sparrow
Member Since: April 13, 2010Reviews
Batiste Dry Shampoo Lotus
I received the product free as part of the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club with #tryBatiste. I have been an avid user of Batiste dry shampoos for many years. I have yet to come across a scent I dislike, and I find that all the scents work... +
I received the product free as part of the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club with #tryBatiste.
I have been an avid user of Batiste dry shampoos for many years. I have yet to come across a scent I dislike, and I find that all the scents work effectively at controlling the greasy look of even 4 day old hair. I have fine, colour-treated hair and I try to only wash my hair once or twice a week and batiste is one of the products that has made fewer hair washes possible. I can keep my colour intact without looking like a greasball. I will continue to use batiste and recommend it to anyone!
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Vichy Normaderm Corrective Anti-Acne Treatment 24h Hydrating Lotion
I received this product as part of the Chick Advisor Product Review Club. I received the whole Vichy Normadern range to test out. The cleanser and the astringent toner I did not like, however, I did like the moisturizer. I like that there was... +
I received this product as part of the Chick Advisor Product Review Club. I received the whole Vichy Normadern range to test out. The cleanser and the astringent toner I did not like, however, I did like the moisturizer. I like that there was salicylic acid in it to help with my oily t-zone and blackheads. The only thing that I do NOT LIKE about this product is that I can't wear it under makeup - so I could only use it at night. I found that my makeup applied terribly on top of this moisturizer. It was uneven and cakey. On a couple of occasions, I actually ended up washing off my makeup and applying a different moisturizer (La Roche Posay toleriane) and re-applying my makeup that way. Even only using this at night, when I wake up, my skin is hydrated and not oily. -
Vichy Normaderm Anti-Acne Purifying Gel Cleanser
I received this product as part of the Chick Advisor Product Review Club. I used to use the Vichy Normaderm range about ten years ago when I was a young teenager. My skin hasn't changed much since then: I have combination skin, with an oily T-zone... +
I received this product as part of the Chick Advisor Product Review Club. I used to use the Vichy Normaderm range about ten years ago when I was a young teenager. My skin hasn't changed much since then: I have combination skin, with an oily T-zone, and I suffer from blackheads, mostly on my forehead. I'm not too fussed about which cleanser I use. I most commonly just use cetaphil or cerave - simple, effective, and not too expensive. I don't think that the Vichy Normadern cleanser was anything special compared to the more simple cleansers I use most often. The whole Normaderm range as a unpleasant smell to it, at least to my sense of smell, so I already did not enjoy using the products for that reason. Also, because my skin is combination, I found that this cleanser was too stripping on the parts of my skin that are more dry. I did not find that this cleanser was any more effective at removing residual makeup (I always remove my makeup with a cleansing oil first), I did not help that it helped combat my blacks or oily t-zone. I would not repurchase this cleanser. -
Vichy Normaderm Purifying Pore-Tightening Lotion
I received this product from the Chick Advisor Product Review Club. I have never really had bad cystic acne, but I do suffer from an oily T-zone and blackheads. I remember when I was a young teenager, I used to use the whole Vichy Normaderm line. I... +
I received this product from the Chick Advisor Product Review Club. I have never really had bad cystic acne, but I do suffer from an oily T-zone and blackheads. I remember when I was a young teenager, I used to use the whole Vichy Normaderm line. I was looking forward to trying this line again as part of the Chick Advisor Product Review Club. First thing I noticed was the smell: it was very nostalgic, the smell hasn't changed at all since I used this product almost 10 years ago. Over the course of time, I prefer to use skincare products without added fragrance or without offensive smells. I do not like the smell of this product at all. I'm not a huge fan of alcohol-based astringent toners because I find them to be too stripping. I couldn't used this product anywhere on my face other than my T-zone because my skin just felt too tight after using it. I don't think this product did anything to help combat my oily T-zone or my blackheads. I prefer using other toners (i.e. Paula'a Choice, Clarins, Clinique). I would not buy this product again. -
Thayers Rose Petal Facial Toner Witch Hazel Aloe Vera Formula
This toner changed my mind completely about toners. I used to think that all toners were harsh, alcohol based astringents, meant to strip your skin of all impurities, and moisture along with it for that matter. I don't know what possessed me to try... +
This toner changed my mind completely about toners. I used to think that all toners were harsh, alcohol based astringents, meant to strip your skin of all impurities, and moisture along with it for that matter. I don't know what possessed me to try this toner, but I'm glad I did. It's alcohol free so it's not drying to the skin, plus it has glycerin and vitamin E in it to actually help the skin retain its moisture. Rose is supposedly a great ingredient for lightening dark spots and overall balancing of the skin. I have very sensitive skin, and it didn't react at all to this; it's just like putting rose water on your face (and it's pretty inexpensive too!). I love this product. It's refreshing, cleansing, and beautifying -
Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil
I didn't really know what category to put this facial oil under - it's not a moisturizer, per se, but it does have moisturizing properties and benefits. It's not an anti-aging product, per se, but it is geared towards people in the market for... +
I didn't really know what category to put this facial oil under - it's not a moisturizer, per se, but it does have moisturizing properties and benefits. It's not an anti-aging product, per se, but it is geared towards people in the market for anti-anging products, although anybody - any age, any skin type - would reap the benefits of this product. That being said, let's get into the review...
Clarins is my number one, all-time favourite skincare brand. Across the board, they use wonderful ingredients in their skincare and makeup products that are effective and do no harm to the skin. I do love a good facial oil. I used to think that I have oily/combo skin and thought that every product that I should be using should be oil free! Boy, was I wrong. I realize now that I have combo, dehydrated skin. I suffer from dry cheeks, somewhat oily t-zone, acne scars, blackheads, and skin reactions in the form of flaky bits from a new retinoid cream that my dermatologist prescribed to me. My skin is sensitive and I'm also very fair. I'm also only twenty years old. I'm a firm believer in using effective, "anti-aging" products on your skin when you're young so that your skin will thank you in the future. That includes sunscreen, people!
Just because something is an oil does not mean that it's going to make you breakout. I am a huge fan of facial oils. I've already completely used up a bottle of the Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil and my skin loved it! I wanted to try something a little different so I decided to pick up the Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil. Facial oils soak up quickly in the skin, and the Clarins oil makes my skin feel smooth and plump after each use. There are no additional fragrances or ingredients in this oil - only the essentials. My sensitive skin has not experienced any adverse reactions to this product and I've been using it daily for about 3 weeks now. Clarins writes this about the blue orchid facial oil on their website: "Anti-aging treatment oil softens and hydrates dry skin types. A concentrate of Rosewood, Patchouli and Blue Orchid extracts tones, revitalizes and restores radiance to moisture-depleted skin. Hazelnut Oil helps prevent moisture loss and the formation of fine lines. Non-staining. Preservative-free." --- Sounds good to me! I use 3 to 4 drops every night all over my face and neck in lieu of a regular cream moisturizer. I use it as the last step in my nighttime skincare routine, after all my other serums and oils (Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair is another great product). I couldn't recommend this product enough, or just facial oils in general. Do not fear the oil! Your skin will thank you. Once I stopped looking for products that were only oil-free, my skin completely turned around and has been in the best shape! Although Clarins products are expensive, I think that 99% of the time, they are completely worth the price
I have many more Clarins reviews coming in the near future
*I'm sorry if that review got a bit rambly
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Bourjois Paris Healthy Mix Serum Foundation
For the first time in my life, I have been suffering from dry skin. This winter was particularly brutal in Ottawa and my skin really took a beating. I was finding that my old go-to foundations weren't sitting well anymore on my skin - they would... +
For the first time in my life, I have been suffering from dry skin. This winter was particularly brutal in Ottawa and my skin really took a beating. I was finding that my old go-to foundations weren't sitting well anymore on my skin - they would cling to any dry patches. I tried using heavier moisturizers before applying foundation, but the dry patches would poke through as the day went on. At the recommendations of a youtuber, essibutton, I tried the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation. Funnily enough, I already had it in my "stash" of foundations, so it was a simple switch up from my usual Neutrogena Healthy Skin to the Bourjois one. I was so happy I made the change. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation glides so effortless over my skin, including my dry patches, and it stays on all day. It's nearly undetectable to the naked eye, which is one feature that is a MUST for me in any foundation. It's so easy to blend into the skin, I've applied it using fingers, a brush, and a beauty blender sponge, all have resulted in a flawless face. I do need apply concealer after over any dark spots or blemishes. The coverage of this foundation is leaning more to the lighter finish end of the light-to-medium spectrum. The only big concern with this product is that it's difficult to find (only sold at Shopper's Drug Mart in Canada, and even then, not all locations carry bourjois) and the shade range is wretched (only 5 shades, catering mostly to pale caucasian folk). If you have dry skin, I would recommend this foundation. -
NARS Blush
Although these blushes are expensive, they are some of the best on the market, in my opinion. I have a couple of different shades but my favourites are "Mata Hari," "Amour," and "Deep Throat." The pigmentation is excellent, and they really do last... +
Although these blushes are expensive, they are some of the best on the market, in my opinion. I have a couple of different shades but my favourites are "Mata Hari," "Amour," and "Deep Throat." The pigmentation is excellent, and they really do last all day on your skin. They are not chalky or overly powdery. They come in a huge variety of colours so there is something for everyone. I know the shade "Orgasm" is a cult favourite, but I think that "Amour" is a shade that will literally work on every skin tone. All major beauty buffs should have at least one Nars blush in their collection, it's so worth it! -
Gillette Venus Spa Breeze
i received this product for free as a part of the chick advisor review club I don't think the added moisture bar on this razors helps to better moisturize the skin that I'm shaving. It also gets in the way of the actual shaving process, and the... +
i received this product for free as a part of the chick advisor review club
I don't think the added moisture bar on this razors helps to better moisturize the skin that I'm shaving. It also gets in the way of the actual shaving process, and the moisture bar gets incredibly goopy and gunky after only a couple of days. To buy this razors in stores isn't too unreasonably priced, but the refills are very expensive. Considering how many times you would have to replace the cartridge, because the moisture bar dissolves quickly and the blades aren't that sharp to begin with, I think these razors are a waste. I usually buy men's disposable razors - if those are sharp enough and gentle enough to shave a man's coarse facial hair everyday, then they're good enough for me.
I would not purchase the venus spa breeze razor
*I will say this: these razors are good for traveling being cause you don't need shaving cream, and they would probably only stay sharp for as long as any vacation would last anyways
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Gillette Venus & Olay Razor
I received this product free to review as part of the Chick Advisor Review Club For many years, I have steered clear of women's razors because I find that there are too many gimmicks involved with the product that detract from it's actual ability to... +
I received this product free to review as part of the Chick Advisor Review Club
For many years, I have steered clear of women's razors because I find that there are too many gimmicks involved with the product that detract from it's actual ability to shave. I prefer men's razors overall because they tend to be much sharper than women's, and they last longer
That being said, when I saw that Chick Advisor was offering a product review club for venus razors, I decided to sign up to be able to try some out
The particular venus razor that is in affiliation with Olay is supposed to offer more moisture while shaving, while the five blades are supposed to offer a close shave. When I first used this razor, right off the bat I didn't like the Olay moisture bar at all. I found that they got goopy when they got wet, and they got in the way of the actual razor blades when I was trying to shave, so overall, I didn't end up with a clean shave. Second of all, the razor comes with an attachment that is supposed to suction to your shower wall - well, mine keeps falling off, so that wasn't a very good addition.
The idea of having a razor that doubles as shaving cream is a good idea, but I just don't think this particular product is well executed. I would rather use a men's razor shaving cream and get a nice clean shave the first time, then have to go over the area multiple times, and still not be satisfied when all is said and done.
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