xena
Member Since: July 31, 2008Reviews
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
I use the black liner for my dark brown eyes. This liner truly does stay on forever! BUT, WARNING....that might not necessarily be a good thing. Eyeliners tend to smudge easily on my asian eyes, so when you have a liner that is capable of smudging... +
I use the black liner for my dark brown eyes. This liner truly does stay on forever! BUT, WARNING....that might not necessarily be a good thing. Eyeliners tend to smudge easily on my asian eyes, so when you have a liner that is capable of smudging, yet doesn't wipe off easily, you get smudgy eyes that are hard to clean off!
That said, perhaps if I do a better job of "blending" my eyeliner at the beginning of the day, it wouldn't be that big of a problem. I'd recommend at least trying this out for yourself! I'll probably wanna try a different colour next time!
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Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
I found this makeup remover to be okayyy. Has a bit of a funny smell to it. The really great thing that I like about this is it doesn't feel oily. It's also good for most makeup. However, that's pretty much all that I like about it. When... +
I found this makeup remover to be okayyy. Has a bit of a funny smell to it. The really great thing that I like about this is it doesn't feel oily. It's also good for most makeup. However, that's pretty much all that I like about it. When I get to the eyeliner, I have to swipe it a few times to get all of my eyeliner off. Mind you, my eyeliner itself is pretty stubborn (Urban Decay 24/7 - I'll write another review on that!), but still....I've used a different brand of makeup remover (Mary Kay) which works better on the same eyeliner. I'd recommend trying other brands before getting to this one. Even the free Lancome ones that you often get in the Lancome bonus bags are better! -
Vaseline Sheer Infusion Body Lotion
I usually use rich creams, especially on my hands, so when I first applied this product, I was skeptical as it didn't "feel" like it would coat my skin. However, I was quickly proven wrong! This product not only moisturizes upon application, but... +
I usually use rich creams, especially on my hands, so when I first applied this product, I was skeptical as it didn't "feel" like it would coat my skin. However, I was quickly proven wrong! This product not only moisturizes upon application, but it also LASTS. I used it for my hands one afternoon and it lasted until evening, even after 3-4 hand washes (although I must note: it didn't work as well on the cuticles). As for the body, I applied it at night after showering and my skin still felt soft the day after.
One thing I can't explain is: while the skin feels silky smooth when I rub the back of my hands on my skin, there was somehow a bit of stickiness (perhaps a waxy feeling?) when I rubbed my palms against the skin (I swear, it wasn't sweaty palms). It also feels a bit sticky against the clothes. The other negative comment I'd make about this product is: if you don't like strong scents, this might bother you. I don't mind the scent itself, but it IS a bit strong.
Overall, I really like this product and would recommend that you at least try it.
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Bumble & Bumble Curl Conscious Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner
I'm Asian and have thick, course, and usually frizzy hair. It curls a bit, depending on how much I blow-dry it. If I leave it damp and let it dry naturally, it tends to curl more...the downside is that the curls are so dry and frizzy. The... +
I'm Asian and have thick, course, and usually frizzy hair. It curls a bit, depending on how much I blow-dry it. If I leave it damp and let it dry naturally, it tends to curl more...the downside is that the curls are so dry and frizzy.
The solution: my stylist recommended this as a product that enhances and softens curls. While I can't claim that it "curls" my hair that dramatically, it definitely softens the hair and gives it a bit of a nice, natural "flip" on the ends. Note: it's flippy, but the hair is NOT frizzy! Love it!! I only have this product at my fiance's, so when I wash my hair at my own home, I totally miss it. I can feel the difference - the Bumble and Bumble product definitely makes my hair softer and the hair feels more hydrated.
This also has a very nice scent to it. The website is good too...you can find tips on styling your hair. The only downsides are: 1) the product is a bit pricey, and 2) although cheaper on the website, they don't ship to Canada.
So far, this is my favourite shampoo/conditioner not just because it softens and hydrates the hair, it also curls it a bit.
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Markus J Hair Salon
I had Suzy Phi as my stylist. She's great and seems to know how to cut "Asian" (i.e., course, wavy) hair. She's very friendly and will show you a few tips on how to style your hair. My test is always whether or not the hair still looks good... +
I had Suzy Phi as my stylist. She's great and seems to know how to cut "Asian" (i.e., course, wavy) hair. She's very friendly and will show you a few tips on how to style your hair. My test is always whether or not the hair still looks good after the first wash...and yep, it looked just as good! My only complaint is the staff at the reception area - not the friendliest. Gave off a bit of a snobbish feel.
My other (minor) complaint: from their website, it sounded like the hair cut comes with a 20-minute head and neck massage - I did not get that. Maybe a 1-minute neck squeeze at the most.
It's so hard finding a good stylist. If you have course, wavy hair, I would definitely recommend trying Suzy out! She does make-up too, and is starting to get into wedding updos.
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Maybelline New York Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara
Maybelline usually has some pretty good mascaras and this one is not bad, but not worth all that extra money. The vibrating is a gimmick. It doesn't separate lashes any better than regular brushes. I felt ripped off because I could have paid... +
Maybelline usually has some pretty good mascaras and this one is not bad, but not worth all that extra money. The vibrating is a gimmick. It doesn't separate lashes any better than regular brushes. I felt ripped off because I could have paid less for their less expensive, non-vibrating mascaras for the same results. The vibrating doesn't tickle me, but having to press the button to get it to work the whole time I'm applying mascara is a bit annoying (and you have to press pretty hard too...sometimes it doesn't work, and I don't know if there's maybe a special way of holding down the button).
I also find that it takes a bit longer to apply the mascara because you have to hold the brush so carefully while it vibrates, making sure you move slowly among the lashes.
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Maybelline New York Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation
I had been convinced of 2 things: 1) that powder foundation was better than liquid, and 2) that I would never buy foundation from the supermarket. Once I tried this though, I completely changed my mind! 5 things that I really like about this: 1... +
I had been convinced of 2 things: 1) that powder foundation was better than liquid, and 2) that I would never buy foundation from the supermarket. Once I tried this though, I completely changed my mind! 5 things that I really like about this:
1. Didn't feel oily or heavy at all. Wore it out for an afternoon in the sun and didn't "melt" on me. I applied the foundation with my fingertips and didn't have any powder to wear over it.
2. Colour matched perfectly (but could also be because it's very sheer). Found that it evened out my skin tone pretty well.
3. Looks very natural, not cakey at all
4. Upon close inspection, it does have the effect of "minimizing" pores. It claims to give you that "airbrushed" look and it's right!
5. Pump worked well, doesn't squirt out too much product as some pumps do sometimes
I'm just really surprised at how well this product works, given that it's more affordable than what I had been originally using! I don't know how this compares with other supermarket/drugstore brands (like CG), but I would definitely consider switching over to this foundation and save myself some cash!
Just a note about my skin type: normal, don't have sensitive skin, a bit of rosacea under the nose area, but otherwise no other skin flaws. Overall, this product worked well for my skin type!
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Softlips® PURE Natural Lip Balm - Bergamot
I was so frustrated with my Burt's Bees, went to the supermarket and picked this up as I've always loved Softlips. I bought the bergamot one. First thing I noticed was the smell - quite overpowering and smelled like citronella. That's... +
I was so frustrated with my Burt's Bees, went to the supermarket and picked this up as I've always loved Softlips. I bought the bergamot one. First thing I noticed was the smell - quite overpowering and smelled like citronella. That's probably the biggest down-side. Everything else is excellent! Applies so smoothly, it slipped off my lips! Lasts much longer than Burt's Bees. Gives my lips a nice little sheen (and even a weeee bit of colour). Would definitely recommend this (but maybe in a different flavour!). -
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
For cleaning, I'd much rather prefer the old-fashioned cleanser scrubber. Used them on my bathroom counter and found that it doesn't pick up dust at all...although on the container, it does say to first, "wipe before disinfecting"...which... +
For cleaning, I'd much rather prefer the old-fashioned cleanser scrubber. Used them on my bathroom counter and found that it doesn't pick up dust at all...although on the container, it does say to first, "wipe before disinfecting"...which makes me think: this is kind of redundant. If you clean well with regular cleanser, it should be sufficient to disinfect.
That said, once my counter was cleaned up, these disposable wipes were good for quick clean-ups and even some stubborn stuck-on stains. I even used it on a glass bottle that had some sticky stuff left on it from the sticker price tag - got that out no problem! Also good for toilets (again, for quick wipes). Smells okay.
Because I got this as a sample, I can't say for sure, but if I had to pay more for this over other disinfectant wipes, I wouldn't bother. The container's pretty, but it's still so bulky that I wouldn't leave it on my counter. It's the equivalent of trying to make maxi-pads more "discreet"....you just can't! I tuck mine away in my cupboard anyway. When I first got the wipes, I actually found it to be too soapy (which left soapy streaks). It's better now (~ a week later), but that worries me because it seems to be drying out. Lastly, the wipes don't "pop up" properly. I've had to dig in there to grab a wipe a couple of times (they're supposed to "pop up" like how kleenex boxes are...)
I gave it a "very good" for quality because they do feel very strong and sturdy. Didn't fall/rip apart. However, once again, I feel it's only good for quick clean-ups. For more heavier-duty cleaning, stick to the old-fashioned scrubber!
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Bent Beauty Industries Inc
This Yaletown beauty salon is quite trendy, and for an average Joe like me, it's those types that are a little intimidating to walk into because you feel so self-conscious. Well, I tried it anyway because they have this awesome deal going on... +
This Yaletown beauty salon is quite trendy, and for an average Joe like me, it's those types that are a little intimidating to walk into because you feel so self-conscious. Well, I tried it anyway because they have this awesome deal going on right now. $80 for 17 services!!! Includes 2 free hair cuts (you make your money back already, right there), complimentary style, free 30 min massage, free tan, and then discounts off various products/services (e.g. 50% off manicure or pedicure, $100 towards botox...).
I'm trying to figure out what the catch is, and still haven't quite figured it out yet. Could they be out of business by the end of summer??? Not sure.
The reasons I'm not recommending this are: 1) service is terrible and 2) my haircut wasn't that great (for something that would have cost me $60, I expected more). The service thing is a big one. I walked in, mentioned that I had an appointment and then proceeded to ask about the deal. Got the deal, then sat down and waited for my appointment. They forgot about the appointment...even though that was the first thing I mentioned to them. A friend of mine had similar experiences. Had a tough time even trying to set up an appointment - the salon wouldn't return her calls, and when she did manage to talk to someone, they were being pretty snooty.
Then the haircut. Started out okay, but they left out the scalp massage that's supposed to come with the haircut. What really got to me though was how the stylist kept slamming everything about what I currently do: my last stylist, my current shampoo/conditioners, hair products. Tried to sell me a product, to which I replied, "I've got x product at home already...is that okay?" Of course, he says it's not, and that I should get their salon's product instead.
If the deal wasn't so good, I definitely wouldn't recommend it, but hey, if you've got $80 to burn and you've got thick skin, may as well try it. Make sure you do it soon though, because my 3rd reason for not recommending it: I still think the deal is too good to be true.
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