Showing posts with label Clinique. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clinique. Show all posts

Friday, May 17, 2013

Clinique A Different Nail Enamel for Sensitive Skins review + swatches

Clinique has decided to re-enter the nail polish world with their new A Different Enamel for Sensitive Skins. Yes, that is apparently its full and proper name xD.
From their promo material:
"Did you know a person touches their eyes on average 200 times a day? With all that comes in contact with
hands and fingers throughout the day, there are many culprits that can irritate the eyes. Did you know that
nail enamel can cause irritation and even contact dermatitis on the suspectibly thin skin around the eye?
Amongst the dermotological community, nail enamel is also considered a significant allergen source for
periorbital dermatitis - a facial rash that develops around the lower and upper eyelids. People who suffer from these conditions often-times do not realize the connection between touching and rubbing the eye area, and fresh manicures.
"
After 3 years of research and a further 3 years of product development, Clinique has finally debuted their Different Enamel for Sensitive Skin.  
I personally don't suffer from any sensitivity towards chemicals in nail polish so I can't really comment as to whether or not these polishes perform as claimed, however, the final formula underwent a 1 month trial on women with sensitive skin and eyes and is also approved by dermatologists and ophthalmologists.
Unfortunately my press samples did not come with an ingredient list for these polishes. I have made a request for them from Clinique's PR and will update this post when I receive them. Since majority of nail polishes nowadays are "3 Free", meaning they are free of Dibutyl Phthalate, Formaldehyde and Toluene, it would be interesting to see what other chemicals Clinique has eliminated from their version. 
Formula wise, the creme finish polishes verge slightly on the thick side, the jelly finishes are lovely and trouble free as always and the foil finish was even and streak free. All the shades I tested were 2 coat opaque. Unlike some of the organic/vegan polishes I have tested in the past *cough* Spa Ritual *cough*, these Clinique polishes all had a decent wear time. I was able to wear them for 5+ days with minimal tip wear.
There are 12 permanent shades and 9 limited edition shades for the Summer (my favourite is Really Rio!!!).
At $18 for 8.9ml/0.3oz of product it is on the pricey side, and I still don't really know how these differ from the other 3 Free polishes out there but if skin sensitivity is a concern of yours, or if you're trying to cut out harsh chemicals from your beauty products, then definitely check these polishes out.
Available from May 2013 for CAN$18 from Clinique counters, Clinique.com and Sephora
All swatches are done without topcoat.
Really Rio (Creme)
 Pinkini (Creme)
 Sweet Tooth (Jelly)
 Hula Skirt (Creme)
Red Red Red (Jelly)
Black Honey (Jelly)
Strappy Sandals (Metallic foil)

Monday, December 10, 2012

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Review & Clinique Service As You Like It

When Clinique invited me check out their newly renovated counter at The Bay, downtown Vancouver, I spied with my little eye, the new Chubby Stick Intense!
I cackled gleefully when I discovered that they had generously included 4 of them in my goody bag!
If you were disappointed with the original Chubby Stick due to its lack of pigmentation then the new Intense line is perfect for you! Featuring 8 new shades, the new Intense line combines the original moisturising formula with an extra pop of colour.
I found these to be much longer wearing than the original Chubby Sticks, on average 4-5 hours, with the darker colours lasting even longer and fading gradually to a stain.
I much prefer the formula of Chubby Sticks over Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balms. These feel creamier, smoother and more moisturising, and all without Revlon awful peppermint scent and taste!
The new Chubby Stick Intense are CAN$19 each and available now at Clinique counters.
Onto swatches!
Curviest Caramel:
Heftiest Hibiscus:
Mightiest Maraschino:
Broadest Berry:
Yeah, I have no idea what is up with those names either.

Oh and if you do happen to be at the Clinique counter in downtown Vancouver, make sure to check out their new Clinique Service As You Like It!
Developed with the customer in mind, simply pop on one of Clinique's complementary bracelets in the corresponding colour and you'll get the exact type of service you want. Whether you wish to browse alone at your own leisure (pink bracelet), you are pressed for time and need express service (white bracelet) or you have all the time in the world for a full consultation (green bracelet), what you want is what you'll get. I'm personally all about the pink bracelet as I am quite an anti-social shopper haha!
While I was at the counter, I noticed how self-service friendly the new layout is, testers are laid out and easily accessible, products are clearly labelled with their function and price and they even have these iPad where you can get a nifty printed list of recommended products for your skin woes. Quite often shoppers feel too intimidated to ask to see or test out a product, so being able to take a product off the shelf yourself without a pushy assistant breathing down your neck is definitely an improvement!