Review- Citre Shine Split End Mender Shine Miracle

Leave-in Treatment Replenishes Vitamins and Nutrients that Repair and Strengthen Split Ends. Leaves your Hair Smooth and Full of Brilliant ShineDaily Use prevents New Split ends from occurring by 90%.

I didn't really think this stuff would do anything special for me. I've been straightening my hair and dying the heck out of it for several years and I need constant maintenance of the ends of my hair (Read: cutting it all the time) to not get really bad damage. It's been just about time to trim my hair again and I decided to do an experiment, to just air dry my hair and not iron it afterward because the humidity is waning and my hair isn't as out of control as it usually is. I've also been using this stuff for about a week now, and my ends look sleek, fuzzless, and not frazzled or frizzy at all. So I think I can put off cutting it and actually grow my hair out a little, which I've been wanting to do for quite a while. I haven't found another split end mender that works like this. And it's cheap!

Review- Ocean Potion Natural Mineral Protective Faces SPF45

Ocean Potion Faces Daily Wear Protective Lotion SPF 45 is lightly tinted for a hint of color in a fragance free protection formula enriched with powerful anti-oxidants. Designed for daily use, with or without makeup to both hydrate the skin and even skin tone.

The right tinted moisturizer has always been like Goldilocks' porridge for me - it should provide coverage, but not too much. It should have color, but not too much. It should be light, but not too light. Unfortunately, this Ocean Potion tinted sunblock doesn't really solve the riddle. At first, I was skeptical - after putting it on, my face felt super-greasy and swampy, but I think that may have been a result of the insane humidity this time of year. After a little while, it evened out and I felt like it provided okay coverage and wasn't too heavy. However: after wearing it for the whole day, it was collecting in the crevices of my nose a little bit and looking a little bizarre. Perhaps on someone with a different skin type, this product would work out, but on my combination-bordering-on-oily skin, it wasn't really what I was looking for.

Review - Becca Beach Tint

BECCA Beach Tint is a beautifully blendable crème stain for cheeks and lips that suits all skin types. Kiss-proof and water-resistant, it dries to a perfect, streak-free, non-greasy and non-drying finish. Each shade is deliciously scented in its synonymous name.

I don't know about you, but when I go to the beach I need everything to be easy. So this little tube of tint is perfect. It is much smaller than a lip gloss but you can use it on everything! The color is a dusty rose, it is called watermelon, but it is not as bright as a watermelon sounds. It is just beautiful on cheekbones and lips. I have pale skin and blond hair and it looks great on me, but I bet it would look wonderful on any complexion. It dries down to a matte tint which stays forever and doesn't crumble like some other tints can. It stays through multiple swims in the ocean, and lasts for more than 5 hours. The only thing I might have a problem with is the price. I just feel like $25 for .24 fl/oz is a lot for a product that you only use at the beach or while exercising, at least I probably wouldn't use it anywhere else. It is a good product though, I guess it depends on how often you might use something like this.

Review- Erbaviva Quease Ease Lip Balm

Our great new Lip Balm that fits easily in your pocket or purse is perfect for calming mommy’s queasy stomach. With long lasting, hydrating effects, it will smooth right on and tingle from essential oils of Ginger and Peppermint. Petroleum free, and almost 100% organic, this Lip Balm is safe and healthy for mommy-to-be.

Well, to be totally honest, I'm totally NOT pregnant. Alright, no biggie. Not to get TOO personal, but to get personal enough to make a point, I have gone through (medication induced) periods of severe nausea and barfing (gross I know) and I am excited to try this stuff out when those terrifying, exhausting times hit me. I'm sure those of you that are weak of stomach or take medications that mess with your stomach can relate.

With that said, the next time a friend gets pregnant, I am going to buy this stuff for them and say "try this out, NOW", and see what happens. But let me say this, it's soft and gushy and feels great on your lips and also is tingling and softening. It's also only $9 according to the link noted above (click the headline up there, ok?) If you know anyone pregnant, or prone to puking, let them try this out. In the meantime I'm going to just use it because I like the smell.

Review - Nixie Moisture Rich Lipstick

Moisture Rich Lip: Cream Shades -Luscious creamy long lasting color $14.00

I got this in Cosmic Dancer and it has become my new favorite lippie. It’s a perfect summer shade if you like a pinky nude look. It’s a great blend of pink and lavender. It goes completely smooth and doesn’t dry out my lips. This lipstick delivers a lot of color without feeling heavy, it’s such a light shade and amazingly I get complete coverage. I have been wearing this every day. I am mixing it with a gloss so I can get some summer shine. I will tell you this; it stays on and feels really comfortable. I find that I am applying my gloss more than touching up the lippie. For me this is the most superior product I have tried from the line. I look forward to picking out some shades for the fall. I forgot to mention, I love the super cute compact packaging too!

Sheba says:

'Artist' is the shade I selected in this line and I am thrilled with it. I don't think I could have picked a wrong shade as they are all gorgeous. This is like a mauve with swirls of darker and lighter shades. I am like the mad scientist with make up -- mixing and matching until I find my unique color. I love this color as it is -- but then I love it when I add some frost to it -- also when I add some white to it. It is a hit -- no matter how I wear it. I sometimes just add a little gloss to it -- other times I do not feel the need for gloss. It is very smooth and silky on me. It does stay for a little while - I just wear out every lip product there is in no time. But that is not a problem -- I am used to it and I simply refresh it from time to time. The price is definitely a little higher than a cheapskate like myself usually likes to spend. However, it wears and looks well. Oh yes, I love to double the use by appying to my cheeks as a blush. I then know my lips and cheeks blend and that I have not created a color clash on my face. So I will break down and spend the little bit extra for this product. So far the Nixie line has been one big hit for me. They have earned themselves a regular customer.

Deedlejuse says:
I TOTALLY love this lipstick! I have to agree with everyone's love and commitment to the Nixie line. It might be more expensive than the CVS cosmetics, but in my mind there is absolutely no comparison. Everything I have tried has put a smile on my face, and kept it there. This lipstick, specifically, is so nice. I am used to sort of shinier lippies, generally gloss, and I would never purchase opaque lip stick. It freaks me out, I feel that I am too young and carefree to be that restricted (this isn't really true I'm 24 and I have a customer service sort of job so I always must look well groomed). So this is one of my first real lip sticks, and the only one that has me actually grabbing for it every morning. The color I chose is "Posh" and oh my my do I feel like a movie star when I wear it! It is a very pale pink, almost white but it shimmers and shines. It is very Victoria Beckham. It stays put for much longer than other lipsticks I have tried, and you know that awesome look that can happen with some lipsticks? The ring around the lips look? I have mastered it, give me five minutes, it'll happen. Not with Nixie, this lipstick wears so well it just fades evenly over time. I love it, I will definitely try more, but maybe less daring shades.

Movie Maven says:
Loves it, loves it, loves it! Now, if you're a regular reader of this blog, you're aware that I'm not much of a "lipstick lady," since I tend to think it looks strange on my face - really artificial. But my philosophy is that if you're going to wear lipstick, you better work it out (thanks, Tyra). This lipstick really lets you put on a show. I got it in, of course, the most dramatic color possible, Cherry Bomb; it's definitely not a color I'd wear every day (though some girls would, and more power to them), but for a special evening out, or a day when I wanted to look particularly 1940s glam, it's a perfect bluey red for my cool complexion. The first thing that impressed me about this lipstick was the way it stayed on my lips and not on my glass while enjoying some wine with my roommates. I almost took a picture! There was a little residue there, but nothing like you'd see with most products. The other thing I liked was that it really felt like it was treating my lips well, instead of drying them out. And the color selection from Nixie is unparalleled - so many options! Definitely a recommended one.

Joyce says:
Review- I also agree with my fellow bloggers about how this lipstick performs. It has a nice creamy feel to it when I apply it to my lips. I don’t like lipsticks that are too waxy or drag across the lips. I had Vamp as my color. It’s a true vivid blue-based red (perfect for brunettes or brunettes who’ve chosen to go silver). It’s so vivid some may prefer to save that intensity for evenings out. If you want to soften the look, just blot it with a tissue. Doing this leaves a nice “stain” of color on, and it does stay on for a long time. Another thing I noticed was that it makes my smallish lips appear fuller. That’s a plus I hadn’t anticipated. Thumbs up, Nixie!

Review - Juicy Couture Royal Body Creme

This regal crème is filled with royal bee jelly, essential nutrients, lipids and proteins - nourishment fit for the skin of a queen. $55.00

As far as body crème’s go this is by far one of the creamiest! It’s rich, thick and full of fragrance... I didn’t jump and buy the $55 jar; I have a slew of samples. It’s a big bouquet of scent, I can pick up the lily in it, as anyone knows lilies are quick strong and to rate this scent I would have to say it’s on the strong side. I think it’s very pretty and feminine to but it’s also bold too. I like the crème but don’t love it, yes it makes my skin feel amazingly soft and supple but it actually takes a long time to absorb into my skin. I use after showering and I can still feel tacky on my way to work. I am also not slathering it on, remember I am using from a sample pack. This is great for a day when you are lounging around and want to pamper yourself. If you are looking for a cream that goes on and you can get going this is not it. On the days I use the crème I don’t need any perfume at all. The scent wears on my skin throughout the day, it is so pretty. When I initially got a whiff of the Juicy Couture Fragrance I didn’t love it but having used the crème I would totally give the fragrance a go!

Review- Plum Island Body Butter

Our Body Butters are rich, thick, decadent and wonderful for moisturizing thirsty skin. Made with a pure olive oil and beeswax base, our butters are absolute heaven to dry skin and will help seal in moisture for prolonged protection.

One of our favorite companies, Plum Island Soap, sent us itty-bitty baby samples of this delightful body butter - my main complaint is that we didn't get bigger containers! Happily, you need only a teeny bit of this thick butter to soften dry hands - and keep them soft. It's crazy creamy. Because this butter is made with essential oils, I found the scents to be a bit subtler than some creams and lotions I've tried, so if you're sensitive to artificial scents, but like a little somethin'-somethin' in your lo-lo, this might be a good option for you. The pink grapefruit (my favorite flavor!) scent is almost overwhelmed by the natural beeswax scent, but not quite, giving the butter a great, really natural smell. Definitely recommended!

Deedlejuse Says:

I totally agree with Movie Maven on this one! I am completely in love with Plum Island Soap Company, and their Body Butter might be my all-time favorite product of theirs. I love the smell of the natural oils, and I especially love that they are sooooo natural. My amazing story about this butter is I woke up in the middle of the night one night, and the crease of my toe had cracked. I wear sandals all summer, so my toes get so dry. Anyway, I slathered on some Wild Lavender Body Butter just because it was there and went back to bed. The next morning my toe had healed and my foot felt nice and moisturized. Lavender is one of those oils that have medicinal qualities, but I really had not expected it to work so well. Needless to say I went over and bought a tub the next day. You will not be disappointed!

Review- Gym Grooming

Volume Body Building Shampoo and Moisture Hydro Therapy Shampoo – Both offer gentle cleansing action with essential nutrients to effectively clean hair and scalp while providing fullness and thickness to the hair without weight. 12 & 32 ozs., no price listed.
Restore Daily Nutrient Conditioner – A rich, supercharged treatment with botanicals to instantly condition and detangle the hair while energizing the scalp, leaving hair soft, shiny and manageable and the scalp refreshed. 12 & 32 ozs., no price listed.
Refresh Active Body Wash - Refreshing wash designed to gently clean skin and restore proper balance, leaving skin clean with a unique blend of natural extracts containing anti-oxidants. 8 oz., no price listed.

It was a little odd testing hair and skin products for men . . . but what the heck. Volume did as promised; each of the shampoos really did leave my hair feeling clean; and they really are scented for men. I think because my hair is color-treated, the products were a bit drying for my hair. Honestly, I think any man would enjoy using them, would like how his hair and skin feels, and enjoy the fragrances. I used them enough to test them, but I’m about to give them to my friend’s husband and request he test them for me. I'll add his comments once I get them. **My friend's husband really loved the tingly, clean feeling when he used Refresh Active Body Wash. He liked the shampoos, didn't use the hair conditioner, and his wife said his hair wasn't quite as "poofy" as when we uses baby shampoo. She also used the hair products. At first, she didn't think they were working because they don't lather (this is the new "breed" of healthy shampoo: no lathering detergents, just good stuff). She also didn't feel the conditioner was doing anything (because it didn't feel like drug-store conditioners on her hair). However, once her (uncolored) hair air-dried, it was a different story. The texture was amazing, and her naturally loose curls were gorgeous. We were both impressed.

Review- Aveda Green Science Lifting Serum

Helps skin boost its natural collagen production for a more lifted appearance. Part of a 4-step system clinically proven to perform in 4 weeks. When used together with Firming Face Creme, Firming Eye Creme and Line Minimizer, clinical results show 41% more lifted appearance; 37% reduction in appearance of lines and wrinkles. 30ml/$50

I’m happy to say I don’t have a lot to lift. This is one reason why after I used this light serum cream all over my face the first time, I decided to use it only where there were some little lines like around my eyes and the odd small crease here and there. So far, I’ve used it daily for a week with no noticeable change. It’s possible that one week is not enough time, or because I didn’t have the other three products, I couldn’t experience a true effect. I’ll continue to use it until the sample tube runs out of product. If I see a change, I’ll adjust my comments.

Review - Nexxus Designing Texxture High Fashion Texture Creme

Part pomade, part crème, and part lightweight gel, this state of the art styler helps render your look—beautifully.
Benefits:
Say goodbye to unruly manes and the heavy, sticky products designed to control them with a Micro emulsion formula of Hold polymers, and Humectants. Designing Texxtur gently coaxes hair into place to create smooth sleek styles, sharp definition, and high fashion looks, while taming frizzies and flyaways. The blend helps keep hair healthy-looking and includes NexxuSpheres®, our exclusive micro sphere delivery system containing Ceramides, Nutrients, and Lipids, which release over time.

Once again Nexxus has done it! They advise you to use a small amount and they are not kidding. You only need a tiny, tiny dab to get the full effects of this creme. It really does knock out the frizzies while adding some texture to your hair. It adds shine and seems to really bring out your highlights. While doing all of this -- it leaves your hair soft and manageable. It can be costly so check your local stores and always check EBay. That is where I picked mine up at a fraction of the actual cost. It did not disappoint me -- Nexxus has not yet disappointed me with any of the many products I have used and use.