Review: Clarisonic Mia.. Worth the Hype?

For those of you who don't know what a Clarisonic is, it's basically a facial brush that helps ensure that your face is super clean!

Clarisonic claims to:

- Removes 6X more makeup than manual cleansing

- Leaves skin feeling and looking smoother

- Removes impurities that keep creams and serums from working their best

- Gentle enough to use twice a day

- Reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes

- Minimizes the appearance of visible pores

I have been using my Clarisonic Mia almost every day since I got at the end of November 2010.. It is a staple in my skincare routine.. But is it worth the hype & does actually achieve what it claims to achieve?

Answer: No

Allow me to tell you why...

Pros:

- This leaves my skin feeling so clean & smooth

- It doesn't vibrate.. The inner brush bristles move in circular motion

- Very gentle for everyday use

- Once you press the on button, the brush works for one minute only which is great for those who tend to over-cleanse and tug on their skin (Guilty!)

- Small & light so it's easy to carry around when travelling

- Wireless & waterproof which makes it perfect to use in the shower

Cons:

- I haven't seen any dramatic changes in my skin

- It hasn't done anything to the size of my pores

- Did not help with my blemishes

- I don't feel that it makes my products sink in any better

- Pricey for something that just cleanses your face

My Final Thoughts: It's a nice tool to have.. But it's not worth the hype.. If you can't get the Clarisonic, don't fret, coz there are alternatives and other methods you could do to get the same results.. Such as:

1- Using a very gentle exfoliating cleanser every night like the Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash (review)

2- Using a manual facial brush like the Sephora Face Complexion Brush.. Works the same way as the Clarisonic minus the batteries..

3- Using a Muslin Cloth with your favourite cleanser will help you achieve a clean face

3- If you want another tool but cheaper, check out Skinsonic or Olay Pro-X (Watch Fuzkittie's video to see how she compares them to the Clarisonic)

And these are just my own views on the Clarisonic Mia according to my experience with it..

What's your experience with the Clarisonic? Do you think it's worth the money & the hype?

My Favourite Summer Cheek Combination

If you follow me on Twitter (@DelytefulSpeaks), you'll know how much I ADORE my

Dior Nude Healthy Glow Powder - #2 Sunset

(Click here to see my mini review on it)

It's just such an amazing bronzer that does not give you that muddy look..

And of course, one of my all time favourite cream blushes is

MAC's Virgin Isle CremeBlend

(Mini review here)

Loooove this scary lookin shade

Now combining the two together creates such a beautiful bronzy peach colour...

This cheek combination gives such a nice warmth to my complexion.. And the with the brightness of the cremeblend underneath, it adds that little bit of glow to your face.. It's perfect for the summer time and I've been wearing this combination a lot lately..

What are your favourite summer blushes?



If I Were To Pick One... Eyeshadow Palette

It would be...

Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow Palette - 754 Rosy Tan

The creamiest, the smoothest, the most pigmented eye shadow palette I have come across.. Truly amazing.. the colours in this palette are sooo me.. I love neutrals and bronzy eye shadows.. This is perfect for the day time and you can easily transform your look to a more evening one using this palette..

Product

- These eye shadows I find are long lasting

- Glide on and blend together so beautifully

- A great mixture of Matte & Shimmery shades that are not overly shimmery which I prefer

- The pink may seem too pink, but on the eyelids, it's surprisingly stunning.. A very subtle pink that adds lovely brightness to the eyes

- The only colour I don't use all that much is the taupey matte one on the bottom right.. It's nice for under your lash line but nothing too great

Never in a million years did I think that a Dior product would make it into my "If I Were To Pick One... " series.. But I feel that Dior has really stepped up their game with their amazing Summer 2011 collection.. So well done Dior coz now you got me more intrigued than MAC..

Peace

xoxo

Review: Kiehls Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil

I love body lotions and oils.. It is SO important to moisturizer your body.. It can help prevent strech marks and it keeps your skin looking young and smooth for longer.. Body oils in particular are really amazing for your skin as they keep it hydrated as well as inject it with great natural benefits..

The one I have been using for a while now is the...

Kiehl's Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil

If you've never heard of Dry Oil.. It's basically oil that is not very oily or greasy.. The formula of it is not thick at all.. This oil is Kiehl's version of Argan Oil that is enriched with antioxidants.. It helps improve your skin texture and when used on your hair, it helps prevent split and keeps your hair healthy and smooth..

Product

- Very light

- Non-Greasy

- Absorbs really well into the skin

- Skin feels hydrated all day

- A multi-purpose product: For hair, Face and Body

- Smells is weird at first but you get used to it and it doesn't linger for long on your skin or hair

- Adds a nice glow to the skin

My Final Thoughts: A really great product to have as it can be used to hydrate any dry area on your body, face and hair.. I personally just use this for my body and it's amazing.. Leaves my skin super hydrated all day.. Don't be discouraged by the fact that it's an oil because I assure you, it's non-greasy so you won't have to wait long to put your clothes on.. When I feel that my skin is extra dry, I apply this when I get outta the shower while my body is damp (not dripping wet.. Gently pat your body with a towel) and this method works like magic.. I wake up and my skin is quenched and soft..

Have you tried of this product before? What's body lotion/oil do you use?



julie hewett Shimmy: Bronzy Eyes

Bronzy eyes are super flattering and they suit everyone.. You just gotta know which products to use and how to use them..

Here's something all skin tones can use as it can be applied very sheerly or heavily..

julie hewett Shimmy: Face & Body Shimmer - Cleo

Product

- Very light emollient almost texture

- A shimmery bronze

- Glides on and blends in so beautifully

- Fades a little bit during the day if a primer or a base is not applied first

- Very long lasting in terms of the product itself (I've had this for about 6 months and I have used it heaps.. But still no dent)

Swatch

I use this as an eye shadow only as I feel that it's too shimmery as a highlighter.. When I don't know what cream shadow to apply, I reach for this one.. It's effortless and goes with almost every look..

Really great for when you wanna rock a bronzy look ;)

What's your go-to bronze eye shadow?

Review: Korres Wild Rose 24-HR Moisturizer SPF6

I'm a huge Korres fan.. I love what they stand for and what they deliver..

My skin was getting more towards the drier side and I needed something that really moisturized it as well as benefited my skin in other ways..  So I popped into Korres to see what they have to offer.. And walked out with a smile on my face (Korres does that to me for some odd reason) and this moisturizer in my hand..

Wild Rose 24-HR Moisturizer SPF6

Product

- Very creamy formula.. Not too light but not too thick either

- Provides really great hydration.. Thanks to the olive oil in the product which hydrates without clogging the pores

- Claims to brighten hyper-pigmentation

- Contains anti-ageing ingredients such as Wild Rose Oil which is high in Vitamin C and Grape Seed Extract (rich in Vitamin E and a great antioxidant)

- Absorbs nicely into the skin without loosing it's hydration properties

- Leaves your skin feeling velvety and glowy

- Smells lovely

My Final Thoughts: I love this moisturizer for what it does to my skin in terms of hydration and glow.. I use this in the morning only and I find that it makes a great base for my foundation giving it that smooth application and natural dewiness..

I can't really say if this moisturizer had any major effects on my acne scars as I'm using other products in conjunction to this.. But all in all, Korres has done it again! This is a wonderful product and it definitely feeds your skin all that good stuff your skin needs!

What's your favourite moisturizer at the moment? Have you tried any Korres Moisturizers before?

Blush Collection 2: MAC, Cargo, MUFE, Sleek, Benefit & NYX

Ok so here's part 2 of my blush collection... (click here for part 1)

Dainty - I don't love this.. It's nice but I don't love it.. It's a pinky peach.. More on the pink side with very fine gold shimmers that don't show up that much on the cheeks.. It does give you a nice fresh look.. The perfect spring blush but not my favourite at all..

Cubic - I have a problem with this blush.. It's such a pretty shade.. Very natural.. But this particular one I got is just so hard to even swatch.. The top layer is all weird and hard and doesn't give colour.. So when I use this, I have to scrap of the top layer and then run my brush on it.. Too much work.. But it's lovely blush that looks boring in the pan but is a nice dusty pink on the cheeks..

Margin - This is one of those underrated MAC blushes.. It's a peachy gold that instantly gives your complexion such a lovely summery glow.. Only issue I have with this blush is that it's a little too shimmery for my taste so I tend to use it as a highlight instead..

Warm Soul - I haven't had this for that long but it definitely jumped into my top 5 blushes.. It's a gorgeous peachy pink with fine gold shimmers that are not too shimmery at all when applied.. Love this blush.. Read my full review on it here

Pinch Me - This also is a super gorgeous blush! Looks too dark in the pan but with a light hand, it gives you that deep peach look that is just stunning! It's a matte finish which I love.. It adds this beautiful peachy warmth.. Perfect for medium to dark skin tones..

Bite of An Apple - A beautiful limited addition coral.. Before this came out, I was dying to get my hands on it.. It's just such a beautiful coral.. And when I got it.. I fell in love with it.. Except for the fact that I find it does not blend very well for some reason.. But still a shade worth having in my collection..

Her Blooming Cheek - Another limited edition blush.. But this one I wasn't planning to get at all.. It was just sort of an impulse buy.. And boooy am I glad I got it.. It's the perfect winter blush as it gives you that natural flush like you've been out in the cold.. Looks scary in the pan.. Very bright pink magenta shade.. But with a light hand, it's just lovely!

LadyBlush - This is in the old formula.. I don't usually wear this on it's on as I find it too be a little too pastel looking for me (I like my bright blushes =P).. But it makes a beautiful base for my pink blushes.. And adds that dewy look..

Virgin Isle - Ahhh now this is one I absolutely adore! Looks like a bright orangey coral but when blended on the skin, it is just superb! I love this cream colour base so much.. See how I like to wear it here

Echo Beach - Cargo blushes are up there for me with the Illamasqua blushes.. They're so pigmented and soft.. Very easy to apply and blend.. Echo Beach is a rosy bronze.. It is a gorgeous summer blush! Gives you that tanned look without the burn.. The shimmer in it is also not too much when applied.. A keeper for sure..

Tonga - This is such a creamy non-cream blush if you know what I mean.. It's just so smooth.. Very natural.. A perfect everyday blush..

Blu-Ray Pink Blush/Highlighter - I don't use this as much.. It's made for photographs and it does photograph nicely.. It's a very light pink and when applied, you don't noticed the highlight part of it as much as you do in photographs.. You don't need a highlighter with this as works as both a blush and a highlighter.. The colour a little too light for me but would be perfect for fair skin tones..

MUFE Aqua Cream #9 - I love this shade.. It's a bright peach that can be used as a blush, lipstick and eye shadow.. The thing with the aqua creams is that you gotta work super fast with them as they dry so quickly.. And because they're waterproof (like literally waterproof) once they're dry, they don't budge.. So they are a bit tricky but really great for those living in humid conditions where your makeup just slides off your face.. This does have little shimmers that also don't show very much when applied.. I love how this shade brightens up my complexion

MUFE HD Blush in #6 - This is a pink coral blush that also needs to be blended in quickly.. This stays on pretty well but not as long as the aqua cream..

Sleek Blush in Scandalous - You can easily look like a clown with this blush.. But if applied properly with a light hand, this gives you that beautiful sunburnt look.. This is an excellent dupe to NARS Exhibit A blush.. A good one to have for the summer time..

Dandeloin - Many use this as a face powder as it's very sheer with very fine gold shimmer that gives a glow to your complexion... I however use this as a blush if I do use it.. I find it to be a little too light for my taste but paired with a cream blush underneath, it does work very nicely in giving you that fresh faced look..But definitely not a must-have..

Benetint - This is one of the first blushes I owned.. It's gives a very long-lasting stain on the cheek.. But this can look so blotchy if you don't move fast with it..

NYX Peach Powder Blush - I don't really see the peach in this but I use this on the apples of my cheeks on top of my bronzer to add that lovely hint of pink when I'm rockin' a bronzy look..

NYX Glow Cream Blush - This to me seems very similar to MAC's Posey in the old formulation.. Very easy to blend.. Instantly adds a glow to the face.. And is a dewy finish..

Phew that was a lot! Glad I'm finally done with this..

Next will be foundations.. Stay tuned ;)

Peace

Discovery: YSL Rouge Volupte #27 & MAC Full Speed Sheen Supreme Lipstick

It's always so exciting when you find a dupe for a less affordable product..

I've had YSL Rouge Volupte #27 for a while now.. And it's such a gorgeous colour.. Perfect for summer.. And on my recent trip to MAC, I stumbled across their Sheen Supreme Lipstick and Full Speed caught my eye..



When I went home and swatched the two together.. This was the result..



L-R: YSL, MAC



These two lipsticks were almost identical in terms of shade expcept for the YSL one being slightly lighter.. I was truly amazed at the similarity..

Minor differences I found in both lipsticks:

YSL

- Formula is different from the MAC one.. It's creamier and it does move around a lot more than the MAC

- When it fades away it does leave a nice stain

MAC

- Longer staying power

- Formula is creamy but more of a thicker cream

I found that both have the same glossy finish

Final Thoughts: I prefer the MAC one only because I'm not a HUGE fan of the YSL Rouge Volupte formulas.. Also, the MAC one is more long-lasting than the YSL.. And on the lips you honeslty cannot tell the difference.. So the MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Full Speed wins!



Review: MAC Warm Soul Mineralized Blush

I think I just found me a new favourite blush!

Swatching this on my hand it looked alright.. Nothing great.. But when I applied it on my cheeks.. WOOOOWI! Gave me warmth and a subtle glow at the same time..

Product:

- Peachy bronzy shade with very subtle gold shimmer

- Good pigmentation but applies sheerly which is great as you can easily build up the colour

- Goes with any look
- Good for those who are afraid of bronzers as it gives a beautiful warmth without the brown/orange undertones of the bronzer

- There is a bit of fall out with this product when you brush your brush on it.. But it's no biggie at all

Swatch:

If you wanna get a blush from MAC, don't let this pass you by.. It's so effortless and extremely flattering on all skin tones..

Have you tried this blush? What's your favourite blush?

It's Your Time To Shine: The Perfect Glow

Ok seriously, who doesn't wanna have that beautiful healthy glow to their complexion? And with summer just around the corner, highlighters are a must especially if you love your foundation matte..

I was talking to the lovely Ebrushka on Twitter about the perfect highlight combination.. And I promised her to do a post just to show her how gorgeous my two combinations are..

Here's what I use to get my glow on...

Mac Cream Colour Base in Hush + Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Powder

 I've always enjoyed Hush by itself but thought it was a little too subtle for me..

So when I decided to top it with my Amber Diamond, I discovered perfection!

MAC's Hush Cream Colour Base

- The colour is so unique.. It's like a peachy pink golden colour

- Very light cream formula

- Blends in so beautifully on the skin giving it a natural sheen

- No glitter

- Sheer but buildable

- Very subtle 

- Looks amazing on all skin tones, especially medium to dark

Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Powder

- Five golden, bronze, peachy shades

- Gives a very subtle sheen to the skin

- No glitter

- Very hard to overdo this product as it is pretty sheer

- For more detail, read my review on it here

Here are the swatches for you...



My beautiful second cousin decided to be my model for this post



The photos say it all really..

With Amber Diamond on top of Hush, it adds that little extra golden iridescent to the skin.. This combination really brightens up your complexion without looking overly shiny or glowy..

How do you like to glow?

Bye Bye Dry Hands

You could use any moisturizing lotion for your hand.. But it's nice to have a hand cream that smells nice and you can just throw in your bag..

Bath & Body Works Twilight Woods Shea Cashmere Hand Cream

I've been using this hand cream for a while.. Twilight Woods is my favourite Bath & Body Works scent..

Product

- Buttery texture
- Very Moisturizing
- Smells AMAZING
- Not very fast absorbing
- A little greasy so you will need to pat your palms with a tissue

So I was sitting in my room one day when my younger sister barged in with this product in her hand....

Neutrogena Hand Cream

She walked up to me, opened the tube and said "Try this.. now"

Product

- Semi-emollient like texture.. Between a gel and a cream

- Can you say that a hand cream is Matte? Well this one is

- Fast absorbing and non-greasy but your palms can feel a little sticky if too much is applied 

- Keeps your hands moisturized all day

- Feels very velvety and smooth

- Smells nice but is fragrance-free

- Not pricey

I don't really use any Neutrogena products.. Not a huge fan of them really.. But this little tube really surprised me..

 

Final Thoughts: Although the Neutrogena one is nice, I just really don't like the sticky feelin it can give.. And I don't feel that instant hydration that I feel with my Twilight Woods (result of the buttery smooth rexture) So Im will stick with my lovely Twilight Woods since it does moisturize, smell amazing, and is non-sticky..

What is your favourite Hand Cream?





Dear Dior.. I Think You've Finally Won Me Over (Highlighter, Bronzer & Shadow)

Ok lemme tell you, I am seriously not a Dior girl.. Got absolutely nothing against the brand but I've just never really been that attracted to their products as much as other brands.. But I have found myself eyeing a little more than a few of their items last month and I seriously don't know what it is about their products this time that made my wishlist Dior dominated.. 

I think it all started when I purchased their...

DiorSkin Poudre Shimmer - 002 Amber Diamond

Soooo much hype was going on about this product and I just couldn't not try it out for myself.. Went to sephora.. Applied it on my face and thought, "That's it? That's what the crazy hype is about?" I seriously thought it was NOT worth it..

But I eventually gave in and purchased it.. And now it's my favourite highlighter! It's super gorgeous for daytime.. You don't look over done at all.. It just gives the most beautiful glow to the face.. And the shades are wonderful for eyeshadow..

Mind you I still don't believe it's worth all that hype, but it's still a lovely product to have..

Nude Healthy Glow Powder - #002 Sunset

Now in my wishlist I was eyeing 001 Aurora.. But when I applied it to my face, I found that it was too light for my complexion and it didn't show that well..

At first I was worried that 002 would look too orangey on me.. But when I brushed the product across my cheeks, it gave me the most beautiful warmth to my face and I instantly said "Yes I'll take it please!" It does have some orange to it but not to the extent that it would make you look like an orange ball..

I'm skipping out on the Chanel bronzer from the Summer 2011 collection coz this is just lovely and more pigmented.. Paired with the Soleil Tan De Chanel (review) this is perfection!

Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow - 754 Rosy Tan

THE best eyeshadow palette I've come across.. I love the shades.. The texture is so smooth.. Applies to beautifully.. The colours blend in so well.. And they're all so pigmented.. I have Chanel and Dolce & Gabanna eye shadow palettes and they are not as amazing as this Dior one..

This palette is perfect for a day & night look.. You gotta just feel the texture of these.. It'll melt your heart.. (Oh boy, I've become like one of those over-exaggerators =P)

What's your favourite Dior product?

Review: Pixi Correction Concealer + Lip&Line

I've been on the hunt for a corrector that doesn't settle into my fine lines the way the Bobbi Brown one does on me (review).. I went to Skin Food as I know they have salmon concealer (I already have the salmon powder which is ok not great).. But the Skin Food one was just way to light for me and it didn't hide my dark circles at all..

So I decided to take a trip to Pixi and see what they have to offer.. And boooy did I fall in love...

Pixi Correction Concealer - Brightening Peach

This product brightens up my undereye area like no other.. I normally really don't like my undereye area to look lighter than my face.. But this brightened it without that overly unnatural look.. I'm seriously not exaggerating when I say this little thing turned me from dull to fresh and radiant looking..

Product:

- Comes in 1 colour.. A Peachy/Pink colour

- Sort of like a hardened cream that melts when you rub it (Unlike the Bobbi Brown one which it very creamy)

- Applies nicely and blends in beautifully (you can either apply it with your fingers or with a brush both work nicely)

- Stays put all day

- Can be a little drying if too much was applied

- Contains vitamins such as A, C & E as well as Rose Hip Extract which is known for its cell regenerating and skin elasticity boosting properties

My Final Thoughts: This product is really worth it.. I love what it does for my whole complexion.. And it's important that you use a moisturizing eye cream underneath first to decrease any chances of it drying out your eye area.. I use this on top my of Mac Studio Finsih Concealer (review) as I think it works better that way.. And I prefer using my hands to apply this.. I find that it blends in better.. And the most important thing for me is that it DOES NOT crease! So yay pixi!

Pixi Lip&Line - No.2 Fresh Pink



This is a lip liner and a lipstick in one which is so convenient as I usually have a hard time finding a lip liner to go with my lipstick..



Product

- Beautiful light nudey pink

- Not as moisturizing as it looks in the swatch

- With the liner, it has a matte finish to it and is long-lasting.. If only the lipstick is worn, it's semi-matte and not very long-lasting

- It does glide on nicely on the lips

- Contains anti-aging ingredients, Vitamins C & E and it's preservative free, mineral oil free, paraben free, not tested on animals

My Final Thoughts: I'm not loving this product but I'm not hating it either.. It's nice to have but I wouldn't purchase more of these.. I love how convenient it is though..

So what have you tried any Pixi products before?