Review: Garnier Fructis Instant Melt-In Mask for Colour Treated Hair

Info: A product that asks the question, “Why hasn’t somebody thought of this sooner?” I chose to use the one for colour treated hair as the one meant for frizzy hair had too much silicone. Too much silicone in hair products (esp conditioners) tends to coat the hair in a dull product layer over time. It is good at keeping really frizzy hair in control, but make sure that you wash it off every week or two with a good claryfying shampoo such as the one in Tresemme's range.

What it’s meant to do: “...active fruit concentrate penetrates and strengthens the hair fibre. The mask also contains nourishing oils, avocado and apricot to help detangle, repair, nourish and strengthen hair. The mask can be used as an alternative to conditioner for a deeper and more penetrating treatment once or twice a week or as desired.”


What it did: It basically played the role of a basic conditioner. When I used it on my colour treated hair that was quite long, it didn’t provide as much nourishment and moisture as I would have liked from a treatment. When used on my newly cut above the shoulder hair, it was enough to give some softness and a fair amount of moisture. Don’t think I would buy it again though, I prefer my Redken All Soft as a conditioner and Terax Original Crema as a treatment much better. Sometimes when a product tries to be great at two things, it ends up only being average at both.

Rating: 2 KISSES. It smells fruity I guess.

Review: Clarins Body Shaping Supplement

Info: This is quite an innovative body product from Clarins. It’s basically a concentrated firming serum you can use alone for a more targeted result, or add a few drops to your favourite body moisturiser in order to give it firming and toning powers.

What it’s meant to do: “Smoothes away sponginess by blocking the formation of new adipocytes. Visibly shapes and tones skin by slowing down fat storage. Reduces stubborn curves by stimulating fat removal. Refines the body's contours by increasing blood circulation and lymphatic drainage."

What it did: The claims of this product are pretty high to achieve. Clarins uses big words to make those promises seem achievable. When mixed into my usual Palmers Coca Butter, it didn’t do much. However, when I applied the concentrated serum directly to the skin it showed a slightly visible firming effect which was temporary of course. If your thinking of purchasing this product, I’d suggest you ask for a sample first to try it out and see how well it works for you.

Rating: Highest being 5, I give the Clarins Body Shaping Supplement 2 KISSES.(I couldnt think of any other way to rate things so I had resort to using stars. Only one problem, I hate the damn stars. But I do like kisses. So kisses it shall be!)

Product Review: L.U.C.I Lancome Spring collection 2008

Lancome’s spring collection consists of three eyeshadow duos, a couple of pretty average lipsticks, glosses and some complextion enhancers.

For Gucci Westmans last collection for Lancome, I with a breath of disappointment, say she could have done a tad better. Its called L.U.C.I., which stands for Luminescent Colourless Colour Intelligence; sounds impressive right? As the company states, “Colourless colour: a landmark discovery....Makeup of the future.” Hrmm, sounds a bit like a load of fudge, especially when i seem to recall my grandmother owning a white lipstick that somehow turned into a very unflattering shade magenta when put on the lips. Well, what do you know, Lancome has put it in a pretty package, added glitter and called it the makeup of the future. Riigght.

The lipsticks, glosses and complextion enhancers are pretty average and not worth a mention. The eyeshadow duos, however, are worth a mention as they are probably what will attract people the most. The beautifully packaged but, oh so complicated to use eyeshades are just that; pretty to look at but not practical to use. If you buy just one of the duos, which will set you back a hefty $89, you will also additionally need to buy one of the Ombre Glacee $44, which is what gives the white shadow some colour. Soo basically your paying $133 for two eyeshades & a pretty crappy highlighter colour. Inventive? Yes, an inventive way to make somebody spend so much on so little. Yeah, you go Lancome.

What’s even more disappointing, the colours are not as vivid or anything close to how great they make them seem. Oh, and as for the look on the ad? Looks amazing but will probably give you a migraine from trying to recreate it.

So, overall not a great buy. The range isn’t completely tragic, but considering how much you would be paying it falls very short. Unless you’re willing to buy it just for the packaging I wouldn’t bother going any further than just having a play with it at the beauty counter.

Bambi called; he wants his eyelashes back.

Ahhh mascaras. Love love love. Love even more the new formulas and brushes. I feel no need for an intro, let’s just hop in; I’m excited!

L’Oreal Double Extension Beauty Tubes

This is L’Oreal’s version of tubing mascara. The concept has been around for a while, done by the likes of Becca and Blinc. In a nutshell, the formula forms lengthening tubes around each eyelash. Then when you’re ready to take them off you wet them with warm water and gently tug the tubes off. Sure, the concept was good, but the smarties (or skittles?) at L’Oreal went one step better and made a conditioning base. Score L’Oreal, score. It nourishes the eyelashes with Ceramide proteins plus it gives extra length and thickness while also giving something for the tubes to stick to, meaning less of your eyelashes being pulled off during removal. It gives excellent length but can look a bit clumpy at times. Still, a good mascara is a good mascara and this is definitely one of my top picks at the moment. Oh and I forgot to mention, no panda eyes in the morning. Doesn’t smudge one inch. Hoorayy!

Lancôme Hypnose Onyx Mascara
Oh how I love it. Too bad it’s virtually sold out in Sydney. I looked for it, but u can look harder for both of us. But, none the less its greatness deserves a proper review. It’s got the basic wand and similar formula to the original Hypnose, except the black is blacker (I know, right? How?) It also contains teeny tiny particles of glitter. Firstly, it is so glossy and black because it contains a higher concentration of the black pigment (oh, now it makes sense) and the glitter looks aa-mmaii-zing. It’s not the sort of big glitter you might expect to find falling off a 5 year olds fairy princess costume; it’s a much more subtle sparkle that shows when you blink. I don’t particularly love the original hypnose, but I adore this one. It’s perfect for playing up the eyes and adding a bit of interest to the smoky eye. I am, however, annoyed at Lancôme for not making more. I love it so much I’ll have to order it online.

I have to give an honourable mention to ModelCo as their mascaras have some of the best ever smudge proof formulas. Taking them off is also a piece of cake; cheese cake. Best pick for humid summers and beach outings.