Sunday, 29 August 2010 | Author: Catherine Horgan | 
The team of testers loved August. Well, except for the heat! The products rocked, as we can attest here.
Jemma Kidd Make-up School: Hi-Shine Hydrating Glosstick SPF 15 in Hibiscus
First off, the packaging is absolutely beautiful! This is one lip gloss you will want to carry with you everywhere you go. It clicks to open and close, so you know it's secure. It looks like a lipstick but goes on smooth and shiny ... more like a lip balm. It contains light reflective particles so lips appear fuller. It hydrates nicely throughout the day. The color is more intense than I anticipated. You get deep color with a nice, satiny finish.
Mizani: True Texture For Natural Curls hair care line
This hair care line for women of color truly embodies the "Chemistry In Balance" which means, the product has the ability to moisturize and strengthen your hair in order to promote a healthy mane. Mizani products are much more than conditioners and shampoos but an in-home treatment system to ensure each use brings you closure to reaching your hair care goals. My hair is very thick, naturally curly and chemical-free. Therefore, I start with the Moisturizing Shampoo to gently cleanse my hair without stripping it of its natural moisture. The cleanser is low-lather and sulfate-free, which protects the hair follicles from becoming dry and causing breakage. The product leaves my hair feeling refreshed, soft and clean. I use the Mizani shampoo for deep cleansing once a week and supplement with the Cleansing Cream Conditioning Curl Wash between shampoos. The Curl Wash is gentle enough to use daily without causing dryness and actually enhances the natural shine and softness of my curls. It also prevents hair from tangling while providing extra conditioning to promote a healthy head of hair. The Curl Replenish Intense Moisturizing Mask infuses each strand of hair with shine, moisture and elasticity to keep my curly coils light, bouncy and soft. I applied the Curl Replenisher in the morning while styling my hair to give it a salon finished look. I also found it soothing to apply the cream directly to my scalp to prevent dryness. The cream is not heavy and should be used sparingly. The cream is rich enough that only a small amount daily will get the job done. Lastly, in order to define my curls I finish off with True Textures Perfect Curl Defining Cream Gel which is a dream come true. The product protected the natural curl pattern of my hair with a lightweight firmness without the stiffness like mousse and the build-up styling products tend to leave on your hair. My spiral curl pattern held up against the humidity and did not fail me, while providing a very nice natural supple finish (unusual to have both at the same time with naturally curly hair). I did not experience any skin irritation and loved the fragrance of the products (think whipped custard pudding). Mizani products tend to be a bit more pricey than the average shampoo and conditioner. However, it is worth the cost to maintain a healthy head of hair while looking fabulous.
Dior: Waterproof Crayon Eyeliner in Intense Brown
Finding a great eyeliner is important. One that will stay put all day. A deep brown eyeliner is a staple for me. And while I took a slight detour from my typical eyeliner, it was a pleasant surprise. I chose the waterproof to ensure no smudging on my upper eyelid. I love how soft the pencil is and how easy it is to apply. The sponge on the opposite end allows you to smooth out the line. I wish it stayed put a bit longer, but overall, a fantastic eyeliner!
Sunday Riley Modern Skincare: Juno Transformative Lipid Serum
While the scent reminds me more of an oil that I should be cooking with as opposed to applying to my face, there is absolutely no denying the power of this potent dry oil absolute. It claims to give skin an obsession-worthy glow. It definitely holds true to that. The ingredients in this serum are unbelievable. The instructions call for several pumps, but honestly, a half to a full pump covers my décolleté, neck and face perfectly. I recommend pressing it into your skin. It penetrates nicely to leave a velvety finish. This patent-pending blend of fast absorbing oils is extremely high in natural retinol, Vitamin C, Essential Amino Acids, Omega-3, 6, & 9, UV shields and natural anti-inflammatory agents. I not only use this every evening, but also a half of a pump in the morning. I am in love!!
JONATHAN: Green Rootine Dry Shampoo in dark
Not a shampoo in the traditional sense, this dry powder treatment comes packaged in a slim bottle with an attached brush applicator and is easy to apply along your roots. Just a little goes a long way, and the size means you can definitely carry this with you in your purse or gym bag. Or, stash it in a drawer at the office. The powder looked light in the bottle but disappeared in my dark brown hair (there's a lighter one for fair hair) and didn't have a strong scent (like many Jonathan products). It won't replace washing your hair the old fashioned way, but it will soak up a day (or two) of oil and extend the life of that expensive blow out. And with its vegan, all natural ingredients, you can't go wrong on those days you don't have time to wash/dry/style your hair. And who doesn't have mornings like that?
Peony Apparel: Flutter Sleeve Bohemian Silk Blouse
I love anything sheer and delicate. The pattern is soft and muted with lace on the neckline. The blouse is great paired with shorts, a fitted skirt or jeans. I love changing the color of my cami underneath ... ivory, black, navy, gold ... it provides a slightly different spin every time!
Frederic Fekkai: Salon Technician Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner
Not only does this shampoo and conditioner smell great, it truly protects while hydrating hair at the same time. Rarely do I find a shampoo that lathers well without stripping my hair of precious oils. This shampoo is fantastic! It cleans and moisturizes perfectly. The conditioner smooths, hydrates and protects from the sun's harmful UV rays. So it's made for color treated hair ... or not ... you'll love it either way.
Dr. Brandt: Pore Effect
Pore Effect is formulated with salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and botanicals to refine and tighten pores. I saw a difference in my pores in just a few weeks. It helps to unclog pores while controlling oil production and provides great hydration. It has a fresh smell with the tea tree oil, is a tad bit thick but goes on smooth. It’s very soothing and cool when it hits the skin. I think this would be a great moisturizer in the winter.
Jemma Kidd Make-up School: Hi-Shine Hydrating Glosstick SPF 15 in HibiscusFirst off, the packaging is absolutely beautiful! This is one lip gloss you will want to carry with you everywhere you go. It clicks to open and close, so you know it's secure. It looks like a lipstick but goes on smooth and shiny ... more like a lip balm. It contains light reflective particles so lips appear fuller. It hydrates nicely throughout the day. The color is more intense than I anticipated. You get deep color with a nice, satiny finish.
Mizani: True Texture For Natural Curls hair care lineThis hair care line for women of color truly embodies the "Chemistry In Balance" which means, the product has the ability to moisturize and strengthen your hair in order to promote a healthy mane. Mizani products are much more than conditioners and shampoos but an in-home treatment system to ensure each use brings you closure to reaching your hair care goals. My hair is very thick, naturally curly and chemical-free. Therefore, I start with the Moisturizing Shampoo to gently cleanse my hair without stripping it of its natural moisture. The cleanser is low-lather and sulfate-free, which protects the hair follicles from becoming dry and causing breakage. The product leaves my hair feeling refreshed, soft and clean. I use the Mizani shampoo for deep cleansing once a week and supplement with the Cleansing Cream Conditioning Curl Wash between shampoos. The Curl Wash is gentle enough to use daily without causing dryness and actually enhances the natural shine and softness of my curls. It also prevents hair from tangling while providing extra conditioning to promote a healthy head of hair. The Curl Replenish Intense Moisturizing Mask infuses each strand of hair with shine, moisture and elasticity to keep my curly coils light, bouncy and soft. I applied the Curl Replenisher in the morning while styling my hair to give it a salon finished look. I also found it soothing to apply the cream directly to my scalp to prevent dryness. The cream is not heavy and should be used sparingly. The cream is rich enough that only a small amount daily will get the job done. Lastly, in order to define my curls I finish off with True Textures Perfect Curl Defining Cream Gel which is a dream come true. The product protected the natural curl pattern of my hair with a lightweight firmness without the stiffness like mousse and the build-up styling products tend to leave on your hair. My spiral curl pattern held up against the humidity and did not fail me, while providing a very nice natural supple finish (unusual to have both at the same time with naturally curly hair). I did not experience any skin irritation and loved the fragrance of the products (think whipped custard pudding). Mizani products tend to be a bit more pricey than the average shampoo and conditioner. However, it is worth the cost to maintain a healthy head of hair while looking fabulous.
Dior: Waterproof Crayon Eyeliner in Intense BrownFinding a great eyeliner is important. One that will stay put all day. A deep brown eyeliner is a staple for me. And while I took a slight detour from my typical eyeliner, it was a pleasant surprise. I chose the waterproof to ensure no smudging on my upper eyelid. I love how soft the pencil is and how easy it is to apply. The sponge on the opposite end allows you to smooth out the line. I wish it stayed put a bit longer, but overall, a fantastic eyeliner!
Sunday Riley Modern Skincare: Juno Transformative Lipid SerumWhile the scent reminds me more of an oil that I should be cooking with as opposed to applying to my face, there is absolutely no denying the power of this potent dry oil absolute. It claims to give skin an obsession-worthy glow. It definitely holds true to that. The ingredients in this serum are unbelievable. The instructions call for several pumps, but honestly, a half to a full pump covers my décolleté, neck and face perfectly. I recommend pressing it into your skin. It penetrates nicely to leave a velvety finish. This patent-pending blend of fast absorbing oils is extremely high in natural retinol, Vitamin C, Essential Amino Acids, Omega-3, 6, & 9, UV shields and natural anti-inflammatory agents. I not only use this every evening, but also a half of a pump in the morning. I am in love!!
JONATHAN: Green Rootine Dry Shampoo in darkNot a shampoo in the traditional sense, this dry powder treatment comes packaged in a slim bottle with an attached brush applicator and is easy to apply along your roots. Just a little goes a long way, and the size means you can definitely carry this with you in your purse or gym bag. Or, stash it in a drawer at the office. The powder looked light in the bottle but disappeared in my dark brown hair (there's a lighter one for fair hair) and didn't have a strong scent (like many Jonathan products). It won't replace washing your hair the old fashioned way, but it will soak up a day (or two) of oil and extend the life of that expensive blow out. And with its vegan, all natural ingredients, you can't go wrong on those days you don't have time to wash/dry/style your hair. And who doesn't have mornings like that?
Peony Apparel: Flutter Sleeve Bohemian Silk BlouseI love anything sheer and delicate. The pattern is soft and muted with lace on the neckline. The blouse is great paired with shorts, a fitted skirt or jeans. I love changing the color of my cami underneath ... ivory, black, navy, gold ... it provides a slightly different spin every time!
Frederic Fekkai: Salon Technician Color Care Shampoo and ConditionerNot only does this shampoo and conditioner smell great, it truly protects while hydrating hair at the same time. Rarely do I find a shampoo that lathers well without stripping my hair of precious oils. This shampoo is fantastic! It cleans and moisturizes perfectly. The conditioner smooths, hydrates and protects from the sun's harmful UV rays. So it's made for color treated hair ... or not ... you'll love it either way.
Dr. Brandt: Pore EffectPore Effect is formulated with salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and botanicals to refine and tighten pores. I saw a difference in my pores in just a few weeks. It helps to unclog pores while controlling oil production and provides great hydration. It has a fresh smell with the tea tree oil, is a tad bit thick but goes on smooth. It’s very soothing and cool when it hits the skin. I think this would be a great moisturizer in the winter.
Spirulina: Hair Spray for strong hold
For a good hair spray to be a good hair spray in my book, it has to be flexible and hold for at least 4 hours. Spirulina is a blue green algae and said to be rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. It definitely held my hair, but did add some weight. The scent reminded me of a little of AquaNet.
The team of testers were not paid to review these products. However, most of the products listed above were supplied as samples for review purposes.
