ELF Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara

Elf Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara

We've all heard the saying "the brows are the windows to our face". I truly do believe that a well groomed brow can truly amp up your look.  I've found myself getting more and more into brow grooming, and caring about the way my brows look. I recently stumbled onto this product at Target, and bought it right away after glancing at the price, which was only $1. Right away I figured it was worth a try, after all there is not that much to lose. I must say that I am absolutely in love with this product, and find myself not wanting to leave my house without it. This product is for absolutely anyone who has unruly brows. The concept for this product is much like gel that you would use to get hold in your hair, it's just for your brows and lashes. It claims that "The Lash Applicator strengthens and Curls" and "The Brow applicator defines and grooms". I also adore the lash side to this product as well, it just gives you a look of "your lashes...but better". It definitely gives you the look of longer lashes. It's just like a mascara but without the color.  I don't find that this product leaves any type of visible product behind after application. This is essentially a two sided mascara tube. One end is clearly labeled brows, and the other is labeled lashes. There are separate wands for both sides of the product.

PRODUCT CLAIMS: 

• Creates healthy looking lashes and brows instantly.
• Safe, Gentle Formula. 
• Instantly beautiful, healthy-looking eyes designed, formulated and tested by our professional team of makeup artists.      
• Does not test on animals.

PRODUCT DIRECTIONS:

• Gently apply the Eyelash formula to lashes from root to tip. Wear alone or over mascara. Apply the Eyebrow formula to brows to set and shape. Remove with soap and water.         

PRODUCT INGREDIENTS:

• Water (Aqua), PMV/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer, PVP, Propylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone 

WARNINGS:

• For external use only. Discontinue use if signs of irritation appear. Keep out of reach of children. 

I love this product, and will never be without it. I love the fact that its fully effective and affordable, as well as a multi-purpose product. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to amp up the look of their lashes with out the darkening effect of a regular mascara, or anyone who has unruly brows and want's something to keep them in place. You can pick up this product in the cosmetic section of Target for $1. You can also find it online at www.target.com. You can can also head on over to Elf's website to find out more about the product, or purchase it there (www.eyeslipsface.com). Thank you so much for taking the time to read my review. Please feel free to leave any feedback in the comment section, I would be more than happy to interact with anyone who leaves a comment. Please give me any review requests you may have, and take the time to hit the g+1 button over to the right, and take a moment to answer my poll question. 

Thank you so much, 

                          Ryan

Inspirational moment: 

"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud."

~Maya Angelou 

     

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

I have always been very particular when it comes to facial cleansers, mainly because my skin is very sensitive and prone to break outs. When your skin has special issues it can be very hard to find the cleanser that is right for you. After many of years searching for the "right one" I have finally settled into using the "Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser". I use the cleanser both morning and night with my Clarisonic Mia 2. This cleanser can be incorporated into your skincare routine regardless of your personal cleansing method. I tend to have an oily completion, and I feel that this cleanser does its job without over drying, and without leaving me still over oily. This particular brand of cleanser comes in "NORMAL TO OILY SKIN", "NORMAL TO DRY", and also a "GENTLE SKIN CLEANSER".

You can learn more about this product line, and cleanser at http://www.cetaphil.com/.

Just a tid bit of information from this products website(listed above):

Cetaphil® Daily Facial Cleanser won’t clog pores!

Cetaphil® Daily Facial Cleanser is effective for normal, combination or oily skin. Its non-irritating formula is designed to remove surface oils, dirt and makeup without leaving skin feeling tight or overly dry. This non-comedogenic, low-foaming skin cleanser leaves skin with a fresh feeling and won't leave behind an irritating residue.

Product Ingredient List:

Water, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer, glycerin, PEG-200 hydrogenated glyceryl palmate, sodium laureth sulfate, butylene glycol, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, phenoxyethanol, masking fragrance, panthenol, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, disodium EDTA, methylparaben.

I would recommend anyone who is in the market for a great quality cleanser from the drugstore, to check this one out! Especially if you have oily sensitive skin, I would give this one a try! I'm totally in love with this one and plan to continue using it. You can purchase this product at most drugstores, and many places online such as www.walmart.com, www.walgreens.com, or www.ulta.com. This product is available in many different sizes. It has a very pleasant clean scent, but no type of fragrance that would be irritating to the skin. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my review. If you have any questions for me, leave them below. 

Thanks,
     Ryan

  

L'Oréal~Oleo Therapy Perfecting Oil Essence

If you have read any of my previous reviews on hair oils, then you know that I am a hair oil fanatic! In my opinion if you find the proper hair oil for your specific type of hair, you will be left with amazing results that will have you hooked.  I have tried a wide range of hair oils, from high end oils to lower end oils. While this hair oil is a drugstore brand product, it is in the higher range in terms of price when compared to other drugstore items. This particular hair oil is from a quite new family of products in the drugstore. There is also a shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, and hot oil treatment in the "Oleo Therapy Family". I have oily tried the oil and the hair mask(review to come). I must say that I fell in love with this hair oil from the very first use.

Here is some more information about the product from its website(http://www.lorealparisusa.com/):

Description: OleoTherapy Perfecting Oil Essence is a sensorial restorative treatment formulated with a 6 precious flower oils. This new perfect oil smooths each strand for silky shine and softness.

Ingredients:1041662 Eo3 Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Parfum/Fragrance, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Argania Spinosa Oil/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil/Coconut Oil, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Chamomilla Recutita Extract/Matricaria Flower Extract, Isoeugenol, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, Rosa Canina Flower Extract, Linalool, Nelumbium Speciosum Extract/Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Linum Usitatissimum Flower Extract, Carrot Oil/Beta-carotene. F.I.L. # D162520/2

How To Use: DIRECTIONS: Apply 1-2 pumps evenly on damp or dry hair. Do not rinse. Style as usual.

This product comes in a heavy glass bottle, that is a golden color. The smell of the product is quite floral, but I don't think it would bother you if you are sensitive to smells (the smell does dissipate after application). In my opinion the smell is quite nice (it does not bother me, and I'm not really that sensitive to smells). This oil leaves my hair feeling conditioned, smooth, and soft without weighing it down. This oil is very light. However, I wouldn't over use it.  In many other reviews that I have read on this product, many people claim that it is a "dupe" for "Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil". I cant speak to this claim because i have not yet used "Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil". This product will cost you about $12.99. I was able to find it on sale at CVS, and got a few dollars off. You can buy this product, and learn more about it at: www.lorealparisusa.com. This product can also be purchased at Ulta (www.ulta.com), at CVS (www.cvs.com), online in many other places, and in many stores. I absolutely love this hair oil, and hope to try many more of the products from the line in the future. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my review. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Have a GREAT DAY! 

Thanks,
     Ryan 

Matrix Biolage Advanced~Fiber Strong Shampoo & Conditioner

I am so excited to be bringing you a review of this particular product. If there was ever a product line that proved it self time and time again to me, Matrix is it. I am absolutely in love with the matrix line. I originally heard of the Fiber Strong Shampoo & Conditioner through a beauty guru that I subscribe to on YouTube. This particular line from matrix is targeted towards strengthening hair that has become weak through processes done to the hair. One thing that I noticed immediately about this product was its lack of false promises. Usually hair products that are targeted towards strengthening hair, or repairing damage will often give you a false promise. They will often say something such as "repairs up to two years of damage in one use" or "strengthens your hair up to ten times in one use". Obviously these hair products that promise such things, often (if not always) do not live up to their promises. The Fiber Strong Shampoo & Conditioner is not a line that makes unattainable promises. It simply states that the product is for weak and fragile hair. The very next thing that draws me to this product is its smell. I know that there are many people out there in the world who are very sensitive to smells that are too packed with fragrances. Now, while this product does contain some fragrance, I do not consider it to be overpowered with fragrance. I find the smell of the product to be very pleasant and not overpowering in any way. Depending on how sensitive you are to smells, this is a factor of the product that you will have to decide on yourself. The Fiber Strong Shampoo & Conditioner  are both paraben free, and I understand that is a must for some people. This product says that it contains Intra-Cylane + Bamboo. 

The back of the Advanced Fiber Strong Shampoo states:

BIOLAGE ADVANCED FIBERSTRONG strengthens weak hair, formulated with the power of Intra-Cylane plus Bamboo and Ceramide to fill in the hair structure. Fortifies fragile areas as it conditions for super-charged strength with a soft touch.* 

FIBERSTRONG SHAMPOO gently cleanses as it helps reinforce strength* and elasticity for shiny, healthy-looking, resilient hair. 

*When used as a system with Shampoo, Conditioner and Intra-Cylane Fortifying Cream. 

TO USE: Wet hair and lather with a gentle massaging motion. Follow with Fiberstrong conditioner. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately. 

The back of the Advanced Fiber Strong Conditioner states:

FIBERSTRONG CONDITIONER detangles as it helps reinforce strength*, moisture and elasticity for hair that's resistant to damage, yet soft to touch and healthy looking. 

TO USE: After BIOLAGE SHAMPOO, massage into wet hair. Leave on 1-3 minutes. Rinse. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately. 

*When used as a system with Shampoo, Conditioner and Intra-Cylane Fortifying Cream.

I find that when both of these products are used together, they product a magnificent result on the hair. I am in love with these products, and am going to more than likely repurchase this product again. I only own the Fiber Strong Shampoo & Conditioner. The Fiberstrong Line also has a Intra-Cylane Fortifying Cream  as well as a Intra-Cylane Concentrate.

You can read more about this product on www.matrix.com. I purchased this product from my local Ulta store. It looks as though the most reputable sellers of this product would be Ulta or a professional salon.

Have a great day! 

Thanks so much for reading my review, 

                                         Ryan    

             

Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

I really don't think there is a person on this planet has not suffered from those dreaded clogged pores, or black heads that tend to pop up on your nose. From time to time we all need a deep cleansing product that will extract impurities from the skin. At this stage in my life, I am dealing with a younger skin that is very prone to blackheads and acne. It is very important to me to keep those stubborn blackheads and clogged pores at bay. I always find myself reaching for this product when I start to feel that there is a buildup of dirt and oil on my nose. I have use this product for probably 3-4 years, and it still to this day seems to do the trick for me. For those of you who are not familiar with this type of product, it is simply a white strip (wide enough to cover your nose) that comes with a clear plastic backing. Each strip is individually wrapped. You apply the strip to a clean nose that is moderately damp. You leave the strip on until it feels that it is dry, or up to 15 minutes. After this time the strip is pealed away, and all of the impurities that were on your nose are not stuck to the strip. The strip is then disposed of. As a word of caution, the very first time that I tired this product I left the strip on past the 15 minute mark and wound up with a "Rudolph" nose! :) So I would that say that this product is very deep cleansing. If you experience any discomfort with this product, other than the sensation of it being removed, then I would discontinue use. Your skin may be to sensitive for the product. You could also try leaving it on for a less amount of time. I really love this product, and will continue to purchase it in the future. I can see a big difference in how clean and fresh my nose appears after one use of this product. I think that directions instruct you to only use this product once every three days.

Here is what www.biore.com has to say about how their product works, a few cautions, as well as some interesting facts that I didn't even know until visiting their site:

How it Works

• Bioré® Deep Cleansing Pore Strips, with selective bonding ingredients, work like a magnet by instantly locking onto and removing deep-down dirt that can cause blackheads so you get the deepest clean.
• When used weekly, you will have fewer clogged pores and the appearance of pores will actually diminish.
• It may be disgusting...but it's also oddly satisfying. And in just 10 minutes it cleans a week's worth of dirt buildup.

How to Use

1. Remove strip from pouch. Twist strip to loosen and separate slits prior to use.
2. After washing your face, thoroughly wet your nose. The strip won't stick on a dry nose.
3. Dry hands. Peel strip off plastic liner. Apply to nose area, smooth side down, pressing down to ensure good contact with skin.
4. Let dry for about 10-15 minutes until stiff to the touch — like papier-mâché.
5. Slowly and carefully peel off starting at edges, pulling toward center.

For best results, do not use more often than once every three days.

Cautions

1. Use only on the nose.
2. Avoid using on acne blemishes or swollen, sunburned, excessively dry skin, or skin prone to spider veins.
3. Consult a physician before using on skin being treated with prescription acne medication.
4. Avoid using on skin which is sensitive to bandages or peel-off face masks.
5. Remove strip as directed promptly after it becomes stiff. If strip is difficult or painful to remove, wet strip thoroughly until it slides off easily. Forceful removal of the strip should be avoided and may cause skin abrasions. If this occurs, discontinue use and consult a physician.
6. Do not use more often than once every three days.

This product can be purchased at many leading drugstores in the US, as well as many places online such as www.target.com (for $8.59), www.walmart.com (for $8.47), and www.cvs.com (for $7.99). You can go to http://www.biore.com/en-US/biore-skincare, to learn more about the Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips, and all of their other products. I would also like to mention that deep cleansing pore strips are also available in many generic brands, but I have always found Bioré strips to be the most dependable and high quality.  If there are any further questions you may have about this product please leave them below, and I will answer them to the best of my ability. Even if you don't have any questions, please leave me a comment. Let me know about your experience with this product, did you like it or hate it? Thank you so much for taking the time to read my review. I know it's been a while since I've written a review, I just took a little break to get re-inspired and now am back in full force. Thanks so much!!!

Have a fabulous day,
                       Ryan

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15

If you are one who has oily/acne prone skin, this one is for you. As we have all been told before, even oily skin people need to use a moisturizer. If you have oily skin, that means that the oil glans in your skin are already in over-drive. When you wash your face and do not replenish the lost moisture, your already over active oil glans will produce even more oil. So when you wash your face (whether you have oily, combination, or dry skin) you essentially strip the existing oil from your skin, and when you don't replenish that moisture via a moisturizer your oil glands tend to become even more active. This is where a oil-free moisturizer comes into play. You replenish the moisture in your skin, but not with an oil based product. This should help reduce the amount that shows up on your skin. Now as addressed previously, this one is also for those of you with acne prone skin. There are many aspects of a moisturizer (in my opinion) when is comes to acne prone skin (which I have). You must use a moisturizer that is hypoallergenic. This simply means that the product is very unlikely to cause any irritation or "allergic reaction". You also must have a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic. This means that the moisturizer will not clog your pores. Clogged pores lead to even more acne, so we must stay way from products that are not non-comedogenic. One final aspects of a moisturizer that is important to those of us who have oily/acne prone skin, is that it must be fragrance free. I apply this moisturizer first thing in the morning after washing my face. Only a small amount of it is necessary, and it does not have me oily hours later.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

NEUTROGENA oIL-fREE MOISTURE SPF 15 IS CLINICALLY PROVEN TO COMBINE LONG-LASTING MMOISTURIZATION WITH EFFECTIVE SUN PROTECTION FOR SOFTER, SMOTHER, YOUNGER-LOOKING SKIN.

ALL-DAY MOISTURIZATION. lIGHTWEIGHT, NON-GREASY FORMULA KEEPS SKIN MOISTURIZED FOR 12 HOURS.

EFFECTIVE SUN PROTECTION. BROAD-SPECTRUM UVA-UVB SPF 15 SUNSCREENS HELP PREVENT PREMATURE SIGNS OF AGAIN CAUSED BY EVERY-DAY SUN EXPOSURE TO SUN'S DAMAGING RAYS.

*wON'T CLOG PORES            * aLCOHOL-FREE         *hYPOALLERGENIC        *fRAGARANCE-FREE

dIRECTIONS: uSE 1 PUMP AND APPLY ALL OVER FACE AND NECK. uSE DAILY, ALONE OR UNDER MAKEUP.

aCTIVE INGREDIENTS: oCTINOXATE 7.5%, OCTISALATE 5.0%, oXYBENZONE 3.0%

wARNING: fOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. aVOID CONTACT WITH EYES. iF PRODUCT GETS INTO EYES, RINSE THOROUGHLY WITH WATER. dISCONTINUE USE IF IRRITATION OR RASH APPEAR. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. IF SWALLOWED  GET MEDICAL HELP OR CONTACT A POISON CONTROL CENTER RIGHT AWAY. 

To learn more about this product you can visit Neutrogena's website (CLICK HERE). 

I found this moisturizer to be fantastic. I did not have a problem with it at all. It did everything it claimed to do, and worked well with my oily/acne prone skin. Not to mention (compared to some other moisturizers) it is very budget friendly. I found this moisturizer to be high quality, and not break me out like some other moisturizers have in the past. Another great aspect (not addressed thus far) is the fact that it has SPF 15. If you're looking to protect your skin from premature aging because of sun damage, this product will be fabulous for you.  I am very happy with the packaging of this moisturizer. It comes in a 4 FL OZ container complete with a pump. I feel that putting your fingers into a tub of moisturizer, and using it over and over is unsanitary. So for me a pump is necessary. If you do not think this moisturizer would be right for you, you can still try Neutrogena's line of moisturizers. They offer a variety of different types for other skin types. You can view them by CLICKING HERE.  I purchased mine at CVS (To find this moisturizer through CVS...CLICK HERE). This particular moisturizer can be found at multiple drugstores and beauty stores. If you are an Ulta shopper CLICK HERE.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my review. If you have any questions or comments on this product, please leave a comment. Have a great day.

Thanks, 

     Ryan 

Fekkai Shea Butter Damage Protecting Hair Mask

If you are familiar with any of my other "hair product reviews", you would know that I am a hair treatment junkie. It is highly important to me to take extra good care of the hair, because my lifestyle requires daily hair styling. With lost of heat styling, come lots of damage. To me, if the hair doesn't appear healthy then it is not worthy of being worn longer. While in search of a new hair treatment I found this particular product at my local Target store, and decided to give it a try. For the price of this product, I am overall slightly disappointed in it. The smell of this product is very pleasant, and would be fantastic for those of you with sensitivities to smell. The overall result that this product gives the hair, is very similar to a lot of very low end drugstore hair treatments. It does provide your hair with a certain degree of moisture, but I did find that it faded very quickly. Usually after I do my weekly hair treatment, I can tell a few days later if the results the product gave lasted through several washings. I found that this product absolutely did not. A day after I used this product, I could not even tell I had done a hair treatment. Another turn off about this product (for me) is its consistency. I feel that it was way too thick! Trying to work and comb a very thick treatment through your hair, can cause a lot of excess pulling and tugging that is just unnecessary! I would compare the results that this product gives to the results of a daily conditioner (and I will probably use it as just that from now on). This product is about $22 for 4.4 oz, so I defiantly do not think this product is worth the money. I would recommend this product to anyone who has hair that is not heavily damaged. If you are someone who does minimal damage to your hair, this product would fabulous. Someone who has colored, or heat damaged hair would not find this product to pack enough of a punch. This product is available at Target  (where I purchased it, it may be available at other drugstores). It is also available on Targets website.           **CLICK HERE FOR TARGET WEBSITE**
Thank you so much for reading my review. Please take a few seconds to leave a comment, with any questions or thoughts. Also, recommend this blog on Google (side bar).
     Thanks and have a fantastic day,
                                                Ryan