LA PRAIRIE Silver Rain Shimmer Mist Review

 

I haven’t tried the original version of Silver Rain since I’ve never been much interested into La Prairie products.

It is a mix of fruity spicy floral, although the combination smells less fresh and less sexy than, let’s say Versace Crystal Noir.

I was a bit surprised by how it smells since I’ve been expecting something chypre. The top notes are fresh, slightly fruity – maybe apple combined with gardenia, mint and pepper.

The mint is a surprise here – it can be felt even in middle notes which are still fruity, but with more spice.

The drydown is fruity-spicy. There is no mint here – just a hint of pepper and sandalwood wrapped into a bouquet of vanilla and heliotrope which have a very, very slight citrusy feel. It is a very long-wearing scent.

Even though it appears very elegant and expensive, Silver Rain, while being a nice scent, is too bland and generic for my taste.

GIVENCHY Absolutely Irresistible EdP Review

 

Approximately 10 to 5 years ago, Absolutely Irresistible would have been my favourite. Today, I find it okay.

By Kilian’s Love and Tears has woken up my love for jasmine and my love for spicy, woody fragrances dates form the first high-end fragrance I have bought: Le Baiser du Dragon.

Absolutely Irresistible is very elegant fragrance.

On my skin it opens up with a burst of spicy pepper, followed up by jasmine. Drydown is very spicy: pepper again plus cedar and a hint of amber and jasmine.

The sillage is pretty good.

The fragrance is very fresh – it is a bit cloying at the start, but it becomes milder as the time go by.

Still, this is far from being my favourite Givenchy fragrance. It is a bit monotone, there are no hidden notes that pop out.

VERSACE Crystal Noir EdT Review

 

Versace Crystal Noir was the fragrance I hated at first. For some reasons, whenever I sprayed it on the skin in the store, it smelled dirty, as if you haven’t showered and decided to cover it with a strong fragrance.

When I have found by Kilian’s Cruel Intentions, at first I thought that Cruel Intentions was a way classier version of Crystal Noir.

Several years forward, I have found a sample and decided to give it another chance and I’m glad I did, as Crystal Noir today is completely different on my skin.

It opens up like a sweet and spicy oriental, the strongest note to my nose being amber spiced up with the pepper. Soon, it transforms into a floral-fruity composition with a hint of coconut and something that very much reminds me of tiare.

On my skin it dries down like pure amber. There is just a slight touch of musk, but not enough to put me off the scent like it did years before.

It lasts pretty long on the skin – almost like some of mine EdPs.

Currently, I love it very much. The scent is often described as sexy, although to my nose it doesn’t seem so (probably because the musk is barely there on my skin).

 

Beauty Blog Link Love 22.09.2012

Jenn from Spiced Beauty shares up close & personal pictures of the new Eylure Lashes styles. Perfect for first time lash wearers!

Read all about Krasey Beauty’s Unapologetically Strong story!

FabDiva20 has done a galactic look that will take you to the extra dimension! Check out her FOTD: Extra Dimension Galactic Look!

The seasons are changing again! Musicalhouses does some Fall/Winter nail art, with the season’s colour trends – and some additional bling!

Still looking for the perfect natural finish foundation? Then read about Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Foundation on Adorable On Your Vanity.

Beauty Info Zone tells you why you need Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Beige. You do not want to miss out on this limited edition shadow!

Even if the rest of her isn’t ready for the change in seasons, Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed has fingernails that are just screaming fall! Check out her Essie Stylenomics nails and see if you’re ready to say goodbye to summer shades!

Jude reviews Stila Brighten & Correct Concealer after being attracted by all of the swirls!!

Kim Porter shares her top picks and tips for transitioning your summer skincare to fall.

Pammy Blogs Beauty gets some help for her post-highlighting debaucle dry and damaged hair with Pureologys amazing new Precious Oil hair care line.

Head over to Makeup, Beauty & More to read about this fabulous little product for soft hands and cuticles!

SPIRIG Daylong Extreme SPF 50 Review and Ingredients

Daylong Extreme by Spirig is another sunscreen that I have tried this summer. My mother is a faithful user for years (she is extremely sensitive to sun because of the antibiotics she had to use).

Daylong comes in a 100 ml flip top tube and it retails for around $25. As far as I can see from the ingredients list, it is 100% chemical sunscreen.

The consistency is creamy and very sticky. It spreads easily, but approximately 10-15 minutes after application it sinks in and the stickiness is gone.

The scent is a turn-off (at least for me) – slightly medical with milky coconut undertone; but it disappears upon application.

When I used it underneath the make-up, it felt heavy on my face.

This sunscreen is extremely hard to wash off. It is probably the only sunscreen that I had to remove with double cleansing like I remove make-up. This signalled that it might cause the breakouts, but I didn’t get any. Another bonus is that it really moisturizes the skin – I have dehydrated oily skin, but this helped with battling the flaky skin.

In spite of the benefits, I’ll only use it as a beach sunscreen or during work-out, and not like an everyday sunscreen.

YVES SAINT LAURENT Paris EdP Review

I have a love-hate relationship with this scent. Guerlain L’heure Bleue made me a fan of violets, so naturally, I thought I’d like Paris too. Wrong.

When I sniff it from the bottle, I’m in love. However, one spray on the skin and I instantly hate it. The moment it touches my sin, it turns into the most nauseatingly sweet combination of rose and violet, as if you have combined a violet candy and Turkish delight with a sprinkle of vanilla. Generally, I like sweeter scents, but this was too much.

While the notes listed bergamot, iris and sandalwood, making the fragrance more complex, none of these could be felt on my skin. YSL Paris was violet/rose all the way, only slightly weakening in intensity as the time flew by.

The fragrance wears well. I have tested the EdP version and it stayed on for over 10 hours.

It may be a classic, but not for me.

EUCERIN Sun Lotion Extra Light SPF 50 Review and Ingredients

Eucerin Sun Lotion with SPF 50 was one of mine everyday sunscreens this summer. I got a 10 ml tube as a sample with purchase and, since the pharmacist told me I shouldn’t use it on the face, I have forgotten about it. Unfortunately, I don’t have any info on the price (I suppose it is around $20-30) or the amount the full size comes in.

However, having gotten a nice reddish freckle caused by the sun on the side of my forehead (I wore SPF30, but I had to spend all day out in the sun), and having only Eucerin as a high SPF sunscreen, I decided to bit the bullet, thinking that it couldn’t do more damage. Here is the picture of the freckle. Since the photo was taken with flash, the colour is slightly washed out, but in reality the freckle is a bright pinkish red).

Eucerin Sun Lotion is a combination of physical and chemical sunscreen.

The consistency is, as the name says, very light. It spread easily and it sinks in quickly, without being sticky. It doesn’t leave whiteish cast.

The scent is fairly strong, alcoholic, but disappears upon the application.

Because of the alcohol inside, it is a bit drying. I have oily dehydrated skin, so it didn’t do much damage, but drier skin types should be cautious. I was the most afraid that it will break me out, but it didn’t.

It is possible to put the make-up over it, but I still prefer Bioderma Photoderm SPF 30.

SISLEY Phyto Ombre Eclat #17 Stardust Review and Swatch

This eyeshadow was love (more like obsession) at the first sight. I’ve had it on my wishlist for ages and this spring I have caved in and finally bought it.

Sisley Phyto Ombre Eclat eyeshadow contains 1,5 grams and retails for around $50. Definitely pricey, but in my opinion, worth it.

It comes in a compact with mirror and sponge tip applicator. On the outside, the compact is matte and holds the finger-prints. Inside, the compact is shiny black.

Stardust is a very complex colour – medium dark shimmery silvery-greyish-olive green. There is one similar shade: Lancôme Erika F (which is repromoted in the newest Lancôme Ombre Hypnose mono eyeshadow collection).

It could be a bit more pigmented, but it is possible to layer it to get the full intensity.

The shimmer stays put, so there is no fallout.

The texture of the eyeshadow, especially when compared to my other Sisley eyeshadows, is a bit on the drier side (probably because of the shimmer). However, once I pick it with a brush, it goes on smoothly and evenly.

As with all other Sisley eyeshadows, I cannot complain on the wear – with the primer on my super oily lids lasts for well over 10 hours without creasing.

The shade is definitely unique one, but depending on the price of Lancôme, Lancôme might be the first choice for many.

I only have one objection to Sisley Phyto Ombre Eclat Eyeshadows in general. The pan does not stick well to the compact. At first I though that this was the problem with only one eyeshadow, but I have 5 Sisley eyeshadows and in each the pan moves slightly when lightly prodded. The pan didn’t fall out, but I don’t think this is acceptable for $50 eyeshadow.

MAX FACTOR Max Effect Nail Polish in Ivory Swatch and Review

Max Factor Max Effect Nail polish comes in a small 6ml bottle and it retails for around $5.

It seems that this shade is quite popular, as I can think of several shades from the same family that were launched this summer.

The shade Ivory looks more golden-like. It is pale warm champagne with metallic shimmer. It reminds me of Illamasqua Swinger, Chanel Diwali or Revlon Gold Coin. Max Factor Ivory is the warmest of the bunch and not streaky at all.

The polish is not completely opaque, although it is possible to get away with only one coat. The consistency is slightly runny, but I can work with it.

I don’t comment on how long the nail polish wears since without the base and top coat on my nails every polish lasts for a day or two. Naturally, top and base coat can prolong the wear up to 5 days.

CHANEL Vitalumiere Aqua Compact Swatches

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact foundation replaces the old Teint Innocence compact foundation. It is a cream foundation which promises fresh, moisturized skin. The foundation is intended for those with normal or dry skin. It contains Vitamin E, antioxidants and SPF 15.

It comes in a 12 grams refillable compact. The full price of the compact is 48,90 euros, while the refill costs 36,90 euros.

Several months ago I have swatched all the shades of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact foundation available in Croatia.

Since I don’t think I’ll ever try the foundation, here are only the swatches. I haven’t even tried the foundation on the face at the counter, I can’t say much about its properties. It seems very creamy, blendable, but the coverage appears light.

The foundation is swatched from the darkest (left) to the lightest shade (right). You can click on the picture to englarge it. These are the shades available in Croatia. Depending on the country, the shade selection may vary.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact in 50 Beige –dark, neutral to yellow undertone

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact in 42 Beige Rose – medium dark, strong pink undertone

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact in 40 Beige – medium dark, neutral to yellow undertone

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact in 30 Beige – light/medium, neutral to yellow undertone

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact in 22 Beige Rose – light medium, pink undertone

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact in 10 Beige – light, neutral to yellow undertone.

If I had to pick one, I’d go with the shade 10 Beige, although even this one would be a match only during summer, when I get a bit of tan.

INGLOT Matte Eyeshadow M352 Review and Swatch

This is the second eyeshadow from my palette.

M352 is a matte light pink. It is very pigmented and the colour in the pan is true to the colour on the skin. I use it mostly on the browbone as a highlight.

The texture is a bit on the drier side (this is typical for matte eyeshadows), especially compared to P393, but it doesn’t affect the application. There is no fallout.

The wear of the eyeshadow is very good, too. It lasts for 10 hours without creasing (with the primer).

So far, I’m happy with every single Inglot eyeshadow I have and I’d definitely recommend them.

Beauty Blog Link Love 08.09.2012

Can’t get your hands on those fancy peel-off base coats you see nowadays? Musicalhouses tries out PVA glue, a dupe of Essence’s Peel Off Base Coat. Check it out to see if this cheaper (and easier to get) alternative works!

Love hair gadgets?! Well, Krasey Beauty has the scoop on all the new hair goodies from Sultra.

Guest blogger Ashley dishes on this year’s latest hair trend on The Beauty Nerd – chalking!

Gouldylox reveals the products she yearning to try this month with her September list of Beauty I Want Now.

Bun Bun Makeup Tips shares her experience with acne and what your body is trying to tell you with pimples.

This week at Makeup Morsels, MM shares her favorite products for faking that well-rested, virtuous glow.

Kim Porter Reviews IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush. She says these blushers are a keeper!

K from Beautifully Addicted To tries out the L’Oreal Parisian Rooftops nail polish.

Jude reviews Stila’s Perfecting Concealer with not so perfect results.

Midnight Violets has been busy creating and wants to share her favourite mint chocolate body scrub recipe with you all!

Check out which beauty products Anita enjoyed using this summer over at Pleasureflush.

At Musing on Beauty, Mariella has found the best body scrub in the world and shares the secret.

—Did Jessika from polish insomniac finally find a drugstore conditioner she can rely on? Find out in her review of Dove Nourishing Oil Care conditioner. And you might just win a $1000 SpaFinder gift card!Delete ReplyReply ForwardSpamMovePrint Actions NextPrevious

EUCERIN pH5 Hand Cream

I’ve given up on L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream because of its packaging (aluminium tube on which I have managed to cut myself several times), so the replacement was needed.

Eucerin always has the promo where if you spend 720 kunas (around $130), you get a free product. My mother uses Eucerin moisturizers and she was missing 50 kunas to the required amount for a free product, so I’ve put the hand cream into the cart.

The cream comes in a 75ml plastic tube with a flip top opening. It retails for around $10. It has a pleasant, mild scent which disappears quickly upon application.

The consistency feels like a mousse – it looks thick, but when you spread it, it goes easily and it is very lightweight. It sinks in immediately, without leaving a greasy layer on the skin, which is a bonus, in my opinion.

The cream leaves the skin on your hand moisturized for a long time. It immediately fixes the skin dried out from hand-washing dishes.

Even though it is far from cheap, in my opinion this cream is worth every penny.

SISLEY Soir de Lune Perfumed Bath and Shower Gel Review

 

I got an 8 ml sample of this shower gel with one GWP. The full size comes in a 200ml bottle and retails for $87.

The shower gel is a part of Soir de Lune fragrance line, out of which I have only used Soir de Lune perfumed body cream.

8 ml was enough for 3 uses – it would last more, but I thought that this was a body cream (they have the same packaging and I didn’t read what it says on, so I’ve thrown away more than half of it).

The shower gel is a transparent gel with a yellowish tint. It doesn’t foam up much – in that it reminds me more of shower creams like L’Occitane Shea Butter Shower cream; but it cleanses skin well.

It is not drying, but I wouldn’t call it moisturizing after. After using it, I still felt like I could do with a bit of moisture (for example, after using Yves Rocher shower gels, I don’t need to use a body lotion).

As for the scent, it is the same as the scent of Soir dew Lune fragrance – a white floral chypre (I’m not the fan of the scent). The scent of the shower gel will linger on the skin for some time, more than with ordinary shower gels – up to 4 hours. Of course, the scent will be very mild.

If you are a fan of Soir de Lune range, both shower gel and body cream are high-quality product and will nicely complement the fragrance. However, I’m still not quite used to the scent – it’s quite sharp and I’m fonder of sweet, gourmand scents.

INGLOT Pearl Eyeshadow P393 Review and Swatch

Several months ago, I have picked my first Inglot shadows for a palette. I’ve bought 3-shadows square palette and got 2 light shadows to use all-over-the-lid or like a highlighter.

P393 looks like the pearly peach in the pan. The eyeshadow goes on pigmented, but the problem is that on the skin it looks more like a frosty white with a hint of peach. While this is not quite what I was looking for, I’m still satisfied since now I finally have a pearly eyeshadow to use in the inner corners of the eyes.

The texture of the eyeshadow is buttery soft, there is no fallout.

As for the wear – I’m happy with it. I have very oily lids, so I didn’t test it without a primer, but when worn with the primer (Essence), I got 10 hours of wear without creasing. For me, it’s more than enough.

In general, I’m very happy with Inglot eyeshadows and I hope my collection of that brand will grow.

RIMMEL Lycra Pro #433 French Ivory Review and Swatch

Rimmel Lycra Pro nail polish in #433 French Ivory is a semi-transparent crème ivory colour. I suggest at least two coats, and even then the colour will not be opaque, but two coats will give the effect of groomed nails.

Rimmel nail polishes have a wide flat brush (just like a Dior nail polishes) which covers my nail with only one stroke.

There is a bit of unevenness in application – it leaves a streaks which aren’t normaly too obvious, but which can be seen if you look closely.

I don’t comment on how long the nail polish wears, because on my nails (without the top or base coat), every nail polish lasts for a day or two.

It is a nice natural-looking everyday polish.

FINISHED! August Edition

August empties could have been more impressive (no eyeshadow this time), but since I only have one face and one body, I think I did a pretty good job.

As you know, I’m a bit obsessed with list making, so at the end of July I’ve made a list containing absolutely every cosmetic item (make-up, skincare, fragrance) I currently own. I have included the samples too. Anyway, the number is horrible. Since the majority of eyeshadows in the eyeshadow palettes are the same size as an average full-size product, I have counted every pan of eyeshadow as a separate item (the exception is YSL Palette Esprit Couture). So, when I put it all on the paper, I had 410 items, out of which 178 are sample or travel sizes). I hope that the end of this year will bring at least 100 items less from the list.

Here’s a screen cap of the list.

As you can see, there are several categories and each category has its own table. There is an index of markings I use to, for example, note that I have yet to review the item or that I have to take its photo.

Here’s the example of Moisturizers table.

I have decided to organize alphabetically (to the brand name) in four columns: BRAND, PRODUCT INFO (product name), the AMOUNT of the product in the packaging and a column in which I put a plus if I have opened that product.

Still, one list wasn’t enough for me. Therefore, I’ve made “To spend” list, which I’ll change every two months.

This list contains the items that I plan to use more intensely during a certain period of time. When that period is over, I may transfer it to the following list, or I may take if off the list for a while. Of course, I strikethrough every product I have spent on both the lists.