replenishing Night Treatment. I've raved about this product before, so I won't go on about it too much. Suffice to say that this is the best moisturiser I've ever used. When I wake up, my skin is soft and smooth, and the wrinkles in my forehead have diminished considerably since I started using it. I have a few unopened moisturisers that I have made a resolution to use before I buy any more of this, but to be honest, I am beginning to panic a bit at the thought of being without it.
1. Estee Lauder Perfectionist CP+ Wrinkle Lifting Serum. Oh man. I think this might be my favourite skincare product of all time. Soooo expensive, but soooo worth it. If I were rich I would just bathe in this stuff every night. It smoothes out wrinkles, softens skin, and lasts for ages. Ridiculously expensive, which is why I don't currently have any (sad face), but I'm saving my gold coins until I have enough to buy a big bottle. Love, love, LOVE it.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Random reviews of various products.
As would be obvious given the theme of this blog, I am something of a skincare and make up junkie - although I saw my friend J's make up collection yesterday and I now feel that mine is completely under control, thank you very much.
Anyway, I am going to now give my opinions on some of the things I have bought or used in recent months. If you have the slightest interest in hearing about such things, read on:
Estee Lauder Perfectionist CP+ Wrinkle Lifting Serum
This is probably the best serum I have ever used (and I have used a lot). I'm not sure that it is really doing anything about wrinkles (I don't have that many, but the ones I do have come under much scrutiny), but it makes my skin feel soft and smooth and lovely.
CONS: Ridiculously expensive. Cheaper on strawberrynet though.
Joey New York Correct-A-Line
Currently my absolute favourite thing in the world. When I first put this on, my make up BFF J and I were astounded. The lines in my forehead completely disappeared and I looked like I'd had (good) botox! The effect only lasts a couple of hours, but you can touch it up easily. This is an amazing primer and I love it to death.
CONS: Joey New York appears to be either going under or pulling out of Australia, as their products are disappearing from our shelves and websites. I am going to buy as much of this stuff as I can find before it is all gone!
Skinn by Dimitri James Orchid Gel Mettefying Day Treatment Primer
I saw this guy on the shopping channel last week and found him immensely entertaining. Usually it's the host babbling on and on and the person spruiking their product doesn't say much beyond the well-rehearsed sales spiel, but this guy was a riot. The babbling hosts couldn't get a word in edgewise. He did a demo of this product and the effect was instantaneous and amazing. The lines on the girl's face disappeared. So of course, I had to have it, even though I make fun of people who buy things from the shopping channel. I AM SECRETLY ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE.
The product itself smells lovely and does exactly what it showed on TV. I've only just played with it and not worn it for real out and about, though reviews I've read state that the effect doesn't last long. That's fine, I don't mind touching up.
CONS: I do think the Correct-A-Line - which is the same kind of thing - is slightly better, and also cheaper.
Neostrata Bionic Eye Cream
This is my Holy Grail eye cream. It really does seem to reduce the crows feet and fine lines, and it also reduces fine lines around the lips. It's fantastic, and the only reason I haven't bought any more is because I am determined to use up all the other eye creams and treatments I have first.
CONS: None. It's brilliant.
Sally Hanson Hand Resurfacer with Micro-Crystals
I bought this on a whim in Priceline a couple of weeks ago. I didn't even know such a thing existed -it's a granulated scrub for your hands. My hands are trashed - they are the one thing that could possibly give away my age. This is because I wash them all the time, and use a lot of that anti-bacterial gel. I slather them in hand creams, but they're still pretty dry and wrecked. This product makes them look and feel much smoother, and helps the moisturiser sink in better.
CONS: None. I love it, and I would definitely buy it again.
Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme
I've been using this for a few weeks at night, and in combination with the Perfectionist Anti-Wrinkle Serum. I wake up with soft, smooth skin every morning - it's lovely.
CONS: Heavily fragranced, and ridiculously expensive. It has an SPF so presumably it's meant to be used as a day cream, but it's much too rich to put under make up.
Olay Moisturising Lotion
I have used this on and off for over 25 years - it's the original pink lotion that used to come in a glass bottle and be called Oil of Ulan. It costs $8 at my local IGA, and it's brilliant for Summer when you don't want a heavy cream on your face. I use it all through the hot season every year.
CONS: None at all. It's cheap, light and makes my skin feel soft and fresh. One of my favourite products of all time.
Paula’s Choice 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Lotion
Apply this under moisturiser in the morning and you will have beautifully smooth, radiant skin. It's a very practical product that really works.
CONS: Paula's Choice products are effective, more so than most, but they're also kind of boring. She is very much against the bells and whistles (she is an industry whistleblower, after all), and even though we beauty junkies know deep down that it is all for show, we still like the pretty packaging and the nice fragrances. It's all part of the fun.
Chanel Mat Lumiere Long Lasting Luminous Matte Fluid Makeup SPF15 Cendre
Finally, after many, many years of searching, I have found my Holy Grail foundation. I flirted with minerals for a while, and I do like them, but I hate the mess, and when it comes to foundation, I much prefer a liquid than a powder. This particular one gives excellent coverage, but doesn't feel like you're wearing make up at all - no horrible mask feeling. I adore it.
CONS: Expensive. However, I do believe that when it comes to foundations, you get what you pay for. And given how much money I have wasted over the years buying the wrong ones only to have them end up thrown in a drawer after a couple of wears, it doesn't seem like that much money to spend on THE ONE.
Everyday Minerals
This is a fantastic range. It is much cheaper than other mineral make up, but still good quality. They have a huge range of colours - the eyeshadows in particular are lovely - and they ship to Australia. You can also get sample kits to try (they used to be free and you could choose which colours you wanted, but I'm not sure if they still are). I had a major love affair with this brand earlier in the year. The eye shadow sample pots last for ages - I've yet to use one up.
CONS: Messy. As much as I love them, I can't stand the mess - it does my head in. Their blushes also tend to be quite orange-y - there are only one or two that I really like.
Australis Eyebrow Pencil Dark Brown
I am obsessed with my eyebrows. I over-plucked and over-waxed and they looked like shit for about a year, and it's only been in the last month or so that they have finally started to come good. This little eyebrow pencil has been very helpful in bringing them back from the brink. I buy a lot of eyebrow products, but I always come back to these pencils - I have about four or five of them in various places around the house and at work. They're $8 in Priceline. Gotta be happy with that.
CONS: None. They are perfect.
Chanel Les 4 Ombres Garden Party
When I wear this, people tell me I look "pretty". It's an eyeshadow quad with two pinks and two greens, and it gives a toned-down, Springtime 80s effect on the eyes. I adore it.
CONS: It is pricy (I paid about $70 on strawberrynet; it's a bit more than that in department stores). I'd buy it again, though. I love it.
Chanel Inimitable #10 and Exceptionnel De Chanel Mascara
Mascara is the one thing I always wear, even if I wear no other make up. I can't live without it. These two are my Holy Grail products, the Inimitable because it's easy to apply, gives great depth and length, and doesn't flake, and the Exceptionnel because it gives great length and comes in beautiful colours. I have the Smoky Noir (greyish-black), Smoky Violine (a violet colour that you can't even really see on the lashes, but it makes my eyes look super green), and Smoky Marine (a dark navy that also makes my eye colour stand out). I don't think I'd ever bother getting a different mascara now that I have discovered these ones.
CONS: Pricy. But you can get them on strawberrynet for a few dollars less than in department stores, and they have free shipping.
And some products I wouldn't bother with again:
Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed
This has an uncomfortable tightening effect on my skin. I use it in the shower sometimes when I feel a bit grimy, but I always have to put moisturisers on immediately afterwards.
Clarins Pure And Radiant Mask with Pink Clay
This made me break out. I love Clarins - it's one of my favourite brands - but I don't have much luck with their masks. The Extra-Firming one really irritated my skin as well.
Garnier Ultra-Lift Pro-X Double Action Eye
I'm using this at the moment just to finish it and get rid of it, but I am convinced it's actually making my eyelids look more crepy. This is one of those gimmicky things I am a sucker for - it has a cream tube on one end for wrinkles and lines, and a gel tube on the other for under eye circles and bags. It doesn't really seem to do anything, though.
Eventone Capillary Repair
For the first week or so, this product was amazing. I get flushed in the cheeks a bit, especially at work where it's always a bit hot in our office, and this reduced the redness dramatically within a couple of days. And then all of a sudden it just stopped working. Weird.
Clarins Younger Longer Balm
Again, as much as I love Clarins, I've never been a fan of their moisturisers. Almost all of them are vastly over-priced and quite mediocre (though the Multi-Active Day Cream is good). This one in particular is horrifically expensive ($142 for 50 ml on Adore) and it feels sticky. A couple of times when I have used it, it's annoyed me so much that I've ended up washing it off.
Bourjois Light Reflecting Concealer Eclat Beige Rose
I used to love Bourjois, but lately everything I buy of theirs is a dud. I don't know if their formulas have gotten crappy or if I've just matured and outgrown them (heh). This concealer is rubbish. It's thin and doesn't conceal anything, and the brush is cheap, nasty crap that gets all bent and horrible after the first use.
Bourjois Mineral Matte Mousse Foundation #81
Another rubbish Bourjois product. This immediately went into every fine line and pore on my face and looked awful. No matter how well I prep and prime it does the same thing every time.
Bourjois Volume Glamour Ultra Curl Noir
And again! At first this mascara was great. It made my lashes look really long and thick - it made them look like false lashes, to be honest. But it went gluggy after a few weeks. Makeup BFF J had some and hers did the same, so it wasn't just me. I do have another Bourjois mascara called Coup de Theatre which is still working quite well after a couple of months (fingers crossed), so maybe it's just the Volume Glamour one that's a dud.
L’Oreal Telescopic Explosion Black
I am a sucker for anything with a gimmick. I saw this in a magazine - it has a teeny little brush shaped like a ball, which supposedly reaches all the little inner lashes. I rushed out and bought one - didn't bother to read reviews, think about it or anything. I just had to have it right then and there. And it's SHIT. The formula is much too wet - it goes everywhere. I also poked myself in the eye with the ball (why does it have to be a ball - couldn't a smaller brush do the same thing?). $27 I spent on this piece of rubbish. J is still laughing at me.
Clarins Bright Plus Total Brightening Serum
This feels lovely on my skin, but does absolutely nothing. There are tons of other serums out there that are cheaper and just as good at doing nothing.
Anyway, I am going to now give my opinions on some of the things I have bought or used in recent months. If you have the slightest interest in hearing about such things, read on:
Estee Lauder Perfectionist CP+ Wrinkle Lifting Serum
This is probably the best serum I have ever used (and I have used a lot). I'm not sure that it is really doing anything about wrinkles (I don't have that many, but the ones I do have come under much scrutiny), but it makes my skin feel soft and smooth and lovely.
CONS: Ridiculously expensive. Cheaper on strawberrynet though.
Joey New York Correct-A-Line
Currently my absolute favourite thing in the world. When I first put this on, my make up BFF J and I were astounded. The lines in my forehead completely disappeared and I looked like I'd had (good) botox! The effect only lasts a couple of hours, but you can touch it up easily. This is an amazing primer and I love it to death.
CONS: Joey New York appears to be either going under or pulling out of Australia, as their products are disappearing from our shelves and websites. I am going to buy as much of this stuff as I can find before it is all gone!
Skinn by Dimitri James Orchid Gel Mettefying Day Treatment Primer
I saw this guy on the shopping channel last week and found him immensely entertaining. Usually it's the host babbling on and on and the person spruiking their product doesn't say much beyond the well-rehearsed sales spiel, but this guy was a riot. The babbling hosts couldn't get a word in edgewise. He did a demo of this product and the effect was instantaneous and amazing. The lines on the girl's face disappeared. So of course, I had to have it, even though I make fun of people who buy things from the shopping channel. I AM SECRETLY ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE.
The product itself smells lovely and does exactly what it showed on TV. I've only just played with it and not worn it for real out and about, though reviews I've read state that the effect doesn't last long. That's fine, I don't mind touching up.
CONS: I do think the Correct-A-Line - which is the same kind of thing - is slightly better, and also cheaper.
Neostrata Bionic Eye Cream
This is my Holy Grail eye cream. It really does seem to reduce the crows feet and fine lines, and it also reduces fine lines around the lips. It's fantastic, and the only reason I haven't bought any more is because I am determined to use up all the other eye creams and treatments I have first.
CONS: None. It's brilliant.
Sally Hanson Hand Resurfacer with Micro-Crystals
I bought this on a whim in Priceline a couple of weeks ago. I didn't even know such a thing existed -it's a granulated scrub for your hands. My hands are trashed - they are the one thing that could possibly give away my age. This is because I wash them all the time, and use a lot of that anti-bacterial gel. I slather them in hand creams, but they're still pretty dry and wrecked. This product makes them look and feel much smoother, and helps the moisturiser sink in better.
CONS: None. I love it, and I would definitely buy it again.
Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme
I've been using this for a few weeks at night, and in combination with the Perfectionist Anti-Wrinkle Serum. I wake up with soft, smooth skin every morning - it's lovely.
CONS: Heavily fragranced, and ridiculously expensive. It has an SPF so presumably it's meant to be used as a day cream, but it's much too rich to put under make up.
Olay Moisturising Lotion
I have used this on and off for over 25 years - it's the original pink lotion that used to come in a glass bottle and be called Oil of Ulan. It costs $8 at my local IGA, and it's brilliant for Summer when you don't want a heavy cream on your face. I use it all through the hot season every year.
CONS: None at all. It's cheap, light and makes my skin feel soft and fresh. One of my favourite products of all time.
Paula’s Choice 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Lotion
Apply this under moisturiser in the morning and you will have beautifully smooth, radiant skin. It's a very practical product that really works.
CONS: Paula's Choice products are effective, more so than most, but they're also kind of boring. She is very much against the bells and whistles (she is an industry whistleblower, after all), and even though we beauty junkies know deep down that it is all for show, we still like the pretty packaging and the nice fragrances. It's all part of the fun.
Chanel Mat Lumiere Long Lasting Luminous Matte Fluid Makeup SPF15 Cendre
Finally, after many, many years of searching, I have found my Holy Grail foundation. I flirted with minerals for a while, and I do like them, but I hate the mess, and when it comes to foundation, I much prefer a liquid than a powder. This particular one gives excellent coverage, but doesn't feel like you're wearing make up at all - no horrible mask feeling. I adore it.
CONS: Expensive. However, I do believe that when it comes to foundations, you get what you pay for. And given how much money I have wasted over the years buying the wrong ones only to have them end up thrown in a drawer after a couple of wears, it doesn't seem like that much money to spend on THE ONE.
Everyday Minerals
This is a fantastic range. It is much cheaper than other mineral make up, but still good quality. They have a huge range of colours - the eyeshadows in particular are lovely - and they ship to Australia. You can also get sample kits to try (they used to be free and you could choose which colours you wanted, but I'm not sure if they still are). I had a major love affair with this brand earlier in the year. The eye shadow sample pots last for ages - I've yet to use one up.
CONS: Messy. As much as I love them, I can't stand the mess - it does my head in. Their blushes also tend to be quite orange-y - there are only one or two that I really like.
Australis Eyebrow Pencil Dark Brown
I am obsessed with my eyebrows. I over-plucked and over-waxed and they looked like shit for about a year, and it's only been in the last month or so that they have finally started to come good. This little eyebrow pencil has been very helpful in bringing them back from the brink. I buy a lot of eyebrow products, but I always come back to these pencils - I have about four or five of them in various places around the house and at work. They're $8 in Priceline. Gotta be happy with that.
CONS: None. They are perfect.
Chanel Les 4 Ombres Garden Party
When I wear this, people tell me I look "pretty". It's an eyeshadow quad with two pinks and two greens, and it gives a toned-down, Springtime 80s effect on the eyes. I adore it.
CONS: It is pricy (I paid about $70 on strawberrynet; it's a bit more than that in department stores). I'd buy it again, though. I love it.
Chanel Inimitable #10 and Exceptionnel De Chanel Mascara
Mascara is the one thing I always wear, even if I wear no other make up. I can't live without it. These two are my Holy Grail products, the Inimitable because it's easy to apply, gives great depth and length, and doesn't flake, and the Exceptionnel because it gives great length and comes in beautiful colours. I have the Smoky Noir (greyish-black), Smoky Violine (a violet colour that you can't even really see on the lashes, but it makes my eyes look super green), and Smoky Marine (a dark navy that also makes my eye colour stand out). I don't think I'd ever bother getting a different mascara now that I have discovered these ones.
CONS: Pricy. But you can get them on strawberrynet for a few dollars less than in department stores, and they have free shipping.
And some products I wouldn't bother with again:
Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed
This has an uncomfortable tightening effect on my skin. I use it in the shower sometimes when I feel a bit grimy, but I always have to put moisturisers on immediately afterwards.
Clarins Pure And Radiant Mask with Pink Clay
This made me break out. I love Clarins - it's one of my favourite brands - but I don't have much luck with their masks. The Extra-Firming one really irritated my skin as well.
Garnier Ultra-Lift Pro-X Double Action Eye
I'm using this at the moment just to finish it and get rid of it, but I am convinced it's actually making my eyelids look more crepy. This is one of those gimmicky things I am a sucker for - it has a cream tube on one end for wrinkles and lines, and a gel tube on the other for under eye circles and bags. It doesn't really seem to do anything, though.
Eventone Capillary Repair
For the first week or so, this product was amazing. I get flushed in the cheeks a bit, especially at work where it's always a bit hot in our office, and this reduced the redness dramatically within a couple of days. And then all of a sudden it just stopped working. Weird.
Clarins Younger Longer Balm
Again, as much as I love Clarins, I've never been a fan of their moisturisers. Almost all of them are vastly over-priced and quite mediocre (though the Multi-Active Day Cream is good). This one in particular is horrifically expensive ($142 for 50 ml on Adore) and it feels sticky. A couple of times when I have used it, it's annoyed me so much that I've ended up washing it off.
Bourjois Light Reflecting Concealer Eclat Beige Rose
I used to love Bourjois, but lately everything I buy of theirs is a dud. I don't know if their formulas have gotten crappy or if I've just matured and outgrown them (heh). This concealer is rubbish. It's thin and doesn't conceal anything, and the brush is cheap, nasty crap that gets all bent and horrible after the first use.
Bourjois Mineral Matte Mousse Foundation #81
Another rubbish Bourjois product. This immediately went into every fine line and pore on my face and looked awful. No matter how well I prep and prime it does the same thing every time.
Bourjois Volume Glamour Ultra Curl Noir
And again! At first this mascara was great. It made my lashes look really long and thick - it made them look like false lashes, to be honest. But it went gluggy after a few weeks. Makeup BFF J had some and hers did the same, so it wasn't just me. I do have another Bourjois mascara called Coup de Theatre which is still working quite well after a couple of months (fingers crossed), so maybe it's just the Volume Glamour one that's a dud.
L’Oreal Telescopic Explosion Black
I am a sucker for anything with a gimmick. I saw this in a magazine - it has a teeny little brush shaped like a ball, which supposedly reaches all the little inner lashes. I rushed out and bought one - didn't bother to read reviews, think about it or anything. I just had to have it right then and there. And it's SHIT. The formula is much too wet - it goes everywhere. I also poked myself in the eye with the ball (why does it have to be a ball - couldn't a smaller brush do the same thing?). $27 I spent on this piece of rubbish. J is still laughing at me.
Clarins Bright Plus Total Brightening Serum
This feels lovely on my skin, but does absolutely nothing. There are tons of other serums out there that are cheaper and just as good at doing nothing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
