Hair -L'Oreal - Elnett Hairspray
Nerds99 12/29/2012 8:35:00 PM
Just bought this today after lurking around it for months. I've heard all kinds of awesome stuff about this hairspray (Kim Kardashian, whom we all love to hate but whom also has gorgeous hair, swears by it), so when I saw a full-size can of it for $6.79, I just HAD to try it. Before, two things put me off; one was paying $12+ for some L'Oreal, drugstore hairspray. The other was the smell. I don't completely despise it, but it smells EXACTLY like old school Aqua Net (which smells better than the "new" Aqua Net, but still). There are just other things I'd rather smell like, like vanilla or fruity goodness. But I digress... So I get this stuff home and test it out on my freshly-cut fringe, and I have to say, it works incredibly well for that. It holds my hair in place without looking "wet" or sticky. It doesn't dull my hair or even look like I used any hairspray on it at all. As long as it doesn't break me out like another reviewer posted, then I will probably keep using it. However, if I do buy another can, it will probably be the unscented one lol.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Lustre in Fresh Brew
Nerds99 11/25/2012 8:59:00 PM
I love beige-brown-nudes, so as soon as I saw this, I snapped it up. TBQH, it's not the most flattering shade on its own for me. It's a bit too flat. I am part Native American and part Italian (mixed in with a bit of Irish and German), so my skin tone is "confused," uneven and, I guess, an odd neutral. It's hard to find colors that actually flatter me besides muted, nude neutrals. This one brings out sallowness when I wear it on its own. If I wear it with Subculture lipliner and a pinkish gloss, then it's a perfect blend and makes a nice nude on me. As a matter of fact, this lipstick is what made me understand nudes. I realized that I needed a more "pinky-nude," and that just because something doesn't say "nude" in the name/description, that doesn't mean it can't be a nude (if that makes any sense). As far as it being used without another color mixed in, I think it would look stunning on someone with darker skin. I'm going to get one to put into my pro kit for use on photoshoots and possibly for weddings (though in that case, I'd probably pink it up unless the client asked me not to). It's a nice color if you know how to work with it. I wouldn't be so quick to toss it; one suggestion I have to to take it out of the tube, put it into a pillbox (the kind with the different spots for the days of the week), and use it as a mixer with other colors that may not have been a hit for you, especially pinks or darker browns and red-browns. Then you can use the empty tube(s) for your B2M :)
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BB Cream -Olay - Total Effects Tone Correcting "CC" Cream
Nerds99 11/25/2012 7:46:00 PM
***EDIT*** I have decided to stop using this for a while. Since I started, my skin has gotten MUCH drier, which accentuates fine lines and just makes me look awful. To be fair, I started using a new powder around the same time, so I'm doing the elimination method and seeing which one is causing this to happen. I mean, my face is uncomfortable 24-7. It feels dry and itchy no matter what I do. I've even resorted to putting baby oil on my face, something that I always found disgusting. If this is what's causing it, I will be so disappointed. Also, I haven't noticed any of the other benefits claimed on the box/bottle. Lame :( ***UPDATE: 12/18/2012*** Well, it looks like I have found the culprit...I cannot use this product. I don't know if it's the niacinimide (sp?), or some other ingredient, but I definitely have a sensitivity to whatever it is. This product was counterproductive to its purpose and I will be getting rid of this product. I didn't use it today, and my skin is MUCH calmer than it has been. This product just overly-sensitized my skin and I'm not willing to wait it out anymore to see if my skin adjusts to it. It's just not worth it to me. I've had to layer avocado oil and Sweet Bee Magic on my face twice a day, along with my Sea Plasma spray, just in hopes of keeping my skin from drying out even MORE...normalizing it wasn't going to happen no matter what I did :( Sadly, this is a miss. I'm not surprised, most drugstore products don't work well for me.
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Eyeliner -Revlon - ColorStay Liquid Liner
Nerds99 11/24/2012 4:06:00 PM
Not a bad liner. It doesn't oxidize to a weird color (I get the brown), Felt tip isn't horrible, but it is very runny so it can be a challenge to get a precise cat eye. I prefer gel liners, but as drugstore liquids go, this would probably be my go-to. I haven't noticed any outstanding staying power (MUFE's liquid liner ruined me for all others as far as staying power goes; that stuff is like a tattoo on your lashline), but the color is nice enough and it works in a pinch.
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Hair Color -Ion - Color Brilliance - Demi Permanent Hair Color
Nerds99 11/23/2012 9:36:00 PM
I'm hoping that this review can give you guys an idea of both my experience, and ways to get the results you want from this color. First, you should know that researching the basics of hair color is vital if you're going to color at home. You need to understand the levels of color, which colors "live" at each level, and how those factors will affect your results. Also, understanding what the different levels of developer do will make a huge difference in your results. For example, orange "lives" at level 7, so if you buy a level 7 color, that's the tone you will get. Also, if you use a level 5 developer, you will only get deposit, no lift. If you want to lift color, you would use a higher volume of developer, according to the level of lift that you want to achieve. I know it sounds complicated, but if you use Google and do 30 minutes of research, I promise it will make all the difference in the world with your color. I see a lot of people getting hung up on the "names" of these colors, and that's where you're going to get into trouble. When you learn to work with levels, you will be able to choose your color and not get so many surprises. Also, research mixing ratios; those will make a HUGE difference when it comes to how opague your color comes out. That being said, I have noticed that for me, these colors pull about a level or two darker on my hair. That may not happen to you. My suggestion is to start about a level higher than the color you want, and go from there. This color line is very good quality. The Sensitive Scalp developer (I use 5 vol) is great for me because its much gentler than anything you will get in a "box color." The color itself is rich, creamy, vibrant and ultra-shiny. It has great staying power and it doesn't damage my hair at all. It spreads evenly, doesn't drip, and stays moist while processing. Because its a Demi, it WILL stain the crap out of your skin. But that's really my only complaint with this color. If you need any help, no matter what line you use, feel free to inbox me :)
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Earth Science - A-D-E Creamy Cleanser
Nerds99 11/23/2012 12:09:00 AM
I'm now on my 3rd or 4th bottle. It's not my HG (that would be the PreCleanse and Ultracalming Cleanser from Dermalogica), it is the best alternative I have found. It's about $7 a bottle at Fred Meyer, it lasts me about a month or so, and it doesn't break me out. It removes my makeup and leaves my face completely clean. I don't wet my face or hands before using it. In the mornings, I mix some sugar in with it and give my face a good scrub, and it leaves my skin soft and glowy. This stuff is the best thing I've found on drug/grocery store shelves. As for the smell, I like it. It reminds me of peaches and cream :)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Victoria's Secret - So Sexy Shampoo
Nerds99 10/25/2012 12:21:00 AM
This review is on the Protect & Revive, which is the shampoo for color-treated hair. I used some of the other So Sexy shampoos back in the day, and I was excited to find a sulfate-free version, so that my color won't fade so fast (especially since I use demi-permanent color). I've only used this a few times, so I'll post my experience so far and update if things change. Upon my first use, I noticed how thick this shampoo is. It produces an AWESOME amount of lather. Seriously, it's comparable to Pureology in that respect. The bottle describes the fragrance as "light and fresh," but I have to say that IMHO, that's not the case. The fragrance is very bold and lingers, literally for days. I'd describe it as a rich, complex, sophisticated floral scent. You definitely need to use a conditioner with this shampoo; my hair feels a bit dry after rinsing. The conditioner is rich, thick and very hydrating, though not as softening as others I've used. I follow up with the So Sexy detangling spray, which is a very fine mist and, in all honesty, doesn't really detangle all that well lol. But, it adds extra fragrance and softness to my hair, and helps it become more smooth and reflective. I blowdry my hair upside down with a round brush, then straighten it with a flat iron, and my hair soft, smooth and very shiny. My fiance loves the fragrance. I honestly will have to change it up every once in a while because I could totally see the scent getting to be too much after a while. I want to try the smoothing shampoo next. All in all, I could see myself using this line for a while. As I mentioned before, the results are very similar to what I get with Pureology, for a LOT less money.
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Fragrances -MAC - MAC Creations Fragrance Blend Variation Parfumee MV2
Nerds99 9/12/2012 4:21:00 AM
I am so, so sad that this was discontinued. It has been my signature fragrance for 11 years. I always get tons of compliments whenever I wear it, and my daughter says that it's "my" smell. It smells like a creamy, milky vanilla on me and I love and adore it. I don't get any musk notes on my skin, just creamy vanilla...and something almost like a graham cracker. I wish MAC would bring it back. I can't believe that out of all their fragrances, they decided to keep Turquatic. That stuff smells like straight booboo, old ladies, and club whores IMO. I found the MV fragrances much classier.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Brows -Anastasia Of Beverly Hills - Brow Pen
Nerds99 8/3/2012 2:29:00 AM
As far as the universal shade goes...meh. I like the felt-tip, and the fact that the pen is easily carried around for touchups. However, I don't like that I needed to carry it around for touchups; brow products should not wear off the face. Brows are on the forehead, which means they're in a spot that tends to get oily, and should have some ingredient that gives it staying power. This products wore off if I started to sweat, had an "oily" day, or stayed up past 8 PM. Also, I noticed that there were times that, no matter what I did, I couldn't get it to "go" on certain spots on my brows, even when I layered it on. If I had any moisturizer even close to my brows, it was a bit more work to get it to work. However, my biggest complaint is that is actually turned a grayish-green on me! That is something that is just not acceptable, people. Who wants green brows? Not me. I recently purchased the MAC eyebrow pen and the color is a little better for me, but it contains bismuth oxychloride, which I am very sensitive to. I deal with it, because it's the only other eyebrow pen I can find. If I saw the Anastasia pen in the dark shade, I'd give it a try and see if it worked out better, color-wise, for me, and I'd be ecstatic if it did...but the universal shade? Nope, never again.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Self Tanners -Ulta - Self-Tanning Continuous Spray
Nerds99 3/30/2012 5:23:00 PM
Not a huge fan; went on "drippy" and turned me orange :(
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Self Tanners -Neutrogena - Build A Tan
Nerds99 3/30/2012 5:21:00 PM
I like this stuff! I sometimes use it in conjunction with the Micro Mist when I want a deeper tan, but the lotion works well on its own as well. I actually like the smell of this lotion, it reminds me of the original Olay body wash scent (clean and soapy). It's rich, creamy, and very moisturizing, which is always good with a self tanner (otherwise, any tiny bit of dry skin will be MAGNIFIED when your tan develops, as I've learned the hard way with other brands). As with ALL self-tanners on Earth, you need to apply it carefully to avoid streaks and uneven color. The Micro Mist is good for getting your back, the tops of your feet (I use a little lotion there, too, carefully avoiding toes) and the back of your hands. Altogether, I'm a happy camper and will continue to buy this lotion :)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Alba Botanica - Plumeria Replenishing Hair Wash
Nerds99 3/24/2012 6:48:00 PM
I've only used it twice, both times with the Gardenia conditioner (as it seems to be the preferred pairing according to the reviews; I do have the Plumeria conditioner, I just haven't used it yet), and it seems to work pretty well on me so far. My hair is clean, soft, shiny and manageable, and smells awesome :) I also use Alba Botanica's Very Emollient mango and honey body wash, followed by their kukui nut body oil. I like that these products are more on the natural side, don't contain a bunch of chemicals and silicone, and they all make me smell amazing. This shampoo, so far, has not dried my hair, and it lathers really well for not having any sulfates. I know that the lather is a "psychological" thing, and not really necessary to "clean" the hair, but I have to have lots of rich, foamy lather, or I am just not going to like the product. This one does the job in all the ways I need so far. If that changes, I'll update :) **EDIT** This seems to work better each time I use it. My hair has gotten softer, silkier and more manageable than it was before I started using this product. I also started using the Plumeria conditioner and I think I might prefer that one to the Gardenia (the Gardenia seems to weigh my hair down just a bit...I would still use it on more humid days, though).
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Cleansers -Dermalogica - Ultra Calming Cleanser
Nerds99 5/27/2011 2:35:00 PM
This is my HG cleanser. The best way I can describe my skin is CONFUSED. It is extremely sensitive (the natural oils from my face even irritate it), sometimes oily, sometimes dry, usually flaky and very acne prone. My skin was NEVER like this until about 4 or 5 years ago, and I was using acne cleansers and treatments to no avail. I used other Dermalogica products, and until recently, the Clean Start cleanser was my favorite. Then I hit 32 and my skin changed. It is now much drier and more delicate than before. My mother gave my daughter some Ultra Calming cleanser, and I decided to try it one night when my face was particularly irritated. I always use the Precleanse first, so a cleanser being strong enough to remove makeup is not a huge issue for me. After the first use, I noticed my skin was much softer, brighter and calm. I decided to buy a full-size bottle and I am SO glad I did. This stuff is AMAZING. I have not had a a breakout since I started using it, not even at that time of month. Sure, I'll get one blemish here and there, but they're few and far between, and my breakouts normally mean a minimum of three pimples. Not the case anymore, thanks to this cleanser. It calms my skin and makes it less reactive. Combined with the Precleanse, it is the perfect skincare regimen for someone with sensitive, acne-prone skin. I like the consistency and the light, pleasant smell. It almost numbs my face as I massage it into my skin. Your skin will feel a little weird as you rinse it, but once you pat it dry, it just feels like nice, normal, healthy skin :) I highly recommend it to everyone, no matter the skin type, in combination with the Precleanse.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Moroccanoil - Moisture Repair Shampoo
Nerds99 10/23/2010 2:47:00 AM
My mother owns a salon and recently went Moroccanoil crazy, so she gave me the shampoo, conditioner, and the LIGHT leave-in oil. I use all three of them, and they work FABULOUSLY on my thin, fine, frizzy hair. I've always had to choose between something that moisturizes and something that volumizes, but I get both in abundance with this stuff. My hair is soft, shiny, bouncy and full, and I seriously have NO split ends or damage. That is so rare for me, as I color frequently and generally just beat the hell out of my hair. Also, I tried the curl creme and that stuff worked better for me than anything I've used in YEARS. Overall, this entire line is awesome and I LOVE it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Palettes -Too Faced - Natural Eye Kit
Nerds99 10/23/2010 2:30:00 AM
This stuff is the shiznit. I LOVE the matte colors (if I could find Velvet Revolver as an individual shadow, I'd buy 3 of them at a time; it's my HG day shadow). I love ALL the colors in this kit except Nude Beach, which barely shows up on me and has these weird glitter things that I just do not find flattering at all (and is why I left off one lippie). It kinda looks like eye dandruff on me, but I also have very fair skin and for some reason, the glitter in shadows doesn't seem to want to stick, no matter what I do...and I'm makeup artist! I just don't know. Anyway, I highly love this palette. I like the packaging, it makes it easy to travel with; I'm hard on my shadows and I've yet to have one of these crack! I also just bought the "Naked Eye" today, we'll see how that one goes tomorrow.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No