Review: Herbal Essences 'Naked'

Recently, I had been in a shampoo/conditioner funk. I felt like the shampoo I was using was no longer effective on my hair because I used it for a very long time. I was using the Not Your Mother's Way to Grow shampoo/conditioner. The shampoo was light, lathered well, and cleaned my hair thoroughly without stripping it of moisture. The conditioner is really light, so it's perfect for people with thin hair but my hair is really thick so I was kind of disappointed by it. It also does not contains any sulfates, which is also a plus. The major problem I had with these products is how fast they ran out. The only store around me that carried this shampoo is Ulta. So I would have to go out of my way to go to Ulta just for my shampoo.

Right before I came to college, I decided I would try out a new shampoo and conditioner. I didn't know exactly which one nor did I do research before I went to the store (silly me) but it ended up working in my favor. I remembered seeing the commercials for the Herbal Essences 'Naked' line and liking that it does not contain any parabens, silicone, or colorants. So I decided to get the moisture one because my hair tends to get dry because of heat styling and cold weather. After using it for over a month, I can say that I absolutely love it! It cleans my hair thoroughly without stripping the moisture out of it. The conditioner is light and does not weigh my hair down. Also, the scent for this is perfect. It contains mint but is not overpowering, it also has herbs and citrus that balance out the mint perfectly. I'm overall really satisfied with the quality of this shampoo, despite it being a drugstore shampoo. The price is really good and can be found almost anywhere. Another thing that is always a plus about both shampoos that I mentioned is that they don't test on animals, so if that is something that is important to you (like it is to me) I would consider using these brands (even though there are many other brands that don't test on animals).

Have you tried this shampoo? Do you absolutely love a shampoo? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great weekend!

-Emily

Review: Shiseido Eyelash Curler

So remember my beauty wish list that I made back in August? If you don't, click here. Moving on, I actually purchased something from that list, and that is the Shiseido eyelash curler. I have very straight eyelashes that are pretty difficult to curl. I have tried various eyelash curlers from different brands and none of them have ever worked out for me. Finally, I decided to do extensive research and came across this eyelash curler and the Shu Uemera eyelash curler. I opted for the Shiseido one because it was the easiest for me to get. So not only are my eyelashes extremely straight, I also have wide eyes, so I really needed an eyelash curler that is traditionally made for Asian girls (even though I am not Asian).

I really do enjoy this eyelash curler. If I ever press too hard, it doesn't pinch my eyes unlike another eyelash curler I had by Stila. It is gentle and effective, which is perfect for me. It reaches all of my eyelashes from corner to corner. I usually try to avoid heavy mascaras because they make my eyelashes fall, but with this eyelasher curler I can just curl my eyelashes before and after I apply mascara and that usually does the trick. I know its not good to curl your eyelashes after mascara, but for me it is imperative! I always do routine eyelash curls throughout the day to keep them looking good. 

Do you have any good tips for me? What eyelash curler do you like to use, if any? 

Have a great weekend!

-Emily

*If you have naturally curly eyelashes, please disregard this information, you don't need this. Lucky duck. 

5 Drug Store Products That are Great

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour Lipstick

I love these lipsticks because they are moisturizing and have awesome pigmentation.  You can dab on a bit for a subtle color, or take your time applying it for a bolder lip.  There is a large color selection, one of my favorites is Spiced Cider (755).

Vaseline Lip Therapy

This stuff is incredibly moisturizing!  Forget the expensive stuff at other places, this does the job.  This lip balm lasts a long time and it works quickly.  I usually put this on before I go to bed, and before I leave for school.  I find that I rarely have to apply lip balm throughout the day.

Pond's Dry Skin Cream

I have incredibly dry skin and I find that this works wonders on my face.  This is one of my favorite moisturizers because it is meant for dry skin and it is a thick cream.  It is greasy but I put it on before I go to bed so that my skin can absorb it at night.  I wake up with smooth skin in the mornings.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer 

I love this concealer because it is easy to blend.  It can also be used for anything.  I put it under my eyes, and on blemishes.  When I put it on blemishes I add a bit of powder to really blend it out.

L'Oreal Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner

This eyeliner is amazing because it is easy to apply.  I am awful at applying liquid liner, however this is smooth and does not dry out quickly.  I love that it drys matte.

-Diana

Petite Moment: Facial Oil Craze

Just about every email I get from Sephora they mention facial oils and how you should get them. Almost every Allure I read, they mention how great oil is for your face. I decided to test the craze out for myself and see what the results would be. Recently, I ordered some things from Sephora (more on that later) and one of my options for a free sample was Josie Maran's Argan Oil Light  and decided to give it a try.

The sample I got is 0.16 oz. which you might think is tiny, but is actually a decent size considering how little product is needed. Argan oil is a very versatile product and is not limited just to the face, click here if you want to see other ways to use it. So far I have only used it on my face, but I am anxious to test its other uses. Since I have very dry skin (everywhere except my eyelids) this product is a life-saver in hydrating your skin.  Being in college right now, I don't always have the time (or energy) to do my full facial cleaning routine, but using this on my face has helped me keep my skin from breaking out. 

Have you tried this product or any other facial oil? Let me know below!

Have a great weekend!

-Emily

Petite Moment: Dark Chocolate with Quinoa?!

Recently, I was at Mariano's (my favorite grocery store ever) and was strolling through the candy aisle because I was looking for a treat (treat. yo. self) and I spotted an unusual chocolate. It was a dark chocolate bar with quinoa crisps inside it! I love quinoa and I found this to be very intriguing, so I happily added it to my cart. Quinoa is a seed that when cooked can be a great replacement for rice, which is how I usually eat it. If you want to learn more about quinoa click here. Anyway, the chocolate that I found is from the brand, Alter Eco.

It is certified organic and fair tried certified, it is only a 60% cocoa so it is not a very strong dark chocolate. According to the packaging, this chocolate is also vegan, soy free, gluten free, and non GMO. The quinoa is mixed with rice to give it a light airy feel and it is absolutely delicious. It is a great alternative to a "Crunch" bar because not only is it a million times healthier, it is also better for the planet. It is guilt-free but still makes you feel like you are indulging yourself. I love this and I will definitely be re-purchasing this!

-Emily