Wella - Luxe Oil Reconstructive Elixir

I'm not unfamiliar with hair oils. I like them a lot for my hair, given my hair is too thin to deal with conditioner.

This one, from Wella, smells very nice. This is probably mostly from the almond oil.

As just an oil for a bit of shine, great! For providing 'long lasting smoothness'... not so much....

my hair was just as unruly as ever :(

If you need smooth hair solution:

Kein sauberes Haar , nur Vaseline :P

Price: 1/5 (rrp for $42 for 100mL)

Scent: 5/5

Effectiveness: 2/5

L'Occitane - Shea Butter - Foot Cream

This foot cream has a property that I haven't encountered in another foot cream yet: it is oily... and I LOVE IT!

The skin on our feet doesn't produce a great deal of oil by itself, so to give it a little extra boost, an oily foot cream seems brilliant (to me, at least).

This rich formula smells beautiful with coconut, lavender, rosemary and sunflower oil and is best put on at night, with socks over it, for an easy foot treatment.

Obviously don't walk around your house with oils on your feet, or you will have a bad time.

Solution to not being able to walk:

Anyone else remember scooter boards from primary school? :p

Price: 3.5/5 (rrp $12.00 for 30mL)

Scent: 5/5

Effectiveness: 5/5

Brazilian Butterfly - Tea Tree Body Wash - with Sea Salt and Aloe

I purchased this to help care for my skin after a recent waxing session (Pro Tip: it hurts like a b!%@#)

This calming wash won't upset your (possibly recently maimed) skin and will help keep the skin happy and healthy. 

It smells strongly of tea tree oil (a natural antiseptic... also if you are my dad: STOP RECOMMENDING IT FOR EVERYTHING!) which is a green, pleasant scent.

The lather isn't the best though, which makes me a sad panda.

Solution: 

FILL THE ROOM WITH BUBBLES!!! XD

Price: 2/5 (rrp $18.00 for 200mL)

Scent: 4/5

Effectiveness: 4.5/5

Klorane - Shampoo with Chamomile - Radiant Colour Blonde Highlighting

I got this as a sample in my Bellabox last month and thought I would give in a whirl!

First, lets get something out of the way right now... If you are going to send out samples of shampoo, in a sachet, MAKE IT EASY TO OPEN! My hands are covered in water, ready to shampoo and you pull this "difficult to open" stunt on me? NOT COOL, BRO!

It smells like chamomile tea (which I am not loving) and foams up wonderfully. It only needed one wash to clean my hair, which suits my lazy nature.

I asked my housemate if my hair looked different and he said "Is it... a bit lighter?". So maybe it does work to make blonde colours more prominent. Result: Inconclusive!

If you want more 'proven' lightening, then here is my solution:

Bleach your hair!

Price: 3/5 (rrp $9.95 for 200mL)

Scent: 1/5 (personally don't like)

Effectiveness: 4/5 (most points for being a good shampoo)

Elizabeth Mott - It's So Big - Volumizing Mascara

The brush is the first thing I want to talk about with this. I get what they were going for, eye is convex = brush is convex. And that may even work, but my eyes are bigger than the brush, meaning it comes in at weird angles.

I don't need weird angles near my eyes... ever!

The formula is a bit too slow to dry and is quite messy, I don't love it.

The solution:

You knew that was coming :P

Price: 3/5 (rrp $19.99)

Scent: 1/5 (mmm, plastics)

Effectiveness: 3/5

Benefit - They're Real Mascara

This mascara is a favourite among beauty bloggers and I REALLY wanted to love this.... but WTF!!??!

Welcome to Clumpsville! Population: Rapidly approaching unity!

This mess of a 'formula' is so damn STICKY! It just stuck all my lashes together and then wouldn't let me comb them apart! 

(If the brush did anything, those tiny bristles only served to slather a layer of disappointment on my eyes)

I literally had to wash my left eye on the train this morning to re-do my spider eye! And as I washed it, I created THE UNILASH! 

No one should ever have a unilash from a mascara!

This goopy formula goes on way too thick and the minute you blink? Bam! You're a panda!

I will say it can look okay if you work at it and treat it really carefully, but I shouldn't have to work so hard for something to just be 'okay'.... this formula is just too unreliable!

This made me look younger, like a teenager... as in I didn't know how to put on mascara without ending up with just 6 big lashes on each eye!

This may be workable if you have very short lashes, but anyone else, save your money!

Also, it STANK and made my eyes sting... seriously?

Benefit, I am disappoint! Throwing this right in the trash.

The solution:

No one needs clumpy lashes...

Price: 4/5 (rrp $24.00)

Scent: 0/5 (chemical plant)

Effectiveness: 0/5

Maybelline - Colossal Volum' Express Mascara

So far, this mascara is my hands-down favourite! It goes on smooth, doesn't clump the lashes together and the perfect viscosity will allow you you pull it right to the outer tips of your lashes (Can you say length!!!)

The wand is a damn MAGIC WAND! This is THE wand! The wand you wash and keep because this will keep your lashes as individual lashes! There is no spider-leg lashes with these big bristles. 

Mascara producers, take note: THIS WAND IS THE BE ALL AND END ALL! Quick screwing about!

The only negative I can say about this product is, as the mascara dries, there can be some fallout under the eye.

The solution: Do your skin makeup/ undereye concealer after you do your eyes.... you need this mascara. YOU NEED THIS WAND!

Price: 3/5 (rrp $19.95)

Scent: 1/5 (very mild, not 'nice' but wont bother you)

Effectiveness: 5/5

Lux - Evenly Gorgeous - Exfoliating Body Wash

This floral body wash lathers up wonderfully (a common short-falling of exfoliating wash) and smells divine.

The gold shimmer colour of the product is quite pleasing visually and the beads in this do a good job of skin-scrubbing!

I wish there was more of a mix of large and small beads though, as this has more of the larger/coarser beads .

Also, I can't get past the fact that the exfoliating beads in these types of products are plastic/ non-biodegradable. 

So, for my eco-friendly friends, a SOLUTION!:

Coffee grounds are biodegradable, can be from your morning cup of joe (Reuse!) and work a treat! Just mix it in with your body wash and you are good to go! 

Also, your bathroom will smell amazing afterwards!

Price: 4/5 (rrp $5.99 for 400mL)

Scent: 4.5/5

Effectiveness: 4/5

Nail Design - Gamora

I decided to go green today, and who better to be inspired by than none other than the arse-kicking Gamora :D

(A character from the Guardians of the Galaxy comics, but I shouldn't have to say that...)

More like "Glam-ora"! Huh huh huh XD

Nail Polishes used:
- Models Prefer "Money Money"
- Ulta3 "Luck of the Irish"

***New feature***

Colour Combo! XD

Lipstick used: NYX Wicked lippie "Risque"

You can't say I never do anything for you now! :p

Same Product, Different Scent: Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy - Gardeners

***This is a new segment I am starting. It's when it is the same product as one previously reviewed, but the scent is different.***

It smells like warm, winter spices to me. Cinnamon*, nutmeg* and myrrh join macadamia oil and shea butter in this delightful hand cream.
*I decided these are in there :p

Image a pumpkin pie if you will, this smells of the spices you put in one.... so good!

It reminds me of this so much, in fact, that I think I need to send some to my friend Pumpking! (testing if you still check this)
Others need to know how good this smells!

Scent: 5/5 (duh) 

Grace Cole England - Boutique - Orchid, Amber & Incense - Cleansing Hand Wash

This very affordable hand wash could be easily mistaken for a more expensive product.

Unlike some hand soaps, this isn't an offensive or strong singular scent, but rather a lovely blend of incense, floral and amber notes.

It doesn't upset my wimpy skin and does the job you want soap to do (i.e. clean).

However, if you can't be arsed buying this very reasonable hand soap, but what to feel more fancy with the current soap you are using, let me present my "solution":

You're welcome.

Price: 5/5 (rrp $5.99 for 500mL)

Scent: 5/5 (beautiful!)

Effectiveness: 4.5/5

Oral B - 3D White Luxe - Glamorous White Mouthwash

I haven't really had a favourite mouthwash until I tried this one. The lack of alcohol means it doesn't burn and the taste isn't terrible.

Normally I avoid mint flavoured mouth care, given my allergy to toothpaste (I know, my body is a genius!), but this doesn't trigger the reaction.

As far as whitening goes, I do notice a difference in tooth shade after using this... not super dramatic, but enough to notice, so I'll say it works!

In keeping with my new "offering solutions", if you want a more dramatic whitening effect, try this!

Remember to let it dry before you close your mouth! (disclaimer: don't eat paint, don't really do this, I ain't taking you to the hospital)

Price: 3.5/5 (rrp $8.49 for 473 mL, which is ~31.5 uses)

Scent: 5/5 (minty fresh!)

Effectiveness: 4.5/5

Elastoplast - Aqua Protect Waterproof - Extra Strong Adhesion

Recently I walked myself into a blister the size of a 10c piece (I'm the Juggernaut, b!$@h!) and thought I would cover it and let it heal...

These 'bandages' were my first attempt at that... I say attempt because these would not remain on my skin! I think the stayed on for a total of five seconds.

I know how to put a bandage on, that isn't the issue, these just DON'T STICK!

But I have been complaining a lot, so let me present a solution:

Good luck getting rid of those! XD

Price: 4.5/5 (rrp $4.99 for 20)

Scent: 2.5/5 (No smell... some bandages smell, but not these)

Effectiveness: 0/5

Zk'in - Certified Organics - Rebalancing Lotion

This lotion is meant to reduce shine on people with oily or combination skin... Unfortunately, it didn't seem to do that for me (but maybe that is just my stubborn skin, playing by its own rules)

It was a moderately think cream, which may be a bit heavy for day wear

In terms of scent, it kind of smells like a margarita (perhaps one someone had trouble keeping down)... not the nicest scent, but not the worst (see the Zk'in line reducing serum)

Price: 2/5 (rrp $44.95 for 50mL)
Scent: 1/5
Effectiveness: 2/5

Zk'in - Certified Organic - Line Smoothing Serum

I wanted to like this... but the smell... THE SMELL!

It's like cinnamon and rubbing alcohol had an ugly baby... it brings tears to my eyes, and not from joy!

Was my packet fermented? Let me know if you have tried this!

But don't buy it to find out, it may actually mean to be like that!

Price: 1.5/5 (rrp $59.95 for 25mL)

Scent: 0/5 oh god, why?!)

Effectiveness: 1/5 (did pretty poorly as a line smoother)

L'Occitane En Provence - Precious Night Cream

This night cream (from my favourite store that I shouldn't let myself go into, of course) is lovely and rich, making it a nice night time treatment.

I don't like the scent of this one as much as the L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream, it smells like hay/oats to me... but it does feel lovely on.

My advice would be to skip this and go for the divine cream, if you find yourself faced with the choice between the two.

Price: 1/5 (rrp $98.00 for 50mL)
Scent: 1/5
Effectiveness: 4/5

L'Occitane En Provence - Divine Youth Oil

I am a huge fan of oils! Even though I have oily skin, my skin feels and looks better if I use oil nightly... perhaps your skin doesn't have to make so much oil of it's own if there is some already to added, like a negative feedback system? I don't know, I can't be arsed finding out right now...

This oil from L'Occitane (my favourite store, although I don't really have the money for it) smells like it's name suggests, divine!

It contains sunflower, evening primrose, apricot and orange oil and it sinks into the skin fairly quickly.

If I could afford to make this my permanent night oil, I would!

Price: 1/5 ($120 for 30mL)
Scent: 5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5

Schwarzkopf - Essence Ultime - Omega Repair Shampoo, Conditioner and BB Beauty Balm

I received this trio as a sample, as you may be able to guess by now, I wouldn't normally buy conditioner or hair BB cream.

So you can probably going to predict that I found these later two items too heavy for my hair (a correct prediction!)
However, unlike the Pantene I reviewed earlier, it didn't leave my hair feeling too bad... I guess less residue?

Also, my hair (although a bit heavy) looked good afterward! *gasp!*

The products have a vanilla and stone fruit smell to me, which is quite pleasant.

So if you have thicker hair (thicker than 0.03mm, I measured it), then give this stuff a chance (if you are so inclined)!

Price: 3/5 (rrp $14.99 per item)
Scent: 4/5
Effectiveness: 3/5

***Update***

I will be getting a camera soon! Hold on to your pant-seats, images are going to get clearer!

Dear Dell laptop,
You and your camera have served me well over the last 8 years.
This new camera is a break for you, because I love you.
Please forgive me if it feels like a replacement in any way.
Please don't crash on me.
xoxox

Mediheal - Platinum V-Life Essential Mask

I have recently been into sheet masks so I thought I would just pick some of the many different brands and types I have used.

I picked this one because, seriously, who doesn't love platinum? 

The colloidal platinum, trehalose (a disaccharide) and pomegranate are 'meant' to life, tighten and enhance skin elasticity ... .  I don't feel much of a difference in that regard, but my face always feels so hydrated after doing these! And now that I have been doing them occasionally over the past two months, I can say I see an improvement!

I LOVE the silk cellulose mask in this brand, it conforms to the shape of you face SO much better than the normal cellulose sheet masks in other brands (eg- Pure Smile sheet masks).

Get some expensive metal on your face and give it a shot... you may just discover a love of sheet masks yourself! (try it, even if you are male and think it is an un-masculine thing to do, your skin deserves to be treated nicely)

Price: 4.5/5 (rrp $4.45 for one)

Scent: 2.5/5 (virtually no scent, never had a strongly scented sheet mask)

Effectiveness: 4/5

Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Conditioner

This came with the shampoo sample. (see earlier post)

I only made the mistake of putting this in my hair once... other people may be able to use it, but this just WEIGHS my hair DOWN! 
(It may have something to do with having VERY fine hair)

It left my hair looking like I hadn't washed it in a few days... not the outcome I ever want from washing my hair!

It also smells like fake apple...  but maybe Apples-> gravity-> heavy residue... I smell a crack-pot conspiracy coming on!... and apples... :p

Odour: 1/5 (no fake apple!)
Price: 2/5
Efficiency: 0/5

Andalou Naturals Fruit Stem Cell Science - Probiotic + C Renewal Cream

I used this as a night cream (this was in my 'I don't need a day cream' era, which is mercifully over now!) and it was pretty good.

It feels very hydrating and it smells faintly fruity (which is nice).

It contains apple and grape stem cells, which probably don't do much, but appreciate the effort.

*As you can see above, it points out that this cream contains no GMO products... I'd just like to take this time to say I don't have a problem with GMOs, humans have been altering genetics for thousands of years (eg- farming) and if a product says it is GMO free, I don't feel more inclined to buy it.

Price: 3/5 ($32.69 for 50.3mL)

Scent: 4/5

Effectiveness: 3/5 (nothing magical, but not terrible)

Lather Modern Apothecary - Bamboo Creme Hair Wash (Hotel sample)

The interesting thing about this shampoo is the scent (which, given it contains the word 'apothecary' in the name, should be note-worthy).

With notes of orange, cederwood and lavender; it smells fresh and reminds me of something therapeutic. I found it left my hair feeling clean and smelling sooooooo pretty!

I would like to specify that this praise is for THE HOTEL SAMPLE ONLY! Because it appears that it differs in formulation from the normal full size product. (You disappoint me Lather, I would have bought this formulation if it was avaliable full size!).

Price: 2/5 (if you can find it on ebay)
Scent: 5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5

Nail Design - Katy Perry's T.G.I.F.

The minute I received a bottle of essie "fashion playground" in my Bellabox (beauty subscription service), I knew what I had to do... Pink and mint green nails!

I have decided to name this look after Katy Perry, as her music videos often feature bright colours and fun environments.

 

If you haven't heard this song, I highly recommend it... It is a lot of fun :)

Nail Polishes used:

- Essie "Fashion Playground"

- Models Prefer "Out of Office"

- Mode Nail Colour "Nail-holic" (this is the multicolour glitter with silver, orange, pink, blue and green)

Base coat was Sally Hansen 18K Gold Hardening nail polish... you don't need to use this specifically, it's just my current favourite base coat

Wen by Chaz Dean - Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner

I am not normally one for conditioners, given my weak, thin hair.... but this... THIS!

First, THE SMELL! Sooooooooo good! A lovely, delicate mint mellowed out by the nutty/herbal background.

It left my hair feeling so healthy and shiny, like a dog that eats all the eggs from the chicken coupe (but better smelling) :P

I even followed the suggestion of leaving some conditioner in as a product and my weak hairlings weren't weighed down by it!

Price: 2/5 (rrp $29.99 for 350mL)
Scent: 5/5 (I would eat it if I could, it is that good!)
Effectiveness: 5/5

Aromatherapy Associates - Shampoo with Rosemary and Ylang ylang

This beautifully floral/herb scented shampoo smells amazing! 

It lathers up terrifically and ... what can I say? It does what a shampoo is meant to do... clean hair in one wash (and you may think that sounds obvious, but some shampoos can't accomplish this)

Unfortunately I can't find this in any size other than travel/hotel size bottles (40mL)... prove me wrong, kids! Prove me wrong!

Price: 2.5/5 (you can get some small containers on eBay... sorry I can't give a rrp)
Scent: 5/5 (floral/herb, almost musk)
Effectiveness: 5/5

Chi Chi - Creamy Matte Liquid Lipsticks - Va Va Va Voom

Matte lipsticks are very popular at the moment and at first glance, this liquid lipstick may seem like a good introduction... do not be fooled!

This lipstick is difficult to apply, gives patchy colour, pills and flakes as it dries and does not fully set.
DO NOT BUY!

The only good things I can say about it is it didn't cost me too much and the colour is nice (if it worked).

Price: 3/5 (rrp $11.86 for one, but don't bother!)
Scent: 0/5 (Chemically! and not in the fun way!)
Effectiveness: 0/5

L'Occitane - Revitalizing Fresh Shampoo

This lovely, minty shampoo feels so fresh and cooling on the scalp! It contains peppermint, grapefruit, rosemary, thyme, lavender and sage oil; this shampoo lathers up into a wonderfully perfumed froth.

The only negative is the price (rrp $28.00 for 300mL) which is a bit more than I am happy paying.

Price: 1/5
Scent: 5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5

The Body Shop - Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream

This is a hydrating day cream which is quite light and has a fresh, oceanic, mild scent.

It does 'mattify' to an extent, but given my naturally oily skin that quite a challenge.

The only negative with this cream is it can 'pill' if you put a bit too much on, so keep it thin!

Price: 3/5 (rrp $20.95 for 50mL)
Scent: 4/5
Effectiveness: 4/5

Simple - Clear Skin Oil Balancing Exfoliating Wash

This witch hazel face wash has a small amount for exfoliating beads, which is perfect for a daily, gentle scrub.

Since I started using it, I did notice a decrease in the amount of pimples I had, but not a complete fix. It didn't upset my delicate skin and it left my face feeling clean and refreshed.

The only thing I don't like is that this wash doesn't lather up much, but that is a personal preference.

Price: 4/5 (rrp $9.99)
Scent: 4/5 (witch hazel, fresh)
Effectiveness: 4/5

Beyonce Heat Rush EDT

This EDT... amazing! It comes in a pretty orange glass bottle with gold hardware and smells soooo citrus-y!

It is a moderate sillage scent, but (unfortunately) it does not last long at all... When I was using it, it felt like it was gone completely in 15 minutes.

Fragrantica says:

Top notes:  Blood orange, cherry, passionfruit.
Middle notes: Orchid, hibiscus, mango blossum.
Base notes: Teak wood, amber, musk.

I would guess the notes as: orange, lolly sugar, pineapple.
I get NO passionfruit, wood, amber or musk... it almost seems strange to suggest these, to me.

This is definitely a day scent and would probably be best in summer.

Price: 2/5 (rrp $69 for 100mL)
Season: Summer
Weight: Medium
Overall possum liking: 4/5