Showing posts with label Hair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hair. Show all posts

March Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month.

beauty favorites

CeraVe Renewing SA Cream
(I'm kind of cheating because I only used this product the last week of March but based off first impressions... it will be an April Favorite, as well.) It's a little pricey (around the $20 range at CVS.) Luckily, I got it on sale and had a coupon. It smells horrible but it's still one of the best moisturizing creams I have tried. It has a thick, body butter consistency but immediately absorbs into the skin so the greasy feeling isn't left behind. I have noticed some of my rough & dry patches have actually gotten smaller and little bit softer thanks to this cream.

L'Oreal Smooth Intense Frizz Taming Serum
In the previous months, I have really been enjoying higher-end hair products. However, this month, my hair just wasn't reacting the same to them. My hair has been extremely tangly & frizzy lately; I think the problem is a mixture of the crazy weather and me always going to sleep with my hair wet.  This product tamed most of my frizz and leaves a nice smell & shine behind.  It works great on both wet & dry hair.

Wet 'n' Wild Megalast Salon Nail Color in Sugar Coat
I have really been into nude nail colors this month. LeighannSays has raved about this color a few times, so I finally decided to give it a try. It is a pretty, sheer baby pink that looks very polished & feminine. Chipping was minimal. Unfortunately, it does take about three coats to really show the color - but for only $2, I don't think I should complain.

frizzy hair & feminine nails,
-Kaitlyn

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January Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month.


Burt's Bees Beeswax + Soothing Lip Balm
Burt's Bees has never been a go-to for me.  I usually like anything with eucalyptus, so I decided to give this a try.  It doesn't smell (or taste) great... beeswax + menthol isn't a good combination.  But it makes my super dry, chapped lips feel so much better.

LUSH Ocean Salt Facial & Body Scrub
I've raved about this one too many times.  I haven't used this in a few months but I recently repurchased and fell in love all over again.  It smells amazing, feels cool, and leaves great results.

Macadamia Deep Repair Hair Masque
I've purchased (or received) the little sample packet frequently.  I had way too many Extrabucks at CVS, so I finally purchased the full-sized tub.  It effortlessly gets rid of all my tangles in the shower and it leaves my hair super soft and shiny.  It's a little pricey at $30 but it's worth it.

Maybelline the Rocket Volum' Express Mascara
This mascara is definitely properly named; the volume is unbelievable, it's almost too much volume.  It's not a good lengthening mascara, but if you already have long lashes - definitely try this one out.

eucalyptus & volumized lashes,
-Kaitlyn

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The Sock Bun

sock bun

I discovered the sock bun months ago, I cut up multiple socks and still couldn't make my hair look presentable. I came to the conclusion I had too much thick, long hair and the sock bun wasn't for me.

However, a few weeks ago, I discovered the hair donut, a donut-shaped hair tool made out of mesh. Despite its large size, it only weighs .4 oz and is comfortable to wear.  I purchased the largest one I could find on eBay. (It was only $3.00, including shipping.) You can also find these at most beauty stores and even H&M. If the sock method didn't work for you either, try to get your hands on one of these. It definitely made a difference for me.

sock bun

All you need is a hair elastic and sock/hair donut.  Bobby pins and water are optional, but definitely help.  A video explains it best:


What I like about the sock bun is its easiness, no heat, no products, and most importantly: you can get two hair styles (two days) from it.

sock bun

Be sure to lightly spray your hair with water before forming the bun.  Wear it all day, sleep on it, wake up the next morning, remove the bun, and you have curls:

sock bun curls, long hair, heatless curls, Kaitlyn Maness

socks & donuts,
-Kaitlyn


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November Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month.


It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Product
My beloved Joico K-Pak liquid Reconstructor ran out, so I decided to give this a try.  It's excellent at detangling and has made my hair soft and moisturized.

Jordana Metal Rocks Eyeliner in Green Envy
I forgot how nice (and cheap) the Jordana brand is.  I couldn't turn down a $2.00 mechanical metallic green eyeliner.  I'm really happy with this purchase. For green eyes, wearing just this eyeliner and some mascara really makes your eyes pop with minimal effort.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Pink Truffle

I've had this for a little under a year now. (Original Review) I purchased a few in Pink Truffle since I loved the color so much.  I put them all aside and starting using other lipsticks.  In early November, I reached for Pink Truffle instead and have been using it since. 

TIGI Catwalk Session Series Salt Spray
(Previous Post) This is my new go-to frizz-tamer/wave-booster.

metallic eyes,
-Kaitlyn

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Beach Waves in a Bottle

Review: TIGI Catwalk Session Series Salt Spray

We all know hair scrunching is now deemed unacceptable, but we wavy-haired girls need something to boost waves and control frizz.  I think I have discovered a new Holy Grail product: TIGI Catwalk Session Series Salt Spray.

TIGI Catwalk Session Series Salt Spray

I use it on both wet and dry hair.  Either way, the results are almost as good as true beach waves.   The product is kind of sticky at first but dries to a matte texture.  I did not notice a ton of volume and shine, as promised.  However, I am still impressed my waves looked somewhat done but were not hair-spray-hard. My hair still felt light and the product didn’t cause any tangles.

I kind of think of this product as a three-in-one: waves, fragrance, and hairspray. I already mentioned the waves but let me explain the other two:

The fragrance of this product is strong. It gave me a slight headache the first day I tried it but I eventually got used to and even started to like it. I can not quite put my finger on the scent but it’s similar to a fruity summer cocktail. When I use this product, I don’t bother wearing perfume and mixing scents – I let it double as a wave-booster and fragrance.

beach waves with salt spray

Finally, it also worked pretty good as a hairspray.  I curl my hair with hot rollers.  My aerosol hairspray was in the back of my linen closet but the salt spray was right in front of my face – so I figured if it could boost waves, it could boost and hold curls; I was right.  My hair stayed curled for THREE days (and still looked decent after sleeping on it) thanks to this salt spray.

I really like the packaging. It's smaller in diameter than most hairsprays, so it fits more comfortably in my hand while using it, and it takes up less storage space.  The all-black bottle with silver print is really sleek and easy on the eyes.

TIGI Catwalk Session Series Salt Spray

This was the first salt spray I’ve tried, so I have no clue how it compares to other brands but I’m definitely impressed and will use this for awhile.

Product: 4/5
Value: 5/5
Packaging:
5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Retail Price: $18.95
Retailers: Ulta, salons
Overall: It's a good product in sleek packaging but doesn't do everything it promises.
Best For: Those who have naturally wavy/curly hair and need a wave booster/tamer.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this product to a friend.

salt sprays & beach waves,
-Kaitlyn

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October Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items.  Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month.   


L'Oreal Colour Riche Nail Polishes
I finally found a good drugstore polish!  These are inexpensive and good quality compared to other drugstore polishes.  The formulation was great.  The color lasted almost a week, with a few touch-ups.  I plan to pick up a few more colors.


Matrix Biolage Exquisite Oil
My hairdresser put this on my hair and it immediately felt (and smelled) so much better.  I've been using Moroccan Oil for the past months but I feel like it's starting to weigh my hair down and not work its usual magic anymore.  I'm just using a little sample of this for now, but will probably purchase the full size.  It has made my hair so shiny and soft.


OPI Nail Lacquer in So Many Clowns... So Little Time
This is a super sheer milky pink.  Unfortunately, it takes a few coats, but it looks so elegant on.


Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Tipsy
I'm loving the pigmentation and staying power of this blush.  Usually, I would touch up my blush mid-day but there's no need to now.  It claims to last 12 hours, (not sure about that.)  However, it does last 6-8 hours, which is more than I can say for most blushes.


soft hair & tipsy cheeks,
-Kaitlyn

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September Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items.  Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month.   


Blistex Moisture Melt
I really thought this would be a gimmicky product.  However, I have used it daily since I've gotten it. It's very moisturizing while it last but it doesn't revive or heal dry lips.  It has little beads which release even more moisture. It feels and looks more like a gloss than a Chapstick. I also like the nice sent/taste. 

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Vertigo
I do not own any gray nail polishes.  It's more black than I was expecting but I'm still really like this shade. 

OPI Nail Lacquer in Germanicure by OPI
I purchased this last month (August Favorites) and I'm still alternating between this shade and Chanel Vertigo. 

Twistbands
After my previous blog post comparison (Remington vs. Twistband), I decided it was time to get more Twistbands.  I have really noticed less dents and breakage with using these rather than basic elastic hair ties.


Alex and Ani Positive Energy Bracelets
A customer had these bangles stacked on her wrist; I thought they were so pretty.  Immediately, I asked her the brand and did research.  Once I found out they were made from recycled material, made in the USA, and promote positive energy... I was sold.  There are a few colors and a ton of designs to choose from.  I purchased my bangles in Russian Silver. So far, I only have two but it's definitely going to be an ongoing collection for me. 

Michael Kors Lexington Watch
I have been thinking about investing in a watch for awhile.  On Instagram, Michael Kors posted a picture of the Lexington watches and I immediately knew this was the one.

Target Mossimo Keilani Lace-Up Boots
I have wanted combat boots for the longest time. I purchased a few but they were always so big at the ankle, I would have to return them.  These fit great, even at the ankle.  I've worn them quite often, they're comfortable and have held up great.

boots & bracelets,
-Kaitlyn

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Remington vs. Twistband

Is there a true dupe for the beloved Twistband?


Remington any wear hair & wrist elastics 
"The elastics securely hold your hair without pulling.  They're made of stretchy, fashionable elastic that will make your updo look fabulous.  Don’t want to wear it in your hair?  Wear it on your wrist as a bracelet." - remingtonproducts.com

Twistbands
"Elastic bands tug on hair, cause headaches and can leave dents in your hair when you take it down. But with the introduction of the Twistband that is all about to change... Twistbands are pony bands and headbands made of elastic trim.  They stretch to support any hairstyle, yet are slim and sleek enough to wear on your wrist when you want to let your hair down." - thetwistband.com


I received my first Twistband a year ago in my Birchbox.  But because of my thick hair and tendency to loose and pop hair ties, I just set it aside.  I didn't want to use it, what if I loved it?  Previously $10.00 for three hair elastics (now six elastics) seemed like a lot for as fast as I went through hair ties.  I received another Twistband in May and finally decided to actually see what the hype was about.  I did see a difference... there was no pulling, dents weren't as noticeable, and the quality was a lot better than a standard hair tie.  It seems nearly impossible to break, mind you, I have a thick head of hair.  I only have two Twistbands; they've lasted quite a few months.

About a month ago, many YouTube gurus mentioned they saw Twistband dupes, the Remington any wear hair & wrist elastics, at most drugstores.  Wanting to see the dupes for myself, I searched for awhile but could never find them... after I'd given up, I found the Remington hair elastics at Wal-Mart, a 2 pack for $1.50.  Immediately, I noticed they looked like lower quality Twistbands, but I still purchased two packs.  About a week later, I found the Remington hair elastics at Target, a two-pack for $3.25.  (Now, I'm finding them everywhere mostly at the $3.00 price point.)

The any wear hair ties aren't made of a good quality elastic; it felt like these need to be wrapped around three times to completely hold a ponytail in place.  It would only go around my hair twice. (If you have thin hair, you may have better luck.)  After about 3 days of wear, the Remington hair ties completely lost their appeal - they were so stretched out and didn't look nice on my bathroom counter, much less wearing them as a bracelet:


The Winner: Twistbands  

Unfortunately, they're not true dupes.  The higher price point does mean better qualify.  (Not to mention, Twistbands are pretty simple to make.  Be sure to find high-quality elastic.  You can find handmade dupes on Etsy or eBay, or just make your own.) 

to modern day scrunchies,
-Kaitlyn

May Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

 My favorites are up a little late this time around. With moving and being without a laptop and internet, it was impossible to post. Because of the move, I didn't spend much time or money on beauty this month, but still managed to pick up a few things at work and shopped my stash...


Anastasia Clear Brow Gel
I received a mini sample of this and loved it. When my Cover Girl Clear Mascara (my usual, cheap, wanna-be brow gel) was used up I decided I wanted this in full size. I really like this, with just one sweep all brow hairs were in place.  By the way, you can (accidently) sleep with this on and still have brows in place the next morning, which explains the staying power for itself.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in Deauville*
This was the first shade that caught my eye (mentioned in a previous post.) It really should have been my first Chanel lipstick but co-workers previously talked me out of this shade and into another. Luckily, I was gifted this color and am so happy to have it. It's been my go-to shade every day this month.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Dragon
The perfect red. I have worn this all month as well. It has a high-gloss finish.  Plus, it doesn't peel off like most polishes do; it's actually a little hard to get this off. 

Organix Repairing Awapuhi Ginger Shampoo & Instant Recovery Mask
I purchased these forever ago when they were on sale and just threw them under my bathroom counter when packing to move I rediscovered them. I have only used them a few times but the scent is amazing (lingers for a few hours) and the mask made my hair really shiny and soft.

moved in,
-Kaitlyn

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April Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."


Macadamia Deep Repair Masque
I've been wanting to try this for awhile, after dying my hair back to its natural color...it needed a little pick-me-up. So I purchased the $3 packet (2 uses) and I loved it.  I couldn't keep my hands out of my soft hair. I will definitely repurchase a full size once I use up a few others hair masques I have.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfume
I've been on the hunt for a new perfume, I can't find anything I just love.  I received a freebie sample of this in a swap and my first impression is I really like it.

Maybelline Age Rewind Dark Circles Eraser
I do not suffer from acne, bumps, or truly problemed areas... I just use this for under the eyes and redness around the nose - it's perfect! I've never used a liquid concealer and I really like this one.  The sponge makes application easy and flawless.

Morrocanoil Treatment
I purchased a small size of this last year, I loved it at first but it made my hair oily (probably because I wasn't using it right) I've been using the Organix Morrocanoil for awhile, but it doesn't have too much argan oil in it.  I suffered from pretty bad buildup from using Organix as well, so I decided to repurchase this... with a pump.  Which controls the amount I apply, and I've been using it correctly.

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen
This is amazing.  Basically, it's like a Sharpie for your eyelids.  If you like the liquid liner look but aren't good at applying it, this is for you!

eyelid Sharpies,
-Kaitlyn

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January Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

This month I had to repurchase quite a few items that I love and ran out of Origins Vitazing Moisturizer and MAC Turquatic Perfume, to name a few. I also picked up items that I already owned in other shades.  Instead of me giving a mini review on products you can already find on my blog, I'll just focus on the new products (From the drugstore!) I've been loving for the month of January:

drugstore makeup

John Frieda Sheer Solution: Lightweight Frizz Control Serum
The reason I''m so obsessed with this is just for the smell.  It smells better than any salon product that has every touched my hair.  (I purchased a few other items from the line, hoping they'd smell similar, only to be disappointed.) It does tame down frizz on damp hair.  But to tame morning bed head, I'm still on the hunt for a miracle product.

Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara
It's a fabulous lengthening mascara, the fibers add quite a few centimeters to the end of my lashes. However, it doesn't do much thickening.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Pink Truffle
See my full review.   I picked up quite a few of these lip butters but two in this shade.  I wear it every day and apply multiple times, it's replaced my favorite (drying) MAC lipstick.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Top Coat in Crystal Clear
The bottle claims it lasts up to 10 days. (I'm not sure if that's possible - I'm tired of the same color after a week.)  It has made usual manicure of 1-3 days last at least 5-6 days and still looks good (no peeling, minimal chipping.)  It's similar to Seche Vite, but better, and only one-third of the cost.  I just hope it doesn't thicken and ruin like Seche Vite does when you use half the bottle...

the salon smell,
-Kaitlyn

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December Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

This month hardly consisted of purchasing any new beauty products because most of my time and money went into apartment décor and Christmas gifts. But I did have to make a few repurchases this month:


MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot
It evens out the eyelid and gets rid of veins or redness, making eyeshadow pop brighter. Unfortunately, it’s not a great base on its own and needs the help of Urban Decay Potion Primer to avoid creasing.

Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Renewing Treatment
It helps restore shine, moisturizes, dangles and smells nice.  It's extremely cheap compared to the Moroccan Oil products.

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
Nail polish lasts another 3-4 days topping it with this. The shine is really intense too. On lazy days, I’ve just been opting for this on its own.

shiny nails,
-Kaitlyn

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October Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."




Big Sexy Hair Root Pump
My hair is thick poofy, but my roots are weighed down.  This was an impulse buy for extra volume, it's been in my daily routine ever since.

essie breast cancer
Essie Raise Awareness
In case you missed it, most beauty stores were decked out in pink this month for the cause.   I limited myself to just a few products but this was my favorite probably because I don't have any shade like it - It's the perfect baby pink shade.  It did apply a little streaky and took too many coats, but I've had this on my toes for almost three weeks now.

Organix Shampoo in Acai Berry Avocado
I'm becoming fonder of the Organix hair line.  I'm obsessed with the scent - something similar to a bonne bell berry chapstick from my childhood.  I'd like to see other styling products with this scent, as well.

Urban Decay Greed Primer Potion
I've now tried every shade of primer potion.  This one ties for my favorite overall (with Eden) it's great for fun and night-out looks, while Eden is more work/daytime appropriate.  Greed is like a primer and a shimmery base paint point in one step.

childhood chapstick,
-Kaitlyn

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Review: Organix Moroccan Argan Oil

Mention damaged hair and most will recommend Argan Oil in some form.  Argan oil is a vitamin-packed antioxidant from Morocco. As a hair treatment, it penetrates to soften, strengthen, restore shine, increases elasticity, and protects against UV damage.

Argan oil has mainly been found in high-end products and is rather pricey.  Organix has offered a cheaper alternative.  Each product from the line is $7.99 and can be found at any drugstore.


I've had this review half-written for ages, I just couldn't decide if I loved this line or they were just like all any other drugstore product. I finally came to the conclusion they're just so-so.

Background
I bought them one by one (usually with an Ulta coupon.) In the order I purchased: conditioner, oil, mask, then shampoo. I purchased the conditioner back in March (previous favorites post) and the remainder of the products a few weeks after each one. So all together, I've been using the line for a few months. I don't like reviewing a product until I've used it for at least two weeks.


About a year ago, I tried the Organix coconut conditioner (just because my mom/sister picked it up and it was in my shower.) So I knew nearly nothing about the brand - but Argan oil for $8, a reminder of my childhood (a L'Oreal fish-shaped bottle), and the fabulous smell drew me in. At first, I loved the products - the smell was amazing, my hair looked and felt great - but could this be what I like to call the new product syndrome?

Review
I do switch up hair products like you're supposed to. I've been using these on and off for a few months. I did use all four products together.  As all lines promise, "this works best with the remainder of our products from the line."

Conditioner • I feel like it's an above average drugstore conditioner but still doesn't compare to Joico K-Pak. It doesn't leave the silky feeling that I love after rinsing out conditioner. The scent lingers for a little awhile, not as long as I'd like for it to.

Renewing Treatment • (Mask) I haven't tried any other drugstore hair masks to compare it to.  The instructions say to leave it on for 3-5 minutes, which I feel like nothing can be done within that short of time and my thick hair. I'd leave it in for 10-15, (sometimes even longer but then it would just harden. In my opinion, I found it actually works a little better on wet hair.  My hair was softer and the ends weren't as fried.  But when it came to completely damaged hair, (freshly bleached) it didn't help at all. If your hair is normal and you just want a boost, this is the product for you. • I dislike the jar packaging, it's an extremely thick consistency but I'm sure it could've still worked in a squeeze tube (as all my high-end masks do.) It's just a hassle to screw the lid on and off, keep it out of the water and hold on the lid (especially if you use this in the shower.) I'll usually find product stuck under my nails as well... gross.

Shampoo • It's just your basic drugstore shampoo. (I still haven't found a shampoo I just adore.) It's sulfate free, so sometimes I didn't really feel like I completely got the clean feeling. The scent is great (the products all smell the same) but it didn't linger.

Penetrating Oil • (Serum) This is the only product I still use daily.It tones down the frizz, adds some shine, hydrates, and smells great. This is the only product that the scent actually lingers for awhile. • Again, I dislike the packaging. The flip-top when you need to hold the bottle at an angle/upside down to get a messy oil-serum out isn't convenient.  Maybe I'm messy or just in a hurry when I get ready but a pump would've made my life so much easier. - I did use the higher-end brand, Moroccanoil Oil Treatment a tiny bottle (1oz, if that) for double the cost. I purchased the original formula (should've gotten the light) and it made my hair a little oily. Yet Organix hasn't caused any oiliness, which made me wonder about the ingredients....


The Ingredients
How could Organix sell Argan oil at just a fraction of the cost? Take a look at the ingredients.  The comparison between Organix (Drugstore) vs. Moroccanoil (High End) can be found here. Argania Spinoza Oil is pretty far down on the list for Organix. Nearly last on the Penetrating Oil ingredients.

Overall
Are they dupes? Highly doubt it. (I haven't tried all of the Moroccanoil products, judging by ingredients and cost - it's not likely.) The Organix line is a step above drugstore lines with their ideas and ingredients. But I still think $8 for drugstore shampoo that doesn't continue to produce amazing results after the first few uses is a little pricey.

The Penetrating Oil may be worth looking into if your hair needs a boost, this is on sale, and you can't find or decide on any other product.

Value Tips: Bed Bath & Beyond has mini bottles (travel size) for $1.99. Ulta has BOGO on Organix as well as 20% coupons, Rite Aid and CVS offer Extra Bucks, Target has 50% more free on the shampoo and conditioner (massive bottle for the same cost), my mom said she picked up some of the conditioner at Walmart a month ago for $2.

Rating
Product: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Packaging: 3/5
Overall: 3/5

Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this line to a friend.

fish-shaped shampoo bottles,
-Kaitlyn

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May Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."


Joico K-Pak Liquid Reconstructor
I've used the Hydrator now for about six months and I've loved it. (I didn't care much for the Reconstructor because of the banana scent.) I really needed a detangler because I was tired of using a child one. This was the solution; it fixes damages, detangles, and protects all in one.

OPI Big Apple Red
The perfect OPI red I've been searching for. It's just a classic red - there is no orange, purple, or blue hues that you find in most red polishes.

OPI Skull & Glossbones
This and silver shatter where the only colors that really caught my attention with the Pirates of the Carribean collection. It's a nude soft gray, basically a good neutral shade for your collection. (Unfortunately, I did have to pick up the mini set just for this polish because it was always sold out.)

MAC Soft & Gentle Mineralized Skinfinish
I forgot which collection this was from, I finally arranged a swap for it on makeupalley.com and got my hands on it. It's the perfect color and mix of shimmer for a great highlight anywhere - brow bone, cheeks, body.

Revlon Photo Ready Concealer
This is one of those "she made me do it" products. (Kandee Johnson) - I was on the hunt for a good under-eye concealer. None of my MAC concealers were cutting it. I picked this up in the lightest shade (fair) and it matches perfectly - I'm not sure if I'm extremely pale or these just run darker. It's great for Under-eyes and red spots, splotches, and blemishes it isn't so great for.  This well on it's way to being my favorite drugstore product.

Sigma E40 Tapered Blending
I do have MAC 217, but I use it for crease application.  I desperately wanted the 224, but just couldn't justify $30 on a brush - this is supposedly a dupe (no clue how it compares) for 1/3 of the cost. I don't put any product on this brush, I just blend out what's already been applied - it does a great job.

Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover
Another supposedly dupe, for one of the Lancome removers. (again, I have no clue how it compares.) I was tired of rubbing my eyes raw with MAC Cleanse Off Oil (more just for the face than mascara) this was the highest rated drugstore remover. It was only $9 - it doesn't sting the eyes and it gets the job done more so than other drugstore removers and Cleanse Off Oil but it still takes 2-3 swipes to get everything off.


Tangle Teezer
I have no clue what has been going on with my hair recently but it's just been such a knotted mess. I have insanely thick hair so brushing while wet, yanking out tangles, etc. Never really mattered - I had hair to spare. (ha) I realize that's not healthy or good for my hair. While browsing Sally's, I discovered this - only $9, I figured it was a worth a shot. I came home and read reviews, they were all awesome. I'm not sure how it works exactly, a hollow brush with soft bristles but it manages to gently get all the tangles out, on both wet and dry hair.  It works pretty quick and it's painless. (With the exception of those huge knots.) But this is a must-have for people with thin, brittle hair and that are extremely tender-headed. - It also distributes conditioner evenly to your hair in the shower. I have noticed if I back comb my hair with this dry it gives great volume.  Basically, a 3-in-1 product.


Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden
This is a base and primer in one - the color is a light nude. This product gives a blank canvas and is great for really making eyeshadows pop and will help out those who have bluish veiny eyelids.

Urban Decay Naked Palette
At last, I got one of these (only a year later.) A full review to come later on in June. I could never find these in store, I wasn't going to completely hunt for it or pay an inflated price. I was picking up shampoo and there it was - one Naked palette remaining... I considered it fate, caved in, and bought it. Let me just say I absolutely love it, so much I actually sold or swapped most of MAC eyeshadows.

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October Updates and Favorites

UPDATES:
Room Makeover

Out of boredom, birthday money burning a hole in my pocket, and realizing I will not be moving out until next fall, I decided it was time for a room makeover.  I have had the same bedroom theme and decor for almost six years.. (middle school, 7th grade.) A change has been long overdue. I went from a cluttered and busy yellow and pink theme to a clean and relaxing red and black one.  I spent a little over a hundred dollars total (my walls and furniture are white so they can go with anything.)  A new bedding set and curtains were the "big money" items.  A few things just needed to be covered with fabric or black spray paint.  Then, I ran to local dollar stores and raided my craft box.  I failed to take before and after pictures.  Here is a stock photo of the new bedding...


Also, here are my DIY items I am most proud of... they all came from a dollar store yet they do not look like it with some ribbon and jewels.  Storage Bins and Makeup Holders. TIP: Use rice instead of bead-filler in your makeup holder.



Embracing Paleness
I have been "fake baking" for the past six years, usually every October-March (sometimes longer.)  I have to decided to give my skin a rest.  Seeing a pale reflection and pictures is taking some getting used to!


FOTD: using a few of this month's favorites*: MAC Eyeshadow Honesty & Bronze, MAC Technakohl Graphblack Eyeliner, L'Oreal Carbon Black Telescopic Mascara*, NYX Ultra Pearl Mania Nude Pigment*, Clinique Blush in Big, Wet'n'Wild Lipstick in Smokin' Hot Pink*.


Watching a New Show
Everyone always raved about One Tree Hill (season 8 is now airing) but I did not want to dive into it without watching them.  I watched the first few episodes (season 1) one Saturday morning on Soap Net about a month ago and decided it was worth a watch.  Luckily, I got to borrow them from someone local.  I am only on season 4 now, it is a good show, but I am not hooked.  (Gossip Girl Season 1:  i stayed up for 48 hours and watched the entire box.)  I am sure One Tree Hill will get better with time.  I like it, but has not made my top 4 TV shows (yet?)



October Favorites
"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

I recently realized I sold all of my larger purses on eBay, leaving me only with hipsters/cross-body bags.  For school, I like larger bags, so I splurged a bit and got my second Coach Purse.  (Coach OP Art Chainlink Maggie #14420) I love it!  It is pretty bag and has tons of compartments, so I can easily find anything I need.


Because of the room makeover and new purse, I stayed away from shopping for beauty products.  Most of these are rediscovered items.


Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep  Pillow Mist in Lavender and Camille - I had problems sleeping, my mind just would not shut off at night.  I was taking some over-the-counter "natural" sleep enhancements, not a good idea, led to breakouts and vivid dreams. I was looking for a healthier option and found this.  I can not decide if it is a mental thing or it really does work, either way, I sleep like a baby now and want to check out the other items from this line.

Moroccan Oil Hair Oil - This has been on my want list for some odd number of months.  There are plenty of positive reviews out there, I agree with them.  It is a bit pricey, yes. (The bigger bottle is a better deal.)  I have a head full of long, thick, hair and only need less than a dime size.  I have used it every 3-5 days this month and have only used 1/8 of it.  Immediately after applying (to dry hair) I can tell a difference.. more shine, less frizz.  It smells good, too.

OPI Black Onyx - Just a creamy, somewhat shiny, black.  I don't know if I was in the Halloween, rock chick mode, or what, but I kept reapplying this all month.

Physician's Formula Gentle Cover Concealer - I received a sample of this forever ago.  I was looking for a good corrector concealer palette, then settled for this instead.  I hate concealer and foundation all together and usually, I do not wear it unless I have to.  It is getting colder, that means redness around my nose, it kind of gets chapped I guess.  (I am not sure, I will have to do some research on it!)  Anyway, instead of layering on the concealer, using a corrector is a really good idea.


Wet 'n' Wild Smokin' Hot Pink (905DP) Lipstick - I am loving the Fuschia lip trend. (Not that I can pull it off.) I picked this up for .99 cents, not the greatest formula... it definitely needs a primer before.  It is a really pretty color.


LUSH Christmas Eve Bubble Bar - it's back!! I purchased it as soon as it was at my counter and have been letting it smell up my room.  This is definitely my favorite Christmas product, maybe even it all time (it ties with sex bomb!)  The scent is really girly: jasmine and ying-yang.,, quite floral-y and perfumey.  It is a relaxing scent as well.  (Which is the point of the bubble bar..  to make little kids fall asleep on Christmas Eve.)  Here is a demo... (starting at 1:15) However, I would suggest crumbling half of it under running water instead.




L'Oreal Carbon Black Telescopic Mascara - I have always been into high-end mascaras, for whatever reason I picked this one up awhile back, rediscovered it and it is all ever grab anymore. (2 coats)


NYX Ultra Pearl Mania - Nude Pigment (001) - (Repotted in the picture, the original jar is way too tiny.)  A perfect highlight (under brow on cheeks) now that I am a bit paler...



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