Treatments -Live Clean - (Exotic Nectar) Argan Oil Conditioning Mask
ashleyanders 5/16/2013 5:13:00 AM
Claims - True or False? 1) Rich, creamy formula: true 2) Revitalizes hair and restores shine: Unsure 3) Restores softness and manageability: True 4) Regular use helps to restore elasticity and re-build: True Packaging: Comes in while squeeze tube with a flip cap. Basically like a giant toothpaste bottle. Unlike the brand's conditioner bottles this design is user-friendly and works very well for the formula of the mask - easy to dispense however much you want, each to close the cap, cap seems like it would be secure and last without breaking. Formula: The ingredients for this and the conditioner are almost identical, but this mask is definitely thicker and creamier than the conditioner. It has the same aroma, I'd guess argan oil. The scent lingers, which I like, but it is not strong. White, not oily, feels light in the hand. Performance: I've reviewed the conditioner for this line and I had similar issues with this mask. The mask is far better at detangling and moisturizing the hair, giving great slip. I tested this out as a cowash, rinse-out, leave in, and mask. Overall it worked nicely as a cowash and rinse out, but a bit heavy for a leave in. I didn't use it often as a mask so I don't have much of an opinion on that. Like the conditioner, the mask seems to leave buildup on my scalp and hair, which lessens curl and caused fall out due to a clogged/built-up scalp. My hair definitely seems thinner than it was prior to its use, which is unfortunate and I hope the growth will come back in soon. It didn't help with frizz at all, but that could have been due to build-up. It rinses out of the hair really well though, and feels great in the hair when using it. It definitely helped bring moisture to the inside of the hair and brought in more elasticity, but I think that overall this would be something I could only use before a clarification with shampoo. Bang for your Buck: $5-8CAD for 250ml, which is 100ml less than the conditioner but the same price. If used as a cowash it will get used up quicker, but as a rinse-out or even as a mask not much is needed due to how rich the formula can be for the hair. Final Consensus: I wish this worked but "natural" products just don't seem to agree with my hair. Either too much moisture or too much build-up or both, my scalp was accruing more build-up that led to fall-out, and my hair was losing curl. I'd still recommend giving it a try if "natural" lines work for you or you are in need of something protein- and cone-free. * Overall Rating: 3/5 * Price: 3/5 * Packaging Quality: 4/5 * Repurchase: No
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Conditioner -Live Clean - (Exotic Nectar) Restorative Conditioner
ashleyanders 5/16/2013 5:02:00 AM
Claims - True or False? 1) Hydrates and nourishes: Mostly True 2) No added weight: False 3) Long-term conditioning: Unsure 4) Shine: False Packaging: Comes in a plastic squeeze bottle with a flip-top cap. Overall I'm not a fan of the packaging as I find it difficult to dispense the desired amount of product - either too little or too much is release. The bottle also has to be shaken quite a bit to get product to the opening if you do not store it upside-down. The plastic can be a bit hard to squeeze sometimes bit it's not horrible. It has a nice design though overall and looks quite pretty. I've used the line in the past and remember that their openings to the bottles were prone to breaking at the hinges. Formula: A medium density, white, and light fragrance. Many reviews say it smells like cocoa butter and I don't agree with that - most likely the scent is the argan oil, since there is no cocoa butter in the ingredients' list. The smell can linger on the hair which I do like. It's a pretty creamy formula as opposed to watery or gel-like. Does not feel greasy or oily or heavy in the hand. This is a silicone- and protein-free product, but it does contain humectants. Performance: I used this conditioner to cowash, as a rinse-out, and as a leave-in conditioner. I really wanted to like this but after trying this and the accompanying mask I believe that something in the line does not agree with my hair. I'd guess that it is the argan oil. I've used a few other lines in the Live Clean brand and experienced issues as well, and I've also experienced issues using other "natural" lines so I'd guess that the excessive inclusion of "natural" ingredients doesn't work for my hair type. This conditioner provides moderate slip but doesn't detangle as well as I need, does not leave my hair any less frizzy or shinier than it naturally is, and seems to cause both hair and scalp buildup, which leads to a looser curl and seems to have contributed to hair loss. The mask could have been more to blame but I do believe that both have been causing these issues. I feel that the conditioner is slightly lacking in moisture for my hair but that could have been due to buildup and my hair not accepting moisture very well. Bang for your Buck: $5-8CAD at most drug stores and grocery stores for 350ml. Used as a normal rinse-out it's a decent deal, but used for cowashing I'd say it's pricier and best to be used in conjunction with cheaper alternatives. Final Consensus: Unfortunately not a product for me. Possibly not hydrating enough, build-up, possible fall-out.. it smells great, and it's a nice formula, so I would recommend trying it out if your hair responds well to "natural" products or argan oil specifically. * Overall Rating: 3/5 * Price: 2/5 * Packaging Quality: 2/5 * Repurchase: No
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Treatments -La Roche Posay - Hydraphase Intense Serum Gel Concentrate
ashleyanders 5/12/2013 5:29:00 PM
Claims - True or False? 1) Rehydrates sensitive skin: Partly true 2) Reduces skin tightness: not tested 3) dehydration lines reduced: False Packaging: Comes in a pump bottle. The pump is mostly effective but if you want to use just a small amount it is harder to dispense the proper amount. The bottle seems to be either glass or a very hard plastic, and there is a secure cap that makes it good for light travel. Ingredients listed on the packaging as well. Formula: Since this is a serum the formula is quite thin and on the watery side. It is mostly clear, slightly cloudy grey but doesn't appear to have any colouring added to it (i don't think dyes are listed in the ingredients either). It has a VERY strong fragrance, like all of their products - kind of artificial floral. The scent is very off-putting and can be problematic for sensitive skin. Performance: I purchased this to be used for my eye area, which can become dried out and dehydrated pretty easily - my whole face is very much prone to dehydration. I have not tried this on my face because I am water-only for my skincare. Used on the eyes I found that it didn't really do much. if I used a large amount it would just kind of sit on the skin more so than absorb, although minimally. If used in that amount it also felt sticky on the skin. It's possible that it also dehydrated the area a little bit, or didn't provide moisture and thus didn't prevent my makeup remover from drying my skin out a bit with regular use. When used in smaller amounts it absorbs really well and doesn't leave the area feeling sticky or bothered, but I had used it a few times in the morning, and when I went to the gym later my eyes would sting or feel bothered (sweat was not running into my eyes). Ultimately it seems like this product is best used under other moisturizers and not to impart moisture on its own unless your skin is already fairly well moisturized. I've tried it on my hands too, absorbs nicely, but again doesn't seem to really moisturize enough. I feel that this would work best in conjunction with their other moisturizers in this line; I've used the legere and riche in the past for whole-face application and found that the riche moisturized best but both did not help enough with my dehydration nor with fine dehydration lines. The fragrance and ingredients were also not in agreement with my skin. I do think that this serum also broke me out a bit around the eyes sometimes, nothing major but a bit of clogging. Bang for your Buck: $40 CAD at Shoppers Drug Mart for 30ml. Not a lot is needed but if used twice a day I could see it being used up quickly. Final Consensus: Not a terrible product but I feel that the price and the fact that it doesn't work well on its own to hydrate the skin makes it something that I would not repurchase. If your skin cannot tolerate most lotions though, or you need something very light, then this is worth trying out (as a sample if you can). For now I will just use it up on my hands I guess! I've moved on to coconut oil for my eyes. * Overall Rating: 3/5 * Price: 4/5 * Packaging Quality: 4/5 * Repurchase: No
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Mascara -Revlon - Photoready 3D Volume
ashleyanders 4/19/2013 1:40:00 PM
Claims - True or False? 1) Big volume lashes with two coats: True 2) Easily reach every single lash for maximum dimension: True Packaging: My first experience with Revlon mascaras and I'd say the packaging gets a solid average rating. Points for being a very basic, simple, classic design. The handle and length of the wand are on the shorter side but I find that this does not affect application. The tube is square, which I actually love because it is easy to set down on your counter without it rolling around everywhere. The opening of the tube however.. it's basically a cavern. Huge opening which does not help to grab onto extra product on the brush. The brush is plastic and is fairly long - probably about an inch - and straight.There are a lot of little skinny teeth which cover the whole surface of the brush, including the tip. The brush picks up a LOT of product, mostly at both ends of the brush. Formula: On the wetter side but closer to being a good medium wetness, so it doesn't dry too quickly but isn't wet on the lashes for ages (which can cause my lashes to start sticking together). I got the shade Blackest Black and it looks quite black without being harsh on my lashes. When applied properly, the formula is fairly lightweight and seems to work pretty well with curled lashes, although weighs it down when over-applied. No strong scent, very easy to remove. Performance: This mascara gives me AMAZING length, separation, and nice volume without being clumpy... but excess needs to be removed from the brush in order to get this result. I thoroughly dab the tip into the back of my hand, then roll the whole brush over my hand a few times, and then squish the bottom of the brush onto my hand over the whole circumference. This takes about 5 seconds to do overall , then the mascara is ready to be applied. To apply, I then comb it through my lashes, slightly rotating the brush as I comb (mostly for the roots). Once most of the lashes have some product on them I just continue to comb. Using this method of application gives me very long, defined, separated, natural lashes in one coat; a second coat gives me the desired volume without clumps or losing the separation. The second coat is also applied after removing excess from the brush and gets combed through only. I used the brush vertically (using the end of the brush) to get to the very inner and the tips of the outer lashes, and also to help make sure the outer lashes are 100% separated. No smudging or smearing, no flaking, and it feels comfortable on my lashes. If I apply it straight from the tube I get quite clumpy and non-separated lashes, and it feels uncomfortable at my lash roots. I've worn this overnight as well, and I actually had it on for almost 2 days and there was almost no flaking other than on the side I slept most on. Bang for your Buck: Around $11CAD for 10ml at Shoppers Drug Mart. I've not checked other retailers but I'm sure it'd be a bit cheaper at other locations. It's less than CoverGirl mascaras in amount given and a bit more expensive, but not too much more expensive to be a bother to me. Final Consensus: Not a mascara to use if you like to get your lashes done very quickly, but very much worth trying if you will take the time to remove excess product and apply two coats. I've not used it for a very long time, but so far I'm thinking that it may turn into my go-to mascara. * Overall Rating: 4.5/5 * Price: 2/5 * Packaging Quality: 3/5 * Repurchase: Yes
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Mascara -Cover Girl - Lash Blast Clump Crusher mascara
ashleyanders 4/19/2013 1:12:00 PM
Claims - True or False? 1) No clumps: True 2) 200x more volume: False Packaging: Large, a bit clumsy, tacky, and I dislike the brush. I'm a fan of simple tubes and I feel that this one is a bit awkward to handle. The bright green is a pretty colour but just too much for me. The upside to the tube is that the brush picks up a perfect amount of product and no excess, although possibly sometimes on the very tip. The comb is plastic and curved, which means you can really only comfortably/easily use one side per eye, as you're supposed to apply with the arch pointing up. Ultimately I found the brush to be too bulky and cumbersome to use, and it tended to leave product on my lids if I wasn't very careful with application. Formula: A dry formula, which I absolutely love. With the combination of having an ideal amount on the brush each time, it definitely makes for a better application. No strong scent, comes in 4 shades. I purchased the blackest shade and it's a nice obvious black without being harsh on my lashes. Easy to remove with makeup remover and comfortable on the eyes. Performance: Like the name says, there are no clumps with this mascara - but I'd say that as you near the end of the mascara's life it is more likely to cause some minor clumps. With a bit of work the mascara gives me great, separated lashes. I find that one coat gives me the separation I desire with awesome length but light on the volume. Adding a second coat seems to increase the chance of the lashes grouping together and eliminating that separation. Ultimately I'd say this is not a mascara to rely on if you want a lot of volume, but a better choice if you are looking for a more natural lash look. It can get a bit droopy with wear though, slightly flattening out my curl (which only happens with some mascaras). No flaking or smearing or smudging, but after using the product for a while the formula will get drier than it already is and require more work to pick up a bit more product onto the brush (swirling it around inside the tube seems to do it for me). In order for me to get the exact look that I want, it can take a bit of time to really get the application right; mostly a lot of combing it through the lashes followed by zig-zags. I find that I have to pay special attention to the tips of my lashes near the outer corner in order for them to get mascara, which is not a problem for me with most mascaras other than having to just dab a bit onto the very tips. Bang for your Buck: Around $8-10CAD for 13.1ml at Shoppers Drug Mart, which is more product than some of the other brands. Final Consensus: Not exactly what I'm looking for but it definitely gives me very nice lashes. I'll likely not repurchase as I'd like to find a mascara that provides more than what this one does and the brush is a bit of a pain, but it'd be one that I would repurchase if I were to run out of mascara and needed a trusted fall-back. Would recommend to others. * Overall Rating: 4/5 * Price: 2/5 * Packaging Quality: 3/5 * Repurchase: Yes
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Mascara -Annabelle - Expandable
ashleyanders 4/19/2013 12:50:00 PM
Claims - True or False? 1) Volumizing: True. 2) Lengthening: True 3) Anti-clumping: Usually true. 4) Separates and defines lashes: False. 5) Fast-drying: True 6) Easy to remove: True Packaging: Expandable's name comes from the plastic comb brush, which can be expanded into a longer length comb with the turn of a dial on the top of the wand. The dial is manual so you could actually turn the dial to any point to create a custom length of comb if the shortest and longest lengths don't work for you. It's pretty easy to change the length, and I do like that it's a manual dial, but it does take a while to change the length - if using both lengths in one use, it'd be much more convenient if it were to somehow expand/shrink via a click-pen mechanism. The dial is labeled for which direction to turn but I have a few times turned it the wrong way as the font isn't necessarily that big. The comb itself is straight with a blunt end, which isn't quite that conducive to applying product to the inner/outer baby lashes with the tip. It picks up a good amount of product but excess does need to be removed from the tip (and possibly from the bristles). The tube design is simple black and pink, comfortable and easy to handle, so overall the packaging gets a thumbs up. Formula: When I looked back to my Le Big Show mascara review to compare the two, I noticed that my description matched that of Expandable. Turns out THE ONLY DIFFERENCE is the packaging - INGREDIENTS ARE IDENTICAL. This is not something I've seen on reviews online, so others may not have noticed. I am personally a bit upset over this because the formula being the same is not listed anywhere, so you are paying the same amount for less product and a different brush. If you liked Le Big Show but disliked the brush then this may not be an issue for you, but I feel like the shared formula should be marketed so that people who disliked Le Big Show do not go in expecting something different. I will leave the description for Le Big Show here. Le Big Show starts out as a fairly wet, but still workable, mascara and by the 1 month mark is definitely at an ideal consistency (with regular use I've noted that it then starts drying out within another month or so). Because it's pretty wet at the start smudges are more likely to occur, but once it dries up I don't have this problem. The mascara only comes in one colour, black, but I feel that it's a nice middle-ground black that isn't too harsh or too soft. It's one of the easier mascaras to remove, as I am able to remove it even with just water and a bit of massaging. The biggest turn-off to the formula is the fragrance, which is quite strong and reminiscent of house paint (I've repurchased a few times so it was not just the one tube). This does not irritate my eyes or dry them out though, but be cautious is strong fragrances are an issue for your eyes. Performance: Performance is quite similar to Le Big Show, although I'd say that it applied with a bit more length and volume. Like with Le Big Show though, it does not provide me with separated lashes. I may get volume, but it's at the expense of having the lashes grouped together in order to create the illusion of fewer thicker lashes. Le Big Show left my lashes feeling very lightweight and soft, but I don't think I noticed this with Expandable because the brush picks up more product, thus being heavier on the lashes. Seems to work well for a curl as well. But it definitely goes on more noticeable than Le Big Show for me. Biggest downside is it flakes quite a bit with wear. I've only used it a handful of times and each time it flaked. I don't know if it's because of how much gets applied or if the time between coats (changing the length of the comb) increases the chance of flaking. Le Big Show also flaked but only after a few months consistent use. No smearing or smudging, easy to remove with makeup remover. Bang for your Buck: $10-11CAD for 0.325oz/7ml at Shoppers Drug Mart. 3ml less than Le Big Show which I found had to be replaced around the 3rd month for sure because of flaking issues and just drying out a bit too much. Final Consensus: Overall it's not a terrible mascara, but because of the flaking and because it's simply a repackage of Le Big Show without the consumer being informed, I have to give it a no-repurchase and an extra half lippie docked off from my initial 3.5 lippie impression. * Overall Rating: 3/5 * Price: 2.5/5 * Packaging Quality: 3.5/5 * Repurchase: No
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Hair Color -Ion - Color Brilliance
ashleyanders 3/8/2013 2:57:00 AM
Claims - True or False? 1) Deeper, more intense colour deposit: Partially true 2) Flawless grey coverage: Unable to determine Packaging: I purchased the Cream version of this hair dye. It comes in a cardboard box that includes an instructions booklet (which has fairly good detail and very much helped me in figuring out which level of developer to buy, although lacked instructions on how to prevent hot roots) and the dye itself. The dye is in a standard (I believe metal, but I can't quite remember) tube. A separate developer must be bought. There is no pre- or post-dye treatment product in this dye box, so one must choose their own products or buy something separately - the brand does sell some products for these purposes. Formula: The cream is fairly thick, and when mixed with developer it creates a semi-thick creamy liquid that spreads fairly easily into the hair without drips. It rinses out easily in the shower and unlike box dyes I've used previously it does not splatter all over the shower wall. The scent is VERY strong. I'm not sure if this is because of the developer or the dye, but the dyeing process is very fume-heavy (keep the door open and a bathroom fan on) and after rinsing out the dye my hair smelled kind of like pickles. It's been 2 weeks and... still this smell. I do not shampoo though so this is probably why (I am going back to cowashing). Performance: Overall I loved the colour (8RC Light copper blonde) that I got but after the first week it faded, and by the end of this 2nd week it is much less vibrant but definitely still copper. Some of my natural highlights are peaking through as well - I am naturally blonde, around a level 8 with some 9 highlights. Part of the fading was my own doing (cowashing within 24 hours, using hot water, blowdrying) but I do believe that the dye itself is just not compatible with my hair. This is a high protein hair dye and developer, and my low porosity hair just does not love protein; my hair came out very dry and knotted and tangled. When I've used boxed L'Oreal dyes in the past, even before conditioning, my hair was not dry. My hair was also feeling quite dry during the dyeing process itself before showering. I also experienced hot roots, and I do wish the box had discussed this issue (dye the lengths for, say, 30 minutes, then apply to the roots for the last 10 minutes to prevent the roots from being brighter than the rest of the hair). It was easy to use though and spread on my hair, but it did somewhat bother my scalp. I believe that the colour also initially went on darker than the swatched colour, despite my natural (virgin) hair being the same level as this shade. It has since faded to about the same swatch depth but less intense. Bang for your Buck: I paid around $10-12CAD for the dye and developer, 1 of each, and used all of it to dye my shoulder-length hair. This is definitely a good price overall as the developer lasts for 2 uses in my case, although I am unlikely to use this developer again due to the protein components. Because the dye faded so quickly this is not the most economical choice for me (I have gone auburn before with minimal fading, using box dye from L'Oreal). Final Consensus: There are some great colour choices and I like that it comes in both liquid and cream formulas, but overall this is just not ideal for my hair type. Too drying, smells horrid, and faded too quickly. I will be trying out L'Oreal Excellence from Sally's in the 8.43 shade, which should be a more vibrant version of this dye. I would recommend giving this dye a shot but if you are known to be protein-sensitive, avoid! * Overall Rating: 2.5/5 * Price: 2/5 * Packaging Quality: 4/5 * Repurchase: No
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Conditioner -Clairol - Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner
ashleyanders 1/11/2013 8:42:00 PM
Claims - True or False? 1) Hydrating: True 2) Rich formula: Unsure 3) Manageable, silky, smooth hair: False Packaging: I purchased the smaller of the two available sizes. The spout is on the bottom of the bottle with a flat surface to let it sit on a flat surface in the shower. The cap snaps open and close very easily without having to pry anything open. The plastic of the bottle is easily squeezed. It's also a cute enough design, ingredients listed on the back. The downside I can see with it is that once it gets low you may need to get the whole cap off in order to access the remaining product at the sides of the bottom of the bottle, but the cap comes off pretty easily (a bit harder to get it back on though). I haven't noticed any big issues with water getting into the cap either, at least not lots of it. Formula: This is a light and more watery formula but it isn't runny in any way. It has a bit of a gel consistency to it. It's a light blue shade and has a strong artificial fragrance; kind of fruity and floral at the same time, very sweet, and very strong. The fragrance does linger in my hair so if you dislike the fragrance I'd advise against using this one. Performance: This is a very good detangling product. I purchased it for cowashing and it made massaging my hair very easy. When rinsed out it left my hair feeling a bit slippery but very soft while wet, and it left my scalp feeling very clean. Unfortunately something about the product makes my hair frizz like crazy. It feels soft to the touch and feels very hydrated but it's just frizzy and fluffy, even if a small amount was used to cowash and if it was used only 1-2x a week. I think it was also breaking me out on my chest and neck. When using it to cowash my hair dried much faster, so definitely a bonus. My hair never looked or felt weighed down, although it sometimes looked a bit flat at the root a few days after its use possibly because of the silicone ingredient(s). After a while I noticed that my scalp started to also feel itchy, which was either because this was drying out my scalp or because something was leaving a residue on the scalp and causing it to itch. Bang for your Buck: The 300ml bottle was around $3-4CAD, which to me is quite a good price, especially if used as a normal rinse-out conditioner. The larger bottle was I think around $10CAD so if you really like the conditioner that is the best deal. Final Consensus: It has a lot of promise and a lot of aspects of it I do like, but the few issues I do have with it are on the more major side and thus affect my opinion of this product more deeply. I suspect that the coconut ingredient may have been behind the issues so if coconut products don't negatively affect your hair give this product a shot, especially if you are cowashing. * Overall Rating: 2.5/5 * Price: 1/5 * Packaging Quality: 3.5/5 * Repurchase: No
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Lotions/ Creams -Neutrogena - Norwegian Formula Moisture Wrap Daily Repair Body Lotion
ashleyanders 12/14/2012 2:35:00 PM
*The product I am reviewing is labeled as "Norwegian Formula Daily Body Moisturizer." I was unable to find a picture of my bottle online, but it has the same ingredients on the bottle as does the Moisture Wrap, so I assume that it is the same product and either is marketed differently in Canada or it has yet to change its appearance here. This is a review for the scented formula* Claims - True or False? 1) Relieves uncomfortable dryness: True 2) Smooth visible dull flakiness: True 3) Helps heal dry skin: Mostly true Packaging: I picked up the large pump-bottle size of this lotion. It's a pretty standard plastic container, ingredients printed on the back, with a pump that can be swiveled around (although it doesn't swivel that easily). The pump does not have a lock-down feature for travel, so it is advisable to transfer some into another container. I have taken it with me in my gym bag however and only once had a bit of a leak. Sits nice and sturdy on the counter. Formula: This is a thin to medium thickness lotion, milky white, and moderately fragranced. It spreads very easily and feels light on the skin. The fragrance isn't my favourite but I don't mind it - it has a distinct fragrance, and it can linger if applied liberally. I'm not quite sure what the fragrance is, maybe a bit floral? Does not bother my skin. Performance: Overall the product works very well, but there are times when it doesn't quite perform as I'd like it to. It offers a lot of hydration so only a small amount is needed to sooth and smooth my skin, but if my skin is quite chapped then a more liberal application works best, or at least multiple applications in the day. When a small amount is applied it sinks in rather quickly and feels comfortable worn under clothing during the day without transferring to the clothes. It also doesn't leave my skin shiny or greasy, although I do prefer to rinse it off of my hands as I find that on this area it can feel a bit too heavy for my tastes. I originally bought this lotion when my hands began to crack and burn from the cold winter climate a few months ago and with regular use (perhaps a week or so) my hands were almost normal. For my hands I like to either apply a smaller amount and then rinse, or apply a liberal amount, wait a while, then wash it off. I especially like that method for overnight use with gloves, but will do it during the day if I have spare time. For areas with mild dryness I am able to use it just once a week or less without experiencing any obvious ashiness in between uses (I do not use body wash but I do exfoliate my arms and legs once a week with epsom salt). If my skin is quite dry and chapped, it does take up to a week with liberal application to get the skin healthy again, so for severe winter weather regular application on areas that tend to dry out easily is probably ideal even if the skin does not feel or look dry at that time. Bang for your Buck: I can't remember the exact cost but I believe it was around $10CAD, maybe a bit more, for the 449ml bottle. I'm not sure how much I've used but I've probably had it for at least 3 months now and the bottle still feels quite full. Used daily it would likely last anywhere from 4 to 6 months. Final Consensus: A very nice lotion for skin prone to dryness, but if you have severe dryness this may not be enough for you; in such cases I'd recommend it as a supplementary, upkeep lotion to be used when heavier creams are too much or the skin doesn't need as much hydration. Nice for winter use and I'm sure it would be light enough for summer use as well, although I don't find that my skin gets that dry during the summer; when the time comes I will update as to whether it works well for warmer seasons. Would recommend! * Overall Rating: 4.5/5 * Price: 2/5 * Packaging Quality: 3/5 * Repurchase: Yes.
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Lotions/ Creams -Neutrogena - Norwegian Formula body moisturizer
ashleyanders 12/14/2012 2:32:00 PM
*The product I am reviewing is labeled as "Norwegian Formula Daily Body Moisturizer." I was unable to find a picture of my bottle online, but it has the same ingredients on the bottle as does the Moisture Wrap, so I assume that it is the same product and either is marketed differently in Canada or it has yet to change its appearance here. This is a review for the scented formula* Claims - True or False? 1) Relieves uncomfortable dryness: True 2) Smooth visible dull flakiness: True 3) Helps heal dry skin: Mostly true Packaging: I picked up the large pump-bottle size of this lotion. It's a pretty standard plastic container, ingredients printed on the back, with a pump that can be swiveled around (although it doesn't swivel that easily). The pump does not have a lock-down feature for travel, so it is advisable to transfer some into another container. I have taken it with me in my gym bag however and only once had a bit of a leak. Sits nice and sturdy on the counter. Formula: This is a thin to medium thickness lotion, milky white, and moderately fragranced. It spreads very easily and feels light on the skin. The fragrance isn't my favourite but I don't mind it - it has a distinct fragrance, and it can linger if applied liberally. I'm not quite sure what the fragrance is, maybe a bit floral? Does not bother my skin. Performance: Overall the product works very well, but there are times when it doesn't quite perform as I'd like it to. It offers a lot of hydration so only a small amount is needed to sooth and smooth my skin, but if my skin is quite chapped then a more liberal application works best, or at least multiple applications in the day. When a small amount is applied it sinks in rather quickly and feels comfortable worn under clothing during the day without transferring to the clothes. It also doesn't leave my skin shiny or greasy, although I do prefer to rinse it off of my hands as I find that on this area it can feel a bit too heavy for my tastes. I originally bought this lotion when my hands began to crack and burn from the cold winter climate a few months ago and with regular use (perhaps a week or so) my hands were almost normal. For my hands I like to either apply a smaller amount and then rinse, or apply a liberal amount, wait a while, then wash it off. I especially like that method for overnight use with gloves, but will do it during the day if I have spare time. For areas with mild dryness I am able to use it just once a week or less without experiencing any obvious ashiness in between uses (I do not use body wash but I do exfoliate my arms and legs once a week with epsom salt). If my skin is quite dry and chapped, it does take up to a week with liberal application to get the skin healthy again, so for severe winter weather regular application on areas that tend to dry out easily is probably ideal even if the skin does not feel or look dry at that time. Bang for your Buck: I can't remember the exact cost but I believe it was around $10CAD, maybe a bit more, for the 449ml bottle. I'm not sure how much I've used but I've probably had it for at least 3 months now and the bottle still feels quite full. Used daily it would likely last anywhere from 4 to 6 months. Final Consensus: A very nice lotion for skin prone to dryness, but if you have severe dryness this may not be enough for you; in such cases I'd recommend it as a supplementary, upkeep lotion to be used when heavier creams are too much or the skin doesn't need as much hydration. Nice for winter use and I'm sure it would be light enough for summer use as well, although I don't find that my skin gets that dry during the summer; when the time comes I will update as to whether it works well for warmer seasons. Would recommend! * Overall Rating: 4.5/5 * Price: 2/5 * Packaging Quality: 3/5 * Repurchase: Yes.
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Cleansers -Clinique - Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
ashleyanders 9/23/2012 8:09:00 PM
Update April 2013: Just a quick edit on how I use this now. I take some on my finger, rub over the eye area until the mascara feels dissolved, then get my fingers wet and massage that into the eye area to help emulsify the product more. Then I blot the product and makeup off with a wet cloth. Wiping it off was too irritating and drying, and rinsing it off was messy and sometimes drying as well. This method works very well, I just make sure to press the towel over my skin a few times and it picks up all product. Claims - True or False? 1) Lightweight: True 2) Quickly dissolves makeup: True 3) Transforms from balm to oil upon application: True 4) Rinses off completely: Mostly true 5) Non-greasy: True 6) Non-drying: Mostly true Packaging: The balm comes in a purple-tinted glass jar/tub with a metallic plastic screw-on lid. Top and bottom are completely flat which makes for easy storage. The lid comes off and goes back on with ease. Ingredients are placed on the bottom, and instructions/use are printed on the side of the tub; both are very legible. Did not come with extra unnecessary packaging. Based on its formulation a tub design is really the most ideal for the product. Q-tips or spatulas can be used in lieu of clean fingers if hygiene is of that big a concern to you. Formula: A white and fragrance-free, thick balm. It feels quite silky and without any tackiness or heaviness. It's not so hard as to make it difficult to take what amount you need. When massaged into skin it becomes a thinner, oilier substance that rinses off fairly well with just water. When wetting the balm over the skin and massaging it becomes more of a milky substance. Performance: I do not wear facial makeup and only use this for eye makeup removal, so I cannot attest to its abilities in removal of those forms of cosmetics. However for the eye area it really is a fantastic remover. I had previously tried the bi-phase version of the same line and while it also removed makeup well it was irritating, drying, and the packaging posed some issues for me. This balm removes makeup very quickly and without any additional irritation that a cotton round can cause for more sensitive eyes/skin. It is designed to rinse off completely in water, but I'm not sure if it does. After rinsing I don't feel like I get any residue transfer onto my fingers so it might just be that the skin is far more moist after use as opposed to actual residue. Either way it doesn't concern me enough to deter its use. The only difficulty I had with this remover was when removing waterproof mascara. I normally don't use waterproof but had been testing a new mascara out and while the balm removed it it definitely took more time and massaging, and I'd sometimes be required to use the balm a 2nd time after rinsing. So keep in mind that with waterproof mascara you may need to either double cleanse or simply use a larger quantity of remover. A double cleanse usually does dry out the area a bit, and removing it with a cotton round seems to also lead to dryness; it is best removed by simply rinsing for me. Otherwise it really does remove my makeup entirely with absolutely no residual makeup showing up in the morning. To use I take a small amount onto my finger, massage it right onto my eye area for a while until the makeup seems to be entirely dissolved, and then wipe off with a wet cotton pad. You can proceed to massaging the skin with wet fingers before rinsing but for me this seems to be more likely to dry my skin out. I have also used it for clean up when applying makeup by swiping a q-tip over the top, wiping onto the area, and then wiping with a wet q-tip. As far as breakouts are concerned, I'm not yet sure if it bothers my skin or not. I am very careful to not get it too far away from the eye area but so far my undereye area is still looking good. Bang for your Buck: The tub cost $34CAD for 3.8oz. For only eye makeup removal I'd assume that it will last at least 6 months but likely longer as I do not use that much of the product nor do I wear makeup every day. for much heavier makeup it may be used up faster - I'd recommend using as little as possible first and then picking up more product as needed as opposed to starting off with a large glob in order to preserve the product. Final Consensus: This really is a great remover, although very sensitive skins and those prone to eczema or acne should use the product with caution. I find it to be more convenient than my previous bi-phase removers and it removes makeup both better and with what seems like less product. I'd definitely recommend this to those seeking a makeup remover, be it for face or just eyes. * Overall Rating: 4.5/5 * Price: 3/5 * Packaging Quality: 4/5 * Repurchase: Yes.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Beauty Secrets - Acetone for natural nails polish remover
ashleyanders 8/31/2012 2:14:00 AM
Claims - True or False? 1) Conditions and nourishes nails: True 2) Leaves nails soft yet sturdy: True Packaging: My 16oz bottle has a simple tall and cylindrical design with a child-proof twist-off cap. The twist-off cap seems to be really finicky and I'm not sure if this is simply my inability to use child-proof caps easily or if this one is simply poorly designed; it takes a number of twists to finally get it off and half of the time when I finally get it off there is some minor leakage. When I first purchased it (and prior to opening) it also leaked a bit in the bag, and if I tip it over sometimes it will leak. A full list of ingredients and usage directions are printed on the back and in multiple languages, all easy to read. Large opening at the top makes dispensing quick and easy. Formula: Acetone-based formula that is designed to help remove polish faster than non-acetone removers but with less damage/drying than pure acetone. It is pink in colour and has a fairly strong artificial fruity smell - many claim it to smell like cherries but I wouldn't say it quite smells like that myself. I am not put off my the fragrance and do actually enjoy it, even if it is quite strong. Performance: Although it contains acetone it does not remove my polish as quickly as I was hoping it would, but compared to old removers I've used and to another acetone-based brand I tried (onyx - I do not at all recommend) it definitely is a good step up. I've also tried the OPI acetone-based remover and I would say that that one works faster at removal than Beauty Secrets, but for the price it's definitely not worth purchasing a large bottle. I've been using this a lot in the last week or two as I've been testing out my new base and top coats and my nails have been in quite good shape. My yellowing has faded quite a bit, which I attribute not only to discontinuing the use of my former Bonder base but also to the superior nail polish removal of this product. I don't need to use nearly as many cottons to remove polish with this and it works pretty well on stubborn glitters/shimmers without too much of a fight. Glitter, shimmer, and pigment don't stain or stay on my skin quite as stubbornly as with other removers other than right around the cuticle where removal can be a bit more difficult. While it doesn't seem to be weakening or drying out my nails my cuticles and skin overall can get dried out by the remover, especially if I don't rinse my hands of the product after use. But again compared to other removers the effect is less pronounced. Bang for your Buck: There are 4 sizes, with the large 128oz/1 gallon bottle costing around $20USD on the Sally's website. My 16oz cost around $5CAD and with regular use will definitely prove to be a bargain compared to other drugstore cheapie brands costing the same amount for half the size. Final Consensus: This is definitely a remover I will be sure to pick up again when I run out, likely the large gallon refill bottle as it will be far more economical. I am no longer bothered by the fumes of nail polish removal, which itself is reason enough to repurchase. Would highly recommend to others looking for a new polish remover! * Overall Rating: 4.5/5 * Price: 1/5 * Packaging Quality: 2/5 * Repurchase: Yes.
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Eye Shadow -NYX - Jumbo Eye Shadow Pencil - Cottage Cheese
ashleyanders 8/27/2012 3:32:00 AM
Claims - True or False? 1) Creamy, easy-to-blend formula: Mostly true 2) Glides on like silk: True 3) Lasts all day: True Packaging: Comes on its own without any cardboard packaging, just a tear-off plastic seal over the cap. Clear plastic cap that easily comes off and is on the flimsier/cheap side - mine has not broken but there are a few tiny cracks in it. While this is clearly a design issue, consumers must remember to NOT be forceful with replacing the cap as pushing it down too hard/far will prompt breakage. Ingredients printed on the side and the name of the colour is found on the front of the pencil. Formula: A silvery white shimmer/frosty pencil that provides shimmer and pearl once blended out. Very smooth and soft but not overly emollient or waxy or thick. Remains sticky/tacky if applied in large quantities (as eyeshadow) and not powdered over. A bit hard to wash off but nothing serious. Performance: This pencil works pretty well as a highlighting product, and as a base it definitely allows shadow to adhere and be built more quickly. I prefer to stick to my UDPP as a base and use wet brushes for trickier powders or for loose shadows, so I cannot attest to its abilities as a shadow base or as a shadow on its own (I am however testing it overnight to see how it fairs for longevity, and will update). As a highlighter it takes a bit of getting used to the finish and to application for best results, and overall while I would prefer an off-white or pinkish shade as a highlight this one does work quite well at bringing light to the eyes and giving the eyes a nice lift and pop. The pencil is very smooth and applies very easily but it is also a bit too smooth and can be over-blended. This results in the colour being a bit too removed and too much shimmer remaining. I find that the best way to use it to prevent this from occurring is to apply a small amount to the area you want to highlight (or to your finger instead) and pat the product instead of sweeping to blend. Then softly sweep over the edges to soften the line or even over the whole application if it looks too heavy. This preserves the colour and pearly finish. Used as a highlight it seems to last all day for me without fading, although it's possible that sometimes the shimmer migrates to other areas sometimes, nothing too serious. It can be hard to remove because of how stubborn the shimmer is, so I usually still have some on my undereye area. Bang for your Buck: About $5CAD at London Drugs for 5g of liner. A fairly great price especially if only used as a highlight. Final Consensus: A product I will continue to use as a highlighter but I will not turn down other products for trial. I would repurchase and recommend to others but it's definitely not the best highlighter product out there. Definitely a better option than a matte white if you feel that such a shade is too stark for highlighting (I do not like matte white as a highlight for my fair skin). * Overall Rating: 4/5 * Price: 1/5 * Packaging Quality: 3/5 * Repurchase: Yes.
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Mascara -Maybelline - Volum' Express One by One
ashleyanders 8/27/2012 2:32:00 AM
Update: I've since purchased the waterproof version, absolutely NO flaking even if worn overnight! HOWEVER, that tube dried out quite quickly. Overall it's unlikely I will repurchase either version due to issues with the brush, flaking, and formula drying out. I do still recommend it though as it looks great. Claims - True or False? 1) Bold lashes: False 2) Non-bulky: True 3) Clump-free: True 4) Creates volume: Moderately true 5) Brush catches, coats, declumps: Mostly true Packaging: Simple yet funky and colourful packaging, a bright pink and teal colour combination. The mascara wand is not placed in the tube when purchasing and instead there is a twist-off "cap." I'm not sure the purpose of this - are you supposed to keep the wand out of the mascara tube and reseal it with the cap each time, or is the cap meant to be used when the wand is out of the mascara to lessen drying out of the product? If the latter is true then I would say that the idea is good but in reality not an ideal practice. The wand uses plastic bristles which are well spaced out but not too much or too little in number, while the shape is a longer and fatter oval. The tube has a type of suction opening which prevents excess mascara from being picked up on the wand (although the tip can often pick up a bit of excess, not a big deal to flick off). Feels comfortable in my hands when using. The wand has a flexible joint to it, which seems to only be beneficial in scraping off product from the side of the tube. Formula: On the wetter side of the spectrum for mascaras, but not overly so in my opinion. The formula is not overly glossy and dries to a nice matte finish, with a very rich colour pay-off (shade Very Black). It seems to have a thinner/slicker consistency and lacks the tackiness that many volumizing mascaras can have. Washes off very easily in water - when showering before removing mascara the majority of it will be removed but it will smudge onto my lower eye area. Performance: My lashes are naturally on the thicker side, some natural curl, and medium to long in length with the tips being quite light. I really like the look this mascara gives me but it's definitely not a perfect product. I would not call it a volumizing mascara, instead it provides me with separated length and moderate added volume. Compared to other volumizing mascaras I have used this is the only one that has truly given me fantastic length, something I did not realize I wanted until I tried this mascara. While it provides less noticeable volume it also doesn't leave the lashes pieced together, so while it's more of a natural look I feel like ultimately it provides a much more natural and appealing volume, especially doubled with the length. It holds my curl well but doesn't add any (not something I look for in mascaras). It dries fairly quickly on my lashes and doesn't feel too heavy or crunchy. There are, however, concerns (some of which may be due to my inexperience with this type of brush, as I've always used traditional brushes). First, the brush is so large that it's easy to poke my eyes and get mascara onto the skin. Second, it I don't apply it a certain way I will not get the desired separated length and added volume that I desire. I find that the best way to apply it is to do one coat (by this I mean applying mascara to one eye until fully coated without going back into the tube) and roll and sweep it up the lashes up to the tips, and THEN target the roots and zig-zag for added volume. If I reverse this I will get lashes that group together and there will be areas near the tips/inner lashes that aren't actually coated. Third, it seems like there is a bit of a tendency for it to flake. Nothing too serious if I apply the mascara properly (e.g. going back into the tube to add more coats = more flaking, waiting for mascara to dry completely and then applying more = more flaking) but it can be a tad annoying. Flaking has been inconsistent so I can't tell if it is something to do with the formula or application - I will update if I notice any patterns. 4) It comes off easily with water, meaning easily with tears. I don't tend to cry or get watery eyes a lot but this is definitely something to watch out for. Bang for your Buck: Ranges between $8-10CAD at drug stores, so it's on the pricier end of drug-store mascaras/cosmetics. If I can I tend to only replace mascaras every 4-6 months so this price-point isn't necessarily steep. Final Consensus: I will keep playing with this mascara but overall I am pretty happy with the product. It's definitely not perfect and I'm still not quite used to the large (and plastic) brush, but it's a mascara I'd recommend to others and would purchase again when running out. I will most likely try the waterproof version though if I find the flaking to continue or worsen. * Overall Rating: 3.5/5 * Price: 2/5 * Packaging Quality: 3/5 * Repurchase: Yes.
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Concealers -Maybelline - Dream Lumi Touch
ashleyanders 8/17/2012 9:58:00 PM
*Resubmitted/revised review!* Product's Claims - True or False? 1) Diffuses Light: Somewhat true 2) Illuminates: Somewhat True 3) Non-comedogenic: N/A 4) Suitable for sensitive skin: True Packaging: Comes in a click pen similar to YSL Touche Eclat. I highly dislike this type of packaging and promptly decanted it after a few uses. When using it in its purchased packaging I found that it was starting to go on a bit dry/cakey due to concealer on the brush drying out even when properly closed. Decanting also resulted in using less product overall. The pen has a soft brush applicator which feels and works nicely but will be a pain to wash if this is a concern for you, as it builds up a LOT of concealer. I've read a few complaints about the concealer going on dry after a month or so and this pen design could very well be the reason: product collecting and drying out in the cap. The pen needs a lot of clicking before product dispenses, which usually leads to excess release of product. The container has a clear area to show you how much product is left. The name of the colour is on the bottom of the pen. Formula: It comes in 6 shades, although availability of each shade will be different for different regions; I've only been able to find 3-4 shades at my local drug stores. It claims to be a gel formula but I'd say that it's more like a dry liquid. It sets and dries relatively quickly so it's better to use a quick hand for application unless applying over an emollient area of the skin. It's thin but not in any way runny. It maybe offers some illumination but overall it's more of a sheen to the skin which helps to create any light-catching illusions, which might be lost when set with powder. It offers light coverage, possibly medium if built up, but one must be cautious with building up as it can look cakey with too much being applied. Performance: It offers a slight illuminating effect, but it's really more of a sheen/dewy finish. I purchased this in both Radiant and Ivory, neither of which suited my colouring. Ivory was a bit too orangey and light while Radiant was too dark and pink; I'd recommend the latter to those with medium to tan complexions looking for brightening but not for concealing. Concealing and highlighting were both on the subtle side without creating any glitteriness to the skin. It did however remain at a dewy finish once left to dry (not set with powder) which I felt drew a bit more attention to my undereye area. My undereye area is not too dark but I was unable to really layer with either colour (mixing both shades also did not help enough to allow for more layering without the colour looking off against my uncovered skin) without it looking dry and cakey under my eyes. With a light hand though it did look fine. It doesn't seem to settle in lines unless too much was applied or I blended it in poorly. It sets fairly dry to the touch without any real tackiness or transfer to my fingers without powdering. The consistency of this concealer requires that it be applied to makeup-free skin (clean or well moisturized) otherwise it will look thick and cakey and dry, even in small amounts. So overall, it's not a very forgiving product. It held up very well though throughout the day without powdering or priming. Bang for Your Buck: Cost about $10CAD on sale, normal price closer to $12CAD, for 1.5ml/0.05z at London Drugs/Shoppers. This is not that expensive as an up-front payment but for the amount given I feel that it's over-priced. I'd urge Maybelline to either greatly reduce the price or greatly increase the product amount. Final Thoughts: I wish I liked this more than I do, as I had higher expectations. While it's not perfect I do see its potential, but the formula is just a bit too dry for my liking and the colour selection just does not work for me. * Overall Rating: 3/5 * Price: 2.5/5 * Packaging Quality: 2/5 * Repurchase: No
16 out of 18 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No