Saturday, October 11, 2008

Review - Carol's Daughter Lemon Ginger Mint Manicure in a Jar


A rich blend of natural butters and oils laced with exfoliating sea salt and essential oils of lemon, ginger and peppermint, sweetened with vanilla $11.50
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Who doesn’t love a quick fix? I surely do! I don’t get my nails done on a regular basis, but for special occasion type of things. My nails are short and I always attempt to keep them groomed and polished with a clear or neutral shade. This is a little gift from the gods; the scent is a perfect combo of the ginger, mint and lemon. It sounds strange but they all blend together well. You get 2 ounces and that isn’t a lot but a little goes a long way. I suggest that you apply and use it over a towel or the sink. I sat in front of the boob tube and the next thing I knew I had sloughed it all over the floor! So I dip my index finger in the jar once and that is enough for both hands. I worked it into my nails first then scrubbed my hands. Once the water touched my hands I could feel a difference. OMG, my hands feel amazing. They are velvety powdery soft after use. This really helps get rid of the dry cuticles too! I have been using it 2x a week and will buy again. It’s so quick, painless and easy! Great product!

Sheba says:
I am always on the lookout for cuticle, hand, and/or nail products that work. After reading City Slicker's review I could not resist. I found myself at the website placing an order. She is not exaggerating. . . the fragrance is heavenly. It is a pleasure to use it. It is so darn easy to use and you just need that tiny bit she suggests to accomplish the job. Your hands will seriously reward you for using Carol's Daughter Lemon Ginger Mint Manicure in a Jar. You will see and feel the difference after you use it. They are so silky soft and powdery that I hardly recognize my own hands. This is definitely one of the best products I have used for my hands and I will continue to use it. The cost is definitely worth it when you see the difference.

Review - Lueur Jeune Fixy-Stix Concealer & Corrector












These rich cream-to-powder formulas work with your skin, blending flawlessly to correct and conceal any imperfection without settling into fine lines or leaving an unnatural glow. Fixy-Stix™ are also good for your skin - made with emollients like olive squalane and infused with extracts of calendula and mineral-rich orchids - well known for not only their moisturizing properties, but also fighting free radicals and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Hide and conceal every flaw with Fixy-Stix™! -- $6.95

Hahahaha -- if I was going to hide and conceal every flaw on my face -- I would need a gallon can of this concealer!! Seriously, I do have many little and big things to conceal and this concealer and corrector does the job. It applies so easily as it is very creamy and just changes over to powder. It does hide the problem areas very well and then I simply apply my make up over it and it does not show through like many concealers do. Many times you will see someone with makeup and they look like a reverse racoon. Their eyes have very light circles around them as their make up did not quite cover the concealer. This works wonderfully and when you are finished -- you appear flawless!! The price is very reasonable for the job it does. I have had excellent experience with this brand and definitely recommend it.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Review - Big Sexy Hair What a Tease Backcomb in a Bottle


Big Sexy Hair What a Tease Backcomb in a Bottle
Get massive hair instantly! What A Tease does it all with elastic volume expanding resins. It is instant big hair. 2.6 oz. Approx. $17

I’m the one who sits in the hairdresser’s chair, looks at the crown of my head and pleads, “I need height!” Not Sopranos ladies hair height (look what happened to poor Adriana!) but a flat crown doesn’t work for my face shape.
Up until I found What a Tease, there were only two options. Root volume sprays—not too thrilled with those. Teasing and spraying the crown area—my hair wasn’t too thrilled with that.
While massive hair or big hair wasn’t my goal, I hoped What a Tease would give me some gentle oomph in the right spot. The product is now my secret hair weapon.
I can’t say I know what “elastic polymers” are, but I do know they produce the little bit of help that I need in getting my hair to frame my face in the way I like. And with no lasting bad effects afterwards.
The directions say to lift the hair in the place you want volume and spritz. I’ve found if I use the end of a rat tail comb to lift the hair, rather than use my hands, I can get the spray in exactly the spot(s) I want. Now if the product would only work on my legs to get my body height up a couple of inches!

Sheba says:

I have used Big Sexy Hair What a Tease Backcomb in a Bottle with some pretty good results also. I did like the hint to use the rat tail comb and found that to be very helpful. Actually, sometimes I had thought what is the difference between a product like this --- root lifter --- and/or just plain hair spray?? So I tried to use my hairspray in the same manner but it just did not do the same job. The root lifter seemed to be very similar to this. I do like the volume that seems to be added with the use of this 'tease'. It does what it claims to an extent. Do not use this thinking that you will have the Big Sexy Hair in its name. You will have the appearance of more volume and body but you will not have Big Hair. I guess maybe I should not say that -- I did not. As I said I did not but that doesn't mean that you won't. You will see the appearance of bigger hair. It is definitely worth the investmentif you have very fine or thin hair!


Thursday, October 9, 2008

Review - Almay Intense i-Color Mascara



Create longer, curvier lashes with a subtle hint of complementary Color to instantly intensify your Eye Color. Exclusive gel-based formula visibly lengthens lashes up to 50%. Easily applied using a spiral brush that smoothly and evenly coats lashes for length and curl. $4.00 - $7.00

I have tried just about every mascara out there and I like most of them. I always use an eyelash brush after the application so that I can prevent any clumping or flaking for later on. I have had very good luck using the eyelash brush/comb. For some reason lately my eyes seemed to be a bit dry so I decided to try Almay Intense i-Color Mascara as Almay is hypoallergenic. I am not an expert but thought that might mean it is more gentle. At any rate it definitely did not irritate my eyes any more and it goes on very easily. I use my brush and I do not have to curl the lashes at all -- they just seem curlier with the mascara on them. I had no problem with clumping or flaking and that might well be due to my use of my brush/comb. The mascara stayed on all day and was easily removed. So I am going to keep this mascara in my stash of cosmetic goodies. I gave a price range as I would probably not ever order this from a web site and pay the S + H. It can be found in just about any local stores that sell cosmetics. I actually found it for less than $4.00 and I think that is an excellent price for such a good product.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Review - New York Color Smooth Mineral Loose Blush Powder with SPF 12

Pure gentle formula is suitable for all skin types and tones. The Kabuki Brush deposits just the right amount of color. Sweep over cheeks, forehead and chin and blend to perfection. SPF 12 helps shield delicate skin from damaging UV rays. SPF 12 Non-comedogenic,Oil and fragrance free. Talc free, Dermatologist tested $6.99

I don't think you can ever have too much blush -- at least I cannot have too much blush. I am loving Mineral right now due to its natural look that gives you an air brushed appearance rather than a 'Made up' look. I found this blush in Target on clearance and could not pass it up. Lucky for me that I grabbed it -- it is an excellent mineral blush. It applies very easily and if you prefer a heavier touch than I do -- you just need to brush it on a little more. I selected the Tender Pink and it is a vey natural and beautiful shade. Actually each of the available shades would probably complement most complexions. The price is minimal for the amount of product you get and I know this will last me forever. I have tried a few items in this line and have yet to be disappointed. Try Target if you are near one -- they just might have it on clearance and that is the perfect time to try a new product.

Review - Almay Pore Minimizer


Almay Pore Minimizer Instantly refine the look of your pores with this oil-free formula. Rice proteins give your skin a nutritional boost, while grape seed nourishes and protects. Perfect for normal/combo skin types. $14.05


If you have large pores and just wish they might be a little less noticeable, this is the product for you. I have had some very good luck with other brands but this is an old standby. I can always count on Almay Pore Minimizer to help with the look of the larger pores -- it does minimize their appearance and makes yourskin feel smoother and firmer at the same time. The cost is very reasonable and you can find even better deals on EBay a lot of the time. It only takes a few seconds and you just might save some money for trying it there.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Review - Caudalie Moisturizing Cream

Designed to help preserve skin's youthful appearance, it combines stabilized grape seed polyphenols and nourishing grape seed oil with olive extract and plant glycerin. The fresh, soothing formula encourages a radiant and glowing complexion. No animal ingredients or artificial colorings. Non-comedogenic.

This facial cream is amazing. My face... admittedly, is somewhat of a mess lately. I get these rashes on my cheeks, my skin sometimes breaks out, AND it gets all dry and flaky for seemingly no reason in this dry fall weather. In short, my skin is really a pain in the neck. After using the cream for two weeks (because I really want to make sure how these things work before I go touting their benefits to people) I noticed a significant difference in my skin's sensitivity and hydration. No more flakes, no more itchy spots or dry areas that felt tight and didn't flow well with my make up. On top of all that, it has no animal ingredients and is not tested on animals, which is one of my favorite things to read on a cosmetic product's bottle.

Deedlejuse says: So I have really good skin, it can become dry at times especially in the winter, but generally it is low maintenance. I also tried Caudalie's Moisturizing Cream, and although I don't have quite as many obsticles as Amanda S., I too, noticed how wonderfully this cream improved my skin. This cream made my skin feel durable and flexible, and like I had a layer of protection that I have never really felt before. Not that it was too heavy, just nourishing and wonderful. My skin looked more radient right when I first applied, and that look increased over the two week period that I used it. To top it all off it has the most beautiful smell, so light and feminine. This cream is wonderful, I will definitely be purchasing again.

Joyce says:

Anytime a cream promises what this one does AND says “use on the eye area,” I get happy. I have used it as a mask, but they also said it can be used as a moisturizer; so, boy, does it get used. When the seasons change, I sometimes experience a bit of dryness. I’m glad I had it at the right time as autumn moved in. My more mature skin, though in good condition, does not like to feel even a little dry. I’m one who prefers baths, so after I cleanse my skin, and while the pleasant steam of the water is right there, I put this mask on and leave it on so it can really penetrate the layers. I also use it at night. I have noticed all-over improved skin texture, including around my eyes and lips after using it for a week.



Review - Bath and Body Works Hello Sugar Crystalline Body Splash


Add a layer of sweetness all about you with this flirty, tastefully tart lemon sugar body splash. Imported. SIZE: 6 fl oz/177 mL $12.50

Perhaps I should start out by telling the truth -- I saw this and thought it was a more inexpensive way to get one of my very favorite scents, fresh's Lemon Sugar. After all, look at the description. Well, my plan did not work: it does not replicate my favorite. However, I do have to admit that Hello Sugar Crystalline Body Splash is not bad at all -- for what it is. It has a very nice fragrance of its own which is a combination of the tart lemon and sugar - just not in the same league as fresh. Also, this is a body splash rather than a perfume or cologne and, as such, it needs more frequent refreshing. It is a nice body splash and you will probably enjoy it even more if you have not encountered the fresh product. It is a pleasant scent which is very refreshing. I happen to be addicted to the combination of Sugar and Lemon and it works very nicely as a body splash.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Review - Ocean Potion Lip Potion SPF 45


This all-season Lip Sun Block offers the most effective protection for lips and other sensitive areas: ears, nose and around eyes for spot protection. Made with rich conditioners to help keep lips soft and smooth. With Aloe Vera. Water Resistant $1.99

This Ocean Potion Lip Potion SPF 45 feels wonderful on your lips. It is not waxy or stiff to apply. It is so creamy and easy on your lips or around your eyes or just about any delicate area that needs this SPF 45 protection. I have an Orange/Vanilla flavor which is one of my personal favorite scents so I am very happy with it. It does offer excellent protection from the sun. I know that I go through lipstick incredibly fast so I don't take any chances with sun protection -- I reapply frequently. In the past I have had serious sunburnt lips, etc. Never again -- with this terrific sunscreen potion for facial areas. The cost in minimal for the protection you are getting. Even applying this as frequently as I do- it lasts and lasts. If you are looking for serious lip protection from the sun you have found it with this Ocean Potion Lip Potion SPF 45.

Review - Ocean Potion H2O Sport Continuous Spray SPF30


Ocean Potion® H2O Water Sport SPF 30 with Parsol® 1789 Continuous Spray offers ultimate water resistance in a quick dry mist. H2O high performance broad spectrum mist provides defense against UVA I, II and UVB exposure in a one touch, clean application. For quick and even coverage, this formula includes application. For quick and even coverage, this formula includes durable waterproofing agents to insure long lasting sun protection. H2O Sport Instant Dry Continuous Spray SPF 30, 6oz $9.99

I have used this Ocean Potion H2O Sport Continuous Spray SPF30 Instant Dry SPF 30 Mist several times now. I really like it -- it is so much less messy than your usual sun protection. It does not dry instantly but it does dry very quickly. Actually I think this is purposeful - it even mentions in the directions to watch for moist skin so that you know you have done that area. It has a pleasant scent to it that does for the most part fade pretty fast. A trace of fragrance is left along with the sun protection. It has the SPF 30 that is the least SPF recommended by many professionals. So many sun blocks are only 15 SPF which is useless to people who want real protection. It smartly recommends to reapply after being in the water, towel drying, etc. Most of all it does protect. I stayed out in the sun for a bit over an hour and was my usual pale self when I came in!! There was not even a tinge of red. I would defintely recommend this for those of us who like our sun protection to be easy to apply and much less messy to use. Like I mentioned, I used it several times and the can in still pretty full so I believe I will get my money's worth before I run out of it.

Deedlejuse Says:
I have to (almost) completely agree with Sheba on this Sunscreen. The can I received was Extra Waterproof, but still probably a comparable product and I have to rave about it! I have actually used quite a few spray sunblocks in my time, I am a self proclaimed beach bum since I grew up on Nantucket....And this is the first one that actually really did "instantly" soak in. Most sprays stay really nasty and sticky for at least a while, but in some cases until you actually shower after the beach, who needs that??? This spray literally takes a second and the scent was light, but lingered for a little bit. The best part was that it really did not feel like I was wearing anything at all, even lotion, but I was completely protected. All in all my experience was really good. I stayed out in the sun for almost 6 hours each (5 or 6) time I used it, I did re-apply a few times each trip, but no burns or anything yet! Woohoo!!