Monday, December 27, 2010

LUSH Cosmetics Gift Set: Christmas Washes

I received this wonderful collection of seven body care products from my dear brother. Thank you for the awesome present. :)

*Colorful packing peanuts

*LUSH bag and packing paper

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New Shampoo Bar

*The Claims for the New Shampoo Bar*

Clove and peppermint oils to motivate tired scalps.
Help treat hair loss with cinnamon, clove and bay oils. When stress or life goes to your head, this shampoo will encourage hair growth and stimulate scalps. It's intense, but works a treat on irritated scalps or hair that's thinning.

Herbs for softness.
Rejuvenate hair with rosemary and nettle to make hair shiny and soft.
Nettle and peppermint
Nettle and peppermint stimulate the scalp and the hair follicles.

*My Experience with the Shampoo:*

Ease of use: I wet my hair and the bar. Then glide the bar down the length of my hair about two or times.
Results: Cleans hair thoroughly- squeeky clean and shiny; a tad harsh- kinda dries out my hair; great for people with oily hair.
I will update this post - letting you know if the product stimulates hair growth.
Scent: Sweet smelling spicy cinnamon with herbs

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Sexy Peel Soap

*The Claims for Sexy Peel Soap*

Wake you up for breakfast.
Use a bar of Sexy Peel soap to get yourself going in the morning. Wesley created it because he thought that a citrus soap would be great for mornings and there was plenty of citrus peel going to waste at the factory. The fragrance smells like a breakfast marmalade.
Peel has never been this sexy.
A wash with Sexy Peel soap will bring you back for breakfast. Fresh lemon, grapefruit and lime juice wash away sleepiness and get you breathing in revitalising fruitiness.

*My Experience with the Soap:*

Results: Cleanses throughtly; clean, smooth and silky skin; moisturizes and hydrates dry and flaky skin; gentle exfoliator
Scent: Freshly squeezed sweet lemonade

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Sugar Scrub

*The Claims for the Sugar Scrub*

Tough on cellulite, kind to skin.
Our Sugar Scrub is hard, but a bit of a sweetie. Its no nonsense stance stimulates activity and tackles cellulite with fennel and ginger. Calming lavender has a balancing effect and encourages healthier skin.
Made with Fairtrade sugar; created by Ro.
Get yourself wet in the shower or bath, but don't let the bar get under the running water or it'll be lost before it can prove itself. Scrub, scrub, scrub and rinse away. It doesn't waste any time getting down to business

*My Experience with the Scrub:*

Ease of use: I wet my skin then rub the scrub bar on my elbows and legs.
Results: an invigorating scrub that leaves my skin super smooth and bright. The scrub is good for three uses. FYI: The scrub won't dye your skin green. :P
Scent: Yummy lavender and herbs

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Buffy Body Butter

I've done a review of this product a few months ago. Check it out here.

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Mandarin's Tea Party Soap

*The Claims for Mandarin's Tea Party Soap*

Winter wake up call
Stocking stuffers are a Christmas tradition all over the world. On the 25th, you can usually find satsumas, tangerines or mandarins bulging in there, so we packed Mandarin's Tea Party with citrus oils and orange juice to give you some early morning refreshment.
Spicy orange blossom refreshment
It has the same fragrance as our summery Orange Blossom perfume, and there are real dried orange slices throughout, along with soft chunks of crystallized ginger to add a little bit of sweet spice. This soap will help to keep you smiling in winter and it's perfect for any time, not just tea parties.
Crystallized ginger
Crystallized ginger is traditionally used in baking. It adds texture to the soap and makes it very Christmassy.

*My Experience with the Soap:*

Results: Fresh and clean skin; lightly lingering scent on skin after use; hydrating
Scent: Zesty and sweet Mandrian oranges

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Glögg

*The Claims for Glogg*

Spicy gel for festive showers
Glögg is a LUSH interpretation of a Swedish spin on festive mulled wine. While it may be tempting to take a swig of our festive shower gel, we recommend you save the warming effects of the organic red wine, brandy and spice oils for the benefit of your body. Winter can put a chill into your bones and leave you with toe-sicles; heat things up, get the circulation going and get into a lather with this instead. Glögg and Cinders are the duo for you if you find the cold of winter difficult to deal with and want to stoke the embers.

*My Experience with the Shower Gel:*

Results: The shower gel is a bit watery but it an awesome product; a nice warming sensation; fresh and clean skin but scent does not linger
Scent: Hot cinnamon, cloves, and refreshing citrus

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The Olive Branch Shower Gel

*The Claim for the Olive Branch Shower Gel*

Like the warmth of the Mediterranean.
If your body is beaten by the rigours of the rat race, accept an olive branch. The Olive Branch has a welcoming warmth to it, with organic olive oil to soften your skin, an infusion of vine leaves, sea salt and the fresh juice of mandarins.
Accept a peace offering.
It is uplifting and reassuring, and brings peace of mind whenever you lather up in the bath or shower.
Fair Trade olive oil
The oil's active ingredients are vitamin E (a fat soluble antioxidant), oleic acid (omega 9 monounsaturated fatty acid), hydroxytyrosol (plant polyphenol) and squalene (an organic compound found in human sebum).

*My Experience with the Shower Gel:*

Results: a nice thick lather with a long lingering scent; softens and hydrates the skin for a nice glow
Scent: warm citrusy and musky
Cons: A very watery gel
Bottom line: I would not repurchase this product because the product is not thick enough. I end up spilling most of the gel.
Grade: 6.8/10

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Shalala Lala - Updates

My apologies for not updating my poor neglected blog. I have many lame excuses but I'll just say life is short and meant to be lived offline! I know my dear readers understand that courting boys and getting myself into a lot of trouble is more important than reviewing products and philosophizing about life. ;)

I have been through many events and it's been quite surreal. Unfortunately most of them been undocumented or if they have been documented they are not in my hot little hands. Nevertheless, these experiences are embedded deeply in my mind. Sooo...here are my collection of photos from the last 13 weeks...

1. Updating my phone...

Out with the old and...

in with the new. =)

2. Working Hard and Studying Hard

*Glass fishbowl with paper stars

3. Magazines have been stacking up =(

4. Eating A Lot...but many, many meals went undocumented

*Rice balls (?)

*Bok choy and beef tendon

* Assorted chocolate biscuits

*The Golden Nuggets: Ferrero Chocolates

*Squash and rasin buns

*Shrimp in tomato sauce

5. Chilling with the peeps but many, many events went undocumented

*Thanks Chris for the Eiffel Tower key chain!

*Thanks Jen for the "I <3 NY" key chain!

6. Putting my B.A. to Use...

*A sample of my handy work

7. Lots and Lots of Shopping!...again many purchases went undocumented

*Sephora mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow

*A nice plump Sephora mascara wand

*Nice tingly, minty, tasty, and shiny C.O. Bigelow lipgloss

-I'm addicted to this product!

*Minty, sweet butterscotch, and sparkly gold flecks; C.O. Bigelow lipgloss

* Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Gel Sanitizers

*Close-up of the gel sanitizers

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!

*Christmas tree at the Calgary Zoo; the ribbons contains messages of wishes

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Burt's Bee Natural Anti-Blemish Solution: Cleanser and Spot Treatment

Thank you BzzAgent for sending me a Burt’s Bees® Natural Anti-Blemish Solution package to share and review. The package included the Purifying Gel Cleanser, and Targeted Spot Treatment, and $10 off coupons. As mentioned earlier in my previous posts...that as a BzzAgent I have a code of conduct to abide to that is be a natural and honest communicator, a listener, and to have fun! I welcome all questions or comments. If you have them please leave them in the comment section below or send me an email at bioscisweetie[at]gmail[dot]com.

*The claim for the Anti-Blemish Purifying Gel Cleanser *

This cleanser is clinically proven to help wash away blemish causing bacteria, excess oil and impurities without over-drying or irritating skin. Salicylic Acid, derived naturally from Willow Bark Extract, penetrates pores to help reduce blemishes and prevent future breakouts. Evening Primrose and Beet Root Extracts help care for troubled skin resulting in clear and healthy-looking skin, naturally. Dermatologist tested. Noncomedogenic.

My experience with the cleanser:

Ease of use: A watery-cleanser that I pour a nickel size on to my wet hands. I work up a good lather and apply the cleanser on my face.
Results: A healthy glow. Reduces redness without drying out the skin, and prevents excess oil on the face.
Scent: Light herbal-ly and lemony smell.

Bottom line: I would definitely purchase the Anti-Blemish Purifying Gel Cleanser. Since it is 99.4% natural, I feel good using this cleanser. Retail price: $14.99 CAD.

* The claim for the Anti-Blemish Targeted Spot Treatment *

This natural spot treatment is clinically proven to help reduce and improve the appearance of blemishes without irritating skin. Formulated with Tea Tree, Calendula, Yarrow and Parsley Extracts to help care for troubled skin and reduce redness and Borage Extract to promote healthy skin resulting in clean and smooth skin, naturally. Dermatologist tested. Noncomedogenic.

My experience with the Spot Treatment:

Ease of use: A watery-liquid that I pour on my finger tips then pat on my blemishes. The dispenser is not ergonomic - the first time I used the product I accidentally poured 25 percent of the treatment out.
Slight stinging but no further irritations - does not cause dry flaky skin
Improves the appearance of blemishes by reducing redness
Results: Gently settles acne over 2 to 3 days
Scent: Herbal black licorice. The smell dissipates very quickly, and it does take some time to get use to.

How I use the Spot Treatment: After washing my face I apply the watery-liquid to blemishes. I let the product sit for fifteen minutes then I moisturize.

Bottom line: I would only purchase the Anti-Blemish Targeted Spot Treatment if it was on sale. Retail price: $14.99 CAD.

22 Things I Learned As a 22-Year-Old

* Fresh figs

I've been inspired by my good friend Anthony to compile a list of tidbits I've learnt so far.

1. Four simple and easy self-improvement projects that will boost your confidence: Stand up straight, smile and make eye contact whenever possible, and develop a firm handshake.

2. Running was my first true love. I've put more hours into that relationship than any other in my life. He’s been really good to me.

3. I have a superhero complex. Instead of picking the super awesome nice guy, I am compelled to save the needy bad boy. Obviously this has never ended well, haha.

4. It’s a gazillion times easier to fall in love than to stay in love. And no matter what the sad songs say about love, broken hearts do mend. It just takes time, patience, and good friends.

Conversely to the popular notion that it is therapeutic to "get under someone" or date a string of guys, either of these methods are true. Ultimately, you have to know yourself (inside and out), and love yourself before you are ready to be involved someone.

5. I still struggle with my boarder line OCD and perfectionist tendencies; some days are better than others.

6. Never underestimate a balanced diet and exercise. Eat right and exercise regularly and you’ll feel like you're 18 again.

I emphasize on feeling 18. I've been told multiple times that appearance-wise I have "matured into a young woman". Personally, I don't think I have made that transition. You can be the judge; check out my grade twelve photo.

7. If you want to get ahead in life, you have to drop the people dragging you down. Distance yourself from them and move on. And I quite Dory from Finding Nemo, "[J]ust keep swimming. Just keep swimming."

8. Cell phones are a gift and a curse. People think they are entitled to your time. Don’t let that notion rule you.

9. During a crisis or when you're in a difficult circumstance, you actually do know what to do. Most often than not you are subconsciously ignoring the truth.

10. Having nice toys (i.e. tangible items) is awesome but having true friends is better.

11. Nobody is better or worse than you because of the clothes they wear, car they drive or house they live in. Examining individuals for who they truly are will make you appreciate humanity much more.

12. The greatest virtue is not charity or patience, it is empathy.

13. You can change your values, morals, and principles but no matter how hard you try, you can’t change the essence of who you are. Embrace it and use it to your advantage.

14. You can’t avoid offending people from time to time. It just means that you stood up for someone or something in your life.

15. The most valuable thing to have is a good reputation, and it’s neither hard nor expensive to acquire one: Be honest. Be trustworthy. Respectful towards others.

16. Nothing is certain; everything is socially constructed.

17. Stigma is not only disgraceful, it is disgusting.

18. Maximize each day - try to squeeze every last drop of goodness from it. When you look back, you won't have any regrets.

19. Candor is hilarious... with me anyways.

Some classic candor moments:

* I'm on a second date with a guy and I said, "But your mom will like me!"
* Telling my good buddy, Ryan, that "I'm practically naked" over the phone.

* Offering to hold my friend's tennis balls which was misinterpreted as a sexual innuendo.

20. To overcome indecisiveness trust your gut feeling and run with the choice you have made. Even if it means running with scissors. To quote Ryan, "Wheeeeee!"

21. A fear of failure is a ticket to mediocrity. It's good to fail from time to time, it just means you are challenging yourself and not simply drifting in life.

22. The greatest key to happiness is keeping perspective. Take an artisan's point of view towards life, from a distance the bumpiest paths looks clean, sleek, and very smooth.

* Homemade cookies! Yum!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Garnier Nutrisse Package

Photo 1. The four piece package I received from ChickAdvisor

Photo 2. Ad from Elle Canada Magazine

I was one of 50 lucky Canadian members to test Garnier Nutrisse Cream plus the Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo, Conditioner, and Instant Color Sealer care products. Thank you ChickAdvisor for selecting me! =)

I posted my three original reviews on the ChickAdvisor site so check them out: Garnier Nutrisse Cream, Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo and Conditioner, and Instant Color Sealer. If you found my review helpful give me a vote there. ^__^

Garnier Nutrisse Cream Review

I was sent two boxes of the Garnier Nutrisse Cream in Liquorice #10 to review. This hair dye provides a long-lasting grey coverage, and the gentle formula leaves my hair incredibly soft with a brilliant glossy shine.

The dye is rich, creamy, and thick so I had no dripping issues. Yay! The product did lightly stain my scalp and the bathtub but the staining did not cause irreversible damage. Thankfully, the light stain can be lightly scrubbed away. My hair color is now a healthy deep black – the color matches my natural hair color quite precisely. I would repurchase the Garnier Nutrisse Cream Hair Color and I suggest my friends and family to check this product out.

Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo and Conditioner Review

I love color of the bright pink and green bottles, which is quite easy to locate when shopping. I also love Garnier’s hair products - the distinctive energizing fruity scents.

The hydrating shampoo and conditioner, in my opinion, are gentle and safe to use everyday. The products do not strip my hair of its natural oils or add heavy oils. In other words, the shampoo and conditioner leaves my hair smooth, soft, and shiny without weighing my hair down.

I have found that my color lasts longer than when I use store branded shampoos for color-treated hair. Garnier's shampoo and conditioner saves me time and money, since I don’t have to color as often. I would repurchase this dual system and urge my friends, family, and co-workers who have color-treated hair to check out Garnier's Color Shield line.

Instant Color Sealer Review

The Instant Color Sealer product is amazing and it’s a must have! Similar to the Garnier’s Shampoo and Conditioner the sealer smells wonderful!

The product is light weight, and non-greasy to the touch. My color-treated hair is silky soft, sleek, and shiny! This formula controls flyaways, frizz and moisturizes my hair all day long. The seal keeps the color vibrant and my hair looking healthy.

Forever21 Haul!

I was so excited when I made my Forever21 purchase. But then my excitement evolved into guilt after I watched the video "The Story of Stuff" in my Social Policy and Justice seminar, and "Wake Up, Freak Out- then Get a Grip" in my Human Behavior and Environment class. The videos has made me more mindful of my consumption patterns, and impact on the environment. And I hope that the videos will also inspire my readers to be more conscious of their spending habits, and lifestyle. =)