BridgetJones
Member Since: March 17, 2019Reviews
Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation
I am a firm believer in investing more money into products which enhance, protect, repair, and perfect the canvas of one's FACE: skincare and foundation. Quality skincare and perfect foundation make a huge difference in one's appearance; there are... +
I am a firm believer in investing more money into products which enhance, protect, repair, and perfect the canvas of one's FACE: skincare and foundation. Quality skincare and perfect foundation make a huge difference in one's appearance; there are great budget mascaras, lipsticks, and other cosmetics out there.
In my time as a beauty buyer and brand procurer (also, pro artist), I had the luxury of often being gifted or comped free products from many cosmetic and beauty brands.
I brought hard-to-find, Japanese cult beauty brand, Koh Gen Do, to Canada for their first, exclusive Canadian retail account in 2013 (while working for a Vancouver based e-com store who's since lost the brand/account). Koh Gen Do U.S. generously extended several retail sized products to me, and to this day, I rave about their GORGEOUS Maifanshi Moisture Foundation!
Simply put: if you have $70 USD/$92 CDN to spend on a foundation, this one is worth every penny! I say this as a woman who received free products, however; even with my 30% pro discount, and despite loving the product, I cannot justify the personal expense to repurchase (though I'd love to be able to!).
I wear shade 012. The foundation glides on, melts into and soothes skin, hydrating, but not greasy, with an incredible light-diffusing finish. Perfect for maturing skin as well as HD photography and filming. My skin is luminous and perfected with Maifanshi Moisture Foundation. However, my wallet will be emptied if I were to purchase another tube. (I use my remaining products sparingly!)
Available in 12 shades, with no current Canadian stockists, be sure to check out the product in U.S. retailers or online. Customers may order inexpensive sample sets of foundation from Koh Gen Do's corporate website.
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Garnier Ombrelle Ultra Fluid SPF 60
Lightweight, fluid, non-greasy: great! Price was reasonable ($18.99 regular price at Shoppers Drug Mart; $12.99 when it's on sale), but ... The multitude of BUMPS which developed on my forehead and temples within two days of applying the product:... +
Lightweight, fluid, non-greasy: great! Price was reasonable ($18.99 regular price at Shoppers Drug Mart; $12.99 when it's on sale), but ...
The multitude of BUMPS which developed on my forehead and temples within two days of applying the product: GROSS! Not red, inflamed zits or whiteheads, but a multitude/clusters of tiny, bumpy PIMPLES! (If one were blind, a person might have confused my forehead for Braille! My forehead would have read, "Don't buy this product again!")
I should have returned the product to the store, siting irritation/reaction, sending a message to L'Oréal (Ombrelle's parent company) that their product was a "fail", but I forgot and now have 3/4 of a bottle of sunscreen which is beyond its due date for effectiveness.
What a waste of money!
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President's Choice Whey Isolate Protein Powder Vanilla
I'd been looking for an affordable, quality whey powder to use in lieu of more expensive Ideal Protein products, which also adhere to Ideal Protein's Phase 1 protocol. Based on the carb, fat, and protein percentages, the PC Whey Isolate Vanilla was... +
I'd been looking for an affordable, quality whey powder to use in lieu of more expensive Ideal Protein products, which also adhere to Ideal Protein's Phase 1 protocol. Based on the carb, fat, and protein percentages, the PC Whey Isolate Vanilla was just that, at a fraction of the cost, and with PC's money back guarantee.
One word: YUCK! No matter what I did to the shake mix or what I added to possibly improve the taste—pure vanilla extract, liquid flavouring (i.e Tang beverage drops), or packets of Splenda—the BITTERNESS of the product's stevia ruins it! Apparently, they used to make a better tasting protein powder flavoured with sucralose, but replaced it with stevia.
(If it ain't broke, don't fix it.)
Thankfully, I was able to return the unused portion of the big canister to my local Shoppers Drug Mart, where they were happy to do a direct exchange for the UNFLAVOURED, unsweetened PC Whey Protein Mix—a much more versatile product to use for shakes, cooking (i.e. pancakes), and baking, because one can add a sweetener of choice and other ingredients. NO bitter, gross stevia, whatsoever.
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LIFE BRAND Cleansing Oil
I like to double-cleanse when wearing heavier makeup: an oil-based remover to break-down polymers in long-wearing or waterproof formulations, usually followed by a gentle cleanser used with my 12-year-old original Clarisonic MD. I don't believe in... +
I like to double-cleanse when wearing heavier makeup: an oil-based remover to break-down polymers in long-wearing or waterproof formulations, usually followed by a gentle cleanser used with my 12-year-old original Clarisonic MD. I don't believe in paying a lot for makeup removers or cleansers, as they are essentially washed down the drain or tossed into the trash can. I'd rather invest in quality skincare and foundation.
Most of the time, I've enjoyed Shoppers Drug Mart's LIFE Brand products (likewise, their Baléa products and Loblaw-owed Presidents Choice). I also like the fact that I may return any LIFE, Baléa, or PC item to the store for a refund, credit, or exchange if I'm not happy with a product.
Many years ago, I received a bottle of Dermalogica PreCleansing Oil and loved its effectiveness, but not the price. Reading the description of the LIFE Brand Cleansing Oil before purchasing, it sounded like this could be an affordable dupe for the aforementioned, much pricier Dermalogica product—even allegedly turning into a milkier texture when massaged in with water.
Boy, was I wrong!
The texture reminded me of a silicone-based hair shine product, akin to Frizz-Ease Original Serum. I didn't like the smell or texture, though the product did breakdown most of my longer-wearing and highly pigmented makeup. MOST of it, but not all—it never seemed to remove all traces of waterproof mascara. I'd always wake up with mascara under my eyes, and ...
SWOLLEN, PUFFY, ITCHY eyes!
I tried the Cleansing Oil 3–4 times, with the same eye irritation resulting every single time. Also, before rinsing off and following with another cleanser, there were always traces of Cleansing Oil left behind, like a greasy film of sorts.
Thankfully, I was able to return the product for a full refund at a local Shoppers Drug Mart. Definitely won't be buying this product again, but am glad SDM stands behind its LIFE Brand return policy
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essence I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara
With over 20 years within the cosmetics/makeup industry, I have used everything from $40 prestige to $2.99 mascaras, and have never understood why some women pay a lot for mascara when there are absolutely AWESOME, inexpensive dupes available!... +
With over 20 years within the cosmetics/makeup industry, I have used everything from $40 prestige to $2.99 mascaras, and have never understood why some women pay a lot for mascara when there are absolutely AWESOME, inexpensive dupes available!
Last Christmas, I bought a duo gift set of Essence's I ❤️ Extreme Crazy Volume (regular, pink tube) and the waterproof version (blue tube). Though I can't say I was thrilled with the waterproof version—different style brush, formula flaked, different result—I swear the regular version is a near-dupe for $33 BeneFit "They're Real". Also, a near dupe for long-ago discontinued, also pricey Smashbox Hyperlash mascara.
$4.99 for "wow" factor? Yes, please! (especially since mascaras should be replaced every 3 months)
I love that I'm not only able to get every little lash, but also right to the root and waterline, giving the illusion of thicker lashes. Layered in 2 coats, applied over a primer: WOW!
The consistency is buildable, but not too thin or watery. I've found that the product wears for about 8 hours without beginning to scatter or smudge. No irritation when I wear my contact lenses either.
Unlike BeneFit's "They're Real", I ❤️ Extreme Volume Mascara from Essence is a breeze to remove at the end of the day. An oil-based product is not necessary, nor is tugging at lashes; just a quick sweep of micellare water, eye makeup remover, or a regular cleanser, and it's GONE! No residue left behind.
There is no need to pay more for a mascara, unless you feel the need to have prestige products in your arsenal. (Save the money for better skincare and foundation!) The only complaint I have about this product: it's not available in black/brown, brown, navy, or aubergine (if I want a softer look).
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Face Atelier Ultra Foundation
As an independent, professional level, indie brand, Calgary-based FACE atelier is small but mighty! Well known among authentic, working, experienced industry professionals, it is a shame that the brand isn't as well-known among novices and... +
As an independent, professional level, indie brand, Calgary-based FACE atelier is small but mighty! Well known among authentic, working, experienced industry professionals, it is a shame that the brand isn't as well-known among novices and consumers.
The star product of FACE atelier Cosmetics is its Ultra Foundation, and for good reason: it kicks a** on the competition, letting the product (not marketing) speak for itself, delivering incredibly flawless, adjustable, truly professional results for a diverse range of skin tones and mediums.
Pigment: an incredible amount! A little goes a long, long way!
Finish: satin.
Versatility: can be used in an airbrush machine; applied with fingers, sponges, or brushes—all produce gorgeous results! It can also be diluted with moisturizer to create a more sheer application.
The formula GLIDES on weightlessly, is sweat and water resistant, without SPF (no flash bounce-back!), suitable for HD use, floats atop of the skin, and is BETTER than Armani Lumnious Silk, for a fraction of the cost!
Available in two sizes: PRO (in plastic pumps) and Retail (glass bottles), I prefer PRO for its size and weight. I wear Porcelain in winter and Wheat in summer.
The product can be bought from the company's website (also: samples of products for $1), select retailers (including Kleinfeld's bridal boutique at The Bay, downtown Toronto), various online sources, and the odd professional industry tradeshow (The Makeup Show, not I.M.A.T.S.)
If you haven't tried it, you're missing out, and I suggest ordering samples directly from the company's website: https://www.faceatelier.com/category/complexion/
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Jouviance serum lèvres repulpant Plumpfx
Pucker up!💋 After using up the final remnants of what remained in my tube of LipFusion XL (discontinued) and having read negative reviews for LipFusion's more expensive XXL formula, I was on the hunt for a comparable product to produce the... +
Pucker up!💋
After using up the final remnants of what remained in my tube of LipFusion XL (discontinued) and having read negative reviews for LipFusion's more expensive XXL formula, I was on the hunt for a comparable product to produce the results of XL.
Canadian dermatological brand, Jouviance offers bang for buck, delivering results with its affordable, effective products. I've always been pleased with the brand whenever trying various items over the years. Their PlumpFX Serum is no exception!
Except, I'd hardly call it a "serum". It's a treatment product doubling as a smooth-textured, very slightly tinted lip gloss. (Think: your lips, but with subtle, natural enhancement.)
Not only is it a DUPE for pricier (discontinued) LipFusion XL, but delivers the same smoothness, mintiness, hydration, and subtle plumping results ... costing quite a bit less at $32 (regular price), and an even better price when on sale at SDM/beautyBOUTIQUE (plus, PC Optimum Points!)! I liked mine so much, I also bought a tube for my mother's stocking stuff this past Xmas.
Buy Canadian. Pay less. Get results. It's that simple.
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COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Mascara
I'm always game for trying dupes for high-end/prestige cosmetic products. It seems that COVERGIRL (Coty) sought to replicate TWO different cult favourite mascaras with their latest offering, Exhibitionist: the brush and volume of Too Faced's Better... +
I'm always game for trying dupes for high-end/prestige cosmetic products. It seems that COVERGIRL (Coty) sought to replicate TWO different cult favourite mascaras with their latest offering, Exhibitionist: the brush and volume of Too Faced's Better Than Sex mascara, as well as tube-formulation of Blinc mascara. For $13.99 (Shoppers Drug Mart), it was a fraction of the cost of the aforementioned, and I hoped for the best. I bought the regular formula in Black, not waterproof.
Sadly and although a lot of consumers really like or love Exhibitionist Mascara, I am not one of those people who will repurchase the formulation. Not only was there no "wow" factor with the volume or results, but both times I tried it, I ended up with little black speckles/flakes on my cheeks within hours of applying, as well as irritated eyes (contact lenses). Thankfully, Shoppers Drug Mart accepted my return (with receipt), and Coty Cosmetics sent me a $20 voucher to purchase something else. (Great customer service!)
Mascara is a really personal choice. Every user has their Holy Grail formulation and go-to. (Hell hath no fury like a woman or man whose favourite mascara or foundation has been discontinued!) COVERGIRL Exhibitionist is not, nor will ever be, my go-to.
Word to the wise: always keep your sales receipt when purchasing new cosmetics, regardless of where you've purchased from. Shoppers Drug Mart can be hit/miss for accepting return (depending on each store and its Associate Owner's policies); many SDMs will only accept in-store cosmetic returns if the customer has had a reaction to a product (i.e. allergy or irritation), not based on liking a product or colour. If items are ordered/purchased from Shoppers' online beautyBOUTIQUE site, YES, even used products may be returned to any SDM for a refund! Some beautyBOUTIQUE locations will accept in-store purchase returns only for high-end products or in the instance of an allergy/irritant in a budget brand. London Drugs and Walmart have much better return policies for budget brands. Use it, don't like it: it can be returned for a refund if you have the receipt.
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