Deodorants -Unlisted Brand - Dr Mist Body Hygiene Flotation Spray
gruveechik 1/18/2009 4:58:00 PM
Hmmmm... mine doesn't say "Flotation" spray.. but oh well. I was wary b/c I've tried just about every natural deodorant, and most synthetic deodorants out there.... I even contacted the company to inquire about their guarantee.. and it was with some skepticism that I tried this product. I am thrilled to report: this is the BEST deodorant I have ever EVER tried.. hands down!!! I am prone to funky pits, and after 3 spritzes, I am good to go, even after a workout. No smell whatsoever. Lasts all day. Amazing product. I prefer the Unscented version. I also tried the Lavender, it smelled more like a man's cologne (so much so I gave it to dh and he loves it), it smelled not at all like Lavender, and it actually irritated my pits. I'm staying with the Unscented, forever and ever.
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Loose Powders -Almay - Nearly Naked
gruveechik 12/16/2008 4:12:00 PM
EDIT: I did go out and get the LIGHT version. It worked well. I just wouldn't repurchase b/c I've realised that using MatteFX on top of my CoverFX is the way to go. Loose powders don't cut it. If you're looking for a super-cheap easy-to-use finely milled loose powder, Almay is a good choice. I have to nip out and exchange the medium for something lighter. I'm a caramel gal and the medium was actually too dark for me! Thus far: finely milled, easy to apply, not chalky, blends easily. I'll give a more thorough update when I exchange for the lighter colour.
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Mascara -Annabelle - volumelash.com
gruveechik 11/7/2008 4:59:00 PM
EDIT - *sigh* -- started getting flakes. :( Gave away to a friend. OMG this is my new HG mascara! I don't know why there are negative reviews.. to each her own of course, but IMO this mascara is a total winner!! PROS: gives you as-promised volume. Dramatic lashes if you want. Easy to apply. No clumps. No flakes. No smudging. Lasts all day. Easy to build. No lashes-sticking-together thing. Good black colour. Rich-looking, not-brittle lashes. Easy to remove (I use a cleansing oil). I love the brush - it's 2-in-1 & I've never seen anything like it. I've found you can use the 'traditional' brush if you want a more natural look, but for volume and drama, first use the 'traditional' brush then top it off with the 'comb' part of the brush - immediately BAM you've got instant volume!!! CONS: honestly, I cannot think of one yet. This mascara promises Volume, and it delivers. It does give some lengthening, but if you're looking for a purely lengthening mascara, this is not it. I would still say that Volume Exact is one of my faves, as was Almay Triple Effect, but VE is high in toxicology score, and Almay is now not performing as well as it used to. The only con I could think of is that I don't have a toxicology report on volumelash.com ... this is such a great d/s mascara, farrrr better than Maybelline/L'Oreal/Revlon.
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Lotions/ Creams -Yes To Carrots - C Through the Dry Spell Deliciously Rich Body Butter 
gruveechik 10/25/2008 6:32:00 PM
Impressive....at first. Immediate effects after rubbing in = quenched skin and a lovely glow. However, 30minutes later and upon bending my skin is already feeling stretched and itchy. This is not at all suitable for very dry skin in winter. Perhaps it's suitable for normal/oily skin in winter... and dry skin in summer. Not suitable for my thirsty skin. Good ingredient listing... just a few chemicals. After 2 attempts, gave it away.
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Eye Shadow -BeneFit Cosmetics - Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner - Towne Car [DISCONTINUED]
gruveechik 10/21/2008 5:03:00 PM
Unless you want a sheer kinda black eyeliner, which you want to build on, this is not for you. I like a solid good strong black eyeliner for my cat's eye. This didn't cut it. Applied easily, but went grey or soft-black once dried, and that's after I applied 2 layers. Better for those who find a solid strong true black to be too much. Best perhaps as an eyeshadow. I returned after 2 attempts and went w/ L'Oreal HiP cream blahblah-whatever-it's-called (see my review) - which is great actually.
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Mascara -Maybelline - Volum' Express The Colossal
gruveechik 10/21/2008 4:28:00 PM
See this is what I get for purchasing before checking MUA. Bleh. Doesn't give me the promised volume at all. Disappointing actually. Tried it once and immediately gave it away. Not horrible, just boring. The only good thing is the ingredient list, which didn't seem too bad, no parabens or SLS.. which is why I haven't gone back to CoverGirl Volume Exact yet. I'm going back to the old standby of Almay Triple Effect - when I find it without the Retinyl Palmitate.
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Eyeliner -L'Oreal - HIP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner in Black
gruveechik 10/21/2008 4:24:00 PM
Thanks MUA for recommending this product! I use this on my upper lid as a cat's eye. What I like: Colour - beautiful solid black - no need to reapply to get the solid deep black colour. Application - smooth and easy to apply (I use a Winsor and Newton 00 paintbrush = waaaaaaay cheaper than makeup brushes and does a great job!!). Doesn't come off when my mascara brush brushes against the line. Easier to apply compared to liquid eyeliners. Doesn't get on my lashes. No drying time required!! What I don't like: Ingredients - chock-full of chemicals. Mixing - also, I like applying a line of shimmery eyeliner over my cat's eye line, however, the the shimmery eyeliner becomes tainted by the black. That being said, I can get such a perfect line with this eyeliner and the paintbrush that all I need to do is apply the line of shimmery eyeliner above the HiP eyeliner line. Other than these 2 concerns (which is why I gave 4 lippies instead of 5), this is a great product!! Other comments: Removal - easy to remove with untoasted Sesame oil + hot wet microfibre cloth (OCM method). Brush - I was afraid of using the brush based on previous reviews, but b/c I only do cat's eye, it didn't hurt me at all. It is very possible to use this brush in a pinch, but it is not at all the ideal brush for me. Frankly I don't like angled brushes either for this sort of medium.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Microfiber cloths
gruveechik 10/12/2008 7:57:00 PM
I use microfibre cloths all over my body. It's absolutely essential when I cleanse my face [I use OCM (Oil Cleansing Method)] to remove all of my makeup, and microfibre's the only type of cloth that completely rinses/washes every time. Normal cloths retain some of the oil and end up smelling rancid.
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Eyeliner -GOSH - Extreme Art Eyeliner
gruveechik 10/11/2008 7:50:00 PM
I bought this in black (07), 4 days ago, but then today I returned it. Pros: It is easier to apply, better and less gloppy than MAC. Highly pigmented rich true black line, more forgiving than MAC (ie. you can immediately remove some if you make a mistake). Cons: I did find some of it going on my lashes - though compared to MAC it was easier to remove. It stung my eyes at night when I removed it, so I'd rather not risk it (I used oil to remove it). I've returned it because of the cons. I want a very easy fool-proof low-maintenance cream/liquid eyeliner. Other than that, it's very good, just not perfect for me. I'll be trying Stila or MAC gel/cream next. EDIT: I've gone and tried L'Oreal HiP Cream Truth Cream Eyeliner (or whatever that silly name is) in black. It's marvellous. See my review.
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Lipstick -Maybelline - Mineral Power Lipcolor ] [DISCONTINUED]
gruveechik 8/12/2008 2:06:00 PM
Got this in Raisin = Beautiful MLBB for me! I'm a CoverFX I40/V20 or kinda an NC43/44 or Caramel. Matte without being boring and dull. Looks flattering yet natural with a lovely boost of colour. Easy to apply. Smooth. On it's own, lasts maybe an hour. With my fave lipbalm: Alba Coconut Cream (or Pineapple) Lip Balm -- it lasts for hours and hours on end. It hasn't dried out my lips like Maybelline's other lipsticks. I really love this lipstick so far. This is day two so I'll update if I change my opinion. Otherwise, I need to get 2 more to keep one at home and another at my office desk.
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Mascara -Maybelline - Volum Express Waterproof
gruveechik 8/9/2008 2:27:00 PM
EDIT: I've moved on to Annabelle's Volumelash.com = a great product. Though I will come back to VEW if I really need a waterproof mascara. Original review: Very very pleasantly surprised. Curls, lengthens, thickens. Builds easily to dramatic lashes. No clumps. No flakes, No smearing. Waterproof. Easy to remove with oil and a hot wet cloth. Love this so much I'm interested in trying out Volum Express non-waterproof. Thanks for the recs MUA!
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Eyeliner -Prestige - Waterproof Automatic Eyeliner in Black
gruveechik 8/7/2008 5:56:00 PM
I'm not impressed. Not the worst though. The main beef is the fact that this shows up as a really dark grey, or a muted greyed-black. NOT rich black or even just black. Applies smoothly. Good staying power. I gave mine away the same day I used it.
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Mascara -Rimmel - Magnif'Eyes Eye Opening Waterproof
gruveechik 8/7/2008 5:54:00 PM
A waste of money. My natural lashes look better without this mascara, in other words, it did not magnify my eyes at all! Stuck lashes together. Straightened them and made them stick out forwards.. and I never have encountered such a problem! No lengthening. No thickening. The only good thing about this is: no flakes, no smudging. Promptly gave this away.
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Other -Unlisted Brand - FROSTY MINT TOOTHPASTE
gruveechik 4/23/2008 5:21:00 PM
I Love Green Beaver Company! Easy to be safe and green - and their products WORK!!!! Frosty Mint is perfectly named: FROSTY mint! Go get some and enjoy! FROSTY MINT TOOTHPASTE Ingredients: Calcium carbonate, sorbitol, aqua, glycerin, sodium bicarbonate, silica, xylitol, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) extract, calcium ascorbate, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, menthol, sclerotium gum, coco glucoside, xanthan gum. Here's what they say about their Oral Care line: http://www.greenbeaver.com/oral_care Natural Oral Care for the whole familyOur natural toothpastes are made with plants & minerals. Unlike toothpaste with fluoride, children under the age of 6 years of age can safely swallow our natural toothpastes (including toddlers). Furthermore, our toothpastes our made with real flavours without any chemically engineered synthetic flavours (or dyes), making it better for us and our environment! The toothpastes contain natural antibacterial agents such as Xylitol, lemon and tea tree extracts. Xylitol occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables, including berries, apples, and plums. According to Health Canada, "studies have indicated that xylitol in particular may actually help to prevent tooth decay". For more information on xylitol, please visit Health Canada. It also contains natural mineral whiteners such as Silica and calcium carbonate, natural breath fresheners like aromatic and refreshing herbs. We also add Calcium ascorbate, which contributes to the normal development and maintenance of teeth and gums. Available in five natural flavours from Mother Nature’s garden: Frosty Mint, Star Anise, Zesty Orange, Green Apple, and Cilantro Mint. Keep your toothbrush clean naturally which combating the millions of micro-organisms (including coliforms) toothbrushes hold. Stop transmitting bacteria and viruses - a healthy mouth and teeth begins with a clean toothbrush! Our toothbrush sanitizer contains antibacterial citrus limonoids and bioflavonoids. The product is 100 % natural, alcohol-free and safe for the whole family. Simply spray on the bristles to keep your toothbrush sanitized between uses. Our products are safe for the whole family including babies. 100% NATURAL, BIODEGRADABLE, VEGAN AND GLUTEN-FREE They do not contain: Paraben or hydantoin preservatives, sulfate detergents, artificial aromas, fragrances or dyes, phthalates, quaternium, EDTA, propylene glycol or petrolatum, Fluoride, artificial flavours or aromas, dyes, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), chemical whiteners, propylene glycol, preservatives.
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Deodorants -Unlisted Brand - Green Beaver Company
gruveechik 4/23/2008 5:16:00 PM
EDIT: I'VE TRIED AND HAVE BEEN USING DR. MIST FOR 2 MONTHS NOW. IT IS THE BEST!!! I WOULD USE GREEN BEAVER IF DR. MIST WASN'T AROUND. PLS SEE MY REVIEW. This review is for the 24hour Extra Protection Rosewood Deodorant. The fact is, I need extra protection from my Deodorant. I've tried Dove, Adidas, Lady Speed Stick, Mitchum, Secret, Byly, Jason, Lavilin, Avalon, Nature's Gate, Kiss My Face.... to name a few. I prefer to use natural deodorant to avoid the toxins, but none have stood to the test without layering different brands and reapplying throughout the day. It's come to such a point that even Dove and Adidas FAILED me! So imagine my astonishment and shock when Green Beaver, 24hour Extra Protection Rosewood Deodorant - in it's non-flashy packaging proved to be an AMAZING Deodorant. It's rather hot weather now and I've worked up a sweat and this puppy still works! Also - NO WHITE RESIDUE! My only only complaint would be a little stinging when first applied on freshly shaved pits.. but given how it works, I'm willing to suck it up. I'm also prone to getting clogged pores or sweat glands, and I haven't had a problem with Green Beaver at all!!! So in general, I've been using Green Beaver products for the past 3months, and I am utterly blown away! This company is totally lemming worthy! I do not work for this company, I am just utterly blown away! See my reviews for their Frosty Mint Toothpaste and their Cranberry Shampoo. What I LOVE about this Company and their products is: - natural ingredients and you KNOW that there are no nasty chemicals like Aluminium Chloride, Propylne Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Suphate, Parabens etc. With other companies like Jason or Avalon etc, you still have to read the ingredients.. with Green Beaver, all you have to do is just pick up the bottle and go! - yah it's natural .. but bleedin' hell IT WORKS!! - if you want to be green and help save the planet - and damn it, still look good (and smell good), without having to think or try to hard, I wholeheartedly recommend Green Beaver! - obviously not a whole lotta money was spent on packaging.. the packing isn't pretty and work just fine, but this translates into savings for me, and a great ingredient list. Here's what Green Beaver says about their Deodorants: http://www.greenbeaver.com/deodorants Perspiration is an important, natural bodily function, helping to regulate body temperature and eliminate toxins from the body. Perspiration odour develops primarily as a result of bacterial growth. The perspiration feeds bacteria on our skin which produce unpleasant odours. Thus the introduction of antiperspirants and deodorants. Antiperspirants contain an aluminium based compound such as aluminium chlorohydrate whose function is to clog the sweat glands in order to minimize perspiration. Some antiperspirants contain as much as 25% aluminium chlorohydrate. Health Canada classifies antiperspirants as drugs because they modify a normal body function. Recent scientific studies have questioned the role of aluminum with Alzheimer’s disease. Deodorants contain preservatives, antibacterial ingredients, perfumes and dyes that prevent bacteria on our skin from growing, thus inhibiting the development of bad odour. Recent scientific studies have questioned the role of chemical preservatives called parabens and breast cancer. The Green Beaver Company manufactures natural antibacterial deodorants. They contain a unique antibacterial complex of natural enzymes such as citrus extract, lichen and other odour preventing botanicals, as well as grapefruit seed extract. We not use artificial antibacterial agents, fragrances, dyes or chemical preservatives. We added aloe and chamomile to help soothe sensitive and damaged or burning skin resulting from shaving. Our natural deodorants go on clear, will not leave any white residue and are also not mushy or too hard. Available in five natural fragrances from Mother Nature’s garden (lavender, citrus, tea tree, rosewood, wild yam). We also have an unscented natural deodorant. Our products are safe for the whole family including babies. 100% NATURAL, BIODEGRADABLE, VEGAN AND GLUTEN-FREE They do not contain: Aluminum, paraben or hydantoin preservatives, propylene glycol, artificial aromas, fragrances or dyes, phthalates, quaternium, EDTA, propylene glycol, petrolatum or silicone, artificial antibacterial agents, fragrances, dyes or chemical preservatives.
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