fly_eyez
Member Since: August 27, 2015Reviews
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream - Intensive Lip Repair Balm
I was suffering from extremely dry, peeling lips so I did some research on lip care products, hoping to find a "miracle" product to save my lips. Peeling lips are not cute... I read articles on lip care products. This item appeared on many top 10... +
I was suffering from extremely dry, peeling lips so I did some research on lip care products, hoping to find a "miracle" product to save my lips. Peeling lips are not cute...
I read articles on lip care products. This item appeared on many top 10 lists. I read some reviews, which were mostly very good, and decided to give it a try. I'm not sure how this balm hasn't come under my radar before; I've been suffering with very dry, problem lips for many years. At times I feel like I've tried every product known to man. Recently, my lips became much, much worse. I attributed it to the dry, cold Alberta winter. Whatever the cause, I had to do something.
I have to admit, the price ($30) floored me a bit. But I was so tired of having flakey, peeling, cracked and painful lips that I didn't care about cost, as long as it worked.
I purchased this very nourishing balm at a local SDM with hope that my lips were on their way to repair.
The package: the cute little jar is packaged in a small box. It is bigger than most pots of lip product (think eye cream) but it's still small enough to stash in your purse or pocket. At least I feel like I'm actually recieving a decent amount of product for the money I spent. Honestly though, I prefer lip products to come in tubes vs. pots so that I can apply directly to my lips and avoid the greasy finger application - but, whatever... Also, tubes seem to be much less likely to become filled with dirt and germs than pots.
The texture: the balm looks waxy but as soon as you dip your finger the balm becomes "melty" with the warmth of your skin and very easily applies to the lips. In fact, it's easy to apply too much at first because you're expecting a waxier, harder substance. I like the texture. It leaves your lips glossy looking but not wet or sticky. I find that it can easily bleed to the skin surrounding your mouth, especially when applying it to the corners. In my case, I had such awful cracks in the corners of my mouth, this was unavoidable in order to treat the problem areas. I had to go in with a clean finger or cotton swab afterwards to clean it up a bit. No biggie.
* I should note, the directions say to use at bedtime (or as needed). I used it all the time because my lips were in such terrible condition that they were bruised blue in spots. This was from me picking off the sheets of peeling skin hanging off my lips. Gross, I know.
The scent: it smells very citrusy to me. Reminiscent of orange rinds or something. And maybe some kind of essential oil. I can't place it. Looking at the ingredients I can see that it contains vitamin E, menthol (it gives a slight cooling sensation) and arnica flower oil among others. Side note: I had no idea what arnica oil was so I looked it up. Apparently it's used in many perfumes & cosmetics. In its pure form (usually diluted with carrier oils) it can act as a pain reliever / anti-inflammatory. Cool.
The verdict: biggest question - did it work? Answer: sort of. It turns out I didn't just have really awful chapped lips; I had an allergic reaction to a medication which resulted in angioedema and severe lip swelling / peeling lips, etc. So, after treatment for the angioedema / allergic reaction, I was in a much better place to test the product and answer this question.
I found this balm to be very nourishing and hydrating and it did keep my lips from peeling - as long as I kept applying it regularly. When I stopped, the chapped lips returned.
Did it work any better than plain petroleum jelly? I can't really say that it did. But I also can't say that it didn't, because after awhile I went back to using my Glamglow Poutmud. Although Poutmud is also quite pricey, I like it much more than this Eight Hour Lip Cream. It smells better, it feels better and I feel like it works better (for me).
In all honesty, I have to say that no lip product has ever "healed" my cracked & chapped lips. They all basically keep the lip hydrated until the next use. So really, for me, it all comes down to personal preference.
Will I buy it again? Probably not. I'm going to stick with Glamglow Poutmud.
Do I recommend it? Yes. Although it's pricey and it's not the product for me, I don't feel like there's anything wrong with it and it is very hydrating for dry, chapped lips. Also, it does work rather well as an overnight treatment. I think it will work best for mild to moderate chapped lips.
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NUXE Micellar Cleansing Water (with rose petals)
This is one of my favorite micellar waters of all time! I am so addicted to micellar waters because they are a lazy girl's dream product. We all know that cleansing your face and taking off your makeup each night is a must but have you ever been so... +
This is one of my favorite micellar waters of all time! I am so addicted to micellar waters because they are a lazy girl's dream product. We all know that cleansing your face and taking off your makeup each night is a must but have you ever been so incredibly tired that you just want to crawl in bed, lay your head on the pillow and fall asleep with your makeup on? Me too! But there's literally no excuse when you have micellar water.
I keep exfoliating face wipes and several bottles of micellar water (and cotton facial pads) by my bed so on nights when I'm exhausted I can quickly take off the grime and makeup from the day and get to sleep as quickly as possible. #lazygirlbeautyhack!
I adore every single NUXE product I've tried and they've easily become favorites and staples in my beauty routine. This is definitely one I will repurchase over & over. It is so lovely and hydrating; it gives my skin radiance and it smells divine! I'm not even a huge fan of products that smell like roses but I make an exception for this. It smells like actual fresh roses- so gorgeous! I wouldn't identify myself as having sensitive skin per se, but I do have many allergies and this doesn't bother my skin or eyes at all.
Highly recommended!
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LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask
I first started using "sleep masks" about a year ago. These are weirdly named because they're not really a mask in the true sense of the word - they are powerfully hydrating, typically water-based formulas applied to face, neck & decolletage affer... +
I first started using "sleep masks" about a year ago. These are weirdly named because they're not really a mask in the true sense of the word - they are powerfully hydrating, typically water-based formulas applied to face, neck & decolletage affer you finish your nightly skincare routine. Usually they are applied to skin and allowed to "sit" and soak into the skin for a period of time (and then the excess is massaged into the skin) or they are applied to skin and allowed to soak in overnight while they perform their magic. This ultra hydrating mask falls into the former category. After applying to the skin for approximately 20 minutes you just massage the excess into your skin and leave it on. No wiping or rinsing off required! That's a plus for this lazy girl!
I find this product to be thicker than other water based formulas I've tried. It glides onto the skin like a dream and feels very moisturizing. My skin feels plump and super soft afterwards. Because it plumped up my skin I found it definitely helped make my fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable, at least for the short term. I love this stuff and I use it often, probably a few times a week. After I finish my nightly routine I put this on right before bed. I love it so much I've already purchased another jar!
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Shiseido Ibuki Quick Fix Mist
If you had asked me a year ago if I'd be using (or paying for!) a beauty product to "mist my face" I would have told you that you're crazy. But wow! What a game changer! When I think of facial mist I think of a well-to-do, middle age woman who... +
If you had asked me a year ago if I'd be using (or paying for!) a beauty product to "mist my face" I would have told you that you're crazy. But wow! What a game changer!
When I think of facial mist I think of a well-to-do, middle age woman who carries her teacup dog with her in a designer purse and uses nothing but Creme de la Mer on the regular.
Ladies, if you have some of the same thoughts let me dispel the myths!
Facial mist is a must for anyone like me who has ultra dry, dull skin. It can be applied at any step in your skincare or makeup routine and at anytime during the day or night to quickly refresh & hydrate your skin.
I have three favorites at the moment, and this is one of them. Please see my reviews for my other favorites by Vichy & Evian.
This facial mist is different from the other two I use regularly. It is a bit heavier in texture and therefore perhaps better suited for nighttime use.
This Shiseido product is from their Ibuki line, which is so amazing (see my review for the Shiseido Ibuki Beauty Sleeping Mask). It is so luxe, yet more affordable than other prestigious brands, making it more accessible for the average person.
This facial mist is super hydrating and really seals in the moisture making it an excellent product to apply after serum and moisturizer or even on its own. Somehow it brings life to my dull, tired skin and makes me look so awake when I apply it. All you need is a few mists of the fine spray to look and feel radiant.
Although I find it heavier in texture than other facial sprays I've used, it's still very lightweight and makes my skin feel so refreshed!
This product has a slight, perfumey fragrance that I find pleasant and not too strong. If you don't like fragranced products on your face you may want to skip this one.
This spray bottle has lasted me a long time even though I use it quite often so it's well worth the price, in my opinion. I've found other great options in lesser price points, so while I may choose those ones to use most often, I will still repurchase this one too. I just may reserve it for nighttime use in conjunction with the Ibuki Sleeping Mask. In fact, I already have a new container of each as I have almost run out.
I've used the facial mist in each season and it's just as wonderful on hot, parched summer skin as it is in freezing cold (and drying) winter months.
No matter what your price point, if you have dry and / or dull skin I highly recommend adding a hydrating facial mist to your beauty routine.
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it cosmetics bye bye under eye illumination anti-aging concealer
Woah! This is the best undereye concealer / illuminator I have ever used! Until recently the only thing that would erase my insanely dark circles was NYX's Dark Circle Concealer followed by NYX's Full Coverage Concealer. But now I've found this... +
Woah! This is the best undereye concealer / illuminator I have ever used! Until recently the only thing that would erase my insanely dark circles was NYX's Dark Circle Concealer followed by NYX's Full Coverage Concealer. But now I've found this little gem!
This concealer / illuminator is pure magic. It applies like a dream & blends beautifully without being cakey. All this using only ONE product!
It's a bit (a lot) pricey for the amount you get, but totally worth it to me. Dark circles are the bane of my existence, and if you feel the same way about your dark circles I highly recommend you try this illuminating under eye concealer from IT Cosmetics.
This can be applied as a spot corrector and as a highlight for the center of the face but since it's such a small size I prefer to use it just for the undereye area.
Cheers to rocking bright & awake looking eyes!
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Dove Shower Foam Shea Butter with Warm Vanilla Foaming Body Wash
This foaming body wash was the last in a set of three which I received and tested courtesy of Dove and Chick Advisor. * Please see my reviews for my thoughts on the other two scents. After a week and a half of showering using these ultra light... +
This foaming body wash was the last in a set of three which I received and tested courtesy of Dove and Chick Advisor. * Please see my reviews for my thoughts on the other two scents.
After a week and a half of showering using these ultra light foam body washes, I can say two things with certainty:
1) I tried really hard to love these formulas, and
2) I don't love these formulas
I think the Dove brand has come a long way in recent years and have proven themselves to be relevant in today's very competitive beauty industry. I really admire Dove for this as well as for their innovation, forward thinking and their beautiful messages of body positivity, inner beauty and self acceptance & love.
I have purchased, used and love many Dove products but, sadly, this foaming body wash is not one of them.
I think this warmly scented body wash is my favorite scent of all three. It's so comforting, relaxing and feminine. If you love vanilla based fragrances like I do, then you'll love this scent. If Dove made a candle in this fragrance, I'd buy it!
I found the formula to be slightly sticky and slightly drying but I have very dry skin so I can't be sure if it's the formula itself or just my skin. In any case, while I love the scent, I won't be purchasing or using this product again for only one reason: personal preference.
I find the ultra light foamy texture to be wonderful in theory, but when put to the test I found it to be not so user friendly. This is mostly due to the very light product slipping out of my hands while trying to maneuver the bulky container and awkwardly shaped pump dispenser and apply the product to my skin at the same time. It is far easier to pump the product when you set the container down of course, but not everyone has prime real estate in their shower, including me. The bulky container perched on the very small edge of my rounded tub and gave me quite the workout as I bent and twisted trying to balance the container and bathe with the super slippery foam. I'm sure it would be comical to watch but I prefer bathing to be more relaxing and less of a workout.
Because I'm a germaphobe, I use my hands and not a bath sponge / puff while showering. I found the foam was just too light and didn't have anything to hold onto, which meant watching the product, and therefore money, slip off my hands and literally go down the drain.
While I'm not a big fan of this new foaming body wash, I'm still choosing to give it a "thumbs up" because, while it didn't work for me, I can still see it appealing to a large market.
Maybe I'll give this another try in the warmer months when my skin isn't ravaged by the cold winter air. Until then, I'm going to stick to my creamy textured, more moisturizing body wash.
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Dove Shower Foam Deep Moisture Foaming Body Wash
The good news: this ultra light foaming body wash is more moisturizing and less sticky than its Cucumber & Green Tea counterpart. The not so good news: I still don't love this foam formula. *Be sure to see my reviews for the other scents. I really... +
The good news: this ultra light foaming body wash is more moisturizing and less sticky than its Cucumber & Green Tea counterpart. The not so good news: I still don't love this foam formula. *Be sure to see my reviews for the other scents.
I really wanted to love this ultra light foam cleanser. I certainly love the concept, but the actual product left me slightly disappointed.
When selecting a body wash, my two main deciding factors are scent and texture. I really enjoyed this scent; it is very true to the Dove brand. It is light and clean smelling and not overpowering at all.
The formula is moisturizing and left my skin feeling more hydrated than the other scents I tried.
The texture is what leaves much to be desired in my opinion. As with Dove's other new foaming body washes, I feel that the ultra light foam is too light. Unless you pour it on a washcloth, it basically falls off your hand and down the drain, along with your money. So is it possible for foaming body wash to be too light? My answer is yes. I much prefer my usual creamy textured body wash over this foam which is just far too messy. I'd rather the foam stay on my body long enough to get me clean rather than fly all over the shower when I try to apply it to my body. At least it's a soap product so the mess it left was easy to clean up!
The bottle design is a bit awkward; I think it is more suited to liquid hand soap vs. body wash. The bottle is big and bulky and the pump dispenser itself is a bit oddly shaped and difficult to use unless you set it down in the shower. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of real estate in my shower (my bathtub is large and rounded and I don't have shelving in the tub surround) so there's very limited space for a bulky container. I prefer my normal squeeze container as it's easier to store & to apply product while showering.
After all is said and done (or perhaps I should say, washed), I'm still giving this body wash a "thumbs up". Although I will not be buying or using this product again, it's all due to personal preference and not because it's a bad product. I think this product will appeal to a large market; it's just not for me.
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Dove Shower Foam Cucumber & Green Tea Scent Foaming Body Wash
When I select a body wash, fragrance is one of the first things I evaluate. It's just as important to me as the texture. In fact, scent is often the deciding factor for me when making a purchase. I have to say, I was very pleasantly surprised that... +
When I select a body wash, fragrance is one of the first things I evaluate. It's just as important to me as the texture. In fact, scent is often the deciding factor for me when making a purchase.
I have to say, I was very pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the scent of this Green Tea & Cucumber foam body wash from Dove. Typically, I would never even lift the cap off a product with this scent, let alone buy or use it. However, since I recieved this product to test and review, I stepped into the shower with an open mind and a naked body, and gave it a whirl!
It doesn't have that faux, manufactured "fresh" scent that I typically come to expect from similarly fragranced products; I don't enjoy eating salad so I definitely don't want to smell like one. It is very pleasant smelling and actually smells genuinely fresh. Not too cucumber-y (is that a word?), and definitely not too green tea-ish. Just natural, fresh and light!
When I first saw how incredibly light the foam is, I wondered just how fast this formula would run out. Would it just be a gimmick in order to drive sales and make the consumer buy product more often? Fair question, but the bottle indicates it contains over 250 pumps so, while looks can be deceiving, it seems like there is value for the amount of product, and therefore, uses, in the bottle. I guess only time will tell if this type of formula is any less cost effective than other formulas. Side note: I have used foam hand soap before and I thought the amount of product was comparable to regular liquid hand soap so, ultimately, I don't think that body wash would be much different in this regard.
I have purchased and used many, many Dove products, including body washes, for all of my adult life. It is a brand that I have come to know and trust and one that delivers a lot of "hits" and very few "misses". I find that in recent years Dove has really stepped up its game and when I hear about the brand I no longer think of a boring, plain white bar of soap. Now I have come to associate Dove with things like innovation & relevance to the current world of beauty, and the ever important messaging of "girl-power" / self esteem / body positivity / inner beauty & women's rights (go, Dove!). Dove has worked really hard to compete in today's beauty market and deserves the recognition.
Although I have selected the option to recommend this body wash, I personally will not be purchasing or using it again. And it all comes down to one thing: personal preference.
I can appreciate the innovative light foam formula, I just don't like it. I really, really wanted to love it, and I do love the concept - but I really dislike the texture of the product. It's ultra light and super foamy, but it also falls right out of my hands when try to apply it to my body. I should note that I do not use a sponge / puff as I feel they breed bacteria, however, I can see this working better if you use a washcloth or sponge / puff vs. your bare hands so that the foam has something to hold onto. When using hands to apply, I feel like you're just paying to watch the foam, and your money, literally go down the drain.
I also found the formula to be slightly sticky and slightly drying on my skin, and I felt like I had to rinse longer than usual. I do tend to have dry skin and especially now, during the dry & cold winter months, my skin is extra parched. This foam just doesn't work for my dry skin. My usual body wash formula is typically thicker, creamier and contains lots of moisturizing oils.
I found the container to be a bit too big and bulky. I think the bottle design is more appropriate for hand soap as it has a wide base that needs to be placed on a decent sized level surface in order to pump properly; and let's face it - not everyone has that kind of real estate in their shower. I also dropped the container on my toes several times while showering; but whether that has to do with my tendancy to be clumsy or the bottle design & slippery foam on my hands, I cant say. The pump dispenser itself is a bit too large and I found it awkward to pump while holding the container in my soapy hands. I ended up placing the bottle on the side of my rounded tub, where it perched precariously as I continually bent and pumped while lathering up. It was a great workout, but I prefer a more relaxing bathing experience.
Unfortunately, this light foam body wash didn't make the cut for me, but I can see it appealing to a large audience, therefore I am giving it a "thumbs up" review. It's not a terrible product, it's just not for me. The concept is great, the innovation is great, the scent is great but my personal preference is to use a creamier body wash that contains moisturizing oils.
Great job, Dove, for continuing to be a leader in beauty and for your wonderful messaging to young girls and women about real beauty; the kind that comes from within.
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St. Ives® Fresh Skin Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer
I picked up this collagen elastin facial moisturizer today while at SDM, along with a few other St. Ives products, as they were all on sale for $3.99. Score! I had an extended and multi-treatment skincare routine tonight which included the St... +
I picked up this collagen elastin facial moisturizer today while at SDM, along with a few other St. Ives products, as they were all on sale for $3.99. Score!
I had an extended and multi-treatment skincare routine tonight which included the St. Ives mineral clay firming mask (reviewed separately), a deep exfoliation and several other products. I ended my facial with a spritz of Vichy mineral water spray followed by this product.
I have to say that St. Ives seems to be really stepping up their game with some new products. I've tried many in the past and a few recently and the difference is noticeable both in effectiveness and packaging.
Let's talk about the packaging first. Modern! Finally, a fresh new look for St. Ives, which seems to have been around forever. It's GOOD to spruce up a typically dull, boring, looks like every other moisturizer tube/lotion/jar around product to give it a little more color and pizzazz and bring it into the present. Now the products are more eye catching and seem to have a targeted product line with the "Timeless Skin" tag line. It's about time, St. Ives, and it looks good on you!
Now a bit about the lotion itself. The formula seems different than their typical lotions. Whether it's the collagen / elastin component that makes the texture different or if this is an across the board formula change, I'm not sure, but again, it's a good change. I'm actually excited about this! It looks and feels more elegant and modern and now I feel it competes with other, similar brands such as Vaseline and possibly Aveeno.
So given that tonight is my first experience with the Timeless Skin line, my review may not be as in depth as usual. I usually like to try a product for at least a week before I rush to any verdict, so I may edit later.
After I completed my cleansing, exfoliating, mineral mask, facial oil, vitamin c spray, plumping serum, wrinkle spot serum, spot acne treatment, eye treatment and a watery, hydrating, replenishing nighttime moisturizer (and dry times inbetween). I spritzed my face with mineral water and allowed the excess to dry / evaporate. I then applied the collagen / elastin moisturizer. Some may feel this is overkill, but I am really into skincare, especially the face and neck areas, and I really want to take the best care of my skin as possible. My 40's are creeping up on me and I want to have beautiful, clear skin as I age.
With the St. Ives, I placed a strong focus on the neck and decolletage as I am getting lines on my neck and dryness in those areas. I also patted some into the entire facial area, concentrating on my smile lines, fine lines around my eyes and an annoying horizontal line across my forehead from scrunching up my face (mental note: stop scrunching up face!). This moisturizer is really thick and a little goes a long way. It's also a bit sticky, but with the mineral water spray beforehand, it made it easier to pat the product into the skin. I don't rub, that just erases the previous treatments. I find gently but firmly patting in thicker creams with your fingers or a damp beauty blender is more beneficial and allows the product to sink into the skin instead of just layering on top. In my opinion, this really helps the product work it's magic.
Immediately after applying, my skin felt tighter. But tighter in a good way, like it was firming up the looser areas in my skin and making it supple yet toned looking. Along the jawline especially, I felt that it firmed up that area and made my jawline look more defined and less saggy. I have the beginnings of the dreaded double chin and this product helped firm up that area too. I'm really excited when products seem to make a difference right away, and I feel like this lotion did that.
I'm going to continue to incorporate this into my daily routine for the next week or so and see if any of these results become permanent or at least are long lasting. Maybe this is wishful thinking on my part, but I am hopeful since I felt and noticed a visible difference immediately after one application.
Right now, about 1 hour after application, my face and neck feel pretty great. I'm moisturized, ultra hydrated and feeling firmed up in my problem areas all at the same time.
Overall, I have to give this major props for feeling instant and noticable results. Now that I've tried it I can say that it's worth paying full price.
Tomorrow I intend to try it again with a less intense routine and really let the product shine on its own after cleansing. I'm looking forward to seeing what continued use is going to do to my skin. I have high hopes with this one! I highly recommend giving it a try if you want to see some instant firming and moisturizing results.
Congratulations St. Ives on launching an upgrade in product and for holding onto some classics!
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Nip + Fab Skin Dragon's Blood Fix Plumping Serum
I recently bought some Nip + Fab products on sale at SDM. I have been really wanting to try this brand for awhile now but I didn't want to pay so much for something I've never sampled before. I cant find samples of Nip + Fab products anywhere... +
I recently bought some Nip + Fab products on sale at SDM. I have been really wanting to try this brand for awhile now but I didn't want to pay so much for something I've never sampled before. I cant find samples of Nip + Fab products anywhere. Plus, I already own a LOT of serums because I really love them and I didn't exactly NEED another one. I couldn't say no to the sale price though!
This serum comes in a really chic, modern looking, orange bottle and it looks high end and also looks nice on my skincare tray.
The serum itself is very lightweight and not greasy or skicky in texture. It has more of a watery consistency. I think it's suitable for almost any skin type, including sensitive skin. I apply it on my face and my neck because I have noticed that my neck appears a bit dry and has some lines.
I don't know that I can say I notice an actual plumping effect during application, but I can definitely see a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after using for a short period of time, especially around my eyes, laugh lines and a small wrinkle on my forehead.
My normal nighttime routine consists of cleansing and exfoliating followed by applying serum, facial oil, a thick and rich nighttime moisturizer, an intensive eye cream and finishing with several mists of a water tonic containing vitamin C. It's ESSENTIAL that you allow drying time between applying each product, otherwise you're just rubbing off everything you have applied, which is a total waste of money, product and time.
I find this particular serum provides a huge shot of hydration to the skin and sinks in quickly. It makes my face and neck feel very soft and nourished.
This serum is definitely in my top 10 and I will repurchase even if it's not on sale. Now that I've tried it I'm hooked!
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