Herbal Essences Drama Clean Refreshing Shampoo

A Sure Bet

My hair gets oily after 1 day without washing and this shampoo gets the job done well. I use it when I haven't washed in at least 2 days and my hair always comes out looking its healthiest. I have highlights and it doesn't appear to strip them of their color. The packaging is very convenient and the bottle opens up easily with one hand. The only cons in my opinion are: bright green color (I don't see why the extra ingredients are necessary for a bright green color) The smell: it's an OK smell, but I would have expected something more "natural" and appealing from Herbal Essences. The smell reminds me of a candy mango scent. I would still purchase again if the price is right, because it's effectiveness outweighs the cons.

December 2, 2011

RoC RETINOL CORREXION Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

Not the product for me

I have read many positive reviews on this product so all I can conclude is that the product isn't right for my (moderately) oily skin type. I used a full tube of this product and used a generous amount each night. The only difference I noticed was that I woke up with oily skin in the morning, no improvement in lines or even skin texture, or freshness. Most importantly, I couldn't see any improvement long term. For my taste, the smell is also too strong for a nightly cream. My face is not hyper-sensitive, so I assume there isn't enough retinol in this product to make a noticeable difference. Based on other reviews however, this product might produce better results on people with drier, more sensitive skin.

September 17, 2011

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

I haven't found a better mask for pores

I've tried everything to reduce the appearance and size of blackheads and pores but I was so impress after trying this mask. Yes, $21 is a lot to shell out for a mask, but if you have blackhead problems that always persist no matter how well you take care of your skin, I wholeheartedly recommend this mask. I tried leaving the mask on overnight on my nose and just above and had no irritation problems. The only con to this mask is also a bit of a plus: The mask doesn't really crack off after it dries. It is a bit difficult to rinse off because little patches keep adhering to your skin (warm water helps this). Therefore it's a little more time-consuming than a regular mask, but I think the results make it worth it, plus you won't have dried-out skin from a mask that cracks off easily.

July 1, 2011

Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash

one of Origins' best

This is probably my favorite all-around cleanser not to mention favorite Origins product. It lathers on like a dream and a little pea-sized amount is all you need for your face and neck. The smell is refreshingly minty and I am not someone that likes mint-scented products at all, but I love this smell. After rinsing, your face feels incredibly clean but I have never ended up with a "tight" feeling on my face (indicating dried out skin). I still put on moisturizer after cleansing, but my combination skin never feels stripped of moisture after using this cleanser. If you were to get only ONE Origins product, it has to be this one! Highly recommended.

July 1, 2011

E.L.F. Mineral Blush

one of ELF's Greats!

The mineral blush is definitely a winner. I am blonde and fair skinned and the coral shade works is beautiful - not at all orangey, but a perfect balance of pink and coral. I apply it with an ELF studio "powder brush" and it has never come out blochy or unnatural. I'll definitely be ordering other shades of these. Only cons are the packaging - the lid doesn't tighten level with the jar, but it doesn't leak.

June 27, 2011

E.L.F. Essential Eye Shadow Brush

Quality & Price: it's a Winner

The eye shadow brush is my favorite brush of the "Essentials" brush line at ELF. For other brushes like an all-over face brush, I recommend getting looking at the "Studio" line at ELF instead. This brush is appropriately sturdy (bristles are non-floppy) and is perfect for a base shadow color or for a shadow that is going over the majority of your lid. For $1 this brush is a steal and the bristle quality is nice and smooth and doesn't shed. For $1, you'll love it!

June 27, 2011

Mario Badescu Skin Care Mario Badescu Control Cream

Great for whatever your redness reasons are

My skin isn't overly sensitive, but occasionally I irritate my face a bit too much with an apricot scrub, or leave my chemical peel on a minute too long and thus end up with red, irritated skin. This cream does exactly what it says, although I can't speak for those with skin conditions like eczema. This cream goes a long way and seems to soothe my redness very quickly after application. The redness doesn't go away immediately, but it definitely makes a noticeable difference. The main benefit of this cream is that it calms your irritated skin and reduces inflammation. It has virtually no smell and it's slight light blue color may also help to counteract redness. I recommend this to anyone with redness problems, regardless of cause.

June 27, 2011

Mario Badescu Skin Care Mario Badescu Silver Powder

It works, but try these directions instead

This powder does a good job of absorbing the oil in my blackheads and therefore makes them less dark, grimy, and thus less noticeable. I have not tried this product on whiteheads, although when I speak of my blackheads, I'm referring to "brown heads" if you will. To get the product to work (and if your skin won't mind it) I highly recommend that you use the product a bit differently than described in the directions. Again, only if your skin will tolerate it: 1. Use the product after you've cleansed, or even better, after a shower when your pores are open the most. Or try leaving a warm washcloth on your skin to encourage pore opening. 2. Application: Instead of applying dry powder to wet skin, use a Q-tip to mix the powder with water (I use back of my hand) and make a paste. Then apply paste on pore areas with the Q-tip. 3. Time: I leave mine on overnight, but that might not be necessary and you might not want powder on your pillow. But try leaving it on a bit longer. 4. Removal: Instead of rinsing off, try removing the product with an astringent & cotton ball. For sensitive skin, perhaps try a more gentle toner. When I follow these steps, I notice a significant fading of the brown heads on my nose.

June 27, 2011

Mario Badescu Skin Care Healing Cream

Heals skin faster

Out of all the Mario Badescu products, I find myself using this the most. If you're like me and pop blemishes way too much, or if there is anything on your face that needs healing, this cream speeds up the healing process better than anything else I know of. If calms the skin, helps with redness, and is especially great if you have any scabs forming. It keeps the area from drying out and losing the scab too soon which makes scarring or blotching more likely. I'd recommend this to anyone - if you have a teenager that is fooling around with their blemishes or if you're just concerned about your face healing in the most quickly & healthy way.

June 23, 2011