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Showing posts with label Alberto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alberto. Show all posts

April 10, 2012

March Empties


Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Moisturizing Gel-cream for Dry Skin This was my first experience with a Marcelle skin care product and I'm pretty happy with it. At first, I was skeptical that a gel-cream would cure my dry skin, but if it didn't heal it completely, it definitely helped it a lot.

At first sight, I would have though this moisturizer would be best for use in the summer because of its light texture, but don't underestimate it as it's very moisturizing - yes, it really helped my dry and irritated skin through the harsh winter weather. The only thing I found odd about this cream is that when you rub or scratch your skin, little gel residues fall off so you have to be careful when you apply foundation or retouch your makeup through the day. Oh, also, it's beyond me that some companies still choose not to formulate their day cream with SPF, but oh well, I guess you can't have it all. See my super old and horrible review here.
Repurchase? Yes
What I'm currently using to replace it: Zorah Biocosmétiques Xia Ultramoisturizing Facial Cream

Burt's Bees Beeswax & Banana Hand Creme (sample size) This is similar to Burt's Bees Beeswax & Almond Milk Hand Creme which I have used up in January and did not like. Because my job involves submerging my hands in the water and manipulating harsh chemicals a lot, I need to keep my eczema-prone hands moisturized so I keep sample-size hand creams in the pocket of my uniform. I really hate the texture of this hand cream, it's really thick and hard to spread on my hands, I guess it's because of the beeswax. It might be OK for night time but it tends to make my hands sticky during the day and that's annoying! This smells better than the Beeswax & Almond Milk one but it's very strong (which doesn't annoy me personally).
Repurchase? No
What I'm currently using to replace it: George's Special Dry Skin Cream (travel size)

Pharma Science pms-DESONIDE Cream 0.05% Another cream for my eczema which did not really work. At least it did not discolored my skin like some stronger ones did.
Repurchase? I hope I won't have to!
What I'm currently using to replace it: other eczema treatments


LUSH Lil LUSH Pud Bath Bomb This was the very first LUSH bath bomb I tried and I was very disappointed with it. There is nothing exciting to say about this bath bomb: it turns the water an ugly greenish-brown (reminds me of poop!), it didn't fiz for a long time, and it didn't moisturize my skin or anything. Also, in my opinion, it smells more of gingerbread than pudding, but the scent quickly dies down once this bath bomb has stopped fizzing. See my review here.
Repurchase?  No

Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Hair Treatment These have been around for such a long time and it seems everybody and their mother (and grand-mothers!) swear by them but it just didn't work for me. I didn't notice any difference in my hair, but at least I'm glad it was not left all greasy like some oil do.

Repurchase? No


Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Moist Wipes I received a coupon for a free box of this some times ago and even though Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Moist Wipes are designed "To feel cleaner and fresher than toilet paper alone", after reading the ingredients, I decided to use them on my face for a quick clean in the morning when I'm in a rush before school or work.

It worked well and my skin was not irritated at all - if I remember well, these wipes contain aloes. The only thing I did not like is that the wipes did not stay wet for long and I had to spritz them with toner but oh well, they were free after all! I also like that they come with an "EasyReach hanger" so that you can simply scotch it to a wall which makes it very handy.

Repurchase? No, I would rather use $1 baby wipes from the dollar store.
What I'm currently using to replace it: Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Moist Wipes

Passion Savon Oatmeal & Banana These were OK I guess although I have tried better handmade soaps that smell better and don't melt as quickly, such as the ones from LUSH and MJ's Soap Shop. See my review here.

Repurchase? No

Passion Savon Chestnut & Chocolate Torte These were OK I guess although I have tried better handmade soaps that smell better and don't melt as quickly, such as the ones from LUSH and MJ's Soap Shop. See my review here.

Repurchase? No

February 19, 2012

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD VIP Event


Last Thursday, I was extremely fortunate to be invited by the very lovely Josianne from Être Radieuse to the MAKE UP FOR EVER HD VIP Event in their Pro Loft in Montreal! As a total newbie to MUFE, I didn't even know they had an office in Montreal!

Let's start with my FOTN:


Face

CoverGirl CG Smoothers All Day Hydrating Make-Up - Classic Ivory*
theBalm Time Balm Concealer - Light
Marcelle Concealer Palette in Universal Beige
NYC Translucent Loose Face Powder*

Eyes

Marcelle Power Volume Mascara
Wet n Wild Coloricon Brow & Eye Liner - Taupe
Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - Onyx (upper lashline, waterline and smudged on lower lashline)* 
Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quad - Natural Smokes*

Lips

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick - Creme Cup

Hair

Clairol Nice 'N Easy 123 Natural Soft Black*
TS-2 Conical Barrel Style Stick Clipless Curling Iron
Alberto Weather Resistant Hairspray Mega Hold Finish

*These products are NOT cruelty-free


I had a hard time choosing what to wear but because it was relatively warm outside for the month of February, I finally went for a dress and jacket, just because I love this combo so much - and OK, because that dress is a little too revealing!


Dress - LoveMode | Cropped jacket - H&M | Purse - MAC Tartan Tale | Dove necklace - gift from my godmother | Nails - OPI Rainbow Connection

I arrived at the Pro Loft half an hour late (of course!) because 1. I totally forgot to print the VIP invitation, 2. my desktop computer (connected to the printer) would not start, 3. the printer would not let me print the invitation from my netbook, 4. I lost the internet connection (thank you, sh*tty Videotron!) when I wanted to double check the itinary one last time (at least, I had wrote it down already) and write down Josianne's cell number in case I got lost (of course, I forgot to do this sooner!) buuuuuut, despite all of this and thanks to the gods of makeup, the HD seminar had not started yet and at least, I was not the only one who was late! Phiew!


Despite having heard about HD makeup on the blogosphere, I did not really know what it was, so I appreciated the seminar and the demo the lovely Joëlle showed on the pretty model Stéphanie. I learned quite a few tips and trick indeed - did you know their HD Blush could be applied not only on the cheeks but also on the lips, as eyeshadow and even as tinted mascara? Also, for a more natural application, you can mix it with foundation.


We were served champagne and hors d'oeuvres all night long and there was even a candy bar - Josy and I did not go crazy... what, who said doggy bags?

(images: Être Radieuse)
It was great seeing Josy again, I already miss her!

The guests also enjoyed 40% off on all MAKE UP FOR EVER products, a special price that is normally reserved for the professionals! I did not purchase anything but yes, I was really tempted by this HD Blush that was around $10 after the discount...

(images: Être Radieuse)
I also met two of Josy's lovely friends, Laurie and Isanielle

Of course, we were not sent home empty-handed! Each guests received a super pretty little gift package including very generous sample size samples of three HD products: the very popular Microfinish Powder, Elixir Instant Radiance and Hydration Serum and Cream Blush in the shade #4 Fresh Pink. I will be sure to write a complete post about these products!


A huge thank you to Josianne for bringing me to such a nice event and to the MAKE UP FOR EVER team from Montreal!

December 21, 2011

November Empties



☑ Clarins Sheer Bronze Tinted Self Tanner For Legs

I have bought this out of curiosity at the first Clarins warehouse sale I attended maybe two years ago but at this time, I wasn't even into self tanners so I barely used it on my legs and it didn't impress me so I put it away. Now that I've gotten more into self tanners, I wanted to use this one up before buying some others.

I haven't used a lot of self tanners so I can't really compare this one to some others but it doesn't seem to do much for me - it barely gives me a slight glow. I don't know if it's due to the fact that I'm naturally pale - I'm a natural blonde - but I'm disappointed. I'll keep searching for a self tanner that will really make me look tan!

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint For Face and Decolleté



☑ Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream and Avocado Pear Nourishing Nights Cream (samples)

These were average. The smell was a bit too strong for me and to be honest, it wasn't the most pleasant. I loved the texture too, it ws thick without being too thick.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Moisturizing Gel-Cream for dry skin (day) and Burt's Bees Radiance Night Cream (night)





OK I'll admit it - I'm actually cheating with this one. What happened is that for review purposes, I wanted to take a picture to show you the actual quantity of lipbalm in the tube but when I tried to slide it back in the tube, it broke! So I had to melt it in a Vaseline tin but I'm still including it in my empties =P

Repurchase: yes!

What I'm currently using to replace it: other Dr Hess Udder Sticks




☑ Fruits & Passion Georgia Peach Foaming Bath

Very average foam that last about 10 minutes. Disappointing for the price.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: random bath treats



☑ Equate Exfoliating Cleansing Towelettes

These are great to gently wash my face in the morning. If they dry up, I simply spritz a little toner on them and them rub them on my face.

Repurchase: yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Moist Wipes




☑Alberto Moisture Soak Conditioner

I bought this a long time ago when my hair was completely destroyed by the numerous bleaches I inflicted it, and I was happy to confirm that the claims were true - I really did see a difference after the first use! Of course, it didn't repair my hair on the first use, but I was actually amazed at how soft it left my hair so I kept on using it and I was never disappointed.

I also like the consistency of this conditioner, it's thicker than a lot of conditioners I have tried - it won't drip everywhere - in the past and I feel that it coats my hair really well.

Repurchase: yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: I'm trying to use up those conditioners that come with my boxes of hair dye!




☑Escada Pacific Paradise Eau de Toilette

I bought this at a Clarins warehouse sale years ago because I instantly fell in love with its fruity yet not overly sweet scent, but I'm glad I finally used it up because I have way too many perfumes in my stash! Yes it's fun to use a different one every day, but they have a very limited shelf life, and this one almost didn't smell anything at all after all this time.

Repurchase: yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: other perfumes like Jessica Simpson Fancy, Harajuku♥Lovers Fragrance Baby, Aquolina Pink Sugar, etc.




Repurchase: no, only because L'Oréal tests on animals, and that's a shame because it's a pretty good mascara.

What I'm currently using to replace it: L'Oréal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes

*This product is NOT cruelty-free

October 20, 2010

Thank you mom!


My mother went to Montreal this past week-end and she brought me some goodies!

Fortune Cookies: I love those! I love reading the little fortune in each cookie. This bag is so big... but I know I could eat them all in one sitting LOL.


The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover: There was a sale at The Body Shop, I think it was buy 2 get the 3rd for free or something like that. I don't think I have tried something from this brand before but I definitely hear a lot of rave about their body butters. I don't fancy a particular brand when it comes to make-up removers as baby oil does the trick perfectly for me, but I can't wait to give this one a try!

And those products were on sale for around $4 at Jean Coutu, if I remember well:

 Garnier Fructis Style Volume Booster and Alberto Heat Styler Heat Protector Miracle Mist


Garnier Fructis Style Volume Booster: The instructions simply say to distribute product from roots to tips and let air dry. I'm a little sceptical about this, but I guess at around $4, it's worth a try!


Alberto Heat Styler Heat Protector Miracle Mist: I almost grabbed this product with my $5 off voucher the other day... but I'm glad my mother did! I already have two heat protectant sprays so I don't really need another, but I can't wait to try it.
 
Thanks mom!

October 18, 2010

Review: Alberto Weather Resistant Hairspray Mega Hold Finish


Price: around $6 for 213 g

The claims:
Alberto European delivers high performance, salon tested products that won't let you down.

New formula, Weather Resistant Hairspray with Climate Control Technology, protects against humidity and frizzing for 24hrs.

  • Resists humidity for long lasting mega hold
  • Contains a UV filter to help protect against environmental damage
  • Non sticky or flaky, fast drying fine spray that easily brushes out
How to use:

Shake can well before use. Hold can 20cm away from your hair and spray all over, for a long lasting mega hold finish. Avoid contact with eyes. 

Ingredients: 




Pros:
  • super long lasting hold
  • dries really fast
  • non sticky or flaky
  • easily brushed out
  • resists humidity
  • not tested on animals

Cons:
  • hair feels dry to the touch when hairspray is on


What I think:
One word: Wow! Seriously, I was amazed at the results of this product. As a picture is worth a thousand word, I'll let you see for yourself:

First day - morning
I simply curled my hair with a flat iron.

And a closer view of the curls just so you can see the texture better:


 First day - evening


First day - after a shower, to see if it was really humidity resistant (hair were loosely tied in a bun on top of my head)

My hair was still curly even after a shower!

Second day - morning


 Seconda day - evening (I brushed the hairspray out to see if it was easily brushed out)


  My hair was still wavy after I brushed the hairspray out!

I still can't believe this hairspray lasted me two complete days without making my hair greasy, sticky or flaky.


This hairspray really delivers super long lasting mega hold as I didn't even have to touch up my hair the second day. It was still nicely curly, something that never happens with my hair! The curls are always disappeared by the end of the day (and even before that), no matter how many products I use to prevent this.

When freshly applied, the hairspray makes my hair feels wet and stiff, but it's only a matter of minutes before it penetrates the hair.

My only complain (which is no big deal for me) is that my hair feels dry to the touch when I use this hairspray. However, I don't think it looks dry.


Other available hairsprays: 


Recommend? yes

Rating: ★★★

Disclaimer: I got this product for free as part of a promotion. I was not paid for this review,  I am not  affiliated with this company and the fact that the product was free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

September 28, 2010

Shopping: Jean Coutu

I went to Jean Coutu after school today to pick up my prescriptions, and I also brought home two more things:


The best part? It cost me nothing! 

A while back ago (in May, actually) I discovered that Alberto were offering their Facebook fans a coupon redeemable for a free full-size Alberto European styling product of our choice, so of course I took advantage of this! At first, I was hesitant between getting a mousse or the Heat Protect Miracle Mist Heat Styler, but I figured out I already had one (or more) of these products, so I finally decided to use my coupon to try Alberto Weather Resistant Hairspray Mega Hold Finish as I don't really like the hairspray I'm currently using. The thing with Alberto hairsprays is that there's so many! There's Mega Hold, Extra Hold and Firm Hold, and then you also have the unscented ones, the non-aerosol ones... so I decided to go for the "strongest" (scented and aerosol, thank you) just to be sure it would work all day! It says "Long lasting mega hold for ultimate staying power", but it also claims to be non sticky or flaky. We'll see!

About two weeks ago, I received a coupon from Save.ca for a free pack of Stayfree Ultra Thin Regular with wings (18 pads). I prefer tampons over pads, but I guess I will just give them to my mother.

August 03, 2010

July's most used + July empties

  • Earth Therapeutics Gardener's Hand Repair Protective Conditioner
  • Vaseline
  • Lancôme Rénergie Microlift Eye R.A.R.E Superior Lifting Eye Cream
  • Noxzema The Original Deep Cleansing Cream with Eucalyptus Oil
  • SPAresource Amber Sunset Body Lotion with aloe vera
  • mark. That's Deep Purifying Cleanser with sugar maple/black willow bark
  • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Water-Light Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 45
  • Annabelle Galaxy Eyeshadow Palette in Shooting Star
  • Gillette for Women Satin Care Shave Gel
  • Gillette Venus Embrace
  • Burt's Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion
  • Cellnique Vital Cellular Repair Emulsion
  • Cellnique Amino Collagen C Intense Set
  • Cellnique Advanced Bio Renewal Serum
  • Glamour Gal Shower Gel with the essence of roses, violets, lavender & musk (not shown - used up)
  • L'Oréal EverPure Moisture Shampoo (not shown - used up)
  • L'Oréal EverPure Moisture Conditioner (not shown - used up)

Here are the products I've used up in July:

☑ Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Hair Treatment

I had higher hopes about this product... I guess plain old olive oil could do the job even better.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Alberto VO5 Deep Nourishing Moisture Intensive Mask 3 Minute Mask

 ☑ L'Oréal EverPure Moisture Conditioner (15 mL)

It did NOT prevent my hair color from fading.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Pantene Color Preserve Volume Hair Solutions Conditioner

 ☑ L'Oréal EverPure Moisture Shampoo (15 mL)

It did NOT prevent my hair color from fading.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Pantene Color Preserve Volume Hair Solutions Shampoo

☑ Baby Wipes Thick and Fluffy (75 wipes)

These come from the dollar store, so I didn't really expected them to be "thick and fluffy"... and they weren't. But I guess they do the job anyway, and I like the baby powder scent.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: -

☑ Bioré Steam Activated Cleanser (7 mL)

I'm a little disappointed as I haven't experienced anything special with this cleanser.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: mark. That's Deep Purifying Cleanser with sugar maple/black willow bark

 ☑ Dove Ultimate Go Fresh Energizing Grapefruit & Lemongrass scent

It smells great and it does the job quite well.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Secret Clinical Strength Light and Fresh scent (sample size 14g)

 ☑ Glamour Gal Shower Gel with the essence of roses, violets, lavender & musk

I have no idea where this shower gel comes from (it was a gift from my mother) but I would definitely not repurchase it. It is quite a normal shower gel, not to mention that I'm in love with my Caress Whipped Soufflé Body Wash =D

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Caress Whipped Soufflé Body Wash

July 24, 2010

Shopping: Giant Tiger, Wal-Mart and Dollarama

I went to Giant Tiger and Wal-Mart before going on vacations and I've found some interesting things.

Giant Tiger:

I lost my invoice, but if I remember well, most of the articles were $12.97 and $14.97.

Just One Three-quarter sleeves grey cardigan: I've been wanting one forever! I like that's it's grey; it just goes with everything (=

Blue Crush Long sleeves baby blue cardigan: I love the design in the back!

Bizz Girl Belted black and white striped top: I was looking for some long tops that would go well with my leggings, and this one is perfect (=
Sorry for the crappy quality, I couldn't get a nice picture -_-

Bizz Girl Belted black and navy blue striped top: I love the studded belt!

Wal-Mart:

725 Originals Yellow bikini - $5 each piece : I've been wanting a yellow bikini for some times now, and at this price, I couldn't resist! It's a very basic bikini though, so there's not a lot of padding or support.

Dollarama:


I like to wander in the beauty aisle of my local Dollarama, as I always find some interesting things at such a bargaineous price.

 Super Mario Gummies and crunchy candies - $1.25 : I have a fascination for everything from Nintendo, and I often find some of those things at the dollar store. Most of the candies are not good, but I buy them for the figurine. Those were for my boyfriend (=

 Epsom Salts Bath Crystals - $1 : I was looking for something more abrasive than sugar or salt to mix with olive oil to make my own body scrub, and I think this would be perfect.

Alberto VO5 Deep Nourishing Moisture Intensive Mask 3 Minute Mask - $2 : This was on the lowest shelf, so if I hadn't look down, I wouldn't have seen it! I haven't heard about this product before, but it's labelled "NEW". I needed a good hair mask for my fried ends, so I can't wait to try it!