Showing posts with label Beauty Product Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beauty Product Reviews. Show all posts

Monday, August 21, 2017

Dove Dermacare @ CVS VoxBox!

Dove Dermacare @ CVS VoxBox!



PROS:

 Cleans well and gets to the root nicely
 Helps with dry, itchy scalp.
 Smells good

CONS:

 Really thick
 Takes a lot of product to get a good lather

Overall Rating:



I received a free sample of Dove Dove Dermacare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Pyrithione Zinc from Influenster to use for testing purposes. I was really excited to try this new shampoo, because I love a lot of products from Dove, and I have an oily scalp and get dandruff during the dry, winter months, so I knew it was a product that I wanted to give a try.

Overall, I mostly liked this shampoo. I thought it made my hair feel and look very clean. It also left my hair feeling very soft and manageable! I live in a area with high humidity, so while I did experience some frizz, I did notice a significant less amount of frizz after using this shampoo. It also really helped to reduce the oiliness without drying out my scalp. I think I will really like this product during the winter months, when I experience dandruff problems.

Another thing I liked about this shampoo was the smell. I think it has a coconut, tropical scent, but its VERY subtle. Most dandruff shampoos don't smell very good, so this was a huge plus for me. Then scent even subtly lingers in my hair, a few hours after using the shampoo.

The one thing I really didn't like about this shampoo is how thick it is. It's a very thick and creamy shampoo and you really have to use a lot of the product to get a really good lather going, which also means that you go through the product pretty quickly. Although it takes a lot of product to get a good lather, once get a good lather going, it really does get down to the root and cleans the hair very nicely. 

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. Even though I received this product free of charge, it in no way effects my review. All opinions are 100% my own. 

If you're interested in joining Influenster, click on the Influenster badge below to sign-up. It's 100% FREE and you get the chance to review some amazing products! 

Review - Olay Ultra Moisture Shea Butter Body Wash

Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash With Shea Butter


Pros:

• Hydrating
• Sublte Scent
• Cleansing
• Long Lasting
• Affordable

Cons:

• Possibly too hydrating for people with oily skin

Overall Rating:


I mostly use Dove body wash, because it's my favorite, but I was shocked at how much this Olay Body Wash was so similar to my favorite body wash and a lot cheaper. I have very dry skin, so I like to use a hydrating body wash and this one really worked for me. I can't tell you how nice it is to find something that works for you and is actually affordable! 

The scent is very pleasant. It's light, subtle, and fairly long lasting. It didn't linger the entire day, but I definitely smelled it for a few hours, in the morning.  Although it does last a lot longer if I use it when I shower before bed. The scent will still be lingering when I wake up in the morning. Overall, everything is very subtle, and I think anyone who is sensitive to smells would be able to tolerate the scent just fine. 

The formula and texture is very smooth and creamy, and I thought it lathered very nicely on my loofah. A small amount of product went a long way, and I felt very clean, smooth, and fresh after rinsing off. This body wash was gentle on my skin and didn't cause me to break out, but I don't have too sensitive of skin. I still think this body wash is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin. I also think that since it is so hydrating, it would work good for those who have dry skin.


This review is being entered into a #contest for Influenster. I received this product free of charge from PinchMe for testing purposes. All opinions are honest and 100% my own.





Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Saint vs. Sinner

Review: Saint + Sinner Eau De Parfum



PROS:

• Smells Good
• Mixes well with my body chemistry
• Vegan & Cruelty Free
• Both fragrances pair nicely together
• Stunning Packaging!

CONS:

• Expensive

Overall Rating:



I've always been a big fan of perfume, so I was super excited for the chance to try two perfumes from Kat Von D Beauty. The fun thing about these two different perfumes, is that since they both have similar notes, you can wear them together, essentially creating a third fragrance! This fragrance may have been resurrected, but this was my first time ever smelling either of these perfumes. 

Saint: Saint is so soft, easy to wear, and perfect for the summer time! The floral and fruity scent is what stands out to me the most. I'm someone who wears perfume according to seasons and my mood, and this scent is perfect for when you're feeling fun, flirty, and romantic!

Sinner: Sinner is much more of a heavy scent that contains notes that are much more warm and woody. I think Sinner would be the perfect perfume to wear in the fall and winter months. This is actually the scent that I like the most, because it mixes well with my body chemistry and smells a lot better on me. I would wear this perfume when I go out at night, or if I'm in more of a fun, sexy, and seductive mood.

Saint & Sinner: So, if you can't decide if you want to be bad or good, I say be both! It's fun to mix the two scents and wear them together. It definitely creates an entirely new scent, that I find to smell very unique. 

Packaging: While I did only receive the sample size version of these perfumes (which by the way, were still oh-so-cute!), I think that the full size bottles are absolutely stunning! Kat killed it on the design of the bottle, and I bet that a lot of people purchase this perfume for the bottle alone. 

My Experience: Overall, I was very pleased with both scents from the Kat Von D Beauty line. I found them both to be high quality fragrances that smell good and mix well with my body chemistry. I thought they both had longevity, and lasted all day or all night without wearing off. It is expensive, but at the same time, just about all the good perfumes are, so knowing how much effort goes behind the making of this perfume, I find the price to be somewhat reasonable and comparable to many other good perfumes on the market. 



I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. Even though I received this product free of charge, it in no way effects my review. All opinions are 100% my own. 

If you're interested in joining Influenster, click on the Influenster badge below to sign-up. It's 100% FREE and you get the chance to review some amazing products! 


Tuesday, August 23, 2016

L'Oréal Voluminous VoxBox

L'Oréal Voluminous VoxBox


Yet again, Influenster has hooked me up with more great products to test out! This time, I received SIX  L'Oréal eye products to help create the perfect eye look.





  1. L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Primer/Base
  2. L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Building Mascara
  3.  L'Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Mechanical Eyeliner
  4. L'Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Prep & Shape Pro Kit
  5. L'Oréal Paris Eye Shadow - Paris Beach
  6. L'Oréal Paris Eye Shadow - Pain Au Chocolat








This was my first time using a primer for my eyelashes and I have been very impressed with it. I found the brush to be effective, and enjoyed the softness to it. The primer is white when you apply it to your lashes and I can instantly see the primer give my eyelashes a boost. The white color helped me to see if I was coating my lashes evenly, which I thought was a bit of an added bonus. After applying the primer to my lashes, I then added a coat of the L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Building Mascara on top of it.


After applying the L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Primer/Base to my lashes, I then applied the L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Building Mascara. The mascara was not even the slightest bit clumpy and I watched my eyelashes magically extend as I applied it. It also gave my lashes the perfect curl. I am a huge mascara snob, and I was so impressed with how good this mascara worked. I can wear it for the entire day, and my lashes are still holding strong at the end of the day. This is a great option for those who want an effective and affordable mascara. 




I was already impressed by the mascara, but I gotta say, the eye liner is also pretty top notch! The black is very bold and it glides on so nice and smooth. It's also a mechanical eyeliner, which is my favorite! You don't have to worry about sharpening it. The eyeliner claims to last 16 hours and I would say that it definitely lasts 16 hours, but the humidity in Florida did make it smear just a little. But in the eyeliner's defense... the humidity has been so bad this summer!





Out of all the products I tried, this was by far my least favorite... and I really hate to say this, but I didn't like this kit at all! The kit itself was very cute, with the mini tweezers, the angled brush, and the spoolie brush.. but the product did absolutely nothing for me. The soft wax barely even applied to the brush and I couldn't see that the product was doing anything. I really wanted to like this product, but unfortunately, it did nothing for my eye brows.





The eye shadows looked very promising, but it was also lacking just a bit, in my opinion. I would consider both of the shades to be in the nude palette and they both looked really pretty, but unfortunately they didn't seem to have much pigment to them once I applied them to my eyes. You can still work with it, and the Pain Au Chocolat shade does have a nice shimmer to it. I would definitely recommend using a primer before applying this eye shadow, to get the best pigment that you can.




My Experience


My experience testing out these products from L'Oreal was overall positive. Mascara is my favorite makeup product, so I can be somewhat of a snob when it comes to testing them.. but I truly loved both the primer and the mascara as a duo! I used all of the products in my VoxBox to complete a simple eye look and I was happy with how it turned out. My favorite product was definitely the primer and the mascara. Using the two products together really made my lashes instantly pop. My least favorite product, and really the only product I didn't like, was the eye brow kit. Unfortunately, it didn't do much for my eye brows, which you will be able to see in my picture.







I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. All opinions are 100% my own. #LorealMakeup 


If you're interested in joining Influenster, click on the Influenster badge below to sign-up. It's 100% FREE and you get the opportunity to review some amazing products! 


Monday, May 23, 2016

Review: Maybelline's Brow Drama Pomade Crayon VoxBox

Brow Drama Pomade Crayon by Maybelline




Pros: 

• Easy to use
• Pigmented
Nicely tames the brows  
• Glides on easily

Cons:

• Easily Smears 
A little overpriced 


Overall Rating



About Maybelline Brow Drama Pomade Crayon


The Brow Drama Pomade Crayon by Maybelline is a crayon for your eyebrows, that is said to sculpt, tame, and color your brows in just one easy sweep! It's available in four different shades (blonde, soft brown, deep brown, and auburn) and retails for $9.99.


How To Use 



It's very easy to use the Brow Drama Pomade Crayon. Simply sweep the crayon across your eyebrow, starting from the inner brow and ending at the tail of your brow. Depending on your personal way of doing your eyebrows, you may need to repeat until you get the desired look you are going for. Personally, I don't see anyone apply this in just ONE sweep, but it is still really quick and easy..

You can adjust the length of the crayon by turning the bottom, and when your crayon starts to get dull, you can easily sharpen the tip of it with one of the bigger eye pencil sharpeners.




My Experience


Overall, I had a good experience with the Brow Drama Pomade Crayon by Maybelline. There were a lot of things that I liked about the product and a couple things that didn't work for me.

This product was very easy to apply. It glides on smooth and has a very natural look to it. It also really does a good job at taming your eyebrows and putting them in their place.

I don't do much sculpting, but as far as filling in and coloring my brows, it worked great! I love that you can go light with this product or you can go bold, making it great for many different looks. I received the soft brown and the deep brown, and I love that I'm able to use both.






The texture of the product is very creamy and blends in nicely. The biggest issue I had with this product was that it easily smears. I live in Florida, and I need something that can hold up in this high humidity. It's really not even that hot just yet, so I don't think this is going to work for me on those really hot, summer days. 



I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. Even though I received this product free of charge, it in no way effects my review. All opinions are 100% my own. 

If you're interested in joining Influenster, click on the Influenster badge below to sign-up. It's 100% FREE and you get the chance to review some amazing products! 



Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Review: EOS Shave Cream

EOS Shave Cream (Pomegranate Raspberry)


Pros:

• Leaves your skin feeling silky-smooth
• Helps give a close shave
• Moisturizing
• Paraben-free

Cons:

• Not the best choice for those with sensitive skin
• Causes some irritation when shaving dry
• Artificial smell

Overall Rating





About EOS Shave Cream


EOS Shaving Cream is a non-foaming shaving cream that is infused with natural aloe, oat, shea butter, and antioxidant vitamins E & C. It is paraben-free, pthalate-free and cruelty free. The aloe and oat extracts are to help prevent nicks and razor bumps, and you're even supposed to be able to shave wet or dry when you use this product.


Although the bottle says this product is paraben-free with natural aloe and shea butter, it is not a natural product. This product contains glycerin, fragrance and other ingredients that may be an allergy concern for some. I would suggest reading the entire ingredient list, and maybe doing a spot test before using it on your entire leg. 



Ingredients: 



Water (Eau), Mineral Oil (Huile Minérale), Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Gluconolactone, Triethanolamine, Cetyl alcohol, Petrolatum, Sodium Benzoate, Dimethicone, Glycol Stearate, Titanium Dioxide (CI77891), Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylene glycol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Red 40 (CI16035), Yellow 6 (CI15985).


How Well Does It Work?


EOS Shaving Cream provides a nice coat that creates an ample shave barrier between my razor and my skin. There wasn’t much of a lather to this product, but I still felt that it protected my skin from nicks, cuts, and razor irritation. I really didn't need that much product to get a good shave with this. I generally use one pump for my lower leg and one pump for my thighs, and I never have to use more than three pumps when shaving my legs. If you only apply a thin layer of this product like you're supposed to, it will give you a smooth, close shave without clogging up your razor. I was able to shave dry with this product somewhat successfully, although not without some irritation. In the shower it gave me seriously smooth skin and left my skin feeling moisturized. With that being said, I would not recommend using this dry unless it is absolutely necessary.


Consistency: EOS Shaving Cream doesn't foam like most shaving creams. Instead it's like a thick and creamy lotion. The texture of this shaving cream is a huge difference if you're used to thick gels or foams. Even though it comes out like a thick lotion, it starts to thin out once you apply it and rub it into your skin. If you normally use those thick gels and foams, it may take some getting used to the viscosity of this shaving cream.



Packaging: EOS Shaving Cream comes in a durable, recyclable, 7 oz. bottle with an easy to use dispensing pump. The dispensing pump can be locked and there is even a cap that covers the pump, making this an acceptable product to take with you when traveling. I think the bottle is very stylish and I love how it doesn't leave a rust ring in the shower or on counter-tops. 


You can buy this shaving cream for about $4 at Target, or you can find it on Amazon for around $7.


This review is in compliance with the FTC Guidelines. All opinions are completely my own, 100% honest and unbiased, and based solely on my own experience.

Friday, September 4, 2015

Review: Lady Shape Heart Intimate Shaping Tool

Lady Shape Heart Intimate Shaping Tool



Pros:

• Easy to use and control
 Comes in other styles
• Cute!

Cons:

• A little difficult to get around, unless you have a small razor

Overall Rating



About Lady Shape Heart Intimate Shaping Tool

Lady Shape is a brand that offers a variety of grooming products for the pubic area. They are made for the female body, and specifically designed to follow the shape and curves of the female body. They come in three different models: the Brazilian, a triangle, and a heart shape, which is the one I'm reviewing.

How To Use


The shaping tool comes with a three step picture diagram on the box, showing you the easiest way to go about using the product. The first step is to position the tool. Then, while you're in the shower, start by shaving the sides first and then the top part of the heart. The top part of the heart was the trickiest part for me.  That's where the small razors come in handy, so you can get the best heart shape possible.





I really like the design and quality of this product. The handle and the base of this shaping tool is made of plastic, and it's the perfect shape for holding comfortably in your hand. You're really able to get a good grip on it. The heart shape is made of a rubber material that makes it really easy for staying in place and not slipping around while you're trying to create your masterpiece. The size of the heart shaped shaping tool is 2 1/2 inches x 2 1/2 inches.

My Experience


 I use a Venus razor that's a bit bigger than disposable size razors and I had a bit of a difficult time doing the top part of my heart, where it makes a v-shape. I made it work, but I'm sure if I had a smaller razor it would have been an easier process, and a more precise heart shape. I only have the shaping tool, but I noticed on Amazon and on the Lady Shape website that it actually comes with two small razors to use with the shaping tool. I  recommend using those little bikini razors for the best results.

The heart shape template is nice for cute, special moments, but it's not something I want to rock all the time. I think I would like the Brazilian and triangle style much better.

If you're interested in purchasing an Intimate Shaping Tool of your own, you can find them on Amazon, or on the Lady Shape website. You can find it anywhere from $15-$18. That includes the shaping tool, two bikini razors, and a waterproof storage bag. 




This review is in compliance with the FTC Guidelines. All opinions are completely my own, 100% honest and unbiased, and based solely on my own experience.


Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Review: Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs



Pros:

• Smooth finish
• Streak-free
• Covers imperfections
• Quick & easy to use

Cons:

• Took a lot of product to evenly cover my legs
• Left my legs & hands feeling died out the next day

Overall Rating




I recently received a VoxBox from Influenster, with a sample of Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs. I've been wanting to try Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs since I first saw a commercial for it on TV, so a big thank you to Influenster & Sally Hansen for giving me the chance to test it and share my opinion!


About Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs is a water resistant leg makeup that comes in 5 different shades, and is available in either a spray or a lotion. I received the lotion, so that is the one I am going to be reviewing. This product is supposed to give your legs a flawless look with a glow, and is advertised as being streak-free, long lasting, yet it won't rub off on your clothes. They even say it can cover any imperfections you may have on your legs, such as veins, birthmarks, etc.

How To Use

I had a super easy time applying this product. It was easy and not at all messy like I thought it would be. It literally takes three easy steps to apply this product.
  1. Apply a quarter size amount of lotion into the palm of your hand.
  2. Rub evenly onto your legs and feet, and apply sparingly to knees and ankles. If you put to much on your knees or other joint areas, it will look orange.
  3. Let dry!

My Experience

I decided to use my sample of Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs before going to the beach! My legs don't match the rest of my body, so they really can use some kind of color before going into the bright sun. And what a way to put this product to the ultimate test, I thought.

I started with a quarter sized amount, but I definitely ended up needing more than that. I am a lot of leg, so I ended up using almost 3 times that amount per leg. It also didn't spread out as much as I thought it was going to. Even though the lotion didn't spread out as much as I thought it would, the most important thing is that it spread evenly, without any streaks.

The texture of this lotion was very smooth and creamy, with a light and airy feel to it. It wasn't too thick, nor was it too thin. The consistency is very much like a liquid foundation. 

As soon as I applied the lotion to my legs, I instantly noticed how smooth and flawless it made my skin look. I also noticed a nice glow to my skin, and the fact that it was a slight shade darker. I was surprised with how natural it looked, and happy that it wasn't drastic. I was also happy that it didn't look orange-ish at all! My knees and ankles did look a lot darker, so even though I tried to apply it sparingly as possible, I think it was still too much. So really be careful not to apply too much on your knee and ankle area.

While I was at the beach, this product was able to hold up through the ocean water and didn't even rub off onto my suit, beach towel, or seat covers on the ride home. I showered that night when I got home from the beach, but I don't think the product completely washed off. My legs still had a smooth look to them, and it looked as if I had a little foundation on my legs. I showered again the next morning, and I'm pretty sure the rest of it washed off.  I had no issues washing it off of my hands. It easily washed off with soap and warm water. 

The day after using the product, I noticed that my legs and hands looked and felt really dried out. It has me wondering if there is anything in this product that helps with moisturizing or hydrating. 

Overall, I liked this product and I would definitely purchase it to use again. I think I would probably purchase the spray version, because I think it would be a lot easier to apply, especially for someone with a lot of leg!


I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. Even though I received this product free of charge, it in no way effects my review. All opinions are 100% my own. 

If you're interested in joining Influenster, click on the Influenster badge below to sign-up. It's 100% FREE and you get the chance to review some amazing products! 

Thursday, August 20, 2015

What It's Worth -- Ipsy August Glam Bag


I've been getting Ipsy Glam Bags for about a year now, and I still look forward to them every month. My friends are always asking me if they are worth the $10 (I always think they are), so I've decided I would review my bags every month and do a breakdown on the prices to see if they are really worth the $10. My prices are just estimates, since I mostly only get sample sizes that are typically not sold in stores.

WHY I THINK IPSY IS WORTH IT:  Ipsy gives me the chance to try higher end beauty products without dishing out a lot of money on a product I'm not sure I will like. I also like that it challenges me to try products I might have never tried out on my own. The purpose of Ipsy is not to love everything you get, but to try new things! So for $10 a month, I consider it to be a gamble.




Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco Oil Treatment: 

Full Size Price: $9

Estimated Sample Size Price: $1


According to my research, the full size product retails for about $9, and it would take about 9 sample sizes to equal the full size amount. So, if my calculations on this one is correct, this sample is worth about $1.

Oils for my hair aren't my favorite products, but from time to time I will use one. I recommend starting with a small amount of this stuff, because too much of it will weigh down your hair. To be completely honest with you, all of the Argan Oils I've ever used, they have all been pretty much the same. I've never noticed a difference between them, except for the fact that they all smell different. With that being said, I really do like the smell of this stuff. It's clean, fruity, and tropical all at the same time.






JUARA Skincare Turmeric Antioxidant Radiance Facial Mask

Full Size Price: $35

Estimated Sample Size Price: $4

This is some expensive stuff! It's $35 for 3 oz of product! The disappointing thing about that is the fact that I kind loved using this product, but I don't see myself dishing out $35 for it. I'm not sure I loved it that much. 

That being said... I love the way this stuff makes my face feel during and after use. It was very hydrating, and it left my skin feeling silky smooth! And although I didn't actually notice anything different with my pores, it's probably something that happens after multiple uses. 



Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eyeliner Pen 

Full Size Price: $19 

Estimated Sample Size Price: $19

It's the products like this one, when Ipsy really pays off. I don't consider this to be a sample, but the actual product that they sell on their website for $19.

I've never used an eyeliner pen like this, so I was really excited to try it out. The tip of the pen is like a fine-tip marker, making it really easy to perfect a cat eye look. I was really surprised at how smoothly this liner glided on eyes, and how bold it was. This was definitely an unexpected surprise in my Ipsy Glam Bag. I probably would have never purchased this product on my own, so it was nice to get to sample it in my Glam Bag!





OFRA Cosmetics Lip Liner in Wine

Full Size Price: $13

Estimated Sample Size Price: $13

Woo! Another sample that is not a sample size! Two in one bag..you can't beat that! According to their website, this is in fact the same lip liner they sell on their website for $13.

This probably wouldn't be my first color choice, but I do like that it's subtle. Overall I like the product and it's smooth & creamy formula. The liner applies on evenly & smooth, and it's easy to blend with other lipsticks & lip glosses.




tarte Deluxe LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Gloss in Energy

Full Size Price: $19

Estimated Sample Size Price: $4

tarte is a company that I like a lot but, in my opinion, they're on the pricey side, so I like being able to try their products before making the splurge. I would consider this to be one of the better samples in an Ipsy bag, but that is just my personal opinion.

I usually like products from tarte, but I'm not so much a fan of this one. I loved the color, the smell, and the shine, but I couldn't deal with the stickiness. It's really sticky at first, and then just straight up uncomfortable after wearing it for a little while.  The color is not at the hot pink that it looks like on the wand. Instead, it gives you a shiny lip, with maybe a slight tint of pink.



Estimated Total Value: $41 

I would say I definitely got $10 worth of product.  And that's not even including the cute bag that's included. You might not always like what you get, but sometimes it's worth the risk. Also, if you get something you know you're not going to like, you can always look into joining a swap. There's a ton of people out there willing to trade products.


This amount is just an estimation and may not be 100% accurate. I do my best to try to give you the closest estimate I can. 

If you think Ipsy is worth it and you'd like to try it out for yourself, you can sign up by clicking the Ipsy button below this post. It's $10 every first of the month, and you usually get your box by the middle of every month. You get to take a quiz that helps determine the type of products that will best suit you, and if you ever feel like you're not getting anything you like and you don't want it anymore, you can cancel at any time.