Review: Jordana Cat Eye Liner (01 Black Leather)

Picture found at Walgreens.com

$2.99/ 0.057 fl. oz (1.7 mL)

http://www.jordanacosmetics.com/p-173-cat-eye-liner.aspx

This eyeliner is described as being “Lightweight, Long Wearing, Smudge-Proof Color that Lines & Defines Eyes”, “From Novice to Pro; Easy To Use, Tapered Brush Applicator”, and having “Smooth Application”.

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Acrylates Copolymer, XanthanGum, Cellulose, Hectorite, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Mica.+/- May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI77499), Red 40 (CI 16035), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Carmine (CI 75470), Ultramarines(CI 77007), Black 2 (CI 77266), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), ManganeseViolet (CI 77742)..

This product is a black liquid liner with a shiny, vinyl-like finish. It is housed in a long tube with a very fine brush applicator. The applicator is slightly tapered.

I found that about half of the claims associated with the product are accurate. This is a pigmented, very black liquid liner that provides smudgeproof wear for the whole day. The brush is so fine that you can get really thin lines and really sharp points. However, it is not at all easy to use. Because it is a brush tip and not very tapered, it is really easy to make mistakes. So I would definitely NOT recommend this for novice eyeliner-wearers as the blurb suggests. Because it is a brush/inkwell type design instead of a pen, if I draw into the roots of the lashes I get my lashes coated with the product. I can work around this, I just gently run makeup remover over my lashes, but I can see this being a problem for inexperienced makeup wearers. If you are already boss at doing liquid liner and have trouble finding a product that allows you to draw fine enough lines or points, this is definitely check this out though.

Another thing is the consistency of the product. It has a very strange consistency when it dries; the product binds together. This makes it really resistant to running or smudging (I’ve taken showers with this on and have come out with my liner intact), however, if you rub it it balls up and rubs off completely without much hassle. This only happens with liner on my eyelids, not swatches on my hands, leading me to believe that water or oil breaks down bonds between the skin and the product. This makes the product really easy and not at all messy to remove when you actually want it to, which is great. Thankfully I think the gentle rubbing is key; I have quite oily lids and haven’t had this peel off of its own accord throughout the day (unless I accidentally rubbed my eyes) even without wearing primer underneath. It never rubbed off my hand without water. So if you have super oily eyelids, I would suggest putting a bit of primer under your eye makeup; for drier lids this should work fantastically.

The finish is a bit strange, being slightly shiny- if you are familiar with the L’Oreal vinyl finish liner (I don’t know the exact name), I think this is similar if memory serves correctly. I can’t exactly say for sure if this is an exact dupe because I only have used my friend’s about 4 years ago, but I think if you like that one this one could be a good replacement. It’s also significantly cheaper!

Overall, I think this is a really good product if you are really good at doing liquid liner and like the vinyl look. It has great wear, yet is easy to remove when you want it off; it is super black and can draw really fine lines. And for $2.99 you can hardly beat it! I would be interested in seeing if Jordana INCOLOR Fabuliner has the same performance as this liner in terms of formula, but with a little bit easier application.

Rating: A-

Review: Acure Lemograss + Argan Stem Cell Everyday Clarifying Shampoo

$9.99/8 oz

http://www.acureorganics.com/Lemongrass-Argan-Stem-Cell-Shampoo-p/024.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This shampoo is a clarifying shampoo suitable for all hair types and supposedly gentle enough for everyday use. It “promotes shiny, healthy, clean hair” using “organic Argan Oil, Argan Stem Cells + CoQ10 help support hair keratin and strengthen the follicle connection”. In addition,  “organic Avocado Oil provides vitamin B12 and moisture while lemongrass cleanses and clarifies”. It is color safe, vegan, gluten free, sulfate free, paraben free, phthalate free, and cruelty free.

Ingredients:

Organic Euterpe oleracea (Acai) Berry, Organic Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry), Organic Rosa canina (Rosehips),Organic Punica granatum (Pomegranate),Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Rooibos,Organic Aloe Barbadensis Vera Leaf Juice, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (from Coconut), 100% Naturally-derived Betaine (from Sugar Beets), Vegetable Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (from Coconut + Amino Acids), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (from Coconut + Amino Acids), Cocoglucosides Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Sugar Conditioner), Sodium Levulinate (from Corn), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Guar gum conditioner), Potassium Sorbate (food grade preservative), Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Organic Fair-Trade Certified™ Olea Europea (Olive) Oil, D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (vitamin E), Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Argania spinosa (Argan) Stem Cells,  Organic Persea americana (Avocado) oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass), Lavendula Dentata (French Lavender), Evernia Prunastri (Oakmoss), & Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Essential Oils

I love love love this shampoo, it might even have pushed my beloved Body Shop Rainforest Shampoo (review here) out of its spot as my #1 favorite shampoo of all time. It does a fantastic job of cleaning my fairly oily roots without stripping my hair, especially my dry ends, of their moisture. It smells fantastic, light and citrus-y- I assume that’s the lemongrass. The smell is very fresh and invigorating, although does not remain in the hair long after washing. What really pushes this shampoo above my Body Shop darling is how easy it lathers. That was the one complaint with my Body Shop one- like some sulfate shampoos it didn’t lather terribly easily. This shampoo is also sulfate-free, but somehow it still lathers like it has its sulfates. I’m not sure how they did it, but I love it.

The real test for me for shampoos is how long I can go with my hair looking relatively clean. With normal shampoos, I can go around 24 hours before my hair starts to look nasty. With this one, if I don’t do anything like get a bit sweaty, I can go around a day and a half. This is pretty amazing for me.

My hair is shiny and healthy-looking, but it could also be my conditioner. In any case, this shampoo is not taking anything away- if it helps as well, that’s great. But really what I’m looking for in shampoos is their cleansing ability, and here Acure has knocked it out of the park.

I’m not sure exactly how this shampoo performs on really dry hair, but it didn’t dry out my semi-dry ends which is a good sign. However, I’m not sure how much use a person with really dry hair would have with a clarifying shampoo, so this may not be an issue. Maybe for product build-up?

I would highly recommend this product to most everyone, except for maybe the afore-mentioned super-dry haired people. Not that I think this product would damage your hair, but that it might just not be what you’re looking for. If you have normal to oily hair, though, this is a lifesaver.

Rating: A+

 

Review: Catrice Defining Blush in 060 Rosewood Forest and 030 Love & Peach

Rossman: ca. €4

http://www.catrice.eu/products/face/blush/detail/product/defining-blush-080.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L: Rosewood Forest
R: Love & Peaches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These blushes are “ultra-fine, highly-pigmented”, and are formulated with vitamins C and E. They should “spread easily, set fresh accents, emphasize your cheekbones and model the contours of your face”. Rosewood Forest is a dusty mauve shade, and Love & Peach is a true coral (equal amounts pink and orange). Both shades are completely matte.

 

Ingredients:

SHADES 020, 030, 040, 050 TALC, MICA, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, ISOCETYL STEAROYL STEARATE, OCTYLDODECYL STEARATE, SILICA, PEG-8, TOCOPHEROL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, ASCORBIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, TIN OXIDE, METHYLPARAPEN, PROPYLPARABEN

SHADE 060 TALC, MICA, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, OCTYLDODECYL STEARATE, ISOCETYL STEAROYL STEARATE, PEG-8, TOCOPHEROL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, ASCORBIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, METHYLPARAPEN, PROPYLPARABEN, CI 15850 (RED 6 LAKE/RED 7 LAKE), CI 45410 (RED 27 LAKE), CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES).

 

Europeans, be happy! A cheap blush that performs phenomenally. There is nothing really that I can find fault with. They are silky and blend really easily, they are pigmented but still easy to work with because of the blendability, and the colors are just gorgeous. Rosewood Forest, the mauve shade, is a great all-in-one blush for fairer skinned people. The pink in it gives a nice color to cheeks, but as it is matte and has the more subdued quality it can be used almost as contour as well. However, I’m not sure the shade would show up on darker skin tones at all. Love & Peach is a great bright coral for spring and summer, for many different skin tones. It can be kept sheer and pretty for fairer skin tones or those that are a bit scared of bright cheek colors, or can be built up to give quite a vibrant effect.

The packaging as well is really nice, especially for a drugstore brand. The clear plastic looks simple and chic, and shows off the pretty detailing in the powder as well. These would also be really easy to depot to put in a magnetic pallette, if you would want to do that. 

Overall, I love love love these blushes. I was so impressed by the texture and the pigmentation, especially as these retail for under €5. On a side note, powder products from Catrice seem to be top of the line: their eyeshadows are amazing as well (review of one shade here). When I visit Germany again I will have to pick up more of these! Highly recommend.

Rating: A+

Review: Essence Kajal Pencil in 08 Teddy

Ulta: $0.99

Rossman: ca. 0.99 EUR

http://www.essence.eu/us/products/eyes/eyeliner-kajal/e/product/kajal-pencil-08/

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1910063&_requestid=254838

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural Light
R: Opaque, L: Blended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This pencil honestly doesn’t claim much on the Essence site: just that it provides “cool and trendy colors” which doesn’t really tell you much. Teddy is a mid-tone brown with gold and bronze shimmer in it. Judging from swatches online, the color looks like an almost exact dupe to MAC’s Teddy eyeliner, whose formula I’m willing to bet is not much better despite the, what, $16 price tag.

 

Ingredients

Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Mica, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides, Talc, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Myristyl Myristate, Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax, Behenyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Cetyl Palmitate, Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera) Wax, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sorbitan Palmitate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Silica, Propylene Carbonate, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Oleate, Citric Acid, Tin Oxide. May Contain: CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 42090 (Blue 1lake), CI 75470 (Carmine), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide).

 

I think the color would look good on most skin tones, although on middle to dark skin it will probably only show up as a sheen (which might also be gorgeous, but in a slightly different way).

They are honestly selling themselves short on this- this product is such a staple for me. The color is just gorgeous, and works really well on its own, making it a really easy look. I can have my eye makeup done in 2 minutes- I just smudge the pencil along the upper and lower lashline and blend with my finger, then add mascara. For a more intense brown smokey eye, i might use this as a base for Urban Decay’s Smog eyeshadow. Smog is a lighter tone and more golden, but they really do look nice together- the pencil adds a depth to the shadow.

Beyond the color, the quality of the product is great as well. The pencil is creamy and blends easily, but doesn’t run all over the place when its on your eyes. It also lasts pretty decently as well- on my oily eyes the pencil will fade a bit if I don’t use primer, but this isn’t exactly horrendous, as it doesn’t crease or migrate. On less oily eyelids this would stay put for quite some time unless you rub your eyes constantly. For oily eyelids, the problem is fixed with even a less fabulous primer. Also bear in mind that this product costs LESS THAN A DOLLAR. You can’t even get a cheeseburger for less than a dollar.

Because it’s so close to Urban Decay’s Smog, I sometimes use it as a base for the shadow when I’m creating a more smokey look, and it really amps up the vibrancy and staying power of the shadow.

Overall, this is a no-brainer- it is a phenomenal eyeliner in a really gorgeous color that can make entire eye looks in two minutes. It is also one of the cheapest items in my makeup collection

Rating: A+

Review: Aubrey Organics EveryDay Basics Cleansing Gel for Normal/Oily Skin

3.4 oz/100 mL

AubreyOrganics.com: $8.85

http://www.aubrey-organics.com/ProductInfo/991.aspx

According to Aubrey Organics, this “refreshing daily cleanser clears away makeup, excess oils and impurities to leave skin soft, rebalanced and healthy looking”. It is a clear gel with a menthol/minty scent. Organic aloe vera “hydrates and soothes skin”, organic eucalyptus, camphor, and menthol oils “cool and tone”, and organic quinoa protein “balances oils and promotes skin health”. This product is vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients:

Aqua, decyl glucoside, glycerin, leuconostoc/ radish root ferment filtrate, citric acid, xanthan gum, chenopodium quinoa seed extract*, aloe barbadensis leaf juice*, alcohol*, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil*, eucalytpus globulus leaf oil*, cinnamomum camphora (camphor), menthol*, alcohol, citrus grandis (grapefruit) extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil*, salvia officinalis (sage) oil*, ascorbic acid, arctium lappa root extract, avena sativa (oat) straw extract, saponaria officinalis extract, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel extract, salvia officinalis (sage) leaf extract.
*Organic

This product literally lives up to every claim it gives. And then it goes and does more. When I use this, my skin is left clean (evidenced by the amount of dirt my toner removes afterwards compared to how much it removes when I don’t use it) and my t-zone not oily, but it doesn’t feel stripped or tight at all. It deals wonderfully with breakouts as well, whenever I am breaking out I will use this and the zits will be gone or almost gone within a few days. Immediately afterwards, they will look less red. I’m pretty sure something in the eucalyptus/camphor/menthol cocktail is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, but I am not completely sure. In any case, it works.

The product does have an amazing cooling property that makes my face feel more tight. Not in the way that skin gets when it’s dry, but in the way that puffy, tired skin feels de-puffed and awake again. My pores also look considerably smaller, redness reduced, and skin overall brightened. Speaking of redness- I use this after waxing my upper lip and this really takes down a lot of the redness and irritation. The actual skin texture is also much improved, almost like there is a a gentle chemical exfoliant in the gel. It really works wonders if you have one of those days when your face refuses to work with you, and just looks terrible. PMS face, for example. In addition to making your skin feel better, it will also instantly perk you up which is a good addition.

Though it says you can use it every day, I typically don’t. This is partially because my skin is not usually very oily or break-out prone, and partly because I’m lazy and I forget. I use this around 2-4 times a week, and I use it almost as a quick mask, leaving it on for 1-3 minutes. This usually happens in the shower after I put conditioner in my hair and before rinse my conditioner out. If I wake up and my skin looks gross, I’ll also use it quickly then, but not as a mask.

I have to say the packaging makes it easy to apply because the gel is pretty liquidey, but I think there might be some problems getting the last of the product out which is a bit annoying.

I will say, though, that the label normal/oily is accurate. Sometimes I get a combination deal where my t-zone is oily yet I’ve got random dry patches on my cheeks. Using this product doesn’t aggravate my dry patches unnecessarily, but I do definitely need a good moisturizer afterwards. So basically if this extreme combination situation sounds like you, this will still work but just make sure you’re moisturizing well. If you’re dry, I wouldn’t really recommend this.

Overall this makes my skin look amazing and is a real life-saver on those days when your skin looks dull and/or puffy. If you have normal/oily skin I would highly, highly recommend it.

Rating: A+

Review: Hydrating Moroccan Argan Oil Creamy Oil Body Lotion

13 fl. oz./385 mL

Ulta: $6.99

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4190131

Found on OrganixHair.com

This “lavish creamy oil body lotion” is described as having “an exclusive moisture lock system” made up of Moroccan argan oil (“to restore skin’s elasticity”), sugar cane and willow bark (“to soften, giving a radiant glow” and “promote cellular turnover” ), and finally rice milk and bamboo extract (“to make skin supple and touchable all over”). The “moisture lock system” uses a PCA complex (whatever that is- a quick Google search did not clarify anything) that apparently draws moisture in, and a ceramide complex (stuff that resembles the natural lipid barrier of the skin) to lock in the moisture. The argan oil is supposed to be a dry oil, meaning that it sinks in quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue.

Ingredients

Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfocuccinate, Socium C14-16 Olefine Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide DEA, Glycerin, Clycol Distearate, Acrylates Copolymer, Saccarum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Cocamide MEA, Laureth-10, Polyquaternium-11, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Milk, Hydrolyzed Collagen (Collagen Peptides), Paullinia Cupana (Cuarana) Extract, PCA, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Ceramide 3, Argania Spinoza (Argan) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Extract, Paullinia Cupana (Guarana) Extract, Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) Extract, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexlglycerin, Parfum.

This stuff is amazing. It lives up to basically every claim that was thrown my way. Moisturizing? Very. Makes skin supple? Yup. Sinks in quickly? Yeah, pretty much. Gives skin a radiant glow? Actually, yes.

So yeah this lotion was moisturizing, but that doesn’t necessarily set it apart from the other good moisturizers out there. What does stand out, though, is that one bit about glowing skin. It sounds gimmicky, but to my astonishment it proved to be actually true. What happens is you apply the product, and it sinks in fairly quickly, but leaves this sheen on your skin. I think it might be the combination of the ceramide complex and the argan oil, but damn it is great. It doesn’t necessarily hide imperfections like say a tinted product might, but it certainly does minimize the appearance of discoloration and cellulite. So as it is winter right now, my legs are very pasty and more than a little bit infested with cellulite. This lotion makes them look so so much better. I cannot wait to see what this does when I have a tan! This doesn’t to my knowledge reduce cellulite necessarily, though- just diminishes appearance. I don’t know how they do it but I absolutely love it.

The sheen is a layer of moisture and definitely feels it, but it isn’t like those products where it takes forever to sink in and you feel sticky. It doesn’t bother me at all, it doesn’t stick to my clothes or anything, but I might see some people that are really sensitive to that sort of thing not loving it.

Something that the description doesn’t mention, though, is the scent. I personally love the smell, it’s sort of sweet and floral (it’s the same smell from the conditioner– it’s probably standard for the line), but it is pretty strong so again this might be a turn off for some people.

Overall, though, this is an outstanding product if the slight sheen and the smell don’t bother you. I will definitely be repurchasing this when it finishes and cannot wait to use it in summer!

Rating: A+

Review: Cattier Paris Rosee Florale Soothing Beauty Lotion

200 ml/6.76 fl oz

Douglas: € 10.95

Beautorium.com: $23 (USD)

http://www.douglas.fr/douglas/Soins-Visage-Nettoyant-Cattier-Soins-démaquillants-nettoyants-Rosée-florale_productbrand_3000052568.html

http://www.douglas.de/douglas/Pflege-Gesicht-Reinigung-Cattier-Gesichtsreinigung-Rosée-Florale_productbrand_3000052568.html

http://www.beautorium.com/natural-organic-face-care-114/toners-124/cattier-rosee-florale-soothing-beauty-lotion-513.html

Found on Cattier-Paris.com

This product is an alcohol-free liquid toner (NOT lotion, at least in the English sense) that “completes cleansing and gently awakens the radiance of the complexion”. It is “enriched with organic rose and camomile waters and organic calendula extract” and “soothes, refreshes and softens the epidermis”, using “moisturising and nourishing wheat proteins [to] tone and firm the skin”. Cattier claims it is suitable for all skin types.

Ingredients:

Aqua, Rosa Damascena Flower Water*, Glycerin, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water*, Calendula Officinalis Extract*, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Parfum, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Limonene, Linalool. *from certified organic sources

I originally bought this as a possible substitute to the more expensive (and also now shown to be not so cruelty free!) Caudelie Eau de Beaute. Unfortunately the mist was not fine enough nor the liquid essential oil-rich enough to be used in the same was as the beauty water, but it did prove to be an excellent toner. I have combination skin that can lean more oily or more dry, and this product can accommodate both quite well. I cannot comment on its effectiveness with either of the extremes, though. The toner is soothing but still thorough; it removes dirt and makeup residue left after cleansing and leaves the skin clean but comfortable. It also calms skin, reducing redness considerably afterI wax my upper lip. As for brightening, it does help some in this regard; my skin can tend to get rather dull and while using this I did notice some brightening.

For application, I typically spray this on a cotton pad and then wipe my face, rather than spraying it directly on my face.

The only thing I really don’t like is the price for us North Americans (on beautorium.com). $23 is kind of steep, and I don’t really like spending that much when there are other good toners for cheaper. At the European prices, though, I would not hesitate to buy it. It is really difficult to find carriers because the Cattier website has virtually no information regarding the matter, but I know that the German and French Douglas carries it online at least (I think the larger shops should carry it, in Germany at least). Beutorium.com ships to  the US and Canada.

Overall I would highly recommend this product if you can pick it up at European prices. If you are ever in France or Germany (or anywhere you can find that carries it cheap) check it out! I will also keep hunting for an alternative to the Caudelie Beauty Water for y’all 🙂

Rating: A

Review: Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

0.26 oz/7 g

Sephora: $24

John Lewis: £19

http://www.sephora.com/smudge-proof-eyeshadow-base-P261211

http://www.johnlewis.com/search/nars-eyeshadow-base?_requestid=1540656

http://www.narscosmetics.com/complexion/primers/~/smudge-proof-eyeshadow-base

Found on Nars Cosmetics website

This “lightweight” clear eyeshadow primer is said to help keep cream and powder eyeshadows “looking brilliant, fresh, and just-applied all day”. It “uses a unique polymer and mineral powder blend” and is fortified with “special deep-sea extract and an antioxidant rice extract”.

Ingredients

Isododecane, Talc, Cyclopentasiloxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Dimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Carbonate, Peg-40 Stearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Phenoxyethanol, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Oryza Sativa [Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil Extract], Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Castor Oil Phosphate, Sea Whip Extract, Mica, Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride).

I really like this primer. It makes my eyeshadows look much nicer, go on smoother, and last longer. I have used two others in the past, the cult-favorite UD Primer Potion (review here), and the insanely cheap ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer (review here).  This one out-performs both. For actual texture, this one is much silkier than the ELF one, and a bit silkier than the UD one. I do not get dry patches, quite the opposite in fact, but I think this is thick enough to help deal with those but still light-weight enough to blend seamlessly. I would recommend verifying this though, before buying this product. But as someone with oily eyelids, I can say that this helps a lot with creasing and fading. My eyeshadow looks nicer at the end of the day than with the ELF one and much nicer than the UD one. However, I must say that I do still get some fading. Much less than with other products I’ve tried, and with (horror of horrors) no primer, but my nevertheless it still occurs. By this point I have kind of accepted it as a fact of life. On the bright side, if you do not have extremely gross eyelids like me, this will probably blow your mind!

For packaging, it is the beautiful classic Nars aesthetic with the beautiful classic complaint: the rubberized material gets so dirty! Not that big a deal, but kinda annoying considering the price and the fact this complaint has been around since the beginning of time. Get it together, Nars!

I really do like this product, and it is the best thing I have found so far to help with my chronic fading problem (the struggle is real, y’all), but I’m a bit unsure about the price tag. This is the best product I have tried, but I’m not entirely sure it’s $21 better than the ELF one, which sets me a whopping $3 back. It does last an long time, so the cost is spread out over a while. Would I repurchase it? Yes, conceivably. After I try some other things. I would recommend trying the ELF one first, and if it doesn’t work go for this.

Rating: A

Review: The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector

100mL/ 3.3 fl. oz.

The Body Shop USA- $12

The Body Shop UK- ₤5

The Body SHop EU- €6

Found at http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com

This hand cream is supposed to “soften and protect” very dry hands that uses Community Trade hemp seed oil and Community Trade organic beeswax to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier and seal said moisture in. It is a very rich, slightly greenish colored cream.

 

Ingredients

Water (Solvent/Diluent), Glycerin (Humectant), Cetearyl Alcohol (Emulsifier), Myristyl Myristate (Emollient), Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (Emollient), Dimethicone (Skin Conditioning Agent), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (Emulsifier), Glyceryl Stearate (Emulsifier), PEG-100 Stearate (Surfactant), Beeswax (Emulsifier/Emollient), Panthenol (Skin/Hair Conditioning Agent), Methyl Soyate (Skin Conditioning Agent – Emollient), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Fragrance (Fragrance), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Allantoin (Skin Soothing Agent), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster), Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Xanthan Gum (Viscosity Modifier), Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Emollient), Retinyl Palmitate (Skin Conditioning Agent), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax (Stabiliser/Viscosity Modifier), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Talc (Absorbent/Bulking Agent), Chromium Oxide Greens (Colour), Iron Oxides (Colour).

 

So my love affair with the Body Shop continues. This cream does everything is says it will. It is so rich and nourishing, no matter how dry my hands are this cream makes them feel soft and supple. Now that the fall and winter are coming up, if you live somewhere that does get cold, I would highly, highly recommend this. It is (so far, anyway) the best hand cream that I have ever tried and believe me, I have tried a lot! Now that I have relocated to Houston where it does not get cold, ever, I will not be needing this as much, but when I lived in northern Germany, during the winter this is what kept my hands from dying. And believe me when I say the job was not easy.

In terms of scent, it’s not the most delicious in the world. Honestly, it kinda smells vaguely of a plant. However, it is not a particularly strong smell, it goes away quickly, and you get used to it so it’s not a big deal.

This cream soaks in pretty quickly, considering how rich it is. It leaves an odd residue on the skin- not oily at all, you won’t leave massive oil splotches on things you touch like other creams- but it feels like there’s a protective layer on the skin which I assume comes from the beeswax. For me it’s not a problem at all, but I would recommend trying it out in the store if you have the chance.

Price-wise, I think it is pretty decent! In Europe and Britain more so, but the American price isn’t too tragic. I would say it’s pretty midrange- it’s a little more expensive than something like Nivea, but then again it works far better. Also compared to some of the more luxury hand creams it’s a steal, and may very well  work just as well or better. Considering the benefits, it is a sum I am happy to spend.

 

Bottom line, this is a fabulous hand cream and your hands will love you. If you can stand the smell, get it.

Rating: A+

Review: Catrice Abolute Eye Colour Mono (410 C’mon Chameleon)

dm Drogerie Markt: ca. 3-4€

Found on Catrice homepage

These shadows are described as having “fabulous” “color”, “durability” and “coverage”. I took this to mean good pigmentation, shade selection, and longevity. C’mon Chameleon is a medium brown with a forest green duochrome. I haven’t swatched them side by side, but I have a feeling this is a spot-on dupe for MAC’s Club.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This eyeshadow is a dream. First of all, the color is so interesting and makes for a really gorgeous (and surprisingly wearable!) eyeshadow look. The ratio of green shimmer to the base medium brown color is also perfect, so that you can have just a wash of the warm color on the majority of the lid, with just a hint of the green, and then build the green up more in the areas that you want it. I think this is what makes this shadow so amazing- how absolutely versatile it is.

In addition, the buildable-ness of the shadow means that it would work well on so many skin tones even though the base is quite warm. On darker skin tones the base color would not show up as well I think, but the green could be built up to look amazing.

The texture of the eyeshadow is also really nice, it’s quite soft and not at all powdery, even for such a cheap eyeshadow.

 

Overall

Really, I think if you don’t have this shadow, or at least something like it, you NEED to get it. Like, shut off the computer, grab your cash, and go. If you have access to this particular brand I would highly recommend it. The quality of the shadow is amazing, as good as the MAC shadows, but it is a fraction of the price. I always enjoy that 🙂

Rating: A+

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