Clinique – Happy Perfume Spray for Women Review

Livia’s Summary: Everyone agreed that this fragrance is for the daytime. It is very light and fresh and is great if you don’t like too heavy or overpowering scents. Very good for summer too when you just want a fresh fragrance. Try it for yourself on your next visit to the department store.

Description: A hint of citrus, a wealth of flowers, a mix of emotions. Wear it and be HAPPY!

Available:
Myer, David Jones, Clinique service centres and selected pharmacies.

Price: 30ml $52.00, 50ml $79.00, 100ml $115.00

Overall Rating

Skin Type: Dry combination Skin.

Comments: A nice light perfume for the summer months. The fragrance is not too heavy.

Skin Type: Normal Combination

Comments: Strong at first, but leaves a nice subtle scent. A nice daytime fragrance

Skin Type: Oily Combination Sensitive Skin

Comments: Gave me a headache instantly, but is a nice light, fresh daytime fragrance.

Skin Type: Normal Combination Skin

Comments:I loved this perfume. A daytime fragrance that smells fresh, citrus and a hint of soft floral. Every time I put it on it reminded me of a fresh breeze. Lovely to have in our hot humid summer.

Skin Type: Teenager Oily Skin

Comments: Smells nice and light. Very summery.

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Chi Chi – Lip Gloss Pot Review

Livia’s Summary: This is a very young and cute product that is worth trying. However check the smell first to see if you can live with it. We had a mixed reaction about the smell and taste but I think anything that tastes this good on your lips is worth having.

Description: Chi Chi Gloss pots are as individual as the women who wear them. Enriched with a delicious blend of Vitamin E, Jojoba and essential oils, they will condition your lips as you shine. The range of 18 colour pots include sheer, creamy, shimmering and opalescent finishes all with their individual flavours. The perfect pout for every occasion.

Available:
MYER, Terry White Chemists, Harrisons, Pharmacies, Js Room, Gloss & other leading pharmacies & cool stores.

Price: $13.95

Overall Rating

Skin Type: Mature, Combination Skin.
Value for Money: Would not pay $13.95 as I feel it’s not good value for money.
Comments: I do wear lip gloss but this gloss felt thick and sticky, didn’t like the smell either. One good point was that it seemed to last longer on the lips than some other glosses.

Skin Type: Normal
Value for Money: I won’t be buying this in future.
Comments: It gives a good gloss but doesn’t feel like it conditions the lips. Gloss lasted about an hour before it needed re-application.

Skin Type: Oily Combination Sensitive Skin
Value for Money: Definitely a winner. The gloss will last you a long time.
Comments: My new best friend. The 1st impression was the smell – love it. A little goes a long way. It looks quite thick but is actually quite light. Not sticky but very glossy. The biggest bonus is my hair doesn’t stick to it. Shine lasts about two hours. I’m in love with this, it tastes so good.

Skin Type: Normal Combination Skin
Value for Money: Some cheaper glosses work just as well if not better.
Comments: Cute and funky, a nice addition to my pink handbag. Not too keen on the smell or the taste but its young and cute. It does make my lips shiny and it lasts an hour and a half. It’s very oily and leaves your fingers oily.

Skin Type: Dry combination, Dehydrated Skin.
Value for Money: I don’t think I would buy this as I can get a lip gloss that did the same thing for a lot less.
Comments: It looked good alone as well as over lipstick. I couldn’t see anything different about this product than any other lip gloss. It was long lasting though, which was great.

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MAYBELLINE – Express Finish Advanced Wear Nail Color Review

Livia’s Summary: Overall, this is an average, unimpressive product. It doesn’t live up to the claims made for it. My nail polish chipped within the first hour and I didn’t even think about housework. Even though it is under $10.00, I would recommend you spend your money elsewhere.

Description: Advanced anti-chip formula gives tips a fresh, vivid, lasting manicure. Innovative control flow brush applies the perfect dose of polish. One coat sets in 60 seconds—fast.
Color goes on smoothly and evenly without bubbles.

Available:
Innoxa products are available at Myer, Priceline.

Price: $9.95

Overall Rating

Skin Type: Dry Skin.
Value for Money: Yes I would pay $9.95 and yes I think it is value for money.
Comments: I found this nail polish excellent because it dries so fast. It was smooth and looks great and goes on easy. It’s still on and has not peeled off like others do.

Skin Type: Normal Combination
Value for Money: Yes it’s a good price.
Comments: I have acrylic nails so it usually takes a long time for polish to dry, however this did exactly what it said. It dried in 60 seconds and didn’t chip. With two little kids fast dry is very helpful.

Skin Type: Oily Combination Sensitive Skin
Value for Money: I would not pay more than $5.00 for this. Unimpressive.
Comments: The smell is very strong and gave me an instant headache. The first coat took about 2 minutes to dry and needed a second coat. Colour was chipping within the first 24 hours. Very average product.

Skin Type: Normal Skin
Value for Money: It is OK , nothing outstanding.
Comments: First coat was thick and patchy. Second coat was better but took ages to dry and it marked easily. Minimal chips.

Skin Type: Dry combination, Dehydrated Skin.
Value for Money: I probably would not buy fast dry nail polish from Maybelline.
Comments: I was quite disappointed with this nail polish as it took much longer than 60 seconds to dry and then you have to watch you don’t bump your nails because you will get marks in the polish. It didn’t last for a day before it started chipping off. It also looked like a cheep polish on my nails.

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Jurlique – Deep Penetrating Cream Mask Review

Livia’s Summary: This mask was unanimously liked. It delivered what it promised and more. The organic ingredients were also appreciated by all as most people these days are looking for natural alternatives.

The herbal smell was also liked and the texture was a definite plus. It is a little pricey but it is worth saving up for and treating yourself. Run your bath, light some candles and put your mask on and you will feel like you’re in a day spa. Well worth it.

Description: A firming, nourishing, hydrating, calming and soothing mask suitable for all skin types. Ideal for a quick pick-me-up anytime. Apply to dry or damp skin after soaking face. Remove mask with a wet wash cloth after 10 – 20 minutes of rest.

Available:
Myer, David Jones, Jurlique Day Spas and selected pharmacies.

Price: 40ml $45.00, 125ml $82.00

Overall Rating

Skin Type: Mature, Combination Skin.
Value for Money: I would buy this product.
Comments: This product smelt great, went on the skin smoothly, dried well and was easy to remove. Skin felt fresh, however not smooth or tight.

Skin Type: Normal
Value for Money: Nice product but a bit much for my budget.
Comments: The mask felt good on my skin and felt like it tightened it. After taking it off my skin felt fresh and smoother than before and my pores were less visible. I liked it.

Skin Type: Oily Combination Sensitive Skin
Value for Money: After feeling the benefits of this product, price is not an issue.
Comments: This was heaven to apply. It was light and delicate on my skin and allowed my skin to breathe. The mask didn’t harden so I could still smile. My skin felt like it had hours of pampering after just 20 minutes of this mask. I loved it and now have to go and buy it.

Skin Type: Normal Skin
Value for Money: This is definitely worth the money, I would buy this product.
Comments: Best mask I ever used. It felt beautiful to apply on my skin and smelt healthy. My skin felt as smooth as a baby’s. My pores looked reduced and my few blemishes diminished.

Skin Type: Dry combination, Dehydrated Skin.
Value for Money: Personally I think this may be a little pricey for how much you get. But then it is a Jurlique product. I would probably buy it.
Comments: Loved the smell. It was so creamy putting it on my face and my skin felt renewed after taking it off.

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Chi Chi – Eye Magic

Livia’s Summary: Warning! Only get this if you like shiny eye shadow. Definitely not for the fainthearted. The product is very imaginative and a great time-saver for those times when you need to look glamorous in a hurry. Always keep some handy in your emergency makeup case. Good fun product.

Description: Professional eye shadow in one simple stroke. You don’t need to be a magician, or a make-up artist with Chi Chi Cosmetics new Eye Magic. Simply press on eye lid and swipe across for perfect results. Chi Chi Cosmetics has created Eye Magic in 18 different colour combinations with colours ranging from two tone browns to four banded brighter pinks and blues, catering for subtle day wear, as well as bright party girl colours. Each packet contains 7 applications. This cosmetic breakthrough is ideal for women on the move or for those women who are not confident with eye shadow self-application.

Available:
MYER, Terry White Chemists and other Pharmacies.

Price: $14.95 AUD

Overall Rating

Skin Type: Teenage Oily Combination Skin.
Value for Money: Because of the shiny colours I won’t be buying this.
Comments: The eye shadow strips were easy to apply and easy to blend but unfortunately the shiny colours are just not for me.

Skin Type: Normal
Value for Money: Good value, Good to keep them on hand.
Comments: Funky shadow. Loved the colours. It is easy to blend and it wore well. It stayed on all day and didn’t gather in the creases. It’s not for everyday use but for evening and special occasions.

Skin Type: Oily Combination Sensitive Skin
Value for Money: For me it would take the 7 strips to get it right. I won’t be buying this.
Comments: I hated this. It had too many directions to begin with and it was hard to get right on my eyelids. I think you need to be a pro to do this right. Colours are way too shiny for me and it was way hard to remove.

Skin Type: Normal Combination Skin
Value for Money: I wouldn’t buy them for regular use but it’s good to keep them on hand for those special nights out.
Comments: Easy to apply. Great for on the run or to pack, if you are going away. It is very glittery, night wear only.

Skin Type: Dry combination, Dehydrated Skin.
Value for Money: What a good product! I’ve never seen this before. This eye shadow suits the busy woman. This suits night time wear more so than day time wear. It looked great and had no smudges.
Comments: What a good product! I’ve never seen this before. This eye shadow suits the busy woman. This suits night time wear more so than day time wear. It looked great and had no smudges.

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In Essence – Body Butter

Livia’s Summary: Overall a very nice product. Good to see essential oils as ingredients and the texture was liked by all. The product really last a long time making it an excellent value for money.

Description: In Essence now brings you superior Body Butters with the healing properties of pure essential oils to replenish, hydrate and soften the skin. Rich in plant extracts of Shea butter, Cocoa butter, Calendula and Vitamin E, these natural products moisturise at the deepest level, delivering a protective, softening feel to the skin. Choose from the exotic, rich body butter of Vanilla and Coconut, the sensual body butter of Rose and Rosehip and the calming body butter of Lavender and Roman Chamomile.

Available:
In Essence is distributed within Australia, New Zealand and selected countries throughout Asia, in the following outlets: Australian Department Stores, Myer Grace Bros & David Jones. Leading Pharmacies, Health Food Stores, Beauty Salons & Spas & Natural Therapists.

Price: $24.95

Overall Rating

Skin Type: Normal Skin.
Value for Money: It is good value for what you get.
Comments: Very nice and soft, not watery or oily. Skin felt silky and the lavender smell was very pleasant.

Skin Type: Normal Combination
Value for Money: I think the price is average but this product didn’t wow me.
Comments: Had a chemical smell with a hint of coconut. I didn’t like using this product mainly because of the smell. However it was well absorbed and left skin soft.

Skin Type: Normal Combination Skin
Value for Money: Great value, the cream lasts for a long time as you only have to use a small amount.
Comments: Great value, the cream lasts for a long time as you only have to use a small amount.

Skin Type: Dry Combination Skin
Value for Money: Yes I think it is good value
Comments: Thicker moisturiser to what I have used before but it feels good on the skin and rubs in quite well. My skin felt soft straight away.

Skin Type: Oily Combination Sensitive Skin.
Value for Money: I definitely will buy this. I love it and the organic ingredients are a bonus. Use it sparingly and it will last ages.

Comments: This is a thick body butter but warms to the skin and sinks in almost straight away. Use sparingly as it thins out with body heat. I used it after shaving my legs and it made my skin so soft for a couple of days. The smell is beautiful and you will feel pampered.

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Clinique – Instant Energy Body Wash

Livia’s Summary
This is a beautiful shower gel but as it was noted by our panellists we didn’t see anything outstanding about it. Good product to have in a gift basket or to get as a gift but I would probably spend my money on other body products as cheaper shower gels do the same job.

Description: A refreshing experience for the whole body. Invigorating. Energizing. Cool gel cleanser creates an exhilarating sensation of clean all over. Maintains skin’s natural moisture balance. Use with wet washcloth or sponge.

Available:
Myer, David Jones, Clinique service centres and selected pharmacies.

Price: $32.00AUD

Overall Rating

Skin Type: Dry combination Skin.
Value for Money: This is rather expensive; I probably wouldn’t buy it at this price.
Comments: This felt good on the skin, not too much lather. It leaves skin clean and soft.

Skin Type: Normal Combination
Value for Money: I won’t be buying this product; it didn’t impress me at all.
Comments: First impressions- looked glittery so I immediately thought “cheap”. I’m not impressed with glitter in body wash. I didn’t mind the texture but didn’t like the minty smell. It leathered up nicely but was very oily. You do only need a small amount.

Skin Type: Normal Skin
Value for Money: A bit pricey for what it is. It didn’t have anything special about it.
Comments: This was very nice and had a pleasant smell. It felt lovely on the skin and bubbled well in the shower.

Skin Type: Normal Combination Skin
Value for Money: I would buy this as a nice treat for myself. It will last you a long time.
Comments:Liked this gel. It felt fresh and tingly on my skin. It lathered up nicely and a little goes a long way. It has a nice fresh fragrance too which I liked.

Skin Type: Dry Combination, Dehydrated Skin
Value for Money: In my opinion the price is a bit much for me to pay for a body wash that doesn’t seem out of the ordinary.
Comments: This body wash smells beautifully and gets very soapy. I enjoyed using it and my skin was nice and smooth and felt fresh after my shower.

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Anti-Aging At It’s Best

Would you like to know the biggest secret to a wrinkle free skin? Here it is! STAY OUT OF THE SUN!! I bet that’s not what you wanted to hear. But there it is. The biggest cause of wrinkles and the signs of aging is sun damage. Over a hundred years ago the sign of affluence among ladies of means was a lily white skin. When they ventured out of doors they wore long sleeved dresses, hats and parasols. Quite antiquated by today’s fashions of sun bronzed goddesses in miniscule bikinis on the beach for hours and later lobstered and wincing in pain at the slightest touch. But maybe those antiquated ladies of past centuries knew a thing or two about beauty after all.In our beautiful country with inviting beaches and outdoor lifestyle it is very difficult to avoid the sun. But we can take measures to minimize its damaging affects. We all know the slogan: Slip, Slop, Slap. If you want good skin, take it to heart. Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen. Look for ones that say they protect from UVA and UVB rays. Look for ones that have zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as these are the physical sunblocks that stops the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin and causing damage. What do UVA and UVB rays do? An easy way to remember is:UVA stands for Ageing – as these rays penetrate the skin deeply and cause long term damage, resulting in wrinkles.UVB stands for Burn – as these rays penetrate the top layers of the skin causing redness, inflammation and a lot of pain.Always apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply after a couple of hours if you must remain in the sun, but the better option is to go indoors.

Always go for an SPF 30+ but be aware that in this case the numbers don’t add up. You can’t use a moisturizer with an SPF 15+ and a foundation with an SPF 15+ to get your SPF30+.Whichever product has the highest SPF rating that is the level of protection your skin is getting. Also don’t forget your parasol. They might just come back into fashion.

[A'kin] Sandalwood & Neroli Pure Facial Cleansing Gel Review

Livia’s Summary
An excellent cleanser that all our panelists loved. Personally I found that this gel cleanser is comparable if not better than some much more expensive cleansers, as it is really not drying on the skin at all.

I found my skin was noticeably brighter and fresher after use. The lovely soft fragrance was also appreciated by all.

All in all I can confidently recommend that you try this product for yourself.

Price: $25.00 (225ml)

Overall Rating

Skin Type: Fair and Oily
Value for Money: Great product. I would make it a
regular buy
Comments: As someone who has oily skin, I find it really hard to find a cleanser that doesn’t leave a small amount of residue or leave my skin feeling tight, but this semi-foaming cleanser made my skin feel and look refreshed and oil free all day. An excellent product.

Skin Type: Oily Skin
Value for Money: YES!! It lasts a long time!
Comments: This is one of the best face washes I’ve ever used. It had immediate results on my skin and smoothed it. I liked the smell and the gel consistency. I didn’t like the shape of the bottle though – it didn’t stand well in my shower.

Skin Type: Normal Skin
Value for Money: This is great value for money with large quantity of product & the small amount needed for a total cleanse. I would definitely purchase this again.

Comments: The fragrance was great and the product left my face completely clean without feeling tight. My skin looked clearer within a matter of days, and my hormonal blemishes are fading fast.

Skin Type: Normal Skin
Value for Money: It’s a very generous size for $25.00, and I will be buying it again.
Comments:This is a beautiful gel cleanser that left my face really clean without that dry feeling I normally get with gel cleansers. It removed all my makeup. I even got my husband using it in the shower and he loves the feel of it on his face so I’ll definitely have to go out and buy an other one.

Skin Type: Combination Skin
Value for Money: Yes I would buy this product for myself as it is no more expensive than other face washes available.
Comments: I found this gel absolutely lovely to use as I have combination skin it didn’t dry out the dry areas even more, and managed to leave my skin nice and evenly balanced.

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