Fragrances -Henri Bendel - Wild Fig Eau De Parfum
CarrrmenJ 6/21/2011 12:01:00 PM
So, I am not a very "perfume-y" person... I don't constantly try and wear different scents. Plus I'm not one of those that can discuss top notes and drydown and all that with any kind of assurance - I just know what smells good on me and what doesn't. This...? Is like the freakin' crack of scents for me. I first stumbled upon it years ago in B&BW...but after awhile they stopped carrying it and I was told it was "discontinued". I sighed, tried other "fig" scents (which were all disgust-o), shed a tear...and finally moved on to VS's Heavenly. Now, I love Heavenly, it works well on me - but as of last year I started boycotting VS. I just cannot take that they market thongs to 12 year olds!!!!!! Seriously, NO NEED...and I don't want to think that I'm buying my "delicates" in a store that looks, increasingly, like it is marketing specifically TO 12 year olds. I'm no prude, but if you're thinking a whale-tail at 12 is cute...issues...and no, quite frankly, I don't want my lingerie to come from some place whose displays look more and more like the front window of Limited Too. For me, 12 is not sexy!!!! ANYWAY, all my ranting aside...I have been without a "real perfume" (because of the boycott, no more Heavenly), for awhile. Then the other day I was in a mall that I'd never been in that actually had...gasp!!...a Henri Bendel store. OMG!!!!!!!!! Could it be they still made Wild Fig??? I was told by B&BW that is was discontinued years ago... I went in...and...there it was... The heavens opened, the angels sang... ;)~ I sprayed some on and walked around a bit, then left...thinking, this will not be the same love as I remembered. Oh, my fellow MUA'ers it was all that and MORE!!!!!! My BF practically attacked me, and my bestie wouldn't let go of my arm and just kept sniffing me - and to be honest, I kept sniffing myself. This stuff is just that freakin' good!!!!! It seems to have incredible lasting power - a little goes a loooooooooooong way - as my bestie the next day was like "Why do you still smell so good???" (as we were doing a house reno project at her place and I was wearing the t-shirt I'd had from the night before), and I've had several people now ask me what I'm wearing (found again a month ago)...one co-worker said I smelled "expensive" - whatever that means! Anyhoo, I went back the next day and bought the body butter and the eau de parfum....and, it is available online!!!!! As previously stated, I'm not very good at "describing" scents...but this is kindy figgy, kinda vanilla-y yet crisp, kinda earthy, warm enough for fall/winter and light enough for spring/summer...it is absolutely LUSCIOUS... Wild Fig, you're back!!!!! {{hugs bottle}}
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Burt's Bees - Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
CarrrmenJ 6/21/2011 11:29:00 AM
This stuff is a total lifesaver for those who use and wash their hands all the time!!!!!!!!!!! It makes an almost immediate (definitely overnight) difference when your nails and cuticles are rough, dry, cracked - basically ugly ;)~ Couple things - YES, it is a very waxy, greasy consistency...but I find that if I keep it on something that generates heat (my laptop or tv or anything like that), or in a warmer place it smooths much easier...otherwise you just need to work it between your fingers for a minute to warm it up. It will sit on your fingers for a few minutes, but if you rub it in really well and then just "blot" your finger pads, it should not affect anything you touch. Lasts forever and travels well - unless you leave it in your car in the summer...then you will come back to a leaky, runny, mess!!! ;)~ The smell is absolutely DIVINE to me!!!! So fresh and lemony, but also just a bit...sweet...? If you wear nail polish regularly, this will "eat" at it...but for someone who washes their hands 4+ more times an hour (for work, not because of OCD!!!!), this stuff can be a NAILSAVER. I love TBS Hemp Hand Protector as well, but this stuff is what really smooths and soothes the nail bed/cuticle area - again, practically overnight - when it gets rough'n'raggedy. You will notice an amazing difference if you use for a couple days in a row...
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Makeup Brushes -Too Faced - Retractable Kabuki Brush
CarrrmenJ 6/21/2011 10:34:00 AM
So I totally love this brush. I am on my second one (lost the first one in an unfortunate travel incident) and it is perfect for what I use it for - and has been for several years now. Because it has a lid and is retractable, I can carry it absolutely anywhere and use it to apply my powder foundation. I found that it didn't work quite as well with loose mineral makeup (as one reviewer stated, it seems to take makeup off - but IMO, only if it's loose), but for a pressed powder...? Perfection!!!!! I stopped carrying loose mineral makeup because it was just too messy. But this brush does not shed, washes like a dream, and again, comes with its' own, too cute protective packaging :)
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Eyeliner -MAC - Fluidline Eyeliner Gel Dipdown
CarrrmenJ 6/21/2011 10:27:00 AM
This is my absolute, handsdown, HG eyeliner. It took me a little practice to get really good with it and get the look I want quickly - but WOW, once this stuff is on it DOES. NOT. BUDGE!!!!!!!!!!!! Even on my tending-to-oily lids and undereye area after 24 hours straight of shift work plus a workout and this stuff stays put. (Tip: A little coconut oil and it swipes right off with no tugging/resistance) This is the only color I use...but I'm sure all the Fluidlines perform the same. It was initially a hassle to clean my brush after every use, but I now have a system down and it's habit, so no big deal. I keep brush cleaner in a spray bottle, and when done I spray the brush against a cotton square, fold square around brush, wipe, and voila! Clean in 60 seconds. Before I figured this out I was pouring cleaner in the bottle cap, swishing, wiping brush, wiping cap...ugh. Spraying is much easier :) Anyhoo, I never "pack" this to go (unless vacationing) because once on, it stays put - as mentioned before - forever. You can do a clean, dramatic line, or smudge it (MUST smudge immediately, and works better w/moistened q-tip for smudging than dry) - either day, HG for me :)
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Honey
CarrrmenJ 6/21/2011 9:02:00 AM
I can't believe I've never reviewed this - but let me say, as long as you don't have some weird allergic reaction...this does EVERYTHING GOOD previously said in reviews. I use this at least once a week as a mask, sometimes more in the winter or if I've been in the sun/pool/ocean a lot in the summer. I pick a raw organic version if I can (luckily I have a couple farmer's markets close by that sell this stuff relatively cheaply compared to stores), but when I first tried it just used the "Bear Bottle" kind :) This stuff smooths, soothes, and evens my skin in 10 min flat. If I'm rushed or lazy I'll just slap it on, but if I have time I'll steam a little first, then put it on...I never wash with soap afterwards, and have never had a problem getting it off. Luv, luv, LUV!!!!!!!!!!!
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Mascara -Shu Uemura - Mascara Basic [DISCONTINUED]
CarrrmenJ 6/21/2011 8:57:00 AM
This is my HG mascara. I have short, spiky, stick-straight lashes. This mascara - while not for giving va-va-voom glam! - is PERFECT for exactly what it says - a basic mascara. It has a super "natural but better" look, even with multiple layers, ABSOLUTELY NO CLUMPS, and even after working a 12 hour day followed by a 12 hour call DOES NOT FLAKE OR SMUDGE!!!!!!!!!! The curl does die down at the end of that long time, but it does hold up quite a while. Miraculous doesn't come close :) Yes, it is a little pricier than "drugstore" brands...but with some of those at almost $10+ a pop now, this at $30 and delivering such fantastic results - and lasting FOREVER - is totally worth it to me. One tube lasts me about 4 months with no change in performance...and could probably go more but I start to get a little freaked by the "ick" factor that is associated with mascaras for a long time.
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Conditioner -Aubrey Organics - Honeysuckle Rose
CarrrmenJ 10/15/2009 7:23:00 PM
So while this is a bit much for every day use for my medium-thick, superfine hair it is FABULOUS as a once/twice/thrice weekly treatment/deep conditioner. The first week I had it I tried using it every day, and after day 3 by the end of the day my hair was really limp and heavy - which is very unusual for me. So I backed off, and using it a few times weekly seems perfect. As the previous reviewer mentioned this makes an excellent deep condition treatment. My hair and scalp just soak it up! Also with the ingredient list in mind I'll take a minute and work it into my cuticles in the shower for a bit and then rinse...not sure if it's doing a ton of difference there (since I've really been trying to take better care of the nails in general lately), but it seems my usually raggedy finger edges are less flaky and I like anything that can do double duty. It does have a strong scent, but it's one that doesn't bother me or the BF :)
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Cleansers -Weleda - Almond Cleansing Lotion
CarrrmenJ 7/12/2009 5:23:00 PM
It took some experimenting, but I really adore this cleanser now. For my skin I find it works best if you use it as a "mini-mask". I apply to DRY skin, leaving it on for a few mintues while applying nightly body lotion, then remove with wet washcloth. I scrub a little harder in the area of my nose and chin where things get a smidge oilier, but for my red-proned cheeks it is super gentle and seems to actually calm that area down, even during a week at the beach when face got VERY red :) When I tried wetting my face first and then washing, felt like it didn't do anything at all...but I think because it is very creamy/oily and basic science tells us oil floats on water...so if you water your face and then put oil on it, don't expect the oily stuff to make it to your skin!!! However, when applied to dry skin and left on for a couple minutes to work my face soaks this up, calms down, brightens, is soft and smooth and not at all tight - LOVE IT!!!! I don't usually wear a lot of makeup, but this seems to take off whatever I've got on, even on weekends out. Again though, must be applied to absolutely dry skin and left on for a few minutes. Also, the tube seems small, but as with many other "expensive" products I've found a little goes a loooooooooooong way...I use an amount about the size of a nickel to cover my whole face, and usually only use in the p.m., unless I feel really yucky for some reason in the a.m.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Desert Essence - Jojoba Oil - 100% pure
CarrrmenJ 4/17/2009 8:43:00 PM
Fantastic. Superb. Cheap. All natural. Multiple uses (hair, skin, nails). What more could you ask for?!?! A definite staple for me.
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Toners -Avalon Organics Botanicals - Vitamin C Balancing Facial Toner
CarrrmenJ 4/17/2009 8:41:00 PM
This toner is just simply fantastic!!!!!!!!!! In the pm I use after I cleanse and before my alpha hydroxy...just let it sit a minute or two while brushing my teeth and it sinks right in, leaving my face feeling sooooooooooooo refreshed and...balanced is the best word. In the am I don't wash my face, just use this toner and moisturize. My skin has been looking absolutely amazing lately (people have been commenting left and right) and I think I finally found a regime that works!!!!!
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Treatments -Avalon Organics Botanicals - Vitamin C Vitality Facial Serum
CarrrmenJ 4/17/2009 8:35:00 PM
I am absolutely loving this serum...my skin eats it up, literally. I have been trying to find "organic" products that work, and this is for sure one of them. It's light, absorbs easily, and makes my face feel like glass, especially now that I'm using walgreens alpha hydroxy. My face is brighter, more clear, move even toned, my tendency to redness is decreasing, and maybe it's just my imagination, but the dark circles under my eyes appear lighter and less like baggage. I also love this toner, and being originally from Fl don't mind the citrus smell at all - reminds me of warm, sunny home! :) It feels a little sticky at first, but that completely disappears in less than 5 minutes. It also appears a little on the pricey side, but I only use one pump in the am and one in the pm mixed with a couple drops of jojoba oil, which covers my whole face and neck, so my bottle has lasted me 3+ months so far and is still going strong.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Walgreens - Alpha Hydroxy Lotion 8%
CarrrmenJ 4/17/2009 8:17:00 PM
Miracle in a jar!!!!!!!!!!! Holy poreless wonders!!!!! My skin is usually pretty clear, with annoying bumps on the sides of my chin, some minimal blackheads on the nose, the beginnings of fine lines around the eyes (hello 31-almost-32), and tendency to dark circles. This is week three for me with this stuff and let me just say HALLELUJAH!!!! The first week I used every other night, and for the past 2 weeks every night. My skin is looking AMAZING...almost like when I was in high school with flawless skin!!!! My pores are practically invisible, not a SINGLE BLACKHEAD to be found ANYWHERE (not even in the little side nose crease area they love to nest) the fine lines around my eyes are diminishing, and the overall eveness, tightness and brightness of my skin is...well, I have spent more time staring at myself the last week than the past six months :) I will say the first week and a half was scary, there was some definite tingling and "purging", but now that I'm on week 3 I don't think I will ever quit - EVER. In the evening I wash using weleda almond cleanser, which is soothing and creamy like a cold cream, tone with avalon vitamin c toner, apply the alpha hydroxy, mix 1 pump of avalon vitamin c serum and a couple drops of jojoba...morning I just tone and put on some neutrogena moisturizer with spf. A few people at work the past few days think I'm in love because I'm "glowing"!...lol My roommate is simply amazed and will be trying some of mine, because after 3 weeks I haven't even made a dent in this stuff. Granted the jar is ugly as heck, but I put a lot of my "ugly" products in pretty colored apothecary jars/bottles...now that I know this is a "keeper" it'll get a pretty jar too :) Thanks again MUAers!!!!
17 out of 18 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Giovanni - 50/50 Balanced Remoisturizer
CarrrmenJ 8/28/2008 2:26:00 PM
My hair LOVES this stuff!!!! I've been using the 50/50 shampoo and alternating between this and the Smooth and Silk conditioner...OMFG!!! These products sparked my research on organics vs. products that have lots of sulfates (arghh!! what have I been doing to my hair/skin all these years?!) and the like. While I don't think I'll ever by ALL organic ALL the time (there are certainly benefits to some modern chemistry) my hair has really responded to these gentler products.
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Conditioner -Giovanni - Smooth As Silk Conditioner
CarrrmenJ 8/28/2008 2:20:00 PM
My hair LOVES this stuff!!!! I've been using the 50/50 shampoo and alternating between this and the 50/50 conditioner...OMFG!!! These products sparked my research on organics vs. products that have lots of sulfates (arghh!! what have I been doing to my hair/skin all these years?!) and the like. While I don't think I'll ever by ALL organic ALL the time (there are certainly benefits to some modern chemistry) my hair has really responded to these gentler products.
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Hair -Giovanni - 50/50 Balanced Shampoo
CarrrmenJ 8/28/2008 2:16:00 PM
Giovanni hair products began my personal "organic revolution". My hair love love LOVES the Giovanni shampoos and conditioners. I have been using the 50/50 Balanced and alternating between the 50/50 conditioner and Smooth as Silk conditioner. OMFG!!!!! The first thing I noticed was that my hair was not as prone to getting the "ponytail" lump or as kinky if I put it in a clip while still wet and had it dry that way...just brushed or combed out into my normal wavy-ness instead of looking more cork-screwy...weird, but ok. Then I noticed more overall softness and shininess after a couple of weeks. I've also noticed that less hair seems to fall out...sound crazy, don't I?!? But it's true!!!! Anyway, some people do not have good luck with organics...but my hair seems to LOVE it...and so do I :) I haven't tried any high-end organic 'poo or conditioners, but why bother when this cheap stuff is doing wonders??
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