Shampoo -Aussie - Moist Shampoo
alisoncooks 9/1/2009 7:58:00 PM
Pros: Smells nice (fruity + coconut-y).............fairly inexpensive and easy to come by Cons: My hair just doesn't feel clean! I don't know exactly what it is. Maybe my hair wasn't dry like I thought? Maybe this is weighing it down and making it limp. But my hair, while very soft, feels a bit oily and icky. Probably will not purchase this again. Too back b/c I LOOOOVE Aussie 3-Minute Miracle.
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Moisturizers -Avalon Organics Botanicals - Vitamin C Rejuvenating Oil-Free Moisturizer
alisoncooks 7/9/2009 8:14:00 PM
This smells heavenly! Light and citrus-y. It feels nice and smooth going on and absorbs quickly. I usually use oils on my face, so this feels different, but not bad. I mainly use this at night after my oil step, as a night cream. Sometimes, if I know I'm just hanging out around the house, I use this as a day lotion. I have sensitive, combo/oily skin that is prone to irritation and monthly breakouts. I've not had any problems with this moisturizer and my skin is looking pretty good. I like that it is doing good things for my skin, plus moisturizing. My only beef: I wish it did not come in a pot. Night after night of finger-dipping can't be good (bacteria, etc). It's fairly light; I would think they could put it in a pump.
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Pressed Powders -Pur Minerals - Universal Marble Powder in Pink
alisoncooks 5/19/2009 6:42:00 PM
Other reviewers are correct, this (the only one of the Pur products I've bought) does have a smell. Not unpleasant, but crayon-like. I kinda like it :) Anyway, I honestly cannot tell when I'm wearing it. I wear the 4 in 1 in light, so I am not dark complected. I generally use a very light hand when applying blush and I go for natural colors, however this makes me paranoid b/c I cannot even tell where I'm applying it. (I'm afraid that I cannot see it but them for some reason--b/c I applied and applied--that later it'll show up crazy or sparkly). Anyway, I wouldn't bother buying this in a full-size, though I do like the foundation compact. I'll stick w/ my regular blush.
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Pressed Powders -Pur Minerals - Mineral Glow
alisoncooks 5/19/2009 6:38:00 PM
This comes in the trial kit. I really wish they'd give you some kind of explanation or details on how and where to use this product. I do not usually use a bronzer, so I don't have a clue how to apply this correctly. I've tried using it for contour or where the sun hits but I honestly cannot tell the difference when I do or don't use it. BTW, my pan was loose in the compact when it arrived. Not cracked but had to be glued back in. Not a biggie.
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Powder -Pur Minerals - Pressed Powder Foundation
alisoncooks 5/19/2009 6:36:00 PM
I really wish this company would offer more color options. With only 8 (I think) that doesn't leave a lot of room for different shades and undertones. That said, I chose Light. I think it is a bit too light for me, and maybe a little too pink. However, the finish is beautiful and natural and lasts well. The next shade is Blush Medium or Golden Medium...I think I may get one of them and mix a bit (as they're probably too dark on their own). They do make a split compact for mixing 2 shades. I did NOT like this AT ALL when I first tried it. Using their brush, I felt the coverage was cakey and the color was terrible and it just didn't live up to my excited standards. However, I loved the convenience of the compact so I decided to try it with a different brush. I use the Long Handled Kabuki or Flat Top Brush (works the best) from Everyday Minerals. The Flat Top brush is similar in shape to the chisel, but fluffier and TONS softer and not scratchy or cheap feeling (like the chisel). Overall, I am keeping this for my travel makeup...and possibly my daily makeup. It's totally easy to apply, quite forgiving. Great for layering and easy to touch up if needed. If they'd offer more colors and drop the prices a bit, I'd love it and give it 5 stars. Check the website (all May they are having sales) and at Ulta (sometimes you can get BOGO).
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Scrubs -Queen Helene - Mint Julep Natural Facial Scrub
alisoncooks 5/19/2009 1:01:00 PM
I don't love the way this smells. It reminds me of the St. Ives scrub in texture. A little grainy but very small grains, not scratchy. I have somewhat sensitive skin, but with some T-zone oiliness and the occasional breakout. This scrub stings a bit when I apply it (the Mint Julip masque did as well, for me.) I don't think this is for me. I've been switching all my skincare products to all-natural/organic but I made an exception for this b/c it was so well-reviewed and popular (and CHEAP!) However, I don't think this will stick around. I did, however, like it better than the Pomegranate Raspberry (I think that's what it's called, not sure, I chunked it b/c it burned my face really harshly). I've been using the alba botanica advanced scrub and mask. Like them better and they have no parabens and have a nicer ingredient list! It's worth the extra money for that, IMO.
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Makeup Brushes -Pur Minerals - Chisel Brush
alisoncooks 5/16/2009 4:30:00 PM
Scratchy scratchy scratchy! Save your money and get a good brush. Everyday Minerals makes a great Flat top kabuki that would be good for Pur's compacts. I've been using EDM's regular kabuki and it's giving me good light coverage...but I think a flat top would be essential to getting solid coverage. Just don't use the one from the kit b/c it is terrible!
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Masks -Pur Minerals - Mineral Mudd Masque with Pascalite
alisoncooks 5/16/2009 4:26:00 PM
When people said that this gets tight, they weren't kidding! I could seriously feel my heartbeat in my face (and in several different places). Weird! I don't know if it was this (I got this as a free sample) or some of the products in the skin care sample kit, but after using this I had pretty bad irritation which was redness and itching and the next day pretty bad flaking (which lasted 3-4 days). Maybe it just did it's job too well, however I didn't see any real improvement from it or anything being drawn out of my pores.... Save your money. There are less expensive masks out there that do the same or better.
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Masks -Queen Helene - Mint Julep Masque
alisoncooks 5/5/2009 9:42:00 AM
Against my better judgement I bought this mask. And it was soooo hyped up that I bought THE TUB. Luckily it's dirt cheap so I only spent $6, which should've been my first clue that this was nothing special. (Actually, I disagree w/ that b/c some of my best skincare is inexpensive: honey, aspirin, yogurt)...but I digress..... This mask burns like fire when first applied. It's a crazy green, not a natural color. Smell isn't that bad, but not that good, either. It does get really dry and tight after a while and isn't that hard to wash off. My face felt pretty good when I washed it off but I haven't noticed in pore-clearing or acne clearing from this...and isn't that what it is supposed to do? So, it's kinda fun to do, looks interesting, makes you feel good that you only spent a few bucks, but save that money and go buy something that will actually help your skin and isn't loaded w/ chemicals and junk!
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Scrubs -St. Ives - Apricot Scrub
alisoncooks 5/4/2009 2:32:00 PM
Ah, I used this product for so many years. Every day. And never thought anything about it.... First of all, exfoliating daily is a bad idea. 3-4 times a week, max! Over-exfoliation can lead to skin irritation and breakouts! Trust me :) Second of all, this is a ROUGH and SCRUBBY scrub! I find the particles to be quite harsh and abrasive. Be really careful about how you use this. Overall, the smell is nice, the bottle is semi-convenient, and the scrubbers are quite scratchy. If you are intent on using a cheap, drug-store scrub and this is your choice, I say...Proceed w/ caution.
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Masks -Queen Helene - Olive Oil Masque
alisoncooks 5/4/2009 2:27:00 PM
First off, I was kicking myself b/c I bought this mask and got it home before I realized that it has mineral oil as an ingredient. Not something I put on my face. But I figured I'd bite the bullet and give it one try before I chunked it. ICK! First of all it burned when I applied it (but so does the mud and mint julep masks...at least on my face). Then it is this horrible minty blue-green color and it stinks. I got both cheeks covered before I said "forget it!" As I was washing it off, I could feel the film left behind on my face. Gross and double gross. Save your money and just do a real olive oil mask. No reason to load up on chemicals like mineral oil when the real deal is better for you and cheaper too! Mine went straight to the trash even though I hate being wasteful....but I couldn't think of anyone I'd wish this on...
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Authentic African Black Soap-Product of West Africa
alisoncooks 5/3/2009 3:06:00 PM
I did like this while it lasted. I am caucasian female w/ combo/sensitive skin and I neither found this too be drying or too moisturizing...just right. My skin felt clean and soft. The scent is something that you grow to like (a little earthy...remember, there is no fragrance added!) The color/texture also take getting used to. I have a Nigerian friend and she just calls it dudu, which means black, but has a whole other connotation for us Americans, haha :) It is brown and lumpy and soft. Moldable into bars/balls. My only complaint, the only reason I took a lippie off, is because it will not hold up in the shower. I kept it high on a shelf in the shower (at the very back, away from all water) but the moisture in the air, I guess, still causes it to get gooey-er and gooey-er... Used it on body and face with no probs. Found it best rubbed w/ a shower sponge and then it formed lather....a little goes a long way. Try it, expand your horizons. There is something to be said for indigenous knowledge that is passed down from generations!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Gels/Soaps -Chagrin Valley - Castile and Calendula
alisoncooks 5/2/2009 11:19:00 AM
This has become my daily face soap. This soap is handmade and the ingredients are all natural. It is Chagrin's baby soap but it is mild and gentle and moisturizing....I use it for my face and my children! :) Very light scent (a natural result of the ingredients). The best castile I've used.
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Eye Shadow -Everyday Minerals - silver bells
alisoncooks 5/1/2009 7:05:00 PM
I didn't know what to do with this at first. It's very silvery gray with a lot of sparkle. I thought it was gonna be like the jasmine tea fiasco. But this is actually very useful over grays and purples and I've used it quite a bit. It's shimmery w/out being glittery. I love it over ballet slippers and cotton tale...
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Eye Shadow -Everyday Minerals - Jasmine Tea
alisoncooks 5/1/2009 7:03:00 PM
I was expecting more of a color pigmented eye shadow that I could use all-over my lids. I like purple and the pictures of this look GORGEOUS! However, I was sorely disappointed when I first tried this out. SHINY SHIMMERY, barely any color but a lot of sparkle. And sparkle can be cute. If you're 14. Not so cute on me. So I gave up using this as an all-over color and just use a hint of it over other plum and purple colors and for that it does ok.
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