Review | Real Techniques Core Collection Brush Set

Hey everyone! Today I'm posting my first review and it's on the Real Techniques Core Collection Brush Set. I did makeup on a good friend who had a family photo shoot. She and I loved the outcome of the makeup and it really motivated her to learn how to apply makeup. She has some random makeup products but one thing she did lacked were makeup brushes. She asked what were the black and white soft brushes I was using on her and I said it was brushes from Real Techniques. I really recommend them to beginners especially because when starting your arsenal of makeup it can be very costly. So here's a review on these brushes!

Price: $17.99
Available: Ulta (Buy one get one 50% off ends 7/5/2014) don't forget to shop through ebates!

This set consist of four brushes: detailer brush, pointed foundation brush, buffing brush, and contour brush. All of the brushes are labeled at the end of handle. These brushes don't need to be used for what they are labeled for. Here are my favorite uses for these brushes:

Detailer brush: to apply lipstick and gloss
Pointed foundation brush: to apply undereye concealer and highlight
Buffing brush: to apply liquid and powder foundation and blush
Contour brush: to apply highlight and contour

The set of brushes also comes with a 2 in 1 case and stand.


Pros: I've had these brushes since they were first released in 2011 and they're all in great condition. I have no problems with them shedding or bleeding. My favorite brush would have to be the buffing brush. I use it especially for applying powder foundation. The best part is they are 100% cruelty free!

Cons: Of all of the brushes, the brush that I don't use the most is the pointed foundation brush. Although the case is cool I haven't found myself using them at all.

Overall: A great set of brushes for a deal, it ends up being $4.50 a brush! I've find myself reaching for them over my Mac brushes at times. It's also great to support the Pixiwoo sisters, one of the best makeup gurus on YouTube.



- Shayna

Review | Real Techniques Starter Kit

Hey everyone! Today I have a review on the Real Techniques Starter Kit. The reason why I started a review on these items is because a good friend wanted some affordable brush recommendation and I recommend these products.

Price: $17.99
Available: Ulta (Buy one get one 50% off ends 7/5/2014) don't forget to shop through ebates!

This set consists of five brushes: base shadow brush, accent brush, pixel-point eyeliner brush, brow brush and a deluxe crease brush. All of the brushes are labeled at the end of the handle. These brushes don't need to be used for what they are labeled for. Here are my favorite uses for these brushes:

Base shadow brush: applying and blending eyeshadows
Accent brush: applying eyeshadow to the inner corner of the eye and to the lower lash line
Pixel-point eyeliner brush: to apply eyeliner
Deluxe crease brush: to blend eyeshadows and to apply concealer to undereye area
Brow brush: Apply eyeshadow to lashlines

The set of brushes also comes with a 2 in 1 case and stand.

Brushes in their 2 in 1 case and stand

Pros: I've had these brushes since they were first released in 2011 and they're all in great condition. I have no problems with them shedding or bleeding. My favorite brushes are the deluxe crease brush, accent brush and the base shadow brush. Best part...100% cruelty free!

Cons: Of all of the brushes the brushes that I don't reach for often are the brow brush and the pixel point eyeliner. Although the case is cool I haven't found myself using them at all.

Overall: A great set of brushes for a deal, it ends up being $3.60 a brush! It's also great to support the Pixiwoo sisters, one of the best makeup tutorials gurus on YouTube.

- Shayna

Review | Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Purifying Mask

Hi everyone, today's post is going to be on Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Purifying Mask ($29.95, 2 fl oz.). I purchase this on Cyber Monday because of the 60% off that Sibu was having. I've used Sibu products for some time and I didn't see this on their website, I'm guessing its a new product. One of my favorite youtubers is Uppiesbeads59, also known as Crazy Miss Tammy. She's constantly masking and she inspired me to purchase this product, especially with 60% off!

This mask claims to.....
1) Purifies and refreshes skin
2) Helps slough off dead skin cells evenly
3) Reveals a fresh, youthful radiance

I applied a thin layer to my face, carefully avoiding the eye area. I had it sit on my face for 7 minutes and rinsed it away with lukewarm water. It states for best results, use 1x a week. After applying a thin layer (need half a quarter size for entire face) I noticed a slight tightening effect a minute after applying but it seemed like the tightening effect didn't continue on. I noticed some small exfoliating beads in the mask which was nice especially when I had to remove the mask. After my first use, I didn't notice anything. I've continued to use this product and haven't seen any huge improvements in my skin.

My cousin who has a complete different skin chemistry than me adores this product. She has dry skin (I have oily/combo) and she says after using this mask her skin feels smoother and clearer.

Overall, I'm not going to repurchase the product. It wasn't a complete miss seeing that I didn't have any adverse affects so I'll be finishing up the product but I'm not going to repurchase it. I'm glad that I purchased it when I did because I would be upset paying full price for a product that doesn't perform.

Review | Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes, Original Fresh

Hi everyone, today's post will be on Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes in Original Fresh. I purchased this in the travel section of Walmart for less than $2 for 5 towelettes. I had to go to my cousin's wedding on a different island and I wanted to travel light since I didn't want to pay for any check in's. I've used Pond's towelettes before and I forgot which ones I used but needless to say I was not impressed by them. Now these wipes, I really liked!

Pros: One of the few towelettes that actually have a decent amount of liquid. This may be because there were just five towelettes in it but I'll be giving it to them anyway. The towelettes were gentle enough not to irritate my skin like the Mac ones but good enough to remove all of my makeup!

Cons: The only con I could think of is the price, it would be atleast $0.20-0.25 each wipe. I'm sure with a bigger quantity the price will decrease. 

Overall: Wipes that I'll be bringing with me on trips. I do prefer the almond oil with a baby wipe method but since I didn't want to bring any oil with me on the trip I opted for wipes and I'm glad that I did.

Mani Monday | Sally Hansen - Gunmetal (42)

Hi everyone, today's Mani Monday is featuring Sally Hansen's Gunmetal (42). Gunmetal is a dark cool toned grey in a metallic finish. Gunmetal is in Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails, Xtreme Wear line meaning it's lasts longer than a regular nail polish.

 

 

Sally Hansen - Gunmetal (42)

How I use this product: I applied two coats of Gunmetal after applying Zoya's Anchor.

Pros: Applied very opaque in just two coats. I got about five days of wear before the tips of the nails started wearing off.

Cons: None

Review | Organix Repairing Awapuhi Ginger Shampoo

Through my search in finding a good sulfate free shampoo I’ve always gone back to the Organix brand. Although I haven’t found THE ONE with them I haven’t been completely dissatisfied with their products. That being said and CVS having a promo of 40% off I picked up a couple of shampoos. This review will be on Organix Repairing Awapuhi Ginger Shampoo (Reg $7.99/13 oz).

Organix Repairing Awapuhi Ginger Shampoo has a moisturizing creamy formula that has great lathering properties even though it’s sulfate free. It claims to mend and soften dry, coarse hair while stimulating the scalp with freshness, rich keratin proteins fortify each strand creating restored, soft, strengthened hair from inside out.

 

At the time I purchased this product and worked half way through the bottle I had long hair. I bought this shampoo because I thought it could moisturize the ends of my hair.

How I apply this product: With wet hair, I apply shampoo onto my scalp massaging it and working the product through my hair. After thoroughly rinsing my hair, I follow up with a conditioner.

Pros: This product being a sulfate free shampoo I was surprised of the lather it still gives. It has a fruity smell and a creamy consistency.

Cons: The ends of my hair still remained dry and this product didn’t stand out from any other shampoos I’ve tried. Although it didn’t do what it claimed there were no adverse affects done to my hair. I won't be purchasing this product again.

Review | Zoya - Anchor

Hi everyone, so today's post is a review on Zoya's basecoat Anchor (0.5oz/$9). I've been using this for some time now after the demise of my Opi Natural Base Coat.

Zoya's Anchor, one coat

How I use this product: I apply one thin coat on bare and clean nails. Followed by 2-3 coats of a nail polish.

Pros: I've used this base coat for a couple of months now and I've used 1/4 of the bottle. The consistency of the product is still the same as when I applied it for the first time. It extends the life of my manicure and I can usually wear nail polishes (any brand) for at least five days before I see chipping. Zoya also claims that Anchor has a protein complex that strengthens nails. Usually when I'm on a polish bandwagon I notice that my nails are stronger because I'm paying more attention to them and pampering them. I'm not sure if it's because of the protein complex. One major complaint that I've heard is that Anchor makes the nail polish bubble. I haven't seen a problem with my nail polishes bubbling at all.

Cons: None

Review | Suave Naturals Daily Clarifying Shampoo

Hi everyone, today I have a review on Suave's Daily Clarifying Shampoo (12oz/$0.94). I've been wanting to try a different clarifying shampoo from my Frederic Fekkai. So while I was shopping at Walmart and look at their clearance section I saw this and since it was less than a dollar why not.

Since I've been trying to wash my hair every other day (hard thing for me to do) the oil buildup in my hair is unreal. Since I'm subscribed to some awesome gurus on Youtube, they all recommend using a clarifying shampoo atleast 1x a week. I do like my Frederic Fekkai shampoo which I received as a gift from my friend for Christmas but realistically I won't be repurchasing this because of the price tag of $25. So I've been on hunt for a much more affordable clarifying shampoo.


How I use this product: I apply this product onto my scalp and concentrating on the roots of my hair since that's where I have the most buildup. I try to avoid the ends of my hair with this product because I have long hair the ends are a bit dry.

Pros: This shampoo has a faint clean scent to it and gel texture to it. It leaves no residue behind and takes away all the build up and oil. It leaves my hair clean (almost squeaky clean) and fresh. I've also noticed that after using this my hair isn't as oily and I might even go two days with washing. It's a pretty good shampoo considering that it's cheap (less than $2, reg price).

Cons: Although this product states it's a daily shampoo. I do not recommend doing that at all because it'll strip the natural oils of the scalp leaving the hair dry.

 

Review | NutraNail - Naturals, Nail Growth Serum

Hi everyone, today's post is going to be a review on NutraNail's Naturals Nail Growth Serum. I heard it first from PinkSoFoxy's video that pertains to her nail care routine. Since she has great looking nails, I thought I'd try it out. I purchased mines from Wholefoods for $9-10. I couldn't find it at Kmart and Walmart and since most websites (ex: Hautelook, Drugstore.com...etc) won't ship nail polishes/treatments to Hawaii I decided to bite the bullet and purchase it at Wholefoods.

This product claims that its serum will penetrate the nail, providing moisture and nutrients so that the nail will be stronger, longer and more beautiful. It also claims that there's a greater resistance to breaking, peeling and chipping.

My nails grow alright on their own but I sought this product specifically for peeling and chipping.

How I use this product: I apply product over clean nails, cuticles and under the nail tip. I allow it to absorb for 30-60 secs and gently rub any remaining serum over nail and serum. I applied this in between manicures.

Pros: Non-greasy product! I've used vitamin E oil and cuticle creams, although they work I must say it is uncomfortable with the product being greasy. It quickly absorbs and leave no residue behind. I've noticed that my nails are stronger and they haven't peeled!

Cons: It's a bit pricey at $9-10 but I don't mind paying for a product that does what it claims to do!

Review | Pantene Detangler for Normal/Thick Hair

Hi everyone, today's post is a review on Pantene's Detangler for Normal/Thick Hair ($4-$6, 8.5 fl oz). My mom got this product for me and I've been using this for a couple of weeks.

How I use this product: I spray 4-5 sprintz of this from my nape down to the ends of my hair, concentrating on the ends. I don't even brush out my hair:)

Pros: This is a light weight leave-in conditioner that detangles my hair. It is non greasy and it has a pleasant clean smell.

Cons: This works great for my hair type (normal straight hair with dry ends) but may not work with curly thick hair. Tip that I saw was to brush out hair before washing. After shampooing and conditioning, spray into hair and start combing from bottom up. This product is fairly inexpensive in my opinion especially if you purchase it when CVS is having a deal on Pantene products so it is definitely worth a try.

Review | Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser

Hi everyone, today I have a review on Sibu Beauty, Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser. It retails for $17.95 for 4 fl oz but I buy my Sibu beauty products for much cheaper through Hautelook and their Cyber Monday Sale.

Sibu Beauty, Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser

This cleanser has a non-foaming gel like texture with a real fine grit to it. This grit is extra fine that I actually use this cleanser with my clarisonic. This gentle cleanser is suitable for all skin types because of its natural properties. Sibu claims that this cleanser will maintain a healthy pH balance on the skin which is important because most cleansers changes the pH levels of the skin from neutral to acidic, stripping a couple of layers of skin and nutrients along the way. For these type of cleansers that changes the pH levels of the skin, it is important to follow up the routine with a toner. Since this cleanser maintains the pH levels a toner isn't necessary. I do believe in this claim because my face doesn't feel tight, it just feels cleansed. This cleanser has Sibu's signature smell, citrus which is funny because sea buckthorns are actually berries. One pump of this cleanser is sufficient for a wash and I've been using this bottle for 2-3 months, I'm about half way.

In summary, I do like this product and have back ups on stock (3!). With using Retin-A products at night I like to use a gentle cleanser like this in the morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-foaming gel with micro particles for gentle exfoliation

Review | Jesses Girl - JulieG

Hi everyone, today I have a review on Jesse's Girl, JulieG. I recently hauled this at my CVS and was excited to try it.

JulieG, three coats with top coat

JulieG ($3.99) is a bright coral creme nail polish almost salmon like colored. It applied kind of streaky, it took three coats and even with that there are two nails in which I can kind of see my nail bed. This color is perfect for the spring and summer but being that I live in Hawaii I think I can get away with it. Regular nail polishes come at 0.50 fl oz and this comes in at 0.35 fl oz. I just wanted to get that info out but it wouldn't personally matter to me because I have never gone through a nail polish. 

I believe this to be JulieG's first polish with Jesse's Girl because the packaging is like Jesse's regular line and it has the "Jesse's Girl" name instead of "JulieG" on the front.