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Here are all my reviews:
  • L'Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Smooth Intense Xtreme Straight Creme

    I am really impressed with this product. I have tried many drugstore products that claim to combat frizz and create smoothness, but have been disappointed. I recently stacked this product up against an Aveda product claiming to do the same thing, and this one I thought was at LEAST as good, if not better. I love that it has a heat protectant in it - it will protect locks up to 450 degrees, so no need for a separate product! It also does create smooth hair and combats some frizz, but I had to knock off 1 star because I usually have to use the Loreal matching serum for some added frizz benefit. However, all in all this is a great product and there is no reason to spend more. :) It claims it will keep locks smooth for 72 hours; the most I have had it was 48 because I have to wash my hair every other day, but it held up just fine!

    May 7, 2014

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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  • St. Ives Radiant Skin Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Face Scrub

    I know quite a bit about skincare and the reality is that exfoliating scrubs are not as effective as a BHA liquid (or cream) exfoliant, especially for oily, congestion prone skin. HOWEVER, with that being said, I know that many women LOVE scrubs, and I am one of them. As long as they are used in moderation (no more than once a week) it can be a good supplement to a skin care routine. They are certainly not necessary, especially if you are using an appropriate exfoliant (AHA's tend to not be as effective as a BHA) and you could easily use a warm, damp washcloth in its place. But let's face it; sometimes a good scrubbin' just feels good! Plus it can really improve circulation and create a glow to the skin. I like this budget scrub for a few reasons; for one, the granules are fairly small (despite the fact that St. Ives considers it a more medium grit). Second, the fragrance, though totally unnecessary and not natural in the least, is fresh. If your skin is prone to irritation, I wouldn't recommend due to the fragrance and granule size, but this is a good, fun option to use (again, in moderation) and is certainly budget friendly. Another thing I like about it is that it is in a cream base. When I use it, I wet my face and use about a dime to nickel size - a little goes a long, long way! I then rinse and use my normal cleanser to make sure any residue from the cream is removed. I would definitely recommend as that "guilty pleasure!"

    April 25, 2014

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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  • Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure
    7.0

    Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure

    Inexpensive can be just as effective!

    I have always been a budget shopper and that will probably never change! I almost ALWAYS keep my nail polish budget to $2 or less a bottle. Yup - told you! :) Well, I was enticed by the idea of an "all in one product." However, for the "extra" money I spent (the bottle was around $7) I wasn't all that impressed. I painted my nails Saturday and within 5 days, the edges were chipping. This product has a base and top coat in it (how they do it, I have no idea!) but it didn't last. After I painted my nails, I debated on applying a top coat anyway, but really wanted to test the product as it was designed to be used. As a result, I will definitely apply a top coat (or two!) next time, or better yet, buy NYC polish for less and apply a top coat and have it last 7 days. I also thought the formula was a bit thin. I bought Commander in Chic, which is a pretty taupey color, and it required 2 heavy coats for coverage.

    April 25, 2014

    3 of 5 people found this review helpful

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  • Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo
    6.0

    Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo

    Don't do this to me, Dove!

    I have been addicted to the Dove NutriOil line with Argan Oil - it is AMAZING! A total 10. However, I was running to the store, out of shampoo, and of course the store was out of my "fix." LOL So I grabbed a big bottle of this shampoo, and in comparison, was a bit disappointed. It didn't later as well, and the texture felt heavy. I had to add quite a bit of water to get a nice lather going. I also felt like my hair was "coated" and I had to rinse longer than usual. My hair felt somewhat clean but a little oily in the roots and dry on the ends. Needless to say, I am running, not walking, to get my argan oil shampoo!

    April 25, 2014

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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  • Aveda Smooth Infusion Glossing Straightener

    I like most of the Aveda line, but some of the products (maybe all) are overpriced, but if a product works well or does something that I can't get from another product, I have no problem spending the extra money. However, I thought this product was effective but no more effective than the Loreal Paris Smooth Intense Xtreme Straight Creme, which is considerably more cost effective. Both of them prevent humidity and add moisture, and both protect up to 450 degrees. The Aveda product is more of an ultra thick serum type of consistency, where the Loreal product is a cream. However, the results from both were equal in my experience. My hair is thick and long, somewhat coarse due to my waves and slight frizz. I will stick with the Loreal version as it worked just as well for less money and the same amount of product.

    April 25, 2014

    3 of 4 people found this review helpful

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  • Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner

    (Please see Shampoo review also.) I recently purchased this in the travel size for a vacation I was taking. After I purchased it, I noticed that it had Benzyl Alcohol on it which is a drying alcohol. (Ironically, like the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in the Shampoo.) Some alcohols work as very good binding agents and some are fatty alcohols; this one is drying. The conditioner had a pleasant coconut smell and was thick, but it didn't seem to transfer to softer hair. It wasn't creamy. I applied more than usual and left it on for a minute to be sure. I combed my hair with my usual detangler and when it dried, it seemed more tangly and drier than usual.

    April 13, 2014

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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  • Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Shampoo

    I have never been too impressed with the Herbal Essences line, but I was going on vacation for a few weeks and didn't want to drag my usual Dove argan oil full sized bottles. I grabbed the Herbal Essences Hello Hydration line in travel sizes and was on my way! Unfortunately, I thought both the shampoo and conditioner to be sub-par. The shampoo was thick and creamy, but that didn't transfer to softer hair. In fact, it made my hair slightly dry and tangly. When I first read the ingredients, I noticed that there was Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. This is the most drying of the SLS sulfates. Typically, Sodium Laureth Sulfate will be in shampoos that are supposed to be more moisturizing for dryer hair. The scent was a mild coconut which was very pleasant but the formula was almost too thick to lather. This shampoo is okay but I wouldn't suggest for dryer hair; maybe oilier hair would be best.

    April 13, 2014

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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  • Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials Antiperspirant

    I'm giving this antiperspirant a strong 8! It provides good enough protection in lower humidity, moisturizes the underarm area and has a soft fragrance that isn't overpowering at all. Where this antiperspirant lacks just a bit is in the amount of protection it offers. At around 15% it is much weaker than other options. This is perfect if you don't sweat excessively or for cooler months and low humidity.

    April 8, 2014

    2 of 4 people found this review helpful

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  • Aveda Brilliant Conditioner
    7.0

    Aveda Brilliant Conditioner

    Not quite as good as the shampoo :(

    I was ever so slightly disappointed with this conditioner. The scent is absolutely amazing, but I found it just a little too lightweight for my thick, curly hair. I have to glob it on and leave it for several minutes to be sure it gets the job done! The shampoo is great for all hair types, but I can see the conditioner working best on finer hair.

    April 6, 2014

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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  • Aveda Brilliant Shampoo
    9.0

    Aveda Brilliant Shampoo

    The scent of luxury!

    This is definitely not my everyday shampoo; at about $20 - $25 a bottle, I use it when my hair needs an extra boost of shine or is looking a little dull or flat. It does the job and with the most amazing scent. My stylist used it on me and I noticed the difference right away. Some have compared it to a clarifying shampoo but it is more moisturizing than that. I would definitely recommend!

    April 6, 2014

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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