Treatments -Garnier - Sleek and Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment
Baptista 11/2/2012 5:20:00 PM
This is a light, easy to distribute silicone serum that I initially thought was approx the same as any other silicone/shine serum, until I flat ironed. I noticed much more shine than other products (I used Biosilk then Redken Smooth Down Heat Glide for years, my hairdresser is a Moroccan Oil fan) without any weird heavy/greasy spots - this product distributes very easily and I think spreads out even more when heat is applied, so I can get a good coating over all my hair without ending up w spots that are overly coated or look dirty. This doesn't weigh my hair down hardly at all - maybe a little without heat styling (fine 3a curls) but definitely still very bouncy with heat styling. Heat styling also seems to bring out extra shine w this product. The smell of this product is such a pleasant change from the regular Fructis sent, I wish they would change them all - it's more like a higher end product instead of the overly sweet fragrance they typically use. Overall will definitely repurchase. There could be better serums out there, but I like this better than the salon brands I've tried and it was around $4, hard to beat that.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Dove - Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo
Baptista 11/2/2012 5:01:00 PM
This is nice d/s shampoo for people w drier hair or hair that isn't limp. It is really good shampoo at an excellent price - this is easily as good as many salon poos I've tried and is at minimum 1/4 of the price. I have fine 3a hair (very fluffy) that is also highlighted. I've toyed w c/o washing but I use a lot of styling product and can't quite get all the gunk out w c/o. Sulfate free also hasn't worked well - my hair tangles very easily and seems to end up more tangly w sulfate free poos. I like this bc it removes buildup from styling products, hasn't seemed to dry out my hair, and doesn't turn my hair into a snarly mess. I wouldn't go w/o a conditioner, but this is about the softest my hair has felt after using a d/s shampoo. I still need to sometimes clarify/chelate, but we have very hard water so I don't think it's the shampoo's fault. After I used this up I didn't initially repurchase bc I like to try new products, but I later purchased the matching conditioner (which is also a great value), and I'm now looking forward to buying this again and using them both together.
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Conditioner -Dove - Nourishing Oil Care Conditioner
Baptista 11/2/2012 4:40:00 PM
I've been using this for a month or so after purchasing bc of the reviews here, and I'm extremely pleased w the results and value of this conditioner. I have previously used the matching shampoo (and liked it) but have never used the two together. I have lots of fine 3a hair (read: giant ball of fluff) that is highlighted. I don't heat style daily but do flat iron or use rollers occasionally. This provides a good level of moisture and I haven't really noticed it building up, though I do use a clarifying/chelating shampoo occasionally bc we have extremely hard water. That said, I have fluffy hair and don't mind if something weighs my hair down a little, but I don't like the kind of buildup that leads to dull, dry, crunchy hair and I don't get that from this product. Provides good slip - combing is much easier than most d/s conditioners. Doesn't feel overly-silicone-y (ie Pantene) where you end up w a slimy slick down your back/shoulders after use. Seems to rinse clean leaving hair feeling more soft than coated. My hair feels nicer after using this than Kerastase Masquintense, which again makes me think that this product is an awesome value. I also have breakout prone skin and so far so good - in fact I've used this as a moisturizing mask on my face (odd, yes, but we had a sudden cold/dry spell it seemed like the best option on hand) and my skin looks/feels hydrated after. Overall I like this a lot - I have used things I liked better (Ojon) but this cond is a great value and the difference in performance was minimal compared to the difference in price. I rarely repurchase anything hair related but definitely look forward to repurchasing this.
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Moisturizers -Simple - Light Moisturiser
Baptista 11/2/2012 4:18:00 PM
Like a few other reviewers noted, this stuff burns on application. It hurts, turns my skin red, and has actually caused it to flake. I have no idea what is in this that's causing this reaction. I purchased this thinking that since it said it was for sensitive skin and there are not really any "active" ingredients that it might be a good product to alternate w things that can cause irritation like retinoids, AHA, etc. Not so much. The first time I applied this my skin was wet (which seems to intensify the stinging/burning for me) I very nearly cried. The skin on the top of my cheeks near my eyes and around my nostrils was red for days afterward and actually peeled. I've since figured out that if my skin is dry there is much less irritation, but there is always irritation. For reference I have somewhat sensitive skin but I am able to use most products, for example applying Alpha Hydrox's 10% AHA doesn't burn/sting/irritate nearly as much as this lotion. Something that's sold by a company claiming to be "sensitive skin experts" should not do this. Texture wise it's just okay - it is a light lotion but IMO it doesn't absorb terribly well and has a bit of shine to it - not as much as an Avo SS, but more than I had expected from something that's presumably formulated for oilier skins. Long story short it's not a great moisturizer, doesn't leave a nice texture/finish, and omg it burns! Definite would not repurchase.
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Moisturizers -Neutrogena - Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Moisture
Baptista 11/2/2009 7:44:00 AM
I've been using this for one week now, and absolutely love it. I'd expected it to take longer to see results, but it's worked so well I figured I'd review it already. The texture is great, it's not sticky and can be used in place of a normal moisturizer, or you can layer an additional one on top if you have really dry skin and it doesn't ball up. In the first 3 days I noticed a dramatic reduction in clogged pores; I have several around my temples and along my cheek bones that I couldn't get rid of w BHA and other treatments, and they were basically like hard lumps under my skin (not normal blackheads). This zapped those almost instantly. Also, I have already noticed a reduction in fine lines, especially on my forehead. I'm 26 so they aren't deep lines, but they've been there since I was 16 so they're stubborn enough. This has really smoothed them, and I'm hoping it continues to smooth them the longer I use this. Finally, my overall skintone is much, much better. Red spots from past acne are fading quickly, much more quickly than w anything else I've used, and generally my skin has a healthier glow to it. I did put this under my eyes and experienced a little irritation, so I might save it for once a week under eyes, but it doesn't irritate the rest of my face. Great stuff, potentially HG status, you get a fair amount for about $18 all things considered, and the packaging is great, I love plastic tubes, they keep everything clean and air tight w/out being as wasteful as a pump. Will definitely repurchase and may try out some other items from this line, great stuff!
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Cleansers -St. Ives - Olive Cleanser
Baptista 10/9/2009 10:47:00 PM
I've purchased this once, and liked it as a decent gel cleanser for the summer. I didn't have the cracking/drying effect that other people had, though I wouldn't recommend this for dry skin either. I like to use avocado oil on my skin at night, and this seems to comfortably remove it in the morning. I haven't noticed it leaving makeup behind, however I haven't gone over my skin with toner on a cotton ball to check for sure, but it seems clean enough for me. While this didn't wow me, it seemed to work just fine, didn't cause any problems or fix any problems. Overall, this seems like a nice but simple gel cleanser, and I would consider repurchasing, though I can't say for sure that I will.
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Lipstick -Rimmel - Lasting Finish - Birthday Suit
Baptista 9/26/2009 9:25:00 AM
Edit: I just read the review above mine, and "too ashy" is definitely the way to describe this. I think the ashy color in this is what makes me think that my skin looks too red when I put this color on. ~Every time I attempt to wear this lipstick, I end up wiping it off. I'm not completely sure why, but the color just doesn't work on me. I'm pale to light with yellow undertones (and since purchasing this I've realized I look better in rose to purple shades). This color makes my lips look too brown and really emphasizes the red in my skin. Not attractive in the slightest. I'm not a huge fan of the texture of these (but I guess they are not that bad for the price) they really don't wear well at all, teeth transfer is a definite possibility, and I cannot stand the smell. I do not want my makeup to smell like cake/candy, drives me nuts lol. Anyhoo, not for me, though I have to admit it looks really nice on some people, just doesn't work w my coloring.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Deodorants -Unlisted Brand - Degree Fine Fragrance Collection
Baptista 9/23/2009 7:35:00 AM
I have this in sexy intrigue, and I think I'm in love. I had previously been using Dove invisible solid in original scent (for several years), but had been exercising a lot more and going lower carb, and the Dove just wasn't cutting it. I saw that the Degree had a higher % of active ingredients, plus it smelled great, so I tried it and love it. Weird to admit this, but I've actually been smelling my pits, even after working out, bc they smell really good w this deo. Plus, it washes out well (the Secret version I had used doesn't come off either my pits or my clothes easily, whereas this washes off easily, which my skin/clothes appreciate). The texture is great too, and it is the most clear of any of the non-gel deos I've tried. Never thought I'd have an HG deo, but this is it =)
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Mascara -Maybelline - Volum' Express The Colossal Waterproof
Baptista 6/28/2009 7:19:00 PM
I agree with many of the reviews below that state that the volume this claims to create is not really there. However, if it didn't claim to be a volumizing mascara, I might not find fault with it. If anything, one coat gives a fairly natural look, decent length but virtually no volume. However, I prefer a dramatic rather than natural look. I prefer my Rimmel GlamEyes to this for volume by far. After 3 coats of this, I have some volume. I should say though that I still have a new tube, so perhaps when this dries up a little there will be more volume. The nice thing is that this doesn't dry hard so it doesn't really flake, which is great for sensitive eyes. Overall, this is a nice mascara and I'll definitely finish the tube, but it doesn't really wow me, so it's unlikely that I'll repurchase. Edit: I've been using this for a while, and it's never dried out, which could be good for some, but I just find that this is way too messy. Too much comes out on the brush (which is too large) and then it takes way too long to comb it all off. I nearly always end up w mascara on my eyelid while wearing this (don't have that prob w other mascaras) so would not repurchase for sure.
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Sunscreen -Neutrogena - Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion SPF 60
Baptista 6/10/2009 8:13:00 AM
I have to agree with nearly everything that's already been said about this product, it's whitening even on pale skin and does have a slightly drying/mattifying effect. Also has a definite sunscreen smell, even at the end of the day I can still smell this product on me, which is odd. I like the spf 60 but often have tingling/burning with avo products and decided to try this, esp around eyes. However, it's a bit drying for use around eyes and this can settle into lines and cause extra whitening of fine lines. Wearing a moisturizer under this is a must for me, and even then it makes my eye area feel dry. Depending on what I wear this with, it can feel kind of heavy also; not necessarily greasy, but it just feels like I have a lot of product on my face. I haven't had any breakouts, but I am not entirely convinced that this isn't slightly pore clogging. Overall, it's far from ideal because of the look, feel and smell of the product, however I'll probably continue to finish the tube but not repurchase.
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Gels/Soaps -Eucerin - Calming Body Wash Daily Shower Oil
Baptista 5/21/2009 10:57:00 PM
I really wanted to like this product, but it just doesn't really work for me. I'm a huge fan of oil cleansers but they are all so expensive I was thrilled when I saw this. However, the ingredients in this are not comparable to a HE oil based cleanser. I read that and purchased this anyway, and my experiences with this confirmed that it's not a dupe for any of the more luxe brands. That's fair enough given the price of this, but I wanted to use this on my dry, easily irritated and razor burned legs, but this made my skin very dry and somewhat itchy like it was going to crack if I didn't scratch it. This is where the low rating comes in given that this is supposed to be skin-calming. My skin feels better after using just about any body wash that has a moisturizer before the surfactant. Because this didn't work well for me as a body wash, I decided to try it on my face. I'm not rating this product on it's use as a face wash though bc it's not really marketed as such. However, I will say that this is not like a normal oil cleanser in that respect either. It doesn't have the ability to dissolve clogs like a normal oil cleanser, and is again somewhat drying so I wouldn't recommend it for that purpose either. Overall, I was generally disappointed and wouldn't repurchase.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Frownies pH Balancing Complexion Wash
Baptista 5/5/2009 8:04:00 PM
I purchased this product on a whim because I was buying Frownies patches and this was half off on drugstore. I prefer oil cleansers bc they can be non-drying and very pore cleansing, but this not too bad at either of those aspects and easier to use than an oil. The texture is very nice, low foam. Seems fairly concentrated. The part I enjoy the most is the smell, it's very Aveda-type scent but it's not full of artificial fragrance. No zits, irritation or excessive dryness, and my skin looks clean and smooth after, though nothing really out of the ordinary (still feel the need for moisturizer and some type of base/fdn). Overall, this is a very pleasant product, the ingredients are fairly nice/natural/safe looking, smells great and has no adverse effects. Would definitely consider repurchasing.
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Concealers -TheBalm - Time Balm
Baptista 11/28/2008 5:16:00 PM
This stuff is wonderful, and instant HG. I had been thinking about getting it for about a year before I actually ordered, it, and my advice would be don't hesitate, just get it, because this stuff is the best concealer I've used for covering up my dark undereye circles. It covers without drying out, caking, creasing or doing any other annoying thing that most foundations/concealers do in the eye area. Also non-irritating to my sensitive skin. I've also used this to cover redness around the edges of my nose and mouth. Great stuff, not as greasy or heavy as you might expect from something called a balm, and it's very pigmented yet natural looking. Love this stuff, and would definitely repurchase.
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Mascara -Rimmel - Glam Eyes
Baptista 11/28/2008 5:10:00 PM
This could be my HG of mascaras, and it's sooo cheap. The first time I tried it I had issues with the brush and didn't get any volume out of it, but eventually I worked out more of a sideways stroke (as opposed to straight from root to tip) that adds both volume and length. The great part of this is that it leaves lashes defined and clump free, and the formula stays very flexible and is virtually flake free. After using this, my old mascaras just seem wimpy, flaky and messy, and most have been thrown out bc they just can't compare. This stuff is better than the Clinique, EL, Maybelline, Loreal and CG Lash Blast I had tried before, and it's very affordable. Awesome and I hope they never dc!
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Cleansers -L'Occitane - Almond Apple Cleansing Oil
Baptista 11/27/2008 9:16:00 PM
To date I've only tried three cleansing oils, and this falls in the middle, below Boscia's and above DHC's. DHC is too drying for my skin when rinsed off with hot water, and I hate the smell. The texture of this is very thin, and I think I prefer a thicker texture (like Boscia's) for ease of use. The Boscia one seems to emulsify a little more easily than this and removes makeup a little better. The LOccitane bottle is about 6.7oz and the Boscia is just over 4oz but both retail for about the same price, so it seems like a decent value. Overall I am happy with this product but I will probably try a few different types of cleansing oils before I would consider repurchasing this. If purchasing this, I would highly recommend also getting the Almond Apple Velvet Concentrate too, it's the perfect fit for my oil/dehydrated breakout prone skin.
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