Hair Styling Tools -Goody - Spin Pin
SparkleBunny37 4/24/2013 6:48:00 PM
Goody Spin Pins are hair pins that I've been interested in for quite a while, probably ever since they came out a few years ago. Goody says that these unique hair pins will "allow you to easily achieve chic up-do style. Simply twirl your hair up and spin two Spin Pins in for a undone bun, side bun, or double bun." These pins are available in two colors for light and dark hair. Goody makes a very lofty claim about the Spin Pins, stating that they'll do the work of 20 bobby pins. I can't really test that claim, I own no bobby pins and have never styled my hair with them. In fact, let me just put this out there, I don't know nothin' about hair. My hair has four styles, pony tail, half pony tail, a basic bun, or a braid. Anything else is entirely too much effort for me. Spin Pins are sold in sets of two and sell for between $5-8, depending on where you buy them. Goody also offers Spin Pin Minis, which come in sets of three and sell for the same price. I was sent two sets of these hair pins as part of a Christmas gift from my friend Mariah. Good Spin Pins are made in China. Goody's Spin Pins come housed in a pink cardboard box with directions on how to use the pins along with tips on creating certain styles. The pins themselves are dark brown (the ones for blonde hair are a gold). These pins have a double helix shape (think of a DNA strand). These pins are made of a light metal, I think it might be aluminum. Goody's pins aren't the most sturdy, they get bent out of shape pretty quickly, they seem like the type of product that needs to be repurchased often. Goody's Spin Pins seem kinda intimidating at first. If you have thick hair like I do, you know how much it sucks to get any hair accessory stuck in your hair. A double helix shaped pin seems like a disaster waiting to happen, but no! The Spin Pins are surprisingly easy to use and remove for the most part. All you do is spin them in, for once it really is as easy as the company makes it seem. To take the Spin Pins out, just twist them in the opposite direction and they pop right out. You do need to be careful not to interlock them, that can cause a bit of a sticky situation. I have pretty mixed results when I use Goody Spin Pins. They seem to hol a bun pretty well for a couple hours, but my bun will slowly slide down and come undone throughout the day. A few spritzes of a good hair spray can combat this issue. Spin Pins are ideal for those who have hair that's uniform in length, if you have some layers you'll have lots of bits coming out unless you use several pins. Spin Pins are comfortable, I never really notice that they're in my hair. Goody Spin Pins are ok. I don't reach for them very often and I don't feel as though they're dependable enough for my work days, but they're nice if I want to toss my hair up in a bun for a few hours. They're kinda noticeable in my hair, seeing as the pins are dark brown and my hair is red, but whatevs. These pins are very easy to use, much easier than I expected. If you have basic hair skills you should try these easy to use little tools. I wouldn't recommend Spin Pins if you have thin or fine hair, but otherwise you should be good to go. By the way, check your dollar stores for these, that's where my friend found them.
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Lip Treatments -Julep - Strawberry Mint Lip Balm
SparkleBunny37 4/24/2013 12:33:00 AM
Julep's new Strawberry Mint Lip Balm contains coconut oil and vitamin E. Julep doesn't have anything else to say about this product. I received this lip balm in my March Julep Maven Box. This balm contains 4.7g (1.7 oz ) and sells for $8, or $6 if you have the Julep Maven discount. Julep products are cruelty free and made in America. Julep products can be bought through the brand's website, at the four Julep Nail Parlors located in Washington State, and in a limited selection at Sephora. Julep also offers a monthly subscription that sells for $19.99 per month, which is the most affordable way to try Julep's offerings. The packaging for Julep's Strawberry Mint Lip Balm is plain, but kinda different. The tube is black and rectangular with a twist up mechanism at the bottom. I don't believe I've ever seen a square lip balm before. The front of the tube features the Julep logo and product name printed in playful pink lettering. The back of the tube offers a full ingredient list. The twisting mechanism on this tube is way too loose, touch it and turns, pushing product up. Aside from that, packaging is ok. The tube is recyclable. Julep's Strawberry Mint Lip Balm has almost definitely bumped Maybelline's Baby Lips out of the #1 spot for lip balms in my life. This lip balm is just amazing. The second ingredient in this balm is coconut oil, which makes it quite melty, so don't carry it around in your pockets. Julep's Strawberry Mint Lip Balm is much more deserving of being called a lip butter than any actual lip butter I've tried. Why? Because it metls onto the lips and feels so smooth and rich. This balm sinks in quickly, but it leaves long lasting moisture and softness. I only apply Julep's balm twice a day, once in the afternoon and right before I sleep. I just don't need it more often. Julep's Strawberry Mint Lip Balm is great for both preventing and healing dry, chapped lips. My lips get ruined while I'm at work, and this balm heals them over night. I get amazing results when I use this balm in conjunction with Lush's Bubblegum Lip Scrub, my lips have never looked or felt better. This lip balm has a strawberry mint flavor, as the name implies. Though this balm is pink in the tube, it has pretty minimal color payoff. Julep's Strawberry Mint Lip Balm is kind of fantastic. This is my new favorite balm, and by far the best product I've tried from this brand. I still think Julep's products are overpriced, $6-8 for a lip balm is pretty pricey, but its actually worth it. If you're going to try anything from Julep, make it this balm. It products and heals even the worst chapped lips. I can't recommend it enough! I will almost definitely purchase this balm.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Ecotools - Naturally Beautiful Lash System
SparkleBunny37 4/23/2013 12:15:00 AM
EcoTool's new line of Naturally Beautiful false lashes are touted as "sophisticated" and "earth friendly". EcoTools says that these falsies are "made from the same incredibly soft, cruelty free, synthetic materials as EcoTools iconic makeup brushes and are tapered to perfection for eyelashes that look beautiful and naturally you." EcoTools offers five styles of Naturally Beautiful lashes, I have Everyday Definition, which EcoTools says will "effortlessly amp up your daily eye look with natural definition". Each pair of EcoTools Naturally Beautiful lashes comes with one set of lashes, a small tube of lash glue, and a spoolie. The lash glue is latex, paraben, formaldehyde, and phthalate free. The lashes are made in Indonesia, the lash adhesive was made in South Korea. I bought these lashes at Ulta for around $6, which I believe is fairly average for lashes. I assume EcoTools lashes are available any retailer that sells EcoTools brushes, which are available at drugstores worldwide. EcoTools products are cruelty free. EcoTools Naturally Beautiful eyelashes have disturbing packaging. Did you ever imagine that there would be creepy lash packaging? The box is nice, its made of green cardboard and offers lots of information and tips for application. The lashes come affixed to a tray with a background with a closed eye design on it. It seems like you're peeling lashes off of a sleeping lady like some sort of bizarre cat burglar. This is a huge nope for me. If the eye design wasn't present I'd be much more pleased with the packaging, luckily it's removable. The lashes come in a tray with a lid, so storing them in a sanitary way is a cinch. The glue and spoolie are also housed in the tray. EcoTools Everyday Definition lashes are not for everyday wear, at least not for me. These lashes have a fairly, semi stiff black band that are hard to loosen up and fit to my eye shape. The thick lash band is actually a bonus though because it keeps the lashes sturdy, I've worn this set three times and they still seem to be in great condition. The style of this lash is pretty, they're longest in the middle and have some crisscrossing at the base to add the look of fullness. The lashes have a really nice curl to them. EcoTools Everyday Definition lashes are really long on me, they nearly touch my eye brows! I've considered trimming them down, but I'm afraid of wrecking them. Aside from some really dramatic length, these EcoTools lashes look pretty natural, they mesh really well with my real lashes. My only complain about these falsies is that they feel kinda heavy. I'm not sure if that's due to the thick band or if its because I'm not used to wearing fake lashes, or both. The weight of these lashes isn't enough to deter me from wearing them. I'm not really going to talk about the spoolie, but I do want to touch on the adhesive EcoTools includes with their Naturally Beautiful lashes. The glue looks white in the tube but applies to the lash band in a blue color, then dries down clear. This lash glue comes with a little spatula applicator that makes it easy to apply just enough glue to the band. This glue dries quickly and bonds well to the skin, keeping my lashes where they need to be . I actually feel like this eyelash adhesive is a little too effective, its almost impossible to remove, a little bit always sticks at the base of my lashes, staying there for more than a day sometimes. I guess overly effective glue is better than an adhesive that can't hold anything on. EcoTools Naturally Beautiful Everyday Definition lashes are really nice. The packaging is wrong, but everything else about them is good. These falsies are sturdy, I think I can get a couple more uses from them. The style of these lashes is really pretty, though a bit too long for my taste and eye shape. The adhesive included with this set is surprisingly good! I'm no false lash aficionado, I can barely apply them, so this review may be entirely wrong (sorry if it is). I wouldn't repurchase the Everyday Definition style, but I'd try a differnt style in the future, maybe. I'm currently playing around with individual lashes, so we'll see. If a style of EcoTools Naturally Beautiful lashes catches your eye, get them, they're good!
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Lotions/ Creams -Fruits & Passion - Grapefruit-Guava Lotion/Cream
SparkleBunny37 4/22/2013 4:47:00 PM
Fruits&Passion is a Canadian bath and boy brand that's pretty new to me, I hadn't heard of it before my friend Stephanie offered to send me a couple of their products in a swap. Fruits&Passion calls their Body Cream a "true delight for the senses, this rich cream contains sweet almond oil and blackberry leaf extract which boast moisturizing and softening properties. It's fresh, fruit Grapefruit Guava fragrance will envelop you in it's exquisite aroma throughout the entire day. An ideal match for our Grapefruit Guava Eau de Fruits, this body cream helps your fragrance last longer. A true rising star, this fragrance is sparkling, radiant, and delectable". I received a 8.4fl oz (250 ml) bottle of this lotion in my swap with Stephanie. I'm unsure of the exact retail price for this product, I believe its between $12-14, which is a higher price point than than BBW lotions, so I consider it a bit more of a luxury product. It appears as though Fruits&Passion is discontinuing this product, so if you've been interested, now is the time to buy. Fruits&Passion products are not tested on animals. This lotion was made in Canada. Fruits&Passion products are available through the brands website, at Fruits&Passion stores, and a variety of etailers like soap.com I really like the packaging for Fruits&Passion Grapefruit Guava Body Cream, its so pretty. This lotion comes in a clear, round, recyclable bottle with a very convenient pump. This pump is so great, I plan to keep the bottle even after I finish this body cream and refill it with other lotions. A pink label wraps around the bottle and features the Fruits&Passion logo, the scent name, a full ingredient list and description, and images of fresh fruits in a market. I just really like the shape of the bottle and the design of the label, I like to leave this lotion out on the bathroom sink, it just looks nice. Fruits&Passion's Body Cream formula feels a little more expensive than the lotions I'm used to. I barely need any, one small pump is enough for one leg, for example. The formula is on the thinner side and sinks in extremely quick. I don't feel like Fruits&Passion's Body Cream is extremely moisturizing, it wouldn't be ideal for those with dry skin, but its a good formula if you have healthy skin you want to maintain and keep soft. The moisture seems to last a whole day or maybe longer. The scent of Fruits&Passion Grapefruit Guava is pleasant an soft, it definitely smells more high end than the cheaper bath and body brands I use like Avon and BBW. Somehow Fruits&Passion managed to capture both grapefruit and guava without making this scent too sweet or fruity, it actually has a perfumey qualtiy to it without being obnoxious or overpowering. Fruits&Passion claims that their scents will linger on your skin all day long, but that simply isn't true, at least not in the case of Grapefruit Guava. The scent is just so light, I can barely pick it up after a few minutes. If you really love the Grapefruit Guava scent and want it to lat, you'll need to layer. I really like Fruits&Passion's Grapefruit Guava Body Cream. The quality and packaging are nice, and kinda fancy. The fragrance is very soft but still true to the fruits that describe it. This lotion really is best for those with normal skin. This isn't a lotion I would purchase for myself, but it would be a great gift to both give and receive. I do recommend Fruits&Passion's Body Creams if you want to splurge on a light lotion.
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Lipstick -Maybelline - Color Sensational Vivid - On Fire Red
SparkleBunny37 4/19/2013 3:22:00 PM
Maybelline's new Color Sensational Vivid is a bright new line of lipsticks that promise "brighter colors from exclusive vivid pigments" with a "honey nectar formula to nourish the lips." Maybelline offers ten shades, I have On Fire Red. Beauty Bloggers have been going nuts for these lipsticks, but I kinda neglected them, I was too excited about the Color Whisper Lipsticks. I bought this lipstick at Walmart for about $4.50 with a dollar off coupon, though the price will vary by location. The lipstick was made in the USA. Unfortunately Maybelline does test on animals. I have really mixed feelings about the Color Sensational Vivids packaging. These lipsticks come in silver tubes with a bright, translucent red cap. Nothing too fancy, nothing at all really. No Maybelline logo or any indication of the product name. I also feel like neon red wasn't a good choice because I think a handful of consumers will assume that the lipstick housed in the red tube will be red, and can you really blame them, especially when more and more brands are color-coordinating their packaging. I think Maybelline could've chosen a more neutral, non-traditional lipstick color, like yellow or something. The other problem I see with having a bright red cap is that you can't tell what the color of the product is without opening it, which can lead to more compromised products in the store. It looks nice if you don't want to look at it from a logical point. A label is affixed to the bottom of the tube, listing the shade name and number. The texture of Maybelline's Color Sensational Vivid is slightly better than average. Application is pretty easy, I wouldn't say that this lipstick glides on, there's a little bit of a pull to it, but it isn't too bad. These lipsticks, or at least On Fire Red is so rich with pigment, so it feels a little thick or heavy on the lips. Despite the thickness this lipstick is quite moist and creamy, very comfortable to wear on the lips. While On Fire Red doesn't slip around on the lips it does tend to transfer onto cups and straws. Wear time for Maybelline's On Fire Red is decent, it sticks around of around two hours then leaves behind a stain for about another hour. Maybelline's Color Sensational Vivids have no flavor, but they do have a bit of cherry scent to them. On Fire Red is a classic red with a blue undertone. . This lipstick gives that classic cherry red lip that a lot of women love, but a lot of women also fears. On Fire Red has a moist looking satin find that keeps this shade from being too strong. On Fire Red is a very opaque lipstick, I don't like to wear it full on, I prefer to apply it then blot off at least half, leaving behind a really pretty, much more wearable reddish pink stain. I like Maybelline's Color Sensational Vivid Lipstick in On Fire Red. The formula is nice, its very creamy and comfortable, and impressively pigmented. This shade is a great selection if you're on the hunt for a classic, cool, cherry red. I feel like the packaging could be improved upon. The price point for these lipsticks is a bargain if you consider the quality. I wouldn't repurchase On Fire Red, it isn't a color I'm going to reach for very often. I would however try a different shade, maybe Shocking Coral, Vivid Rose, or Electric Orange. I do recommend the Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids line as a whole.
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Hair -Clairol - herbal essences honey i'm strong shampoo and conditioner
SparkleBunny37 4/18/2013 5:34:00 PM
Herbal Essences' Honey, I'm Strong is a new line of strengthening hair care products. Herbal Essences says your hair will be "10x stronger in just one wash. The formula coats each hair strange to help repair the protective outer layer and provide strength against future damage. Honey, I'm Strong repairs hair's protective and regulates moisture by mimicking the nature F-layer protection of your hair". If you couldn't infer from the name, this hair care line is infused with honey extracts, which according to Herbal Essences, has been "revered for centuries as a natural healing remedy and beauty secret for the hair." This hair care line consists of the three products, the shampoo and conditioner featured in this review, as well as a mask for deep conditioning. Each bottle of Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner contains 10 fl oz (300ml), which is slightly less than they used to. I paid $5 for both products, I believe I had a coupon or scored some other sort of deal. Herbal Essences products are not tested on animals, however, the brand's parent company Clairol does test. Herbal Essences products are available worldwide at drug and grocery stores and other major retailers. Herbal Essences products are made in America. Honey, I'm Strong has the same style of packaging as all Herbal Essences shampoos and conditioners. Tall, thin, wavy, recyclable bottles. Honey, I'm Strong's bottles are yellow, the shampoo bottle is translucent, the conditioner bottle is opaque, both have a pop up green dispenser. The front of the bottle features the Herbal Essences logo, product name, and a honey comb design with some pouring honey, which looks really appealing. The back of the bottles offer plenty of product information in both English and French, along with the full ingredient lists and some company info. Honey, I'm Strong Shampoo is a creamy yellow, it kinda looks like honey mustard, which is kinda strange. I prefer Herbal Essences gel formula over their creamy shampoo, usually, but this is an exception. The creamy formula is thick but lathers nicely and spreads through the hair with ease. I kinda believe the claim that this shampoo bonds to the hair because it can be really difficult to rinse out. Honey, I'm Strong does not seem to effect my henna hair color. The conditioner is the same as all Herbal Essences, thick and creamy, you need a lot of it to coat your hair, especially if it's thick like mine. The conditioner is easy to rinse out. I don't feel like this is a particularly effective conditioner formula, but it keeps my hair soft and kinda detangles my knotty hair, so its ok in my book. I don't feel like either the shampoo or conditioner "repairs" damage as much as it adds moisture to give hair a smoother, silkier appearance. I think that Honey, I'm Strong may be capable of preventing future damage if used on a regular basis on healthy, non-heat styled hair. Oh, and I should mention that the Honey, I'm Strong line has a soft, really sweet, pleasant scent that Herbal Essences describes as a mix of apricot and honey. Herbal Essences newest shampoo and conditioner is pretty nice, it definitely smells good if anything. The formula isn't too different from other Herbal Esseces products. I doubt that Honey, I'm Strong truly repairs damage, but it may be a good preventative. I likely won't repurchase this hair care duo, I'm trying to finish off my Herbal Essences series. I would recommend Breaks Over; which was recently brought into the American Herbal Essences line up under the name of Unbreakable Seduction over Honey, I'm Strong.
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Styling Products -Organix - Moroccan Argan Oil Weightless Healing Dry Oil spray
SparkleBunny37 4/17/2013 3:37:00 PM
Organix calls their Moroccan Argan Oil Weightless Healing Dry Oil an "exotic, precious formula of Moroccan Argan Oil spray that instantly infuses the hair with a sheer veil of shine, giving color and highlights a multifaceted glow while it mends split ends and tames fly away frizzies. This exotic, precious formula of Moroccan Argan Oil Weightless Spray instantly heals split ends, creating soft, frizz free perfection while protecting your hair from harmful styling heat and UV damage, giving a smooth, glossy shine." Whoa there Organix, healing split ends? I don't think so. I'm a pretty big fan of hair oils, as most of yinz know, so I was very excited to try a dry oil. Unlike the Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Intense Moisturizing Treatment, the Weightless Healing Dry Oil actually contains a decent amount of Argan Oil, though not enough to really be considered "exotic and precious." I bought my 118ml (4 fl oz) bottle at Ulta for $6.99, which I think is a very fair price. Organix, ironically, is not an organic brand, but they are cruelty free. This hair oil was made in America. Organix products are available at drugstores and mass retailers around the world. Organix Moroccan Argan Weightless Healing Dry Oil comes in a clear, recyclable plastic bottle topped with a spritzer. I love that this oil is in spray form, its so much less messy and infinitely more convenient to use. Good thinkin' Organix. The front label features the product name, product description, and Organix logo. The back of the bottle offers the ingredients, as well as instructions in both English and French. Big fan of the packaging, I wish more hair oils were in spray form. I've tried Josie Maran's 100% Pure Argan Oil for my hair, and found it to be too much, and I don't find Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Weightless Healing Dry Oil to be enough. I just don't think Argan Oil and my hair get along. What I use the Weightless Healing Dry Oil for is to aid in brushing my hair. I spritz it three or so times on my brush, per section, to help my brush glide through my thick hair, spreading the oil evenly and kinda helping to detangle. Organix Weightless Healing Dry Oil gives my hair a healthy sheen without appearing greasy (unless I get it in my bangs, it makes them look pretty greasy and gross). As for the claims that this oil will heal split ends? Totes untrue, that isn't possible. I really hope that brands stop making that claim soon, I feel like its common knowledge that the only cure for split ends is a hair cut. It just makes any brand that claims their products are split end menders look silly, at least in my eyes. I want to mention the feel of this oil, it really is "dry" as the name would imply, giving it a very interesting texture. Just like the Organix Intense Moisturizing Treatment, the Weightless Healing Dry Oil has a sexy, musky scent that really lasts in the hair. Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Weightless Healing Dry Oil is nice for adding a healthy sheen and sexy scent to the hair, but don't expect any dramatic results. I wouldn't repurchase this product and only recommend it for those with dry, dull looking hair. If you're looking for a serious hair oil treatment, I'd steer you in the direction of pure Pequi or Bhringraj oils, or perhaps one of Organix' hair masks. I do love the spray form of this dry oil and I plan to keep the bottle after I finish it, to put other oils in.
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Fragrances -BeneFit Cosmetics - Laugh with Me LeeLee
SparkleBunny37 4/17/2013 11:46:00 AM
Benefit wrote a little poem about their Crescent Row perfume Laugh With Me Lee Lee: "Her playful wink and mischievous smile, The flirtatious side of a her innocent style, No thought or worry of what's meant to be, First Laughter, then love, Along came Lee Lee" Benefit describes this fragrance as a "flirty and feminine woody floral". Benefit offers eight Crescent Row scents, I've sampled all of them, but chose Laugh With Me Lee Lee, which was suggested to me by a Benefit sales associate. I bought this perfume at Ulta, well I shouldn't say bought be cause I got it for free by cashing in my rewards points, but you know what I mean. Each Crescent Row Eau de Toilette contains 1fl oz (30ml) and retails for $36. Benefit does not test on animals. This perfume was made in the United States. Benefit products can be bought through the brand's website, at Benefit boutiques and counters, Sephora, and Ulta. The packaging for this entire range is gorgeous and playful. Each fragrance comes in a cardboard box designed to look like a house. The box unfolds to reveal the interior of the house, along with the bottle of perfume. Benefit's Crescent Row perfumes come in a bottle shaped like a martini shaker. Laugh With Me Lee Lee comes in a gold metal bottle with a bright floral printed label wrapped around it. The scent name is printed on the sticker affixed to the bottle. The packaging is very cute but also kinda fancy. This perfume line has a very collectible appeal to it. Benefit's scent line was created with the help of Francois Demachy. The line started out with three scents (Lee Lee is on of the original) and has expanded since it launched in 2009. This Eau de Toilette is surprisingly strong, I need just about three spritzes of it. The lasting powder is pretty good, I don't think that Laugh With Me Lee Lee lasts all day, but it comes close, I notice it for about six hours after application. Benefit lists the notes of Laugh With Me Lee Lee as: Top Notes: Cassis, Melon, Citrus Mid Notes: Black Violet, Lily, Jasmine Dry Notes: Blond Woods, Amber, Santal Man, these scent notes are refreshingly simple compared to the pretentiously described Bath&BodyWorks notes I'm used to. I can see why Laugh With Me Lee Lee is the most popular of the Crescent Row scents, it has that universally appealing perfumey scent. This isn't a particularly unique fragrance by any means, it just smells like perfume. Laugh With Me Lee Lee is a somewhat powdery florally trwist right at the end. I love that Lee Lee contains violet, my all time favorite scent note, even though its barely apparent in this scent. None of the notes are really obvious come to think about it, they all mesh together nicely to create this feminine, bland, but pretty scent. Benefit's Laugh With Me Lee Lee is a pretty unexciting scent, but its nice. Powdery, lightly floral with a quite citrus note that lingers in the background. Its plain, and that's what gives Lee Lee her mass appeal. I've really enjoyed my bottle of this perfume and recommend it if you want to to try one of the eight Benefit Crescent Row eau de toilettes. I likely won't repurchase Laugh With Me Lee Lee, I have enough perfumes and body sprays as it is, plus I'd rather try The Garden of Good and Even next. Regardless, Benefit's Laugh With Me Lee Lee is a basic perfume with beautiful packaging and a surprisingly reasonable price tag.
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Toners -Juice Beauty - Hydrating Mist 
SparkleBunny37 4/15/2013 9:39:00 PM
Juice Beauty's Hydrating Mist will "tone and hydrate with a refreshing blend of rosehip, ylang ylang, resveratol grapeseed oil and antioxidant rich organic juices for a fresh, radiant complexion. Juice Beauty's Hydrating Mist is designed for all skin types and is ideal for daily use to keep skin hydrated and fresh." I got two samples of this facial mist recently. I bought one in the Juice Beauty Organics to Go Kit, and got another one in my March Ipsy Bag. Both samples are 1 fl oz (30ml). The full size contains 6.75 fl oz and retails for $22. I've never tried a facial mist or a spray toner, let alone a product that claims to be both, so this is a very intriguing product. Juice Beauty is a cruelty free brand that only produces vegetarian and vegan friendly products. All Juice Beauty products are made in America. Juice Beauty products can be bought through the brand's website, at Ulta, and select spas, salons, and Whole Food grocery stores. My sample bottles are tall and thin, and made of slightly frosted plastic bottles, topped with a white spritzer cap. The spritzer has a clear cap that actually stays on. The bottle offers the Juice Beauty logo, product name, a certified organic badge, product description, and full ingredient list. Very informative, especially for a sample. The size of the bottle makes it perfect for tossing in your bag and taking it along wherever you go. The spritzer is actually great for this type of product, it delivers a nice, fine mist, but I will warn you that it jams easily, making it impossible to use. One of my bottles an no longer we used because of this product, so now I'm refilling one bottle from the other. I had no idea what to expect out of Juice Beauty's Hydrating Mist and after using about 3/4 of a bottle, I still don't really know what this product does. I've tried it as a toner, like sprayed onto a cotton pad and wiped over my face and felt like it didn't do much of anything. I've sprayed it directly on my face and yeah it feels nice for a bit, but is that really all it does? I suppose it would be refreshing in summer, especially if you store this spray in the fridge between uses. I don't feel like Juice Beauty's Hydrating Mist actually provides any moisture to the skin. Really I can't believe that this product has any legitimate benefits. I've just been using this mist after I've finished my skincare routine, but before I apply any makeup, hoping that it will seal in some moisture or something. This is not meant to be a setting spray, and I don't recommend using it over makeup, though it won't ruin your foundation. My feelings about Juice Beauty's Hydrating Mist are pretty negative. It feels nice on the skin, but it doesn't seem to have any real results. It doesn't do much as a toner, and really what makes a facial mist necessary? Especially one that sells for over $20 (though I gotta say you get a good amount of product). I don't know, I've never felt the need to spritz my face with anything. Maybe this product would benefit someone with dry skin, but otherwise, skip Juice Beauty's Hydrating Mist, it seems like a silly, gimmicky product...and it smells like disinfectant. Icky.
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Eye Primer -Tarte - clean slate 360 creaseless 12-hour smoothing eye primer
SparkleBunny37 4/12/2013 3:07:00 PM
Tarte's Clean Slate 360° Creaseless 12 Hour Smoothing Eye Primer is a "waterproof eye primer that locks eyeshadow in place while preventing fallout an migration for true shadow payoff. The universal shade glides on easily and powders through the day into the evening for 12 hours of perfect wear time. 360° Creaseless can be used as both a shadow primer and under eye base to smooth areas around the eye, giving you a seamless application and all around 360° eye solutions". This eye primer contains Vitamin E to nourish the delicate eye area. I got a little 2.6g (.09oz) sample in Tarte's Clean Slate Primer Trio, which proved to be defective. I received a new sample courtesy of Tarte's Customer Service, which sparked my Customer Service Kudos post about the brand. The full size tube retails for $19, which is on par with the other high end eye primers. Tarte is a cruelty free bran. This primer was made int he USA. The entire Clean Slate line is formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, and synthetic fragrance. Tarte's Clean Slate 360° Creaseless Primer comes in a white squeeze tube with a coated bamboo cap (though my sample has a brown plastic cap). The tube offers the Tarte logo and product name written in purple lettering. Silver, purple, and spring green flowers wrap around the top and bottom of the tube. Twisting off the cap reveals a needle nose dispenser. Tarte's Clean Slate 360° Creaseless Eye Primer is a very thin, off white liquid. It's so easy to squeeze out too much and over apply this primer because it seems so thin. This primer dries down very quickly to a power finish, and creates a smooth base to apply any eyeshadow over. Tarte's Eye Primer boosts the color payoff of any eyeshadow, but I think it really pumps up matte eyeshadows, giving them a smoother, more even look. I don't feel like Tarte's 360° Creaseless Primer improves the blendability of eyeshadow. On the other hand I think that the Tarte Creaseless Primer improves the wear of eyeshadows, preventing creasing and fading. This primer keeps my shadows perfect throughout nine hour work days in a greasy, hot kitchen, which is quite a feat. This eye primer certainly holds up to it's waterproof claim, if you swatch the primer on your hand and leave it there, it just does not come off. This product will separate in the tube and can get oily and and kinda gross, so I encourage you to shake or palpate your tube before use. Tarte's Clean Slate 360° Creaseless Eye Primer is pretty good, but quite different from the other eye primers I've tried. Packaging is both cute and functional, which I always appreciate. Unlike most eye primers, which are creamy, Tarte's is a liquid. This primer does a great job of preventing creasing and fading and is a wonderful base for matte eyeshadows. I likely won't repurchase this eye primer, as I have several other primers waiting in the wings. If you work with a lot of matte eyeshadows, Tarte's Clean Slate 360° Creaseless Eye Primer is a great choice.
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Nails -Max Factor - Fantasy Fire
SparkleBunny37 4/11/2013 8:05:00 PM
Max Factor calls their Max Effect Nail Polish a "great solution for a quick blast of high fashion and trend led color. The colors have literally been taken straight off the runway for you to inject some fun into your everyday wardrobe without costing a fortune." I've been questing for the coveted shade Fantasy Fire for quite a while but I've never found it, so I had darling Deano go on the quest for me. He found me two bottles at Priceline for $5 AUD each. Unfortunately Max Factor products are not currently available in the United States.Many Max Factor products overlap with the Covergirl line available here in America, for example, their Flipsticks and Lash Blast/False Lash Effect mascaras are exactly the same. Sadly the Max Effect polishes aren't carried into the Covergirl line. Max Factor's Max Effect polishes are very small, about half the size of your average polish. This nail lacquer was made in France. Max Factor products are tested on animals. Packaging for Max Factor's Max Effect Nail Polishes is nice. The bottle is small and square in shape. There's quite a bit of excess glass at the bottom of the bottle. The round, black plastic cap is actually taller than the bottle. The Max Factor logo and product name are printed in gold lettering. The Max Effect brush is short, flat, and a bit stiff with no splayed bristles. Max Factors Fantasy Fire can be used alone or as a layering polish. Because this lacquer is intended for layering, its quite thin and applies in thin, even layers. It takes three or four coats to make Fantasy Fire opaque. Fantasy Fire doesn't wear super well on it's own, probably because of how many coats are needed to reach opacity. When layered over another polish, Fantasy Fire doesn't seem to effect how it wears. Because the formula of this polish is so thin, it dries very quickly, about 30-40 seconds per coat. Max Factor's Fantasy Fire is so beautiful and comple, so amazing. In the bottle and on the nail, Fantasy Fire looks like an iridescent purple with red and gold shimmer and a jelly finish. As you turn the bottle over in your hand, you'll see flashes of every color you can imagine. It's breathtaking, a work of art in nail polish form. Fantasy Fire can transfer any polish you layer it over. It gives reds a polish a golden tone, blues get a gold and green sheen, and purples develop a red cast. The things Fantasy Fire can do to any regular polish truly fantastic! I've previous compared Fantasy Fire to Julep's Julia, and while I would group them into a similar family of polishes, they're definitely not dupes. I really love Max Factor's Fantasy Fire. The formula isn't perfect, you'll go through the little bottles pretty fast if you wear it alone, but the color is so worth it. Its so multi-faceted and makes any color you layer it over so much more interesting. I hope that Max Factor one day returns to America, but until then you'll likely hae to stalk Amazon or eBay if you hope to get your hands on Fantasy Fire. If you live in a country where Max Factor is available, you have no excuse to to own this shade. Go get it!
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Palettes -E.L.F. - Elements 4-pan Compact
SparkleBunny37 4/11/2013 2:01:00 PM
ELF's Custom Compact is "designed for the girl on the go! This magnetic lock in system has four compartments created to offer the ability to switch out your favorite eye, lip, and face shades. The compact includes a mirror so you can always be sure that you look your best!" I'd been meaning to pick up this palette for quite a while, but I haven't ordered from ELF in like two years and hadn't found this palette in stores until recently. I picked up my ELF Custom Compact at Target for $1. ELF offers pans of eyeshadow and lipstick that you can pop into this palette. Each pan retails for $1 as well. ELF products are cruelty free and made in China. ELF items can be bought through the brand's website an at select Targets, Kmarts, Walmarts, Big Lots, and drug and dollar stores. ELF's Custom Compact measures 3x3" and is quite thin. This compact is made of midweight, shiny, ivory plastic. There's a small tab that will pop this compact open. Opening ELF's Custom Compact reveals four slots for round, standard sized eyeshadows (think MAC shadows). The base of the compact is magnetic, but it isn't very strong. The tray can be easily popped out if you want to fit more than four shadows in it. ELF includes a decent quality, double ended sponge tip applicator. The inside of the lid offers a very nice mirror. The size of this compact makes it very convenient to just toss in your bag..but don't toss it too hard. This compact isn't super sturdy. I left one of my cheap ELF eyeshadows in it and dropped it onto a linoleum floor from a height of about 2 1/2 feet to test the sturdiness, and the results weren't great. The eyeshadow wasn't wrecked, but it did break a little around the edges. The compact or mirror didn't crack though, so it isn't as flimsy as it feels. ELF's Custom Compact is a good deal, but you also get what you pay for. The compact is decently sized, so storage and travel are no problem at all. The magnet isn't super strong, but it'll hold most eyeshadows in place. I recommend ELF's Custom Compact if you have a few loose pans and don't want to spend upwards of $10 on a MAC or Z palette. I'll likely repurchase this compact if I acquire anymore pan eyeshadows.
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Moisturizers -Josie Maran Cosmetics - Argan oil
SparkleBunny37 4/10/2013 12:32:00 AM
Josie Maran describes her 100% Pure Argan Oil as a legendary lightweight oil, grown organically in Morocco, is rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Use it as a fast absorbing daily moisturizer or to heal and condition everything from cuticles to split ends. Historically, Argan Oil has been used to treat acne, stretch marks, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis." I received a little 5ml (.17 fl oz) bottle in my January Ipsy Bag . Josie Maran offers three sizes of her Argan Oil, which ranges in price for $14 to $96. Josie Maran's 100% Pure Argan Oil is organic, vegan friendly, fragrance free, paraben free, and very beneficial to the Moroccan economy. Josie Maran products can be bought through the brand's website and at Sephora. Josie Maran claims that this oil is non-irritating, non allergenic, and clinically tested. This oil was harvested in Morocco. My sample of Josie Maran's 100% Pure Argan Oil came in a grey box that offers lots of information on this oil, including some claims and a list of uses for this oil, as well as Josie Maran's personal beauty philosophy. The oil it's self is "housed in a recyclable glass bottle" with a dropper. The Josie Maran logo and product name are printed on the brown bottle. Both the bottle and the box are recyclable. Not gonna lie, I was pretty skeptical about Argan Oil. Companies are putting it in EVERYTHING lately, I've even seen a hairdryer that was "argan infused". I always take the trendy new "miracle" ingredient with a grain of salt (and so should you). I tried Josie Maran's Argan Oil for all the suggested uses. I tried it in my hair and it made it horrendously greasy. I tried it on my face and didn't feel like it was any more or less effective or beneficial than your average moisturizer. I tried this oil on my nails and cuticle...and well, nothing can help them, they're too far gone. I was ready to give up on Josie Maran's Argan Oil, it just didn't wow me no matter how I used it. Before I truly gave up hope on this oil, I googled some other uses and found a website that suggested using Argan Oil as a lash growth serum. I gave it a soht and wow! My lashes seem much healthier, they don't fall out as often, so my lashes seem to grow longer and fuller than they did before I started applying Argan Oil to them on a nightly basis. My lashes also seem to hold a curl better! I'm pretty pleased with the results I experienced when I used Josie Maran's 100% Pure Argan Oil as a lash serum, it's more effective than both olive oil and vaseline. Otherwise, I find this natural oil to be pretty overrated. I much prefer Bhringraj and Pequi oils for my hair, and I'm content with my current moisturizers, so I likely won't purchase this oil. If you're interested in Argan Oil, I encourage you to try the 15ml size, which sells for a wallet friendly $14. Don't let my kinda negative review deter you from trying Josie Maran's 100% Pure Argan Oil, it seems to work out for almost everyone, in one way or another.
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Moisturizers -Juice Beauty - Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer
SparkleBunny37 4/8/2013 11:43:00 PM
Juice Beauty's Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer is the "ultimate moisturizer with a proprietary blend of fruit stem cells infused in a vitamin c and organic resveratol grape seed rich formula to repair damage and aggressively firm and decrease wrinkles. Certified organic anti-oxidant rich ingredients and plant oils hydrate and improve elasticity for lasting age defying results". I never had any intention of trying or reviewing Juice Beauty's Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer, but I received a 7ml (.25fl oz ) sample as a gift with purchase at Ulta. The full size jar contains 1.7fl oz and retails for a whopping $65. This moisturizer doesn't contain any SPF, but it also doesn't contain any questionable ingredients like parabens, sulfates, silicone, phthalates, and more. Juice Beauty does not test on animals. All Juice Beauty products are vegetarian friendly, but the brand is currently transitioning into offering only vegan products. Juice Beauty products are made in the United States. Juice Beauty products can be bought through the brand's website, at Ulta, and select spas, boutiques, and Whole Foods grocery stores. My sample of Juice Beauty's Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer came in a small grey box with lots of information on it, like a list of claims and ingredients and more. Inside the box was a clear, recyclable, acrylic jar with a white twist on cap. Affixed to the cap is a grey label with the Juice Beauty logo and product name. I believe the full size product is similarly packaged. The Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer is a thick, off white cream. I haven't had much luck with the other two Juice Beauty moisturizers I've tried, they were both thick and pasty and barely moisturizing, so I was very skeptical about the Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer. Because it's so thick and rich I opted to use this product mainly as an eye cream. Even after the first use I noticed that my eye area was much brighter and more even in color. Juice Beauty says that this moisturizer is ideal for all skin types, but is "especially beneficial for skin showing the signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage." Luckily I don't have any of those skin issues, but that also means that I can't vouch for any of those benefits. I can assume that if if this moisturizer can brighten the under eye and seemingly fade dark circles, that it would also fade sun damage a bit. While I don't feel that the Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer actually firms the skin, I do think that it plumps the skin temporarily but delivering a lot of nourishment and moisture. Because this moisturizer is so thick it takes a while to sick in, so I'd recommend it for night time use. Juice Beauty's Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer is probably too heavy for oilier skin types, but it won't go greasy on dry to normal skin. This moisturizer has the signature Juice Beauty Green Apple scent. Juice Beauty's Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer thoroughly moisturizes and really seems to nourish and benefit my skin. This is the only effective moisturizer I've tried from this organic brand. I'm really glad that I got this sample, so thanks Ulta. I won't purchase a full size, because $65 is way too much for less than 2 fl oz of product. Whether or not you should try this product depends on your needs and budget. The quality and ingredients are good and the product is effective; but is it $65 effective?
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Scrubs -Julep - Glycolic Hand Scrub
SparkleBunny37 4/8/2013 4:59:00 PM
Julep's Glycolic Hand Scrub is a "facial for the hands that packs a 10% glycolic punch! Whisk away dirt and oil and reveal noticeably softer and younger looking hands after just one use. You'll be surprised that something so effective smells so good! Insider tip - try this gorgeous scrub all over your body, it's even gentle enough for your face!" This product is pretty expensive - $23 ($18.40 if you have the Julep Maven Discount) for only 3fl oz (89 ml). I got a full size tube in my March Julep Maven Box. This hand scrub is paraben and sulfate free. Julep products are not tested on animals and are made in the USA. Julep producs can be purchased through the brand's website, at the four Julep Nail Parlors in Washington state, and in a limited selection at Sephora. Julep also offers a monthly subscription service that costs $19.99/month. The Julep Maven box is the most affordable way to sample their products. Julep's Glycolic Hand Scrub is pretty plainly packaged. This product comes in a pink and white box that offers the product name, a full ingredient list, claims, and directions, as well as a short warning. This plain box houses a plain squeeeze tube with the same color scheme and information. This tube has a black flip top cap. So the packaging isn't gorgeous, but it's definitely functional. Julep's Glycolic Hand Scrub has the "double exfoliating action of finely milled natural apricot seeds plus glycolic acid". This scrub has a gel like base with a fair amount of apricot seeds in it. Julep suggests using a quarter sized amount of their hand scrub to exfoliate damp hands, but I feel like I need much less than that. This scrub is kinda similar to the St. Ives Apricot Scrub in the that it feels. Julep's scrub is fairly harsh, but not irritating. This scrub really softens the skin and removes any dry bits you may have. Julep's Glycolic Hand Scrub is a nice treat at the end of a work day that's been rough on your hands. This hand scrub is a great companion for Julep's Rock Star Hand Cream. I got curious about using this scrub on my face, since Julep half suggests it, so I tried it a few times and didn't really notice much of an improvement in my skin, but there was a pleasant tingle afterwards to let me know that the glycolic acid was working. Julep warns that glycolic acid can cause your skin to be more sensitive to sun exposure, so remember your SPF, especially if you've used this scrub on your face. Julep's Glycolic Hand Scrub has a light, non-offensive floral scent that lingers for a couple minutes. Julep's Glycolic Hand Scrub is really nice, but totally unnecessary. I feel like you don't need a separate face, hand, body, and foot scrub; you should have one or two that multi-task. If you want a somewhat harsh exfoliant, turn to St. Ives and save yourself several dollars. However, if you want a scrub with glycolic acid, Julep's Glycolic Hand Scrub is actually a good option, it's comparatively cheaper than other glycolic facial exfoliants that you could find a Sephora, though the glycolic acid may be lower. Whether or not Julep's scrub is worth your money really depends on what you want from it. For me, it isn't something that I need or would repurchase, but I'll enjoy the rest of my tube.
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