Nivea Sensitive Protect Roll-on Deodorant

Welcome back beauties, the next product I have reviewed was sent to me by Beauty Heaven to test out as a part of their trial team,  here are my thoughts on that experience.  :)

The Nivea Sensitive Protect Roll-on Deodorant comes in stylish, upmarket-looking, 50ml transparent glass packaging with a roll-on dispenser and a white plastic screw on cap.  The label adorns the recognisable blue, white and gold Nivea logo, along with an attractive, lilac and silver colour scheme for a touch of femininity.  The ultra gentle, anti-inflammatory formulation is free of alcohol, preservatives and colourants, while enriched with nourishing avocado oil and chamomile extract to soothe and care for the most sensitive skin types.  It also claims to deliver effective protection against perspiration for 48 hours.  :D

The deodorant is white in colour, but transfers completely clear onto the skin with nil fragrance and a non-sticky finish.  :">  Instead, it provides additional hydrating properties to ensure the skin under my arms stays super soft and silky smooth.  \:D/  This time of the year it’s not overly humid and hot here, but even throughout the duration of these mildly warm FNQ days, I’m not satisfied that this deodorant is lasting the distance.  :-S  After applying the roll-on first thing in the morning, I find by lunch time, my underarms begin to feel a bit moist, so I feel the need for a second application to avoid getting BO.  /:)  In the past couple of weeks since I’ve began this trial, I have come to the conclusion that unfortunately the deodorant doesn’t meet my daytime anti-persipirant needs, yet it’s ideal for use at night, after showing, so I go to bed feeling fresh and comfortable and wake up of a morning still feeling much the same.  ;)  Because Nivea have formulated it to be totally non-irritating, it’s handy to use after hair removal, due to the no alcohol content it doesn’t burn or sting at all and helps to prevent rashes and reduce the chance of irritation.  (*)

Overall, I think the Nivea Sensitive Protect Roll-on Deodorant is an average deodorant in terms of performance; however, its kind to the skin, very affordable and readily available at most supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide, making it a budget friendly option.  =D>  I will continue using the deodorant both post shaving and as a part of my nightly body care routine, but I don’t think it has the durability to withstand the tropical far northern summer, so I doubt I would repurchase it myself.  For those with sensitive skin looking for a safe, skin loving alternative, this might be just what you’re looking for.  :-*

Do you get irritated by many commercial type deodorants and want one that won’t sting or upset your underarms?  :-/   Can you recommend a sensitive anti-perspirant that is both gentle and also particularly effective at combating BO??  :-?   Comment below with your favourite long-lasting deodorant! 

The image in this post is generic. 

Clarins Ever Matte SPF 15 Oil-FREE Skin Balancing Foundation

Hello beauties!  :-h   now I’m reviewing a product based on a trial for Tammerly who was super generous in sending me this foundation to test drive on behalf of her Spoilt beauty blog, which is linked here.  Here are my thoughts.  :-*

I have super oily skin, so finding a suitable foundation is always a challenge. Even those that claim to be oil-free and matte, don’t necessarily work that way for me and within hours of the initial application, guess what???  Yep, my skin turns into an oily, greasy mess, making me look like I’ve just jumped out of the deep fryer.  :">  Either that or the formulation is too rich and makes me break out, or it’s too heavy and looks almost plastered on, leaving me with another foundation that simply doesn’t compliment my naturally oily skin.  ~X(  I was keen as a bean to try the Clarins Ever Matte SPF 15 Oil-FREE Skin Balancing Foundation and see if I could eliminate my foundation blues once and for all.  >:/

The Clarins Ever Matte SPF 15 Oil-FREE Skin Balancing Foundation comes in very plain packaging and was not what I was expected from such an upmarket brand; provoking my initial reaction that it looks ‘cheap’ or ‘stingy’.   :-O   In my opinion, the presentation is on par with an average, everyday budget or no-frills cosmetics brand, which is a far cry from my conception of how a leading, luxury beauty brand should be marketed.   /:)  The slim, 30ml rectangular-shaped, squeezable plastic tube boasts a plastic lid with a mirrored gold coating, which is the only indication of the brands high quality.  I don’t like how the bottle is opaque; therefore I’m unable to see inside to determine the content level.  This is especially annoying, because the bottle feels so light, for all I know it could be near empty and I have no way of ever knowing.  :-L  On the plus side, this modest, little foundation is ideal for travelling or popping in your purse/handbag to use on the go, plus it’s non-fragile, causing no concern about breakage.  :">

I’ve never been a fan of scented beauty products on my face and wasn’t expecting to unveil a fragranced foundation,  @};-  however, the unusual fruity melon aroma infused in this formula is subtle and quick to fade and during this experience I’ve actually grown fond of the delicate scent.  The consistency is light and airy with a creamy, velvet-like texture that feels silky smooth, which glides onto the skin and blends with ease.  It’s fast drying, and sets into a weightless, natural-looking, matte finish, minus that dull, flat appearance often associated with matte foundations; instead it generates a vibrant, lustrous impression.   ;;)  The light-medium coverage doesn’t hide all my flaws, but it’s buildable, so gently layering over problem areas that require extra attention, omits the need for a separate concealer.  The shade 110 Honey perfectly matches my colouring and effectively transforms my complexion by covering redness and minor imperfections with a veil that uniforms my skin tone, without the obvious indication of wearing foundation at all.  It’s formulated to allow my skin to breathe and provides the less is more approach; hence my skin looks like skin and not a mask.  ;)

Shade Honey 110

The staying power is exceptional and I am impressed that after 8 hours the foundation hasn’t budged, still appears fresh and …you better believer it…MATTE!  =D>  Yes, I honestly didn’t expect it to hold up this well, even though after a few hours a slight shine becomes visible on my forehead, my skin is not AT ALL oily or greasy.  Alternatively, it creates a natural, dewy finish that radiates a beautiful, all-over, healthy-looking glow.  There is no caking, streaking or patchiness and no sign of fading or flaking, my just skin remains comfortable and hydrated.  <:-P  I prefer using a brush or a beauty pod for application, to ensure flawless results, nevertheless, fingers work adequately when I’m lacking in time.  I usually buff translucent powder over my face after applying foundation, which is basically out of habit and makes little difference to the end results, so I wouldn’t consider setting powder as necessary.     B-)

With the bonus of SPF 15 for added protection, the non-comodegenic formulation improves my complexion, yet doesn’t irritate my fussy sensitive skin or cause any issues with congestion or breakouts.  This foundation ticks all the right boxes, meeting my personal requirements for a faultless day-to-day foundation.  With a lightweight, barely-there feel, it delivers advanced performance and longevity, controlling excess oil, whilst skin remains fresh, polished and matte all day, eliminating the need for regular touch-ups and frequent blotting.  :x  Thanks to the Clarins Ever Matte SPF 15 Oil-FREE Skin Balancing Foundation, my oily skin woes are a thing of the past and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to achieve gorgeous, even skin with natural luminosity and a matte-like finish that will last the distance and produce the ultimate complexion perfection.  \:D/

I’m rating this foundation with 4 stars out of 5.  (*) (*) (*) (*)  It loses a ½ star for the unappealing packaging and another ½ for being quite costly, especially conceding the bottle feels so depleted. I will be interested to see how long it actually lasts.   

TIP:   *-:) This foundation works 100% better without a primer! I was left disappointed when I first tried this foundation, incorporating a pre-foundation primer.  An hour later, I noticed that my face was not particularly matte and in lieu of displaying that dewy radiance, the slippery beginnings of oil had started to surface on my T-Zone.  I have ever since, maintained immaculate results every time, by just prepping my skin with a normal daily moisturiser and skipping the primer all together.

Do you have oily skin, where finding a foundation is sometimes a nightmare?  Do you find makeup that even claims to be suited for oily skin still doesn't help and you face gets shiny or greasy soon after applying?  Share your experiences and any rec's or a solution to effective coverage for oily skinned beauties!

The images in this post are generic. 

CAREFREE ACTI-FRESH Liners Oxygen + Tea Tree

Hello again peeps,  :-h  I’m just publishing long overdue reviews atm, which these days is happening only when I get the time,  :-S  so forgive me for a sudden influx followed by a spell and so forth.  ;;)  The following review is a trial team product sent out to me by Beauty Heaven so I could check it out and then share my opinion with you all.  :)

Living in the tropics perspiration and body odour is always a problem,  :">  so I like to use panty liners to keep me dry and fresh, whilst ensuring additional protection for the unexpected.  :">  Carefree Acti-Fresh Liners in Oxygen and Tea Tree are ultra thin but super absorbent against wetness and provide a special odour control system that safe-guards for up to 8 hours allowing me to go about my day to day activities with confidence and security.  ;)

Packaged in individual cute floral easy to open wrappers, theses liners are discrete and ideal for popping in the purse or handbag when I’m on the go.  The liner features a very adhesive backing and once it’s in place you can be sure it will not budge, so there is no concern about it moving or going astray, even when engaging in vigorous exercise.  The lightweight, breathable material of the liner is soft, flexible and non-restrictive to wear, unlike the old bulky ‘surfboard’ style pads of the past, yet still more absorbent than other liners I’ve tried.  Basically, they are so comfortable; I can’t even notice they are there!  =D>  The Tea Tree version smells crisp and refreshing, whereas the Oxygen has a subtle baby powder fragrance, both of which effectively keep any odours at bay.  \:D/

These Carefree Acti-Fresh Liners are my ‘go-to’ daily feminine hygiene product of choice.  The barely there liner allows me to stay clean, fresh and dry everyday, particularly in the hot summer months.  I would absolutely recommend Carefree Acti-Fresh Liners to all females any age, shape or size; if you lead an active lifestyle, these liners guarantee reassurance and reliability for extra peace of mind 24/7!  <:-P

Have you ever used panty liners?  :-/  Do you wear liners for the days in between your periods or on a day to day basis just to keep fresh and protect your undies??  :-?  If so you seriously must try the scented ones, these have taken feminine hygiene products to a whole new level! 

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Dove Men + Care Deep Clean Face and Body Wash

Hi guys,  :-h  just playing catch-up here again and I’ve got a swag of finished reviews to up and publish, so please bare with me  [-O<  as I’m trying to simplify the layout of my blog posts a bit, coz to be honest the publishing side of blogging is still taking me ages :-O  The writing is the easy part, it’s getting it online here that slooooooooows me down, big time!!!  :-w

Anyway, this here is a product sent out by the gorgeous ladies at Beauty Heaven, as part of their trial team!

I got my guy friend to trial this product, who happens to be a farm labourer and I can vouch, he comes home from work in a grubby looking state and usually smells like he’s been sweating overtime,  :-&  something that is always the norm for men who partake in physical labour and live and work here in the FNQ tropics.  :-"  The Dove Deep Clean Face and Body Wash instantly appealed to him, particularly because it’s a two-in-one multi-tasking product that takes care of the face and body, rather than having to use a separate product.  ;-)

The Dove Dove Deep Clean Face and Body Wash is presented in a large 400ml deep grey coloured bottle with the signature Dove Men logo and a sturdy flip-top lid that is located at the base, to stand the bottle upright.  The formula is a thick, gel-like fluid that is clear in colour, allowing you to identify the tiny micro-beads infused with-in.  The scent is extremely masculine and smells just like a crisp, refreshing aftershave lotion, which lingers on the skin for hours after washing, much to his delight.  It lathers up easily and the beads are super gentle on the skin, yet provide a super deep-down clean, sloughing away, dead, dulling skin cells to leave his face and body smooth, soft, whilst banishing dryness and flaking.  It is also extremely hydrating and for a guy who couldn’t be bothered applying a face or body lotion, it locks in moisture to give his skin continual nourishment.  <:-P

The Dove Deep Clean Face and Body Wash is a clear winner for busy guys, who are usually too lazy to indulge in face and body care, but yet are always concerned about their appearance.  It’s a quick and easy solution that thoroughly cleans even the dirtiest of skin, delivering effective results that meet all of his skin care needs, all in the one handy product.  \:D/

Ladies, does your man use a body wash, or is he a soap kind of a guy?  :-?  Guys, what do you think, is this something that would appeal to you or……nahh???  :-/  Share your thoughts in the comments section  :-)

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Furless Mini Bamboo Makeup Brush Set

Hello friends everywhere!  :-h  When it comes to applying makeup one thing we can probably all agree on is that beauty tools such as brushes compliment the delivery of our cosmetics. By providing the advantage of a quicker application with better control and the ability to achieve a smooth even finish, capturing your desired effect can be created with minimal effort.  I have a few sets of cosmetic brushes, some good, some not so good, but when I do find a great brush, I generally keep using it over and over.  I was lucky enough to win a Furless promotion over at Spoilt beauty blog, which saw me, a proud owner of my very own mini brush set that I've come to believe, is absolutely worth shouting out about.  <:-P

Despite this being a mini or travel sized brush set, these makeup brushes are actually the most used ‘go-to’ beauty tools in my entire cosmetic swag.  The Furless Mini Bamboo Makeup Brush Set contains the basic tools I need to achieve any makeup look at home or when I’m out and about.  The compact black pouch is lightweight with a sleek design, perfect to slip into my handbag or personal luggage utilising minimal space.  The material is durable and well made to protect the firmly packed brushes, keeping them secure during transit.  As a bonus, the pouch includes a handy zip-up compartment, ideal for storing my extra beauty essentials.  The multitasking brushes are incredibly versatile, so, not only do I use them for their specific purpose, I usually interchange them to suit my needs.  \:D/

The classy-looking brushes are inexpensive, considering they are of professional quality and comparable to certain op shelf brands at a fraction of the price.  The short length natural bamboo handles are designed for the ultimate in comfort and control, while the bristles are made with synthetic, cruelty free fibres that are super soft and dense to provide a beautiful, flawless application.  I like that small sized brushes are actually easier to hold onto and manoeuvre than some bulky full-sized versions, particularly when working in awkward positions.  However, don’t be fooled by how little these brushes are, because there is no compromise at all on performance or capability, these brushes handle a maximum workload with the greatest of ease and perfection.  :D  I personally prefer synthetic cosmetic brushes because I love feeling the soft, featherweight brushes on my skin, which are easier to buff and blend compared to animal hair bristles that get scratchy and can irritate my sensitive skin.  :-S  I’ve experienced no problem with the bristles shedding; not even after washing have the bristles become loose, so I’ve never noticed any unwanted strays.  #:-S

The brushes in this set include:

Powder Brush – With luxuriously soft bristles, I’ve successfully used this brush for dusting loose or compact powder and to buff all over colour such as mineral powder foundation or bronzer and it works wonders for applying blush too.

Blush Brush - This slightly rounded, dome shape brush is soft but very dense, so not only does it work well for blush/bronzer application, particularly when contouring the face or sculpting the cheekbone; I actually prefer to use this brush to apply liquid foundation and it constantly maintains flawless results.

Large Eyeshadow Brush – Soft yet firm, this brush packs maximum colour and is suitable for all over soft layering and blending of both wet and dry textured eyeshadows.  It can come in useful for applying concealer and handles the task effortlessly.

Small Eyeshadow Brush – The smaller version of the Large Eyeshadow Brush, perfect for working in smaller areas and close to the lashline.  This doubles nicely as a lip brush as well.

Crease Brush – This brush is firm yet still incredibly soft and gentle, great for detailing and using in the crease or even the eyelids.  It’s ideal for highlighting in the inner corners of the eye and under the brow line.  It also dupes as a concealer brush, especially handy when targeting smaller imperfections.

Angled Liner Brush – Firm but not at all scratchy, this soft, dense angled brush is easy to control, allowing for precise application of both powder liners and gel/cream versions.  The bristles retain their shape for defining and shaping and are thin enough to fill in sparse eyebrows.

Lash/Brow Groomer – Firm enough to comb my brows and keep them neat and tidy.  It also lends as a lash separator to help reduce clumping after mascara application.

I’ve been using these brushes consistently for the past 12 months and they are super effective and last the distance.  Perfect investment for anyone from the novice to the connoisseur, if you want decent, quality brushes that don’t cost the earth, then this is a set you can definitely rely on to cover all your basic makeup needs.  :x   Whilst catering for the budget friendly consumer, even though these brushes are economical, they don’t sacrifice on performance or durability.  Also, if you’re like me and keen supporter of the ethical treatment of animals and are passionate about stamping out animal cruelty, then be sure to avoid animal hair cosmetic brushes.  No animals are harmed creating this brush set from Furless, which is 100% vegan and Halal friendly!  I’ve awarded the Furless Mini Bamboo Makeup Brush Set with a well-deserved rating of 5 stars out of 5!  (*)  (*)  (*)  (*)  (*)   =D>  Highly recommended!

What makeup brushes do you personally use and are you a fan of a mix-n-match brush or do you religiously use a specific brush for each task?  :-?  Do you prefer synthetic brushes and if so have you tried any of the gorgeous brushes from Furless?  I have also tried the mineral powder foundation from Furless as well, which was brilliant, what is your favourite product from their range, or the one item you would most like to try and why?  :-/

 

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Garnier Caffeine Eye Roll-On

Howdy friends!   :-h  I have been using the Garnier Caffeine Eye Roll-On eye treatment for well over three years now and that is because it is ultra cheap, readily available in most supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide (even in our small one horse town, and that is saying something coz we’ve got nothing here when it comes to beauty booty, EEK!  :-O  ) and most importantly it actually works!   \:D/  Sure everyone is familiar with the horror they face when you’ve done an all nighter and look in the mirror only to see a tired, worn out, exhausted, weary-looking appearance staring back at you.  :-&  I’m talking under eye bags, puffiness, dark circles, dull and dehydrated skin, the works, it’s shattering and you’re looking prematurely aged overnight, which I might add does zip for the self-esteem.  :">  You wish for nothing more than to turn back the clock and have that well rested face staring at you again.   [-O<  The under eye area is usually the most problematic when it comes to visible imperfections because the skin around your eyes is so thin and delicate, making them particularly susceptible.  Tammerly from Spoilt asked me to review this product and considering I’m long term acquaintance who’s used it for years; my experience guarantees I have plenty of feedback to share  :)

A hot cup of coffee helps me mentally recover from lack of sleep, but my eyes unfortunately, always showcase the telltale evidence and highlight the fact that I’m still tired.  (:|  So, what I need is a cup of coffee for my eyes!  Yes, it is well documented that the goodness of topical caffeine provides anti-inflammatory relief, provoking an instant wake-up call for eye imperfections to send unwanted bags packing, once and for all.  Enter Garnier Caffeine Eye Roll-On, a cooling eye treatment that acts like a cold compress, soothing away puffiness, plumping fine lines and delivering much needed moisture to the thirsty, dehydrated skin around the eye contour.  Injected with a shot of caffeine to constrict blood vessels, increase circulation and boost radiance, this effective beauty aid includes the additional anti-ageing benefits of antioxidants, which protects against damaging free radicals that can lead to premature ageing.  :D

Boasting a bright, neon green, plastic canister with a transparent, twist-top lid firmly covering the steel roller-ball that maintains freshness, the Garnier Caffeine Eye Roll-On is compact in size and shaped like a pen, making it suitable to pop into my handbag for use on the go.  The mess-free, roller-ball applicator automatically dispenses a clear gel-like fluid that I apply to the eye contour using a small circular motion.  During this process, the roller-ball massages the skin surrounding the eye and stimulates blood flow, assisting with drainage to actively de-puff and minimise swelling.  This in turn perks up my eyes and brightens the dull, discoloured skin, generating a lifted effect for a revitalising ‘pick-me-up’.   ;;)  The gel is thin and lightweight in texture and absorbs fast, without leaving behind any sticky residue or greasy film that could interfere with makeup application.  The odourless formula is also super gentle; therefore it doesn’t cause any irritation to my skin or eyes.  =D>

I’ve relied on this eye treatment, on and off, for years, but after a full month of daily use, putting it to the ultimate test, I am unable to determine that it produces any visible, long-term anti-ageing effects, such as banishing existing crows feet or softening wrinkles.  I can’t support the claims that it reduces dark circles on a permanent basis either, as I rarely suffer from under eye discolouration myself.  I can however, definitely vouch that it is the perfect ‘quick-fix’ that works within minutes to improve vitality for youthful eyes that look wide-awake.  It performs optimally to banish the symptoms of too many late nights, diminishing puffiness and inflammation, whilst brightening tired eyes, resulting in a completely refreshed and healthy appearance.  To cure signs of fatigue and remove excess baggage, I highly recommend the easy to use, affordable Garnier Caffeine Eye Roll-Onthat promptly refreshes and rejuvenates the eye area.  It’s a first class, budget beauty buy that I'm rating 4 out of 5 stars  (*)  (*)  (*)  (*)  based on my experience, because while it only offers temporary respite and nothing truly substitutes for a good night rest, if you are feeling tired, once this roll-on performs its magic, no one will know, as you certainly won’t look tired….at all!   <:-P

TIP: Keep it in the fridge to intensify the cooling sensation.  It grants some serious reprieve for worn out eyes, especially first thing in the morning or during a really hot day and feels ahh-mazing!   

Have you tried this eye treatment or experienced the benefits of caffeine infused skin care products?  :-?  How would you rate it, effective or…..??  :-/  What is your ‘go-to’ product when you need to quickly disguise the appearance of tired eyes, so you look wide awake and alert even if you are not??


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Nailene So Natural Everyday French

As they are, prior to filing.

As they are, prior to filing.

Hello peeps  :-h   False nails have never appealed to me, especially after a nightmare-ish experience as a teen,  :-O   so I’ve avoided them like the plague ever since.  :-S   But, when Beauty Heaven offered me the opportunity to try the Nailene So Natural Everyday French, featuring a new comfort flex technology, I decided I had nothing to loose and everything to gain, confident that surely glue-on nails would have improved over the past 20 odd years.  Based on my experience, needless to say, indeed they have!  =D>

 

Filed to my desired shape/length.

Filed to my desired shape/length.

The Nailene So Natural Everyday French nail kit is presented in cardboard packaging with a clear window at the front, so consumers can view the exact colour, shape and length of the nails inside.  I was sent a short sheer pack, consisting of 24 nails in assorted sizes, a file/buffer, cuticle stick and a small tube of glue, which is ample to affix two full sets of nails and then some.  The nails were so easy to apply and fit my own nails precisely, with the whole process of sticking on the 12 nails, taking less than 5 mins to complete.  :)  The glue has the same texture and consistency as standard super glue, but without the offensive smell.  It was simple to run the glue on the back of each false nail and then quickly transfer it to my own nail, gently pressing and holding in place for a few moments to allow it to set. The drying time was only seconds, allowing me to carry straight on with the application of the rest of the nails concurrently.  It did take me some time afterward to file down the artificial nails to the shape and length that suits my preference, however this is a one off step and once it’s done the nails look so authentic nobody would ever know that they weren’t my natural nails.  ;)

Polish done, nails complete.

Polish done, nails complete.

I was super impressed by the lightweight, comfortable feel, durability and staying power, because a week later and these nails have not budged.  <:-P   I am super hard on my hands and during this past week, I’ve washed dishes twice daily, scrubbed clothing and undertaken rigorous housework and the nails have withstood my busy lifestyle.  I painted the nails using my favourite nail polish and I am amazed at how long the polish has remained looking freshly painted, with only a bit of wear and tear showing just on the tips, even after a full week.  Never, ever has my manicure lasted so long!  I have not yet removed the nails, so I can’t determine if there is any damage to the surface of my own nails at this stage, although generally the damage occurs to the nail bed,  *-:)  which can easily be avoided by keeping the cuticles constantly nourished by applying moisturising hand and nail treatments and cuticle oil/balms.  I will reassess my review at a later date, if I feel the need to alter my rating, however at this stage; I seriously can’t fault the Nailene So Natural Everyday French.  I would absolutely recommend these nails to anyone who wants gorgeous, natural-looking, low-maintenance fingernails that I personally think are just as good as professional falsies, for a fraction of the cost. Thanks to Nailene I am finally sporting the nails I always dreamed of!   \:D/

A week later, minimal wear and tear.

A week later, minimal wear and tear.

 

 

 

NOTD: Products Used

1.  CND Stickey Base Coat

2.  OPI Jade Is the New Black 

3.  CND Super Shiney Top Coat

What is your take on fake nails, do you think they are any better than the falsies of the past?  :-?  Would you use them yourself?  Have you ever tried Nailene glue on nails and if so how would you rate your experience?