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.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
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
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
Friday, April 15, 2011
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
http://www.ehow.com/how_7375819_make-color-lipstick.html
Friday, April 1, 2011
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)
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)
Monday, March 28, 2011
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...
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...
Thursday, March 24, 2011
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
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
Friday, March 11, 2011
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/
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/
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