Reviews by CrystaBush

CrystaBush says "Tresemme is a good fill-in when I run out of my Redken Shampoo." about TRESemme Smooth & Silky Shampoo

CrystaBush — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:18:08 GMT

TREsemme
Smooth & Silky Shampoo

5x Smoother & Silkier
Vitamin H
Silk Proteins
For dry or damaged hair
Professional formula
Under $5 for 32oz.

My Viewpoint!
I tend to be very loyal to Redken hair products and very rarely stray from them. Since the Redken products that I use are bought from a hair salon and tend to be very pricey, I don't stock up and find myself running out of shampoo or conditioner from time to time. When this happens, I fall back on TREsemme Smooth & Silky Shampoo.

I have found that most shampoo and conditioners that I have used in the past have always felt greasy when applying to my hair and very hard to rinse thoroughly out thus leaving my hair feeling weighted down and oily. Since I have blonde hair and have to wash my hair everyday, sometimes twice a day, I need a shampoo that doesn't leave my hair looking dirty.

TREsemme Smooth & Silky Shampoo doesn't leave my hair feeling weighted down or greasy looking like most shampoos seem to do. The Smooth & Silky formula...

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CrystaBush says "Protects my knees when I have to DIG!" about Asics Volleyball Gel Conform Kneepad

CrystaBush — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:26:08 GMT

Asics Volleyball
Gel Conform Kneepads

Asics Gel Cushioning System
Unisex
One size fits all
Full Coverage
9.5 inch sleeve
PVC Free

My Viewpoint!
Volleyball season has arrived once again. Every season, I like to purchase a new set of kneepads since they get used so much and eventually need to be replaced.

I tend to have a hard time picking out kneepads that fit right and feel comfortable. I know that usually the problem is that I just need to "break them in". I tend to be impatient and want that "broke in" feeling, right away.

A kneepad that I have always had good luck with is Asics brand. While I was at Dick's Sporting Goods, I saw that Asics had a new type of kneepad out that I hadn't used before and decided to pick it up.

The Asics Gel Conform Kneepad is the most comfortable vollyeball kneepad that I have ever worn. The 9.5 inch sleeve is very comfortable allowing tight support without cutting off my circulation! The gel conform allows me to dig without wincing in pain. In fact,...

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CrystaBush says "Feels like you are bumping a boulder but it sure is pretty." about Mikasa All Court Volleyball

CrystaBush — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:51:41 GMT

Mikasa
All Court Volleyball

Official size and weight
Composite leather
Fabric wrapped center
Accu-balance technology
Approved by United States Volleyball Association

My Viewpoint!
Recreational volleyball season has arrived and yesterday I went shopping for a new volleyball and kneepads. I have never used a Mikasa volleyball before and since it was on sale at Dicks Sporting Goods for only $19.99, most balls start at about $34.99, I decided to buy it and check out the pretty pink and white volleyball!

I don't know a lot about Mikasa brand but was assured by the staff at Dick's Sporting Goods that it's a popular product. After a practice with my new Mikasa All Court Volleyball, I have no idea why this particular brand is popular other than maybe the sales price.

First of all, I would like to state that Mikasa had a variety of Volleyballs for sale all in different colors. Plain white looked a little boring on the shelf next to all the Mikasa balls so I decided to go with the pink and white...

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CrystaBush says "Great idea - way too thick!" about Pledge Dust and Allergens Spray

CrystaBush — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:23:20 GMT

Pledge
Dust & Allergen

Removes Allergens while you dust
Special dust blocker formula
Outdoor Fresh Scent
No wax
No buildup
Use on wood, stainless steel, marble, granite, leather

My Viewpoint!
Recently, I came across a coupon for Pledge Dust and Allergen dusting spray. I've been a huge fan of Pledge Orange Clean and have been using it for a few years. I decided to try out the new Dust & Allergen (with an outdoor fresh scent) to see how it works. Since both products are the same price and I had a coupon, what did I have to lose?

I have 3 cats, 2 dogs, 2 kids and a husband. My house gets dusty quick and I have to dust at least every other day. Sometimes every day. Pledge Dust & Allergen advertises that the dust blocker formula will repel dust from adhering to wood surfaces thus having to dust less. That sounded great to me.

Unfortunately, I didn't find that to be true. I dust just as much as I ever did and the actual dusting itself takes so much longer due to the thick spray. ...

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CrystaBush says "Gives me a good flip at the end of my hair but doesn't curl!" about Revlon Ceramic Curling Iron 1.5"

CrystaBush — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 01:27:07 GMT

Revlon Ceramic Curling Iron 1.5

$11.99 at Target
Works on all hair types
Made of ceramic

My Viewpoint!

While I was styling my hair one morning, I had decided that I wanted to buy a curling iron that would give me the big curls that hang loose and look super cute. Since I normally buy a lot of my hair products and accessories at Target, I knew that I would find what I was looking for there.
The curling iron that I chose was the Revlon Ceramic Curling Iron 1.4". I chose this specific curling iron for two reasons.

It had the bigger barrel for bigger curls.
It was priced right. Cheap.

What I like best about the Revlon Ceramic Curling Iron is that it heats up fairly fast. Turn it on and within a minute the curling iron is very hot to the touch.

What I dislike most is that the Revlon Ceramic Curling Iron doesn't curl my hair! Maybe this is a defect of the curling iron or maybe it's just my hair but all I get when trying to curly is either a nice flip up or down. not even one...

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CrystaBush says "Dermalogica Sheer Tint Moisture balances & protects my face!" about Dermalogica Sheer Tint Moisture SPF 15

CrystaBush — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:54:50 GMT

Dermalogica
Sheer Tint Moisture
Spf 15

3-in-1 - oil-free moisturizer, color wash, sun protection
No artificial fragrance
No artificial color
Balance skin tone for even, clean look
Tint allows for no use of foundation
Recommended for all skin types
Comes in light, medium and dark

My Viewpoint!

If you have read my previous review about Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, you already know that my skin has been acting crazy and was in need of some serious get-rid-of-my-combination-skin help! My Skin Therapist had advised me to use the Special Cleansing Gel by Dermalogica along with a Sheer Tint Moisture to help balance out my skin and cover the "blotchy" areas on my face and neck.

The Dermalogica Sheer Tint Moisture with spf 15 is used after I cleanse my face in the morning. I apply it in upward strokes from my neck up and cover my face. The Sheer Tint Moisture has a "tint" in it that helps the color balance. You have the choice of light, medium or dark. For my skin...

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CrystaBush says "Sebastian Molding Mud keeps my thick locks in place!" about Sebastian Molding Mud

CrystaBush — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:56:16 GMT

Sebastian
Molding Mud

Use on damp or dry hair
Blow dry for more volume
Available at hair salons

My Viewpoint!

If you are familiar with my previous reviews, you are probably aware of my ongoing battle to tame my long, wild locks. I am always experimenting with new products and was pleased to find a molding mud that works great for me.

Unfamiliar with Sebastian products, I wasn't aware of how wonderful the lines molding mud is. Sebastian Molding Mud comes in a 4.4 oz bottle and and cost just under $17.00, which is pretty steep but worth the money. The molding mud is going to last a long time. Very little is needed when I style my very long hair, so depending on how long your hair is, this little jar might end up lasting you six months.

Sebastian Molding Mud is what I use to tame and style my bangs. I simply apply it to my damp hair after I take a shower and blow dry it into place. The result is a shiny, firm hold that doesn't feel or look stiff or crusty. When my ends want...

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CrystaBush says "Soothing my skin one sunburn at a time." about CVS 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel

CrystaBush — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:02:19 GMT

CVS
100% Pure Aloe Vera
Gel

Fragrance free
No color added
Relief from sunburn, skin irritations & minor burns
Quickly absorbs
Will not stain

My Viewpoint!

All my life I have had an ongoing battle with Mr. Golden Sun and I have always lost. As many times as I have been sunburned, you would think that I would have learned a very tough lesson by now. I have. I never allow my children out in the sun without sunblock 8000 applied to their skin. As most mothers do, I always forget about myself or don't have enough time to deal with it.

When I am outside enjoying my summer and I start to feel my skin start to tighten, hurt and look a little splotchy red, I run to my medicine cupboard and grab my big bottle of CVS 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel and start applying generously.

Instantly, I feel relief and the Aloe Vera Gel moisturizes my dry, burnt skin. I do not have to worry about putting clothes on over my sunburn because the CVS 100% Aloe Vera Gel quickly absorbs and doesn't stain.

When I am...

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CrystaBush says "Working hard to detangle my daughters knotty hair w/o tears!" about Huggies Clean Team Detangler

CrystaBush — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:20:27 GMT

Huggies Cleanteam Detangler

Detangles hair easily
Spray on
Blue melon splash scent

Every Mother has done it at one time or another. We feel guilty for the rest of the day and contemplate just cutting it all off to avoid another "episode".

I'm talking about brushing out our daughter's tangly hair and making them cry.

It's heartbreaking, I know. Every morning, it's the same battle again. I have no idea how my daughter can get her hair so knotted when it seems like she hardly even slept at all! Not to mention the worst hair to try and brush out - the "just-got-out-of-the-pool" tangles. Hours of fun ruined by 2 minutes of hair brushing, like that!

Huggies Cleanteam now has a hair detangler specifically for our young daughters. The Huggies Cleanteam Detangler comes in a cute blue and red spray bottle that is appealing to young children's eyes and easy for them to hold with a blue melon splash scent. Huggies, how did you know that this is EXACTLY what my 6 year old daughter has...

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CrystaBush says "Smells & works great but irritates my eyes!" about Bath and Body Works Cucumber Melon Gentle Foaming Hand Soap

CrystaBush — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:58:38 GMT

Bath & Body Works
Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming
Hand Soap
Cucumber Melon

Aloe Vera to sooth skin
Vitamin B5 to nourish skin
Lightweight foam
Triclosan kills germs
$5.00 for 8.75 fl oz bottle

My Viewpoint!

As a Bath and Body Works aficionado, I tend to spend a lot of time in my local store smelling all the wonderful scents and buying a lot of products. I love the way that their hand soaps thoroughly cleanse and nourish my skin while smelling and looking great. One of my favorite scents at Bath and Body Works is cucumber melon.

Since both of my bathrooms are beige and green, cucumber melon hand soaps fit in perfectly with my decor and the attractive new design of the hand soap pump bottle is a welcome change.

Usually, I buy the regular cucumber melon hand soap but this last trip, I picked up the Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap and placed it in my main bathroom. I love the smell and feel of the hand soap and the lingering scent left in my bathroom after I leave.

One thing that...

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CrystaBush says "PM's Volumizing Spray keeps my "poof" poofy most of the day!" about Paul Mitchell Volumizing Spray

CrystaBush — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:00:20 GMT

Paul Mitchell Volumizing Spray

Lifts roots
Adds volume
A little goes a long way
Trusted brand

My Viewpoint!

I have very long, thick hair that often resembles a horse's tail when up in a ponytail. Seriously.

My biggest problem that I face when styling my hair is adding some volume to my roots on top. Unless I do something up there, my hair looks flat, heavy and plain old boring. I've tried everything from different ways of blow drying my hair (even getting head rushes from doing it upside down) and all kinds of brushes that promote volume. These ideas all work but not for long. Usually I find that before I even leave the house, my hair is flat on top. After all that work!

My hair dresser recommended Paul Mitchell's Volumizing Spray and swore that it would last for hours and maybe even the whole day. I was reluctant to spend the money on a hair styling product that I wasn't sure would actually work, so I bought a small bottle and figured I'd give it a try.

The next...

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CrystaBush says "Why use Boudreaux's when other brands work faster for less?" about Boudreaux's Butt Paste Diaper Rash Cream

CrystaBush — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:32:25 GMT

Boudreaux's Butt Paste

Skin protectant (16% zinc oxide)
Diaper rash cream
Pediatrician recommended
Easy to spread
Comes in many sizes

My Viewpoint!

As a mother of two and a daycare owner, there are certain baby items that I always keep pretty stocked up on. Second only to food is diaper rash creams.

Usually the diaper rashes sneak up on me from nowhere and before I know it I could have a full fledged, red, irritated hiney on my hands! My cream of choice is Desitin Creamy, it works great. Sometimes I will get a coupon or see a great deal on other diaper rash creams and decide that I want to check them out and see how well it performs.

Hence my review on Boudreaux's Butt Paste.

I have seen the commercials for Boudreaux's Butt Paste and have even seen the creators on The Oprah Winfrey Show. I thought the story and the name of the product was unique and filed it away for future use. When I had noticed the fairly expensive Boudreaux's on sale at my local Target store, I figured...

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CrystaBush says "Life is SO much easier with the Blackberry Curve!" about Blackberry - Curve 8330 Cell Phone

CrystaBush — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:37:17 GMT

Blackberry Curve 8330

I will admit that I wasn't into the whole Blackberry scene when the phones started getting real popular. In fact, my thoughts were that the only people who would be in need of such a hi-tech phone would be super important business men and women who need to streamline their office and home lives. Over the course of a few months, it seemed like everyone, including stay at home parents, were sporting a Blackberry and when I would ask them why they felt that they needed one, their answers would slowly turn me into a "crackberry" addict.

My Blackberry of choice became the Blackberry Curve 8330. How did I function without this little pink piece of pleasure?

Quick and to the point, my favorite features are:

Calendar with reminder alerts
Tasks
Email Notification
Facebook Application
Bluetooth Compatibility
Detroit Tigers Application

From super busy business men and women to the stay-at-home soccer Mom, the Blackberry Curve is going to work hard for you!

Calendar...

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CrystaBush says "Wickless candle warmer that makes my house smell GOOD!" about Scentsy Wickless Candle Warmer

CrystaBush — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:00:58 GMT

Scentsy Wick-less Candle Warmer

I had never heard of Scentsy until visiting a friend of mine who had them scattered throughout her house. Upon entering her house, I noticed that it smelled wonderful and immediately asked her what kind of candles she was burning. She informed me that she was done buying numerous air fresheners and expensive candles that don't burn evenly and had bought some Scentsy's. I had never heard of Scentsy's so I was anxious to hear all about the company and their products.

Scentsy's is a direct selling company that is not unlike Partylite, insomuch as someone signs up to be a Consultant and receives training, catalogs and all materials needed to sell Scentsy's. You can host a Scentsy party and receive free products or buy directly from the Consultant.

Scentsy:

Offers many products including: Wickless candle bars, warmers, plug in warmers and deodorizing sprays
Over 80 scents to choose from
Wickless and flameless making it safe for children
Many...

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CrystaBush says "It works! Doesn't leave my skin sticky and smelly!" about OFF Clip-On

CrystaBush — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:25:54 GMT

Off Clip-on Mosquito Repellent

Do you love being outdoors in the evening but find it bothersome because of the mosquito bites or to apply mosquito repellent that sprays or wipes directly on your skin?

OFF has come out with a new product that is the solution to our summers eve problems - Off Clip-on Mosquito Repellent.

Off Clip-on Mosquito Repellent provides protection from the mosquitoes without being applied to your skin. Simply clip on the unit to your clothing or set it down next to you and within minutes you will be protected from the mosquitoes.

Off Clip-on Mosquito Repellent:

Provides protection from mosquitoes without applying to your skin
Has no scent
Has a battery-operated fan that moves the repellent all around you
Is easy to use
Protects against the West Nile Virus
Refillable (refills are available)

My Viewpoint!
I was a bit hesitant in trying the Off Clip-On Mosquito Repellent due to the fact that it just sounded too good to be true! My family loves...

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CrystaBush says "Eczema itch and pain relief, instantly!" about Aquaphor Healing Ointment 1.75 oz

CrystaBush — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:13:13 GMT

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

My daughter suffers from a terrible case of Eczema in the wintertime. In the the summertime, the chlorine from the pool irritates her skin and she will start to break out in the little Eczema rashes all over. We are constantly applying different types of medications, lotions and skin protectants on her skin to help keep the Eczema at bay and keep her comfortable.

Recently, our Pediatrician had recommended trying Aquaphor Healing Ointment from Eucerin (the lotion that we use most). By applying Aquaphor before my daughter goes swimming, she is less likely to be irritated by the chlorine and have her skin dry out.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment:

Advanced therapy for dry, cracked and irritated skin
Protects minor cuts, scrapes and burns
Relieves cracked skin
Helps against wind burn
Reduces healing time
Seals in moisture
Fragrance-free
Non-irritating

Aquaphor Healing Ointment provides a barrier on my daughter's skin that seals in the moisture and keeps...

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CrystaBush says "Not sure about stretch marks but worked great on my tattoo!" about Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Extra Rich Cream 6.8 oz

CrystaBush — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:40:56 GMT

Vaseline Cocoa Butter
Deep Conditioning Body Lotion

I'm not a huge fan of cocoa butter type lotions. I used them all during both of my pregnancies and found the old wives tale that cocoa butter stops you from getting stretch marks, untrue. Since my kids are older and I don't plan on getting pregnant, I didn't keep cocoa butter lotions in the house.

Until.....

A few weeks ago when I was getting a new tattoo and the tattoo artist said that he recommends using cocoa butterinstead of A&D ointment on tattoos now because it allows the tattoo to breathe while staying moisturized. I had never heard this before and actually read a bit about it on the internet before I ran up to CVS and bought Vaseline Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Body Lotion.

The Vaseline Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Body Lotion was priced great at $5.19 for a 24.5 fl. oz bottle with a pump top. That's a lot of lotion for a small price.

The Vaseline Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Body Lotion:

Helps to...

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CrystaBush says "My husband LOVES Redken Mint Clean for Men Shampoo!" about Redken Mint Clean Shampoo for Men

CrystaBush — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:54:49 GMT

Redken For Men
Mint Clean Shampoo

Did you know that Redken has a line of hair products designated for men only?

I didn't either! Until my husband came home with a few different samples of products from his hairstylist. One of the trial packets that he received was Redken For Men Mint Clean Shampoo.

Redken For Men Mint Clean Shampoo uses Mint Fused Technology to provide an invigorating shampoo with protein and peppermint. Redken advertises that the Mint Clean Shampoo will remove build up on hair and scalp. When using cheaper shampoo and conditioners, the product will tend to build up after time leaving hair to look greasy and weighted down. Mint Clean Shampoo by Redken will not leave any residue and removes buildup left behind by other shampoos or hair products!

After using many of the trial packs of different products, my husband came out of the shower one day and said that he loved "this one" and tossed it at me. "This one" was Redken For Men Mint Clean Shampoo. ...

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CrystaBush says "Super Sculpt keeps my waves wavy without frizzing!" about Paul Mitchell Super Sculpt

CrystaBush — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:35:53 GMT

Paul Mitchell Super Sculpt

As I get older, my wavy locks started getting more wavy. In fact, in some places I would say that they are getting so wavy, my hair is starting to curl. During a recent trip to my hairstylist, I explained how I was growing tired of blow drying and straightening my hair everyday yet when I leave it to dry on its own, I would get thick, frizzy, unruly waves. I needed a product that would help me control the waves without looking stiff or greasy like most mousse and gel products do.

My hairstylist recommended Paul Mitchell Super Sculpt. I'm a big fan of Paul Mitchell products and always like trying out new things. I bought a bottle of Paul Mitchell Super Sculpt and used it the very next day.

A few reasons why Super Sculpt works great:

Flexible Style Hold (doesn't hold stiff like mousse or most gels)
Dries quickly without feeling sticky!
Allows my waves to have body without the frizz
Adds volume with control

After my shower in the morning,...

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CrystaBush says "MOM, I HAVE to have a Razor SPARK SCOOTER!!!!" about Razor Spark Scooter

CrystaBush — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:35:36 GMT

Razor Spark Scooter

I had no idea what my 6 year old daughter was talking about when she came home from a birthday party a few weeks ago ranting and raving about a Spark Scooter. Our conversation went like this:

6 year old: MOM, I HAVE to have a Razor Spark Scooter!!

Mom: A what?

6 year old: (gasping for air) A Razor Spark Scooter, Rylan got one for her birthday and it's the coolest thing ever, when you ride it and use the breaks it sparks all over and when you run out you can buy more sparky thingys at Toys R Us and I WANT one NOW please!!!!

Mom: Calm down Barooka. Any mobile toy that sends off sparks doesn't sound too safe to me. I haven't even heard of this Spark Scooter, I need to research it online first.

6 year old: Mom please, hurry. I want one so bad!!!!

Thus began my research on a Razor Spark Scooter. We have a regular Razor Scooter in the garage that never gets used, so the idea of spending money on another high priced toy to sit and collect dust didn't sound...

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