Cleansers -Olay - Sensitive Skin Foaming Face Wash
Endit 11/26/2011 9:47:00 PM
I like trying different cleansers. They're cheap and there's tons of them. PROS: This is nearly identical to my current cleanser, L'Oreal Go 360 (sensitive skin) so the same things apply: removes everything, gentle, foams a lot, not stripping, cheap. Unlike the 360, this one is cheaper and you get slightly more: 200ml vs 178ml. There's also a larger one that has even more product in a tube. CONS: Ppaque packaging so you can't see inside, tube can't be stood upside down due to the pump. OTHER: While the Go 360 looks and smells like Elmer's Glue, and this one looks and smells like the CHEAPEST handsoap that you find at nationwide restaurants like Friendlies: it's got the same look (partially clear and opaque), the same feel (quite thick), and the same smell (cheap and horrible). If I didn't know any better, I would think it was handsoap, not facial soap! The consistency of the Olay is also thicker than the 360 but it doesn't look it (cause the Olay is partially clear, whereas the 360 is opaque). OVERALL: It's cheaper and does the same thing as the 360, so now I have 2 backup cleansers to fall on. Doesn't come with a scrubblet, but since I've moved onto using the Skinsonic, I don't really need one. UPDATE 1: Ok, this DOES dry out my skin. I suspected it a tiny bit originally but it's more apparent when I use it with my Skinsonic or try to wear makeup. I'd give it a 3.5/5 because of that. Not surprising though. After I apply moisturizer it seems to go away, just the initial pat dry stage after cleansing is pretty dry feeling.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Ottlite Natural Daylight Makeup Mirror
Endit 11/5/2011 2:21:00 PM
The lighting in my house sucks. No good daylight areas and no neutral colored bulbs. There are VERY few choices in lighted makeup mirrors. Everything I came across was really old, expensive, or both. Ottlite seemed like a good brand though, and this mirror is marketed as basically natural daylight brought indoors. I am really big on properly managed color too, so the fact that it aimed for neutral color lighting sold me. This is NOT the same as the other mirror listed, this one was introduced in 2010 and has 1x/5x sides, the other one is older/discontinued and has 1x/8x sides. PROS: Very accurate color. Ever since I've got a Whibal (a proper grey card for making custom white balances - get one if you care AT ALL about taking proper swatches or color in general) a couple years ago, I've been using it a lot. I have no way of measuring it, but the color balance I see when I'm working with the Ottlite looks close to custom white balances I do with my Whibal . So I believe it's quite neutral lighting. The light is also pretty even. It's bright enough that I can even do my makeup in total darkness if need be, but at the same time it's not overly bright so it doesn't wash me out at all! It seems like the good amount of light. The mirrors are of good quality for not being glass, the stand is sturdy, somewhat lightweight, none of the operation is stiff, and there's one button operation (does it get any easier?). CONS: I'm not sure if this is really a con or not, but this shows EVERYTHING. I cannot stress this enough! Every single pore, facial hair, line... any flaw you have (even things you have never seen before) will be shown in unholy detail. The first time I looked into it was shocking (and this is only the 1x side). For example, you know how we all have those fine lines under the eye, but they never show up unless something on them creases/melts/wasn't blended good enough? I can see every one of them while using this mirror... and this is WITHOUT any makeup on... and I'm only 21 years old! It's not unflattering light in sense it's harsh (because it's not), it's just... how flattering can two fluorescent bulbs behind plastic panels really be? So it seems clinical/"accurate" instead. This to me invalidates it's "natural" daylight claims because outdoors my skin always looks phenomenally good, and never this detailed. Even looking at my eyes in it, it looks "unreal". Doing makeup in this kind of light is a double edged sword... on one hand, if yoou can make it look good in this light then it's flawless everywhere else, but since it's unflattering light to begin with, you won't look great while working and may think you're not doing a great job. Like I said though, in normal lighting, results look a bit more natural, even, and better on the fine detail level to me. OTHER THOUGHTS: The construction could maybe be a little more user friendly/"soft". The first time I tried removing the panels that cover the lights, I thought I was going to break them. I tried doing just what the manual said then - FORCING my credit card under the panels and through even though it feels stuck. That worked better. The bulbs, you cannot grasp the base to remove them, you have to grasp the bulb part, which is not good. The 5x magnified side I don't use much and it looks like a funhouse mirror unless you are REALLY up in it. It's still useful but I getting that close will affect my color vision or give me burn in temporarily, even though I'm not looking directly into the lights. Also, maybe it's just me, but I find it a little harder to discern shine vs matte while working. Weird. The light also "pre-sculpts" my cheekbones out too, there is a slight shadow where they are. Not sure if that is intentional or not but it would help contouring. OVERALL: If you're looking for daylight, this isn't it. However it's accurate in it's own way so is still useful for makeup. I'm getting used to what I see and what application looks like while using it, but if you're insecure, it's not the right thing for you, since it "enhances" what skin texture and makeup application looks like. Detail overload. I always go from the Ottlite to flattering/normal light after to check what I've "really" done, so it's not an end all solution, but it is a good place to start from.
11 out of 11 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Sirius Skinsonic Brush System
Endit 11/5/2011 1:51:00 PM
Every time I wash my face is pretty thorough. I always double cleanse when wearing makeup (no makeup wipes), "vigorously" use a scrubblet to make things foam a lot, and I've never had a toner come back with anything on it, so I know how to get my face clean. If the sonic vibrations were really doing anything extra, I should know (vs those who cleanse quickly or not thoroughly in the first place and can't really tell). PROS: Really feel it vibrating, it's like it's goes into my bones. That's what I hate about anything vibrating but at least I know it's working. 1/3 the price of the Mia. Lightweight. Whenever I shave after after using this, my skin is super smooth already. My skin can also tolerate using it twice a day, every day, so I do just that (but sometimes mix it up to be more gentle). It does clean better too, I can tell. CONS: It took me like over 2 weeks to figure out how to use this with foaming cleansers efficiently. You'd think it would make foam really easy with the vibration, but no, it resists it and that is almost the kiss of death for me since I love foam and foaming cleansers. The first couple times I used the Skinsonic I got ZERO foam. Even if I'd lather stuff up on my face a bit first, the Skinsonic like "absorbed"/dispersed what was there! I know non foaming cleansers are recommended with the Clarisonic, but I don't want to be penalized for NOT using one! Only thing I found about this issue was Q&A on Sephora where somebody says they don't get much foam either, all the sonic vibrations might be breaking up the bubbles. I believe that is true but not fully - if I leave the Skinsonic on a single part of my face without moving it, I get lots of foam underneath, but when I move it, it goes away. So the sonic vibrations "cut" the foam up as it moves. After a while, I learned to get tons of foam, you foam cleanser up on the brush with your finger first then apply it to dry-barely wet skin. Sounds simple but I never realized it. This is surprising to me since the scrubblet I used before is literally the exact opposite. Another thing... the Skinsonic is NOT waterproof like they say it is. It has little "cracks" where the pieces are assembled and like the Olay Pro-X, it also uses batteries, so the biggest crack is the part you remove to insert them. I tested it and yes, water does end up inside after! So like the Pro-X, it's only water resistant. I put some scotch tape over the cracks. OTHER: It took my face some time to get used to the brushes. The sensitive/cleansing brush felt mostly ok on my skin, but a bit scratchy/intense on my forehead. It's just what it says - for cleansing only. Any results in terms of extra smoothness or nicer looking skin are extremely minor. This is the brush to use if you just want to cleanse your skin more throughly. The normal/exfoliating brush (black) is where the real results will come from, but the brush is freaking intense! The first couple times I used it was hell and I saw no way I could use it even if I wanted to. The brush is WAY firmer, just moving it around the skin you need to be careful. The bristles feel ok when it's not vibrating, but when it is, it's like your skin is saying "Eggshells here! EGGSHELLS!" Definitely cannot be used if sonically cleansing 2x a day, but if used 1x a day or less, it's amazing and gets results. My skin feels SUPER smooth and I think I can see a slight difference too. Would make a great body brush too. OTHER THOUGHTS: Nobody talks about the massaging head. You can REALLY feel vibrations through it. I think you if you want the most sonic action then that's the one to try. Careful though, on facial bones it can leave you red and hurt, just to show how "well" it works. Could see it as an alternative to the pad hydrating/exfoliating one. Speaking of the hydrating one, does it remind anybody of an oversized Clarisonic Opal? I put on moisturizer, waiting a minute or 2, THEN used it to test it out. Didn't seem to do much but didn't hurt. This way doesn't waste product and is easier since your skin is already smooth. Only reason why it's also suggested for exfoliating as well is since unlike a brush, beads or abrasives won't get absorbed or lost in it. Also, the included stand kinda scares me. My Skinsonic has toppled off of it a couple times somehow. Also, the top panel of my SS moves like 1mm. Enough to make a small click. Fixed that with tape too. OVERALL: Results wise, I'd love to say it did everything and blew my mind, but it hasn't. What I am surprised at is how I like using it. It's just kinda fun to use. I like knowing that I am getting a deeper cleanse and with the exfoliating brush, it's amazing. The cleansing brush will give you 0 to no results, it's strictly for cleansing. I hate how the system is slow to make things foam, but now I've got the hang of it (don't put cleanser on the face first at all! If so, it looks/feels like I'm using no cleanser and it's intense feeling). I don't think the SS is essential but highly recommend it. However if you wear makeup on a daily basis, I do think it's essential then. But I'll still be looking into a leave on AHA/BHA so I can also SEE a change, not just feel one. UPDATE 1: I think this made veins under my eyes more prominent! I don't think there is permanent damage though. After I've gone to sleep or don't touch my face, it goes down. Try to steer clear of that area when working. UPDATE 2 [February 2, 2012]: The exfoliating brush is amazing. Just amazing. I thought my skin couldn't handle it but I am glad I kept trying to make it work. SO worth it. So far, no increase in veins either. Maybe I was too rough or it made my skin clearer and now they show. Disappointing side effect. Be very careful around the eye area and forget about using the ridiculous intense massaging head. I think that's what caused it, even though I only tried it like 2 two times :(
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Olay - Complete with SPF 15 Lotion
Endit 10/27/2011 6:52:00 PM
UPDATE (July 3, 2012): When I reviewed this, I used it enough to get an accurate opinion, but I also swapped some other stuff in to compare as well. I have tried to use it more consistency now to use it up and it breaks me out. I forgot to wash my face one night with this on and it created a TON of zits. My chin had like 7 new tiny ones, the sides of my face were breaking out, and the rest of my face, while I can't see anything, it doesnt' feel as smooth as I last remember. This also makes my skin look worse than I remember, like the veins under my eyes, I feel they are more prominent when I use this. I will very slowly use this up, not consistently. PROS: Cheapest value moisturizer I've found so far: 4.0oz/118ml (!!!) with good ingredients (a high amount of niacinamide, glycerin, also has Vitamin B5, E, C) and full spectrum SPF. Lightweight moisturizing, between feeling it very lightly and not at all. CONS: Who the **** is responsible for the smell? It smells like cheap sunscreen, soap, and baby powder, in that order. Fragrant and lingers, but it's not that strong. Fortunately I am not sensitive to smells and can tolerate mostly anything, but I would prefer something different here (or at least 1 of the 3 things above, not all). Packaging sucks too, not only because it has no pump, but you can never put product back in and it has a tendency to give too much. I keep an Everyday Minerals sample jar with me to dump excess into when I use this. OTHER THOUGHTS: When they say it's for normal skin, they aren't lying. It does not feel super hydrating, but its' not so light for oily skin. And like most sunscreens, apply too much and you will see/feel it (shiny). It really makes my skin look awful when it's shiny. This also contains a HUGE amount of dimethicone... you can definately feel it, it adds that unnatural silicone feel to the skin. Probably helps makeup though. OVERALL: This is a good option for most people and quite cheap. Me, I'm just on the hunt for perfection so 3.5/5. I need more hydration too.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Loose Powders -MAC - Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder
Endit 10/17/2011 3:27:00 PM
I tried this because it seemed like a super neutral product: transparent, not made for one skin type, and it even claims to be invisible. It's pretty blatant that it's MAC's version of Make Up For Ever's HD powder as well: finely milled, lotta silica, transparent. PRO: SUPER finely milled. I can't detect any "grains" in it, like those beads that disappear when you put your brush on them. The amount you get is pretty good too. So far it seems like it's lasting a long time. Only 3 ingredients. I like that it's loose because it transfers the easiest to any tool (brush, puff, etc). Loose powders are cheaper and easier to make which should reduce their cost as well. I quite like using this powder over moisturizer/sunscreen. I have dry skin but somehow all moisturizers give me a sheen, magnifying pores/lines/etc. This powder takes away the shine but in a completely transparent way, it doesn't look like there is anything on my face! CONS: When I put it on top of foundation, it can make it look dull. The finish may be called "natural" matte, but is too much and looks dry/UNnatural instead. I use Studio Sculpt (a pretty dewy foundation) and after I put this on top of it, it is flat and lacking dimension. I also need to use more than I feel like I should to set things too. I don't pack it on, but I definitely need to go back for more for different sections. OTHER: In pictures, I think this is "invisible" looking and truly transparent. The overly matte finish isn't totally noticeable then. But since humans don't work/live in places that can double as a photoshoot 24/7, how it looks in bad light is more important to me, and there it's too matte/dry looking. This powder also makes the skin feel dry, not a sucked out moisture way, but a "I put some powder on my face! See how dry and smooth it feels?" way. It just makes things feel "set". It only leaves a white cast if you use too much or don't press it in. It's a WHITE powder after all. Also, while the cornstarch may feed bacteria, how much can it really do that? Logically, it will be sitting over a layer of moisturizer or foundation, and it's washed off every day, so it's got a bit of things in it's way. I also really need to address the packaging, because it sounds a lot worse than it is in other reviews. Yes, sifter has a lot of holes so a lot can come out, but in my experience, I haven't had problems like that and I have them all uncovered. Just a couple taps and I get enough, not TONS. Also, the powder can easy go back below the sifter. Put the cap on and give it a tap. I like simple, minimal packaging and this is it. Cheap. One final thing, this stuff works as a primer too! Tried using it before foundation a couple times and interestingly enough, MAC lists this under primer, NOT powder, on their website, so there must be something to that after all. But it feels weird to put a liquid over a powder so I won't be experimenting with that any more. OVERALL: I'm gonna try Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil, Photoready's Translucent Powder, or MAC Careblend next. I don't want shine, but I like a little "glow" and P&P removes it. Too matte for my dry skin. And while it works good on bare skin, it is way too expensive to use it just for that. I'd say it's better for normal-slightly oily skin or those who use really dewy foundations and want to neutralize the the finish. Once it mixes with oils too, it will probably appear neutral and not matte anymore. A lot of the people who say it doesn't control oil that much, I think that is kinda on purpose, transparent in color and finish.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Everyday Minerals - Long handled Kabuki
Endit 10/13/2011 4:39:00 PM
PRO: Cheap, soft, really dense. CONS: I gotta agree with one of the 1 star reviews that says this brush has too much give. It's overly soft and has no firmness. Can't use it with foundation since it "drags" across the skin instead of properly laying down or blending product. I find it absorbs a lot too, even with finishing powder. OVERALL: Too floppy for my taste. Best to use it for finishing powder and things that don't need that much blending.
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Skincare - Face -Dr. Bronner's - Dr.Bronners Tea Tree Soap
Endit 10/2/2011 7:04:00 AM
I only use this as a brush cleanser. I chose it over all the other ones because Bronners varieties because tea tree oil is antibacterial/viral/fungal/etc and it can also be drying, so I thought that would help with drying time. PROS: Unbelievably concentrated, even when diluted. If you are using it straight you seriously only need 1 drop to do anything. Simple ingredients with no filler like dyes, fragrance, etc. Great price, will last forever. CONS: I know it has tons of oil in it, but I thought that since so many said it cleans well, it must not be a problem. WRONG. The oil leaves a very noticeable residue on brushes. But here's the thing about it: it only shows up the more you clean your brushes. At first removes only makeup, but if you try to clean an already clean brush, it just ends up leaving residue behind. It also leaves a residue if you can't make it foam. For example, it works fine on kabukis and brushes you swirl since that motion easily makes it foam, but it doesn't work on tightly packed bristles, firm bristles, and things you don't swirl with. In these cases, using more only increases the residue, dries the bristles out, and leaves them with stray lifeless hairs. And it is NOT truly deep cleaning at all. Case in point: Revlon PhotoReady. Just try it. It will just start leaving a residue instead. OTHER THOUGHTS: I live in Vermont. "Made in Vermont" is supposed to be used as a sign of quality, but it means nothing because MiV things I've used were overpriced for the quality or just lacked quality in the first place. This soap smells like the kind of scent I'd encounter in a store selling primarily MiV items for tourists or as a gimmick. "All natural", kinda nostalgic/old, and disingenuous more than anything. I am tolerant of many things and don't mind scents, so I didn't mind that I didn't have a chance to smell this before I got it. It was not available locally so I asked somebody to pick it up on a long trip. I wouldn't mind the scent so much if it didn't linger. But it lingers on ANYTHING it touches, no matter how you dilute it. I can smell it on every makeup brush as I use them. I've got used to it, but it's worth mentioning. Also this stuff has to be diluted. I have used it straight a couple times, but it just reinforces the cons I listed above. OVERALL: The fact that it can leave a residue means it fails at it's job of CLEANING. It should easily rinse off. I'd recommend this only for swirly type brushes and easily to remove/light makeup. I'll never buy a Bronners again though since plain shampoo is better. I still will use it up on not that dirty brushes or a a "pre" cleanser but that's all.
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Moisturizers -Cerave - Facial Moisturizing Lotion - PM
Endit 10/2/2011 5:59:00 AM
While I gave CeraVe AM a mixed review, I still had to try the PM one since it came before and on paper looks great. PROS: Absorb betters than the AM version, perhaps even fully! Do think it's working on some redness on my face. Great ingredients. Economical. Pump. I can't tell when I don't use this. CONS: Something in CeraVe, the brand in general, does not agree with my skin. I think it is the Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol combination but I don't know exactly. All I can say is that when I first started using this, I felt like I was getting zits. Not huge ones, and my skin doesn't look clogged, but just like micro ones, or that my skin is off. Continually using it, my skin adjusted more however. Also, I feel that it REALLY absorbs sometimes, like my skin is dry and needs more. OTHER THOUGHTS: The consistency is lighter than CeraVe AM and the cream. It's also invisible. I used 2-3 pumps of this on my face like normal and I swear it didn't cover everything. I can't even see it when spreading it... it just disappears and feels like I need to use more. OVERALL: I'm not blown away but it's a good night product. It has good ingredients and I can feel it working some so I will continue using it. UPDATE: Came back to this after using another moisturizer and I think this could be causing breakouts now. Still have doubt though. Trying to use it for day use but it's too heavy and shiny.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Ecotools - Bamboo 2 Powder Puffs
Endit 9/3/2011 12:38:00 AM
UPDATE: Looking at the other reviews, maybe I got a dud! But my rating still stands. Can only review what I have. PROS: It's cheap, and you get two. CONS: Maybe I'm being too harsh by giving a 1, but the sponge inside loses ALL of it's firmness after washing it. I have washed one a couple of times (by hand, not machine wash like it says you can also do) and had it been like that in the first place, I would have not bought it. It's flimsy and thin. If you plan on "loading" the puff with loose powder, or using loose powder in the first place, forget it. It just eats it. So pressed powder is the only way to go. And the softness... well, it's not soft but it's not rough either. OVERALL: They discontinued these for a reason. I will instead try NYX's puffs, MAC's new (as of 2011) Luxury Powder Puffs, and the Ecotools Finishing Kabuki.
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Foundations -Sally Hansen - Inspired By Carmindy Natural Beauty Your Skin Makeup ] [DISCONTINUED]
Endit 8/26/2011 6:43:00 PM
I tried this because I wanted something easy to apply, fairly invisible, good for dry skin, and cheap. PROS: Comparing foundation to skin is probably as old as makeup itself. However, this IS very skin like! It just has the right amount of coverage, not too much or too little. No powdery dry down so it stays fresh looking. Some plant extracts, not tons but better than nothing! Easy to blend, pump. CONS: Color selection sucks. Ecru Beige is somehow darker than MAC Studio Sculpt NC15 that I currently use. I don't understand how that is possible since SS looks peachier/darker before it's blended and LePearl256 on YouTube has very pale skin and it matches her well too! Porcelain looked too pink, but maybe I should have investigated that anyways - ecru beige is not close enough. And there's no SPF. Prone to shine, I don't mind it but warning for others (no glitter or micro fine shimmer though). The pump has a tiny hole and if it ever shoots foundation out because it's clogged, PRAY that it doesn't land on fabric. It permanently stained a shirt like this, and instantly too. Going back to Studio Sculpt, I also got a bit of that on a crisp white shirt yet ALL of it came out and with only a tide stain stick!So Carmindy is not forgiving. OVERALL: Color is tricky and price is higher than most drugstore foundations, but it has realistic looking coverage. I can overlook the pump by wiping it often, but I am just not the the type of customer for this. I am really looking for something special or different, more than just foundation so I won't buy this again. Too bad we don't have an option to recommend it, because I would recommend it.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Ecotools - Bamboo Foundation Brush
Endit 8/25/2011 12:05:00 PM
Originally thought this was streaky and the bristles clumped SO badly. Switched to the MAC 191 (another traditional foundation brush but without a tapered tip and firmer) and been using that for a while, so think I have better technique and can try this again and see what happens. PROS: Cheap, very soft bristles, does not shed, lightweight. CONS: OMG, this brush really sucks up foundation! It eats way too much product! And you know what that means - initially sheer application. The bristles clump extremely quickly when working with it too... just wetting the brush makes them clump! The brush has a peculiar density/firmness that I can't really describe. It has enough bristles, but there is something weird about it. The silver part under the bristles is slightly larger and when I move the brush, it kinda like moves around that area, so there's a gap. It doesn't feel loose or anything. Odd. OVERALL: It is still fail! And it's not even really cheap. The initial price may be but in the long run it isn't cause it wastes product! I really don't like how the bristles easily bunch/clump up and the way the whole thing kinda moves, like the base isn't that firm. Not so great with thicker formulas either. Maybe if you haven't used anything like this you won't know what you're missing, but considering every brand has a brush like with this design, there are better places to start.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Joico - Moisture Recovery
Endit 8/18/2011 11:48:00 AM
UPDATE Feb 18, 2012: This stuff continues to amaze me. I wish there was a 4.5 rating here so I could bump it up to that (5 is only for absolute perfection). The under layers of my hair, the hair closest to my scalp, has always been like babies hair - naturally obscenely smooth. The rest of my hair, not so much. Moisture Recovery feels like it's bringing that same quality to the rest of my hair though! The only negative is I think this could smooth out texture too much for some. Some parts of my hair seem REALLY smooth and I don't see how those with curls or waves could maintain that structure at the same time (though I do need to get a haircut). There's a lot of dimethicone in this too which I believe is partially responsible. My hair doesn't have that coated, weighed down feeling, but do think it's leaving it's mark in the crazy smoothness and less movement. I'm also gonna try using it like the instructions say - rinsing it out after just 1 minute. Seems like too little time for it to do anything but maybe this is said for a reason cause it works. Additional time could be overkill. PROS: Now I'm getting somewhere! Not a miracle conditioner but I feel it's slowly transforming my hair the more I use it, the opposite of when your hair gets used to something and it stops working! Feels amazing in hair and rinsing too. First day air drying is never great for me but with this I can feel an improvement. Good amount of weight without being overkill, what it does to texture is intersting. Softens but does NOT obliterate it or make it straight, it does try to keep the natural texture intact! Day 2, my hair feels/looks REALLY good. My hair is usually a little dry still a day after. Day 3-4, my hair gets dirty way faster than normal and I actually love it. My hair produces little oil or it produces oil eventually yet my hair still feels dry. With this, it still feels hydrated and a better condition for heat styling. CONS: I don't understand the formula of this stuff. Isopentyldiol? Never seen that before. And sorbitol is a glycerin substitute prone to the reverse osmosis drying effect. I've heard glycerin can do the same thing but I have yet to find a RELIABLE source of this so I don't believe it. So why would they use sorbitol over glycerin then? I also don't understand how the algae (Hydrolyzed Algin + Chlorella Vulgaris Extract) is supposed to work being in the presence of behentrimonium chloride, an algaecide. And how well can the sea water work given that the minerals in sea water are double dissolved (first in sea water, and then in water as the first ingredient)? And the algae and sea water make up the Hydramine Sea Complex, the interesting technology of Moisture Recovery. Maybe they do work but I don't see how. The formula could be improved with amodimethicone or a new/exotic cone instead of dimethicone. Don't like how there is so much dimethicone too... my hair feels "fresh" and clean after shampooing but after rinsing this out, it kinda has that siliconey coated feeling while wet. Don't like the inclusion of dyes and fragrance but they are really low and I don't mind the smell. It's kind of aquatic, subtle sweet (no TIGI), leaning towards masculine. Same league as Redken Real Control, like laundry detergent, but not so obvious. It gets really intense when rinsing it out though, it's like the scent is "activated". If you don't like fragrance, beware, cause it does linger, but only if I shake my head back and forth. OVERALL: It takes a lot to blow me away. It's not as good as OLD Humectress, but it's very close and for now, I really like it (fingers crossed that it just continues to get better with each use).
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Joico - Moisture Recovery
Endit 8/18/2011 7:26:00 AM
UPDATE Sept 13, 2011: Ok, the lack of hair loss has continued. Not always, but a lot more than ever before. I'm talking 0 to less than 10 strands in the drain (how is that even possible!?). Also, rinse and repeat or forget using it at all. PROS: Originally I thought this was a pretty basic shampoo with no special qualities, except that this I lose a TON less hair in the shower. I don't have damaged hair and my hair has never broken off/fallen out, but in the shower, a lot just naturally comes out, all the loose hairs just get dislodged. I thought the less hair loss was maybe the Vitamin D that I started a month before I used this but read that Vitamin D usually takes effect in 3 months. Also, I didn't notice less hair loss till the first wash with this stuff. Worth mentioning no matter what the cause was. Now I lose little to almost NO hair in the shower. Since then I've discovered this shampoo actually works really well, provided that you follow the instructions: later, rinse, REPEAT. You must repeat. I was afraid of dryness but the shampoo is gentle, so much that with one lather/rinse only my hair would be left dry because it was not properly cleaned, so I started doing it twice with much better results. I also don't really "wash" my hair with it, I mostly concentrate on my scalp. The second wash makes HUGE body wash like foam and feels like overkill, it works. CONS: Not sure if it really moisturizes hair, but it just doesn't leave it feeling raw or super dry. And since I need to lather, rinse, and repeat I will use it up faster. OVERALL: I'm sticking with it. I might actually buy it again!
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Moisturizers -Cerave - Facial Moisturizing Lotion - AM SPF 30
Endit 8/14/2011 8:48:00 AM
(Updated June 21 2012) I've been using this for over 2 months now so now I can completely review it. PROS: Good ingredients (niacinamide, ceramides cholesterol, hyaluronic acid, Phytosphingosine), Multivesicular Emulsion time based deliver, sunscreen, no fragrance. Amazing price, nice pump that doesn't waste product or get clogged easily. Very moisturizing. I actually find it doesn't burn at all (CeraVe cream burned a ton, I hate it). No sunscreen smell. CON: The finish just SUCKS. I use 2 pumps and it's flat out oily/sweaty looking and I can really feel it. Sure, I could wait for it to absorb, but it takes like 20-30 minutes or doesn't absorb at all! I don't have that much time in the morning to JUST wait for absorption. I put a tissue on my face and it just sticks there without me holding it. You would think that having a smooth, moisturized base would help makeup application though but I found it does just the opposite. It's so oily that stuff never dries, but the real sin is that it promotes oxidization! Whenever I TRY to wear foundation with AM, I must make sure my face is not heavy feeling at all when I begin otherwise it ranges from a little change to a ton. I have dry skin and only driest parts of my skin soak it up. Also got a bunch of tiny zits when I first started using it too, though I think it was a coincidence. And the sunscreen is really not that high, there was a big post on the skincare board. OVERALL: Nothing else has ingredients like this, a pump, and 3 ounces for the price. And it's a good thing cause the heaviness would have killed it otherwise. UPDATE: It still (somewhat) does! Of course every lighting is different, but in light that favors shine, it REQUIRES a powder (unless you like to hightlight your flaws and look like you just did cardio). And when you factor in the powder, now the price isn't so low. It's either that or be really careful how much you use. And how many people do you know that LIKE skimping on moisturizer!? Also by using less you are getting less sun protection. Best for casual use use, the driest of skin, and/or those who are careful how much they use. I don't really really recommend using it with makeup either.
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Other -Unlisted Brand - Oral-B Pulsar 3D White Advanced Vivid Toothbrush
Endit 8/13/2011 2:06:00 PM
When it comes to dental hygiene, I'm pretty lazy about it. I've always had good teeth and take it for granted. I never brush or floss enough but I get good dental visits anyways. I still have my wisdom teeth too and have no stains that I can see. So as you can imagine, I still use manual toothbrushes. I've always wanted to try a sonic toothbrush, however the bulkiness and small head size turned me off, not to mention the price and if there would even be any point if I'm so lax about the whole thing in the first place. But this brush looked like a good alternative and and vibrations are better, so I should try them. + Come to find out, this toothbrush is amazing! The handle size is so good and brush head is full but not stupidly oversized like the Pro Health (non vibrating) brush is. It covers a lot of ground fast. I also LOVE the color of the handle... it's darker purple with silver sparkle to it, like looking out into a night sky. The vibration seems pretty good too! I saw a test where another cheap vibrating toothbrush was put into a cup of water while turned on and there was no foaming or reaction really and then an expensive one was put in and it made tons of foam. I tried that with this brush and there was definitely a reaction and foam. And if you touch the white lower bristles, they really do feel very micro pulsing and such. - I still hate the sensation of vibrating, so I use it like 50% of the time. The vibration becomes like an extension of my mouth when it's on. And the battery is supposidely NOT replaceable, so when it dies you have to buy a new one. The battery is proprietary or breaks the brush when you remove it. I will see if I can find a way around that though. It says it should last 3 months (mine has lasted longer though). = Overall, I really like it. If vibrating brushes annoy you as well but you want to reap some benefits, this is a good option.
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