Styling Products -Unlisted Brand - As I Am DoubleButter Cream
JCuevas04 1/21/2012 3:35:00 PM
Love this stuff! It is basically an oil moisturizer with lots of great natural butters and oils. It is not greasy like some of those oil moisturizers out on the market as long as you don't overdo it. It smells like coconut/cocoa butter which I love. It literally melts into your hair and doesn't leave any greasy feeling on your hands. Very unique for an oil type moisturizer. The way I like to use this is after I kept my hair up in a flour sack towel for a little while, I scrunch some of this into my hair and it instantly moisturizers it and keeps the frizz down. I only use about a quarter size amount for my entire head. Love this for my no styling product days when I am lazy but still want to use something in my hair to moisturize and tame it a bit. For reference I have curly (3b), coarse, thick, dry hair. I listed ingredients in the ingredients section of this review.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Sirius Skinsonic Brush System
JCuevas04 7/16/2011 10:27:00 PM
My skin loves frequent exfoliation and this def exfoliated and left my skin looking "brighter" than normal even with my normal scrub. It felt super smooth and soft. The oscillation is very impressive and so "fluid" for being so inexpensive (compared to Clarisonic). I used the normal brush head since I am oily and non-sensitive. Fits comfortably in my hand the and the brush heads are small enough to fit in the crevices of my face like around my nose and inbetween brows. I did try out the hydrating head which is basically a pad that you use to apply your moisturizers. Not too crazy about it since I used the same amount of moisturizer I usually use and I felt like the pad absorbed a lot of it. Its the same head as the exfoliation head that you would use with a manual scrub of your choice. All in all very impressed.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Unlisted Brand - Denorex Extra Strength 2-in-1
JCuevas04 6/30/2011 9:01:00 PM
This is my new favorite regular shampoo. It's meant for "moderate" scalp issues like dandruff, itch, etc. It has 3% Salicylic Acid and Menthol which gives the scalp a cooling, tingly sensation which also helps with itch. I took off one lippie due to scent. This has a very strong medicinal scent but the good thing is it doesn't linger. Its a 2-in-1 (shampoo + conditioner) so it doesn't dry my hair out and actually gives decent slip. I have curly hair so its easy for shampoo's to knot up and tangle it but this does not. I can literally comb my fingers through my hair while rinsing this out. Also, its Sulfate-Free and Silicone-Free...yea got your attention now huh ;) lol. So its safe on gentle for me to use on a regular basis when I wash my hair (every other day to every 2 days) and not mess with my color. You get a huge bottle for a little under $10 depending on where you buy. You can get this at mostly any d/s, Walmart, etc. I posted ingredients above.
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -Clean & Clear - Blackhead Eraser Cleansing Mask
JCuevas04 6/29/2011 10:49:00 PM
I actually really love this mask. For being a d/s product I am really impressed. I am a snob when it comes to facial "treatment" products but this is up there with some of the good ones that I have tried. It has 0.5% Salicylic Acid (BHA). It of course doesn't "get rid" of blackheads but it it def calms my skin down when I am having a breakout of clogged pores. It has a cooling sensation (not too intense) which I love. My skin looks clear, calm and fresh when I rinse this off and its gentle enough for me to use everyday even 2x's a day until my skin clears up. It comes out a light blue color but dries white. The consistency is quite unique too. Its almost a cream/gel texture but dries like a regular clay-based mask would. It almost looks like moisturizer when you squeeze it out of the tube to be honest. Has a pleasant smell. Def will repurchase and I have to give kudos to Clean & Clear for stepping up their game and coming out with such an accessible, cheap product that works pretty darn good!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Unlisted Brand - Selsun Blue Deep Cleansing Microbead Scrub
JCuevas04 4/12/2011 11:15:00 PM
I have to say I really liked it (as far as a preliminary rave goes). I suffer from an oily scalp and itch with occasional dandruff especially when the weather gets warmer and humid (I live in South Florida). This totally did not dry my hair out. On the bottle it says "Tough on Dandruff Great for Hair" which I agree with. I felt like it cleansed my scalp very well along with the Microbead scrubbers in this. Had a rich, abundant lather. Has a somewhat fresh/medicinal scent but doesn't linger. I used a moisturizing conditioner after on length/ends only and my hair and scalp felt "brand new". If all continues to go well, I just might replace my beloved Nioxin Scalp Recovery Medicating Cleanser with this! I am only planning on using it once a week at the most maybe twice. This does contain sulfates but NO sodium chloride (for you BKT girls with scalp issues). This would also work great as a "clarifying shampoo" as well IMO. Will def use it before I flat iron my hair and the 1st wash after. The ingredients in this are very comparable to high-end shampoo ingredients as well which is kinda impressive.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Unlisted Brand - Mizani Supreme Oil
JCuevas04 12/3/2010 8:28:00 PM
This stuff is amazing! I use this under Mizani Butter Rich and I get wonderful results. The oil is 99% all natural ingredients and does NOT contain any silicones or mineral oil. I use this on towel dried hair and it instantly softens and detangles. Very easy to distribute through hair. I have very coarse, curly, thick hair (3b curls). I personally wouldn't use this as a heat protectant since it mostly consists of oils. As a leave-in though, its amazing and I will continue to buy. My hair has been in much better shape since I started using it. You could even use a couple drops in your hair color for added protection and conditioning. Very multi-purpose product. Great for use on the cuticles and skin too. This is not a serum consistency, its def an oil consistency. I included a pic of the ingredients taken from the bottle.
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Dead Sea Spa Magik Black Mud Soap
JCuevas04 10/26/2010 12:28:00 PM
I got this after reading how the dead sea minerals are great for any skin condition. I have oily/clog prone skin and read that black mud soap is awesome for that. So I researched and found this soap. I got it from feelunique.com for around $6 US. Pretty cheap if you ask me. It says that its a substitute to conventional soaps. The soap itself is black in color but when it lathers it lathers a pure white creamy foam. Not like the foam you get from regular soaps. You can feel the grittiness of the salt when you rub the bar soap in your hand to lather. Sea Salt is awesome for oily skin and clogs. It didn't dry my skin out at all or make it feel tight and it washed everything off even my water resistant makeup. Its pretty small in size compared to regular size bar soaps but thats ok since this will last a long time. Here are the ingredients... Ingredients: Sodium Palmate(1), Sodium Palm Kernelate(2), Aqua, Glycerin(2), Sodium Chloride(3), Tetrasodium EDTA, Tetrasodium Etitronate, Maris Limus (Dead Sea Mud)*. Source: (1) Palm Oil, (2) Palm Kernel Oil, (3) Mineral. *Special de-ionised water with Pure Dead Sea Minerals: Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Sodium as Bromides, Chlorides and Sulphates. Here is the link where I got it (not affiliated) http://www.feelunique.com/p/Dead-Sea-Spa-Magik-Black-Mud-Soap-100g?curr=USD
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Philip B. - Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo
JCuevas04 8/20/2010 11:55:00 PM
I got this shampoo on a whim while at Marshall's. I believe PB is changing their packaging so they had liter bottles of this for $14.99 US which is a steal since normally this shampoo and the whole PB line is pretty expensive. I heard a lot about this particular shampoo that its good for clarifying your hair/scalp of product build up and it leaves your scalp feeling fresh and invigorated thanks to the peppermint extract. It does all this. It doesn't leave my hair feeling dry or totally stripped like most clarifying shampoos. Only contains one sulfate and no silicones. It also contains avocado extract which is prob why this isn't as drying and stripping. I use a very moisturizing conditioner after anyway so its all good. If your hair is really dirty and has a lot of product build up, its hard to get a good lather so you might have to rinse and repeat or use your regular shampoo first then use this after. It claims that its good for color treated hair and all hair types. All in all, its a great gentle clarifying shampoo and if it wasn't so darn expensive regularly, I would def repurchase. I am very tempted to go back to Marshall's and pick up a back up which I very well will prob do.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Ponds - Clarant B3 Normal to Oily Skin
JCuevas04 5/9/2010 11:10:00 PM
This is one of the best moisturizers for oily skin that I have tried believe it or not! Here is why...Its more of a whipped texture and literally melts into your skin. Once you rub this into your skin it virtually disappears. Its like I never applied anything as far as touch goes but still leaves this invisible hydration/moisture behind and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth but dry to the touch. If that makes sense. Its the best way I can describe this. My mom tried this on her hand and was like wow this is like whipped butter. I have no breakouts or clogged pores with this which I am very prone to. This is meant to help even skin tone and minimize discolorations. I have some post acne scarring I am hoping this will help diffuse a little as a bonus but I mainly use this as a simple night time moisturizer since this has no sunscreen. However, this would be wonderful as a primer for makeup if you are oily or you can use this under sunscreen during the day. If you have dry skin, I wouldn't recommend this particular formula. They do make this for Normal to Dry skin so that might suit drier skin types better. This contains an ingredient called Tapioca Starch which has great absorbent properties and helps keep skin dry. It has ancient roots as a remedy for rashes and other skin conditions where its best to keep the skin dry. It is often used in place of Cornstarch since Tapioca Starch particles have more rounded edges giving it better slip whereas Cornstarch particles have more jagged edges. I do truly believe the Tapioca Starch is what gives this moisturizer its texture and why it literally melts into the skin. Because of its absorbent properties it also help absorb excess oils and it does all this whilst leaving your skin hydrated and silky soft. The smell is fantastic (almost like a fruity/floral scent) and not overpowering IMO. Comes in a big 7 oz jar so if you use clean fingers you can keep this hygienic and won't waste any product. I got mine at Walgreens for $8.99 USD. I have included the ingredients in the ingredients section of this review. Just FYI: If you try this moisturizer and want something similar for the body then you must try Curel Itch Defense Skin Balancing Lotion. It virtually almost has the same texture, feel and immediate results of this moisturizer but for the body and also contains this "magical" ingredient (Tapioca Starch).
12 out of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Scrubs -Noxzema - Clean Blemish Control Daily Scrub
JCuevas04 5/6/2010 1:50:00 AM
This is a new product that Noxzema has put out on the market. Its marketed towards adults. This contains 1% Salicylic Acid and is in a creamy base. It contains those gentle microbead exfoliators and doesn't really foam up. But it is very easy to rinse clean away which is great. I got this on sale at Walgreens for $3.99 USD but I believe this is only around $5.00 USD regular price which is pretty cheap still. Its a great daily scrub IMO. No fuss. It does the job at leaving my skin clean, silky smooth and flake free. I use this morning and night. A little goes a long way since its in more of a creamy base. Its oil and alcohol free. It didn't leave my skin totally tight feeling after rinsing. My skin responds better to frequent gentle exfoliation rather than weekly more intense exfoliation and this scrub fits the bill for me. No breakouts or irritation and has a minimal to almost non-existent tingly feeling like the original Noxzema is known for. It also has a great fruity scent rather then their typical medicinal scent which I actually enjoy. I would def purchase this again and give kudos to Noxzema for stepping up their skin care game. I have posted the ingredients in the ingredients section of this review.
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Masks -Unlisted Brand - Andrea Face Spa Revitalizing Masque
JCuevas04 4/16/2010 1:02:00 PM
I was at CVS the other day and came across the Andrea Foot Spa and Face Spa little sachets. I ended up picking these up. This particular mask is what you would call and Algin mask. It utilizes algae/seaweed from the so if you are allergic to seaweed than def stay away from this. Once the powder is mixed with water, it forms a soft rubbery type mask once it dries on the face that is easy to peel off. You can def get more "natural" algin mask powders out there the ingredients are not that bad in this actually. Its also easily accessible and cheap! So here is how I use this...First I brew a cup of hot tea. The tea I like to use are ones that are made for skin health or "cleansing" teas. Yes, the teas you drink. Than I let the tea cool to room temp. Than I pour the powder from the sachet into a bowl than add about 3 tablespoons of water stir with a wooden spatula until I get a lumpy cake batter consistency. I than add about 4 drops of an essential oil of my choice. I have oily skin so I will add about 8 drops of Tea Tree Oil and mix well. Than I apply it to freshly cleansed, dry skin with the spatula spreading it all over my face. Let it dry for about 10 mins than peel off. Viola! My skin looks fresh and plump and the essential oil give it a little tingle that stimulates the blood flow providing nutrients and minerals to the skin. I actually went back to CVS and bought out their stock!
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Conditioner -L'anza - Daily Revitalizer
JCuevas04 4/5/2010 10:33:00 AM
This is actually called "Mint Revitalizer". This is a very light conditioner that contains both peppermint and tea tree oil to help invigorate, purify, disinfect the scalp. I apply this to my hair than massage it on my scalp after shampoo and leave it on for a few mins. You can feel the tingle after a few seconds. It leaves your scalp feeling fresh and clean and "awake". I do have to say that this is not a very moisturizing condish for your hair. Its not drying but it's not very moisturizing either. Its fine for me since I use very moisturizing leave-ins anyway. It will detangle your hair though and not leave it a knotty mess which is good. The smell is kinda like Vick's but it doesn't linger. The only thing that lingers is the tingle (which I love)! This has no heavy silicones and does not build up at all. Its just a very light detangling rinse with the added peppermint and tea tree oils. Will def repurchase! INGREDIENTS: *I took pics of the ingredients since I didn't feel like typing them out. Sorry for the picture quality, I will update with better pics.* http://img.makeupalley.com/2/4/4/7/1611182.JPG http://img.makeupalley.com/2/4/4/7/1611183.JPG
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Shampoo -L'anza - Remedy Shampoo
JCuevas04 4/5/2010 10:27:00 AM
This a great shampoo for overall scalp/hair health. I suffer from an oily scalp with occasional itch and dandruff. This is meant to purify/balance the scalp while at the same not stripping any of your natural oils/moisture or color. Yes, this shampoo has color support. I dye my hair demi-permanent all over and this has yet to fade my color sooner than when it naturally occurs which is a bonus! The smell is a little hard to explain. Almost like a medicinal, natural, very light floral smell. The consistency of this is very thick and concentrated. All you need is not even a quarter size amount for your whole head. It lathers like nothing else I have tried before. It has a creamy lather rather than a typical foamy lather like with most shampoos. It leaves my scalp balanced and clean and doesn't strip my hair of moisture. This contains tea tree oil which is great for your scalp. No tingly feeling but I pair this up with the Mint Revitalizer (which I will do a review on as well) and its a great combo! Will update later with the full ingredients list. But I will tell you this does not have any heavy cones and contains tons of natural ingredients. Def HG status. INGREDIENTS: *I took pics since I didn't feel like typing them out. Sorry for the picture quality, I will update with better pics. * http://img.makeupalley.com/2/4/4/7/1611180.JPG http://img.makeupalley.com/2/4/4/7/1611181.JPG
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Fantasia - IC High Potency Leave-In Aloe-Extra Dry Treatment
JCuevas04 4/4/2010 11:07:00 PM
Just to clarify for the review right below this one as I think she might have wrote her review for the wrong product....This is not a cream or thick by any means. This comes in a 16 oz bottle and is the consistency of water. Here is the link to the exact product at Sally Beauty Supply (which is where you would buy this).... http://www.sallybeauty.com/aloe-hair-treatment/SBS-425905,default,pd.html So now for my review...This is a great leave-in conditioning/treatment for hair/scalp. I like to put this into a squeeze bottle with a nozzle that you would use to apply hair color. This way it is less messy and easy to apply to the scalp. I also added about 2% pure tea tree oil to this for added scalp benefits. If you need help on how to add essential oils to your products, please refer to my notepad. I use this every other day on my "no-shampoo" days. It refreshes my scalp and leaves my hair soft. I apply it directly to my scalp than i massage it in than comb it thru the rest of my hair. It smells great like a refreshing light fruity scent. No heavy silicones and doesn't leave your hair greasy or coated. Great stuff and for under $10 USD for a 16 oz bottle, its a bargain! Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Hamamelis virginiana, Propylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-11, Polyquaternium-6, Ethoxydiglycol (and) Butylene Glycol (and) Lactic Acid (and) Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Leaf Extract (and) Achillea Millefolium Extract (and) Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf (and) Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract (and) Betula Alba Juice (and) Equisetum Arvense Extract (and) Alcohol Denat. (and) Inositol, Niacinamide, Thiamine, Methylparaben, EDTA, Polysorbate-20, Fragrance (Parfum).
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Neutrogena - SkinClearing Blemish Concealer
JCuevas04 1/16/2010 11:59:00 PM
This is the new concealer that Neutrogena launched this year in 2010. It says "MicroClear" on the packaging. I saw this at Walgreens so decided to give it a go. It was only $9.99 USD. It has decent coverage and blends very well. It contains .05% Salicylic Acid. The difference I guess between this and the other concealer they have for blemishes, I think its called SkinClearing Oil-Free Concealer, is that this has their MicroClear technology. They claim that this technology can help treat and prevent up to 90% of emerging blemishes than the leading OTC acne treatments. I am happy to use a concealer that not only has decent coverage but can also possibly treat and prevent blemishes as well. This def can be built up as well if you are looking for more of heavier coverage without looking cakey. The only thing I don't like is the doe-foot applicator. Wish this came in a squeeze tube.
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