Beauty products emptied in March 2015

Beauty products emptied in March 2015

St Ives Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, April 03, 2015

It has been a rough week, family-wise. I'd like to take a minute to warn you of the dangers that uncontrolled diabetes poses to otherwise healthy people. An uncle of mine died unexpectedly, the cause being high sugar levels. If you or a loved one has diabetes, make sure you/they follow the GP's instructions, keep the sugar levels well within normal and take the prescribed medication/insulin regularly. Hugs!
Moving on to the subject of this post, I particularly loved some of the products I finished up in March 2015. Others have, as usual, brought out the vitriolic side of my tongue.

Check out the beauty products I used up in March 2015 and my thoughts on each.

Lush Cosmetics Enchanted Eye Cream review

Lush Cosmetics Enchanted Eye Cream review

Skin care Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, March 25, 2014

I have mad love for Lush Cosmetics, especially for their bath bombs, massage bars, conditioners, lip scrubs, soaps... right, pretty much the whole range. The products actually work for me and leave me smelling as amazing as they do, and leave my skin and hair in good condition. So when I saw the Enchanted Eye Cream at Lush last August (Lush haul post here), I bought it rightaway, having read great reviews, thinking here, at last, was my Holy Grail eye cream.

Here is my review of the Lush Enchanted Eye Cream.

Beauty products used up in December 2013

Beauty products used up in December 2013

Skin care Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, January 01, 2014

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you had a blast last evening. May 2014 be far better than 2013, each day bringing more happiness than the previous one.
Since I travelled in December, I have two sets of empties - products used up during my trip, and a second set that I used at home. I also managed to finish up a primer for the first time.

Here are the makeup and skin/hair care products used up last month.

Lush Herbalism face cleanser review, usage tips, photos

Lush Herbalism face cleanser review, usage tips, photos

Skin care Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Having hit pan with Lush Aqua Marina Face Cleanser which I reviewed here, I picked up Herbalism in my August Lush haul. And yes, I like it much better than Aqua Marina - primarily because Herbalism claims to be a herbal cleanser for oily and problem skin and the quantity of oil produced by my face rivals that of some countries in the Middle East. I have been using Herbalism on alternate evenings since I bought it - with and without the Konjac sponge which I reviewed here - and have almost hit pan.

Here is my review of Lush Herbalism face cleanser.

August 2013 empties

August 2013 empties

Vichy Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Apart from some Lush empties which I can't photograph since I exchanged the pots for a mask (see previous post here and my Lush empties here), I used up more full-size products in August than I did in the last couple of months!
Full-size empties:

Haul: Lush August 2013, with face masks, eye cream, hair pack and more

Haul: Lush August 2013, with face masks, eye cream, hair pack and more

Skin care Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, September 02, 2013

If you saw my recent post on Lush empties and wishlist, you must have known a Lush haul was coming up. I returned five empty pots and got a fresh mask. But this time I decided to step a little out of my comfort zone and avoid Lush lotions, creams, shampoos and bath bombs, instead opting for spritzes, eye cream and packs, all of which I had never tried before. Here's my third Lush haul of the year:
1. Roots Hair Treatment: The SA suggested this instead of my favourite Lush Snake Oil bar, which seems to be discontinued. It is a hair pack to be applied pre-wash.

Lush empties and wishlist

Lush empties and wishlist

Skin care Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, August 26, 2013

For those who are new to my blog, I visit Lush every quarter and stock up on essentials. My last visit was in March, so high time I hauled at Lush - you can read my haul post here. I'm going this week; before that, I'll share the five empty pots I'm redeeming for a full-size face mask.

Sympathy For The Skin: Reviewed here. Repurchase? Nope. Parabens.
Retread Conditioner: Did a decent job, but I didn't like the smell much. Repurchase? Nope.
H'Suan Wen Hua: A hair mask. Made my hair very soft but it reeked of eggs-mixed-with-bananas. Not my nose's favourite. Repurchase? Not now; when my hair needs some TLC.
Cupcake Face Mask: Reviewed here. Repurchase? Will try another mask this time.
Aqua Marina Cleanser: Reviewed here. Repurchase? Going to try Herbalism this time.

And here is my Lush wishlist, sorted according to hair, face, body and bath (includes options I only want to look at, not buy!). As you can see, there are no bath bombs this time; I already have to finish quite a few.
As I'm out of town (and hoping Blogger Schedule works) I may not be replying to comments unless I can find decent internet.
I'll share my haul with you over the coming weekend!

Stain, scrub and salve: My top lip products

Stain, scrub and salve: My top lip products

Yes To Carrots Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, August 05, 2013

Five is too small a number, but this tag has been going around for a while and Shikha of Sorelle Grapevine, who tagged me, insists that I need to stick to five. So I'm sort of cheating with an also-rans section!
Here are my Holy Grail lip products:
1. Chanel Rouge Double Intensite in Rose Garnet
2. Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub
3. Smith's Rosebud Salve
4. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Lip Pencil in N@ked
5. Lancome La Laque Fever in Chromed Pink

July 2013 empties

July 2013 empties

Primer Cosmetopia Digest   Sunday, August 04, 2013

I haven't used up many products in July, though I need to finish three Lush pots in August so I have five to return at the shop when I go on my quarterly Lush haul.

The only full-size product I used up in July was the Palmer's Moisturising Body Oil. For people who have been skiving off full-body moisturising like me, I recommend this body oil. It is incredibly non-greasy and you only need a few drops just after your shower and all those reptilian fish scales will soon be gone. It is great value for money as a full-body moisturiser. I'm on my second bottle now.
I finished up the Kava Kava 60 second mask for dry, damaged hair from my July Glam Guru Box. There was plenty of product for one use and it helped reduce frizz post-wash.

Best beauty and makeup product discoveries from 2013 Jan to June

Best beauty and makeup product discoveries from 2013 Jan to June

Skin care Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, July 16, 2013

My Beauty Junction went live on 15 January 2013. Over the last six months, I have enjoyed beauty blogging and discovering some amazing products - both makeup and skin care. Quite a few of these have now become an essential part of my routine. Others are favourite indulgences. Here's the list along with links to my detailed reviews:

April 2013 empties

April 2013 empties

Skin care Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, May 01, 2013

In April, I only used up four items:
1. Freeman Barefoot Foot Lotion
2. Lush H'Suan Wen Hua Hair Treatment
3. Park Avenue Beer Shampoo
4. Clinique All About Eyes Rich

Freeman Barefoot Softening Foot Lotion in Iced Teaberry & Mint is a lightweight cooling lotion I apply overnight. It smells mild and doesn't feel greasy or stain the sheets. I've already got another one, but I'm starting on The Body Shop Peppermint Foot Lotion for now.

Lush H'Suan Wen Hua is a hair pack to condition the locks. I won't repurchase because it contains parabens (Why, Lush?), it lasted just three uses and it didn't do my hair any favours. It smelled nice, but my hair didn't feel softer or shinier and the frizz and dryness were still there. I might try Roots next time.

Lush Aqua Marina cleanser review, photos

Lush Aqua Marina cleanser review, photos

Reviews Cosmetopia Digest   Sunday, April 21, 2013

I had been eyeing the Lush cleansers for a while and caved to Aqua Marina, because of the pink-and-green combination. Don't be taken in by the looks! It looks much better than in the photograph. The Lush label says "Inspired by mermaids"!
I can't remember how much I paid for it, but what they do is, weigh it out and stuff it into the Lush black pot, ruining the pretty shape. While 100gm is the standard, I asked for a full roll.

Here is my review of Lush Aqua Marina cleanser.

Review: Lush Sympathy For The Skin

Review: Lush Sympathy For The Skin

Skin care Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, April 01, 2013

Lush Sympathy For The Skin is currently my favourite hand and body lotion. It is a light-weight creamy lotion that leaves a silky finish to your skin. It smells beyond fabulous - of vanilla and bananas. It contains organic bananas, cocoa butter, vanilla, almond oil, lemon oil, labdanum and sandalwood perfume. It looks like vanilla icecream with flecks of cocoa powder and smells like milkshake. Okay, I have to stop raving about the smell.

Lip service: Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub review

Lip service: Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub review

Skin care Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, March 19, 2013

I'm feeling a little worried - my MUA haul, made more than a month ago, is yet to arrive :( Darn postal services!
Anyway, I know everyone and their shadow has already tried and loved the Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub, but I have to drool all over it - it is that amazing. Please put up with me even if you discovered the lip scrub a decade ago.

Review: Lush Cupcake Fresh Face Mask, great for oily skin

Review: Lush Cupcake Fresh Face Mask, great for oily skin

Reviews Cosmetopia Digest   Sunday, March 17, 2013

I got 100gm of the Cupcake face mask free for returning five empty pots at Lush. As this is a fresh mask, the SA told me to keep it refrigerated and said that it was great for oily skin. She also said I would have enough for one use.

Drumroll... My Lush haul!

Drumroll... My Lush haul!

LUSH Cosmetopia Digest   Saturday, March 16, 2013

So here's Ye Grande Lush Haule, a treat to myself after a successful shopping ban.

Contents include:
1. A Cupcake mask I got free when I returned five empty pots: not in picture, review coming up.
2. Sympathy For The Skin Hand and Body Lotion.
3. Retread Hair Conditioner: I had intended to buy American Cream, but changed my mind at the shop.
4. Dirty Toothy Tabs: I've no idea why I bought them!

February empties and March wishlist

February empties and March wishlist

Wishlist Cosmetopia Digest   Sunday, March 03, 2013

I'm on a spending ban for now, but once it ends, here's what I want this month (giveaway will take place post-ban, before my birthday in mid-April):

1. L'Oreal nail art sticker in python: Love this pattern.
2. The Body Shop sleep mist: I'm a restless and tense sleeper, so let's try this out.
3. YSL Vernis Pur glossy stain: I love the packaging and badly want it, in a shade that suits me. Let's see - I plan to visit YSL later this month (my mum wants one, too).
4. Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner: I really hope they still produce this. It's on my list when I go Lush-hauling to mark the completion of my spending ban.
5. Caviar microbeads: From MUA or wherever. Doesn't matter. I've wanted to try this effect out, but I'll have to go easy, because the  beads don't last for days and you can't reuse them. Maybe a birthday mani?
6. Burt's Bees lip balm: A regular favourite.
7. L'Oreal primer: I tried a tester and found it quite silicone-y. If it is a good enough alternative to Porefessional, why not?
8. Shiseido Lacquer Rouge
9. Maybelline Rocket mascara: Blame Hannah for the presence of this on this list!
10. The Body Shop Peppermint pumice foot scrub
11. Lush Buffy Bar: Or any body butter bar, and a couple of massage bars, really.
12.  China Glaze Scattered and Tattered: I don't see myself buying this anytime soon, but if divine forces, if any, are reading this....
13. O.P.I. Polka.com: As above.
14. Shiseido Camellia Compact: This is more of a wish to swatch it and see if it's fab. If not, Benefit Fine One One?
15. Shiseido Shimmering Rouge: It'll be either this or the lacquer rouge mentioned above, depending on which one has greater staying power.
16. Rimmel Waterproof Liquid Liner: A couple of my liquid liners are nearing the end of the bottle, especially deep blue and brown, so....
17. China Glaze Transitions, in any shade, really.
18. L'Occitane hand cream
19. Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose Eau de Parfum: I've finished a sample and I know I'm buying this soon :)

Now for my empties this month:

Lush Blousey Banana shampoo: Loved this - the smell, the feel, everything! Contains ALS, though.
Olay Body Wash: Whew, took forever for that to get over.
Lush Whoosh Shower Jelly: Bought this only in January, but I was rushing through it to get five empties!
The Body Shop Satsuma Body Lotion: A February favourite. Loved the smell and the soft feel it gave my skin.
Lush Curly Wurly shampoo: While it is a non-drying yet cleansing shampoo, the coconut bits kept clogging my drain.
Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation: I've had this for a while - very little is enough, and no white residue/shine. Besides, this is great for those days you're too lazy to wear SPF.
Max Factor Lipfinity 180: They changed the formula so that Lipfinity is now quite flaky and sticky. This is pre-change. I saved it for a long time because I love the shade and finally decided to finish it off.

February (and January) favourites

February (and January) favourites

YSL Cosmetopia Digest   Saturday, March 02, 2013

Since I didn't do a favourites post for January, this list incorporates both Jan and Feb favourites. I've segregated them into make-up favourites and skin/hair/body care favourites. Make-up (and perfume) first:

So here are the items (top to bottom, left to right). Whatever I've mentioned in this blog has been linked:
1. Dior J'adore Eau de Parfum: My current favourite perfume, since mid-2012
2. Smith's Lip Balm: Will talk about them soon
3. Lancome Hypnose mascara: Gives my eyes decent shape
4. Shiseido Sheer Mattifying Compact: My HG compact foundation
5. O.P.I. Ski Teal We Drop
6. Rimmel Glam' Eyes quad - State of Grace 
7. M.A.C. Liquid Eyeliner in Treat Me Nice 
8. Bourjois Blush in Rose d'Or
9. Dior Addict Extreme in Avenue 
10. O.P.I. Mrs O'Leary's BBQ 
11. Rimmel Glam' Eyes quad - Sun Safari: a bit summery, but I wore it anyway :)
12. Chanel Rouge Double Intensite in Rose Garnet: this is my absolute favourite lippy ever, ever!
13. YSL Matt Touche Compact: Fell in love with it after buying at the airport

Now for skincare:
1. TIGI Rockaholic sulphate-free shampoo
2. LUSH Snake oil bar
3. Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover: My HG nail polish remover. Click to read review.
4. The Body Shop Moringa soap
5. Clinique All About Eyes Rich
6. The Body Shop Satsuma Puree Lotion: This is also in my list of empties in February
7. The Body Shop Cuticle Oil
8. Figs and Rouge lip balm in Aloe and Mint
9. Lancome Genefique Youth Activator Serum
10. Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
11. The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo

I'll do a post on February empties and my loooong March wishlist soon :)

LUSH haul

LUSH haul

Shampoo Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, February 08, 2013

What I love the most about LUSH is the basket of smells that envelopes you the moment you enter the shop. It is all I can do not to buy everything in sight when it all smells so gorgeous.
Anyway, here is the latest:
1. Snake Oil massage bar (the pinkish bar in the picture below) - I fell in love with the concept of a "soap" out of which you could get anti-dandruff oil. Plus, it smells great. This is my second bar. I'm not sure how well it controls dandruff, as I have seasonal flaking depending on the time of the year. Anyway, what you do is cut off a bit of the "soap", rub your hands together till they're warm, rub the "soap" bit between your hands, and you get the oil. Massage your scalp thoroughly. I leave it overnight and wash it out the next day. It didn't stain my pillows and I think it leaves my hair softer and smelling nice.
2. Jungle solid conditioner (the green, round thing to the right of pink bar) -  They wrapped this with another label. It is my first solid conditioner. I really hope it works well, though I'm not sure if I'm supposed to rub the whole thing on my hair or if I have to cut off a portion. Is it as strong as regular conditioner? Most importantly, I CO-wash my hair and use shampoo only when I've applied oil. Can I CO-wash with this? I'll share my discoveries.
3. Jumping Juniper shampoo bar (the white wrapping with purple thing inside) - Although it contains SLS, I'm on my third bar or so now, for two reasons. It is extremely handy while travelling. There was the time when I opened my suitcase to find shampoo spillage and.... The other reason is that it does a great job of removing oil, grease and build-up, so I use it when I need clarifying, maybe once in a couple of months.
4. Squeaky Green shampoo bar (the wrapping with green thing) - Same as above. And, this is really handy when I'm washing only my bangs.