I don't know how many of my readers are aware that I am a total cosmetics freak. It was my first love, I adore testing stuff and I'm always on the lookout to try something new.
But it hit me today when I was applying my perfectly ok face cream.
There aren't that many cosmetic products that wow me.
Those that actually deliver what they promised, or work in a way that would make you notice.
And that is why I don't talk much about them. Although I wish I would because that would mean there are some truly spectacular products out there available to everyone.
Because I don't really like to pay a huge amount for a body cream. Or any kind of cosmetic product. Ok, so what I am willing to pay is huge to my mother, but when compared to other cosmetic prices out there, I consider myself rather conservative. :)
The last two things that worked really well for me were:
Afrodita Cinnamon AHA Forte Anti-cellulite cream - I don't use it enough for an anti-cellulite effect to be noticeable but the AHA part works great.
And, a sample of Guerlain's serum and cream that the most generous Birgit sent, but being me, I managed to forget the name, I only remember it was anti-age (and blue).
But worked wonders to make my inner radiance come out. ;)
So, what do you think about most cosmetic products you use? What really stood out lately?
I wish I could know for a fact if a [much] more expensive cream works better... With perfumes it's easier: either I like it - and then just try to figure out if I want to pay the price or I don't. With face products I just don't know (and with body products do not care - almost any moisturizer will do).
ReplyDeleteThe products I really liked recently - Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray for body and Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA+++ for face (I gave more information about it in my vavation post, you read it).
I'm glad you like the Guerlain samples (I think they were from the Orchidée Imperiale range), although I think you are quite radiant all on your own! :)
ReplyDeleteGenerally I think horrible marketing hype and pseudo-science is especially rampant in skincare, so I mostly concentrate on ingredients not what the advertisment says. My hero is Paula Begoun, she knows her stuff and I always consult her site. My most important rule these days is "less is more" and always wear SPF 50, every day, forever.
Yes, Undina, it is much easier with perfumes.
ReplyDeleteI've heard nice things about Aveeno, but it's not available here so I haven't tried it yet.
Thanks Olfactoria! And now I won't forget as it's written down. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right of course, the things that marketing claims for the cosmetic products would have us all being young forever.
PB is a great cosmetics cop - I don't consult her that often because most of the things I have access to aren't listed or those that are good and normally priced aren't available here.
I'm waiting to finish my cream and then I'm looking forward to trying what you sent. :)
Btw, I can't help but feel I need my daily regime of 3 steps in the morning and evening (cleaning, toning and cream).
The best cosmetic I've ever found is Clarins Mascara Fix. It's a transparent gel, you brush it on over any mascara, and goodbye racoon eyes. I've also been using a sample of La Mer moisturizer as an eye cream and it works great. However, I'm almost out and am afraid to even look at what a regular sized jar of it costs!
ReplyDeleteDear Olfacta, I must admit to fear regarding La Mer products. What if they work really great?! They cost way too much out of my range...
ReplyDeleteBut that Clarins gel you talked about is something I've been meaning to try for some time now. Thank you for the reminder. :)
I'm like you - cosmetics generally don't wow me much. I've tried mixing my own creams, and they're just as good as the store-bought ones, no better, no worse.
ReplyDeleteThe last thing I bought that wowed me was a jade green nail polish by Opi for Sephora. It's the only polish that has ever lasted on my fingernails for over 30 minutes. It actually sticks around for several days before chipping or peeling.
Doc Elly, I was at a seminar of natural cosmetics in September and the woman showing and making different cosmetic things, gave us all samples to take home, some of which were facial creams.
ReplyDeleteI got two and both worked as good as most of the things I usually buy (well, better than most actually when it came to hydration) and were the most simple formulas of 3 things (base oil, emulgator and essential oil). Worked great!
I plan on doing them myself once I use my stash.