3 Heat Defense Sprays Compared

If you use a dryer or flat iron your hair is exposed to alot of damaging factors. It's always best to protect it as much as you can. I've used 3 different (budget friendly or "drugstore") heat protecting products on my hair and decided to do a comparative review:

• Herbal Essence Dangerously Straight ($4-5)
• Alberto Vo5 Heat Protect Styling Spray ($4-5)
• Toni & Guy Iron-It Heat Defence Spray ($10.50)

Herbal Essence Dangerously Straight Heat Spray weighed down my hair extremely and left it sticky. It smelled good, but that's about it. I didn't use the whole bottle and eventually just threw the rest out - so you can get a good idea how much I disliked it.

I like design of this Alberto V05 bottle though, because it reminds me a bit of window cleaning sprays- kinda fun. The fragrance of V05 was also fresh, without smelling too strong. It's an alcohol free formula which also contains 5 vitamins and a UV filter.
Though I found it better then Herbal Essences heat protecting spray it still left my hair weighed down and slightly sticky.

You guessed it, my favorite is the Toni & Guy Iron-It Heat Defense spray, even though it costs double- I got it on sale when I was in London (at Boots). Though my hair needs to be washed 2 days after I use it, I still feel this product leaves my hair feeling the least sticky of the 3. It also leaves my hair straighter and less wavy before I even use my flat iron, without weighing my hair down one bit.
I bought it together with the finishing shine spray which I rarely use.

What's your favorite heat protecting hair product?

Bath And Body Works Haul

A few months back I stocked up on items from the Bath &Bodyworks sale. I think they have items on discount year round, so you can find or try new scented treats without having to spend alot!

I bought 3 full size, and 2 mini items for less then $13 with tax!

I bought the following (btw, if I'm not dscribing the smell fully it's because their name says it all: e.g. Warm Vanilla Sugar body wash smells EXACTLY like that):

• Tutti Dolci Mango Sorbetto cream body wash: (in my August favorites) originally this was $3 (marked down from $12 I think). It's a luxurious and satin creamy body wash that leaves skin super soft too (thanks to the Sweet Almond Protein). I'm drawn to beauty products that smell fruity or fresh so this is my favorite item. Great for shaving as well.

• Warm Vanilla Sugar Shower Gel: (smallest size --> 3 oz- in real life the bottle is about 10cm tall) I opted for this because I prefer having a several options when it comes to body washes.
  
  Plus... it was cheaper haha. A friend of mine couldn't stop raving about this smell so I just had to try it out for myself, but this turned out to be my least favorite: the smell is too faint for me. I also don't use up my bath gels quickly so I think these could last me quite a few months. This one was $5 but I got it for $2. 

 

• Velvet Tuberose Shower Gel: At first I didn't like this one much, because it smelt a bit "spicy" but it's definitly grown on me and I'd buy it again. I like the fact that it has a stronger scent and smells like roses with a little something extra. (Also $5 but I got it for $2.)

• Liplicious Tasty Lip Color in Hot Cakes: a dusty rose pink lip gloss with ALOT of pretty shimmers and what I loved most is that it smells like sweet pancakes drizzeled in syrup. Yummmmm. They're a bit sticky, but nothing unbearable; I prefer using this on it's own or throwing it in my bag for emergencies. These are usually $7 but I got it for $2 so I'm not really complaining.

Here's a small swatch below (one is a drop of it, and the other is blended in a bit)

• Black Currant Vanilla Sensual Luxury Bath: don't let the name Black currant and Vanilla fool you into thinking it's sweet: it was definitly a strong spicy smell (but if I'm not mistaken bubble baths are supposed to smell more concentrated and you only use a little).
  
  
  Unfortunately, since these come in glass containers, it broke when it tilted over in my shower. Boo.:( I tried salvaging it, but since it had pieces of glass in it wasn't worth taking the risk. What's worse is that it left my bathroom and entire house smelling of it for days. This was $16.50 marked all the way down to $3 for 15oz! :) 

I really recommend trying out the scents at Bath and Body for yourself, because alot of times I think something will smell great, but when I get a whiff it turns out to smell really "ick". I thought I'd like Green Tea & Cucumber but boy was I wwwrong (that's just one example).

What are your favorite products from B&B?



Korres Make-up Haul/Review

Korres (originated in Greece) is one of those brands that really doesn't get as much attention as it should. I've recently become a HUGE Korres fan, specially with all the awareness being raised about cosmetic/beauty  ingredients which could be harming us, and worse: causing long term effects.

I do want to be more safe with the products I use but on the other hand don't want to give up using my precious make-up. What's a girl to do? Find more natural alternatives of course- ahem... without having to sacrifice pigmentation and wear. :)

Here's what makes me feel better about using Korres and their choices when it comes to ingredients (click images to enlarge):

Newho, without further a do... my stash:

I thought I'd break down my review into 2 parts.
This post will be about their make-up and Part 2 will be about the Brightening Wild Rose Serum (which btw really DOES smell like sweet sweet roses... Mmmmmmm! Need... to... find.... the whole range... so I can slather myself in it from head to toe.)

No but seriously, I'm now on the lookout for a similarly scented candle.

Zea Mays Powder Blush in 44 Orange ($24) (0.21 oz): I'd been lusting for similar blush shades to the one MAC came out with ("Ripe Peach"). And no0o0o, I wasn't going to settle for coral shades-- which essentially look pink when applied. I wanted more of a tan orange shade.

When I first examined the blush, I was reminded of Benefits Coralista: square and flat shaped packaging, tiny shimmers and silky texture- this blush is almost the same but less pink with a hint of orange tones.

I would best describe the color as having a burnt peach or grapefruit color. When looked at from the side with light reflecting off it, you'll see finely milled shimmers that gives it a soft gold sheen. This would be my ideal pick if I where to do a "back from the beach" or bronzed "goddess" look.

The blush is highly pigmented and smooth, not to mention the fact that it doesn't come off too shimmery (yay for not looking like an outdoor disco-ball!). I've only used it once so far but it lasted all day long, giving a peachy flush- without being TOO orange like the name may suggests.

Guava Extended Wear Lipsticks ($22): These slim lipsticks also provide intense hydration; I would say they last a few hours. Now, I'm not a fan of pigmented lipstick during the day but for some reason these aren't that intimidating. I'm thinking it may have to do with the smoothness of them and the fact that they're not drying. They also remove easily without staining or getting all over your skin. 

#55 RED:  A wearable red with no orange or blue undertones.

#34 NUDE: I wouldn't say this is a nude, because I have rather pigmented lips and this one is almost the same shade- actually the color is alot like NYX Natural gloss. I like the fact that it's a peachy nude, not a beige concealer-like one and it would look great paired with a pale pink gloss over (like NYX Smokey Look).

The pricing isn't exactly cheap, but at the same time these do look good on. I guess it really depends if you'd be willing to spend $22 on lipsticks and if the hydration-factor matters. (Most long wearing lipsticks can be drying).

Intense- pigment combines with guava extract, providing a long- lasting, creamy formula with a matte, yet silky finish.

• Guava extract, a powerful antioxidant, fights free radicals and maintains plump, youthful lips

• Proprietary blend of lip-nourishing actives smooths fine lines and hydrates
• Carnauba wax, Beeswax, Shea and Cocoa Butter combine to provide intense pigment that lasts

Mango Butter Lipsticks with SPF 10 ($18):

I prefer these (sheer, hydrating & glossy) lipsticks more- they're right up my alley for daytime wear! I'm a lipbalm and chapstick kinda girl so I love the fact that these are less sticky/shiny then glosses with none of that frosty mess that comes with certain "tinted" balms. The more you layer, the more color pop you get.

I also have the Korres Lip Butter in Mango, which looks very much like #45 CORAL: personally I prefer the Lip butters balms ($10) over these lipsticks because when patted on those look glossier and make my lips look delectable- if I do say so myself. These lipsticks are obviously darker when applied, which doesn't look as natural.  On the other hand, these lipsticks are more hygenic then the balms which require you to dip your fingers into them.

#45 CORAL: a coral bright orange shade (the brightness of the color isn't showing up well in the picture below- but in reality it looks like a sheer orange red). I thought this would be like Mac's Ever Hip lipstick from the Liberty of London collection, but it's actually a redder and brighter coral (even though it's sheer. See my FOTD using this lipstick here.)

#25 NATURAL PURPLE: This one looks like it would be the darkest of the bunch, but it's probably the most natural giving just a hint of sheer red-berry color to the lips. It really depends how much you layer these.

LIPSTICK SWATCHES (Left to right: #55 Red - #34 Nude - #25 Natural Purple - #45 Coral  

I'm actually really surprised by the quality seeing as I haven't alot of bloggers Korres reviewins. I'm also usually a skeptic when it comes to make-up that's made using less chemicals (or even mineral make-up). So these definitely changed my mind, and I can't wait to try more from this brand, specially their foundation.

Have you tried Korres? What are your thoughts on their products and these?

August Beauty Favorites!

For the past 2 months I've been trying to wear as little make-up as possible. Now that definitly means something else to every person.
I haven't been using too many new products, but instead I've found new ways to use products I already own/was using. These are all surprisingly super budget friendly too.:)

1) Tinted moisturizer: I haven't managed to find a tinted moisturizer that gives coverage. Most just go on sheer or make me look way darker. So I make the perfect combination (to my liking) by blending my holy grail moisturizer Proactive Oil-Free with SPF 15 and Revlon Colorstay Foundation. It gives the perfect light coverage to even out my skin tone, plus stays put all day (thanks to the Colorstay Foundation which is known for that).

2) Rimmel Eyeshadow in Jet Black ($4): I've actually been using this (wet) as a liner on my top lashline and it's sooo pigmented. The only thing is this method isn't as longlasting as liquid liner.

3) Coastal Scents concealer Camo quads (in Medium) ($7). (My full review of it here).



4) Sonia Kashuk angled blush brush: I got this for about $12 at Target. I love this because it has a smaller brush head compared to regular blush brushes, and allows for more precise placement/blush contouring.

5) Korres Lip Butter in Mango ($10) (My full review here).

6) Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Spot Gel ($8): I've been breaking out like crazy the past week. So of course I turn to my trusty on the spot gel. This one also gets a big thumbs up from me. It's slightly more affective then the regular Neutrogena On The Spot creams/gels. Plus it helps fade acne marks.

7) Tutti Dolci Crème Brulee Body Wash ($7): I got this on sale at Bath and Body Works and my ggggod does this smell devine! I was never a huge fan of spending money on bath products (I'm just more of a soap bar girl... or should I say I WAS). This is so rich and moisturizing, it feels like satin on the skin and leaves it smooth, which makes it great for shaving too. And true to it's name it does smell like Tutti Fruity Candy or gelato. Needless to say this is my favorite bath product at the moment and if I ever come across it again I'm buying 2 backups. Yummm..

So what are some of your August favorites?

Konad: Sea Blue Siren

Here's an aqua blue KOTD I tried out. This was my first time trying out the M21 nail plate. The paint splat nail design is the whole reason I ordered this plate, but sadly I'm on the fence about it the end results.

What do you think?

Using: Konad M21 Plate, Wet N Wild White Creme Nail Polish, LA Colors in Sea Siren (one coat)

Mini review: I found this LA Colors Color Craze nail polish for only $1.50 (though you could probably get it cheaper) and was excited to run out to buy more. After using it more then once I realised that the consistency is way too thick. I like that it gives full coverage in just one coat and is so cheap, but dislike how difficult it is to remove/clean-up ---> mildly left my nails stained blue even though I only had it on for less then an hour.
That beign said, these polishes make horrible all over nail colors, but are perfect for Konad Nail Stamping.

Favorite Make Up Primer: Proactive Daily Oil Control

For many of you summer is just ending. Now I can't really complain about living where the weather is warm and sunny year round, but you can imagine what a gross oil slick my face must resemble by the end of the day, and that's not counting my make-up also melting off.

If you've read my blog posts about acne you may know I used Proactive (5-6 years back) which greatly helped clear up my skin. (I have to add that during the past years alot of people have commented that their products are too strong or didn't help. Maybe they've changed the formula, or it could just be that everyone has different skin types- but that's a whole other topic.)

Back when I bought my kit it came with the Proactive Daily Oil Control Gel. I used it on and off and found it to help. But over the years, as I became more beauty-obsessed I tried it under my make-up one day and voila! It seemed like I'd found my holy grail face primer sitting in my bathroom. A quick google search and the results and reviews I read seemed to confirm my speculation.

Price: $26 (On Amazon.com)

Pro's:

-Personally I like the fragrance. It's light and fresh.

-A little goes a long way. I only use a dime size drop for my entire face- and I still haven't managed to finish my first tube, I think this will probably last me over a year. You never want to apply too much of ANY primer, as it can have the opposite desired effect.

-I feel like it provides somewhat of a protective barrier between my make-up and skin, specially when I apply an oil-free moisturizer over it. (Yep I also use Proactive Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF 15 and LOVE it. If you have oily, acne prone skin definitely check it out.)

Con's:
-Not exactly cheap- yet still cheaper then Smashbox Photofinish and other facial primers.
-Alot of people complain this dries their skin during the winter months.
-Doesn't work that great on it's own. I find it to work best under make-up, thus a primer. Using pressed powder or other oil absorbing make-up probably are what makes this product more affective.

Rating: 9/10

Would I repurchase: Well, I have an extra tube seeing as it lasts so long. So... I probably won't repurchase, and the inner beauty junkie in me wants to go out and find other great face primers. I'm dying to try the L'oreal Studio Secrets Face Primer which everyone seems to be raving about.

(Disclaimer: All products purchased with my own money.)