Product Spotlight: Garnier Fructis "Pure Clean" Fortifying Shampoo

I got a free sample of this shampoo.  I've been wanting to try the "Pure Clean" line of products, but was waiting until I ran out of my stockpile of other shampoos first.  Here's my take:

Smells Nice
Like all Garnier Fructis shampoos I've tried, this shampoo has a pleasant citrus smell that just screams "CLEAN!"

Better for Our Ecosystem
The Pure Clean shampoo line is 94% biodegradable.  Conditioners are 92% biodegradable.  The bottles are made with 50% post-consumer recycled plastic.  Oddly, the sample bottle I have doesn't have a recycling logo on it, but the full-sized conditioner bottle I bought does.

Better for Your Hair
It contains no silicone, paraben, or dyes.  This allows it to be a more "weightless" formula.  It does still contain ammonium lauryl sulfate, so it's not sulfate-free, which would be ideal.

In Summary
I really like this shampoo.  It literally made my hair "squeaky clean".   I have noticed it's a little bit more expensive (about 50 cents a bottle or less), but I like it enough to pay a little more for it, especially since I know it's better for my hair.


Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Fortifying Shampoo
cost:  approx $5 for 13 oz. bottle
available at:  most mass merchandisers, drug stores, etc.

Product Review: BeautiControl Spa Facial Regnerating Tonic

I received this sample from a friend.  It is important to note that the sample I was given was in "wipe" form (which I loved), but the product is actually sold as a liquid or lotion of some sort (I can't tell from the web page!)...

Pros:
- Really feels like it's cleaning your face
- Contains blemish-preventing products
- Contains all kinds of anti-aging products

Cons:
- Has a rather strong smell - if you tend to avoid these types of things, it might not be the product for you
- Creates a kind of "burning" sensation.  (because it's working, not because it's actually burning...)
- A little bit expensive

Summary:
This is a great cleanser.  It works as well as other products I've tried.  Since my skin is prone to oiliness, it worked really well for me.  If you like Bliss "Fabulous Foaming Face Wash", but need some anti-aging or blemish control as well, you should try this product.


BeautiControl Spa Facial Regenerating Tonic with AHAs
Price:  $24 for 6.7 fluid ounces
Available at:  http://shop.beauticontrol.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?storeId=10551&langId=-1&catalogId=10551&pageID=BChome&showBG=2

Cool Link: Customizing Your Own Lip Products

Got a lipstick shade you've kept around but never wear?  Put it to good use!

http://www.ehow.com/how_7375819_make-color-lipstick.html

Beauty Tip: Waterproof Makeup (without buying new makeup)

In the summer, sometimes I go places where I know my photo will be taken and I really don't want any photos of me without at least a little makeup.  Since I (partially) draw on my eyebrows, they're the first victims of waterpark fun.  Instead of buying a whole set of waterproof makeup for your summer needs, try these products:

Benefit Cosmetics She-Laq
This is a bottle of multi-use waterproofer.  It comes with a little set of brushes you can use for anything.  There's a brush for mascara, lipliner, eyeshadow, etc.  VERY handy, and it works great.  I used it to seal my eyeshadow and brows for a day at the beach.  Even abusive ocean water didn't mess up my "look".
Cost: $30  (It's a pretty big bottle, considering you don't have to use much of it at once)
Available at:  Ulta, Sephora, amazon.com

Pop Beauty Liner Creator "Golden Sparkle Sauce"
This product isn't as easy to use as the She-Laq, but it's great if you use mineral (loose powder) eyeshadow.  You can mix a drop of it with the eyeshadow and it becomes waterproof.   I haven't tried using it for anything else, but I guess you could use it as a brush-on waterproofer, too. It's advertised as a way to create eyeliners out of your favorite eyeshadow.  As the name implies, it has a sparkly property that might make it less-than-ideal for multiple uses.
Cost: $10
Available at:  amazon.com, Ulta stores (not online)

Product Review: StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate

I got a large free sample of this product.  Always in search of something to improve my under-eye circles and fine lines, I was excited to try it.  Disclaimer:  The product info says to use it 1or 2 times a day, and I only used it once a day.

The Claim:
Lines, creases, and dark circles less visible while reducing puffiness.

My Take:
While I find StriVectin's "SD Wrinkle Treatment" to be a great product, their eye concentrate is only mediocre.  It did moisturize well and didn't get all weird and flaky like some other things I've tried.  However, I got only barely-noticeable results with the under-eye circles (still had to use concealer) and almost no change with fine lines.  My dark circles are genetic, so maybe there's nothing to be done about them. 

Side Note:
Most of these "eye cream" type products treat under-eye circles AND puffiness, which is not a problem for me.  I'm always trying to find something that doesn't do anything with puffiness. Maybe that's why it didn't improve my under-eye appearance???

My Suggestion:
Try something that's WAY less expensive and only use this if it's free.   Seriously, it's $59 an OUNCE, people...

Product Review: Bare Minerals Foundation

I got a sample of this product a long time ago and finally got around to trying it.  Here's my take:

Take Your Pick
It now comes in two varities:  "Original" and "Matte".  "Original" is pretty shiny-looking.  It kind of looks like it contains the same stuff they put in bronzers.  It's that kind of look, anyway - not oily, just shiny.  I haven't tried "matte", so I don't know how it looks.  It comes in a pretty decent selection of colors.

Variable Coverage
The coverage you'll get from this mineral powder foundation depends on the brush you use.  Basically, the more bristles (or the denser the bristles are), the more coverage you'll get.  You can still put your usual concealers under the foundation if you need selective coverage.  Brush suggestion:  Eco Tools Retractable Kabuki Brush.  ($11.50 at Ulta & Target - sometimes on sale at Ulta.  These brushes hold up well to repeated washings, if you do it right.)

Good for Everyday Use
Unlike many foundations, this one has a "natural" look, so you can even use it on days you don't want to look "made-up". 

Feels Better than Liquid
When I'm wearing this foundation, I don't feel like I have a layer of gunk on my face, which is nice.  It's so not-noticeable that sometimes I forget I'm wearing makeup.  (I rarely leave my home without makeup, so this stuff has the odd side effect of causing me "I forgot makeup!?!?!" panic moments, until I remember that I did put it on.)

Better for Skin
I don't know if it's the "minerals" or that it's a powder, but my skin feels better than when I use liquid makeup, and I haven't gotten any blemishes since I started using it.  It's easier to remove than the makeup that I usually use, too.  They say you can sleep in it, but that's weird to me.  But at least if I stagger upstairs late at night, I can get it all off with a face cleansing wipe.  Also, it has SPF 15 built in, so it will protect you from those nasty, aging UV rays.

On an Unrelated Note:
DO NOT try to get "Pur Minerals" brand, even if it's less expensive.  Their foundation is icky.  It feels like you're putting cornstarch on your skin compared to Bare Minerals smooth loveliness.



Cost:  $25 for "original", $28 for "matte",  $60 for various "starter kits" - some prices lower at amazon.com!!!
Available at:  Ulta, Sephora, www.beauty.com, www.amazon.com

Thumbs-Down: Murad Oil-Control Mattifier

OK, first of all - this product claims to hydrate AND control oil.  It's been my experience that this is a hard thing to do and I can't imagine how it could work.  However, I got a free sample so I gave it a try.

The most immediate "dislike" for this product is its fragrance.  It smells like Elmer's School Glue mixed with witch hazel.  And it feels about the same.  While it doesn't feel bad on your skin, (once it's set) it just doesn't mattify the way I'd like it to.  I also didn't notice much in the way of "oil control".

On the upside, it does have SPF15.  So, if you have a free sample lying around, you can always wear it for its sun protection factor.

Alternate products to use for oil control: 
Urban Decay "De-Slick in a Tube" ($28 for .67 oz)*
Laura Geller "Welcome Matte Skin Enhancer" ($23.50 for .5 oz)*
Peter Thomas Roth "Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel" ($35 for 1 oz)*

Urban Decay's offers the most matte finish, Peter Thomas Roth's has the best through-the-day oil control, and Laura Geller's is somewhere in the middle.

* prices listed are from http://www.beauty.com/

Product Spotlight: Jack Black Lip Balm

I can't stand being without lip balm.  If my lips are even sort of dry, I start freaking out.  One day while shopping at the mall, I was without my must-have item, so I wandered into Sephora looking for something to do the job.  The cheapest lip balm product I could find was $7, and I was desperate, so I bought it.  Little did I know that Carmex and all the other stuff I've ever used would be shunned in favor of Jack Black "Intense Therapy" Natural Mint Lip Balm.

I recently ordered a double-set of Jack Black's Lip Balm.  (Because 2 for $10 is way better than 1 for $7!) One was the usual Natural Mint I always use, and the other was Vanilla Lavender.  Now, I like lavender as long as it's in a pillow mist or hand lotion, but I found I really don't like the way it tastes.  The vanilla was hardly noticeable over the strong floral scent/taste.  (This probably explains why I haven't seen the vanilla/lavender variety sold in stores) The lip balm also comes in Lemon/Chamomille, but I'm not much a fan of chamomille, so I haven't tried it.

At any rate - despite sharing a name with an actor I find particularly annoying - this lip balm is fabulous.  It moisturizes very well and lasts longer than most other products I've tried.  Yeah, I wish it didn't cost $7, but at least it works.

Available at:  Sephora, sephora.com, Ulta (in-store only)

Beauty (Budget) Tip: Buy Online

I'm a HUGE fan of online shopping.  It's the best way to get great deals on stuff you already know you want/need from the comfort of your own home.  Shopping for beauty products online can save you time and money, and can get you free stuff.

How To Do It:
- Go to your favorite beauty/department store.
- Check out the products you're interested in. 
- Find them online cheaper, or with better free gifts.

Better Deals:
Ulta, Sephora, Drugstore.com/Beauty.com (these sites share a shopping cart, but beauty.com carries the higher-end stuff) offer special online-only deals, free gifts, and clearance items that vary from what's offered in stores.  Sign up for e-mails to get full access to ongoing deals.  If you're making a large purchase, check sites like http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.buy.com/.  That way, you won't have to pay sales tax.

Ulta's "Special Offers" section:  http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/specialOfferCenter.jsp 
Sephora's "Beauty Deals" section: http://www.sephora.com/promo/beautybonuses/index.jhtml?om_mmc=ret-n1-20110212onlysephora---opi-h6pban2b-gwp--om-us-stdfooterfreestuff-fostdh-h-&emtc=20110212onlysephora---opi-h6pban2b-gwp--om-us&ematg=1458425081&dicid=448764:18777604368:32265374

Free Stuff:
Ulta, Sephora, and Beauty.com give you 3 free samples of your choice with online purchase.  Some single-brand stores like philosophy.com give out samples too.  If you're shopping at Ulta or Sephora, you're going to have to pay sales tax either way, so you'd might as well get some free stuff!

Save More:
Use http://www.retailmenot.com/ to find current coupon codes for discounts, free shipping, etc.  Use a site like http://www.ebates.com/  to get cash back on all your purchases.  Having/using an ebates account will get you 4% - 12% cash back.  (or more: during holidays, some places give double cash back).  It may not be a huge amount, but it can help offset sales tax.

Keep in Mind:
There's usually a minimum purchase required to get free shipping - generally, it's $25 or $50.  If I've already got $40 worth of stuff in my shopping cart, I search the clearance section to get $10 worth of stuff, or I order Christmas gifts early.  I'd rather spend $10 and get stuff I'm going to use than spend $6 on shipping.

Thumbs-Down: PurMinerals "Mineral Melt" Makeup Emulsifier Wipes

From the moment I removed the (free sample) wipe from its packet, I knew this product was not for me.  As oil dripped down my hands, I found myself wondering "Who needs this much oil to "emulsify" their makeup?!?!"  Seriously, most of the ingredients are oils - sunflower, safflower, sesame, macadamia, wheat germ, avacodo, lemon, jasmine, cedarwood.  There are a couple other ingredients I can't pronounce, but it's mostly just oil.  The instructions tell you to massge onto face, leave for 10-15 seconds and "pat dry"  What they mean is "absorb the massive amount of oil off your face".

If you've ever used baby oil to remove stage makeup, you know how great it works.   I guess if you're doing Sea World shows with beluga whales and you wear a collection of waterproof products, these wipes could be useful.  (The package says they're safe for sensitive eyes and contact lenses) If not, stick with normal face wipes.

Product Spotlight: Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Lotion

This is one of the better lotions I've ever used.  It moisturizes without irritating even just-roughly-shaved skin.  Best of all - it smells great.  It has a fresh, clean fragrance that isn't "perfume-y".

Cost:  approx $5 for 5.5 oz size
Available at:  Drugstores, mass merchandisers, Ulta, Costco

Thumbs-Down: Maybelline "Lash Stiletto" Mascara

A good mascara is hard to find.  When I saw ads for Maybelline's "Lash Stiletto" mascara that promised to "do for your lashes what stilettos do for your legs", I thought "Hey, that sounds cool".  What I didn't know is that their advertising was semi-accurate.  This mascara made my lashes look skinny and pointy.  (I guess that's what stilettos do for my legs.)  But I was really hoping for soft, long-looking lashes.  So, if you like pointy, crunchy lashes, this would be a mascara for you.  I'll stick with Bourjois and Sephora brand mascaras.

Product Spotlight: Visine Total Eye Soothing Wipes

I won a container of these in a drawing.  To be honest, I probably never would have bought them on my own.  However, they are super-convenient and they don't irritate the delicate eye area the way some makeup removers (even ones made for eyes) tend to do.  They're pre-moistened and come in a plastic container with screw-off lid that's easy to store in a medicine cabinet.  They do a good job of removing makeup, but if you wear waterproof mascara or eyeliner, it might take too much work to get them to remove all your makeup.

My suggestion:  Keep some around for emergency eye makeup removal - like when your teenage daughter is trying to walk out the door looking like a raccoon.  If she argues there's no time to remove the badly-done "smoky eye", you can hand her one of these wipes as you walk out the door.   :-)

Cost:  $5.99 for a container of 30
Available at:  drugstores, mass merchandisers, http://www.drugstore.com/  ($1 coupon available now)

Free Stuff - Large Strivectin Sample & Mini Makeover

http://f.jcpenneyem.com/i/2/95827765/20100105_SIJCP_Coupon.jpg  

Click on the above link to print a coupon you can take to Sephora inside JCPenney stores (NOT stand-alone Sephora stores!).  Get a free mini-makeover service.  There are several to choose from:  Conceal & cover, smoky eye, lip & cheek, and everyday eye.  After your service, you'll get a large sample of Strivectin-SD wrinkle fighter. 

I've gotten the same size sample before (another way, no longer available there) and I used it on my neck.  Within about a week and a half I noticed "softening" of wrinkles, making them less noticeable.

Beauty Tip: Save Time with Paper Towels

If you have really thick hair like I do, you can run out of patience pretty quickly if you're blow-drying it.  (Besides, studies have linked female hearing loss to hair dryers!)  Cut down on the amount of time it takes to dry it by first towel-drying, then using paper towels (cheap ones are fine) to press out the excess water. 

If you're super eco-friendly (or cheap) and this idea goes against your way of thinking, you could technically let the paper towels air dry and use them again.  Or you could do what I do - tell yourself you religiously recycle everything you can AND you're using less electricity to dry your hair, so it all evens out.

Product Spotlight: De-Slick in a Tube by Urban Decay

Have shiny skin? Tired of constantly applying powder throughout the day?  Urban Decay's De-Slick in a Tube might be the answer to your beauty woes (well, this one, anyway).  It goes on your skin like a primer and instantly mattifies skin.  You can wear it alone or under makeup to help control shine throughout the day.


Pros: Helps mattify skin and control shine
Cons:  A little pricey, but a little bit goes a long way

Cost:  $28 for a .67 oz tube (a little bigger than a travel-sized toothpaste)
Available at: Ulta, Sephora (in-store and online)