Saturday, March 16, 2013

GHD vs. Sedu Straighteners


The day finally came when, after five years, and several months of incessant chirping, my GHD died. As someone with bangs, a straightener is pretty essential unless you don’t mind rocking a Donald Trump style—a look that’s surprising hard to pull off. In searching I was able to narrow it down to replacing it with either a GHD Professional 1” Styler ($225) or a Sedu Pro Ionic Ceramic Tourmaline 1.5” Flat Iron ($129).

GHD Classic Styler
I purchased the Classic Styler model from Folica.com for about $180. At the time, it came with a miniature Sedu straightener and a heat proof pouch (which I never used). The fact that it lasted a solid five years, despite being dropped on more than one occasion, attests to its high quality (and my clumsiness). My only complaint with the GHD is the amount of frizz I would get, particularly if I used it to curl.
Pros:
Heats up in 30 seconds
1” plate allows for versatile styling
Safety shut-off
2-year warranty
Available in different colors
Universal voltage

Cons:
Small amount of frizz
Slightly damaging
No temperature adjustment
Price

Sedu Pro Ionic Ceramic Tourmaline
I was able to use a coupon code and send in an old curling iron, which gave me a $50 credit towards my purchase. Additionally, it came with free shipping. After sales tax I was able to purchase the straightener for just under $90.  You are able to create large, soft curls with the Sedu and I haven’t had to battle with frizz afterwards. It’s worth noting that Sedu makes a straightener called the Revolution that has a 1” plate; however, it wasn’t rated as well as the Pro Ionic Version.

Pros:
Smoother/Softer results than the GHD
So far, less damaging
Longer cord
Adjustable temperatures
Price
Takes less time to straighten
2-year warranty

Cons:
Heats up in 60 seconds
No safety shut-off
Wide plate is less versatile

Price was definitely a factor in my decision but so were the Folica reviews, which seemed to favor the Sedu. Obviously, every heat tool is going to damage your hair to some degree, but at this point, I haven’t noticed quite as many split ends since I’ve made the switch to Sedu. They truly are both great straighteners and while I don’t know if the Sedu will last as long as the GHD did, I think I made the right decision for me.


Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Beauty Subscription SmackDown: March 2013

Beauty subscription boxes are relatively new to me and while some months are better than others-- it's a great way to get your hands on new products without committing to buy them. I've been subscribed to Birchbox and Ipsy (formerly Glam Bag) since this last December. If you use or prefer other subscriptions I'd love to know what you think!


In general, I like the brand selection of Birchbox as well as the fact that you can accrue points and use them in the Birchbox Shop. Ipsy definitely gives you better sample sizes and I like that everyone basically gets the same bag. 

Birchbox Samples


Twistband Headband in Silver: This definitely isn't a groundbreaking product, and I still struggled to keep it from slipping but I'm happy to have this. I use it to hold my hair back when I'm putting makeup off and on. 

Madewell for Birchbox Nail Emery Board: If nail files excite you, then I guess this is perfect. I'll definitely use this, but it's kind of the equivalent of giving me a roll of toilet paper. 

Whish Shave Cream in Blueberry: Definitely my favorite thing in the box so far. Smells great, semi-moisturizing, and allows you to get a close shave.

Benefit Stay Don't Stray Eyeshadow Primer: This has a slight tint to it, which I really like. I haven't tried it enough to decide if it does a good job of holding eyeshadow but it did seem to make it appear a little more pigmented. 

Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum: I'm in love with my Origins Super Remover but I'm happy to try this little baby out. 

Ipsy Samples


(Left to Right: So Vein, Sand Dune)
LA Fresh Travel-Lite Makeup Remover Wipes: If you love a fiery burning sensation in your eyes these may be perfect for you! I rarely react to products but this had me running to the sink to rinse my eyes out. A feat which was exceptionally hard to do with tears streaming down my face.

Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist: This was refreshing enough but had a smell that was even more "herbally" than Caudalie's Beauty Elixir. So far I feel kind of neutral about it.

GlamRX Mini Freestyle Palette: I'd actually been wanting to try a Z Palette for awhile so I'm glad I got this. I like that in includes a mirror and while it's small it would be able to hold a few essential pots. It's worth noting that the Coastal Scents eyeshadows in last month's box aren't metal and don't stick to this. I figured this out after completely crushing two of them :(

Yaby Eyeshadow Refill in So Vein and Sand Dune: Not impressed by these. Similar in consistency to NYX's single eye shadows but with less color-payoff. 

Overall, I think I preferred Birchbox this month (which is a first). Still, I love the concept of beauty subscription boxes and trying out new products that I most likely wouldn't have come across. 

The Used

Doing a post on the products I've used up was such a good thing for me. It forced me to actually finish a product before busting out a new one. These are pretty much the things I've been using up over the last month and a half. 


Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara: In general this is a good mascara. Kind of a thinner formula with a rubber applicator, both of which I prefer. At the moment I won't be repurchasing but maybe in the future... ★★★★

Benefit They're Real! Mascara: Definitely a popular mascara and one of my personal favorites. It holds a curl and does a decent job of lengthening without clumping. I'll likely repurchase once I've used up a few other mascaras. ★★★★★

C.O. Bigelow Sugar Lip Scrub: This poor little guy has been through a lot and looking a little worse for wear. Regardless, this was a good exfoliater and a more wet formula than Lush's Sugar Scrub (which I also like). The granules are a little on the bigger side but not unpleasant to use. ★★★

Bath & Body Works Shower Gel in Winter Wonderland: I really like this scent. I prefer the creamy body wash formula but this did the trick. ★★★★

Sephora Collection Correcting Primer in Green: Not a big fan of this one, but I was able to use it up. I believe it's been discontinued so reviewing isn't going to be especially helpful. But rest assured-- you're not missing anything amazing. ★★★

Revlon Brow Fantasy Pencil & Gel in Light Brown: I think this is the second one I've purchased. I really liked the pencil but the gel left me really underwhelmed. The gel seemed to make my eyebrows look a little crusty-- which, shockingly, was not the look I was going for.  ★★★

Anastasia Brown Pen in Universal Light: For what this is, I love it. It stains your skin and I've found it's perfect for filling in sparse eyebrow areas. It lasts all day and then some. The only reason it's not a HG product is because I still feel the need to use another pencil to finish filling in. Also, you have to shake it pretty frequently to get product to come out. I've had better results since I started storing it with the tip down. ★★★★

Philosophy Happy Birthday Beautiful Shower Gel: I prefer the formula of this to the Bath & Body Works shower gel, however, the smell of this was too sweet and I kept having to rotate it out because I would get sick of he scent. ★★★

Bath & Body Works Body Cream in Midnight Pomegranate: For a thick, moisturizing lotion, this is pretty good. I'm tired of the scent but I'd still be up for trying a different one of the same product after I use up the other lotion stockpiles I've got buried under my sink. ★★★★

Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick in Top Tomato: The stain lasts for ages on your lips and the glossy finish wears off in a few hours. Application can be a little tricky but very doable. I recommend only using a tiny amount. I liked the formula but I wasn't a fan of the glittery red. I might try a different color in the same line but I'm not exactly rushing to the nearest store. ★★★

Fresh Sugar Rose´ Tinted Lip Treatment: I really loved this and already replaced it with the original clear version. It left a pink tint and like the other Sugar lip balms it left a glossy and moisturizing finish. I don't think it's heavy enough to use as a night lip cream but I use it all the time during the day and almost always have one on me. ★★★★★

Burt's Bees Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey & Orange Body Lotion: I really disliked this. It was pretty thin, didn't really soak into my skin, and almost left a sticky feeling. I'll definitely be avoiding this at all costs. ★

Eos Lip Balm in Sweet Mint: It took ages to use this up and while it wasn't totally unpleasant I definitely won't be repurchasing. I thought the formula was too waxy to be moisturizing and honestly don't understand how these are so popular. There are just so many better products out there. ★★

La Roche-Posay Hydreane BB Creme in Teinte Medium: This little sample came with a recent Amazon purchase and while it wasn't in the right color-- it was still really nice. Its a little bit of a thinner formula than the Smashbox or Dr. Jart BB creams but this still gave as good, if not better, coverage. This has a little more of a yellow tone as well which some people would probably appreciate. ★★★★

Embryolisse Lait Creme : This came in a Birchbox a few months ago and I loved it so much I immediately purchased the full-sized version. While this may not be for everyone I prefer it to any other moisturizer I've tried. It's a little on the heavy side and leaves a silky effect on the skin. I'll continue to repurchase this little gem. ★★★★★

Dr. Jart Black Label Detox Beauty Balm: This left a pink cast over my already pink face. Other than that, I did like the formula and someone with a different skin tone could easily enjoy this. ★★★

John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo & Conditioner: This was a little too heavy for me at the moment. It isn't sulfate free and I thought the scent pretty overpowering. I don't see myself ever purchasing this. ★★★

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Shopa-Haul-It


True to shopaholic form, I somehow found myself at the mall this weekend. One thing led to another, and several pennies later… I came home with a few new products.


Mac Fix+: Kind of a cult-classic and something I’ve been meaning to try for a while. I work pretty long hours and a makeup setting spray is practically a necessity, right?

Mac Mineralize Rich Lipstick in Lady at Play: A vibrant red/coral that’s really wearable. The formula is super moisturizing, lasts for hours, and doesn’t crease.

Mac Mineralize Rich Lipstick in Divine Choice: I actually went to Mac planning on getting Saint Germain but the S.A. kept talking this line up. It’s quite different from SG but, so far, I love this.

Kat Von D True Romance Pigments in Meditation: This was definitely an impulse buy, mostly due to the $5 sale price. I was actually looking for a dupe of UD’s “Toasted” and while this isn’t it… I’ll definitely be able to get some use out of it. 


(Left: Meditation. Top-Bottom: Divine Choice, Lady at Play, Miami Pink)
Mac Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage: After seeing this in Jacyln Hill’s video Mac Essentials I really wanted to try it. Do I have a perfectly good primer, yes, but the slight shimmer in this really got me hooked.

Sephora Ultra Vinyl Lip Pencil in Miami Pink: The formula of this is really similar to my Nar’s Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil. It’s a light baby pink that's comfortable and quite sheer.

Make Up For Ever 5 Camouflage Palette Cream in N°01: This is the concealer palette that’s light and includes the green corrector. I needed a new cream concealer and I figured with 5 shades there was a good chance that even I could find a color to match.

Sephora France Sampler for Her: I’m addicted to these boxes. Basically, for $50 you get a bunch of samples and a voucher for a full-size bottle of one featured fragrance. This one says it has a retail value of $105 dollars (doubtful) but still well worth it considering many of the scents are around the $60-range in full size. This particular box contained the following fragrances:
  •        BVLGARI Omnia Crystalline redeems to a 1.37 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
  •        Chloé Chloé redeems to a 1 oz Eau de Parfum Spray
  •        CLEAN Skin redeems to a 2.14 oz Eau de Parfum Spray
  •        ESCADA Especially Escada reedeems to a 1 oz Eau de Parfum Spray
  •        Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia redeems to a 1 oz Eau de Parfum Spray
  •        Gucci Flora by Gucci redeems to a 1 oz Eau de Parfum Spray
  •        Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh redeems to a 2.5 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
  •        Paco Rabanne Lady Million redeems to a 1 oz Eau de Parfum Spray
  •        Philosophy Love Sweet Love redeems to a 2 oz Fragrance Spray
  •        Stella McCartney L.I.L.Y redeems to a 1 oz Eau de Parfum Spray
  •        Tocca Cleopatra redeems to a 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray