cynthianb
Member Since: April 10, 2013Reviews
KVD Vegan Beauty Shade and Light Eye Contour Quad
I loved Kat Von D's original Shade & Light Eye Contour palette, and I was so excited when she released this plum quad. I have green eyes and I find plums and purples really make my eye colour pop. I have other purple shadows at home, but I find... +
I loved Kat Von D's original Shade & Light Eye Contour palette, and I was so excited when she released this plum quad. I have green eyes and I find plums and purples really make my eye colour pop. I have other purple shadows at home, but I find most coloured palettes have some shimmery and glittery shades I won't use. I have hooded lids and matte shadow just looks better. Four coordinating colours I like in matte? Sign me up!
I got it a couple of weeks ago, and I'm pretty impressed. The shades work nicely together, all totally matte, cute packaging (coffin shaped box). I've used it with an without primer (Urban Decay) - obviously lasts longer with primer but pretty good without as well. Very blendable.
Negatives? It is much more powdery than the original S&L;Eye palette. It kicks up a lot of dust that needs to be blown off. That said, the pigmentation is great, so you only need a small amount on your brush, so the amount that is wasted when it gets dusty is probably not a big deal. It's just a little messy.
All in all, I'm glad I bought it. It will be easy for travel and I like not having to pack individual eye shadows in order to get all matte shades. The coordinate nicely and are well pigmented. The different shades make it easy to contour and de-emphasize a hooded lid and open up the eye. It's nice enough that I can deal with the dust storms :)
-
REN Clean Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask
I LOVE this stuff. I started off with a deluxe sample size, then a travel size and then started buying the full size. Is it pricey? Yup. Is it worth it? If you're looking for a chemical exfoliator and don't have sensative skin and want something... +
I LOVE this stuff. I started off with a deluxe sample size, then a travel size and then started buying the full size. Is it pricey? Yup. Is it worth it? If you're looking for a chemical exfoliator and don't have sensative skin and want something with noticeable results after only ten minutes - YES.
My skin was looking dull despite using microdermabrasion scrubs and glycolic acid moisturer. My skin texture just wasn't smooth and even this winter and I thought I'd try something new. Note: I DO NOT have sensitive skin - if you do, or if you haven't use glycolic acid products before, this might irritate and the the tingling may be too intense. Also, if you have had hair removal on your face in the past day or so, skip it.
It smells strongly of citrus and has a slightly grainy gel/paste consistency. Spread it over your clean face (and neck if you want) and make sure you don't get close to eyes. Wait ten minutes. It will tingle and feel warm - that is normal. Now, normally when a mask or treatment says 10 or 20 minutes, I leave it on quite a bit longer in hopes of getting more noticeable results. DON'T do this. Really - ten minutes is all you need. Also, REN says to use a "generous amount" but I usually only need about a quarter-sized squirt if I'm not doing my neck.
Rinse it off with a wet cloth. Pat your face dry. You'll notice the brightness and increase in radiance right away (it might be a little more pink than usual depending on how aggressively your removed it and how sensitive your skin is. That will go away, but the brightness will remain.) Whenever I use it, I feel like I look so fresh-faced and I can barely stop myself from touching my silky skin. I look forward to Sunday night every week when I can use it again!
This is REN's description of the product: "A potent bio active peel mask designed to renew the complexion, reduce the appearance of fine lines and dramatically improve skin tone. A cocktail of four AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) including glycolic acid from pineapple, lactic acid from passion fruit, citric acid from lemon, and tartaric acid from grape create multiaction exfoliation. It lifts dead skin and resurfaces to dramatically improve skintone, texture, firmness, and radiance, while minimizing the appearance of pores and reducing sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and old acne scars."
Personally, I'm less interested in what is in it than what it does for my skin. It's pure magic for me. I'm glad I bumped up from my usual glycolic acid moisturizer. I really find it makes a noticeable difference right away. Two thumbs up!
-
Buxom Full-On Lipstick
I bought Buxom Full-On Lip Cream in Berry Blast without swatching it first and was a little hesitant about the colour it appeared in the tube - it looked SO bright. On my lips, though, turns out it is just the best pinky-berry shade with a... +
I bought Buxom Full-On Lip Cream in Berry Blast without swatching it first and was a little hesitant about the colour it appeared in the tube - it looked SO bright. On my lips, though, turns out it is just the best pinky-berry shade with a punch!
This was my first Buxom product and I'd heard raves about it. I was looking for a moisturizing gloss that didn't have shimmer, and this delivered! And, it has a cool tingly sensation. In theory, it is supposed to plump your lips. I'm not sure if it really does (I have quite full lips to begin with) but I loved the way it felt and the sweet scent/flavour. It's more fun than my usual neutrals and really gives my make-up a pop without being overly dramatic. It's so shiny and lovely!
It currently retails for $24 CAD but I do find it lasts a little longer on my lips than my other glosses. Plus, the bonuses of moisture, shine, the tingling and flavour make it worth a splurge for me.
-
BITE Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon
I received Bite Beauty's Matte Creme Lip Crayon with resveratrol in the colour Glacé as a Sephora 100 point perk. I wasn't expecting much since I find most matte lip products too drying, but I was pleasantly surprised! As the name of the product... +
I received Bite Beauty's Matte Creme Lip Crayon with resveratrol in the colour Glacé as a Sephora 100 point perk. I wasn't expecting much since I find most matte lip products too drying, but I was pleasantly surprised!
As the name of the product suggests, it is in stick form like a large pencil. It was precise enough that I didn't feel I needed a lip liner which was a nice bonus. It has a creamy application and applied smoothly without accentuating any lines or dryness in my lips. I didn't need to apply a lip balm first like I do with many matte products.
It was exceptionally comfortable to wear and lasted a good amount of time. I noticed on the Sephora page they suggested using a lip primer as a base for longer wear, but I used it without and was satisfied by how long it lasted. It didn't transfer as much as regular lipstick and stays on even though I drink water all day. I like to touch it up once during the day for more vibrance, but when it wears it fades evenly so it doesn't look odd if you choose not to touch up.
Glacé is a lovely dusty mauve. It has depth but isn't so dark that I felt it was inappropriate for daytime. I loved the formula and will definitely be purchasing more colours, although I will probably wait for the semi-annual Sephora sale since I feel $28 is a little pricey and I'd be more comfortable stocking up if I got a discount. Recommend!
-
L.A. Girl HD Pro Conceal
I have dark blue/purple areas under my eyes and no matter what high end concealer I used, within a few hours that darkness in tear duct to mid eye circle area was showing through. I even tried Bobbi Brown Corrector underneath ($34 CAD at Sephora)... +
I have dark blue/purple areas under my eyes and no matter what high end concealer I used, within a few hours that darkness in tear duct to mid eye circle area was showing through. I even tried Bobbi Brown Corrector underneath ($34 CAD at Sephora) but it didn't do the trick and was a strange consistency and hard to work with.
I had watched various YouTube tutorials saying if you have circles like mine, you should try using a straight up orange base underneath in that area only and following with your favourite concealer. I heard great things about L.A Girl's HD Pro Conceal in orange but couldn't find it locally in my area (NB). Luckily, I noticed that NailPolishCanada.com got it in stock for only $6.99 and I was able to try it.
It is pure orange, which looks kind of crazy in the tube. It has a brush tip applicator which I actually don't recommend using - it puts on much more than needed and is hard to smooth out. Fortunately, it's easy enough to put a bit on the back of your hand and lightly dab it onto the problem area (or you could use a brush if you preferred) so I won't take away points for that.
Results? In a word: Amazing. I don't look tired or ill anymore when I use a tiny bit of this on the dark area before I use my concealer. And the consistency is not pasty like the Bobbi Brown Corrector I tried so I can easily smooth it out and layer with it.
If you have very dark areas under your eyes, I highly recommend this. And $6.99! You can't go wrong with that price!
-
CND VINYLUX Weekly Polish
As part of the ChickAdvisor Review Panel, I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. CND Vinylux Weekly Polish is a 2 step process - the colour (I received a pale pink with clear flakes in it called Fragrant Freesia #187) and... +
As part of the ChickAdvisor Review Panel, I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. CND Vinylux Weekly Polish is a 2 step process - the colour (I received a pale pink with clear flakes in it called Fragrant Freesia #187) and the CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat.
I'm torn on this. I didn't care for the colour or formula that I received. I felt the clear flakes make it look lumpy, like they were bubbles in the polish and the colour was so close to my skin colour it looked odd. I didn't deduct stars for that, however, as everyone has different tastes. I was disappointed, though, that there was no way I could get an even application with this colour if I only used 2 thin coats of colour as directed. I *had* to use three or it was a streaky mess.
I followed directions to thoroughly cleanse hands and nails, but I did use three instead of 2 thin coats in order to make it look somewhat presentable. I then finished with the Vinylux Weekly Top Coat as directed. This system says you don't need a base coat, so I didn't use one.
I will say this - it didn't peel off in strips like so many other polishes I have tried. And it lasted longer than DIY polish typically lasts on me - I woke up with some chips on day 6. That's pretty good, but it still falls a bit short of its claim.
As I have the topcoat now, and it did last longer than I expected, I do plan on buying a bottle of the polish in another colour to give it another shot. I liked that it was faster to do a manicure than it typically is with regular polish as I didn't need a base coat. It did last longer than I expected it would (I don't think it is possible to have any DIY manicures last 7 days on me - Shellac maybe, but not typical polish - I'm too hard on my hands). I'm going to try another colour and see if I like the finish better. The increased wear-time and reduced time of application were bonuses for me. I do not recommend the Fragrant Freesia colour because it was too streaky and sheer to look nice with the recommended two thin coats. I will update this review once I have tried another colour.
-
Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Nourishing Hair Treatment with African Macadamia Oil
This hair oil can be used prior to shampooing, or after on damp hair. I tried it both ways (multiple times) and I'm a convert! For reference, I have very long hair with bleached highlights. Typically, I try to avoid washing my hair every day to... +
This hair oil can be used prior to shampooing, or after on damp hair. I tried it both ways (multiple times) and I'm a convert!
For reference, I have very long hair with bleached highlights. Typically, I try to avoid washing my hair every day to minimize damage and dryness, but sometimes bedhead prevents me from waiting. I've found that using 4-6 pumps of this (from chin-length down) before shampooing seems to keep the washing from stressing my hair. I've even noticed that when I do this step first, I seem to lose less hair in the shower, possibly because it is minimizing breakage or preventing tangles. In any case, my hair looks great after it is styled and seems less dry on the ends but without any greasiness.
I also have used it on wet hair after I get out of the shower. It smells wonderful, which is a bonus! I use a little less (4 pumps, instead of 4-6) since I won't be rinsing it out. Again, very important to only use this from ear to chin length down so you don't get greasy roots. I use it on sopping wet hair before combing through, towel drying and using other styling products. I've noticed my the ends of my hair don't seem as brittle and prone to frizz when I use this.
If you have dry, damaged and/or colour-treated hair, I highly recommend this product. I received this product for free as part of the ChickAdvisor Review Club in exchange for my honest review. Would I purchase this? Absolutely - it smells great and works wonders for my hair. I thought the price point was a little high, but I've used Matrix Oil Wonders in the past with similar results and that is considerably more expensive. You won't need a lot of this product per use so it should last you as while as well. I will definitely be getting more.
-
Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Conditioner
My hair is highlighted and very long. Typically, I use 1-2 *handfuls* of conditioner to soften, smooth and detangle all my hair. The first time I tried this Dove conditioner, I squirted out a ton into my hand because I assumed I would need my usual... +
My hair is highlighted and very long. Typically, I use 1-2 *handfuls* of conditioner to soften, smooth and detangle all my hair. The first time I tried this Dove conditioner, I squirted out a ton into my hand because I assumed I would need my usual amount. Wrong! This conditioner is so much thicker and creamier than what I was using before that I actually only need the equivalent of what I use for shampoo! I usually go through conditioner twice as fast as shampoo, but this is so rich (and yet still easy to spread through my hair) that I think I'm going to finish both bottles at the same time! This has *never* happened to me!
This conditioner does a good job of quenching my thirsty ends, and also gives my hair enough "slip" so that I'm able to completely detangle my hair while I'm still in the shower. I concentrate conditioner from the ears down, and I've found it is doing a great job.
I received this product for free as part of the ChickAdvisor Review Club for my honest review. Will I purchase this myself? You betcha! My only suggestion is to start with a small amount the first time you use it and then see if you need more - a little goes a long way!
-
Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo
I like this shampoo, but I don't love it. On the plus side, it doesn't seem to dry out my long, highlighted hair, so that is good. The scent is light - it doesn't smell fantastic and no scent lingers, but it isn't offensive either. Basically, it... +
I like this shampoo, but I don't love it. On the plus side, it doesn't seem to dry out my long, highlighted hair, so that is good. The scent is light - it doesn't smell fantastic and no scent lingers, but it isn't offensive either. Basically, it does the job - it cleans my hair without being overly drying.
Why am I on the fence? Well, I don't find it much different than the Tresemme shampoo I use on a regular basis and that shampoo comes in a much larger size at a cheaper price. The suggested retail price for this product is $7.99, which I wouldn't mind paying if it smelled fantastic, or did something for my hair that cheaper shampoo did not. Since I found no difference in quality, I can't see myself shelling out full price for this product.
I received this product for free as part of the ChickAdvisor Review Club for my honest review. Does it do what it claims? Yes - it moisturizes and cleans. Would I purchase it myself? Maybe - if the price was $2-$3 less per bottle. I'll be keeping an eye out for sales. It is a perfectly fine product, but it just didn't wow me.
-
Dove Style + Care Flexible Hold Hairspray
I frequently use a curling iron to style my long hair into large waves. I find that if I don't follow up with a hairspray, the curls and waves quickly disappear, but most sprays leave my hair feeling sticky and stiff. I'm pleased to report that Dove... +
I frequently use a curling iron to style my long hair into large waves. I find that if I don't follow up with a hairspray, the curls and waves quickly disappear, but most sprays leave my hair feeling sticky and stiff. I'm pleased to report that Dove Flexible Hold Hairspray not only helps me maintain my style longer, it truly does so while allowing my hair to move naturally instead of sticking it together in a stiff mess, and it isn't sticky or overly crunchy. I like that I can use this and my hair still feels like hair!
I curl my hair in sections. When I have finished the underside of my hair, I very lightly spray it, shake my head a bit, then wait a couple of minutes for it to be fully cool and dry before unclipping and curling the top sections. I do the same light spray (carefully avoiding the roots) when I'm finished. I think immediately lean forward, flip my hair over my head and shake to maintain separation. When I stand back up and toss my hair back, I have big bouncy curls that last all day and still move in the breeze instead of looking like a hair helmet.
I received this product free as part of the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club. Would I recommend this product? Yes. Would I purchase it myself? Probably. I felt it really lived up to claims, although I feel for a drugstore product, it might be more appropriately priced at a dollar or two less than the suggested retail of $9.99. If it were $7.99, I would not hesitate at all to buy this regularly.
-
Looking for more?
Check out our other review websites:
