Beauty n Things Blog » Reviews http://beautynthingsblog.com Beauty, hair, fashion, reviews and more. Tue, 02 Apr 2013 04:26:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil Review (with swatches) http://beautynthingsblog.com/2012/03/07/urban-decay-247-concealer-pencil-review-with-swatches/ http://beautynthingsblog.com/2012/03/07/urban-decay-247-concealer-pencil-review-with-swatches/#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:27:44 +0000 Mariana http://beautynthingsblog.com/?p=494 Continue reading ]]>

I’ve been searching for a worth while concealer for quite some time now and I can happily say I think I found one! After scouring the internet for reviews on a high coverage concealer I came across the Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil and bought it on a whim at a trip to Ulta the following weekend. I’ve been using it everyday to conceal redness and post-acne scars and its been doing a beautiful job at covering them up, which is exactly what I hoped it would do.

A little background on the product..

“Hide dark circles and blemishes with our creamy formula that dries matte and stays put.”, is how Urban Decay describes their creamy concealer pencil.  Because it’s a pencil it’s easy to apply with precision and there are now 5 new shades opposed to only 3  medium/dark colors that were available in 2008 when it was first released (I think it may have been re-formulated too but don’t quote me on that). The concealer is formulated with Vitamin E and a new ingredient called Microsponge that supposedly absorbs extra oil.

 

Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencils: CIA, DEA, FBI, NSA, ATF, DOD, KGB, MI6

Image Credit

Ingredients:
Octyldodecanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cyclohexasiloxane, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Ozokerite, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Stearalkonium Hectorite, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Propylparaben, Propylene Carbonate, Tocopheryl Acetate

And as always Urban Decay does not test on animals :)

Top to Bottom : Light Swatch, Heavy Swatch, Blended into Skin

Pros..

I purchased this for $18 (0.12 oz) in shade ATF which is a creamy brown aimed towards medium/dark complexions (though I feel like I would be categorized as medium light). It may be a little too dark to wear on its own but with foundation or the new BB cream I’ve been using under it it blends in just right. I love that formula isn’t too creamy where it makes my face greasy looking after a few hours but not too matte where it accentuates dry patches. I think it really lives up to it’s long lasting claims too which is great! Of course it doesn’t last perfectly all day but there is still medium to full coverage by hour 8 of the day. I’m contemplating getting a shade lighter so I can blend the two when I don’t want to wear anything but concealer but we’ll see.

 

Cons..

The one and only con I see with this concealer is the design. Yes, pencil form allows for precise application but only for so long. After a couple uses it is dulled and probably after 4 or 5 makeup applications it’s time to sharpen this baby up. Not a problem, except for the fact that you’re wasting so much concealer each time you sharpen it!! If you’re like me and use concealer everyday this can be quite a problem.

 

The Verdict..

I’m considering repurchasing this  IF I’m not able to find anything else in the meantime. The only reason being the packaging.  I would def give this a try if you’re looking for a full coverage foundation that’s blendable and buildable without the annoying creasing (especially under the eye!). While it’s not the cheapest there are so many other concealers that’ll put a bigger dent into your pocket than this, I figure it’s worth the quality.

 

Any concealers you love or recommend?

 

xx,

Mariana

 

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Thayers Alcohol Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner Review (and a bit of toner related rambling) http://beautynthingsblog.com/2012/02/29/thayers-alcohol-free-rose-petal-toner-review/ http://beautynthingsblog.com/2012/02/29/thayers-alcohol-free-rose-petal-toner-review/#comments Thu, 01 Mar 2012 02:45:23 +0000 Mariana http://beautynthingsblog.com/?p=466 Continue reading ]]> You know that one sweater (or pair of shoes, item of makeup, you get the idea) you keep in your closet telling yourself you’ll get more use of it, and of course, months, maybe even years if you’re like me (..hoarder??), go by and it’s still in the same spot? Well, I’ve really been on a kick of going through all those types of  things and getting rid of what’s stuck around for way too long. As I was going through my beauty cabinet I re-discovered this lovely toner I bought this summer, and to my surprise can’t get enough of it now.

 

*Thayers Alcohol Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner (phew, what a name), now a staple in my face care routine, was formulated over 120 years ago and has only gotten better over time. Made with certified organic witch hazel, aloe vera and natural rose extract it cleanses and moisturizes beautifully! In case you aren’t already aware of the amazing benefits of the aforementioned I’ve provided a quick run down at the bottom of this post.

The full ingredient list in simple terms is as follows:

  • Purified Water
  •  Aloe Leaf Juice
  •  Vegetable Glycerin
  • Natural Rose Fragrance
  •  Un-distilled Witch Hazel Extract,
  • Rose Flower Water
  • Citric Acid
  • Grapefruit Seed Extract,
  • Vitamin E Acetate

It is also alcohol and paraben free :)

The Pros..

I stopped using toners long ago mainly because they were drying out my skin, but with this product I experience quite the opposite effect. After cleansing morning and night I just dab a little on a cotton pad and wipe it all over my face and neck to remove left over dirt, oil, and makeup up. Not only does it do its job in that department but it also moisturizers my skin quite well, which is definite perk during the Winter season. My face feels so refreshed and smooth after using this and my moisturizer sinks right in (especially my amazing Reviva Labs night cream that I will soon be reviewing). While I won’t accredit this one product to the improvement in my skin, I truly believe that with this in my routine my skin tone has become noticeably smoother. All of these great benefits and for only $10, can’t beat that if you ask me, not to mention a little goes a long way.

The Cons..

The only con I can really think of is the smell. I don’t mind it, though it did take some getting used to, but if you don’t like floral scents than this product probably isn’t for you. You are in luck though because Thayers has 5 or 6 different variations of this product but all are not alcohol free so make sure to double check before purchasing. I have my eye on the Cucumber Witch Hazel Toner for my next purchase.

The Verdict..

In short I would greatly recommend this product if you’re looking for something to soothe your dry, sensitive winter skin (though its great for all skin types), or just looking to reap the benefits of a toner without the drying effects of alcohol. I bought this product at my local health food store but you can also find it at big name places like Whole Foods and on Amazon.

Now on for a little 101 session on the following ingredients found in this toner..

 

Image Credit

Organic Witch Hazel, alias to it’s original name Hamamelis virginiana which means “very gentle”, has been attributed to its anti-aging and anti-septic properties for ages. It’s widely known as a treatment for mild acne, minor cuts and bruises, itchy irritated skin, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and even varicose veins. As a toner, like it’s being used in this case, it’s said to remove left over dirt and oil after cleansing, tighten pores, balance the pH levels in your skin and keep acne at bay with its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. For sensitive and/or dry skin it would be best to dilute this with water or sometime of essential oil since it can be a bit drying on its own.

 

Image Credit

Aloe Vera is known for its anti-aging, moisturizing and healing properties, which is why you can find it in so many skin care and after sun products. It contains 20 of the 22 essential amino acids our body needs to heal and function, it also contains vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and E that aid in keeping our skin smooth, promoting cellular growth and protecting us from environmental damages. It’s usually found in gel form which is cooling  and moisturizing  to the skin ( which is why it’s often used for sunburn).

 Image Credit

Rose water is one of those ingredients that just gives the product a much prettier feel. It’s used in many fragrances, toners, creams, cleansers and toners for its ability to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and calm the skin. It’s also great for softening and adding moisture back into your skin which is especially awesome during harsh winters.

 

 
 

 

 

 

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Desert Essence Gentle Nourishing Organic Cleanser Review http://beautynthingsblog.com/2012/02/19/desert-essence-gentle-nourishing-organic-cleanser-review/ http://beautynthingsblog.com/2012/02/19/desert-essence-gentle-nourishing-organic-cleanser-review/#comments Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:00:04 +0000 Mariana http://beautynthingsblog.com/?p=451 Continue reading ]]> On my ever lasting quest for gorgeous, glowing skin I’ve slowly been traveling down the organic road in regards to both food and beauty products (more on my internal beauty regimen later). It occurred to me that my face and body probably doesn’t need 600 harsh products being slathered all over it and that doing so is probably doing more harm than good. Since this realization, and the horrible bout of acne I was cursed with over the past few months (thanks to my body adjusting a new birth control), I’ve vowed to baby my skin as much as possible . While I still do use quite a few different products on my face daily (one step at a time for this product junkie) I try to be a bit more ingredient conscious before making a purchase.

Now onto the actual product. I was introduced to the Desert Essence line this past summer by my health crazed friend Morghan who raved about their oh-so popular Thoroughly Clean Face Wash made with tea tree oil and geared towards those with oily, acne-prone skin. However I found that it dried the hell out of my skin. Then one day months later while happily shopping the beauty aisles of Whole Foods I came across this bad boy, which as you may have guessed is the Thoroughly Clean Face Wash’s gentler counterpart.

Desert Essence Gentle Nourishing Organic Cleanser for dry and sensitive skin is a ” pure, organic facial cleanser made especially for dry sensitive skin. Formulated with aloe, chamomile and cucumber extracts to leave skin feeling moisturized.” It contains no sulfates, harsh chemicals, dyes or fragrances just organic, vegan goodness.

In simple, normal human terms this gluten free, biodegradable cleanser contains:

  • Organic Apple Juice
  • Organic Coconut Oil
  • Water
  • Potassium Hydroxide
  • Organic Sunflower Seed Oil
  • Organic Sesame Seed Oil
  • Organic Jojoba Seed Oil
  • Organic Sweet Orange Oil
  • Guar Gum
  • Organic Aloe Leaf Juice
  • Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract
  • Organic Cucumber Extract
  • Organic Watercress extract
Phew that’s a lot of organic..

This product does NOT participate in or use:

  • Animal derived ingredients or testing
  • Parabens
  • Artificial fragrances/dyes
  • Petroleum Compounds (meaning no mineral oil, paraffin, or petrolatum)
  • SLS (sulfates)
  • PEGS, PPG, MEA, DEA or TEA (not going to lie, not quite sure what all of those are)
  • Glycols
  • Phthalates

 

What I like about this product is that is that it’s pretty amazing at removing all my makeup, especially when paired with my Clarisonic. I found with some other organic and natural facial cleansers I’ve tried that this wasn’t always the case. There’s not much foaming action due to the lack of sulfates but I’ve learned that more suds don’t necessarily mean the job is getting done correctly. Since adding this into my revised skin care routine I’ve noticed a smoother complexion, fewer break outs, and a thorough clean feeling after washing my face. It’s a great feeling to see no left over makeup on my cotton round after using my toner.

I also really love the texture and scent. I’m no fragrance expert but this just smells amazingly fresh and citrus-y. The texture is also very light yet still a bit creamy and a little goes a long way, I use about a pump to a pump n’ a half morning and night. I would suggest shaking this a bit before using it though since the oils tend settle at the bottom. I get a weird sense of satisfaction each time I shake up my bottle knowing all those fabulous essential oils will soon be cleansing my face.

Too bad this isn’t scratch and sniff.

The cons that come with the product are very minimal when compared to the pros. The first being that this does not feel too great when it gets into your eyes, as in it feels slightly like my eyes are on fire. I want to accredit the Potassium Hydroxide to that. After doing a little bit of research on that ingredient I was able to find out that it is used in many natural and organic cleansers used to replace the sulfates, it was given a “low level of health concern” rating on www.TheGoodGuide.com (you can read more about that HERE) .

The second being the price for amount of product. I believe I paid $13 something for a 6.7 Fl Oz at Whole Foods. I’ve since then found out I was being ripped off and can get this product anywhere from $7 to $9 online, this was of course discovered after re-purchasing. Also, I’m not sure if it’s due to the popularity of the original Thoroughly Clean Fash Wash, but you can get almost double  of that product for the same price. Rude.

Lastly, I think the pump feature could use some work. I don’t mind pumps, I actually prefer them, but instead of the usual turn one way for close and the other for open there’s a little plastic piece you put around the pump so that it won’t move. Small, unattachable objects and me don’t mix as I’m the Queen of miss placing and losing things. Luckily, I’ve somehow managed to not lose this..yet.

Well, that’s all folks. If you’re in the market for a new face wash, or have been eyeing anything up the Desert Essence line I would most certainly recommend this product. After all it has passed the re-purchase test, something I seldom do.

Are there any great natural and/or organic products you love and recommend?

xx,

Mariana

 

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Vichy Dermablend Corrective Foundation Review http://beautynthingsblog.com/2011/10/21/vichy-dermablend-corrective-foundation-review/ http://beautynthingsblog.com/2011/10/21/vichy-dermablend-corrective-foundation-review/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2011 23:36:10 +0000 Mariana http://beautynthingsblog.com/?p=282 Continue reading ]]>

Conveniently I was on the search for a new foundation when I stumbled across Lisa Eldridge’s video which is a tutorial on acne covering make up (follow the link to check it out). Among other products she used the Vichy Dermablend Corrective Foundation, and no more than five minutes later I began to do a little research of my own to see what it really had to offer and what others thought of it. Before I go on I should mention that I did purchase this product to use as a concealer more than a full face foundation (I’m more the powder type girl when it comes to that) but did use it both ways before writing this review.

A little background on the product..

Per the description you should be able to enjoy 12 hours of lightweight flawless wear (16 with the setting powder). The corrective foundation is said to be a total coverage foundation marketed towards those with sensitive, acne prone skinwhich is a category I unfortunately fall under. It’s recommended for minor to moderate imperfections such as redness, acne scars,  and pigmentation issues.

Some of the other pluses are the added SPF 20, the fact that it is dermatologist/ophthalmologist tested, and non-comedogenic. All are attributes I look for in a foundation since I feel a lot of them that aren’t non-comedogenic tend to make my skin look unpleasantly oily after a few hours and/or make me break out. None of which I enjoy. Oh, and I’m all for the SPF, I can’t remember the last time I let my face go without.

Lastly, the color range..or lack there of. Vichy offers four, yes four, measly color options. The lightest is Opal 15, the two “mid-range” colors are Nude 25 & Sand 35, and the darkest is Gold 45. I choose to go with Sand 35 since winter is creeping up quickly and whats left of my summer tan is on it’s way out. Also, I did read a few reviews from women who had purchased the Gold 45 shade and could tell it would be way too dark.

The packaging..

In all honesty the packaging is pretty plain, basically what you see is what you get. That goes for the box it came in and the actual tube of foundation. The 1 fl oz. tube is white with the Vichy Laboratories logo and sealed with a black cap. You can also see in the first picture I posted that the list of active and ingredients/directions for use are almost taped on there, not very appealing but oh well. I’m perfectly OK with that since with products such as foundation I really just want it to get its job done. I also think that it’s quite small for a $30 foundation. But having tried the Dermablend Cover Creme in the past, which lasts forever, I chose to give it a go anyways.

 

The application/lasting power..

Now here’s where all the hype was put to the test. I tried it first as a concealer and while it got the job done I didn’t really feel as if it matched my skin tone well enough to be used as one. From then on I used it strictly as a normal all over foundation with my Eco Tools foundation brush and used a light layer of my Afterglow mineral foundation to set it in. It’s a very buildable foundation however, I don’t really want to do too much building because I hate the feeling of my skin suffocating under a mask of makeup.

With a light layer and a little extra on blemishes all was well..except one of the most important parts..the color! When I look at my skin I definitely don’t think of sand but since this shade was my closest option I didn’t have much of a choice after deciding I absolutely needed to try it out. The shade was on the beige side and very close to my skin color but seemed to possess an undertone more on the pink side whereas I have a yellow undertone. It wasn’t unbearably noticeable and the fact that my Afterglow powder I used to set it is a perfect match I decided to give it a go a few times just to test its lasting power.

I wore this to work to really put it to the test. I’m on my feet moving around all day and never re-touch my makeup, usually due to the fact that I don’t have time, and I must say this really did a great job of staying put and not giving me an overly oily T-zone at the end of the day. So I’ll give it an A in that department.

The Verdict..

I really wish I could say this was one of my new favorite foundations because I really thought it was going to be. Unfortunately, the lack of color selection really made this a miss for me and I don’t think it’s worth it to use a foundation that doesn’t match my skin tone the way I’d like it to.

I wouldn’t knock trying it out though if you’re looking for a good quality corrective foundation, who knows, one of the shades may be your perfect match. The overall quality of the foundation is great. It stays put and as it says it will cover moderate to mild blemishes,  but if you’re looking for  hard core coverage I don’t feel this would be your go-to foundation. That is, unless you’re willing to build to achieve the coverage you want.

Also, just a little side note most Vichy Labratories products such as this one aren’t available in stores in the US as far as I know so you’ll most likely need to order it online. The shipping is fast and you get a free sample with every order. I chose the ProEVEN Total Dark Spot Corrector and so far really like it.

 

Looks like I’ll be on the search yet again for the perfect liquid foundation. Even though I do wear powder foundation most days I would still like something to wear when I want that smooth flawless look you can create with a liquid. For now I’m pretty sure I’ll be going back to the Dermablend Cover Creme which I’m head over heels for, my holy grail of concealers.

What is your favorite foundation? Any you could suggest?

 

xx,

Mariana

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Urban Decay Naked Palette: Review http://beautynthingsblog.com/2011/09/26/urban-decay-naked-palette-review/ http://beautynthingsblog.com/2011/09/26/urban-decay-naked-palette-review/#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2011 03:12:52 +0000 Mariana http://beautynthingsblog.com/?p=222 Continue reading ]]>

If you read my last post about my trip to Sephora you’ll know that I was pretty excited to have finally picked up the Urban Decay Naked Palette. I’ve been using it everyday for about a week now and love that you can create so many gorgeous looks with the shimmering neutrals. You can literally go from a day to dramatic night look in a matter of minutes. Not only do I really enjoy the 12 eye shadows in the palette but the packaging is really convenient as well and I’m definitely enjoying the eyeshadow primer and brush that came along with it.

Here’s a little background info on the palette:

Packaging..

The shadows are stored in a brown velvety mirrored case. Which I’m really glad is sleek and slender,12 x 1.3g to be exact, not bulky at all. Each eye shadow is 0.05oz which is equivalent to a full size Urban Decay Shadow, a pretty good deal I’d say. There is also a slot for a shadow brush, which Urban Decay has so kindly filled with their Good Karma Eyeshadow brush. And in the inital plastic packaging that the palette is placed in you’ll find a nice little 0.13 oz travel sized Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

The 12 Eyeshadows..

There is a mixture of matte, frosty and shimmery shade shimmery, but none of them are overly glittery or frosty which makes it easy to create more wearable looks. My personal favorites are Sin, SidecarDarkhorse and Toasted. 

Virgin- A pale, almost icy color with a slight shimmer to it. I like this best for highlighting purposes on both my brow and cheekbones.

Sin- A rosy champagne color with a shimmer to it, I also use this for highlight purposes mostly on my cheekbones.

Naked- A soft matte tan color.

Sidecar- A very neutral gold color with a touch of glitter to it.  It’s not overly sparkly and there isn’t much fallout with the glitter either.

 

Buck- A soft matte brown color.

Half Baked- If it was still summer I have a feeling this would be one of my go to colors. Its a metallic copperish gold color, which is nice on olive or dark skin tones.

Smog- A metallic bronze color that would really play up green or blue eyes.

Darkhorse- A dark brown with a golden shimmer to it. I love using this in my crease, to create a not too dark smokey eye or eyeliner and to fill in my brows..now you can see why this is one of my favorites!

Toasted- A dark peachy champagne color, very similar to Sin only it has a more red tone to it.

Hustle-  A brownish plum color with a  subtle shimmer to it.

Creep- A very nicely pigmented, yet still soft black shadow with a hint of silver sparkle. Though I never really notice the sparkle after applying it, but I don’t mind.

Gunmetal- A blueish gray shadow with a slight shimmer to it.

 

The Verdict.. The hype you hear about this palette is there for a reason, it truly is an amazing purchase! I really enjoy the each of the shadows and I think anyone that is a big fan of using neutrals and is looking for a quality assortment of shadows should give it a try. There are so many great looks you can create, from a dramatic smokey eye to an everyday look you can wear to work. Its also great that the while the colors are pigmented and some have a little shimmer/sparkle to them that they’re not over the top which makes it great for everyday use. And with 12 full size shadows, a good quality shadow brush, and the awesome primer (love it by the way!) I think $48 is definitely work it!

 

Here’s a smokey look I created using smog, darkhorse, and virgin..

 

What are your thoughts on the palette? Have you tried it out, or something similar?

xx

Mariana

 

 

 

 

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Nuance by Salma Hayek Review http://beautynthingsblog.com/2011/09/12/nuance-by-salma-hayek-review/ http://beautynthingsblog.com/2011/09/12/nuance-by-salma-hayek-review/#comments Mon, 12 Sep 2011 22:43:43 +0000 Mariana http://beautynthingsblog.com/?p=156 Continue reading ]]> After a great weekend it’s back to the hustle n bustle of a new week. My to-do list is growing by the minute, but fortunately I treated myself to some  goodies from Salma Hayek’s Nuance line at CVS yesterday and will be putting them to the test this week. I’ve wanted to test out the some of the line after hearing so many great things about it  but sadly it looked like the makeup selection was pretty picked over so I didn’t have much to choose from but a few things did happen to catch my eye.

 

Flawless Wear Tinted Moisturizer in Medium/Deep

I’ve been looking for a new tinted moisturizer for a while, and despite the lack of SPF I decided to try it out anyways. To be honest I wasn’t too excited to pay $14 for 1 fl oz of moisturizer, but the formula sold me. It’s is a lightweight gel, non comedogenic, hypoallergenic, paraben and fragrance free, and not tested on animals.

I’ve only used it twice and so far so good. It seems pigmented enough to give you an hint of color and has awesome coverage unlike some which I swear are tinted until you blend it into your skin. I’ll be using this in place of my regular moisturizer for the rest of the week to put it to the real test, and like I said the only real discrepancy I have about it now is the fact that it contains no SPF. I suppose I can always mix it with some though.

Color Vibrance Lipstick in Passion Pink

                                                                                      

Usually I’m not a lipstick type of girl, I much more prefer a gloss but this lipstick is pretty great! With vitamin E to moisturize it made my lips feel like they were wearing a smooth gloss and its subtle silver shimmer made for a pretty sheen. It’s also very true to it’s name as the color is very rich and vibrant, though it’s not extremely pigmented so you might need a few coats.

I wore it to a family gathering last night and got loads of compliments, I can’t wait to wear it for a night out! The only downside I found about the lipstick is that it doesn’t seem to last very long, but at $9.99 I supposed I can’t complain too much. I’m considering going back to purchase a couple more from the collection.

Rose Petal Hydrating Balm

Made with evening primrose and shea butter the balm is made to condition dehydrated lips, cuticles, elbows and other dry patches. I had a hunch that this would be strikingly similar to the classic Rosebud Salve and upon opening it I found out I was right. It looked like it, smelled like it (though a little stronger), and felt like it. It’s not a horrible product but I think I’ll stick to the salve because for pretty much the same price I can get  more bang for my buck (.8 oz vs the .265 oz hydrating balm).  I was pretty disappointed to pull out a quarter sized balm, it also didn’t seem to keep my lips hydrated very long and since that would be my main use for it I think this product will be a no-go for me.

xoxo,

Mariana

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My Favorite Drugstore Facial Masks http://beautynthingsblog.com/2011/09/10/drugstore-facial-masks/ http://beautynthingsblog.com/2011/09/10/drugstore-facial-masks/#comments Sat, 10 Sep 2011 23:46:47 +0000 Mariana http://beautynthingsblog.com/?p=123 Continue reading ]]>  

This past month or so I found myself cycling through a facial mask obsession phase. I’m notorious for buying them, using them for a few weeks, and then forgetting about them. So after rummaging through my beauty cabinet one night I found a few I never gave a fair chance and decided to stick around for the actual results this time.

The two masks my combination skin seemed to favor most were the Alba Botanica Hawaiian Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask and the classic drugstore beauty buy Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask. I’ve been using both interchangeably and have begun to remember how much I loved these two when I first purchased them. So if you’ve seen one or both around and have been wondering whether or not to try them out read on..

 


Alba Botanica Hawaiian Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask

I’ll start off by saying that this mask is excellent for all skin types, I myself have combination skin which tends to be a little on the oily side. It does an excellent job of making my skin feel refreshed and smooth afterwards and only takes a mere 5 minutes to do its job, which is great because time is one thing that steers me away from wearing facial masks. The papaya enzymes are great at gently exfoliating without leaving your skin dry or tight feeling afterwards. I also really like that the mask doesn’t dry on your face which can tend to result in a cakey, crackling mess that’s a pain to wash off.

What really keeps me coming back for more though is the fact that I can actually see results. Sometimes seeing really is believing, especially in regards to beauty products. I tend to get a hint of hyperpigmentation after a blemish clears regardless of whether or not I mess around with it which unfortunately is very common for people with my skin complexion. But after using this mask 2 or 3 times a week I can really see an improvement in the blemish scars and my skin starts looking smoother and more even. I’ve read that products with  fruit enzymes are a great alternative to those with glycolic and alpha hydroxy acids which can irritate sensitive skin, though they do work a bit faster. I’ve also heard of others using this all over their body on places with dry skin, acne or ingrown hairs in order to speed up the exfoliation process in that area. I can’t speak first hand on that though.

The final verdict.. I will no doubt be purchasing this again once I run out. I love pretty much everything about it, I say pretty much since the smell was a little over bearing when I first started using it. And it’s definitely a plus that the ingredients are 100% vegetarian with no animal testing involved. Lastly, as a heads up I will say that while reading other people’s reviews on this product that some experienced a tingling sensation while using this mask (nothing severe), so if that is something you don’t like I wouldn’t purchase this. Although I have never experienced any type of tingling.

  • Ingredients: Aqueous extracts of laminaria digitata (kelp) and carica papaya (papaya), certified organic aloe barbadensis juice, vegetable glycerin, papain, bromelain, cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed, zingiber zerumbet (awapuhi), vanilla planifolia and ananas sativus (pineapple) extracts, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), polysorbate 20, xanthan gum, benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, chlorophyll and botanical fragrance.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

Now I know there are so many reviews on this mask that most of you probably are already familiar with it, but I decided to write about it anyways and I’ll make it quick. I’d say this mask is best for combination and oily skin as it can leave the skin feeling slightly tight afterwards but seeing that it’s geared for those with acne and blackheads that’s probably who’s using it in the first place. I tend to use this in the midst of a breakout as the zinc oxide and sulfur in it are great ingredients for shrinking pores and blemishes. I almost immediately notice results within the first day or so in the size of the blemish and it’s also great for reducing the hyperpigmentation I mentioned earlier before it even sets it.

The final verdict.. I plan on keeping this one around as well since it is very effective for its price which is around $3. The only downfall I find in the product is that you must keep it on for 15 to 20 minutes (OK so that really isn’t that bad) and it can sometimes be a little messy, but nothing serious. I sometimes find mint green residue in my hairline later in the day from not washing it fully off my face so I tend to save this for nights when I’m sitting at home.

  • Ingredients: Distilled Water, Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Sulfur, Chromium Oxide Greens, Fragrance, Methylparaben
There are a ton of other great facial masks out there that I’m dying to try, any of your favorites that you would suggest?
xoxo,
Mariana


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Foxy Locks Hair Extensions Review http://beautynthingsblog.com/2011/08/30/foxy-locks-hair-extensions-review/ http://beautynthingsblog.com/2011/08/30/foxy-locks-hair-extensions-review/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:55:46 +0000 Mariana http://beautynthingsblog.com/?p=25 Continue reading ]]> There’s nothing like a day spent at the salon, don’t you agree?  I did exactly that Saturday afternoon, and believe me it was a much needed trip. While I was there I decided it would be a good time to get my Foxy Locks Clip In Extensions layered and cut; which would make for an easy blend with my actual hair. Upon walking out 2 ½ hours later (told you it was much needed) I was feeling pretty fabulous. Lucky for me later that night I was going to be celebrating a friend’s birthday and would be able to show off my new look, but that’s not what this post is about. I’d instead like to share with you my personal feelings about the Foxy Locks Extensions I wore out this weekend and that  I’ve been so in love with for the past 5 months.

I actually came across Foxy Locks via the owner and creator’s (Imogen) YouTube channel while searching for reviews of  different clip in hair extensions. Imogen is a woman with a serious love for thick, voluminous hair, which is exactly what her extensions offer. On her channel you’ll find tons of gorgeous celeb how-to’s, product reviews, and of course a giveaway or two. She also has a blog where you can find even more of the aforementioned.

A Little About Foxy Locks Extensions

  • They offer 120, 160, & 215 gram sets of hair. – I chose the 160 to add extra volume to my fine hair.
  • They come in an array of vibrant, rich colors. — I found Darkest Brown 2 to be my best match.
  • They’re made from 100% Remy human hair. Meaning you can wash, curl, straighten, color, or whatever them just like your own hair. — Therefore, I would advise you to treat it like your own in order to keep the hair in tip top condition.
  • They’re affordable extensions for the quality you get. — I paid $127.21 USD + shipping for my 160g set.

The 160 gram deluxe set includes: One - 8" wide w/ 4 clipsOne - 7" wide w/ 4 clips Two - 6" wide w/ 3 clips Two - 4" wide w/ 2 clips Four - 1" wide w/ 1 clip

One con I did notice about the Foxy Locks brand is they only offer 20 inch long sets vs. other sites that offer a wider variety (16″, 18″, 24″  etc.), but that really wasn’t too much of a set back. Other than that I really only have positive things to say about them as of now.

They’re very easy to style and overall give a very natural look. Whenever I wear them out I get compliments on them and no one but my close friends really seem to notice. I do occasionally wonder if I would’ve been better off with the 120g set since I feel the 160g may be better suited for those with normal to thick hair, but that isn’t due to the extensions feeling too heavy, just the fact that I like my extensions to look as natural as possible. I also really like that the clips are not bulky or heavy, and don’t slip out (which tends to happen with my fine hair). I’ve  had those kinds of problems with my Remy extensions from Sally’s Beauty Supply, but then again they were definitely not in the same quality bracket as Foxy Locks.

Before and After

 

Overall, I really enjoy wearing them on special occasions and when I’m going out with friends; they’re my go-to hair accessory.  So if you’re looking to add some length, volume,  or a little spice into your hair style I’d definitely recommend these to you.

If you decide to try Foxy Locks Extensions out or already use them let me know what you think!

VISIT THE FOXY LOCKS SITE HERE

 

xoxo,

Mariana

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