Treatments (Eye) -Mario Badescu - Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream
ashleyanders 12/8/2009 7:55:00 PM
Check out my notepad to read a more detailed explanation of my facial skin type! What it Claims: "This easily absorbed, non-greasy eye cream is made with a blend of Vegetable, Carnation and antioxidant Rose Hips Oil. Reduces the look of dry, tired eyes and helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles to keep the delicate eye area looking moist and youthful." Claims - True or False? 1) Easily absorbed: False. I applied some to my eyes last night, and about 24 hours later, I can still feel a slight sticky residue from the cream. 2) Non-greasy: False. I noticed hours after application that my undereye area was glossy, and it appeared as though I'd just applied it. 3) Reduces lines and dryness: Undetermined, as I did not use it long enough. Packaging: I personally have only used the sample, but both the sample and the full size come in a tub. It can be slightly unhygienic, but I personally do not mind using products in a tub for areas like my eyes. You can easily just use something like a q-tip to remove the product. Comes in a white tub with simple labeling, so although it is pricey it has quite a simplistic look. Smell: There really isn't any noticeable fragrance to the cream, which is good for those with sensitive eyes or sensitive skin in general. Consistency: I find that it has a slightly whipped consistency, and quite thick. It has a cool mint colouring and smooths over the skin gently. It creates an almost silicone primer feel to the skin when applied. For super dry skin, this may work well as a primer under the eye area. It does leave you with a greasy residue, so you must use a VERY small amount. Ease of Use: Relatively easy to use. Just dab some onto your undereye area and pat it on. Because of how greasy and thick it was, I found it was hard to truly get it to blend into your skin without it being obvious. Bang for your Buck: I personally believe that 99% of eye creams are overpriced, this being one of them. If used on a regular basis, it may easily last quite some time, but by that point it may end up going bad. If you purchase some and find that you have too much left before it goes bad, just use it on other parts of your body. For 0.5oz at $18.00, and considering it isn't always widely available for physical purchase, I'd say that it is slightly overpriced. Final Consensus: Although I only used it once, I can tell that from the one use it is not a product that I would feel like using again. My eye area does have fine lines, but I do not have puffiness, dryness or dark circles, so finding a "vanilla" product is quite difficult. In my case, this product was too thick and hydrating and was just too average for me. I give it 2 lippies for being fragrance free and for not being irritating, and because I can easily see it working well for someone with very dry eyes. But for someone just looking for a basic eye cream, this may be too heavy for you. Overall Rating: 2/5 Price: 3/5 Packaging Quality: 3/5 Would you buy this product again: No.
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Conditioner -A/G - Re:Coil Curl Activating Conditioner
ashleyanders 12/7/2009 10:21:00 PM
What it Claims: "A rich, curl activating conditioner formulated to activate curls and keep them moisturized, conditioned and frizz free " Claims - True or False? 1) Rich: True. For someone with thin or normal hair, it might even resemble a deep conditioner. 2) Activates curls: True. It does not always seem to completely activate my curls/waves, though. 3) Keeps hair moisturized: True. It can be too heavy for my hair at times, though. 4) Frizz-free: False. While it minimizes frizz, I'll still get some frizz. Packaging: Unlike the shampoo, this conditioner comes in a squeeze tube packaging, perhaps because the conditioner itself isn't runny enough for a stand-up bottle. Comes with a flip-top, which can be a drawback as it collects water. Like the shampoo, it has a grey-white colouring with the ingredients list and directions. Fits nicely in your hands without feeling slippery or cumbersome, and is very smooth and elegant. It isn't transparent, but you can easily tell how much is left simply by squeezing the tube. Smell: I do prefer the smell of the conditioner to the shampoo, although they work nicely together and compliment one another. I cannot really describe the smell, but it isn't that strong and does not linger on the hair. Consistency: Has a traditional conditioner consistency; a balmy cream. On the thick side, white, and very smooth. Spreads like butter, literally. Because it isn't too liquid-y or watery, it is well-controlled. Ease of Use: Because it is a squeeze tube, you do have to be careful as to how hard you squeeze, as you can sometimes dispense too much. After using it a few times though, you can generally get a basic feel for it. Easily spreads into the hair without making the hair feel sticky, and rinses out easily enough. Bang for your Buck: This is a salon brand, so it is on the pricier side. At my local salon, the shampoo alone costs $20.00 for 6 fluid oz. There is less product than in the shampoo (a 2oz difference) but in reality, you really don't use as much conditioner as you do shampoo, so the difference isn't a big concern. I think that the conditioner has actually lasted longer than the shampoo. I've been using it for at least 4-5 months, but I can easily get another few months use out of it, if not more. For those that wash their hair less frequently, it may very well last up to a year or more. I personally purchase the shampoo and conditioner in a set (comes in a cardboard box), which costs around $32.00 all together, which makes for a saving of around 10 dollars if you want to purchase both the shampoo and conditioner. If purchased at a larger salon or supply store, you may be able to find a jumbo size which will likely save you even more in the long run. Final Consensus: Of all the conditioners I've used, this is probably my favourite. It's not perfect for my hair, but it works well and helped keep my hair pretty well maintained. I do recommend it for gals with wavy or curly hair who have yet to find a system that works for them. - Pros: Wonderful smell, creamy consistency, spreads nicely throughout the hair, is never runny, well priced for a salon brand, quite moisturizing, very easy to find here locally at salons and possibly in some drug stores. - Cons: Can be a bit heavy on my hair, does not always define curls and waves properly, does not completely help with frizz, because it is a Canadian brand it may not be as accessible outside of Canada. Overall Rating: 4/5 Price: 3/5 Packaging Quality: 4/5 Would you buy this product again: Yes.
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Shampoo -A/G - Re:Coil Curl Activating Shampoo
ashleyanders 12/7/2009 9:59:00 PM
- Skip down to 'final consensus' for short summary of overall thoughts on product - * Check out my notepad to read more about my skin and hair, as well as about products/techniques I currently use! * What it Claims: "A mild, sulfate-free curl activating shampoo formulated to maximize curl retention and control frizz, while creating inconceivable curls or soft, causal waves." Claims - True or False? 1) Mild: True. My hair does not feel like straw when used. 2) Maximize curl retention: True. My hair is on the wavy side, and not all areas curl naturally as much as the others. This is the only shampoo I've used that after showering, my curls actually curl. 3) Control frizz: False. It does help, but I still experience problems with frizz when using this shampoo. Packaging: This shampoo comes in a sleek grey-white plastic bottle, and has a press-down lid. There is no cap to flip open, meaning it is not going to become weak and break. The opening is large enough to get out a decent amount of product without over-doing it. Provides you with the ingredients list as well as directions, so it's easy to know exactly what is in there. The bottle is not transparent in any way, so it may not always be easy to know exactly how much is left, but you can pretty much guess by the weight difference. Quite slender and fits comfortably in smaller hands and works nicely in the shower. Smell: Although this does not have too strong of a scent, it is noticeable when using but does not linger on the hair once rinsed out. I'd probably say that it smells a bit like licorice, although it's not really a smell that I can personally distinguish. Not my favourite fragrance, but as it doesn't linger, it doesn't bother me. Consistency: This shampoo has a nice pearlized cream consistency that lathers up nicely without the use of SLS. Unless you use a large amount, it does not lather up in your hair all that much, but it still cleans the hair without the high lather factor. A good median thickness; not so thin as to run between your fingers but thin enough so easily spread it through your hands. It is quite moisturizing, so on my oily scalp it can cause oils to be noticeable within 2 days or so. Ease of Use: Simply dispense a small amount into the palm of your hand (I like to use a quarter-sized dollop or less on my shoulder length hair), work through your hands and massage into the hair. Rinses out after a few minutes under the shower-head, and it's easy to use the bottle itself without it flying about in the shower or slipping out of your hands while using. Bang for your Buck: This is a salon brand, so it is on the pricier side. At my local salon, the shampoo alone costs $20.00 for 8 fluid oz. and in my books, that's a pretty good deal. The shampoo, when used either every other day or every two days, lasted me at least 6 months. For those that use shampoo less frequently, it may very well last up to a year. I personally purchase the shampoo and conditioner in a set (comes in a cardboard box), which costs around $32.00 all together, which makes for a saving of almost 10 dollars if you want to purchase both the shampoo and conditioner. If purchased at a larger salon or supply store, you may be able to find a jumbo size. Final Consensus: Although not a HG product by any means, it's one of the only shampoos that I've had no issues with in terms of causing more damage to my hair or drying it out, and it does fulfill most of its claims moderately well. I do recommend it for gals with wavy or curly hair who have yet to find a system that works for them. I recommend that this shampoo only be used a few times a week at most - it contains proteins, which could lead to weakening of the hair over time if used to often. - Pros: Mild, works well at defining curls and waves, well priced for a salon brand, pretty easy to find here locally, a nice consistency without being overly lathering. - Cons: Somewhat off-putting scent, can be a bit drying on its own (worked best when combined with oil), does not help with frizz as much as I'd like it to. Overall Rating: 5/5 Price: 3/5 Packaging Quality: 4/5 Would you buy this product again: Yes.
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Samples -Mario Badescu - Sample Pack
ashleyanders 12/7/2009 6:34:00 PM
What It Is: This sample pack is a completely free package that allows you to try out a a few of their products, based on your skin type. Just fill out their questionnaire, wait for the email and proceed from there. Be sure you take your time with the questionnaire to ensure you will get the best results. What It Comes With: After waiting close to 5 weeks, I finally received my package in the mail. Enclosed are your samples, a Product Application Guide and a Product Guide booklet listing all of the products that can be found on the website. The application guide lets you know what samples were sent to you as well as how to use the products and in what order. There are easy-to-follow diagrams showing you how each type of product is to be applied, which may be beneficial to those just starting out with skin care or for those that are unsure as to how to go about using. Packaging: In my pack, I received 8 samples (was meant to be 9, but the Buffering Lotion sample was out of stock when my pack was shipped). The cleanser and toner came in small squeeze tubes about 1 1/2 inches in length, while the others came in small tubs of varying size. They are clean, simple, and absolutely adorable. They each have a circular label giving you the name of the product and what skin type they are designed for. The ingredients are not listed in the booklet or on the packages, but ingredients can be obtained via the website itself. My samples: - Enzyme Cleansing Gel - Special Cucumber Lotion (toner) - Aloe Moisturizer SPF 15 - Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream - Almond and Honey Non-Abrasive Face Scrub - Flower and Tonic Mask - Healing Cream - Drying Cream Bang for your Buck: Although you do need to wait 4-6 weeks to receive your sample, it will be worth it. I've yet to actually try the products out, but I can see that with some I will be able to sample them for at least a few weeks, possibly a month if I am lucky. The samples are completely free, meaning that you do not even need to pay for shipping. So, for a price like that, go ahead and send for some samples! Final Consensus: After hearing/reading some positive reviews for the brand from a few of my favourite beauty resources, I decided to apply for a sample pack. Having difficult skin to manage, it's nice to know that a company is wiling to send out free products for you to test out. Can't beat the price, the service is really great, the packaging is superb.. But, they don't allow you to choose your own samples. Although a product may be created for my skin type(s), some of their products (including a few that they sent me) contain ingredients that I am sensitive/allergic to, and that can easily break me out. I would love it if they allowed you to put together your own sample pack after filling out the questionnaire, and have them provide you with a list of all the products that are designed for your skin types. This way, you can look over the products to see what you WANT to try, to see what will not at all work for you, and go from there. Because of this, I have taken off half a lippy, but I have actually sent out for another sample pack last week with a slightly different questionnaire; hopefully that gets me with some good samples that I am not sensitive to! Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Price: 1/5 Packaging Quality: 5/5 Would you buy this product again: Yes.
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Scrubs -Boots - Botanics In-Shower Facial Polish
ashleyanders 12/4/2009 8:08:00 PM
Check out my notepad to read a more detailed explanation of my facial skin type! What it Claims: "ACTIVE PLANT EXTRACTS. Plant extracts at levels that really work. Naturally. Skin can become congested or dull and needs deep cleansing. This invigorating polish contains both protective Vitamin E pearls and exfoliating microbeads. Skin is left energized and radiant." Claims - True or False? 1) Skin is left energized and radiant: False. After using, my skin did feel slightly smooth, but it did not look much different than before using the scrub. Possibly because it is too drying for my oily prone skin? Packaging: I believe that this is one of the most simple yet elegant packaging's that I've come across as of late. The scrub comes in a clear plastic tube, with a flip-top lid and a straight-forward label sticker. That's it; no cardboard box, or plastic wrapping. The clear tube is very convenient as it allows you to know exactly how much product is left, while the label sticker provides you with directions, ingredients and other general details. It definitely has a high-end look to it for a fraction of the price. The plastic is very soft, smooth and has a slight opaqueness to it, and does not slip away from hands. Smell: My favourite part of this scrub is the scent. I can't really distinguish what the scent itself is, but it gives off a very mild, clean scent that reminds me of rainy spring afternoons. The fragrance is noticeable when in use, but does not linger after washed off. For sensitive skin, it must be noticed that there IS added fragrance, which can be an irritant for many. Definitely skip this is your skin is sensitive to fragrances. Consistency: What I love about this scrub is that it is non-lathering. I refuse to use lathering scrubs; I mean, scrubs are for exfoliating, and not cleansing! That being said, I would classify this scrub as having an almost gel-like consistency, perhaps a watery gel. It actually reminds me of hair gel minus the tackiness. It is slightly thin, and spreads with ease on skin. The scrubbing particles are very fine and are not visible in colour, while the small Vit E pearls can be easily seen. Because it is watery, I find that it can dispense much too quickly. The scrubbing particles do not dissolve on the skin, so you can easily spend your time scrubbing away. Ease of Use: The use of the scrub itself is very simple. Dispense a small dollop, rub into hands and gently rub onto the face in circular motions. It did not stick to my face or to other surfaces, so it's fairly simple in terms of washing off. One gripe about the use is while dispensing the product, it can be quite difficult to ensure that only a small amount of product is released. I constantly found that a very large dollop, perhaps around the size of a quarter, would come out when I only needed about half. Cap flips off very gently and easily, and is very convenient for shower use. Bang for your Buck: Although not nearly as expensive as many scrubs out there, it is on the slightly pricier side if you are a regular drug-store buyer. Here at Shoppers Drug Mart, I believe the price was $12.99CAD for 100mL. I generally used it 2-4 times a week depending on how my skin was feeling, and for those few weeks where I did use it regularly, I did notice that it used up quite a bit of product. I can see how it may only last a few months for those that enjoy using a scrub on a more frequent basis. If you feel comfortable shelling out 10+ dollars every few months for the scrub, then it may be a good deal for you, but I do feel slightly ripped off. Final Consensus: While I had high hopes for this scrub, in the end it was simply average. I did not notice any improvements in my skin, and in fact it may have worsened my acne while I used it. My blackheads remained just as stubborn as always, my skin would become much shinier/greasier the day and sometimes the day after using, and it was slightly irritating. I did go through a honeymoon phase for a few weeks, where I enjoyed the overall feel of the scrub on my skin, but much like reviewer kayspray, after a while my honeymoon phase turned into stale marriage phase. Beautiful packaging, smells fantastic, but for the price and the overall lack of any decent results, it's definitely not something that is worth it in my books. Give it a go, but if you are sensitive to extracts or to certain types of granules, skip it. Will be trying out the aloe scrub from The Body Shop next, hopefully it will be gentle enough and still provide results! Overall Rating: 3/5 Price: 3/5 Packaging Quality: 4/5 Would you buy this product again: No.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Maybelline - Shiny-Licious - ALL colors
ashleyanders 11/27/2009 12:25:00 AM
What it Claims: "• Gives lush shiny color to lips • Ultra-lightweight feel and glass-like shiny finish • Get precision application with the exclusive flock tip • Juicy shades and flavour names • Glass-like shiny finish with light to medium coverage • Allergy tested and dermatologist tested" Claims - True or False? 1) Shiny colour: True. The glossy finish is quite light. I find that applying more layers increases the shine. 2) Lightweight feel: True. It is felt on the lips but does not feel uncomfortable. 3) Precision application: More or less. I still end up getting some gloss outside my lip line, but this will likely differ for others depending on lip size. 4) Light to medium coverage: True. This product does NOT offer opaque full coverage, but is easily buildable. Packaging: Aesthetically, it's very simple and straight-forward, providing you with the name of the company and flavour. It comes in a transparent plastic tube, allowing you to see the shade and the amount. The caps are the same colour as the gloss itself, which provides a nice uniform look. Biggest con, lack of ingredients list. The ingredients are not listed on the website either.The tube design ensures you can use up all of the gloss. The applicator tip that is on all of my recent tube is plastic, but I find it is slightly too big for my smaller lips. The website claims they have a felt tip applicator, which I've had in the past, and preferred the smaller size. However, they both worked pretty much the same and smoothly apply the gloss. Smell: Although they are not overpowering, I find that they have an odd "after smell", which is not present in every flavour. So, if odd smells are a big deal for you, sniff before purchasing. The scent is faint enough that it isn't noticeable while wearing. The fragrance seems to match that of the taste however - smells odd, tastes odd. If you are a notorious lip-licker, perhaps skip these glosses. Consistency: Not too thick, not too watery, not too sticky. The formula applies evenly, and because of the consistency, it fades evenly and lasts at least a few hours. Because they are not very opaque, reapplying does not cause the lips to look overly tinted or caked. The gloss is very smooth, which allows the product to be applied evenly without tugging at the lips. Although not terribly sticky, if you are a fan of watery or thin glosses, you may find the glosses to be too sticky. I've had past tubes with glitter in them, but I do not know whether those have been removed from the line or not. Most seem to have a pearlized finish, which makes them great for day wear. Ease of Use: On smaller lips, it may be slightly difficult to ensure it does not escape the lip line, but other than that, there are no application issues. The tube itself provides a good amount of friction so that it's unlikely to slip, and the plastic is soft enough to allow easy dispensing without causing too much to come out at once. Layering is easy if a more glossy/opaque look is desired, but there is no issue when wanting to apply a sheer amount. The cap twists on and off in a few seconds. Because it is thinner and not very sticky, removal is very simple, and can easily be done with a kleenex. Bang for your Buck: For those that love buying glosses, the price of this product definitely justifies purchasing as many as you'd like. They are about the size of the average gloss, and can easily last a year or longer with regular use. Drug stores often hold BOGOS and discounts, so the glosses will generally be under $10.00. And if you dislike the gloss, they can be returned, and if they aren't returned then it's not a huge loss money-wise. Final Consensus: Being a gloss junkie, I'm always out on the lookout for good deals on glosses. I've been a fan of this brand for at least 3 years, and they are still ranked up there with my more expensive brands. There are various shades (On the American website, I only counted 9 shades, while the Canadian site listed at least 15. The amount of shades offered may be different in all countries), and while they are not the perfect gloss, they are definitely worth trying. If you are a fan of full coverage lip products, this will not be for you, but for those that want something simple that can be thrown on without any thought, these may possibly be for you. Overall Rating: 4 - 4.5/5 Price: 2/5 Packaging Quality: 3/5 Would you buy this product again: Yes
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Lips -Lavanila - HEALTHY LIP BUTTER - Pure Vanilla
ashleyanders 11/3/2009 6:12:00 PM
What it Claims: "A decadent blend of fresh Madagascar vanilla and sweet honey leave lips tasting as good as they feel. This all-natural powerful lip moisturizer deeply hydrates and protects with SPF 15. 100% Shea, Kokum, Illipe and Cocoa butters soothe while super anti-oxidants deliver 30 essential vitamins and minerals for healthy, seriously soft lips." Claims - True or False? 1) Deeply hydrates: False. 2) Good taste: False. Packaging: The same packaging as basically 90% of glosses. If the cap is screwed on too tight though, it WILL break the packaging. Aesthetically, it's a very beautiful package, simple and elegant. Unlike their glosses, it's an opaque tube that does not allow you to see how much is left, which I dislike. It has a slanted tip for application, which is a little bit large in size for my tastes/lips. Smell: Very faint, not a smell that I can even remember. Although I do not recall it smelling like vanilla. Consistency: A very thin, greasy yet not very emollient formula. It would go on slick and smooth, but not at all like a normal balm. There were also pieces of grit in it, which made it both unpleasant to keep on the lips and made it feel weird while applying. Which led to constantly wiping off and reapplying to try and not get the grit. Perhaps it was just my tube, I have no idea. The colouring is a nice off-white, and there is no shimmer at all. It offers a nice mild sheen to the lips. Bang for your Buck: This balm/butter costs an average of $20.00CAD for 0.5oz. While it's not significantly different in price and amount than other similarly priced brands, I found that this product would get used up fairly quickly because of the consistency issues mentioned above as well as because of how thin the formula was. Final Consensus: Although I did initially like this balm, with more use I found it to be ill-suited to my lips. It just did not seem to perform the way I was expecting it to, and the issues with the consistency just made it a hassle to use. Overall, I would not recommend this to others on a hunt for a good hydrating lip product. - Pros: Faint and pleasant scent, no shimmer, lightweight, pretty packaging, - Cons: Pricey for its effectiveness, gritty consistency, tube can break easily, greasy and not emollient, doesn't live up to claims. Overall Rating: 2/5 Price: 2/5 Packaging Quality: 3/5 Would you buy this product again: No.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Primer/ Corrector -Smashbox - Photo Finish Light
ashleyanders 11/3/2009 3:22:00 PM
Check out my notepad to read a more detailed explanation of my facial skin type! What it Claims: "Our new oil-free, 60% water based primer is ideal for oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin. This silky blend of vitamins and antioxidants helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer skin and can be worn alone or under foundation to increase its longevity. The revolutionary formula has oil absorbers for a smooth matte finish all day, light diffusers to minimize the appearance of imperfections, and vitamin C and peptides to help even skin tone and promote collagen production for a flawless future." Claims - True or False? 1) Reduce appearance of fine lines and pores: False. When I used it, my skin looked exactly the same with it on as it did without it on. 2) Soft skin: True. However, it didn't actually do anything to my skin - the silicone is what felt soft, not my skin. 3) Matte skin/finish all day: False. More like a few hours at most. Regardless of whether it was worn alone or under makeup, it kept my skin matte for a very short amount of time. 4) Promotes an even skin tone: False. My skin tone never changed, and none of those "special" ingredients benefited my skin in any way. Packaging: I believe that this is the only positive part of this product. I find that the packaging looks very slick and is useful for the product itself. You can clearly see how much is left, and it definitely does allow you go get every last drop. Somewhat of a clumsy design, but still pretty great. Smell: The smell.. well, the one thing that comes to mind is Elmer's Glue. I don't know why, but this primer reminds me of the smell of that glue, although not as strong. Definitely wasn't a bothersome smell, but just a "huh" type of smell. I think I actually somewhat liked the smell actually. Consistency: Like most silicone primers, very smooth. I would say that it resembles the consistency of a gel cream, semi thick and spreads thinly. I believe it dried somewhat powdery as well. Ease of Use: Because it is a pump, you must be careful with how hard you press down to ensure you do not dispense too much. With this in mind, it's still quite easy to use. The product is moderately easy in terms of application - if not done with a quick hand, you may not be able to apply it to the entire face properly. Bang for your Buck: Some will say that it is expensive. Which is true. But, it did seem to last me quite some time, at least 5 months with regular use. If you do not use makeup often, purchase the to-go tube instead. Final Consensus: Pretty on the outside, terrible on the inside. A product that makes a lot of claims, and just does not live up to its own hype. Definitely, go ahead and try it, but get a sample first. This primer definitely is not on my shopping list. Overall Rating: 1/5 Price: 3/5 Packaging Quality: 3/5 Would you buy this product again: No.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Maybelline - Great Lash Mascara
ashleyanders 10/10/2009 7:34:00 PM
What it Claims: "• Conditions as it thickens lashes • Lash-doubling formula glides on smoothly to build great-looking lashes • Lash-building brush makes it easy to get a full lash look without clumps • Hypoallergenic and contact lens safe" Claims - True or False? 1) Conditions: False. Gave a very brittle appearance and feel to my lashes. 2) Thickens: False. Gave my lashes a "chicken legs" appearance. Even if it did thicken, it was much too clumpy to let you tell that it was thickening. 3) Glides on smoothly: False. Because of how watery it is, it was never a very smooth application. 4) Full lashes without clumps: False and false again. Not full lashes, more like short and skimpy. My lashes are naturally about average, not too thin and not too thick, and have decent length. This just made my lashes look wimpy. Oh and, the only time it didn't clump was when it wasn't on my lashes. 5) Contact safe: Undetermined, as I do not wear contacts. Packaging: Aesthetically, I really hate how it looks. I find that the colours clash, it gives off a childish appearance and looks cheap. Packaging overall is average. The brush was a good size though, as I prefer smaller brushes. Smell: I do not remember how it smelled, as I haven't worn this in years. I do however believe that it had a very chemical-y smell. Definitely not fun. Consistency: Watery, thick and thin. Caused clumping and made lashes look fake in that bad way. Possibly flaked, although I do not remember. Ease of Use: Because of how it made my lashes clump together, it wasn't the easiest mascara to use. I constantly was going over the lashes to try and get some volume and length and to try and keep the lashes apart, but all I got was spidery and clumpy. Bang for your Buck: Both a rip off and a steal. Steal because it's very cheap, rip off because it's not even worth those 6 dollars. Go ahead and buy yourself a burger and fries with that money instead, will definitely be worth it. Final Consensus: Terrible mascara that really no one should buy. I remember when I'd watch What Not To Wear and see Carmindy use it, the women always ended up with nasty, short, clumped lashes. One of many reasons I hate both Carmindy (I always have to mute the TV when she comes on, or change the channel) and this mascara. If you naturally have thick, long lashes, this may work for you. Overall Rating: 1/5 Price: 1/5 Packaging Quality: 3/5 Would you buy this product again: No.
6 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Makeup Remover -Lancome - Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Make-up Remover
ashleyanders 10/9/2009 7:14:00 PM
- Skip down to 'final consensus' for short summary of overall thoughts on product - * Check out my notepad to read more about my skin and hair, as well as about products/techniques I currently use! * ** I live in Canada, so I have the North American version. I saw another reviewer saying there are other versions for different countries or something? I DO know there is a Sensitive version of this product - This review is NOT for the sensitive version but for the regular version. ** What it Claims: "Double-phase, fresh-as-water liquid eye makeup remover. Activates when shaken to gently whisk away even waterproof eye makeup, while conditioning and refreshing the skin. Ideal for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. Leaves eyes feeling cool and relaxed, with no oily residue. Ophthalmologist-Tested For Safety." Claims - True or False? 1) Gently removes makeup: True. Does not generally irritate my eyes, and the skin does not feel irritated. 2) Removes waterproof makeup: True. I rarely wear waterproof makeup, so it may not be for those that do. It helps remove my more stubborn liners and shadows. 3) Conditions the skin: False. It can make the skin feel smooth, but I find this to be superficial. Using an eye cream or lotion of some sort would probably be wise. 4) No greasy residue: False. Because it is silicone-based, it's not a shock that it leaves a residue, but this is not a negative aspect for me. Simply let it sit and absorb or rinse with water to remove the residue with ease. Packaging: This makeup remover comes in an aesthetically pleasing bottle with a child-proof screw-off lid. The bottle is plastic, so the lid and plastic packaging make it great for light travel (such as tossing it in your gym bag). I really do dislike the lid though, as I generally have difficulties with child-proof lids and it can take a while to open it. The small opening means that the amount dispensed is small, so you rarely get too much. While the small opening is a plus in this respect, I find that it can be a bit annoying to know exactly how much I'm applying to my cotton pad. Very hygienic, lists the ingredients, and feels comfortable in your hand while using. Clear packaging allows for users to see how much is left, which is very convenient. Smell: Really doesn't have much of a smell, at least not one that I have noticed. Recommend smelling in stores before to see if you notice it however, as strong fragrances would likely irritate the eye area. Consistency: It's like oily water - not as thick as oil but still greasy. Shaken up, it becomes a slightly soapy mixture but does not become foamy. Very smooth as well. I adore the fact that the combined liquid remains combined for a long time. I can easily get distracted by something else, and 5 minutes later see that it is still combined and only needs a little shaking up to ensure it's properly combined. This is great if you have a lot of makeup on and need to go back to the bottle for more remover. Ease of Use: Once opening it, I apply my cotton pad to the opening and shake. Tip the bottle over and it pours out with ease. This product makes removal of makeup quite easy, and does not require a lot of effort to get pigments off the eyes. I find that wetting my cotton pad and then using it works best. I simply press it up against my eye, and the makeup is lifted away without having to tug at the skin. Bang for your Buck: This remover costs $26.00USD, or about $34.00CAD, for 4.2oz. When used daily, this remover would likely last anywhere from 4-6 months, possibly longer depending on how much makeup you wear. I generally don't wear makeup daily, and will often only wear it 4-5 days a week. During holidays, other than when going over to relatives for special occasions, I will also skip the makeup. So, while it is very expensive for something that must be purchased at least twice a year, I do think that the product is of excellent quality and I am willing to pay the high price! Final Consensus: For anyone looking for a high-quality eye makeup remover and price is not your priority, give Bi-Facil a try. I've tried a few other cheap removers, including one with a bi-phase consistency, and all have failed in comparison. A wonderful product to use at the end of your day or whenever makeup needs to be removed. Will repurchase, and highly recommended. - Pros: Extremely effective at removing all makeup, does not leave behind glitter on the skin, the layers stay combined for a long time after being shaken, does not (generally) cause irritation, does not promote milia or breakouts, no strong fragrance, hygienic bottle, travel-friendly. - Cons: Pricey, may potentially dry out the area due to the emulsifiers, the cap can be a pain to open. Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Price: 4/5 Packaging Quality: 3/5 Would you buy this product again:Yes.
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Masks -The Body Shop - Tea Tree Oil Face Mask
ashleyanders 10/9/2009 3:05:00 AM
Check out my notepad to read a more detailed explanation of my facial skin type! ** Based on an older version that I still have lying around the house - the package looks to be revamped, so I don't know if the product itself is different or not. ** What it Claims: "Intense action to purify, deep cleanse, absorb excess oil and help prevent blemishes." Claims - True or False? 1) Purify/deep cleanse: False. While it gives you that tingly sensation (or in my case, mild burning), it doesn't really seem to do anything that spectacular. 2) Absorbs excess oil: True. I found it to be slightly drying though. 3) Helps prevent blemishes: False. The mask really didn't do anything huge for my acne - I don't remember if it made them worse or not, but when used as a spot treatment, I do know that I'd wake up to the same zit the next morning, only maybe slightly smaller. Did not make healing any faster. Packaging: As with all of their masks, it's in a tube. Come on TBS, you should know better! Putting an acne fighting mask in a tub that is basically a breeding ground for bacteria? Not cool! I'd prefer if it were in a squeeze tube, that way it would be much more hygienic. The only real benefit is that it means you can scrape out every last bit of this stuff. Smell: Love the smell. Very strong, and distinctive. I love the scent of tea tree oil, so for those that do not, steer away from this. Can be smelled both while on your hands and on your face, but for me it was nothing annoying or offensive. Consistency: Quite thick, and doesn't always apply evenly. Smooth, cooling, very much like a lot of clay masks. The classic green slumber-party mask, so use in the privacy of your own room or bathroom. It dries within about 20 minutes, but doesn't dry so hard that it hurts your face. Ease of Use: Application is easy, despite it not always applying evenly. Thick enough to apply it to the face without any issue, but can be tricky to get it to not drag to other areas once you apply it if you are applying more to a close area (or more to what you already applied). Washing it off is annoying as hell. It takes a good deal of patience to get it to wash off completely, so will be best removed in a shower. Bang for your Buck: Despite being a little expensive for the amount given, it will last. Used once a week, you can easily have it in your bathroom for up to 6 months - mine lasted a LONG time because I didn't use it regularly. You can get it cheaper when using your TBS card or when they hold their sales/discounts. Final Consensus: An okay mask that delivers minor results and dries my skin out. Not to mention burns my skin quite a bit. It did leave me with smooth skin, but because of how it irritated, I didn't like using it very often. I do wish it were more conditioning, but it is meant for oily skin, so it's no wonder they made it drying (which tends to make my oilies a lot worse). I believe that the Kaolin is what caused it to not be very effective on my acne (as Kaolin is an ingredient that tends to break me out when left on my face for long periods of time), or possibly just how drying it was. Either way, much like all other clay-based masks of masks containing clay ingredients, this is much too drying without reaping many benefits. Overall Rating: 3/5 Price: 3/5 Packaging Quality: 2/5 Would you buy this product again: No.
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Moisturizers -Biore - SkinPreservation Dual Fusion Moisturizer+SPF 30 ] [DISCONTINUED]
ashleyanders 10/7/2009 2:33:00 PM
Check out my notepad to read a more detailed explanation of my facial skin type! ** UPDATED REVIEW ** What it Claims: "...Delivers a unique blend of weightless hydration to nourish transitional skin and includes UV protection to help prevent sunburn...It improves dryness, the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone. Also contains naturally sourced moisturizing antioxidants." Claims - True or False? 1) Weightless hydration: True. It sinks into my skin instantly, however it does become shiny within hours. 2) Improves dryness: False. Works fine on my combo-oily areas, but on my cheeks (normal to dry and prone to flaking), it really didn't have much impact. 3) Improves fine lines and skin tone: Undetermined. While I do have fine lines, I do not believe that this product has very much impact on it (this job goes to my night cream). My skin tone definitely looks a lot better than it has in the past, but this easily could be from other products. Packaging: This product is notorious for having difficult packaging. Thankfully, I lucked out with buying a working pump. Despite this inconvenience, I do like that it is dual chambered. It would be beneficial if the pump itself was redesigned, either by introducing two separate pumps, or by fixing whatever problem that is currently plaguing it. I find that a lot of the reviews on here are not being very fair, as they are only reviewing it based on the packaging and NOT on the PRODUCT. That being said, the faulty packaging was not enough of a concern for me to pass it up. To anyone that is thinking of purchasing, TRY IT OUT in the store before purchasing to ensure you pick up a working one. My one true pet peeve with this product is that it is almost impossible to tell when you might need to repurchase, which is definitely important when it comes to moisturizers with SPF. I mean, you don't want to wake up Monday morning to find you do not have any SPF to wear! On the plus side, it's a very aesthetically pleasing product. Smell: I adore the scent. It is fresh, light, and very subtle. Almost energizing, and makes for a wonderful treat in the morning. I definitely don't get a strong sunscreen smell from the product, which is nice if you find that scent to be bothersome. I believe that the scent is light enough for those that are sensitive to fragrance to try out. Consistency: Very smooth. The lotion part has a bit of a gel-like texture to it while still being a lotion, and the SPF part has a sunscreen feel to it. It doesn't feel runny or thick, but somewhere in between. It sinks in very fast as well, but is still blend-able. Ease of Use: Packaging aside, the product itself is easy to use. When dispensed, simply mix both together on the finger tips and pat onto the skin. Then, massage it all in to ensure that you do not miss any areas. Alternatively, you can pump out both products into separate areas, apply the moisturizer alone and wait 5 minutes before applying the sunscreen. I tried this, but I did not notice any difference in application or the look of my skin, perhaps only less of a white cast at first. The pump itself can be tricky to use, but if you have a non-defective one, it's not a huge issue. I find that it can sometimes dispense too much, but only when I press down too hard. It can sometimes help to leave your face a bit damp and then apply the product, this will make it easier to massage into the skin. Bang for your Buck: For a drug store product, this is definitely on the pricey side. Similar in price to the Aveeno brand, but unlike Aveeno, this product will only last a few months. I'd estimate it lasting 3 months with daily use, and at around 20 dollars, that's just not enough longevity. I was lucky enough to pick it up at around $13.00 on sale, but trying to buy when only on sale would be slightly risky as sales are not always constant for all brands. Final Consensus: My skin is definitely picky. With a combination skin type (oily, normal, dry, dehydrated, acne prone, sensitive), I definitely need to be careful with what I use. After months of use, I've come to the conclusion that this product will not be going onto my shopping list any time soon. While it was light and did not make me overly greasy, it did leave me with an oily face after some time (or was it a white cast? I have fair skin, so I never noticed it making my skin look white even when I became flushed, but I did notice that my skin became very shiny). Did not hydrate my cheeks very well, and worst of all I believe it has been the cause of my breakouts. I've been getting many more blackheads and whiteheads, probably because it is a chemical sunscreen. Overall, just not for me and not worth it. Overall Rating: 3/5 Price: 3/5 Packaging Quality: 2/5 Would you buy this product again: No.
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Masks -Boots - Botanics conditioning clay mask
ashleyanders 10/7/2009 2:10:00 PM
- Skip down to 'final consensus' for short summary of overall thoughts on product - * Check out my notepad to read more about my skin and hair, as well as about products/techniques I currently use! * What it Claims: "Botanics Conditioning Clay Mask is a rich clay mask which attracts deep rooted impurities from the skin without over drying." Claims - True or False? 1) Attracts deep rooted impurities: False. My skin did not look or feel as though impurities were lessened. 2) Not over drying: False. Definitely dried out my skin, imparted no moisture. Packaging: This mask comes in a small toothpaste-like tube with a twist-off cap. Normally, I would love a packaging like this as it is both hygienic and easy to use. However, because this mask is quite runny compared to most masks, it tends to cause some issues. Aesthetically, it's absolutely fantastic - it has a very subtle look to it, and the colours work well with the mask. While it wins in my books in terms of looks (reminds me of the aesthetics found on The Body Shop products), it is about average in terms of effectiveness of the actual package. Smell: Well, it's a clay mask. Smell reminds me a bit of dirt. It's nothing too offensive or too mild, and the smell itself isn't really all that off-putting. Consistency: Very runny compared to other masks. I was expecting it to be as runny as water based on these reviews, but it's more like, well, mud. Like somewhat watery mud. So while it is very thin and runny, it doesn't just flow out of the tube without control. There is also a fine grit to the product, which may be what causes the dryness for me. I definitely am not a fan of exfoliating masks. Once on your face, it dries within minutes. Ease of Use: I'd say that this mask is slightly more difficult to use than most masks based on how thin it is. It's pretty easy to dispense the product (just be careful to not squeeze too hard or you will end up with too much product), it's not as easy to distribute it on your face. I find that I end up with "naked" spots because it does not want to go on evenly. Unlike other masks I've tried though, it washes off very easily. Bang for your Buck: This mask cost about $12.00CAD for 120ml. Although you would only use this once or twice a week, I can easily see this being used up quite fast. For this simple fact, I would say that this is not the best deal or product that you can find for the price. Final Consensus: Overall, this mask really did not deliver for my skin. It did not aid in blemishes, dryness, or in oiliness, and did make some of these issues more noticeable. The mask is decently priced for the amount given, so if you are looking for an affordable clay mask and do not currently suffer from dryness or irritation/sensitive skin, give this one a shot. I would like to mention that I have tried about 4 products from this line, and they have all caused similar issues with dryness and irritation. I believe that my skin is simply sensitive and reactive to natural plant ingredients, hence my reaction. - Pros: Relatively affordable, no-frill mask, rinses off easily, dries fast, does not have a 'cooling' sensation (which usually causes irritation). - Cons: Caused dryness and mild irritation, can be messy, consistency is too runny, packaging does not work as well as I'd like for the consistency, does not apply evenly to the skin, possibly broke me out. Overall Rating: 3/5 Price: 3/5 Packaging Quality: 3/5 Would you buy this product again: No.
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Lipstick -Maybelline - Color Sensational
ashleyanders 10/1/2009 2:19:00 AM
What it Claims: "Fall in love with colour all over again with lipcolour so rich, so stunning… it’s sensational. • The purest pigments give you CRISPER COLOUR. • Nourishing honey nectar leaves lips with a CREAMIER FEEL." Claims - True or False? 1) Crisp Colour: True. However, I found that it didn't give you the FULL colour with one swipe, more so a medium coverage. Which I think fine, as it allows more control. 2) Nourishing: Undetermined. I have yet to wear the one lipstick I bought for a full day, but when I do wear it, it doesn't feel dry, nor look dry (however, it will accentuate any dry flakes on the lips, so be sure your lips are not dried out or cracked) Packaging: I have to be honest, I'm not a huge fan of the packaging. It's easy, but I find that it's a little boxy. However, the packaging is fine, and is not anything that would cause me to not want to purchase it. I think it would be better if there was something there to secure the lid for travel, but it's not a huge importance to me. Smell: The one that I bought, Coral Crush, didn't have an offensive smell, but it was something noticeable. I never notice it while applying however, so it's nothing that bothers me. Consistency: I found that this lip stick gave me a toned down lip gloss feeling, while still giving a lip stick look. It has a semi-glossy finish, but nothing close to a lip gloss. Maybe I've just been using glosses for too long, but I'd love to see maybe a teensy bit of shimmer or more gloss, but you can easily layer it with something else. The lip stick applies with a creamy glide, and is thin/smooth enough that I can pat it on for a small wash of colour. Ease of Use: Fairly easy to use. Granted I am new to the lip stick world, but the only difficulty I had was having it not leave the boundaries of my lips in certain areas. Because of this, I will likely be purchasing an inexpensive lip brush to practice with. Glides on easily from the tube without pulling or dragging on my lips, and can easily be smoothed out once applied if it goes on too thickly. Bang for your Buck: This was just under $10.00. For something that I may only use a few times a month (unless I figure out how to make the colour work for me), I'd say it's a good deal. For someone that wears lip stick on a regular basis, I'd say it's a good deal, however it may be a hassle in terms of longevity (reapplying during the day will cut short the tube's lifetime). Final Consensus: Although this lipstick offers a lot of potential, it always seems to accentuate any flakes on my lips, even the tiniest ones. Not as smooth as I'd like, nor is it as creamy as I'd like. For a basic lip stick, or for someone starting out, it could possibly work for you. I likely will not repurchase, and will instead seek out other brands. Overall Rating: 3/5 Price: 2/5 Packaging Quality: 2/5 Would you buy this product again: No.
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Scrubs -Unlisted Brand - Soap & Glory - Scrub Your Nose In It
ashleyanders 9/29/2009 11:18:00 PM
Check out my notepad to read a more detailed explanation of my facial skin type! ** Based on a one-use review. I never do this, but based on this initial use, I have already decided what my opinion of this product is. ** What it Claims: "Helps minimize the look of large pores." Claims - True or False? 1) Minimizes large pores: Undetermined. My large pores are simply something genetic that never changes regardless of products I use. My forehead looked nice, but I do not really have large pores on my t-zone. Packaging: The same, cutesy semi-childish packaging that their other products have. One thing that I really don't like is how there is SO much "show" but not a lot of information. For instance, is this good for all skin types or specific types? It tells you how to use it, it has a hygienic design, and it's overall an average packaging. Smell: The smell isn't the best, but it's not terrible. Slightly minty, but reminds me of those chalk Tums. While the smell is faint in the tube, it's quite strong once it's on your face - which was not something I really enjoyed all that much. Consistency: The consistency reminds me of that of the new Biore SkinPreservation scrub (see my review on my page). The granules are really not visible, yet you can feel a grit when rubbed in your hands. With this product, it has a slight clay consistency, which I guess is why you can use it as a 3 minute mask. Semi thick, so it easily stays on your face without dripping. Ease of Use: It's a scrub. Not hard to use. Just rub it in. However, it says to use on your t-zone only. So it can become a hassle to remember to not spread it over your ENTIRE face, which is what I did. Washes off almost instantly, unlike many other products. Which makes it great when you are quickly doing your routine to get out of the house or go to bed. Bang for your Buck: At my local Shopper's Drug Mart, I paid about $13.00 for this. At 115mL (did they reformulate/repackage? I believe it normally was 125mL), I believe that this is a decent price. I can easily see this being used in within 3 months of twice weekly use. Final Consensus: Great consistency, as I do like finely milled scrubs. However, this scrub irritated my skin. When I used it, the mint was overpowering both in scent and in tingling. On my skin, mint tends to be irritating. When I went in for a more thorough nose scrub, it literally burned my skin. After washing it all off, I could see that my face was matte and clean of the day's products (too-greasy sunscreen mostly), and my cheeks were flaking. While it would be a nice addition in the summer for the t-zone, it simply is too drying for my acne-prone, combo/oily dehydrated skin. If it were to not contain the mint, it possibly could have worked. Because of the way it is currently formulated, I can easily see this scrub breaking me out while overdrying my skin. Harsh products generally make my acne (and most acne for everyone) issues much worse. I did notice that a small whitehead came to the surface after washing off. It may have made my skin smooth once I moisturized, but it's not worth the irritation and possible break outs. Will next be trying the Boots Botanics Purifying Face Scrub, and hopefully it will work better! Overall Rating: 2/5 Price: 3/5 Packaging Quality: 4/5 Would you buy this product again: No.
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