Charmheart16
Member Since: March 17, 2011Reviews
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara
In addition to the Covergirl Lashblast, the L'oreal Voluminous Carbon Black (Waterproof) has become my HG mascara. It comes with the typical fiber bristles, slightly tapering at the end. The first time I used this mascara, I found the formula... +
In addition to the Covergirl Lashblast, the L'oreal Voluminous Carbon Black (Waterproof) has become my HG mascara. It comes with the typical fiber bristles, slightly tapering at the end. The first time I used this mascara, I found the formula to be too watery but that's the case with most newly opened mascaras. The longer I used it, the thicker the consistency became making it easier to apply. While it does not volumize as well as the Covergirl LashBlast, it's good at lengthening and separating your lashes. I have not had a problem with the mascara clumping and this mascara holds the curl pretty well. It has pretty good lasting power (I have worn it for more than 7 hours).
Because I have oily eyelids and due to the shape of me eyes, this mascara sometimes smudge on my bottom lash line but not as bad as some other mascaras I have tried. It is harder to remove so it's best to use makeup remover specifically made for waterproof makeup (I use the Clean and Clear Soothing Eye Makeup Remover). Overall it's a pretty effective mascara for such an inexpensive price. I would definitely repurchase this again.
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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100
Description: Provides photostable broad specturm UVA/UVB protection and combines it with Dry-Touch technology to give an ultra-light, non-shiny finish. This lightweight sunscreen applies easily and has a light, fresh scent. Formula is waterproof... +
Description: Provides photostable broad specturm UVA/UVB protection and combines it with Dry-Touch technology to give an ultra-light, non-shiny finish. This lightweight sunscreen applies easily and has a light, fresh scent. Formula is waterproof, sweatproof, and won't clog pores.
Sunscreen is another must-have in your skincare routine. Regardless if it's summer or winter, it's always recommended that you wear sunscreen. It has taken me a while to find a sunscreen that works for my skin but the Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry-touch Sunscreen has become one of my favourite sunscreens.
There are several reasons why this sunscreen is one of the best. It's effective to use all over the body but sensitive enough to use on the face. It did not leave me with any rash and did not make me breakout unlike other sunscreens I have tried previously. It provides protection for both UVA and UVB (you should always look for sunscreen that provides protection for both) and has one of the highest SPF (I currently have the one with SPF 110) which makes it specially ideal to use during the summer. It has a thicker consistency but with the Dry-Touch technology, it does not leave your skin looking oily - it leaves your skin looking matte. It's lightweight and fast-absorbing, making it ideal to wear under moisturizer and makeup.
It claims to be waterproof and sweat-proof. I have not had a problem with it withstanding sweat. However, I did find that after exposing it to water, it leaves your skin looking ashy so there's a need to reapply after swimming/washing.
The price is a little expensive (~$12) so I suggest buying it when it's on sale. I won't hesitate buying this product again. I brought this with me when I traveled to Peru and being in high elevation, you have a high risk of getting sunburned. I wore this everyday and came back to Canada with no sunburn. This is one of the most effective sunscreens I have tried and I highly recommend it.
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Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner
I have combination-oily skin that is prone to pimples (specifically around my cheeks and forehead). Using a toner is a step I don't dare skip during my skincare routine. I use if after cleansing and before applying moisturizer. Since using the... +
I have combination-oily skin that is prone to pimples (specifically around my cheeks and forehead). Using a toner is a step I don't dare skip during my skincare routine. I use if after cleansing and before applying moisturizer. Since using the Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner, there has been a noticeable difference in my skin and I have not had many breakouts.
This toner, with it's alcohol-free formula, is very gentle on the skin. It provides a cooling sensation without the stinging feeling you get with alcohol-based toners. It lives up to the claim of not stripping the skin's natural moisturizers and does not leave my skin feeling dry and flaky. I would definitely repurchase this.
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Dove Cream Oil Body Wash
I don't tend to stick to the same body wash since there is such a wide array of choices available out there. Having said that, the Dove Cream Oil Body Wash is one of my favourites. It's inexpensive and you get a large amount of product. I... +
I don't tend to stick to the same body wash since there is such a wide array of choices available out there. Having said that, the Dove Cream Oil Body Wash is one of my favourites. It's inexpensive and you get a large amount of product. I love the scent selections they have. Unlike other body washes where the scent disappears once your skin is dry, the scent of the Dove body wash remains detectable. When I use this, I notice that my skin is not as dry but I do still need to use moisturizer. It has a slightly thicker and creamier consistency than your typical body wash. It lathers well, rinses off well and does not leave any residue. I would definitely continue to repurchase this product. -
Marcelle BB Cream
The Marcelle BB Cream Beauty Balm is claimed to be the first Canadian-made BB cream which was recently released early February. I was very excited to try out this product since I have been a long-time user of Asian BB creams and I was curious as to... +
The Marcelle BB Cream Beauty Balm is claimed to be the first Canadian-made BB cream which was recently released early February. I was very excited to try out this product since I have been a long-time user of Asian BB creams and I was curious as to how this product measures up. When this was finally made available at my local Shopper's Drug Mart, I had to get my hands on it and I have been religiously using it for the last two weeks.
PACKAGING: I was impressed at how much thought they put into the packaging. It comes in a white plastic tube with a pump. Not only does it make it more sanitary but it allows you to control how much of the product to dispense. Unlike other BB creams which come in 30ml tubes, this one comes with 45ml of the product.
PRICE and AVAILABILITY: The price is reasonable. It's $24.99 and is available at Shopper's Drug Mart but they sometimes have 15-30% OFF SALE on their Marcelle products. I was able to purchase mine for $17.99. It's more affordable than the other Asian BB creams I have tried and is more readily available at drugstores. The nuisance with Asian BB creams is that I either have to order it online or visit an Asian Cosmetics store in Toronto.
This BB claims to provide 8 in 1 Multi-Benefits
(1) Evens out skin tone
(2) Offers immediate and long-term hydrating benefits
(3) Protects from premature aging and environmental stresses
(4) Promotes skin regeneration
(5) Controls shine
(6) Soothes and Calms
(7) Reduces the appearance of imperfections
(8) Provides anti-dull radiant complexion
While I can't attest to the long-term benefits (i.e. protection from premature aging), I have been liking this BB cream for the following reasons
- It has cut own my makeup routine time in half. It is suggested that this BB cream be used as
a lightweight moisturizer, a tinted corrector, or a make-up base. While I still have to apply a moisturizer, I don't have to apply as much and I have skipped applying a makeup base/primer and setting powder altogether. This BB cream is extremely easy to apply - can be applied with your fingers (which is what I usually do) or with a brush. This is ideal for those days when you need to get out of the house quickly, still want an even complexion but don't want to go through the trouble of applying layers and layers of makeup. It's also great to bring in your purse for touch-ups during the day, which is harder to do with foundations.
- It evens out my skin tone without that mask-like appearance that foundations have. It gives your skin a radiant and healthy appearance, looks natural, and is very lightweight. My skin is combination-oily and this BB cream lives up to the claim of controlling shine. It blends really well and it applies smoothly since it does have that perfect moisturizer-like consistency. I have redness on my cheeks and the aloe and chamomile in this product has helped in soothing my skin.
- My skin has been very cooperative lately and I'm not in need of heavy coverage. This BB cream is enough to conceal any imperfections I want to cover up. During days when I need more coverage, I wear this then use concealer to cover up any blemishes that are still visible. It has a medium coverage - better than your typical tinted moisturizer but not as good as a full coverage foundation. If you have a lot of blemishes or very visible discoloration then this product will not offer that full coverage you want. However, this can work as a great base under your foundation. Since it does a good job at evening out your skin tone, you don't need to apply as much foundation.
- It's easy to remove and my Olay Daily Facial Cleansing Cloth removes it just fine. It claims to be hypo-allergenic, perfume free, paraben free, oil free, and non-comedogenic. This is one of the main reasons why I prefer using BB creams to foundation - it's a lot more gentle and forgiving on your skin. This has not made me break out and it has not clogged my pores. My skin is really sensitive and I love that it's fragrance free and paraben free.
THE CONS
- This BB cream only comes in two shades - light to medium and medium to dark. I have medium skin tone with yellow undertones and the medium to dark blends very well with my skin. While it does claim to have self-adjusting pigments, I don't see this working for someone with darker skin tones and very light skin tones so that limits the group this BB cream can cater for.
-For a BB cream, I am surprised that it does not contain SPF since every Asian BB cream I have used offered some sun-protection. It's not a big deal for me since my moisturizer already provides sun-protection but for a product that claims to do so much, it should at least have SPF. I did hear that Marcelle is currently in the process of making one with SPF.
- Don't expect this to be a miracle product that solves every skin problem you have. While it can even out your skin tone and cover up some imperfections, a full coverage foundation would be better suited for those with a lot of blemishes and discoloration.
THE VERDICT: This is a huge improvement to the already available North American brands of BB creams. While I like the Asian BB creams slightly more, the Marcelle BB cream is pretty comparable, is more affordable, and more readily available. I can see myself repurchasing this product and if they come out with one with SPF, then for sure I will get my hands on those.
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Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets
Out of all blotting sheets I've tried, this is my favourite. It's very effective at removing excess oil to control shine. It removes oil without removing your make-up. Unlike paper-like oil blotting sheets, these sheets are made with a... +
Out of all blotting sheets I've tried, this is my favourite. It's very effective at removing excess oil to control shine. It removes oil without removing your make-up. Unlike paper-like oil blotting sheets, these sheets are made with a thicker plastic-like material so they are more sturdy and don't start to rip the more you use it. As it absorbs the oil, the blotting sheet turns transparent so you know when you'll need a new one. It absorbs a lot of oil but it doesn't transfer it to your hands. -
L'Oreal Professionnel Intense Repair Masque
Firstly, thanks to Chick Advisor for sending me the products to try out and review. I was very excited to give these two products a try since my hair is in definite need of some care and recuperation. I decided to try the shampoo separately for a... +
Firstly, thanks to Chick Advisor for sending me the products to try out and review. I was very excited to give these two products a try since my hair is in definite need of some care and recuperation. I decided to try the shampoo separately for a few days, then used it together with the hair masque to see if it makes a difference.
HAIR PROFILE
I have long black layered straight hair. Years of using heat appliances and getting my hair coloured, has left the ends of my hair extremely brittle and dry. At the same time, I have a problem of oily roots so it's difficult to find the right shampoo and conditioner that leaves my hair moisturized but not oily.
While I was not a fan of the L'oreal Professionel Intense Repair Shampoo, I really liked the L'oreal Repair Masque for the following reasons.
(1) It has a pleasant banana scent which is not overpowering.
(2) It has a thick consistency. While you only get 200mL of the product, you don't need to use a lot to get your hair moisturized. It rinses off well. Unlike other conditioners I have used previously which felt heavy on my hair, my hair still feels clean and light after using it.
(3) This masque was the perfect solution to my oily roots and dry, brittle ends. It moisturized my hair but did not leave it greasy. Unlike other conditioners that weigh down your hair, this masque still maintained hair volume.
(4) The ends of my hair has a tendency to get wavy. Not only did this masque leave my hair soft and shiny, it left it more straight reducing the need for me to straighten my hair.
There are a couple of cons with this product. The application is a little time consuming since you need to towel-dry your hair first before applying the product and having to wait a few minutes before rinsing it out but I don't really mind taking the additional time to do that since the end result is well worth it. It is costly but this masque is not something I would resort to using on a daily basis - maybe once or twice a week would be enough. I would still consider purchasing it specially during the winter months when the cold weather really wreaks havoc on my hair.
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L'Oreal Professionnel Intense Repair Shampoo
Firstly, thanks to Chick Advisor for sending me the products to try out and review. I was very excited to give these two products a try since my hair is in definite need of some care and recuperation. I decided to try the shampoo separately for a... +
Firstly, thanks to Chick Advisor for sending me the products to try out and review. I was very excited to give these two products a try since my hair is in definite need of some care and recuperation. I decided to try the shampoo separately for a few days, then used it together with the hair masque to see if it makes a difference.
HAIR PROFILE
I have long black layered straight hair. Years of using heat appliances and getting my hair coloured, has left the ends of my hair extremely brittle and dry. At the same time, I have a problem of oily roots so it's difficult to find the right shampoo that leaves my hair moisturized but not oily.
THE PROS
- The product lathers really well. Even with long hair, I did not need to use a substantial amount of the product to wash all of my hair. It rinses well, does not leave any residue and does not feel heavy on the hair. I like that it has a light banana/melon scent unlike other shampoos with artificial/chemical scents.
- The product has de-tangling properties. After using the product, I noticed that my hair is slightly softer and easier to comb after washing.
- It slightly moisturized my hair and I like the fact that it did not leave the roots of my hair oily.
- My scalp is sensitive to shampoo change and I was worried that trying out a new product on my hair would leave me with dandruff but luckily I didn't have that problem with this shampoo.
THE CONS
- It is expensive. For the price, I would expect to get more product but the bottle is smaller than most drugstore/high-end shampoos.
- While it did leave my hair slightly softer, for a product of that price, I expected it to do more. The ends of my hair were only slightly more moisturized than how it was before using the shampoo. If I wanted my hair to feel only SLIGHTLY softer, I could just use a less expensive conditioner and get the same result instead of spending the $30 on a shampoo.
- After using it for a few days, my hair got accustomed to the product and it no longer left my hair as soft as the first time I used it.
FINAL VERDICT
I probably would not buy this product again. For the price, it was not as effective as I had expected. After trying out the shampoo separately and then again with the masque, I would consider just buying the masque because it has better moisturizing properties and worked more effectively than the shampoo for my hair.
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e.l.f. Cosmetics Studio Kabuki Brush
I love the E.L.F. Kabuki Brush. I was a little skeptical at first and questioned whether it was really a good quality brush since it was very inexpensive, but this has become one of my make-up must haves. It's perfect to use with powder... +
I love the E.L.F. Kabuki Brush. I was a little skeptical at first and questioned whether it was really a good quality brush since it was very inexpensive, but this has become one of my make-up must haves. It's perfect to use with powder foundation, pressed powder, mineral make-up, bronzers, and blushes. It's extremely soft and won't scratch your skin. It's dense so it works wonderfully at picking up the product and is perfect for blending powders, bronzers, etc. I have had no problem with it shedding. I definitely won't hesitate to purchase this product again. Worth every penny. -
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette
I've tried a lot of perfumes but for some reason I always keep coming back to this particular one. According to the website, the perfume is described as having: TOP Note: Invigorating Sicilian cedar melds with the crisp vibrancy of apple and... +
I've tried a lot of perfumes but for some reason I always keep coming back to this particular one.
According to the website, the perfume is described as having:
TOP Note: Invigorating Sicilian cedar melds with the crisp vibrancy of apple and the guileless charm of bluebell to evoke the essence of a South Italian Summer
HEART Note: The freshness of bamboo nestles amid a gloriously feminine bouquet of decadent jasmine and delicate white rose.
BASE Note: Redolent citron wood is entwined with voluptuous amber and suggestive caress of musk.
Why it's a favourite:
- I'm not fond of either overly strong musky scents nor do I like extremely sweet and fruity/citrus scents. The D&G;Light Blue perfume provides the perfect blend of of both to create a scent that's easy to love. The top note is very fresh, light, clean, and with a hint of citrus that's truly reminiscent of a walk through an orchard on a nice, cool summer day.
- While the top note is light and refreshing, the base note adds a bit more sophistication with the amber and musk, yet it's not overpowering and too bold a scent that it gives you a headache. This perfume would be perfect to wear during the day but with the warm base notes, it's also ideal to use as an evening perfume.
- A little goes a long way and this scent is not at all overpowering. It's a milder scent compared to other perfumes. I've had nothing but compliments when I wore it. This perfume is ideal for a wide age range because it's light and fresh enough for younger users but because of the warm base note, could also be worn by someone older.
However, like what a lot of people have commented on, this is a very popular scent so if you are looking for a unique and distinct scent, this might not be t ideal perfume for you.
While this perfume is on the pricier end, I definitely think it's worth the price and I would not hesitate getting another bottle once I run out. I highly recommended this perfume if you are looking for a scent that is light, refreshing, clean, and with a warm undertone that's not too overpowering.
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