Conditioner -Finesse - Clean + Simple Hypoallergenic Conditioner for Normal Hair
sparky17 5/28/2011 3:00:00 PM
I picked this up to compliment the shampoo after having to swap out my products after having some sort an allergic reaction. The ingredients looked to be pretty moisturizing so I was pretty hopeful about this product. This is not an intensive conditioner, but it does a great job of smoothing and detangling on a daily basis. It rinses out nicely, leaves my hair soft, and doesn't build up. Once again, gotta love that great, clean Finesse scent. If you're looking for something no-frills, might I suggest this and it's coordinating shampoo.
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Shampoo -Finesse - Clean + Simple Hypoallergenic For Dry Color Treated Hair
sparky17 5/28/2011 2:52:00 PM
I picked this up because a few months ago I inexplicably broke out in hives and rash and thought it'd be best to switch out all my products to hypoallergenic items. At first I was afraid it'd dry out my heavily highlighted hair when I saw it was a clear shampoo, but this stuff is great! It does a great job of clearing the product and effects of hard water from my hair and it hasn't stripped or faded my color. I love that classic Finesse scent too. I never did find out what I'm allergic too, but on the bright side, I found a great shampoo in the process.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Pureology - Super Smooth Shampoo
sparky17 3/1/2011 10:21:00 PM
Stellar product at a jaw dropping price. Why consider buying a bottle of shampoo that costs nearly $30? It works. A dime sized dollop emulsifed in palms will clean my medium-thick, heavily highlighted hair thoroughly, rinses clean, and leaves a non-obtrusive and pleasant floral scent on strands. This product is gentle but effective and helps keep my highlights vibrant and hair soft in spite of bathing in well water.
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Shampoo -H20 - Sea Marine Revitalizing Shampoo
sparky17 11/21/2010 12:37:00 AM
This rinses cleaner than anything other shampoo I've ever used! What I love about this shampoo is that it's especially great when I'm in a hurry. I have the 1 Liter bottle with pump; One pump of shampoo rubbed between the hands (it's thick but not gooey) and then rubbed into the scalp gets my 2" below the shoulders hair thoroughly (not squeaky) clean quickly, rinses out easily, and doesn't build up in nor dry out my heavily highlighted hair. The smell is delicate and clean. I will definitely repurchase when I finally hit the bottom of the bottle.
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Foundations -Stila - one step makeup [DISCONTINUED]
sparky17 7/25/2010 9:37:00 PM
I'm a NC20/25 and have been wearing this in the Tone shade all summer. The staying power is good and it blends really well. I've worn this foundation with and without an oil control lotion under it and have had consistently good results. I still need some extra concealer on top of blemishes and under the eyes, but notice I use less concealer than I did with other foundations. My favorite aspect of this make up is that it doesn't streak when I sweat. I've been applying it with clean fingers and have had good results. Sometimes I'll add some powder on top but typically don't as it wears fine without it. I have oilier skin so I do have to blot with a blotting sheet mid day, but with this make up, everything still stays neat.
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Sunscreen -Burt's Bees - Burt's Bees Sunscreen with Hemp Seed Oil Chemical Free 
sparky17 7/25/2010 9:01:00 PM
I tried the Burt's Bees Chemical Sunscreen with hemp seed oil this afternoon prior to embarking on a 70 mile convertible ride. This sunscreen is the consistency of cake frosting and is difficult to rub into the skin. About 30 minutes after application, I observed white patches appearing on my skin as it dried. As the product dried more, white granules began to slough off my arms. The visible white streaks on my body didn't alarm be because I chalked it up to the product's high zinc oxide content, but when I got home, I noticed that I was burned in the same areas that were covered in white. So, the final score is this: applies poorly, doesn't blend, flaked off, and I ended up with a sunburn. Don't buy this sunscreen!
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Eye Shadow -Elizabeth Arden - Eyeshadow
sparky17 10/17/2009 12:11:00 AM
Why? Why? Why do I have to grind the applicator against the shadow and then grind the color into my skin to get it to appear. And for a product bearing the Elizabeth Arden name no less. FAIL.
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Foundations -Philosophy - the supernatural airbrush canvas
sparky17 10/17/2009 12:07:00 AM
I can affect the color and texture of this through application method. Whenever possible I'll use a brush and application technique similar to BE (swirl, tap, buff) and find that the application is a bit more matte. I can layer it on thicker to darken the color but this isn't really necessary now we're at the time of the year where I see the sun about once a week. I go over under eye circles and blemishes with a BE concealer brush and get excellent results. The staying power is great and I actually prefer how it fades over BE because I get more even fading. If I don't have any brushes or makeup for touch up, I can gently rub it into the skin and get a nice effect. I've only used the sponge top once because I'm a bit of a germ-phobe. Having said that, I like that I can get a nice layer going without having to bang the applicator against my face to get the product out. This is definitely a brilliant product for on-the-go application (as tested in the car in the bank drive through line)
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Hair -TiGi - Rockaholic Dry Shampoo
sparky17 10/16/2009 11:44:00 PM
Sops up oil nicely and makes my hair bigger in the process. The odor isn't overwhelming and it 'brushes out' nicely - no powdered wig look here. Minus a point for package quality for the lid's inability to withstand a 3.5 foot fall onto a tile floor without shattering into multiple pieces.
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Lipstick -Maybelline - Color Sensational
sparky17 10/16/2009 11:34:00 PM
Meets and exceeds expectations for a drugstore lipstick. Extra props for BOGOs allowing to try multiple colors. Color is opaque enough that it's true to the stick on the lips. Staying power is decent and I don't recall anything about the taste or smell being overly-funky. It falls exactly middle of the road for level of moisture. I consider this the bargain version of MAC's offerings.
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Mascara -Too Faced - Lash Injection PinPoint
sparky17 10/16/2009 2:00:00 AM
Shocked and surprised at the wearing power and ease of application. I can smell it for at least 5 minute after I apply and that's a bit off-putting. No flaking, no clumping, and the wand is pretty easy to wield. Would not buy again due to accessibility, odor, and while I like it, it's not really 18 bucks worth of special
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Lip Treatments -Christian Dior - Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm
sparky17 10/16/2009 1:41:00 AM
This really punches up the color of my lips without giving it that weird "mood lipstick pink" color a lot of "color-revving" lipsticks do. When I wear this, my lips still look like my own, but brighter and glossier. Taste and scent are minimal and the texture is moisturizing. Often I will slather this on like a lip balm.
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Eyeliner -Chanel - Le Crayon Kohl Intense Eye Pencil in Ambre 62
sparky17 10/16/2009 1:33:00 AM
Subtle and nice. It's really dark and the red in it is nice because it's red enough to bring out the green in my eyes without making me look sick. It's still "black" enough to allow me to go dramatic with it and it blends brilliantly. Staying power is not the best but hey, it's KOHL EYE LINER. I bought a Make Up Forever in something - 17 to try to replicate the awesomeness that is this color but with longer wear. Thus far, it's a close match, but the Chanel Ambre is still so much prettier. Update: Upgrading it to a 5 star rating because while, as with any kohl the staying power isn't the best, it holds up well in the heat, making this not just any other kohl liner
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -It's a 10 - Miracle Hair Mask
sparky17 10/16/2009 1:23:00 AM
Pricey but long lasting and effective. The texture is what really sells this product to me. It's thick and scoop-able (obvi - it comes in a tub instead of a tube/bottle) and I can pull out a 'reasonable' amount and rub it in my palms before smoothing it on my strands. This is thick enough that it stays in my hair while in the shower so it can get its job done while I cleanse and groom. The jar is brilliant because there is a "snap-trap-door" on top that doesn't require the jar's lid to be unscrewed (which is quite a feat to accomplish with wet hands) - this allows for accessibility of product and ease of use. Finally, this rinses out nicely and doesn't weigh down my hair (the strands are think but I have a ton of them...fake-thick-hair). Love it and I think you will too
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Shampoo -It's a 10 - Miracle Moisture Shampoo
sparky17 10/16/2009 1:18:00 AM
This is currently my HG shampoo because it cleanses thoroughly, doesn't over dry my tresses, has a non-overpowering clean scent, and readily rinses from my hair. I like that this product comes in a pump bottle because it helps me control my shampoo portion (it's either feast or famine on the pours) and I can seal it shut for travel. If my hair is in need of extra cleansing I will shampoo only and follow up with the corresponding "It's a 10!" leave in spray. I also love how the texture is more a cream than a liquid - this is some substantial shampoo
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