Hello kiddos,
For those of you who know, and many of you do, I work at a hair salon, and have INCREDIBLY damaged hair. I went from being a heavily highlighted blonde, to being a platinum blonde, back to a brunette, and now a brunette with platinum panels - and if you could only imagine how damaged my hair is, it's disgusting.
Anyways, we recently got the entire Sebastian line at my salon, you know, that line for old ladies that has the famous Shaper hairspray? Yeah, well they've done a total overhaul on a ton of products, changed the packaging, and made some amazing new products, one of which is the shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioner that I am currently using.
BEHOLD PENETRAITT!
Penetraitt consists of 3 products: a shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioner. I use the shampoo and conditioner when I wash my hair and then once a week I use the deep conditioner in place of my regular conditioner and in a week I have noticed a HUGE difference in the quality or integrity of my hair. Where my platinum panels are is so damaged, frayed and fried, so when I would wash my hair before it would stay wet for HOURS just because of how fragile and torn apart my cuticle was, now, I wash my hair with this stuff and it dries almost normally, which is a sign that it is repairing my damaged and abused hair.
The scent of these products is clean and not overpowering and it doesn't make me sick, which is nice since I am SO picky about scents. the bottles are cheap, $13 for the shampoo, $14 for the conditioner, and $18 for the deep conditioner - but that's just at my salon and not taking into account that I get a 40% off discount on those prices. It is worth ever penny, I swear by this stuff.
My hair looks and feels way healthier than it actually is and it makes my hair shiny and easily managable and stylable. (Stylable? Is that even a word?...)
I HIGHLY reccommend this product if you have damaged hair, espcially if you have chemically processed your hair to oblivion like I did. Even the stylists at my salon complement me on how healthy my hair looks compared to how it used to look.
I have never been a true believer in the differences from shampoo to shampoo - to me it was really all the same, but after using this stuff I dont know if I will ever look at a shampoo or conditioner the same way. Damn you, Sebastian for spoiling me so good!
Go out, get your little hands on this stuff, it's incredible, and DEF. let me know how it works for you! beautyreview@aol.com
I want to know if others are getting the same results as I am and I haven't found any reviews for it online yet. So try it - and let me know how much you absolutely love it!
- Samantha
Oh, and before I forget, they also have a line of shampoo and conditioner called "Drench" for dry hair and "Light" for normal to fine hair. I've heard nothing but good things about them from the girls at work who have been using them on themselves and clients, so if you are in the market for a really good new shampoo and conditioner go check those out!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Hair Product Review!
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11/04/2008
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Thursday, October 30, 2008
Fragrance Review: Gucci by Gucci
Hello lovelies,
I told you guys I would be back after the graduation, and here I am. Overall, it went pretty good, a lot of things that he and I should have talked about - we didn't but thats ok. Some things are just better left unsaid or untalked about :)
Anyways, I decided that since it is getting a little chilly out, mind you, I do live in South Florida so chilly is anywhere below about 70 degrees, regardless, it is cold. So, I decided to go and purchase a new perfume. I had been wearing a whole bunch of different scents, mainly Princess by Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson, and as tacky as it may be, Supermodel from Victorias Secret - but they all seemed a little bit too summery and fruity/sweet for this weather, so I decided to go with something different.
To your right, my friends, you will find Gucci by Gucci, which I have fallen in love with. Truthfully, I think that Gucci by Gucci smells very sophisticated (and I am FAR FROM sophisticated) and mature, almost too mature for me, but I love it anyways.
From Sephora:
Notes:
Guava, Pear, Tahitian Tiare Flower, Musk, Honey, Patchouli.
Style:
Beautiful. Confident. Influential.
Even though the top nots are Guava and Pear, it doesn't smell overly sweet or fruity in the least. It actually, to me, smells more ambery and warm rather than fruity and exotic.
I agree with Sephora that it is a confident scent - and it seems to last all day on me, even though it is an Eau de toilette. The prices range from $65 - $85 for the spray, and I think it's worth it, since it seems to last throughout the day.
I know this is a short post, but Im still SO busy with school, but if you are in the market for a more wintery perfume, maybe you should head over to your nearest Sephora and give this one a sniff. I am not a cerial perfume purchaser, meaning I rarely buy the same perfume more than once, but this one I can definatly see myself going back for a second bottle.
Toodles!
- <3 Samantha
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10/30/2008
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Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Mac Suite Array Review!

I pinky promised you all I would do a formal review on the new Suite Array eyeshadow duo's... and I am! Yay!
Anyways... I was looking at reviews for the eyeshadows online before I actually wrote this, and a lot of people are complaining about the consistency of the new shadows. I have to say that I didn't think they were too bad - if you know how to work with them.
To your right, there are some swatches. These were done over some Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP for you noobies). I used a Mac 239 brush, and didn't really go out of my way to pack them on. As you can see, they are pretty vibrant. I also did some swatches of the new Pearlglide eyeliners. The top left is called "Sweet Liason", the top right is called "Smoke & Ash", and the bottom right is called "Blue Zone", even though I think it should be called "Purple Zone" or something... but anyways. The colors are pretty pigmented, but they do go on a little sheer at first. The finish on these is really nice and different. They have sort of a matte finish with some sparkle to them. Not the kind of sparkle that a 12 year old would wear, but the kind that kind of catches the light and makes your eyes twinkle. I did a smokey eye look using the "Smoke & Ash" duo that I am thinking about posting on here at some point soon, and overall I really liked these shadows.
"Smoke & Ash": The silver side of this is a very bright cool silver with flecks of glitter. The black side of this is a soft black that can be layered for more intensity with flecks of glitter as well. This is the perfect duo for a smokey eye, especially if you are new to the whole makeup thing since they do go on relatively sheer at first. This one id probably my favorite.
"Sweet Liason": This is a really nice neutral set, I think. The larger side is a cream color with a HINT of yellow with flecks of glitter, which the smaller side is a deep rich chocolate brown with flecks of glitter. I am not a neutral eyeshadow lover, but somehow this really caught my eye. (Ok, maybe it was that my MUA at Mac is AMAZING and knows what to say in order to get me hooked... but we can just pretend that I was the one who noticed how gorgeous it is) The lighter side is a nice highlight as well as a lid color, and the brown makes a nice contour color. I actually used the brown as a lid color with carbon in the outer v and crease... but there will be a FOTD for that look in the near future as well.
"Blue Zone": This is a silly one. The colors are really way more purple than blue, but they are nice colors anyways. I can't really see any justification for why I bought this one, simply because I have a million other colors that look similar, but the finish is what got me. The lighter side is a really soft lilac and the darker side is a more intense blueish purple with flecks of glitter. I like this duo, but I can't really see myself using is on a regular basis.
Also in the swatch in the lower left corner, you see the new Pearlglide eyeliners. I LOVE these. I bought "Fly-By-Blue", "Black Russian", and "Wolf", which is how they are in order on the swatch above. I am an eyeliner junkie and I love glitter in small doses as well, so these were the perfect new little friends for me. The glitter is not crazy noticible, but it still gives the eyes something new, even though it is on the subtle side. These go on incredibly smoothe and are easily blended into the lashline or wherever your little heart desires.
Overall, I really enjoyed this new release from Mac. I know they have been coming out with a TON of new collections, but I have somehow managed to pass on some of them, for example, Cult of Cherry.
If you are interested, the entire new collection as well as a new collection called Emanuel Ungaro, is online now or you can find it at your local Mac store or counter.
<3 - Samantha
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10/01/2008
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Monday, April 21, 2008
Urban Decay Brow Box: Review
I've really been trying to post on here as much as possible, so I hope I am doing a good job with keeping up.
As some of you know, I have a slight obsession with my brows. They frame the face and really give a finishing touch to the rest of your make up.
I've been struggling to find a product, or products that will help to define my brows and match them to the color of my hair, since I don't want to dye my brows.
This is where the Urban Decay Brow Box comes in. I bought it in Brown Sugar, which is the color pictured here. It consists of a dark brown shade and a lighter brown shade, both of which are very rich, despite what the lighter ones looks like in the picture.
The box contains 2 shades of a powder brow definer, an angled brow brush, tiny tweezers, and brow wax. Surprisingly, the tweezers are actually really amazing. They can grasp even the smallest hairs, but they take a little time getting used to.
So all in all, I love this product, its amazing. I highly suggest it!
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4/21/2008
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Labels: Brows, Review, Urban Decay
Monday, April 14, 2008
Skincare Reviews & What I do
So, I've been getting a couple e-mails regarding what I use on my face and my daily skincare regimen.
Let's start off with the type of skin that I have. When I lived up north, in DC, my skin was pretty dry and flaky until summer came around, then it was oily and crazy. Now, living in South Florida, my skin is constantly oily, but I also have a little bit of dry patchy skin. I also have a skin condition called Roscea, which causes my cheeks to be red, splotchy, and bumpy. There is no real "cure" for Roscea, but it is treatable.
A few months back I started using a new cleanser, and skin care line, called Bliss Labs. You may have heard of them. The company is relatively upscale and offers a ton of different skin care products.
As a cleanser, I use th Fabulous Foaming Face Wash. The cleanser itself a pretty blue color and it has some small exfoliating "beads" in it. When mixed with a
small amount of water, the cleanser foams... slightly. It isn't a sudsy, bubbly cleanser, which was a little disappointing, since I like the effect and feeling of a foamy cleanser.
After using this for a couple of days, I noticed that my skin was softer and more vibrant, but I didn't see a huge change in the oilyness of my skin, but all in all, the cleanser is very nice. My skin never feels tight or dry after using it, and I feel like I am really taking care of my skin.
As weird and maybe bad as this sounds, I don't use a toner regularly, simply because I do have some dry patchy areas on my skin. I know that not all toners dry out your skin, but this is just the best solution for me. This way, I don't have to worry about being to harsh on my facial skin since it is so important and fragile.
Instead, a couple times a week, I will use a heavy exfoliator on my skin. What I do is I mix a pinch of sand with my face wash, and I get rid of all the dead skin, and it helps to dry up my oily areas without making my dry skin any worse.
After I wash my face in the morning, I will use a moisturizer that is for combination skin, such as Bliss Labs an Ounce of Prevention AM. This moisturizer is "shine absorbing" and really helps to dry out my oily t zone. It makes my skin very soft and make putting on makeup or
a makeup primer very easy and nice.
HOWEVER... on hot, humid, gross days, it is not enough.
So, behold, the amazing, fantastic, Mac Oil Control Lotion. This product has literally saved my skin. The lotion comes in an amazing bottle that can be locked to insure that there is no spill in your bag or where ever you may be toting this lotion.
The best way that I have found to use this lotion is to put my regular moisturizer on all the areas of my skin that are not prone to oilyness. Then, I use this on areas where I know that I will be an oil slick, which for me, is my nose and cheeks. Even by the end of the day, I don't have shiny skin and it doesn't dry or irritate my skin like some other oil control lotions do and have in the past.
So, there you have it, some products that I use and love. You should really check out the oil control lotion, especially if you suffer from oil skin as bad as mine.
- Love you guys!
Samantha
Friday, April 11, 2008
Mac Review: Fluidline... comparison?
A few weeks back I did a review on Loreal's HIP Cream Eyeliner in black, and if you read that, you know how addicted I was to it.... now I have a new obsession.
Mac's Fluidline - in Blacktrack, ofcourse.This picture is a little deceiving, since the product in reality is no where near the size of Loreal's liner. For $15.00, you get about half the product of Loreal's liner, but it's worth it.
So, let's get onto the review.
What attracted me to Fluidline is the intensity of the colors, which by the way are abundant. There are the basics, black, variations of brown, and navy, ofcourse. They also offer a selection of other colors for the more bold, such as a frosted white, bright aqua, platinum, and violet.
A girl can never have enough eyeliner, especially black eyeliner. For the most part, I only wear black eyeliner, I think other colors really don't suit me, but thats just me.
At first glance, the liner looks pretty solid in the container, but once I dipped my brush into it, I was shocked. It is more gel like than cream, a way different consistency then that of Loreal's.
I dipped a flat liner brush into the "gel", and wiped some on the back of my hand to apply it. Not surprisingly, it applied like butter and I was thrilled with my results.
So, let's compare:
Loreal's HIP Cream Eyeliner:
Price: $11.99
Amount: 4.5 Grams
Intensity: Nice, Matte Black
Texture: Cream
Mac Fluidline:
Price: $15.00
Amount: 3 Grams
Intensity: Deep, Dark Black
Texture: Gel
So, all in all... I would go with Fluidline, just because I am a Mac addict and I really liked the application, considering that liner can be hard to apply, especially in forms other than a pencil. Mac is only $3 more and you really can tell in the quality.
Obviously, if bang for your buck is more important, go with Loreal, or if you can't get to a Mac counter.
I really enjoyed using Fluidline, and it is a new staple in my makeup routine and collection.
love you guys,
Samantha
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4/11/2008
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Sunday, April 6, 2008
Mac Paint Pots: Review
Hello Ladies & Gents.
So, I know I've been slacking in the updating department, but I'm starting to fix that now.
Today, I have decided to do a review of my all time favorite product... MAC PAINT POTS!
These little guys are fantastic. They are amazing to wear as eye shadow, eye liner, and as a base for eyeshadow. BEHOLD THE PAINT POT!
They are creamy, shimmery, and give the perfect amount of coverage, atleast for me.
I have
Bare Study, which is a champagne with gold and white pearl.
Blackground, which is frosted smoky black grey with multi colored pearl.
& Rollickin', which is an aqua blue green with white pearl.
I love my precious paint pots because they give my shadow an intensity that I can't get with my UDPP.
I use Bare Study everyday, as a highlight or as a base for my entire lid. I use Blackground when I want to do a smokey look, and I use Rollickin' when I have a little bit of blue on my inner corner or wherever.
I highly suggest picking up atleast Bare Study, so you can see how amazing they are.
They are similar to Macs Paints, but easier to work with.
Typically, I use a concealer brush or a brush with nylon or synthetic harder bristles in order to really place the color where I want it.
- I'm sure I will update more later, but for now, I have to go to work.
Love you guys!
- Samantha
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4/06/2008
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Labels: Mac, Paint Pots, Review
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Beauty on a Budget
I will also try to post a FOTD using all drugstore makeup, or mostly drugstore makeup, since alot of you guys have been asking about beauty on a budget. Have no fear, ladies & gents, you don't have to spend all your money to look beautiful.
So check back in a couple hours, and when I get back to my house from classes, I will be sure to write a beautiful blog.
Love you guys,
Samantha
Posted by:
Beauty Review
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2/27/2008
1 comments
Labels: Drugstore Beauty, Eyeliner, FOTD, Loreal, Mascara, Maybelline, Review
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
New Beauty Reviews!
I've been saying that I was going to write reviews on my favorite products for a while now, and for some reason, I have been putting it off. So, here I go.
My first favorite product is Bobbi Brown's Creamy Concealer Kit.
What makes this a "kit" is that is includes the creamy concealer as well as a loose setting powder which is found in the base of the housing. The concealer itself is just like the name says, creamy. This may not be such a good idea for people with very oily skin or for people who have very oily skin under their eyes. For me, the concealer stays on all day and doesn't crease, even when using the setting powder. I love this product and I haven't found a product that works as well as this in a long time.
Another product that has become a staple in my collection is Imju Fiberwig Mascara.This mascara is a very black, glossy color. As you can see it has a huge amount of very fine stiff bristles which create voluminous, long, curvy lashes. This mascara has been receiving praise from magazines such as Cosmopolitan and People, and I came across it about a year ago and I use it when I want to create a look that requires a dramatic eye.
I have been a Sonia Kashul Brush fan for a couple years now. Im not exactly thrilled to throw almost $100 on 2 brushes at Mac, when I can spend under $10 and get a similar quality brushThese brushes are made out of Sable, and Sonia Kashuk is totally against animal testing, which is a huge plus for me. I use the brush pictured as a highlighter under by brow bone, on top of my cheeks and by my temples. It can also be used to place an all over wash of color to the entire eyelid. I really enjoy her brushes and I keep a travel set handy all the time.
I was originall going to write more, but I am exhausted, so I am going to go take a nap. You all be good and have fun.
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2/20/2008
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Labels: Bobbi Brown, Brushes, Concealer, Mac, Mascara, Review
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Mac Studio Tech Review
I am so sorry that I have not been keeping up, but I promise I am going to start really trying to get people into my blog. I love writing about cosmetics, and I hope you enjoy reading about what I have to say. With that said, I am obsessed with Mac Studio Tech. I am NC30, just for reference, and this foundation is amazing. Like I have said before, I have rosacea, and it is hard to find a foundation that doesn't flake or crack on my skin. I have been using Prime Time primer by Bare Escentuals, and at first I was really scared that the somewhat oily consistency of Studio Tech mixed with a silicon based primer would leave my skin looking really skiny, however I couldn't be more wrong.
So, I started my daily makeup regimen. I used Bliss Labs face wash, followed by Clean & Clear anti shine moisturizer, and then applied my Prime Time, and used Bobby Brown undereye concealer with setting powder. Then, I took out my Mac 190 brush and went to town. The texture of the foundation is amazing. It felt like silk on my skin.
The coverage is extremely buildable, and I was able to have sheer coverage on my forehead (since I don't really have any discoloration or problem skin there), and build a more intense coverage on my cheeks, which are red and bumpy.
After I was finished applying my Studio Tech, I used Bare Minerals Mineral Veil, and tada. I was good to go.
I couldn't be happier with this purchase. The only downside was the purchasing price, but I would have spent double, knowing how amazing it would be.
I am going to post a picture sometime later tonight or tomorrow, so check back to see it in person!
EDIT:
I told you I would post pictures, so here they are. I also did a little FOTD since I was bored. Enjoy.
Heres what I used:
Face:
Prime Time by Bare Escentuals Facial Primer
Mac Studio Tech in NC30
Bobby Brown Undereye Concealer in Warm Beige
Bare Minerals Mineral Veil
Mac Blush in Dollymix
Eyes:
Mac Paint Pot in Bare Study
Mac Pigment in Vanilla
Mac e/s in Goldmine
Mac e/s in Carbon
Mac Pigment in Dark Soul
Zoom Lash in Black
Mac e/l in Smolder
Lips:
Mac C Thru l/g
Revlon RSVPINK l/g
Posted by:
Beauty Review
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2/05/2008
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Labels: Bare Escentuals, FOTD, Mac, Review
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Foundation Primers
I can not stress the importance of a good foundation primer. A foundation primer not only preps your skin for "complexion perfection", giving your foundation a solid canvas that it can hold on to, it also fills in small lines and wrinkles, AND can smooth over rough patches of skin. Some foundation primers can even correct problematic skin, but I'll get to that later.
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12/05/2007
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Labels: Bare Escentuals, Benefit, Foundation, Foundation Primer, Primer, Review, Smashbox
Smashbox Blush/Eye shadow Review: Radiance
I thought I would make my first blog post about one of my most fun and favorite products. This, ladies and gentleman, is Smashbox blush in Radiance.
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12/05/2007
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