Sunday, January 23, 2011

I've been DYEing to tell you!

First things first, I'm just starting to get a handle on my class schedule (hence the lack of posting xP), so more frequent posts should be coming back!
Alright, so I was at Winners (or tj Maxx for those in the states) scanning the isles for discounts and I came across a box of hair dye (weird, because I didn't know they stocked dyes) called "Splat Hair Color". It's a product I'd seen links to online, but had no idea you could buy in Canadian stores (especially not for $6.99 CDN when the online price is $12 + shipping)! Though if you are located in the states, Walgreens, CVS, Fred Meyer, Rite Aid, ULTRA, Kinray, are all distributors where you can purchase this in store.


On to the Product..
The colour I used was "Pink Fetish Rose", and though I was a bit skeptical at first, as I washed out my hair I was REALLY pleased with the results. Though the box colour looked a little too magenta/ purple for me, after I rinsed and conditioned my hair, it really turned into more of a neon pink (the goal colour). So far, my hair has been pink for about a week, and despire washing it several times, there hasn't really been much fade. Another plus is that despite the verying points of damage in my hair, everything dyed evenly (where as with brands like "Raw Color" or "Manic Panic" the damaged ends of my hair tend to lose all colour after the first wash). A last point that I really wanted to get across is seriously just how BRIGHT this colour is, I really wasn't expecting this much of a glow, but I'm so thrilled.


The Brand..
Overall, I'd say I really do like this brand, for those who are looking, they supply extensions (comparable quality to Manic Panic extensions, which I'm not a fan of, so no endorsement on those), dyes, and bleach and colour combo boxes all in their 16 unique colours so that you're guaranteed a perfect colour match every time. The advantage to the boxes is that they include everything you need to apply bright colour to dark or virgin hair. Including bleach (powder + solution), gloves, bottle nozzles, and the colour (something a lot of brands don't do, but should as it's more economical). Another plus about this brand is that just by using their product and taking a picture, you have a chance to be featured as a model on their website and on their bleachXcolor boxes. The most recent winner is Kelly Eden, using "Pink Fetish" (the same colour I used!) who was featured in Splat's ads in 17 Magazine, J-14, M, and People. 

 
The Results..



*Note, my hair was severely lightened prior to use!

Take that Manic Panic! Four washes later and my colour is still going strong, so check out Splat and let me know what you think C:

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Drugstore Discount Duds

My local Real Canadian Superstore was recently having a cosmetics and beauty department sale, that I happened upon while out grabbing some groceries with my mom. Naturually I decided to battle it out with the other shoppers to try and get my hands on some new products at 50% off. I love these kinds of sales because they make trying new products a lot more accesable (less risk because you onlay paid half price). I can usually find something I end up liking, or get some favourites on sale.
Anyway, this time I picked up 4 products I hadn't tried before, and unfortunatly wan't very impressed.


Milani Glitz Glamour Gloss in 04 'Struck by Beauty'
Though the irredescent pink colour looks lovely in the tube, it's a bit lacking on the lips, welling up in any crease and around the edges of your lips (even after you whipe the excess off!). The gloss is one of the stickiest I've tried, and the product has the overwhelming smell of candy strawberries (which I'm alright with, but I know a lot of people hate smells in their beauty products). The usual retail it $8.99 (CAD + taxes), fortunatly I only paid $4.00 for this lip disaster. Really, I doubt I'm ever going to use this, even combined with other products, the stickieness is far too much. Overall, I would urge you to save your money, perhaps buy something from a more reputable brand because this is a waste of money.




Milani Runway Eyes Shadow in 09 Caribbean Sea
I though I might take a chance with this eyeshadow, I mean how wrong can you go with eyeshadow? Well though this wasn't the worst purchase, I really feel like I should have saved my money. The sadow is severly chalky, the pigmentation is so low that you can barely see anything except for a few sparkles. The shadow also claims to work wet, but barely changes in either department. It could work as a hilighter for the brow bone, or when burring out other shadows. On a scale of 1-10 I'd probably give it a 5.7, which isn't too bad, but I still would have liked a higher quality product. The retail value is $6.99 in store, so for quality similar to that of a dollar store brand, I guess three dollars wasn't too much.



Ardell Brow Sculpting Gel
So I've been needing some of this ever since I descided to grow my eyebrows back in, and was happy to find some on sale for $2.00. I was happy to find that the packaging not only came with the brow gel, but also a miniature pair of tweezers. The gel is of adverage quality, but I can't help but find it not quite up to par. It's a little thick in the tube, but comes out watery on the brush. Also, the product isn't the best as far as endurance goes, it seems to dissapear all together after a couple hours! Retail value is $4.99, and I would only suggest this one if you're on a budget/ desperate.



Revlon ColorStay Bonding Color 1 in 02 Always Sheer Camisole
Finally, a recogniseable brand. I'm alright with revlon nail polishes, and really I just needed a natural base polish colour to add to my collection. I used this a couple days ago and have yet to see chipping (given I did use a top coat, but still), as well the colour is nice and consistent, and easily darkens with layering. I think this usually retails for about $3.99 or so, which isn't bad for nail polish. On a side note, the finish is really smooth and milky, and I find this colour to be complimentary with really everything.