Styling Products -Nexxus - Frizz Defy Styling Creme
graiae66 7/31/2012 2:50:00 PM
I was looking for a product similar to the Fekkai styling/glossing creme that was affordable. On a teaching salary with no raise in 5 years, I could not continue to pay $22 a tube, no matter how good it was and no matter that a pea-size dollop was all that was needed. I tried this product on a whim from Target--$8, so about 1/3 the cost of the Fekkai product. I've been very happy with it. Again, just a small pea-sized amount is all that is needed after shampooing and before blow drying. I have smooth, less frizzy hair, and I will continue to buy this well-priced quality product.
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Treatments -DERMAdoctor - Picture Porefect serum
graiae66 7/31/2012 2:35:00 PM
I got this product as a 100 point perk from Sephora. While I am not a chemist, I suspect it works by vasodilation, since it warns against use if you are allergic to aspirin or products similar to aspirin. In that regard, I saw shrinkage of pore within 3 small-dose uses, which was pretty amazing. However, it is pricey, and the scent is rather gross--kind of like a bitter petroleum smell. For the price and the smell, I'd rather just work on taking care of my face with other products and using my mineral veil to cover pores, but if you can get it as a perk or sample, it would be a good deal.
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Shampoo -Frederic Fekkai - GLOSS Glossing Shampoo
graiae66 10/30/2010 11:41:00 AM
I have mixed feelings on this shampoo. First, it is very thick--I have thin, fine hair, and I have to mix it with some water in my hands before applying to my hair simply to get some lather. It washes out fairly easily. I have not yet noticed any "gloss" at all (I do follow up with the matching conditioner and the leave in glossing cream). My hair is much more soft and less tangled, plus it has more body and smells great. What I have done is use this shampoo/conditioner combo for days when I have important meetings/events, and use a drugstore shampoo for ordinary days. That seems to work pretty well for my budget, my hair, and me.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Clinique - Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20
graiae66 10/30/2010 11:33:00 AM
I've been looking for a moisturizer that has good UAB/UVB protection (have had some melasma spots recently), but isn't watery thin. I love this moisturizer! It is thick enough to cling, but isn't too difficult to get to absorb. Price is fair, and it seems to last. I generally use this in the AM under makeup and some Perricone (free sample) in the evenings. I think my spots are fading, and my skin is certainly more smooth and supple...and well protected from the sun with the usual precautions.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Mary Kay - TimeWise 3-in-1 cleanser N/D
graiae66 4/29/2010 8:24:00 AM
This has become my daily cleanser of choice, used in the shower. It is moisturizing and also has some slight exfoliant properties-but not too intense as to make your skin dry and flaky. It's about $18 a tube, but that lasts for a good while even with daily use. It's an excellent product for those of us who are "forty-something."
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Styling Products -Clairol - Herbal Essence Tousle Me Softly Spray Gel
graiae66 4/29/2010 8:17:00 AM
I'm almost 44, with baby fine hair that has a tendency towards dryness. My hair has very little body and needs a boost most mornings. I spray this product on wet, blow dry, and style--and it holds its shape beautifully throughout most of the day (summers here are hot and humid). I have not noticed any increased dryness. The product is easy to use (2-3 pumps are plenty) and inexpensive-a good deal all around.
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Eye Shadow -Bare Escentuals - Eye glimmers
graiae66 10/30/2008 9:45:00 AM
Quite simply, this is the best eye shadow I have *ever* used. For $13, you get a small container, but only a small amount of powder gives you a beautiful coverage with a slight glitter--so it should last even with frequent use. I've tried it dry (more subtle) and wet (more glittery). It blends well. I got 2 complementary shades of copper/brown and asked for some shades of gray/silver for Christmas. And here is the thing--it LASTS ALL DAY. I put it on at 6:30 AM, and it is still pretty at 5:30 pm after work. I've never had eye shadow that worked this well. Definitely a keeper!
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Shampoo -The Body Shop - Olive Glossing Shampoo
graiae66 10/26/2008 6:45:00 PM
I love this shampoo. I have baby fine hair that is now dyed, so it tends to look limp and dull without a decent shampoo. Using this product, I got a nice shine and good body--especially when combined a few times a week with the matching conditioner. Like others here, I would give my hair a brief "break" every few weeks, always returning to this shampoo because it works so well for me. But not anymore--I can't justify spending this much money on shampoo--especially with shipping. I've switched to Garnier. It's not as good, but it's good enough for about 1/3 the price.
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Gels/Soaps -Alba Botanica - papaya mango exfoliating body wash
graiae66 10/26/2008 6:38:00 PM
I bought this on sale, getting a good deal. The exfoliating power is nice, and so is the scent. However, I cannot get a good lather--no matter how much I use. I feel like I squeeze out a huge blob of this wash and it sort of "vanishes" without leaving a clean or moisturizing feeling. Not bad, but not the greatest, either...
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Gels/Soaps -EO - Rose and Chamomile Shower Gel
graiae66 10/26/2008 6:26:00 PM
This is one of my "staple" shower gels. The scent is pleasant but not overwhelming. (Sometimes, I wish it lasted a bit longer). The price is a little high, but a small amount of the gel is sufficient and goes a long way. Overall, a very nice product.
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Lotions/ Creams -Avon - Planet Spa African Shea Butter foot and elbow creme with aha
graiae66 10/25/2008 9:35:00 AM
I have liked this product, but I haven't noticed very dramatic results. I use it a couple of times a week for my dried, cracked heels (worn with socks at bedtime). The day I use it, it feels nice, but the results don't last more than a few hours. I admit I might get better results if I used it twice a day, every day. The other issue I have is that Avon changes its products fairly often--so I have bought 2 containers but now can't get it anymore.
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Moisturizers -Avalon Organics Botanicals - Lavender Daily Moisturizer
graiae66 10/25/2008 9:05:00 AM
I bought this (closer to $11) because I just couldn't afford to keep getting my favorite moisturizer, the Vitamin E cream from Body Shop ($20). This is a nice substitute. I like lavender a lot and found that although it smells a bit strong, it isn't really once you use it. It leaves my face moisturized and soft. I use it before applying makeup--works great!
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Conditioner -Kiss My Face - Miss Treated
graiae66 10/25/2008 9:00:00 AM
This conditioner does an adequate job. I purchased it along with the matching shampoo for post-swimming hair washing. My hair still felt somewhat dried out even after using conditioner. Smell and consistency are pleasant. I won't purchase again just because of price to value. Others' mileage may vary.
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Shampoo -Kiss My Face - Miss Treated Shampoo 
graiae66 10/25/2008 8:57:00 AM
I like the Kiss my Face products in general, but this shampoo is not the best for my hair. It cleans--but leaves hair very dry. I bought it in hopes of finding a good "after swimming" shampoo. This did not live up to my expectations. The conditioner is a little better. I'll finish the bottle but not re-purchase.
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Cleansers -Neutrogena - Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleanser Cream
graiae66 10/25/2008 8:48:00 AM
Although I generally use Boot's Botanics for my face, Target is a 45 minute drive, so I bought this product at a local Walmart instead. I was very pleased. The price was about $7, and the amount was generous. It is excellent for removing makeup and cleansing the skin. I find that it is good at restoring moisture (at 42, I need more moisturizing than drying out). I've had no problems with breakouts or allergic reactions. I believe the scent is somewhat citrus/orange, and it isn't unpleasant. I'll definitely purchase again.
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