Archive for August, 2010

Chanel Inimitable Mascara Volume Length Curl Separation Review | Waterproof Brown or Black Formula

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Chanel Imitable MascaraChanel Inimitable Mascara is formulated to give lashes volume, length, curl, great separation and it should be waterproof too.

Apparently it has a unique brush design that helps deliver all the above. Personally I can't see any difference from this brush to any of the standard ones. Chanel just says it's unique but doesn't go into detail about how it's unique. An important detail that maybe it should remember to add in.

Users conclusions

Pros

  • Lasts all day long
  • No smudging
  • Gentle for sensitive eyes
  • Dark black

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No better than cheaper brands

Tips

A great way for applying mascara quickly but flawlessly is to put the wand as close to the bottom of the lashes you can, then pull up slowly while twirling the wand. This should give an even coverage without having to do another coat.

Also, when dipping your mascara in the tube don't pull in and out to coat with formula. This just pushing air in coursing mascara to dry up quicker. Just twist the wand around a couple times while in the vile to coat.

Ingredients

I was unable to find the ingredients contained in this mascara other than that it contains Pro-Vitamin B5.

To sum up

On the whole users found that it worked reasonably well, but considering it can cost up to $60 they didn't think it gave them the wow factor that Chanel promises. You can get it for $10 or under on ebay.

A few people did love it though and found it worked for them. So I suggest if you are thinking of buying it, test it in the store to see what you think first. After-all it is a lot of money to spend on a mascara that may not work!

Buy Chanel Inimitable Mascara

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Eye Wonder By Vasanti Cosmetics Review | Daily Cream Reduces Dark Circles, Puffiness & Fine Lines

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Vasanti Eye WonderVasanti Cosmetics was founded by three Canadian woman in Toronto. They wanted to create products that would suit all women and their different needs.

Eye Wonder Triple Action Eye Treatment Cream has Peptides and Botanicals that are formulated to reduce dark circles, puffiness and fine lines. These active ingredients combat these problems even if it is hereditary or just the aging process, says Vasanti.

This cream is suitable for all skin types and should be used morning and night. I have never heard of this company before, I have taken a look at the web site and the products look quite promising.

Users Conclusions

Below is a list I compiled about what the users think of it:

Pros

  • Lightens dark circles
  • Reduces fine lines
  • Reduces puffiness

I couldn't actually find any bad reviews on Eye Wonder. It is quite a new product though.

Key Ingredients

Dermican, Eurol, Bt Haloxyl, Eyeliss, Matrixyl 3000, Phytelene 773.

Directions

Apply morning and evening for the first month then just once a day for maintenance. Gently dot around the eye from the inner corner out to the under part of the eye brow. This ensures no tugging which can cause fine lines and lost elasticity.

To Sum Up

Ladies who have used this eye cream only had good things to say about it. They say it actually reduces fine lines, puffiness and dark circles.

At $42 for a 20ml jar it is quite pricey, but what eye cream isn't now days! If its within your price range if could be worth a try as all the ladies that have reviewed it found it worked for them.

Buy Vasanti Eye Wonder Cream

Arcona Tea Tree Mask Review | Natural Facial Treatment Reduces Breakouts, Purifies & Cleanses

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

Arcona Tea Tree MaskArcona Tea Tree Mask is suitable for all skin types. It is formulated to cleanse, purify, detoxify and refine the skin. The sulphur and grapefruit extract help reduce breakouts with their detoxifying properties.

Arcona is a holistic skin care line that only uses natural ingredients. I know that there are a lot of ladies looking for alternative skin care lines that don't contain as many synthetic ingredients.

Arcona does recommend using all the mask within 6 months of opening, as it has natural ingredients it won't last as long as products with preservatives.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Nice citrus scent
  • Helps prevent acne
  • Evens skin tone
  • Cooling sensation
  • Softens skin
  • Worth the money

Cons

  • Strong sulphur smell

Ingredients

Hamamelis Virginiana Extract (Witch Hazel), Sulphur, Capric/Caprylic Triglycerides (Plant Oils), Kaolin, Bentonite, Titanium Dioxide, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil (Tea Tree), Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract (Grape), Allantoin, Lavender Extract, Geranium Oil, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil (Grapefruit), Citrus Grandis Seed Extract (Grapefruit).

Directions

After you have cleansed, apply mask and leave on the face for about 15-20 minutes. Then remove with warm water. Can be used 2-3 times a week.

To Sum Up

This mask has proved very popular with users, they say it softens skin and help prevent acne breakouts.

Arcona Tea Tree Mask retails for $30 (2oz). Which is quite expensive but I haven't come across anyone who has said it isn't worth it.

Buy Arcona Tea Tree Mask

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Laura Mercier Face Polish Review | Cream Based Gommage Facial Exfoliator

Saturday, August 28th, 2010

Laura Mercier GommageLaura Mercier Face Polish Gommage Facial is a cream based scrub that should be gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. The facial scrub is designed to leave the skin feeling smooth and toned.

The Gommage is a cleanser and exfoliant in one and is suitable for all skin types.

I have very sensitive skin that gets irritated easily by most scrubs. I find that the Gommages are so much more gentle and effective for me. As it is cream based it isn't as harsh on my skin.

You could use this everyday if needed, but I'd suggest just using it twice a week.

Users Conclusions

This face polish has very good reviews, I can't find a bad word said about it. Ladies from Sephora.com say it is gentle, smells great, leaves skin soft, doesn't dry out skin and leaves a healthy glow. What more could you ask for?

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Polyethylene, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium C12-15 Pareth-15 Sulfonate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-3 Cocamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Macadamia Ternafolia Oil, Triethanolamine, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Polyquaternium-39, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Carbomer, Fragrance (Parfum), Ethylparaben, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernal Flour, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Butylparaben, Propylene Gylcol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Salvia Officianlis (Sage) Leaf, Rose Canina Fruit Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Red 4 (CI 14700), Yellow 5 (CI 19140).

Tips

A gommage does exfoliate but it not scratchy or grainy like most others.

You apply the cream all over the face and then wait for a couple of minutes and it should feel tacky. Then using your middle finger rub back and forward over your face. It will rub off the gommage along with any dead skin.

To Sum Up

Basically everyone who has used this so far has found it works really well for exfoliating and smoothing skin.

If you want to give the Gommage a try it retails for $30. Which is expensive but according to the ladies using it, it actually works and lasts a long time.

Buy Laura Mercier Face Polish

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Clinque Quick Corrector Review | Natural Medium Coverage Liquid Concealer

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Clinique Quick Corrector ConcealerClinique Quick Corrector is a concealer is designed to give a natural medium coverage to any imperfections.

What sets this apart from other concealers is that it is a liquid formula and comes in a lip gloss like vial with a sponge tip applicator.

As it is a liquid it should make it easier to blend and make it less likely to crease, unlike some of the cream concealers.

I think Clinique is a reasonably good brand, although from personal experience I wouldn't go singing its praises. I have only tried a couple of products but didn't work for me.

It can be a little over priced, but I know Clinique works for a lot of people who won't use anything else.

Users Conclusions

The Quick Corrector has good reviews. Here are some of the pros and cons users had to say:

Pros

  • Blends well
  • Looks natural
  • Good for sensitive eyes
  • Quick & easy
  • Doesn't crease

Cons

  • A little orangey

Ingredients

I cannot find a complete list of ingredients for this product.

To Sum Up

According to most users this liquid concealer covers blemishes, blends well and is quick and easy to use.  A lot of ladies like to keep this in their handbag for quick touch ups while they're out and about.

A few users complained that it is too orangey for their skin tone.

It is hard to pick a concealer that matches your skin tone because a lot of the products out their seem to have a yellow/orange undertone, which is not suited for people who have a more pinkish undertone.

A porcelain colored concealer is usually better suited for people with a pink undertone.

The price is very acceptable at $14, making this concealer one of the cheapest ones I have reviewed so far!

Buy Clinque Quick Corrector Concealer

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Korres Evening Primrose Eye Cream Review | Daily Use Anti-Aging Formula With SPF 8

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Korres Evening Primrose Eye CreamKorres Evening Primrose Eye Cream has been formulated to reduce the sign of fine lines and dark circles. It also contains an SPF 8 which is a huge plus in my books.

Sun protection plans a big part in the defense against premature aging. This cream can be used morning or night.

The primrose and vitamin C extracts help reduce the loss of moisture from around the eye area, they also help stimulate collagen synthesis. Which should help plump skin whilst eradicating fine lines, says Korres.

I'm not sure how primrose has any thing to do with reducing the loss of moisture in skin. Primrose is used medicinally as a decongestant. I can't find any proof of it helping to reduce moisture loss.

However, Vitamin C is proven to be good for the skin and helps stimulate collagen synthesis.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Cheaper than other brands
  • Gets rid of dark circles
  • Gentle
  • SPF 8
  • Not too heavy or sticky

Cons

  • Could be more firming

Ingredients

Evening primrose, vitamins K1, C, E, provitamin B5, Ruscus extract, Zinc oxide.

Directions

Apply cream morning or evening (evening is best) around the eye area. First apply on the lower lid, from the inner corner out use a gentle tapping movement, then up around under the eye brow. Avoid the upper eyelid. The eye area is very sensitive so be gentle, pulling the skin could course more fine lines.

To Sum Up

Most users commented on the price being a lot cheaper than most other eye cream, costing a reasonable $38.

Many found it helped to reduce their dark circles around the eye and like that it contains a SPF 8. A few ladies do say it would be better if it was more firming.

This eye cream might be better suited for ladies that don't require the firming action as much.

Buy Korres Evening Primrose Eye Cream

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Avon Ideal Shade Concealer Stick Review | Natural Coverage For Dark Circles & Blemishes

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Avon Ideal Shade Concealer StickAvon Ideal Shade Concealer Stick is designed to provide full coverage for dark circles and blemishes. It comes in a wide range of shades to suit very light or dark skin tones.

It comes in a lipstick like form instead of the usual pot form that most concealers come in. This lipstick like design is quick and easy to use. It doesn't even require the use of a concealer brush as it can just be dotted directly onto the skin.

Avon have a lot of decent products that are reasonably priced, that makes them even more appealing.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Quick cover up for blemishes
  • Easy to apply
  • Covers dark circles
  • Non irritating to sensitive skin

Cons

  • Doesn't cover scars or birth marks

Ingredients

SQUALANE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL DICAPRYLATE/DICAPRATE, OZOKERITE, BEESWAX/CIRE D'ABEILLE, ISOPROPYL, LANOLATE, NYLON-12 , ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, POLYETHYLENE, ZINC OXIDE, SILICA, RETINYL, PALMITATE , ASCORBYL PALMITATE, BETA-CAROTENE, BENZOIC ACID, TALC, PARAFFIN ,BIS-STEARYL, ETHYLENEDIAMINE/NEOPENTYL, GLYCOL/STEARYL, HYDROGENATED DIMER DILINOLEATE , COPOLYMER, DIMETHICONE, TOCOPHEROL, BHT, LECITHIN, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL, HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE , C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE

Tips

For best results for any concealer pat on the problem area them gently smooth out. Concealers can be used under or on top of foundations. Just don't use to much or it will look cakey.

To Sum Up

Avon's concealer stick has been rated very high with users. They are very satisfied with the coverage and how quick and easy it is to use. A couple of people were disappointed that it doesn't cover scars.

If you fancy giving Avon Ideal Shade Concealer Stick a try it retails for $6. Which is a total bargain considering most other brands cost 3-4 times as much.

Buy Avon Ideal Shade Concealer Stick

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Boi-ing Natural Industrial Strength Concealer By Benefit Review | Covers Dark Circles & Impurities

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Boiing Concealer by BenefitBoi-ing is a concealer designed by Benefit. It apparently is industrial strength so go easy when applying. This concealer is formulated to cover the darkest of circles and any other impurities such as , broken capillaries, scars and boo boo's as well as still looking natural.

Boi-ing comes in three shades light, medium and dark. If you aren't sure the best color to suit your skin tone, it is always best to pick the medium.

Benefit say that this concealer is industrial strength, but it doesn't go into detail about how this different from other concealers. I have compared the ingredients from this concealer to a few others and they seem to be practically the same, so if this product is industrial strength so is most other products.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Covers dark circles
  • Goes on smooth
  • Lasts all day
  • A little goes a long way

Cons

  • Thick and waxy (few users said this)

Tips

Warm the concealer first by patting between two fingers, this will make it smoother to apply. Whether you use a brush or your finger to apply the concealer try not to use a huge amount other wise it won't like natural and will be more likely to build up in the creases.

Ingredients

Dioctyl Adipate, Octyl Stearate, Talc, Beeswax, Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera) Wax, Petrolatum, Corn (Zea Mays) Oil, Octyl Palmitate, Propylene Glycol, Butylparaben, Ctiric Acid, BHA. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.

To Sum Up

Most patrons of Benefit agree that this concealer does cover most problem areas and lasts all day long. However, a few users find it to be too heavy and waxy. Applying a thinner layer would help to make it appear lighter.

It is quite pricey at $18, although no users I found mentioned the high price.

Buy Boi-ing Natural Industrial Strength Concealer by Benefit

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Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Foundation Primer Review | Reduces Pore Size & Smooths Skin

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Clarins Instant Smooth Foundation PrimerI respect Clarins for the change they made to not test any products on animals, and to try and create less waste as possible to help the environment.

Clarins instant Smooth Perfecting Touch is formulated to reduce pore size and smooth skin for a good foundation base. It is also designed to refine lines and wrinkles.

An added perk to this primer is that it promises to reduce pore size. Not many other primers offer this and it is a very good factor to have. Reducing pore size stops so much makeup clogging the pores, therefor coursing less breakouts, in theory anyway!

I would not recommend this for people with oily/acne prone skin as it is oil based, so could course some users to breakout.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Smooths skin
  • Moisturizes
  • Reduces pore size

Cons

  • Jar packing (cream can get contaminated)
  • Doesn't refine lines/wrinkles
  • Expensive

Ingredients

Cyclopentasiloxane - dimethicone - dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer - hydrogenated vegetable oil - vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer - silica - disteardimonium hectorite - pentaerthryityl tetrtaisostearate - alcohol denat. - tocopheryl acetate - butylene glycol - silica dimethyl silylate - acacia senegal gum - methylparaben - mica (ci 77019) - iron oxide (ci 77491) - titanium dioxide (ci 77891) - carmine (ci 75470).

To Sum Up

Overall most users really favor this product and would purchase it again. They like the benefits of reduced pore size and the hydrating effect it has on the skin.

There are a few people who find it overpriced. It does cost $32 for a small jar, so I can see where they are coming from. However, most fans have said it does spread well and much much is needed, hopefully it should last a while.

Unfortunately most patrons found that it did nothing to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. So Maybe this primer would be better for the younger generation that don't have those worries yet!

Buy Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Foundation Primer

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Urban Decay Liquid Eyeliner Review | 24 Hour Wear, Smudge Proof & Quick Drying

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

Urban Decay Liquid EyelinerUrban Decay Liquid Liner Eyeliner is designed to last all day and night without smudging. It comes in 14 different shades from black, a shimmering neutral or a sparkling bright color.

The bottle itself has been designed for ease of use due to the shape of the lid, it should fit in your hand nicely. The formula should dry quickly for less risk of smudging and should have a subtle shine.

I personally love the effect of a liquid eyeliner, but applying it isn't always easy I know, but practice makes perfect. When perfected it looks gorgeous!

This liner does sound like a good buy if you are looking for that shiny and glossy style, which is popular for a night town with a bit of glamor. Urban Decay is a well known brand among younger circles, although its products are sometimes a little over priced.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Glossy finish
  • Worth the price
  • Great definition
  • Easy to use
  • Quick drying
  • Doesn't smudge

Cons

  • Brush is a little big for smaller eyes
  • Not good for everyday wear as too shiny

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), PEG 75 Lanolin, Propylene Glycol, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Cetearyl Alcohol, Polybutene, Polysorbate 20, Triethanolamine, Shellac, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Simethicone, May Contain (+/-): Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Carmine (CI 75470), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140).

Tips

To get a more defined line use the very tip of the brush, or if you like a thicker line lay the brush flat. It will look better if you can make the line in one sweep, it takes a steady hand and practice but its worth it for gorgeous eyes.

To Sum Up

Urban Decay has pulled in good reviews for this liquid eyeliner with most users impressed with the precision and ease of use. However, a few ladies found the brush a little big for small eyes.

If you can, try and test it before you buy. This eyeliner is quite pricey at $18 considering some brands cost as little as $10 and can be just as good.

Buy Urban Decay's Liquid Eyeliner

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