Conditioner -Garnier - Fructis Leave-In Conditioning Cream, Sleek & Shine
MissRubyJones 4/24/2011 10:25:00 PM
As far as smoothing conditioning creams go, this one's pretty good. It smooths out my medium-thick, wavy-to-curly hair well, and it weighs it down just a tad, which is not a bad thing, as that both takes care of frizz and poofiness. It doesn't seem to build up on my hair. The signature Garnier Fructis scent is not unpleasant. I'll probably try a few more conditioning creams as I attempt to find a replacement for my dearly departed Suave Sleek, but this one will do for now. And chances are, I'll come back to it again! EDIT: Garnier has changed the formulation for the Sleek & Shine Leave-In. At first, I really liked the new formula. It's made with argan oil and apricot, and it seems to soak into the hair better, rather than sit on top of the hair as the old formula seemed to do. However, after a few uses, I found that the new formula weighed my hair down, and left it looking dull and flat. It also seemed to build up. I've discontinued use.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Mary Kay - concealer
MissRubyJones 4/16/2011 12:35:00 AM
As a concealer, Mary Kay's signature tube-style formula does nothing for me. The lightest shade is too yellow for my fair, rosy skin, and I find that it cakes up even when applied with a brush. That being said, when I use it as an eyeshadow primer or an under/around the eye concealer, I love it. My shadow/liner does not migrate down my face when I use this on my eyelid and around my eye, and while the formula is creamy, it doesn't make my eyeshadows ashy or matte.
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Concealers -Wet 'n' Wild - Coverall Stick
MissRubyJones 4/16/2011 12:31:00 AM
I keep a stick of Wet'N'Wild's Coverall in 801 in my travel bag. In one lipstick sized tube, I have concealer and eyeshadow primer all in one. The color is perfect for my fair skin, it blends well as long as I put it on over moisturizer, and as an eyeshadow primer, it can't be beat - my eyeshadow/liner never budges when I use this.
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Gels/Soaps -Yardley - English Lavender Soap
MissRubyJones 3/26/2011 10:24:00 PM
This is my fiance's favorite. It's the only soap he will use, so I associate it with a masculine scent. A bar seems to last him forever, and it doesn't dry his skin out. I store the bars in his drawers and closets, and it leaves his clothes smelling wonderful.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Alberto Vo5 - Perfect Hold Aerosol Hairspray
MissRubyJones 3/25/2011 11:27:00 AM
I picked this new V05 hairspray up on a whim when Rite-Aid was out of my regular brand, Freeze-It. While I'm still loyal to Freeze-It, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase this again if I couldn't find my Freeze-It. It's labeled as a "styling spray," and that's how I use it. If you, like me, have tried VO5 hairsprays in the past and have been turned off by the overwhelming old lady smell and the accompanying stiff hold, you'll be shocked and surprised by the difference in the regular formulas and the Perfect Hold formula. This hairspray is similar in scent and hold to TreSemme's Tres Two. It comes out in a fine, but wet mist that is great for styling damp or dry hair. It doesn't flake or build-up, and the hold is flexible and soft. And, unlike TreSemme, it doesn't leave my hair dried-out or crunchy feeling; in fact, it almost feels moisturizing, dare I say it, especially for an aerosol product. As an added bonus, the pleasant scent lasts all day, but may be a little much if you don't like scented products. More good news - this spray does not build up on my hair, nor does it flake or look dirty the second day. I took off a lippie because the bottle does not seem to last very long; however, at less than $3.00 for 9 ounces, that's a trifling argument ;)
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Gels/Soaps -Dove - Beauty Bar
MissRubyJones 3/20/2011 10:47:00 PM
I have been using Dove to cleanse my face for years after it was recommended to me by my dermatologist. I was skeptical of anything labeled "moisturizing" at first, considering that my skin tends toward oiliness, but if anything, Dove neutralizes the oily tendency. Dove never irritates my very sensitive skin, leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth, and is dirt cheap - what's not to love?
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Styling Tools -Solano - Supersolano
MissRubyJones 3/20/2011 10:34:00 PM
One of the worst beauty purchases I have ever made. I bought the Supersolano dryer on the recommendation of a stylist, and spent around $100. She recommended this dryer because I use a diffuser. Big disappointment. The dryer weighed a ton, was so loud I actually dreaded using it, and the motor blew out in less than six months of 2-3 uses per week. I've had much better luck with Jilbere Paris dryers from Sally Beauty Supply. I've owned three Jilbere dryers. The first lasted about 5 years, which is a lifetime for me, and the second lasted about 3 years before I accidentally shortened its lifespan by getting the cord hung in a door (long story). I'm on the third one now. The best part? I've spent less on all three of these dryers combined than I did the Supersolano, and they are, to a machine, just as fast at drying my hair, lighter, and quieter.
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Cleansers -Ponds - Deep Cleanser Cold Cream
MissRubyJones 3/20/2011 9:58:00 PM
I've been using Ponds Cold Cream or a store-brand knockoff for years to remove eye makeup, or to cleanse my face in the winter when my face is a bit drier. Nothing removes eye makeup better while also leaving the eye area soft and moisturized, in my opinion. It will also leave your face soft and clean, as well, but I do find it leaves my skin a little too oily in the warmer months. Ponds Cold Cream is a classic for good reason - nothing removes makeup better.
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Moisturizers -Avon - Nurtura moisturizer
MissRubyJones 3/20/2011 9:54:00 PM
Nutura is a family favorite - my grandmothers and most of my aunts have been using Nutura since the 1970s, and they were all rewarded with beautiful skin with very few wrinkles. One of my aunts recommended Nutura to me two winters ago when the dry air began to dehydrate even my oily skin, and I was so pleased by how well it moisturized without leaving my skin oily. Nutura is wonderful as a night cream. I use it over Walgreens Alpha Hydroxy Cream, and my skin is always clear, soft and still unlined. I use only the tiniest bit in the warmer months and more in the winter. The scent is very 1970s-era Avon, but it doesn't bother me.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - Solar Sense Clear Zinc for Face SPF 45
MissRubyJones 3/20/2011 9:45:00 PM
I've been wearing sunscreen on my face every single day since I was 11, and I'm 33 now. Suffice to say I have tried almost every sunscreen on earth, and I inevitably have one or both of two problems: one, the sunscreen makes my face an oil slick, or two, it stings and breaks me out in a rash. A dermatologist finally clued me into the fact that chemical sunscreens were causing the rashes, and recommended I use zinc oxide. I ran across Solar Sense Clear Zinc at Rite Aid, and thought I'd give it a try since it's dirt cheap. I was not disappointed. This is one of few sunscreens I can use comfortably. It's not too greasy, and I've never experienced any stinging, breakouts, or rashes. Better yet, unlike most zinc oxide formulas (I talking about you, Neutrogena), Solar Sense does not leave a white cast on my face and chest. My only complaint with Solar Sense is the little jar it comes in. One, even if this stuff is cheap, it's nevertheless deceptive - the jar it's in has a false bottom that makes it appear to have more product than it actually has, so if you're going on vacation, buy two. Two, if you don't close the jar well, this stuff will dry up into the consistency of hardened concrete. And three, jars are just nasty - thin this stuff out and put it in a bottle already, Solar Sense!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Jane - Eye Zing in Brownie Points
MissRubyJones 3/16/2011 11:56:00 PM
I have been using Jane's Brownie Points as an eyeliner for more years than I can remember, and so far, it's the only brown eye shadow that makes a good eyeliner for me. I wet an eyeliner brush with a little Visine, brush it across the eye shadow, then apply, and voila. Perfect neutral brown color, and it will stay on for days, or until you wash it off. I haven't been without this stuff in years, nor do I plan to be!
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Eye Shadow -Cover Girl - Eye Enhancers - Swiss Chocolate
MissRubyJones 3/16/2011 11:52:00 PM
Swiss Chocolate is one of my all-time favorite eye shadows. I very rarely repurchase an eye shadow - usually, when I get to the bottom of the pan, I'm over the color, but this is one I can't live without. It's a rich, slightly shimmery brown that doesn't change color throughout the day. When I use it with my new fave, Palladio Herbal Eye Shadow Primer, it lasts all day long.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Primer -Palladio - Herbal Eyeshadow Primer
MissRubyJones 3/16/2011 11:48:00 PM
This is my first experience with eyeshadow primer, so I have nothing to compare it with, but so far, I like the Palladio Herbal Eyeshadow Primer. It makes my eyeshadow last about three times as long as it does with no primer, even sparkly shadows, which seem to disappear on me faster than matte shadows. My only complaint is the packaging. I've been using this for about three weeks now, and I have no idea how much I've used or how much is left in the tube. Also, I sometimes have to pump the applicator in the tube a few times before I get anything.
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Conditioner -Suave - Professionals Almond & Shea Butter
MissRubyJones 2/1/2011 10:59:00 PM
I picked Suave Professionals Almond & Shea Butter shampoo and conditioner up on a whim after reading the glowing reviews here. I didn't dare be to hopeful, considering that I've never really liked any of the Suave shampoos or conditioners before. This one I really like. It conditions my medium-thick, long curly hair without weighing it down, smells pleasant but not overpowering, and leaves my hair soft and silky. The only thing I do not like about this conditioner is that it seems slimy or something when you rinse it out. It will actually make the shower floor slippery. Be prepared to rinse and rinse the shower after use...
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Suave - Professionals Almond & Shea Butter
MissRubyJones 2/1/2011 10:54:00 PM
I picked Suave Professionals Almond & Shea Butter shampoo up on a whim after reading the glowing reviews here. I didn't dare be to hopeful, considering that I've never really liked any of the Suave shampoos before. This one however.... wow. It's not drying to my long, medium-thick curly hair, it smells pleasant (bananas?) without being too-sweet or overpowering like most Suave shampoos, and the price can't be beat. I always use it with the coordinating conditioner, and it's great.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No