Styling Products -Organix - Renewing Moroccan Argan Penetrating Oil
PaintedRed 5/18/2011 4:57:00 PM
I guess I’m in the minority here, but I’m a firm believer that it’s hard to find a product that works great for every person. That said, I’m the one person that this did NOT work for at all. I have very thick, slightly wavy hair that is down to about my bra strap. It tends to get a little frizzy if I don’t use some sort of styling crème, and I’ve had success with a couple: specifically Moroccan Oil and Frederick Fekkai Glossing Cream. The downside was that these two products aren’t cheap (particularly the Moroccan Oil). I was looking for a cheaper alternative, and after reading the amazing reviews for this, I picked it up at Ulta. To be fair, I originally intended on purchasing the Brazilian Keratin Therapy serum, but the smell was way overpowering and sickly sweet, so I opted for this (barely smelling much out of the bottle). The cashier further ensured me that this stuff was great. First off, I HATED the smell once I actually used it. It reminds me a lot of the Redken Smooth Down serum, whose smell I also can’t stand. Smells like a bad (and very strong) old lady perfume. I would have looked past it if it worked for me though. It didn’t do anything bad, but it didn’t really do anything. My hair wasn’t smoother, softer or sleeker. In fact, I had more flyaways then before. I gave it two weeks, then it was shoved under the sink into the rejects pile. While I wouldn’t recommend it, it obviously works for some hair with all of the positive reviews. I guess for the price, you can give it a shot and try for yourself… (Oh...also, the packaging is bad. It leaked all over and now my cabinet reeks) :(
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Chloe - Love, Chloé
PaintedRed 3/9/2011 1:46:00 PM
I have a strong aversion to the original Chloe...it smells awful on me and only smelled 'clean' in a bathroom cleaner sort of way. This was given to me by the Nordstrom sales associate, and I immediately loved the smell out of the bottle. I didn't love it on my skin at first, but I think the dry down is fantastic. To me, this is what the original Chloe promised but did not deliver. Clean, light, elegant and sophisticated. A powdery floral, but not too powdery...and definitely not sweet. I can't stop smelling my arm when I have this on. It feels very feminine and grown up...a good alternative to my normally musky, sensual smelling perfumes (though this is sensual in a different way). So happy I tried it! The only downside is it is definitely pricey...
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Chloe - Chloe (EDP new)
PaintedRed 3/9/2011 1:39:00 PM
I can see why this is a fragrance that people would either love or hate. Unfortunately, I’m in the latter category. I typically gravitate towards deeper, stronger fragrances (Addict is my fave, I also love Amarige and Armani Code). I do like clean smelling fragrances as well, and I enjoy florals that aren’t overly sweet and young smelling, so this sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately, I found this smell (on me, anyway) to be borderline offensive….the kind of sharp, cloying smell that instantly makes you pull your head back for fresh air. Sharp is really the only way I can think to describe this…and I did pick up the ‘clean’ smell in an odd way…I also had the chemical/cleaning product reaction on my skin. Awful. Experience tells me to NEVER spray a fragrance tester on my skin, but for whatever reason, I did just that. I couldn’t get the smell off of me and definitely not off of my clothes. I’m not sure how some reviews say you can’t spray too much of this because, honestly, one spray was SO incredibly strong…I was embarrassed to be walking around with it. I attended a meeting afterwards (I sprayed this on a lunch trip to Nordstrom), and I wanted to apologize to the woman sitting next to me. (I saw her turned away from my direction, by the way, and I’m sure this was why). After washing my arm, it was considerably more subdued, but definitely noticeable…and not in a pleasant way. Definitely try this one out because fragrances are SO subjective to body chemistry…perhaps this one just did not jive with mine. All of that said, I was given a sample of Love, Chloe at the same time and I absolutely ADORE that one. It may be a new signature fragrance for me.
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Fragrances -Christian Dior - Dior Addict EDP
PaintedRed 2/16/2011 3:15:00 PM
My signature scent. This is, hands down, my favorite perfume to wear both in winter and in summer (though, I will confess, it truly is a heavier fragrance more suited for cooler months. I just don't care so I wear it all the time!) I am one who cannot stand foody scents, lotions, etc. I don't want to smell like a cookie. This doesn't smell foody to me or on me at all. The scent starts out spicy and musky on me, then dries down to a lovely spicy vanilla scent that is not at all sweet. It's actually quite sensual, and I constantly get complimented on this fragrance from men. My boyfriend is driven wild by it (even after years of me wearing it). It's pretty much liquid sex in a bottle, and it makes me feel luscious just by wearing it! So much depends on body chemistry of course, but I definitely suggest at least trying it out. Or not. I'm not sure I like sharing the wealth.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Chantecaille - Lip Chic in Bourbon Rose
PaintedRed 8/18/2010 12:31:00 AM
I was almost hoping to hate this product just because of the price...but that just wasn't the case. I can see what the fuss is about. The Lip Chics themselves are a wonderfully formulated lipstick that is moisturizing, glossy and somewhat long-lasting. Very faintly scented that 100% reminds me of MAC. This color is so lovely...like my lips but better. A soft pink that is face brightening (as a previous viewer mentioned). Dammit Chantecaille.....I so didn't want to fall in love with you...
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Joico - Moisture Recovery
PaintedRed 8/7/2010 11:36:00 PM
Much like my review for the shampoo, I say this conditioner is HG material. Very moisturizing without weighing my hair down, lightly scented, no adverse reactions. My hair is not overly dry either...fairly normal with some dry days (I use heat on it a lot). This stuff works. I like it considerably better than the treatment balm which actually has higher reviews on here, but which made my hair incredibly weighed down and greasy....I think that one is def better suited to very dry hair. This one is highly recommended, and continues to be my favorite conditioner of any I've tried (high or low end).
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Joico - Moisture Recovery
PaintedRed 8/7/2010 11:32:00 PM
My HG shampoo/cond. I have very thick, waist-length slightly wavy hair and this shampoo works wonders. I've used everything from drugstore (Pantene, Suave, TresSemme) to Kerastase to Kevin Murphy, and I can honestly say that this shampoo works better than anything I've tried....I've used it now for 4 years. Moisturizes without weighing down, doesn't dry out my scalp, lightly scented (smells clean to me). I get lots of compliments on my hair, and I definitely attribute some to this product (and its companion conditioner). Price isn't horrible for a salon shampoo either. Unfortunately, the secret has definitely been out for a few years because this is getting harder and harder to find at the liter sales. Highly recommend.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No