May 17, 2013
Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming & Enzyme Gel Cleanser - Review
The Mario
Badescu brand is truly a skincare heaven. They offer a vast amount
of products that cater to individual skin types and conditions to suit any
need. The detailed website features in depth consulting, tons of helpful
information, and even a 'build your own regime' service to completely customize
your own personal routine. I've had a few months to test out a regime to share
with you and offer my honest opinion on a few products at a time.
Meant to be
a gentle daily cleanser, the gel formula removes all dirt, oil, and makeup
without drying out the skin. With papaya and grapefruit extracts, the
exfoliating AHAs help to prevent build-up that can cause blackheads and
pimples. I started out using this cleanser every night when I washed my face
before bed, however in combination with the Glycolic cleanser my skin was
becoming flaky and dried out. I switched to a more mild and moisturizing
cleanser from Pond's that I alternate with this one to give my skin a treat
when it is getting dull. I notice that when using this product my skin feels
smoother, looks fresh right after use, and doesn't break out as often.
This
lathering cleanser contains Glycolic Acid (an alpha hydroxy made from sugar
cane), which breaks down build-up on the skin, reduces minor discoloration, and
leaves it looking radiant and feeling smooth. Other herbal ingredients that
provide benefits include St John's Wort Extract to treat inflammation,
Chamomile Extract to soothe, and Sage Extract to stimulate cell renewal. Since
my skin can be sensitive, I used this cleanser in place of the Enzyme Gel about
twice a week. It made my skin feel more smooth and look more even, despite
using it so sparingly. I like to use this cleanser especially when my pores are
clogged and I feel like my skin needs a deep cleaning as it is too strong for
frequent use.
To me, Mario
Badescu is a brand with simple yet high quality skincare products that are
affordable and extremely tailored to all skin types to create beautiful looking
complexion under every condition. Check them out on their website,
or in person at an Ulta or Nordstrom.
What is your
favorite cleanser at the moment?
May 15, 2013
Wanderlust - Spain
Have you ever wanted to visit Espana?
May 13, 2013
Rock Your Hair Miracle Leave-In Conditioner - Review
Micheal O'Rourke, the celebrity stylist behind the popular red bottles of Big Sexy Hair products, has created a new edge in hair care with Rock Your Hair. Promising the return of big 80's do's, the line is complete with hot pink and bedazzled packaging to pump up the volume for a fierce look anyone can 'rock'.
Formula
The Leave-In Conditioner is formulated to create shinier, stronger, and healthier hair. It's a multi-use product that will replenish moisture and shine to dry, heat styled, color treated ,and chemically processed hair as well act as a conditioner and detangler. The ingredient list includes hydrolyzed soy, wheat, and oat protein which all easily absorb into the hair to help improve length retention and increase strength. It comes out of a spray nozzle as a light liquid with a slightly oily residue.
Use
The directions state to use this product on towel dried hair, lightly spraying from root to end. I mist mostly the ends of my damp hair right before combing it out to distribute it evenly without spraying directly on my roots. Not only does the conditioner smell amazing, it makes my thick curls easier to comb through and leaves my hair feeling soft before I apply styling products. I haven't noticed if the protein has strengthened my hair a significant amount, however I have experienced less shedding and shinier hair after a few weeks of use.
Find
The Rock Your Hair line can be found online, at some salons, Wal-mart, as well as on websites such as Ulta.com, and UrbanOutfitters.com.
Conclusion
This conditioner left my dry, color treated curls moisturized and thoroughly detangled. It is a great leave-in product to spray on the hair before combing that will make it more manageable and treat with natural proteins. The formula might be a bit too heavy for fine hair, however other hair types that are chemically damaged would benefit from the repairing ingredients and conditioning effect.
Do you use a detangler on your hair?
May 10, 2013
Essie Nail Color in In The Cab-Ana - Review
This new tropical polish by Essie called In The Cab-Ana is a part of the spring 2013 Resort Collection. Described online as a "self-assured aqua azure", the color is more of a robin's egg blue in person with a shiny, cream finish. I was hoping it would be a bright turquoise like it photographs, however on the nails it appears a bit more dull and green toned. It looks similar to China Glaze's For Audrey when I wanted it to be more bold like Butter London's Slapper.
Formula
As with all Essie nail polishes, In The Cab-Ana is DBP, Toluene, and Formaldehyde free. The formula is thick and creamy, and applies opaque in one to two coats. Each coat I applied went on smoothly, and despite not waiting long enough between each one there were no bubbles or bumps. It dried to the touch in ten minutes and completely in about twenty. It wears like a typical Essie polish; almost a week without chipping with some fading at the tips.
Find
Essie can be purchased at select drugstores and Ulta. I picked mine up on Ulta.com for full price (not including coupon codes), however I know it can be found for less $8 at some stores such as Target or Wal-Mart.
Conclusion
I was initially a bit disappointed with the color when I first saw it in person since it photographs a lot more vibrant than it is. Over time the color has grown on me, and I think it's going to be on my toes a lot this summer. Essie has impressed me again with a high quality formula and long wear time, qualities that can't be beat for a drugstore product.
What is your favorite turquoise nail color?
