Reviews by rae1

rae1 says "Lacura Night Cream is a miracle worker" about Lacura Q-10 Night Cream

rae1 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:26:51 GMT

Being in full blown menopause, my skin suffered a drastic change. Suddenly my skin was extremely dry and flaky. Yuck.

I saw the Lacura skin care line at Aldi Foods. The face creams are $4.99.

That's INSANE. Where are you going to find a face cream for five bucks? I'm used to paying $20 for Olay.

I went online and found a few reviews about Lacura. Really good reviews. So the next time I was at Aldi's, I bought the Q-10 Night Cream.

It works. It's amazing how wonderful this cream is and how effective it is. For five dollars.

The first thing I want to say is, the cream does have a strong scent to it. It's not bad, it's just very noticeable. I got used to it.

It's a great consistency and when you apply it to your face, it's a little squishy, almost like a gel feeling. What I really liked was seeing the before and after effect. Before I applied the cream after washing my face and then seeing the difference in my skin afterwards. It's fantastic.

I do need to mention...

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rae1 says "Patricia Wexler's Overnight Acne Repair Lotion WORKS" about Skin Care Patricia Wexler Overnight Acne Repair Lotion W/acnostat

rae1 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:16:39 GMT

I remember Patricia Wexler's columns in fashion magazines. When she started her own line of skin care, you knew it would be good stuff. Selling it at Bath & Body Works was even better because I love that store. Unfortunately, the skin care line was too expensive for me. So I forgot about it.

I was at B&BW yesterday though and there was a large display of the Patricia Wexler Overnight Acne Repair Lotion. With a big sign that stated "$2.99". This wasn't a tiny sample sized bottle. This appeared to be regular size. So of course I snatched it right up for my daughter. Then decided at this price, I was getting one for me as well.

The product claims to clear blemishes without stripping or over drying, exfoliate to clear pores and smooth skin, reduce signs of irritation and prevent future breakouts.

All I know is, I used it last night and this morning, my blemishes were significantly smaller. There was no sign of redness. I really was surprised at how well this worked. ...

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rae1 says "Bounce Dryer Bar is convenient but still lacking." about Bounce Dryer Bar

rae1 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:00:42 GMT

I received a Bounce Dryer Bar from Vocalpoint. I wouldn't have purchased this, but I'm glad I received it.

It was easy to install (peel and stick). It smells really good.

The premise is that with the Bounce Dryer Bar, you don't have to use liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets.

Saves you money. Better for the environment. Saves you time. You don't have to worry about forgetting to add the liquid or a sheet. Sounds good.

It is good. I've used the dryer bar both with and without liquid fabric softener. The dryer bar works very well on it's own. It's great not to have to measure and pour liquid fabric softener and I don't have to remember to grab a dryer sheet either. I just throw the clothes into the dryer and turn it on.

When the clothes are dry, they're soft and there is absolutely no static cling.

My peeve is that the fragrance isn't there. While it's in my dryer, it doesn't really transfer to my clothes. I've noticed if I do an extremely small load (which is definitely...

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rae1 says "Aveeno Nourish + Moisturize Conditioner makes my hair smoother" about Aveeno Conditioner Nourish & Moisturize

rae1 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:54:12 GMT

Aveeno Nourish + Moisturize Conditioner contains a wheat complex formula that targets damaged areas of the hair shaft and helps protect against future damage.

That's what Aveeno says. I like the Aveeno brand. So when I received the Aveeno Nourish + Moisturize Conditioner and Shampoo from BzzAgent, I wondered if the products were any good.

Turns out, they're even better.

My hair is shoulder length, color treated, highlighted. It's wavy and it's a frizzy, fuzzy mess. The only product proven to smooth down my hair is straight jojoba oil.

My sister swears by Redken and bought me their Smoothing shampoo and conditioner. The extra big sized bottles. Well I'm almost done with those bottles and I haven't seen a smooth strand of hair yet. I'm sure Redken works for some people, but it just didn't do the job for me.

Aveeno said it would moisturize my hair. Ok, I didn't see my hair as being particularly dry, but I'm sure it probably is. It's colored, highlighted, I use a hair dryer,...

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rae1 says "Aveeno Nourish + Moisturize Shampoo is fantastic" about Aveeno Nourish + Moisturize

rae1 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:43:26 GMT

The Aveeno Nourish + line is a line of new shampoos and conditioners. Aveeno is a well trusted brand and I'm happy to see they've decided to expand their skin care line to include shampoo.

The Aveeno shampoo uses a nourishing wheat complex formula that targets damaged areas of the hair shaft, leaving your hair restored and revitalized. The wheat complex formula helps your hair resist future damage.

Now those are claims that pretty much every shampoo makes. So what makes Aveeno any different?

The difference is, Aveeno is teling the truth. Their product does what Aveeno says it will do.

Here's my experience. I have shoulder length hair. It's color treated and highlighted. It's wavy and it loves to get frizzy and fuzzy. The only product I've found that tames my fuzzy frizz is straight jojoba oil. When my sister told me about Redken's Smoothing shampoo and conditioner and how great it works, I was interested. She bought them for me and I've been using the shampoo and conditioner....

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rae1 says "Don't waste your money" about Kodak EasyShare M863 Digital Camera

rae1 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:23:45 GMT

My daughter wanted to purchase a digital camera. We were at Sears, so we looked at the different cameras they had to offer. It was important to my daughter that the zoom function worked on extreme close ups and that she could take movies with the camera.

She chose the Kodak EasyShare M863 fairly quickly. I chose a different camera. We spent quite a bit of time comparing the two and it was obvious to me that the camera I chose was of better quality. The salesman came by though and talked my daughter into the Kodak camera. Sale completed.

Right away, there were problems with the camera but we didn't realize that this was due to a malfunction. The camera's lens would freeze. Charging the phone for two days appeared to take care of the problem. I thought it was strange that a camera would perform this way and that the camera would take two days to charge, but like I said, it's my daughter's camera and I didn't use it.

I did notice that the camera makes more noise than lunch time......

rae1 says "Jumped on the mineral bandwagon a little too soon" about Realm Rimmel London Lasting Finish Mineral Powder Foundation

rae1 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:30:44 GMT

I love Bare Escentuals but I ran out and didn't want to make the drive. I was at Wal-Mart and there was Rimmel London's Lasting Finish Mineral Powder Foundation for under $7.00. Hmm...a long drive (pricey gas) and pay $25 for my usual foundation or a shorter drive and pay under $7. L'Oreal's mineral foundation is ok...but it's very cakey on my skin.

I should have taken the longer drive. First of all, Rimmel's foundation does not have SPF. In this day and age, shouldn't every foundation have SPF? Rimmel London claims to be so cutting edge, why not have SPF? Just because London doesn't have Florida sun rays doesn't mean the English Roses don't need SPF, Rimmel.

Secondly, there's only five shades. Yes you read that right. Five shades. Ivory, Soft Beige, Natural Beige, Sand and Classic Beige. I typed the names out from the lightest shade to the darkest shade.

I have a light to medium complexion. So I chose Soft Beige, which seems like the perfect choice.

So horribly wrong. ......

rae1 says "Works ok" about Wet N Wild Ultimate Minerals Powder Foundation

rae1 — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:26:59 GMT

I started using mineral makeup with L'Oreal Bare Naturale Mineral Makeup. It was only $10. I broke down and started using Bare Escentuals and the difference is amazing. L'Oreal's formula is so cakey compared to BE.

My jar is running low and I found myself in a Walgreen's waiting for a prescription. I came across Wet N Wild's Ultimate Minerals Powder Foundation. It's new and it's only $4.99.

Five bucks. I've never seen a foundation for five bucks before. So I look at the colors and decide on Medium, since it's summer and my skin has a little more color now.

The color is perfect. The foundation is a very fine powder. L'Oreal is pretty grainy. BE is fine but I think Wet N Wild's is even finer, more of a powder. The container is very nice, very easy to use. It's a square, clear plastic jar that looks pretty cool and you unscrew the lid, shake some out into the inside of the lid and pick it up with your kabuki brush. Quick and easy. I don't like L'Oreal's applicator,......

rae1 says "Good for lashes but doesn't perform" about Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara

rae1 — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:25:05 GMT

Here are the claims:

Neutrogena® Healthy Volume™ Mascara Creates beautifully full and healthy lashes with a revolutionary sweep of the wand.

This lash-enhancing mascara instantly builds lash volume by 400%. The patent-pending formula with a touch of olive oil penetrates and helps plump the core of each and every lash. The Visible Volume Brush coats and builds even the smallest lashes with rich, volume-building color. No clumps, smudging or flaking!

Healthy Volume mascara rinses clean with any Neutrogena® makeup remover or with soap and water. Get beautiful, conditioned and volumized lashes with the sweep of a wand.

Dermatologist tested

No clumps, smudging, or flaking

Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers

.21 oz

Available in 3 Shades

I don't usually wear mascara. When I do, it's Maybelline's Great Lash. I hate the brittle, dry feeling of my lashes......

rae1 says "It's ok" about Bare Escentuals Buxom Babes Lip Tints

rae1 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:09:34 GMT

A little collection of mouth-watering temptations. Big & Healthy Lip Polish Buxom Babes Tints. Infused with 100% pure bareMinerals, Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish naturally creates the look of fuller lips. While the tingly and cooling sensation reminds you that your lips are getting an immediate increase in fullness, a deep infusion of antioxidant vitamins A and E help keep lips soft, smooth and protected.

These four lip tints are new for the summer. They're juicy and fruit flavored. Only they're not fruit flavored, they are fruit SCENTED. There's a difference, Bare Escentuals, and I feel a little ripped off.

I also feel a little ripped off by the claim that "a deep infusion of antioxidant vitamins A and E help keep lips soft, smooth and protected". Vitamins A and E aren't going to protect my lips from getting sunburned. Since the product is summer oriented, why didn't they put sunscreen in?

This is a box of four lip glosses for $28. I bought a box like this one (it was......

rae1 says "Incredible Product" about Bare Escentuals RareMinerals Blemish Therapy

rae1 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:44:29 GMT

This product contains sulfur to treat acne and blemishes while preventing future breakouts. It penetrates pores to control blackheads while the translucent tint neutralizes and diffuses the look of blemishes. It can be used as an overnight spot treatment to heal blemishes and also as a daytime treatment under BareMinerals makeup or on it's own.

I bought this for $28 at Sephora for my daughter, who has just begun breaking out now and then. I didn't want the usual anti-acne products because her skin is super sensitive. I needed something gentle that at the same time could help cover up a blemish, since she doesn't wear makeup.

We both love that it came with the brush, which is a very nice quality brush. I bought her a pretty little makeup bag to keep both the jar and the brush in.

She's used this product about three times now and both of us are blown away by how effective it is. It doesn't irritate her skin. She doesn't experience any itching or redness while using the product. ......

rae1 says "Does Everything!" about Logitech - Harmony One Remote

rae1 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:19:32 GMT

As a Bzz Agent (check out their website by Googling it since I can't post the link here), I was so happy to sign up for this campaign.

I received a Logitech Harmony One universal remote to use and review. We've tried universal remotes before with limited success. I wasn't really looking forward to using this one. I didn't think it would work.

Logitech Harmony One will control everything. I mean it. It will control your tv, satellite dish, cable box, stereo, home theatre system, game systems...any infrared controlled device!

You set up the remote by plugging in a cable to the remote and to your computer. Pop in the included disk and answer some questions on the screen. This took me a while, since I wasn't confident about answering some of the questions. I did run into one problem but finding the answer and resolving it was pretty quick and very easy. If I can do it, so can you!

The first thing I noticed is how sleek the remote is. The remote also has a one touch, activity based feature.......

rae1 says "Use them for everything and anything!" about Ziploc Twist N Loc Containers

rae1 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:01:04 GMT

I'm a Bzz Agent and I was really happy to snag the Ziploc® Twist 'N Loc® Container campaign! Check out the Bzz Agent website (just Google it)!

The Ziploc Twist 'N Loc Containers have a cap that screws on to create a leak-resistant seal. They are microwave and dishwasher safe. You can use them in the freezer. They have measurement lines on the containers and the ridged lid makes opening and closing them easy, even for me!

They come in two very useable sizes. The 2 cup size comes in a package of four containers. The 4 cup size comes in a package of two containers. Both sizes are great to use. I am so tired of buying containers that come in sizes I end up not being able to use. This is not the case with the Ziploc Twist N Loc!

My husband loves them for his lunches. They don't take up a lot of space in his lunch box and because they're leak proof, they've become a household staple. If he loses one, it's no big deal. I love them for leftovers because the leftovers......

rae1 says "A very good night cream" about Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Ageless Night Cream 1.7 fl oz

rae1 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:10:51 GMT

I'm a BzzAgent. I was lucky enough to sign up for a campaign to receive Aveeno's new night cream.

I've never tried Aveeno's skin care products other than their body moisturizers. I don't usually use a separate night cream, so this truly was an experiment for me.

The first thing I noticed was that the cream is substantial yet light. It melted right into my skin, leaving my skin soft and not greasy. I also noticed that the scent is light.

While I haven't noticed much "lifting", I think this is due to the fact that my skin didn't really need that. What I have noticed is that when I wake up, my under eye area looks much better than it did before I began using this product. So I am definitely seeing the "firming" effects!

There are too many nights when I don't get that much sleep. I used to slap on my daytime moisturizer before going to bed and that's it.

Now I've been using Aveeno's Positively Ageless Lifting & Firming Night Cream and when I wake up in the morning and look in the mirror,......

rae1 says "This is my absolute favorite Demeter scent!" about Grass Cologne Spray

rae1 — Sat, 03 May 2008 18:09:38 GMT

This is my favorite scent of all time. This smells exactly like fresh cut grass. It is fresh and clean and smells incredibly good.

I bought this in the 1.0 fl. oz. spray. Demeter calls their fragrances "Pick Me Up Cologne" which to me means you need to use them at least twice a day for a pick me up. The fragrances have never lasted on me an entire day without me re-applying. That's ok, because I love the scents so much.

Demeter also offers this in a smaller, .5 fl. oz. splash for only $5. This is a great way to try a scent, especially since Demeter offers so many of them!

What I really love to do with the Grass scent is layer it. I love to apply Dirt, Grass and Dandelion - wear all three together. It's a combination that's just fantastic.

If you have always loved the smell of freshly cut grass, you will love Demeter's Grass cologne!

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rae1 says "The Real Deal!" about Wet Garden Cologne Spray

rae1 — Sat, 03 May 2008 18:03:37 GMT

Demeter has an enormous library of single scents. It's fantastic that they offer a chance to try them out in their Pick It Up, Splash It On .5 fl. oz. for only $5 each.

If you have a garden, go outside just after it has rained in the Spring and inhale. That is exactly the same scent in Demeter's Wet Garden. Exactly.

This is an amazing light floral fragrance. You can smell the rain, the Spring flowers, the Earth, the "green-ness" of the garden. It's not overpowering, it's not strong. It's very subtle and it is distinctly Spring.

I absolutely love Demeter fragrances and this is one of my favorites. Usually I can detect the alcohol base when I'm smelling it straight out of the bottle, but with this fragrance, the alcohol base is very faint. As with all Demeter fragrances, once you apply it to your skin, the alcohol base dissipates quickly, leaving behind the most amazing scent.

They don't call it "Pick Me Up Cologne" for nothing. You'll need to re-apply during the day, at least......

rae1 says "Fantastic" about Demeter Incense

rae1 — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:31:02 GMT

This is the Demeter Incense, Pick It Up, Splash It On, .5 fl. oz. Pick Me Up Cologne. Demeter offers all of their fragrances in the splash .5 size for only $5 each, which I think is a great deal. Demeter offers a huge amount of single scents, so if you want to try a new scent, this is definitely the way to go!

When I ordered the Incense, I'm not sure what exactly I was expecting. I certainly never expected Demeter's version to smell so absolutely yummy.

When you smell it out of the bottle, you smell an incense type scent but you also smell vanilla. I've noticed that with almost all of the Demeter scents, you always can detect the alcohol base when you're smelling it directly out of the bottle. When you apply the scent to your skin though, the alcohol base dissipates very quickly and you're left with the most incredible smelling scent ever.

Once applied to the skin, not only do you detect incense and vanilla, but also a slight hint of musk. This is definitely a sexy scent but......

rae1 says "Another winner" about Demeter Pure Soap

rae1 — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:22:41 GMT

Demeter Fragrance Library, Pure Soap, Pick It Up, Splash It On Pick Me Up Cologne.

Another great fragrance by Demeter!

It's a .5 fl. oz. bottle for only $5! At Demeter, you can get any of their fragrances in the .5 size, which I think is a great deal. It's a great way to try different fragrances, and since they have an enormous amount of them, this is the way to go.

I purchased Pure Soap because I have been looking for a clean, fresh, soap scent for a long time. I've tried Philosophy because they claimed they had the clean, soap scent, but to me, there was way too much floral in their fragrances.

I like Demeter because they are single scents that are true to the label. I tend to stick with their nature based scents.

When you smell Pure Soap in the bottle, you can detect the alcohol base. However, when you apply it, the alcohol base quickly burns away, leaving you with a yummy soap scent. This is truly pure soap. It's clean. There is a slight floral scent to it, but nothing overpowering......

rae1 says "AMAZING" about Laundromat Perfume

rae1 — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:14:54 GMT

I love Demeter fragrances because I'm not a flowery, musky type person. I love the single scents that are nature based.

Recently I went to the Demeter website to check out their catalog of fragrances and noticed they've added something new (at least to me). For only $5, you can buy a mini splash cologne of any fragrance. The size is .5 fl. oz. and it's actually a pretty nice size. The mini splash is called "Pick it up, Splash It On".

I wanted to try Laundromat, so I bought it. I am so glad that I did. I don't know where the creators of this scent go to wash their clothes, but I have never been to a laundromat that smells this delicious.

I wasn't that thrilled about the splash, but I'm glad I got it anyway. I love the scent so much I don't mind getting it on my fingers!

It's just one of the best scents I have smelled in a long time. It's clean and it's fresh. It does remind me of fresh laundry, that really good smell you get when you take clothes out of the dryer or sometimes......

rae1 says "Be very careful" about Dish network

rae1 — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:39:16 GMT

Be very, very careful about who you call to come set up your Dish Network. There are way too many scammers out there. My husband called a company and they charged us $80 in fees that Dish Network claims shouldn't have been charged and they're not going to help us get those fees back. The company refuses to return our calls.

Their pricing is very confusing. Everything is itemized and when you first sign up, they offer a lot of discounts. Each discount is itemized. For example, you can sign up for Dish Network HD and get it at this price for 6 months. What they don't tell you is that you also have to have this service to get the HD and they charge you each month if you don't hook up phone lines to your receivers. Personally I thought the installers would hook up the phone lines, but Dish told me that legally they're not allowed to but they were supposed to tell US to do it. They didn't. We only have a phone line for one of the boxes, not both so we get charged $5 a month......