Archive for October, 2010

Eyeshadow/Concealer Primer “Stay Don’t Stray” by Benefit Review | Reduces Creasing & Prolongs Color

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don't StrayStay Don't Stray is an around the eye primer for concealers and eyeshadows. It is devised to stop concealers from creasing and make sure shadows last all day with vibrant color.

Benefit have made it a neutral shade so it should suit any skin tone. It is created with a airless pump for easy use, this also stops contamination of the formula.

The primer is formulated with sodium hyaluronate to hydrate skin and help lock in moisture. Vitamin C and E also help fight the signs of aging, says Benefit.

This is yet another product I have reviewed that doesn't contain Parabens, which as I have said in other posts are preservatives used in many cosmetics and some pharmaceutical products.

Users Conclusions

I have listed below some of the opinions of ladies that are using Stay Don't Stray primer:

Pros

  • Creamy
  • Absorbing
  • Quick drying
  • Color correcting
  • Easy to apply

Cons

  • Pump dispenses too much product (most people found this)
  • Can crease ( some found this)

Directions

Apply the primer over lids and under eyes and let set. Then apply your concealer to under-eye area and your eyeshadow.

To Sum Up

Most ladies that have tried Stay Don't Stray primer seem to favor it, as it is creamy to apply, quick drying and helps eyeshadow last longer.

There is one problem most people experienced when using the primer, they found the pump dispenser wastes a lot of product by dispensing too much every time. Also some found it made their concealer crease after a couple of hours.

I think is a little lavishly priced at $24 a bottle, although not really any complaints from patrons of the price.

All in all a reasonable primer Benefit should just get rid of the pump dispenser and opt for a tube.

Buy Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer

You May Also Interested In:

Stila’s Lip & Cheek Stains Review |Shimmering, Fruity & Moisturizing Color

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

Stila Lip & Cheek StainStila has created 4 lip and cheek stains including: Mango crush-a shimmering coral color, Pomegranate crush- a deep berry color, Raspberry crush- a shimmering pink and Yumberry- a reddish color.

According to Stila the stains should customize to your exact shade as its infused with naturally staining super fruits. This formula apparently does this by reacting with your pH levels.

The stains also contain Vitamin A,C and E which help moisturize while providing antioxidant protection.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Natural looking
  • Non drying
  • Easy to apply
  • Glossy

Cons

  • Not long lasting
  • Stains unevenly (only a few found this typical)

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alumina, Sodium Carbomer, Trisodium EDTA, Flavor (Aroma), Potassium Sorbate, Alcohol Denatured, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract (Papaya), Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract (Pineapple), Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract (Mango), Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Riboflavin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Tin Oxide, Benzyl Salicylate, May Contain (+/-): Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red 33 (CI 17200), Red 6 (CI 15850), Orange 5 (CI 45370).

To Sum Up

The reviews for this lip and cheek stain are very mixed some found it worked for them. They liked the natural color and the nondrying effect.

However, others found it didn't last like a stain should and the color came out a little patchy.

The Stains are quite pricey at around $28.

Buy Stila's Lip & Cheek Stains

You May Also Interested In:

Hydrating 100% Natural Lip Gloss Review | Bare Escentuals Creates High Shine Lip Color

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

Bare Escentuals Natural Lip GlossBare Escentuals is well known for it's amazing natural products. Personally, I think its an amazing company with exceptional products.

As expected this lip gloss is 100% natural, a big plus for those of you that are Eco friendly.

The natural ingredients like Cupuacu butter and Seed oil should help hydrate lips leaving them smooth , soft and non sticky. A subtle Vanilla fragrance is apparent with the gloss.

Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip Gloss is available in 12 different shades.

Contains no Preservatives or petro-chemicals seems to be a running theme that a lot of cosmetics have in common these days. While having more natural ingredients are a good thing, having no preservatives does mean they aren't going to last more than a few months or so. Just some thing to keep in mind.

Unfortunately Bare Escentuals did not include a SPF in this gloss, which can help stop lips from drying out as quickly.

Users conclusions

Below I have summarized the opinions of the ladies using Bare Escentuals lip gloss:

Pros

  • Nice Vanilla flavor/scent
  • High shine
  • Shimmers
  • Moisturizing
  • Long lasting
  • Non sticky

Cons

  • Feather and bleed ( one users opinion)
  • No SPF

Ingredients

All shades contain:Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Flavor (Natural Vanilla), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Sorbitan Olivate, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Tocopherol, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu) Seed Butter, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Silica, Glyceryl Caprylate. (+/-): Mica, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Carmine (CI 75470).

To Sum Up

All in all Bare Escentuals have created yet another fabulous product. Most patrons found the gloss to moisturize, last, shine and be non sticky.

There was one lady who said the gloss wasn't for her, as it feathered, was sticky and she didn't much like the Vanilla fragrance.

Some fanatics think it is a little expensive at $15 a tube considering it doesn't contain any SPF. However, most said they would buy it again.

Buy Bare Escentuals bareMinerals 100% Natural Lipcolor

You May Also Interested In:

Certain Dri Antiperspirant For Hyperhydrosis Review | A Roll-On Reduces Excessive Perspiration

Monday, October 18th, 2010

Certain Dri AntiperspirantCertain Dri Antiperspirant for Excessive perspiration comes in a roll on form and is devised to reduce underarm wetness.

Apparently laboratory studies prove that Aluminum Chloride is more effective and longer lasting than other ingredients found in antiperspirants, according to Certain Dri.

I have researched Aluminum Chloride and found out that it is one of the best solutions for hyperhydrosis but it can be irritating to sensitive skin and make your under arms sore and itchy.

This is one of the top recommended anti-perspirants you can get without a prescription but if it doesn't work for you you could try Drysol as it contains 8% more Aluminum Chloride, you would have to speak to your doctor about it as you can only get it when prescribed.

Users Conclusions

I have compiled the lists below from the users opinions on viewpoints.com:

Pros

  • Reduces excessive perspiration
  • Fast acting
  • Easy to use
  • Unscented

Cons

  • Awkward night time application

Ingredients

Aluminum Chloride (12%) (Antiperspirant) Sodium Bicarbonate, Water.

Directions for use

Apply sparingly to under arms before bedtime and let dry before you lower your arms.

To Sum Up

This could be a good tender in controlling hyperhydrosis as it has very good reviews with most of the users left with a dry feeling under their arms.

Although, it isn't a miracle cure as it didn't work at all for a couple of patrons. Some do find it a bit of a hassle to apply it at bedtime but if it works its worth it.

It is reasonably priced at $6.28 for a 1.2oz bottle, so is a least worth looking into if you suffer from excessive sweating.

Buy Certain Dri Antiperspirant for Excessive perspiration

You May Also Interested In:

Shimmering Stardust Eyeshadow By Urban Decay Review | Highly Pigmented Shadows Blend Well & Glide On

Sunday, October 17th, 2010

Urban Decay Stardust EyeshadowUrban Decay has devised a shimmering set of eye shadows for spring 2010 called Stardust. These shades aren't for the faint heart! Apparently there is even more glitter than ever before, 40% more to be exact says Urban Decay.

The 9 different shades are listed below:

  • Space Cowboy- shimmering champagne beige
  • Bobby Dazzle- shimmery white
  • Griffith -shimmery yellow green
  • Diamond- shimmering brown
  • 54-sparkly purple
  • Retrograde- shimmering deep purple with a tinge of red
  • Atmosphere- shimmery bright blue
  • Moon spoon-sparkly greyish mauve
  • Void-greyish black with sparkles (like the night sky)

The stardust set has been designed not to have big chunks of glitter that gets every where, it should stay put. The eyeshadow has a long last formula and should glide onto your eye lids with ease. The amount of product you get has doubled compared to the other Urban Decay shadows.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Shimmery
  • Blends well
  • Glides on easily

Cons

  • Glitter fall out ( only a small amount but enough to notice)

Tips

To get less glitter fall out from an eye shadow try using a damp sponge to apply it. Stardust would work well for a sexy shimmering smokey eye look. I personally think void and retrograde would work well together.

Ingredients

All shades contain: Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Dimethicone, Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol.

To Sum Up

A nice selection of colors that most ladies love, unfortunately they aren't as pigmented as Urban Decay promise. Still very desirable though, personally I prefer more subtle shades anyway.

There is a small amount of fall out also which lets stardust down, although if used with a damp sponge fall out should lesson.

Even though Urban Decay have doubled the amount of product you get for Stardust shadow, it is still expensive at $20 for one shade.

To see a color swatch on skin visit: http://www.temptalia.com/urban-decay-stardust-eyeshadow-review-photos-swatches

Buy Urban Decay's Stardust Eyeshadow

You May Also Interested In:

Conair MDF2R Facial Sauna Review | In Home Steamer Unclogs Pores & Moisturizes Skin

Saturday, October 16th, 2010

Conair MDF2R Facial SaunaThe Conair Facial Sauna is devised to cleanse skin by opening clogged pores for easy extraction. It can also be used to open clogged nasal and sinus passages.

It comes with two cone shaped attachments, one is 6-3/4" wide and is to accommodate the face, chin and neck for a full facial cleanse. While the second attachment is 3-1/2" wide, this is created for the nose so you can breathe in the steam during allergy and cold season.

Other features include:

  • Facial tool with 2 attachments for exfoliating
  • Exfoliating brush
  • Sponge for moisturizer
  • Facial Sauna with auto shutoff and timer
  • On/Off Switch

Users Conclusions

I have summarized below what the patrons think of the facial sauna:

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Clears blocked sinuses
  • Softens skin
  • Smooths skin
  • Moisturizes
  • Unclogs pores
  • Non greasy
  • Good value

Cons

  • Very noisy
  • Not enough steam
  • Too long to heat up

To Sum Up

There are some mixed reviews on this facial sauna, although the majority of the users say it is good for the money, some think it doesn't work very well at heating the steam quickly and that it doesn't last long enough.

However, other fans say it unclogs their pores and softens their skin just as well as a more expensive brand. Most people do agree that it is quick noisy and you can hear it over the T.V.

At $25.99 it is a bargain buy just don't expect it to be perfect but for the price it does the job, according to most of the users.

Buy The Conair Facial Sauna

You May Also Interested In:

West African Shea Butter Review | 100% Organic, Moisturizing & Reduces Stretch Marks

Friday, October 15th, 2010

Afican shea butterThe West African Shea Butter is 100% organic and comes in a 16oz container. Shea butter is made from the nut of the African Shea tree and contains a rich amount of irremovable fatty acid which makes it superior to cocoa butter and other natural vegetable butters.

It rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin as well as providing many other benefits like, wind protection, protection from the cold, sun, and helps heal wounds faster.

More Benefits of Shea Butter

Unrefined Shea butter contains an abundance of healing ingredients, including vitamins, minerals and proteins. Unlike petroleum based moisturizers, Shea butter actually restores the skin's natural elasticity.

Shea butter has many useful properties and has been traditionally used as a decongestant, an anti-inflammatory for sprains and arthritis, a healing salve for babies' umbilical cords, a lotion for hair and skin care, as cooking oil, and for lamp fuel.

However, the protective and emollient properties of Shea butter are most valued for skin care.

Users Conclusions

I have compiled the lists below from the users opinions of the Shea butter:

Pros

  • Moisturizing
  • Natural/Organic
  • Good for sensitive skin
  • Good value
  • Long lasting
  • Improves skins healthiness
  • Reduces stretch marks

To Sum Up

All in all a exceptionally good product according to the people using the Shea butter. They like how it can be used for many functions like moisturizing, promoting healthy looking skin and helping to reduce stretch marks.

It is very good value for money at $5.75 for 16oz, especially as it is 100% pure Shea butter.

Buy 100% Organic West African Shea Butter

You May Also Interested In:

Natural Dead Sea Mud Soap by Adovia Review | Reduces Psoriasis, Acne & Hydrates Skin

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

Adovia Natural Dead Sea Mud SoapAdovia has devised this natural soap of mud from the Dead sea in Israel to thoroughly clean skin deep down, as well as cleanse without the dreaded soap scum that other soaps can leave on your skin.

It also promises not dry out your skin but actually hydrate and moisturize it using the rich mineral ingredients.

Most of us know that Dead sea mud is good for the skin but why?

Benefits of using Dead Sea Mud

The Dead Sea is full of rich minerals, it contains more than fifteen times the amount of magnesium found in ordinary sea water; magnesium helps the metabolism of skin cells and can be used as a anti-allergen.

Other Dead Sea minerals include zinc, bromine, iodine and potassium, which all play a significant role in keeping our skin looking healthy.

Dead sea mud is also used a lot in spa's around the world as it helps with the treatment of rheumatic conditions and induces relaxation. Rheumatic conditions are a type of disease involving inflammation of muscles, joints, and other tissues.

Users Conclusions

I have summarized the lists below from people using this soap:

Pros

  • Foams nicely
  • Helps with Psoriasis (for some users)
  • Leaves skin very clean
  • Moisturizing
  • Helps reduce over productive oil glands
  • Reduces acne breakouts
  • Gentle

Cons

  • Slight mud smell
  • Caused a out break (one user found)
  • A little expensive

Ingredients

80% Palm / 20% Palm Kernel Oil, Dead Sea Salts, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Deionized Water (Aqua).

To Sum Up

According to the reviews Adovia Dead sea mud soap works wonders for Psoriasis and acne, say most people.

Some users say it does have a slight muddy smell but it disappears after a few minutes.

It is a little pricey for a bar of soap at $29.99, although many think its worth the price as it helps with some skin conditions and also lasts a lot longer than the average bar of soap.

This soap could also be very appealing to those of you that like to keep it natural, as all the ingredients are natural.

Buy Adovia Natural Dead Sea Mud Soap

You May Also Interested In:

Lavender & Chamomile Soothing Tub Tea by Bettijo Review | All Natural & Stress Relieving

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

Bettijo Soothing Tub TeaBettijo has devised a Lavender and Chamomile soothing Tub Tea to relieve stress. It is made from all natural ingredients and doesn't contain dyes, fragrances, tea, dea, sulfates, parabens, petroleum mineral oil, silicone formaldehyde or carbomer.

The jar should contain enough herbs and botanicals for a least thirty bathing sessions.

Even though it is called tub tea it doesn't actually contain any tea, which is a good thing. If you bathed in tea it would probably turn your skin a bit yellow.

Beneficial Effects Of Lavender

  • Aids in a good nights sleep
  • Relieves aches & pains
  • Disinfectant
  • Fragrances linens
  • Insect repellant
  • Heals burns

Beneficial Effects of Chamomile

  • Muscle relaxant
  • Relieve menstrual cramps
  • Soothe burns
  • Allergies
  • Relieves stress/depression
  • Aids a good night sleep

Users Conclusions

I have summarized below the opinions of the people using Bettijo tub tea:

Pros

  • Relieves stress
  • Smells good
  • Relaxes
  • Long lasting
  • Natural

Cons

  • Expensive

Ingredients

Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower, Calendula Officinalis Flower, Lippia Citriodora (Verbena) Leaves, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Leaf, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Fruit.

Directions Of Use

Fill the accompanying metal tea infuser with herbs and toss into the bathtub while running the water. This can also be used for a facial steam by adding the filled tea infuser to a bowl hot water, then using a towel draped over your head to catch the vapors.

To Sum Up

All in all a good product according to the reviews. The users found it very relaxing especially with the aromatic scent of the lavender.

It is quite lavishly priced at $24 for a 1.8oz jar, although it does last for approximately 30 uses.

Buy Bettijo Soothing Tub Tea

You May Also Interested In:

Masada Lavender Dead Sea Mineral Bath Salts Review | Softens Skin & Relieves Muscle Pain

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

Masada Dead Sea Mineral Bath SaltsMasada bath salts are made from 100% natural Dead Sea mineral salts, it also contains lavender to relax, relieve tension and help aid a peaceful nights sleep.

The Dead Sea salts are imported directly from Israel in their natural form, Masada just packages these unprocessed salts.

These salts are said by Masada to temporarily relieve: arthritis; psoriasis; rheumatism; muscle pain; eczema; lower back pain. It should also help to soften the skin.

Users Conclusions

I have listed below what the patrons using these salts thought of the out come:

Pros

  • Smells nice
  • Relaxing
  • Leaves skin feeling soft
  • Relieves aches and arthritis pain
  • Dissolves quickly

Cons

  • A little pricey
  • pebbles may be found within the salts

Directions

Dissolve 1-2 cups bath salts into warm bath. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Ingredients

Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Calcium Chloride, Bromides, Insolubles, Fragrance.

To Sum Up

These bath salts have good reviews with the users saying how the salts relieved pains and also helped then to relax at the end of a hard day.

However, a few fanatics did say that they sometimes find pebbles in the bottom of the bath but they don't think it's a big deal. It just proves the salts haven't been processed.

Masada have priced the Dead sea salts quite high at $31.87 for a 64oz tub, although most users think it is worth the price for a high quality product.

Buy Masada Dead Sea Mineral Bath Salts

You May Also Interested In: