Treatments (Eye) -Unlisted Brand - Dr. LeWinn Under Eye Recovery Daily Treatment
smileandactnice 4/9/2012 11:06:00 AM
I'm new to using this product but based on all the positive things said around the net, I thought I would try it. I noticed that my dark circles look much better already, and my eye area is tighter and plumper--not tight and freaky like when I use those tightening serums. It is really a great product for sensitive eyes too-no burning or stinging...and that's saying alot because I'm super sensitive. I'm hoping it works as well as everyone has said. I like the results so far, but we'll see. Mostly I want it to erase those little fine lines under the inner corners of my eyes. My HG of eye creams was Yves Rocher Rich Creme eye cream with their Wrinkle Fighting Concentrate underneath (at night)--Fabu stuff that was!!! Nothing compares to it *but* they discontinued the concentrate and that was the key to it working....So I've been searching for something else that actually works--and this stuff seems to be doing the trick. I like too that you're getting the positive stuff from Kinerase without the huge ginormous price tag. I've used Kinerase before, liked it alot, but the price was way too high for me. This Eye Recovery is supposed to be the same prod just private labeled so it's cheaper. So again, you get all the positives of Kinerase without costing an arm and a leg. I'll post again in a few months when I've had more time to see the long-term results of this stuff. Oh and I gave it a low packaging rating because the box it came in was squished beyond belief (and I got the *good* box lol)...and the labeling on the tube itself was peeling off from the day I bought it--definitely not good for a product at this price point. **Update 4/25/12 I'm still on the fence about this product. My eyes do look more rested and don't sting when I use this, but as far as looking younger or anything else, I'm not seeing it. I have to say that it does give my eye area a more velvety look and feel--I don't look so tired or dry...But it does not plump skin like the Yves Rocher Rich Creme. Overall, this is a nice product and I'll continue using it and will definitely buy it again...but it isn't anything that I'd rave about or expect to see dramatic results with.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Physicians Formula - Youthful Wear Cosmeceutical Youth-Boosting Illuminating Face Powder
smileandactnice 4/3/2012 4:14:00 PM
I agree with the other posters about Physicians Formula--I have a love/hate relationship with their stuff. Some things are great and others are like, wtf? I tried this on a whim when I was out of my MM. I wanted a powder to set the drugstore foundation I was going to try. Hated the foundation, loved this powder! I am a little afraid of it though. I am super super white, so the color in the compact just seems wrong to me, with my fair skin. It seems like it would go on orangey, but it applies easily and blends nicely so I look 'healthy'--not tan, fake, orange or icky. I like to use it like a bronzer to highlight some areas of my face. If I use it all over, it can be a smidge too dark compared to my neck, so I'm careful in applying it. Oh btw, the brush that comes with it--might I just say, wtf???!! It's hard like something you'd use to trowel grout into your shower! I tossed it and used a fluffy kabuki instead--much nicer. The packaging is very very cheesy looking. Plus, I know I'm 'old'--I really don't need the makeup practically shouting, "hey old crones, come get this--it'll make you look young again!" Everything on the package is about looking younger or undoing the 'ravages' of time...Not exactly ego-boosting. I didn't feel old and ugly, just like I needed a little perk--but the packaging alone makes me feel bad about myself.lol It's overall, an interesting product. Doesn't make my oily skin appear more oily or make my pores look huge--It just kinda settles down and makes my skin feel and look nice--glowy, like candlelight. The price is crazy though! It's like $15 at CVS! For that kind of money, I want a pretty, chic container that doesn't insult me and call me old!haha Like they couldn't have just put it in a classy black container with some fancy PP logo? So, this is an interesting product that I really like. It works for brightening and making skin look really nice. However the price and packaging leave alot to be desired. Edit 6/12/12.... Best used to set under eye concealer...no creases and it lightens and brightens--bonus!! If you use it all over, go very very light or you look inhumanly shiny--and orange :( It works best lightly dusted over makeup that's already been set. Use a very very light hand and this can be your new best friend--I've gotten heaps of compliments when I use it. But for Godssake--get rid of that frikkin brush!!! wtf???!!!!
14 out of 15 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Unlisted Brand - Sterling Minerals Foundation
smileandactnice 3/14/2012 4:19:00 PM
This is my hg of foundations!! I don't know why I waited so long to write a review. I love to experiment with different products but I always come back to this as being the gold standard. I love the choice of formulas for each skintype. I really like the delicate because it is good for skin like mine that gets irritated easily. There are a million ways to apply it so you can get full coverage, medium coverage or sheer. The jars aren't the greatest for the tap and blend method, but really it's easy to just get a plate or an art palette and use that to blend and swirl. I love using a big fluffy kabuki to get a light coverage that looks sheer and natural. On bad skin days, I like to go heavier by spritzing the brush with water and applying--or use a bareminerals brush(the heavy application one). All in all, this is the best mineral makeup out there!! Edit 6/13/12.... I've been experimenting with other makeups and I'm going back to Sterling. I can't tell you how much time I waste in the morning trying to blend out sticky, icky foundations--or balance a matte foundation with a pearly powder--This is too much work!! When I use Sterling, I can get my base on in literally under 1 minute! I can play around with highlighting or a fun eyecolor--or get funky with my hair.lol I just can't spend my mornings trying to get my base right so I'm going back to Sterling. If they ever open a brick and mortar store, I'm going to *live* there.haha :) **Edit 8/28/12 I'm very unhappy with this company now. I've bought from them for years and never had a problem. In the last year or so, ordering has become increasingly difficult--passwords don't work, and C.S. has to constantly reset it. I emailed them on 3 separate occasions to reset it and got a nasty response from the owner, Katherine. Apparently if you don't order within a year your account is deleted - but it's not done properly so you have to have C.S. reset it each time... Talk about pain in the a$$. I tried again today to place an order and got a nasty email from Katherine again about how accounts are only active for 1 week then are deleted. They don't keep credit card records and are moving to a new system, yadda yadda yadda... Which leaves me to have to try to log in again, which never will work --and they don't seem eager to place orders for their customers, so as of now I give up. It wouldn't have been that difficult for her to place my order but everything is like pulling teeth with them so as of now I'm finished. I love their products and think the world of them, but the company is a cluster and make ordering nearly impossible. I'm taking my business elsewhere from now on.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Olay - Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-aging Eye Cream Line and Dark Circle Minimizing Brush
smileandactnice 3/14/2012 2:44:00 PM
Almost a total trainwreck, but not quite... I read the box expecting an eye 'treatment' with a hint of tint to it...something appropriate for nighttime as well as day. I think the whole concept is a disaster. The color is hideously ugly and isn't opaque enough to neutralize much, but not sheer enough to 'lighten' the eye area. Plus, who sleeps with "concealer" on??!! I thought I would try because it's supposed to be "improving" my skin 24/7, although I would never normally sleep in "concealer". When I woke up, my eyes did look well rested and not nearly as bleah as normal. Plus the skin was tighter, which is a nice plus. So, I was oddly surprised that wearing this at night makes for pretty-ok looking eyes in the a.m. Now, in the morning, I wash my face as usual and then apply as an eyecream/concealer. The other posters were right--who designed the size of the brush? You'd have to be a giant in order for it to be sized to your eye area! I just click a little out and apply with my normal-human-sized concealer brush. Again, color--icky. Doesn't neutralize any darkness so I'm all perfect and flawless...but it does work kinda-ok as a base with regular concealer over top. It does leave the eye area moisturized--not overly though. All in all, it's a weird freaky product that has a few good points but really isn't what the box says it is. Frankly, if it wasn't so far to drive, I'd return it to CVS. Instead, I'll just use it off and on until I get sick of it and retire it to my useless products drawer.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -L'Oreal - EverCreme Nourishing Leave In Spray 
smileandactnice 3/12/2012 1:57:00 PM
Unfortunately, I think I have to agree with some of the negative comments about this prod. I'm not a big fan of the smell. It's not really tropical, just kinda weird in an off-putting kinda way. And I'm not sure it's as moisturizing as I would like. It applies nicely--a few pumps does my whole head. I try to avoid the roots and just hit the ends. It does feel thick which you'd think means it's doing it's job, but I don't know... I can comb my hair nicely and dry it with no tangles. I can style my hair nicely, and I have to admit that it doesn't tangle or act staticy during the day anymore. So, I do see some benefits from this prod. But, I don't really like it. My hair doesn't feel any shinier or silkier or smoother--in fact, it feels thicker(which is nice for a change), but feels more like unprocessed, unstyled hair. So I guess it's good that my hair feels less damaged, but it doesn't seem any shinier. It's kind of weird stuff... I think it comes down to the lack of silicone and other slickery, shiny, chemical-stuff. If you're looking for an all-natural product that works well, this is definitely the prod for you--But if you miss the silicones and slickery stuff that makes hair shiny(but is also bad for you), this may not be your cup of tea. I'm going to try this for a bit and see if my hair breaks less and stays healthy--otherwise I'm going back to the silicones :)
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Organix - Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum
smileandactnice 3/8/2012 11:06:00 AM
Again with Organix, the fragrance is to die for!! And it's all natural and free of all that toxic stuff. I like to use this on the ends of my hair prior to heat styling. I mist all over with a heat-protect spray, then after that dries, I section my hair and apply a dab of this to the ends of each section before I curl or straighten. It keeps my hair incredibly smooth, and it really enhances my curl or defrizzes me if I straighten. I really like how light and silky this stuff is. The smell is really delicious, but doesn't last all day, but that's fine. I really love this stuff and would say it's probably the best serum that I've used this far. I can't say it's any better at preventing breakage than anything else, but I do like that it really smooths and defrizzes without weighing my hair down.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Organix - Coconut Milk & White Lotus Body Mist
smileandactnice 3/8/2012 11:02:00 AM
I'm addicted the fragrance. It's just so delicious!! As a body spray, it isn't the best--the fragrance doesn't last long, it doesn't really 'moisturize' or do anything really. Plus the spray bottle is kind of defective--when you spray, it leaks out of the screw-on part and drips all over. Bottle--pretty but not functional. I have been so in love with the fragrance and natural ingredients that I now use it in my hair. It makes a fabu hair product!! I use it as a finishing spray so I have that delicious fragrance in my hair all day. It adds some texture to my hair and enhances the curls and bounciness. There is some kind of alcohol in it but I've found that it isn't drying at all. I definitely will be buying this again! I hope though, they'll fix the issue with the bottle--I don't get why it's so drippy and sloppy--Other than that, it's a great thing!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Ponds - Clear Cold Cream
smileandactnice 3/8/2012 10:54:00 AM
I'm not reviewing this for facial use... Quite frankly, I tried and wanted to love it, but this stuff is just toxic to my face! It doesn't remove makeup--even mmu or powder, and definitely not eye makeup. Clouds my vision, etc... all the bad things people have said, I agree with. *But* I have been using it as a nighttime hand cream and it is my HG of hand creams!!! I don't know where I had read that you can leave it on your hands at night, and wear those cotton gloves, but I tried it and I am beyond impressed!!! My hands have been literally falling apart from the cold and nasty weather, and no amount of hand lotions, butters and creams have helped, even sleeping with them on inside my cotton gloves. But after even the first use of this cold cream left on my hands overnight, my hands were nearly brand new! After a few days, my hands looked amazing!!! Especially the areas that had cracked and were scaly--totally fine now. Plus, my cuticles have never looked better. That's saying alot since I had terrible looking hands this winter that I just couldn't keep hydrated. I love the kitchy little jar too--totally retro. So as a face cleanser, I say definitely yuck boo hiss, but as a nighttime hand moisturizer, it is definitely fabu and will last a l-o-n-g time since the jar is so huge! I'm going to try it as a face mask and see how that works...
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -Nuance by Salma Hayek - Mineral Powder
smileandactnice 2/22/2012 4:12:00 PM
I agree with all the negative comments about this product. Basically it sucks--don't waste your money! To it's credit, it does have a very silky feel which enables it to blend into the skin perfectly--perhaps a little too perfectly because it covers absolutely *nothing*. Even when I have "good skin" days, I wouldn't dare wear this because it wouldn't do anything--I'd be better off just going barefaced. The color, light or fair or whatever the lightest shade is, works perfectly for my extra-pale skin. Not too yellow, orange or pink. And again to it's credit, it doesn't oxidize and turn a funny color during the day. I do love how incredibly nice the consistency is though. If it actually *did* something, this would be my HG. But as nice as it feels, it just doesn't offer any kind of coverage. I used a kabuki brush and it glides on like a dream. Really makes my skin feel amazing, but again, that's it--no coverage at all. I've used a latex-free cosmetic round to smooth it on as well. It does blend away pores nicely and evens my skin texture, but again, absolutely zero coverage. I really wanted to like this product. The plastic outer wrapper is cute as can be, although the inner compact the powder is in, is a cheap looking piece of junk. And really Salma...you couldn't have thrown in a brush or puff or *something*??? I realize most people throw those things away--I do too--but occasionally I like to keep them around for on-the-go touchups. Oh that's right--no mirror inside either. Salma, why so cheap??? Anyways, I tried and found this is just an all around over-priced sucky product. Save your money and get something else--anything else.... ***2/24/12 Edit*** I wanted to do an update to my review for this powder. I've been using it to set my makeup...I've been alternating between a cream-to-powder base, and a mineral makeup base...and have been dusting this over top to set things. It works nicely to set my makeup and has all the benefits I talked about above. I decided to try a different way of applying it as a base makeup. After priming my skin with a moisturizer mixed with luminizer, I used a *firm bristle* kabuki brush to apply the powder all over. Those big kabuki brushes are all too soft and don't take up enough powder to cover anything, so I broke out my travel-size kabuki. It's smaller with tighter, more compact bristles--I guess you'd all it firmer. But the tightly packed bristles pick up powder better. And I have to say that has made a world of difference in application. Salma's powder goes on really smoothly and light. It now really does even my skintone, diminish pores, etc--all the stuff my mineral makeup does. The other nice thing is that even the fairest shade applies easily but does give me a tiny hint of color, instead of looking chalky or washed out like alot of foundations and powders do. I really think application is the key with this product. A sponge doesn't apply it evenly, or too thick, where a brush like a firm kabuki applies it evenly in a nice, light layer. I have to revise this review and give it an overall rating of 3.5 now. So if you have it or are thinking of trying it, try applying it with a brush that has densely packed bristles--makes all the difference, and who knows, you might actually like it.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Crème -L'Oreal - magic smooth souffle
smileandactnice 2/6/2012 9:45:00 AM
I think like alot of other reviewers, this product is kind of middle of the road for me--I don't hate it but it isn't something I would probably buy again. I'm very fair so the right shade is in the ivory family, but none of their ivory shades is right--they're either too dark, too orange, or so light that I wind up looking like a Twilight escapee... I've tried this product a couple of ways. First, I used it over my usual mineral makeup during the day as a touch up product. It does work to minimize pores and give a nice, smooth appearance to the skin. So, as a mid-day touch up, it's pretty ok. And I've tried it as foundation in place of my usual mineral foundation. As a base it isn't anything to rave about. I was careful to prime my skin because it does not cover very well at all. I applied a heavy moisturizer and then after it had soaked in a while, I rinsed it off and applied a touch of my standard, light moisturizer. I covered my spots and dark circles with my usual liquid concealer, and began applying this foundation with my fingertip. It blends very nicely and you can't muck it up if you use a light touch and not alot of foundation...I found that if you dab off the excess on the inside of the lid, you get alot of the product off your finger so you don't apply too much. It blends on nicely, but it is very very light, so I wound up looking like a vampire--not what I was going for :( After a bit of warming blush and a dab of bronzer, I had a bit of color...and I smoothed everything with a nice yellow-toned setting powder. Overall, my skin looks nice. My pores look non-existent and I have a really nice glow today. *But* any and all dryness I have looks super-crappy :( Any spot where I concealed a blemish, or had some dry skin looks like I need to exfoliate--badly. And the thing is my skin isn't in terrible shape and I exfoliate so I should be smooth. But even the slightest hint of dryness is emphasized with this stuff--not a good thing. So, I've been using this for just a couple days now and I'm not sure it's going to stick around. I like how it makes my pores look, but the rest of my skin is over-dried and doesn't look nice because of this foundation. And I'm just waiting to see how badly it makes me break out. It think ultimately I'll just keep this around for a while and use it to touch up once in a while during the day when my pores look big or oily. But as a foundation--no way. I don't think it enhances my skin very much. My face doesn't look natural--it's kinda fake and mask-like no matter how you apply it. I'm going to suck it up and spend the bucks on my usual mineral foundation--it never lets me down. ***Update 2/24/12*** After using this product off and on, I've found that I really am not very fond of it now. If I wear it as foundation, or blend it onto oily areas prior to applying my mineral foundation, I wind up breaking out. What's worse is that it seeps into the pores and at the end of the day leaves piles of gunk in them. Even if I cleanse really thoroughly, you can see that my pores are bigger and filled with gunk. So then I have to deep-clean and express my pores--yuck! Who needs it?! Also, the product in the container now looks like a powdery glob of goo. It looked all fluffy and pretty when I bought it, but now it looks dry, icky, and like it won't blend properly if I apply it. I keep the jar tightly closed and don't use it everyday, but even at that it looks like it's on it's last legs. Also, when I compare it to my mineral makeup or even that Salma Hayek stuff, this foundation makes me look like a vampire...sucks all the color out of me. Even my lightest, palest MM doesn't make me look that washed out. Overall, I'd have to downgrade this to a 1.5, which is being generous because I really think the jar is cute!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Neutrogena - Lip Boost intense moisture therapy
smileandactnice 1/17/2012 2:50:00 PM
Who needs Restylane when you have this? This is without a doubt the best advance in lip plumping and moisturizing since injectable filler!!! Although the package reads like it's an over-priced chapstick, it works like Restylane! I've been using this for the last few years and I simply can not live without it! I started using it for dry lips--I thought it was just a good, somewhat-expensive lip balm. But in a matter of days, my lips were moist and plump...I mean bigger than they were before! There's no tingly ingredient in it like some of those temporary plumping lip treatments...Something about whatever's in it draws moisture into your lips or doesn't let it out or whatever....Point is, this stuff inflated my thin-ish lips so they look full, pouty and very kissable!! I totally was not expecting that--just moister lips--but this product makes a visible difference in my lip volume. I can tell you it works because there are times I don't want/can't afford to pay the nearly $12 per tube, so I'll go without and switch to another lip balm. Within a few days I can see my lips deflating and looking thin and pathetic. Seriously I don't know how this stuff works but it does amazing things!! When I put on a little liner and some gloss, you'd swear I'd had my lips done(ie filler). I can't say enough about this stuff! The cons if there are any are that the tube looks cheap considering how expensive this stuff is. And when you can' squeeze anymore out, there's still a ton left in the tube and down in the tip. I cut it open and dip my lip brush in it because I'm cheap and don't want to waste any.lol But the tube could be better designed than it is. Also it's pretty pricy...I've see it anywhere between $9 and $12 at drugstores. It's getting harder to find too because other women are catching on and buying it. When I have a drugstore coupon or if it's on sale, I'll buy as many as they have so I don't run out. So try it and definitely fall in love with it :)
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Clairol - Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Mousse
smileandactnice 12/7/2011 2:08:00 PM
Amazing mousse at a great price! It smells like heaven too :) Don't need to use very much and it provides nice lift and body to my wavy hair. I don't recommend using it on dry hair or in large amounts as it can make your hair feel crispy. But if you use it sparingly and only on wet hair, it works like a dream --and the pretty smell lingers on or blends with other hair care products. The only con if there is one, would be that it doesn't come in a bottle that concentrates it at the root area. Big Sexy has a nice bottle for their root boosting mousse but the mousse itself is way too drying and makes my hair crunchy and dry... Very highly recommend this herbal essences product over anything else out there :)
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Got 2 Be - Guardian Angel Heat Protect N' Flatten Flat Iron Balm and Gloss Finish
smileandactnice 12/2/2011 9:00:00 AM
Oh hell yeah!:) This stuff rocks!!! I was using other stuff for flat ironing and my hair was wrecked...expensive stuff too, and a very expensive flat iron. Hair--ruined :( So I got the chop, and started over. No more flat iron, so I switched to a jumbo curling iron which I used to use and was way more gentle on my hair. So I decide to try this spray to keep my hair from getting wrecked (again). Fabulous!!!! I spray lightly over damp hair and blow dry. It seals the cuticle and makes my hair shiny and nicely protected from the dryer. And in the a.m. when I curl, I take a section of hair, give it a quick squirt and kind of smooth it through the ends, then wrap the hair around the curling iron barrel. Absolutely gorgeous curls that are shiny, bouncy and last!! I can't even tell you how nice this stuff is! My hair doesn't look frizzy or fried and feels totally protected and glossy. Lets talk price--cheap cheap cheap!!! For what I was paying for another brand of protector, I could buy like 6 bottles of this stuff! The smell is mild--I don't know what people are talking about that it smells funny or anything. It smells nice and not overpowering. And it really really de-frizzes my hair like nothing else. And it doesn't make my hair look/feel dry--but also doesn't make it greasy or heavy. It really is just an absolutely fabulous all around product. And one bottle has lasted me probably a year of daily use!!! I don't know if it's because the pump sprays a real fine mist or what the deal is, but I've never had a product work this well and last this long--and cost so little. Definitely a must-have beauty essential in my book :)
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyes -Ardell - Ardell Lash and Brow Excel
smileandactnice 1/11/2011 2:56:00 PM
OMG I have brows again!!! After overplucking for a looooonnnggg time, I had thin skraggly brows. I bought this since the one Brooke Shields advertises is super expensive. It works like magic! After a couple of days I noticed new hair and after 6 weeks, I have nearly my old brows back!! This stuff is dirt cheap and *actually works*!! Love it!!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Unlisted Brand - I Skin Pore Perfecting System
smileandactnice 1/11/2011 2:52:00 PM
I decided I wanted a Clairsonic but unfortunately we can't afford that or anything really.lol So, I on my trip to Sally's I found this little gem. I wasn't expecting alot, but with Sally stuff it can go either really great or really lousy so I was ready to gamble. I expected to hate the cleanser, but adore it!! It cleans my skin so nicely. I remove my eyemakeup with babyoil, and use the oil residue to loosen my mineral foundation. The cleanser really sweeps off the excess oil and makeup and makes my face feel squeaky clean...not tight or irritated, just really nicely cleaned and toned. The brush is nice and very soft. I use low and then go to high when I want to really exfoliate. It's so soft it doesn't damage my skin at all or leave it feeling irritated. I was completely prepared to be underwhelmed with this system but I have to say I'm very very impressed!! Granted it's not 'sonic' like that super expensive thing, but it does an amazing job cleaning and exfoliating my skin....I can't believe that the Clairsonic is *that* much better than this. The price is amazing...for under $50 you get a clean that I personally feel compares very favorably to the Clairsonic. My only complaint is that the instructions aren't really specific how to put the brush head on. There's a plastic thingy you have to remove from the powered unit part before you can put the brush on. I tried putting the brush over the plastic cap thing, but apparently the cap comes off and the brush goes on to replace it(make sense?)... That being said, it's really easy to operate. I don't press hard...I just let the machine do the work and gently guide it over my face. I think that's how you're supposed to do it and I've had amazing results. I was dry and flaky and really kinda funky before I started using it and now my skin is glowing!!! It works better than my super-expensive Sage Skincare AHA cream...Again, price is a huge part of why this thing rocks! Definitely buy it and try it...You'll fall in love! ***Edited 12/7/11... I dropped this thing several times until it finally died :( I've gone a few months without it until I finally decided to replace it with a Olay version. The Olay version sucks big time!! It doesn't "pulse" like this and is more of a mechanical scrubber--but doesn't do a very good job of it. Plus it was way more expensive than this. Definitely don't waste your money on the Olay thing and go directly to Sally Beauty and get yourself one of these if you're like me and can't afford the Clarsonic.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No