karmacake
Member Since: January 4, 2007Reviews
L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara
I agree with everyone who talks about the clumping. I am no stranger to the dual tube mascaras, and I have to say, that beauty manufacturers are getting better in perfecting the product. I feel that overall, this isn't a bad product, and for... +
I agree with everyone who talks about the clumping. I am no stranger to the dual tube mascaras, and I have to say, that beauty manufacturers are getting better in perfecting the product. I feel that overall, this isn't a bad product, and for what you get, the price isn't all that bad either. However, it is far from perfect.
Let me just say this, "Great Lash, it is not."
The product is notorious for clumping, producing spider lashes and the first step pads the natural (and attractive) taper at the end of our lashes with tiny balls of crap that make lashes look odd. The only way that I've been able to work with the mascara is to employ the use of a clean spool and an INCREDIBLY light touch.
So rub off the brushes with a tissue to remove the access of the brushes with a tissue,apply, run the spooli through your lases, comb them if need be. Add second coat after brushes are wiped clean, apply, run the spooli through or comb them if need be.
That seems to fix the trick - even though it IS A HUGE pain in the butt. This mascara is worth it, only if you want or are prepared to make the commitment. I work from home as a freelance writer, so yeah, I have the time to f*ck around with mascara
The removal is A1, it doesn't flake, it doesn't smudge and it sure as heck doesn't run down my face, smudge my eyes and make me look like my boyfriend beat me when I'm sitting in the condo hot tub. It comes off with water and gentle rubbing. That's it.
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CARE by Stella McCartney - The Elixers
One of the best things about being a writer is the perks! Recently I obtained the complete line of CARE by Stella McCartney and I've been hooked ever since. With a logo like "Everything my skin needs and nothing it doesn't" I'm tempted... +
One of the best things about being a writer is the perks! Recently I obtained the complete line of CARE by Stella McCartney and I've been hooked ever since. With a logo like "Everything my skin needs and nothing it doesn't" I'm tempted to believe it... especially when it each item is package in slick airless tubes, enrobed in silvery cylinders that assemble like dove-tail joins.
While I am a sucker for cool packaging, I am equally a sucker for a stand up product. Conveniently enough, the nine-piece set that's sitting on my bathroom counter, is probably the most expensive collection of beauty products that has ever graced that spot; 5ml of moisturizer retails in Canada for $88!
Specifically I wanted to talk about CARE's three elixers that are available to customize the product line's 3 moisterizers. The Calming & Soothing Elixer, Nourishing Elixer and the Radiance and Youth Elixer are three magical potions designed to calm irritated skin, to nourish and to firm tired skin.
I have used the line exclusively for about 3 weeks now and in that period I have noticed my skin's increased ability to retain moister as the colder winds set in. I prescribe each elixer as needed, sometimes skipping the moisterizing process entirely - especially when using the emollient Nourishing Elixer.
The reasoning behind the line's undeniable effectiveness originates from the exclusive use of organic ingredients with essential nutrients - and naturally boast them in greater amounts than what you'll find in conventional skincare offerings. That's the case for vitamins, antioxidants, trace elements, and essential organic elements such as amino acids and fatty acids, which help maintain the skin's vital functions. (Thank You Sephora's Website for the Info).
In addition, each product is ECOCERT - an rigid certification that confirms that the production and marketing rules and regulations for organic agricultural products have been respected throughout the entire manufacturing process. In short, ECOCERT is an international designation that has deemed CARE by Stella McCartney to have met the specific standards for a truthfully organic product.
Some of the benefits from the line include:
• 100% INGREDIENTS FROM NATURAL ORIGIN
• 100% ACTIVE INGREDIENTS CERTIFIED ORGANIC
• PRODUCTS CERTIFIED BY ECOCERT
• PRODUCTS NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS
• NO GENETICALLY MODIFIED INGREDIENTS
• NO PETROCHEMICALS
• NO CHEMICAL PRESERVATIVES
• FRAGRANCE COMPOSED WITH 100% ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OILS
• RESPECT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
• NO SILICONES
• NO PARABENS
Specifically, the Nourishing Elixer is by far my favorite. A small eyedropper-esque tool emerges from the container with a potent serum that smells heavily of oregano - in fact, the entire line smells like oregano! With 3 or 4 drops all that's necessary to provide your skin a rich combination of 100% organic natural oils.
The Nourishing Elixer is a smoothing serum complete with nigella sativa (packed with essential fatty acids like omegga-6 and omegga-3; fights free radicals; resists aging process; reverse effects of sun damage; water retainer.), soybean (high in vitamin E; leaves a smoothing sensation to the skin)
A 100 percent organic blend of natural oils, this well-rounded, smoothing serum is a magical mix of soybean, nigella sativa, and musk rose rich in omega 3 and essential fatty acids to help firm and revitalize the skin.
I use this before bed to help maximize my skin's overnight healing process so I can wake up looking like I just had a mini facial. It evens out my skin tone and I love it for that!!
The Calming Soothing Elixer I prescribe when my skin looks stressed, distressed, blotchy and ragged. I'll use this mostly a day or two after a facial when my skin is starting to break out. A pump or two of this creamy concoction is all I need to reduce inflammation and calm my skin down. The effective ingredients include chammomile (reduces inflammation), arnica (reduces bruising and swelling), licorice (anti-acne; mild sunscreen; skin whitening and anti-oxident).
Yes, it still smells like oregano to me.
Finally, the Radiance Youth Elixir, billed as Youth in a Bottle, delivers a mildly instant pick-me-up with a unique blend of red, pink and grean teas. Interestingly enough, I never realized that tea can have a positive effect when used from the outside in instead of from the inside out!
Red tea is one of the most powerful protective natural antioxidant know. Containing Vitamin C, E and Carotene, this one ingredient aids in new skin health by assisting your skin to naturally shed dead skin cells.
Green tea is a powerful antioxident and anti-free radical that reduces wrinkles, skin sag and hyper pigmentation as well as acting as a mild sunscreen.
In all, I use the Radiance Youth elixer when I feel like I look like an old hag! It brightens my skin, it recaptures a youthful glow and it is most effective to use morning and night on a back to back basis.
I never mix the elixers, they work incredibly well on a one on one basis before I apply the CARE 5-Benefits Moisturizer and after the Toning Floral Water.
I recommend CARE by Stella McCartney, I think it's a unique product that is both effective and natural. It has helped me to rethink my skincare line and to trust in the effectiveness of natural ingredients. In fact, with the small single doses of each product it suggests that the product line might be even more potent then conventional over the counter skin care products. The results I've seen have been miraculous! Over the past 3 weeks I've watch my skin be reborn, purging and repairing itself.
However, the best testament comes from one of my friends who declared that I looked 6 years younger than my actual age.
Yes, I like CARE.
I like it a whole friggin' lot!
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The Microsoft Zune (8GB)
The Microsoft Zune is the newest addition to mobile media players. A slick graphical interface within a lightweight, super-slim design. I got my Zune in the mail to review before they've been released in Canada! And, currently many online... +
The Microsoft Zune is the newest addition to mobile media players. A slick graphical interface within a lightweight, super-slim design.
I got my Zune in the mail to review before they've been released in Canada! And, currently many online reviewers, who also have gotten a sneak preview of the device, are quick to state the Zune's downfalls.
I on the other hand, have been an iPod user, a minidisc user, a sony-ericsson w810i phone with integrated 1GB mp3 player, and so on. Out of all of those devices, I like my Zune the best.
The 8GB capacity of this tiny device is suitable enough to play over 2,000 songs, 25 hours of video or over 25,000 images. The crystal clear screen has impeccable definition for only 1.5" and I've used it daily to watch downloads of my favorite tv shows and movies. Perfect for the gym, it's like having a personal tv available at all times! If you have Microsoft Media Centre, then record tv shows and upload them to your Zune and hit the road. So easy!
Besides the ability to play video and music, the Microsoft Zune can wirelessly transmit files to other Zune users and wirelessly connect your wireless home network. The Zune allows you to share your music with friends, family and even with your Xbox360 (it can change in game soundtracks to your choice).
Any files you receive from friends that may be protected WMA content, Microsoft's Zune will allow you a 3 play trial of the song before disabling it. A feature not currently available on most iPods.
If you want more content, head over to the Zune Marketplace where art, tv, movies, games and music are available to download. The Zune community is interestingly supportive of the arts community. Many of the art available for laser cut faceplates and back ground images are created by emerging artists. Zune has even gone to put together an exhibit of over 27 Zune Art artists to showcase their work.
With easy to use touch controls, a slick graphical interface, incredible art that supports emerging artists, an integrated FM Radio, podcast player, easy file sharing and the ability to play a wide range of media on a tiny 1.7 ounce that is only 8.5mm thick is astounding.
I've even found a way to read books on my Zune. I tell you, is there anything this device can't do?
I love my Zune!
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Braun Silk Epil Epilator
I remember the first day I waxed my legs. I was 11 years old and although I had tears streaming down my face, I was far to determined to have silky soft hair free legs. I remember the first day I tried the Silk Epil. I was 14 years old, visiting my... +
I remember the first day I waxed my legs. I was 11 years old and although I had tears streaming down my face, I was far to determined to have silky soft hair free legs.
I remember the first day I tried the Silk Epil. I was 14 years old, visiting my sister in UK. I closed my eyes, bit my tongue and prayed that it wasn't going to kill. The sound was enough to put fear in my heart!
Machine touched skin.
I felt a little uncomfortable, but it wasn't as bad as waxing.
4 years later, Canadian Tire in S'side, PEI had a Silk Epil on sale... I had to buy it!
Why? Because, the Silk Epil is the only epilator that, in my opinion, removes even the finest of hairs, is less cumbersom then contorting with a raiser, less messy than waxing, less expensive than going to a salon, and less harmful than Nair.
I use my epilator on my legs, my arms and my upper lip.
The head can be removed and washed.
And, it's durable! I've had the same machine for nearly 10 years. It gets heavy use and has travelled with me everywhere.
In short, girls, be brave go for it. Kiss your raser good bye and give it a go. Yeah, it'll hurt when you first use it, but it's nothing that a big girl can't handle.
It hurts to be beautiful.
Especially if you're hairy!!!
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Burrito Boyz
Go. Stand in line. Wait. Follow the procession like Elaine at the Soup Nazi. Order. Wait. Devour Burritos so delicious you'll want to eat your fingers. Oh Man. The best burritos in the city. I've had them all and my favorite is the steak. The... +
Go. Stand in line. Wait. Follow the procession like Elaine at the Soup Nazi. Order. Wait. Devour Burritos so delicious you'll want to eat your fingers.
Oh Man.
The best burritos in the city.
I've had them all and my favorite is the steak. The meat is cooked on a grill before your eyes, and it's fresh made to order food that clocks in less than $10. A small is large while a LARGE IS BIGGER THAN YOUR HEAD!
Can you handle a little slice of heaven in Toronto?
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Rimmel London 60 Seconds Super Shine
The product is an inexpensive, fast drying nail varnish. Perfect for when you're running out the door and need to slap on some nailpolish quick. Don't expect longevity from this polish, it's purely a quick fix for when you're in a pinch. The... +
The product is an inexpensive, fast drying nail varnish.
Perfect for when you're running out the door and need to slap on some nailpolish quick. Don't expect longevity from this polish, it's purely a quick fix for when you're in a pinch.
The consistancy is watery so expect to do a second coat to get a good opaque finish.
And, in 60 seconds I found it was still a little tacky to the touch so give it an extra minute to ensure it's perfectly dry.
Otherwise, Rimmel's 60 Second Vinyl Shine is a decent inexpensive nail polish for those one night looks.
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Rimmel London Sweet Jelly Sheer Lip Gloss
Rimmel's Jelly Gloss is exactly how it sounds. A cheap, yet, great little colour. Yes to frequent applications, but, the tube is built like your favorite lip balm tube so that should tell you right then, to use Rimmel's Jelly Gloss is to commit to... +
Rimmel's Jelly Gloss is exactly how it sounds. A cheap, yet, great little colour. Yes to frequent applications, but, the tube is built like your favorite lip balm tube so that should tell you right then, to use Rimmel's Jelly Gloss is to commit to reapplication.
The finish is a glossy, high shine, jelly finish with a kiss of your favorite pigment. The result are lips that do look like they have a layer of luscious jelly colour. I adore the red it makes my lips look plump and pretty.
There is no sparkle, no shimmer, just gloss.
It's the perfect gloss for a casual date, or a fun house party where reapplicating lip gloss won't look common and out of place.
Formal nights out? Just leave it at home and go for a much more robust gloss like DuWop Venom Gloss which although has a higher price, it'll last longer and give you a similar finish.
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L'Oreal Volume Shocking Mascara
Listen, when you buy a mascara and it gives you Spider Eyes and clumps, it's not a good mascara. Because the prep time to get the mascara to a point where it IS useable is a waste of time, especially when you can just buy Maybelline Great Lash... +
Listen, when you buy a mascara and it gives you Spider Eyes and clumps, it's not a good mascara. Because the prep time to get the mascara to a point where it IS useable is a waste of time, especially when you can just buy Maybelline Great Lash, Almay One Coat, or even Physician's Formula Lash in a Tube.
L'Oreal's Volume Shocking Mascara starts off well enough. A big bristled mascara wand plump with primer goes on smooth while plumping and lengthening lashes.
Where it goes horribly wrong is with the second step top coat. Zigzagging toothed comb loads more than enough topcoat and clogs teeth to a point that makes it impossible to comb through lashes, resulting in ooey gooey spidery sticking together lashes.
Don't believe me, drop the cash, find out for yourself and then return to the counter because the product sucks ass.
I unfortunatly was hopeful I just didn't master the "technique" so I've tried wiping access off on a tissue, gently carressing my lashes, violently batting my lashes on the wand, softly batting my lashes against the wand, whispering sweet nothings to the wand, negotiating and even angrily throwing the wand against the wall.
Nothing worked.
What does work?
Use the primer.
Then follow up with any other mascara OR purchasing mascara wands (or stealing the testers from sephora) and ignoring the ridiculous comb all together.
However, I don't like the grainy finish I get on the lashes.
It's just a crappy mascara.
You want full lashes akin to falseys? then try Physician's Formula Lash in a Tube. Much better results with a primer built in.
Less emotional strain as well.
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Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Lash Mascara
Benefit BadGirl Mascara is yet another product to hit the shelves that has decent performance but in relation to the price it's hardly worth the expense. The product, applies on the thicker side of the mascara world and makes it difficult to apply... +
Benefit BadGirl Mascara is yet another product to hit the shelves that has decent performance but in relation to the price it's hardly worth the expense.
The product, applies on the thicker side of the mascara world and makes it difficult to apply a second coat without getting that "It's obvious I'm wearing lots of mascara" look.
A comparable brand that out performs BadGirl at a much better price range is Almay's One Coat Triple Effect Mascara.
Both BadGirl and One Coat have large application wands which are my favorite in a mascara.
Both BadGirl and One Coat don't smudge easily and have good coverage.
However, where BadGirl falters is the excessive dose of mascara on the wand in an attempt to mimic the "Big Full Lashes without False Lashes"
Almay also delivers vitamins to nourish your pretty little lashes.
Both remove easily with a gentle gel or cream eye make up remover
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Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara
Great Lash Mascara is and will probably always be the number one choice for make up artists. Of all the shoots I've done, of all the artists I've worked with, Great Lash has never been absent. Nor has it been absent in the make up kit of my... +
Great Lash Mascara is and will probably always be the number one choice for make up artists.
Of all the shoots I've done, of all the artists I've worked with, Great Lash has never been absent. Nor has it been absent in the make up kit of my mother.
Why? The consistancy is ideal, it rarely clumps, and it applies like a dream.
What it won't do it give curl, it isn't waterproof and it does smudge.
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