Styling Products -Got 2 Be - Glossy
rjs521 9/28/2003 12:10:00 PM
Going back to school means sticking to an evil budget - when I saw this on sale at Walgreens as a two for one I couldn't resist. It's your basic thick silicone anti-frizz treatment but it really works well and can hold its own against any of the more expensive versions of this that I have tried (you name it, I've tried it). I actually mix a bit of this with my Fekkai texurizing balm and throw it in my wavy, frizz prone hair and voila! No frizz and I swear my hair is straighter. No blow drying, nothing. And right now I live in the humidity capital of the world - Miami. Surely that's a good test of it's ability. The watermelon smell was a bit much for me but luckily it doesn't stay in your hair.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Frederic Fekkai - Apple Cider Clearing Rinse
rjs521 9/28/2003 12:06:00 PM
Ok - I can see what everyone is talking about in terms of the watery consistency of this product and being hard to apply but it is still a great product. My hair felt incredible after using it and it smells amazing. Grante I could have the same results if I used apple cider vinegar and water but I wouldn't have that lovely Fekkai scent that reminds me of when I used to go there for my haircuts. I'm thinking that to solve the application issue they should make it a spray bottle that way you could just spritz it on in the shower. Just a thought if anyone out there is paying attention. I have colored hair and it did seem to lighten it a bit but I liked the effect so I will continue to use it every so often (once every few weeks or so). I used in between my shampoo and conditioner - applying a heavy conditioner afterward. It left my hair clean and smooth and sleek without feeling stripped or dry. Worth a shot IMO.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Frederic Fekkai - Rio Red Color Enchancing Shampoo
rjs521 9/28/2003 12:01:00 PM
While $20 is currently out of my pathetic grad school budget in terms of shampoo I have to say that I am really happy I bought this. Not only does it smell really good - it works. I have Auburn (colored - shhh!) hair and this seemed to lighten it a little producing a really nice effect. One tip though - if you are one of those rinse and repeat girls like me (my hair never gets clean on the first shampoo) do the first run through with your regular (presumably cheaper shampoo) and then apply this. I left it in for at least 5 minutes. It imparts a nice shine. Will NOT cover greys though - although I can see how this will extend the life of my color and blend my roots allowing me to go longer between colorings.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Frederic Fekkai - Texturizing Balm
rjs521 9/21/2003 2:04:00 PM
I have been using this stuff since it first came out and was only sold at his salon. My stylist there recommended it and I actually used to mix it with his regular gel (they both smell fantastic). While I've stopped using the regular gel - I just ddon't need much hold in my hair these days - I have continued with this - it's very very lightweight and I mis it with whatever silicone based defrizzer product that I'm using at the moment. It's just enough to keep my wavy, frizz prone (especially in S. Fla) hair in line - even when I let it air dry (most days). Plus it doesn't weigh my hair down or leave it feeling crunchy or anything like that. If you are looking for more serious hold though you may want to pass this by.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -Ahava - Advanced Mud Masque
rjs521 9/21/2003 1:59:00 PM
I love this stuff - then again I am a mask addict. I have to say though that it leaves my skin glowing and very very soft. It's a little gritty when you go to remove it (once it's dry) so it may not be great for those with senstitive skin. I have oily combo breakout prone skin that is used to harsher treatments (fyi). While it's not dirt cheap, it's also no frills - no fragrance or anything like that.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Jo Malone - Orange Blossom
rjs521 6/26/2003 12:20:00 AM
Bliss in a bottle. Reminds me winter escapes to warm beaches and the scent of orange blossoms lingering through evening walks. Sweet yet not overpoweringly so - a suprisingly lovely scent from Jo Malone.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Kiehls - Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
rjs521 6/26/2003 12:07:00 AM
Another new love from Kiehl's for me. This is one of the best eye creams i've ever used - perhaps second only to Prada's but a lot more econmical. It's got a thick dense consistency but the trick it to only use drop - and I mean a drop - and dot it around the orbital bone until it sinks it. It's incredibly moisturizing and will not promote puffiness. I can't live without it now. if you are having doubts stop by Kiehl's or any Kiehls counter where they tend to be generous with samples. I highly recommend it for combo skin like mine or dry skin. I can't say for oily skin - you're best off checking with Kiehl's about that. $25 for a tub that will last and last and last.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Kiehls - Instant Satin-Soft Body Rub Moisturizer
rjs521 6/26/2003 12:01:00 AM
OK in the spirit of complete disclosure I've been usuing Kiehl's products since the late 1980's - but i still have to rave about this one. First of all it really does make your skin feel instantly satin soft - not only that - it lasts all day. Seriously. Amazing stuff. Truly. Not greasy in the slightest and a little can a long way although it is very easy to apply and sinks in on contact. Roughly $19 for a medium size bottle at the Kiehl's store in NYC.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Kiehls - Tinted Lip Balm SPF 15 in Black Cherry
rjs521 6/25/2003 11:57:00 PM
I really like this - it is a very very very sheer tint but enough to make a difference and like it's ancestor (original #1) it's very moisturizing. Perfect for sunny days, windy days, basically all year round. No taste and no nasty scent. All in all a good buy for around $7 from the Kiehl's store in NYC. It comes in a plain (standard Kiehl's issue) applicator tube that does the job just fine.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Gels/Soaps -Philosophy - Key Lime Pie 3-in-1
rjs521 6/25/2003 11:52:00 PM
Wow. What a huge diappointment. I loved this scent in the bottle but get it in the shower and POOF - it's gone. No more lime scent once the water hits it and it certainly doesn't last in your hair or on your body. I really wanted this to be a winner since it smelled so great in the bottle. Alas - tomorrow it's headed back to Sephora as for around $16 it's hardly worth it. My first philosophy 3 in 1 experience - a total failure. Bummer.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Sephora - Curling Mascara
rjs521 6/8/2003 10:37:00 AM
OK - this stuff does something but I'm not sure I'd call it 'curling'. I have to say in all honesty that YMMV since I am not sure that a curling mascara is really what I need - perhaps I should have gone with another one of their formulations but this was a new one so of course I had to try it. Since I can't give a solid description of the curling part of it - I can tell you it only comes in one color - black. Also it doesn't smudge on me at all - nor does it irritate my eyes. That said I think I will exchange mine for the lengthing or maybe the volumous - after I read the p'ville reviews.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Sephora - Concealer Crayon #2
rjs521 6/8/2003 10:33:00 AM
A deadringer for the one from Smashbox for less money - another winner from Sephora. This is basically a chubby crayon type pencil that allows you to deposit concealer exactly where you need it. Works under eyes and on blemishes. I am between a PPP and MMM so I ended up buying #2 vs. #1 in terms of color. I could've gone either way since they always say to buy concealer that is 1 shade lighter than your skintone but I thought ithe #1 might actually highlight what I was trying to hide. My biggest criticism of this product is lack of color choices. There are only 2 - which could be a major issue if you are a MMM or DDD. I hope they will be adding more shades in time. Otherwise nice easy to blend formula - not cake-y and it lasts pretty well.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Color -L'Oreal - Couleur Experte -hair dye / highlight
rjs521 6/4/2003 11:12:00 AM
It's really too bad that the highlights part of this kit suck because like many others I ended up with a beautiful base color (I think I used something Biscotti - but don't quote me on that). The highlights weren't that much of a disaster but the stupid wand they give you makes it very difficult to work with small strands - so I ended up with some chunky ones (not what I wanted). at first I thought orange but within a day they had toned down and are livable - but let's put it this way - my colorist has nothing to worry about.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Aveda - Confixor
rjs521 6/2/2003 11:59:00 AM
OK - maybe I am a freak but I love this stuff. I have thick wavy hair and a little bit of this leaves it so soft and totally controlled. As for the scent I don't mind it - I actually kind of like it and it's hardly overpowering or lingering. It's liquid gel that has conditioning properties as well. I only use a little on my long hair and it does the trick.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Olay - Total Effects Intensive Restoration Treatment
rjs521 6/2/2003 11:49:00 AM
It took me about a year to try this - simply because I couldn't believe that an OoO product would a) really work and b) could be worth almost $20. Not only does it work - but it is worth way more than $20 IMO. I have seen stubborn red marks and fine lines disappear overnight - literally. I use this in the morning before my tinted moisturizer with SPF. It sinks in well and I find that it even helps my moisturizer to be absorbed. My combo skin is smoother, softer, and firmer - and it looks 100% better than it did before usage. I won't go without it from now on.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No