starlightmuse
Member Since: February 19, 2019Reviews
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara
I love Loreal mascaras. I've tried some other brands but they either make my eyes itchy, run out too fast, look clumpy, or don't do much of anything. I discovered Voluminous Million Lashes (for every day) and Fiber Lashes (for extra oomph) a few... +
I love Loreal mascaras. I've tried some other brands but they either make my eyes itchy, run out too fast, look clumpy, or don't do much of anything. I discovered Voluminous Million Lashes (for every day) and Fiber Lashes (for extra oomph) a few years ago and haven't bought anything else since.
Recently, I read reviews about Voluminous Carbon Black and decided to give it a try as I am hoping to find one that gives a little more volume as compared to all the lash extensions around nowdays, I am feeling like mine look sparse.
I'm not sure if it's just my type of lashes, but I was disappointed after reading reviews that called it a "holy grail". I have pretty long lashes already but not a lot of them and they are very fine and annoyingly straight. The Carbon mascara also seemed to flatten out the curl which is the opposite of what I wanted and it did not work even after using a curler. So I am thinking that if you have thin, fine lashes, this may not be the best choice.
It also smudged almost immediately each time I tried it and I ended up with flaky raccoon eyes. I do have allergies though so am prone to watery eyes. But even with non-waterproof Million Lashes, I rarely ever get smudges.
I actually just tossed it which is rare for me. :(
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My Clarins RE-FRESH Hydrating Beauty Mist
If you struggle with dryness and/or dull tones (I do at times) Clarins Re-Fresh Hydrating Beauty Mist really does give a bright, dewy look to your face, under or even over make-up (make sure it's set well). I have never really tried a facial mist so... +
If you struggle with dryness and/or dull tones (I do at times) Clarins Re-Fresh Hydrating Beauty Mist really does give a bright, dewy look to your face, under or even over make-up (make sure it's set well). I have never really tried a facial mist so I was pleasantly surprised by how nice it feels. I used it at night as well and it calmed my sensitive skin and soothed my mild sunburn. I don't find it set my makeup in terms of lasting power, but it did give my skin a nice tone and smoothed out the dry spots where my foundation tends to stick. It comes out as a very light mist and doesn't smudge.
It's advertised to help with puffiness, dryness, dullness, and uneven texture. I don't see a difference in puffiness and I don't think it helped dryness any better than moisturizer alone, but it certainly helped with uneven tone.
The scent is not overpowering. It's fruit derived and does not last too long, which is actually a good thing in our scent-free society. It's just enough to give you a pleasant mood lift.
This does do what it says, that's for sure! I'm just not sure it has a visible or lasting effect that is worth the extra cost for my budget. If it did have better setting power, I would be more likely to buy it. I will continue to use it though and give it a fair chance as it feels so nice. Overall I do recommend it to someone who wants a facial mist.
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My Clarins RE-BOOST Refreshing Moisturizing Cream
I recently received my Clarins Re-Boost Moisturizing Cream trial. My skin is combination: patches of dryness from new retinol treatment and my usual oily acne-prone areas. At almost 30, I already have some areas of aging around my mouth and eyes. I... +
I recently received my Clarins Re-Boost Moisturizing Cream trial. My skin is combination: patches of dryness from new retinol treatment and my usual oily acne-prone areas. At almost 30, I already have some areas of aging around my mouth and eyes. I also have redness and mild rosacea. No matter how good my diet and skin routine has been, I've struggled with my sensitive, irritated skin for ten years! I recently found out it is hormonal and allergy related so I was feeling hopeless. But a few products have turned it around.
The texture is a very light gel-like cream. At first, it felt a bit tacky, but it soon dried smooth. It does work well under foundation, however if you are in a rush in the morning and wear full coverage, it may not be the best choice. I have a bit of sun burn right now and it felt SO soothing. At first my cheeks flared up a bit but over the next 10 minutes, they calmed completely to where I almost didn't need foundation!
I am now using it only at night as I am already using a moisturizer with SPF during the day and prefer a combined product. My night routine has simplified to: micellar water to remove make-up, a gentle cleaner using a konjac sponge in the steamy shower, then let dry... Retinol cream, let that dry, use a spot treatment where needed, then the Clarins spray and moisturizer. It is so nice to go to bed without itchy red skin! At first I did not notice a big difference but then a few hours later, I touched my face and realized it was so soft and smooth. After a few days of use, my skin is looking very smooth and feels great. It seems to be firming but without any tightness.
I trust this more than products that use chemicals that immediately create a synthetic soft coating. There are some "chemicals" but I don't see anything too worrisome and as much as I'd like to go "all natural" with my problematic skin, I have not found anything that is effective and does not break me out.
It does have a scent, however it is derived from fruit extracts and very pleasant. I am very perfume/scent-sensitive (asthma and migraines) but it does not bother me at all and wears off quickly as it sets in. You can also request a sample from the company which I would recommend for very sensitive people.
Now, it is a bit more expensive than some products you may find, but even on my budget, I think it is worth saving up for. I was using an even more expensive one but my finances changed and I can no longer afford it so I was upset when I ran out... til I found this. You only need a TINY bit to cover your whole face. I imagine it would last for months.
I would recommend this to anyone who has oily or combination skin, or if you have very dry skin, you could pair it with a serum or stronger moisturizer at night.
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TYLENOL® Rapid Release Gelcaps Extra Strength
I recently had a sinus headache from allergies and was feeling it start to trigger a real migraine. I took two of these and within ten minutes, I felt relief. As a chronic migraine sufferer, I believed that only prescription painkillers can work... +
I recently had a sinus headache from allergies and was feeling it start to trigger a real migraine. I took two of these and within ten minutes, I felt relief. As a chronic migraine sufferer, I believed that only prescription painkillers can work.. but these were quite effective! When you need to halt it fast, every minute counts. I was able to get through work with just an ice pack after, no stronger meds needed. I think quick release is really worth it. -
Mott's Fruitsations +Fibre Unsweetened Mango Peach
We love Mott's Fruitsations in our house already. No added sugar is a big factor in choosing healthy snacks for my 6 year old. He is a bit of a "particular" eater so it can be a struggle to get enough fiber into him. I try to encourage whole fruits... +
We love Mott's Fruitsations in our house already. No added sugar is a big factor in choosing healthy snacks for my 6 year old. He is a bit of a "particular" eater so it can be a struggle to get enough fiber into him. I try to encourage whole fruits for that reason, but he prefers apple and fruit sauces. So this is really the best of both!
We both loved the taste and he didn't seem to notice any difference with the added fiber. The biggest factor I was wondering - is the texture different? Nope! It's like the same Fruitsations we've always loved.
I will be packing these in our lunches often.
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Formula 10.0.6 Best Face Forward Daily Foaming Cleanser
I really, really love this company. I have tried a few of their products now and they are all excellent. This cleanser is so gentle and has the prettiest, very very light scent. I usually get bad headaches from scents but this one is no problem as... +
I really, really love this company. I have tried a few of their products now and they are all excellent.
This cleanser is so gentle and has the prettiest, very very light scent. I usually get bad headaches from scents but this one is no problem as it is very subtle and washes away after use, but is pleasant to smell while using. I use it with a knockoff gentle spinbrush that I bought for $4 (!!!) and finally... my skin looks great - who would think? Before, I just used my fingertips to cleanse with it and that was fine too, but the brush adds an extra benefit for my dry winter skin.
I have tried SO many expensive cleansers, splurging with the hopes that finally my face wouldn't hurt and look terrible (full disclosure - I had to use an antibiotic prescription to clear up my existing acne which was hormonal and very bad for a while). But I have been maintaining it for months with just this cleanser.
My doctor has recently given me a retinol cream to get rid of the scarring I have left over and this product is even gentle enough to use with retinol-irritated skin. It helps with my rosacea and redness, keeps my pores clear, and seems to calm my entire face down.
I have now used this product off and on for 7 years and my skin has changed with age but it's never stopped working. The ONLY reason I don't use it all the time is that I can't always find it in stores. I wish it was not so hard to find because I LOVE it.
The price is amazing for the ingredients and value.
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FORMULA 10.0.6 Mattifying Oil Free Moisturizer
When I first felt the consistency of this moisturizer, I was a little skeptical. It is quite thin. However once I used it, I realized my face felt so soft and smooth and continued to improve over the next few weeks. I often have had: rosacea... +
When I first felt the consistency of this moisturizer, I was a little skeptical. It is quite thin. However once I used it, I realized my face felt so soft and smooth and continued to improve over the next few weeks. I often have had: rosacea, redness, dry patches, oily patches, clogged pores, and cystic acne - with the occasional true pimple. So I have to be very, very careful with what I use or I end up with a rashy, broken out face. But I love this product! No problems!
Now that I have treated my acne with prescriptions, my main issue is the redness. This calms down my skin SO much, especially on my nose where my rosacea is the worst, and improved the texture of my skin. It does not cause any acne for me. It is perfect for the summer months and helps absorb oil. It's not quite heavy enough for winter moisturizing, so I use this all over my face and a heavier one on my cheeks and other dry spots. If you have oily skin, this should be your go to! It gives you soft, fresh looking skin without blocking pores.
I layer sunscreen over top and it still works great under makeup. Love love love it.
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Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub
I bought this scrub hoping to find something a little better than my old standard very affordable apricot scrub that now feels like I'm scrubbing my whole face off (you probably know the one) because my skin is getting older along with the rest of... +
I bought this scrub hoping to find something a little better than my old standard very affordable apricot scrub that now feels like I'm scrubbing my whole face off (you probably know the one) because my skin is getting older along with the rest of me at almost 30. I now have combination skin instead of oily.
While it was gentle, I don't find that it exfoliated much at all and every time I use it, I break out the next day and end up with blocked pores. The scent is a bit like dish soap to me, but as a scent sensitive person, I am glad it's not too strong. My skin doesn't feel any softer and I still have blocked pores. My complexion does look a bit brighter but I can't use it on my chin or forehead unless I want acne.
I don't know if I'm being unfair giving it a mediocre rating as it just may not be the right fit for me. I may give it a try in ten years or so as I think it would be a good fit for older skin that is less prone to hormonal acne and oiliness. If you are very, very sensitive and don't have much problem with either flaky skin or oily blocked pores, it may be enough for a gentle brightening effect.
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Bath & Body Works Antibacterial Hand Soap
I always hear people raving about B&B;products, but I have not really had much luck with the soaps. I find the scents can be very over-powering and there are not many that are pleasant. It just stays on the skin far too long; which is a quality that... +
I always hear people raving about B&B;products, but I have not really had much luck with the soaps. I find the scents can be very over-powering and there are not many that are pleasant. It just stays on the skin far too long; which is a quality that one might want in a body spray or perfume, but not a soap. I don't want to smell my hand soap all day and I'm sure my guests don't want to smell my choice of soap for that long either. I find it leaves my hands dry too and does not lather well.
The price when it's not on sale is FAR too high...
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Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid - Original
Dawn Dish Soap is the most versatile cleaning product! Aside from getting stuck on food off dishes, I have used it to get out tough stains on clothing, clean my bath tub, remove hair dye that was the wrong colour, clean windows and floors (as part... +
Dawn Dish Soap is the most versatile cleaning product! Aside from getting stuck on food off dishes, I have used it to get out tough stains on clothing, clean my bath tub, remove hair dye that was the wrong colour, clean windows and floors (as part of cleaner recipes), melt ice on my front steps, and more. -
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