ElizaMV
Member Since: January 12, 2009Reviews
Maybelline New York The Falsies Volum' Express Mascara
As a creature of habit, it's incredibly important to me that I find a brand and product line that can withstand the rigors of everyday use without leaving me feeling short-changed - this is especially true in makeup purchases where 'bare essentials'... +
As a creature of habit, it's incredibly important to me that I find a brand and product line that can withstand the rigors of everyday use without leaving me feeling short-changed - this is especially true in makeup purchases where 'bare essentials' cost roughly seven to forty dollars each! In this, I have been unfailingly satisfied with Maybelline's Falsies Volum' Express mascara.
Initially, I had reached for the snazzy purple tube in lieu of my former preference when, true to form, I had run absolutely dry and desperately needed to resupply last-minute before work. Horror of horrors, my go-to was out of stock.
While it did the job, I had nabbed the dreaded 'waterproof' version. While the length and performance during wear was phenomenal outside of predictable clumping, the nightmare of removal made me ditch within two uses. Beyond satisfied with the product as a whole, however, I gave the line another shot and selected the standard 'non'-waterproof version. In recommending the product, I firmly support this variation. Not only are many of the clumping issues allayed, but you can go to sleep without worrying that the remnants of your inky accouterment are going to glue your eyes shut come morning.
Over all, a solid product from a solid company. Stick with the standard and avoid the waterproof to maximize its potential.
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Softlips® Organic Lip Balm - Cucumber
Softlips has recently unveiled their new line of Organic Lip balms. The product comes in a convenient, slim tube, and smells like brown sugar. Although it smells identical to its pomegranate counterpart, Cucumber sets itself apart the moment you... +
Softlips has recently unveiled their new line of Organic Lip balms. The product comes in a convenient, slim tube, and smells like brown sugar. Although it smells identical to its pomegranate counterpart, Cucumber sets itself apart the moment you apply. Immediately, the scent transforms itself to a very fresh, almost melon-like essence that has me reaching for the product easily twice as often as its sister flavor.
As with Pomegranate, Cucumber goes on smoothly and cleanly, and saves our men for being the lip-balm-wearing girliemen they swear they aren't. Alternatively, Softlips Organic Lip Balm allows me to feel feminine even when not wearing lipstick due to dryness or chapping-- simultaneously re-infusing my pretty pout with moisture.
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Softlips® Organic Lip Balm - Pomegranate
Softlips has recently unveiled their new line of Organic Lip balms. The product comes in a convenient, slim tube, and smells like brown sugar. Although the product advertised is Pomegranate, I found very little to suggest the flavor in the smell... +
Softlips has recently unveiled their new line of Organic Lip balms. The product comes in a convenient, slim tube, and smells like brown sugar. Although the product advertised is Pomegranate, I found very little to suggest the flavor in the smell or taste.
In applying the balm, I immediately noticed the ease of attaining full coverage. This product evenly coats your lips for a truly superior feeling that actually lasts for quite a while-- barring excessive consumption of beverages and food. My boyfriend definitely prefers to limit my application of lip products, as he doesn't particularly enjoy being teased at work when they ask him if he's wearing lip gloss- so the nearly invisible matte finish of Softlips Organic Lip Balm is a perfect match for my-- and his-- needs.
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Sally Hansen Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen
There is a very good reason that, although I love to have pretty nails, I don't generally do them myself. I get the bi-weekly manicure treatment, and leave well enough alone. I know that the minute I pick up a bottle of polish, I'm in for... +
There is a very good reason that, although I love to have pretty nails, I don't generally do them myself. I get the bi-weekly manicure treatment, and leave well enough alone. I know that the minute I pick up a bottle of polish, I'm in for just as much painted skin as nail.
Sally Hansen's newest line of nail polish "pens" are easy, accessible, and fun. Although I use them solely for my toes, the product's versatility and no-mess technology leave little to be desired. In fact, I'd say the only room for improvements lay with a larger color selection from which to choose!
For those of you ambitious ladies out there, Sally also offers nail art pens. These pens feature pin-sized tips for at-home nail decorating. I'm not nearly so brave-- not to mention the only thing I can draw with any success is a stick redition of myself, and looking at ten mini-mes on my digits every day that are skinnier than me doesn't sound like a self-esteem booster.
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Dove Ultimate Clear Antiperspirant
Dove's deoderants smell great, feel good gliding on, and do allow you to maintain a fresh, silky underarm. However, I continue to be disappointed with the level of "invisibility" on the inside of my clothing. In order to rule out... +
Dove's deoderants smell great, feel good gliding on, and do allow you to maintain a fresh, silky underarm. However, I continue to be disappointed with the level of "invisibility" on the inside of my clothing. In order to rule out over-application, I limited myself to one very conservative swipe per side, and yet still felt the visible streak inside my blouse was evidence plenty that this product couldn't quite live up to its claim. Sadly, many products sold never fully live up to their brand's elaborate promises.
That being said, the scent, odor protection, and feel all add up to a better than average product. I feel you will pay a little more than you would for your standard stick, but that is only to be expected with any of the Dove products.
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St. Ives® Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
As I am constantly on the look-out for new and better products for my skin's health and appearance, it is shocking that I have remained such a loyal consumer of St. Ive's Apricot Scrub (Invigorating). I find, however, that the pleasant... +
As I am constantly on the look-out for new and better products for my skin's health and appearance, it is shocking that I have remained such a loyal consumer of St. Ive's Apricot Scrub (Invigorating). I find, however, that the pleasant scent and gritty texture give me a true feeling of clean skin after long days of wearing makeup in all conditions- humid, arid, hot, cold... I'm sure you can sympathize with that feeling of absolutely 'yuckiness' when you get home and your eyeliner has migrated and your foundation has lost some of its transluscence. ...Okay, many of you have probably found superior products and don't have to deal with that particular woe come 5 pm, but bear with me. Quality makeup or not, no one is immune to the natural oil production that assails our pores on a regular basis.
As such, St. Ive's has created a quality product that not only performs as promised but that also won't empty your wallet. Reasonable to purchase and easily available at many drugs stores, Wal*Marts, and Targets, among others, this is a bathing must-have.
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Bic Soleil Bella Razors
As a woman, I can consider myself somewhat of an expert on what razors work for me...and what razors do not. I am naturally a brunette with heavy red accents (it's the Irish!), so the first thing for which I look when using a new razor is its... +
As a woman, I can consider myself somewhat of an expert on what razors work for me...and what razors do not. I am naturally a brunette with heavy red accents (it's the Irish!), so the first thing for which I look when using a new razor is its ability to give me the closest possible shave, thus reducing the appearance of my dark hair beneath the surface of my skin.
With the Soleil, I never really got a chance to assess its performance within that category of criteria. The reason? Every time I used one of these blasted razors, I cut myself. I have never been overly clumsy with a razor, especially a brand new one where the edge is at its keenest and the chances of ripping yourself open are slim. I used each of the five razors exactly twice, cutting myself without exception. 40% of my attempts ended with minor nicks, while 60% resulted in mashing toilet paper onto my leg for upwards of 20 minutes while I searched for a bandaid to staunch the bleeding. I'm not kidding here, these disposables were appalling!
I am now the proud owner of a Venus of the non-disposable variety, and couldn't be happier. My gashes are healing, but my fear of the dreaded Soleil Disposables has yet to abate. I wouldn't recommend this product to anyone that desires to keep their epithelial layer intact.
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Neutrogena Wave Power-Cleanser and Deep Clean Foaming Pads
Neutrogena has recently been promoting a new item touted to freshen your complexion by removing dirt, oil, and makeup with a gentle vibration and a mild soap pad. As I single-mindedly scrub my face to clean as many clogged pores as possible daily... +
Neutrogena has recently been promoting a new item touted to freshen your complexion by removing dirt, oil, and makeup with a gentle vibration and a mild soap pad. As I single-mindedly scrub my face to clean as many clogged pores as possible daily, I was giddy with the possibility of finding a product that could actually allow me to work a little less hard and abuse my skin a little less frequently. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
The Neutrogena wave, priced at just $12 at your friendly neighborhood Wal*Mart, does precisely this: it wastes your time. The pads that are used (sold with the start-up kit and individually) are barely soapy, and the vibrations leave something to be desired. Now I don't need the vibrations of a washing machine on SPIN to clean my face, but the "gentle" motion really doesn't improve the condition of my skin.
While purchasing the wave, I did notice a second product made by Neutrogena costing around $20, and a third similar product from a different company priced around $50. These look to be a little more effective in exfoliating your skin, but after the complete disappointment of using the Wave, I think I'll stick with my washcloth.
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Dell XPS M1530
In purchasing my first laptop, I was most concerned with price, appearance, and performance...in that order. As I had no need of my machine at the office, I was simply looking for a pc to satisfy my desire to stay "connected" wherever I went. ... +
In purchasing my first laptop, I was most concerned with price, appearance, and performance...in that order. As I had no need of my machine at the office, I was simply looking for a pc to satisfy my desire to stay "connected" wherever I went.
Although on the pricier end of my what-can-I-afford-without-becoming-impoverished price range, I really enjoy the options which allow you to truly customise your machine. Everything from processing speed (and all of the associated hardware, of course) to screen resolution to speaker quality to color, I created my ideal electronic buddy. Upon receipt of my laptop, however, there were a few things I feel I must pass on to those considering purchasing a Dell XPS:
--Will you be listening to music or gaming on this machine? If so, don't opt for the basic speakers. I thought to save myself $80-- but even my casual use of the speakers is enough to make me regret my decision. Tinny, shrill renditions of your favorite songs somehow just don't cut it-- this is one upgrade for which you will be grateful.
---Are you abusive and/or negligent with your electronics? Shocking, I know, but when you juggle a laptop and a baby and junior decides to make a dive for the buckle on your boot, 3 feet below him, the laptop's safety is the last thing on your mind. I am ashamed to admit that even whilst devoting both hands to laptop transport, I have tripped and fallen (I swear, I call myself coordinated!) and subsequently had to deal with a loose piece of laptop. Upon closer investigation, I have noticed several pieces surrounding the body and screen that seem to be attached solely by the pressure clips (similar to that which holds a remote's batteries snug in their home), which allows mild jarring to dislodge or loosen large sections of machine. Even after forcing back such a piece, it never seems to be held as securely as I once thought. There are definitely more durable laptops out there than the XPS.
As far as appearance is concerned, the XPS is sleek. Thin, smooth, and lightweight, I can't help but feel a little bit proud when I set my petite 'top down aside my mother's "ancient" dell inspiron- her machine is a behemoth, while mine appears dainty. I can't lie, her speakers beat the crap out of mine, and yes, the bigger screen can be useful, but really! All things considered, bigger is no longer better when your goal is to own a PORTABLE piece of machinery without throwing out your back.
When it comes to performance, I was immediately impressed with the speed and lack of noise with which my laptop runs. Although I continue to inundate my poor XPS (who runs on vista, by the way) with an abundance of photos, chat logs, e-mails, and applications, it is holding up as well as can be expected. The antivirus software that is bundled in the package seems to be more than capable of combating the plethora of viruses that continue to target Windows users.
Overall, I have been pleased with my new toy, and my concerns are rather mild in the scheme of things. Dell is a reputable company known to supply several companies with their work machines and tech support. Unfortunately, with technology always one step ahead of itself, this particular line is bound to fade away to nothingness in order to be replaced with faster, smaller, more intelligent pcs.
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