Maybelline Instant Age Rewind--Eraser Dark Spot Concealer + Treatment Review

Welcome to the first post in the month of May favorite reader EVER (yes you)!

Since the last post was quite serious, I thought I'd lighten it up with some good old capitalist consumerism.  Today I want to present to you a new drug store concealer that has changed my life.  Seriously. My lovely model Squiggles is showing off the insanely long named "Maybelline Instant Age Rewind--Eraser Dark Spot (Concealer + Treatment)*" in the oh so fancy image below.  I think I have a career in graphic design waiting for me.  I have totally mastered the "Paint" program.  I also apologize for never having a consistent format for product reviews.  I keep thinking of better ways to report my opinions to you.

As usual, like my last image, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if whoever owns it throws a hissy fit. 

But Ms. Sparkles, in your Lil' Wallgreens Haul Post from June 2012, you talked about the "Almay: "Clear Complexion Concealer + Treatment Gel" being your favorite concealer...why do you have this one?  Well inquisitive reader, my current skin care routine has dramatically reduced my acne break outs, but each acne bump has started to leave behind stubborn dark spots on my skin *hissing and booing from the crowd.*  As a result I do not need a green tinted (to cancel redness) treatment gel or a super thick consistency to even out acne bumps.

Also, who needs just one concealer?!  This is a capitalist consumerism themed post, you should spend your money on millions of concealers if you want to. It's good for the economy.

Maybelline Claims That:
"This revolutionary concealer and vitamin C treatment covers instantly, while fighting dark spots over time. Concentrated Vitamin C formula visibly decreases dark spots in just 4 weeks. Targets signs of aging, dark spots, acne scars and sunspots."

In a Nutshell:
Effectiveness: 9 of 10
Smell/Taste: N/A
Packaging: 6 of 10
Economic: 10 of 10
Good for Sensitive Skin: Maybe
Overall Rating: 8


The Full Report:

Effectiveness of this product is excellent.  However, Maybelline says it reduces imperfections in 4 weeks, I think this is a conservative estimate.  Why?  Because the skin completely renews itself in around 28 days (linked to proved I didn't make that up). So by claiming 4 weeks, they are guaranteed  to be telling the truth (with our without their product).  For this reason I deducted a point.  That being said, I'd say I have seen improvement in about 3 weeks (with a skin care routine that includes exfoliation to encourage new cell growth).  The main ingredient advertised is vitamin c which should revitalize skin by boosting collagen production (thus this "age rewind" part of the insane product title).  It is also an antioxidant that can help lighten skin by canceling free-radicals that might slow the rate of skin renewal over an extended period of time.  The internet talks about a study on guinea pigs who ate increased vitamin c having lighter skin, but who knows if that is a credible study or some crazy people breeding guinea pigs in a trailer...(Squiggles says that he doesn't approve of animal testing).

Now you might be wondering why I'm still giving it a 9.  Because regardless if it actually treats dark spots or prevents aging, it is a GREAT concealer.  It is light weight but effectively covers any imperfections.  The consistency is a bit more like a very pigmented foundation rather than a paste (like some lame concealers).  This prevents your skin from looking cakey even if you need to use a lot of it.  Nobody likes looking like a plastic cake face.  Also, the product does not seem to cause any break outs.  While not specifically formulated for sensitive skin, I have found that it does not cause me any problems.

Packaging is quite fun and works as directed.  The sponge tip provides a buildable and targeted coverage with minimal blending necessary.  When you do blend it out with a brush or your fingers, it blends fantastically.  However I do not like that you cannot really clean the sponge applicator.  I suggest either using a brush spray or applying the concealer to a brush or clean fingers before touching your face. Also, there seems to be no way to get any remaining product out of the tube...or even remove the sponge for any reason. Regarding the bacteria issue, if you go through concealer pretty quickly, I would just use as directed and buy a new one when you feel like it is infested with bacteria.  Which leads me to my next point.

Price is $9.99USD (without sales or coupons)! Woooo!  You can buy 3 of them for the average price of just one higher end concealer.  Who doesn't love that?

Quick Tips For This Product:
1) Apply this concealer after your foundation using a patting motion as to not disturb the underlying make up. Due to the light liquid consistency of the product, I suggest using this over a liquid foundation/tinted moisturizer/BB creme.  I would worry that putting this on over powder or mineral foundations would result a pasty mess.  If nothing else, it will smear the powder base all over...  Let everything dry, then finish up with a face powder to completely blend your concealer to avoid looking patchy.
2)  Experts recommend that concealers should be slightly lighter than your skin tone since they are covering pigmented spots on your face, however for this product, I suggest matching your face color as closely as possible because it is pigmented enough to fully cover anything.

How this product review report was useful!  Let me know if you are interested in a post about my skin care routine.  I will probably make one whether you comment or not, but I love feedback ;D

Shine & Sparkle!

* I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.

Discussion on Jealousy

Greetings devoted Shine and Sparkle Report Readers (and new readers too!)

I thought it was time for another introspective post.  The subject is jealousy*.  The green eyed monster.  A deadly sin.  The creator of haters and a cause of low self esteem.   I think that the global society formed through ease of transportation and fueled by the fires of the internet, is a great thing.  We can share beauty tips, life milestones, and food we just ate in nanoseconds.   But as a result, people are getting a skewed view of what life should be like.  This can have potentially damaging consequences to peoples’ mental health.  This is why I thought it was worth a post to my lovely readers.  Understanding jealously can help reduce it, and make everyone happier! HOORAY!

Hey! I actually have a source for my post picture!  It is "Jealousy" by 7Roses1BrokenHeart. If she/he wants me to remove the picture from my blog, don't hesitate to ask.  I think it's a perfect picture for this post =)

What is Jealousy?
Also known as envy, a good way to describe jealousy (thanks thefreedictionary.com) is “a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another.”  In simpler terms, jealousy is feeling negatively about wanting what someone else has.

What are some causes of Jealousy?
While jealousy is as individual as the person feeling it, there are several types of jealousy I have been noticing recently of other peoples:

-personal relationships
-physical appearance
-material items

We want what others have in these areas.  It doesn’t have to be people you know personally we can be jealous of completed strangers.  We can be jealous of people online.  We can be jealous of celebrities, people in magazines/advertisements, and even fictional characters.
Side note: Trashy reality shows tend to do very well when it shows celebrities who “have everything” reveal that weaknesses/problems worse than our own.  This is because it makes us not feel jealous of what they have.  Interesting right? *coughkardashianscough*

What feelings result from Jealousy?
Most often, feeling jealous leads to either
1) feeling negatively, even depressed about oneself for “not measuring up”;
2) projecting jealous as “hate” towards the source of jealousy.

How can we over come Jealousy so we can Shine and Sparkle?
These tips are things that have kept me from focusing too much on things that many people find to be major causes of jealousy.  Hopefully, they can help you too!

-Nobody is perfect:  As in my reality show example, nobody is perfect.  If you see someone who has something you want, just know that it doesn’t mean that their life is any better or valid than yours.  “Be proud of your accomplishments no matter how small, and learn from your mistakes.” 

-Count Your Blessings:  Rather than focusing on what I don’t have (and as the media proves, there is ALWAYS more to be had), I focus on what I do have.  Whether it is family, health, friends or guinea pig, take a moment to appreciate them.  Rather than thinking about how you wish you had different physical features, think about what you do really like your nails, hair, eyes, sense of fashion, whatever it is, take a minute to love that about yourself.  Though we can always have more stuff, think of that one item that you just couldn’t live without and cherish it.  Now here’s the kicker—somebody else is jealous of all the things you just thought of.  “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift.”

-We Are All Different and that is Okay:  One thing about the global media, is it tries to tell us there is a right way to live our lives.  It tries to tell us what an ideal life is like.  It tries to tell us what is beautiful and what is not.  It tries to sell us things to achieve this image that they set in front of us.  In reality, THERE IS NO RIGHT WAY to do things (you know, minus hurting others or yourself).  Follow your heart, pave your own way, and celebrate your individuality.  People might look at you funny, people might judge you.   Those people are not really worth knowing.  “Your friends are the people who know everything about you, and love you anyway.” 

-Beauty is a Canvas, not a Requirement:  This being a beauty blog, you might think that I am another person who is trying to tell you the “right” way to do things.  Instead I see it as giving suggestions and sharing my experiences that you may find helpful or not.  Take everything others tell you  and run it through a “does this work for me” filter.  That filter will serve you well.  I see make-up, fashion, and beauty as a canvas for expressing myself.  It is not so much a way to fit in or be accepted as it is a way to make the outside express the way I feel on the inside.  Looking the way I want brings me happiness, as however you decide to look should make you happy as well. 

So these are just some thoughts on jealousy that I have had recently.  Jealousy is toxic and not conducive to being happy.  I want all my readers to be happy! Hopefully this post was helpful for you to….

Shine & Sparkle!

* I do not claim to be a professional in this subject and if you are having feelings of depression, suicide, or violence towards others I seriously suggest speaking with a trained professional psychologist.  I did major in psychology which is why I find the subject interesting, but I also focused on animal behavior...so if you want to know how squirrels remember where they hid their nuts for the winter, comment below or something.  Otherwise, leave serious things to the pros.

DIY Mango Tumeric Face Mask!

Hello Lovely Shine and Sparkle Report Readers!

The beginning of April means spring has sprung.  Flowers are blooming and the warm weather means lighter make-up application and general desire to be glowing looking.  What better way to do this than clearing and brightening up your skin?

The quick mask recipe* I'm about to give you is all natural and really effective.  Your skin absorbs good nutrients in a mask, so why have all the chemicals in a fancy and expensive product when you can be more effective with natural ingredients right?  I have found that making my own masks is far more effective than most masks I can buy.  I used this mango and turmeric mask as my weekly mask and instantly saw a calming of my break outs and a more even skin tone. 

As usual, like my last image, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if whoever owns it throws a hissy fit.  Otherwise, please enjoy Squiggles being emasculated with a towel turban (at least I made it blue).

Ingredients:
- 1-2 tbs of ripe fresh mango (organic is best!): Mango fruits have pigments called carotenoids,which can improve color and brighten the skin.  Also rich in antioxidants and pore cleansing properties.  Needless to say, Yey mango!
-2 tsp olive or coconut oil (or both!):  Oils have moisturizing properties, help balance oil production of the skin and are generally great for it!  Both of these oils have anitoxidants (which we know are great to fight aging).  Coconut oil also has some antibacterial properties that can also help fight acne.
-1 tsp turmeric powder:  This powder can help even out hyper-pigmentation of the skin.  It also has anti-bacterial properties that can reduce inflammation and acne.  This might not be a staple in everyone's spice cabinet, but it should be! It's also super healthy to ingest and is used in a lot of Indian foods such as curry.  DO NOT use curry powder...that would burn like crazy...zomg...
Warning: Too much of this can temporarily stain the skin a bit yellow.  To remove staining, use some oil (olive or coconut are my favorites) to cotton pads and gently use to remove the staining.  Alternatively, do the mask on a day you wont be doing much.  A couple washes should take care of it no problem.

Assembly and Application:
1) Mash ingredients together. Want to use a fork? A blender? be my guest.  Whenever you make a mask it's not an exact science.  Just make sure the consistency is thick enough to not fall off your face.  If you have a waterier mask, don't worry, just use a thinner layer or add more dry/thick ingredients.
2) Cleanse and pat dry your face.
3) Apply mask all over your face.
4) Leave the mask on as long as you want (no harsh chemicals here, longer the better!) but I suggest at least 15 minutes.
5) Remove mask with warm water and cleanse again (if you find the turmeric has stained).    
6) Eat the rest of your fresh mango.  It is good for your insides too! 

Optional Ingredients:
Go nuts with your DIY masks.  Make your own.  Here are some other ingredients to consider if they are hanging out in your kitchen.
-Oatmeal: Very soothing and calming to your skin.  Best turned into powder though blending--it's hard to get oatmeal to be a powder with a fork.  Mortar and pestle it if you are old school.  Heck, you can use a mortar and pestle to make all your masks if you get down like that.
 -Plain yogurt: Also very calming, moisturizing, and excels at relieving sunburn. Woo.  Some people say it is anti--bacteriala and anti-fungal which is good to help acne, though make sure the source is hormone free.  Dairy hormones can make it worse =(
-Green Tea: Everyone knows about green tea's anti-oxidant and toning powers, so I'll just let you think about making a cup of tea and adding a bit to your mask.
-Honey: Moisture, acne-fighting, glowing goodness.  
 
 Let me know if you have any favorite mask ingredient combos I should try out.  I'm thinking of trying out a cucumber honey recipe next.

Shine & Sparkle!

* As usual, just note I'm not a doctor or professionally trained.  I just spend a lot of time researching things and experimenting on myself and friends (even though I do have a guinea pig).  Please consult with your doctor, especially if you are taking medications or may/are pregnant.  This is the internet you know.

The Tangle Teezer Review

Greetings Shine and Sparkle Report Readers!

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a kidney bean?  NO!  It's TANGLE TEEZER!*  Yes, it is annoyingly spelled.  Yes it looks like some sort of vital organ.  But in reality it is the perfect brush. If you would like me to elaborate, please read on.  If you trust my word on it, you can pick yours up at http://www.tangleteezer.com/ (or amazon) for around $10-15.
 

 
Price:  Priceless.  Just kidding, it is about $10-$15 US dollars depending where you get it.

Why do I want it?

• Cut detangling/brushing hair time drastically.  
• Prevents hair breakage better than even a wide tooth comb (especially for difficult hair types).

How Does It work?  The two heights of flexible bristles gently detangle dry or wet (yes I said wet!) hair safely, easily and quickly.  I know I constantly talk about gently detangling hair with a wide tooth comb when wet.  How can this be?  I believe it is because of a combination of bristle flexibility and the fact that it is actually quite shallow a comb.  You can't really put too much hair in it; thus, you can't get too over zealous and start ripping at your hair.

Who is this good for?  Everyone!  Extra gentle and pain free hair brushing is awesome.  I have particularly easy hair to detangle (yey Asian-ness), but I think this product still makes hair bushing super quick, easy, and breakage free.  This product really shines for very fine/curly/easily tangled hair--sometimes wide toothcombs can be very time consuming on these hair types.  Also, I think this is also a MUST have for kids.  I remember hating hair brushing as a child.  If I had this, it would have been fast and pain free. 
 
Warnings:

• Don't go thinking you can just start ripping through your hair with it.  You still have to start at the bottom of your hair and work up.  Due to the gentleness, you might need to work in small sections depending on the thickness of your hair.
• The hollow grip for this product does create some noise that some people think sounds like ripping hair.  If you use the correct technique, I assure you that the sound it just the bristles snapping back into place and echoing in the hollow grip.  If it bugs the be-geezus out of you, you can detach the bush from the grip.  
• This is a super lame styling brush.  If you want to blow out/straighten/curl/tease/sculpt your hair into the Eiffel Tower, this brush is gonna blow....bubbles.  It is really a detangling brush for when you get out of the shower, get up in the morning, or were standing around in a tornado (did I just have to look up tornado because all my brain could come up with was "twister thingie"? Yes. Yes I did).  

Now that you have clicked "add to cart" on Amazon and your kids are doing happy dances that they wont be tortured every time they get out of a bath, I wanted to give a quick shout out to my BFF who has super fine hair and helped me confidently say the things I did about this brush.  I also want to say thank you to the awesome 2 people who are following my blog and encourage more people to do so (if nothing else it makes me feel uber special).  Lastly, thank you to all my readers and/or spam bots that show up on my blog hit counters that make me feel like my beauty bloggin hobby is perhaps worth something. I love you all.

Sneak peak in the upcoming months:  Review of a self hair cutting tool that allows you to do perfect hair cuts (layers and all) at home in minutes!  I'm starting to sound like an "as seen on TV" ad....  but these are things that I think are truly great inventions!  I'm talking about the generic version of CreaClip.  The knock off CreaClip is much cheaper and I assume just as effective as the real thing.  Shine and Sparkle approval pending...

  Shine & Sparkle!


*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.

Grooming [Zombie Apocalypse] Survival Kit--Man Friendly

Hi S+SR Readers!

I realized I haven't made a post for the men who read my blog (I know there are some of you!) in quite some time.  This post is definitely relevant to all genders.  This post was inspired by the fact that I have been watching an insane amount of "The Walking Dead".  While watching, I realize that given the zombie apocalypse scenario, it is very unlikely that the cast would look half as sexy as they do.  Yeah they might look at bit dirty and rugged...but nothing like if there was an actual apocalypse (everyone still has nice hair days...)

As usual, like my last image, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if whoever owns it throws a hissy fit.  Otherwise, please enjoy Squiggles taking out a zombie.

So lets pretend there is an apocalypse, and you have made it into a secure grocery store.  Your backpack already has clothes, food, and water.   The following are the items I think that every man (an woman) should have in their 10 item grooming/cleanliness survival kit.  Now, since there is no (current) sign that we are heading towards apocalypse, these items are still relevant for your  camping outfit, trunk of your car, or as part of a disaster emergency kit (where I live, we have earthquakes so everyone has earthquake kits outside their houses).  I think people think of clothes, food, water, and first-aid (understandably), but these small creature comforts can make all the difference.

The 10 Item Grooming Survival Kit:

1. Hand Sanitizer: You never know when you might have to take care of business in a bush.  Or pick up something gross.  Or maybe you just don't want to waste water washing your hands before eating.  Eitherway, hand sanitizer is a must.
2. Mouthwash and/or "Wisps":  You wont miss clean breath until it's not an option.  These two items are stable for long periods of time.  You do not need to use water to rinse.  Just instantly fresh breath.  You never know if they use garlic in those MREs.
3. Cleansing Wipes: It can be baby wipes, wet-ones, my favorite "Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes", or my newest obsession "Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths"(while somewhat pricey, I have never met a more effective wipe and there is a lot of product per-wipe--each wipe could clean almost your whole body!).  No matter what wipe you choose, when showering isn't an option, wipes are perfect.
4. Deodorant:  Do I really have to explain this?
5. Nail Clipper with built-in file:  Have you ever tried to trim your nails without one.  Alternatively, you could have a very awesome swiss army knife that includes a nail trimmer...that would probably be even better.
6. Scissors:  Not only are scissors infinitely useful for all kinds of things (like cutting rope to make your tent), you can use them to trim your inevitably shaggy mountain man hair and beard.  Or your girlfriend's hair (until you sacrifice her to the zombies to save your own skin).  If you are more hard core, you could use a knife...or maybe there is a scissor in your awesome Swiss army knife.  Either way, sharp implement is good.
7. Petroleum Jelly: Very stable product for long periods of time.  This has a lot of great grooming uses if you are in a pinch.  It can be used as a moisturizer for rough patches, lip balm, heal wind burn, prevent blisters on your feet, chafing/diaper rash, lipstick stain remover....so many uses.
8. Dry Shampoo: You could also use cornstarch or baby powder.  Either way, it absorbs the oil in your hair without water. Hooray. 
9. Brush/Mirror Combo: You don't miss these things until you don't have them.  And a little mirror/brush (like this one from the container store) will be very useful to bush out your dry shampoo and gaze at how great you look despite having just killed several zombies.
10. SUNSCREEN: No matter why you are out in the elements, you need sunscreen.  Preferably 30SPF or higher. Sunglasses and a hat are never a bad idea either.

Creative Beauty Solutions Quick Tip

Hi S+SR Readers!

Here in February, I think people have posted a lot of Spring/Valentines Day related things.  We instead of buying into a consumer culture created holiday, I want to start a whole new S+SR category: "S+SR Tips!"  Today I'm going to be talking about some creative beauty solutions that would even impress Macgyver (linked for anyone who needs a reference point).  So rather than a lengthy chit chat, lets get straight into the tips!

Squiggles the Guinea Pig is quickly becoming a mascot of the S&SR Report!

1) Printer Paper as Blotting Paper:
Blotting paper is sometimes really expensive (not if you use the E.L.F one from this post!)  And let us all admit, we sometimes leave your blotting paper in another purse, or have run out, or it fell down the rabbit hole to who-knows-where.  So you are icky and shiny (not in a Sparkle and Shine way, but a greasy way).  I suggest grabbing any while printer paper (scrap paper, post-it, junk mail, does not really matter) and tearing off a blotting paper sized piece.  Gently press (dont rub or it will take off your make up) on your face (be sure to not get a paper cut or poke yourself in the eye!) and you will see the paper absorb the oil off your face.  I have found this works great in a pinch.  Macgyver better watch out, Ms. Sparkles is in the building!

2) Lipstick/Tinted Lip Products as Blush:
This is a tip you might have gotten from your grandmother, but it is much better than the one about straightening your hair with a clothes iron.  Simply said, draw a line of your lipstick, in a color a bit darker than you want on your cheeks, along your cheek bone.  Then blend it out with your fingers.  Way to make your products do double duty!

3) Cream Eye Shadow/Eyeliner as Eyeshadow Primer:
Using Cream Eye shadows or Eyeliner as a primer is a pretty common occurrence in YouTube tutorials, but I thought I would reiterate it here.  Take whatever color cream eyeshadow or eyeliner you want as a base and build your powder shadow over it.  The stickier textured base will help your eyeshadow look last all day.  I find this works just as well as an eyeshadow primer, though it tends to be a little heavier feeling on the eyes.  Note that a white base will make your powder shadows look the truest to how it looks in the package.  All other colored bases (even your normal skin tone will affect the way the shadow looks on your eyes.  Mini Tip:  Many eye creams have a similar texture and feel to eyeshadow primer.  If you use an eye cream, try using this as your primer instead.  I find my Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Cream with Royal Jelly works great as a primer too!

4) Hair Conditioner as Shaving Cream:
I am in progress of becoming a certified product junkie.  In this venture I have tried quite a few more products than the average person.  Some work, and some do not.  While it is possible to return some products if you do not like them, it takes a good amount of product to fully test shampoos and conditioners.  I don't think you can return a conditioner if you used 1/3 of it.  So what do I do with conditioners I have decided don't work for my hair?  I use them as shaving cream.  It works really well and leaves my legs very soft.  I'm not particularly prone to razor burns, but I actually find that my skin is much happier using conditioner over shaving cream.  I still like to use my target brand soy shaving creme (which is supposed to slow the regrowth of the hairs) but using up my conditioner this way puts the product to good use.  (Yey not being wasteful!)

5) Shampoo as Make-Up Brush Cleaner:
In the same way I don't like to waste my conditioner duds, I also don't like to waste my shampoo duds.  Can the shampoo clean my make up brushes and body?  Yep.  Can about 1/3 a cup in the bath or 1/4 a cup in a foot soak leave you feeling soft and clean? Yep.  The best use depends on how sudsy and moisturizing the shampoo is.


6) Hair Conditioners + Water as a De-tangler:
For my last tip, You can take your favorite conditioner or leave-in cream conditioner.  Use about 1 tbs in a spray bottle with 1.5 cups of water and use as a detangler or light weight spray leave in conditioner.  If you find it weighing your hair down, add more water or less conditioner =)

Do you feel sufficiently creative?  You should!.


 Shine & Sparkle!

Yes to Blueberries Shampoo (and associated products) Rant

Hi S&SR Readers,

Sometimes a girl needs to chat with her readers.  Well, in this case, more like rant.  I have an on going love hate relationship with the San Francisco based "Yes to Insert Fruit of Vegetable" brand products*.  For instance, I love the Yes To Cucumber Facial Wipes. I also like the Yes to Cucumber Shampoo (the original formula).  In general, I love how few ingreditents there are in this company's products.  I love that they try and be as paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and natural/organic as possible.  That being said, they are not perfect.

I have recently found the Cucumber-Mint Lip Balm to be about 3 of 5 stars.  It was ok, not amazing.  I have yet to try the Cucumber facial mask that also came in an on sale gift pack.

Now, for the negative perspective.  I hate that they are constantly changing their formulas.  For instance, there is the original Yes To Cucumbers Shampoo and Conditioner.  The Shampoo I love, but they have recently altered the formula and I'm not sure how it is going to go when I can't get it on amazon anymore. Also, the Yes to Blueberries Voluminzing Shampoo and Conditioners (which I know a friend of mine is liking)  have now been replaced with "repairing" blueberry formula.  WTF guys?!

There are also simply PRODUCTS I HATE:

Yes To Cucumbers Conditioner (Original Formula):  
This contained Sodium Hydroxide.  This is lye.  It is used in chemical relaxers to make curly/frizzy hair straight.  It can burn and cause permanent damage to the skin.  Though it is one of the last ingredients in this conditioner.  It made my hair feel really soft, but was damaging it to do so.  Not cool.  What do I do with it? I shave my legs with it.  I would love to see my leg hair be softer and fall out  more easily.  Is it the best for my skin? Probably not, but at least I'm not wasting money.  Plus, I will not be repurchasing, so how much damage can one bottle for shaving do anyway =P ?

On this note, I am happy that they have changed the Yest To Cucumber's Conditioner Formula.  I will be trying this soon.  It seems to contain mainly stabilized natural oil.  There are some reviews that it makes hair super greasy. I hope this isn't the case.  Otherwise, I'll be set for leg shaving for the next 2 years....

Yes to Tomatoes Facial Cleanser:
Supposedly tomatoes help fight acne.  Not in this cleaner.  It was terrible.  It made me break out and look like bees had attacked my face.  It left tons of make-up on my skin after 2 through washings.  I looked like a racoon.  Lastly, it lathered as well as water from a puddle.  If I wanted to look like nature attacked my face, I would have gone camping without a tent and covered in honey.

Yes to Blueberries Repairing Shampoo (New Formula):
I was curious about a repairing natural shampoo since I love the cucumber one.  In my obsessive label reading, I some how missed that this isn't sulfate free!  I just assumed because, it's a Yes To Editble Things brand shampoo product!  How could I have missed Lauryl or Laureth Sulfate?  Because it said "Coco Sulfate."  Aw, I love coconut oil, so how bad can coco sulfate be?  After a bit of research I found out that:

"The difference is really one of purification. Coconut oil is made up of a wide range of fatty acids. They can have as few as 8 carbon atoms and as many as 20. The majority of the fatty acids are of the 12 carbon variety. That means 45-50% of coconut oil is a fatty acid containing 12 carbons.

When manufacturers make their sulfate detergents they can take pure coconut oil and run the "sulfating" reaction to produce Sodium Coco-sulfate.

However, this material doesn't foam as well and will vary depending on the quality of the coconut crops harvested that year.

Sodium Lauryl sulfate is really just a purified version of the same material. In this case they take the coconut oil and remove most of the non-12 carbon fatty acids. Their starting material is then about 80% C-12 instead of 45-50% C-12.

Ultimately, both products are primarily C-12 or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate so they get the same CAS number. However, pure SLS is more efficient and of more reliable quality so most manufacturers use this."

While somebody's re-posting of information on their livejournal is not a very reputable source of information, I found it to be the most clearly written explanation.  Needless to say, I find this to be very disappointing.  I have to walk back to the drug store and return it.  *sigh*.  That being said, I am quite excited to try the Yes to Blueberries Conditioner.

If you can't tell, I have been on the quest for a perfect "frequent" conditioner.  I love my Aussie 3 Minute Miracle for deep conditioning.  And I still like my Paul Mitchell Thickening Conditioner as a light conditioner.  I'm still liking my leave in conditioners as well.  But I have been displeased with all of my attempts for a regular conditioner that is gentle, affordable, and effective.  My Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Conditioner seems to have a few too many silicones for someone who likes using shine serums (basically concentrated silicone.)  And other attempts have been underwheming.

Leave a comment below if you are interested in knowing of how my Yes To Cucumbers Conditioner (New Formula) and Yes to Blueberries Repairing Conditioner turn out.

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*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.

 Shine & Sparkle!