Archive for May 10th, 2008

Product Review: Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser »

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Neutrogena
Name: Wave Power-Cleanser
Size: n/a
Approx. Price: $15.99 CDN

A new power cleanser from Neutrogena makes some pretty big claims:
- Better than the leading cleanser
- Removes more dirt, oil and makeup
- Soft skin after 1 use
- Gentle for daily use

I have always wanted to try these hand-held cleansing machines, but usually they’re quite expensive, and I’m always concerned that it’s going to be too harsh on my skin. But as I’m a loyal fan of Neutrogena, I figured I’d give this one a try - and the price is pretty reasonable too!

To Purr About:
- pretty quiet when on
- shape and rubbery sides make it very easy to hold onto while in use
- the soft cottony pads attach extremely quickly (there’s a velcro-like part on the machine that you just lightly push the pad onto and it sticks automatically, but is also easy to pull off)
- water-resistant power cleanser means you can use it in the shower
- I actually noticed that my pores were clean after ONE use
- my skin felt smooth after using this but it didn’t feel dry or stretch at all

Claws Out:
- the pads aren’t really pre-soaped, even though they say that they are “foaming pads” - I still feel like I need to use my own cleanser, with this power cleanser
- battery compartment was really hard to open - it took me about 5 minutes to get it open. i can understand why, since the cleanser is water-proof, but it was still frustrating - I almost gave up on it!
- would be kind of nice if the pads came with a choice of neutrogena cleanser infused in it to make the cleansing even better

Final Comments:
I’m pretty impressed with this little gadget - it’s gentle, yet cleans very well and leaves skin clean, soft and not dry at all. a box of replacement pads cost approximately $10.99 CDN, so it’s not the most economical thing to add to your daily routine, especially if you still also purchase a daily facial cleanser, but it’s nice to do a deep cleanse once in a while and bring out your own glowing skin.

Rating (out of 5):

If you have a product that you’ve tried and would like to write a review, send me an email! Details on how to submit a review can be found in the left-hand sidebar.

image: drugstore.com

Popularity: 1% [?]

Treating Dry Hair With Natural Oils »

Keeping your hair moisturized is critical! When it comes to women of color, especially Black or Biracial women, hair tends to be naturally dry and sometimes brittle. Dry hair leads to breakage from the hair shaft. Split ends are a result of dry and damaged hair cells. Many times the relaxing process, which involves harsh and damaging chemicals aid in drying your hair out and leaving you with a head of hair that resembles a bail of hay. How do you stimulate and encourage the healing and repair process of your hair naturally? Follow these tips to begin the process and keep it going to see a healthy head of beautiful, shiny, and silky hair.

Before you begin to moisturize and restore vital oils for your hair, you need to avoid or take a break from chemical relaxers. I know that this seems somewhat impossible for some women, but know that there are some styles that you can consider while you are transitioning. Many women that set out to just take a breather from relaxers end up going natural. The one thing that will restore moisture is to eliminate the chemical inducing damage that you are exposing your hair shafts to. Consider wearing the wavy look that you can achieve by just washing and thoroughly condition and allowing your hair to air dry. While your hair is still wet, you can take your fingers and swish your hair all over, adding essential oils. Trim your ends to rid split ends that only lead to more brittle hair.

Carrot oil can be used on your hair to replace moisture and revitalize your hair’s healthy state. It promotes the development of healthy hair cells. Apply a dime-sized amount to your scalp and gently massage. After massaging through, it is suggested to sit under the dryer to stimulate and allow to penetrate the shafts. Another option is to apply to hair and brush to distribute to ends of hair, paying special attention to split ends. Organic Root Stimulator makes great carrot oil.

Jojoba Oil is a natural plant extract that penetrates and replaces vital moisture to hair. This oil allows your hair to look beautiful and silky without giving you that oily residue that you don’t want. Apply this oil after washing and conditioning. You should start seeing results immediately.

Vitamin E oils add moisture as well as promote growth. It also battles dandruff. Massage it into your scalp for healthier and revitalized hair. You can opt to take a Vitamin E supplement for results. Vitamin E is also a remedy for problematic skin.

Jojoba oils are fabulous for replacing oils. It comes from the jojoba plant, which is mainly found in Mexico. You can find products that contain jojoba oils for hair in herbal shoppes and health food stores, mainly. You can also purchase pure jojoba oil from stores specializing in herbal products. This is one of the preffered products for thinning hair and bald spots. Massage the oil directly onto the bald spots each night before bed and wear a satin bonnet.

Rosemary oils are known for replacing what your damaged hair has lost over time due to chemical processing, neglect, and heat. Stay away from rosemary if you are pregnant! People who have lost tremendous amounts of hair due to illness, medication, or alopecia have resorted to rosemary oils and gained desired results. Because of it’s pleasant scent, many people use rosemary oils in between shampoos, as well as after them.

As always a good diet consisting of plenty of fruits and vegetables is necessary for healthy, shiny, and thriving hair. If your diet is poor, invest in a good multivitamin to restore vital minerals and nutrients. To retain moisture in your hair, add moisture to your diet by drinking lots of water. Keep these tips in mind, use natural oils, and watch your hair begin to shine because of it.

Donna Rice is the owner of blackhairplanet.com a black hair growth site with a growing black hair care forum

Popularity: 1% [?]

Inside the Makeup Case of…Becki Newton »


An admitted “beauty loyalist”, the lovely Becki Newton (from Ugly Betty) admits that she sticks to what she loves and stays loyal to the same shades that she’s used for years. Even though she tries new things all the time, she still goes back to what works for her.

The April issue of InStyle took a look inside Becki’s makeup bag - Ricky’s NYC clear makeup bag.

- Benefit Her Glossiness Lip Gloss in Life on the A-List
- Stila Perfecting Concealer in Shade C
-
Face Stockholm Pearl Eye
- Benefit Cream Shadow/Liner in Carte Blanche
- Guerlain Terracotta Tan Booster in Light
- Napoleon Perdis China Doll Eyeliner in Equinox
- Chanel Extracils Mascara in Brun
- Stila Illuminating Liquid Foundation in 30 Watts
- Face Stockholm Blush-on in Worship
- Chanel Precision Eye Definer in Coffee Bean
- Tarte Glam on the Go Brush with case

image: viewimages.com

Popularity: 1% [?]

Featured Item: Katie Sweater Jacket (Now On Sale) »

Hello Fellow JCrewaholics:

So what do you think about the following item?

Katie Sweater Jacket (on sale for $89.99, originally $148)

And then there’s also the striped version :

I haven’t tried it on or seen it in person, but was curious if any of you had done so? Do any of you own it, & if so, what do you think of it?

IMHO, it looks cute from the online & catalog pictures, but I’m curious to hear about your own personal try-on experiences regarding this item.

I’m probably going to make a trip to the store over the next day or so (I’ve got something I need to return/exchange), so if I do happen to see it in the store, I’ll certainly share my own impressions of the item here.

Anyhow, if you do comment on the item, I’d really appreciate it if you could include details about the garment’s fit & style, & any other details & insights you care to include (i.e., feedback on the weight & feel of the fabric, etc.) Thanks!

Popularity: 3% [?]