Review- Aussie Aussome Volume Spray Gel

"Take a hands off approach to gel. Spritz this ultra fine mist, for ultra high volume. No mess here! Look, ma! No hands! Kissed with white ginger and hops, Aussome Volume Spray Gel lets you crank up the volume and style - and turn down the mess. Contains natural Australian ingredients. " $4.69

I love styling products that come in a spray, let me just say that. I have long nails and dipping into the tub of my usual gel gets very messy. This is a gel with a "Strong" hold (according to the label) which makes it a 2 out of 4 in strength. There are 2 things that I really like about this product in addition to it being a spray:
1. It's entirely flexible in it's usage. If I want to spray it on and scrunch my hair I can and if I want to blow dry my hair pin straight with it, I can do that too.
2. It gives you a nice even coat of gel. You spray more where you need more, but you can cover your head in an even fashion. And this volumizing gel leaves hair touchable, not glued.

The last time I got my hair cut the stylist taught me a trick to using volumizer. I have very soft, "slippery" hair and by spraying on some volumizer, it doesn't have to add volume, but it does add grip to the contact between my hair and a brush. So now when I want to dry my hair straight, I use this volumizing gel and a round bristle brush and the hair actually clings to the brush. It used to slide right off. It makes for the ultimate blow-out. She also told me to avoid volumizers with alcohol and this product has none. Add to that the fact you can get this at your local drugstore and I'd say I've got a keeper.

Sheba says I have had some very good luck with Aussie products and this is one that really does seem to work well. I try anything that claims to add the look of more volume. I prefer the 'spray' or the 'pour into hands and work into hair' ones for the same reason as Hillary. I prefer not to dip my hands into it. I can feel the texture it adds to my hair when I am styling it. I realize it is the product coating the hair I am feeling but it does feel nice and full. It does give the appearance of fuller hair and that is what I am searching for. There are often coupons available for Aussie and, like Hillary mentioned, you can find them locally for reasonable prices. In addition to coupons, their products go on sale pretty often also.

Maria says: I have GOT to stop being such a drug-store brand snob. Seriously, I'm missing out on some really good products - such as this volumizer from Aussie. My number one reason for liking it is for the fact that it does not weigh my hair down. HUGE plus. I also like the way it sprays - I know that may sound off, but I've tried a lot of volumizing sprays and it comes out in a foam or too thin a mist - you can get a lot of coverage with the Aussie spray without feeling like you've oversaturated your hair. Another reason why I like it? It's NOT sticky. Hooray! No killing your scalp trying to get your brush through your hair. One thing I like to do is flip my head over and spray the gel on the underside of my hair b/f I style. Then I take the blowdryer to it (head still flipped over) and dry it a bit - when I flip my head back....va-voom volume awaits! Very well done, Aussie. This product is a keeper! Oh yes, forgot to add that it smells great too!

Review- Poshe' Cosmetic Bag

Poshe' Cosmetic Bag with mirror $9.99

I have been using this for over a month, I have been carrying this in my large handbag. This means just about everything I carry ends up getting lost in the bottom. I am a lippie girl and usually am carrying quite a few lippies, glosses and a couple of liners. Well, my point in all this is I am always loosing one part of the mix, this bag fits really well in my bag and is perfect for my needs, it's roomy enough for all of my things. It's very sturdy and will hold up a long time, the mirror is a generous size and comes in handy especially when on the go and my contact is giving my a problem or I want a close up to see if I am experiencing flaking from my mascara, whatever the problem is or even if I just want to ask "who is the fairest of them all" this is perfect. I think it's priced right and will continue to use! Also if you don't carry an arsenal of cosmetics this is perfect for a night away..

Deedlejuse Says: I love this little cosmetic case! They really thought of everything a cosmetic case should be. It is made of some kind of very durable sort of plasticy material (that is much softer than plastic I just don't know quite how to explain it) that wipes off in a jiff and is like mess resistant or something. I can honestly say that a good portion of my cosmetics tend to spill in my bag, with this case I don't have to worry because no lasting damage is done! That is such a relief for me. There is a zipper as well as a flap so all is contained. The sizable mirror is perfect for checking things, as city slicker mentioned, but also if you need to do some major work on the fly... This bag is awesome, and no-nonsense! If your in the market for a beauty bag that really works and isn't just pretty this is your bag!

Amanda S. Says: This is my favorite little bag for my purse! I'm one of those people with the gigantic purse full of a month's supply of everything in case of disaster, so normally I would use a bigger make up bag for carrying extras like vitamins, advil, those necessary female products, and so on. But I realized keeping make up separate from all this stuff makes it actually easier to find it when I am having a face-emergency. And I love the little mirror being on the flap because, unlike others that have that mirror on a string that hangs inside the bag, this one doesn't get scratched.

Hillary says: I'm not going to lie and say this bag fits all the make-up I carry in my purse, but I do find it the perfect size for my mineral powder make-up. My compacts and pots fit perfectly in this bag and there's even room for brushes. If you are ordering from Poshe, make sure to throw one of these into your cart- you won't be disappointed. And besides, who ever has enough make-up totes.

Sheba says: I have to agree with everyone on this little gem. Poshe has given us a handy little tote for whatever you might want to carry around in it. Of course, it isn't going to hold a lot of items - just those you find indispensable. It has just enough room for those items and the mirror is a great addition as it comes in so handy and is easy to locate as it is part of the bag.

Maria says: To quote from Ghost: "Ditto" !! I too love this little tote from Poshe. This is the second one I received - the first being a little bigger but none-the-less adorable and functional - perfect for overnighters when you want to just throw a mascara and eyelash curler and a lippie - perfect for in your purse too. I tend to carry several lippies in my pocketbook so rather than have them floating around at the bottom - I just pop 'em in my little Poshe bag. The little mirror is a very cool added bonus! This company is so hip and current -- I think you'll be hearing a lot more from Poshe. Love it!

Review- Covergirl Outlast Lipstain

"The water-based colorants of Outlast Lipstain give lips a beautiful, lightweight flush of color that won't come off, lasting for hours without the heavy look or feel of an ordinary lipstick. Its pen-like precision applicator makes it easy to define your lips-just draw on color without any hassle!" $8.49

I am and always have been a fan of lipstains. I tend to wear bold colors that are obviously gone when they come off. I feel like I've hit lipstain gold with the new Covergirl Outlast Lipstains. They are plenty moist and distribute a ton of gorgeous color. But be careful, once it's there, you'll need something to take it off, in other words, don't mess up. I bought 2 as they were on sale, 425 which is a medium pinky plum and 445 which is a brown. Oddly I feel the plum applicator releases more color than the brown. I'll have to buy some more in order to test that theory. They work wonderfully! Pure coverage which you can leave semi-matte as-is or add a gloss if you prefer. I dare say these work better than my old standby, Stila Lip Rouge, although my ideal would be to mix Stila's colors with these pens. I'm hoping they come out with more colors as this delivery system in a dark red would be divine! These are so good, I'd pay retail for them (and that's saying a lot!). Highly recommended!

Helpful Hint: If you live near a CVS, buy them there as they stand behind their cosmetics %100. If you try the shade and don't like it, you can go back with your receipt and return it. I'm not sure what other stores have this policy, but it always helps.

Review - Wild Mint Lime Coarse Salt Scrub

"Made with mineral rich dead sea salts, this body scrub provides the ultimate exfoliation while is soothes and remineralizes the skin leaving it super soft and well nourished. Made with all natural ingredients. 10 oz." $15.00

I just happened upon this Wild Mint Lime Coarse Salt Scrub on EBay by chance. I love anything Lime so I bid on it and won it at an incredible price. This is definitely one of my favorite scrubs. The consistency is coarse as the name suggests -- but a very mild coarse. It is very easy to use as it spreads very nicely as you apply it. It is a very gentle scrub and does exfoliate well and leaves your skin feeling so soft, silky and regenerated. I did not get a Lime scent from it. It is a very light fresh scent but I really could not pick up the mint or lime that much, which is really fine. It comes in other delicious fragrances which you might want to try. I think I use quite a bit for a shower - but the jar is not going down very fast so it certainly does last. My skin feels wonderful after using it as it does not dry it out while exfoliating. It leaves you feeling nice and invigorated.

Review - Maybelline Mineral Power™ Natural Perfecting Powder Foundation

"Mineral Power Powder Foundation with micro-minerals provides a more natural, healthier, luminous look. Discover the natural power of micro-minerals:
100% natural mica creates a more natural luminosity - Complete, yet refined coverage - Provides buildable, even coverage - Preservative-free, talc-free, oil-free, fragrance-free - Medium to Full Coverage" $4.95 and up, depending on where you purchase it

I promised to review this as I finished up my review on Maybelline Mineral Power Liquid Foundation which I discovered really works very nicely for me. I had been hesitant to try the liquid as I cannot tell you the last time I used a liquid foundation -- but it resulted in a very pleasant surprise -- I loved the final result. Well, I have been using the Maybelline Mineral Power™ Natural Perfecting Powder Foundation off and on for some time now. Even when I find something I love -- I have to keep trying other products. . . but I will return to the ones that really work often. I have many higher priced brands of Mineral powder foundation that I positively adore -- and Maybelline compares to some of them very favorably. It goes on so evenly and easily and looks very, very natural. . . yet at the same time it does enhance your appearance. Once again, you can always add another layer for a fuller coverage. I usually just go for the medium type coverage, but when going out for the evening I might just go for a fuller concentration. If you do not want to spend a fortune, yet want a very good mineral powder foundation you should check this out. . . you will not be sorry.

Review - Aussie Instant Freeze Hair Spray

Our strongest holding spray dries quickly to freeze your style in place.
Gives instant, long-lasting hold, yet shampoos out easily. $4.99
.
.Yes, this is a very strong holding hair spray. The only time I need the extra hold is when I have the doo in a ponytail. Honestly, I wear it in a pony about 1/2 of every week since I am usually rushing around to get out of the house in the am and it comes in handy at the gym Having said all of that I haven't used such a strong spray in ages. This isn't for the faint of heart, this is for all the gals that want their doo in place! it's got a floral almost fruity scent but it is quickly masked by the high alcohol aroma but when it dries down the fragrance does shine through and it's not bad at all. If you don't mind the drying effects of the alcohol then you will be able to use. I would put my hair in a pony smooth over with my hands then spray this into my hands and smooth over again to get all the little fly aways to lay flat, no joking this does work and keeps my doo in check all day.. The downfalls are if you get into a weather predicament and get the doo wet, almost immediately a strong smell the hairspray again and I didn't like that at all, I don't need my hairspray competing with my fragrance. I did experience my hair looking a little more dry also so beware that you may need to use with a leave in product to keep the drying at bay.. At the end of the day I will continue to use but I highly doubt I would repurchase, I am just at the point where I would rather spend a little more and get a product that is gentler to my hair.

Sheba says: 'Ditto'! I have used this in the past and it definitely does what it claims - Instant Freeze. I think this is a great spray for those who have details to their style they might want to 'freeze', like maybe spike type styles or anything where you want the hair to just stay exactly like it is when sprayed. I bet there are many of us looking for just that spray. However, I, along with Cityslicker, seem to prefer a spray with little or no alcohol, and a natural hold. This one seems more adept for holding the more dramatic style. I have gotten away from the extra firm look but for those who want it -- this rocks!!

Review - Yes to Carrots C the Difference Mask

I really love this mask. My skin, as I have said over and over again, has become in the past two years totally prone to freak attacks, redness, dryness and suddenly, breaking out! The horror!

When I got this product, my first reaction was, I LOVE CARROTS. I drink carrot juice all the time, I eat carrots with my dinner, and holy cow, I even have a rabbit who eats carrots with every meal. So I totally say yes to carrots already. My faith in carrots proved strong again with this mask. My freak out skin relaxed the first few times I used it, the dryness tapered off the few days after each use, and my breakouts seemed to be breaking my life apart a little less. This isn't one of those explosive 'oh my god what's happening???' masks that tightens on your face and cracks like a barren desert, nor does it turn into a shiny scary peel off (those sort of scare me, does anyone know of any that don't feel like they're going to yank all the teeny fuzz off your face? I'd like to try one that doesn't hurt!) and it doesn't give my skin any sting. I would really recommend this for those that (1) like natural products and (2) want to try something without hidden dangers.

Review- Barex Italiana Hairgomine Smooth Styling Gel

"Absolutely no flakes
Both hair gods and goddesses worship this relaxing balm that does it all. Barex Hairgomine styles, conditions, calms, locks out humidity, provides elasticity and sun protection with no flaking or buildup." Sug. retail $26

I don't have a huge problem getting my hair "reasonably" smooth, but with the layers I currently have, it is almost impossible to get it %100 smooth. That's where Barex Italiana Hairgomine comes in. I use a squirt for each side of my head and one for the back. It doesn't leave my hair feeling sticky at all. The bottle says "absolutely no flakes", but I've never had a problem with a product flaking on my hair, I just mention this in case you do. This product makes my hair perfectly smooth without weighing it down or making it look greasy (as some products do), it actually adds shine. It allows me to blend my layers with the rest of my hair in order to get that perfectly finished straight look. Oh, and I love that it provides sun protection. It claims to lock out humidity, but I've been using it on dry days in the winter, so I'll have to try it on a rainy day & revise this post when I see if that's true. Overall I'm very pleased with this gel and I recommend it despite the $26 price tag. Why? Because a little goes a long way & this tube is going to last me a long time. If you are the type to overdo it with the product, I'd probably suggest a cheaper gel, but for regular users it's worth the initial "splurge".

Review - Barex Italiana Gloss Spray

Let there be light. Even the most product weary will be thrilled with the weightlessness of the "must have" product for all hair types. Barex Gloss Spray prevents colour from oxidizing. Lightens a dull hair day with light reflecting mist.

We all have those days (like today, specifically, for me) when your hair just looks like it needs a lift. Perhaps it has been a few months between coloring, or the heat was up extra high last night, or there just wasn't time for the entire straightening process. It doesn't matter what did it.... only what you can do to make it go away! This Barex Gloss Spray is the answer to my problems. I have blond (processed) hair, that looks super shiny when all of the stars align in my favor, but can look really dull during the rest of the month. With a little spritz of this amazing gloss spray all of my hairs frizz-free shine and glory is restored. It doesn't make my hair look greasy ever (even if I apply more than once throughout the day) and doesn't smell like much so it doesn't compete with whatever else I might be wearing that day. I will say that $25 for 5 oz seems a bit steep to me (since you can find other pharmacy brands for so much less) but the effect really isn't comprable. This light spritz doesn't just add some oil to lighten your hair, it works on the roots of the problem. I highly reccomend this product!

Review- Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara

"High-Precision Panoramic Mascara
Introducing Givenchy’s revolutionary new mascara! Its innovative new design and high-precision application method will make all existing mascaras a thing of the past. For many women, applying mascara is still a difficult process. Without a steady hand, it is hard to get precise results. That’s why Givenchy has taken a leaf out of this daring new design offering a brand-new way to apply mascara. Givenchy’s groundbreaking patented spherical brush reaches everywhere. It simplifies application, for perfectly shaped eyes and spectacular panoramic results." $28

Let me say right off the bat, I adore this mascara! As you can see from the photo above it is not your typical mascara. The spherical applicator does take some getting used to, but if you are patient enough to take the time to get it right, your lashes will look amazing. And after a few applications you'll feel as if you've been using a round brush forever. This mascara coats every bit of every lash more than any other mascara I've used. It gets all the tiny little lashes that you usually ignore because it's too much trouble. They are a breeze with this mascara. Instead of "swiping" on this mascara, you sort of "paint" it on by running the round brush from root to tip on every section of the lashes. It reminds me of what it would be like to put on regular mascara if the brush was only 1/2 an inch long. Also the black is a true black for dramatically defined lashes. I also have not had to use a spoolie or a comb to get rid of any clumps since I've been using it. Like everything, it does have a drawback: it looked horrible when I applied it to my lower lashes. I think it does such a good job of defining and thickening that it made me look a bit like a cupie doll. Granted, I do not usually wear mascara on my lower lashes, so maybe someone more used to the look would have no problem with this mascara on the bottom. That said, I think every lady who is due a splurge should run to Sephora and buy this mascara. If you like long, defined, curled lashes that stay the day, this should be your next treat to yourself!

Handy Tip from someone who LIVES @ Sephora- If you want to try this but are afraid you won't like it, buy it from Sephora and keep your receipt. They will accept returns on things you are dissatisfied with. Sephora rules!