Review - Scunci No Slip Grip 59293-A

Sooooo, this is not the image of the product I am reviewing. Unfortunately I believe that the company must have discontinued the hair ties I got, because they are no where to be found online....... I have to say if this is true, it is for good reason: they aren't terribly practical. They are made of this gummy rubbery texture that isn't very pliable. I always wear my hair up in a pony tail, or in a bun and these hair ties pull a bit, and don't even think about wearing them on your wrist at night (which I do every night.) Maybe I am a traditionalist, but the normal Scunci elastics are much more my speed! On another note, I will not use anything but Scunci elastics. They really are the best, and cost next to nothing! I do love that they are looking into new products, but this one just wasn't my thing...

Melissa says: I was so excited to try these ties as Scunci is the gold standard. Unfortunately, they hurt my hair so bad and pulled a lot out. Although these weren't fore me, just like Deedlejuse, I will continue to use Scunci forever !

Review- CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM

Ordinary moisturizing lotions need to be applied frequently because the ingredients are released in a single “burst” and absorbed in a short period of time. Like all CeraVe® Skin Care products, CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM offers the benefits of unique, patented MVE® delivery technology, which provides a controlled release of essential ceramides and other skin-nourishing and protective ingredients slowly over time. It penetrates deep into the skin to moisturize and nourish skin throughout the day while “locking in” precious moisture. The unique ingredients in CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM help restore and maintain the natural protective function of the skin barrier, help restore damaged skin, and help keep skin healthy…all night long!


It probably won't surprise you that this lotion is ALSO one of my current favorites. It's everything I ever wanted in a nighttime moisturizer. It doesn't break me out, or make me feel greasy but it is strong enough to contend with my Tazorac (think strong Retin-A) and keep my skin from peeling off like dead leaves from a maple. The time-released factor really helps keep my skin hydrated through until the morning. It's a unique quality that really helps considering most moisturizers are done as soon as they rub against your pillowcase. My skin has not looked this good in a long time and again, this is happening with a $12 price tag. Be sure to read my review of Cerave AM Lotion because the two together make an awesome duo.

Trish says: Totally agree on what Hillary said above! I too so love this PM moisturizer that I use it affectionately and delicately, because it really does work and absorbs so gently into the skin, nourishing every bit of it while working its moisturizing magic. Usually, I skip nighttime moisturizers because my pores clog easily and for anyone who has combination skin knows how tricky it can be - super dry in areas that beg for the extra moisture, yet oily areas that can't bear it. With CeraVe's PM Lotion, my skin thoroughly drank up the moisturizing lotion without the heaviness of clogged pores the next morning. Used in combination with the facial cleanser, I noticed a quick turnaround with my skin - it was glowing and soft and so much more youthful looking, I can't praise this CeraVe Facial Moisturizer Lotion PM enough!

Review- Cerave AM Facial Lotion

Ceramide-rich formula
SPF 30
Non-comedogenic
Deflects UVA and UVB rays from the sun and other sources of UV radiation
Rebuilds and restores your skin’s protective outer lipid layer

Today is my "Favorite New Finds Day". I'm only going to review things I love today and Cerave AM Facial Lotion is DEFINITELY one of my current favorite things. The bottle and packaging are totally unassuming and your eyes have probably gone right past Cerave products on the shelf 100 times. They are the definition of "no flash, all substance". This moisturizer is rich without causing breakouts, minimizes fine lines and to top it off has a healthy SPF of 30. I have given up on using all of my pricey Sephora-bought lotions in favor of this one. Why? Because I am seeing results. It is chock-full of good for your skin ingredients like niacinamide (fights dullness & dark spots), ceramides (helps retain moisture) and cholesterol (moisturizes). This is everything I want in a moisturizer in a fragrance free, hypoallergenic bottle. And it's time released to continue improving your skin for 24 hours. Oh, and did I mention it runs about $12-14 a bottle, which lasts for so far, 2 months. At that price and with these benefits, what do you have to loose?

Trish says: You know how when you use something good for your skin, you can really feel it and tell? That's how it is with the CeraVe line. I love that as I get older, and my skin is starting to show little signs of aging, there's a moisturizer such as this one that fully hydrates the skin and protects it with SPF30 during the day. It is a thicker moisturizer than I would normally use, and because I'm prone to oily areas, this CeraVe AM lotion did add a bit of heaviness for me, but throughout the winter I really didn't mind it at all as I needed the extra hydration. Now, when the weather warms up, I may have to use just a little of it or less, however the thought of going totally without it would make my skin a little sad. For oily types, this facial moisturizer may be a bit heavy during the day, but if you're dry year round and need and want that added moisture and protection, this is definitely a nice and affordable facial lotion to have packed in your anti-aging arsenal!

Review- Certain Dri Antiperspirant Solid

This product is specially-formulated to provide everyday, all-day dryness for those who suffer from excessive underarm perspiration.



Certain Dri® Solid Anti-Perspirant contains 25% aluminum sesquichlorohydrate (Anhydrous). It is the only over-the-counter antiperspirant with this ingredient, which is more effective than the aluminum zirconium formula found in over-the-counter solid antiperspirants that are labeled “clinical strength.”

If I were to make a list of my current favorite things, Certain Dri Antiperspirant would definitely be on it! I know what you're thinking "What's all the hubbub? It's an antiperspirant." Oh, but it's so different from your ordinary underarm protection. I am not what you would refer to as an excessive sweater. I do, however, have a more sensitive than normal sense of smell (thank you S.A.D.!). So basically, if I smell sweaty in the slightest way, to me, I stink. Probably not to anyone else, but I digress. I started using this "unconventional" sweat-stopper - I mean, you use it at night and you don't need to re-apply after showering- thinking that it couldn't be better than my usual deodorant/antiperspirant. I stand corrected. I simply do not sweat from my armpits when I use this. The insert from the package says that the sweat is directed to other parts of ones body. I put this on at bedtime, shower & stay dry all day. No fear of deodorant stains on my clothes & definitely no sweating. If you want to stay drier than you ever thought you could, try Certain Dri. Yes, I sound like a commercial! I genuinely like it that much. Oh, as an added bonus, it's unscented so it can be used by both sexes. For the super-sweaters among us, they also make an auxiliary daytime deodorant/antiperspirant "refresher" called Certain Dri AM. This summer skip the worrying and get Certian Dri.

Melissa says: For years, I have been loyal to my deodorant. However, I knew that I should be looking into other brands as they health claims associated with mass labels have gotten me a bit worried. I thought that Certain Dri wouldn't do the job but it did. It kept me smelling fresh all day and I only needed one application. It's really and excellent antiperspirant and I've been using it faithfully without going back to my old standby. Also, unlike other "good for you" deodorants, you will not feel self-conscious about having body odor mid day! Like Hillary, I highly recommend Certain Dri!

Review- Sulwhasoo Basic Line Trial Pack

"Nourishing skin care formulated with precious Korean Medicinal Herbs to promote harmony and balance in the skin." 

When I first recieved this trial pack, I didn't realize I would be changing from one step after cleansing my face to four.  I'll admit, I was a little daunted.  But let me tell you, my skin is singing the praises of Sulwhasoo skin care.  Let me tell you the routine.  First, on a cleansed face, you press the First Care Serum into your skin.  It does smell like medicinal herbs to a degree, however, that disappears once it soaks in.  This step prepares your skin for the products to come.  Next comes the "toner" in the form of Balancing Water.  This is really refreshing and doesn't make your skin tight whatsoever.  I'm not a big fan of traditional toners, but this one I love.  After that you smooth on the Balancing Emulsion which serves as a lightweight yet effective moisturizing lotion.  It sinks in beautifully and I (miraculously enough) have not seen a single dry skin flake since I've been using this set!  The final step in the kit is the Concentrated Ginseng Cream which is a slightly heavier moisturizer but again, it soaks in beautifully.  Now this may seem like a lot of work, but my dry, acne-prone skin hasn't looked this good in as long as I can remember.  No tightness, not even wind chapping from this brutal NYC winter.  Also, you don't need to leave any time at all between steps, so the whole thing takes less than five minutes.  And tell me, who doesn't have five minutes for georgeous skin?  I even went out without make-up on Saturday!  I never do that.  Now these products are a bit pricey, $55-$220, but you use the products so sparingly that the full sized products will last you a year.  This is a brand to look out for, they'll be big. 



Review - Smashbox Lipgloss in Divine

I visited Smashbox's site to find a pic and a description for this lip gloss but for some reason, I did'nt find one. I think it's because this color comes in the limited edition "Wish for a Perfect Pout" kit. Anyhow, the color is called Divine. Its a perfect shimmery nude. If you are fair skinned, it may be more like a shimmery bronze.

I love Smashbox mainly because of their originality. In this case, this lip gloss is just that. Nothing more, nothing less. Unlike their O-gloss Gold (which I reviewed not too long ago). It doesn't have an overly sticky feeling and it lasts for a pretty decent amount of time.

The color is nice and overall, its a good product.

Review- Ardell Fashion Lashes 126 Black

Our most popular lashes are lightweight, reusable, easy to apply, and the ultimate in comfort. They're made from sterilized, 100% human hair so they look and feel like your own. Ideal for first-time users, they come in Starter Kits that contain everything needed to apply lashes in three easy steps. In Black or Brown. Choose from 29 different styles.

Ok, so if you all remember me I was the one on this site who knew the least about products, and make up and everything. Since then I started working in a cosmetics department in a major department store. I have worn my fare share of false eye lashes, and even applied a VERY few to other's lids. I will tell you that I have only used MAC and Shu Uemura lashes, and so have never tried anything costing less than say $13. These beauties are AMAZING, and around $3 online. I have worn them twice, just to test their longevity for you and they have held up beautifully. The second day I have to say was less comfortable than the first, but I didn't clean the lashes, which they do recommend doing on the website. So I will clean them and on to round three......
I, personally have really long lashes, people often ask if I have lashes on when I don't.... Not bragging, just telling you if you have long lashes and you are really trying to glam it up go for something a bit more dramatic. If you don't have much in the lash area these are a perfect daily lash. They are really easy to apply. I used Duo lash glue (remember to let it get tacky 30 secs) and just slid them on. I assume they are so easy to apply because of the human hair they use, but I don't question perfection! They are so natural that when I wore them to work almost nobody noticed and had to get really close to tell that they were false (awkward). Buy in bulk with these because I am telling you you will want to wear them all day every day, and in my opinion you totally can! Fantastic product, and company. Go Ardell!

Deedlejuse Says: Sooooo, now I have tried a couple more of Ardell's 100% human hair lashes and I have to say I will never use any other kind again. They are all so comfortable and natural looking that people don't even know I'm wearing them, but can't help complimenting me just the same. I have now taken to telling everybody that they are real. Implying, of course, that they are really mine instead of just real. It's not really a lie right!?!

Review - Smashbox O-Gloss Gold

OK So I am a little confused. I couldn't for the life of me find this gloss on the website by itself. It might be a limited edition item. If it is, I would be really upset because I love it!
So the original O-Gloss works by reacting with your skins own chemistry while turning your lips a shade of pink. Its kind of a stain and a gloss in one. Ive noticed with both O-Gloss and O-Gloss Gold, that after the lip gloss is gone, there is still a bit of pigment left.
The gold version of this works the same way except it goes on gold and then turns into a shimmery pink. Some people could get taken aback at first, because the color is REALLY gold! Then it slowly fades to a gilded peach shimmer.
I really want Smashbox to make this a regular item. They have recently come out with O-GLoss Noir which goes on dark and then turns into a shade of berry. I really like this gloss and I am glad that there are different options.

Review- Browhaus Brow and Eyelash Bar SOHO, NYC

I have found a new (open 3 months) beauty spot in Soho that is out of this world!  It's actually two places in one venue, Browhaus for brows and lashes and Strip Ministry of Waxing and IPL hair removal. I've reviewed Strip in another review.



The venue is impeccably clean, welcoming and professional looking.  The staff is friendly and all of the technicians are sent to Singapore (where the chain is based) for four weeks or more for training.  Usually one has no idea what kind of training someone threading their eyebrows has, here you feel reassured.


I opted to get my woolly eyebrows done and an eyelash perm.  There are three options for brow grooming: threading, tweezing and threading and tweezing.  I got the latter.  The threading was relatively painless and very quick.  My brows were groomed to look natural but without all the excess, which is exactly how I wanted them.  Jade, my technician, knew exactly what I meant when I told her to leave them looking natural.


I then had the brow perm. and I have to tell you, I will be going back every three months until the day I die for this service.  My eyelashes look awesome!  It's a little known fact that as we get older our eyelashes get straighter.  Not to give away my age, but mine have pretty much flat lined (they were never that curly to begin with).  This makes me look like I've done my lashes with nothing on them and really opens up my eyes.  If you have lashes that won't hold a curl, or if you want your lashes to look their best all of the time, this service is for you. I'm in love with the results.  I'll admit I was a bit hesitant to get a lash perm as I'd heard it's risky, but I was put at ease by the fact that Jade sat right by my side for the entire time it took for the perm solution to work it's magic.  If anything had gone wrong, she would be right there to fix it.  Now that's service.


I will be revisiting the Browhaus again and again because I had such a positive experience.  I'm thinking about going for an eyelash tinting so I don't have to wear mascara.  Other services they offer are eyebrow lightening/darkening and something called "brow resurrection" for people with bald patches or over-plucked brows. It's a unique tattooing technique that creates individual brow hairs one by one in a pattern suited to your face.  (See the photos above).  I can't rave enough about this place!  Ask Santa to bring you a gift certificate!  I am!

Review- Smashbox Brow Tech To Go Pencil

Get perfectly polished brows on the go. Our iconic Brow Tech is now in a portable, travel-friendly version. The double-ended component includes an angled long-wearing waterproof pencil for precise filling and defining and a soft hold gel with a brow brush applicator to groom brows perfectly into place. With vitamin C & E and jojoba for added healthy-skin benefits.


I wonder how did my unruly brows ever survive, before coming across this incredible Smashbox Brow Tech to Go Pencil? Actually, they didn't, and that is why I am so thankful to have this wonderful brow kit with me everywhere I go. One end contains a perfectly angled thick pencil that lasts all day and for the brow-maintenance newbie, this makes defining and sculpting really easy to do and amazingly effective in creating well-shaped gorgeous brows. The angled pencil really glides on smoothly and you can have super sexy glamorous brows instantly! My brows can be tricky sometimes, sparse here and thicker there, so the pencil really helps to fill in areas that need more precise definition and still be shaped with expect care. Not only am I in love with the angled pencil, but the gel, does wonders to keep everything set in place and lock in a smooth refined look. This magic duo in one set is perfect for travel and does so much to create beautiful professional-looking brows with so very little effort - and if you're on the run a lot or if you happen to crave those gorgeous brows wherever you go- look no further, this is the one tool that truly does it!