mamaluv
Member Since: September 8, 2006Reviews
Lancôme Paris Juicy Tubes
I received #123 Dot Apricot to review, a sheer peachy colour that smells richly of apricots and tastes faintly of them too. Yum! I prefer lip products with natural ingredients since the only place they land is in your stomach, especially when you... +
I received #123 Dot Apricot to review, a sheer peachy colour that smells richly of apricots and tastes faintly of them too. Yum!
I prefer lip products with natural ingredients since the only place they land is in your stomach, especially when you reapply multiple times during the day. These Juicy Tubes include Shea Butter and Honey, so they are moisturizing at the same time. As a gloss, it wears no differently than the more chemically competitors so you won't sacrifice wearability for natural ingredients.
It's a little more expensive than I'd prefer but for a Lancome product the price is on par. A fun (and delicious) little splurge for yourself, or a welcome addition to a gift basket for a friend!
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Quo Diamonds & Ice Face Palette
When I first received this product to review, I thought it was too sparkly and the colours too icy. Then I started fiddling around with it and realized how much fun it was to use. This set comes with 12 eyeshadows (pinks/plums, champagnes/mochas... +
When I first received this product to review, I thought it was too sparkly and the colours too icy. Then I started fiddling around with it and realized how much fun it was to use.
This set comes with 12 eyeshadows (pinks/plums, champagnes/mochas, mint/forest greens), 3 blushes (peach, dusky rose, gold), 2 bronzers (light, dark), and 12 lipsticks/glosses. It also includes applicator brushes for each component and the case itself is a two layer set that collapses to save space - so practical!
I don't particularly love the applicators, preferring my own brushes instead, but you really could pack just this case plus a favourite foundation and mascara to have everything you need to create many different looks and moods. You may also want an eyelid primer, as the shadows will adhere much better and be less prone to creasing.
For the price point, this is a great product to use or to give to your niece who's just starting to experiment with makeup. The sparkle adds a fun factor. Recommended!
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CARGO Cosmetics 7 in 7 Mini Kit
I'm not the type to have 100s of makeup products in my cabinet, and I always try to travel light. Usually that meant I'd grab my favourite foundation, eyeliner, mascara, and gloss only in an effort to save space. And that's why I love... +
I'm not the type to have 100s of makeup products in my cabinet, and I always try to travel light. Usually that meant I'd grab my favourite foundation, eyeliner, mascara, and gloss only in an effort to save space.
And that's why I love this Cargo set! It really has everything you need and I love the brand's quality. It's also a good opportunity to test smaller versions of their products before you go and buy the full-size for home use.
If I had a critique, it would be that there are no applicator brushes included. I suppose you can use your fingers for some of it, but I rely heavily on my hardware and can't achieve quite the look I want without them.
I am also not a fan of the reverse lip liner. I used it one time and tried to blend as best I could, but it was the first thing my mom and sister noticed when I walked into the room. "What's... that?" Not in a good way. Once I blended further, it didn't really do the job it was intended for. Perhaps I just don't know how to apply it properly, so I may experiment with it further.
That all aside, I definitely recommend this kit overall. The colours are well coordinated and you can't beat CARGO quality. Thumbs up!
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Benefit Cosmetics Lemon Aid Color Correcting Eyelid Primer
This is my first eyelid primer, so I had no idea what to expect. Turns out, I had no idea what I was missing. Creasing/bleeding - substantially improved Colour payoff on my favourite shadows - also greatly improved I even like this base colour... +
This is my first eyelid primer, so I had no idea what to expect. Turns out, I had no idea what I was missing.
Creasing/bleeding - substantially improved
Colour payoff on my favourite shadows - also greatly improved
I even like this base colour enough to wear almost by itself (disclaimer: I have pale skin and green eyes, so it's a close match right there) with a little liner and mascara.
Although I received this product free to review from Benefit, I will pick up a new package when this runs out. I recommend it!
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Maybelline New York Eye Studio Eyeshadow Quad
I received the 'Give Me Gold' quad from Eye Studio to review. This is just so fun to play with and wear! It's quite sparkly so may not be a great candidate for everyday, but I would definitely wear it for a night out. The colour... +
I received the 'Give Me Gold' quad from Eye Studio to review.
This is just so fun to play with and wear! It's quite sparkly so may not be a great candidate for everyday, but I would definitely wear it for a night out. The colour payoff is great, though I find using a primer makes a big difference unless you're aiming for a more sheer look.
The 'Gold' quad includes a dark brown, bronze, gold, and champagne which delivers a glam but neutral look. I have green eyes and don't usually wear this combo of colours, but I think this just might change my mind.
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Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lip Gloss
I received this product in 'Hooked on Pink' (#065) from Maybelline New York to review. As a lip gloss junkie, my expectations are sky high. The Bottom Line: I love this gloss! This particular shade is a dark warm pink with great pigment... +
I received this product in 'Hooked on Pink' (#065) from Maybelline New York to review. As a lip gloss junkie, my expectations are sky high.
The Bottom Line: I love this gloss! This particular shade is a dark warm pink with great pigment payoff. It colours like a lipstick, shines like a gloss, and wears soothingly like a lip balm. When I learned that one of the key ingredients is honey nectar, I wasn't surprised in the least. What did surprise me was the complete lack of stickiness I have experienced with most other glosses.
This is my current favourite lip gloss - heck: lipstick, balm, everything. I will certainly look for more when this tube runs out. Recommended!
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Thierry Mugler Womanity Perfume
I received this perfume to review from the lovely people at Clarins. Further disclosure: I don't know much about perfume - but I do know what I like and what I definitely do not. This fragrance is unlike anything I've tried before. Love... +
I received this perfume to review from the lovely people at Clarins. Further disclosure: I don't know much about perfume - but I do know what I like and what I definitely do not.
This fragrance is unlike anything I've tried before. Love at first spray? Well, I needed to experience Womanity over several hours before I could make up my mind - and the answer is YES.
It starts off quite sweet and fruity, but then the midnote of caviar (yes really!) brings in this really interesting savory salty blend. It feels moody and broody like the ocean but not overpowering or fishy in any way; a really neat mesh with the fruity fig that lingers still. Later, it settles into a soothing woody note that lingers all day long - and that is my favourite part.
This is a perfume that will not be for everyone (note to the guys out there: let your lady test this one out first before shelling out the money). However, if you like it, you will LOVE it. It will be available as an eau de toilette and body line, but what I currently have is the eau de parfum.
When you try this, make sure you keep it on as it transitions through the fragrance notes. I think of it as appetizer, main course and dessert: each flavour is different, but they are all delicious.
A thumbs up from me!
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Nutella Hazelnut Spread
I can't even keep up with buying Nutella - and I buy it at Costco in the double pack. My family powers through this stuff so quickly, I have to ration it. And that's probably a good thing, since it is a higher-cal food item. While you... +
I can't even keep up with buying Nutella - and I buy it at Costco in the double pack. My family powers through this stuff so quickly, I have to ration it.
And that's probably a good thing, since it is a higher-cal food item. While you might think this is pure dessert, it's actually quite comparable to peanut butter in terms of protein/nutritional value because the main ingredient is hazelnut. Chocolate is actually just a flavouring addition in Nutella, not the other way around.
It's also great for people who have peanut allergies but can tolerate tree nuts (peanut is in fact a legume, which is a totally different plant group botanically speaking).
When eaten in moderation, Nutella is a great choice for a breakfast side or quick chocolaty pick-me-up! Better than a Snicker's bar, that's for sure!
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The Body Shop Nutriganics Smoothing Serum
I received the Nutriganics Smoothing Serum to review from The Body Shop. To be honest, it took me a while to decide on it. For a start, I didn't notice marked results for some time, but that was because I had been using another anti-aging... +
I received the Nutriganics Smoothing Serum to review from The Body Shop.
To be honest, it took me a while to decide on it. For a start, I didn't notice marked results for some time, but that was because I had been using another anti-aging serum and I wonder if there was not much more improvement that could be made.
However, I did start to notice softening of fine lines after several weeks and my skin adjusted quite quickly to the formula (I usually have problems when switching). What I loved best about this serum was the light scent, the feeling of delicate moisturization and overall smoother texture to my skin as a result of using this product.
This serum is not necessarily meant to be used alone, but as a step in between washing and applying your daily moisturizer. However, I agree that if you do not normally need a heavier moisturizer, this product may well do the job for you. It doesn't contain spf, so you should be careful to use a facial sunscreen on top.
I love Body Shop's commitment to eco and social issues and am excited about the whole Nutriganics line.
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Lise Watier 24 Hours Glam Mascara
I received this mascara for review from Lise Watier. Being a huge fan of LW products already, I was expecting great quality. This mascara lived up to my expectations and then some. As others have mentioned, this is a lash tube-type mascara... +
I received this mascara for review from Lise Watier. Being a huge fan of LW products already, I was expecting great quality. This mascara lived up to my expectations and then some.
As others have mentioned, this is a lash tube-type mascara, similar in wear to L'Oreal's Double Extend Beauty Tubes except that it's a one step process. Because of the tube technology, it washes off thoroughly with soap.
It is long wearing, doesn't flake or run, and holds curl well. Since it's waterproof, it is reasonably resistant to moisture, though it won't survive a shower intact.
I really have nothing negative to say about this product. The price point is a little higher than I've paid in the past, but very competitive with other high end brands in whose company Lise Watier certainly belongs.
I would definitely buy this again. Recommended!
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