Reviews by TaraLee

TaraLee says "Need a better mousetrap as this is a very smart mouse!" about Microsoft Wireless Optical 3000 Wireless Mouse

TaraLee — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:36:36 GMT

I travel a lot for my job. When I am at work I rely upon my docking station and my wired mouse. But with the power cord and brick, the removable disk drive (I have a tablet laptop and there just isn't room for a disc player), the charging cords for my black berry, cell phone and kindle, I just cant handle an more cords.

Enter the Microsoft Wireless Optical 3000 Wireless Mouse. I was skeptical that it would work. Would it roll, would I have to put my had at an odd angle to make sure the optical eye had the correct contact with its receiver... on and on I worried that this would be a disappointment and I would be stuck in track pad hell every time I traveled.

I was wrong. This wireless mouse is awesome. It comes with a receiver that you simply plug into your USB port and away you go. No software, plug and play even on a windows system! Fantastic, responsive and sensitive. I could not be happier.

Oh yeah, it is also pink.

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TaraLee says "Removes all of the M.A.C. and other makeup you wear" about MAC Makeup Remover Wipes

TaraLee — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:19:36 GMT

I first came across the MAC Make Up Remover Wipes at a MAC store. I went to the store to try on make up, and had to remove what was on my face before I started. They brought out the plastic pack, with the hard oval enclosure (brilliant for keeping the wipes moist from the first wipe to the last wipe in the package). Having sensitive skin I am careful about what I use on my face. The make-up artist (all of the people who work at MAC stores are artists, make-up as well as a few traditional artists) promised me that the wipe was mild enough to protect my skin, but effective enough to remove the make up.

She was correct. I used several wipes that day all over my face, including my lips. I did not break out, and the bright vibrant colors I was playing with were removed completly before I ventured into a different look.

MAC describes their wipes as:

Oversized, luxurious, super-saturated with special M·A·C cleanser infused with protective vitamin E. Hydrates and nourishes highly efficiently....

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TaraLee says "These wipes work but they are not at all special" about Pond's Cleansing Towelettes - Original Clean

TaraLee — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:07:14 GMT

Since I work out in the middle of the day during the work week, I like to have facial cloth to use before my work out to remove makeup. I picked up the Ponds Cleansing Towelettes to keep in my gym bag.

It is important to me that before I start working out that my face feel clean. I am not as concerned with moisturizing before a work out because I sweat a lot, and I always do a very thorough cleaning post work out. But I have found that if I dont clean off the makeup before a work out I regret it later due to breakouts and melted makeup.

When I read the description of these cloths on the Ponds Site:

A mini-spa treatment each day. No leading cleanser is better at lifting away make-up and removing impurities than these soft, textured cleansing cloths. Infused with Chamomile, Vitamin E and Triple Tea Antioxidant Complex, they nourish, soothe and pamper, leaving skin perfectly clean and make-up free. No rinsing necessary.

I though I found the answer to my facial challenge. I was quite...

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TaraLee says "acne clearing, skin purifying wipes gentle enough for everyday" about Dermalogica Skin Purifying Wipes

TaraLee — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:50:01 GMT

Dermalogica Skin Purifying Wipes are described by Dermalogica as easy to use cleansing wipes that purify the skin while removing excess oil, dirt, impurities and other blemish-causing factors. Salicylic acid promotes natural exfoliation, helping to cleanse plugged follicles that may lead to acneic breakouts. Balm mint, coneflower and camphor calm and soothe while witch hazel works to keep skin fresh and cleansed.

These wipes are great. They sell them in a box of individual wraped wipes, as well as in a pull up pouch of twenty (20). I used to keep them in my gym bag for use after a light work out. I would remove my makeup before working out, and once I was done I would use one of these wipes after rinsing my face. I also use them when I have a break out in place of my regular toner and the next day my face is clear.

I also like to keep some of the individually wrapped wipes in my travel bag as they can take the place three products, one to exfoliate, one to tone and acne treatment. Each...

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TaraLee says "Mix this with any other product to create custom sunscreen" about Demalogica Solar Defense Booser SPF 30

TaraLee — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:13:50 GMT

Dermoligica Solar Defense SPF 30 is a sun screen that you can add to other products you use on your face. You can add it to moisturizer, or to a liquid foundation, you can even use it straight from the bottle.

Although you can do this with other sun screens I appreciate this product because it is designed to be blended in with other products so the blending is smoother. A famous book that reviews makeup suggests that Dermalogica products are somehow lacking because their most popular moisturizer does not have SPF protection. That is actually one of the reasons I like their products. When you want SPF you can add it in to your moisturizer.

This product blends well on the face and does not leave a white film as other sun screens can. It provides UVA and UVB protection, and contains Vitamins C and E, as well as green tea and grape seed extract.

Dermalogica products are generally only available from a spa or salon.

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TaraLee says "Oil to clean your face? Yes!" about Dermalogica PreCleanse 5.1 oz,/150 ml

TaraLee — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:51:43 GMT

Dermoligica Pre Cleanse is formulated with conditioning Rice Bran and Vitamin E oils. The Demalogica web site suggests that the pre cleanse is gentle enough to be used around the eye area to remove waterproof mascara.

The directions suggest that you apply the pre cleanse to a dry face and massage it in. Once you have massaged it in you wet your face, continue to rub it in, and then rinse. You follow with your regular cleanser and the remainder of your routine.

I have sensitive combination skin. It can get too dry if I use a standard makeup remover before I wash in the evening. The Dermalogica Pre Cleanse removes all traces of makeup without drying my face. Since you wash your face as normal after its use it does not leave your skin with an unpleasant oily film (I thought it might). When I use this product my face does seem cleaner, and softer then when I wash without using it first. It did not aggravate my sensitive skin, nor did I break out after use.

If you are looking for a kinder gentler...

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TaraLee says "Hand Crafted Furniture at its best" about Handcock & Moore Sundance Sofa

TaraLee — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:38:15 GMT

When I moved from my one bedroom condo to a 4 bedroom single family home I had to furnish my living space from top to bottom. I was finally freed from space restrictions and I wanted a sumptuous sofa to lounge about and watch my new Television.

When I started the search it was important that my dear husband and could agree on a sofa. We agreed on many of the big things. We both like high backs, firm cushions and a deep seat. Material we compromised, style, he let me choose. We selected the Handcock and Moore Sundance Sofa. We choose a reddish brown leather (easier to clean with little doggies who believe that the sofa was purchased for them) in the nine foot length.

It is fantastic. Just what we wanted.

Hancock and Moore is a manufacturer who still makes hand crafted furniture. Each piece that they make bears the signatures of all of the people who took part in building your piece of furniture. They sell their products all over the country, and they do have a web page. It is an...

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TaraLee says "It blends but no more so than any other sponge" about Skin Care Beautyblender Sponge + Cleanser Kit

TaraLee — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:12:24 GMT

Although I have a lot of makeup, I don’t often go whole hog with liquid foundation. I most often wear a tinted primer and some bronzer.

But when I do use liquid foundation I like to use either a foundation brush or a sponge. I read about the Beautyblender sponge in a magazine and it looked like something that I would enjoy. I purchased the Beautyblender in part because it was a green product. It came with a sample of the cleanser and my thought was I would not have to replace it as frequently because I can clean it. It is designed to last three months with regular use.

On the Beautyblender website they say: Beautyblender’s patent-pending elliptical shape makes application foolproof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. Its suede texture is sensual to the touch and its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving your make up dazzling and undetectable. Beautyblender is latex free, non-allergenic and odor free. I

t is true, the shape makes it easier...

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TaraLee says "Oily skin be gone." about Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser 16oz.

TaraLee — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:32:25 GMT

Demalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser is the firs product that I used that help control my blemishes, while not over-drying my sensitive skin.

When you have sensitive, acne prone combination skin like me you are always searching for the right products. I found the right combination of products in Dermalogica.

The International Dermal Institute describes its Dermal Clay Cleanser as follows:

Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser balances out the oil in your skin and calms and moisturizes too, so you can relax knowing that your skin is at equilibrium. Its skin-perfecting formula uses water-soluble clays and purifying extracts to remove excess oils and refine the skin's texture.

I have to say that this is not marketing hype. I dont use this product every day, but I do use it every three days or so. I tend to use it at night when I have more time for deep cleaning, and more desire to make sure that the dirt and makeup of the day are washed away. Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser does both.

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TaraLee says "Light Mosture great for Summer" about Dermalogica Active Moist 1.75oz.

TaraLee — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:15:36 GMT

Dermalogica is a line of products that was created by the Intentional Dermal Institute. Dermalogica products used to be only available though referral from estheticians, though now I think you simply have to buy it from a spa or beauty shop.

All of their products are in plain almost basic looking packaging, and they do not advertise.

Their web site explains their products and their mission as follows,

Dermalogica [...]removed common irritants from the ingredient menu, Dermalogica also introduced a powerful new element into the brand identity: the specialized expertise of the professional skin therapist.

Then, as now, all Demalogica products are manufactured in the USA, the do not take part in animal testing, and Dermalogica is sold only where professional consultation and professional treatments are performed by professional skin therapists. I guess it has not changed much, though I do order my products online,so I guess they are not as strict as they used to be.

Dermalogica Active...

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TaraLee says "Dermalogical a must use for beautiful skin" about Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub

TaraLee — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:58:28 GMT

At some point in my twenties I decided that I wanted to be known as the girl with beautiful skin. I met a woman whose skin I coveted and I quizzed her as to what she used to achieve such beautiful skin.

The answer. Dermalogica.

I ran to the nearest spa that used Dermalogica products (the only way that one could purchase them in the 1990s was to go to a spa that used the products and buy the products after a facial-- what a racket).

At any rate, after a great facial the spa owner suggested that I purchase the Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub along with a cleanser, toner and a treatment wipe.

One step closer to being "the girl with the beautiful skin."

Skin Prep Scrub has natural scrub corn cob meal contained in a thick creamy cleanser. It produces a light foam with mixed with water. In addition to being a scrub, you can leave the Skin Prep Scrub on your face and let it dry into a mask and rinse off. I do this before a shower, let it dry during the shower and rinse off once I am done showering....

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TaraLee says "Smells like a field of Lavender and protects your skin" about alba organics Botanica Full Spectrum UVA & UVB Sun Protection Organic Lavender

TaraLee — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:38:56 GMT

Ever since my nutritionist pointed out that what we put on our skins is as important as what we eat and drink, I have been on a quest to locate organic products that are cruelty free and work as well as the conventional products.

I like the Alba Botanica line of Organic products. Included in this line is the Botanica Full Spectrum UVA & UVB Sun Protection SPF 30 Organic Lavender. This is a very thick product and a little goes a very long way.

I found that it is best applied as moisturizer rather than over moisturizer. I also learned the hard way that you dont want to put this on your forehead if you are going to be in a situation where you are going to be sweating. In order to learn this valuable lesson I spent a very uncomfortable day at work, washing out my tearing eyes several times until they were clear.

I use this daily, I have not used it on the beach rather my use has been nearly exclusively as a daily product. Because I had such an unpleasant experience with the sunscreen getting...

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TaraLee says "If I could only have one hand lotion this would be a contender" about Kao Curel Targeted Therapy Fast Absorbing Hand & Cuticle Cream 3.5 oz

TaraLee — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:21:16 GMT

Curel Targeted Therapy Fast-Absorbing Hand and Cuticle Cream is on my desk at work and in the glove compartment of my car.

Recently Curel has come out with a line of products that are specifically targeted for certain conditions or places on the body. This is their hand formula (yes I know it is in the name but...)

It is a thick lotion where a little goes a long way. It has soy milk, monoi oil and vitamin E. The advertising on the tube says that the cream "immediately softens hands & cuticles 200% and helps prevent broken nails."

I am not sure what 200% softer hands feel like, but I will say that during the winter when I am fighting dry skin from forced heat, dry skin from working with piles and piles of paper and dry skin from hand washing, this is the first lotion I turn to. It also lasts between hand washings. I find that I only have to re-apply the lotion after every other wash, versus every wash with other hand lotions.

Curel is available in most major drug stores. My tube was $4.49...

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TaraLee says "What happens when lipstick and gloss have a love child?" about MAC 'Slimshine' Lipstick

TaraLee — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:12:41 GMT

M.A.C. Lipstick. One of my all time favorite brands. M.A.C. is a line of makeup created by makeup artists for the rest of us.

M.A.C. describes its Slimshine lipstick as:

A new Lipstick combining creamy emolliency with a unique sheer color pay-off. Finishes include cream, sparkling pearl and metallic. Provides the shine and moisturizing comfort of a gloss but with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Distinctive on and off. Comes packaged in its own stylish extra-long lipstick case.

I describe it as all the makeup fun you can have in a long slender tube. I first became aware of the Slimshine line in 2006, I am not sure if it was around before 2006, but I would like to think I am up on makeup trends. A girl must have goals after all.

The pearl version is most like a glossy frost, the cream provides light coverage, and the metallic is a more vibrant frost like coverage without being brassy.

I use my Slimshine over a balm base and usually without a liner. The long slim tube makes it easy to carry...

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TaraLee says "Frost, sheer, velvet oh my!" about MAC Lipstick - All Formulas

TaraLee — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:04:04 GMT

M.A.C. Lipstick. One of my all time favorite brands. M.A.C. is a line of makeup created by makeup artists for the rest of us.

M.A.C. has several finishes to their lipstick from frost-not your mothers frost, this is actually very flattering, to matte, glossy and satin. The actual M.A.C. names are Lustre, Amplified Cream, Frost, Satin, Amplified, Glaze, Matte, Creamsheen and Cream.

There are tons of great colors to choose from. I can not imagine anyone not being able to find a color that works for them. You can buy the lipstick from their web site, but if you are new to the product line I highly recommend going to the department store, or if you are lucky enough to live near one, go to the MAC store. The people who staff their stores and their makeup counters are makeup artists, don't be put off by their creative use of makeup, they know their stuff.

You can try on several colors, they have pencils that add blend well with the colors, make sure to ask to see several blends between the pencil...

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TaraLee says "Semi Matte, velvet finish smooth and sultry in one tube" about MAC Mattene Seimi-Mat Lipstick Night Violet - Deep Purple

TaraLee — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:34:43 GMT

M.A.C. Lipstick. One of my all time favorite brands. M.A.C. is a line of makeup created by makeup artists for the rest of us.

M.A.C. has several finishes to their lipstick and Mattene is one of the newer ones. It is their famous matte lipstick, revamped so that it does not dry out your lips. When MAC first came out it had very cool matte lipstick. I wore it even though it dried out my lips to the point of making them hurt. The colors were just far to cool to pass up.

I have since grown up, as has M.A.C. It is owned by Estee Lauder and along with the big corporate money, has come better formulations. With that said it is only recently that their matte lipstick has made a comeback. The Mattene is only available in this very cool deep purple grape Night Violet right now, but when it was first (re)introduced it came in a variety of muted brick and nude shades. I have several. Night Violet is a great color, I tend to wear it at night, over a lip balm to soften the color. It is a great fall...

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TaraLee says "Whit this light I no longer dread the fall" about Verilux HappyLight Delux Sunshine Supplement Light System

TaraLee — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:04:10 GMT

Although I love the fall, the crisp air, and the smell of wood smoke as people start to use their fireplaces, apple picking, hay rides and Halloween, the change of season also brings me a feeling of malaise.

The shorter, gray days do not agree with me. I don't mind the cold, it is the lack of light and the fact that when I leave home it is dark, and it is dark when I return after a day at work it makes me sad. I totally understand why bears hibernate, and frankly I love the idea of eating until I am nice and fat and living off of my body fat while asleep, waking up thin... sign me up!

However, since I can not hibernate the Verilux HappyLight Delux Sunshine Supplement Light System makes fall days easier to take. (note I was going to say bear but I thought the pun was too easy).

At any rate, I sit and read for about 15 min each morning in front of my Verilux HappyLight and I feel better. It gives me more energy to do the things I don't want to do, and sitting by the light enables me...

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TaraLee says "Love the glow this lamp provides" about WMB Himalayan Himalayan Ionic Salt Crystal Lamp

TaraLee — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:06:22 GMT

I will admit that I am always one for trying to purchase serenity. My latest purchase towards serenity is the Himalayan Ionic Salt Crystal Lamp. I have an eight (8) pound crystal. It sits in the corner of my desk at work and I face it while I am working on my computer which is about eighty (80% ) of the time.

The literature about these lamps states:

The most DANGEROUS levels of positive ions occur in POLLUTED CITIES. Exhaust fumes from cars, trucks, and buses; factory smoke, cigarette smoke, dust and soot, and electromagnetic pollution all combines to create a potent mixture of POSITIVE IONS and OZONE that gradually destroys our lungs and ruins our health.

The salt crystal lamp binds the negative ions with the excess positive ions. When the lamp becomes warm, it absorbs moisture and the crystal will be damp on the surface. This builds up the ion field. Through the lamp, the positively charged atmosphere of a room can be neutralized. In addition to this, the colors of the salt...

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TaraLee says "Its lean and green and I can carry more books on trips!" about Amazon - Kindle

TaraLee — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:56:45 GMT

The Amazon Kindel is one of my very favorite possessions.

I am always looking for ways to streamline my carry on items for travel for both work and pleasure. I am the type of person who dreads being stuck somewhere without a good book to read. As a result in my PKD (Pre Kindel Days) I would often travel with 4 of 5 books for a 2 day business trip. As a natural speed reader, and with airline travel in the state that it is in I regularly read all of my books and had to purchase more.

Now I don't have that worry, no matter where I am I can download more books to read. I have only been in one location where it was hard to get a signal, but as soon as I went outside it was fine.

The books are delivered via whispernet, a wireless system that Amazon owns (?). It is quick and nearly fool proof as they give you the chance to confirm all purchases before they take place. In addition you can go online to the Amazon website and order books there as well.

I took to the page turning very quickly and,...

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TaraLee says "Finally a natural deodorant that works!" about L'Occitane Purifying Roll On Deodorant

TaraLee — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:57:51 GMT

L'Occitane Purifying Roll On Deodorant contains essential oils of lemon, cardamon, and eucalyptus to control odor. It works! Finally a natural deodorant that works. I have been on a quest for such a product for a long time (see my other reviews here).

This roll on is gentle, dries fast, smells great and best of all controls odor all day long. I can use this immediately after shaving without a problem, no stinging or burning. It has a pleasant natural scent, green and refreshing. It seems to dry faster than other roll on deodorant and I don't have to wait with my arm over my head, which is very nice. I recall the days where using roll on meant walking around with your arms up trying to create enough of an air current such that the product would dry. You don't have to do that with this deodorant.

But, lets be honest, the main reason to use deodorant is for odor control. I was in the process of giving up on finding a natural aluminum free product for "pit patrol" when I discovered this roll...

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