Shampoo -Unlisted Brand - California Baby Shampoo
Tsukichan 4/28/2013 10:10:00 PM
I used to use this shampoo on my daughter when she was a young baby, and just recently went back to it for myself. I'm pregnant with my second and have developed what I think is a sensitivity to my current shampoo with breakouts on my scalp. I'm not using any other products on my hair at the moment. I wanted something that was gentle and soothing and I immediately thought of this line. I enjoy the smell of it, definitely a little herby, but very light. I would not use this if I if put styling products in my hair because it is just way too gentle to wash out build up sufficiently. Because my hair is pretty fine and thin, I feel like I can get the shampoo to my scalp, but anyone with thick, coarse and/or long hair would probably hate this as a shampoo. It does not lather as a shampoo and only minimally lathers as a body wash, making it difficult to tell if it's been evenly applied and completely washed out. So the pros are: gentle, nice smell, multi-use, great for sensitive skin and non-stripping. Cons are: somewhat pricey, does not lather, not adequate for heavy buildup or thick hair, and even though it says it's concentrated, you'll still end up using a lot. This is a wonderful product for babies and children, but may or may not be the best shampoo for adult hair.
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Lotions/ Creams -Burt's Bees - Coconut Foot Cream
Tsukichan 11/12/2012 12:21:00 PM
I actually bought this as a hand cream because I needed something intensive to heal my dry skin, so I figured if it could help cracked heals, surely it could do some good for my hands. My biggest reasons for getting this product was 1.) the short ingredient list, 2.) the smell and 3.) the ingredients themselves. If anyone has breast-fed before, they were probably suggested at one time or another to use lanolin to heal cracked, sore nipples, so I knew this ingredient alone would do a lot of good for my dry hands. I also love coconut oil and use it as a daily skin moisturizer. The smell was expected, because I know lanolin doesn't smell that great, but I was hoping the coconut smell would have covered it up a bit more. So for me, the smell, while not offensive, is a little "medicine-y" for use on the hands. On my feet, I really couldn't care less what it smelled like. On the skin, this stuff is sticky more so than greasy. It did a world of good for my feet just after 1 application, but I did wear socks as suggested. Most people would not like this as a hand cream (feels a lot like Aquaphor) but in my opinion, this is a million times better than the feel of dry, rough hands. Another bonus is that it does not wash off easily, so I'm not having to reapply each time I wash my hands. Pros: great for severely dry, cracked skin. Good skin protectant. No yucky chemicals. A little goes a long way = cost effective. Cons: kind of smelly. Leaves a sticky residue on skin.
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Conditioner -Shea Moisture - Organic Anti-Breakage Hair Masque Yucca & Baobab
Tsukichan 8/15/2012 10:00:00 PM
I'm on the fence about this masque. I've used it once after shampooing and left it in for about 10 minutes. (The directions say to leave it in anywhere between 5 and 30 minutes.) Upon application, the masque felt nice and thick and my hair seemed to just soak it up. My hair is fine and wavy and at the moment falling out a lot due to medication and jacked up hormones, so I was looking for anything to bring some luster and life back into the hair I still have. After rinsing it out, my hair felt a little coarse, but I decided not to use my normal conditioner just to see how my hair would be after the masque. As my hair started to dry, I noticed the ends curling up and my hair getting a little fluffy looking, which doesn't usually happen when I air-dry. After drying almost 100% I ran my fingers through my hair and it felt so dry and roughed up! WHAT! Where's the silky, shiney, conditioned hair??? So I'm on the fence about this one because the ingredients that are in this should add up to an awesome product! My hair is a little more voluminous straight out of the shower, but it also looks dry at the ends and lacks a healthy sheen. The fragrance is nice if you don't mind smelling like a bush of Honeysuckle. I'm going to keep using this until it's gone, and maybe I'll experiment with time and/or heat, but I can't say I'll be buying it again.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Lee Stafford R U Taking Protection? From Hair That Never Grows Past A Certain Length
Tsukichan 8/14/2012 10:16:00 PM
This is one of those products that might have been great had it smelled halfway decent. My biggest peeve about hair products is stinky fragrances, especially when they linger in your hair as this one most definitely does. I can't even describe it other than to say that it reminds me of an overly perfumed stinky old lady. How can anyone be ok with their hair smelling like that??? If you can get past the stench, then kudos to you, but there are just too many good conditioners and treatments out there that don't stink to warrant keeping this. This impulse buy is going straight back to Ulta.
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Shampoo -Unlisted Brand - Not Your Mother's Way To Grow Long & Strong
Tsukichan 5/6/2012 10:12:00 AM
This shampoo comes in an 8oz tube, and claims to be good for all hair types. I was drawn to this shampoo because my hair is fine, dry at the ends, I am in the process of growing my hair longer and it is sulfate-free. Based on reviews I read on Ulta.com, this seemed like a pretty good shampoo, even though I hadn't heard much on this brand before. PROs: Smells nice, sort of strawberries and cream-ish, sulfate-free, doesn't break me out or make my scalp itch, fairly inexpensive ($5.99). CONs: Conditioner is a must with this shampoo as it leaves [my] fine hair straw-like and in tangles in the shower, must use a lot to get a good lather, some product is wasted because shampoo tends to pool in the cap, fragrance doesn't linger, hair doesn't feel softer or more hydrated after drying if no conditioner is used. Bottom Line: If this product got good reviews from customers on Ulta, the only thing I can gather is that this shampoo is NOT meant for all hair types. I decided to keep it because I figure I'll be going through the tube pretty quickly, but my search continues for a decent, sulfate-free shampoo.
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Lotions/ Creams -Unlisted Brand - Malibu - Tan Hemp Moisturizer Body Lotion
Tsukichan 3/15/2012 9:16:00 PM
I bought the lotion with the sunless tanner in it, and so far I am pleased with the product. I don't think I would repurchase this if it didn't have the sunless tanner just because the fragance is reminiscent of one of those nasty "tropical" car fresheners, but since it is a sunless tanner (and all sunless tanners stink to some degree) I can tolerate it a little more. I apply it after my shower each night so the color can develop, and thankfully the smell does wear off by the morning. I did notice a peak in stinkiness towards the middle of the night, but since it's not noticeable come morning, it doesn't bother me too much. The color progression is slow to build on my slightly tan Asian skin, but might work better for lighter skin tones. It seems perfect for the wintertime, when a deeper tan would look kind of odd. Bottom line: Stinky, but not as bad as most sunless tanners on the market. Color is golden and subtle, but won't produce deep tan results. Moisturizing, dries quickly, and is smooth, not sticky.
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Self Tanners -Bath and Body Works - Strike Gold
Tsukichan 3/13/2010 9:47:00 PM
I really wonder if those that gave this product such a good review have lost their sense of smell from hanging out in Bath & Body Works too long. After a full-body application, I was unable to stand the HORRIBLE, HEADACHE CAUSING, NAUSEA INDUCING PERFUMEY ODOR for more than 5 minutes. It was strong enough to fill my entire condo with the scent, and made my entire family complain of headaches. I wanted to give it a chance to wear off (after having to open the windows to air the place out) but I just couldn't bear to put myself or my family through the torture any longer. Even after showering, the odor still clings to me. I know sunless tanners stink... but geez, whoever thought that it would be ok to mask it with this much fragrance (and I hate to even call it that because fragrance is normally associated with good smells) is an idiot. I even sampled a bit of it before buying, but smelling a dot on the back of your hand is nothing compared to the potency of a full-body application. Yes, it smells semi-tropical in very tiny quantities, but don't be fooled. It is sickeningly cloying at best, and strong enough to knock an elephant down. As for the rest of it... I didn't care for the sparkles, the bronzer was not noticeable on my light olive skin, and it burned ever so slightly. Oh, and did I mention that my nose hairs are singed? This crap just can't be healthy for you.
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Pressed Powders -Everyday Minerals - Golden Medium
Tsukichan 8/22/2009 8:39:00 PM
*This review is for the newest formula and packaging. Pros: -Buildable Coverage -Semi-matte finish with no visible shimmer -No "dust cloud" when applying -Very Blendable -Color stays true all day -Good lasting power if set with powder/ does not rub off on everything -Non-fragranced -Packaging is neat and tidy Cons: -Does not come as a sample -Limited color selection -Can become cakey easily -Tends to collect in any wrinkles or around nose as the day goes by -Oil blotting is a must if used on combo/oily skin This is the second day I've worn this powder and so far I'm really liking it. I've been using EM soley since 2007 and haven't looked back, so I already knew the quality would be good. Fortunately, I also didn't have a problem finding a shade because I wear this color in the semi-matte and matte powders. I've read that some people have had problems with the shade being darker in this formula than in the loose powders, but I think that it only looks darker in the pan because oils have already been added, where as the loose powders tend to darken on the skin once mixed with the oils on our faces. There is no noticeable oxidation. What does make finding a shade difficult though is that a.) there aren't as many to choose from (none of them look suitable for very fair or dark skin) and b.) the descriptions are slightly different for the p.p. vs. the same shade in loose making it a little confusing. My other gripe is that you have to buy a full-size for $12 to try it out, and there are no returns if you don't like it. In the middle of summer, this p.p. holds up pretty well, but of course I still get greasy. After a full day of wear, I'm def. ready to get it off my face (it comes off easily btw) but with blotting and some powder it's easily refreshable. It doesn't shift around too much on the face, but it does tend to collect around the nose and dry patches. I apply with the EM flat top brush, and it's great for blending and layering. It comes with a sponge, but I just tossed it aside. I absolutely love that I no longer have to deal with powder getting all over my shirt, countertop and in the air. I don't feel like the product is being wasted now because whatever I put on the brush goes on my face and only my face. I used to hate that the loose powder would seem to disappear in the brush, and I would have to load it and load it to get minimal product on my face, and now I don't have that problem. The texture is almost creamy, and very smooth. This is not a cream to powder, but I think the oils just really help it blend on the face. The coverage is about the same as the intensive formula, and although you could get heavy coverage with it, I think it looks best when applied with a light hand. I also noticed that it didn't rub off as much when I blotted as with the other formulas. The packaging has come a long way from there first run of pressed powders. It's a classic compact with a clear divider that flips up to keep the sponge off the powder and it could double as a palette to mix concealers with the powder. So far, I haven't broken out from it, and will update if I do. I love EM because their products don't irritate my already angry skin. Overall, for a pressed powder, this one outshines many other brands, and is just another of Everyday Minerals' products that they've done right. Once they add more colors, I think this formula will be a huge hit. I most definitely will be repurchasing.
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Eye Shadow -Everyday Minerals - Samba Lessons
Tsukichan 8/22/2009 5:49:00 PM
I really thought that I was going to fall in love with this e/s. I'm very much into brown e/s's, but this one just threw me because I wasn't expecting it to be so redish-violet. On my light/med olive skin this shade seriously looks like a bruise on my eyelids. I mean, it/s a pretty cool color, and the shimmer it's paired with, which is like lavender and baby blue, makes a unique combo, but it is so difficult to wear and very hard to blend. I think it's the most pigmented e/s I've ever owned. I honestly used this to create bruises and gashes on my face for Halloween when I went as a zombie. LoL. Needless to say, I don't reach for this color very often.
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Concealers -Everyday Minerals - Abbott's Perk Me Up Concealer
Tsukichan 8/22/2009 5:34:00 PM
Got this as a free sample, and I'm glad I did, because I don't think I'd ever use up a full-size of this. I'm still trying to find a balance between over-doing this and not applying enough. The color, which is a light matte peach, tends to just make my circles a different color instead of canceling out the purple/blue-ness of it. My makeup routine has kind of become a daily experiment since getting this concealer, because I end up mixing it with other concealers and my foundation just to find a combo that work for me. I guess this product has potential for being good on under-eye circles, but IMO, it's not a concealer that's going to work right out of the container or on very pale skin tones. I don't see myself ever buying this again because I don't think I'll ever run out of it.
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Concealers -Everyday Minerals - Pearl Beige Concealer
Tsukichan 8/22/2009 5:20:00 PM
I just got this sample as part of the new "Try Me" free sample Color Corrective package, and it's probably my favorite out of the 3. On my light/med olive skin, this concealer shade is pretty light, so I apply it underneath my foundation. It's great when used to highlight the inner corners of your eyes. I mixed a little with Abbot's Perk Me Up (a peachy concealer used to combat dark undereye circles) and they seem to compliment each other well, because Abbot's alone is a little too pigmented IMO to be used on lighter skin tones. I like that it has the potential to be used as an e/s or brow/cheekbone highlighter, and because of that I might buy it again someday. But as a concealer, it's just so-so.
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Concealers -Everyday Minerals - 'Bisque'
Tsukichan 8/22/2009 5:06:00 PM
I got Bisque as part of the new "Try Me" free sample package. I haven't found a way to apply this on my light/medium olive skin that doesn't look obvious yet. For being an all-over color corrective powder, it's very pigmented to the point that light skintones could probably use this as a blush. It's almost the color of a pink bruise. The next time I apply this, I'll probably mix it with a little of my foundation to tone it down a bit. Because this powder isn't very user-friendly and requires some customization for it to work, I don't think I'll be buying it again. I also feel like it's just one more added layer of makeup on my skin that really isn't necessary.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Everyday Minerals - Mint Concealer
Tsukichan 8/22/2009 4:53:00 PM
I was really on the fence about buying this concealer at first, but I'm glad I decided to try it. It's a very pastel matte green to the point that on tan or darker skin tones, this will probably look more white than green. On my light/med olive toned skin, it works both on spots and on patches of red, but only underneath my foundation. I use a foundation brush for spot application and the E/M kabuki for larger areas, and it seems to blend out well enough, but a little goes a long way. This concealer seems to "collect" and get cakey easily if you apply too much (esp. around the nose and chin), which of course leads to a green spot or patch on your face that will show through your foundation. This is the first green concealer I've tried, but I have no interest in trying to find a better one because I'm satisfied with it. It does what it's supposed to, doesn't leave me looking like ET, and the price and quality is unbeatable.
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Cleansers -Olay - Gentle Foaming Face Wash w/ Aloe (Sensitive-Skin)
Tsukichan 8/22/2009 4:31:00 PM
Love this cleanser for my oily/combo/breakout-prone skin. It takes off normal makeup well, although sometimes I feel like I have to go over my t-zone again just to make sure I've gotten all the makeup off. I like that it foams, because it really feels like it's picking up all the oil and makeup from my skin instead of just sliding it around. Because it's fragrance-free, I don't have to worry about it making my skin any angrier than it already is. It also rinses away clean without leaving any residue, and leaves my skin slightly tight but not stripped feeling. My only small gripe with this cleanser is that it can't take off my non-water-proof mascara. I guess that's what eye-makeup remover is for, but that's one more product to buy, and one more added thing to my bedtime ritual, so meh. Besides that though, I can honestly say that I will continue to buy this cleanser until it becomes discontinued or re-formulated - and hopefully that never happens. That's a pretty big feat for someone who is constantly looking for a better product. Oh, and can't beat the price, especially when Olay seems to constantly have coupons out!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Everyday Minerals - Cypress Eye Shadow
Tsukichan 8/22/2009 4:00:00 PM
Cyprus is one of those colors that will look good on anyone. It's a pearly grey-green that can be swept on lightly for a soft smokey look, applied wet to deepen the color and make the shimmer pop, or layered over darker shadows to create a custom color with lots of depth. The shimmer is very finely milled, so it doesn't look glittery and childish. The color, although well pigmented, is toned down a lot, so your makeup look will never scream, "Look! I'm wearing green eyeshadow!" Unless they've changed the color since I last bought it, the pictures on the site are way more green than it is in person. I can't compare Cyprus to the other green shades because I don't own any of them, but from what I see on the site, I think this is the most neutral shade. Btw, if you haven't bought from EM before, the sample sizes are extremely cheap ($2.50), but will last you forever. I don't think I'll ever have to rebuy, but will definitely be keeping Cyprus in my collection.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No