Shampoo -L'Oreal - L'Oreal EverStrong Bodify Shampoo for Flat, Limp Hair, Rosemary Juniper 
lookn4smitty 9/29/2010 3:34:00 PM
Before I start reviewing let me mention that I have healthy straight hair and lots of it. I do have oily hair so I try not to over condition my hair. While I was using this product I didn't blow dry or curl my hair. So, I was doing anything that would damage my hair. Now for the review: It's great that it's vegan. Yes, it did add body to my hair. BUT the bottle is crap because the product is thick and the tube is so slippery in the shower that it's hard to squeeze out any shampoo. For those of you whole like the smell of Rosemary and Juniper you'll love this but I'm not a huge fan and put up with it because I wanted to give a fair shot. One BIG thing I don't like about this shampoo is that it doesn't really shampoo. It's fine if I use this after I washed my hair the day before with another shampoo but if you go two days without washing your hair and then use this...grr...The level of "shampooing" is minimal. It's kind of cleaner than it was before but it really didn't clear out the oil in my hair and forget about having shiny hair. If you have oily hair, you may want to pass on this. If you wash your hair often, than perhaps you'll like this because like I said it does add some body but I would rather have clean shiny flat hair than dirty hair with body.
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Eyeliner -Maybelline - Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
lookn4smitty 7/20/2010 11:13:00 AM
I bought this in brown. To be perfectly honest I only bought this because wet n wild weren't selling their creme liner in brown. I love the consistency of the gel and I even like the brush. Cons: There's only one: it doesn't last the "24" hours it claims and disappears like a kohl pencil if it get anywhere near my waterline which doesn't make sense since the product is a pain in the beep to wash off the brush. Pros: 1- the brush is actually useful unlike the wet n wild brush; 2- the color pay off is great; 3- its easy to work with and doesn't dry immediately which makes it easy to fix problems; 4- the packaging is great and can be easily stored, again, unlike the WnW packaging which is cute but not practical when it comes to stacking. Bottom line: if you're looking for something that is absolutely waterproof and lasts all day skip on this. But if you're a beginner with gel liners and/or you prefer brown over black give this a try. I would repurchase it.
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Mascara -Almay - One Coat Nourishing-Thickening Waterproof
lookn4smitty 7/20/2010 10:48:00 AM
I was looking for a mascara that would nourish my lashes so I thought I'd give this a try. Plus, it came with a free eyeliner (which I love) so I had to get it. It does an alright job of thickening and lengthening. The really great thing about this mascara is that my lashes stay curled all day after applying it. I don't have a problem with the large brush. In fact, I love it! I find that larger wands don't give me weird clumpy lashses. If you like large brushes/wands like Neutrogena's Healthy Volume or Mayebelline's Colossal mascara wands then you'll like this as well. For those of you who hate huge brushes you could always save wands you like from other brands, wash them and use that instead. That's what I do. Hope this helped. UPDATE: So I just recently noticed that my eyelashes are growing in thicker and longer on my lower and upper lash lines. I'm not saying this is a miracle mascara but I use to have very sparse lashes. I can just tell that the overall health of my lashes has improved since I started using this product.
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Blush -Jane - Blushing Earth Sheer
lookn4smitty 7/14/2010 3:06:00 PM
I love this blush! BEWARE: Do not, I repeat, do NOT drop the container. I made the mistake my first time using and it was a mess. Luckily I was able to repress the the blush back in the container. No harm no foul. HOWEVER, despite my little clumsy mishap this blush is just awesome. I have fair skin with a slightly yellow undertone so it shows up fairly well on me. The only color/blush I can compare it to is NYC's Creme stick blusher in Plaza Pink. Its the exact same color in powder form and slightly less pigmented, but the creme stick blushes are almost comically bright. I've never used a Jane product before so I was pleasantly surprised at how great this blush looked. I put on bronzer and then apply this to my apples to look really glowy and fresh. Another reviewer said that this blush is discontinued. I hope not. I got mine at Rite Aid and it was the last one there :( I checked the website and it's still listed as part of their blush line. So if there's any truth it being discontinued look around and you still might be able to find it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Ecotools - Bamboo Bronzer Brush
lookn4smitty 6/29/2010 3:02:00 PM
I LOVE THIS BRUSH! I don't use this for bronzing. I use it as a kabuki brush. After I'm done applying powder foundation and bronzer I use this to smooth out anything that looks a little harsh or uneven. It's a great brush for buffing and it's SUPER dense. One really shocking pro is that it dries faster than some of my other dense brushes. Did I mention how soft it is? I own another bronzing brush by a cheaper Wal-Mart brand (also made by paris presents) and it works great but the bristles are not as soft. This brush feels like heaven on my face. Sometimes I use it to smooth or buff when there's no need. Another great thing about this brush is the longer handle. Before I got this brush I was always hesitant to buy a kabuki because of the stubby handle. I was always worried about water getting into the ferrule while it was drying blah blah. Yet again, another reason why this is such a great buy. Bottomline: great quality and it's a wonderful substitute for crappy kabuki brushes that are over priced because of their "kabuki" name. AND I got mine from RiteAid for $9.99.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Styling Tools -Goody - Spin Pin
lookn4smitty 6/25/2010 2:18:00 PM
I love these! FINALLY something that holds my hair up!!! I have super straight and thick hair. The strands themselves are fine but there's lots of them. Normally when I put my hair up in a bun or similar styles I have to use a ridiculous amount of bobby pins. I'll admit that you really need to play around with these to see how they work for you and what hairstyles they are best suited for. The packaging comes with pictures and steps to pull off three different up dos. My only problem is that I can't wear one bun with these. My hair is sooo thick that I have to wear a double bun (one above the other so two smaller buns are visible--the packaging shows you how to do this). I don't mind it for now because it looks super cute and work appropriate with a touch of a messy but organized look. I posted a pic of my first attempt at using them. I'm sure that with practice I'll be able to figure out how to create a "one bun" look. Like I said I have thick hair so for most people this won't be a problem at all. What I love so far: 1) I can use one in each bun without the aid of more bobby pins 2) They will stay in all day with a regular hairspray (no need for heavy duty extra strength hold, unless you want to) 3) I didn't pay that much for the pair 4) Super easy to use 5) Comes in two different shades for blondes and brunettes, I'm sure the auburn/red shade will be out soon 6) Isn't easily visible unless you have really really thin hair, in which case bobby pins might be a better route for you 7) After I unspin these out, my hair has a lovely wave that gives me endless possibilities for a hairstyle the next day. I just really love them and like I said if you can pull off a great up do with just bobby pins then you can probably pass on these. But if you're like me and you have a hard time coaxing your hair into staying pinned up I highly recommend you give these a shot. UPDATE: I have been able to use these to twist my hair into ONE bun!! It stayed all day BOTH times I attempted it :)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -Physicians Formula - Healthy Wear SPF 50 Tinted Moisturizer
lookn4smitty 6/23/2010 3:08:00 PM
I bought this for the summer in hopes of replacing my foundation. The problem is that you can't really get a sense of what color or shade you're getting when you buy it and furthermore there isn't a large selection of shades to begin with. When I first applied it I did like that it moisturized and that it offered pretty good coverage, however, it is a bit heavy. I'm not sure if that's due to the formula itself or the higher SPF. I'm not gonna go so far as to say it feels like a mask but it does feel rather foundation-esque. I will admit by the end of the day my skin was rather oily but I have very oily skin and no matter what I do that always seems to be the case. Another problem I encountered was the shade being slightly too dark for my skin. I'm pretty fair but not "Dakota Fanning pale". I bought the second lightest shade thinking that the lightest would be too light for me. I've stopped using it as a moisturizer for now but plan on using it later. I'll be a bit tanner by mid to late summer so it might be a better match then. However, I have been using is as a concealer on my blemishes. It's been working out pretty awesome. I top it off with the Healthy Wear powder foundation to set it. The really good thing about this is the packaging. I love the pump! I would purchase this again but I'm a little irritated that it took some trial and error to educate me on what to look for the next time I buy it considering how expensive it is.
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Scrubs -Noxzema - Clean Blemish Control Daily Scrub
lookn4smitty 6/23/2010 11:07:00 AM
I really want to give this 4.5 lipsticks because even though I do like it I do get an occasional zit(s). I use to use Noxema's Blackhead scrub and one day I was running out to get a new bottle/tube of it but the store didn't have it in stock so I grabbed this instead. First, it smells amazing! The scent is so clean and fresh. I can't imagine anyone finding it offensive. Second, the microbeads in it are much finer than the black head scrub so I don't feel guilty using it daily or scrubbing a wee bit harder. Third, my skin has cleared a bit since I started using this. I've never had problem skin (not even in high school) but recently my skin has been breaking out a lot more often than I'm used to. I started to get really emotional about because I didn't know what to do or if I was doing something wrong. I'm relieved to say that this scrub seems to be helping my skin. I use it at night and then I wash my face with Clean&Clear's Finishes Pore Refining Face Wash in the morning. My pores seem smaller or in the very least cleaner. What's very interesting about the scrub is it's claim to be specially formulated for adult skin. I turned 25 this month and I'm starting to wonder if there is really something to the "adult skin" thing. Note: I hadn't really changed my skin care routine since freshman/sophomore year at college. What's more is that it has less salicylic acid than the cleansers or scrubs I had been using previously. I highly recommend giving it a try if your scrub just isn't cutting it anymore. I'm glad I did!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Physicians Formula - Healthy Wear SPF 50 Powder Foundation
lookn4smitty 6/16/2010 8:41:00 PM
Like alot of people I don't like to use liquid foundation during the summer and even tinted moisturizers can feel a little heavy on me. So I decided to switch to a powder foundation instead. When I saw this had SPF 50 I had to buy it, PLUS it came with a free bronzer (also SPF 50). Btw, I LOVE the bronzer!! Anyway, I got the powder in Translucent Light. It doesn't provide a whole lot of coverage but I never expect that to be the case when it comes to powders. It's pretty good at mattifying and I just love the way my face looks after I apply powder (call me crazy). It doesn't smell and the powder doesn't get all messy when you run a brush through it. As for the compact, it has a mirror, then the powder (which is on a sturdy plastic "flap" that flips up and down) and under the flap is a compartment that houses a spongey round applicator (it's hot pink). I like that it all comes together making it easy to carry with you everywhere. I find it easier to apply the powder with a brush though but the applicator is totally workable. The amount of powder in the compact isn't a whole lot (but by no means miniscule) however the SPF 50 justifies the price. So far, I've used the powder everyday for about a month and I'm nowhere near hitting pan so I fully expect this to last me well into the fall. All in all I love it and plan on repurchasing.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Bronzers -Physicians Formula - Healthy Wear Bronzer
lookn4smitty 6/4/2010 10:04:00 PM
I LOVE IT! I've had a hate hate relationship with bronzers for quite a while. They make me look orange or sunburned, neither of which I particularly care for. This bronzer, which I got in the shade "Light", didn't do any of that. It came free with a powder foundation, which was what I was going for but I actually love the Bronzer more than the powder. Anyway, I used it to contour and it works great for someone like me with fair skin. If you want something bold look elsewhere or choose a darker shade. If you want something subtle this is awesome. Another reviewer mentioned that the amount of product doesn't justify the hefty price tag but I beg to differ. No, I'll admit there doesn't seem to be a ton of product. Don't get me wrong, you get quite a bit, but don't be fooled by the large compact. There's a little compartment in it used to store a little brush (that I don't use but it's not bad). However, what I find incredibly impressive is the the bronzer is SPF 50. THAT'S AMAZING!! For someone like me who is serious about preventing skin cancer and premature signs of aging this is a huge plus. And the packaging claims it to be sweat and water resistant. I've been using it everyday since I bought it and I keep getting compliments. I'm not gonna tell you to run out and get it. However, if bronzers intimidate you but you've been interested in trying one out this might be a great product to serve as an introduction to the world of bronzing/contouring.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -E.L.F. - Studio Blush Brush
lookn4smitty 6/1/2010 3:30:00 PM
This brush is great with my wet n wild blush in pearlescent pink. If you have a blush that is incredibly pigmented this could be a good buy for you. Or if you tend to have a heavy hand applying blush and you want to combat that then, again, this is definitely for you. This could also work great with loose powder blushes. I tried using this with a creme blush and it didn't pick up any color. I also tried using this with a blush that was packed or pressed very hard (a Mary Kay blush) and it didn't pick up any of that either. If you want a brush that could work with any blush this is not for you. However, the brush is big/fluffy enough to double as a powder brush and small enough to use for contouring. It just depends on your own personal situation. Despite it's limitations I am happy 1) with the price and 2) that I own products that it happened to work well with.
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Moisturizers -Clean & Clear - Finishes Pore Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 15 [DISCONTINUED]
lookn4smitty 6/1/2010 3:02:00 PM
The pore perfecting moisturizer is okay. I don't think it actually perfects anything though. I also use the pore perfecting cleanser so you would think I'd be seeing better results. I've been using it for about three weeks and I can't tell if there's been a change in my pores. Moving on, I hate the smell! It's strong. It's not...bad exactly but I'd prefer for it to smell more subtle. I think for a moisturizer its awesome. I have regions on my face that are very dry and some very oily and this stuff takes care of both. It really moisturizes and my skin doesn't feel oily after I apply it. It by no means mattifies but it's not greasy like other moisturizers that wear an SPF label. However, with summer looming I think I'll opt for something with a higher SPF and no fragrance.
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Masks -Queen Helene - Mint Julep Masque
lookn4smitty 5/2/2010 3:54:00 PM
I decided to try this when a youtube beauty guru (emilynoel83) mentioned it in one of her videos. I LOVE it!! It got rid of my blackheads in one use. Sorry if that's TMI but I've been battling blackheads for over ten years since high school. Nothing ever worked. All I did was put this mask on, wait for it to dry per the instructions, and washed it off. No more blackheads on my nose. I even got my sister to try it (her's are darker than mine) and she had the exact same results. I'm absolutely amazed!
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Makeup Brushes -Sonia Kashuk - Bent Eyeliner Brush
lookn4smitty 4/30/2010 5:14:00 PM
This is a phenomenal brush! The bent angle gives me great control because I can see where the tip is going. The brush itself is stiff but not scratchy. The stiffness is a pro because, again, I can control exactly where I want the liner to go. I've been using this for creme liners, eye shadows that I want to use as a liner, and I've even used it from pencil liners that tend to break easily after sharpening. So, its saving me money! It picks up product well and doesn't streak or skid. I can't think of any cons. I've washed mine several times. So it's holding up well. I really love this brush!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -E.L.F. - Studio Complexion Brush
lookn4smitty 4/30/2010 4:50:00 PM
I really like this brush. When I bought it I didn't really know what to make of it. I was looking for a brush to apply loose powder to set my foundation. I got home and the first thing I did was wash the brush. Unfortunately one side of the brush was shedding like crazy. This stopped after a while but it was really annoying. Luckily the brush is so dense that I'm not missing all the hairs/fibers it shed at all. The brush is super soft, it doesn't smell, it doesn't bleed dye when I wash it, and the ferrule doesn't wobble at all. All good signs of quality. The only con I can think of is that because the brush is so dense it takes a lot longer to dry, about 8-10 hours, after washing. I've made this a staple in my make up routine so this doesn't bother me. I've heard people say that the brush is too flimsy to be useful. I've noticed the flimsiness but because I use it as a powder brush it hasn't been a problem. Rather than swirl or buff the powder into my skin the way I would use any other brush, I pat?fluff? (for lack of a better word) the powder on the way I use a powder puff. Then I sweep gently all over my face in as few strokes as possible to make sure I have even coverage. This works great for me! So I guess it depends on what you intend to use the brush for. For the price, its worth giving a try. If nothing else its really great for sweeping away fall out from eyeshadow.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No