- Author: BeautyDiva
- Filed under: Articles, Product Reviews
Jul 4,2009
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Though Pantene dominates this category, it wasn’t number one. Guess what brand was?
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 Shampoo is something TotalBeauty.com readers feel very passionate about, which will become clear as you peruse these glowing reviews of their favorite shampoos. But the icing on the cake is that these products are all from the drugstore — and many are under five bucks, no joke. |
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TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9*
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 “My hair is naturally curly and I’ve dyed it a lot so it”s pretty dry and frizzy, but with Aussie Sydney Smooth Shampoo… my hair has NO FRIZZ…” |
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TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9*
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 “[Head and Shoulders] fixed [my dandruff] problem in one wash … not only does it keep your head moisturized, but it gives your hair tons of shine…” |
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TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9*
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 “I don’t even need to condition anymore,” one reader says of its moisturizing quality… |
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Davines Nourishing Moisture Remedy Shampoo and Nourishing Hairbuilding Pak
- Author: BeautyDiva
- Filed under: Product Reviews
Jul 3,2009
Davines is an Italian company that makes salon and spa products. They’re available throughout the world and have a great mission in using natural ingredients and sustainable business practices while creating high quality products. Their Natural Tech line uses these principles along with new technologies to treat hair and scalp problems. I checked out the Nourishing Moisture Remedy Shampoo and Nourishing Hairbuilding Pak to see how they could help my hair in the dry climate I live it.
I was really excited to try these high end natural products. The shampoo has rice protein to strengthen hair and extracts of marine algae, mallow, calendula and althea to provide moisture. The Hairbuilding Pak (conditioner) uses amino acides to strengthen hair and silicone and wheat proteins to condition. The first time I used the shampoo I squirted some into my hand and tried to distribute it through my hair. I had a really hard time getting a lather going and had to use a ton of it to get my scalp clean. The next time, I read the directions and realized that the bottle has a pointy applicator tip for a reason - you use it to apply the prouct directly to your scalp. One stripe down the middle, one above each ear and one in the back and I was able to get a good lather on my scalp. The shampoo rinses out easily, but left my hair feeling really dry and straw like. I sometimes will test shampoo by drying and styling after a shampoo and without conditioner, but I didn’t this time. In the shower it felt like I’d used a stripping clarifying shampoo, so I immediately reached for the Hairbuilding Pak.
This conditioner comes in a tub, so I scooped out a glob and applied liberally to my hair, massaging it into the scalp. I followed the directions a little better with this one and left it on for 10 minutes. I shaved my legs, washed my face, etc and then rinsed it out. I was expecting that a deep conditioner like this would leave my hair feeling like silk, but after rinsing it just felt soft - not silky. I gave this combo a tried these products for a few days, to see if maybe they needed a few days to work their magic, but no luck. My hair feels drier than when I stated using them and I had to use a leave-in conditioner just to comb through my wet hair before blow drying. I skipped the blow drier for a couple of days too, but my hair didn’t feel any softer. I also thought my hair looked duller - I’d hoped that maybe the straw feeling was from the products removing buildup and that I’d be left with shinier hair.
I’m bummed because I really wanted to like these products. I think the company has a good mission and has lots of other fun looking products that I wanted to try (and a really pretty website). Maybe you’ve tried some Davines products that you can recommend?
- Author: BeautyDiva
- Filed under: Articles, Product Reviews
Jul 3,2009
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See which shower gel was tops
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 All body washes will get you clean, but TotalBeauty.com readers expect much more when they step into the shower. They want a product that leaves skin clean, soft and smelling great, and will even put them in a better mood. Sound impossible? It’s not. In fact they found 21 washes that do just that. Check them out.
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Look Every Bit The Bronzed Goddess With Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil
- Author: BeautyDiva
- Filed under: Paraben free, Product Reviews
Jul 2,2009
Model Josie Maran has a great line of eco-friendly beauty products. I recently got to try out the new Bronzing Argan Oil. Argan oil is a lightweight oil, rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Josie used argan oil that is organically grown in Morocco in her products. The Bronzing Oil takes off from her popular pure Argan Oil that can be used where ever moisture is needed (skin, hair, nails, etc). The Bronzing Oil combines this oil with shimmering bronzers and 100% natural citrus essential oils.
Although the product says it can still be used anywhere moisture is needed, I didn’t try applying it to my hair. I have used it on my arms, legs and decolette a couple of times. I don’t let myself tan like I used to, but I can appreciate the look. When I’m wearing a dress at night, I can feel especially pale. A few weeks ago, I got dressed up for a work fundraiser. I hadn’t really thought ahead to apply a self-tanner, so I grabbed my bottle of Bronzing Argan Oil, rubbed a few drops between my palms and rubbed it onto my exposed skin. The look is very subtle with just a hint of shimmer. It made my legs look especially good. The citrus scent is nice, but super subtle and didn’t interfere with my perfume. My only complaint is that by the end of the night, my skin felt a little itchy.
I tried the bronzer again a few days later. This time I mixed a few drops into my moisturizer before I rubbed it on. The look was just as good and I didn’t experience the itchiness I had before - maybe my skin had just been too dry. Because of my acne-prone skin, I didn’t want to test this oil on my face, but if you don’t have that issue, this would be a great bronzer for the face. As for applying it to the hair, I’m sure it would add a nice amount of shimmer to darker shades.
Have you tried this bronzer on lighter hair? What’d you think of it?
- Author: BeautyDiva
- Filed under: Articles
Jul 2,2009
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First, decode your undertones with this photo how-to
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 So many makeup how-tos have suggestions for “cool tones” and “warm tones,” but what if you don’t know what your tone is?! Figure it out with this easy-to-use guide — and then find the perfect makeup colors for your skin tone.
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Repair Those Fine Lines With ANEW Clinical Crow’s Feet Corrector
- Author: BeautyDiva
- Filed under: Product Reviews
Jul 1,2009
Avon’s ANEW products are hot sellers in the world of anti-aging products. The Clinical line within ANEW is aimed at achieving results similar to those you might see from having a procedure done at the doctor’s office. The Crow’s Feet Corrector is their alternative offering to laser treatments. I don’t have crows feet yet, but I have noticed that the skin around my eyes is often dry and I worry that those fine lines with start popping up any day now. I gave the Crow’s Feet Corrector a try for a week to see what results I might have.
The Corrector is a double ended wand. The first side contains step 1, a gentle micro resurfacer. You squeeze a little of the formula onto the bumpy applicator tip and use the applicator to massage the product around the skin of the outer corners of your eyes for one minute. Wipe away the excess with a damp cloth and move to step 2: the crease filler. The crease filler applicator tip is shaped like a little paddle. Squeeze some filler onto the applicator and use it to smooth the filler onto the skin under your eyes, as well as the crow’s feet area.
I followed the directions and applied the resurfacer 3 times during the week - everyother day. I was expecting to feel a gritty scrub, but didn’t feel any granules at all. The bumpy applicator was easy to use and I didn’t experience any irritation or reaction to the product. I used the crease filler daily, as directed. The applicator on this was a bit harder to use. It felt too stiff and wasn’t a gentle way to apply the product. I gave up on the applicator and used my ring finger to smooth on the filler. The filler absorbed nicely and didn’t leave any greasiness around my eyes. I used it in place of my usual eye cream and it worked well under my makeup.
Since I don’t have any crow’s feet to test this on, I can’t attest to how well it would work on reducing their appearance. Avon says that users noticed a reduced appearance in crow’s feet after 3 days and that all users, over time, saw a reduction in the length, depth and number of crow’s feet wrinkles. I felt that the product did a good job of reducing the dryness around my eyes, clearing up some of the dry, flakiness I had an helped the skin around my eyes look less dull. Hopefully it’ll also help keep those crow’s feet at bay!
Have you used this product on your crow’s feet? What do you think of it?
Jul 1,2009
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Take this quiz to get customized tips on winning your skin battles, from acne and wrinkles to chronic dryness
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 Does it feel like your skin is conspiring against you, sprouting pimples or fine lines when your back is turned? It may seem impossible but you can overcome any skin challenge and have a flawless complexion — with the right care. Take this quiz to identify your enemies and get tips on how to conquer them.
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Get That Sun-Kissed Look With Erno Laszlo Multi-pHase Blusher & Bronzer
- Author: BeautyDiva
- Filed under: Product Reviews
Jun 30,2009
I got samples of Erno Laszlo’s Multi-pHase Blusher & Bronzer a few weeks back. The set contain a blusher and bronzer that are both made up of 5 shades of the same color. The blush is a mosaic of light pinks and the bronzer of tan shades. I’ve used blushes like this before and always loved the natural color that they give. I have to admit that my few experiences with bronzers have left me a little weary. I’m not sure if it is my application technique or the products themselves, but I’ve never been able to get a natural look.
I used a fluffy blush brush to apply the blush to the apples of my cheeks, sweeping outward along my cheekbones to my hairline. The color looks great! Just swirl your brush in a circle to make sure you catch all 5 shades. I have fair skin, so this looked pretty pink and natural on my skin. If fact I had to apply a little more than I usually do with blusher, just to get that healthy glow.
I swirled my brush in the bronzer and applied it to the places that would normally catch some sun: my forehead, the tops of my cheekbones, the tip of my nose and my chin. I looked like a tan gone bad. Or maybe I just wasn’t used to looking tan since I haven’t really let myself tan in years. Luckily I was just playing around before I washed my face for the evening. I read up on application techniques and tried again the next day. This time, I tapped the brush to make sure I didn’t apply to much product and used a light touch at first. This time I swept the bronzer in a C-shape from the corner of my forehead, around my temple and onto the top of my cheekbones. I then applied the lightest amount to the tip of my nose and skipped my chin. I also applied some to my decolette area. Nice! The result this time was much more natural looking. Since I’m fair skinned, using a super light application of this tanner seemed to work best. I think then, that it will work equally well on darker skin tones - you can just apply a little more.
I’m not sure what the pH significance is in the name of this product. I didn’t see anything in the literature for either product that talked about being a pH-balanced formula. I do have acne-prone skin and sometimes blushers will make my cheek bones break out. I didn’t have any irritation problems with these products. The formula also stayed put all day - no problems with creasing, fading or sliding.
- Author: BeautyDiva
- Filed under: Articles
Jun 30,2009
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From sleek bob haircuts to long layered hairstyles, we applaud this Texan for always changing up her look
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 Jessica Simpson could be single handedly responsible for bringing back the blonde bombshell persona with her big golden hair, flirtatious style and whimsical attitude. While she’s been known to be a bit clueless (and play that to her advantage), she sure can look smart on the red carpet. Jessica takes her hair seriously and we do too. See some of her hair hits here.
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Trouble Sleeping When Away From Home? Sleep Aromatherapy Travel Size
- Author: BeautyDiva
- Filed under: Product Reviews
Jun 29,2009
Unless you are one of the lucky few who have no trouble passing out anywhere, you’ve probably had trouble sleeping when away from home. You’re in a strange place with a bed that doesn’t feel like yours. Especially if you’ve just been traveling, it can be hard to wind down even if you are exhausted. I found a great little helper the last time I went out of town: Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy in Lavender Cammomile Body Wash (& Foam Bath) and Body Lotion.
I always like to take a shower when I arrive at my destination. Clean off that yucky travel film and feel refreshed. I had picked up this travel sized body wash and lotion because they were conveniently travel sized and I liked the smell: a sweet vanilla-y lavender. I hadn’t really even considered the aromatherapy aspect when I packed them, but after using them, I felt super relaxed.
The Body Wash was great in the shower - not too strongly scented and with a good lather. The lotion was of medium thickness and lightly scented. It absorbed quickly and moisturized well. It’s scent was subtle enough to catch a whiff of, and didn’t smell too strongly of lavender. Not only did I feel almost immediately more relaxed, but I slept better than usual on my parent’s slightly too small and squeaky guest bed.
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Recent Posts
- 07/04/2009:
- 07/03/2009: Davines Nourishing Moisture Remedy Shampoo and Nourishing Hairbuilding Pak
- 07/03/2009:
- 07/02/2009: Look Every Bit The Bronzed Goddess With Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil
- 07/02/2009:
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