Styling Products -Bumble & Bumble - curl conscious holding foam
Mia_8030 11/19/2012 5:04:00 PM
B&B Curl Conscious Holding Foam is a good product for wavy gals who need a bit of help with their style. I recently went from mid back length hair to a shoulder length, layered, texturized cut with the specific aim to bring out the wave in my hair and to take a good amount of weight off. My hair is thick, thick thick and very heavy and even at longer lengths a wave pattern was apparent in my hair. For my new 'do, B&B Curl Conscious Holding foam is perfect for achieving hold to keep waves in my hair all day and to define my style. It is fragranced, a warm musky smell, and it is tacky when dispensing. Too much product will make your hair stiff and sticky, so use less of the holding foam than you think you need and work it in well. Unlike other mousse products, there is no gross crunchy white residue in my hair no matter how much B&B foam I use. I have had bad luck with other mousse products (Herbal Essences literally soaped up in my hair; Got 2 Be left white residue all over). I am pleased with the hold, frizz control and the help it gives in defining my waves. My other "lazy" style that I do is to sleep with my hair in rag curls overnight for major curls. I usually use a bit of mousse for hold throughout the day and I do have to say that the holding foam is average for the rag curl method. I much prefer to use cheap ol' Aussie mousse when I use the no heat curl method. Overall, I am happy with the product and likely will repurchase even with a price of $30 CDN. A product that does what it says and helps define waves is worth it to me.
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Eye Shadow -Lancome - Color Design Sensational Effects - Pink Zinc
Mia_8030 10/16/2012 11:14:00 PM
I received Pink Zinc as a part of a GWP quad. Pink Zinc is a pale, shimmery, pink - champagne colour. It is great all over the lid for pale ladies, especially if you find that some base eyeshadows come off as too dark.It is not chalky, it is easy to blend and doesn't crease throughout the day. Pink Zinc plays nicely with all sorts of colours too, whether with taupes in the crease, browns and plums for liners, all the way to teals and greens. Really a lovely eyeshadow that I will purchase a full size of when I am done the GWP.
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Lipstick -MAC - Lustre Lipstick in Polished Up
Mia_8030 9/18/2012 4:14:00 PM
Polished up is a nice brown lipstick with brick - plum undertones. Although I am in the range of NC 15, this lipstick is not too dark and it does not make me look washed out where a lippie with more brown in it would muddy my features. I think it is a great substitute for Bobbi Brown Kir and Raisin colours (which I enjoy but am not able to get at all where I live). Polished up is not MLBB but it is a nice lip colour for daytime. Not my fave in the summer, but it gets its share of wear time in the fall and winter.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Dermalogica - PreCleanse
Mia_8030 9/17/2012 10:12:00 PM
Wow! I've only just got around to using a sample of Precleanse and I had enough to cleanse two nights. I know that using a product twice might not be the best test drive to form an opinion of a product, but I am so pleased with the sample that I am purchasing the full sized product. Tomorrow! I have used cold creams, oils, MAC's oil cleaning version, and this is by far the best. Where a cold cream leaves heavy residue that is difficult to remove and where MAC's oil cleanser left quite a bit of oil behind after rinsing, Dermalogica's precleanse really does emulsify with water to rinse of clean. The smell is great - like a creamsicle but more heavy on the orange. I can't comment on the packaging because I tried a sample in a foil pouch. Cleansing - all makeup came off. Not a stitch left on my face. It feels so much better to precleanse and not have to work to get residue off your face or feel smothered with a heavy product. Because I wasn't happy with cold creams and MAC's oil I have been using straight up almond oil to precleanse, as I find it to be light and not as difficult to remove. Precleanse is lighter than the straight oil I've been using and feels nicer! If after prolonged usage I am no longer quite as happy with Precleanse, I will update. For now, I am giving high ratings because I have been blown away by the product and I fell it is good enough to purchase a full size. Update November 2 -12 I purchased a full bottle and I am still loving Precleanse. Of all oil cleansing methods that I have tried, I like Precleanse the best. I went thorugh some bad skin and I am not 100% sure what the culprit was, but with the addition of Precleanse to my routine and eliminating products that just were not doing me any favours has seen a big improvement i nthe condition of my face. I no longer have as many clogged pores and the ones that I do have are tiny and extracted easily. My skin is healing and isn't getting dry now that winter is here (last weekend humidity was at 23% in my house). I feel that for an emulsifying oil cleanser, Preclease really does emulsify with water, leaving no reside. I am very, very happy after an extended trial and will be purchasing again when I run out.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Clinique - Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer
Mia_8030 9/17/2012 7:06:00 PM
I am sorry to break the string of good reviews for this product. I tend to end up a complete mess with most Clinique moisturisers, so pelase bear that in mind if reading my review and considering using/not using the product based on my views. I found that Super Rescue (I purchased the combo/oily version) caused quite a bit of irritation and burning for a few minutes after application. The cream was very light and easily absorbed but did not seem to do anything at all for my skin - I would not recommend this for anyone who needs the slightest bit of moisture to take care of occasional flaky skin. My real complaint with Super Rescue is that I developed huge clogged pores that would develop further into painful spots. I usually don't have very much luck with moisturisers and find that a formula heavy on the silicones will produce breakout and clogged pores regardless. I discontinued use for a little bit a tried Super Rescue gain - same issue happened. I know that not everyone will experience the problems that I did with Super Resuce, but for me it was not worth the money at all. I have learned my final lesson from Clinique and will stay away in the future. The moisturizer formulas have not worked for me over the years and I will no longer plunk down cash only to end up frustrated with broken out skin. There are products that Clinique can do very well, but sadly the moisturisers are OFF LIMITS for me.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -La Roche Posay - Effaclar Purifying Gel Cleanser
Mia_8030 9/17/2012 6:48:00 PM
I like the Effaclar Purifying Gel and am kind of regretting venturing away from it lately. I have always found that Effaclar Gel is great as a cleanser without being too harsh on the skin. Everything ends up clean but there is no tight feeling afterwards. I find that this cleanser if effective at removing lefover traces of oil from precleansing, and it does a decent job of removing cold cream leftovers. There is a slight smell to the product that I find to be pleasant and non irritating (somewhat like a mix between gummy candies and a soft floral scent). Effaclar Gel doesn't burn my skin and is not irritating at all. I find the gel to be very affordable - there is often a 400+ mL bottle availble for $22 canadian. It takes quite a while to go though 400 mL of Effaclar gel. The packaging is surprisingly great quality for tube packaging - it is tough, won't crack, break or explode. You can toss Effaclar in your travel bag and not have to worry about cleanser leaking all over. I don't think I will ever call a cleanser a HG, especially as there is a lot of variety and skin has different needs as one ages, throughout the seasons, or for any number of reasons, but I do think the Effaclar gel is a very good cleanser and decently priced. I will repurchase again (and maybe stop straying so much : )
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -La Roche Posay - Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream 
Mia_8030 9/17/2012 6:37:00 PM
I found the LRP Effaclar Foaming Cream to be a bit too drying, but in all other respects it was a great cleanser. There is a mild fragrance that reminded me of a cross betwen a light floral and gummy candies, so I was not in the least bit put off by the fragrance! It was actually very pleasant! LRP Effaclar Foaming Cream was very effective at removing make up that wasn't water proof or long wear, and if used after an oil for a precleanse, was very good at getting any last traces of oil off my face. The packaging is actually very good for a tube - good, heavy, quality plastic that didn't crack, break, leak, or otherwise waste product. Really good for travelling with no worries that your cleanser would burst all over your bag. My only complaint is that Effalar Foaming Cream is a bit too drying to use on a consistent basis but I would repurchase if I ever needed a serious cleanser and were a bit oilier. For everyday, I find the Effaclar Gel to be gentler and non stripping while being just as effective at cleansing.
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Moisturizers -Dermalogica - Skin Smoothing Cream
Mia_8030 9/17/2012 5:51:00 PM
Okay, I have waited for over a month to be able to fairly review the Skin Smoothing Cream by Dermalogica. I have skin that tends not to do well with serums and moisturisers. I always seem to get burning skin, or if a product doesn't cause irritation, it will eventually give me spots and clogged pores that are quite noticable. I haven't had very much luck at all with moisturisers (or oils for moisturization) and until now, have rarely used one on a consistent basis. I received a good sized sample of the Skin Smoothing Cream in a sample kit for normal - dry skin. I tend to have combo skin but I needed TLC after using a harsh product and there were other products in the set that I wanted to test drive. The 22 mL sample has lasted me over a month and will (at my usage guestimate) last for another couple of months. A full sized tube would last a lot longer. While the price for 50 mL is in the range of $50-70 canadian, I do think the price is okay, especially when compared to other brands (Clinique Super Rescue is in the neighborhood of $60 for 50 mL). I had read the ingredients and decided to take the plunge even though coconut derivitaves are listed high up on the list. Surprisingly, silicones are not at the very top of the list (I ususally react terribly to silicone heavy formulations). I have found that this cream is WONDERFUL. I have not broken out and I have balanced, hydrated skin. The Skin Smoothing Cream is a fairly creamy consistency with a faint scent akin the the rest of the fresh herbal smell of the dermalogica line. It is not exceedingly heavy, oily or greasy, and doesn't seem to excaberate oil production. I like the tube as it is hygenic, and as stated above, I do not think the price is all that bad for a product that works for me. I did not give the Skin Smoothing Cream 5 lippies only because I wish there were more state of the art anti-ageing properties and ingredients in it. However, for the very reason that this works so well for me, I might just bump up the rating later, especially as this cream has serious HG potential. If you have similar problems finding a moisturiser taht will work with your skin I reccommend trying the Skin Smoothing Cream.
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Gels/Soaps -Dr. Bronner's - Peppermint Castille Soap
Mia_8030 9/12/2012 12:39:00 AM
Brr! The peppermint in this version of Dr. Bronners is definatey a pick me up. I have super hard water and I find Dr. Bronner's to be a little drying if i use it everyday, but I have a special purpose that the peppermint soap excells at. I like to mix salt in with a good dash of Dr. Bronners and scrub away. I feel so clean, tingly and refreshed afterwards. Peppermint is my pick for a shower or bath on a hot summer's day. Stand in front of a fan after showering with this soap and it feels like an arctic chill when you need it most. I also find a generous amount in a foot bath eases tired feet after a long day. If you don't try any other Dr. Bronner's soap, peppermint is the one to get. Price - dirt cheap, around $5 for a bottle that will last a while. Demerit a lippie for the fact that I can't use it every day and because it stings my eyes when I have used it on my face.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -MAC - Sheertone Blush in Blushbaby
Mia_8030 9/12/2012 12:02:00 AM
Colour me surprised! For the longest time I stuck with clear pink blushes without any brown undertones. Baby pink or bright pink, it was all I wore. I always thought blush with a hint of tan or brown made me look sallow or dirty, especially as I am in the colour range of NC 15. I guess tastes change over time and I asked the MAC MUA to put a bit of blushbaby on while I was shopping for eyeshadows. I love the colour. I don't think I look sallow at all. Blushbaby gives me the exact look that I get when I have been out doing fieldwork - windblown, slightly tanned, but with a nice hint of pink. Exactly like the wildchild that I am when I am on one of my adventures. Blushbaby is a bit more sheer than other colours that I have used but it is very buildable and blendable. The finish is matte, not powdery or obvious. The colour is understated and perfect for a polished but not screamingly made up look. Blushbaby goes well with so many eye and lip colours. Try it! Blushbaby is a great blush.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Rimmel - Lycra Lash Extender
Mia_8030 9/10/2012 6:06:00 PM
I like mascaras that give length and not a ton of volume. I generally look for a mascara that is easy to apply, can be built (a coat or two and no spider lashes), and I like a formula that isn't really thick and clumpy. I like the Lycra Lash Extender mascara becasue it meets all of my criteria and gives me long, fluttery lashes. It is easy to remove and tends not to flake or smear under regular conditions. Sadly, due to ongoing allergies that cause watery eyes, I have stopped using Lycra Lash Extender in favor of a waterproof mascara. If my eyes return to "normal", I will certainly return to Rimmel.
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Lipstick -MAC - Up The Amp
Mia_8030 9/10/2012 5:46:00 PM
I don't reach for Up the Amp often, but it is a great colour and while I find some MAC lipstick finishes to be way too dry, I have not found Up the Amp to be drying at all. Up the Amp shows like a very purple based pink on my pigmented lips, and is very opaque. I went from brunette to being a red head for a while and found that Up the Amp was too cool to wear with a warm haircolour. Now that I'm back to brunette I have worn Up the Amp a few times and it looks great! This is not a shade that I can wear to work but it is a shade that I can wear as a statement on a night out. Overall, great colour and if I ever finish Up the Amp, I will likely repurchase.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Matrix - Biolage Ultra Hydrating Conditioning Balm
Mia_8030 9/10/2012 5:25:00 PM
I purchased the Biolage Ultra conditioning balm as a part of a great BOGO deal. I enjoy the Biolage fragrance, which is light and smooth. The scent does not linger all that much. I found the ultra condition balm left my hair very waxy and it did not take away any frizz. The tube is standard packaging the price is okay - no more than $22.00 canadian for a salon brand and often part of sales and offers. When sales and such are factored into purchasing some drugstore brands cost just as much. I liked the Biolage Hydrating balm much better than the Ultra balm. If anyone finds that the Ultra balm leaves their hair coated and waxy, give the regular balm a try.
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Treatments -L'Oreal - EverCreme Deep Nourishing Masque
Mia_8030 9/10/2012 5:14:00 PM
The EverCreme treatment is quite nice. It provides silicone free hydration that leaves hair silky, shiny and beautiful. I find EverCreme to be a very rich treatment (much like Moroccan Oil) and excellent for dry ends. I tend to let the treatment sit for an hour or so before rinsing - I only do this once, otherwise I may use a little bit of the EverCreme treatment as a conditioner. The tub is plastic, but I did find the plastic to be a bit flimsy - it hasn't happened yet but I am a teeny bit concerned that the tub may crack if I drop the product. I paid around $8.00 canadian for the treatment on sale. Regular retail is around $13.00. I will certainly repurchase the L'Oreal EverCreme treatment (on sale or not) seeing how other masques and deep treatments can run a lot more cost wise. <3 the fragrance, and it lingers!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -L'Oreal - EverCreme Nourishing Shampoo
Mia_8030 9/10/2012 5:04:00 PM
L'Oreal EverCreme shampoo is in my rotation but it is not a shampoo that I use every day. I use EverCreme when my hair has been a bit frizzy and needs moisture to settle down, or when my ends need a bit more TLC than normal. Using EverCreme everyday would likely lead to an oily scalp. I think the fragrance is great and it lingers fairly well. The shampoo lathers but not nearly as much as a shampoo with SLS. It is very moisturizing so anyone who has concerns with an oily scalp or with issues with lift in the crown area may not want to try out EverCreme. I have noticed that my hair is a bit weighed down after using EverCreme. The packaging is in a squeeze tube, so fairly standard for shampoo. The price was approximately $8.00 canadian on sale, regular price was listed as around $13.00. For a drugstore product, I am happy to have found EverCreme on sale. $13.00 is a bit pricey for something full price, especially as for less than $10 more (often combined with BOGO deals) I can find salon brands. I would repurchase EverCreme again, but would hesitate to purchase it at the full retial price.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No