Treatments -Organix - macadamia oil mask
Gemstone221 2/26/2013 6:00:00 PM
I originally went into Rite Aid today looking for the Macadamia nut oil mask in the green jar that retails for around $30. While searching, I found this product. I have never used the Organix brand, but i have friends who have liked these products. Once I saw the great price ($9.00), I opted to try this instead of the one I had originally intended to buy. I showered, washed my hair with Redken all soft shampoo and then put a size-able glob of the organix mask onto my towel dried hair. I left the product in for over two hours, then rinsed and towel dried. I am not certain if this mask does any better of a job than using a thick conditioner as a treatment for the same amount of time. My hair feels soft, but my hair feels the exact same after using my Redken conditioner. This product does smell incredible, and I think it would make a great conditioner. As a mask, I do think it could be more moisturizing. I have fairly thick, color treated ash blonde hair that tends to dry straight- I thought I should include this into my review as everyone's hair tends to respond to treatments differently.
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Mascara -Jordana - Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara
Gemstone221 12/11/2012 7:39:00 PM
Like many people, I am addicted to buying mascara. I often alternate between products because I do think that some products are better for certain looks than others. That said, I am very impressed with this mascara. I feel like I always pay too much money for a mascara that leaves much to be desired. I know this mascara has quite a following and I am sure that people, like me, who like this mascara, have their own reasons for liking it so much. Everyone’s lashes are different. My four roommates and I all use different brands and swear by them because our lashes are so different. This might not work as well on one of them as it did for me. I think that’s important to remember when reviewing a product. I think for $2, this product isn’t a huge gamble, whereas DiorShow is over $20. I will probably buy this again because its affordable and I like how it made my lashes look gigantic and thick. I do not need falsies with this! I have attached a photo as well.
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Lipstick -Revlon - Color Stay Overtime Lipcolor Stay Currant
Gemstone221 11/14/2012 2:30:00 PM
I had the hardest time tracking down this color! I first saw it on Sydney over at The Daybook and I had a feeling it would work on my skin tone because it looked so great on her! I am NC 30ish...although I am currently turning more pale...thanks a lot November. I realize there have been some less than pleased reviewers with the consistency of the product. What is really really important about wearing any type of long wearing color is that your lips should be very hydrated before you even use the product. My lips do not crack when I wear this color because I am crazy obsessive about moisturizing my lips (especially now that winter is upon us!). I religiously apply Josie Maran argan oil and coconut oil to my lips daily. This helps considerably! As for application, I don't love the wand, but it works ok to get some of the product on your lips. I prefer to use my own lip brush so that I get a really even application. I also use a natural color liner before so that I decrease the potential for any color migrating elsewhere. That said, it is a very sticky product, so if you are a person who likes to rub your lips together, you will probably hate the feeling of this product. If you like smooth application, I'd stick to those shea lip butters or something similar that gives that kind of feeling. After about an hour of wear, I notice that the product feels less sticky- but that tackiness does persist. Everything said, I put this on, and then immediately drank a cup of coffee- amazingly, no lipstick came off on the rim of my white porcelain mug. That is a big deal to me because ALL my favorite dark lip colors transfer. I do not normally use the clear top gloss- I prefer the matte look. SO that being said, the clear gloss might affect how this applies/feels on your lip. I would buy this again- its affordable and a great fall/winter color.
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Masks -Queen Helene - Mint Julep Masque
Gemstone221 9/27/2012 9:38:00 PM
I am genuinely shocked with the poor reviews of this product. I have been using this masque for years and I love it! One thing I will mention is that this is a not a masque that you “glob” onto your face (for lack of better wording.) I use a dime size amount for my entire face. I put it into my palm and with wet fingertips; I rub it into a nice, workable paste. From there, I apply it quickly to my face- yes, this will try to dry quickly, so work efficiently! I apply it like I would apply a face cream. When it’s on my face, it is very sheer. I had a friend who didn’t like the way this masque felt, and I noticed she applied it very thick. I think that application is quite important. I leave it on anywhere from 10-30 minutes- I find that I am very comfortable leaving this on while I watch my favorite shows! I have sensitive skin, rosacea, and my complexion is quite often plagued by pimples. I do get some blackheads on my nose, but not too often. I wrote off harsh acne products years ago and have found great success with ACV and weekly treatments with the mint julep masque. I love the smell, and the comfortable cooling-tingle. If you are worried about not liking the product, it would be wise to ask a friend for a sample. The tube is quite large and lasts me FOREVER, which is great, because I love this product.
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Shampoo -Unlisted Brand - Mizani Moisturfusion Milk Bath
Gemstone221 8/12/2012 5:33:00 PM
My hair is much smoother and silkier since using this product. I do not use it daily, but instead, I used to once a week as a treatment. My hair stylist recommended this product to me, and it has done wonders for my highlighted hair! I have thick, blonde hair that I color 3-4 times per year. This shampoo and conditioner have helped my hair stay soft and healthy. I usually leave the conditioner in as long as possible before rinsing, as it imparts even more softness to my hair once finally rinsed. This product is great.
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Treatments -Loma - Pearatin Nourishing Oil Treatment
Gemstone221 9/8/2011 11:34:00 PM
This is my absolute favorite hair care product. My hairdresser first introduced to me the entire Loma product line and I have not bought any other products since discovering Loma. This stuff works better than ANY morrocan/argan oil treatment . I put a nickel sized amount in my palm and work it through damp, towel dried hair. If I blow-dry and then straighten, I put a little extra in (a few drops) before I put the heat of the flat iron on my hair. Your hair will be so manageable and soft with this product- at first, I admit I was skeptical because it is an oil, BUT it permeates the hair shaft unlike many products that simply coat the hair. Products UNLIKE Peratin oil make you hair look greasy because they do not soak into the cuticle. The one draw back for me is price, but one 3.4 ounce bottle usually lasts me about 5 months- when used sparingly. If I am blow drying my hair a lot, and using other heat products, I definitely go through Pearatin faster.
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Liquid -MAC - Pro Longwear Foundation
Gemstone221 4/20/2011 8:49:00 PM
I've reviewed and tried many different foundations, but this is the first one I would TRULY repurchase. I wear this all day and my face looks fab. This is a new experience for me- not having to touch up my make-up mid day! Pro Longwear stays beautiful even on my combo/oily skin and the pump is the best...you always get the perfect amount and it closes easily for travel. I have to disagree about it feeling like a mask...it would only feel that way if you use too much! A little goes a long way! And the coverage is fantastic. I finish this with Mac Mineralize powder and it looks perfect- I can fake a flawless face everyday with these two products. I always use bronzer and blush and I have had no trouble putting them on over this foundation. I have found that using a Mac 130 brush is PERFECT for application. Sometimes I sweep a sponge over to really smooth it out, but the 130 does an excellent job at covering and smoothing. This product is really worth the price and I will be buying this again when I run out.
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Polishes -Creative Nail Design - Shellac - Fedora
Gemstone221 1/25/2011 10:04:00 PM
Wow. I don't think I'll ever go back to normal manicures again. Shellac keeps my nails looking 'manicure fresh' for days. (I'm on day 13 and aside from normal nail growth, the Shellac looks perfect). I also think the Shellac protects my nails from wear. Fedora is also a great winter color! It's kind of a dark eggplant/burgundy hue. I had my first Shellac done at a salon, and it was a bit pricy, but well worth the $.
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Eye Shadow -Urban Decay - Naked Palette
Gemstone221 12/24/2010 6:11:00 PM
I love this palette. I actually bought it because of all the great reviews on here. I'm still getting the hang of working with multiple shadows (My default is Bare Escentuals True Gold...that's all I usually wear), but this is amazing. I've been experimenting with different looks- one of the best things about this palette is that you can create so many different, neutral looks. I don't ever wear a lot of bright, vivid color, so this is perfect for me. I had to put a 5 for price, because I definitely had to pay more than $44usd for it (as it is so in demand, I went the eBay route) I'm very happy with this purchase. Plus, I adore the liner pencil it came with....I usually use Dior liner, but this is so smooth and the pop of color can't be beat. I would recommend this to all of my friends- I'd buy them one if I could get them for $44!
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Polishes -China Glaze - Medallion
Gemstone221 3/21/2010 9:43:00 PM
Got this on sale at Sally Beauty. Two coats with a base coat and a top coat is the perfect amount of coverage. Was easy to apply, dried fairly quickly. I love it. I might grab another tomorrow because I like it so much! It's fun without being over the top.
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Mascara -Maybelline - Volum' Express The Colossal
Gemstone221 8/13/2009 9:45:00 PM
I'm shocked that so many reviewers are unhappy with this product! I adore this mascara and have tried so many brands. This for sure my staple mascara...the glam black color is my go to, everyday mascara. 1. It's affordable. I throw away mascara after 3 months of use for hygienic reasons, and throwing out a designer mascara makes me sad (and not to mention broke!) so this one is perfect. 2. It curls, defines and makes my lashes look thick and plump. Yes, I do already have thick lashes so I can't vouch for a thickener, but I like what it does. 3. I find it super easy to remove and it doesn't bother my eyes. I wear contacts daily and I'm constantly outside in harsh conditions and this is perfect. No smears, no flakes. I've had nothing but great experiences with this product. I'm sad to see so many people dislike this. BUT everyone likes different things...so oh well. At about $6 a tube, you can always just try it!
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Polishes -Sally Hansen - Ru-by or Not to Be
Gemstone221 12/5/2008 5:00:00 PM
Wow. Was looking for a new holiday color at CVS (they don't sell my favorite, OPI) and I bought this. It was 50% off and I was willing to take the small plunge. VERY easy to apply. No streaks, blobs etc. Dried rather quickly. I did two coats and it looks just like the bottle color. I'm a fan of OPI California Raspberry, but I much prefer this because it has a deeper, more developed red color. It has just enough sparkle to look pretty, but not cheap or too glitzy. I'm glad I bought this, and I'm thinking about looking into more of Sally Hansen's pro line of nail polishes. I'm very impressed. I only gave 4 lippes because I'm not sure how long I'll be able to wear it before it chips as I just put it on this afternoon. Love it.
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Fragrances -J. Lo - Live Luxe
Gemstone221 8/23/2008 10:21:00 PM
A very surprising fragrance. Generally I tend to stay away from celebrity fragrances. I've had friends who adore other J. Lo perfumes, so I thought I'd give this a try. I bought it at T.J Maxx for under $30.00 without even sampling it, and was really happy with it. It's has a crisp citrus scent, but not overly fruity or saccharine. I get many compliments when I wear this, and people are shocked when I tell them what fragrance it is. I guess there is some dislike among celebrity fragrances these days! Overall, I would buy again. It isn't overly musky or so sweet that my head hurts. I think it has a great balance of warm vanillas and even what could be a touch of pear/citrus. If you are unsure, definitely sample it. You just might like it!
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