Conditioner -Dove - Intense damage therapy - with serum
kmkssm 9/29/2010 9:46:00 AM
This is a great conditioner ( blue bottle NOT WHITE) for damaged, frizzy, hard to manage hair. I have difficult thick, curly, frizzy/ poofy hair that is damaged from color, flat iron, blow dry etc. I am always looking for a good s/c to smooth my hair but not make it greasy or limp. This conditioner works very well, it does not leave a waxy feel like some others heavy conditioners. My hair is silky, tangle free and shiny.I was fortunate to find a bottle with a pump, after shampooing I apply conditioner and leave on until finished showering.Nothing is going to mend or changed my naturally curly,frizz prone hair but this is one of a few reasonably priced that helps make styling easier. I will always have to use other products before blow drying/ flat ironing to fight frizzes but this is a good base to build on. I have long ago stopped wasting money on 25.00/ 30.00 salon conditioners. I loved Davines Love Smoothing shampoo and conditioner but I just cannot justify the expense. There is little to no difference in my hair when using Dove intense vs more expensive salon conditioners. Just remember this conditioner is for damaged hair if you have thin or hair with just a few split ends this may be to much conditioner for your hair. I do not know why but the Dove intense in the WHITE bottle is terrible. I bought it thinking the bottle had been changed NOT the formula, not so. It was no where near as good as Dove intense in the blue bottle. For the price it is worth giving a try. Walmart has small sample bottles for about 1.00
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -New York Color - In a New York Color Minute Quick Dry Nail Polish
kmkssm 9/27/2010 10:53:00 AM
I bought this in the color Chelsea and love it. The consistency is a bit thin but 2 coats will cover, 3 is best. It dries fast to a great shine. I was really shocked at how shiny the finish was. I have paid a lot more for polishes that did not look nearly as nice. The color Chelsea is a deep red with a pink/ violet hue. Very easy to apply, the brush is narrow so there is no running over the sides as with some of the newer shaped brushes. The only down side I have found is that it will chip easier than OPI, however with a good base and top coat you can add durability. I can't wait to try other colors and at this price I can afford to. Under 2 dollars, a steal.
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Conditioner -Nexxus - Humectress Luxe Ultimate Moisturizing Leave-In Spray
kmkssm 9/15/2010 11:13:00 PM
Thi stuff is great, I have hard to manage hair, curly, frizzy, fluffy stuff. I use this after blotting dry and again after blow dry before flat iron. Then maybe again for good measure ! My hair feels like silk but not flat grease ball stuck to the head hair. The scent is yummy. If I get in a hurry and forget to use it there is a big difference in my misbehaving fur ball hair. I would buy this stuff by the gallon. No, its not expensive because it WORKS, unlike all the other HE stuff I have thrown money away on. My 14 yr old daugher with long silky beautiful hair uses it and loves it. Her hair is fine with minimal frizz unlike her mother's her hair behaves nicely. She still loves the feel this gives her hair. She uses a few sprays before blow drying and ends up with great hair. Thats a good product that can suit us both when we have such different needs.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Neutrogena - Triple Moisture daily deep conditioner
kmkssm 9/15/2010 10:52:00 PM
This product is exactly what it says it is. Triple moisture, great for damaged, over processed hair. It is not for fine. thin, baby soft hair and I can not imagine why someone with great hair like that wold buy it. It is a thick, great smelling, excellent conditioner. My hair is fried, flat iron, blow dry, highlights, lowlights, all over color. You girls who have that know what I am talking about. I have used, Davines Love smoothing conditioner, Halo, Nexxus, Aveda, Dove intense, and that Rain forrest nut stuff from QVC ( sorry I forget the name ) Pantene, Argon, and about a zillon others,this works as well as any and better than most. I have spent a fortune on my hair trying to repair all the abuse. I use this along with the shampoo and am pleased with my hair. Not one of the 20-30 $ conditioners have worked any better.For about 7.00 $ it is certianly worth a try. It will not suit everyone but if your hair is distressed, over processed, long, or just naturally coarse give it a try.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -L'Oreal - Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser
kmkssm 9/3/2010 3:16:00 PM
I usually do not care for a cream cleanser because they never seem to really clean and I have tried many form high end to DS brands. This one works great, it goes on creamy, then when you add a little warm water ( finger tips ) it has a rich lather/suds type feel. It rinses clean no greasy residue which is the problem I have found with most cream cleanser. After using other cream cleanser I can use a toner and still find makeup on the cotton ball. Not so with this one, I can't say anything about the smoothing effect because I use retin a daily as well as regular glycolic/ lactic acid peels. Using these can make my skin a little dry which is why I would rather have a cream cleanser but not if I still have to use eye makeup remover/ toner etc. This removed my double wear mascara, Tent Idole ultra wear foundation, long wear lipstick and water proof liner. For me it works perfect, I first had a trial size that came with something else or I probably would not have tried it after so many bad experiences with cream cleansers. The scent is heavenly and my skin feels clean but not tight after using. For 6.00 as CVS it is worth a try. When I went back to get the full size there was only one tube left and I thought it was my lucky day, guess that sums it up. Good luck, hope this helps, hate to spend my money on stuff that doesn't work.
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Styling Products -Davines - Relaxing Fluid
kmkssm 6/2/2010 12:01:00 AM
I have been using this product along with the smoothing shampoo and conditioner from Davines for the past year. I love the way my hair feels and the great look after the blow dry. There is good slip without being greasy unfortunately thats where the love affair ends. This does not stand up to the humidity in SC but I have not found anything that does. My hair begins to puff up shortly after going outside. It worked great in the winter when the humidity was lower ( Still had to use flat iron ) but as soon as the sticky humidity started poof there went my hair. I use a great flat iron by Paul Mitchell and even using both does not stop the frizz. For reference my hair is shoulder length, super curly and thick, color/ highlighted. This product would probably work for many but for hair like mine in our high humidity here on the coast/ beach area it cannot beat the frizz. My hair gets a limp frizzy look due to being straightened with the flat iron ,believe me its not pretty to look at. My stylist added Wizard non-oil on my last visit that didn't help either. Still looking......
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Powder -Bare Escentuals - Feather Light Mineral Veil
kmkssm 3/24/2010 11:13:00 PM
This came in the crystal kit which I returned. I did not realize that the feather light mineral veil would have sparkles. I do not mind a nice glow but this is way to glittery for me. Someone much younger may enjoy this look but it is not suitable for me. Thankfully I tried this on when spending the day at home. After applying I checked the mirror in sunlight eeeekkkk. I do like the regular version of mineral veil, it has a nice soft finish.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Revlon - PhotoReady Makeup
kmkssm 2/5/2010 9:16:00 PM
I am very pleased with this foundation, nice finish, good coverage but the powder is the key for me. I bought the light / med matching powder when I bought the foundation. When I first applied the foundation it was ok but when I added the powder wow I loved the finish. I used a big fluffy powder brush for the finish and a flat head brush for the foundation. With use of moisturizer then primer the foundation had a nice smooth finish, did not ball up or settle in lines. It does not last as long as my color stay but it is not a super stay long wearing foundation. I love the finish ,for me it as good as my Estee or Laura Mercier, actually I like the Photo Ready better than the LM silk finish. The PR is not as heavy as the LM. No foundation will suit all of us but for me this is a very good foundaton at a great price. CVS buy one get one made this a great deal. It is definetly worth trying if you are looking for a med/ full coverage foundation. I did not notice any glitter a little soft glow but not glittery. No where near MAC strobe cream gleam.
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Mascara -Maybelline - Volum' Express The Colossal
kmkssm 10/14/2009 1:01:00 PM
I have this in Black Glam which is a deep, shiny black. I am very pleased with this product. One word of warning DO NOT let the tube turn upside down in you makeup drawer. I did and all the product came oozing out everywhere. Have you ever tried to put mascara back in that little opening? Except for that I have had very good results. I only need a couple of coats to give nice looking lashes, minimal clumping/ flakes. I found that if I put on all coats at once not allowing for drying in between there is less clumps and flakes. This mascara tends to hold curl better than others I have used. No issue with smearing. Good all around mascara, well worth 6.00 I paid. Love the bright yellow tube, easy to find when mixed with other makeup. I wish all makeup was packaged in bright colorful containers.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) - italian badger flat bronzer brush
kmkssm 9/26/2009 11:55:00 AM
I bought this to use with mineral make up but found it to work much better with liquid foundation. It did shed quite a bit in the beginning but not much at all anymore. I really wanted the MAC version but refuse to spend that amount on a brush. After washing /drying and a good shake or two my brush worked well. I pour my liquid foundation on the back of my hand then dab the brush, using a tapping motion ( stippling ) I tap my foundation on my face. I do follow uo with my MAC 190 foundation brush just around the nose and eye region where the flat brush does not reach well. The finish is great, smooth, all pores filled, nice coverage. Ocassional stray brush hairs but for the difference in price of the MAC version vs Italian Badger my money is going on a great foundation and a cheaper brush.
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Polishes -Sally Hansen - Insta-Dri Nailpolish Colors
kmkssm 9/25/2009 9:47:00 AM
I bought this in a Ruby shade and the Mauve It! So far I have used only the Ruby. The first thing I noticed is the brush, it is flat and wide. If you have small hands/ nails like I do that can be a problem. The polish is thick and can begin to set before you have it smooth over the nail. After drying, which it does dry quickly, the finish like others have said is not a smooth, glass look. One coat did have a deep enough color but did not fill any little imperfections. I did use Revlons nail trauma as a base coat before applying nail color. The finish was dull and had minimal shine. I applied a quick dry clear coat ( another brand ) to give a shine to the polish. In less than 12 hours I began to notice little chips at the end of 2 nails. I am going to try 2 coats next time to see if that helps decrease the quick chipping. I will not purchase again and may return to CVS if after a second coat the chipping happens so quickly. Maybelline Express is a much better product. None of the quick dry polishes seem to be long wearing but I don't mind if the polish dries fast and last a couple of days. At least then it's not so time consuming to give yourself a manicure but 12 hours, six were spent sleeping, is not a good return on my time or money.
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Liquid -L'Oreal - infallible never fail makeup
kmkssm 8/28/2009 9:25:00 PM
I use this foundation for work only. I work a 24 hour shift ( EMS ) there is not much time for reapplying makeup so what I wear must last. That being said for some of us who are a little more mature and have drier skin you MUST use a moisturizer and a good primer. Even in the summer heat and humidity. The first time I used this I skipped the moisturizer due to the 100 degree heat, I almost fainted when I looked in an outside mirror. MASK-face, every fine line was magnified and you know what? the foundation did exactly what it advertised, lasted all shift. About 8 hours into the day between the heat and my own oil production my face began to look better. The next time I used a good moisturizer and Lancome La Base primer ( excellent primer ) oooo so much nicer, thick enough to cover discolorations, sunspots, red areas a nice finish but you must work quickly. Use a small amount and work on one area at a time. I use a stippling brush from Mac then light dusting of powder ( absolute Lancome ) This is a full cover foundation/ concealer, not for those who want a dewy, light coverage. If you prime and moisturize first, use a light hand this is a very good DS makeup. I love my EL Futurist but it cannot hold up for 24 hours in all types of weather. Infallible hangs in there through heat, humidity and today rain.
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Styling Products -Redken - Satinwear 02 ultimate blow-dry lotion
kmkssm 8/28/2009 5:05:00 PM
I have recently added this to my arsenal of defrizz/ straightening products. This is a great product, I have thick, ringlet curly hair that triples in size throughout the day. No kidding there are girls like us out there ha ha.! One thing I have found to really boost the effectiveness of this product is to squeezed out as much water as possible, apply my super skinny serum then after a couple of minutes Satinwear. I have found that waiting about 5 minutes after applying the Satinwear before blowdrying makes a big difference. Allowing the product to settle for a few minutes seems to magnify the slip. Most of you will not have to use both a serum and this but for those with my type hair they know what I mean. Even after special s/c for smoothing, serums, satinwear, blowdry, flatironing and following with a shine product My hair will still fall in smooth waves. If the humidity is high and ( in SC when is it not ?)a curl or two will try to sneak in. The satinwear has helped quite a bit.
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Primer/ Corrector -Lancome - La Base Pro
kmkssm 8/27/2009 3:13:00 PM
Ouch! pricey for a primer but a great product. I have used smashbox, laura geller, kevin aucion and a few others but I really like La Base Pro. Very silky finish, glides on NO balling up as with a few other primers. One thing I did notice after the first couple of uses, it does control oil better than others. During the hot humid SC days I had cut back on moisturizing before applying foundation with this primer I must use a moisturzer or a different foundation. Primer works great with EL Futurist foundation but I looked a little dry when using Revlon Color Stay[ oily skin formulal] anyway I guess that means it does what it is suppose to, mattify. My skin looks beautiful after using this primer along with any of my foundations. I work a crazy 24 hour shift at EMS so my makeup has to last. La Base along with the Color Stay is perfect, my makeup looked as good at 04;00 am as it did when applied 20 hours before. It takes only a small amount to cover your face be careful not to over apply. I wait a couple of minutes to be sure it has set, don't want to smear it into my foundation and lose the benefit of the primer. Then the MAC 182 flat top to tap in my foundation, set with absolute loose powder, poof ! as close to airbrushed as I will ever get.Plus I did not notice near as much settling of foundation/ powder into tiny lines. Top drawer status for me !
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -L'Oreal - Extra-Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner
kmkssm 8/27/2009 9:08:00 AM
This is HG status. I hate any line that tugs my eyes, this one glides like silk!. As good as Estee, Clinique quick liner, MAC, Lancome, if you have a problem with smudging or oily eyes just run either a little eyeshadow or translucent powder over it. I always set my eyeliner because I use a heavy eye cream. Personally I have had no problems with smudging but that may be because of setting the liner. I use my Mally under eye concealer setting powder just under the bottom lashes after smudging the liner to the effect I want. It does not change the color and a translucent powder works just as well if you do not use some type of setting/ brighting powder for that area. The colors are intense, deep and beautiful. My first was the forest green which is absolutely beautiful. I had trouble finding other colors as they were flying off the shelf. I now have the plum which is more violet than purple for those who like the deep plum/ purple you may have to use your deep plum shadow to set in order to get the deeper plum color. The brown is a deep rich shade with out any red shading. I hate brown eye liner that have a red/ auburn hue. Those make me look like a tired pink eyed rabbit. Anyway the brown is a perfect rich brown, not black, not bronze, deep brown. I did not buy the gray because that is not a color I use enough to buy, I just use my gray shadow for a liner when needed. The price is very reasonable mine was 7.99 buy one get one for 50% off at Rite aid. A lot of product, the pencil is slender, easy to get under the lash line and close to the upper lash line. Sharpened without breaking and was easy to smudge for the smoky eye look. Plus if you don't like it you can return. I an waiting for more colors. I will not pay 17.00 plus again for an eyeline. Saving the extra dollars for a great foundation.
11 out of 11 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No