Reviews by AlabasterBeauty

AlabasterBeauty says "I wanted to like this more than I did!" about Neutrogena Rainbath

AlabasterBeauty — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:17:42 GMT

This product in a nutshell: just doesn't knock my socks off. My bathing ritual is a very important part of my day and I want a body wash to do 2 things: 1) Smell awesome on ME, not just in the bottle and 2) pamper my skin while making me feel super clean and refreshed. Neutrogena Ranbath Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel is just an average body wash to me!

I have to hand it to Neutrogena...On a cold whiff, Rainbath smells ridiculously amazing! The scent is exotic, spicy and intoxicating...the type of smell that made me want to run and take a shower ASAP. I squeezed 3 pumps into my wet body pouf and lathered up. This bath gel works up into a good lather and made me so happy as the smell exploded into the steamy air, but falls short when I use it as a bubble bath. It barely bubbles when I pour it into the running water! Though this product rinses clean without a hint of residue, I barely smell it on me. With such a strong aromatic presence in the bottle, I thought for sure the...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "Matte finish that doesn't make me look like a china doll!" about Ulta Oil Control Foundation

AlabasterBeauty — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:28:20 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is an excellent long-wearing foundation that provides medium coverage and a clean, healthy finish to my skin! This is a stand-out product from Ulta's own cosmetics line.

I wear make-up everyday. Sometimes I do a full-face look, but I never leave the house without something covering my skin. And my skin has its issues, believe me! I have combination skin that's prone to redness from acne and/or rosacea, along with a T-zone that's so oily you can dip french bread into it!

An Ulta store opened up around the corner from me just this year, and I am simply smitten with this cosmetics/haircare retailer! It is like a poor man's (or woman's?) Sephora, and Ulta's brand of cosmetics is very affordable and chock-full of stand-out products! Ulta Oil Control Foundation in Light 01 is NO EXCEPTION! This super-concentrated foundation works almost like a serum in that it has a thicker consistency than most liquid foundations, while making my skin appear smoother,...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "This product changed my life!" about Certain Dri Antiperspirant Roll On for Excessive Perspiration

AlabasterBeauty — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:19:09 GMT

This product in a nutshell: has changed my life for the better. From puberty to my early 20's, I suffered tremendously with the embarassing problem of excessive sweating. My issue with perspiration got to be so bad, that I'd sweat through heavy sweaters even with a blouse or tee underneath! My doctor couldn't help me, claiming that this was just a hormonal phase that would eventually dissipate. Well, it didn't...until I stumbled upon this product in the store! Certain Dri Antiperspirant Roll On for Excessive Perspiration helped me right from the start and when used in tandem with a regular anti-perspirant, I no longer have to layer clothes or shower more than once daily.

Certain Dri Antiperspirant Roll On for Excessive Perspiration comes in a box with a package insert of important instructions. For example, this roll-on should be applied at night immediately after bathing, but NOT if you just shaved your underarms. I made this mistake once and my skin began to burn. In...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "Not for those who feed their blouses more than their faces!" about Xtra Laundry Detergent

AlabasterBeauty — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:56:06 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is an average clothing detergent that lacks any sort of extraordinary talents. Yes, it gets my clothes clean and has a fresh scent, but that is only for lightly-soiled loads of laundry. I have used this product as a pre-treater and also as a soak for badly-stained articles of clothing, and it only made the stain less visible; it did not completely remove it.

Laundry comprises a very large portion of my weekly chores, as I do 1-2 loads every day or every other day. Since I use a lot of it, the cost of laundry detergent plays a HUGE factor of what I choose when shopping for cleaning products. The low price of XTRA Laundry Detergent is definitely its most redeeming quality. Armed with a coupon, I can often purchase a 2.14 Quart bottle of XTRA Laundry Detergent for around 2 bucks. That's really cheap, considering that most of the major brands are $5-10!

XTRA Laundry Detergent comes in a few scents, but honestly, I cannot tell the difference between...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "Not a miracle cure, but good moisturizer nonetheless." about Eucerin Redness Relief Daily Perfecting Lotion SPF 15 1.7 oz

AlabasterBeauty — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:50:42 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is a very good daily moisturizer that is designated for those of us with sensitive and/or reddened complexions. While Eucerin Redness Relief Daily Perfecting Lotion makes my skin feel hydrated and does not cause oiliness, it just did not do much in terms of making my visibly red skin any less blotchy.

I am a massive fan of the entire Eucerin skin care family, of which I have provided a review of most of my faves here on Viewpoints. Eucerin brand products are a beacon of hope for my red, ruddy, rosacea-prone, combination skin. I decided to try Eucerin Redness Relief Daily Perfecting Lotion based on my pre-existing adoration for the Eucerin brand combined with positive reviews I had heard from others who have tried it.

After washing and using toner on my face, I squirted 2 pumps of cream into my palm. The lotion is a light green color, which is the characteristic that is supposed to reduce facial redness. I have tried a couple different methods of application. ...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "Wicked-crazy lather for silky, soft skin!" about Softsoap Pure Cashmere Moisturizing Body Wash

AlabasterBeauty — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:28:16 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is an excellent moisturizing body wash that leaves my skin soft and smelling pretty. The lather on this stuff is INTENSE and when I use it on my skin, I feel pampered and clean.

Softsoap Pure Cashmere Moisturizing Body Wash contains cashmere extract. Cashmere extract is derived from a class of proteins contained in animal hair, often referred to as hydrolyzed keratin. Whether or not this ingredient makes a difference in this product is not evident to me, but nevertheless, this is a darn good body wash that makes my skin feel nice to the touch.

In the summertime, I rarely use body lotion or creams. I just hate the way freshly moisturized skin feels when it's hot and muggy outside. I feel like I'm sticking to myself, my clothes, the bed sheets, etc. So, I generally use a moisturizing body wash with a creamy base, and then follow-up with an after-bath body splash or perfume. Softsoap Pure Cashmere Moisturizing Body Wash REALLY lathers well when...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "Strong hold for movable styles." about Garnier Fructis Full Control Hairspray

AlabasterBeauty — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:03:10 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is another dynamite hairstyling product from Garnier Fructis and is definitely on my list for Top 3 Hairsprays! The helmet-head is a look I gave up in the early 1990's, so I don't need anything that gives me sky-high bangs and crunchy ends. Garnier Fructis Full Control Hairspray gives me soft, flexible hold with added shine that lasts all day.

I purchased this product because I had a $1 off coupon and wanted to try something other than my old standby from Suave. In addition, styling products made by Garnier Fructis have yet to disappoint and they can be found in any drugstore or mass retailer.

I am in the process of growing my hair out. My layered hair is stick-straight, so a stiff hairspray that is made for updos and hard-to-hold styles is NOT what the doctor ordered. What I need in a hairspray is soft, movable hold that is going to give me a bit of lift and volume when sprayed at the root. I feel as though Garnier Fructis Full Control Hairspray...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "Gently cleanses for healthy shine." about Pantene Classic Care

AlabasterBeauty — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:19:29 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is a very standard shampoo that gives me strong, healthy hair. My tresses take a beating from all the heat-styling and products I use on it and I'm comforted to know there's a shampoo and conditioner to be relied upon that's cheap and can be found anywhere!

As I had mentioned in my review for Pantene Pro-V Classic Care Conditioner, I love trying out new haircare products. I am obsessed with my hair and trying to grow it out, so any product that is going to clean it without stripping color or essential oils is fabulous in MY mind!

Pantene Pro-V Classic Care Shampoo comes in a 12.6 OZ flip-top bottle and is also available in bigger, family-size bottles. It would probably take me 2 years to finish those huge containers since I like to swap out shampoos every 2-3 weeks, so I purchased the smaller bottles with a $1 off coupon from my local Super K-Mart. The texture of this shampoo is fairly dense, with a cream consistency. I have always loves the fragrance...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "Cream of the drugstore crop."" about Pantene Classic Care

AlabasterBeauty — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:49:20 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is a very good drugstore conditioner that gently conditions my hair and gives it a healthy sheen. Though I love to try out all kinds of haircare products, Pantene Pro-V Classic Care Conditioner gives me what I'm looking for and I always have a supply of it in my goodie cupboard of products!

Since I love sampling so many different types of haircare products, I tend to develop build-up from the not-so-stellar items. From gels and serums to stiff mousses that make my roots crunchy, I need a shampoo and conditioner that effectively cleans and conditions my hair, while gently removing build-up from it. This build-up can also make my hair unmanageable, so a cream conditioner that gets out all the tangles is absolutely vital.

After shampooing my hair with Pantene Pro-V Classic Care Shampoo, I squeezed out the excess water from my hair. Pantene Pro-V Classic Care Conditioner comes in an upside down flip-top bottle that allows for easy dispensing of product. ...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "Eco-friendly product that doesn't work and isn't eco-friendly!" about Palmolive eco+ Gel Dishwasher Detergent - Lemon Splash

AlabasterBeauty — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:14:22 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is a dishwashing detergent that tries to paint itself in a more eco-friendly light. The reality is that Palmolive eco+ Gel Dishwasher Detergent does not clean my dishes to a sparkling shine and is not an environmentally helpful product.

I am a total novice when it comes to "going green." Rarely do I buy organic and I only recently started recycling my paper and plastic garbage. The main reason I was drawn to Palmolive eco+ Gel Dishwasher Detergent was economics, as it was significantly cheaper than all the other dishwasher soaps on the shelf at Super K-Mart.

While pouring this product into the soap dispenser of my dishwasher, the first thing that struck me was the smell, which is very strong and lemony. After running through the wash cycle and the dry cycle, I opened up my machine and the steamy, fresh scent of lemons met my nose. But the pleasantries end here, I'm afraid! The appearance of my silverware struck me first. I picked up a few...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "Smooth Operator - not just a Sade song!" about Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk

AlabasterBeauty — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:07:01 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is pretty much worth its weight in gold to me! I have an "in-between" hairstyle that I am trying to grow out and using this product prior to using heat appliances really makes my hair shiny and super-straight!

I decided to try this product on a whim based on a recommendation from a friend, but I was a bit trepidacious initially. When Garnier Fructis first became available stateside, I tried a shampoo and conditioner and did NOT care for them at all. However, I was willing to give this line another shot, and after all, not EVERY product from EVERY brand is going to be a slam-dunk, right? Off to the shower...

After combing out my wet hair with a wide-toothed comb, I squirted approximately a dime-size amount in my palm for my shoulder-length hair. You may need to use more or less depending on your hair's length or thickness. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk comes in a green 5.1 Oz. bottle with an easy-to-open push-up cap,...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "Pretty, pearly peepers!" about Bourjois Effet Lumiere Eye Shadow Trio in Les Roses

AlabasterBeauty — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:52:21 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is a beautifully sheer trio of eye shadows that totally rock my world and I can't wait to try other items by Bourjois! Bourjois Effet Lumiere Eye Shadow Trio in Les Roses gives my eyes a very soft, flirty look that's perfect for spring and summer.

I first came in contact with this brand while perusing the aisles at Sephora. Looking for a small treat for myself that wouldn't break the bank, I picked up a plastic compact of eye shadows retailing for around $18.00. All of the colors were so pretty and the trios looked as though they would all work well together, but I knew I could only purchase one compact, so I settled on the Les Roses collection. Bourjois Effet Lumiere Eye Shadow Trio in Les Roses is a collection of 3 shades: a pearly pink, a slightly darker baby pink, and the third color is a rose shade.

Because these colors are so light and so sheer, it's utterly impossible to goof these up on your lids. I have a couple different methods of application...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "MK, don't ever discontinue the Mocha Freeze shade or I'll DIE!" about Mary Kay Lipstick

AlabasterBeauty — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:28:58 GMT

This product in a nutshell is: every lip-product junkie's dream! Mary Kay brand lipsticks come in vast array of flattering colors and have a luscious, silky texture that really make the colors last all day without feathering or fading.

I have been a Mary Kay client on and off for about 10 years. Some of the products are stellar, perform well, and last all day, whereas others completely stink and made my face look a little worse for wear. Lipsticks from this line are one of the few things that I gravitate towards when I place an order with a consultant. They are amazing! I have yet ti be dissatisfied with any of the colors or performance of these lipsticks.

I like my lips to have more of a matte finish for daytime, so I apply a lip balm prior to putting on lipstick. (My favorites are Softlips Lip Protectant, of which I have reviewed on this site, and Bonne Bell Lip Smackers.) Usually, I apply lipstick straight from the tube, but for a more matte look that really stays in...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "Like a bad ex-boyfriend - unreliable and poor performance. " about Schick Quattro for Women

AlabasterBeauty — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:55:45 GMT

This product in a nutshell: thoroughly bewilders me! Never in all the years I've been shaving, have I encountered a razor that is so inconsistent! Sometimes I get a fabulous, bump-free, close shave, where as other times, I get stubble and dry skin!

Ever since it came out, I was an ardent fan of the Gillette Venus razor. Though I was pleased with the performance of the Venus, I wanted to try other razors on the market to make certain Venus was the right shaver for my needs. The Schick Quattro for Women was the first product I selected to compare and contrast to the Venus razor.

The Schick Quattro for Women is a rubbery pink number with four blades and a strip of aloe for extra hydration. The razor comes with 2 blade cartridges and a shower hanger, which is a useless contraption and should be thrown out upon opening. My initial thoughts when using this razor is it lacks an economic design. I prefer to hold a razor close to the head to maneuver into tight spots, but Quattro's...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "In my list of Top 3 face powders!" about Cover Girl Clean Fragrance Free Pressed Powder

AlabasterBeauty — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 03:13:44 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is an excellent beauty product that I have been faithful to for years. My makeup bag will never be without it as long as CG keeps it in their line-up.

I started using Cover Girl Clean Fragrance Free Pressed Powder about 15 years ago. Troubled by rosacea and the usual tales of pubescent skin, I just wanted a powder that would tone down the oily sheen on my T-zone. I have sampled very expensive brands of powder from Sephora and other high-end department stores and have found most to be too chalky or too dark for my very fair complexion. This product has been my go-to powder for years and I have a feeling I'll keep coming back to it even if I find other products I like because it's so inexpensive and easy to find.

After applying all of my makeup, I apply Cover Girl Clean Fragrance Free Pressed Powder with the applicator puff that comes inside the packaging. Generally, I dab the puff into the powder two times and apply it to the top half of my face and...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "Could use a few improvements..." about Weslo Cadence CT 5.8 Treadmill

AlabasterBeauty — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:41:48 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is a very standard, no-frills treadmill that is on the lower end of gym equipment. I have yet to have any mechanical problems with the Weslo Cadence CT 5.8 Treadmill, however, it lacks a few features that affect my overall opinion.

Like most people, I tend to put on some pounds during the holiday season caused all the eating and drinking I do. (Hey, it's rude to turn down an invite to a Christmas party! Hee hee!) This year, I made a commitment to myself to not only eat better, but start exercising consistently. I found the Weslo Cadence CT 5.8 Treadmill at my local K-Mart. It had been discounted to around $300.00 from an original price of $390.00. After standing on the display model in the store, I turned it on and walked, The unit seemed to work well and I really liked the plain, easy-to-understand display panel. After a few minutes of talking it over, my husband and I decided to make the big purchase.

Assembly/Storage:

Assembling this...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "A drugstore shadow that...performs like a drugstore shadow." about Cover Girl Eye Shadow

AlabasterBeauty — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:48:49 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is a lackluster eye shadow that flakes off the lid and creases after a few hours of wear.

For a drugstore cosmetics line, CoverGirl has been a favorite staple in my makeup bag for years. Their name is synonymous with quality and a girl-next-door appearance. I think they make some of the best foundations and powders available today, so I figured I would also be satisfied with CoverGirl's eye shadows. Armed with a BOGO coupon, I bought two trios on a trip to my local Rite-Aid: Sea Glass, which is a sparkly array of greens, and Evening Skies, a pearlescent trio of silvery-blues.

I generally prefer buying shadows in a three-pack because it takes the guesswork out of picking colors that are supposed to "go" together. Both of these trios performed about the same. I applied the middle shade to the entire lid and was already disappointed because I had to really layer the shadow on to reach the desired color saturation, especially with the Sea Glass trio. ...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "Low-maintenance look that's perfect for summer days." about Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers

AlabasterBeauty — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:56:05 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is an excellent tinted moisturizer that gives my skin a fresh, healthy glow. In the summertime, I wear a lot less eye makeup and just want my skin to look naturally radiant. This product gives me that look!

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers isn't quite foundation, but it's not quite like a tinted moisturizer either. It is a flesh-toned moisturizer that provides less coverage than a foundation, but has SPF 30 in it. The consistency is a tad thicker than most liquid foundations, but still very fluid and blendable.

I use this product on a clean, dry face. After I squirt a small amount into my palm, I place a dab of product onto my forehead, nose, both cheeks, and another just below my chin. With both hands, I swirl the product into my skin using a downward motion until it is perfectly blended. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers does have a hint of shimmer to it. Granted, it is not glittery by any means, but if you desire a more opaque finish...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "I look like I got my makeup professionally done!" about Almay Intense i Color Powder Shadow

AlabasterBeauty — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:10:42 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is a fabulous trio of shadows that really make my eyes POP! The three shades are specifically designed to bring out the color of your eyes...this product does that and more.

I purchased Almay Intense I-Color Powder Shadow in the trio for hazels right before I was to be a bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding. I wanted to get some new makeup, so I would look nice for the big day, and I was very pleased with the results! My makeup looked like it had been professionally applied at the salon where I got my hair done. The 3 shades of eye shadow in the compact look so well together and are easily blendable. They can also be layered for a more dramatic effect.

The Hazel Trio contains a pink, brown, and cream-colored shadow, as well as a small sponge applicator, which isn't the greatest. I suggest you throw it away and use a makeup brush instead. With a makeup brush, I sweep the pink shadow over the entire lid, following with a 1-2 sweeps of cream under...

...

AlabasterBeauty says "The 3 S's: Smoothing, Soothing...and Stinky?" about Olay Regenerist Touch of Sun UV Defense Regenerating Lotion

AlabasterBeauty — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:21:42 GMT

This product in a nutshell: is a very good daily moisturizer for the face that has one major drawback - it stinks!

I found this product in my local K-Mart while looking for a preventative daily lotion that has an SPF. The Regenerist Line from Olay has so many positive reviews on this site as well as others, which prompted me to pick up Olay Regenerist Touch of Sun UV Defense Regenerating Lotion. What differentiates this face lotion from others is that it contains a small amount of self-tanner as well as SPF 15. Olay's website claims, "It gradually enhances skin's natural color and tone with a touch of sunless tanner for a sun-kissed glow every day. After a few days, your skin will look soft, regenerated and naturally glow with subtle color enhancement."

I apply this product to my freshly-washed, dry face. The consistency is very light and 3 pumps is generally what I need to fully cover my face with product. My face instantly feels smooth and moisturized and when I wake up...

...