Sorry I have been away

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Its been some months I have not posted anything. There is alot of things that happened that took my time. I have made some hauls on these months I have not posted anything, so there are alot of things I need to review and post. And even update in some of my reviews. Thank You for browsing here. I know my blog is quite small compare to others, but you coming here to take a peek means alot. I am hoping sometime this weekend I can get back on the roll of blogging.

XOX

Review: Rimmel Mascara in The Max Volume Flash 003 extreme black & picture heavy

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Rimmel Mascara The Max VolumeFlash in 003 extreme black

Rimmel Mascara package backside

This is one of the purchases I made a few days ago. I will be honest with you, this is my second purchase of Rimmel brand. I wanted to give them another chance (my first purchase did not yield the results I thought they promised...as for this one--same deal) Moving on...

The Rimmel The Max Volumeflash mascara makes a few promises:

1. To provide 14x volume
2.mess free, clump free application
3.has collagen and keratin to nourish and strengthen the lash

Their claim is to make your eyelashes Thicker. I am going to show you my pictures and then you decided for yourself if their claim is true

My bare eyelashes

One coat of Rimmel Volumeflash mascara

3 coats of Rimmel Volume Flash mascara

Rimmel mascara wand on left, Revlon mascara wand on the right

My first issue: The Wand

The packaging made it seem it is going to be a nice Big wand. Quite the opposite, the wand is small. If you can look closely, the wand bristles are actually in a square form to "coat" all the lashes. I am not a fan of this wand, at all.

Mascara formula: I am having an issue with this. I thought the formula was supposed to thicken my lashes, instead it lengthened them. My lashes look like spider legs if I go over the 4 coats!!!! If this mascara was promoted for lengthening the lashes, then by gosh they nailed it. But this is not the case. And this formula clumps!!!!!! You cannot see it on the photos, but when I used this mascara yesterday....it clumped like there was no tomorrow. 4 hours later, I have mascara bits all over my cheeks!!!!! It also it makes my lashes feel drier (never experienced this with other mascaras)

Verdict?

Stay the hell out of this mascara. If you have naturally thick eyelashes, it may work for you. But lashes like mine......forget it about it! Buy at your own Risk!!!

I  DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS

I am going to return this today.

Been Busy...will be right back!!

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Hi Blog World!!

Been so busy I have not posted any reviews. The Good news is my birthday was yesterday and as a gift the hubby purchased cosmetics at Ulta. So on top of the other haul I made at Ulta, and I need to review my new goodies. So, for me its a question of time. Thank You for stopping by. I'll promise to work hard to post some reviews.

Back to the Past: Physician's Formula eyeshadow Quad in Sierra Naturals (discontinued)- a perspective.

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Physician's Formula eyeshadow quad in Sierra Naturals

I wanted to take some time out of the monotony of blogging, and blog about something that has been discontinued. I know it may sound like a complete waste of time. But I am hoping I may get the attention of the makers of Physicians formula. I hope......just hope.

The eyeshadow quad you see above is actually my second one. I still have another one with only the color of walnut and mahogany half way used (first one I owned).
This quad is quite old. I will say easily is about 13 years old. YEP 13 years I have held this quad so dear to me. Before the Urban Decay naked eyeshadow or anything like it, Physician's Formula came up with an awesome matte eyeshadow quad: Sierra Naturals. These are the most buttery eyeshadows I have ever used, drugstore wise.I WILL SAY WITH COMPLETE HONESTLY: THE MOST PERFECT MATTE EYESHADOW QUAD EVER EXISTED- DRUGSTORE WISE--- EVER!!!!!!!!!!

Physician's Formula eyeshadow quad Sierra Naturals color from left to right: Walnut, Willow, Mahogany and Maple

Walnut is a gray based brown-purple color, Willow is a beige tones eyeshadow, Mahogany is a brownish red cafe latte color. Maple is a soft brown color. This quad was my everyday quad when I went to the university. Why would Physician's Formula be stupid enough to discontinued this gem of a quad, beats me. If I am gonna throw them an idea it will be this.

PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.......CREATE A MATTE VERSION OF "SHIMMER STRIPS". GO BACK TO THE OTHER AWESOME MATTE FORMULAS YOU DECIDED TO FORGO, AND RE-INTRODUCE THEM AS THE NEW "MATTE STRIPS" COLLECTION. HAVE MATTE EYESHADOWS THAT ANY WOMAN CAN WEAR FOR ANY REASON.

There I spoke my peace.

LA Colors lipstick Dusty Rose- review and pictures.

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LA Colors lipstick in Dusty Rose

Today the sun was out and I only had a small window of opportunity to take these pictures. I will admit, I had this lipstick for a while. I purchased it at Family Dollar. The reason I bought it, it was because I thought the shade of pink looked so pretty.
Glad I took the plunge with this purchase.

Swatch of Dusty Rose

This lipstick is a hybrid of both cream and satin finish. It applies creamy, slightly in the satin side but not bothersome. What I loved about this shade is that it is a beautiful lipstick shade that can be dressed up and down. You can get away wearing this for school, a party, date....seriously. It is that user friendly. There are no glitters, in case you are wondering. Just a sheen from the mica color this shade possesses.

My bare lips

My lips with LA colors lipstick in Dusty Rose

Wear time is about 3 hours. But my lips did not dry out. So who might like this shade? A person looking for an office friendly pink, or an everyday pink lipstick to wear in general. The great thing is that this shade is available. So if you think you have to order online (unless you do not live in the USA), you will find this color pretty much available at :The Dollar General, Family Dollar and Dollar Tree.

*positives*
cheap ($1.00)
flattering color
applies like a dream

*negatives*
wear time for some (not me)

So, what are your thoughts??? Don't be shy, and comment below!

Thanks for stopping by!

LA Colors Brand are available at: The Dollar Store, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, eBay, Amazon and cherryculture.com

I am so sorry.....weather issues.

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photo credit: flickr

Hi Guys,

I am so sorry I have not posted anything. Weather here was been great, but not good for photos. We are barely getting Sunny weather and I am planning to post stuff immediately. Thanks for looking at my blog it means alot!!!

xoxM.

A Dupe for Wen?!?/Renpure Brand at Walgreens

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RenPure available at Walgreens

While my hubby waited to get his meds, I took the opportunity to look around hair "stuff" at Walgreens. Something I rarely do. What caught my attention was this brand Renpure. For some reason when I saw the name "Ren", I said to myself "My gosh, it rhymes with Wen"! I know what you are thinking, you are saying "Michelle, hello it cannot be a coincidence." But the little investigator in me, said "I am going to kneel down and see the ingredients and take pictures-- for YOU!! Look below (thank me later).

RenPure Solutions in Rosemary Mint- front of bottle

RenPure Solutions in Rosemary Mint- backside

Renpure Solutions in Sweet Pomegranate- front of bottle

Renpure Solutions in Sweet Pomegranate- back of bottle

Below is the Ingredients from one of Wens product, which is available on the website >http://chazdean.com/t-ingredients.aspx

Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner

Water, Aloe Vera Gel, Glycerin, Chamomile Extract, Cherry Bark Extract, Calendula Extract, Rosemary Extract, Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Cetyl Alcohol, Emulsifying Wax, Panthenol, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone, Hydrolyzed Whole Wheat Protein, PEG-60, Almond Glycerides, Menthol, Essential Oils, Citric Acid, Methylchoroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance

So what do you think, after doing a little compare and contrast to the ingredients of Ren VS Wen ??

I will say I have tried neither nor do I plan to. Why? My scalp is oily as it is. The ingredients are to rich for my scalp (my scalp breaks out easily). Looking at these ingredients, this is great for some one who has a dry scalp, damaged/fried hair, color treated hair. I will honestly say I do not know if people with thick, normal, thin, exotic hair textures would benefit. I have heard great and negative reviews from people with all the hair types I have mentioned. In the end, you will have to discover if this benefits you. On a token, I will say if you are putting off Wen due to the price, do check out Renpure. It's available at Walgreens (convenient). Plus price friendly ($10)

 Disclaimer: I am not payed by Walgreens, Wen and Renpure for today's post. Today's post was just an observation. That is it. Take it for what it's worth. No, I was not payed to take pictures. Just took them so you guys could see the ingredients.

L.A. Colors lipstick- Mauve Glaze; review and pictures

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L.A. Colors lipstick in Mauve Glaze

WOW, L.A. Colors is in a roll here!!! I have yet to be disappointed with their lipsticks and today’s post is no exception! Today world, we have Mauve Glaze. For some reason, in doors it looks like a rosy-brown color. But, you are in for a surprise here!

L.A. Colors lipstick in Mauve Glaze, swatch

L.A. Colors lipstick swatch in Mauve Glaze, taken in the sunlight

L.A. Colors lipstick in Mauve Glaze, on my lips, partial light and partial shade

L.A. Colors lipstick in mauve Glaze, photo in the sunlight

Talk about $1.00 dollar well spent. This shade was purchased at Dollar Tree some months ago. That color was screaming at me, I swear! I love rosy-brown-mauve shades. For some reason, it really compliments my skin tone. Although the name is Mauve Glaze- it is a hybrid of mauve, brown, and rose. This lipstick, I swear is so pigmented just 1-2 swipes and you are set to go!!! The lipstick itself is super creamy and moisturizing. I mean, these pictures does not give the shade any justice. To me, it is that beautiful. The wear time is about 4 hours, and it leaves a beautiful color on my lips (my real lip color, but better). This is really a HG in terms of color and quality here.

So who do I recommend this to? The person who is looking for THE PERFECT Mauve lipstick. The color and price is just so perfect!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND, HG QUALITY, DOLLAR GEM !!!

L.A. COLORS brand is available at: The Dollar General Store, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Ebay, Amazon and CherryCulture.com

Nailpolish: Color Mates Metallic Blue; review and pictures

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Colormates Nailpolish in Metallic Blue
 

I purchased this nailpolish at Dollar Tree. 2 reasons motivated the purchase: 1) the price ($1.00) and 2) I needed a metallic blue nail polish.

Sometimes, you get what you payed for. I seriously did with this polish. Let me explain to you why.

Colorsmates Nailpolish in Metallic Blue 

The color looks beautiful, right? It took 4 coats to get this opacity!!! Although you cannot see it, there are bubbles on my nails. I never worked so hard in my life to make a polish work for me!! I had to be really careful so the nails would not look so streaky! I am at a loss here. Looks so beautiful in the bottle, but a real pain in the butt to make it work.

So, would I recommend it? The one reason, ONLY reason I would recommend it would be if you are really REALLY strapped for cash. That would be it.

I do not recommend the purchase.


EDIT:JAN13-13: DESPITE MY REVIEW THE NAIL POLISH IS STILL HOLDING OUT STRONG. I AM QUITE SHOCKED. NO CHIPPING, JUST SLIGHT FEATHERING ON THE TIPS. I AM TEMPTED TO CHANGE MY RECOMMENDATION VIEW/STILL THE POLISH TOOK A LOT OF COATS FOR THE OPACITY. THAT IS MY ONLY COMPLAINT, AND THE BUBBLES. BUT FOR 1$ // I WILL SAY...NOT BAD.

How to: Dye eyebrows using Henna.

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Before I start with today’s post, there are a few things I need to address.

1. Some people are allergic to henna without knowing! Please do a patch test to see if this applies to you!!! Please research online how to do a patch test!Henna is known to be dangerous to people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency), which is more common in males than females. Infants and children of particular ethnic groups are especially vulnerable
 I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CHOICES. I AM NOT LIABLE FOR ANY OF YOUR INJURIES RESULTING IN THIS. THIS INFORMATION I AM PROVIDING IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. I repeat educational purposes only!!!!!!

2. Make sure you purchase 100% pure henna that is packaged and not blended.

(wikipedia)Para-phenylenediamine "black henna" use is widespread, particularly in tourist areas.^[46] Because the blistering reaction appears 3 to 12 days after the application, most tourists have left and do not return to show how much damage the artist has done. This permits the artists to continue injuring others, unaware they are causing severe injuries. The high profit margins of "black henna" and the demand for body art that emulates "tribal tattoos" further encourage artists to deny the dangers.^[47][48]
It is not difficult to recognize and avoid para-phenylenediamine "black henna":^[49]

• if a paste stains torso skin black in less than ½ hour, it has PPD in it.
• if the paste is mixed with peroxide, or if peroxide is wiped over the design to bring out the color, it has PPD in it.

Anyone who has an itching and blistering reaction to a black body stain should go to a doctor, and report that they have had an application of para-phenylenediamine to their skin.

3. Use common sense when trying a product. Do some research to see if the product comes from a reputable manufacturer.

4. The FDA (http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/ProductInformation/ucm108569.htm) views on Henna: "Henna, a coloring made from a plant, is approved only for use as a hair dye. It is not approved for direct application to the skin, as in the body-decorating process known as mehndi. This unapproved use of a color additive makes these products adulterated and therefore illegal"

So to make the long story short...

Dying your skin using Henna in the USA is considered Illegal due to the fact that there needs to be some Industry oversight in making sure "which" products are considered safe to use. Yes, it's red tape and many that do use Henna are calling for the FDA to review this "ban".

So before I go to the HOW TO, this is what I am declaring.

1. OUT OF MY OWN FREE WILL I AM CHOOSING TO DYE MY EYEBROW
2 I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND THE RISKS INVOLVED WHEN USING HENNA
3. I PURCHASE HENNA THAT IS 100% PURE.
4. I AM SHOWING THIS "HOW TO" IN CASE A PERSON WISHES TO DYE THEIR HAIR OR EYEBROW. I AM NOT ENDORSING THE USE OF HENNA. THE DEMONSTRATION I AM GIVING IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

**************************************************************************
On with the SHOW!

I have always been intrigued with Henna. When I saw some "henna" I took the chance, I bought some. I did alot of research before delving into it. So, like a kid in a toy store, I was ready play with my henna!

Before I get to the show and tell, I am going to show you which Henna I used.

This particular Henna by Hesh gives a reddish/orange tone. Perfect if you have natural strawberry blond hair or red hair.

Back of the box of Henna, showing it is 100% pure.

STAY AWAY from this Henna brand: RESHMA!!!! I got irritated with a red reaction!!!

So, for you to set your henna you need to mix your henna with freshly squeezed lemon/lime juice. DO NOT use the fake STUFF, it needs to be fresh!!!!!! There is no need to add water. Its just henna and lemon/lime juice- that's it!!!!!!

Basic Henna How to!!!!

The mixture you see up there was actually way too much! For your eyebrows all you need it half a lemon/lime!!! You need to add enough Henna to yield the texture of yogurt or vanilla/chocolate pudding/ Another way to think about it, the texture of cake mix, after you have mixed it with milk, eggs, etc. It cannot be runny!!! Nor dry in texture, it needs to be a perfect marriage of both- Like vanilla pudding or Yogurt!
BUT the most important aspect is that YOU MUST ALLOW 24 HOURS for the henna to cure!!! And again, DO NOT dilute with water, only with lemon/lime juice that is freshly squeezed. You can leave it covered with saran wrap in a dish bowl, use an old tupper ware or like me use an old pill bottle. You can leave it in the fridge (my preference) or leave it on top of a place where no one can touch it (kids, pets..etc)

My henna cured for 24 hours.

Getting ready for Henna DYE-- what you need

1. OLD t-shirt for you to wear.
2. gloves, like the ones that come in pre-packaged hair coloring boxes
3. tooth pick, the end of a cotton swab (q-tips), but the cotton end cut off to apply the henna. have a few cotton swabs handy for cleaning up around the area.
4. scotch tape/ or vaseline // used as a guide, to the dye doesn't go over the area.
5. TIME-- you need to give yourself 2-5 hours depending how dark you want the dye to be.

My eyebrow prepped with tape

My eyebrow with Henna, it may look like i went over the line, but its actually cleaned up. The tape gives the illusion that it's messy!

You will notice the henna get dry, get a bit "cracked". Make sure you area is completely saturated with the henna, that way you do not have "spots" that do not have the dye!You can apply a little honey when it gets cracked so that way the henna stays there and does not fall off.

My eyebrow fully dyed with Henna!!

 After allowing 2 hours, this is how my eyebrows looked!! I took off the henna with water with an old wash cloth. Pretty Nifty, huh??? When I have some "extra" henna I use it for my "roots". But when I dye my eyebrows, I do not have to work extra hard on them when I get ready. That's the benefit of this.

L.A. Colors lipstick in Lovely- review and pictures.

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L.A. Colors lipstick in Lovely

Why oh why L.A. Colors do you continue to tempt me. This is one of the lipsticks purchased at The Dollar General Store. What attracted to me was that this color was a mixture of peach and pink. Let me tell you, don't let the innocent name fool you. This shade is a true Chameleon!!!

Swatch of LA Colors lipstick in Lovely, shade

Swatch of LA Colors lipstick in Lovely, sunlight

 

When I applied this lipstick, during the "daytime", I thought "Wow, a cute satin pinky-peachy lipstick".  Has a cute sheen to it, and you very very slightly feel the small glitters. This does not bother me at all. But man, when I went and saw my lips with direct sunlight I was in for a shock!

LA Colors lipstick in Lovely, taken in the shade

LA Colors lipstick in Lovely, 2nd photo in the shade

LA Colors lipstick in Lovely, 3rd photo in the sunlight

This color looks so innocent, but WOW talk about gettin' some sexy on!
This color in direct sunlight is a whole new number. It has a orangy-russet-pinky look to it. But completely indoors, it looks like a very safe pinky-peachy satin frosty number. Do not, and I repeat DO NOT let the name fool you! When I wore this lipstick at night, it looks Exactly as if I wore it on direct sunlight. Wait wait wait...I know you just read up there "When I applied this lipstick, during the "daytime", I thought "Wow, a cute satin pinky-peachy lipstick". I am telling you this color is a trip!!!!!! Its like it looks pinky in one moment, hours later is looks peachy....

So how did it perform?

Slightly higher, about 4 hours. since the small glitters and satin maintained in my lips. I do not mind this at all. Color did not bleed. I will say, slightly on the drier side. So depending on what you like, you may use a lip balm first of after.

Positives
Affordable ($1.00)
gorgeous color
available

Negatives
Slightly drier formula (for some, not to me)

Final Thoughts: If you have a dollar to "waste", give this color a shot. Its a trippy color, but Oh so beautiful!

LA COLORS are available at: The Dollar General Store, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, ebay, amazon.