Shampoo -Garnier - Hydra Recharge
ticklemeyellow 4/7/2013 6:03:00 PM
A large amount of the positive reviews on the Garnier's Hydra Recharge line appears to be fake because the reviewers only have 1 review under their account. Anyway, my review is authentic; I bought the shampoo with my own money. First off, I love Garnier's Daily Care 2 in 1 S/C, so I was delighted to find this shampoo at my local Target for about $3. The Hydra Recharge line claims to deliver lightweight moisture to dry hair. I did not buy the matching conditioner because I wanted to see how the shampoo reacted with my hair before spending extra $ on the line. The shampoo is thick and clear with blue beads; the blue beads dissolve as soon as you start lathering up. The shampoo lathers very well, and it rinses clean. It doesn't really moisturize my hair (maybe due to the lack of conditioner), but it also doesn't dry it out either. The shampoo passed the smell test; it smells similar to Jolly Ranchers, and the scent lingers in my hair for a few hours before dissipating. Overall, the shampoo was average. The packaging is a bit flimsy, as the cap is made of cheap/thin plastic that cracked on impact. *My hair type---VERY long and coarse Asian hair*
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Blistex - Silk & Shine 
ticklemeyellow 9/18/2011 5:31:00 PM
I bought it for its moderate SPF 15 protection (as far as DS lip balm goes, it's pretty high). It does have a smooth, creamy consistency; however, it is not very moisturizing, if anything, I find it a tad drying. I am also not fond of the taste;it leaves a nauseating chemically-sweet taste in my mouth & it is probably due to its SPF ingredient. I've not had good luck with Blistex products; Chapstick is my favorite brand (I tend to stray so I can try new products).
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Makeup Brushes -E.L.F. - Studio Powder Brush
ticklemeyellow 5/9/2011 1:23:00 PM
I usually wait at least a few weeks before I decide whether or not a product is good/bad; however, I couldn't wait to give a review for this brush. This brush was finally in stock @ my local Target. I was about to order it online (based on its good reviews) but decided it wasn't worth the shipping charges, and I already have a couple of foundation brushes in my rotation. I used this brush with my foundation and it applied wonderfully, no streaking, just great application. I was truly amazed because I've tried a few other foundation brushes and they usually leave streaks that require a great deal of elbow grease to buff in. This was not the case with this ELF powder brush, I found myself using less product but was able to achieve the airbrush look effortlessly. I've only used this brush for foundation/tinted moisturizer but I can imagine it to be a perfect sized brush to use with blush, powder, bronzer, etc. It's is densely packed, soft, minimal shedding, and its handle fits nicely in my hands with ease and great control. Since I just started using this brush, I can't rate how it holds up in the long run but for now, I'm very happy with this brush. All in all, for $3, you do not have much to lose. I love it!!!
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Eyeliner -Maybelline - Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
ticklemeyellow 4/19/2011 10:13:00 AM
I've been using gel eyeliners exclusively for 5+ years after having bad luck with pencils. I've tried Bobbi Brown, MAC, L'oreal, WnW and most recently Maybelline. Walgreens was having a 40% off Maybelline sale and I decided to give this eyeliner a go. This gel eyeliner comes in a small glass pot with a brush (it's not a bad quality brush but I prefer SK's angled eyeliner brush). Overall, the packaging is good; however, I was not impressed with the product. I do not find this black eyeliner as pigmented as the other gel eyeliners, and it isn't as creamy. I do not have oily eyelids; however, after 4-5 hours, I noticed major raccoon eyes. I've never had this problem with the other eyeliners I've tried, even with 10+ hours of wear. WnW provides better pigmentation, great staying power for about $4. I gave this product a good go for about 2 weeks and the raccoon eyes have been a regular issue so I will not repurchase.
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Liquid -Clinique - Perfectly Real Makeup
ticklemeyellow 4/17/2011 12:01:00 PM
Aside from having occasional pimple or two, my skin is fairly clear. I've only tried a couple of foundations (I usually use tinted moisturizer or just dab on plain ol' concealer) so I can't really compare Perfectly Real with other foundations on the market; however, PR does a decent job evening out my skin and concealing my problem areas. It provides light to medium coverage, but application is key, as some days when I apply too much or fail to buff the foundation in, it can look a bit cakey. My shade is 04, I'm about a NC20 so it's a good match. I alternate between the SK's flat top brush or Studio Tools skunk brush (also from Target); I layer this on top of my SPF moisturizer (this lacks SPF). After application, I touch up stubborn spots with concealer before applying the rest of my face makeup. It provides a matte finish but I'm planning to mix it with Lorac luminizer and see how that fares with this foundation. As I mentioned earlier, I can't vouch for other foundations but this one feels very light and natural, as if I have nothing on. I wouldn't recommend this for someone who has very problematic skin as it doesn't provide a lot of coverage, just a bit more than a tinted moisturizer would. PR also lasts a relatively long time with minimal touch ups throughout the day but I've only been wearing PR since December/January and it's just starting to get warm in NY; therefore, I'm not sure of its lasting power in the humidity. However, I think I'll set this aside and save it for the fall, and stick with tinted moisturizers in the summer. :)
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Scrubs -The Body Shop - Africa Spa Body Salt Scrub
ticklemeyellow 5/23/2010 11:42:00 PM
I agree with the previous MUA'er in that this body scrub is by no means a heavy duty exfoliant. That being said, because of the moisturizing shea butter, it does leave my skin feeling baby soft, so much so I do not need to apply a separate body moisturizer. This body scrub comes in a thick glass tub, while aesthetically pleasing, it isn't practical for using in the tub. The consistency of the scrub is thick and can be a bit messy during application. I find that applying this on my slightly wet body does the trick, without the shower running gives me the chance to apply/scrub it all over without it melting on me. I'm not too fond of the scent which is somewhat a cross between musky and floral, something I find gender neutral but not really my cup of tea. I bought this as one of the items during the 3 for $30 sale last year. Granted, it does come with a lot of product; however, I wouldn't pay full price for this scrub ($28). It is gentle and I would recommend this to anyone who dislike harsh scrubs but want the softening benefits.
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Tinted Moisturizer -Sonia Kashuk - Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 (tube)
ticklemeyellow 5/23/2010 12:40:00 AM
After a couple of months of being on the lookout for this TM (most of the shades were out of stock or opened/damaged) @ 2 of my local Targets, I was finally able to snag a tube a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, an ingredient(s) in this TM makes my skin itch, and my skin is pretty resilient (I can literally count on one hand how many allergic reactions/break outs from using new beauty products over the years). Besides the itching, this TM isn't anything spectacular, especially for $12.99 (it does come in a big tube). For reference, aside from a few pimple scars & slightly uneven skin tone, my skin is fairly clear that I usually just need to dab concealer on my problem areas. The coverage is light (both in coverage and texture), similar to that of Cover Girl's TM, so it won't cover moderate/severe discoloration without resorting to using a concealer, but then again TM's are not adequate substitutes for foundations for those with more to cover. The tube tends to leaks/dispense too much product if you are not careful in opening or holding the tube, especially with the formula being on the liquidy side. Aside from the cons I've mentioned, here are the pros, I bought this in Linen which is a great match for my NC20 skin tone (light with yellow undertones), it also provides a nice dewy glow, and the SPF 15, while low is adequate for running everyday errands, hence why I'm giving this 2 lippies instead of 1.
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Lotions/ Creams -Palmers - Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula
ticklemeyellow 5/22/2010 11:58:00 PM
I've been hearing great things about Palmer's cocoa butter lotion for many years but it was only recently that I've decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did! For reference, I have dry, eczema prone skin that requires a diligent moisturizing regime. This lotion is very thick and emollient but applies/absorbs like a dream. Also, it doesn't leave my skin sticky or greasy which some heavier lotions tend to do. As other MUA'ers have mentioned, this lotion smells heavily of chocolate so if you are not a fan of chocolate scents, you may not like this, especially since the scent lingers. I've consumed my fair share of chocolates; however, I don't want to walk around smelling like a piece of candy, hence I only use this at night. The moisturizing benefits are so awesome that I wake up with amazingly soft skin. I can't believe I waited this long to try this gem. I can't attest for the stretch marks/evening skin tone claims but for about $6-$7, it's a steal for its moisturizing benefits.
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Moisturizers -Garnier - Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage Moisture Lotion SPF 28
ticklemeyellow 5/3/2010 11:45:00 PM
I've been using this for about a year now and I'm quite pleased with this facial moisturizer. It has a creamy, whipped consistency making application fast and easy, leaving my skin soft and supple. The scent is very fresh and synonymous with many Garnier skincare products. The SPF 28 is suitable for my everyday needs. It is not completely oil free so I wouldn't recommend this for those with oily skin; it does have the tendency to leave my face on the shiny side. It does sting when applied near my eyes, as expected with many facial moisturizers. I haven't noticed any improvement in my skin tone but it's not a deal breaker. It comes in a convenient and sanitary pump container for about $11-12 bucks and readily available at drugstores.
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Other -Crest - Pro-Health Toothpaste
ticklemeyellow 4/23/2010 2:59:00 PM
As other reviewers have mentioned, this toothpaste left a film in my mouth (white, gooey clumps). DISGUSTING! I've been suspecting it was this toothpaste since it's the only new product in my dental care regime. It's a relief to know it's the toothpaste and not something wrong with my teeth/gums. I'll be chucking remainder of toothpaste---I don't even want to fathom the side effects from continued use.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -Nivea - Tinted Moisturizer
ticklemeyellow 4/13/2010 2:48:00 PM
I bought this during my trip to London last month and I'm really impressed with this TM. I bought mine at Boots for £3.99 (which is a little over $6 US). There was only one color available on shelves, Natural which may not be appropriate for those with very fair skin, as it's a bit dark on me (I'm about NC20, light with yellow undertones). I apply this TM after my SPF moisturizer (a bit redundant but this TM does not have SPF) has had time to absorb and this goes on very light and creamy and quite opaque for a TM, so much so that I DON'T even need to touch up with any concealer. It does rub off on clothes; however, on my face, it doesn't melt or streak. In my opinion, the scent is fresh and unoffensive. I've only been using this TM for about a month, and it's still pretty cool in New York. It's not nearly as humid as it will get during the summer months so I'm not sure how this TM will fare in warmer months. For now, I will give it 4 lippies, will edit/update if there are any changes. Unfortunately, I won't be able to purchase this TM again because this isn't available in the US---a shame but if I ever find myself in the UK or overseas, I will be sure to stock up on this TM. EDIT (5/21/10) The weather is starting to get warm and I'm still loving this TM. Luckily, my bf is in London for business and was able to snag a couple more tubes for me. :) EDIT (1/21/11) It's been almost a year since I've discovered this TM, and even with almost daily usage, I'm still on my 1st tube & still loving it, holds up in all 4 seasons, great coverage, creamy consistency for easy blending, provides a dewy finish and long wearing.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -DDF - Benzoyl Peroxide Gel 5% with Tea Tree Oil
ticklemeyellow 4/11/2010 11:21:00 PM
I've used 2 tubes of this treatment and while DDF does a decent job at spot treating blemishes; I've since found used a cheaper, if not better alternative (Clean & Clear 10% BP Gel). I haven't used this in a couple of years but figured I'll review it. The formula can be a bit drying and it has a weird but bearable medicinal scent. This treatment gel was about $24 when I first used it back in college, now the price has gone up to $28.
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Hair Removal -Unlisted Brand - Skintimate Shaving Gel
ticklemeyellow 4/11/2010 11:02:00 PM
I've been using this shaving gel for years. You only need a little bit for a thick lather, and it really protects my skin from nicks/cuts. After rinsing, my skin is sooooo soft and smooth. It comes in a variety of formulas and scents so there's something for everyone. Very affordable and readily available at most drugstores for less than $4, cheaper if you grab it on sale.
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Lotions/ Creams -Yes To Carrots - C is Smooth Body Moisturizing Lotion
ticklemeyellow 4/10/2010 11:13:00 PM
This is my 2nd product from the YTC line, and the lotion is striking similar to the body butter in terms of ingredients being almost identical. This lotion is lightweight, non-greasy and very fast absorbing. This is the only lotion I've used that doesn't leave any residual feeling behind; it literally absorbs that fast! The scent is powdery, much like the body butter (for those who have tried it) can be a love-hate thing, depending on the individual. Since the weather is getting warmer, the moisturizing properties are appropriate for the upcoming months. All in all, I did not like this lotion and will not repurchase. I prefer my moisturizers to feel more substantial & this lotion just isn't emollient enough. That being said, if you are looking for lightweight moisture, this may be perfect for you.
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Lotions/ Creams -Cetaphil - Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion For Dry Sensitive Skin
ticklemeyellow 4/5/2010 10:25:00 PM
This is a very emollient cream, loaded with moisturizing ingredients, perfect for my dry skin but unfortunately, I seem to be allergic to one or more ingredients (my skin is pretty resilient, can count on one hand how many times I've had a negative reaction to skincare/makeup) because it made me itch where I applied it, luckily, it wasn't anything severe. I wanted so much to love it and put up with the itch (hoping it'll subside) and used it for a couple of more days but hives were developing so that put an end to my usage. I gave this to my boyfriend who seems to be having better luck than I did. 3 lippies because while I did get an allergic reaction from its use, along with not being able to use it long enough to notice any LT effects, I can imagine it being a great lotion for dry skin sufferers.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No