Anabel
Member Since: September 24, 2010Reviews
Aveeno Fresh Essentials Anti-Fatigue Eye Roller
eye ball I've tried a rollerball before. You kno where to go if you want a refresher. I certainly don't expect you to remember everything I do. I certainly don't. My rollerball fascination came from this guy I once met. He's... +
eye ball
I've tried a rollerball before. You kno where to go if you want a refresher. I certainly don't expect you to remember everything I do. I certainly don't.
My rollerball fascination came from this guy I once met. He's a tall drink of handsome and he swears by the rollerball. He called it an instant effective fix. I didn't disagree, but I'm not partial to band-aid solutions. Obviously I didn't tell him that, he's too hot to disagree with, at least face-to-face.
Aveeno has come out with its very own and I got my paws on it on Tuesday.
Much like its predecessors, it's compact and applies easily. The ball surface (i.e. diameter) seems bigger than the other two I've tried (see above and Garnier's). The pen itself is fatter. But that's just aesthetics.
Aveeno took the active ingredient southerwood, as well as vitamins A, C & E, to create a liquid that "depuffs" and moisturizes the eye area. Southerwood extract is reported to have cleansing and protective properties. All together, the formula promises to combat the look of dark circles while infusing the under eye area with a whole lot of goodness.
It certainly smells fresh, but I found that it tingled more than I would have expected from an Aveeno product. My experience with Aveeno is that it's on the gentle and delicate side, but within a few seconds of applying the eye roller, I felt a faint tingling sensation. Fast-forward four days, and the tingling is much less, but still there.
Four days may not be enough time to see visible benefits, and I analyzed my before and after photos for a good ten minutes. But it is enough time to decide if the pros outweigh the nothings. In all fairness, I don't have a serious undereye problem. That said, after four days of consistent use, the benefits weren't tangible enough to make me a fan. It certainly goes some way in speeding up morning depuffing, but I feel the delicate skin under one's eye balls requires more moisture than Aveeno could impart.
My final answer? It's complicated.
Did you party last night and need a quick fix? Get it. It's an easy solution and doesn't use caffeine like Garnier, nor is it as pricey as the Body Shop.
Otherwise...
Are you looking for anti-aging treatments?
Do you have dark, persistent circles?
Do you have sensitive skin?
Are you looking for an all-around eye cream?
If you answered yes to any of these, get a proper eye cream. Not all of life's shortcuts are a good idea.
-
TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo
Sure, why not. simon says... Good morning...before I head off to Montreal I thought I would give my two cents on a (semi) hot topic. A few of my girls have recently asked me what I think about dry shampoo. My thoughts: It's no... +
Sure, why not.
simon says...
Good morning...before I head off to Montreal I thought I would give my two cents on a (semi) hot topic. A few of my girls have recently asked me what I think about dry shampoo. My thoughts:
It's no substitute for good old fashioned hair washing, but it's useful as a pick-me-up, especially in the summer when you're sweating more than usual.
Essentially all it is does is soak up grease, eliminate odour, and give a lil' boost. You know what else does that and more? Baby powder. Women's best friend.
If the idea of sprinkling that into your hair doesn't appeal to you, go ahead and spend the money on dry shampoos. I've tried Oscar Blandi Pronto. It smells lemony fresh and is easy to use. A cheaper option is Tresemme's line. I'd avoid the spray because if you don't work it in properly, it may leave white streaks. The mousse is better.
-
Talika Lipocils
I like the box - it’s white, teal and silver. Otherwise, I followed the directions, as I do with all things, and it fell short. My lashes were neither longer nor fuller. I might say they seemed "healthier"...whatever that means.
I like the box - it’s white, teal and silver. Otherwise, I followed the directions, as I do with all things, and it fell short. My lashes were neither longer nor fuller. I might say they seemed "healthier"...whatever that means.
-
Bliss Oxygenating Mask
This mask is like a bottle of sunshine. Every time I use it I smile. The liquid that comes out turns into a bubbly foam as it comes into contact with oxygen. Five minutes is all it takes. Wash it off and your face is left feeling fresh, clean and... +
This mask is like a bottle of sunshine. Every time I use it I smile. The liquid that comes out turns into a bubbly foam as it comes into contact with oxygen. Five minutes is all it takes. Wash it off and your face is left feeling fresh, clean and bright. An instant perk-me-up.
Expensive, but worth some love.
-
Fusion Beauty Stimulash
CrapFusion :Pricey at $98: Let me state at the outset that I’m not a fan of this company at all. I didn’t like them when all they had was lip balm. But someone (who? why? please stop) obviously does, because now there’s GlowFusion... +
CrapFusion
:Pricey at $98:
Let me state at the outset that I’m not a fan of this company at all. I didn’t like them when all they had was lip balm. But someone (who? why? please stop) obviously does, because now there’s GlowFusion, LiftFusion, etc. I did, however, feel compelled to try the mascara and serum. I’m sorry I did. I threw away a hundred plus dollars that I could have spent on food. Grumble.
Fusion says that overtime this product will give you “never-before-achievable lash enhancement”. To them I say, sure, sure, and I’m a 6’ Brazilian model.
Dislike.
-
Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
Now that my rash has gone away (until another comes another day) I have these brownish-grey patches all over my fat little cheeks. It’s sad. Previous rashes just disappeared leaving no trace on my skin, but this one had some furry to unleash. It... +
Now that my rash has gone away (until another comes another day) I have these brownish-grey patches all over my fat little cheeks. It’s sad. Previous rashes just disappeared leaving no trace on my skin, but this one had some furry to unleash. It showed up at a time when I was contending with one of life’s annoyances. Coincidence, maybe. But what surrounds you affects your face. I was being fed a lot of BS during this period and I think it incensed my face. I have no problem accepting intrinsic flaws for my problems or admitting that I put something on my face I shouldn’t have – but that wasn’t it – like I said, this rash was something else.
About two months ago (in the midst of the worst of my rash) I went out and bought Clinique’s revamped version of Even Better. It was a pre-emptive strike because I knew I would need something post-rash – something that WORKED. This “clinical” version is supposed to be more effective. It is.
Yesterday morning I had a follow-up with my dermatologist. She was surprised at how much better my skin looked. So I’m sticking with this until it gives me a reason not to. Objectively, it’s hard to gauge whether my scars are disappearing any faster, but my skin’s overall texture is more even.
My dermatologist concluded that I was experiencing a reaction to the sun, compounded by an allergy to sunscreen, exacerbated by stress. I told her that this was like nothing else and can't understand why it was so bad. She paused and then asked me if I had introduced anything novel into my life? I said, yes, a loser. She laughed. My treatment plan is to find a gel or alcohol-based sunscreen, limit exposure to the sun and/or wear a hat, and avoid douchebags. Her words, not mine.
-
Shu Uemura False Eyelashes in Luxe Black
If you ever need to bring your A-game or step up the playing field, fake lashes are the way to go. If you’ve already thrown up your hands to this idea, don’t. Go to Holt Renfrew and head to Shu Umera’s Tokyo Lash Bar. With the purchase of any... +
If you ever need to bring your A-game or step up the playing field, fake lashes are the way to go. If you’ve already thrown up your hands to this idea, don’t. Go to Holt Renfrew and head to Shu Umera’s Tokyo Lash Bar. With the purchase of any set, they will give you a free one-on-one tutorial. It's probably the best lesson I’ve gotten. I just so happened to go during a showcase and their world renowned make-up artist volunteered to teach me. In case you’re wondering, yes, he is Japanese.
I told my friend Aerie about them because I know she's fascinated by lashes as much as I am. I was so on the mark. She is now a Shu Umera convert and owes me one (right Aerie? She's going to disagree; she says I owe her because I fuelled a new obsession).
The most natural lashes they have look like this.
I know it’s funky, but trust. I wore them to a wedding three months ago and got so many compliments my head wouldn’t fit out the door. Also got some numbers, just sayin.
-
tarte cosmetics MultiplEYE Natural Lash Enhancer
I never emailed tarte to see if this product was supposed to burn; it does. Rather than be put off by that, I got excited. I figured it MUST be doing something. After two months my lashes are noticeably longer and full. Nothing extreme, but enough... +
I never emailed tarte to see if this product was supposed to burn; it does. Rather than be put off by that, I got excited. I figured it MUST be doing something. After two months my lashes are noticeably longer and full. Nothing extreme, but enough that it’s got people talking.
I’ve found that it eventually plateaus, so I thought it prudent to stop (since it still burns). I wouldn’t use this on a regular basis, but maybe twice a year, or any time I accidentally rip my lashes out again (oh dear, let’s hope not).
Bottom line: great investment. I stopped using it about two-and-a-half weeks ago and my lashes are still receiving compliments. Be jealous.
Love it.
-
La Mer Lip Balm
Okay, okay, $60 for lip balm might be bordering insanity. In my defense, my brain doesn't always abide by common sense. It's probably even worse that you still need to apply an SPF - no sun protection included with the $60... +
Okay, okay, $60 for lip balm might be bordering insanity. In my defense, my brain doesn't always abide by common sense. It's probably even worse that you still need to apply an SPF - no sun protection included with the $60.
Nevertheless, I have concluded that this will be my favourite winter balm. It's got a ridiculously alluring scent and tastes delightful. My lips are soft and supple all day and all night. That's something to pucker up about.
Love it.
But let's get real, $60 on lip balm is ridiculous, so my practical alternative is Blistex Silk & Shine. Same velvety texture. Shopping within your budget means saying...
-
Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don't Stray Makeup Primer
I was at Sephora yesterday to pick up another tube of my Laura Mercier primer and decided I would try Benefit’s. I don’t wear eye shadow but I love primers because they can stand alone. Eyes look more refreshed as fine lines are minimized and... +
I was at Sephora yesterday to pick up another tube of my Laura Mercier primer and decided I would try Benefit’s. I don’t wear eye shadow but I love primers because they can stand alone. Eyes look more refreshed as fine lines are minimized and the eye area is brightened. Primers can mask minor imperfections, redness and/or dark circles...
Barenaked lashes
Left: Before | Right: After
I think I prefer my Laura Mercier one only because it comes in a range of colours. Although Stay Don’t Stray is neutral and would likely flatter everyone. The lightweight formula was easy to apply and blended easily. I think I look more awake, although I may not feel it. Nothing a cup of coffee won’t fix, but at least I look the part.
-
Looking for more?
Check out our other review websites:
