Treatments -Infusium 23 - (Repair)ologie Leave In Treatment
ultimagrl 8/11/2007 9:43:00 PM
Would I get in some type of internet trouble if I said that I'd make love to my own hair if I could after using this? Oh goodness gracious, my hair is soft, smooth and shiny after using this. Makes me want to do more than just jump back and kiss myself. LOL
I'm not sure which product this was before the reformulation/redesign but this stuff is great. My hair is straight, fine in texture but thick and almost to my mid-back. I was starting to have some real trouble with it frizzing out when I used the blow dryer and I was looking for something to help combat the frizz to no avail. Then, on a whim, I bought this leave in treatment and I'm glad I did (even though it's making me want to do unmentionable things with my own hair). I sprayed it on after my shower and let it sit on my hair while I did my makeup. I then dried my hair using my Conair Infiniti Hair Designer (which I had written off) and my hair looked the best it's looked in quite a while. I was VERY impressed. My hair was smooth, straight and shiny and has stayed that way all day. My hair looks freaking awesome! Wonder where I can buy a gallon of this at a time????
Pic of hair with Infusium and Got2B CrazySleek - no flat iron:
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Hair Styling Tools -Conair - Infiniti Tourmaline Hair Designer
ultimagrl 8/2/2007 10:08:00 PM
**Updated Sept 2007 with pics - see below**
First I tried the Wet/Dry styler and took it back because it actually seemed to make my hair more frizzy and took for freaking ever to dry my hair (700 watts ain't much on beyond shoulder length hair). So, I liked the concept of the straightening attachment so I took the styler back and bought the hair designer.
Overall this is not a bad styler. Like I said, I like the attachment concept and I actually found it easy to use. While I still used two hands to style my hair by holding out the section I was working on with the dryer, I did like that I didn't have to use a brush while drying.
What I didn't like is that I didn't get the straight, shiny, frizz free hair that the box says that I'll have. In fact, the ends of my hair seemed dryer and more frizzy than normal and my thick but fine textured with natural body hair really wasn't that straight. Now, I certainly didn't think that I'd get hair as straight as I do with my Chi straight iron but, unfortunately, this didn't get my hair any straighter than it does when I use my Vidal Sasoon hair dryer and my big round brush. So....with that, I don't think the overall look is worth the $60 I paid for the dryer, it's going back to live at the store and I won't repurchase.
**Update Sept 2007 - Well, the heating element in my Vidal Sassoon dryer went out so I grabbed this one out of the closet. I changed my rating because I think I may have found the product combination that works with this dryer. I used Aveda's Hang Straight and then followed with Brilliant Anti-Humectant pomade which I used on my hair both wet and then dry (as a finishing product). I like the results enough that I'll try it again tomorrow.
Back: 
Front: 
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Mascara -Almay - One Coat Nourishing Mascara Triple Effect
ultimagrl 7/18/2007 7:47:00 PM
Love the look this gives my lashes - longer, thicker, almost a "falsies" look. Also, doesn't smudge and is easy to remove....it's just that the formula has already thickened and is clumpy on the wand (not on the lashes) after only a week or so of use. it's so clumpy on the wand that I'm actually afraid to use it any more because I keep waiting to get the dreaded "mega-blob" of mascara that will smear all over my eyes and face and will cause me to have to re-do my makeup. Because it's already gotten so thick and I've only had the current tube about a week, I will not repurchase.
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Primer/ Corrector -Beauticontrol - Secret Agent Color Makeup Primer - Natural 
ultimagrl 7/7/2007 10:43:00 AM
This is a very nice primer - amazingly. I had myself convinced that it was going to completely suck and I wouldn't like it. Shame on me! It's actually pretty good.
This is a clear, -cone based primer (they have colored ones as well). A very little bit goes a long way - I use two small pea sized amounts for my whole face. It seems to make my makeup go on more smoothly and last longer. I also don't seem to have a problem with it making my face more oily either which I definitely like. Oil slick is not a look I'm going for. Another thing I like is that the primer only has about 5 ingredients in it which is what I think makes it work so well. Another added plus is that it doesn't appear to break me out when I wear it. I wear this under my mineral foundations and it works great.
Will definitely repurchase and recommend this product.
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Blush -Smashbox - O-Glow
ultimagrl 6/19/2007 10:26:00 AM
Ok...I can't get the "Soul Glow" song from "Coming to America" out of my head when I say the name of this product. I just keep coming back to, "Let your Ooooooooo gloooooowwww". Yet, I digress.
Basically, I bought this, used it and took it back. Not that because I thought it was that bad of a product....actually I like it. It does give a nice glow but nothing that I can't get faster and longer lasting from a powder or other cream blush. My biggest complaint about this one is the amount of time I felt it took to put it on because I was having to try to layer to color to, #1) get it to show up and, #2) get it to last. As for it adjusting to everyone's specific skintone....b**ch please....it's fushia on everyone. Just depends if the fuschia ends up being sheer enough to blend with your skintone.
I like the concept and the look it gave but would not repurchase because the O isn't worth the effort.
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Palettes -Aloette - Natural Collection Palette
ultimagrl 6/15/2007 8:27:00 PM
I'm in love. Totally and utterly In. Freaking. Love. I haven't had a palette in a while since I built my own with all my Aveda stuff and used their 16 pan "holder". While I love/d my Aveda palette, this one is completely different in that it comes already filled versus the buyer having to choose items to fill it with.
Aloette offers two palette selections - Urban Chic and Natural Collections. I purchased the Natural Collection which is filled with makeup and includes three small but usable brushes. It includes 6 natural looking shadows (two can serve as a liner), 3 lip colors, blush, bronzer, and translucent powder. The colors are very natural looking but they're not sheer as in they won't show up. The eye colors have buildable color without being heavy. All the formulations appear to be talc free. I applied the colors this morning and they seemed to last all day. I did not have to touch up.
The palette itself is compact and very portable. It has enough room to hold the brushes I spoke about - one for blush, one for shadows and one for liner. I was also able to add my BE covered lip liner to the small brush section as well. The palette folds over the brush section (which has a small mirror on it) and then the two makeup sections fold over on themselves and the whole thing meets in the middle (if that makes sense). The palette construction feels sturdy and the texture of the plastic is velvety (again, if that makes sense). The entire palette is refillable so if you use up a color it can be replaced or if you don't like the color, you can replace it with something else.
I bought mine off of eBay for around $60 - it retails on the aloette site for $175 and sells for $210 on TSC. Refills can be ordered from the aloette site as well.
I don't know about anyone else but I'm going to grow up and marry this palette. The products included are awesome and I'm completely in love with the "compactness" and portability of this palette. Since this is refillable, unless it breaks, I don't see the need to buy another but will I will definitely be repurchasing pans with which to fill this lovely palette.
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Styling Products -L'Oreal - Studioline Hot Straight
ultimagrl 6/15/2007 9:43:00 AM
You know? I actually like this stuff and think that it works pretty good! And this after trying almost every type of straightening cream that I could get my hands on.
It's fairly inexpensive ($4 or so at CVS) and fairly easy to find at a local drugstore (important when you're limited on time). It did a pretty darn decent job of straightening my hair with blow drying alone - again, a plus when you're limited on time. I still had to use just a touch of serum on the ends of my hair after I blew it dry using this cream but that's fine. It did a nice job of straightening my hair while still leaving it soft and silky. The product has a nice, clean fragrance that doesn't seem to linger after your hair is dry (thank God for that after some of the stinkbomb creams I've tried!!!).
Overall, this is a great little product that I would recommend and definitely plan to repurchase.
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Makeup Brushes -Essence of Beauty - Foundation Brush
ultimagrl 6/14/2007 10:41:00 AM
Well, I too bought this based on the reviews on MUA and have to say that I'm glad I did. What an amazing brush. Who woulda thunk a brush like this would be at CVS for $9.99 (regular price)?
I used it this morning to apply my BE mineral foundation and was pleased with the application. I just did a "face check" and everything still looks great. Don't know if I just did a really good job on applying this morning or what - everything is smooth, even, looks very natural - even better than when I apply minerals with my kabuki brush so I definitely think it's the brush and not me. lol Something about using this brush with the minerals definitely made a difference - I don't feel like I look cakey and, somehow, the minerals look more natural. I have coverage but it doesn't look like I have anything on. Since the only thing I did different this morning was use the EoB foundation brush, I'm attributing the look to the brush. :-)
One thing to note however - if you use this brush for mineral foundation, realize that your application technique is going to be different than if you're applying with a BE Flawless Face brush or a kabuki brush. I tapped some minerals out in my lid and still swirled the EoB foundation brush in it but then I started at my forehead and "painted" in downward strokes to apply my minerals. After I covered my face I did go back and work the minerals in under my eyes and around my nose. To get a little more coverage on my nose due to a breakout, I lightly "stippled" the brush back and forth over my nose to get my desired level of coverage. Worked perfectly, in my opinion, and I was very pleased with the results.
I also thought I'd have a problem with this brush being synthetic and not natural bristles but, I tell you what, it's softer and has more "substance" than the majority of the brushes I own. I'm VERY impressed with the quality. It does a good job picking up, holding onto and applying my mineral foundation. I can only assume it would do just as well with cream or liquid foundation. I had absolutely no shedding from this brush and like that it feels substantial when it's being used.
Definitely recommend this brush, will repurchase this one if ever needed and am planning to look into other brushes from EoB.
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Blush -Physicians Formula - Mineral Wear Talc-Free Blush in Blushing Glow
ultimagrl 6/2/2007 10:10:00 AM
I really like this blush. It gives me the exact color I've been looking for on my FFF skin. IMO, it's a peachy-pink color with a nice balance between both peach and pink. I use a baby 'buki brush to apply and not the brush included in the package. Using this method, I feel like I've achieved a nice healthy glow (either that or I look like I've been doing something I shouldn't...lol). Staying power seems to be pretty darn good as well.
The color goes on smooth and blends well. It can also be built for more color if needed. I think this would work well on most light to medium complexions. Darker or more tan complexions *might* have some trouble with getting it to show up.
Overall I like this blush as it's the cheek color and look I've been wanting. Price was good around $9 USD at Walmart. I would definitely recommend it to others and would repurchase.
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Styling Products -Unlisted Brand - Bioinfusion Smoothing Serum
ultimagrl 5/30/2007 9:28:00 AM
Bought this serum yesterday in an attempt to find something to help straighten and smooth my almost mid-back length hair. I have fine but thick hair which is *almost* straight. I have a bit of a natural wave in it which drives me crazy when I want to wear it straight. In order to get my hair as straight as I want, I typically have to flat iron it which I get tired of doing every day.
Overall this is a fairly decent serum even though I really don't have a huge base of comparison on which to rate it. What I like is that it didn't make my hair greasy. I used it on wet hair and dry hair. My hair does feel soft and silky but I'm not sure how much it did to actually smooth my hair. I still feel like I have the little fly-aways which I was trying to control with the serum.
I put a good dime sized amount on my wet hair and then blew it dry. It did seem to help straighten my hair some and gave some shine while making my hair feel smooth and silky. As I said I don't know how much it did to actually smooth my hair so I also applied 1 to 2 drops when my hair was dry. It helped control a few of the remaining frizzies but I'm not sure if another serum would do better. The main thing is that this stuff is NOT heavy and greasy on the hair. My hair feels light and smooth, if anything.
Overall this seems to be a decent smoothing serum - not spectacular but not craptacular either. I feel like you get a pretty darn good bit of product for $9.99 (on sale at Walgreen's as of 5/29/07) and it seems like it will last a while. Again, doesn't make hair greasy but also may not give enough control for some people. I'm honestly on the fence about whether or not I'd buy this again but since I might, I went ahead and rated this a "yes". I'd recommend it if you're looking for a lightweight serum with light to moderate control or just looking for something to make your hair feel soft and silky.
Ingredients
Cyclomethicone , Dimethicone , SD Alcohol 40B , Panthenol , Ethyl Ester of Hydrolyzed Silk , Octyl Methoxycinnamate , Fragrance Parfum , C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate , Phenoxyethanol , Methylparaben , Propylparaben
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Lips -Neutrogena - MoistureShine Soothing LipSheers in Cool Nectar
ultimagrl 5/29/2007 3:35:00 PM
I'm totally digging this color. While I have permanent lip color, I do like to use something on top to keep the color even and my lips looking moist. This does the trick.
I can have sensitivities to lip products and I've found some that have recently dried out my lips contrary to the products claim of providing moisture. So, all that to say that I was a little leary of trying this out but I did anyway and I like it. I was also a little leary of the whole "contains soothing mint" as well because that can be a recipe for disaster for my lips sometimes as well. So far I've been using this about a week and like the color and have had no reactions to it at all.
I really like this product not only for it's overall performance but for the color and packaging as well. My lips feel moistuized without the gloppy feel of gloss and have a nice sheen without the teenage "I just used Maybelline rollerball lip gloss" gloss look. Cool Nectar is a nice nude, peachy-pink shade which I think most people would define as a YLBB color. There is no noticeable fragrance to the lipstick and the mint in it provides a nice cooling sensation - not a minty-make-my-hair-stand-on-end sting. Also, I like the packaging because it's a sleek, shiny silver metal lipstick tube. A little more sophisticated than a lip balm but not as big as a regular sized lippie.
Definitely like this product, plan to repurchase and definitely recommend.
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Powder -Isadora - Mineral Powder Foundation - 02 Light Rose
ultimagrl 5/29/2007 11:47:00 AM
For starters, I am a FFF and usually use Fair or Fairly Light in BE.
I REALLY like this foundation. It has some minerals that are atypical of most mineral foundations - tourmaline, amethyst, citrine and aquamarine powders. I find that very intriguing and interesting. I'm not sure if those powders make any difference but this foundation gives such a beautiful, luminous look to the skin without being shiny that I couldn't believe it. It is the most natural looking mineral foundation I think I've tried in terms of its overall look. So, I'm sure anyone reading this is wondering why I wouldn't purchase it again. Well, that's because of the color selection. I first bought Light Apricot but it was too dark and too yellow on me. I then exchanged for Light Rose since I have a pink undertone for my skin. If this shade was one tone lighter I think I would have found my HG mineral foundation but, alas, it's too dark for my skintone but could probably serve someone else VERY well. It's just not a good sign for me when my makeup is so dark that a coworker tells me it looks like I got some sun over the weekend.
So, just because the color selection didn't work for me - don't pass on trying this foundation. If I could get it just a *smidge* lighter, I would definitely repurchase but, until that time, I'll just have to keep wishing the company develops some lighter color choices.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -SAMY - Straight Relaxing Creme
ultimagrl 5/29/2007 11:02:00 AM
This product says that it's a non-chemical "relaxing" creme. I read that as something to make my hair smooth and straight - which is bascially what the back of the container says.
I'm just kind of "eh" about this product. It wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. It helped make my hair straight but no more than anything else I've tried. The consistency of the product is a mix between a cream and a gel which is interesting. It was slightly heavy on the hair. Fragrance wasn't great but it wasn't overpowering either. I didn't notice any shine added to my hair after styling which was disappointing. The pump packaging is nice - wish more manufacturers would do something similar. I was able to pump out just enough product to coat my almost mid-back length hair.
The main thing that I thought was REALLY, REALLY weird with this product is that it burned off my hair. No - I didn't end up in a crispy mess after blow drying. What I mean is it would sort of steam off as I was blow drying. Now I know my hair dryer gets pretty hot and I also use a large round ceramic brush but I have NEVER had any other styling product steam/burn off my hair like that. It was REALLY strange. My hair does not seem like it was any worse for wear but I found it slightly disturbing that, as I'm drying my hair, the product is basically burning itself off. If that happens, how much benefit do you ultimately get from the product, hmmmm?? lol
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Mascara -Neutrogena - Weightless Volume Mascara
ultimagrl 5/28/2007 9:50:00 PM
Eh. Very unremarkable mascara all the way around.
I didn't expect a falsies look with this in any way shape or form but did expect *some* level of volume based on the name of the mascara but I didn't feel it gave the first hint of volume. It really didn't do anything, in my opinion - other than stink. Something about this mascara smells really chemically to me - I almost couldn't use it.
Granted, if you're looking for a VERY basic mascara that doesn't lengthen, volumize or hardly even tint your lashes, you might like this. Otherwise, I don't recommend this mascara and will not be repurchasing myself.
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Conditioner -Clairol - Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner
ultimagrl 5/28/2007 10:26:00 AM
For starters, I have long, fairly normal, slightly wavy/straight hair that is almost to my mid back.
I like the shampoo in this line as well but I think I like the conditioner even better. Smells good after being used on the hair without making you feel like you're walking around in a cloud of stink like Pig Pen but is noticeable if you're up close and personal with someone.
like the thickness of this conditioner - it coats my hair and delivers moisture without making it feel weighed down. i especially like that it makes my hair VERY easy to comb after I get out of the shower and have my hair wrapped in a towel. I use a shower comb and have no problem combing through my hair which is why I like this conditioner - other brands I used would still leave my hair in a tangled mess after a shower and this doesn't. Overall this is a decent performing, moisturizing, inexpensive conditioner that should suit most users needs. Would recommend and repurchase.
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