Review of Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 Wet Cleansing Cloths

-My review on AC as well

Olay's wet cleansing cloths are basically my newest addiction. For years I had used standard makeup removal liquids to rid my face of makeup, oil, and dirt. As effective as they were, they were expensive, messy, and you had to buy your own cloths in order to pour the formula onto them and use on your face.

Recently I came across a new makeup removal product that not only removes all traces of oil, dirt and makeup, but Olay's new wet cleansing cloths will also improve your skin over time.

With Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 Wet Cleansing Cloths you get just that. A makeup removal, along with an infused formula with anti aging properties. The cloths will fight 7 signs of aging. They exfoliate the skin for a smoother look, and leave no residue behind.

The promises are all really wonderful, but in order to see how well they really worked, I had to put them to the test.

They come in a package of 30, and I use 2 a day. 1 when I wake up, and 1 to remove all of my makeup before bed.

My Use:

Olay's Total Effects Age Defying Wet Cleansing Clothsdo in fact clean off all traces of makeup, and they even did a wonderful job at removing my mascara and eyeliner without having to excessively rub my eye area.

After rubbing the cloth around my face till all of my makeup was gone, I noticed immediately that the cloth could have used a lot more wet formula. They tend to dry out very quickly while using them, so at times I am forced to use 2 cloths at once.

The scent it leaves behind is fresh, and non-chemical like, so that was nice, and my skin was left feeling very refreshed, clean, and smooth. I could tell the cloths did a great job at cleaning my face just by looking at my skin, and feeling my skin after the formula completely dried.

I've been using these cloths for about 2 weeks now, daily, and I haven't really noticed any difference in the fine lines around my eyes. The anti-aging promise was not really seen as far as results go.

I however love these cloths because they work a lot better than old wet formulas I've used to get makeup off of my face completely.

Overall I recommend them because they work, and they work well. They could have been tweaked with a little more formula, but all in all they get the job done and are a lot cheaper and more effective than many other makeup removal products.

Lush Karma Soap

Lush has been one of my many addictions when it comes to bath and beauty products.

I mostly hit the site up once every two months and fill my online shopping cart with hundreds of dollars worth of bathing goodies.

One of my first orders I was sure to include Karma Soap. I had heard from many people that this was the most overpowering and potent scented bar of soap they had ever used.

Many compared it to incense; Patchouli to be precise. A scent I myself have always loved.

What I Got:

Karma is a solid glycerin bar of soap. The soap itself is a bright happy colored orange.

The Scent:

I was smelling my Karma bar before I even opened my box. I knew what they meant when they said overpowering.

The moment I opened my box, the scent I had slightly detected coming off of the box was now in full bloom.

A huge blast of hippies came flying from the box. I wanted to pop in Grateful Dead and start jamming. Karma smells like incense indeed. Incense so powerful though, that just being exposed to air for a few seconds, and the entire room smelled like a hippie's pot smoking lair.

I could not wait to get into the shower with Karma. I couldn't wait to see what this powerful soap had to offer.

My Use:

Karma is strong. The moment hot water hit the soap, the scent went into overtime. It actually got so powerful that I was barely able to tolerate it. The room filled with the scent of patchouli, and the scent was sticking my skin like leeches.

Suds were bare minimal, but it didn't matter, because the soap did in fact leave my skin feeling clean.

After getting out of the shower, I had this hunch that Karma was with me to stay. God was I right... the patchouli scent stood with me all day, into the night, and into the next day. By the time I woke up the next morning, I was actually sick of smelling it.

Overall:

Karma is NOT for everyone. This 3.5 ounce bar of soap packs a powerful punch. If you cannot stomach the smell of patchouli, then avoid it. However if it is a scent you love, then Karma is a sure pleaser.

Recommendation:

Cut the 3.5 ounce bar into sample sized pieces, and store in a cool place. I put mine in the fridge.

Try Tese From Lush as Well:

Review: Calvin Klein Escape, Perfume For Women

I have never been too fond of Calvin Klein fragrances. My turn off occurred back in the early 90's when nearly every Tom, Dick, Harry, Holly and Tina would walk around the school stinking up the hallways with their CK1 perfume. By the time I was scheduled to go home from school, I had what I like calling a CK headache.

It got so bad that the scent was everywhere. In hallways, classrooms, bathrooms. There was no escaping it, like a frigging plague; this scent took over the school.

I still too this day feel nauseous when I get a whiff of this scent, or an impostor scent that is similar to it. Even thinking about this perfume, I can seriously smell it, that's how much it has impacted me- In a negative way of course.

Anyhow, when I saw Calvin Klein Escape sitting on my moms dresser, I admit I wanted to try it, but at the same time wondered if it'd smell like that holy hell perfume from the past.

The Bottle:

Calvin Klein Escape comes in a bland cylinder shaped bottle, with a bland shiny silver mirror like metal lid on top. None of CK's perfume bottles have ever been attractive in my opinion. They've always been relatively blah, and most of them remind me of roll on deodorant sticks.

The perfumes color is a light burnt yellow/orange color... which immediately told me that this stuff would be strong. Most yellow/orange tinted perfumes have a very strong overbearing scent. Most...not all.

The Scent:

Calvin Klein Escape actually impressed me. It had a gorgeous honey mixed with cherry scent that was very powerful, but at the same time extremely likable. It also has a thick dewy scent that can be compared to a warm vanilla musk. Combined you get a really sultry heavy musk that smells like no other. Mommy like!

Last:

Before reviewing perfume, I always give each one a one day test. I do this by spraying some on my shirt, and some onto my skin. This way I can mention how long the scent lasts on each.

On my skin CK Escape impressed me with a long last. I was able to smell the perfume on me for the entire day, which is really good, because usually when I spray perfume directly on my skin the scent does not last very long...if at all.

It should be pretty obvious that Calvin Klein Escape lasted on my shirt for the entire day, and was still detectable the next morning. Spraying Escape on your coat will ensure 2 days of the scent. Not bad!

Overall Calvin Klein Escape gets two thumbs up in the 'long lasting scent department'.

Recommended Wear:

For me Calvin Klein Escape is a nice scent to wear at night. I find it's thick musky aroma would be suitable for dinner parties, nights out on the town, and so on. I also think it'd be a good scent for a nice seductive romantic night with your significant other.

It just has that warm seductive scent that puts you in a sexy time mood. Hehe!

Pricing and Availability:

You can find Calvin Klein Escape at perfume stores, and online for around $50.00 for the largest 3.4 ounce bottle. Prices are lower for smaller bottles. For more bang for your buck, you can purchase the gift set which includes the lotion and perfume.

Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo Sleek and Shine

This past weekend I came across a deal I could not pass up. $3.13 for a new Garnier product that yours truly had yet to try.

Due to the lovely fact that this bottle came with two free trial sized samples, I could not pass it up. Plus...it was new! That word alone calls out to me. "Buy me... Melissa... buy me... me so good... buy me, buy me now".

One of the free trial sized products included was New Garnier Fructis Fortifying Cream Shampoo Sleek & Shine. Super sweet, seeing how it also came with a larger bottle of sister conditioner, which I will review later.

Scent:

Garnier Fructis Fortifying Cream Shampoo Sleek & Shine had a much stronger and nicer scent then the sister conditioner does.

It still had that tropical paradise type scent that reminded me of bananas, coconut, and honey. The scent is very easy to fall in love with, seeing how it reminded me of summer time. Best of all though is that the scent will be detectable in your hair after your hair is dry and styled.

Texture:

The shampoo itself was a nice pearly off white color, and had a very thick and creamy consistency.

I knew that with texture this thick, that Garnier Fructis Fortifying Cream Shampoo Sleek & Shine would provide my hair with a lot of moisture. I had high hopes before even applying it to my locks.

My Use:

Garnier Fructis Fortifying Cream Shampoo Sleek & Shine worked into a really nice thick and bubbly lather with just a small amount of shampoo needed. I was impressed. Nice texture, tons of lather, and barely needing to use a half a handful!

What I liked most of all was how the shampoo did not leave my locks feeling dry or knotty while I lathered up.

Rinsing Garnier Fructis Fortifying Cream Shampoo Sleek & Shine out was also equally enjoyable. Usually when I am rinsing shampoo from my hair it leaves it feeling parches, and thirsty for moisture.

Overall:

I liked Garnier Fructis Fortifying Cream Shampoo Sleek & Shine a lot more then I did the sister conditioner. Which is odd, because usually I never really fall in love with shampoo. It's usually the conditioner I love. However I will say that the shampoo worked better than the conditioner!

As far as shine goes though, there was truly nothing added to my hair for me to report, which was sort of disappointing. My hair had the same amount of shine it always has.

Recommended?

Although the shampoo didn't impress me with shine, I still enjoyed it nonetheless.


Thick Hair? Try This One:

Neutrogena Microderm Cleaning Pads

The main reason I purchased Neutrogena Microderm Cleaning Pads Illuminating,was because I suffer from dry areas on my skin. I got annoyed with non stop plucking at my dead skin areas with a tweezer, so I figured an exfoliating cleanser would do the same job, in less time.

Neutrogena's Microderm Cleaning Pads Illuminating is designed to gently exfoliate skin, remove excess dirt, and leave skin feeling soft.

The package comes in a pack of 24 pads, which is enough to get you by for most of the month.

The pads are made of soft cotton, and have 2 sides, with 2 different uses. One side of the pad contains exfoliation dots, which give the pad a more rough rugged texture, while the other side is softer for polishing the face.

In the middle of the pad there is a slit for you to slip in your fingers for a better hold on the pad. I liked this feature, and not many facial cleansing pads available are made like this.

After I slipped the pad onto my fingers I then ran it under some water as directed. I then began to scrub my face with the textured exfoliation side of the pad.

Small bubbles began to form on my face the more I scrubbed. What I ddn't like though was that the foam had a very greasy slime like texture it left behind as I scrubbed.

Besides the nasty greasy texture, I was also not to impressed with the texture of the pad itself. It was too soft on my face. When I exfoliate, I expect some sort of rough texture. This ensures a flawless cleaning. Neutrogena Microderm Cleaning Pads Illuminating, though was soft, and did not make my skin feel like it had the best possible cleaning.

I flipped the pad and used the softer side to polish. This side sucked as well. It barely felt as if it were doing anything for my face; besides leaving behind oil slicks.

Overall:

Even after washing my face it felt greasy. I had to rinse twice just to rid the horrid texture off of my skin.

Neutrogena Microderm Cleaning Pads Illuminating, also did not leave my skin feeling as clean as other products do. All in all, I am disappointed in Neutrogena Microderm Cleaning Pads, Illuminating. I'm packing them up, and getting my $6.00 back.

Those with sensitive skin may like them; however they are so weak when it comes to exfoliation....and they leave behind a nasty oily residue.

Review: Tatiana by Diane Von Furstenberg

I'm a perfume junkie, and whenever someone is about to pass off free perfume to me, I'll take it (even if it smells pretty rancid). You see I like collecting bottles, mini bottles, or larger decorative perfume bottles.

When someone passed off Tatiana by Diane Von Furstenberg, you better believe I took it.

When I first got hold of Tatiana, I figured it would have a classical old smell to it due to it's dark burnt orange color. Most burnt orange colors look antique, and smell antique. I sort of painted that impression on Tatiana the moment I got a glimpse of it, and my first impression of the perfume was correct.

Scent:

I sprayed a small amount of the perfume onto my wrist to give it a sniff test. The smell is a bit overwhelming at first with a very old fashioned smell of dried out flowers, and rust. The combination was pretty gross, but not in a way that would make you gag.

I personally wouldn't wear it out regularly as it is strong, it lingers for quite some time, and it sets off that whole old, old lady vibe.

Tatiana is recommended for romantic wear, but it's powdery rose and rust stench would likely just cause your lover to have a sneeze fest, as it is so spicy it tickles your nose.

After a few hours Tatiana begins to smell more like powder than it does anything else. The powder though is still thick and still has a presence of some type of floral arrangement.

Hmm...maybe the fact that it reminds me of funerals is what makes it so stinky?

Appearance:

Tatiana comes in a very nice shaped bottle, which reminds me of an odd cut gem. The bottle itself is definitely worthy of saving on the shelf, as far as the perfume itself goes though; well that is a different story.

Overall:

It's not one I would ever buy on my own. was glad to be given Tatiana for free solely for the nice gem cut glass bottle. Other than that though, I wouldn't recommend this one to anyone...that is...unless you like smelling like a classical old lady?

For those who dig it, or may dig it, you can purchase it mostly online. I have never ran into this perfume in any perfume stores. Online vendors sell Tatiana for around $19.99 to $24.99.

Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa Beauty Booties Moisturizing Gel Socks

True Blue Spa Booties Moisturizing Gel Socks resemble an actual sock only a lot thicker. They do not cover your ankle anymore, they just rest easily on your foot and come up slightly at the beginning of the ankle, but like I said, not over it.
They are a light blue terry cloth like material, which is extremely soft.

On my quest to ridding myself of a callus that grew on the side of my foot due to an open to close shift at my old fast food job I searched endlessly for something that would rid my feet of these nasty things.

I am not going to be one of them poor gals at the beach this summer burying my feet in the sand!

I had seen them in the store before, but the price tag always scared me off, and I would end up buying some other product for half the price. I was also very hesitant because I am sort of new to the True Blue Spa line.

However my last trip to Bath & Body Works was disappointing, and I ended up not wanting anything, so I bought these instead. I assumed that they would work wonders with a price tag of $25. We shall see.


HOW TO USE THEM

You can wear these moisturizing socks as is, or you can add in some lotion for a really intense moisturizing session for your feet. I would recommend using some of your favorite lotion, or purchasing a True Blue Spa lotion. The choice is yours.

I first soaked my feet in some Fancy Fizz, and I then applied some lotion and slipped on my new socks.

Man were they cozy, the bottom of the sock was where the gel inline kept the lotion from slipping through and making a mess, and the top is just a regular fluffy terry type material that allows your foot to breathe and not sweat. The gel inside of the sock also contains olive & jojoba oils, which will soften the skin.

When I began to walk around in them I realized how easily I could fall. They were on my feet yes, but I felt like I was walking on squishy ice when trying to move around with them on. But boy were they comfortable.

I decided to use them at bedtime from there on out seeing how I wouldn’t be moving around. In about just 10 minutes of having them on, I could feel how soft my feet were getting, and I could not wait to take them off in the morning to see the results.

I buttered my socks up with one of my favorite Bath & Body Works pleasure lotions and went to sleep.

RESULTS:

Ooh la la… the next day my feet were all nice and moisturized, and not shriveled like a prune with miniaturization. I mean nice soft all out wonderful results. The callus was still there; I wasn’t expecting it to disappear though. But now it was much softer, and I could easily work on it with a pumice stone.

I’m sure with long term use I will be 100% callus free. It will probably only take a week or two of daily use to get rid of it.

It has already been 9 hours and my feet are still as soft as a newborn baby’s bottom.

I’m completely satisfied with my purchase. I honestly thought I would be getting ripped off again with another gimmick, but True Blue Spa’s Moisturizing Booties have not failed me. And usually I have very, very high standards for pricey products.
It got by with a perfect 5 stars, and exceeded my expectations.

CLEANING:

It is recommended to clean these socks under water, and do not machine wash or dry them. Hang dry them and do not wring out.

TOSS:

It is also recommended to toss them after 40 uses. I can’t see needing to do this, so long as you keep them clean.

WARNING:

If you have a circular condition or diabetes it is not recommended use these booties. It says so on the package in very small print, so please be wary.

RECOMMENDATION:

Oh yeah these are worth a buy. In bulk actually, but them for yourself, for family and for friends. They’re really a special foot treat that you will appreciate, and your feet will thank you too.

White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor: Perfume Review

Oh Elizabeth, Elizabeth, what can I say, even for a Grandmother scent I am addicted to your scent White Diamonds. Sigh.

I’ll be honest and blunt with you; some nut job was selling your 3.4 oz bottle at a yard sale for a buck! Man what a steal! What a fool right?! Wouldn’t you say Elizabeth?

Now don’t get angry. I didn’t tell you to upset you, really you should be happy, because I have been buying it ever since. Her yard sale brought you a lifetime customer.

I want to say what drew me to your fragrance in the first place was your craft work on the bottle. When I was told I could have it for a dollar, I felt like the bottle itself was worth more.

I love how the bottle stands tall and proud, it towers above all of my other designer fragrances, and the small rhinestones that ring around my bottle was genius!

You must know every girl loves diamonds, and bravo for going for adding them to the look on your bottle.
Not only that but girls love gold too and you managed to throw in some gold on top right where the pump sits, and on the cap. I must say, lovely Elizabeth, just lovely.

Not only that it smells fantastic.
I will admit when I first tried it out, I immediately thought it smelled like an old lady’s perfume, but as time went by, I grew accustom of this scent, and grew to love it.

It reminds me of an elegant scent, something I would wear to a ball (if I ever were to go to one that is), a mix between musk and roses.
I enjoy it, and my, my, my does this perfume last. I can put it on in the morning and still smell it all over me at night.

I also want to say thank you for being so generous. Your perfume is not cheap, nor does it smell generic, but the prices are. I have found this online at sites for under $30 and sometimes less for smaller bottles.

Many designer perfume companies don’t even offer such a hefty sized bottle of perfume, and at 3.4 oz only under $30, it’s a bargain like no other.
Too many designer companies have gone greedy, and their scents don’t even linger for longer than an hour. You should be proud of that fact, and I hope you continue to offer discounts and fragrances at reasonable prices.

You say that your fragrance is a blend of a blend of lily, rose, amber, oak moss, and sandalwood. You have it marked correct, but mostly the scent of rose and musk sticks out for me. Like I have already said.
I really love how when I spray on that first sprit it doesn’t reek of alcohol; it just smells like pure concentrated perfume.

I also see that you have many other products available in the White Diamond scent line.

I really appreciate the miniature 1/8oz perfume sample. I like collecting perfume bottles, and was glad to see that I could add my favorite scent to my mini collection.
I see you also have lotion, powder, and body wash available as well, another one of my favorites.

I just wanted to let you know that I have been receiving compliments left and right each and every time I put on some White Diamonds.

I wanted to let you in on some 411 though. You may want to do something about that ghastly looking box you hide this gem in.
Seriously, you can just wrap it up in some clear wrap so people can see what they are buying. It’s pretty enough to pass on without a box, and you’re better off.
The box itself is nothing spectacular, and for marketing purposes you may want to work on that. It’s too plain. You put so much effort into the bottle, why stop there?

Other than that though, this fragrance is a 5 star product. I have no other complaints.

I have been recommending it to everyone and anyone who passes by and says ‘mmm what are you wearing?’

I of course send them your way Mrs.Taylor.

Softsoap Pomegranate & Mango Moisturizing Body Wash

I have never smelled a pomegranate. I think that is a good thing, because I can describe this ones scent to those of you who have also never smelled one either.

First and foremost I will say that it is not usual for me to buy a bath product at Eckerd’s, but when I saw this stylish bottle staring me down called soft soap in pomegranate and Mango, the wash itself was a light maroon color, with odd floating beads inside.

The bottle itself is an odd oval like shape with a built in click top lid, with a gorgeous picture on the cover of the fruit.

I had to scoop it up and figure out what it was all about.

Ah ha, the cute purplish white floating beads throughout the bottle of body wash is moisture beads! Wow! I clicked open the top and took in a whiff… it smelled fantastic! It was fruity, oh yeah fruity!

It reminded me of fresh cherries with a hint of tangerine/grapefruit, and the mango scent was very subtle yet apparent.

I couldn’t wait to get home and give it a try. At only $4.99 I felt like I was getting a bargain. Usually my body washes run me around $15 a bottle. And for a decent amount too, at 18oz I felt like I was getting the deal of a lifetime.

Where To Buy?

I found my bottle at Eckerd’s, but it can also be found in grocery stores, other drug stores, and Target. I’m sure they carry it in WalMart as well.

Use:

I squeezed out a quarter sized amount into my pouf, and the lovely smell hit my nose, as I began to run the gel into my skin I could smell the sweet fragrance filling up the entire room, and I hoped it would last like my Lush products do. The bottle itself claims to be gentle enough to use as a shave gel. I guess though that you would have to test it out for yourself to know whether or not that is true.

The lather was moisturizing and silky. I liked it, I actually liked it! I honestly had doubted it, seeing how it was cheap, and made from a company I had never heard of before. I have used many, many different body washes, but the moisturizing lather I got from soft soap left the others in the dirt when it came to the silky feeling I got from pomegranate mango body wash.

I actually had a hard time rinsing all of the left over soap off of my pouf. I was covered in suds within just a few moments of rubbing back and forth, and the smell, the glorious smell. I was actually thinking of drying off quickly and purchasing the rest of the available scents.

Dry Time:

I was really hoping the scent would last on my skin after I dried off, I honestly thought it would too after the luscious thick lather I got from it in the shower. I was able to smell it slightly for about 10 minutes afterwards, but it dissipated into nothing after that.

Not only that my skin also felt the same. I truly thought I would feel moisturized afterwards, but the product failed in this department. I’m guessing the pretty moisture beads are stuck in the bottle for show.

Overall:

Now after all of that is said and done, I most likely will still continue to buy it, even though it provides nothing for my skin afterwards, I enjoy the rich silky lather, and lovely scent it gives off in the shower. I don’t really have an issue with dry skin on my legs or body, so the scent is really all I am ever after.

I’ve gotten the same result from $20 bottles of shower wash, so for this one to be only $5, it’s a star in my eyes.

I’d recommend it to anyone who likes a fruity scented IN shower experience, because after that this wash is pretty much useless when it comes to hydration.

Philosophy Peach Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath

My lovely cousin gave me a fruit basket; only none of it was edible. All of my fruit were philosophy fruits, and my what a collection I got!

Peach has never been one of my favorite scents to use in the shower, for some reason it always turns my stomach, so I saved this one in the back of the basket and waited quite some time before I was feeling peachy, and gave it a try.

What Is It?

It is a 3 in 1 bath product in the scent of peach from Philosophy. You can use it as shampoo, bubble bath, or as body wash.

Packaging:

The bottle itself is white, with a gorgeous realistic 3D peach on the cover. Its attractive, I’ll give it that. Above the pretty picture of the each the words ‘be a peach’.

Price:

I didn’t ask her how much she spent, but I’m batting she either grabbed this whole collection up for dirt cheap at her job, or she hit the jackpot at a yard sale. (This sort of jackpot is not uncommon while yard sale hunting where I am from)

Anyhow, on the philosophy site this exact bottle is being sold for $16 for 16oz. Okay a buck an ounce. Not too bad.

Or so I thought… until I smelled it.

It reminded me of peaches yes, but they lacked that juicy fresh oomph that I was expecting for such a pricey bottle. I have mouth watered from bath product scents before, and much cheaper prices too. This one though it was for me it was borderline ok/blah.
Eh oh well, I used it anyway.

Shower:

I applied it to my wet hair first, and then moved on to my shower pouf.

The gel itself is a pearly peachy color, and I only needed a quarter-sized amount on my shower pouf. The smell was lingering in the air, but again it was a dull scented peachy smell that lingered. There was nothing special about it, and yes, this was the fake peach scent garbage that always turns my stomach.

The lather was thick and created a lot of ‘loose’ type bubbles. It was not luscious, nor silky or moisturizing feeling.
Blah. I rinsed off, and it left no greasy feelings of residue behind, so it passed in that department.

My hair felt nice though after rinsing it out. I find a lot of Philosophy’s 3 in 1’s used as shampoo as enjoyable. But gag! The scent!

Luckily the scent left me as soon as I dried off. This was not a scent I would want sticking around continuing to turn my tum.

Bath:

I refused to step foot into this one. Usually I enjoy my baths but the scent was not my cup of tea. But I ran this one under the water just to see how it preformed in the bubble-making department solely for this review.

Bubbles popped up the moment water hit them, and the scent hit the air in full sickening bloom. However they began popping just as quickly as they began popping up.

After the tub was filled I had a small layer of duds… I mean suds. They died out in less than 5 minutes.

Overall:

I just was not impressed with this at all. As a matter of fact most of the products I have tried from this supposedly reputable company has failed for me; scent wise. I do however enjoy them as shampoo for my hair type, but honestly it’s nothing a shampoo from a dollar store can’t do.

Recommendation:

To each his own really. It smells like fake peaches, failed 2 out of 3 tests. As far as hydrating my skin goes it failed there too.
It’s also way too expensive for what it gives back, which isn’t very much at all.



-Review also seen on Epi