Conditioner -TRESemme - Keratin Smooth Conditioner
ohsailor 1/23/2013 12:05:00 PM
After a nightmare experience with Pantene, I scoured the shelves for something that would tame my frizz and not leave my hair greasy like the aforementioned Pantene. And along came Tresemme Keratin Smooth. I've always been a fan of Tresemme - not only are their big bottles very good value, but their conditioners have always seemed to have better effects on my hair than most. Keratin Smooth boasts of being able to control frizz for up to 48 hours and being infused with Keratin to help keep hair smooth. And, for me, it works. I use both this and the shampoo at the moment and my hair seems a lot smoother and softer than it has before. The smell is nice (although I know some people hate the Tresemme scents) and it covers my hair well. It rinses pretty easily and my hair feels really soft after drying. It is the usual Tresemme price in UK stores (big bottles retail around £6) but you can usually find Tresemme on offer in one of the big supermarkets or chemists. I think this is definitly worth a try for most people. Sure, it probably isn't as good as the higher-end brands but most of us can't afford to spend such an amount on hair care. I think Tresemme works well for the price it sells at. Definitely a repurchase for me.
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Conditioner -Pantene - Repair and Protect conditioner
ohsailor 1/10/2013 4:42:00 AM
I bought this (and the shampoo) as the large size was on offer and it is usually quite expensive so I thought I was getting quite a good deal. Not so. I hate both the conditioner and the shampoo. The first time I used it, my fringe looked so greasy. As I used to wash my hair every day, I tried again the next day, being very careful to thoroughly, thoroughly rinse my hair in case I hadn't removed traces of the conditioner enough. Second time around....my fringe was still greasy. The rest of my hair was lank and looked awful. I felt so self conscious of the state of my fringe (thankfully the rest of my hair was in a bun) as it is a full fringe and any greasiness/lankness is very obvious. The products certainly didn't help my hair look any smoother or softer and even without the greasiness, this was very unimpressive. My partner has used the shampoo without any problems but also hates the conditioner. After discussing my Pantene disaster with my sister, she told me that she had also used this Pantene and hated it too. I've now bought Tresemme Keratin Smooth (shampoo and conditioner) and it is so nice to have smooth yet non-greasy hair back! I would NEVER buy this again and it has certainly put me off the brand for life.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Top/Base Coats -New York Color - Extra Shiny Top Coat
ohsailor 1/9/2013 3:47:00 AM
I could summarise this top coat in one word: AWFUL. It applied perfectly fine for me and looked lovely until the next morning when I put on my gloves and bits of my (lovingly applied) nail polish started falling off just as I was leaving for work. It has also left hairline cracks in the polish and my nails now look a mess. It would probably be better not to use any top coat than this one. It's a waste of money.
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Polishes -Barry M - Nail Paint in Ice Cream Yellow
ohsailor 12/21/2012 3:40:00 AM
I love Barry M nail polishes and this one is no different. The colour is a lovely shade of yellow that isn't too harsh but not so pale that you cannot notice it. It's very wearable and dries to a darker yellow than shows through the bottle. Due to the shade, it means that I had to apply three coats to avoid streakiness but I think this is what comes with any polish of this colour, irrespective of brand. The application was easy (as always with Barry M) and the price gives good value for money as the product lasts well. Additionally, Barry M is one of the varnishes that chips least for me which is another positive. I would definitely recommend this, especially for summer time (even if I am wearing it in winter!)
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Hair Color -L'Oreal - Casting Creme Gloss
ohsailor 12/5/2012 5:42:00 AM
Purchased in Ebony Black (I considered Licorice but it looked to have a hint of purple) Pro's: - application to damp hair which is beneficial for those of us with thick hair as it is easier to spread the mixture - easy applicator system and clear instructions - no overwhelming or suffocating smell (no ammonia) - washed out reasonably well and my hair felt soft even before I had put on the recommended conditioner - the bottle of conditioner supplied is more than sufficient and I managed to get a few conditions out of it - the resulting colour was glossy and had depth to it, which can be difficult for black dyes - it lasted quite well but I wash my hair every day so this affects the duration of the colour lasting - the colour range is wide and covers a breadth of different shades Con's: - none apart from the fact that it is one of the more expensive semi-permanent dyes on the market and as I have to dye my hair quite frequently with a semi (as I wash so often) Casting Creme isn't usually my preferred option because of the cost. I usually buy if it is on offer. This would probably be my preferred semi-permanent hair dye, irrespective of which colour I chose as I know others who have been very satisfied with the results. Recommended.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -MAC - Liquidlast Liner - Point Black 
ohsailor 11/23/2012 8:56:00 AM
I used to love Liquidlast and it definitely has it's positive points but unfortunately, it irritates my eyes so much. They feel gritty and itchy and painful whenever I use it. Which is a pity as it is incredibly long lasting and so easy to apply. It really makes your eyes pop and the black is deep and intense. The price is pretty reasonable and certainly in line with other similar brands that are medium/high end and it certainly lasts a while (and I used to wear this every.single.day) so you get value for money. Unfortunately, along with the incredible itching that I get, after only an hour or so, this stuff can be impossible to remove. And I would often wake up with remnants the morning after despite carefully trying to take it off with a variety of removers. Also, if you happen to get any remnants off with your cleanser, it sticks to your sink and it's a hard task trying to clean it away. If my eyes didn't itch so badly, I would probably re-purchase but I'm going to stick to a cheaper and less aggravating alternative.
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Lip Treatments -Vaseline - rosy lips
ohsailor 9/18/2012 4:00:00 AM
I just love this lip balm! Vaseline Rosy Lips has been my staple lip balm for years now and I am definitely not changing! There are some people who aren't fans of petroleum jelly as a moisturising agent and say that it can make your lips drier, but I don't find that to be true. I've used this for years and my lips are no drier now than they used to be. Everything about this product is fantastic - the price is brilliant, the tint is noticeable yet wearable, it is long lasting and is available everywhere. A little application of Rosy Lips and some eyeliner can make me look so much better - as it is just a hint of colour, it isn't overwhelming and is subtle. The glossiness of balm isn't sticky and gives a sheen without my lips sticking together like with lip gloss! I can't leave the house with a tin of this in my pocket. I would be devastated if they discontinued this but thankfully, as there would be national uproar, I can't imagine it happening! I just love, love, love this!
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Finacea Gel
ohsailor 8/31/2012 4:18:00 AM
Background: I've been using Finacea (for a second treatment) for about 2-3 months. I have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and some spots. Dry skin in the morning but oily by mid-afternoon. Application: Finacea still stings my skin and itches, no matter what I do. The itch isn't horrific (although it may be for some as I have quite a high tolerance) and it only lasts for around 10-15 minutes after application. If your skin does itch, the recommendation is to apply every other day and work up to every evening. The cream is easy to spread but don't apply too much - I find that this ends up clogging my skin and makes it worse. Some evenings I only use a large pea-sized amount to avoid any of the side effects (mentioned below) Price: In the UK (and also the US) Finacea is prescription only however in Australia I believe that it is OTC. Effects (good): My skin tone has generally evened out all over my face. The red marks remain unfortunately but I am prone to scarring quite badly so I know that this will take many many months to fade. I do think that Finacea is helping with lightening some of the marks and with the minor Rosacea that I have on my cheeks. Dabbing some "extra" on a spot that I can see/feel will erupt definitely helps reduce inflammation and Finacea certainly helps with shortening the cycle of dealing with a spot (it "dries" up a lot quicker) My blackheads aren't so bad on my nose either. Effects (bad): One of the reasons I stopped using Finacea first time around was because of the incredibly dry skin that I get from using it. Perhaps I should use moisturiser (but I can't due to every one breaking me out awfully) but even manual exfoliation doesn't help the dry and flaky skin that I seem to get. The dry skin gets worse if you apply too much so be careful. Apart from the dry skin and slightly itching sensation, I wouldn't say there are too many adverse side effects. How I use Finacea currently: To deal with active or emerging spots, I use Paula's Choice 2% Liquid all over my face. I let this dry for an hour or so and then apply Finacea - currently this is working the best for my skin...although it is liable to change! Overall review: This is a great cream to keep your inflamed pustules (mostly) at bay. This is no miracle cream but there isn't anything that is - this is probably the most consistent anti-acne treatment I have used that seems to produce the best results for the longest time. My skin isn't clear but it is most definitly 75% better than pre-Finacea days. This, in my books, is definitely cause to continue. And I am confident that with Finacea, perhaps my face will one day become clear and flawless.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -GOSH - Velvet Touch Eyeliner
ohsailor 8/15/2012 5:30:00 AM
In my ongoing search for a HG eyeliner, I've found a felt tip liner that is great for the top lid but so far, a suitable eyeliner for my waterlines that doesn't slip off after the first hour or so has been difficult. Step in, GOSH Velvet Touch Eyeliner. After reading some incredibly positive reviews on MUA, I took the plunge and I am so glad that I did. I have this in black and the pigment is perfect - its as dark as you could want. It applies easily and quickly, giving great definition to the eyes. My main concern is always staying power and this liner definitely has it! I work in a very warm office which causes all my other kohl liners to disappear and re-appear underneath my eyes but this one is still framing my eyes, even after a very long day! It only takes a cosmetic wipe to remove because cleanser alone hasn't removed it properly so far. Unlike other liners I've bought, my sensitive eyes have not started itching or being irritated when this has been worn on my waterline. The price is very reasonable (4.99 in Superdrug at the moment) and is certainly at the lower end of the price range. All in all, this is close to being my HG waterline eyeliner. Definitely worth a purchase.
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Treatments -Avene - Cleanance K
ohsailor 8/9/2012 7:19:00 AM
I purchased this product because I've had such success with Avene Cleanance cleanser. I also was interested as it was a mainstream branded product available in the high street which contained BHA and AHA. Initially, this was an amazing product. It dealt effectively with blemishes and every day I woke up, my skin looked better and better. However, it does reach a point in which it doesn't improve any more, potentially due to the strength of the BHA and AHA. The effects will tail off and it there comes a time when it won't get any better and more stronger products may need to be used if there continues to be a problem with PIH. I used this on holiday - a time when unfortunately, I did not keep up my usual obsessive skin care routine and my skin erupted. I continued to use Cleanance K in the hope that it might help but my skin got worse and worse as Cleanance K isn't for moderate acne. It isn't strong enough for moderate cases which is disappointing but neither are most high street products. The packaging is excellent - hygenic and easy to pump out as much of the product as necessary. I worry that the consistency is quite clogging and seems quite thick despite the fact that there is a gel-like consistency. It can be quite tacky once applied and takes a while to dry. The pricing from Boots, the retailer in the high street, was on par with most other more high-end French brands and I would consider it value for money as it has far more active ingredients than a lot of other products from other companies. I would probably re-purchase this if my acne hadn't got considerably worse as Cleanance K just won't be able to tackle it. I have rated it three out of five overall because Cleanance K definitely has its benefits but I think it will only be effective for really mild cases of acne or for people whose skin just needs brightening and chemically exfoliating.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Barry M - Nail Paint in Turquoise 295
ohsailor 7/30/2012 4:45:00 AM
This is a wonderful shade of aqua blue, perfect for summer time. It's a quirky, different shade but very wearable. I initially used this on my toes but wasn't so keen and it got pushed aside in favour of other colours however I much much prefer it on my fingernails - it looks beautiful. As with almost all Barry M nail paints, it is easy to apply and surprisingly non-streaky. The bottle is large for the price and will last for ages. This shade would be great for the beach or for a holiday by the pool. I think it would look equally nice in the winter, perhaps paired with a more darker, neutral shade, maybe with the turquoise as a feature nail.
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Fragrances -Calvin Klein - CK One Shock
ohsailor 7/25/2012 6:08:00 AM
(This review is for the CK One Shock for Men) Scent: a good one-word summation of the scent of CK One Shock for Men would be "fresh". It is a light, fresh and citrus scent that is perfect for summer. I prefer men's fragrances over women's because they tend to be lighter and less cloying or flowery. The fragrance isn't too masculine so for a woman it is very wearable. It isn't heavy or overbearing - it sits in the background without being too obvious (or too subtle!) However, I've had this fragrance for 7 months and the scent has started to "disintegrate" - at times, it smells like it has "gone off" which is quite discouraging. It has not been exposed to heat or light so I am unsure about what the cause of this is although hopefully this is a freak one-off. Packaging: The idea behind the packaging is interesting, providin distinction from CK One whilst also retaining some of the design features. Initially I liked the bottle however I have two problems with it. Firstly, the lack of a lid grates on me. Secondly, the black bottle means I can't tell how much I have left. Yes, they are minor quibbles but it seems CK have just valued design over practicality. Price: mid-range price bracket which is expected. Overall: I would definitely purchase this again (despite my problems with the smell after 7 months - I feel this is probably a one-off as no other review has mentioned it!) It is incredibly wearable and attractive for both men and women. It might not beat my beloved Cool Water but it is a great summery, citrus and light fragrance.
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Fragrances -Diesel - Loverdose EDP
ohsailor 7/25/2012 5:57:00 AM
The scent: this certainly is an evening fragrance. I've worn it during the day but it is too heavy and musky for appropriate day wear. It reminds me of "Alien" and it would be a good subsitute although it doesn't have the staying power of Mugler's fragrance. I found that the smell wore away after a while despite applying a significant amount. It has a deep and velvety aroma which I liked interjected with sweetness and vanilla. I got several compliments about Loverdose when wearing it however this was only in the morning - by mid afternoon, there was no scent left. The bottle: I'm not crazy about the bottle design purely because it kept falling over - it is attractive looking but not the most practical. But when are they ever? Price: this was a gift however I've looked at the general price range in my local chemists and it is similar to other fragrances however, for the price, I would be far more likely to opt for something else. Overall: I liked the fragrance in general and it served me well while it lasted, despite it not being long lasting. I won't be repurchasing this and will probably save my money for something that I like a lot more.
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Polishes -Barry M - Mushroom
ohsailor 7/23/2012 7:37:00 AM
I have this brilliant shade and it was definitely the worth the buy. I wanted a really wearable neutral that wasn't too pale and this fit the bill perfectly. Its a great price, easy to apply and the bottle is nice and big. With some nail polishes, the price is good but the bottle is tiny but Barry M don't cheat you out of your money. Its a great product and when I run out (god forbid) then I am definitely buying again. This is a great day to day polish.
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Polishes -Barry M - Nail Paint
ohsailor 7/23/2012 7:35:00 AM
I love Barry M nail paints. They have an amazing range of products that are very trend-led (I adore their pastel shades at the moment) but they also have a great variety of more standard, classic favourites (Mushroom is a lovely example of a winter-y neutral) They are a good price so I can buy a few without feeling guilty! They also last for a long time - I have several that have last years and the shades are still wearable and not outdated at all. They do take a while to dry but I find this to be the case with even apparently "fast dry" polishes. They apply well, the colour is consistent and I enjoy painting my nails with Barry M as I know I will love the final outcome.
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