Hair Color -Unlisted Brand - Sun-In - Highlighting Spray
beanl 1/15/2012 5:19:00 PM
I was going to write a very detailed review on my experience with Sun In Lemon (the Chattern one) but it turned out huge, so I'll just sum everything up: 1- It WORKS! Sun In definately works and I believe it works in any hair color. It's supposed to bring your NATURAL highlights though. So obviously different hair colored people will get different results. My hair is dark brown and I am pretty happy the color it's turned (not brassy at all!). I only used it on my ends though and as a proud brunette, I didn't want to go too light. 2- It does not fry your hair nor it contains metallic dyes in it, etc. Yes, it has hydrogen peroxide in it's formula, but it can't be much if it has to be heat activated, right? 4% 13 vol. hydrogen peroxide lightens your hair within minutes, on it's own. Also, I have dyed and relaxed my fine hair in the past, and I used to blow dry/straighten it everyday until I got a Brazilian keratin treatment. All this before I used Sun In. And honestly, I didn't see much of a difference in my hair condition *after* I used it. Your hair does look awful when you apply it and let it dry in the sun, but after you wash it, it's ok. I mean, you should be treating your hair if you're exposing it to heat anyway, so using a mask or deep conditioner after you use Sun In is a good idea. 3- You definately have more control of the color using it with a blow dryer, as it works pretty fast in the sun. However, it turns a MUCH nicer color if you use it in the sun. I don't know what it is, but I guess the product just reacts differently with the sunlight. If you think about it, sunlight naturally lightens your hair (although not nearly as much), whereas a blowdryer doesn't. I believe most people complaining about brassiness used this with a blow dryer. If you can, use it at the beach. Apply it to your hair, let it dry in the sun, then enter the water, etc. The combination of Sun In, sunlight and sea water will give you a gorgeous goldish, sunkissed look. 4- In fact, I feel like it makes more of a difference if your hair actually dries under the sunlight. After it's is dry, Sun In will still work for a few hours, but it won't lighten it as much. 5- It's a good idea to do a strand test before you use it all over your hair though, as the highlights will be permanent. The color doesn't turn as nice using a blow dryer, but it will give you a general idea. 6 - Also, I know it's tempting, but try not to rush it. Don't reapply it and try no to use it everyday. That way you can really see the color it's turned so far and see if you want to go lighter or not. As I said, highlights will be permanent. 7- I also suggest using complementary lightening treatments while using Sun In, such as chamomile based hair products. They really illuminate your hair and bring out the highlights. Overall, I definitely recommend Sun In, especially since it's such a steal. We have a Sun In in Brazil (a different formula) that is just crap. This one really works and you should get a nice result if you use it right. Just keep in mind that this is not a dye or a highlighting kit, but don't go crazy with it either.
10 out of 10 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -L'Oreal - Professionnel Absolut Repair shampoo
beanl 10/1/2011 4:17:00 PM
I have fine, chemically treated hair, oily roots and damaged ends. I also blow dry/straighten my hair almost everyday. I used the whole Absolute Repair line and hated it with a passion. I have never had a worse hair day in my life. My hair was left greasy, puffy, coarse, opaque... And none of the products even smell good. I don't recommend the mask/conditioner/serum and *especially* the shampoo to anyone with fine or oily hair, no matter how damaged you think your hair is. If you're looking for a real repair/reconstruction, go with the Force Vector line instead.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Nivea - Lip Care - Strawberry
beanl 8/13/2011 12:38:00 AM
I use this as an everyday lip color. It gives just a hint of color to my lips that looks very natural. On me it is long lasting too. I love it and it's already one of my staples!
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Moisturizers -Vichy - Normaderm Anti-Imperfection Hydrating Care
beanl 8/12/2011 11:29:00 PM
Holy grail! This is, hands down, the best moisturizer for oily skin I've used to date. It has sort of a dry-touch but is *really* moisturizing regardless. I also noticed that it's slightly tinted and it does conceal large pores and improve skin's overall appearance, as it promises. It never broke me out or irritated my skin. Packaging is practical and hygienic (it comes with a convenient pump) and it smells really nice, like aloe vera and green apples. It could have some SPF but it's awesome nonetheless. I love it and highly reccomend it to all oily skinned ladies out there.
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Treatments -Kerastase - Oleo-Relax Serum
beanl 7/23/2011 4:59:00 PM
I've used TONS of serums (drugstore and high-end) in my life and I can honestly say that this is nothing special. It didn't do anything for my hair that a much cheaper product wouldn't do as well. And what's with the super strong floral scent? I have sinusitis so I get a headache every time I use it. Same with the Masquintense mask. I just don't get the hype. I'll finish my bottle but I certainly won't buy it again, nor I'll recommend it to anyone. It's an ordinary product and just not worth the money.
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Fragrances -Christian Dior - Dior Addict 2
beanl 9/24/2010 12:05:00 AM
This and Addict Shine were recommended to me as similar to Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue with a hint of sweetness. I tried them a couple of days ago and didn't see the similarity to Light Blue, but found the two of them a lot alike. They are both in the floral-fruity category, Addict 2 being a lot more fruity than floral. Its top notes are tart (but still sweet) and I get mainly grapefruit, which is a note that bothers me in any fragrance. After a few minutes it softens to a sweeter and more pleasant scent and the drydown is subtle but still remarkable. Shine is more linear and slightly sweeter as it doesn't share the tart start. It's a lighter scent than Addict 2, but overall very similar. I do think it's a classier scent but even so. If you already have one of them, don't even bother. Most people won't tell the difference. I think both smell quite nice, not typical teeny floral-fruity. They have some depth. I like Addict 2 slight tartness better, but it's still a little bit too sweet for me. I do find the scent pleasant and it didn't make me sick, but I don't think I could actually wear it without getting a headache from it eventually. It's perfect for a hot afternoon/evening and certainly a winner with men, though. Very nice!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Clairol - Herbal Essences Drama Clean refreshing shampoo
beanl 8/27/2010 9:20:00 PM
I have fine, oily hair with dry, damaged ends. I used to wash my hair with a clarifying shampoo then follow with a rich conditioner strictly on the ends, but realized it was actually drying my roots. Since I figured I obviously can't use a clarifying shampoo on a regular basis, I reached for this hoping it would cleanse my hair well without drying it as much. Even though that's exactly what it claims and it is in fact a clear shampoo (transparent shampoos are known to be oil free and therefore great to remove oils) I didn't see much of a difference to a regular shampoo. And I didn't really like the scent either. It smells sort of like sour candy. So far I'm disappointed with the Herbal Essences line. I still have to try Body Envy though, as my former favorite Pantene volumizing shampoo was discontinued in my country.
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Fragrances -Burberry - Brit
beanl 8/20/2010 6:31:00 PM
This review is for the EDT. Although my taste has changed drastically over the past few years and I no longer enjoy wearing sweet scents, I really, really like this. I agree that it has a very strong vanilla smell but it's really unlike any other vanilla note I've ever smelt. Also, I don't see any similarities between this and Amber Romance, which I personally can't stand. Even though Brit is very sweet smelling, it's somewhat fresh at the same time and not as warm as most vanilla/amber fragrances. I do think it's better worn in wintertime though.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Body -Johnson & Johnson - Baby Wipes
beanl 8/13/2010 11:52:00 PM
Love these wipes! Although they are pretty multi-tasking, I use them mainly to remove my makeup and they do a terrific job. You really only need one wipe at a time. I've tried MAC Wipes before and honestly, these are a hundred times better. Here in Brazil we have two versions of this, Bedtime and Milk. Both are equally good and smell lovely! They only fail removing waterproof mascara, but since they're not makeup removers I'm willing to overlook that. They're awesome for travelling or keeping in your purse as well.
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Concealers -MAC - select cover-up
beanl 8/9/2010 6:48:00 PM
I love Studio Finish concealer for blemishes but find it too heavy to use as an undereye concealer. I heard about Select Moisturecover being perfect for dark circles and I went looking for reviews. Then I found an amazing product comparison between Select Moisturecover and Cover Up by MakeupJunki3 on Youtube, and decided to get Cover Up instead. I have it in NW25 which is a perfect match for my NC35 complexion. The squeezing tube is great and it will probably last me forever. Edit: Great coverage for everyday but not so good if you have really dark circles like me. I like it, but am still in search for the perfect concealer.
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Toners -Avene - Cleanance - Anti-Shine Purifying Lotion
beanl 8/6/2010 6:06:00 PM
My dermatologist recommended me this lotion and I really like it. It's a bifasic mattefying lotion with a liquid and a "powdery" fase. The liquid fase is mainly thermal water and the powdery fase is responsible for the mattefying part, I guess. The mattefying effect isn't really that great, but I personally use this lotion as toner after my face wash. It doesn't sting, irritate or dry out my sensitive skin, so I'm pleased. I also noticed that it helps eventual pimples to dry faster and that the liquid fase has a calming effect, probably from all the thermal water. It's silly but I just wish it smelt a little more refreshing. It's pretty expensive but I have and will continue to repurchase it.
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Moisturizers -La Roche Posay - Effaclar H Compensating Sothing Moisturizer
beanl 8/3/2010 9:19:00 PM
Great moisturizer for *dry* acne prone skin. If you're really oily, this is not for you. I was using retinoic acid when I got this and even then I felt like it was a little too heavy for me. The greasy finish was a major turn-off and it doesn't even have any SPF. Pairing this with sunscreen is out of question if you don't want look like an oil slick.
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Lotions/ Creams -Nivea - Nivea Creme
beanl 8/3/2010 7:31:00 PM
This is the ultimate moisturizing cream out there. I use it strictly on dry parts of my body since the consistency is kind of heavy and takes some blending. I sometimes use it on my undereye area before concealer and I love it! I personally can't see anyone with normal/oily skin using it on their face, though. Too heavy and oily for that, in my humble opinion.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Gels/Soaps -Dove - Cream Oil Shower
beanl 8/3/2010 7:15:00 PM
I lovelovelove Dove beauty bar but I much prefer body washes. So when they launched this, I was thrilled. It is just as moisturizing as the bar and it leaves my skin sooo soft and smooth! It's also much more hygienic. I don't really like Dove's soapy scent but the Cream Oil shower's is bit lighter too.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -MAC - Mineralize Skin Finish Natural - Medium Plus
beanl 8/3/2010 6:34:00 PM
I love how natural this powder looks. I can layer it as much as I want and it never looks chalky. I also love that it's baked and sort of luminous without being shimmery. I have it in Medium Plus, which matches me alright, but sometimes I think it makes me look a little ashy. I think Medium Dark would've been a better match for my NC35 complexion, but I got it on a swap and it was my mistake... Well, guess I can live with that. I can't really say anything about its oil control though, since I usually use a primer underneath it. Also there's a lot of controversy on whether this can double as foundation or not. It's certainly light converage, but it's still coverage. Whenever I'm on a hurry or not in the mood to do a whole face, I just swipe it all over with my duo fiber brush and voilá, I look semi-decent! Its coverage is comparable to a tinted moisturizer's but... powdery. You will still need concealer to cover blemishes and such, but it does make a difference.
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