Reviews by Friends of AlabasterBeauty

PattyTherre says "A cheap product that really does condition and thicken lashes!" about Claudia Stevens Eyelash Thickener

PattyTherre — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:29:02 GMT

Quick View: I don't buy into the hype of all of those expensive eyelash lengtheners and thickeners and I really don't like that they can be dangerous if they get into the eyes. While I do want longer, thicker lashes, I wouldn't compromise my eyes for them. I picked up some Claudia Stevens Eyelash Thickener for under $5.00 at Sally Beauty Supply only looking for a lash conditioner. This turned out to be actually quite a good product!

My Take on Claudia Stevens Eyelash Thickener

This product comes in a mascara-like tube with a brush like a mascara brush. It's clear and has no odor that I can detect. You are supposed to use it twice a day in clean lashes but it can also only be used once at night if you choose.

When I apply Claudia Stevens Eyelash Thickener to my lashes, they become a bit shiny and slightly damp but for just a short time. They then simply look and feel the same as always. I can't tell that I have it on. I could immediately feel a difference as far as conditioning goes. I wear...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Still feel (like I wanna wear) Beautiful after all these years." about Estee Lauder Beautiful

AngelaWLaFon — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:22:14 GMT

Beautiful perfume by Estee Lauder

Many moon cycles ago I fell in love with Estee Lauder's Beautiful perfume. I asked for it as a Christmas gift and got it and ended up happily receiving Beautiful perfume as a Christmas gift for several years. As time went by I have tried many scents. I've tried Clinique's "Happy" but it just doesn't make me happy. I love dream angel's Heavenly Bloom (Victoria Secrets) but it is more of a frangrance mist for everyday that isn't long lasting. For an all evening long scent that smells like me, just better, I keep coming back to Beautiful. It's not an everyday perfume for me but it is my special event go to scent.

Beautiful has floral undertones but to me it smells more like "white" flowers that are crisp and clean and strong and not "pink" sweet flowers. One spray is all you need of the long lasting scent of Beautiful.

The Beautiful Collection by Estee Lauder:

Eau de Parfum Spray 1 oz. (usually around $48.00)

Eau de Parfum Spray 2.5 oz. (usually...

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Susie-34668 says "The Dirt Devil dynamite Plus Vacuum is small but works big" about Dirt Devil Dynamite Plus Vacuum

Susie-34668 — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:07:40 GMT

We have a large Dirt Devil vacuum which we have been really happy with. The trouble is that we have a 2-story townhouse, and keep lifting that big heavy monster up and down the stairs, was getting too much effort.

We purchased a small vacuum a couple of weeks ago, from Big Lots, and a piece actually broke off. We therefore took it back, and purchased the Dirt Devil Dynamite Plus in Super Wal-Mart for $39.99.

What I love is that it is lightweight. We have no problem taking it up the stairs. This one will actually stay up there, so that we keep one on each level.

It is smaller than the regular vacuums but still has everything you could wish for. It is bagless and has a Hepa filter. It has a telescopic handle, which is a neat idea. When vacuuming, the handle can be lowered so that you can get under chairs, etc.

This little beauty will work on carpet and hard floors. You can see that it is working, as the dust and dirt shows through, the clear plastic container.

It is easy...

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Susie-34668 says "Toshiba Satellite L455-S5975 is as good as the average laptop" about Toshiba Satellite L455-S5975

Susie-34668 — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:35:25 GMT

I have a love/hate relationship with computers. My last laptop was a Toshiba Satellite, and I have had that one for five and a half years.

As it crashed on me, we went out and bought another Toshiba. This time the Satellite L455-S5975.

I didn't buy it because it has Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit. The reason I did was because I know Toshiba laptops to be reliable. This one has the Intel Celeron 900, 2 GB DDR2 RAM, 250GB HDD, a large 15.6 inch widescreen display, and looks nice, with the matte silver finish to it.

The keyboard is exactly the same as any other. Because of Windows 7, it doesn't have Outlook Express as the mail server. Instead it has MSN, which I don't like.

We still haven't figured out setting up the printer with it. We did buy one the day they brought out Windows 7, and ended up taking it back. Now, with my other one crashing I had no choice but to buy new.

I do love the bright screen, the color is great. It also turns itself off, which is great, because...

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genza says " not bad" about Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Facial Firming Serum 1 oz

genza — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:29:28 GMT

I use Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Facial Firming Serum in conjunction with the following philosophy products: one step facial cleanser, when hope is not enough moisturizer and the eye cream. I gotta tell you, I feel it's the least favorite one of the bunch for me. It's kind of really sticky and tacky.

I hate applying it to my face, but I think it helps because my face has been looking in the most fantastic way! My boyfriend noticed the difference as well. Maybe it's because I use the products in conjunction with each other, but maybe it's this thing. I hate the feel, but I think it works, clearly as evidenced by the results. My face glows more and I have lost the dark circles, as well as the splotchiness that I tend to have. I usually have redness around my nose and chin, but that is very improved thanks to Philosophy. I would say get it anyway because serums tend to be kind of gross in order to work because they contain all these ingredients to make your skin feel...

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genza says "Oh my god, it's almost perfect!" about Philosophy Hope In A Jar Moisturizer All Skin Types

genza — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:07:40 GMT

This product is a lifesaver! I love the Philosophy Hope in a Jar moisturizer.

1. I was in Mexico for a week and I burned my face pretty badly and thankfully bought a smaller size of this product to try out. I am so glad I did! I burned the skin around my hairline and it's the only thing that kept me from overpeeling. I still peeled a little, but not as much and the tightness of the burn was not as bad as it was supposed to be. It's all thanks for Philosophy moisturizer.

2. I love the sensations of this cream -- the gentle herbal smell, the gentle moisturized feeling, and the lasting softness and suppleness this product gives me. I love it! I cannot get enough of it. I love how my skin feels after it. It is soft and supple - no grease at all! I am serious! No tacky feeling either, nothing that makes me break out. It's thick, but not thick. It's strange really, but it's just perfect. I am not sure how it is with the fine lines -- I feel it works pretty good. It...

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TunefulGal says "Get a grip on Ikea's great Pokal glasses. Unbelieveable prices!" about Ikea Pokal Drinking Glasses

TunefulGal — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:52:05 GMT

WHY I'M OBSESSED WITH DURABLE GLASSWARE

My hands have always been "sacred". The daughter of musicians, I grew up playing the piano, frequently warned to "be careful of your hands". As a softball outfielder, I always prayed no one could hit the ball into right field. In basketball, I approached everything knuckles first. (No wonder the captains always chose me last for their teams!)

Now, my hand obsession pretty much confines itself to anything that breaks in the dishpan. Delicate wineglasses and champagne flutes seem perilous. And, breakage aside, I've experienced my last boredom with plastic glasses. So... my latest discovery... ummm... plays right into my hands!

SKIP TO HERE IF YOU JUST WANT THE BARE FACTS

The Ikea's Pokal Drinking Glasses work for hot drinks as well as cold, seem ultra durable (though not with the stated assurances of www.viewpoints.com/Duralex-Classic-French-quot-Picardie-quot-Glasses-review-2fa6), and feel good in the hand.

Ikea's Pokal Drinking Glasses...

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genza says "YAY awesome product" about Philosophy Purity Made Simple One Step Facial Cleanser 236 .6ml/8 oz

genza — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:42:10 GMT

I love all Philosophy products. I recommend them in conjunction with each other. I use the dry sensitive skin cream in conjunction with this One Step Facial Cleanser. It was amazing. I love the philosphy cleanser one step.

It is the only cleanser that makes me feel great. It does not make my skin feel tight after I wash my face with it. It also does not dry me out or make my skin itch after using it. It is gentle yet strong enough to wash off the make up (but not the water proof mascara or any mascara you layered a couple of times). It almost feels like you got a facial at a nice salon. Your skin will feel soft and supple, no tacky feel afterwards. It is absolutely perfect for any type of skin - sensitive, dry, or oily. It is balancing first and foremost. I have sensitive skin myself and use it in the night time. You can definitely use it in the morning and night if you would like. It is gentle enough for that.

Use it every day, it's great for that.

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genza says "LOVE IT" about Fresh Supernova Mascara Black

genza — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:41:56 GMT

Fresh Supernova is a fantastic mascara. I got it in conjunction with the fresh firebird mascara. It makes my eyelashes absolutely long and luscious. I loved it! I usually prefer a gentler look during the daytime and a more dramatic va va voom look during the nighttime. I am going to list the reasons why this mascara is great.

1. The thickness. I usually get either thickness or length. With this, I get both! YAY!

2. It is not prone to cause tarantula eyes. I never got the thick scraggly bits on my eye lashes. This mascara is perfect for the daytime look. The firebird is more for the night time look. Of course, I am sure if you curl your eyelashes and layer a bit of vaseline for softness underneath, the look can be more dramatic. But this is more subtle.

3. All in all a great mascara. It can be used in common with firebird or alone. It does not matter. You are going to love it.

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TunefulGal says "Good gift! Slender price! Comfy, Dreams & Co. sleepshirts." about Dreams & Co./Woman Within Tag-free Knit Plus Size Sleepshirt

TunefulGal — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:35:18 GMT

My 100% cotton, satin-trimmed Sleepshirts by Dreams & Co. impress with me their comfort, washability (even in hot water) and current steal-of-a-price, $9.99 each for the short-sleeved version. (If you buy two shirts, take another $2.00 off of each item.)

Tag-free, this knit is a plus size. In my case, the medium/large generously covers my regular, sized-16 bod. As with so many WomanWithin.com garments, the sizes go up, in this case quite far up, to 7X/8X. So... if there's a large woman in your household or on your list, this might be a find of a gift for this holiday season.

I ordered my Dreams & Co. Sleepshirt in French Lilac and the Heather Grey you see in the photo of the model. For my next order, I'm thinking of Pink and of the Classic Red/White Snowflakes. I may get them in tha long-sleeved style with the 46-inch hem with slits. That ups the price to $16.99 ($24.99 for 2X and up).

You can also order this Sleepshirt in a in a full-length, Henley style with buttons...

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genza says "it's alright, not great" about Urban Decay Primer Potion

genza — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:57:35 GMT

I am not too impressed with it.

1. It goes on too thickly. Just enough does not work, too much does not either. It goes on like a deodorant - kind of white-ish and shimmery. It is sort of an eyeshadow in itself. Maybe you can use it as a brightener around the corner of your eyes.

2. Once it goes on, it does not do what it is supposed to. I was thinking it would sort of act as a "glue" to the eyeshadow I have. It's a pity because I have very pretty eyeshadow colors that are not the creamy kind. If I am doing halloween-style makeup (read: thick eyeshadow application, shiny and glittery), then it stays with the help of this product. But I do not think it is good for the daytime application. It does not handle the light eyeshadow very well, it makes it crease a little.

Do yourself a favor and either find another primer or get creamy eyeshadow -- the kind that already has adhesive agents and does need extra cream to adhere to your eye lids.

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Jo says "Cerama Bryte gets my Cooktop Clean" about Cerama Bryte Glass-Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner

Jo — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:54:42 GMT

To the Point

When we got our Amana 30 inch electric range with a ceramic top we were told we would have to clean it carefully.

I bought Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner. A 28-ounce bottle at Home Depot. It wasn't inexpensive coming in at about $7.00. Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner can be used on all ceramic cooktops.

Amazingly Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner is not tested on animals. It is biodegradable, has no phosphates, and the container can be recycled.

A Closer View

Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner can be used, according to the bottle, on Amana, GE, Whirlpool, Maytag, Hotpoint, Frigidaire, and Kenmore ranges. Although I only use it on my stove now that I'm reviewing this cleaner I see I can use it to clean my stainless steel sink, glass cookware, pots and pans and items I don't have like a glass shower door.:

A little of this white, not horrible smelling liquid goes a long way. I just shake the bottle, and with a paper towel and a cool cooktop I rub Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner on. I then dry...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Clorox Greenworks: My fav detergents need not be green with envy" about Clorox Greenworks Free & Clear Natural Dishwashing Liquid

AngelaWLaFon — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:31:31 GMT

Clorox Greenworks Free & Clear Dishwashing Detergent

When I think of Clorox I usually think of Clorox bleach, the bleach product that I use as a last resort for cleaning and laundry as bleach is by no means a green product. Clorox does make other products though and Clorox has jumped on the eco-friendly bandwagon by making a line of greener cleaning products called "Greenworks."

The Clorox Greenworks Free & Clear dishwashing detergent is made from essential oils and coconut-based cleaners without unnecessary added ingredients. I am very interested in green cleaning products but I am also interested in effectiveness, not creating extra work for myself and of course price.

I received several coupons for Clorox Greenworks Free & Clear Dishwashing detergent that made the price just right so I bought several bottles. It smells clean but there really is no scent.

My Viewpoint: Clorox Greenworks gets fairly sudsy and is effective at cleaning dishes. It rinses just fine and doesn't leave...

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AngelaWLaFon says "JVC Flats headphones: functioanl & comfortable headphones" about JVC - Flats Stereo Headphones

AngelaWLaFon — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:57:44 GMT

JVC Flats Stereo Headphones

I have yet to get comfortable with "ear-buds" or to introduce the idea to my children. Headphones however are a must around our house. We use headphones for many applications at our house:

-playing educational computer games

-listening to books on CD or tape

-using a mini-recorder for violin lessons

-using Story Reader

- an iPod

-watching movies on the computer

(-watching movies in Grandma's car on the DVD player since Mommy refuses to have one in her car)

Headphones mean that everyone can be busy in the same room together without interrupting each other. Little brother can listen to the same book on tape like Arthur Babysits over and over without driving big sister crazy and big sister can listen to Foggy Mountain Breakdown over and over without driving all of us crazy.

With our lists of techno applications growing and our youngest child joining in on many techno adventures, we needed to add more headphones to the collection. We chose the JVC Flats Stereo...

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Jo says "I bought cute place card holders at Beau-coup.com" about Beau-coup

Jo — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:32:34 GMT

My husband and I were recently married in our religion. Although it was fall we had a beach theme. I wanted Adirondack chairs for the place cards. Some are very expensive because they have tea lights or a place for a picture or the table numbers.

I found small chairs measuring 2 1/4 inch long by 1 1/2 inch wide by 2 inches high at beau-coup.com.

The chairs are not wood so if that is what you are looking for skip these. They are made out of heavy duty plastic. They were packaged so well I was amazed because they are quite durable. I took them over to the venue without any padding. There is no way these little chairs were going to break.

Some people didn't take their chairs. Maybe they didn't know what to do with them but I think they make a cute knick nack and the seat, although small, can fit something little on it. You can also put your next doctor's appointment card in the slot. (Keep reading)

There is a slot on the top of the chair in which I put the place cards, which came with my order....

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vivasuzi says "Another one that you have to see at the IMAX in 3D!" about A Christmas Carol starring Jim CArrey

vivasuzi — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:40:11 GMT

My mom and I have had A Christmas Carol reserved on our calendars since months ago when we heard it would be showing at the IMAX in 3D. As with most IMAX movies, this was totally worth the $11.75 ticket price and the 1 hour wait in line! Buy your tickets early because many showings are selling out at the IMAX by us and it will only get worse as it gets closer to Christmas.

A Christmas Carol takes the classic story that we all know and love, and transforms it into something you've never seen before. Even if you know the story inside and out as I do, this movie will still shock and amaze you because it doesn't happen exactly as you expect. This is the story of Scrooge as you've never seen it before - and it's in 3D!

Jim Carrey stars as Scrooge and also voices the 3 ghosts. As you may expect from Jim, there is some humor thrown in to each of these characters. The audience giggled at many parts throughout. The animation was so well done that some of the characters, including...

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this2shallpass19 says "This soy-based candle smells amazing and burns a long time!" about For Every Body Holiday Memories Sugar Cookie 22-oz jar candle

this2shallpass19 — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:43:11 GMT

While shopping at my second favorite store, Ross, I came across a deal that seemed too good to be true - For Every Body Holiday Memories Sugar Cookie Candle, which is a 22 ounce, soy-based jarred candle for only $4.99. Anyone who buys candles knows one, how expensive soy-based candles are and two, that 22 ounce candles of any variety usually cost a lot more than five dollars. Soy-based candles last longer and burn cleaner, so it was a real bargain.

I didn't expect much from this candle simply because it was so inexpensive. Lucky for me, this candle is absolutely perfect AND only $4.99! I have been burning this candle for a while now and can barely see an indentation of burned wax. I can tell this candle is going to last for a very long time. Besides how long-lasting this candle is, the best thing about it is the delicious Sugar Cookie scent. The scent is nice and strong and permeates the air nicely. It smells like a wonderful combination of butter, sugar, crust and vanilla. ...

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PattyTherre says " I found a new favorite BBW scent. White Citrus is delicious!" about Bath and Body Works White Citrus Fragrance Mist

PattyTherre — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:48:26 GMT

Quick View: Bath & Body Works had a buy 3 get 3 free sale on many of its signature scents and I indulged...a great deal. I bought several scents I never tried before, buying the mists, creams, shower gels and some body butters. By far, my favorite scent that I have tried is White Citrus. It's light, fresh, and exactly what I look for in a scent. Amazing!

My Take on Bath and Body Works White Citrus Fragrance Mist

This fragrance mist comes in a clear eight ounce plastic spray bottle. It has just the words "White Citrus" on it. Simplicity at its finest. The mist is intended to be sprayed all over and is very light. They have an Eau de Toilette which I ordered that is heavier.

White Citrus is described as:

* Fragrance Top Notes: Lemon Zest, Sparkling Grapefruit NP, Juicy Tangerine
* Fragrance Mid Notes: Mandarin NP, Ginger Flower, Waterlily, Apricot Nectar, Lily of the Valley, Freesia
* Fragrance Base Notes: Clean Woods, Sheer Musk (Captive)

The top notes are my favorite scents so I'm not...

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Meri says "Whoa! Foam overload-" about Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste

Meri — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:47:01 GMT

I have used Aquafresh Extreme Clean toothpaste for a couple of years now. I like the way it makes my teeth feel after brushing. When I saw commercials for the Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste I thought it was a no-brainer. The foaming concept made sense; that being that the foam would whoosh up into small crevices, nooks and crannies, cleaning where no toothpaste had gone before.

The toothpaste comes in a can that dispenses the toothpaste through a pumping system. When pumped, it looks like normal gel toothpaste. Start to brush and the fun begins. The once tame toothpaste starts to foam. The more you brush, the more foam grows in your mouth. It is almost like it is alive- The toothpaste is supposed to foam up and work its way into hidden areas in your mouth, claiming it cleans better than ordinary toothpaste and can remove 3X more bacteria while it is doing its thing. Oh, did I mention it is supposed to whiten teeth as well?

Bottomline:

The Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste does foam up as...

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dmlichnerowicz says "I can actually see a difference in my skin's texture!" about Oil of Olay Total Effects Body Wash

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:53:30 GMT

I was surprised to get a free 2 oz. bottle of Oil of Olay Total Effects Body Wash in a package after I requested a coupon from Proctor & Gamble. Normally, I stick with my Caress body wash and haven't been hugely impressed with Oil of Olay's other body washes, so I was skeptical. But free is good, right?

Oil of Olay Total Effects Body Wash, a new product (so new in fact, that it won't be released in stores until February of 2010) promises to treat 7 signs of aging while cleansing and exfoliating with every use. It promises to:

Improve elasticity
Relieve dryness
Deeply moisturize
Brighten dull skin
Even skin tone
Smooth rough skin
Minimize the appearance of fine lines

In one shower, Oil of Olay claims to deliver smoother skin, within a week, improve elasticity, and within a month, give you younger-looking and more radiant skin. BIG promises! But does it actually deliver?

My take: I'm not a fan of the scent. It's difficult to describe, but it just smells very heavy to me. ...

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