Archive for July, 2010

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Review | Cream To Even Skin Tones & Give A Glowing Complexion

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

Laura Mercier Tinted MoisturizerLaura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is designed to work as a moisturizer and foundation in one. This makes applying your morning makeup before work a lot faster giving you a few extra minutes in bed.

Laura Mercier says that it is a lightweight formula will leave your skin with a natural finish and a glowing complexion.

It also contains a SPF 20 which is a sweet bonus. This will help prevent the signs of aging as unprotected sun exposure can cause photo-aging and dry skin. In result can lead to: wrinkles, liver spots, dilation of capillaries.

Good Points

Reviews on Amazon are mostly positive about this tinted moisturizer. Most users have said it is:

  • Light and sheer
  • Hydrating
  • Long lasting
  • Very natural looking

However, some users have found it to be a bit watery and so not effective at covering red spots or other blemishes.

Laura Mercier has priced this tinted moisturizer quite high at $42.00 a tube, but the majority of users think that it "deserves it's price tag". They consistently say that good things don't come cheap and that this tinted moisturizer/foundation definitely isn't cheap.

Buy Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer

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Marc Jacobs Lola Marc Jacobs Perfume Review | Sexy Fragrance For The Maturer Lady

Saturday, July 10th, 2010

Marc Jacobs LolaMarc Jacobs Lola Marc Jacobs is a fragrance designed for the free spirit of today's sexy, modern, playful, cool and flirtatious girl! Marc Jacobs words not mine.

Ladies using Lola say that it has great staying power and is warm and pretty. It has also been described to be "Daisy’s “ (another fragrance by Marc Jacob) confident and slightly vampy older sister” Maybe this fragrance would suit the maturer lady.

It was really hard to find any negative comments about this fragrance. The worst I could find was a user found it to be very strong smelling, but even they liked it when it had worn off a bit.

Here are some of the notes you should be able to smell in Marc Jacobs Lola.

  • Pink peppercorn
  • Pear
  • Red grapefruit
  • Rose
  • Fuschia peony
  • Geranium
  • Vanilla
  • Tonka bean
  • Creamy musk

I would like to make a couple observations about this bottle, Oh my god it is so amazing! The glass rose for the top is really pretty. The silhouette of the bottle is inspired by Marc's fashion collection.

Lola is one of those perfumes you just want to buy so you can put it on display in your bedroom, It's that gorgeous. Who cares what it smells like!

Marc Jacobs Lola Marc Jacobs is priced quite high at $30- $85. I'll let you decide if it's worth the price.

Buy Marc Jacobs Lola

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Bliss FatGirlSleep Night Cream Review | Moisturizer To Rid Cellulite & Smooth Skin

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Fat Girl Sleep Anti-Cellulite creamBliss FatGirlsleep's is a night cream formulated to supposedly smooth out that unsightly "orange peel" effect know as cellulite.

Bliss say that the slenderiZZZe complex™ releases dimple diminishers and soothing lavender for up to 6 hours. Ladies using the cream have said they noticed a reduction in the appearance of dimples.

According to users of FatGirlSleep the fragrance of this cream is "divine". This cream is supposed to smell of Lavender, but while many people agree the fragrance is sublime they don't actually agree it smells like Lavender. As long as it smells good though who cares!

Ingredients

There are 3 important ingredients that Bliss like to list, these are:

Sacred lotus: which it says helps promote the breakdown of fat, reduces fat storage, reduces inflammation of skin, and tightens looser skin.

Red algae extract: promotes micro-circulation and reduces excess water.

Lavender essence: this is to give a calming, relaxing and therapeutic experience.

Like a lot of other creams this contains a variety of synthetic chemicals. So this might not be the ideal cream for those of you that like to keep it natural.

Prices start at $38 for a 6oz pot which isn't to expensive compared to other similar creams. It is said by some users to have a thick consistency that spreads well, so should last a while.

This is obviously not a miracle cure for Cellulite, that hasn't been invented yet, unfortunately! Nevertheless, this Bliss cream could be worth a try to dampen those dimples while waiting for that godly miracle to happen.

Buy Bliss FatGirlSleep Night Cream

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Philosphy Daily Facial Moisturizer Review | ‘Hope in a Jar’ Face Cream to Smooth Skin

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Philosphy's Hope in a JarPhilosphy's Hope in a Jar appears to be aptly named given the mixed reviews of this product. Some adore and others loath it, so it seems you just have to try this product and hope for the best.

It is a daily facial moisturizer and Philosophy say it is suitable for all skin types, although numerous individuals have experienced some side effects such as flaky skin. However, for everyone that has a side effect, there's someone else singing its praises.

Philosphy claims the cream will reduce wrinkles, smooth and hydrate skin in days. Whereas some ladies using it found that it can take a few weeks for the smoothing effects to kick in, possibly as your skin adjusts to the moisturizer.

It is available with SPF which I would recommend as this prevents sun damage and you can also get it for dry sensitive skin too.

Some have described it as being a bit too heavy for oily skin so may block pores, and their are mixed opinions over whether the product feels greasy or not.

Chemically Smooth

This moisturizer is not a good choice for fans of natural ingredients as it is packed with a variety of synthetic chemicals. Chemically enhanced moisturizers are very common, so this doesn't necessarily scream danger, but it has resulted in adverse reactions in some people.

Check the ingredient list to ensure you aren't allergic to any of the chemicals, and if you are unsure it may be worth trying the product on your neck for a few days to see how your skin reacts. Every girl is different, and what works for one skin type won't work for another.

Bad Smell?

The smell of this product has caused some complaints. While some don't seem to notice or even like the smell, others have described it as a 'rancid citrus fruit smell' so be warned. Typically it is described as a medicinal smell, likely as a result of the many synthetic chemical ingredients.

Ingredients

Lauryl Lactate,Behenic Acid, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Cyclomethicone,Pentaerythrityl Tetracaprylate/Tetracaprate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Benzyl Alcohol, Retinyl Palmitate, Stearic Acid, Panthenol, Betaglucan, Lavender Oil, Diazolidinyl Urea.

Worth a Try?

The 'Hope in a Jar' moisturizer can lean on the more expensive side of the fence depending on where you get it. However, it is an Amazon bestseller with many people singing its praises. Despite that there's just as many people disappointed with the product. It is just one of those try it and see kind of products.

It is available in 4oz, 2oz and 0.5oz and ranges in price from $20 - $60 depending on where you buy it.

Buy Philosophy's Hope in a Jar

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Burt’s Bees Lip Balm Review | Hydrating & Smooth Non-Greasy Lipsalve with Antioxidants

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Burt's Bees Lip BalmBurt's Bees Lip Balm is designed to replenish and hydrate dry lips leaving them smooth and healthy looking. It contains Pomegranate oil which helps to moisturize and protect the skin and is also high in antioxidants.

It is available in pomegranate, honey or medicated and is made with real bees wax.

I have a Burt's Bees Lip Balm and it is just brilliant. It leaves your lips feeling soft and smooth. I think it is also good value for money.

Users Conclusions:

This lists below summarizes what users think of the balm.

Pros

  • Moisturizes
  • Soothing
  • Healthier lips
  • Not greasy

Cons

  • Doesn't last long
  • Leaves a waxy film
  • No SPF

Ingredients

Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, beeswax, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, lanolin, symphytum officinale (comfrey) root extract, fragrance, punica granatum (pomegranate) oil, tocopheryl acetate, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, illicium verum (anise) oil, cinnamomum cassia (cinnamon) leaf oil, salvia sclarea (clary sage) oil, citrus nobilis (mandarin orange) peel oil, tocopherol, carmine.

To Sum Up

On the whole this lip balm does everything you would expect from a balm. Although, if a SPF were to be added that would make it an exceptional product for the price.

Burt's Bees Lip Balm varies in price from $0.99 - $3 depending where you shop, and you can often pick up multi-packs which are better value, and also handy as it can run out quickly.

Buy Burt's Bees Lip Balm

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Smith’s Rosebud Salve Review | Multipurpose Body/Lip Balm Moisturizes & Soothes

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Smiths Rosebud SalveSmith's Rosebud Salve is a multipurpose balm that moisturizes lips, hands, basically any dry skin and can be used to calm skin irritations. It apparently can also take the sting out of burns and treat diaper rash too.

Rosebud Salve was made in the U.S.A by a druggist in 1892. It doesn't contain any harsh chemicals, so I would recommend it even for a baby's sensitive skin.

Does it really work?

There's many user reviews out there on this balm and I can't find any negative comments about it.

Listed below are some of the benefits and features people have said they got from this lip balm:

  • Glossy
  • Non waxy or sticky
  • Soothing
  • Soft rose scent
  • Effective

Ingredients

A blend of Essential Oils (Aromol) and cotton seed oil in a petrolatum base.

I like that fact that is doesn't contain a huge list of chemicals in its ingredients.

It is available in a variety of flavors including minted, strawberry and brambleberry.

If you are interested in Smith's Rosebud Salve it retails for $7 on Amazon but if you shop around you can get it for around $5. Which for the amount of uses it has is a good price.

Buy Smith's Rosebud Salve

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Dr.Ci Labo Basic Black Blemish Control Cleansing Gel Review | Gentle Moisturizing Makeup Remover

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Dr Ci Labo CleanserDr Ci:Labo Basic Black Blemish Control Cleansing Gel Makeup Remover is a non irritating gel that deeply cleanses dirt and oil from in the pores. It should also leave skin feeling moisturized.

It is recommended for oily/combination skin types and is suitable for every day use.

This cleansing gel is rated highly by users. People say it works well on oily skin to leave it clean and moisturized. It removes makeup and dirt without drying your skin says one fan.

Directions for use

Apply to dry skin and gently massage over the face. Do this for a couple of minutes, then rinse with water.

Ingredient Highlights

Kaolin purifies the pores. Sulfur calms blemishes and reduces inflammation. Moss Extract reduces redness.

Dr Ci:Labo Basic Black Blemish Control Cleansing Gel Makeup Remover costs $26. This is quite expensive compared to some other brands, but the rating is good so maybe its worth a try.

Buy Dr. Ci Labo Black Blemish Control Cleansing gel

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Lip-Ink Trial Kit Review | Herbal, Wax Free & Waterproof Lip Stain

Sunday, July 4th, 2010

Lip Ink Tial KitLip-Ink Trial Kit is a herbal lip stain that is wax free and contains no preservatives, it also contains natural antiseptic properties. It is designed to give a natural lip color that lasts all day that is waterproof and smudge proof.

The kit its self contains 1 Lip-Ink Lip Color Seasonal Color ONLY, 1 Lip-Ink Shine/Moisturizer Tear Packet, 1 Lip-Ink Off Towelette, 1 Set of Illustrated Instructions and 1 Color Chart.

I think it is good that you can get a trial kit before spending a lot on the full size product, that's if you wish on buying it after giving it a try!

Some ladies from makeupalley.com think it is a good lip stain. They say it lasts all day, it's good because it is chemical free and its definitely worth the price.

There are on the other hand quite a few people who think its not worth trying. They said it gives there lips a burning sensation, drys lips out and find it hard to apply.

One lady from makeupalley.com said it looked good when she first got it, but after constant use it made her lips dry. Then when she used it on her dry lips it made all the imperfections stand out more. Like when you wear fake tan and you get those horrid orange patches on your elbows.

Lip-Ink Trial kit retails for $16.50. Which is expensive compared to other brands that cost the same for a full size tube.

Buy Lip-Ink Lip Stain

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Sephora Brand Lush Flush Wine Lip & Cheek Stain Review | Natural Long Lasting Gel Stain

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

Sephora Lip & Cheek StainLush Flush Wine Lip & Cheek Stain by Sephora is designed to give a natural flushed look on lips and cheeks. It comes in this lovely red wine color. Lush flush stain is a gel formula which is supposed to make it easier to blend.

Sephora's lip and cheek stain contains red wine extracts that has anti-oxidants in it. The anti-oxidants are a big plus in my opinion because they help protect your skin against the harsh environment.

How do Sephora enthusiasts rate it?

Well Sephora's lip and cheek stain have mixed reviews. Some ladies love it as it gave them a natural flush that lasted all day long. They also like that it  isn't greasy, you can build coverage and its light weight.

Unfortunately some other reviews on Sephora say:

  • Its not long lasting
  • Really hard to blend
  • Dries out lips
  • Not worth the money

Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Optunia Streptacantha Stem Extract, Wine Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Red 33, Blue 1.

Sephora Lush Flush Wine Lip & Cheek Stain can be purchased for $10. This is quite a reasonable average price for a lip stain.

Buy Sephora Brand Lush Flush Wine Lip & Cheek Stain

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Sedu Revolution Shortie Hair Straighteners Review | Moisturizing Ceramic Plate Mini Styler Iron

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

Sedu Mini Styler IronSedu Revolution Shortie Mini Styler is a pocket-sized dual voltage tourmaline ionic straightener and curler. Sedu states it comes with all the luxuries and amenities of a full sized flat iron and is ideal for short hair, touch ups and travel.

People who've bought the straighteners say it's great for short hair or quick touch ups when you're out. Sedu mini's are definitely small enough to fit in your handbag while on a night out.

Although it says in the description it is a travel styler for short hair some customers didn't realize this, so ladies with long hair brought it only to find that it didn't work for them. Just a warning to those of you looking to buy these straightening irons, remember they are only designed for short hair and quick touch ups.

Features:

  • Tourmaline Ionic plates with moisturizing ceramic heat.
  • Convenient size at just 6 inches long.
  • Travel Ready with built in dual voltage feature and bonus heat proof travel pouch.
  • Touch up, straighten, curl, flip or finish shorter hair styles.
  • 2 years warranty.

The Sedu Revolution Shortie Mini Styler Iron retails for around $30 - $70. That's a big price gap so be sure to shop around for the cheapest price!

Buy The Sedu Revolution Shortie Mini Styler Iron