Haircare
John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon 4/5 Stars – This product is especially useful for dry ends and frizzy hair. It helps with fly aways and the smell is pleasant. I found the avocado was very nourishing for my hair. The size of the bottle is decent and it lasted me a long time, I was using pea sized amount on damp hair and wash my hair twice a week. The only thing I dislike about this cream is that if you use too much it can make your hair appear greasy, and after use it makes the hair feel much oilier so you'll need to wash your hair more frequently.
Skincare
Avene 50+ Sunscreen 3/5 stars – I don't personally understand the hype surrounding this sunscreen, it leaves a white cast (I'm light olive and it leaves the worst white cast, I don't think this is suitable for brown babes), it's extremely greasy but I must say that it does provide very high protection. I'm on tretinoin and the major drawback is sunsensitivity, and this sunscreen always left my skin feeling supple and well protected from the sun. I never got burnt or experienced sensitivity whilst using this, I just wish that the finish wasn't so greasy considering it's such a light cream.
The Ordinary Niacinimide 5/5 – This is a HG for me. I have dry/combination skin and this keeps the random breakout at bay. I have been using this for a few years and have been through multiple bottles. I love it because it keeps my skin hydrated, protects my skin barrier, and it doesn't break me out. I pair this product with my moisturiser as it helps absorb into my skin easier as I found that the consitency is a little sticky. This product is affordable and I will definitely keep buying it as it's worked great for me.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 5/5 – Another HG for me, I use this day and night, every single day. I apply this to a damp face and you only need a small amount because hyaluronic acid can retain up to one thousand times it's weight in water. It's hydrating, it's plumping, sits well under retinol and moisturiser. Since being heavily invested in skincare and taking care of my skin for the last 15 years, I have learned that hyaluronic acid is a product you just can't go without. I'm very happy with this product and the price point is unmatched.
Youth To The People Kale & Green Tea, Spinach Vitamins Superfood Cleanser 2/5 – Below average. This was gifted to me, and it was nothing to write home about. I found this product to be very drying, it left my skin feeling stripped. I would not personally purchase this as it does the bare minimum and feels a lot like washing you face with hand soap. I do enjoy the very light, natural scent but this is way overpriced for such a bare minimum product, save your money there is better out there.
Go-To Face Hero 4/5 – I really loved this product, a little bit goes a long way. I got a small sample size from Mecca, I was using this as a base prior to dermaplaning and it left my skin feeling really supple. I was against using oils as I hate the feeling on my skin, but this soaks up very nicely. The dropper has a bulb tip and does a really good job of dispensing one drop or more without dripping and wasting product. I would consider purchasing in the future.
Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream 4/5 – HG. I just can't describe the glow this gives my skin and how it smoothes out my skin texture, this was my night cream for many years and I would use this on all my makeup clients, family and friends and they all loved it so much that they brought it for themselves. The smell, the luxurious feeling, the packaging, I love it all. The very first time I tried it in a Mecca store on the back of my hand I was astounded, I compared it to my other hand without product on it and I was shocked by the visible fine lines and how dry my skin appeared in comparison to my other hand. I gave this 4 stars instead of 5, as I cannot justify the price tag anymore ($113 AUD) when I am trying to purchase my first home. Parting with this was difficult, but I have found other products such as the Nivea cream(Germany) which is equally as hydrating, and Korean moiturisers with ceramides such as Some By Mi – Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Cream
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 4/5 – Pretty food moisturiser. Definitely a winter product for me, as it’s pretty rich, but I love the consistency and it keeps my skin plump and moisturized all day long. My skin looked so good when I was using this, truly radiant and hydrated and younger! I do see how it could be a bit rich/greasy for some, but I have dry/combo and think it’s a great dry season product. I wore it both with and without a slightly matte sunscreen and had no issues! No pilling, pillowy consistency. I think the price point is pretty high, I would recommend trying a sample before buying as some may find the strong citrus smell and vitamin c irritating.
Fragrances
Katy Perry's Mad Love 3/5 – This is a good cheap perfume. I do love a gourmand and fruity scent, that is definitely my brand. It may not be for all as they may deem this too juvenile, but I love putting it in my handbag and using it as an on the go perfume. The base notes of coconut are very prominent, and I'm not a huge coconut fan but the fruity and gourmand top notes (strawberry and apple) won me over. It smells like Britney's Fantasy with a stronger strawberry note and stronger projection. It layers really well with other fruity scents.
Paco Rabanne Fame 3/5 – The cutest bottle. I love the glam, sequin dress robot! The top notes of mango and sandalwood are quite prominent for me, which I love. I find this scent very unique, I can't really compare it to any other perfume in my collection. I have heard some compare this to Alien Goddess but I don't see the comparison, I find them very different. I probably wouldn't repurchase this as it has poor longevity and poor sillage but I like the scent.
Ariana Grande R.E.M. 2/5 – The projection is sweet, musk and lavender. Longevity is okay. I find the lavendar gives it some punch, but this is not unique in any way. The familiarity of this perfume is very "something I smelled at the mall", if you know what I mean. I personally wouldn't repurchase.
by Jobhaver1992