Top/Base Coats -Orly - Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
whisper 1/13/2009 3:11:00 PM
HOLY CRAP! This stuff is the BOMB!!! Honestly, I've never bothered using a base coat before I decided one day on a whim to pick this up; guess I must've been tired of my mani/pedi-cures not lasting as long as I wanted. But now, I don't ever have to worry about that any more! I can't remember what I paid, but I do know it wasn't cheap...it was more than $5, I know that. But after using this product I would have paid even more than whatever the price was! Because it's that effective. It applies super easily and dries VERY quickly. The consistency is more liquid-y than a typical polish. I love the 'rubberized' grip handle, too. Nice touch. Anyway, GET THIS ASAP! You won't regret it. My current pedicure is now going on its 11th day, with not a single nick, chip, blemish or imperfection to be seen. Hallelujah. EDIT on 2/25/2011 (2yrs after original review): Still using this base coat exclusively. Nothing works like this stuff, it's awesome. In the 2 yrs I've been using it, not once have I ever experienced any staining of my nails (been reading through the other reviews and noticed that many complain about staining). So I'm not sure what that's all about to be honest. I go through nail polish phases where I'll paint my nails a new color ever 6 days, and then I'll go long stretches of time (talking months here, like, 2, 3, 4 at a time!) where I won't polish my nails at all and either leave them bare (just grooming them, filing/buffing, but no polish) or put clear on w/out anything else (no base). The only exception is my toes, because no matter what I always like to have a pedicure (which I do myself); just makes me feel nice, even in the winter months when I'm the only one who sees them. Anyway, during the times when I don't "do" my nails, like I said, I've never had any staining issues whatsoever from the Orly Bonder. I doubt I'll ever find another base coat that surpasses this one. In fact I can't see myself even having the need to look elsewhere for one, since I've found my HG in this product already. By the way - currently about 1/3 of the way through my 3rd bottle; again, in approx. 2 yrs time. Still highly, highly recommend.
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Styling Products -Aveda - Hang Straight [DISCONTINUED]
whisper 3/20/2006 9:16:00 AM
This product is incredible, that's all I can say. It's effective (does what it says) and I personally LOVE the scent.
The only possible con, if I had to say, would be the cost -- I bought it for $16.50 at the salon where I get my hair cut. In my opinion, if/when a product works this well I truly don't mind paying for it, whatever it costs...because I know how frustrating and annoying it is when I have high expectations for a product and then it turns out to be utter crap.
FANTASTIC PRODUCT. I don't know how I'd live (well...do my hair, hehe) w/out it.
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Conditioner -L'Oreal - Nature's Therapy Mega Moisture Nurturing Creme
whisper 1/29/2006 2:09:00 PM
Ok, first the pros (trying to be positive!)…
This is best, most effective conditioner I've ever tried. Smells nice (kinda strong, but personally, that doesn't bother me). Coats hair very well; after rinsing, it leaves hair non-greasy yet impressively smooth & totally detangled finish. The price was average, I thought. I paid ~$12 (USD) @ Sally's...
Tip: look for sales. (I discovered this conditioner + the coordinating shampoo on sale/special roughly 2 wks. after I'd stocked up. *grumbles*)
Alright, so now with the drawbacks, and I only really have one (but it's major)...
The product packaging is downright awful. Could there seriously have been any WORSE container to put this in?!??? What they were thinking with this "tub" is beyond me. It's quite annoying to deal with, as I have to place the container, unopened, right outside my shower on a shelf, and when I'm ready to use it I have to reach my hand out and go digging with my fingers for a small dab of the conditioner!!! Needless to say, it's a nuisance (& clearly I'm not alone in thinking that this style of packaging for such a product blows).
I'll repurchase, definitely. Bottom line -- it's this most effective conditioner I've tried to date, and my satisfaction with the results far outweighs the horrid tub that it comes in. (Slap on the wrist for L'Oreal, though.)
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Brows -Revlon - Browmaker
whisper 9/24/2005 9:38:00 AM
This -- well, and prob lipgloss, if I'm being completely honest :P -- is about the only thing in my makeup bag I use EVERY SINGLE DAY without exception - even on my 'no-makeup-because-I-haven't-got-the-time-and/or-am-too-lazy/tired' days.
My brows are very thick and dark (my hair's nearly black) and nicely shaped all on their own. But this powder/pomade duo provides a finishing touch that is just amazing. And I can't live without it. I honestly don't feel ready to go out of the house if I haven't used this - my face just feels unfinished (even, as I said, on my no makeup whatsoever days).
The little brush that comes with it is great. Stiff bristles make for an easy application, and most of the time I don't even touch the powder (I don't really need it). The pomade keeps my brows in place, though, beautifully. I comb it through and don't have to worry about it for the rest of the day, until I wash my face in the evenings. Wonderful :)
It's pretty inexpensive, and besides you use so little of the product that it lasts for ages (I've been using the same on now for months and months and still it's not even close to being gone...) I suppose if you're one of those people who needs to draw their brows on, then this isn't for you. But for touch-ups and just giving that clean polished appearance to the brows, this is PERFECT.
I love this stuff so much. And it seems to pop up at those discount stores, too, which is just a bonus for people like me who do love it so much! I stock up whenever I see it.
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Eye Shadow -Lancome - Maquiriche in Coquille
whisper 9/24/2005 9:28:00 AM
Fabulous eye shadow. Shade couldn't be prettier ---it's a yellow-based matte nude; perfect base color. Like naked lids, only not, so better ;P
Honestly, I have very little to say about this product, other than I could not be more pleased with it and I will definitely purchase again and again. A definite makeup staple of mine & should be for everyone else in my opinion!
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Liquid -L'Oreal - True Match Super-Blendable Makeup SPF 17
whisper 9/24/2005 9:18:00 AM
First, the positives: I really appreciated the color range when trying to select a shade, and I had little difficulty finding a match. I have yellow undertones (i'm asian) and it's often a challenge finding yellow-based foundation - especially at drugstores. *grumbles* Anyway, no problem finding a shade. I liked that a lot about this product. Thank you, L'Oreal! Also, generally satisfied with the product's packaging - it's just an uncomplicated little glass bottle with an average-sized opening. Simple enough, so no real complaints. Now the downfalls: The foundation itself felt alright on the sponge (ie upon application), but I had slight blending issues. Not the smoothest blend, in my opinion. Strike one. After applying for the very 1st time, I was generally pleased, however, and all things considered I thought this was a decent foundation. But not very long after, my face became shiny and for the 1st time actually FELT shiny [greasy] -- gross, I thought :( I have normal-combo skin, and out of control shine has never been a problem for me. It was almost as though the foundation worsened the appearance of my complexion (which is rather flawless on its own, might I add! thankyouverymuch!) hehe...but seriously. I wear foundation on special occasions and when I've got time to, with the intention of improving my skin's appearance and perhaps even giving me that inexplicable "glow." But this, much to my dismay (I typically love L'Oreal products <3) was ultimately a disappointment. Oh, yea. Cost: priced alright. Not too expensive, but kinda costly for a drugstore foundation. All in all, shade variety/selection could not be better, and the consistency is fantastic...until it's on your face :(
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Conditioner -John Frieda - Brilliant Brunette Light Reflecting Conditioner
whisper 5/10/2004 8:12:00 AM
i bought this conditioner along with the BB shine release volumizing shampoo (which i LOVE!!!). anyway, this stuff was...just good - not great. i do love the scent, as with the shampoo, and it did leave my hair feeling soft & not weighed down. nice packaging! i will probably purchase again, only because i love the shampoo so much and i tend to like using "matching" shampoo & conditioner.. it's silly, i know. *rolls her eyes*
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Shampoo -John Frieda - Brilliant Brunette Shine Release Moisturizing Shampoo
whisper 5/9/2004 5:27:00 PM
2 words: LOVE IT!!! noticed no difference in terms of colour, however. but i don't even care :P i've found my new favourite shampoo/conditioner!!!!
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Eyeliner -Wet 'n' Wild - Eye Pencils
whisper 8/20/2003 8:40:00 AM
Great product, stays on and blends well. I'm very satisfied with this liner, and it lasts so long also...but that also brings me to my one con -- it's really quite long, and that makes it a bit tricky to control (I find). But other than that, I paid $0.77 for this eyeliner, and it works very, very well. I'm pleased.
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Blush -L'Oreal - Blush Delice in Sugar Plum
whisper 6/23/2003 6:43:00 AM
awesome summer blush!!! a very pretty, neutral, medium pinkish/brown shade w/considerable shimmer. looks beautiful. great product, decent price (under $10). this is very flattering on the skin, it gives the complexion a healthy glow w/out that "hey, i'm wearing blush!" appearance.
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Treatments -Joico - k-pak deep penetrating reconstructor
whisper 5/14/2003 11:13:00 AM
Not sure how I feel about this product. First off, this ain't cheap! lol, no kidding - I forked over a hefty $15 &change for it (and that doesn't even include the tax!) In my opinion, that's a lot of dough for a tube of conditioner. Then again, I am desperate to find that perfect deep conditioning treatment for my locks, and so I'm willing to pay the price for something if it delivers the promised results. I brought it home with high hopes and visions of silky smooth hair. (mainly from others' reviews of it on here). By the way, I have long, thick, course hair that tends to be rather dry and, therefore, damaged (thanks to regular use of a blow dryer + straightening iron). To get to my point, the first time I used it, I was not impressed. In fact, afterwards I had a nasty patch of irritation (rash?) on the back of my neck that took a few days to clear up completely. This made me upset, to say the very least. I grew increasingly more suspicious that the K-Pak I had held so highly might be the culprit..the results after drying and styling as usual were nothing miraculous either. But I thought "at least my hair's not any WORSE." (which is something I'd rather not have going through my head after just having paid nearly $20 for something that was supposedly a miracle product for the hair. sheesh!) I waited a week and a half, waited till the irritation on my neck vanished totally, and gave K-Pak another go. The second time, I do have to say that I was pleased with the end result. "PHEW!" I thought. At long last. My hair was indeed shiny and silky smooth, and it smelled pretty great too (like a tropical cocktail - refreshing). It defied the humidity better than usual, and I have to say that it remained true to its claims (finally). My conslusion is that you just have to try it for yourself and see...and, well, if you develop any form of a rash on the surrounding areas of skin, you won't be TOO shocked! Still, in the end, I give it the benefit of the doubt. I'll keep using, but that is likely only because I'd feel like a jipped fool for not using it, now that I paid for the stuff and own it.. lol...Good luck!
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Polishes -OPI - I'm Not Really A Waitress
whisper 5/14/2003 10:53:00 AM
"I'm Not Really A Waitress" is, hands down, my all time favorite shade of nail polish! the color is an absolutely gorgeous, gold-flecked, deep shimmering garnet that (i happen to think) FLATTERS ANY COMPLEXION. a bit expensive for a bottle of nail polish, in my opinion, but very much worth the $5-$6 it costs, because it looks simply fantastic in any season & on anyone. you will not be disappointed with the color - try it yourself, and see!
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Blush -L'Oreal - Blush Delice in Raspberry Sorbet ] [DISCONTINUED]
whisper 4/28/2003 8:56:00 PM
Bright, summery, slightly shimmery, sheer pink blush. (really pretty packaging too!) I wouldn't recommend applying this w/the brush that's given - it's too flat, not fluffy/round enough for a natural effect. (you could use it in a pinch, though, if you absolutely had to.) Great for summertime. Subtle and really pretty, if applied well. About $8. All in all, a fun little cute blush!
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Moisturizers -Vichy - Nutrilogie S2
whisper 4/27/2003 11:59:00 AM
This is the best quality cream for dry, tight skin. The texture is rich, yet it glides onto the skin very smoothly and feels weightless once absorbed - wait a few min. before applying makeup. It comes in a beautiful glass jar with a screw-on top, which makes it easy to control the amount you use but sort of messy, for those who prefer pumps or pop-top lids...I agree that this product would perhaps be more convenient if it were, say, in a bottle w/a pump, but I actually rather like the packaging the way it is. I'm really superficial when it comes to things like that (what can I say?!?) and this is one of the prettiest jars of face cream I have sitting beside my bathroom sink. Effective at smoothing rough patches, esp in colder weather. Makes the skin very supple and glowing w/approx. 4 wks. of regular use.
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Shampoo -Aussie - Mega Shampoo [DISCONTINUED]
whisper 4/26/2003 10:54:00 AM
What I liked about Aussie MEGA... The fragrance was amazing - very tropical, (sweet, fruity coconut; slightly floral). Lingers after drying (even blow-drying!), which is always nice. It lathers well - this stuff is rich and creamy, it lathers up nicely on the hair and doesn't "cling" to hair; rinses out completely, leaves hair squeaky clean. What I didn't like... I have super thick, fairly course hair (I always go for the haircare products that read: for dry/damaged hair). This particular formula seemed to just completely STRIP my hair of any moisture it may have had. Not good :( I liked the scent so much when I washed with this though that I used it for about two weeks, just to give it the benefit of the doubt. I had less-than-desirable results. I still use this maybe once every couple of weeks - to strip my hair of excess buildup (does a great job at that) - but I would NOT recommend Aussie MEGA to those with dry/damaged/brittle hair. It's best for oily/fine/limp locks, as I am assuming it would create mucho volume and bounce for those individuals. Bottom line: Cheap and super nice-smelling...but don't even bother if you have dry hair!
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