Styling Products -Alterna - Summer Hair Sun-Kissed Mist
Tit4Tat 1/15/2013 1:28:00 PM
It was a peer-pressure buy, thanks to my Sephora-obsessed girlfriend. At first, I thought it was gimmicky and redundant but it was the delicious tropical smell that made me cave. I figured it's worth to keep in my purse since I'm a smoker and absolutely hate the tobacco smell lingering in my hair. To my surprise, the product actually works very well, it leaves hair soft, manageable, it detangles nicely and your hair gets a very pretty shimmer that is equally gorgeous in the sun as it is indoors. Product didn't cause any breakouts and it works nicely in conjunction with my dry shampoo which I apply to the roots and mist the bottom with this spray so my hair doesn't look hay-like. 4 lippies for being limited edition, scent being strong enough to wear in your hair on it's own (it will mess with your perfume notes) and for being relatively pricey. I could live without it but my boyfriend loves the way it smells so I'd definitely repurchase if I could find it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -It's a 10 - Miracle Leave in Product
Tit4Tat 1/7/2013 4:52:00 PM
I am a fine-haired natural and colour treated blonde, my hair is at waist length, therefore requires some special attention. This product promises detangling, conditioning and thermal protective properties and it did none of that for me. Not only the strong chemical smell was borderline revolting, but my hair tangled even worse than before using the product. There was no shine, no softness, no movement to my hair whatsoever. I am simply glad I didn't buy the product and it was a gift from someone who actually loves it. She has coarse wavy Latina hair, so perhaps it's not meant for someone with my hair type.
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Candles -Pacifica - Persian Rose
Tit4Tat 3/25/2012 2:49:00 AM
I've been on a bit of a rose bender lately so it was no surprise I picked up this candle at my local health store. The packaging is very high quality, almost makes you feel bad for throwing it out. The scent straight out of the box does no justice to what this little baby can do, once lit. Normally it takes two 3-wick candles from BBW in order to fill my living room with a barely there scent; meanwhile, this tiny 5.5 oz candle FILLED my entire main floor with very delicate warmth of floral and earthy spice notes. The scent is very romantic and relaxing, inspires femininity and would not only make a perfect addition to a DIY spa day at home but it could also turn into a very thoughtful present. I also picked up the solid fragrance from the same scent line as well as Hawaiian Ruby Guava and applied together they make quite a lovely scent pairing. It's definitely worth every penny because you are actually engaging your senses in real aromatherapy and considering how precious essential oils are, you're robbing yourself blind by wasting money on trendy synthetic candles. I appreciate Pacifica's founder dedication to support local US manufacturers and growers (even though I am Canadian ^_^) as well as keeping the components as clean as possible.
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Hair Styling Tools -Conair - Infiniti You Curl No Clamp Curling Iron
Tit4Tat 2/24/2012 11:27:00 PM
Joining the raving crowd of MUA because this is my official HG of curling irons. FTR my hair is oily, naturally blonde, fine yet heavy, never holds a curl despite the curl-boosting ubermegahold gels and hairspray. I would normally spend close to an hour curling my hair and it would fall flat in less than 20 minutes the moment I go outside...but I regress.. I purchased the XL version at Walmart for $40. To give it a fair test, I only used a silicone-based heat protector from Marc Anthony (that would never fly with my old curling iron). Oh, and no hairspray. Lo and behold, not only my curls turned out absolutely gorgeous, they also lasted all day and (!) the following day! Day 1 curls were pretty beach waves that turned into a sexy bedhead the morning after. For me that's unheard of, a complete dream come true. Even the pesky power button going off isn't that big of an issue because the iron takes 30 seconds to reach optimal heat.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Styling Tools -Unlisted Brand - Tangle Teezer
Tit4Tat 12/15/2011 12:40:00 AM
First time makeup alley let me down. Bought this thing wondering if it would help detangle my very fine straight hair...nope. Preface: normally I brush my hair before showering, wash the crown, gently rinse the ends, condition, rinse and then air dry. Even after this ordeal my hair tangles only within reasonable so I was hoppy the tangle teezer would help control the tangling throughout the day. It shredded my beautiful hair. Thin silicone "teeth" would pull my ends even harder and rip them out. I was pretty upset. Save your money, this thing is only good for combing the coconut oil through your hair, easy to clean.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Facial Hair Removal Spring
Tit4Tat 10/22/2011 2:06:00 AM
Oct 21, 2011 Ok so this is absolutely perfect for anyone with facial fuzz and stubble alike. All you gotta do is remember to follow the same rules as you would with waxing: don't do it while ovulating for pain management purpose (or take an aspirin or ibuprofen 30 minutes), exfoliate and thoroughly clean the area and use rubbing alcohol to disinfect the tool and work very quick! I have a generic coil I picked up at Pacific Mall in Toronto, little heaven in Asian imports. All you have to do is remember to 1)Trim if the hair is longer than 1/8-1/4 of an inch. Otherwise prepare for the worst pain ever. 2) Bend the coil slightly and press against your face 3) Twist the handles inwards in swift motion as you move the coil itself upwards, against the hair growth. By bending the coil you are opening it and by twisting it inwards you are contracting it, so you are mimicking the threading twist movement principle. By moving the coil upwards you are simply opening and contracting the coil against the hair growth and by working fast you are minimizing the ouch factor. Best part is: it takes 3-5 minutes to get a hang of it and it's faster and less painful than threading. I just cleaned up the fuzz above my lip and some chin fluff that has been driving me crazy, I like a completely smooth face. I am ridiculously sensitive, oily and acne prone so if I don't wake up with blisters on my face tomorrow, I will officially give this a HG status in quickest and most efficient facial hair removal tool (minus the brows, could get kind of awkward and get out of hand pretty quickly, leave that job to your Tweezerman). By the way, it took me about 2 minutes to do it. I will keep updating this while I watch my skin reaction, regrowth etc. If my upper lip breaks out in hives tomorrow, it could be two reasons: the tool or me touching my upper lip because I love how smooth it is xD UPDATE Oct 31, 2011 10 days sounds like a reasonable time to wait for pesky rash/ingrown hair break outs/other...no? Well...Nothing outrageous has happened! We're talking about my bratty princess skin: very sensitive, break out prone (or break down, if you're so inclined) and bipolar (oily dehydrated). N-O-T-H-I-N-G. Just make sure to sterilize the coil before and after each use and dry it thoroughly (I use a blowdryer) and work on a clean face, free of moisturizers. Skip the astringent and use something soothing like chamomile tea instead. Or witch hazel, whatever..as long as it doesn't belong to an exfoliating/astringent/peeling/acidic category, you're clear from aggravating your skin after stressing it a little with this awesome tool =)
16 out of 16 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Rimmel - Glam Eyes 
Tit4Tat 9/3/2011 12:16:00 PM
Purchased this for two reasons: couldn't find my misplaced Volum' Express One by One and...the packaging has been taunting me with it's uber girly cuteness for a while. Mostly positive reviews from MUAers only added fuel to the fire and I happily shelled out $14 CAD after discovering that the original Full'n'Soft by Maybelline has been discontinued. This is my first Rimmel mascara and the very first application was a tad disappointing as the mascara was still fresh and the brush needs some practice. Frustrated, I let it be for a week (finding my One by One only added insult to the injury) but the other day I decided to give it a go again and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked out. I have long lashes but average in terms of volume so for me the best way to apply was to start off with the short bristles right at my roots then begin to wiggle the wand in left to right zig-zag motion AS I slowly turned the brush counter clockwise switching the short bristles to the longer ones. By doing so, you're allowing the short bristles to build volume at the roots while depositing a perfect amount of product, followed by separating your lashes and dragging more product all the way to the ends. Once you get a hang of it, you'll love the brush, I promise. Mascara has no scent, it dries fairly quickly upon application, however it dries pretty stiff too, and doesn't hold the curl very well but with all that volume and length, your lashes will look fabulous either way so this mascara isn't just a pretty face, ladies =)
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Lip Gloss -NYX - Smokey Look
Tit4Tat 9/3/2011 12:05:00 PM
I love this lip gloss: the scent makes me want to reapply it frequently and the colour is perfect on my warm skin (I'm a Spring, blonde). You can layer it to achieve desired results: one layer is perfect to bring out the natural beauty of your lips and every additional layer enhances the coral hue which would be perfect for blondes with warm complexion or a nice tan. The brush applicator is a bit archaic and isn't made to last but given the overall price point of this gloss, I wouldn't be complaining. I'm very picky with glosses and I hardly ever reapply them throughout the day mainly because of the annoying feathering/sticking/beading factors; however, this gloss keeps me relatively happy: the staying power is average (it's gloss, come on..), the smell is nice (kind of grapefruit-y) and even the glitter I was so apprehensive about turned out to give a pretty nice sheen comparable to Bourjois 3D glosses (which I L-O-V-E) but only at half the price. It's not goopy, it's not sticky, it doesn't separate and bead at the corners of your mouth (ew) and best of all, it's under $10 CAD with tax. My first NYX product ever and so far, I am pleased.
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Shampoo -Live Clean - (Apple cider)- clearifying shampoo
Tit4Tat 8/1/2011 8:01:00 PM
Take it from a girl who could never truly fall in love with shampoo due to most of them sending my scalp to an itching frenzy. I am a natural blonde and I highlight my hair which is fine, prone to tangling (think: tumbleweed nape), split ends and all that good stuff.. To add insult to the injury, my hair is also oooooooooily, we're talking me having to wear my hair up the day after I wash it, no way I can wear it down, it looks as if a cow licked my scalp. Ew. Now onto the 'poo I've been looking at it at our local DS for a while but the price didn't seem very attractive. I saw it on sale at WalMart for $5; in fact, the entire line was on sale so I picked up the following: Apple Cider clarifying shampoo, Exotic Shine Bali Shampoo and Conditioner as well as Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Conditioning Mask. $20 for 4 products? Yes, I'll try them! =) You will love this clarifying shampoo if your hair is anything close to mine or if you want a gentle product buildup removal without stripping your hair (blondes especially should be wary of clarifying shampoos as it turns hair brassy). It lathers very well so you don't need much, and make sure to emulsify it with a bit of water to get more suds and using less concentrated product. My routine: Pre-treat hair with hot coconut oil on the ends Wet hair Apply a nickel size drop of shampoo with a bit of water to the palm of your hand, emulsify Wash roots only. It's very important for those with really dry hair as technically only your scalp needs most attention since you brush out most residue out of your hair anyway. Don't worry, as you rinse the suds will cleanse the rest of your hair perfectly. DO NOT repeat with the same shampoo! I did it once and I deeply regretted it. If you must rinse and repeat, use a moisturizing shampoo to replenish any moisture that may have been stripped off your hair (and since you protected your tips with your favourite oil you don't have to worry about that!) For my second wash I use Bali Oil, makes my hair super shiny. Rinse and condition or deep condition. My hair has never been happier =)
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Salvatore Ferragamo - Incanto
Tit4Tat 7/25/2011 2:03:00 AM
Does this ever happen to you? You fall in love with fragrance, you test it out on your wrist, run the following day to get full size just to realize you're so freaking allergic to the formulation, you could just puke? Kind of like falling in love with a beautiful, educated charming man who swiftly announces he plays for the other team. This scent is perfect for those who like things unique and uncomplicated yet attractive. A woman in early 30s with fierce personality and a classic wardrobe comes to mind. I think you're at more success if you have dry skin. I loved it through tears, hives and coughing but we had to breakup prematurely.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Paco Rabanne - Ultraviolet
Tit4Tat 7/25/2011 1:54:00 AM
You know you got your hands on a hot fragrance when your fashionista mother sneaks it from you citing "it's a tad too risque for a 13 year old, love". You won't mistake this scent for anything else in the world, once you smell Ultraviolet, you won't forget it. I loved the unique futuristic bottle, the long lasting scent (I have oily skin) and the never ending compliments it delivered. I loved this perfume so much, I even bought a male version for my then boyfriend who, alas, ended up preferring Christian Dior's Dune to it because he didn't want to smell "like an underwear model"...For some reason, everyone associates this scent with seduction. Go figure.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Removal -Unlisted Brand - Skintimate Shaving Gel
Tit4Tat 7/8/2011 3:47:00 AM
I can't wait to shave with this gel, it's smells so delicious and lathers so well! Raspberry Rain is my absolute favourite, even my DH asked "how come you girls get the yummiest smelling everything?" Well dear, we also pay an extra dollar or so for it but it's worth every penny. My skin is very sensitive and I never get irritation despite obvious fragrance in the product. Makes shaving much more pleasurable.
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Hair Styling Tools -Conair - Conair Tourmaline Ionic Styler Dryer
Tit4Tat 7/2/2011 4:11:00 AM
I am so picky and cautious with hair styling tools but I can't justify paying almost $200 for a freaking hair dryer considering I have naturally straight, fine hair and I'm so happy I had the joy of having this hair dryer for 6 years! To be honest, I bought it because of the metallic red colour, it made me happier reaching for it during a grumpy morning. The noise level is average, it comes with a diffuser attachment which is just like any other but it's large so that's a plus. Best part is in ionic release technology! I never even heard of heat protectants until couple of years ago and I could dry my hair upwards and in every motion possible and my hair would still be gorgeously shiny and sleek, with movement, loved it! I moved around like crazy over the years, dropped it on more occasions than I can count and this old guy was going strong faithfully with only maybe 2 tiny scratches on it (I was worried that all that pretty red will be destroyed with inevitable wear and tear but I was wrong). It's finally on it's last breath, still struggling but as always, dries my hair in no time. It is a bit bulky although lightweight but you won't have any trouble maneuvering if you hold it closer to the nozzle, great relief. I've never repurchased a hair drier before and I don't think I want to invest into a T3, one too many reviews mentioned they break conveniently after warranty expires. Unless you have another HG reasonably priced blowdryer and you want to spread the love and message me with the name, rest assured I will be going to my nearest walmart to repurchase it, even if it was still $60 instead of $30 <3
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Deodorants -Unlisted Brand - Mitchum Power Gel
Tit4Tat 5/29/2011 6:13:00 PM
This is a review on Mitchum Power Gel Unscented for Sensitive Skin with 25% Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate (for the rest of the ingredients please refer to the ingredient list) This would definitely replace all of the antiperspirants on the market if it wasn't for it's poor packaging! If you checked out my review on Drysol, you know I'm a model guinea pig for quality antiperspirants as I perspire profusely regardless of the situation. I can't say anything bad about the formula at all: it's a clear gel, non-sticky and completely scent-free. When applied immediately after shaving, there wasn't even a hint of irritation or any form of discomfort which is a rare thing with strong antiperspirants I experienced. It kept my armpits almost bone dry, there was still a bit of perspiration but it didn't feel excessive at all and I personally felt relieved that my glands weren't blocked completely. Lastly, when applied correctly, I didn't notice any staining on my clothing or that common for clinical grade sticky-gunky residue I usually struggle scrubbing off in the shower. HG? Almost. All the good qualities of this product go out the window because of terrible packaging. Directions recommend applying a thin layer to underarms; however, that is nearly impossible because the dispensing wheel doesn't control the quantity at all. In fact, that flimsy wheel is so sensitive, you can accidentally move it ever so slightly during the application and will end up with a load of goop on your arm pits. You need a tiniest bit for it to dry fast and to be effective and non-sticky. Even if you think you have a fair amount, try using less. It took me a week to get adjusted to the packaging because it's also pretty wide and smears the deodorant way past the "hot zone" which is pretty ridiculous. I ended up wasting so much of this product, I am glad it was priced averagely for 80 g container :) Best tip I could suggest for headache-free use is to make sure your underarms are very dry prior to application (I hit mine with a hair drier for a quick moment lol) and then use your finger to control the exact amount you need.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Salux Nylon Japanese Bath Towel
Tit4Tat 5/28/2011 4:19:00 AM
Never have I anticipated to get home to take a shower JUST so I could feel what it's like getting a good scrub down with a ton of suds, reaching every inch of my skin. It's true what they say, most genius things are most simple. Believe it or not, I've been looking for a band wash cloth for over 10 years, for some reason they are not very popular in North America (?) You will never want to battle your back yet with another pouf on a stick; Salux will not only give you a thorough sudsy lather with minimal soap used but will also exfoliate your skin with minimal physical effort required, just work it gently against your skin. It will become your favourite body care tool! It softens the hair making it easier to remove, it will prevent future ingrowns as you shower, your tan will always look even and glowing and it will even wipe away pesky sticky aluminum residue from your deodorant. I picked up mine at Pacific Mall for $6 CAD and grabbed one for my best friend. I think I should buy in bulk on ebay but even at twice the price of an average pouf this is worth every penny. <3
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