Fragrances -Parfums de Coeur - Vanilla Fantasy
idressyou 11/22/2012 10:54:00 PM
Full bodied vanilla that is a near-dupe of VS Vanilla Lace. Both are linear, but have a depth and roundness that few vanilla based scents pull off. No Playdoh or rice, either. Great for layering and softening harsh or sharp fumes. A staple in my stash. If you like Vanilla Lace or L de Lolita, you'll most likely enjoy this vanilla. $7-ish at Walmart for a big bottle.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Deodorants -Avon - Naturals Vanilla roll-on antiperspirant deodorant
idressyou 6/26/2012 11:04:00 PM
Best true vanilla scent to date (6/2012), never stings my freshly shaved armpits, keeps me dry, lasts 12+ hours, inexpensive, ball is smooth & wide/doesn't hurt my sensitive skin, cap is cute dome shape that is nice and secure/comfortable to handle, the scent never clashes with any of my fumes (of which there are lots). As with any roll on, you have to let it dry a few seconds before dressing. Since, roll ons typically work better than stick deodorants/antiperspirants because they actually sink into your skin... it's worth the minor inconvenience, imo. I pray Avon hangs onto this line/scent, as they often do away with the good stuff.
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Lostmarch Aod
idressyou 1/18/2012 2:17:00 AM
A prime example that a niche label does not a pretty perfume make. Nothing horrible here, but close enough to my Final Net hairspray of the 80's that it's not remotely attractive to my nose as a perfume. I was generous with the 2 lippie rating strictly for the quick flash of nostalgia it induced.
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Styling Products -Suave - Professionals Extra Hold Shaping Spray
idressyou 9/3/2011 2:54:00 PM
The control you get with this is very good to excellent, and it's not sticky... when the sprayer doesn't spatter too much product in one spot, that is. However, the sprayer isn't great, and you do frequently get droplets mixed with mist, which makes for some clumpy/sticky spots. Also, my last and biggest gripe is that the product smells like spirit gum (i.e. has a fishy odor). It took me a couple of uses to figure out why I kept getting whiffs of stage glue. It's not overwhelming, and most probably won't notice it, but to my sensitive nose it was a deal breaker. My pillow cases had to be changed after sleeping with this in my hair. If Suave could get rid of the off-putting odor and fix the sprayer problem, they'd have a hit.
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Fragrances -Balenciaga - Quadrille
idressyou 3/1/2011 10:27:00 PM
I received a vintage bottle of the pdt (same as edp) in a swap. I thought, going by the notes listed on Fragrantica, that it would be love at first spray. Unfortunately for me, it was a disaster with my chemistry. I agree with another reviewer that there is a strong "perm" note here, in addition to a burnt rubber note that lingers for the first couple of hours. This I cannot abide, seeing I have over a hundred bottles of goodies that get on well with my chemistry from first spritz. If it would jump straight to the base notes, I think I could find it a place in my wardrobe... since it reminds me a little of vintage Youth Dew at *late* drydown. I disagree about the Madame Jolie comparison. MJ's a huge love of mine and I find very little in common with it here... maybe the newer bottles are much different in characteristics than my vintage bottle. I'd like to try a more recent sample to compare, myself.
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Hair Removal -Unlisted Brand - Vaniqa
idressyou 2/27/2011 12:42:00 AM
I've been using this for about 2 weeks, now. I have noticed a little change in the amount of peach fuzz I was battling, which is great. I'm sure if I continue as I am I'll be fuzz-free in 3-4 months. The thing I want to warn about here is for the acne-prone folks. I have ultra sensitive, oily and acne-prone skin... all brought on by post-hysterectomy hormonal changes... as is the peach fuzz I'm using this for. Since starting this, I've had some issues with cystic acne, which isn't my usual type. Mind you, I'm using this before my normal moisturizer, so it could be the combo of the two, but since I can't go without a moisturizer, and this isn't moisturizing enough on its own, I will have to choose my poison: fuzz-free w/breakouts or fuzzy without? Also, wanted to mention the really off-putting scent of this... a little on the musty feet side, but fades as it absorbs (I'm using Eflora, which is 13.9% Eflornithine Hydrochloride... same as Vaniqa, just different manufacturer). Lastly, for those of you avoiding them, it contains parabens.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Ojon - Ultra Hydrating conditioner
idressyou 2/14/2011 1:56:00 PM
The only thing saving this from the lowest rating is the scent. Extremely sub-par and overhyped/overpriced product. Did absolutely nothing to hydrate or condition my hair. I equate the results I got to Dollar Tree conditioner. $9+ for a travel sized, 2 oz. bottle that I needed 3/4 of to get my hair barely covered. The flip caps on the bottles are terrible. I cut my shower-softened thumb when I tried to flip it up. I had to use a wash cloth to get it open. Thank God Sephora has an awesome return policy, because this is definitely going back.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Ojon - Ultra Hydrating shampoo
idressyou 2/14/2011 1:52:00 PM
The only thing saving this from the lowest rating is the scent. Extremely sub-par and overhyped/overpriced product. Did absolutely nothing to hydrate or condition my hair. I equate the results I got to Dollar Tree shampoo. $9+ for a travel sized, 2 oz. bottle that I needed 1/2 of to get my hair & scalp clean. The flip top bottles are evil. I cut my shower-softened thumb when I tried to open it... had to use a wash cloth to get it open. Thank God Sephora has an awesome return policy, because this is definitely going back.
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Conditioner -Clairol - Shimmer Lights Conditioner
idressyou 2/8/2011 10:11:00 PM
This stuff is awesome! I have naturally cool-toned blonde hair, but get the occasional bug to dye it random colors... usually in the darker/redder families. Naturally, I get bored again and want to go back to my own cool tone. This is so NOT an easy feat for me, since my hair pulls major red and brass as soon as it comes in contact with peroxide. Shimmer Lights has changed my life, and that's NO exaggeration! I was frying my scalp and hair everytime I wanted to get back to "natural" because my stubborn hair just will not comply... especially at that neon orange to lemon yellow stage... so very frustrating! The shampoo & conditioner combined... both left on the recommended times... are fantastic for getting that yucky orange/yellow out completely. I can't believe how much money and time I spent, and how much pain I suffered, to find out a simple wash and condition in the shower was the end all, be all! AWESOME stuff... I'd give it 10, if I could. Will never be without these magic bottles again... HGs for blondes, for sure! 1 lippie off for being a little on the thin side and not so easy to comb through... it *is* easier if you do it while it's still on your hair, than after rinsing. Be sure to rinse with cool water to help lock in color, conditioner and shine; it makes a huge difference in results. If you don't have a hand-held shower head, I recommend bringing an empty cup in with you to shower to rinse down your walls when you're done... it will leave purple splatters everywhere, if you don't. Also, if your hair is pretty fried like mine, get some argan oil to work through when you're towel dried... it really helps restore the bounce and shine hair bleach/dyes strip away. Texture: about the viscosity of Dawn, for lack of a better comparison Color: deep, but bright purple Scent: pleasant... reminds me a little of original Flex from the 70's
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Shampoo -Clairol - Shimmer Lights
idressyou 2/8/2011 9:59:00 PM
This stuff is awesome! I have naturally cool-toned blonde hair, but get the occasional bug to dye it random colors... usually in the darker/redder families. Naturally, I get bored again and want to go back to my own cool tone. This is so NOT an easy feat for me, since my hair pulls major red and brass as soon as it comes in contact with peroxide. Shimmer Lights has changed my life, and that's NO exaggeration! I was frying my scalp and hair everytime I wanted to get back to "natural" because my stubborn hair just will not comply... especially at that neon orange to lemon yellow stage... so very frustrating! The shampoo & conditioner combined... both left on the recommended times... are fantastic for getting that yucky orange/yellow out completely. I can't believe how much money and time I spent, and how much pain I suffered, to find out a simple wash and condition in the shower was the end all, be all! AWESOME stuff... I'd give it 10, if I could. Will never be without these magic bottles again... HGs for blondes, for sure! Texture: a little thinner than honey Color: deep, but bright pearly purple Scent: pleasant... reminds me a little of original Flex from the 70's Lather: huge
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Avon - Rare Pearls
idressyou 9/10/2010 7:30:00 PM
I bought this unsniffed because magnolia is listed as one of the stars in this, but where is it? I don't detect ANY. I had a huge southern magnolia in my front yard growing up, and I'm always on a quest for anything that smells remotely close to those gorgeous, heavenly scented blooms. Given the reviews, I really had high hopes for this to give me a bit of nostagia in a bottle. Sadly, all I got was a bit nauseous. I don't even smell a hint of magnolia in this... maybe some synthetic gardenia, but definitely no magnolia I've ever encountered. I know it's one of the hardest notes to mimic, and I've yet to find a dead-on synthetic of it, but this isn't even remotely close. I figured, at the least, this would be a nice white floral. Unfortunately, it failed me there, as well. I found it similar to a handful of stink bombs that share a common characteristic (maybe the same synthetic musk mixing with synthetic white florals?) - White Diamonds, Lovely & Imari are the ones that immediately came to mind. There's something thick and cloying about all of these that always makes me queasy, so this is a no-go for me. The only thing I did like was the bottle.
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Lotions/ Creams -Bath and Body Works - Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Lotion
idressyou 9/1/2010 9:05:00 PM
Medium consistency, non-sticky, relatively non-greasy with decent moisturizing properties that last all day (except for my hands, which I wash several times a day), but the scent leaves much to be desired... unless you *enjoy* smelling like a Play-doh factory.
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Gels/Soaps -Hanae Mori - Magical Moon Bath and Shower Gel
idressyou 8/25/2010 12:32:00 AM
This is heavenly in a steamy shower. If you love Magical Moon perfume, you really should try this. It has all the notes the perfume has, but the sandalwood is amplified significantly. I find it's equally calming/relaxing after a long day or stressful event, and uplifting in the morning shower. The gel is clear and medium viscosity, not too thin or thick. I would have preferred a pump bottle to a tube, just because I'm a klutz, but it's workable and hasn't leaked or broken any of the times I've dropped it. A little goes a long way with a scrubby glove or loofa. I use a pea sized squirt for each section of my body, with a total of approximately 1-1.5 tablespoons per shower. I have fairly sensitive skin, and it hasn't caused any irritation, to date. It cleans well and rinses easily. It layers well with most of my perfumes and lotions, since the sandalwood and vanilla are the main notes that stick around after drying off. I haven't tried this as a bubble bath, yet, but it produces a decent amount of foam, so it may work in that application. I think I'd enjoy it even if it doesn't create a true "bubble bath," just because of the aromatherapy properties... will update if I try. Because it's so affordable, I've already repurchased several times, and will continue as long as it's available. I usually pick them up at TJ Maxx or Marshall's (or Ebay if they're both out), and have paid anywhere from $7.99-25.00 per 5 oz tube... and it's totally worth any price within that range, in my opinion.
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Fragrance -Giorgio Armani - Acqua Di Gio (for men)
idressyou 8/14/2010 9:09:00 PM
This is awful. I get nothing but an industrial adhesive scent, and don't understand the rave reviews, at all. Won't be on any men I go near.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Maybelline - Dream Mousse Concealer [DISCONTINUED]
idressyou 8/14/2010 7:53:00 PM
This is great cheap concealer! Nearly full-coverage... only thing it didn't completely cover was a new scar that had that gross blue/purple look still... but it did make it a lot less hideous. This is thick and creamy, with an 8 on a 1-10 scale of pigmentation, whipped like a mousse (duh) - which makes it not feel cakey, really easy to blend, dries quickly (under a minute) and non-sticky (a huge plus for my super oily skin), good staying power (on my skin, anything over 2 hours is an improvement from *most* concealers - this was around 6), better with finger application for widespread areas and brush for spot... a tip: the gray smudger tips/wands you get for eye liners are awesome for spot application of concealer... my secret weapon). Skintone is NC20 currently and the Fair/Light 0-1 is good... but I think I'll get the next (darker) shade to mix and match perfectly as my sun exposure fluctuates. I love the heavy glass jar, too. Easy to open & close, not cheap feeling. Great stuff! EDIT: Broke out miserably the day after writing this review. I should have read the ingredients before testing... it has silicon based ingredients, which are a huge no-no for me. Such a bummer... :'-(
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