TRESemme Split Remedy Shampoo

After a summer of bleaching and highlighting my hair, it is probably fair to say that my hair is not in the healthiest shape this fall. So in addition to ceasing the bleaching and going with a darker hair color, I decided to give a new shampoo a try. TRESemme Split Remedy Shampoo promises to heal your damaged and splitting tresses.

I really must say, this shampoo might have helped if I had purchased it a little earlier, but at this point, I think the only thing that is going to cure my split ends i a haircut.

The pros of this shampoo include that it smells nice and cleans well. The cons are that it costs the same as regular bottle of TRESemme Shampoo, but they seem to have decided to make this bottle noticeably small. True with CVS extrabucks and coupons, I can make this shampoo make less of a dent in my budget, but it's a little disappoint that Split Remedy is not a noticeably better TRESemme Shampoo, but you still get less bang for your buck.

Yoplait Simplait Yogurt is Simply not for me!

So I try to diet during the week, because my weekend eating habits are none so great. But I worry about all of the chemical additives and non-food items that are in many of the diet products that I eat, so I was super excited when Yoplait Yogurt came out with a simple variety of Yogurt, which they named, Simplait (cute I know), which only had 6 ingredients... all of which are REAL food. And, I found a coupon in the Sunday paper for buy-one-get-one on this product.

Well, it might be healthier for my body, if I could actually eat it. I tried both the blackberry and the strawberry versions of this yogurt and could not stomach either. Both made me want to gag, the flavor was awful. Plus, each yogurt contained 200 calories, instead of the 50-80 calorie versions of diet yogurts that I usually purchase.

All in all, I'll risk the chemicals and stick to Dannon Light and Fit or Yoplait's Fiber One 50 calorie yogurt, both of those taste yummy (for all their additives) and don't put nearly detract nearly as many calories from my daily goal. If I'm sticking to 1600 calories a day during the week, I don't want to waste 1/8 of them on a terrible tasting yogurt.

Head & Shoulders Intensive Care Shampoo

So my normally dry scalp is usually even more of a mess during the winter. So this winter months, in order to ensure my scalp didn't look like a snake shedding it's skin... I went on the hunt for a dandruff shampoo and conditioner pair that really packed a punch.

After trying a number of different options, I decided the best shampoo to get rid of stubborn dandruff is Head & Shoulders Intensive Care shampoo.

Head & Shoulders has recently made more of an effort to make their shampoos and conditioners smell more "woman-friendly" as it were... but I should warn you, they did not succeed here. Head & Shoulders Intensive Care shampoo still smells like the Head & Shoulder of the 1980s; however, the demolition of all evidence of dandruff makes the not-so-pleasant smell totally worth it. I usually pair the Intensive Care shampoo with one of the more pleasing smelling Head & Shoulder conditioners, in order to come out with a result that is good for my dry scalp as well as my nostrils.

Not the cheapest shampoo on the market, I usually try to hunt for coupons in the Sunday paper or stock up when I see it on clearance. But if you've got stubborn dandruff, you should give Head & Shoulders Intensive Care shampoo a try, you'll be amazed with the results!

Gain Lavender High Efficiency Detergent

Now, I've always been a Tide girl, but I had a coupon recently for $3.00 off Gain Lavender High Efficiency Detergent... and then it was on sale at CVS for $3.90, so I figured I couldn't lose. It was a magical decision, now I'm hooked for life. Although I'm a little sad that I often have to pay more than a dollar for it.

Not only does the Gain Lavender High Efficiency Detergent clean as well, if not better than Tide, but it smells heavenly. My laundry smells as if I had put it away in our drawers and placed fresh sprigs of lavender between the layers.

I did not know that a laundry detergent could mimic the scent of a flower so well. If you have not tried Gain Lavender High Efficiency Detergent yet, you need to do so immediately. There are often coupons in the Sunday papers for it and CVS sometimes has some good sales on the product, where you can luck out like I did and only pay $0.99 cents for it.

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste

So I recently saw an advertisement (and a coupon) for this new Colgate Optic White toothpaste. It promises results similar to those given by whitening strips, by just brushing with this toothpaste instead of your normal toothpaste.

Now, I'm not a particularly big fan of whitening strips, because I feel that they taste awful, and I can't keep still long enough to keep them on my teeth for the required amount of time. So when I saw the ad for this Optic White toothpaste combined with the coupon (you know me, I can't resist a good coupon), I figured I would give the product a shot.

To start with, the taste is a little harsher than my normal toothpaste, but I figured it would be worth it, if it produced the desired affects. Needless to say, it really hasn't. Six weeks in, and I can't see a noticeable difference, I even took a "before" picture of my teeth, so that I wouldn't just be relying on my own fickle memory. I even purchased one of the Optic White 360 Toothbrushes (review forthcoming) to make sure I was getting the full effect.

All in all, not a bad toothpaste, my teeth were felt super clean - but it no where near delivers on its whitening promises... and would be expensive to buy without a coupon, so I think I will forgo it in the future, and stick to the regular level of whitening toothpastes - which deliver the same results for less.

Oral-B CrossAction Pro-Health Toothbrush

This has to be, hands down, my favorite manual toothbrush. The variety in bristle lengths and textures really makes you feel like your teeth are getting extremely clean.

It also had ridges on the back of the head of the toothbrush, which help with getting your tongue clean, so you're left with that whole-mouth clean feeling.

While, I'm not as big of a fan of this brush as I am of the Oral-B Pulsar toothbrush line, this toothbrush ends up being a lot cheaper. You can usually find it on sale once-a-month or so, at my favorite store, CVS. But if it is not on sale there, WalMart usually has a pretty good price for them.

Another neat feature of the Oral-B line, is that the company tries to help you track down coupons for their products. You can check out this LINK to their site which will advise you on rebates you can get through the company, as well as how to track down Oral-B coupons in your local papers.

Listerine Zero Mouthwash

I've always tried to use mouthwashes, and purchased them with some regularity. But they tend to sit half full on the bathroom counter until my husband eventually throws them out. The problem is, the taste. Most mouth washes are so intense (even the citrus flavored ones), that I simply cannot last 30 seconds gargling that foul tasting garbage around.

That is why I'm super happy to have found Listerine Zero Mouthwash. It's just as effective as Listerine's other products, and does not make you want to spit it out immediately upon swishing some around. Listerine Zero Mouthwash has the flavor of a strong mint gum. So it still can be a little potent, but not disastrously so.

I would recommend it to anyone... but particularly if you have pre-teens and teens that can be

Alberto Vo5 Moisturizing Shampoo in Strawberries and Cream

Alright, so on vacation I typically buy Vo5 shampoos and conditioners, due to the fact that you can get a full bottle for $0.99 or less, whereas some of the travel size shampoos and conditioners can run you up to $1.39 a piece and is 1/32 the size of these containers.

However, you can definitely see what is lacking in the quality. While this shampoo will get your hair clean it is not as nourishing or as nice as some of its more expensive counterparts. Plus the smell of Vo5 Moisturizing Shampoo Strawberries and Cream is particularly overwhelming, and not in a good way. This shampoo smell sweet, very sweet, sickeningly so.

I think the better way to go is stock up on neutral smelling Suave's when they are on sale, the performance and scent of that brand is much better, and with coupons both of the brands are price competitive.

All in all, the price is the only thing that this product has going for it.

Chanel Levres Scintillantes in Sundress

Now Chanel lipglosses are wicked expensive, coming in at $38 at the counter, and Chanel does not offer gift with purchase like many of the other department store counters. What I usually do though, when making a Chanel purchase is ask the counter if there are any samples available when making my purchase.

However, as far as lipglosses go, this one is totally worth the price tag. The tube is bigger than many of the lip gloss tubes offered by Clinique or Lancome or some other competitors. So it lasts longer than many of my other lip glosses. Plus the gloss stays on longer than many of the other glosses I have tried, so I only have to re-apply once or twice throughout the evening instead of give or six times.

As to this specific color, Sundress, it is one of my favorites. I think it is the perfect summertime lip gloss and goes awesomely with all your sundresses. It's pale enough that you can wear it to work and sparkly enough that it still makes a great evening and night out lip gloss.

Overall it is one of my favorite lip glosses, and if I don't wear it all the time, it's just because the cost is a little steep.

Head & Shoulders Smooth & Silky Conditioner

Back in the day, you could only get Head & Shoulders in one variety, and while it dealt effectively with dandruff problems, it also stunk to the high heavens, and not in a good way. I used to use Head & Shoulders shampoo and conditioner and then go over my hair again with a cheap conditioner that had a pleasant smell, so my hair would not smell funky throughout the day.

However, these days, Head & Shoulders has a whole product line of different kinds of Head & Shoulders: silky & smoother, color treated, for curly hair, etc. etc. etc. I personally prefer the Silky & Smooth, as my hair is sometimes frizzy and gets tones of flyaways.

Now the smell has gotten MUCH better than the Head & Shoulders of the 1990s, but it still isn't the greatest. However, I don't have to use a second conditioner these days, which is a plus.

Another pro, is that it really does well on removing dandruff. I alternate this condition with my regular condition, every other day, and I really do see an improvement in the amount of flakes and dry scalp I have. So it delivers what it promises... the only thing I could wish for is further improvement in the scent department.

Gillette Venus Embrace Disposable Razor

I am not normally a fan of disposable razors. I'm a bit of a tree hugger and think that the fewer "disposable" products society has the better. I own a Venus razor and normally just buy the replaceable cartridges for it, because even though these are disposable cartridges as well, I feel like they are less of a waste, and as a lady, shave the old fashioned way would most likely be tedious, time consuming, and possibly just a littly ridiculous.

However, there are certain situations where having a disposable razor is key. Mainly, travelling. Boyfriend and I often go on trips, and while I used to take my permanent razor on these trips, I have been know to leave it places (such as cruise ship cabins) where I know it won't ever be returned to me. Or, I've stupidly packed in it one of my carry ons, and the airport kindly confiscated it.

Another down side to disposable razors is that I do not feel that they work as well as a regular razor does. But these Venus Embrace ones appear to be the exception to the rule. These disposables are ALMOST as good as my regular razor, my legs are left silky and smooth and no razor burn is created.

The cost, for the fact that these razors are meant to be thrown out, is a little off-putting. However, I can usually find a coupon or two, when combined with something like my CVS xtra bucks, makes the price a little more reasonable.

Lancome Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad Modern Edge

So as always, I wait to buy Lancome products until one of the Lancome counters is in gift. These days Lancome is in Macys, Lord & Taylor, Boscovs, Sephora, etc. So there are a variety of choices in looking for a counter that is in gift.

The palette itself is good eyeshadow. The shadow is long lasting and wears well throughout the night, without smudging or disappearing on you. And I'm also fond of the color combination in this specific palette as it can be used to create a nice brown smokey eye when using all of the colors, or the colors can be worn individually and still create a nice look.

The one downside to this eyeshadow is the cost. This palette of four is a bit expensive when compared to other eyeshadows that have the same or better quality. Some of this cost can be offset if you do purchase it when a free gift is included, and that might be enough to make you choose this brand, but I personally prefer Chanel's eye quartets. The Chanel quartets are roughly the same price and are a higher quality product in my mind.

Clinique - Superpowder Double Face Makeup

Clinique has a reputation for being the not-expensive, "expensive" cosmetic. Their little cases give women and girls a one-up on their cohorts and they fish their little green status symbol out of their make-up cases.

However, the reason for the price shows when you try the product. It's a standard drug store powder. It works about the same as any $5 powder I can get in cheaper packaging from CVS or Wal-mart. You have to hand it to Clinique for a billirant marketing campaign though, they are probably raking it in hand over fist on this product.

Granted, when purchasing this product from a department store, you can usually wait until the Clinique counter goes into gift, so that you can get a pile of free make-up goodies with your purchase. And I am actually quite fond of some of Clinique's mascaras and mascara prep products, and some of their multi-colored blushes and bronzers.

So while I don't frown upon the whole Clinique brand, (as you remember, I adore their All About Eyes Moisturizer) I feel like their powders are primarily a rip off, and you're paying for the brand at this point. Because this product is no better or worse than a Revlon or Rimmel powder.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

So you would think from the name, that Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, would be dramtically different than the rest of the moisturizers on the market. Sadly, it is not. Now granted, it is less expensive that many of the department store moisturizers out there, but it is still significantly more expensive than a drug store moisturizer.

My main problem with this moisturizer is that it is SUPER greasy, it almost feels almost sticky, both on my fingers when I apply, as well as on my face. And even after I have rubbed this moisturizer into my skin, it feels most like bug repellant than moisturizer.

And another turn-off is that there are artificial colors added to this moisturizer. And any reason the creators might have chosen to do that is absolutely beyond me. I prefer my moisturizer to not have any color.

I prefer Nivea's skin so soft or any of the Dove or Neutrogena moisturizers to this. For about one third the price, you can get a moisturizer that actually feels like it is hydrating your skin. And of course, you all know that my FAVORITE moisturizer is Lancome's Hydra Zen for Dry Skin ... but that of course, comes with a steeper price tag.

The one upside, is that I purchased this program, as I do all of my department store moisturizer purchases, when Clinique was in gift. So I did accumulate a bunch of free make-up when I bought this product, which made me feel a little bit better about wasting money on this over-promising product.

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Eye Makeup No. 95 Sparkling Satin

Now, I know the main con about Chanel is that it is so expensive. And while this is true, some things that do cost a lot are totally worth it. For starters, I usually try to buy my Chanel make up from Macys or Lord & Taylor or Boscovs where there is a counter that I can normally beg for free samples from, in hopes of getting a little more bang for my buck.

However, the positives with Chanel are phenomenal. This eyeshadow quartet will last all night, I've often put the color on before going to dinner, and my eye-makeup still looks good 7 hours later at the club. And another plus is that the make-up is hypo-allergenic, and doesn't ever cause my skin to break out.

One of my favorite things about this particular color combination, the Sparkling Satin, is that you can use it to make an interesting twist on the typical smoky-eye. The pink adds a more dramatic touch to the smoky eye look that will make you stand out in any crowd.

Olay Daily Facials Cleansing Cloths

As most of you know, I am a coupon-diva, and as per usual, this is one of the products I tried because I had a coupon for it. A buy-one-get-one no less. And it's a good thing I did try this product, because they are WONDERFUL for travelling.

These cloths are packaged dry and soap up when wet. You merely have to take one cloth out of the box, apply a little water and later. The cloth makes enough lather to thoroughly clean your face and then you can rinse the cloth out and use it to rinse your face as well.

I don't feel that I get as good of a clean from this as when I use my normal exfoliating cleansing products, but I feel like these cloths make an excellent travelling cleanser. There's nothing about them that can spill or explode in your luggage, and they do well enough, they remove all of your make-up and leave your face feeling clean. And while I may not get as deep of a clean from this as I do my favorite cleanser, it does not dry out my face as much as exfoliating products often do.

One other downside might be that without a coupon, these cloths can be a little pricey. But I find coupons for this product fairly often, so it doesn't appear hard to find a way to make them less expensive.

John Frieda Root Awakening - Strength Restoring Conditioner

I tried this conditioner out because it was on sale at CVS, and in addition to it being on sale, I had a coupon for it that basically made the deal "an offer I couldn't refuse."

The conditioner (and matching shampoo which I also purchased) both smell good, almost minty and very clean smelling. This is a big plus for me, because I'm not a fan of conditioners that smell like coconut or bubble gum or any other scent that doesn't leave with sense of cleanliness.

When I applied the conditioner I noticed that you did not have to use a whole lot to get your whole head smooth, which is also a plus, because that makes the price tag that would normally accompany this product a little easier to swallow.

I tend to leave conditioner in for a few minutes in order to ensure that my hair becomes silky smooth and tangle free. When leaving this condition in my hair, I did notice after about 30 seconds my head began to tingle. This is the first conditioner I've used where that has actually happen, so I began to put a little more faith in its claims of restoring capabilities.

The conditioner left my hair like silk and extremely easy to brush through. I'm not sure that over time I've seen noticeably fewer split ends that I've had with other conditioners. But another plus is that is doesn't weigh your hair down at all, even if you leave it in for 2-3 minutes (which is about how long it takes me to shave) ...

All in all, I think I would give it an A- ... the minus based in part on cost and in part on that it makes a LOT of big claims and while it follows through on some, it's not noticeably MUCH better than other conditioners.

Magic Powder by Prescriptives

Hands down my favorite loose powder. Prescriptives Magic Powder has a number of benefits. First, it doesn't clump anywhere on your skin, leaving you with a smooth finish. Second, it takes all shine off your face. So if you are looking for that powder that will make your face less shiny in all the pictures your friends are taking... this is it.

It is a little odd that when you brush it on your face it feels cold. But that is the chemical reaction which makes it "magic" ... pun intended.

Downsides include that it is a little expensive, and that Prescriptives pretty much never offers a gift with purchase. But it's the best powder I've even owned and has made me come out so much better in all the photos that are taken, so I do buy it regularly. I usually purchase it at my local Macys, but I know it's also available at Sephora and other department stores.

Clinique All About Eyes Moisturizer

Clinique's All About Eyes Moisturizer is touted as being able to diminish the appearance of eye puffs, darkness and fine lines. It is also marketed that the formula actually helps hold eye makeup in place.

I have been using this moisturizer for a few weeks now. I was initially excited, because I do have dark circles under my eyes, and there is nothing I would like better than to have them disappear.

The moisturizer's texture is nice, it's not greasy, and it applies smooth. And I have noticed that I am less puffy around the eye area than before I started with the moisturizer. However, there has been no affect whatsoever on my dark circles, which are just as dark as they were before I started using this moisturizer.

I'm not sure what to say about the claim that this moisturizer helps keep eye make-up in place. I do not wear eye make-up every day, usually only for special occasions. I wore some the other day for Easter and was wearing this moisturizer as well, and my eye make-up did stay in place all day long. But I'm not sure whether to credit that to the make-up itself or to this product.

This product is a little pricey at $28 for a small bottle/tube. And for what it is supposed to do, I am relatively unhappy with it. Most of my moisturizers prevent puffiness, I was really looking for something to reduce dark circles, and this just didn't cut it.

As per usual though, I did receive a gift with purchase, so it's not a total loss.