Toners -Thayers - Rose Petal Alcohol Free Witch Hazel
darlindiva 9/13/2012 7:04:00 PM
I have combination, sensitive, acne-prone skin, and I was looking for a toner that would cleanse my skin without stripping it. This toner definitely fits the bill. It gives you all the great, anti-inflammitory benefits of witch hazel, but isn't overly drying and doesn't have that witch-hazel smell, which I personally find unpleasant. It has a very traditional rose scent that is quite nice, but I could see someone who's sensitive to fragrance possibly being bothered by it. When I started using this, I was experiencing a bad breakout. This didn't sting the blemished areas of my face like many previous toners I've tried, and it definitely helped bring down the inflammation a bit without overdrying my skin or not cleaning it enough. It also seemed to help take care of some flaky areas brought on by my acne treatment. If you like a toner that you can "feel" working or makes your face tingle like crazy, this probably isn't for you. Sometimes when I put this on it will *sort of* make my face tingle a tiny bit, but more in a "my pores can breathe now" way than a mentholated way. I put some on a cotton balll morning and night, and swipe over my face, neck, and chest after showering or cleansing. After over a month of twice daily use, my bottle is still 2/3 full! I got this at Whole Foods for a little over $10USD, so compared to a lot of other toners out there, it's not expensive at all, but it's definitely pricier than plain old witch hazel. The flip top makes it easy to open, but it also makes it easy to squirt too much out if you aren't careful. The label is vintage-looking and cute, so I don't mind leaving the bottle out on my bathroom vanity. Overall, if you're looking for a basic, gentle toner without a lot of mysterious ingredients, you might want to give this a try!
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Conditioner -Suave - Professionals Almond & Shea Butter
darlindiva 8/18/2012 1:01:00 PM
Looking for a beauty bargain, I used this with the matching shampoo (I also wrote a review on that), and like many other reviewers, it made my scalp very irritated and my hair fell out in crazy amounts. Although I didn't use this on its own, and most people experienced hair loss using the shampoo, I stopped using this and will not ever repurchase or use again. I will say that the smell is pleasant and it feels nice and thick. However, there are plenty of other, far better inexpensive hair products out there that do not make me fearful that I will end up bald afterwards. Seriously - the price is tempting, but my advice is to skip this one.
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Shampoo -Suave - Professionals Almond & Shea Butter
darlindiva 8/18/2012 12:35:00 PM
STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS PRODUCT! I thought the other reviewers who said this made their hair fall out must have been isolated cases, since somehow there are a lot of positive reviews for this product. But, this shampoo (I used it with the matching conditioner) irritated my scalp and made my hair fall out in alarming amounts! My hair is long, thick (so thick that my stylist usually thins it a bit with scissors so it lies nicely) and 3a curly, and I get compliments on it all the time. I usually lose a few strands in the shower and when brushing, but this caused me to lose so much that it truly scared me! This shampoo also made my scalp irritated and flaky. It made my hair feel okay (the hair that stayed on my head, that is), but I would never consider using this ever, EVER again. In fact, my experience was so bad that i don't think I will ever use another Suave product, for fear of what might happen! As soon as I stopped using this heinous excuse for a shampoo, the hair loss signifigantly slowed to a trickle. My scalp is still pretty irritated, so I'm losing a bit more hair than normal, but NOTHING compared to what was happening when using this shampoo. I know it is tempting to want to give this a try because of the good reviews, and it does smell nice and feel like a thicker, more expensive product, but it is not worth the traumatic experience that this could cause. I'm going to have to get some serious hair rehab going to repair it, and the mental scarring that I have! For reference, I don't color my hair and I rarely use heat on it, so it wasn't like my hair was in bad shape to begin with. If you're looking for a bargain shampoo, my advice is to keep looking. This is the first review I've written in forever, but I wanted to warn my fellow MUA's about this!!!!!
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Mascara -Tarte - Four Day Stay Lash Stain
darlindiva 9/13/2008 2:39:00 PM
I bought this because I was going on vacation to the beach and I wanted to make my makeup routine as easy as possible. Also, I figured that if I got in the water with this on it would stay put. Although I have dark hair, my lashes are blonde at the tips and I feel like a bald dog if I don't have mascara on. I was hoping this would be similar to Neutrogena lash tint, which I used a while back, because that darkened my lashes without looking clumpy and made up. I wanted the look of dyed eyelashes without actually dying them, if that makes sense. Unfortunately, this made my lashes fairly clumpy and definitely crispy. The brush is also oddly hard and inflexible, which makes application harder, and the texture of the product is thin and dry which took some getting used to. I thought that perhaps I didn't have the application process down pat, since this seemed to dry fairly quickly and I was afraid that if I messed up I would have disfigured lashes for, well, 4 days, and nobody wants that! Luckily, my messed up application did not stay on my lashes for more than two days, although like other reviewers it gave me a bit of raccoon eyes in the shower. I tried it again a few more times, because I wanted it to work, but although I got it to appear more natural, the staying power did not improve. Honestly, any halfway decent waterproof mascara would work better than this. It is in a small tube, which looks cute, but is not worth the price for the amount and quality of the product. I will not purchase again. I can't think of any occasion where this would work for me, which is a shame because the idea was a good one. Maybe next time, Tarte!
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Toners -Bliss Labs - Sleeping Peel Resurfacing Gel toner
darlindiva 4/18/2008 2:16:00 PM
I also got this toner on sale. As some other reviews have stated, it does smell like baby powder, and while I don't mind the scent I can definitely see how some people could not like it. However, I have to say that it only takes me two drops (or three drops at the most) on a cotton pad to cover my entire face, and although Bliss' products are not inexpensive (even on sale) I'm pretty sure that this bottle will last me at least another 3-4 months. I say pretty sure because unfortunately the bottle is opaque, so I can't tell exactly how much is left, although after almost two months of daily use the bottle is still about as heavy as it was when I got it. I waited this long to review it because I was expecting to be underwhelmed after reading all the lackluster reviews of Bliss' products on here, but I wanted to give it time to work its magic, and I must say that I love this toner. I usually only use it in the morning (after cleansing and before makeup and moisturizer, of course) because I find using it twice daily is too much for my skin. The gel texture is nice because it's hard to use too much like with a liquid, and it feels refreshing on the skin. I've noticed that my skin is MUCH less oily in my t-zone, particularly on and around my nose and chin. I used to have to blot my skin with blotting papers at least twice during work, because it looked like my makeup was melting off, but now I MAYBE have to blot once and there is practically nothing on my blotting paper, when before there was basically an imprint of my face left there. I attribute this to this toner, because the few times when I have neglected to use it, I have noticed that my skin is oilier than if I had used the toner. As a result my makeup also wears much better. Also, I've noticed that my skin seems brighter and my red spots and old acne scars are less prominent as well. I haven't noticed this toner making much of a difference as far as clearing out my pores or improving acne, though. I'd definitely purchase again.
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Masks -DDF - Sulfur Therapeutic Mask [DISCONTINUED]
darlindiva 3/30/2008 4:15:00 PM
I got this as a sample from Sephora. I had used the Proactiv sulfur mask in the past with mediocre results, so I was hesitant to try this one. I had very stubborn clogged pores and blackheads on and around my nose (particularly in the crevices around my nostrils... not to be gross but you know what I'm talking about!) and on my chin. I put a thin layer on my problem areas before I went to bed. It isn't too thick and gooey, and definitely not as green as the Proactiv mask. The smell isn't too bad, it does smell a bit like sulfur, but as it's a sulfur mask (duh) I was expecting that. Let me just tell you that when I woke up the next morning my clogged pores and blackheads were practically GONE. I am completely amazed because I have had them for YEARS and NOTHING has cleared them up until this. I have since put a dab on up-and-coming blemishes; this mask destroyed every breakout I have put it up against practically overnight. I put a thin layer on (what used to be) problem areas every few nights to maintain my skin. Sometimes I lightly pat a bit of Boscia's night cream over top to prevent the mask from totally parching my skin, as it can be drying. I have gotten a TON of compliments on my skin lately, and I actually was able to go out of the house WITHOUT MAKEUP *gasp* for the first time in years. I attribute this to this mask. I'm not even halfway through my sample, but when it runs out I'll definitely buy the full size. I
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Moisturizers -Kinerase - Clear Skin Moisture Light [DISCONTINUED]
darlindiva 3/30/2008 3:59:00 PM
I got this as a sample from Sephora. I had heard fabulous things about Kinerase, but I'm a scardey cat when it comes to trying new skincare products, in particular moisturizer, since most make my skin an oily, clogged mess. I looked it up on here and saw some great reviews and decided to try it... and thank goodness I did! This is an incredible product. After about two days, I noticed that some red marks from old acne scars had diminished. The tiny sample lasted about two weeks of once a day use, as I only needed a SMALL, perhaps half-a-pea-sized amount to cover my entire face (I prefer using something a bit thicker on my neck and chest). By the time I was finished with the sample, there was definitely an improvement in the clarity, texture, softness, and tone of my skin. Even my bf noticed. $75 for a moisturizer is definitely a hefty price tag, but the results were so incredible and I use such little product per use that I'm more than willing to repurchase again and again. This is definitely an HG product. For reference, I have combination skin that is slightly acne prone, VERY prone to clogged pores and oilier in the summer.
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Fragrances -Blue-Q - dirty girl body mist
darlindiva 3/30/2008 3:42:00 PM
I love the Dirty Girl scent... it is clean, fresh, and young. I used to have the sparkle lotion and loved it, so when I saw this body spray at Urban Outfitters I snapped it up. I wear this on weekends or when I'm running errands. I wish it had better staying power and the pump is not the best, but for the price I'm willing to overlook those two tiny flaws!
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Skincare - Body -Ahava - Dead Sea Mineral Mud
darlindiva 3/30/2008 3:34:00 PM
I really wanted to try this for the longest time since I had heard such great things about Dead Sea mud and other Ahava products, but I'm sorry to say that I'm not impressed in the least. They should have put it in a jar or a tube... ANYTHING other than those stupid packets! I like that you can warm the packets up, but they are awkward and contribute to the huge mess that inevitably results when you put this on. Also, the packets make it difficult to use a small bit of the mud... I'm sure you could store the rest of an opened packet in tupperware or something, but that just adds to the inconvenience of the packet in my mind. It made my skin feel like it was burning and itching (at the same time), though very mildly. My skin is generally not sensitive to products, so this made me feel a bit nervous, but I left it on until it dried. I really didn't notice much of a difference in my skin afterwards. If you are looking for something to make your skin glow, go get a body glow at the spa for the same price instead of wasting your money on this.
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Gels/Soaps -Dove - Beauty Bar
darlindiva 3/30/2008 3:17:00 PM
I was introduced to this by my college roommate... her skin is flawless and she told me she didn't use anything on it but the Dove beauty bar. My skin (at the time) was very congested, oily but prone to flaking and I always had at least one breakout. I began using this as my cleanser, morning and evening, and it definitely made a difference in my skin. I still have a few clogged pores around my nose, but my skin is MUCH clearer and certainly more balanced. I have tried other cleansers from time to time, but I always end up coming back to this one. I wish it wasn't a bar, but it works so well that I don't care about that too much. I usually end up throwing it away when the bar gets small and nearly used up since after a while it starts to get a little melty, but it's dirt cheap so I don't mind wasting a little product. I also like that it's easy to find in a smaller, convenient travel size so it is easy to pick a few up to take on a trip or leave at the gym (I never take full-size bars out of the house, it's just a slimy mess). Without a doubt, this is my HG skincare product. Before you spend a fortune on expensive skincare products, give this little baby a try!!!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Clean - Baby Girl
darlindiva 3/30/2008 3:02:00 PM
I bought this online a few years ago after reading all the hype about the Clean fragrances (and, admittedly, reading that several celebrities wore it...). When I first tried it, I was completely taken aback by how STRONG the scent was initially. It didn't remind me of a clean baby, but rather a little girl who got into grandma's stinky powder and perfume. Even one spray is so intense it is practically nauseating. After a while, the scent softens and becomes much more pleasing, but still too powdery for me. I do use it from time to time, mostly in the winter since I think it is much too overpowering to risk wearing in the heat of summer. I've never gotten a compliment on this fragrance. I would definitely advise testing this on your skin before buying. I love other Clean fragrances but this one... not so much.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Shu Uemura - Eyelash Curler
darlindiva 3/30/2008 2:50:00 PM
I've tried plenty of eyelash curlers once or twice, but I never got into the whole eyelash curling thing. Every single one I have tried until this point either pinched my eyes, or made my eyelashes bent and kinky. I bought this on a whim at Sephora, and I am SO glad I did. I will never be without this curler for the rest of my life. It doesn't bend my lashes, but makes a great, even curl that lasts and makes me look wide awake even if I'm not. The only thing I don't like about it is that it takes a bit of work for me to curl the lashes at the outer corners of my eyes, but my eyes are quite large so it might just be my face/eye shape that makes it a bit difficult. I know a lot of people hate the fact that you can't buy replacement pads, but I don't mind replacing the curler every few months to maintain the quality of my results. Since I use it every day it is worth the investment. The only way I'd stray from my Shu is if someone invented a curler that actually made your lashes grow!
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Concealers -Christian Dior - Hydrating Concealer [DISCONTINUED]
darlindiva 7/23/2007 2:50:00 AM
I have to admit, when I first got this I hated it. But I just started using it again after running out of my other concealer and I LOVVVVVVE IT. It is so, so hydrating, the coverage is perfect for covering my undereye circles, and i use it elsewhere to cover other minor flaws. It makes my complexion look like it's glowing, and although it has a beautiful creamy texture, it does not feel heavy. A tube lasts a long time, like other posts have noted. I agree with the strong fragrance comments, but I kind of like it. I'm absolutely going to repurchase.
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Powder -Bare Escentuals - Bare Minerals ALL
darlindiva 6/8/2007 3:40:00 PM
I don't think I could live without Bare Minerals. I've been using BE for three years now. Although my skin can be sensitive, I've never had a bad reaction to BE. I was actually surprised when I read reviews saying that it made other girls break out... it did the opposite for me, it actually made my skin more even-toned! It takes a while to get the hang of applying it in a way that suits you... I use more than the instructional dvd shows, and I only use the kabuki brush. This makes my skin luminous without being sparkly, and the shades are all sooooo natural. I use Light in the winter and in the summers I gradually end up using the Tan shade... but that's no problem because its so easy to blend shades together if you're getting a little darker or losing a tan. It feels like nothing on my skin! A while back I used some liquid foundation that I got at a makeup counter as a sample and I was repulsed! It felt like I was wearing a mask made of grease compared to my BE. Personally, I don't find it works well as a concealer so I use a separate one. Nonetheless, I'd never switch to another kind of foundation.
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Eyes -Revlon - Fantasy Lengths False Eyelashes
darlindiva 6/8/2007 3:19:00 PM
I have tried many kinds of false eyelashes in the past, because I ADORE how they bring out my features in a way that mascara cannot. These are, without a doubt, the best and most natural looking falsies I have ever used. The first time I tried them, I had to use lash glue because I didn't get the hang of the applicator right away. Even so... they looked great, and I got compliments on my eyes all night! Now this is my must-have for a night out! My only gripe is that since I like to do the rest of my eye makeup before I put on the falsies, sometimes they don't stick the whole way. But these eyelashes are so fab that I don't mind putting on a little dab of glue where the adhesive strip lost its tackiness. Plus, you can't beat the price! Better than Shu or MAC and half as expensive.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No