Review of: Sally Hansen, Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips- Cut It Out

While browsing my local Rite Aid this past weekend I noticed something new and cool looking on the outskirts of the nail polish shelf. They were nail polish strips! Now I had tried just about every nail concept available, from silly decals that peel off in seconds, to ridiculous looking hanging charms, and mini rhinestones that ended up yanking out my hair whenever I ran my fingers through it.

For me, when it comes to Sally Hansen, we have a love/hate relationship. In the past most things by them have either really impressed me, or really let me down. When I spotted these Sally Hansen, Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips, I had to admit, I initially thought they would be a huge disappointment. I mean a strip, that sticks to nails, and stays put for up to 10 days? Yeah right.

Being the beauty junkie I am, and someone who loves trying things before most do, I went ahead and bought them anyway. I figured why not, they would make for a review regardless. I went with #220 Cut It Out, which feature black and white flowers drawn onto the strips. They were pretty, and I knew if they worked well enough it would go really well with just about any outfit. Plus Cut It Out, had a semi retro type of flair to them, one in which I really liked.

The problem I was having with them when deciding on whether or not to buy them was the price. The kit contained only 16 strips, and it cost just as much as it would cost me to go get an airbrush design at a real nail salon. Nearly $10.00. Yup, I could have paid a salon to airbrush some nice neat design for exactly the same price. But God, I hate salons, and hate waiting.

In The Box:

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips are supposedly made of real nail polish, in the box there are 16 adhesives in 8 different sizes. Basically you get 2 of each size. This odd man out number miffed me, because you literately only get 1 use out of this $10.00 purchase. I wish they would have included 24 strips, giving me at least 2 uses.

Besides the 16 strips, in the box you will find a mini nail file which acts as a buffer, and a 2 sides file for rough and light filing. You also get a cuticle stick.

My Use:

Knowing I had no room for mess ups, I hoped that my first time attempting to apply these strips would be flawless. Unfortunately I ended up ripping one strip while applying, which was not such a horrible thing since I was able to use a larger strip on that nail and file and shape the sides from it. So it worked out OK.

You must first have clean dry nails, and you must buff the nails using the included file. This allows for the strip to more easily stay on for a longer period of time. Failing to buff, and apply the strips to clean nails will lessen the life of the sticking agent.

Before applying you will want to chose the right strip that seems to fit the nail you will be working on best. This was simple. Once you decide what strip goes where, you then peel of the protective clear sheet of plastic on the top of the strip, and then peel the strip off of the protective backing and carefully apply it to your nail.

This part is actually very easy, and I was surprised at how perfectly the strip stuck to the nails, and how easy it was to press it into place, and under the cuticle giving it a salon professional finish.

The adhesive strip will hang over the nail. The instructions say to file it off, but I ended up ripping my first strip doing it that way. I found that bending the excessive strip down against the nail, and pressing hard, allowed the strip to rip and peel away with ease, leaving behind a perfect salon quality styled nail.

After applying the first strip I was in awe at how simple, and beautiful it looked, as if a professional had done it.

All in all, applying the strips took me about 20 minutes, and the finish was flawless. I loved them!!! Now I worried about how long they would stay on before signs of lifting or peeling occurred.

Last:

I am at day 6 now, and there are absolutely no signs of peeling, lifting or wearing. I believe that the life of these strips will be even longer than 10 days. I expect longer results due to the fact that I applied a topcoat of clear nail polish on top of the strips, to ensure the sides do not lift up. I recommend doing the same if you want the strips to stay put longer.

Overall:

These strips are totally awesome, totally fun, and beyond beautiful, and best of all, the results last! I am going out to find another box with a different style sometime today.

UPDATE----- Do not open both air sealed packs at one time... the leftover strips will dry out!!!!

Oily Skin Fix? Review of Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Cleanser

When I spotted Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Cleanser on a shelf at my local Rite Aid, I picked it up and bought it on a whim, as I so often do. I tend to try and scoop up every oil controlling or shine reducing cleanser and moisturizer whenever I happen to see one.

While many work really well, others fail to impress me. My all time favorite has got to be LaMer, oil controlling tonic, but they ask for such a pretty price for their wondrous product.

Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Cleanser was right there, I did not have to wait for it to come in the mail, and I did not really worry about the price. It was just under $7.00, and I figured, yeah it's a little up there in price, but if it works, it would be well worth it. If not, I could always just bring it back for a refund.

With summer months approaching, I worry most about shine and oil, as my skin tends to be harder to control when it comes to excessive oil and shine when the weather is hotter and more humid.

Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Cleanser comes in a standard stand up squeeze tube, and its dull pastel purple color actually allows it to stick out on shelves among the competitors whom use bright scream at you, look at me colors and logos. The simplicity of it actually allowed it to stand out. Hmm, Clean & Clear is doing something right!

My Use:

I planned on using this one in the morning before applying my makeup. I liked the idea of it promising to control shine all day long, and I hoped it would work, because I hate having to blot and powder my forehead every other hour due to it shining so disgustingly.

The cleanser is not really all that cleansing. Its texture is that of lotion, and my skin did not at all feel all too clean after using it. It has a nice fresh scent, and there is nothing chemical or gross about it, so that was a plus. I just really wished it contained some micro-beads to give my skin a deeper clean feeling.

Afterward, I applied my makeup as I usually would, and decided to not check my skin till noon to see how well the cleanser worked at keeping my skin flawlessly shine free.

Results:

So by noon, there was some shine, but it was actually not a bad shine, it was more like a glowing kind, where my skin had a perfect balance of healthy glow, and shine control. An hour later I had to blot with some powder to rid my skin of shine, but to be honest, this cleanser worked really good compared to others that contain the same promise, and deliver nothing but shine.

When it came to Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Cleanser I was happy with what I saw for as long as I saw it. Most cleansers and shine free moisturizers do not last till noon and beyond, and this one actually did.

It will not keep shine away all day long as it states, but it will keep your skin looking shine free and healthy for about half the day, and heck, that's not too bad for the price I paid.

Recommended:

Yes. I have very shiny skin normally, and the fact that this cleanser was capable of keeping shine at bay for as long as it did, makes me happy enough to recommend it to anyone who cannot stand the sight of shiny, or oily skin.

Review of Maybelline SuperStay 24 Lip Color in Lasting Lilac (085)

Maybelline SuperStay 24 Lip Color has won me over with a long lasting all day promise, and comfortable, non-drying formula that did exactly as it said it would. At first I was a skeptic, but after one use, I was a fan and immediately I went out seeking other shades. Unfortunately this lip color is so popular, and so sought after at this time, that acquiring, or finding colors is actually difficult!

I came across Lasting Lilac (085) tonight at my local Target, and knowing how well the previous colors I had used worked, I was convinced that this one would work just as well. The difference however between this one, and the other pink shade I picked up, was that Lasting Lilac has a beautiful shade of both pink and purple, which has a shimmer effect to it, instead of a plain matte finish. It's almost like a holographic illusion when you look at it through the package. It's a neat effect of 2 colors merging and working against one another to create this 2 shade illusion. It's neat to say the least.

The last Maybelline SuperStay 24 color I had used that had a shimmering effect to it, did not work quite as well as the one without a shimmer to it. I figured I would give Lasting Lilac a try though due to how beautiful it looked in the see through tube.

My Use:

To use Lasting Lilac, and any Maybelline SuperStay 24 Lip Color, you first have to make sure your lips are clean and dry.

Next you apply the lip color by unscrewing it from the dual tube. You want to be quick and precise while applying the color, because if you mess up, you could end up staining your lip. One swipe is enough to cover your lips, if you use too much it may clump, so use one swipe, and press your lips together to distribute the color to your top lip evenly.

Next you just allow the color to dry. It states to allow it to dry for up to 2 minutes for proper wear and last.

After your color has dried, you then pop off the clear balm located on the other side of the dual tube. Apply a coating of that to add moisture to the lips, and wallah, you are done.

It works effortlessly.

Your lip color will stay put through eating, drinking, blotting, etc. I even add other lip colors on top of these SuperStay colors to create my own unique blends.


When it comes to Lasting Lilac, I have to say that I was pretty disappointed in the outcome. In the tube I saw a beautiful pink/purple shimmer, yet on my lips what was delivered was a pale, near nude pink coloring.
There was no shade o lilac, the pink hue vanished, and the shimmer simply absorbed into nothingness.

What you are left with is a bland color that nearly resembles your actual lip color. A major disappointment.

Overall:

Maybelline SuperStay 24 Lip Color in Lasting Lilac is the first I have encountered that is actually being re-packaged and returned.

I will avoid the SuperStay 24 Lip Colors with a metallic shimmer effect to it from here on out, as they tend to be the ones that disappoint me the most. The color is just too weak.

Review of New SAMY Fat Foam Permanent Hair Color- Light Ash Brown A6

With the spring season approaching I usually spent the following 2 months prior to the warmer weather, figuring out what color to dye my hair. I usually like very dark colors come the fall, and lighter browns and blond come the spring and summer.

As of right now I have been having issues reverting my black hair back into a lighter color. It seems no matter what I use, what color I buy, or brand, or price; my hair is still dark and the only area taking in any color is my new regrowth close to the scalp. It's so trashy though to have light roots, and dark ends. It looks horrid.

I came across SAMY Fat Foam Permanent Hair Color, and bought it in their A6 Light Ash Brown color. I figured on the box, it looked to be the best color towards hopefully gradually lightening my hair. I do not want to go from black to blond overnight. I have to work myself into it.

The reason I went with SAMY Fat Foam Permanent Hair Color was because, well, I am a sucker for new released products, and this product is not just a new release, but its a whole new hair coloring concept. Instead of mixing dyes and secret hair stripping formulas, you simply plop the formulas into a large plastic container, shake it, and apply it to your hair.

The plastic container was disappointing because while mixing, the foam that developed did not even fill half of this very larger, and very unnecessary container.

After the foam is all shaken up, you can just apply it to your hair. It gives you full cover, sure, but the unfortunate thing about SAMY Fat Foam Permanent Hair Color was that it did not do a damn thing.

I let the color stay in my hair as long as the instructions advised, I mixed and shook properly, and I applied the foam properly.

I liked the application well enough, as it didn't drip or leave a mess. I had much more control with this foam, than I had ever had with any other hair coloring kit, but sadly the Light Ash Brown did not even take my dark shade to a lighter one by even a fraction of a difference.

The hair that has regrown near my scalp of course took in some of the color, but seeing that the rest of the hair remained dark, the entire kit was a pointless waste of time and money.

It seems to only color virgin hair. If you have dark locks and you are looking to lighten it up a bit, do not bother with SAMY Fat Foam Permanent Hair Color, in A6 Light Ash Brown.


My quest to gradually lightening my dark hair continues...

Review of Davies Gate Quinoa Shampoo

I am not even sure what hotel I picked Davies Gate Quinoa Shampoo up in, but whenever I am away I always bring back with me the small sample sized shampoo and conditioners that I liked well enough to consider for later purchase. This is how Davies Gate Quinoa Shampoo landed a spot in my suitcase.

The Scent:

To be honest there truly is not much going on in regards to Davies Gate Quinoa Shampoo, when it comes to the scent. In the shower it's scent is also very weak and mellow. If I were to try and peg the muted out fragrance that it gives off though, I would have to say a very, very mild oatmeal type scent. Not sugary, or anything, just plain oats.

Lather:

Like the scent, the lather is also pretty weak, but there is enough even in a small travel sample for you to work with. A handful of the shampoo and you will be able to work up a lather, but keep in mind the lather is not ultra sudsy like standard commercial shampoos you have used.

My Use:

Once working Quinoa through my hair, naturally I began to rinse it shortly afterward. Rinse out is pretty decent for a shampoo. Most shampoos while rinsing out leave my hair feeling striped and starved for hydration. When it comes to Davies Gate Quinoa, there is no dried out feeling. It is as if it shampoos and conditioned at once, because my hair was actually left feeling really moisturized.

Results:

Davies Gate Quin is a winner in my book, as it left my hair soft, moisturized, and relatively frizz free. The shine in my hair was also charged up a few notches, and the difference in my hair was not only felt but seen.

When I first tried this shampoo, with its weak fragrance, and sud-less lather I did not expect it to work well at all. However while letting my hair air dry alone, the results spoke for itself.

I would recommend this shampoo to anyone looking to add some shine, while leaving hair more manageable and soft. A win/win!

Review of Estee Lauder Double Wear, Mineral Rich Loose Powder Makeup SPF 12, in Intensity 5.0

Estee Lauder's Double Wear collection is by far my favorite cosmetic collection on the market. I had been a regular purchaser of their original foundation due to how flawlessly it left my skin, and how natural it felt on my face. While doing my routine stock up, the sales rep recommended I give their new Maximum Coverage a try. I ended up purchasing that, and loving it.

I also went home with their Estee Lauder Double Wear, Mineral Rich Loose Powder Makeup SPF 12, in Intensity 5.0, which is a rich deep bronze color, that actually looks deeper in color in the plastic tub, than it does when it is actually on.

It comes with 2 separate chambers, which I have never been a fan of. In the top click up chamber you will find a useless pad applicator which you ma as well just throw away. Applying the powder with a brush is actually easier, less messy, and looks better on the skin.

In the bottom chamber is where you find the powder, which gets sifted through small holes when you shake it up while the jug is closed.

The reason I picked this one up was because it is in the Double ear collection, which anyone knows means that it has staying power. I also got to test this one in the store, and loved how it left my face feeling soft and satin like without feeling heavy or making my skin look pasty or dusty like most powders do.

I also figured I could use it to cover up my more shiny areas on my face like my forehead which tends to shine up mid-day.

Application:

I decided to apply this one on top of the maximum cover concealer I purchased that day to really allow that flawless look to go an extra mile, and sure enough it did when I applied a light top coat of Estee Lauder Double Wear, Mineral Rich Loose Powder Makeup to it.

It truly gave my skin such a perfect flawless finish, and I loved the results.

Last:

The powder, unlike their foundations does not have quite as long a staying power as you would hope for. The last is decent, but by mid-afternoon I had to touch up with a little of it onto my forehead to keep shine at

bay. However this was not a big deal, but I have gotten longer last with much cheaper loose powders before, so for me, this one just turned out to be mediocre in the lasting department.

Overall:

Estee Lauder Double Wear, Mineral Rich Loose Powder Makeup in my opinion is decent, it covers up a lot more powerfully than most loose powders, but it does not last as long as your simple, cheap run of the mill powders. The cover however, is much more flawless. So truly it is a toss up on whether or not you should buy this one. All in all though, I would suppose it would depend mostly on your budget.

This loose powder will run you $34.00, it offers full and flawless coverage, but only for a few hours.

Review: Revlon Frost & Glow, Platinum Highlighting for Light to Dark Blonde Hair

I have, over the past few months been attempting to lighten my hair. This past fall my hair was black, pitch black. I began to lighten it at hopes to getting my platinum blond color back before warmer weather hits.

However no matter what I have tried, the color never seems to really lighten up that much.

The kits that did work would only lighten the newly grown hair near my scalp, leaving the lower section darker than the hair nearest my scalp. Over time though, and I believe 4 dye kits later, my hair was finally a lighter color, but still not as light as I wanted. I figured adding in some really light blond highlights with a highlighting kit would allow the hair to look lighter as a whole, without bleaching my hair all of the way, because as I know from past experience, you shouldn't just go from black to blond overnight, as it is a real nasty process on the health of the hair.

While browsing around my local Rite Aid, something new stuck out by Frost & Glow. I had used Frost & Glow in the past, and loved the results, but I hated how harsh the chemicals were on my hair, and the stench of the blue mix would leave me in tears. Not only that my hair would be very dry afterward and required expensive products and lots of time, to bring it back to its natural healthy state.

The shade I spotted was different because it came in a blue box, where normally Frost & Glow comes in yellow or golden colored boxes. This one was called Revlon Frost & Glow, Platinum Highlighting for Light to Dark Blonde Hair. Although it stated it was for those with blonde hair to begin with, I figured who cares, and I went ahead and used it knowing it would work likely just as well, if not better due to it being the lightest shade available.

In The Box:

Nothing has changed as far as the inside contents go. You have your mixing stick, which is also used as the hair pick. You have your dye cap, a plastic bag to go over your head when you are done highlighting, you have your mixes, and your gloves. It also comes with small packets of shampoo and conditioner to use afterward.

My Use:

You really need someone to help you with picking hair through the dye cap. This cap has small holes placed in it where you enter using the pick to pull out strands of hair.


You have to be very careful though because if you rip the cap while yanking hair out of the holes, you could end up screwing up your whole dye job if dye gets into that hole or crack, so be careful and have
patience.

You will not be able to reach the back holes so ask someone to help you, preferably someone who knows the proper way to pick hair through the cap holes.

Once your hair is through you then can begin applying the highlighting cream. I place it all over slowly and neatly, making sure I do not rub the cream in too much as it can seep through holes. Literally you want to just paint the loose strands, and move them up toward the top of your head in a neat ball.

After you have the cream all over your hair, you can then just place the included bag onto your head, which will retain heat allowing for faster coloring.

Do not get paranoid if your hair feels hot when you take the bag off. This is normal. I know when it first happened to me though I got scared.

Results?

It took about 10 minutes for me to begin to notice any lightening going on. I worried though because the hair closer to my head was lighter than the lower strands.

However once I got into the shower, about 20 minutes after allowing the highlighting cream to do its work, I was surprised at how pretty the color looked. Once I dried and styled my hair, I was able to notice the difference. The hair closest to my scalp was lighter though, but the hair lower down my back did get color as well, just not as dark, a more honey blonde, but it looked nice, it had dimension, and newly added depth thanks to the highlighting kit.

What I especially loved was that it did not leave my darker hair with shades of orange like previous highlighting kits had. Honey blonde, was honey blonde, with no red tints, or orange highlights.

Overall:

Revlon Frost & Glow, Platinum Highlighting for Light to Dark Blonde Hair is some good stuff, and yes, you can use it on darker brown hair, and lighter brown hair for spectacular results as well. I am going out to buy another one of these to add even more highlights.