Reviews
Review: Herbal Essences None of Your Frizzness Shampoo
I buy drugstore shampoo. I have a ton of hair, and go through it way too fast to be able to afford $30 bottles of the good stuff! Usually, I jump around from product to product trying out new shampoos but I can’t believe that I’ve actually found one worth buying over and over again! Herbal Essences None of Your Frizzness is my favorite drugstore shampoo that I have found (so far)!
What it Claims to Do:
None of Your Frizzness is a smoothing shampoo that gets rid of frizz by utilizing it’s humidity resistant formula. It contains mandarin balm and pearls and smells incredible!
Why Do I Love It?
Initially I bought this shampoo because of the smell!! Mmmm, so good. Also, because I thought the name was dumb and I wanted to make my boyfriend uncomfortable by forcing him to use a shampoo called “none of your frizzness” haha.
It makes my hair silky smooth and smells amazing!! People always ask me what kind of shampoo I use because my hair smells so good. I definitely wouldn’t categorize my hair as “frizzy” unless I’m near the ocean (when it starts to slowly creep upward and curl 
) Well, when I ran out of None of Your Frizzness and began using another shampoo, I noticed the tiny hairs along my hair part were actually a tiny bit frizzy! I never saw it before, but having frizz free hair for a month spoiled me and now I notice all frizz and prefer for it not to be there. I love this shampoo and I don’t even really need it.. If you actually do have frizzy hair, imagine what it could do for you!
Any Cons?
- It’s from a drugstore (if you care about that sorta thing)
- It’s like the only Herbal Essences shampoo that doesn’t come in the jumbo size which is really annoying because I have to spend $5 for 10 oz instead of $8 for 23 oz.
Review: MUFE High Definition Elixir
MAKE UP FOREVER HD ELIXIR
MAKE UP FOREVER’S High Definition Elixir is a relatively new product for the brand. I have been carrying it around in my kit for several weeks waiting and wishing for the perfect opportunity to whip it out and finally see what all the fuss is about. Lucky for me, I was given two opportunities this past week to test out the product.
What is it?
MUFE Elixir is a serum desinged to hydrate and brighten your skin.
What it Claims to Do:
MUFE says that their Elixir boosts the skin’s hydration levels up to 520% after 15 minutes, and lasts throughout the day (175% after 6 hours)!!! The unique formula is also said to restore skin’s radiance and leave a super smooth surface for the rest of your makeup.
Does it Really Work?
Yes, yes and yes!
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The Skinny
Test 1: On a recent photo shoot, I was working with a model who has been taking Accutane (an intense acne treatment), leaving her with extremely dry, flaky skin. Obviously, any makeup I put on her would not glide seamlessly if the canvas was not properly prepared. I began with the Elixir and applied it to her whole face using a foundation brush and I let it sink in for a few minutes. A little goes a long way!! It is very lightweight and it absorbs into the skin really quick. After the Elixir, I applied a heavier creamy moisturizer and finally, foundation. I kept a very close eye on her skin throughout the 8 hour shoot and it held up amazingly! I barely had to touch it up.
Test 2: During the same week on a commercial shoot, another model with dry skin sat in my chair. Her skin was not as bad as the first model, but she had flakiness in corners of her nose and dryness underneath her eyes and around her chin. I massaged MUFE’s Elixir into the dry spots with my finger tips and they disappeared completely allowing the rest of the makeup to glide on. There was no hint of dryness anywhere, and we were shooting in HD! HD sees EVERYTHING.
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I definitely recommend this Elixir if you suffer from dryness anywhere on your face. When your skin is flaky and dehydrated, makeup tends to get caught and gather in the dry areas. If you massage in a little bit of the Elixir, the dryness disappears! It’s not greasy at all and it’s oil free. I cannot say I really noticed a change in the overall radiance of the skin, but I usually work on brightening the skin with other products so maybe they masked it 
The only con about MUFE’s magical Elixir is the price 
At $38 a bottle, it might be out of budget for many customers, especially if you are already using moisturizer and primer in your skincare routine.
However, if you can afford to try it, I recommend that you do! You’ll be hooked.
Review: NARS Albatross Highlighter
Albatross Review and Pictures
I finally bit the bullet and bought NARS’ infamous highlighting powder, Albatross. While it’s no secret that I am in love with their Copacabana Multiple for highlighting, this gorgeous powder definitely gives an old stand-by some new competition!
At first glance this highlighting powder looks white, so I was pleasantly surprised when it went on perfectly golden and warm! I placed it on the tops of my cheekbones, and it gave me a gorgeous candlelit glow that wasn’t too glittery. I have heard some people compare it to MAC’s Vanilla Pigment, and while I can definitely see the similarities, Albatross is less gold and way more velvety.
Most of my highlighting products are liquid, and I love that Albatross is pressed! It’s perfect for those who want easy highlights without dealing with the mess and hassle that some liquid ones cause. It’s also small enough to throw in your purse for touch-ups.
When applying Albatross, I recommend using a fluffy large blending brush, or a small blush brush. The key to highlighting is placement and if you use too big of a brush, you might get it everywhere. Swipe some along the tops of your cheekbones, and down the bridge of your nose, and you’ll be glowing in no time!
On a personal note: I really like Albatross a lot, and I am definitely going to be putting it in my makeup kit BUT I still love Copacabana more The foundation I wear on an everyday basis is very matte and I feel that Copacabana gives me the dewiness I need in order to counteract that.
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It’s not the easiest product to get to show up on camera! If you look on my upper cheekbones, you will be able to see a subtle golden glow…
Review: Cetaphil Moisturizer
The Perfect Moisturizer at a Price You Can Afford!
I bought Cetaphil about a year ago after hearing tons of people raving about it, and have been using it everyday since. I must say, I am officially in love! Cetaphil is also the #1 dermatologist and pediatrician recommended brand of cleansers and moisturizers! I love finding amazing products like this at the drugstore, truly makes my day
If you have extremely sensitive skin, or are looking for a product that is gentle, wallet friendly and non irritating, this moisturizer should definitely be on your beauty shopping list. The formulas are so mild and fragrance-free, that they are often recommended to women who have just gotten facial or chemical peels. They are also non-comedogenic, which means they will not clog your pores or make you break out!
I use the “Moisturizing Lotion for All Skin Types” because I do not have sensitive skin, but they also have one specifically for sensitive skin. I love the way it soaks into your skin but still makes you feel moisturized. I hate when moisturizers soak in too fast and you feel like you need to add five more coats to even feel like it’s working! It also acts as a great makeup primer, I feel like my foundation glides on after using Cetaphil.
Tip: Apply your moisturizer and give it a chance to soak in before moving on to foundation. Brush your teeth or do your hair while you wait!
The best thing about Cetaphil is the size! The moisturizer is 16oz. and it’s under $12 (in most stores)!! At that price, you can pretty much coat your whole body in it!
I use Cetaphil a lot on set because it works well with most skin types and will not irritate, which is especially helpful when doing several looks!
CONS:
So obviously, nothing can be perfect, so here are a few of the cons I could come up with:
- If you have oily skin to begin with, it might make your face a little greasy looking mid-day. Combat this by using blotting papers to take away the shine, or by using a smaller pump. You really only need a little dollop anyways.
- They test on animals :( :( NO BUENO
Review: Smashbox Wish for the Perfect Palette
Smashbox’s Wish for the Perfect Palette!!
Smashbox has been coming out with some great gift sets this season!! I recently received an email about their newest “Wish for the Perfect Palette” and didn’t really look twice at it, until I heard rave reviews from other makeup artists. I just purchased mine today at Ulta and I’m REALLY happy that I did!
What is it??
This palette has it all! 64 eyeshadows, 8 creme eyeliners, 6 brow tech powders, 1 brow wax, 8 lip glosses, 2 blushes, 1 complexion brightener, 1 bronzer, 4 mini brushes (eyeshadow, eyeliner, brow and lip). All compactly held together in a portable palette that closes up into a little box.
Why is it amazing??
I love this palette because of how much you get for a VERY reasonable price! The quality is the exact same as item that you would buy separately from Smashbox. It comes with all colors of their brow tech powders (which I LOVE). It’s totally worth it for these alone, especially if you are a makeup artist.
How much is it??
It’s only $59!! (A $225 Value!)
Where can I buy this??
This is an Ulta exclusive item. You can only get it at Smashbox.com, Ulta.com, and at any Ulta retail store. If there is no Ulta near you, Smashbox.com is offering free shipping right now!
Are there any cons??
The only thing that I’m not thrilled about is the packaging. It looks super cheesy and cheap like the enormous makeup palettes you can find at Wal-Mart or CVS during the holidays. I wish I could take it apart somehow and arrange it in my makeup kit how I want it. Also, the brushes are kind of cheap and not that great of quality. HOWEVER, these are only cons for ME because I’m planning on using this palette professionally. It could definitely be great for women on the go because the palette is still small enough to throw in your car, or your bag to touch up, or change your makeup mid-day. It has everything you need in a compact set-up.
One other negative is that the complexion highlighter, and blushes are suited more for lighter skin. Ladies any darker will probably not be able to use these items. Laaaaaame
Creme Liners/ Brow Techs
Lipgloss/Blush/Bronzer/Highlighter
Overall Rating: 9/10!
Review: Jergens All Purpose Face Cream
An Unexpected Yet Effective Eye Makeup Remover!
I saw this face cream sitting on the shelves at Target and picked it up out of sheer curiosity. I was drawn toward the old-school looking jar (hello 80′s!), the words “all purpose,” and the $3.99 price tag! Not quite sure what I was going to use it for, or what it even did, I ended up buying a jar that day and fatefully, it has turned out to be one of my absolute favorite items in my beauty routine!
Sooo.. What is It??
The jar says that it “deep cleans to remove makeup and dirt and provides a radiant, dewey base for makeup. Also, softens and moisturizes to help smooth skin and prevent dryness.” I have heard rave reviews about this item being a life saver for ladies with very dry skin. It is very emollient and great for sensitive skin as well. It doesn’t irritate or burn. I don’t think I would use it as a makeup base, as the jar suggests, because it is a little greasy and I can picture makeup sliding off of it quite easily.
How I Use It.
I use it as an eye makeup remover, and let me tell you, this cream is fabulous!! It gets off even the toughest mascaras and leaves my eyes completely clean. I wear a lot of eye makeup and tons of mascara, and this is one of the best removers that I have come across. To use, I pick up a little of the cream on a cotton ball and swipe across my lid. It picks up the makeup instantly, and I usually only have to go over it, a maximum, of 2 times! No harsh rubbing that could irritate the soft skin around your eyes. It’s also great because it doubles as a moisturizer so you don’t have to worry about getting all of the remover off your skin. The leftover cream just softens and moisturizes!
I’ve never used it as a full face moisturizer because I have somewhat oily skin, but as an eye makeup remover I give it 5 out of 5 stars! And did I mention its only $3.99 for 15 oz!??!
Pros:
- Price!!
- Size (I’ve had my jar forever. I should probably get another one just because I’m sure the shelf life is almost up. I use it everyday and it’s only 2/3 gone!)
- Great Eye Makeup Remover
- Very Emollient
- Amazing Moisturizer for Dry Skin.
- Soft, Clean Scent.
- Gentle. Non-Irritating or Burning.
- Absorbs quickly.
- Leaves Skin Feeling Silky Smooth.
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Cons:
- A Little Greasy
- The Jar is Ugly and Outdated (IMO).
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Who Should Use It:
-Women with Dry Skin.
-Women with Sensitive Skin.
- Mature Skin.
-Anybody that Wants a Bomb-ass Makeup Remover for Super Cheap!
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Who Should Avoid It:
-Women with Oily Skin (you can still use it as a makeup remover though!)
Review: Olay Nutrients Night Renewal
Olay Anti-Wrinkle Nutrient Night Renewal Cream
I am always on the lookout for a great night cream! I have several that are in a constant rotation in my beauty routine, but one of my long time favorites is Olay’s Anti-Wrinkle Nutrients Night Renewal Cream. This moisturizer is awesome! It goes on smoothly, and feels so rich and emollient. I am only 22 years old so I can’t tell you how well it works on wrinkles, but hopefully it is working hard to prevent them! It does, however, leave my skin feeling super silky and soft, and did I mention that it smells AMAZING!? It has a fresh fruity smell, but not overpowering at all. To be honest, I pretty much only buy it for the smell haha! Just Kidding..
Unfortunately, for some reason, everything I end up falling in love with is always SUPER hard to find. I have only seen this cream in several drugstores, and trust me, I look! I buy this product online at drugstore.com, Here
Beauty Tip: When applying night cream, DO NOT forget your neck! This is just as important as applying to your face.
Review: L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara:
The Best of the Best
I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest mascara, but I keep running back to good ol’ L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara. It’s like one of those relationships where you have been together so long and end up breaking up to “see what else is out there.” Inevitably, 2 weeks later you come running back to the one you know has been right for you since the start. This is how it is with me and Voluminous haha. It has everything I need in a mascara, and it does the job just right.
I’m not a huge fan of spending tons of cash on a mascara. I use it everyday, and I’ve got a lot of lashes, so shelling out $25 every month for a new tube is ridiculous. At about $7.50 a pop in almost any drugstore, L’Oreal Voluminous had me at “hello.” Not only is it cheap (and I love cheap), it works! It doesn’t clump and keeps my lashes soft. I hate when a mascara gives you spider lashes that are so stiff you’re afraid they’ll break off any second..
L’Oreal Voluminous gives amazing thickness, separation and length in only 2 coats. Talk about DRAMA. I have no complaints, and it is my go-to mascara on most photoshoots. No smudging, no flaking, no problem.
Their new shade is called Carbon Black and it is ah-ma-zing. They say that it’s a “shade blacker than black.” I also like the version with the curved brush A LOT. It gives excellent curl to your lashes, but my only gripe is the curved brush doesn’t come in the Carbon Black shade (that I’ve seen). So, I have to sacrifice
Before and After: L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black
If you haven’t tried L’Oreal Voluminous, give it a go and let me know how you like it!
