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C'watre Kanreki Wash

Updated May 7, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

I have obviously used many different types of products to cleanse my face, but I am absolutely floored with this product. This is by far one of the best overall facial cleansers on the market today – without question.

What makes it so different?

Well, first the consistency is lovely – a creamy, lightly textured cream with a light, fresh/marine fragrance. It’s a light blue/green, echoing the packaging. Since this is an oceanic product (I have to admit I am drawn to many “marine” type of beauty products since I so often have great results with them).

After using this wash daily for just 2 weeks I could not believe what a glow my skin had and my breakouts were non-existent. My skin was softer and yet toned in my t-zone. I couldn't be more thrilled with these products... and considering the benefits they are VERY reasonable in price. The wash is perfect for everyday use and it even removed every last trace of my makeup (and I usually wear it all from mascara to foundation to blush/eye shadow).

I cannot wait to try more from this line, which is also environmentally conscious as well! (via Palacinka)

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The Multiple by NARS in Maui

Updated May 7, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

I’ve used many NARS products over the years, but never a multiple! I was as pleased as I thought I would be. This was the perfect product to use in the morning when I needed to get out of the door quickly or on the weekends when I just needed a basic look. I used this on my eyes, cheeks and lips and find it excellent for all three. The texture is a little dry (so if you have very dry skin a moisturizing primer is essential!) but I that's why it's so long-lasting. I applied it with my fingers, blended well and created a nice stain on my lips, and a nice flattering color on my eyes and cheeks.

With this and a little liner, mascara and powder and I was ready in five minutes! This shade is a dusty, pinky peach, the perfect shade for me! This shade has enough red to give a me fresh looking cheeks, but also enough orange/pink tones to really warm it up in a sophisticated way. I just looked really healthy and glowy when I wore it. Also it seemed to bring out my eyes dramatically. It’s incredibly flattering and also very versatile. It has a great stay-put texture without being drying or cakey – my color didn’t fade at all during the day. This particular shade will work very well up to a Beyonce complexion. (via Palacinka)

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NARS Nail Polish in Arabesque

Updated May 7, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

This a great glitter polish that actually looked like it does in the bottle on my nails! Every time I wore this, someone asks, "What color is that!" It’s clear polish packed with a ton of pale pink micro glitter. I love the glitzy pink of this nail polish! It is definitely a party look. To get the full effect, you really need more than one coat. When I applied two coats it made my nails look like sparkling jewels.

Note: I found that a good topcoat kept it chip free for weeks on my toes, and about a week or so on my fingers.

It’s absolutely with the price for such a pretty, unique color, and a very large bottle (mine lasted forever using it regularly). This also looked amazing on my toes. This will work on all skin tones and one coat also makes a nice twist on the French manicure nail too!

Editor’s Note: Make sure you apply a basecoat on first. It makes it much easier to remove it. (via Palacinka)

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E.L.F. Nail Polish Berry Pink

Updated May 7, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

So much for just $1! This is a thin formula that glided on smoothly, quickly and easily. It dried very quickly with almost no streaking as well. This polish covered my nails fairly well in the first coat, and the brush was just the right size/design. I also found that it lasted four to five days on me without chipping and stayed shiny, which for me that is quite remarkable - normally, most polishes chip on the very first day (I'm pretty hard on my nails). For packaging buffs these are absolutely adorable…with a splash of “faux” polish spilling out from underneath the cap! All for $1! Brilliant!

The color is a cheery, fun, deep bubble gum shade of pink that is slightly metallic with some light shimmer – perfect for summer (and very accurately represented on the site). 2 coats really brought out the full potential of the color, but one coat was also a nice wash of pink as well. It also looked great on my toes. This will work best up to a Whitney Houston shade.

Note: These nail polishes are toluene free, formaldehyde free, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) free and hypoallergenic.

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Dr.Hauschka Mascara

Updated May 2, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

This is the perfect mascara for everyday wear, or for those of you who like a natural, but enhanced look. Keep in mind it’s not for those of you who like “Va Va Voom” lashes, because it’s not a Volumizing formula. However, I found that it gave me a very nice and natural definition to my eyes without ever clumping or smudging (note: I did notice that it took a few minutes to fully dry, so be careful when putting it on). In addition, it has all natural ingredients in it, and didn’t irritate my eyes and rinsed off very easily at night.

This was perfect for my daytime and office makeup look and was light feeling and looking. I loved the smell which was very subtle and feminine. This mascara was great because it just enhanced what I already have. The major plus for me was that it didn’t feel like I was “made up”, which is what I was going for! (via Palacinka)

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Burt's Bees Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment

Updated May 2, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

This is a great hair treatment (not a traditional conditioner). There are a few things that should be noted however for best results. The texture of this product is greasy and thick, which made it ideal for my thick hair. It is a pre-shampoo treatment - meant to be applied BEFORE you shampoo and condition your hair.

I loved using this every week or so to give my hair a rest from blow drying, when I let my hair dry naturally. I applied about 1 1/2 inches (it comes out of the tube like toothpaste) to my damp hair, combed it through with a wide tooth comb (sometimes I then twisted it into a low bun), and then let it dry naturally. When it was dried I was very happy with my frizz free waves which were not sticky, oily or weighed down. My hair was shiny, soft and felt really conditioned and healthy. I also love that it’s 99% natural.

This also worked well for me as a leave-in styling aid. I only used a nickel-size amount on my dry hair and the results were fantastic (more than that and it did feel a little greasy). At first it didn't seem like my hair was absorbing it very well and it felt a little greasy. After a few minutes though, my hair felt really soft and was much less poofy and frizzy and remained that way all day.

Editor’s Note: This is not for use with thin or oily hair. (via Palacinka)

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Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure Detoxifying Wet Cleansing Towelettes -- Oil Free

Updated May 2, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

I have always been a slave to the liquid cleanser/water combination to wash my face, but I have to say that I ended up adoring these!
These were perfect for travel or just a few late nights when I had absolutely NO energy to wash my makeup off. I tend to wear the whole range of makeup on any given day – primer, tinted moisturizer or foundation, blush, eye pencil, eye shadow, mascara and bronzer. These wipes did a great job removing everything – including my eyeliner and mascara which was impressive (Note: – I did have to rub a little harder when I wore waterproof versions of eyeliner and mascara to really remove it).

What really surprised me about these cleansing wipes was how soft and smooth they left my skin after using them. They didn’t leave any gummy or sticky residue and my skin felt fresh and pleasantly oil-free. Since using my skin has remained clear and soft and the overall tone is fantastic. Also, I experienced no bumps, breakouts, or irritation from these cloths. All in all, these are a big winner in my book, and worth every penny. I am definitely going to keep a few packs of these around for travel and gym and my bathroom as well.

My only issue is a slight packaging one - the dispensing hole at the top of the pack should be a little wider so that you don’t have to dig into it so much with your fingers to pull out the wipe. (via Palacinka)

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Awake Point Makeup Remover, Eye & Lip

Updated May 2, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

I found this to be a great, non-greasy eye makeup remover. It completely erased all types of mascara and eye liner that I wore (regular, long wearing and waterproof) as well as foundation and lip products. The bottle looked small; however it lasted forever because I only needed just a tiny amount on a q-tip to remove my makeup.

I used it every day (sometime 2x day if I reapplied makeup after the gym) and after a month I still had a 90% full bottle. It’s a very mild formula that was soothing on my eyelids, and didn’t irritate my eyes (I wear contact lenses). This is by far one of the BEST eye makeup removers I have used. It’s worth every penny and I won’t be without it now! (via Palacinka)

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CleanWell, Natural Hand Sanitizer Spray 6 oz

Updated Apr 25, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

You know the feeling...you've been traveling, or shaking a lot of hands, or playing with the kids all day but you just don't happen to be near any soap and water! There are hand sanitizing wipes and gels on the market, but without a doubt this product is a dream come true!

Clean Well hand sanitizers are made with all-natural Ingenium which is a patented formula proven to kill 99.99% of harmful germs that can make you sick including Samonella, resistent Staph, and Listeria. The travel sized version (pictured left) is what I used, and it was a great size -- no more than 5 in" long and superlight. The spray pump is tucked away under a flip top cap which snaps closed.

The biggest plus for me was that no water is required. Wherever I needed it, I could whip this out of my bag or my jacket pocket, spray once and I was all set. What I also loved was that is dries quickly but didn't dry out my hands. It still left them soft with a nice pleasant fresh/citrus scent. My hands felt clean, soft and fresh! I am stockpiling these! (via Palacinka)

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Juice Beauty SPF 20 Mineral Medium Tinted Moisturizer

Updated Apr 25, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

This is a great tinted moisturizer that doesn't contain any chemical sunscreens (it does contain titanium dioxide). It has a nice, light feel and was not oily or greasy feeling. The Mineral Medium is a great sheer bronze color which looks darker in the bottle, but worked with my skin tone perfectly (this will work best up to a Rihanna complexion).

It was very sheer, and it gave my skin a warm glow and provided just enough moisture throughout the day. I had no problems with breakouts or irritations which also made me very happy. It only took a small amount to cover my face and it has a light fragrance to boot. This is perfect for the warmer weather and after going to the gym to go out. (via Palacinka)

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Juice Beauty Cleansing Gel

Updated Apr 25, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

I was very impressed with this organic cleanser. The texture of the cleanser is a mid-weight gel and it took off every bit of oil, makeup and debris from my face. It made my skin look and feel clean afterwards. It did not feel harsh or irritating and rinsed off very well. Anyone with oilier skin looking for an effective, gentle cleanser this is the one – and the fact that it’s organic is fantastic!

This cleanser also kept my acne at bay! After using this for several weeks, I noticed a significant difference in the amount of flare ups that occurred. (via Palacinka)

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Care by Stella McCartney Gentle Cleansing Milk

Updated Apr 25, 2008

3 people recommended this item

Description

This is a cleanser that made me really happy! It didn’t make my skin dry or tight, and I had no breakouts or irritation. I happen to really like milky cleansers, and this CARE cleansing milk was mild, and yet still really effective. I used with either a cotton pad and then rinsed, or mixed it with water, and had great results. Each and every time it left my skin soft and supple and didn’t leave any residue.

This cleanser also removed my makeup and removed my makeup perfectly without stinging my eyes. I also happen to love the CARE packaging – it’s understated, functional, and beautiful. (via Palacinka)

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Ole Henriksen Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask

Updated Apr 25, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

I am a very big fan of Ole’s products and treatments, but had never tried any of his store masks before. This is a really relaxing soothing masque (note: it has a lavender aroma). The texture of the mask was a little different for me (like a whipped jelly). I found that it softened and brightened my skin with use 2x week for several weeks, leaving it on for the full 20 minutes as recommended.

This was the perfect mask to give my skin a pick up after late nights and stressfull days. I also used it under my tired eyes on the weekends. It does have a slight tingle to it due to the enzymes, but it wasn’t unbearable at all. It’s a luxury purchase, but I think it is worth every penny for the amazing feeling and results. (via Palacinka)

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Giorgio Armani Maestro Mascara

Updated Apr 7, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

Comb mascaras seem to really work well for me, and this Armani mascara was no exception. Now that I’ve tried this I can never go back. The unique 4 sided comb individually coated every single one of my lashes. It made them super long and defined. I usually look for length in my mascara, but this also thickened in addition to lengthening. The overall effects of this mascara are among the best that I have ever seen.

I loved that I didn’t need lots of coats to build up the effect; my lashes looked magnificent after just one coat. Even better, my lashes also felt light and soft. The staying power was great and it did not flake or smudge at all! The tube design is as sleek and beautiful as one would expect from an Armani product as well. (via Palacinka)

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CHANEL Inimitable Waterproof Multi Dimensional Mascara - # 40 Emeraude

Updated Apr 3, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

This my first time trying a CHANEL mascara in which I stepped out of my “comfort zone” to try a colored formula. This was amazing!

It made my lashes look long, luscious and thick. I really did do a double take in the mirror the first morning I used it. It didn’t clump and held a curl better than almost mascaras I’ve tried. There was no smudging or flaking and it IS truly waterproof – I went swimming and into a sauna with it, and it stayed put, and looked incredible.

The color of the mascara is a beautiful jade green color, which looks a little deeper on the brush than it did on my lashes – and I liked that it gave a definite hint of green to my lashes, but was still subtle. This is a great color that will work on all skin tones and for those of you who want to change up your eye look. For me, it really did bring out the dimension of my brown eyes as well, which was another plus! This is a beautiful luxury mascara with a color twist that is worth the price. (via Palacinka)

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Zelens Skin Science DNA Protection Day Cream

Updated Mar 27, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

I get to try a lot of skin creams because of what I do and while a lot of ones that I’ve chosen have worked well, Zelens Skin Science Cellular DNA Protection Day Cream is one of the few that I’ve used and woken up to significantly better skin!

Zelens Skin Science Day Cream was very nice to use. It absorbed into my skin very well, and was extremely hydrating, but not at all oily or greasy. The cream felt slightly exfoliating when I applied on my skin, and within days my skin was simply smoother, softer and little discolorations in my skintone were evened out.

I found that after several weeks of using this along with the eye cream (see review above) I felt confident enough to wear significantly less makeup while I was out and about during the day! This is a product that is absolute luxury, effective and worth the price without question.

Extra Info: This product line was created by Mr. Marko Lens, a plastic surgeon and international authority on skin cancer and skin aging. (via Palacinka)

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Zelens Intensive Triple Action Eye Cream

Updated Mar 27, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

Yes, I have found an eye cream that has seriously made me rethink the entire eye cream category. That’s because with Zelens, from the first moment I looked at the box knew I was going to have a special experience. The box actually looks like it’s been created for an expensive piece of jewelry or designer wallet, with its deep green and brown coloring. When I pulled the satin ribbon, a velvet pedestal slid out which the cream sits on. The jar is a beautiful frosted green glass with a silver medallion hanging from the side.

Even better, the cream itself is pure luxury. I loved the texture, which is gel/cream hybrid that’s light and velvety. It also has a very nice fresh smell. I was very happy to also learn that over half of the ingredients are natural, such as Green Tea, and Vitamins A, and C. The results are what amazed me next. Within 1 day of using the eye cream I saw a marked difference in the puffiness around my eyes, the lines were completely smoothed, my skin was hydrated for the entire day and the whole area looked brighter. As much as I loved it, I do have to say that I preferred using this in the evenings before bed to in the mornings before my concealer, as sometimes I would get a little residue as a result of the mix. I used it without fail every day for several weeks, and have now completely fallen in love!

Extra Info: This product line was created by Mr. Marko Lens, a plastic surgeon and international authority on skin cancer and skin aging.
The packaging is designed by Anouska Hempel (who designed The Hempel Hotel and Blakes Hotel in London amongst others). (via Palacinka)

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Fresh Creme Ancienne

Updated Mar 27, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

What a decadent treat for my skin! This thick, hydrating cream made my skin feel extremely soft & supple in the morning, after I had applied before bed.

This cream is extremely thick, so I only need a small amount each time. Note: Start with less and add more if you need it, as I noticed that when I put too much on at first it actually made my skin greasy. It’s also very important that you warm it up in your hands before you apply it or else it won't spread on the skin.

I also loved the fragrance, which was a very unique tea type of scent (like Earl Grey!). The results of using this week after week were just fantastic. I found that it gave my skin the type of intense hydration it needed, while also plumping and soothing my skin. I also got a lovely glow to my skin, and did not irritate my more oily parts in the t zone. I looked forward to my nightly cleansing ritual because I felt like I was really pampering myself with this crème. Only a tiny bit of Creme Ancienne is needed, so this luxury product really does pay for itself as it will last for at least 6 - 8+ months, if not more. On drier/colder days I would also use this as a day cream under my makeup and despite its really thick texture, it soaked in beautifully. This is the most amazing skin care product that Fresh has ever created. (via Palacinka)

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Benefit Cosmetics Silky-Finish Lipstick

Updated Mar 27, 2008

2 people recommended this item

Description

This has to be one of my favorite Benefit products! The two things I loved about this product is that it's hybrid formula of lipstick + gloss, and that the shades are actually very neutral/universally flattering! It isn't too waxy or two glossy, but just right. I got it in the shade "skinny dip," a gorgeous pinky nude shade. I'm still love a nude lip for everything and this really is a great color for me.

The cream colors is well pigmented, go on smooth even without a lip balm. The staying power is good, but application after a meal is still needed.

It really is a lipstick that went on my lips smoothly in one sweep, faded evenly and naturally, and I could reapply once or twice with any trouble. This color will work best up to a Nia Long complexion. I would love to try even more of their lovely shades – I think these will keep me coming back for more! (via Palacinka)

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Givenchy Captiv'Eyes Mascara

Updated Mar 25, 2008

2 people recommended this item

Description

This was a nice chance of pace – and with a great impact too! I’ve never used Givenchy mascara before, and I was very impressed not only but the packaging and luxury of this product, but also the performance. It gave me really intense lashes that were just as the color describes, black, but with a very nice tinge of deep purple, which I loved, especially for evening looks (It also photographs really well!).

I had volume, (most importantly) length and no smudges, flaking or smearing. Two coats were really all that was needed (as a matter of fact, I only got clumping when I tried to layer it on more than this). This is a lovely mascara and I look forward to exploring more of Givenchy! (via Palacinka)

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NARS Hydrating Freshening Lotion

Updated Mar 17, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

I have always had high hopes that I would find a toner that would be worthy of the extra skin care step, but I have not always been impressed. However, after using this for toner for several weeks, I can say that this is a great product! It didn't irritate or dry out my sensitive/combination skin, or give me that tight feeling that some toners have. It also didn’t sting like some toners can.

This toner has a transparent gel texture and removed flaky skin in one swipe with no irritation. One squirt on a pad was enough to swipe my face (or just t zone). I loved the fact that it’s non-scented and didn’t make me break out. In fact, my face started to look amazing after using this product.

Putting this toner before my moisturizer greatly calmed those areas and my skin felt softer and looked healthier. Since my skin texture was better, my makeup application was more even and looked better. I loved that I didn't even have to use a moisturizer some days after using this.
NARS skincare also happens to have some of the best looking packaging I've ever seen among skincare brands. It is also a huge bottle, so it is completely worth the price tag. (via Palacinka)

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Dreaming Tommy Hilfiger Lipgloss/Rollerball Duo

Updated Mar 13, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

This is a fragrance that is simple, but pleasant in its basic nature. It’s fruity, but equally fresh and pleasant. The initial notes on me were fresh peach – but not the sickly sweet and cloying type of fragrance. It is pale, clean and sparkling. This lasted a fair while. Then I began to get the flowery notes, such as tuberose, freesia, white hibiscus, white woods and orris. And it just got cozier and warmer as the time passed. I loved the tuberose in it in particular.

This fragrance is for the woman who wants "romantic and feminine" more than "sensuous and seductive". While it is girlie, it is not boring, it is sweet and calm and charming. For example, it’s perfect for church, brunch with in-laws, a wedding, and travel. The lasting power is very good (fragrance oil tends to last longer than EDT). I will definitely layer this will the larger bottle for everyday wear however. The roller ball contains the fragrance oil version of the scent. It is quick drying and not greasy, and I loved how I could pinpoint exactly where I wanted the fragrance to go with no muss, no fuss.

No, your eyes are not deceiving you…there is also a lip gloss included, which is a sheer cheery, flattering watermelon/cherry shade which was not too sticky, also had a nice peach fragrance, and looked great on many of our testers as it just warmed up the skin with that nice touch of color. Perfect idea for quick touch ups and travel! This is a very well thought out item with a lovely scent to match! I could not have been more pleased this, which was my first Hilfiger scent. (via Palacinka)

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Bobbi Brown Glitter Lip Gloss - Almost Bare

Updated Mar 12, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

This is a very pretty lip gloss that is glittery, but not over the top in any way. The shade is a flattering creamy champagne peach with a touch of light brown (that looks great with the shades in the Bobbi Brown Nude Palette as well).This is meant to be a “your lips but better” shade, with a bit of kick to it. I generally wore this over one of the Bobbi Brown Nude palette colors, and also with other light brown/pink lip shades.

I loved that the gloss is not too sticky, gave a nice shine, felt light on my lips, and the glitter was not large or gritty. The glitter also did not “migrate” or flake off during the day, which I appreciated.

The staying power is excellent as well for a gloss. Since this is a sheer shade, if your lips are more pigmented, a base of light brown liner or lipstick will be needed to really see the full color, although the glitter particles do show up in any event. This will work to enhance any nude lip shade on all skin tones. (via Palacinka)

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Yves Saint Laurent Eye Colour Touch - Steel Blue

Updated Mar 12, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

This is a lovely color from YSL’s spring 2008 Pop Romanticism Collection. It’s very true to the color described, as it was a very nice light gray/blue on my skin. A pastel color that did not make me look washed out. The formula was fantastic – light and airy on my skin and the shadow lasted all day without creasing or smudging. The pen applicator was so easy to use and quick too! About two swipes on each lid are all I needed. I sometimes finished blending with a brush, but it is certainly possible to still get a very polished look without it.

Another bonus is it’s also water resistant, so it wears very well in hot/humid weather. I loved pairing this with a soft rose on the cheeks and lips, which worked well for daytime, and with an extra coat of mascara and a high shine gloss on top of the rose lip for an evening look. This grey will work with all skin tones as it’s not a pale pastel; the blue gives the grayness depth that will show up on very dark skin tones as well e.g. Serena Williams – Alex Wek.

I would love to see them expand into even more colors for fall 2008! (via Palacinka.com)

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