Deodorants -Unlisted Brand - LAVANILA HEALTHY DEODORANT - vanilla lavender
productguru 5/7/2009 11:09:00 PM
I am overdue on writing reviews for a few products I'm falling in love with and this is on the top of my list. I am a huge lavanila fan but had no idea what to expect with their new healthy deodorant...I have tried so many natural deodorants, which have all left me smelly and disappointed. But after a week of rigorous testing, I have to say this is THE BEST deodorant on the market, natural or otherwise. I have to admit, i was using the highest strength antiperspirant on the market (so not natural)....which is now in the garbage. I know the Healthy Deodorant isn't an antiperspirant but I swear this thing keeps me way drier than any deodorant i've tried.....could it be some of the plant extracts or the corn starch? Who knows and who cares: it's 100% natural and it WORKS....IF that wasn't enough, this vanilla lavender scent is so pretty and so appropriate for feeling fresh: LOVE THE SCENT! It's really a cut above any deodorant I've tried and I applaud the brand for making body care product that is THIS effective...Did i mention to that it is the PRETTIEST deo I've ever seen?? I actually leave it out on my counter :) Can't wait now to get the other scents to alternate and have even more variety of a great product!
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Fragrances -Lavanila - Vanilla Lavender - HEALTHY FRAGRANCE
productguru 1/26/2009 6:31:00 PM
When I got the email that Lavanila launched their new Vanilla lavender, I immediately headed to Sephora to test drive, but it's not there yet! Impatient as usual, I ordered from lavanila.com (couldn't do that before :)....Just got it and am so upset i didn't get the other products because I'm in love....going back to order the other products in this scent today. This is unlike any lavender fragrance i've ever smelled. It's NOT medicinal like most lavenders - it's really light and clean smelling. You can detect the vanilla but it's not nauseatingly sweet which keeps the scent mature and complex. It smells like spanish lavender with a hint of vanilla and maybe a touch of some white flower...the site lists violet flower which is probably what i'm detecting.... Really airy, really special. It's another non-fragrance fragrance and it's going to be my day to day. I just mixed it with pure vanilla today to see what the child would smell like....it just took it to a whole different level. This is probably my favorite lavanila scent so far. DYING to try this scent in their shower gel because it's so light, airy and clean. 5 lippies for sure.
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Shampoo -Neutrogena - Anti-Residue Shampoo
productguru 12/2/2008 8:10:00 PM
After trying every anti-residue product on the market, I have to say this is the best. The only down fall: it's pretty harsh (may be it's use of chemicals and sulfates). But, if you're looking to really strip the hair of whatever it seems to be clinging too, keep one of these bottles handy for a once a week deep clean. I wouldn't use it too much because i'm sure it affects hair color. It is a fraction of the cost of other high priced hair care lines and works better than any of them. It is slightly drying and irritating if you use it too much, so don't go overboard.
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Fragrances -Lavanila - Vanilla Spice
productguru 12/2/2008 7:54:00 PM
Definitely different than the other LAVANILA scents, this is a dark vanilla with a very spicy bite. I love spices like cardamon and nutmeg, so for me it is a winner. I love mixing this with my Pure Vanilla for something even more creamy. Vanilla spice feels like a warm fire vs. the soft cuddle blanket I associate with Pure Vanilla. This is a more grown up scent than the others, and I am very partial to the sandal wood undertones it possesses.I like this complex woodsy scent because it combines so nicely with the vanilla base; a very special and unique combination for noses that like something really different. I LOVE the gold box, and because sephora told me it is limited edition and will be gone after holiday, I bought two. My only complaint? There is no body butter for this limited edition scent.
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Hair Styling Tools -Unlisted Brand - Elchim 2001 Professional Blow Dryer
productguru 11/13/2008 1:39:00 AM
I had mine for 10 years. It just fell off of my hotel hallway countertop onto marble floors. It cracked open - but was still working!....I have finally conceded it had seen its last day, and have put it to rest. I am now off to buy me another - money well spent. Italian made. Need I say more?
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Powder -Physicians Formula - organic wear powder- buff beige organics
productguru 8/28/2008 4:34:00 PM
I really like the fact that this product is organic, made with packing that is environmentally sound, and works well. It isn't the BEST pressed powder i've tired, but it is good - and for the price, really good. I wish they had a better color selection (most of their products are super light and then they have one that is typically way too dark), but with pressed powder you can get away with something that is not an exact match. I find that this has a great ability to conceal shine, which is the purpose, and the smell for me is not THAT offputting if I am wearing something that smells great underneath (e.g., my Dr. H. moisturizer ;)
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Gels/Soaps -Lavanila - The Healthy Body Wash in Pure Vanilla
productguru 8/28/2008 4:29:00 PM
By far my favorite of all body washes. I am truly impressed with the fact that this is a 100% natural formula and foams so well without sulfates...The trick is to use this with a little sponge/puffer - and a little goes a long way...just drop, add water, and go to town. ...Your skin will feel really soft after you rinse off (this is because it has natural exfoliators - pomegranate and willow bark - in the formula) ... so you're left with the really soft skin (not itchy dry skin)...which makes me realize what sulfates REALLY do to your skin - they IRRITATE....Not with this formula. To top it off, the scent is sooooo good- it is such a real vanilla, and it calms me as I shower.....very fresh and not overly sweet...the fact that it doesn't contain ANY Sulfates, PEGS, paraben, or Petrochemicals is so impressive - and comparing the price to other brands at sephora that AREN'T natural, it really isn't that much more expensive for something you know won't cause skin problems, irritations, and isn't full of chemicals ....FYI chemical ingredients are far cheaper so for an all natural formula, that works this well and smells this good, the price is reasonable. I've lined up my LV bottles on the window ledge in my shower (by far the best looking bottles on that side of my shower curtain)...With the light coming through, it looks even yummier.
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Gels/Soaps -Lavanila - -The Healthy Body Wash in vanilla grapefruit
productguru 8/28/2008 4:17:00 PM
Finally got my LV shower gels - and of course my first review goes to Vanilla Grapefruit. Off the bat I am VERY impressed with the fact that this is a 100% formula and foams so well without sulfates! You MUST use this with a puffer - and a little goes a long way...just drop a bit into your sponge and lather up...Your skin feels really soft after you rinse off (has natural exfoliators - i believe pomegranate and willow bark) ... so you're left with the really soft skin (not itchy dry skin).. The scent is very beautiful and soft - vanilla and grapefruit (very close to the body butter scent). The fact that this contains no PEGs, NO Sulfates at ALL, paraben, or Petrochemicals is so impressive - which explains the price ....i know that the chemical ingredients are far cheaper so really for an all natural formula, that works this well and smells this good, it's not bad at all. Plus, the bottle is ADORABLE and the best looking thing that is currently sitting in my shower. I actually have mine propped up next to my window, with the light coming through, it makes me want to shower again :)
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Lip Gloss -Lavanila - HEALTHY LIP SHINE - VANILLA COCONUT
productguru 4/15/2008 2:37:00 PM
I can barely keep up with the emails I'm getting on these new shines...a bit of a phenomenon I think given the demand for GOOD natural products....So, I thought I'd just plow along and add the last of the four shines here....And, believe me, this is definitely not last in any other regard. The Vanilla Coconut lip shine (aside from being 100% natural and full of vitamins like the others) is a beautiful Nude Tint that seriously tastes like a vacation. I predict this will be one of the favorite glosses for summer because it's so suited for the hot weather - there is no sparkle in this nude, which is perfect, because I love layering it over my more serious matte lip sticks without sparkle for day. This shine looks like you've just splashed water all over your lips. I love the fact that it stays put but isn't sticky or tacky. It's amazing how smells can instantly take your mind to places, and this beautiful nude gets me to the beach in an instant. As I write, I am wearing the vanilla coconut fragrance and the vanilla coconut gloss over my Sephora nude lipstick. So perfect....WIth the brown and baby blue pattern on the tube, this scent looks so art deco, it's probably the cutest lip tube I've ever seen. (I can't lie, I'll be putting on the vanilla grapefruit after lunch to stop me from eating the chocolate in my desk lol). But I'll be back for this scent when the stress gets to me and I need to "get away". :)
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Lip Gloss -Lavanila - HEALTHY LIP SHINE - VANILLA BLOSSOM
productguru 4/15/2008 2:17:00 PM
I am glad I'm taking my time to write these reviews on all LV's new lip shines because it's giving me a good moment to appreciate the differences between all the yummy flavors :) I now wear a different shine for whatever mood I'm in or WANT to be in. The vanilla grapefruit is my pick me up - instantly curbs my appetite for sweet things....vanilla coconut makes me feel like I'm on vacation - pure vanilla soothes me and vanilla blossom makes me feel like I'm at a spa (I guess it's the lemons they so often put in the water lol). The Blossom is a gorgeous peach tinted gloss has a warm glow to it (the sparkle is very golden). It and the vanilla grapefruit are the only two of the shines with sparkle (which is great, because sometimes you feel like sparkle and sometimes you don't). My lips LOVE this stuff - no reactions at all and they taste/feel so natural and clean. My best friend says Vanilla Blossom tastes like a fresh English lemon scone; I liken it more to a freshly baked tarty lemon meringue pie...very spa like for some reason. Of course, I LOVE the packaging with it's cute pattern, colors, and slanted tip for easy application. A natural shine, with vitamins, moisturizing, and tastes like wholesome lemon cream for $14???....no brainer here - I am definitely going to have to protect these babies - my friends always seem to walk off with my favorite glosses.....In case you're wondering, I bought mine at sephora and have only seen them at Sephora and sephora.com). BTW, for those who love the vb fragrance, you can see it's got some similarity - the lemon and vanilla - but they were smart to leave out all the florals...who likes to eat flowers? brilliant....
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Lip Gloss -Lavanila - HEALTHY LIP SHINE - VANILLA GRAPEFRUIT
productguru 4/14/2008 9:08:00 PM
I should just copy and paste my last review of their Pure Vanilla Healthy Lip Shine, but there's so much good here, I'll want to add the pluses of these gorgeous glosses that I've already listed. For $14, I can't believe this gloss is THIS good....better than glosses I've paid $24 for, this formula is SUPER shiny WITHOUT being tacky or sticky. I may be stretching it, but I swear my body knows this stuff is natural....When I usually put on a gloss (and i'm allergic to most), its usually made of vaseline or some petro-derived ingredient (until now, nothing natural would give me any shine that I'd be happy with). When I put these non-natural glosses on it feels like I'm covering my lips with plastic ...like your skin can't breathe...while they leave my pout looking wet and glossy, I hated the feeling....But, when you put THESE shines on, you get a gorgeous shine without feeling like you're coating your lips with chemicals...your skin breathes through the shine, and it feels fantastic. This is a super light pink gloss has a superb shimmer....it's like sparkling pink mineral water. To top it off, it's 100% natural so no artificial chemicals or flavors ...I predict this lip shine to be the top seller of the four....Imagine the taste of fresh pink grapefruit and creamy vanilla bean custard...seriously, need I say more?? It's ridiculously amazing. NEW INFO: HAD to SHARE...I have no idea why, but this scent completely curbs my appetite for sweet things....WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE!? I usually want to each chocolate after each meal...i put this scent on and I'm no longer obsessin'! :)
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Eyeliner -Hourglass - Water Proof Liquid Liner Pen - INDIGO
productguru 4/14/2008 8:56:00 PM
As you can tell from my other reviews on this product - it's simply fantastic....I LOVE this INDIGO blue because it's not too bright, but not so navy that it looks black. Like the others, the wearability is fantastic, the application (while difficult at first) is manageable. The color is really beautiful, and can be worked in with either dark grey or navy shadow to create a long wearing sexy smokey eye, that's not your typical black or grey look. It's got punch but not so much that people notice your liner before your beautiful eyes. This line of waterproof liners is definitely impressive. I forgot to mention (as one emailer reminded me of today) where I purchased these HG liners: I bought all mine at SEPHORA (if you don't have a store near you, I believe you CAN get this brand from sephora.com).
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Concealers -Hourglass - Concealer - SAND
productguru 4/14/2008 8:52:00 PM
After being spoiled by the Stephane Marais concealer - and running out of the now defunct make-up brand - I set out on a quest to find a new concealer. I am usually quite disappointed by the performance of concealers, but this concealer is pretty impressive. The color (sand) is a great color for olive skin, but it is quite light, so if you're any darker than medium, it won't work. It SMELLS like lipstick, looks like lipstick, and goes on like a moisturizing long wearing lipstick....you have to be careful of not blending this formula well or putting it on too soon after eye-cream, because it WILL crease (unlike my HG Stephane M. formula...)....However, if you take care in applying it, it gives great coverage and is perfect for those long nights out, or for concealing raccoon eyes....an unfortunate genetic predisposition. So coverage is fantastic and creasing, while noticeable if you're not careful, isn't unmanageable. All in all, a great concealer.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Lavanila - HEALTHY LIP SHINE - Pure Vanilla
productguru 4/14/2008 8:44:00 PM
So many new products, so little time....Sorry it took me a while to add this newbie - In short, the new LAVANILA LIP SHINES are to die for! My HG lip glosses hands down. This clear PURE VANILLA flavored lip shine is so wholesome, you'll want to buy one for your best friend. Such a feel good product. Its scent/flavor is like that of the matching Lip Butter: a soft natural vanilla bean with a hint of honey....hmmm NATURAL flavor - how's that for a genius idea? With 100% natural ingredients I don't mind eating it off my lips, although you try not to because the shine is so gorgeous you wanna keep the glow going for as long as possible. The wearing time is excellent...so much shine I feel comfortable comparing it to the vaseline/petro-derived products that are known for their sheen. I would definitely compare it to MAC lip glass for shine but it's even better because (a) it's NOT tacky and sticky like MAC Lip Glass...AND (b) you can wear THIS extreme shine without feeling bad about what you're putting on your mouth. I love layering this over a nude pencil matte lip stick for a super shiny healthy finish. Oh yes, and given that artificial sweeteners give me this nasty taste in my mouth, I LOVE the fact that these Shines don't contain any synthetic sweeteners. All in all, this gets a five lippie rating... I can't WAIT to post the rest of the flavors....they are ALL ridiculously fantastic. And did I mention the adorable tubes?? Convenient and cute! I continue to applaud this line for its natural products that perform.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Hourglass - Water Proof Liquid Liner Pen - EBONY
productguru 4/14/2008 7:06:00 PM
If you're a steady hand, then this product is a must. The lasting quality of this liner is UNSURPASSED by any eyeliner I've ever used. It looks like a very fine tipped SHARPIE marker, and it may as well be one with the way it lasts on your eyes. You DO need a steady hand to apply it, otherwise you'll make a mess that isn't easy to get off without help from a good cleanser or makeup remover....but when you have the technique down, this is probably one of the best ways to add thickness to your lash line without it looking like you're wearing a lot of make up. I've been applying this marker along my lash line to give me definition - it is truly spectacular - GREAT color and wearability. Doesn't irritate my eyes at all. AND, because I use Dr. Hauschka's amazing Milk Cleanser, I don't even need to use make up remover to get this semi-perma eyeliner off at the end of my day. I bought this product in all three colors (brown, navy and black)...this is the EBONY (black) and I must say it's a true black....you can also use this precise tool for an awesome cat eye if you like....such GREAT lasting power (even better than bobby brown gels!).
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No