Guerlain Shine Automatique: Rendez-Vous 762 Review

Since I am not much of a lipstick fan in general, I was curious to the difference between Rogue Automatique and Shine Automatique. Many people say there isn't much of a difference and it comes down to personal preference between the two types. My take so far is that Shine Automatique is a bit glossier than Rogue Automatique colors.

This is the description from the permanent Shine Automatique line:

Shine Automatique hydrating lipstick is for the fun and flirty girl who wants to add a little sparkle to her life. Guerlain introduces Shine Automatique, a moisturizing and long-lasting lipstick that combines bold color with pearly particles to give your lips discreet yet exceptional shine. Lips are left soft, smooth and luminous. Now available in a bouquet of 12 shades.

Guerlain Rouge Automatique: Romance 601 Review

I originally wasn't going to review the other items in Guerlain's Spring 2013 line, but I am just beginning to realize how nicely their particular shades of pink for spring complements my skin tone. The upcoming lines have less items that appeal to me, so I am revisiting Guerlain's Cils d'Enfer collection one last time before the Terracotta and Terra Ora collection eclipses it.

This is the description from the permanent Rogue Automatique line:

Rouge Automatique hydrating long-lasting lip color: automatically fashionable. Coveted as an It Bag, precious as a gem, glamorous as stilettos! Open and close with just one hand. Its innovative formula combines long-lasting hold with comfort and radiance. Rouge Automatique offers a burst of color, available in a bouquet of 25 shades.

Guerlain: Terra Ora Summer 2013

Along with the Terracotta Summer 2013 collection, Guerlain is releasing a Terra Ora Summer 2013 collection. The Terracotta collection focuses solely on bronzing agents. The Terra Ora collection is a summer inspired makeup collection. Non-bronzer enthusiasts will have more to choose from this line. As with all seasonal Guerlain releases, these are limited edition.

Guerlain: Terracotta Summer 2013

For the rest of us who cannot partake in the Blanc de Perle 2013 line, Guerlain is releasing their annual limited edition Terracotta line in March 2013. Unfortunately for me, I am fair skinned and cannot tan to save my life. (I never tan, I burn.) As a result, I have very little understanding of bronzers.

Guerlain: Blanc de Perle 2013 (Asia Release Only)

While Guerlain lovers all over the world prepare for the release of Guerlain's Summer 2013 collection of bronzers, the Asian market got a beautiful line of brightening and whitening products from Guerlain. Available from February 2013. The entire line is absolutely stunning! I love the concept of glowing like a pearl. I wish this collection was available in the USA because I would love to get my hands on both skin care and make up items. It would probably break the bank.

An IPL Journey with the Remington i-LIGHT (Part 17 Review)

Observations

(Session VIII)

Immediately:

My underarm is fine.

I am puzzled by the pain on my lower leg. I didn't experience any pain there after the first session, but the last 3 or 4 sessions have been uncomfortable in that area. Examining my leg carefully, I can see that the lower area has longer hair, but they are not clumped closely together nor is there a lot of it. I wonder if I will even get to the mystery of the little jolts.

The Next Day:

My underarm looks and feels the same. My leg looks a bit dry. I can't tell if that is from the weather or from the IPL heat, but it's nothing that a bit of lotion can't fix.

Three Days Later:

Looking at my underarms it looks clean, but closely examining it shows dark roots still. Running my hand over my leg, I can barely feel anything. Even the stubble is very soft. It doesn't feel prickly or rough.

 
All photos (c) Little Luxuries 2013.

An IPL Journey with the Remington i-LIGHT (Part 16 Review)

I have finally reached my month and a half mark! Two more weeks until the two month mark. To be honest, I feel that noticeable results have plateaued since my fourth session. There are very minor differences here and there with each session, but they are extremely hard to capture on camera.

My underarm has made remarkable progress. I still have some baby stubble here and there, but I am optimistic that my remaining sessions will zap it all away.

My leg is another story. I didn't experience much discomfort in the beginning, but halfway through my journey the lower part of my leg started to experience the burning snapping rubber band sensation. I can't make heads or tails of it. I have been going along with the assumption that there is more hair or new growth in the area that the IPL needs to target.

As it has been lately, the eighth session is extremely fast. My underarm goes without a hitch. The only blip is when I feel a bit of discomfort on the lower leg area, but even that goes by quickly. Not much singed hair leftover on my body or handset.

All photos (c) Little Luxuries 2013.

Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20 Review

Any cream that promises even skin tone always gets my attention. I bought Clinique's Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer to use with the Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector. I wanted to pair the two items together to obtain maximum skin tone evening results.

Imagine erasing past damage to create a more even skin tone while protecting skin from future darkening with high-level UVA/UVB defense. Delivers soothing hydration as specialized ingredients break apart surface darkening and exfoliate it away. Instantly brightens, clarifies.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Review

I am always in search of creams and serums that will help even out my skin tone. Puberty was not kind to my skin and I still look for ways to correct the ravages of overactive hormones. On top of that, since I have fair skin that burns easily and will not tan, I have to carefully select facial products that will agree with my skin. Clinique released Even Better Skin Tone Corrector. A couple of years later, they updated the formula and released Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector. I have tried both versions.

Dermatologist-developed to be safe, comfortable. Yet in clinical trials our serum was comparable to a leading prescription ingredient in visibly reducing dark spots-a verified 58% improvement at 12 weeks. For all skin tones: See results starting in just 4 weeks, with a visible reduction in age spots and acne scars. Also appropriate for backs of hands and chest, too.

Clinique All About Eyes Review

I have probably used Clinique's All About Eyes for ten years now (if not longer). It seems to be the eye cream I keep on returning to. I am more concerned than ever about the emergence of fine lines around my eyes, so I pay extra attention to my eye cream nowadays.

Lightweight eye cream diminishes the appearance of eye puffs, darkness and fine lines. Non-creep, cream/gel formula actually helps hold eye makeup in place. For use morning and night, both under eyes and on lids. Ophthalmologist Tested.

Clinique Youth Surge Age Decelerating Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Review

As I mentioned in my Repairwear Intenstive Night Cream post, a Clinique SA told me that I would not benefit as much from the Repairwear line since I am so young. He recommended I try the Youth Surge line as an alternative. Luckily for me, I had a large sample of this as a gift with purchase so I could try it out before buying it.

Leveraging Sirtuin technology, Clinique science uses youth-extending agents to create a daily moisturizer with visible effects. Lines and wrinkles seem to evaporate, replaced by plump, vibrant skin alive with collagen and elastin. Skin gains strength over environmental agers. Looks younger, longer.

Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser Review

As my post about the Clarisonic Pro have stated, I have always had a hard time finding the right cleansers for my skin. I have used Clinique's Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser on and off throughout the years.

Foamy cream-mousse cleanser removes long-wearing makeup and sunscreens quickly, gently, efficiently. Comforts with soothing botanicals. Leaves skin feeling moist, clean, fresh. A great value, too: concentrated formula is long-lasting. Ophthalmologist Tested.

An IPL Journey with the Remington i-LIGHT (Part 15)

Observations

(Session VII)

Immediately:

My underarm and leg feels pleasantly warm (aside from the lower leg area that stung). Traces of hair-turned-soot found on my leg.

The Next Day:

My under arm feels and looks relatively smooth. The front side of my leg feels and looks relatively smooth. The back part is where I still feel minor stubble.

Three Days Later:

I am seeing fine hair growth all over the smooth side of my leg. The IPL sessions prevent them from growing out completely, but I believe it looks finer than the original hair. Especially compared to the one or two stragglers I can't seem to completely zap away. Rubbing my hand over the skin, it feels fairly smooth. Only a few areas where I can feel stubble.

All photos (c) Little Luxuries 2013.

An IPL Journey with the Remington i-LIGHT (Part 14 Review)

I am almost a month and a half into my IPL sessions. This post marks my seventh session. I'm going to hold off making any assumptions or remarks about the effectiveness of Remington's i-LIGHT until I reach the two month mark. Until then, I will continue posting about my results and immediate aftereffects.

I know I've said it before, but I feel that it bears repeating, I have not used any other form of hair removal on my underarm and leg since I started using IPL. My underarm is fairly smooth. At the most, it has bits of what most people would mistake as new stubble. My leg has a smooth side and a stubble filled side. The smooth side has areas where it looks like extremely fine hair is growing in. The stubble side looks like I haven't shave it for a couple of days.

I have kept the IPL setting consistent for each part of the body. Level 3 for my underarm. Level 4 for my leg. The underarm session goes by in the blink of an eye. It take a minute at most. There is nothing left on the skin but the smell of slightly burnt hair. The leg is still surprising me. The lowest part of the lower leg area still experiences the rubber band sting sensation, though the rest of the leg area is painless. I wonder if this is because I still have new hair growth around that area. Or if I am going over spots I previously missed. I only feel a nice warming sensation on the rest of my leg. (A very welcome feeling on a cold night!)

Unlike the last session, the handset is only moderately covered in singed hair. I did find lots of "soot" on my leg though which is much easier to clean up than on that left on the handset.

All photos (c) Little Luxuries 2013.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Review

Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion is a staple in Clinique's line. It is probably the most popular and most recognizable item in the Clinique skin care portfolio. I have tried it many times as it almost always gets offered as a sample with purchase.

Step 3 in Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care System.The moisture "drink" developed by Clinique's dermatologists to maintain optimal moisture balance for very dry skins, or skins dry in the cheeks, comfortable to oily in the T-zone. Softens, smooths, improves.

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Review

I used Clinique's Moisture Surge as a teenager. Back then, it was the most effective moisturizer in the Clinique line for me. A fine film of it was like face balm that smoothed and evened out my skin. A bit thicker in application and it would get rid of any flaking or cracking skin. I still use it nowadays for troubled skin moments.

Light, comfortable cream/gel plumps skin with hydration for a full 24 hours. Fine lines, flakiness and tightness are washed away. In their place—a sense of supple, firm, vibrant well-being, even through shifts in humidity. One ‘drink' and skin looks and feels happier, healthier. Oil-free.

Clinique Turnaround Instant Facial Review

I got a sample of Clinique's Turnaround Instant Facial with my Turnaround Concentrate purchase. Based on my experience with the Turnaround serum and moisturizer, I was super excited to try out the Instant Facial. I expected it would make my skin even more radiant than the serum and moisturizer together. It would be a complete 3 step skin care regiment.

In 5 minutes, this high-performance facial delivers all the radiance and smoothness of microdermabrasion-with significantly less irritation and stress to skin. Promotes surface cell turnover on multiple levels to instantly unveil skin that's fresher, more vibrant and even-toned. Oil free. Use 2-3 times a week for an instant brightness boost.

Clinique Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer Review

Clinique's Turnaround Concentrate motivated me to revisit the Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer. I used this as a teenager. All I remember was finding it satisfactory, but it didn't do much for my skin that I could see. (Silly me, I was probably too young for it to have any effect on me!) I remember it moisturized well. Years later, the night cream still moisturizes well and it's one that I can use day or night in cold or warm weather. 

Instantly reveals a healthy radiance. Gently replaces dull, worn-out surface cells with livelier, more luminous ones. Skin breathes. Accepts moisture better. Then, it optimizes up-and-coming cells to help the best and brightest emerge. So day after day, skin seems to glow from within. Becomes smoother over time.

Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Radiance Renewer Review

One of my favorite all around facial care item happens to be Clinique's Turnaround Concentrate Radiance Renewer. It gives my skin an impossibly refreshed and awake looking glow that I have not seen with any other cream or serum on the market.

Fast acting exfoliating serum instantly creates a luminous-from-within radiance. Reveals skin's finest texture, too. Works to optimise natural cell renewal, gently, continually, unveiling skin that's brighter, healthier, more uniform. Becomes softer, younger over time.

An IPL Journey with the Remington i-LIGHT (Part 13 Review)

Observations

(Session VI)

Immediately:

My underarm is mostly smooth. The front side of my leg is very smooth. The back part still looks and feels a bit stubby. Though all areas look like they may have new hair growth coming in.

The Next Day:

My underarm is nice and smooth. Random hair here and there. The front of my leg looks good. It looks almost as hairless as my underarm, but with a handful of tiny missed spots. The underside of my leg seems to be progressing a bit slower than the front. It feels like the front felt about 3 weeks ago. I must remember to be more careful angling the back areas.


Three Days Later:

I haven't engaged in any form of hair removal since I've started my IPL sessions. I wanted to see the real life aftereffects. My underarm always looks like it's been a day after I shaved. The tiniest hint of emerging hair lingers there. The front side of my leg is smooth. The back side of my leg has what looks like day old stubble.

All photos (c) Little Luxuries 2013.

An IPL Journey with the Remington i-LIGHT (Part 12 Review)

I've been swapped with work, so I started my sixth session a day later than usual.

This time I tried to focus on the areas where I keep on finding little stragglers. I grouped my handset flashes to be closer and tighter together than before. I figured a tiny bit overlap is better than an inch gap missed.

My underarm was quick and fast. Nothing new to report.

I was surprised to find that I still experienced the same level of discomfort on my lower leg that I experienced during my fifth session. Still not much sensation on my upper leg. Other than the leg feeling mildly sensitive afterwards, I have not experienced any other aftereffects.

All photos (c) Little Luxuries 2013.

Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage Review Review

Since I started to notice fine lines around my eyes, I have paid extra attention to my undereye skin care. I have never had much problems with puffiness, but I have dark circles. Though my skin is so light, it looks like I have red circles.... It often leaves the impression that I am sullen, angry, or tired. I have now supplemented eye serums with eye creams. Using an eye serum before applying my eye cream is a relatively new step in my skin care regiment.

I have been curious about the rollerball eye applicators and a sample of Clinique's All About Eyes Serum left me intrigued. I brought myself the full size to test out.

This instantly cooling rollerball helps massage away bags, refreshes and hydrates puffy eyes on contact. Brightens eye area immediately and over time. Combats dark circles, too. With caffeine, potent antioxidants and soothing botanicals. Oil-free, non-irritating. Ophthalmologist Tested.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector Review

Clinique SAs advertise this serum as an eventual replacement for the night cream. At the moment, it is recommended for use together with other items in the Repairwear line. I use it under my night and day cream. It can be used all over the face, including around the eyes.

Potent serum gives every skin a second chance against lines, wrinkles, sun damage. In 4 weeks, see obvious reduction in lines, wrinkles, improved texture. At 12 weeks, the visible wrinkle-reducing power is remarkably close to a dermatological laser procedure. 63%, to be exact. Different commitment, different results. And yet impressive results guaranteed.

Clinique Repairwear SPF 15 Intensive Day Cream Very Dry Skin Formula Review

Along with Clinique's Repairwear Intensive Night Cream, I use Clinique's Repairwear SPF 15 Intensive Day Cream Very Dry Skin Forumla during my waking hours. It promises the same benefits of the night cream but combined with SPF power for day use.

 Potent hydrating cream turns skin's most vulnerable time into repair time. Helps block and mend the look of lines and wrinkles. Replenishes antioxidants. Protects with skin-friendly SPF 15 so you face the day looking vibrant, full of life.

Clinique Repairwear Intensive Night Cream Very Dry Skin Formula Review

Wintertime always brings the same present for me every year: dry flaky skin. The older I've gotten, the more I notice the dryness. Cold dry weather in particular brings out rough red patches or peeling skin on my face if I'm not careful about moisturizing. Over the years, I have tried many different types of moisturizers - drug store, high end, homemade - and I keep on coming back to one brand in particular: Clinique.

When the season changes and I need to heavily moisturize my skin, I use Clinique's Repairwear Intensive Night Cream. I have tried different formulations of Repairwear Intensive Night Cream and only the Very Dry Skin formula works for me. Nothing else functions as effectively on my skin.

Developed especially for very dry skin, this potent hydrating cream works all night to help block and mend the look of lines and wrinkles. Rebuilds stores of firming natural collagen. Fuels 24-hour antioxidant replenishment that arms skin for tomorrow.

The Body Shop: The Sparkler in Dazzling Copper Review

Enchanting Gold left me absolutely captivated with the Body Shop's Sparkler line. I wandered back into the Body Shop several times to test Dazzling Copper. I left each time - resolved not to buy it. After all, I already have Tarina Tarantino's Sparklicity Bronze Shimmer Dust. The semi-annual sales weaken my resolve and I ended up purchasing a bottle of Dazzling Copper due to my strong adoration of Enchanting Gold.

An IPL Journey with the Remington i-LIGHT (Part 11 Review)

Observations

(Session V)

Immediately:

I can't see any difference. There is not even much singed hair left compared to the last session.

The Next Day:

My underarm is nice and smooth with some stragglers here and there. My leg looks the barest its been since I've started these sessions. I notice a line of stubble up my leg about a fourth of an inch wide. It must be an area I've been consistently missing since I started.


Three Days Later:

The front side of my leg is 65% hair free. The backside of my leg still has stubble. I assume this is because I can't see or angle the handset as well in that area.

Hair free on the front side. Notice the little straggles at the top of the photo? That's the beginning of the back of the leg.

All photos (c) Little Luxuries 2013.

An IPL Journey with the Remington i-LIGHT (Part 10 Review)

My fifth week of IPL brought some surprises. My underarm's reaction has been consistent throughout treatment. It can only handle IPL level 3 on that area. Regardless of the lack of IPL intensity, the hair rate on my underarm has slowly dwindled away. 

I expected to be able to use the i-LIGHT at the highest IPL setting of 5 for my leg this time. But when I started with the usual setting of 4, I felt a higher level of discomfort than anticipated. The feeling stayed concentrated around my lower leg. I must have more hair growth there than I guesstimated. I didn't feel anything but warmth on my upper leg. So that area must have little to no growth.

As expected, since I have a rhythm down now it was extremely effortless. Based on the IPL sensation on my skin, I would venture to say that my hair growth has slowed down significantly. The hairs also appear weaker. They instantly crumble into a sooty mess onto the handset. Before the hair would be singed, but there would be very little on the handset to clean up. Now I am regularly finding bits of burnt hair on the handset. (And they are a pain to clean up!)

All photos (c) Little Luxuries 2013.