Posts Tagged ‘beauty reviews’

20 October 2010: 09:00

Beauty review: Benefit D’Finer D’Liner

Beauty review: Benefit D’finer D’liner


Price: £13.50

Available from: Debenhams

What it claims to do:
Say goodbye to wandering lipstick with our invisible anti-feathering lip liner. This smooth clear pencil melts into fine lines and re-defines your lip line. You can go everywhere, but your lip color won’t!

Our reviewer says:
As a recent convert to red lipsticks (I was always formerly a subtle lipgloss girl), I’ve discovered that nothing is more glamorous on a night out than simple eye make up – black liquid liner and mascara – and a generous smudge of red lipstick.

The problem with red lipstick, besides the dreaded red teeth effect, is that after an hour or so it begins to bleed into the fine lines around the edge of your mouth. The Benefit D’Finer is perfect as a lip liner. It’s basically Vaseline in a pencil. As it’s completely clear, you don’t have to be that careful about sticking to the lines at the edge of your lips. Also, you don’t have to worry about getting that (somewhat trashy) scarlet liner look around the edge of your mouth when your lipstick fades.

Final verdict
Apply this product and feel completely confident that your glamorous red lipstick will stay right where you want it – on your lips only!

Reviewed by Jessica

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

20 October 2010: 08:07

Beauty panel: Jessica

Meet the Westfield Beauty Panel

Jessica’s must-have beauty products
- Lancome Noir eyeliner – –the only eyeliner I’ve found that won’t smudge or fade all day. House of Fraser £19.50
- Laura Mercier Crème Brulee Soufflé Body Crème – my favourite moisturiser. It isn’t cheap but used sparingly feels luxurious and smells so delicious you want to eat it! House of Fraser £42
- Shu Uemera eyelash curler – the best on the market. I curl the roots of the eyelashes and then half way along them. House of Fraser £19.50
- Aussie 3 minute miracle deep conditioner – I generally leave this in my hair for about 20 minutes (longer than the name suggests, I know) and the results are amazing. My hair feels glossy, silky and knot free. Boots £4.49
- Salvatore Ferragamo “F for Ferragamo” perfume – I love sweet fragrances, and this one is sweet, fruity and lasts for hours. Next £46

Jessica’s favourite beauty treatment
A great cut, colour and blow dry!

Jessica’s best beauty tip
To protect your hair from drying out in the sun, use a small amount of high factor tanning oil. It protects your hair from drying out because it’s oil and with a high factor, it reduces sun damage and stops it changing colour in the sun.

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

13 October 2010: 09:00

Lush Glorious Mud body scrub

Beauty Review: Lush Glorious Mud body scrub

Lush Glorious Mud body scrub: beauty review

Price: £3.95 per cube
Where to buy: Lush
What it claims to do:
It’s a fizzy cube of rhassoul mud (cleansing clay from the Atlas mountains often used in mud masks) to be used all over the body to cleanse. The aloe vera extract is soothing, and the mix of sesame and vanilla will moisturise.
Mask your whole body for smooth, soft skin. It’s a combination of the basics of a mud mask with a little bit of Mo’s ballistic wisdom to get that fizzing effect that allows it to be smoothed over the body.

Our reviewer says:
I wasn’t sure about the scent of this product. It’s similar to their Crème Anglaise body lotion.  However, it’s worth giving it a whirl for the results on your skin. It leaves your skin so smooth. Your skin looks more moisturized instantly. It must be the sesame and vanilla.

The cube does fizz like a ballistic and I went a bit mad using the full thing in one go directly onto my skin. It is very messy too. My white shower and tiles looked very much like a beach by the time I was done. It’s probably not one to use on a work morning if you’re like me and prefer an extra 5 minutes in bed to 5 minutes spent rinsing down the shower afterwards!

I also used it on my feet as they don’t generally get much TLC and it worked a treat!

Final verdict:
This isn’t a product that I would use on a daily basis. It’s more for a weekend treat and it’s definitely a good one to use before applying something like Charlotte Island Body Tint. I give it top marks for leaving your skin feeling soft, supple and moisturised.

Reviewed by Julie

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

4 October 2010: 09:00

Elemis Pro-Collagen marine cream

Beauty Review:  Elemis Pro-Collagen marine cream – 20th Anniversary Edition


Price: £99

Where to buy: Debenhams
What it claims to do:

The Pro-Collagen Marine Cream from Elemis is clinically proven to reduce the depth of wrinkles by 19% and increase hydration and moisture levels by 10%. This powerful anti-ageing cream provides a progressive lifting effect through increased collagen support. The dynamic combination of the marine algae Padina Pavonica and Absolutes, Gingko Biloba and liposomes delivers visible results within 15 days

Our reviewer says:
This moisturiser has a very light texture and glides on beautifully. My skin felt instantly moisturised and had a genuine glow.  I liked the slight fragrance too. I think my wrinkles look better and my face certainly looks fresher after two weeks of using the moisturiser.

Final verdict:
This is not a cheap purchase but my skin has been feeling so silky that I think I may have to continue to indulge.

Reviewed by Sarah

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

16 September 2010: 09:00

L’Occitane hair mask

Beauty Review: L’Occitane Masque Eclat Shine Mask- Repairing Mask for Dry and Damaged Hair

Price: £19.00 (250ml)
Available from: L’Occitane

What it claims to do:
Particularly recommended for coloured and chemically-treated hair, this hair mask nourishes and deeply restores capillary fibre. Repairing, stimulating and regenerating, it protects against the damaging effects of environmental stresses. This rich and silky cream leaves your hair strong, shiny, soft, and smooth.

Formulated with natural vegetable complex of 5 essential oils and sunflower and wheat oils, this silky hair mask helps nourish, deeply restore and protect the hair.

Our reviewer says:
I don’t have dry hair and rarely use conditioner, but I tried this regardless. It smells great and is quite a thick consistency so it stays in the hair well once applied. I used it on damp hair, but you can use it on dry or damp hair.

You can feel the difference in your hair as soon as you rinse it out. It does feel softer instantly. I don’t usually use something so intensive on my hair – so I could see instant benefits. My hair was super soft, so I had to use a lot more hair product to get my hair to stay in place the day after I’d used it!

Final verdict:
It’s not something I’d use on a daily basis, but this product is an absolute must-have for someone who suffers from dry hair!

Reviewed by Julie

Comment(1) | Email | Bookmark and Share

13 September 2010: 09:00

Good Things Stay Clear Purifying Cleanser

Beauty Review: Good Things Stay Clear Purifying Cleanser

Price: £4.99
Available from: Exclusively at Boots
What it claims to do:
Oily skin needs careful treatment to clear away excess sebum without stripping it of moisture. In addition to mango and blueberry extracts, this gentle anti-blemish cleanser contains willow-bark extract, which has an anti-microbial action on the skin, so is good for young skin that is prone to breakouts.

Our reviewer says:
Good Things by British Journalist Alice Hart-Davis caught my eye recently in Boots so I decided to give it a go as my skin has broken out over the summer. I tend to avoid anti-acne skincare ranges as I find them too harsh on my skin and they only irritate it further. Good Things is more gentle than most brands and smells absolutely good enough to eat!

Final verdict:
I think this range is perfect for young skin as it cleanses without stripping the skin of moisture which can cause more breakouts and skin irritation. I think it’s perfect for teens and those starting out their first skincare regime and it’s a great price.

Reviewed by Dearne

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

31 August 2010: 09:00

Clinique Almost Bronzer

Beauty Review: Clinique Almost Bronzer

Price: £22
From:  Clinique – Debenhams, Boots and House of Fraser
What it claims to do:
Sheer bronzing duo protects with broad-spectrum SPF 15. Versatile formula lets you customize and build your bronze from sun kissed to suntanned. Provides a natural look all-year round. Long-wearing. Oil free. For all skin types.

Our reviewer says:
I have always tended to go for pink-coloured blushes over bronzers as I don’t really like the orange tint that many bronzers add to your face.  Clinique’s bronzer is by far the best toned bronzer I have ever used. I used the light/medium as I have quite fair skin but it is also available in a medium/dark which is perfect for highlighting your summer tan.

Final verdict
I highly recommend this bronzer. The duo colour allows for you to build up your colour to the desired effect and the bronzer gives you a lovely sheer bronze/gold glow.  As it’s so light you can highlight your face before applying blush for added colour.

Reviewed by Dearne

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

11 August 2010: 09:00

Benefit Erase Paste

Beauty Review: Benefit Erase Paste

Price: £18.50
Available from: Debenhams

What it claims to do:
Benefit erase paste. Available in three shades to suit your individual skin tone, this brightener and concealer is great for getting rid of dark circles and to highlight to give your skin a natural looking radiance. Contained in a adorable little pot, the erase paste comes with a spatula and is easy to blend and apply for great coverage.

Our reviewer says:
This is a pretty serious concealer. It really does cover up blemishes and discolouration, but you only need to apply a small amount otherwise it looks caked on. Make sure you blend it in properly too, otherwise it can accentuate those little lines around your eyes. That said, it really does the trick. My undereye area certainly looked a whole lot less dark when I used it.

It comes with a handy little spatula which makes application so much easier and more hygienic. Plus, it can be a little tricky trying to get the right amount of concealer on your finger in that little pot.

A little really does go a long way. It’s a pretty heavy duty concealer, so not necessarily for everyday usage. My small pot has lasted months and months, which is makes it all the better value for money too.

Final verdict:
If you want to hide dark circles, redness or nasty blemishes then this will do it. It’s easy to apply and one small pot last for ages. With this great concealer, no-one needs to know just how late you were out last night!

Reviewed by Pippa

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

6 August 2010: 09:00

Rituals nail polish

Beauty Review: Rituals long-lasting nail varnish in Smart Rose

Price: £7.90
Available from: Rituals

What it claims to do:
Long-lasting nail varnish enriched with the power and shine of gemstones. 
Intense, shiny colours based on pure gemstones. 
Enriched with the hardest gemstone Ruby, ideal for strengthening your nails.
Easy to apply in one movement.

What the reviewer said:
This really is long lasting and surprisingly chip-resistant. I actually asked the manicurist at La Monde nails to use it as my colour for that day and she was also impressed with how it went on. Personally, I did not love the colour as it was very pink and had a touch of the Pat Butcher about it! I was really impressed with how it long it lasted though – at least a week.

Final verdict
I would definitely use a Rituals nail polish again, but I’d like to try another colour.

Reviewed by Susie

Comment(1) | Email | Bookmark and Share

4 August 2010: 09:00

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Conditioner

Beauty Review: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Conditioner

Price: £4.59
Available from: Boots

What it claims to do:
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Conditioner
is said to have the miracle ingredient – Australian Balm Mint that will give your hair the TLC it deserves.  In a matter of minutes (within 3 to be exact) a splodge of this product will convert your damaged hair, and leave it smooth, shiny and manageable.  The magical ingredient, Safflower Seed Oil will mend split ends and repair roughened cuticles.

Our reviewer says
This product claims to perform a miracle, especially with my dry and split ends, so I was eager to give it a go. The initial thing that struck me was the sweet smell of the mint oil. 

The product squirts out of the unique bottle well and is easy to apply. After use, my hair combed through sleekly and with my long hair that’s a real bonus. I like the sweet scent from my hair too. Once my hair was dry, it felt softer and the split ends seem to have dramatically reduced.

Final verdict
I didn’t think miracles happened, however the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Conditioner definitely lived up to its miraculous claim. It’s not an everyday conditioner, but I’d really recommend using it if you’re the type to constantly damage your hair with hairdryers and straighteners.  It combats those split ends and gives your hair that bit of love it deserves.

Reviewed by Adriana

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share