Mascara -L'Oreal - Extra Volume Collagen Mascara (waterproof)
tessabeth 10/11/2009 8:41:00 PM
no good. i don't like to spend too much time on makeup-a quick swipe of mascara needs to get the job done for me. but this is not an easy mascara to use. it clumps. it makes my lashes extremely dry. it doesn't add volume, no matter how much i pile on. it just gives me spider lashes, long and stringy looking. i can use a small brush to try to make them look fuller. but it takes way more effort than i want to spend to make my lashes look good. i can get a mascara for a similar price that actually works how i want it to.
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Fragrances -Aquolina - Pink Sugar
tessabeth 1/3/2008 1:13:00 PM
Yes, this perfume is sweet. But it's not like tropical punch or Calgon Cotton Candy body spray. It's sexy, full of depth. It's innocent and a little bit dirty. It's a bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with strawberries, raspberries, and rich, warm caramel sauce. But it's got a mature powdery musky quality that won't remind people of their 7 year old niece. It's also surprisingly fresh. It is never cloying or headache inducing (unless perhaps you dump the whole bottle on you). On me the cotton candy doesn't stand out. It just melds in to the buttery richness of this fragrance. I simply can't get enough of it, just like people I come into contact with. I always get TONS of compliments. I have many different bottles of perfume and don't wear this every day. But this is the only one that I actually go to the effort of repurchasing over and over again. The lasting power is unbelievable, especially for an EDT. I spray it at 8 in the morning and it is still going strong by 5 at night. Then I just reapply for a night out. This also smells incredible when mixed with Aquolina Chocolovers. It becomes more sultry and sensual. Pink Sugar is a definite must try!
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Fragrances -Estee Lauder - Pure White Linen
tessabeth 12/24/2007 2:49:00 AM
I bought this during the summer a few years ago... I wanted something for summer that was light, refreshing, airy, but not "tropical fruit punch". I loved it. I wore it every day and always received compliments from men and women alike. I found that I could even wear it in the evening or for formal occasions (normally I would choose an oriental/spicy type but found this worked well). I finished the small bottle over the summer and didn't repurchase because I didn't think it would be suitable for colder months. For Christmas this year, a friend of mine bought this for me. He said he always loved the way I smelled when I wore this. I sprayed it and discovered I was SO happy to be wearing this scent again. And I found it actually works well in the winter. It is sweet with the tiniest bit of spice and so fresh and clean. It is absolutely beautiful and feminine (sexy without the "dirty, sexy"). For a detailed list of the notes in it, just scroll down. It isn't cloying, but again, because it isn't tropical fruit punch it can be worn in winter (though some people might debate that). Even though this is light and airy, it is not a cold scent. There is a warmth to it that makes it suitable for colder months. But it's so refreshing, classy and sophisticated. I"m back to receiving tons of compliments and I'm so glad to have this back again! I am finding that I wear it every day and it is becoming "MY" scent! (That is something that has always been a goal for me).
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Fragrances -Bulgari - bvlgari femme
tessabeth 12/17/2007 10:11:00 PM
This is so beautiful! It's very floral with lots of jasmine and rose. It is a round, rich and full fragrance. There is a powdery quality to it (maybe some kind of musk) that makes it understated and sensual. I wear this for formal occasions or on a romantic date. A fabulous tribute to women! This was another T.J. Maxx steal. I got the 1 oz. EDP for $15 USD!
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Fragrances -Marc Jacobs - Essence
tessabeth 12/17/2007 10:03:00 PM
Yummy! Elegant. Classic. I've recently been turned on to white florals and this one is great! It is buttery and addicting. I switch between this and MJ Blush. Blush is for casual, sporty t-shirt and jeans. Essence is for casual, classic cashmere sweaters and jeans. I bought both at TJ Maxx for $10 each. And I'm so glad I did. Adorable bottle, also. Marc Jacobs is one of my most favorite designers.
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Fragrances -Marc Jacobs - Blush
tessabeth 12/17/2007 9:56:00 PM
This is the perfect every day scent. There is a vintage, classic air about it but instead of being stuffy, it has a child-like joy. It has a tangy punch that gets you noticed (and adored). But it still smells fresh and clean. It stays close to the skin but I can smell it hours later. Top notes of jasmine and fresh air accord. Heart notes of jasmine, freesia, orange flower and honeysuckle. Base notes of sandalwood and pink musk. Sweet, feminine, fresh and sexy. Beautiful bottle and packaging. And I found it at T.J. Maxx for $10 USD. I plan on buying their entire stock as back up.
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Mascara -Christian Dior - Diorshow Mascara
tessabeth 12/11/2007 3:40:00 PM
Wonderful! My lashes are already naturally long and curled. But they're pale (despite the fact that they're dark brown, they're pretty thin). So I really just need something for definition and thickness. This mascara is a miracle for me! Because my lashes are so long, the really fat brush head works so well for me. Mascaras I've used in the past that worked well on me were BeneFit Bad Gal and Maybelline Full and Soft. But this formula does what the other two couldn't: look perfect with only one coat. Seriously! One coat and my lashes look thick, lush and beautiful. No smudging or flaking and it does not irritate my contact lenses. It's expensive ($23 a tube at Sephora) but it saves me time, and to me that is priceless.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Burt's Bees - More Moisture Raspberry and Brazil Nut Conditioner
tessabeth 12/4/2007 8:21:00 PM
This is not the worst conditioner I've used. Just not the best. The scent is reminiscent of Givenchy's perfume Hot Couture, which is kind of yummy. This de-tangles hair well (it has to because the BB MM shampoo does nothing but give you tangles-you can read my review of that). I notice that I have to use WAY more of this formula than any other I've used in the past. Normally a small amount works, but with this I keep having to add more because it doesn't spread through my hair. It doesn't feel like it penetrates. It's not a very rich, moisturizing or conditioning formula but seems to work better than the shampoo. It's nice due to the fact that is is sulfate, paraben, etc free but it needs some work. My hair is more straw-like than I'd want. Instead of using it as a conditioner, I use it instead of shampoo once a week with a moisturizing hair treatment (still haven't found one I really like, though). I rub it right in to my scalp and it is light enough that it won't give me any build up. I doubt I'd buy it again once it's gone though.
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Shampoo -Burt's Bees - More Moisture Raspberry and Brazil Nut Shampoo
tessabeth 12/4/2007 8:10:00 PM
I have long, thick hair that is very dry (especially in the winter). This formula uses mostly natural products and is free of sulfates (a plus for me, and the ONLY reason I give it 2 lippies). I understand that means it won't lather or coat the hair to trick you into thinking this is moisturizing. But it is so thin that it runs everywhere. And it makes my hair so tangly that the shampoo can't even penetrate the scalp! My hair gets so matted and tangled. And it doesn't even feel clean, no matter how much I rinse. The scent is gross. It gives me a lot of shine, but my hair is like straw. Terrible. The conditioner is a little better (read my review on that if you'd like).
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Lip Treatments -Badger - Lavender and Orange Lip Balm
tessabeth 12/4/2007 5:15:00 PM
Once the cold, dry winter began, my lips really took a toll. I tried many common products on the market (medicated, moisturizing, etc.) and nothing helped. The price of Badger Lip Balm is similar to the other brands and I feel better about the ingredients. There are no chemicals or preservatives. It contains beeswax, extra virgin olive oil, castor oil and natural essential oils. It has a cushiony texture and feels so nice on chapped lips. The flavor selections are also wonderful. This is the first one I've tried and it feeds my lavender craving nicely. The first time I used it, I applied a nice thick layer and within 10 minutes the flaking, bleeding and chapping was completely gone! My lips were smoother than they had ever been! Now I apply a thin layer for maintenance and protection. I will never use anything else, although I plan on trying all the great flavors.
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Fragrances -Liz Claiborne - Curve Crush for Women
tessabeth 12/2/2007 9:31:00 PM
This has notes of lemon, lime, plum, chai latte, licorice, and maybe amber? It sounds terrible but it is actually wonderfully unique. When you first spray it, there is a powdery quality. It actually reminds me of Avon Skin so Soft (citrus and powder). Within thirty minutes it begins to change to something a little more sweet and sharp. It is nutmeg, licorice, sugar plum. It's more fruity than foody. It's a little bit sharp, spicy, sweet and sexy and blends well with my skin. Great for all seasons (it seems to adjust well to the weather) and all types of occasions. It has amazing lasting power, especially for an EDT. And it is SO cheap!
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Lip Gloss -Clinique - Glosswear for Lips- Tenderheart
tessabeth 12/2/2007 2:37:00 PM
I received this is as a gift with purchase. It's an ok color. For my very fair skin tone with lots of rosy undertones, it is almost too dark and done up. It would be much better on somebody with darker skin. However, I do like the formula. It's nice and thick so it really lasts without being sticky or drying. And the shine is more of a natural satin finish-beautiful! The smell is terrible. Very much like chemicals. But it goes away. I will be trying other colors since the formula is so wonderful.
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Other -Tom's of Maine - Spearmint toothpaste
tessabeth 12/2/2007 2:16:00 PM
One thing I love about this toothpaste is it does not contain saccharin or any other artificial sweeteners. So many other toothpaste brands douse their products with artificial sweeteners to make them taste good. But it is SO bad for the health of your teeth!!! Tom's of Maine has nothing artificial in it whatsoever. The taste is light so you're not gagged by mint. There are just enough natural oils to lightly refresh your mouth. I use the Whole Care gel. It has a natural teeth whitener, which works very well and won't erode the enamel like some whiteners. I have no tartar build up and I haven't had a single cavity since I started using this. I used to have tons. And big plus on the packaging for using recycled materials! The only thing that took some getting used to was the texture. I felt like I had cottonmouth after brushing with this. Did anyone else get that?
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Deodorants -Unlisted Brand - Sure Deodorant Invisible Solid Unscented
tessabeth 12/2/2007 2:04:00 PM
This is a near perfect deodorant! I've used both the unscented and the fresh scent. The fresh scent was not at all offensive. It didn't interfere with my perfume and didn't irritate my skin. It kept me very dry. It actually has the same amount of active ingredients as secret platinum (which I used to use) but it's at least half the price! It's actually one of the cheapest deodorants I've ever come across! I do have to switch up my deodorant occasionally. If I become too accustomed to this the ingredients seem to stop working. But that happens with lots of products. I will always keep this deodorant in my rotation.
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Deodorants -Tom's of Maine - Long-Lasting Natural Deodorant (with hops) in Apricot Scent
tessabeth 12/2/2007 1:58:00 PM
I decided to try this out as I've had luck with other natural products. The smell to me (apricot) is more like citronella, which I can't stand. And the scent doesn't even stay! By mid afternoon it smells more like heated plastic (NOT good). I sweat quite a bit and this did cut down on that, but was not as effective as other brands I've used. It also gave me some sort of rash. My armpits are very bumpy, red, and dry now. I would like to support a company like Tom's of Maine (using wind energy, cleaning up rivers, using all natural products--all great stuff!) but I can't use this product.
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