Rimmel London, Scandaleyes Waterproof Khol Kajal Eye Liner - Product Review

Hello!

Today I want to talk about a product everyone should have on their makeup kits: the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Khol Kajal Eye Liner in the color Nude. It’s a wonderful drugstore multitasking product that will suit both beginners and people already versed in makeup.

This eye pencil has been raved about by every Beauty Guru for being the first waterproof khol in a nude color sold by a drugstore brand. Before it came up on the market, there weren’t many natural colored eye pencil options to use in the waterline besides the ones from higher-end brands. The thing is: I haven’t heard much talk about this product’s versatility. And that’s just a pity because the most amazing thing about this item is that it is good at fulfilling many of your makeup needs.

So let’s jump into it:

Face

Corrector

If you follow my blog posts you must know by now that I struggle with dark circles. Under-eye concealer has long become my best ally. However, I’ve also came to the realization that counteracting my circles’ purplish-blue color before I apply my concealer makes a world of a difference. Well, this eye pencil does a great job doing so. Since it has peachy undertones to it, it really helps disguising the blue tinges. I like to apply it not long after I’ve applied my eye cream (check my review on the Liz Earle Daily Eye Repair) directly onto the darker areas (I’d advise applying it only where you need it) and then blend with my fingers. Lastly, I apply my concealer. I really like the results I get when I do this. Honestly, it will probably not work as well as the amazing Bobbi Brown corrector but let’s be realistic, it’s much cheaper.

Blush

This pencil is super creamy, therefore it blends really nicely onto the skin and that’s why I like to use it as a blush. It’s very subtle, super easy to apply and looks really fresh and natural. Once again I apply it directly to my cheeks after I’ve applied my foundation/tinted moisturizer (don’t apply it on top of powder cause it might look a bit cakey; try powdering afterwards instead). To get the best color pay off and since this product is so easily blended I like to use my Real Techniques Stippling brush (see haul) and just pat the product onto the skin with it. If you use the brush with your usual blending motions it might come out a bit too sheer to be noticeable. All in all, it’s just a quick, foolproof way to apply your blusher and you can always apply a powder blush on top to make sure you have soft rosy cheeks all day long.

Eyes

Waterline

This is no surprise. This pencil is great to use in the waterline when you want to look more awake and fresh, especially in the morning. It also reduces the appearance of any redness you might have on your eyes. Obviously it won’t last all day but it stays true to color for about two hours and then starts to slowly fade away. In general, it lasts for about six hours in my waterline which is not bad.

Eye shadow

I also really like to use this nude khol as an eyeshadow. It covers any darkness and vessels on my lids and due to its color it also helps making me look more awake. I just apply it all over my lid up to the crease and then blend the edges with my finger or a brush: it couldn’t be easier. If you have drier eyelids, I’d recommend using an eye primer underneath in order to prevent the product from creasing into those dry patches. The primer is also a good idea if you want to use this product on its own (with no other eyeshadows) because it will keep your lids looking flawless all day long. If you prefer you can add some definition to your crease (I do so with some matte brown powder eyeshadow) or just use this pencil as a base for the rest of your eye makeup.

Inner Corner Highlight

This is probably the way I use this product the most. If I’m late to go the train (which is every morning!) and have only 3 minutes left to do my makeup I usually just do my base, apply my mascara and then pop a bit of this onto my inner corners and blend it with my finger. This makes a huge difference. It instantly makes my eyes look brighter and more awake (even more than if I apply in the waterline).

Lips

Definition

It can also be used as a lip liner. What I also love to do is outline my lips with this product and then blend it out (if you have fair skin like I do this will work in a similar way as if you’d apply concealer around your lips to make them look flawless and your lipstick standout).

Filling

If you don’t have super dry chapped lips (as I sometimes have) you can also use this product to fill your lips. First moisturize your lips and wait for a couple of minutes (this is when I suggest you start doing another part of your face). Then blot you lips with a paper tissue to take off any excess that may be left. You’re now ready to fill your lips with this pencil. To finish, apply either a balm or clear gloss if you want to rock the nude look (which looks really pretty because this khol’s color gives your lips a rosy nude tone and not that awful death looking lip you can sometimes get if you apply concealer on your lips) or go for a lipstick or gloss in a color of your choice. Using this pencil will make your lipstick/gloss last longer and besides it gives you a more neutral base to apply your lip color (that means you lip color won’t interfere with the coloring of you lipstick).

Coloring

Undoubtedly this is my favorite way to rock this product on my lips. I simply apply lip balm and the go straight on with this pencil, applying it on the center of my lips. Then I just blend it out with my fingers and – viola! a quick, great looking nude lip. If on the mood I sometimes apply clear gloss on top. The only difference between this option and the previous one is that filling your lips makes for longer-lasting color.

Will I repurchase it?

Yes! I can’t see myself living without it anymore. Besides it’s really affordable. I bought through Feelunique.com (they retail it for 4,99 Euros but I got it for a bit less on a sale they had) – check my Feelunique haul post. The only downsize to it, I’d say, is that you have to sharpen it.

Do I recommend it?

Absolutely! If you don’t have it already go and buy it! Believe me, you need this product and you definitely won’t regret buying it. It’s an amazing product to have on your makeup bag and for travelling. It’s also great for lazy mornings or for mornings in which you have slept in and need to be ready in seconds. A bargain, really!

Please let me know if you have this pencil and if so, do you use it in any other way?

Yours,

M.

Garnier Ambre Solaire, Golden Touch After Sun - Product Review

The end of summer is fast approaching but since I know some of you are yet to go on holidays, I think/hope it’s not too late to do a review on the after-sun lotion I took on holidays with me this year: the Garnier Ambre Solaire Golden Touch After Sun.

 For the past couple of years my go-to after-sun lotion/body moisturizer was Sephora’s After Sun Moisturizing Balm. I fell in love the first time I used it. It’s just amazing. And since the price range was so close to that of the drugstore versions, I didn’t even bother to look up for another. This summer I couldn’t find it anywhere – I just hope it hasn’t been discontinued!

 However, this summer when I went to buy my sunscreen (I’ll be reviewing it soon), every single sun-related product was at a major discount (75%!!! What??). There’s no need to tell you, I couldn’t not bring an after-sun with me as well (they were just so super cheap!) Anyway, I looked around and went for this one.

It reads:
- Shimmering hydration lotion enriched with nourishing Monoi oil and a luminous pearl shimmer

-Is the hydrating lotion Golden Touch After Sun for me?

-Yes, if your skin feels tight after sun exposure and you want to moisturize it and enhance your tan at the same time. The Golden Touch Lotion is specifically formulated to nourish and soften skin that has become drier due to sun exposure.

It reads:

- How does it work?

- Its formula is enriched with nourishing Monoi oil and a luminous pearl shimmer.

- Original from Tahiti, Monoi oil results from the combination of Tiaré flower and coconut oil. Monoi oil is recognized worldwide for its nourishing properties as well as ability to restructure the superior layers of the epidermis that were damaged by external aggressions.

- Its texture is subtly enriched with luminous pearl shimmer to illuminate your complexion and enhance your tan, after sun exposure. Its sensual perfume leaves in your skin a sense of being on holidays. Nourished and soothed, your skin stays hydrated for 24 hours and your tan is enhanced.

- How to use it?

- Non-greasy and non-sticky, the Golden Touch lotion is quickly absorbed and leaves your skin with a golden touch and delicately fragranced. Apply to clean skin, after each sun exposure.

 

The description was quite catchy: “Shimmering hydration lotion enriched with nourishing Monoi oil and a luminous pearl shimmer.” Who doesn’t want that?

 It also promised to:

·         Illuminate tan

·         Soothe the skin

·         Provide 24 hour hydration

·         Have a cooling sensation

·         Be dermatologically tested

All good things, right?

Ingredients

 So, what’s my final verdict?

It’s really nice (BUT in all honestly, it doesn’t even come close to the Sephora one, just saying!):

-          My skin didn’t react to it – in a bad way (which is known to happen – I have atopic skin and had my share of allergic reactions)

-          I love the scent, it’s really lovely – quite fresh and summery – but not strong enough to interfere with your everyday fragrance.

-          The lotion is super light and absorbs quickly onto to skin, which is great.

-          It did feel cooling (a little bit – if you are on the look for a cooling product I wouldn’t recommend this).

-          It was hydrating but I guess I’d prefer it if it were a bit more moisturizing – I have normal to dry skin (I’m talking about my body, obviously). In a day-to-day basis this would probably be enough for me but the sun, sand, salt and chlorine always leave my skin feeling much drier.

-          It didn’t hydrate my skin for 24 hours but maybe 6 to 8 hours.

-          I don’t think it prolonged my tan – but can’t be sure. Anyway, it doesn’t promise to do it either, I guess.

-          It soothes dry skin but it isn’t particularly good with soothing your skin if you have been sun burnt, it cools the area a bit but nothing special.

-          All in all, quite an average product but for one thing: the shimmering part. This moisturizer has tiny little glowing golden particles on it. They are only visible on the skin if you are under direct sun light or bright lighting. They give a nice subtle slightly shimmery look to your skin. I liked it but didn’t adore it. Some of you might love it, or hate it though. It’s certainly not for everyone’s taste – if you apply it just to the legs and/or arms maybe – but for an all over body lotion it might be a bit too much if you go clubbing after applying – the lighting effects might make it less subtle (but I haven’t tested it so they may not).

 

The shimmery particles
- Keep in mind that in the picture they are a bit more concentrated than usual - it was just for me to be able to show you more or less the look of them

Do I recommend this product?

-          Maybe. It’s not the best product I’ve ever tried but it’s good enough, just not as good as my beloved Sephora’s one. I’d say, quality wise, it’s quite similar to ones from other drugstore brands such as Nivea. The only difference is that this one has shimmery particles and the Nivea one doesn’t – so if it were me undecided between Garnier’s and Nivea’s after sun I would use the shimmering detail as my decisive factor. If you want subtle shimmer just go for this one, if you don’t the other one might be better for you. If you are interested in buying it, I’m sure you can find it in any supermarket or drugstore that sells sunscreens or you can buy at Feelunique.com for 12,49euros (now, on sale, for only 8,74 euros!)

 Will I repurchase it? 

-        Once again, had I not “met” my darling Sephora’s After Sun Moisturizing Balm I’d probably would but as I have, I don’t think so. Unless Sephora has discontinued it (please, please no!) which would break my hard and put me back on the market for a new “Holy Grail” to replace it.

  

Yours,

 M.

Nivea, Volume Sensation Shampoo - Product Review

Good evening, everyone!

Today I’ll be reviewing another Nivea product, their Volume Sensation Shampoo.

I bought this shampoo because I used to be a Nivea’s girl (no, I never worked for them, nor was I ever sponsored by them or by anyone else as a matter of fact, but I really, really loved the brand and was obsessed with most products they’d launched when I was in my teens - I’m 22 now, if you’re interested).

It reads:
- Volume Sensation, Body & visible volume for your hair;
- Bamboo Extract + Liquid Keratin;
- Fine hair or hair without volume

But, as of the last couple of years Nivea’s new products had become more disappointing than anything else, especially skincare wise – sorry Nivea lovers out there. So, in the name of the “good old days” a couple of months ago I bought several different products and decided to give the brand a go, again. Since I had never tried their hair care stuff anyway, I went for it. Let me tell you – bad idea! (at least in what this product is concerned).

It reads:
- Nivea, Feel the care on your hair;
- Beautiful hair you can feel, thanks to the unique Nivea's formula that includes a combination of Liquid Keratin - a natural component of the hair - and natural ingredients;
- Does your hair look like it lacks in volume and that it doen't have enough body from the root?;
- Enjoy a sensation of body and visible volume to your hair with the Volume Sensation Shampoo. The light formula with bamboo extract: strenghtens the hair from the roots, cleanses and gently cares for your hair, adds texture to your hair without weighing it down.;
- Sensational Volume. A softness sensation.;
- For better results, try other products from the Volume Sensation hair care and styling range.

According to the brand’s website this shampoo is supposed to:

•        Provide impressive volume long-lastingly
•        Gives structure to your look 
•        Do not weigh the hair down
•        Give sensational volume
•        Leave an impressive feel

According to my personal experience:

•        It doesn’t provide impressive volume, much less a long-lasting one
•        It doesn’t give any structure to the hair.
•        It weighs the hair down
•       It doesn’t give a sensational volume
•        It doesn’t leave an impressive feel

Ingredients

I’ll try and explain to you the reasons behind my dislike. It wasn’t the fact that I didn’t see results volume wise that made an impression (a bad one) on me, but the fact that this being a clear shampoo that was supposed to leave fine hair lighter and more voluminous looking would weight it down instead.

I didn’t immediately notice that, I’ll be honest. The first time I used it my impression was ok:

•        It had an ok scent (a fresh one), that didn’t exactly linger on the hair, though (but that was fine by me).
•       It was a clear shampoo so I thought it would really clean the hair well. Even if, after I had washed my hair with it, the hair had never felt squeaky clean. Since I wash my hair every day I thought that might even be an advantage because it would mean clean hair but not hair stripped of all its moisture.
•        I didn’t notice any difference in texture or volume the first couple of weeks.

However, after having been using this shampoo for more than two weeks in a row, I started to notice that my hair felt very limp. I decided to use a purifying shampoo, thinking I might had been using too much styling products. After the purifying shampoo my hair still felt heavy. I stopped using styling products the following week to understand what was going on. After a week of washing my hair every day and still no change in texture, I used my purifying shampoo again and still my hair didn’t fell super clean. It wasn’t the strongest purifying shampoo, I’ll admit. But I tend to prefer my purifying shampoos not to be too stripping since I wash my hair daily so it’s kept pretty clean already.

After changing shampoos and starting to see changes for the better, this was my conclusion: this shampoo really doesn’t wash your hair properly. No matter how well I rinsed, my hair still felt heavy. Moreover, after about a month of usage, I started having dandruff issues because my scalp wasn’t clean enough (and I’m always careful to properly rub it with my fingers, every single day).

Since I didn’t want to jump to conclusions – especially not so nice ones - about their hair care line having just tried one product and taking into account that this shampoo was pretty affordable, I also bought the Fresh Energy Refreshing Shampoo from the same range which was advertised as a more purifying shampoo. Despite having a better fragrance – a citrusy one – it still left my hair feeling like crap.

Something else that also corroborates my conclusion that Nivea’s shampoos aren’t that good: no later than a month, or a month and a half, after having bought these shampoos the Portuguese website from Nivea stopped advertising them. A couple of weeks afterwards, I stopped seeing their shampoos or conditioners in most supermarkets. I honestly think this was a great decision. 

Maybe they’ll relaunch them once they achieve a better formulation (that’s what they should have done in the first place) or they have simply understood that that is just not their field to play… Who knows? Who cares?

Would I recommend this product?

NO,NO,NO. Don’t buy it (unless you really want to and if so, go for it!). They took it from the market here in Portugal for a reason, I’m assuming. Anyway I know they’re still being sold in some countries where maybe the formulation is different. Maybe?

Honestly, if you love your hair choose another shampoo from the thousand hair care brands available. You definitely don’t need this product.

Will I repurchase it?

No!

 They’re not as available in Portugal as they were before but even if they were I guess I wouldn’t repurchase them anyway. I’d rather use the cheapest shampoo on the supermarket shelves (believe it or not some of them are reasonably good!).

Please let me know what you think by leaving a comment down below. And please, if you enjoy my posts, subscribe to the blog!

Yours,

M.

Essence, My Skin Moisturizing Cream-Gel - Product Review

Hey, you!

Today I have another review for you. It's from a very affordable and very much loved (at least by me) brand. I’m talking about Essence and this review will focus one of the products in their My Skin skincare line, the Moisturizing Cream-Gel.

The My Skin is a line especially designed to satisfy young skin’s needs. The range of products in the line consists of: a gel cleanser; a face wash/scrub/mask, the all-in-one type of cleanser; a refreshing toner; two varieties of face wipes; a paper face mask; an eye roll-on; a tinted moisturizer and three different moisturizers, one for normal to combination skin, another for normal to dry skin and finally one suitable to all skin types. I’m going to review to the latter.

But firstly I’d like to share my opinion on Essence’s products since I have already tried several of the products from this My Skin line (both cleansers, the toner, the eye roll-on and the tinted moisturizer; I’ve also bought the mask but haven’t tried it yet) as well as a bunch of their makeup products and some skincare from the Pure Skin line.

The main thing I want to share is: they are super safe – so don’t be afraid to try them! I tend to stick to high-end skincare products just to be safe but I can honestly say that I have never been afraid to try a new/different Essence product. Even though their products are really cheap their philosophy is really to save on advertising to invest on better quality products. They also don’t test on animals!

Obviously their products won’t have state-of-the-art technology involved or the best anti-ageing ingredients on the market but that isn’t the brand's purpose either. Their products have in mind young girls, in their teens, with not a lot of money that want to have a nice basic skincare routine and that want to wear makeup that won’t make them break up, won’t cause any allergic reaction and (most important, perhaps) won’t lead them to bankruptcy. So if you haven’t reached your twenties but want to start taking care of your skin from an early age and don’t have a lot to spend this is the brand for you.

And before I get down to the moisturizing cream-gel itself, I just want to apologize for the detour but I really wanted to share the information because I know a lot of you might be reticent to try such cheap skincare products. And so was I before I started using their products. That’s why I decided to do a little reading, back then, and after using their skincare products for almost 2 years now (and makeup products for 7 years) I can really vouch for them.

Now, about the My Skin moisturizing cream-gel: as all products from the line it is dermatologically approved so not likely to cause any nasty skin reaction (unless you have super sensitive and reactive skin and if so I’d look for professional advice before trying any new skincare product), oil-free (so it won’t clog your pores) and has uva/uvb filters (I do still super recommend using an spf separately - this filters are not enough to stop sun damage!).

According to the description in their website this “cream-gel is absorbed quickly and offers your skin 24h of intensive moisture while protecting it from damaging environmental influences with uva and uvb filters” (once again you need extra SPF!- just saying!). “Enriched with lime and cucumber ingredients ensures a radiant complexion, it also contains light-reflecting pigments for a subtle glow”. It is recommend for all skin types.

In my perspective, I do agree with most of it.

It reads:
This energizing cream-gel is intensively moisturizing
and the light-reflecting pigments inside let the skin glow

This is a very fresh and cooling light textured moisturizer. It’s even lighter and fresher than the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. The texture actually reminds me of the Garnier Skin Naturals Fresh Essentials 24Hr Hydrating Day Cream for Normal/Combination Skin but a tiny bit more liquidy.

It’s so light that you won’t feel like you’re pilling up too much product on your skin - if you’re like me and follow your moisturizer with sunscreen (as you should) and then a full face of makeup. At the same time it keeps my skin moisturized for a good 8 hours I’d say – keep in mind I have combination skin.

I particularly love this cream to use in the morning, because it really gives a more awake and radiant appearance to my skin but in a very subtle, non-oily way. It’s almost imperceptible – it gives me glowing but not shiny-looking skin.

Don’t get scared though: in the packaging the product glows in the dark. It won’t happen on your skin though, if you massage it in (which is super easy due to the almost liquid consistency) – so don’t worry.

The scent really helps to wake me up as well. It has a very citrusy fragrance but toned down by the clean scent of cucumber.

I really enjoyed using it during my beach vacation. I would slather this on my face throughout the day, every time before I’d reapply my spf. This kept my skin from getting dry due to the sea salt and also was a great way to refresh my skin. And since the prince range is bellow the 3euro mark I didn’t feel guilty to go through this cream in such a short amount of time (a little over a month – liberally applying it on my skin up to 5 times a day!).

It also works perfectly before my gym classes. I go to the gym right before dinner. And since I hate exercising wearing makeup – if you do, you’re much more likely to get clogged pores – I usually wipe off my makeup right before leaving to the gym. I don’t like to have my face without any moisturizer on it but I hate to use my more expensive moisturizers when in an hour time I’ll be washing them off during shower. This, I found, was the perfect solution. It leaves my skin feeling: fresh again after taking my makeup off; moisturized but not with that heavy feeling that would bother me during exercise. And, once again, it's super affordable so after my practice I wouldn’t mind having to shower it off.

Those are some of the reasons I so adore this product.

 

Unfortunately, I would say it is not moisturizing enough for very dry skin and I probably wouldn’t advise you to use it as a night cream either no matter what your skin type is, because you might need a bit more moisture.

However, if you are the type of person that hates the feeling of moisturizer before going to bed (and it is better something than nothing – am I not right? ;)) or live in a hot humid place and just want something refreshing on your face to help you get to sleep - this might be the perfect nighttime product for you.

For people with really oily skin during the hot summer months: I’d recommend using the mattifying version of this product on your T-zone or using a serum with mattifying properties also on your T-zone (I really like the Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner Serum) to prevent your skin from every looking greasy but keeping the glowing and fresh looking skin.

Do I recommend it?

Absolutely:

•   To normal and combination skin: to apply all mornings all year long.

•   To oily skin: to apply all mornings except in the summer months (unless you apply just to your cheek area or with a mattifying serum underneath it in your t-zone).

•   To dry skin: to apply in the mornings during hot weather.

•   If don’t have super sensitive or super dry skin.

•   If you haven't reached your thirties yet. (If you have: it's time to start spoiling you skin with some better quality products ;) : I'd sugest looking into French Pharmacy brands because they have products that are as effective as the ones from high-end brands but much cheaper)

- If you have acne-prone skin Essence has this Pure Skin line that has products specifically designed to prevent and/or disguise acne spots, in case you’re interested - however, if you have serious acne issues you’d better seek a Dermatologist’s advice.  

 Will I repurchase this product?

- Yes, I probably will. But, for now, I’m very curious to try the mattifying version.

Sorry for all the rambling but I really wanted to be thorough. 

Please leave a comment down bellow telling me if this post helped you! I'd also love suggestions of products to review.

Yours,

M.

Garnier Skin Naturals, Ultra Lift Eye Firming Anti-Wrinkle Eye Care - Product Review

Hi!

Today I am going to talk about the Garnier UltraLift Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream. This is a drugstore cream with Pro-Retinol that promises to visibly decrease wrinkles and improve the appearance of the under eye area, making it look younger.

I’ve been using this product every single night for a couple of months and here is what I think:

• Even though it didn’t cause any allergic reaction and had a very subtle scent, which is good, this cream did not only cause puffiness but it also didn’t decrease any of the annoying wrinkles under my eyes – reason why I bought it (I usually say that I have young skin – I'm 22 - but an old lady’s under eye area).

The puffiness might be due to some plumping properties the product might have to temporarily disguise wrinkles (this is just a wild guess!). That caused me two problems: 

• First, the mornings after applying this eye cream I’d find my eyes particularly puffy which doesn’t look nice at all; 
• Secondly, by the end of the day the products effects would have worn off and by the time the puffiness had decreased I had been left with more wrinkles.

Besides that, this cream wasn’t particularly moisturizing either.

But let me know, if you have a different opinion about this product!

Would I recommend this product?

Not, at all. It might be that the reason I have an issue with this cream is my young age, maybe if you are older and have sagging skin that needs plumping it will work for you. But anyway I don’t believe too much in that – I can’t see how constantly plumping and de-puffing the skin might be beneficial - in my (non-scientific) perspective, it could even be the cause of more wrinkles.

But if you want to try this product anyhow, you can find it at local drugstores or supermarkets or you can buy it at the feelunique website for 13.39euros (at the moment it is at a discount price of 11,38euros – 15% off).

Will I buy it again?

This is a reverberating no! Even though I like some of the Garnier products I don’t think this particular one is worthed and there are better drugstore eye creams out there.

Yours,

M.