Product Reviews

Kiehl's Super Fluid Review

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Written By Deanna .P

I have known about Kiehl’s as long as I can remember.  I have seen the stores, passed the section in department stores throughout my life.    I never realized the history of Kiehl’s. Kiehl’s has been around since 1851.   It’s first store was on 3rd Ave & East 13th Street in Manhattan.  It was one small pharmacy that has grown into a national brand with more than 250 stores all over the world.   It’s parent company is Loreal.  Loreal purchased Kiehl’s in 2000.  Kiehl’s is a cosmetics brand that specializes in premium skin, hair, and body care products for men & woman.  The brand success is in part because of their simple packaging & their large male clientele.  Recently, I tried two of their products & was pretty impressed with both. Super Fluid UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ 1.7 fl. oz-50 ml MSRP $38.00

I have had skin cancer & precancerous cells on my skin so I am a fanatic when it comes to sunscreens.  I had a trip recently to Puerto Rico & bought the Kiehl’s Sunscreen with me. I liked the fact that the formula was light, non greasy & went on easy.   The product is Oil-Free, Fragrance Free, Paraben Free & Color Free. It’s also water resistant for 80 minutes & one of it’s ingredients is Vitamin E to help prevent free radical damage. The truth is in the trial & it worked wonderfully.  My face did not get burnt as it usually does no matter how much sunscreen I slather on.  I was very happy that it kept the sun away & I am going to see if they have a product similar for my whole body.  The $38.00 price was definitely worth it as this sunscreen has the best protection I have ever used.   It also comes in a 4.2 fl oz bottle for $61.00

 

The second product I tried was Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate.  This comes in 3 sizes:

1.7 fl oz for MSRP $60.00

2.5 fl oz for MSRP $79.00

3.4 fl oz for MSRP $!02.00

This is a powerful anti-wrinkle treatment with 10.5% Pure Vitamin C.  As most of you might realize as you age your skin unfortunately shows more imperfections, especially wrinkles & lines.  I for one hate it & will try practically anything noninvasive to prevent it.  This product is a customer favorite & It claims to reduce wrinkles & lines while improving the overall look of the texture, tone & radiance of the skin.  It also works to exfoliate the skin while giving it antioxidant protection.  I used this product for the last couple of weeks & do notice some improvements.  I like the texture of this serum & I feel as though it is working the minute it touches my skin.  This is a product that I will continue to use & most likely see more great results. I definitely feel it is worth the investment as a lottreatments that reduce lines & wrinklescost hundreds of dollars.  For a non invasive solution this is a great value. My experience with Kiehl’s thus far has been excellent.  I know why they have been in business for 166 years.  

For more information on Kiehl’s & to see more of their products, check out:

kiehls.com

Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen Grow & Restore Shampoo

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Written by Pepper. B 

 

In need of a good shampoo and conditioner and on a budget. I ran frantically into CVS looking for Shea Moisture. I know the products are a great price point and I can get exactly what I need when body care is concerned. This encouraged me to venture into other parts of the line. I stumbled across this shampoo and conditioner. What I appreciate most is that my scalp feels clean but my hair doesn't feel dry. The Apple Cider Vinegar is great for if you have oily scalp. The castor oil promotes hair growth. The smell isn't harsh. The smell actually smells really good. I must add the bottle is huge. Great buy for under 20 bucks.  I would love to point out if you are someone who experiences extreme dry areas in the scalp this may not work for you but there are several alternatives within the line that will match your hair type.  

I love spicing up conditioners I buy. Not because I don't believe that they will be effective but more to add extra things I need. Example I often add a little bit of Tea Tree Oil in every conditioner I buy. This prevents my scalps from itching and soothes dry areas. I often add a little bit of Argan Oil to conditioners as well to hydrate my hair soften the texture and make it a bit easier to comb through.

 

 

Bumble & Bumble BB Straight Shampoo & Conditioner

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Written by Deanna P

Bumble & Bumble started its flagship store in 1977 in NYC.  The salon became very popular & it became the go to place for all things hair.  They now have an uptown & downtown salon in NYC & a network of salons worldwide.  The company currently has also expanded to include education, editorial,  & a full line of products. I received& tried some bumble & bumble product recently BB Straight Shampoo & Conditioner.I am always thrilled to try something that says straight as I have naturally wavy hair that tends to frizz in humid weather & is not that easy to blow dry.  

 

BB Straight Shampoo comes in 8.5 oz/250 ML and retails for $31.00.

 

BB Straight Conditioner comes in 8.5 oz 250 ML and retails for $34.00

 

Using both the Shampoo & conditioner is the most optimal way to tame your hair.  The combination is best for thick, curly, unruly hair.  I used it on my dry wavy frizzy hair & was pleased with the results.  It is easy to use as all you do is wet hair. add shampoo &  lather, than rinse well.  The conditioner you add & comb or work in with your finger & then rinse it well.  It is sulfate free & contain no parabens.  It is also safe for color treated hair.  I also must comment on how much I liked the smell of the shampoo & conditioner.  It was very pleasant & had a natural scent. The shampoo & conditioner is rather expensive, but I do believe it is worth trying.  It worked well on my hair.  It was easier to blow dry & it made it straighter than normal which I was very pleased with. It also had less flyaways & looked shiny.  After using inexpensive shampoos & conditioners for some time, you really can tell the difference when you upgrade to a more expensive option.  I feel occasionally it is good to splurge on your hair health especially if it results in beautiful healthy hair.  

 

 

 

It can be purchased at Sephora or the Bumble & Bumble website

Here is the Bumble & Bumble website:

http://www.bumbleandbumble.com

Glossier Priming Moisture Rich Review

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Written by: @acevalle

I'm just going to go ahead and give this an extra star because it's that damn good. 6 STARS FOR GLOSSIER! I have NOT been wearing much on my face because I wanted to really see how much better my skin could become by sticking to a proper, simple skincare routine for 1 month straight. And I started as soon as I received Glossier's newest product, PRIMING MOISTURIZER RICH, which is basically their Priming Moisturizer on crack and it has been the key skincare product I've been using. 

Usually I go through winters stressed because my skin gets incredibly dry. If it's not the unpredictable NYC weather outside it's the dry heat indoors, it's a lose/lose situation. Many thick moisturizers are quite heavy and leave me looking like a grease pit, kind of like a barrier but without any absorption benefits which lead to my makeup just sliding off... gross. So I would usually skip the moisturizing step (NOT GOOD) because I would rather just be parched and able to apply makeup than be a slick mess. I needed a magical miracle. 

... and then Glossier Priming Moisturizer was created. This magical little unicorn of a product in all of its pale pink glory hydrates even the driest of skins (that's me!). It has a beautiful texture that is thicker and creamier than the original, yet still weightless and glides on while absorbing into your skin leaving it looking youthful, plump and glowing without the greasy look or tacky feel that many expensive luxury moisturizers may leave. The light feel of this deeply moisturizing cream is still as perfect as its original for being a great primer for makeup application. It is also hypoallergenic, paraben and fragrance free as well as dermatologist tested making it gentle enough and appropriate for even the most sensitive skin. The Moisturizer also contains what they call Power Primers that improve the tone and overall texture of your skin as well as key ingredients that post up a barrier to protect your skin against harsh winter weather conditions and boys who are trouble. It is an actual Pink Power Ranger in a jar. 

 

 

 

Most germaphobes like myself are a little iffy when it comes to creams in a jar, but Glossier has assured their cult following that they have found a preservative system that keeps the jarred formula bacteria free! 10 points to GLOSSIER!!! I recommend this to anyone who wants to improve their skin a d especially those who live where the winter weather doesn't love you. I completely trust glossier with my life because they've simplified my routine and have helped my skin improve and their products feel so luxurious that taking care of my skin feels more like a treat than a chore. This 1.7oz of power packed product is luxury with an affordable price tag of $35 plus free shipping (and if you use the code linked below you get 20 percent off of your first Glossier purchase). Deals on Deals honey!! Get to it!! 

 

 

20% off link 

http://bff.glossier.com/eBzyv

Rich Kid Coconut Oil Gel IGK Product Review

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GK created a Coconut Oil Gel. I repeat, COCONUT OIL GEL!! Keywords: COCONUT OIL! 

This particular hair product has been on my radar for quite a while (for the obvious reason, stated prior). I've steered clear from hair gel FOR YEARS, but this product has pulled me back in. I've been applying heat to my hair less and less these days and I've been looking to dabble in some products here and there to see what will be good for me and my natural mane.

 

Written by: Amanda V

 

After finally getting my hands on this gem, I immediately tried it out on towel dried hair and later on I also tried this a couple of days into my blowout. When towel dried I normally tame my unruly hair in either a ballerina bun and this gives a great gold but leaving my hair soft instead of hard and crunchy so that when I loosen it up I'm left with pretty moisturized wavey curls. When used on my day 2-3 blown out hair, It gives this piecey, beachy, cool girl texture to the hair as well as major hydration which I need as much as possible. 

 

The consistency of this Gel is as weightless as my Glossier Priming Moisturizer making it appropriate for those with fine hair. It's more like a thin paste than a Gel. Although my hair has been growing and getting thicker the more I take care of it it's still considered fine and this genius product will not weigh it down or make it flat. It didn't even leave a gross white residue that some hair gels may leave. The light chic scent of this product is actually gorgeous, I have been complimented on it a couple of times. It's not overpowering whatsoever, it's just a pretty subtle hint of fresh fragrance. 

 

I actually cannot wait to use this in the warmer months as well or when I go on vacation to a warmer climate because this will be the type of lightweight, hydration my hair will need while still being styled. This Gel is free of drying and damaging parabens, sulfates as well as being safe for color treated tresses and also contains a UV Protectant. For my vegan friends, you will be ecstatic to know that this product is suitable for you as well as cruelty free. Yay Bunnies!! 

 

This is more of a high end hair product and can be purchased at Sephora for $27 for 5oz which is pretty steep for hair gel but it's completely worth the indulgence. It will last you a long time, especially the shorter your hair is. A little quarter sized amount goes a long way. It is ideal for all hair types especially those with thin, dry, damaged strands that are prone to breakage (HELLO, yeah, that's me!) as this coconut oil infused Gel restores nutrients and natural oils leaving your mane frizz free, hydrated and conditioned.

Urban Decay Vice Lipsticks

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Written By: Danyelle V

Is lipstick your biggest Vice?

Who else drooled as they watched Urban Decay launch their Vice lipstick line? Tell me I wasn't alone when I tasted the bitterness of jealousy as some of our favorite internet beauty gurus opened their PR boxes to 100 beautifully packaged lipsticks. 

The bullet style lipstick tube is a mixed metal, mirrored finish. One of my favorite room decor palettes includes mixed metals. The purplish gun metal pairs so well with the pale yellow gold. Both the lid and the lipstick have been stamped with a gorgeous UD. The base of each lipstick has a sticker whose color matches the lipstick in the tube. Which, as you all already know, is one of my favorite things!

Safe Word comes in the comfort matte finish. It is a nude brown with a bit of yellow to it. The comfort matte finish is aptly named. Safe Word feels like silk on your lips. While it doesn't leave you with the traditional total matte finish of a liquid lipstick, it saves you from feeling dehydrated all day.

This next shade is Phone Call. It is a Sheer finish which has more luminosity. With just one layer of Phone Call, you've added a glossy, warm pink tint to your lips. For more color, just layer on the lipstick until you have the opacity you desire. The shade build nicely without balling up on your lips. 

One layer of Phone Call

Two Layers of Phone Call

The shades of the Vice Collection are available in Matte, High Shine, Metallic, Satin, and a Shimer finish plus the two I showed you here. If you use liquid lipsticks and can't see yourself going back to bullet a style lipstick, I've got some news for you! Urban Decay is set to launch Vice Liquid Lipsticks very soon! End of January!

Available at Sephora; $17

Product Photo from Sephora.com

Photo taken with iPhone 7

 

OUAI REPAIR SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

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By: Amanda V.

This particular review took some time to write up because I wanted it to be honest and things like Shampoo and Conditioner take time to see if it actually works. It’s been 2 and a half months and I’ve emptied my bottles and I think it’s time to post my thoughts on The Ouai Haircare Repair Shampoo and Conditioner Duo. 

First off, let me just say that Hair is something that is so troublesome for me. From having dry, tight curls to dry scalp (TMI?) to hair loss from stress, the list never ends. My natural hair is something I desperately needed to care for as if it was a newborn baby. I’ve chopped off all damage from dyes, chemicals etc. I needed to start brand new. Growing up an Afro Latina, I naturally have really tight, fluffy curly hair but was always told It was ugly or “bad” “nappy” you name it. I’ve had multiple straightening treatments that damaged my scalp and texture that took YEARS and so many chops to fully grow out of that all of my life I was insecure about it. Although I’ve been treating my hair well recently and getting frequent trims and not putting heat to it everyday, it is still prone to breakage and very delicate. I refuse to use anymore drugstore shampoos that contain harsh chemicals that make my hair worse rather than improve. Some of those products are equivalent to laundry detergent. I also refuse to EVER chemically damage my natural hair with straighteners. Ive been natural for MANY YEARS and i still have some effects from past damage. My hair deserves so much better than that. 

I was so excited when Celebrity Hair Queen Jen Atkin came out with her haircare line. I am already obsessed with her Hair Oil (My number 1 product from last year) as well as her Hair Masque and Matte Pomade, so I decided to dive in and grab the Ouai Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. The Shampoo and Conditioner is free of harsh chemicals like Sulfates which are terrible for your strands and scalp and strip away the moisture from your hair and make your scalp flaky and parabens which can lead to serious health issues. First of all, I love that her shampoos smell like a luxurious perfume without being overwhelming to the point that you’ll end up with a headache. It makes me feel like washing my hair is more like a pamper session and not a chore. The Shampoo lathers really well and after a double shampoo wash I apply the conditioner which makes my hair instantly SOFT. I leave it on for 5 minutes and then rinse. It makes using a Wet Brush to comb out the tangles so much easier. This conditioner is a godsend that tames my unruly frizzy hair leaving it silky and manageable. I can’t stress to you enough about how long it’s been since my hair felt this good. I haven’t loved a hair duo this much since my 2012 Obsession with Arrojo Shine Luxe Shampoo and Conditioner, which still has the sexiest scent of a cleansing product ever. 

I’ve done a couple of blowouts in the past month and with just OUAI products to see what the brand does for my hair. The Shampoo, Conditioner, occasionally the Hair Masque, Hair Oil and Wave Spray leavesMy strands, silky with shine (I repeat SHINE, not to be confused with greasy) and it smells wonderful for days. I honestly think in large part to the REPAIR CONDITIONER. My self blowouts come out salon perfect. My hair looks healthier and I can see and feel the change in how much softer my hair is and the less stress fallout I’ve had. These products do not aggravate my scalp whatsoever which deserves a praise and my hair is growing quickly and healthily and I assume that it’s these products that are helping, along with my stylist who travels to cut/trim my hair (Adore her!!). I’ve started to be in a more loving relationship with my hair, accepting it for its natural texture and treating it very well. I am one step closer to reaching my goal of gaining confidence with my hair.

These product are priced at$26 to $28 (The shampoo is $28 for 10 oz and the conditioner is $26 for 8.45 oz) and are sold at Sephora.com as well as TheOuai.com, where you can get a hair consult to see what regimen would be best for you hair. I totally recommend this set to those with damaged, unruly, dry, unmanageable strands, pick up this set and give it a few weeks to see and feel the difference. If these products can transform my hair, then that means it can work it’s magic on yours can as well.

NATASHA DENONA EYESHADOW 5 REVIEW

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Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette 5 Review

By: Amanda V.

5 Stars

 

Behold!!! I have found the best damn eyeshadow formula on earth. I finally got my hands on one of Natasha Denona’s glorious eyeshadow palettes. I decided that I would first purchase the smaller 5 shade palette to see if I like it enough to throw down $170 hard earned dollars on the Star palette (I know, I'm insane). This product exceeded any and all expectations I’ve had. 

 

I decided on grabbing the palette in"4" which contains the warmer, more neutral tones. (One swipe finger swatches, with flash and without flash) 

 

This incredible formula is absolute love at first swatch with triple heart eye emojis to the point that I could toss out every other palette that I own (but obviously I could never do that). These ultra pigmented eyeshadows glide on so creamy and buttery whether applied with your fingertips or a brush. The lighter shades in this whimsical dream of a palette leave a beautiful silky iridescent sheen on the lid while the slightly darker hues go on luminously intense in a single swipe. After I swatched and tried these out I was honestly so overwhelmed and in disbelief of this formulation. (Dramtatic much? Of course!) You don't necessarily need an eyeshadow primer but they last pretty long when used with a proper shadow primer. I used mine over my MAC Paint Pot in painterly, and the shades appeared more vibrant than without. These shadows  are pretty blendable and layer really well, but I still sit there and blend and blend until my wrist cramps. You might get a bit of fallout but that happens with just about every single eyeshadow from any and all brands. This product is gentle on the eyes and made without and harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates and phlalates as well as being cruelty free (YAY Puppies and Kittens!!) 

 

 

The ONE AND ONLY downside about this stunning product is that I absolutely hate the plastic packaging. If you've read my reviews before, you know that I'm a sucker for minimalism but there's a thin line between minimal and bland. For being an expensive product, it lacks the luxurious feel that it deserves. The packaging makes  this incredible product feel cheap. Thankfully the actual product itself is incredible. It's honestly too good to even knock a star off for that singular flaw. I found that with the lighter, shimmery shades "Aura" and "Moonstone", they double as GAWGEOUS highlighters. With these shadows I believe that because of the intensity of the ultra pigments, very little goes a long way. You don't have to keep dipping your finger or twirling your brush to keep picking up more product. 

These palettes are a bit on the pricier side of $48 per palette for just 5 shades (0.08oz each shadow), but completely worth it! There are 13 shade options to choose from of the "Eyeshadow 5" palette on Sephora.com, Beautylish.com and NatashaDenona.com. Honestly, Beauties, 2017 is the year to treat and pamper yourself. Go ahead and give this brand of eyeshadows a try because the quality and formulation is unrivaled.

Laura Mercier Lip Parfait Creamy Colourbalm

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Written By: Danyelle V

Do you even remember how to apply lipstick that hasn't been liquefied and packaged with a wand anymore?

It's back to basics with this review of the Laura Mericier Lip Parfait Creamy Colourbalm. Just in time, too! If the winter has gotten your skin trapped in a moistureless place, a liquid lipstick is going to make your lips look crusty. Listen, I'm just here trying to help you out. This lipstick is very creamy and hydrating. Any dryness to your lips will not be emphasized. It is available in 12 shades.

I'm wearing the shade Cinn-ful which is a fantastic nude for medium-dark skin tones. While it has a lot of color, it is not fully opaque making it a versatile product. I keep this Lip Parfait in my makeup bag. When I wear makeup, 86% of the time, I forget to leave my house with the lipstick I put on. Later in the day, when I would check up on my makeup and realize I needed to touch up my lipstick, Cinn-ful is exact shade I could use to dab over any remaining lipstick. Whatever shade I'm wearing, when I add Cinn-ful on top, it becomes a muted, nude version of the lipstick I was wearing. Wearing a hot Pink? Add Cinn-ful to make it a pinky nude. A Purple-ish shade? Add Cinn-ful to get a mauvy shade. Blue? Well, uh, there's no such thing as a nude blue, but you get what I'm saying. 

 

Keep your lips soft an supple this winter with the Lip Parfait Creamy Colourbalm from Laura Mercier!

How to you protect your lips from the harsh weather of the winter?

Comment! Like! Share!

Available at Sephora; $22

Photo taken with iPhone 7

 

Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette

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Written By: Danyelle V

Us beauty enthusiasts lose our minds whenever Too Faced launches a new line of products. Their themes and irresistibly cute packaging capture our attention and make our hearts race. Instantly we can imagine that product sitting on our vanities for forever. And they will; until another launch and we repeat the cycle all over again. It's vicious beautiful torture that I live for.

Luckily for us, Too Faced's products don't only look cute, they work nicely too. Their products are very easy to use and perfect for the average makeup consumer, like you and me. Your skills can be just below average you will still be able to create any eye look you can think of or borrow from Pinterest and Instagramers. 

The Semi-Sweet Chocolate bar is the baby brother to the original Chocolate Bar Palette. It has mostly neutral eyeshadows with little pops of color to make your look stand out. It has a mix of textures, tones, and finishes that will keep you from feeling stunned or stunted when creating. Too Faced is becoming famous for their scented products and this one doesn't fall short. Makeup therapy is now aromatic with the Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar. Let's break down the shades by row!

The top row of shadows are the essential shades for a palette of this size complete. These shades can be used to darken, highlight, and blend any look you can think of.

From left to right we have the shades:

Licorice: ashy matte black; the shadow swatches a bit patchy but it's totally workable with a brush. While it isn't the darkest black eye shadow, it is great to darken the crease or as a liner but I wouldn't make it the featured shadow in an eyelook.

Coconut Creme: creamy matte vanilla; so smooth! love that it is a larger shadow because you can get so much use from it

Nougat: matte pinky beige; one of my top three picks from this palette. This is actually the kind of shade I like to use on my browbone. Because I have puffy-hooded eyes, I like more neutral, truly flesh tones on my brow bone. It gives just a kiss of a highlight!

Truffled: warm matte chocolate brown

Hot Fudge: satin blackened brown with purple shimmers; the shimmers fade when blended

The middle row is a mix of shimmers, mattes, topper shades.

From left to right we have the shades:

Cocoa Chili: shimmery dark brown; I wish I could take a picture that would show you the depth of this shade! it's pretty with it's reddish, gold and green reflects. 

Pink Suger: sheer base with pink, purple, and gold shimmers: My absolute favorite shadow in this palette. I want 8 of them. I want to fill a Z palette with this shade. Use your finger to apply this shadow atop of any shadow. I have used this as a highlight on my cheeks! I looked like an ethereal goddess and I just can't get enough! Only down side is that this shadow is SUPER fragile. Do not dig at this shadow, it will crumble in the pan. 

Puddin': cool mid-tone brown

Blueberry Swirl: shimmery blue; for it being the only true pop of color in the whole palette, it doesn't really pop. Needs a base to really stand out. 

Peanut Butter: matte warm brown; Skippy peanut butter in a pan. This is what warm transition shade dreams are made of.  I love packing this shade all over my lid and blending it in the crease or even dragging it under my all grungy. I completely understand why Too Faced made a 9 pan eye shadow palette based on this color: The Peanut Butter & Jelly palette, which, of course, smelled of a middle school cafeteria (a PJ&J sandwich, so we're clear.) I was one of those people who thought it was a gimmick and I thought the hype was foolish! Child, I was wrong! It is beautiful!

Frosting: satin cool toned brown

The bottom row has great accent colors

From left to right we have the shades:

Rum Rasin: satin lilac brown

Mousse: neutral light brown

Caramel: shimmery warm gold; very delicate shade. handle with care :)

Bon Bon: shimmer copper

Butter Pecan: champagne gold with, dare I say, a hair of peachiness?: love this one as a cheek highlight as well

This is the perfect palette if you're not super into color but you like your neutrals to be fun. I would recommend this to any person who is interested in playing with some eye makeup for the first time. I would not recommend anyone traveling with this palette. Some of the shades are really fragile and will shatter if mishandled.

Let us know what some of your favorite eyeshadows palettes are! 

Comment! Like! Share! We would truly love to hear your thoughts!

 

Available at Sephora; $49

Product Photo from Toofaced.com

Photo taken with iPhone 7

Dry Bar Bay Breeze Hydrating Shot Review:

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Written By Deanna P 

Dry Bar Bay Breeze Hydrating shots

Dry Bar Bay Breeze Hydrating Shot is used to treat dry brittle, lifeless hair with moisture.  It is a thirst quencher for your hair.  The product retails for $38.00 & it it contains 4 shots packaged for individual use.   It retails for $38.00 & can be purchased at Sephora or online at the Dry Bar site.   It has no Parabens, Sulfates, or Phthalates.  It is also cruelty free.  It is simple to use.  You merely wash hair normally with shampoo & squeeze out the excessive water.  Then spray the whole small bottle into hair section by section.  Massage it in & leave on for 3 to 5 minutes.   Rinse well & style.  Use once a week.  DryBar was created for the perfect blowout.  Their philosophy is simple….”Focus one thing and be the best at it.”  They have a full line of products to help you achieve just that. 

I tried Bay Breeze twice in the past 2 weeks & I like it.  Winter is the hardest on my hair as the cold weather makes my hair look & feel dry.  After using it I was happy with the results.  My hair definitely had added moisture, felt soft, & looked shiny.  It definitely went from limp & dry to bouncy & moisturized.    I feel it could get pricey to keep up treatments, but I do feel it is worth the price if you invest once or twice a year.   With the holidays a week away, it definitely would be a great stocking stuffer.  The brand also has some great other gift ideas to choose from.  

 

Check out:  http://www.sephora.com/drybar?products=all&icid2=drybar_lp_explore_drybar_shop_all_image

Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cleansing Oil Review

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Written by Ada H 

Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cleansing Oil Review

 

I woke up with one fake eyelash hanging on for dear life. I turned my head and saw the missing pair smashed onto the pillowcase. At this angle and with sleepy eyes, it looked like a caterpillar/insect out of a horror flick. Lipstick was smeared down my lips. I sat up from bed and groaned. What the hell happened last night? I was at the club dancing with my gals, having a great time. Suddenly I wake up in bed. (Thank goodness I’m fully clothed! A personal success if you ask me!) I stumbled into the bathroom and turned on the lights. I stared at myself in the mirror. Dear Lord Almighty.

Oh well, time to wash away the remaining evidence of the prior night. I stripped down ready to hop into the shower. I grabbed my bottle of Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil. Don’t let the long name confuse you. It’s like a magic eraser for your face. I can’t think of anything or tried anything that works as great as this. Every time I wash my face with face wash that promises it’ll wash all makeup off, it doesn’t. I take my toner and cotton ball and wipe, and it comes back brown.  This, oh this is the real deal. No water is needed. Dry face, dry fingers. Slap it on and gently rub in circles. Your eyeliner – what eyeliner? Your eyebrows – you don’t have any anymore. Your mascara – zilch. Everything comes off.  My old facewashes would all leave dried up, clumpy mascara which I’ll try and gently rub off with my thumb and index finger, but end up pulling eyelashes out by accident instead. Boscia’s MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil turns everything as it was. Baby smooth, virgin skin. It doesn’t strip your skin away of its natural oils. It gently cleans and removes all impurities.

I wash the remaining remnants off with water and pat my face. There. All as it was before! Like the prior night never happened! I mean I should say, like I remained a good girl and only had 2 drinks and went home by midnight 

Maybelline Master Strobing Stick in 200: Medium/Nude Glow Review

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Maybelline Master Strobing Stick in 200: Medium/Nude Glow Review

By: Amanda V. 

 

I will admit I'm a makeup snob when it comes to highlighters I'm so damn picky.  Other than the fact that it's not easy to find a drugstore highlighter that's smooth and pigmented that last more than 30 minutes, The beauty selection in the 5 Duane Reades, 2 Rite Aids, a CVS and a Walgreens around my block aren't the best in my opinion. It's almost impossible to find any new drugstore beauty products in Manhattan and there's barely anything other than mascara, lipstick and gross,  open/tested foundation. I've recently got my hands on this Maybelline strobing stick/highlighter and I must say it is actually so good. This product will be the exception when it comes to drugstore highlighters for me. This product leaves a very pretty sheen and although light and subtle it is still very noticeable. It is perfect for minimalists and for those days when the uber glam gal wants to tone it down with a soft nude pearl glow. It glides on super creamy and feels moisturizing. It lasted for a pretty decent 7 hour work day which surprised me. I have also tried this as a base highlighter, applied under my pressed highlighter. It will intensify your glow with major wattage, *insert light bulb emoji*. (I tried it with a layer of Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Moonstone and GAWGEOUS!)

 

The Master Strobing Stick retails for about $7.99 for 0.24 oz of product which is pretty small but pretty good for the price. Please keep in mind that depending on where you live the price will vary. (You could do what I do and wait for the Buy One Get One sales!!) I would definitely recommend for beginners, and younger girls starting out with makeup. Anyone who loves a good glow will appreciate this little drugstore gem. 

Note: These make super cute stocking stuffers for the holidays!!  

Becca Backlighting Primer Filter Review

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Becca Backlighting Primer Filter Review 

By: Amanda V. 

5 stars

I've actually been a huge fan of Becca for years. Look at their product shoots from a few years back and you'll understand. Their looks we're always luminous and gorgeous with a whimsical setting that had me in awe. 

I will admit I own every single Highlighter they've come out with and a few blushes but let's talk about the Becca Backlighting Primer Filter. This. Is. Hands. Down. The. Best. Primer. I Have. Ever. Come. Across. In a single pump you can see the radiance gleaming in the liquid. This is more of a complexion enhancer type of primer. To be quite honest I can't really tell how long it lasts being that I finalize my makeup application with a setting spray, but this primer does blur minor imperfections like redness and dark spots and brightens my skin as well, giving me life. It provides the perfect smooth canvas to begin your makeup application. I feel like the radiance of this primer shines through sheer to medium foundations to give a beam. (It's pairs as a perfect combo with Nars Sheer Glow, Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer or Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk). I think this primer is more about the effect it adds to your skin and foundation than longevity. The most opalescent sheen can even be considered for even a light, strobing highlighter... giving you the most GAWGEOUS GLOW ALL DAY. I highly recommend to those with DRY skin. If you're more on the oily side I don't think I would grab this unless using it as a strobing highlighter. Shockingly enough it did not cling on to my dry patches but I still recommend you moisturize your skin really well (especially with this cold winter weather coming along) so you can prevent any makeup clinging on to flaky dry patches. 

 

This primer is a decent $38 for 1oz of glorious product, meaning it'll last you quite a long time since a little hoes a very long way. Some Sephora stores (like the one closest to my home) barely ever has this in stock ordoesn't carry the brand Becca, so the next best option would be would be grabbing it online at Sephora, Ulta or Becca's website. 

Note: For the Holiday season they have this product full size with a few other goodies packages together, look out for that!