Mary Kay Lipstick in Dusty Rose Review

There was a time, not so long ago, that Mary Kay lipstick in Dusty Rose was my go-to lipstick. I kept one at work. It's a very versatile shade for me. It's just a little big brighter and just a little bit More than my natural lip color. It's an unassuming shade of pink. It's not glittery or sparkly or very shiny. My first tube was great. My replacement, second tube? Smelled funny. I contacted my rep and she sent me a replacement. It was fine. Now, I'm on my technically fourth tube. Again... this one smells funny. Such a drag. I don't know how old this product was before I got it, but I didn't leave it alone too long before I tried it. And it's a funky one. This one was a gift, so I can't exchange it for another... but really who has the time for something like that? Certainly not a mom with a baby! It's really too bad. The color is good. I like that I can wear it with anything. I like the container as well. It's a pretty silver with gold trim in the middle, and it says Mary Kay on the inside barrel, after you open it. Aesthetically, I like it a lot. However, bad taste/smell is a deal breaker, and I scrunch my nose whenever I open this lipstick and get a whiff or put it close enough to my face to try to apply. Too bad. ... Oh well, I'm not extremely attached to this color, and there are definitely other lipsticks out there! And, quirky as I am, I tend to go either drugstore or all out department store. I like the gifts with purchase, otherwise, I will pay a few bucks. But a $13 price point, with this particular quirk, is not worth my time any more. Too bad, I like my Mary Kay lady, but not enough to overpay for a product that performs so inconsistently. I'll take my chances at the drugstore, or... pay up at the make up counter! (Or, more often than not, receive a lipstick as a gift with purchase anyway. And since it takes me a good 5 or 6 months of everyday wear to use one up, I don't think I'll need to purchase one for a very long time, if ever again, considering my addiction to GWP's!!!)

Crabtree & Evelyn Shampoo Review

This shampoo has a very distinctive scent. While I have tried and enjoyed many 'herb' scented shampoos and conditioners, I have to say that I do not particularly enjoy this one. I am not sure why. Of course, this is simply an opinion and you may find that you quite like this scent. I wish I could explain why it is so different, but the reason escapes me. I also wish I could say that I find this shampoo makes a huge difference to me. However, it does not. It does seem to leave my hair squeaky clean. (I'm not sure if that is a good thing or not.) But I do not notice a difference in shine or softness or anything else. but my hair is not too finicky. It does not often have visible changes happen because of shampoo. So, I will stick with my drugstore shampoo, as this does not seem to provide any additional benefit for the additional cost, nor do I particularly love the fragrance. And yes, I may choose to may quite a bit more for a shampoo if I really enjoy the fragrance. But again, this one does not do it for me!

Lancome Lipstick Review: Visionary, Sheen Finish, Colour Design Lipcolor

I am so disappointed, Lancome! This used to be my favorite department store brand, when I was younger, if only for the oh so very shallow fact that I love their rose logo. I still do. However, this particular lipstick is incredibly disappointing. The color is ok, it looks fine on me. It's got pretty good coverage, and it doesn't migrate visibly when I'm at work, where I do a lot of talking. However, the texture leaves me wanting. It's not creamy! I don't generally expect lipstick color to last very long. I consider it a part of the deal. You get color that migrates off, however, you also get a little bit of moisture along with that shorter wear time. This lipstick, while not drying, is certainly not hydrating. It is a bit hard for a lipstick - it does not feel smooth and creamy going on. The sensation is not a pleasant one, like it is when I apply just about any other lipstick that I own. I can't wear it on days when I have even the tiniest bit of dry flaking on my lips. I can get away with a little bit of flaking when I'm wearing an Estee Lauder or a Clinique lipstick, so I expected the same from Lancome. Unfortunately, no. I would not repurchase. I got this color as a part of the Lancome Holiday Blockbuster in 2010. The set was a great value, and this color is very wearable. However, I am very disappointed in this lipstick formulation. There are drugstore lipsticks out there that perform better than this, for a fraction of it's retail price. I am considering whether to get the Holiday Blockbuster from Lancome for 2011. I certainly do not need any more make up right now. I only just tried out the eye shadow palette from the 2010 blockbuster this morning! (Thank goodness I decided to swap out my colors, I was going to buy more eye shadow, when I realized I still had that brand new palette to consider.) I need to check the line of lipsticks included, if they are Colour Design, that will definitely be a negative consideration.