sarahromeo
Member Since: April 24, 2012Reviews
Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Conditioning Shake
I received this product for free as part of the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club. Normally I don't "do" this kind of product. Anything with oil in it? Leave in conditioner? No way, uh-uh. As someone with fine, straight hair that hates anything like... +
I received this product for free as part of the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club.
Normally I don't "do" this kind of product. Anything with oil in it? Leave in conditioner? No way, uh-uh. As someone with fine, straight hair that hates anything like that, I didn't want to try this at first.
So I used the corresponding Aqua Light shampoo and conditioner alone first. They worked OK, looked fine, my hair was very nice but nothing spectacular - a little dull, but my hair comes out that way when I use a blow dryer.
Then, the next time I used this and let my hair air dry. I was extremely surprised - my hair dried feeling glossy, voluminous and managable. So soft and pretty. I really couldn't believe I didn't wake up all greasy! This stuff rocks, it really restores shine and mangability to your hair. I haven't had the chance to use it yet with other shampoos and conditioners, but I will definitely continue to use this product. My favorite of the trio!
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MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Russian Red
The quintessential red. My absolute favorite! Creamy, perfect, long-wearing. My only complaint is that it's matte and it can be a bit drying... but it's worth it :)
The quintessential red. My absolute favorite! Creamy, perfect, long-wearing. My only complaint is that it's matte and it can be a bit drying... but it's worth it :) -
Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser
An excellent basic cleanser, I like that it's free of all kinds of chemicals. I'm a sensitive skin girl and yes, some natural ingredients can be quite irritating... but at least they're natural. And this cleanser doesn't irritate, strip or dryout my... +
An excellent basic cleanser, I like that it's free of all kinds of chemicals. I'm a sensitive skin girl and yes, some natural ingredients can be quite irritating... but at least they're natural. And this cleanser doesn't irritate, strip or dryout my skin. It removes the grime from the day and light makeup. I still remove my mascara with makeup remover. I generally have good skin, with the occasional slight blemish-bump, so I like basic. I just want a cleaser that cleans... I'll moisturize and medicate on my own terms.
It doesn't suds like crazy - you need to keep working it up and eventually it works up nicely. Rinses away clean. The only thing I don't love is the after-scent. Yuck. Not my thing. Not overpowering enough to discontinue use or anything, but definitely kinda weird. Maybe it's the Willowbark? Not sure.
Overall - a good buy. I'm satisfied with it and will repurchase unless down the road something else supplants it.
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NARS Blush
I really wanted a Nars blush but it wasn't this one. I went to Sephora at least 3 times trying the Nars blushes and doing research and trying them again. I kept coming back to this one, but something inside me didn't want it! Why did I have to love... +
I really wanted a Nars blush but it wasn't this one. I went to Sephora at least 3 times trying the Nars blushes and doing research and trying them again. I kept coming back to this one, but something inside me didn't want it! Why did I have to love something so hyped? Surely this couldn't be right... but it was. I love this blush, I am one of many. Beautiful peachy glow, a bit of shimmer, all around gorgeous. I've hit pan. I will repurchase. It's official - I'm one of them. -
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Take all kinds of smudges, scuffs and what-not off our white walls! Definitely would recommend these for all sorts of situations, they really live up to their hype.
Take all kinds of smudges, scuffs and what-not off our white walls! Definitely would recommend these for all sorts of situations, they really live up to their hype. -
Carmex® Classic Lip Balm
This stuff is the be-all and end-all of lip balm for me. It fixes everything. It is moisturizing and healing and perfect. It also has formulas with SPF, which is a bonus. I use it on my cuticles too, and sometimes my nose if it is dry and sore from... +
This stuff is the be-all and end-all of lip balm for me. It fixes everything. It is moisturizing and healing and perfect. It also has formulas with SPF, which is a bonus.
I use it on my cuticles too, and sometimes my nose if it is dry and sore from a cold. Anywhere your skin might get chapped - this will fix and heal it.
I have tubes and sticks and tubs of this stuff everywhere and I will never stop buying it. At most places, it's only $1-2. Really, you can't beat it. Carmex is top notch and no other balm will ever beat it in my world.
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Maybelline New York The Falsies Volum' Express Mascara
My mother-in-law gave me this and I was pleasantly surprised when I used it. I have the Black Drama color/formula. There are tiny fibers in this mascara and the color is very black and nice. I found it a bit clumpy at first but eventually I grew... +
My mother-in-law gave me this and I was pleasantly surprised when I used it. I have the Black Drama color/formula.
There are tiny fibers in this mascara and the color is very black and nice. I found it a bit clumpy at first but eventually I grew to like it quite a bit - provides excellent volume and drama for a drugstore mascara and can be layered for even more.
My main problem - I got a lot of flaking and smudging. I do not have oily skin and normally do not have a problem with this with mascaras... You can avoid this by putting this mascara only on your upper lashes but if you're like me and can't be bothered to do so, you might be best to skip this one all together.
I'd recommend this because it's a good mascara with good results, but the flaking and smudging is pretty unforgiveable.
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Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara
I don't want to like this... but I do... I tried Great Last way back in the day. I hated it and have written it off ever since for everything from Dior & YSL to Cover Girl. A few weeks ago, I was at the drugstore and feeling a bit disillusioned... +
I don't want to like this... but I do...
I tried Great Last way back in the day. I hated it and have written it off ever since for everything from Dior & YSL to Cover Girl. A few weeks ago, I was at the drugstore and feeling a bit disillusioned with my choices, so I picked up a tube in the Very Black shade. It was cheap.; $4.99 I think.
And you know what? I kinda love it! It's not mega-volumizing but it does provide an OK amount, the formula is black and glossy, lengthens like crazy and defines each lash. It doesn't get clumpy or gross. It doesn't flake or smudge for me and washes off easily.
Overall, I find myself impressed and a bit shocked. For a basic mascara and a natural look, I think this stuff is actually quite good. For something with a little more drama, I'll look elsewhere.
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Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Face Highlighter
I like this product quite a bit. It is a liquid highlighter, very pearly. I got it because I was looking for something with a bit more of a dewy finish than a powder but not as greasy as a cream. It sets up nicely and is not too sparkly. I don't... +
I like this product quite a bit. It is a liquid highlighter, very pearly. I got it because I was looking for something with a bit more of a dewy finish than a powder but not as greasy as a cream. It sets up nicely and is not too sparkly. I don't find that it migrates to other parts of my face.
I think you get a good amount for what you pay, as you only need a tiny dab. I have had my bottle for 3 years and have used maybe 1/4 of it. Really, it lasts quite well. I don't use it every day, just when I'm in the mood for a dewy, ethereal look. Suits my highligher needs quite well!
I used to not care for Benefit much, but I am slowly coming around and liking more and more of their products.
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Benefit Cosmetics Erase Paste Concealer
I put off buying this concealer for a long time despite the fact that I had sampled it and liked it. At $30, it's spendy and only a small container. But, as I soon learned, the tiniest bit of this goes a LONG way. My skin tends toward dryness and... +
I put off buying this concealer for a long time despite the fact that I had sampled it and liked it. At $30, it's spendy and only a small container. But, as I soon learned, the tiniest bit of this goes a LONG way.
My skin tends toward dryness and is totally unpredictable. I'm not oily or acne prone at all. Dry and sensitive. I've had no problems with breakouts or dryness as a result of using this concealer. I primarily use it under my eyes (just for slight discoloration, I don't have major circles), and around my nose (I seem to have a bit of perpetual redness). Sometimes I'll pat it on my cheeks if I'm a bit red. It covers nicely and evenly and blends out nicely. I use the fair shade, which has a bit of yellow in it, which works for me to neutralize the redness that occurs on my skin. There aren't very many shades in this concealer, which will definitely be a problem for people, especially those with very, very, very fair skin. I'm about an NW 15, for reference, and this works for me.
The caveat - don't use too much!!! It will crease under your eyes, and if your mascara is prone to flaking it might make it worse. It's very emollient. I wouldn't recommend it for those with oilier skintypes. I make sure not to apply too much - just a tiny dab with a finger and I do both my eyes AND nose with it - and then I set it with a smidge of powder. It lasts really well for me.
While everything is YMMV, concealer is especially one of those things. I like this one quite a bit and will stick with it.
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