While this week has bestowed snowy wonderlands upon so many of you lucky souls, it has given me freezing fog and long working hours! So I've been thinking up ways to beat the winter blues, starting with one in the beauty department: sampling a few products that promise cosmetic pick-me-ups. I put them to the test throughout this week, and here are my verdicts!
I finally asked for a sample of Origins VitaZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer at Sephora. The first thing I noticed is that this moisturizer is full of tiny dark-colored beads, which I assume release the small amount of pigment that the product contains. It offers very light coverage (less than most tinted moisturizers), and it evens out and warms up my complexion without feeling heavy or greasy. On days when I don't need a lot of coverage, this is what I want to be wearing. I know I'll be purchasing the full-size as soon as I finish a product I already have! I also revisited my sample-size tube of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, a multipurpose "skin protectant" that you can use on dry skin anywhere from lips to cuticles. It is very emollient, but I'm still not convinced by all the hype. To me it just feels like a medicated version of Vaseline that smells slightly like tar, and I don't seem myself purchasing a full-size tube any time soon.
I'm on the hunt for a "magic potion" shampoo and conditioner... you know, the ones that will make long locks look luscious? I didn't have the highest of hopes for Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo; but don't be fooled by the boring name... it left my hair looking shiny, healthy and voluminous. It contains moisturizing avocado oil and astringent nettle extract, and it has a very faint cucumber-y scent. I don't color my hair, but according to the packaging, this shampoo is gentle enough to use on colored hair. I paired this shampoo with Bumble and Bumble Super Rich Conditioner, another great product for anyone with dry or chemically-processed hair, and it was a winning combination. The only downsides? The shampoo might not be gentle enough for everyone because it contains sulfates, a known irritant to more sensitive scalps. Also, the price tags: an 8 oz bottle of the shampoo is $25 and an 8 oz bottle of the conditioner is $24.
I'm curious to know... have you tried anything good lately? What is your favorite shampoo?
Lovely products..B&B always reminds me of vacation in L.A. :) Love how great producs stick with you through memories...
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i'll have to try B&B shampoo then. always on the lookout for something to help my hair! thanks for this review!!
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phiphi's blog
I really like Bumble & Bumble, but the price always sets me back. Right now, I'm really in love with Nioxin shampoo. It's nice, and it leaves my hair feeling really clean and fresh! :)
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I haven't heard of Nioxin... will check it out! thanks for the recommendation x
DeleteLove origins products!really want to try some bumble and bumble products!
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xx
I'm loving my Bumble & Bumble Creme De Coco Conditioner it smells amazing.
ReplyDeleteooh I'm going to have to try that one, it sounds great!
DeleteYou've just reminded me that i have some Bumble and Bumble samples to use up (: This one sounds quite nice though, they're just so expensive!
ReplyDeletexx
http://laurathroughthelens.blogspot.co.uk/
So happy you got a sample of vitazing and loved it as much as me. The woman told me it isn't supposed to be treat as a tinted moisturiser it's more of a primer instead to reduce redness and brighten xx
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p.s i'm currently hosting a giveaway for reaching 500 followers, you can win goodies such as laura mercier and lush. check it out if you'd like:)
I agree with your comments regarding he eight hour cream....i have to say i wasnt all that won over either and i hated the smell of it!!
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http://toxylicious.blogspot.com
I never use the same shampoo twice... having unpredicatbly sensitive skin makes it hard to stick with one favourite. The Lush ones don't break me out though, so I always have one of those on hand! New follower :) awkwardpandamusings.blogspot.ca
ReplyDeleteI have a whole box of sample sachets. I never use sample products, I just hate getting things out of a sachet.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try out the Origins product though.
xx
Ooh I need to ask for product samples from Sephora. Lately I've been liking Wen conditioning shampoo, but it's too pricey to use all the time...
ReplyDeleteI'll have to look into Wen! Sephora is very generous with samples :)
Deletei use the avalon organic lavender nourishing shampoo and i love it. it is mild and volumizes hair :) yay for loving the origins cream - i have their vitazing bb cream and it's one of my favorites!
ReplyDeletehope work gets better this week for you hun :)
rachel x
I've heard great things about Avalon! Will have to check it out :) thanks Rachel!
DeleteMy absolute favorite shampoo + conditioner combo is Pureology. It isn't cheap but my hair is soft, shiny & frizz free. I couldn't bear to go without it and they often have samples of it at Ulta if you ask!
ReplyDeletePS - I love your "currently sampling" posts - please keep them going!
Pureology sounds amazing, and thanks for the Ulta tip! I'm glad you like the "currently sampling" posts!
Deletethat's exactly what I like
ReplyDeleteI love bb products! Great post!
ReplyDeleteEight hour cream is pretty overhyped!
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Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI use Redken for shampoo & conditioner. I love it, but I'm a girl who has to wash her hair everyday! My hairstylist (who is my friend) recommended only putting a little shampoo on your scalp, massage, then let the shampoo just run through your ends as it rinses out. Then mainly apply the conditioner to your ends and wait a couple minutes before rinsing. Helped out my hair so much!
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I'd LOVE to try some Bumble and bumble products - i wonder if I can get my hands on some samples like this in the UK?
ReplyDeleteI'm a massive fan of origins products too :)
N xoxo
breathebeautyfitness.blogspot.co.uk
hmmm im always on the hunt for really moisturizing shampoo, and i've been eyeing the bumble & bumble brand. i feel like it might not be able to handle pretty processed hair (like mine, lol!) but that deep conditioning one you mentioned sounds promising! maybe i'll shell out and finally try it
ReplyDeletexo Marlen
Messages on a Napkin
B&b products are always so good!! Have you even tried the luxury shampoo/conditioner from Enjoy? It's super thick and moisturizing-- perfect for the dry winter!
ReplyDeleteI have been using 8 Hour cream, and yes, it's like Vaseline on steroids. But in its defense, it did sooth my cuticles.
ReplyDeleteGirlie Blog Seattle | Casual Clothes for Less
Nothing better than a few beauty pick-me-ups during this dreary, cold weather! The Origins VitaZing sounds great, actually. I tried their BB Cream and found it quite greasy, but this sounds like a nice, lighter-weight option. And the Bumble and Bumble Super Rich line sounds right up my alley. My hair gets so parched in wintertime! Glad you were able to find a few goodies that are helping!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for stopping by my blog earlier- so much appreciated! :)
-Jen
www.vibrantbeautyblog.com
Ah I am so surprised to hear people's negative comments about the 8 hour cream! This is literally my holy grail product. I use this everywhere and often mix in with my daily moisturisers and even under my eyes in light dabs (as yes it is heavy). I have heard it is really favoured my models makeup artists as it moisturises very deeply which is great for smooth skin for makeup. Also use to moisturise brows, eyelashes and cuticles which grow like a mofo with this on.
ReplyDeleteI would recommend sticking with it for a while! I do have dry skin though which literally sucks up everything so maybe if your skin is a little oiler it is not so good. And it smells wierd as it contains lanolin which yes never smells good (it comes from sheeps wool- not to put you off! )
I never comment on beauty products normally but I think this is worth the hype 100% as you may be able to tell :)
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