Challenges

This section of the Blog is where I show options or loosely termed “dupes” or alternatives to higher-priced products. Whether a product is a good “dupe” or whether it is deemed a budget buy depends on an individual’s budget. This will be updated as I go along, and as I come across products that may do a similar job for a smaller price tag.

Review: Garnier Aqua Defense Essence – H20+ Face Oasis Dupe!

July 2, 2009 Paris B 47 Comments

This was supposed to be a review of the new Garnier Aqua Defense Essence Moisturizer but in the process of test running it, I realised it was a passable dupe of H20+ Face Oasis for me! I’ll run this first as a review then to compare it with Face Oasis.

Garnier Aqua Defense Non Stop Intense Moisturizing Essence Review

Garnier Aqua Defense Essence

The Garnier Aqua Defense Essence comes in a light green gel form in a tub. There is a light fresh smell that brings to mind fruits, in particular green apples.

The Aqua Defense Essence contains grape water to protect skin from free radicals, apple water for anti-oxidant action and vitamin E to smooth and protect skin from cellular damage.

What it is is a very light gel that absorbs quickly into the skin. I like how it feels as it feels cool going on the skin. If you have oily skin then this would be perfect for you. It adds moisture without feeling thick and sticky and despite what many people think, oily skin can be dehydrated too! So this is what the Garnier Aqua Defense Essnce is targeted at.

If you have combination or drier skin, the Aqua Defense Essence can be used like an essence / serum. In the day, I use this on its own under my sunscreen. At night, I use it under my usual night cream or the new Garner Aqua Defense Non Stop Moisturizing Gel Cream. The Gel Cream has a slightly creamier thicker texture to suit those with drier skin. If you are oily this essence might suffice.

1 Month 1 Blush 1 Eyeshadow Challenge Concludes

June 22, 2009 Paris B 23 Comments

Has it been one month already? Where has all the time gone?!

Anyway, a month ago, I challenged myself and you to use just one blush and one eyeshadow for the whole month whenever you use makeup. The idea was not to use it up but to see how big a dent one can put in it.

Here are the results of my challenge.

Eyeshadow in Definite Makeup Twist n Shout

Definite Makeup Twist n Shout

I stuck to using just one corner and there is a perceptible dip starting to form in that corner. Nothing drastic but if I were to go on using just this one product for the next few months, we’d be seeing a serious dip forming. Still, there’s lots of products left 🙂

Do you ever finish anything? Here’s my challenge

May 19, 2009 Paris B 82 Comments

So, you buy and you buy but do you ever finish anything? I know some people are wondering about that but are (maybe) too polite to ask 😛

My answer is yes, I do.

My latest product to hit pan and to find its way out of my stash and into my trash is my Kanebo Revue 2way powder foundation and Revlon Age-defying foundation. I love them both and they work a treat for me with medium coverage and perfect color match to my skin. They are both my to-go foundation that I reach for without thinking. In fact, this is my 2nd or is it 3rd similar Revue foundation! I’m so sad that Kanebo discontinued Revue 🙁 I could still buy it from existing stock I know, but I’m moving on to try other stuff for a while.

I also finish lipstick and mascara in the color cosmetics department. The latest to get binned was the Guerlain le 2 brush mascara – it was time *sob sob* My skincare gets replenished regularly as well as bath and body products.

I challenge you!

Color products are harder to finish up though – you’d have to use one colour every single day to be able to make a decent dent in them. Hence my experiment/ challenge… if you’d like to join me 😉
Continue Reading

Battle of the vibrating mascara – Lancome Oscillation Mascara and Estee Lauder Turbo Lash Masara

February 4, 2009 Paris B 30 Comments

I’d had the opportunity to test the new Lancome Oscillation mascara recently and later, while I was passing by an Estee Lauder counter, tested out their new Turbo Lash mascara. Both are vibrating mascaras and both were released for the first time about 6 months ago in the USA. This is the first time both brands have launched their vibrating mascaras here in Malaysia and the question is this :

In the battle of the vibrating mascaras, who wins?

Well, that’s what I’m here to help you find out! 🙂

Lancome Oscillation vs Estee Lauder Turbo Lash mascara

Lancome Oscillation Mascara (RM120)

The Lancome Oscillation Mascara comes in a nondescript looking black mascara tube. You can open it up and use it just like any normal mascara. The secret lies in the little button on the cap.

Lancome Oscillation Mascara

Press the button and hold it down and you will find a pleasant mild buzz on your finger tips as the mascara tip vibrates and oscillates to coat your lashes with mascara. Release, and the buzz stops.

What this does is allow for control. You can use this mascara like any normal mascara or you can press the button to oscillate the mascara head to order, to coat your lashes as thickly as you want and to give you the volume and length you desire. Or you can mix and match for maximum effect. I can personally vouch for length – the Lancome Oscillation mascara definitely adds visible length to puny lashes. You can also dispense with the zig zag motion as the oscillation takes care of that.Continue Reading