xena
Member Since: July 31, 2008Reviews
Benefit Cosmetics Girl Meets Pearl
I received a sample of this, so I’d have to say that I normally wouldn’t buy this. The effects are so subtle that I couldn’t justify spending my money, and would rather put it towards some other makeup products. Perhaps it depends on what... +
I received a sample of this, so I’d have to say that I normally wouldn’t buy this. The effects are so subtle that I couldn’t justify spending my money, and would rather put it towards some other makeup products. Perhaps it depends on what moisturizer you use underneath your makeup, because I found that I get enough of a glow with my usual moisturizer. I’ve gone so far as to use Girl Meets Pearl on one side of the face only, and the difference is immeasurable.
That said, I would recommend this if you are in the market for something to give you a subtle glow. This is not overly shiny, easy to apply. You simply twist the stick and the product comes up through little holes at the top – if you’re using for the first time, note that it does take A LOT of twisting (to the point where I thought maybe the product was defective) before any product comes out.
Psychologically, it’s a great booster! The packaging is so pretty and the awareness that my skin is guaranteed to be “glowing” at all times makes me feel pretty and feminine. However, practically speaking, I’d say save your money and try some of Benefits other products.
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Ocean Breeze Spa Ltd
Note: this review is only for the eyebrow threading services. Recently, there was a coupon for eyebrow threading at SocialShopper.com. Regularly, they charge $12 for threading. Coupon was: threading for $5, but you have to pay tax and tip. The work... +
Note: this review is only for the eyebrow threading services. Recently, there was a coupon for eyebrow threading at SocialShopper.com. Regularly, they charge $12 for threading. Coupon was: threading for $5, but you have to pay tax and tip. The work done on my eyebrows was fine. Not spectacular. However, what really prompted me to write this review is that the lady who was threading my brows had her knuckles all up in my eye and by the end of it all, my eye makeup was all smudged! I was NOT impressed. Normally, for $5, I would go to this other place on Fraser Street (Visions) - it's quick, it's cheap, and they do a good job and they're always careful not to touch your eye area. However, since I've moved a bit further away from that place, I thought I'd try this place in Yaletown. I thought perhaps for a place that normally charges $12 for threading, I'd expect a nice "spa" experience. Nope. You're in, you're out...no different from the other place that charges only $5. To be fair, I have yet to bring this up with the owner, but just wanted to give peeps a heads up. Keep y'all posted if my opinion changes. -
Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Fragrance Free Body Wash
I bought this because it was on sale at Costco, and when I tried it, I wasn't blown away. It had a nice light scent, it was quite gentle, and left my skin moisturized. Not that much better than the Dove body wash I had been using. However, once... +
I bought this because it was on sale at Costco, and when I tried it, I wasn't blown away. It had a nice light scent, it was quite gentle, and left my skin moisturized. Not that much better than the Dove body wash I had been using. However, once this bottle was done and I switched to a bottle of Ivory, I truly realized now how good the Aveeno was. I realized that I took for granted that: 1) you really don't need to use much at all (a loonie-sized amount, lathered up well should do all or most of your body), 2) the smell is very light and not perfumy at all, and 3) it doesn't leave a sticky/waxy film. I had tried this in the summer, so not sure how it stands up against dry winters, but on days when I didn't use moisturizer after the shower, my skin was still good. If you're hesitant because of the price point, you really have to take into consideration that you don't need much of this product. I must say though, I don't have sensitive skin, so can't comment on its effectiveness for sensitive skin types, but it does feel gentle enough on the skin. Worth a try. -
Rene Furterer Complex 5
My review is actually for Rene Furterer products in general. I have thick long hair, and I had the most horrible scalp problem. It got to the point where right after washing, it would be itchy again. I finally discovered what was wrong. The salon... +
My review is actually for Rene Furterer products in general. I have thick long hair, and I had the most horrible scalp problem. It got to the point where right after washing, it would be itchy again. I finally discovered what was wrong. The salon I've been going to had a Rene Furterer rep in there one day doing scalp analyses, and figured that I had oily dandruff, a result of the damp weather here in Vancouver. Once she figured the type of dandruff (treatment depends on what type you have), she recommended the right shampoo/conditioner to go with Complex 5. The products are quite expensive, so I initially only purchased Complex 5. It seemed to help a tiny bit (took away the itch, but it would come back after a day). Tried that for 2-3 weeks, and then decided to add the shampoo and conditioner that was recommended (from the Melaleuca line). BOY! That combo worked exponentially better. After a few washes, the itchiness slowly went away. I then started to use it intermittently, alternating between this and my regular shampoo (Bumble and Bumble). I make sure to dry my hair/scalp thoroughly, and now the problem is pretty much gone (although it did take ~ 6 mo for me to be truly convinced that this stuff had solved my problem). Using the Rene Furterer stuff ~ twice a week, it has lasted for 7 months and I still have quite a bit of product left. I like this stuff not only because it got rid of my stubborn scalp/dandruff problem, but it also has a nice light scent to it and it's made of essential oils, which is better for you than the chemicals used in other shampoo products. Definitely worth trying, especially if you've already tried everything else (like tea tree shampoos...didn't work for me). -
Breyers Smooth & Dreamy Frozen Dessert
We bought the chocolate Smooth and Dreamy. $4.98 at Superstore (Vancouver) for a 1.89L tub. Shared 2 scoops with my hubby and he thought it was pretty good. Very chocolatey and very rich. I told him it was low-fat and he was shocked! It truly does... +
We bought the chocolate Smooth and Dreamy. $4.98 at Superstore (Vancouver) for a 1.89L tub. Shared 2 scoops with my hubby and he thought it was pretty good. Very chocolatey and very rich. I told him it was low-fat and he was shocked! It truly does taste very creamy. I love the chocolate taste too! However, I recommend eating small amounts at a time because halfway through it, it started tasting VERY sweet and kinda gummy. To give you a comparison, I can usually handle sweet stuff but not too much of it. 1 nanaimo bar (~3x4 inches) is pretty good...I wouldn't be able to finish a 2nd one.
So, yes, do give this a try, but remember: don't overdo it! Enjoy!
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The Body Shop Nutriganics Smoothing Serum
I noticed on the website (http://www.thebodyshop.ca/nutriganicssmoothingserum.html) that it's normally $24/bottle and is now on sale for $15/bottle. Can't say I'd fork out $24 to try this, but if it's on sale, why not. Has a light... +
I noticed on the website (http://www.thebodyshop.ca/nutriganicssmoothingserum.html) that it's normally $24/bottle and is now on sale for $15/bottle. Can't say I'd fork out $24 to try this, but if it's on sale, why not. Has a light scent which might bother some because it's smells very "organic" and natural (i.e., not flowery). I personally don't really like the smell but it's light enough that it eventually goes away.
Goes on watery, but that's okay. My skin seems to just drink it up. 1 pump is all you need. Skin does look softer and more supple (like it's actually hydrated). All in all, nothing mind-boggling or spectacular. The fact that it's organic might make it special in comparison with other Body Shop products but there are other organic products out there that work just as well, if not better. My personal preference is to fork out a little more to get something like Eminence products.
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Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15
Bought this at Sephora in Washington State for ~ $30. Hefty price to pay but I splurged and it was worth it! The case is sooo beautiful, so luxurious! Mirror on the end is handy for applying the lipstick. Glides on very smoothly (like silk). That... +
Bought this at Sephora in Washington State for ~ $30. Hefty price to pay but I splurged and it was worth it! The case is sooo beautiful, so luxurious! Mirror on the end is handy for applying the lipstick. Glides on very smoothly (like silk). That said, you should try applying with a brush because the colour is so RICH (or use a lip pencil). Your lips are so saturated in colour that the colour tends to stay longer. On a work day, it will usually last until lunch time and by then I'll have sipped a few glasses worth of water. Many colours to choose from - I bought # 23 (Luscious Pink) and it's very nice for my skin tone (Asian skin tone). Would definitely recommend trying. -
L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara
I bought mine at Costco in Vancouver and it turned out to be about $15 each (for a pack of 2). I don't think it's worth it. The telescopic brush does do a good job at separating lashes, even the end lashes. However, the coverage is so bare -... +
I bought mine at Costco in Vancouver and it turned out to be about $15 each (for a pack of 2). I don't think it's worth it. The telescopic brush does do a good job at separating lashes, even the end lashes. However, the coverage is so bare - it doesn't give the impression of fuller lashes. That's with the first coat though (and with other mascaras I've tried, 1 coat is usually enough), so I tried a 2nd coat and that's where it starts to clump a little. Very frustrating to work with, especially because the wand is so flimsy, and long (which makes it harder to hold). -
Marcelle New-Age Anti-Wrinkle Make-Up
I must have received a bad batch because the smell of the product on my skin was so bad, that I wanted to just give up on it. I tried it a 2nd and 3rd time (maybe the smell would go away), but the smell was still there. Hard to describe, but reminds... +
I must have received a bad batch because the smell of the product on my skin was so bad, that I wanted to just give up on it. I tried it a 2nd and 3rd time (maybe the smell would go away), but the smell was still there. Hard to describe, but reminds me of the smell of a chicken farm. It's not a perfume smell, not a chemical smell...it just reeked.
That said, I have to rate the product. Bad smell aside (because, again, maybe it was just a bad batch that I got, and judging from other reviews, maybe I did)...the product is okayyyy. It's sheer and feels light and you don't notice that you have make-up on. I did have to put quite a lot on though to even out the skin tone. Using a makeup sponge, I used about a dime-sized amount in order to even out the skin tone. After applying, I don't feel like the crows feet around my eyes were reduced any.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this product. If you're looking for sheer foundation, there are others out there worth trying.
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Dove Ultimate Supreme VisiblySmooth Antiperspirant
In the short amount of time that I've had this product, I couldn't really tell if it truly reduces the look and feel of underarm hair. Other than supposedly reducing stubble, I think this pretty much works the same as the Dove Ultimate that... +
In the short amount of time that I've had this product, I couldn't really tell if it truly reduces the look and feel of underarm hair. Other than supposedly reducing stubble, I think this pretty much works the same as the Dove Ultimate that I've been used to using - it's excellent at keeping sweat at bay. I had it on all day and then went to the gym in the evening and it was fine. It goes on pretty sheer. The downside is that it does leave marks on your clothing. I was taking off a black shirt and found white marks where it rubbed up against my armpits (this was in the middle of the day, so the deodorant would have had time to "settle"). As this was part of the product review, I'm not sure about the cost, but I probably wouldn't pay more for this. However, if it's the same price as Dove Ultimate, I'd give it a try! The scents are fresh and not too perfumy (although I prefer the Nature Fresh over the Wild Rose). -
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