The Best Volumizing Dry Shampoo: Herbal Essences Bio Renew Dry Shampoo

Product Sent for Review, Affiliate Links



Back in March, I shared my favorite drugstore hair products, and I was pretty surprised by how many I really do use! I think of myself as a hair product snob, I often spend a lot of money on my hair, and I don't feel remotely guilty about it. But, I've slowly collected quite a few drugstore price point hair products, and I reach for them all the time. Often instead of much more expensive products!

One of my absolute favorites is this dry shampoo from Herbal Essences, which I felt deserved a full blog post in addition to the mention in the drugstore round up. Here's what I said about it in the post:

I just got this dry shampoo, and I'm obsessed! Expect a full post on just this dry shampoo soon! It does a great job of soaking up oils, it does add a lot of volume, and it doesn't look powdery at all on my hair. But the best part really is the smell! Hands down, this is the best dry shampoo ever. Ever. I have no idea what Mosa Mint is, but to me this dry shampoo has some peach scent, more like a sophisticated white peach. I love that!

Since that post, I've finished one can of the dry shampoo and I'm on to a second one. Yes, I repurchased it. Actually, I bought 2 cans, 1 to use and 1 as a back up. I do not want to run out!

After using this dry shampoo for a while, I still love it. Yes, it smells absolutely amazing. No, it doesn't turn my hair white, even when I use a lot of it. It does soak up quite a bit of oil, but my hair still has nice shine. Just, not too much shine from being oily, if that makes sense.

One thing that I really have noticed is that this is a volumizing dry shampoo. This dry shampoo adds more texture and "grit" than others, adding a lot of volume to my hair, which I love because I sometimes have issue keeping styles in my hair due to how silky it can be. That also means that you can really feel the product in there, but really.... if you've styled your hair you shouldn't be running your fingers through it all the time anyways!

(If you can't keep your fingers out of your hair and want a dry shampoo that you can't feel, you need to check out the Living Proof Dry Shampoo instead, read more about it here.)

This dry shampoo is one that I've been telling everyone about! If your hair is fine, needs added volume, or oily, you should grab one the next time you're at the store. You won't regret it!

Buy Herbal Essences Bio Renew Dry Shampoo at Amazon or Walgreen's
Product Sent for Review, Affiliate Links
This product was sent by PR for consideration. I've already repurchased it on my own...

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Stila Eyes are the Window Spirit and Soul Palettes Review and Swatches

I Bought It Affiliate Links



This post has been a long time coming. I bought the Stila Eyes are the Window Spirit and Soul Palettes in August 2014, on a pre-birthday vacation run to ULTA for travel sized body wash and shampoo. The palettes had just come out and while the reviews were mixed, I'm a big fan of all things Stila, and especially Stila shadows. So, I splurged and bought both for myself. And obviously I took them on my trip the next day, so my pics are post-first use (sorry! It was my birthday, birthdays come before beauty blogging!)

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My New Favorite Dry Shampoo: MoroccanOil's Dry Shampoo

Product Sent for Review



I've made no secret of the fact that I really love (love) Dry Shampoo. It's a huge time saver, can add volume to flat hair, add texture to hair that is too slippery to "grab", and makes my go-to pony tail actually look.... cute! Until now my favorite has been the Klorane Nettle Dry Shampoo, which is formulated for oily hair, so it does a better than average job at mopping up excess oil.

Well, there's a new amazing dry shampoo out there, and you have to try it. I promise, it is worth the $7 extra in price.

Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo is all kinds of amazing. It does go on white when you initially spray it (what?? Doesn't it say "Dark Tones" on that can??), but.... yes, it changes! Leave it in for a minute or two (or more) and then come back and move your fingers through your hair, like you are shampooing. (You can read more about it in my how to use dry shampoo post.) It turns out that the Dark Tones is made with ultra-fine rice starches, and as you massage it in to your hair, it breaks down and completely disappears. And actually absorbs a lot more oil, and adds more volume than any other dry shampoo I've used. As an added bonus, it doesn't look powdery in your hair at all. It even contains a UV protectant to protect your color. The Light Tones has a super soft violet tint to it to help combat brassiness as well.

I'm going to be stocking up. And it also comes in a travel size. I'm buying 2 of those, 1 to travel with and 1 for my desk at work.

Buy it at Moroccanoil

Product Sent for Review

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Kiehl's BB Cream Review: High SPF with Nice Coverage

Product Sent for Review

I've made no secret of my mini obsession with Kiehl's Ultra Facial Lotion with SPF 15 over the years. My skin just seems to love that lotion, and having the sunscreen built in is a great bonus. I fully admit that it doesn't have quite the SPF I'd prefer (I'd like to be over SPF 30, I don't like turning freckly), so I was often putting Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+ over it. (Watch for a review of that sunscreen, finally, in a few weeks.)

I've been experimenting with new foundations, tinted moisturizers and BB Creams recently, and when Kiehl's sent me 2 tubes of their new BB Cream to try out, I admit that I may have done the Dance of Joy.


(Admission, I might be watching Bronson while writing this review. Also, my sister and I used to do the Dance of Joy. That was for you Nikki!)

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Laid Brand Shady Girl Shampoo and Conditioner Review: Do Pheromones Make a Difference?

Last week I had my hair cut and colored. As always, after paying that much money for hair color, I left the salon swearing that I'd do everything in my power to help my color last as long as possible and to keep my hair as healthy as possible. Which means that I immediately swapped out the shampoo and conditioner in my shower for this new duo from Laid Brand, Shady Girl.

First, this duo does everything that a good product for color treated hair should. It's sulfate free and gentle, so it won't strip the expensive color right out. They've gone the extra steps of adding some SPF to the shampoo (I'm forever hiding my hair from the sun all summer long!) and there are coconut oil, avocado, and olive oil to help hydrate your hair and keep it healthy.

The products are pretty concentrated, so a little does go quite a long way. They are pretty thick, and I've found that my ADHD tendencies mean I don't have the patience to deal with their pumps and I just use the pump straws like dipping sticks to help me get the product out. (They do come out of the pumps, I just think they're pretty thick and I am a highly impatient shower person.) I found that the shampoo has a great lather, especially when you take into account the lack of sulfates. The conditioner did a great job of making my hair feel amazing, I swear every time I rinse it out my hair just feels healthier. Both rinsed out really easily.

The real reason that I love both of these products is actually what happens outside of the shower. My hair has looked healthier and seems to be easier to style when I'm using these products! I actually tested this out by going back to my old stand-bys, Abba Pure Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner. I ended up throwing them away. Really. My hair is much more cooperative and shinier with the Laid Brand products, they'll be the ones featured on my next "Everyday Favorites" post!

And finally, what about those pheromones?

I've had a discussion about this brand with a few friends and family members, and it always centers around Laid Brand's niche, the little ingredient that sets it apart from other products. Those little chemicals that our noses smell and our brains interpret to help us feel a certain way or to be attracted to certain things. I heard a lot of skeptical remarks about whether they make a difference or could actually get you laid.

David L Hensley, Laid Brand CCO says, "The pheromones are really to make you more attractive to yourself. To make you feel more confident and feel empowerment. Having you feel your own energy and have that just radiating from you." Which makes sense, right? You aren't the skunk in Looney Tunes, Pepe le Pew had his scent to help him attract a woman. You really want to attract someone just by being yourself. "This confidence will help you attract a great person," David says.

So, are the pheromones overwhelming? I don't think so. I've been using the products for a while now, and to me they just smell like regular shampoo and conditioner. Note that there is Menthol as the carrier for the pheromone, so when I apply the conditioner there is a little tingly smell but it isn't overwhelming at all. (And no, it isn't like I've just used Vick's VapoRub!) They smell pretty similar to me, though there is the menthol tingle and a little bit more minty-ness to the conditioner. Otherwise they are both floral/fruity perfume scents that are pretty subtle and I can't smell either of them on my hair once I've rinsed them out.

Do I notice a difference with the pheromones? I do feel more confident in how I look. I can't say "yes, this effect is from the pheromones" for sure. Because you know what? I think some of that confidence come from just having my hair look good. Which these products definitely help with. Good hair or pheromones? I'm not sure I care what made me feel good about myself on a given day!





- None in the shampoo, Yes in the conditioner though they're in the middle of the ingredient list.


Laid Brand Hair Care

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ExoliKate Review: The Fastest Scrub/Peel Ever

ExfoliKate is my favorite facial scrub or peel, or scrub/peel or whatever you want to call this thing. It is fast, it works and is well worth the expensive price. I've called it a holy grail product in the past, and it definitely is worthy of that title!

I want to say right away that yes, this is a pretty expensive product. However, I use about the size of a large pea with each use for my t-zone and most of my cheeks and chin. So, that 2 ounce tube has a lot of uses in it!

This product is a green goo, with a herbal and somewhat minty scent. The texture is a bit like a regular face mask, though there are some big chunky bits like you'd find in a body scrub. Which yes, is usually something that I avoid in a facial product, but since I don't rub it in the grit doesn't bother me. You simply smear it on and then....

Why yes, it really does say to wait only 20-30 seconds. I confess I might lose track of time and wait a full 45-60 seconds before washing it off. But still... insanely fast, right? As in, this could definitely be included in pretty much any morning routine. My ideal time is in the shower. I apply, put conditioner in my hair, and then rinse off my face. Pretty much perfect timing.

It tingles slightly but doesn't sting at all. It rinses off very easily with just water, which I then follow up with face wash. I've had no problems with redness, irritation or flaking. Just smooth and glowing skin. In 20-30 seconds. Or 45-60 if you're lazy like me.


Kate Somerville

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L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche le Gloss: Seriously Amazing Lip Gloss

Have you seen the new L'Oreal lip glosses yet? Love. Serious love. Amazing. I picked up one at CVS the other day, and the display was so pretty I had to really stop myself from buying a few more. Or six. In the end I only bought one (#164, Nude Illusion, pictured above, which is for some reason called Nude Touch on the L'Oreal website), but I think it is a universally flattering shade and if you're in the mood for a new lip gloss, this is the gloss and color to get.

The gloss comes in a tube, though this one is a bit longer and thinner than most lip glosses, giving it a fresh and elegant feel. The gloss isn't sticky, tastes like vanilla and feels like lip balm going on. Seriously, this is not a joke. The formula includes Omega 3s, Vitamin E and Argan Oil, so the gloss is very hydrating. It doesn't last through meals, but it does stick around for my daily cup of coffee.

I think I'll be picking up a red or plum for fall next. This is holy grail worthy gloss.

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche le Gloss

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Fusion Beauty's Prime Results: The Tinted Moisturizer I'm Using Every Day

Every spring I start talking about "lightening up" on makeup for the hot and humid summer months. Who wants to wear heavy foundation in mid July? But, the reality is that I haven't really found a tinted moisturizer to love. While there are a few that I've been willing to recommend as "decent" tinted moisturizers (such as the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Philosophy Hope in a Tinted Moisturizer or Tarte Smooth Operator), the truth is that I haven't been using them myself. The products are all nice, but they just haven't been quite right for me. They're a little too much moisture for my combination skin, don't work well with a SPF product or they aren't enough coverage over my melasma or freckles. Something is always slightly off, inducing me to reach for a light weight foundation instead (Neutrogena Healthy Skin is my fave).

Well, I've finally found a tinted moisturizer with just enough coverage to cover up enough of my skin issues, allow my skin to shine through and it even has some of the bonus items that I love in moisturizer. Such as a little UV coverage and some ingredients to help fight aging.

Prime Results includes a built in primer, so during application it feels a bit different from other tinted moisturizers. It feels like lightweight silicone based product, but a bit airier in feeling that most silicone primers that I've tried in the past (really, I'm thinking of the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer). It feels smooth during application, and you can feel it sinking into your skin pretty much right away. I literally smear this around for about 10 seconds with my fingers, hit any problem areas with a cosmetic sponge to blend them a little better (usually around my nose) and I'm done.

The moisturizer provides a little more coverage than most tinted moisturizers, but it isn't obvious at all. It looks like my skin is just... better. It covers my little residual bits of melasma from being pregnant, a couple of stray freckles and it still doesn't look like I have anything on. Love it!








Fusion Beauty

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Concealer Series: Per-Fekt Beauty Eye Perfection Gel

I thought I'd take a break from concealers today to talk about Per-Fekt Beauty Eye Perfection Gel, which is a product I mentioned in my how and where to use concealers and correctors post, but I've been somehow slow to actually write a full post about.

As I mentioned in that post, I think the real tip to success with a concealer lasting all day without settling or caking is the area preparation. Having your eye area well moisturized helps the concealer to blend well and set up properly. Truly, this makes a big difference for me.

This eye gel from Per-Fekt is a quick and easy way to have the perfect canvas for your concealer. It comes in a few shades, including translucent. If you order a shade (I have "bright" which is the lightest color), don't expect a lot of coverage. This isn't concealer. The coverage is very light and while it is there, I'm not sure it helps me very much.

The gel does have a silicone base, so it feels very slick and smooth during application. Unlike other silicone based primers that I've used in the past, this one does not pill up if applied too soon after washing my face or applying regular moisturizer. Instead it spreads easily and absorbs into my skin.

The gel has quite a few moisturizing ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and ceramides. It also has a lot of ingredients found on my anti-aging check list such as the anti-oxidants Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Vitamins A and E as well as peptides. It is faintly light reflecting, but not so much that it looks like you've applied shimmer to your eye area.

This has become a staple product for me and will definitely be making an appearance in my next favorite products post!

Anti-Aging Checklist


Per-Fekt Beauty Eye Perfection Gel

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Sensai Gentle Make-up Remover for Eye and Lip: The Eye Makeup Remover to Rule Them All

I mentioned it briefly in my hospital bag post, and shortly thereafter a full sized version of the Sensai Gentle Make-up Remover showed up on my door step to try out. It arrived pretty early in the morning, and let me tell you that I was gleeful. Really.

I skipped up to my vanity (well, as much as a 9 month pregnant person can skip, this was a month ago) and started plotting. I was going to trip up this eye makeup remover. I proceeded to put on everything that other removers (even Lancome's Bi-Facil) had struggled to removed. Stila's Stay all Day Waterproof Liquid Liner and MAC's Splashproof Lash and that was just for starters. For days I tried different combinations of products that had caused issues in the past, requiring me to scrub my eyes. Nothing stopped the Sensai. Literally, I would swipe my eye with the cotton round... and nothing would be left on my skin or on my lashes. One swipe.

Next I decided to try a comparison with the Lancome Bi-Facil. I continued my obsession with all things waterproof, and started removing with Bi-Facil on one eye before the Sensai. As before, I needed only one swipe to remove everything with the Sensai (though I admit I do 2-3 just to be sure). However, the Bi-Facil was struggling. I would need many swipes and more than one cotton round on occasion. I would then follow up by switching eyes and recleaning each. So, a cotton round of Sensai to the eye jut cleaned with Lancome, and vice versa. Nothing ever appeared on the cotton round as being left behind by Sensai, but the Lancome definitely seemed to have issues with some of the waterproof formulas, and I was able to easily remove the extra with Sensai.

Finally, I had to put the lippie removal to the test. When I swatch products on my arm for posts, I have big issues removing most of them from my arm despite trying many different makeup removers, soaps, etc. Scrubbing at all turns my arm red, and with my super pale skin my time swatching is very limited. So, having something that easily removes lippies from my arm (and hence minimizes scrubbing and redness) means I can swatch more!

Anyways, I found that Sensai is not quite as good at removing lippies. Which means it needs a few extra swipes to take care of the most stubborn lip sticks or sticky lip glosses. My arm definitely loved the Sensai, since I was able to swatch a huge number of lippies in one day (a quantity that should have taken several days) and never needed to scrub!

So, I would say that the Sensai is definitely the best product I've ever used at removing both eye and lip makeup. It has a light orange scent (OMG, so amazing) and it leaves only an extremely faint oily residue behind. It easily washes away with just a splash of water.

All of this means that I have a new Holy Grail Eye Make-Up Remover. Yes, it is even harder to get a hold of than the Lancome (and more expensive), but it seriously out performs everything else out there. I'll be keeping a bottle of this on-hand at all times!

Sensai Gentle Make-up Remover for Eye and Lip

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An Eye Shadow Primer Confession

In the past, my holy grail eye shadow primer has always been Urban Decay's Primer Potion. In the past I've made half hearted attempts to find something better, cheaper, with packaging that doesn't waste most of the product... (Yes, UDPP is now available in a tube. Note that tube is huge and I have 3 backup wands in my stash right now. Yes, there was a good sale on-line for $4 each, don't look at me like that.)

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Length and Volume in 1 Step: CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara Review

I've been doing mascara reviews with my before, after and after a day of wear photos. You've seen my admittedly average lashes look long, volumized and curled. Sometimes things smudge like crazy or refuse to come off even with a great makeup remover.

You likely know that I want it all- easy to apply mascara that gives me that amazing look, maintains the curl all day long, won't smudge or flake off and is easy to remove. The mascaras that can do this go into my "Holy Grail" category. If you take a peek there you'll see that very few have met all of these criteria. In fact, it's been 2 years since I've tagged a mascara as Holy Grail (that was Max Factor's Volume Couture- You can't buy it in the US any more). 2 years of pretty good, but not amazing mascara. I was forced to layer lengthening and volumizing mascaras. Until today.

Somehow, I was not surprised that CoverGirl managed to create another Holy Grail mascara for me. With their Lash Blast line, they have created an amazing volume mascara, an even better lengthening mascara, and now they've saved me the trouble of layering the 2 together by creating LashBlast Fusion.

I use 2 coats of this mascara, and the results are amazing. My lashes are noticeably longer, and much, much thicker. There can be a little bit of clumping if I'm not careful, but with the rubberized applicator brush I do think it's easier to avoid this than with a "normal" nylon mascara brush. (I'm just now realizing that the pic above was likely one of my "clumpier" days.) At the end of the day I lose a little curl, but the volume and especially the length are still there.

How does it compare to the Original LashBlast and LashBlast Length formulas? It's a little less volume than the original formula, but I do find that this is more lengthening than the Length formula. (Maybe it's me, but I didn't get a lot more length from that formula) Fusion really is the best of both worlds.

CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion

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My Favorite Beauty Items of 2007

2007 was a big year in beauty for me! I started this blog in early 2007, and since that time I have rediscovered my love of nail polish (my collection of colors has grown from about 7 to well over 200), tried a huge number of new products and these are the ones that I've fallen in love with over the past year.

Skin Care
Skin Care was a big thing for me this year, I reviewed the anatomy and physiology of skin as well as reviewing how many product categories work in the Skin Series, and I have to say that my skin is much better now that it was this time last year (with the exception of my Kinerase review).

Cleanser
Bioelements Flash Foam Cleanser is a fantastic gentle cleanser. I use this every morning in my shower. It's gentle enough to apply all over, it doesn't dry out my skin and the citrus scent is fantastic.

Exfoliation
This year I was lucky enough to find 2 facial scrubs, where previously I had thought a product appropriate for facial skin did not exist! After using both products, I feel the Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion with it's finer grains is better for those with sensitive skin but Bioelements Pumice Peel would be better suited for those with combination or oily skin.

The new Neutrogena Wave exfoliating machine has just been released, but already I love it! This little hand held machine has quickly integrated itself into my routine, I've been using this machine a few times a week with great results. Simply place the little pads on the velcro surface and run it over your face for a few minutes. It does feel like you aren't doing anything, and should be scrubbing your face harder. However, the results speak for themselves: smooth, radiant skin without redness or irritation!

The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ is one of the ultimate products in terms of pampering and decadence. This scrub works much better than simply brushing your lips, tastes great, and that cute little box doesn't hurt either!

Bioelements Quick Refiner is a gentle gel packed with alpha and beta hydroxy acids. It is a perfect alternative to scrubs, and is gentle enough to use everyday! A little bit goes a long way, and I especially recommend applying it after the Power Peptide to improve application and decrease the amount of product used. This product was definitely the reason I saw such fast results with the change to Bioelements products, and it is always the first one I recommend to friends.

Anti-Aging
Prevage Anti-Aging Night Cream- This cream is my new favorite night cream. It contains multiple ways of preventing aging, is wonderfully (but not overly) moisturizing. I love the package, this jar prevents exposure to sun and air prolonging the life of the cream. The only downside is the $125 price, but I do feel it is well worth it!

It's easy to add peptides to your nightly routine with Power Peptide, which I love! Just a few spritz on my face and that is it! I particularly love using this before any treatments, since I'm sure to get a more even application and use less product.

Shine Reduction
Dr. Brandt's Pores No More is likely my favorite new to me product of the year. This is a great primer that not only lessens the appearance of pore, but also dramatically decreases the amount of shine I develop on my skin by the end of the day! This is one of my everyday products and definitely a holy grail product for anyone with a bit too much shine on their t-zone by the end of the day.

Moisturizers
This Cetaphil Cream is likely the best moisturizer for anyone with a skin issue, such as dry skin, ezcema or other issues. I find that it works best when applied right after a shower to really help seal in moisture and with it my skin has dramatically improved! There's a reason it is so often recommended by doctors...

Hair Care
Neutrogena's Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask- For years I had used the same deep conditioner, but this Neutrogena product completely blew it away! The mask was fast, really helped strengthen my hair and increase the shine.

Kiehl's Heat-Protective Silk-Straightening Cream- Over the past year or so my hair has become more and more curly, but not quite enough to look good. So, I've had to find ways to help straighten my hair. This cream has been incredibly helpful. When applied to damp hair, it helps my hair stay soft, silky and non-frizzy without creating stickiness. I'm on my third tube already!

Makeup
The New Max Factor- After my visit with Jake Bailey, Celebrity Makeup Artists for Max Factor, I have to say that I am loving the new revival of the Max Factor Brand. The new glosses, including Secret Rendevous (the perfect red, pictured here), are amazing! The eye liners (I love Green & Bare It and Jean Jacket are both exceptional) are soft enough to use on the entire lid to create long lasting, fast looks. I'm especially looking forward to the Vivid Eyeshadow release in January!

Magic Lash is truly the most versatile of any eye lash product I've ever tried. These little fibers are applied like mascara, and can create incredibly thick and long lashes that are amazing! For me this is not an every day product, but it really delivers when you want to make a statement.

For days that I don't need the Magic Lash lashes, this year was a great year for length and thickness created by a single mascara! My favorites were MAC Plush Lash, Prescriptives False Eyelashes, and Cover Girl Lash Blast.

MAC Studio Fix Foundation came through in a pinch for me earlier this year. I became too pale for my previous foundation, and when I ran to my nearest MAC store I discovered not only a foundation that was the correct color but one that saves me a lot of time each morning. I use this foundation with my Elizabeth Arden Kabuki Brush, and with a few quick sweeps I have perfect skin!


Bobbi Brown's Stonewashed Nudes Palette may look like just any basic eye shadow palette, but I assure that it is not! The colors are buildable, have just the right amount of shimmer when needed and best of all, these shadows go with everything! I find myself using one of these shadows nearly every day.

This year I also finally found a lipstick that I could call a "perfect nude" for me, it is MAC's High Tea, and I have to tell you that I have already used up about a quarter of my tube, so thank goodness this is a "regular" shade, and not limited edition!

Nail Care
The OPI Hollywood Collection was especially fantastic, I bought nearly all of the colors and they rank among my favorites. The Pro-Wide Brush makes the perfect three stroke application possible, while the wear, application and color depth of OPI can not be beat by other brands.

The undisputed favorite cuticle remover of the Makeup Alley Nailboard is Sally Hansen's Instant Cuticle Remover, which only takes about 15 seconds to give you the cuticles of a hand model, no cutting required!

Fragrance
I rediscovered fragrance this year as well! While I used to be a girl that owned many different fragrances, and rarely wore the same scent two days in a row. I'm especially loving scents with amber, bergamot and white floral notes. While I thought that I had issues with patchouli in scents, I've found that as a base note I love it!

A few of my favorite scents this year:
Badgley Mischka Fleurs de Nuit
Bond No. 9 Chinatown
Bond No. 9 Andy Warhol's Silver Factory

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