Mascara Face Off: The Falsies vs. Lash Blash Fusion

In one corner, Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express Mascara: a new kid on the block that retails for only $5 at most drugstores.  In the other corner, Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion: a twist on a fan favorite that claims to maximize both length and volume.

I first tried The Falsies and I have to admit that I was impressed.  I immediately noticed more volume and length.  It wasn't too clumpy or spidery.  The brush on this mascara looks pretty much like a standard curved bristled brush, but the formula sure works wonders!

I had high hopes for the Lash Blast fusion after reading rave reviews about this line, but, it really left me disappointed.  My lashes were hardly noticeable after using this mascara.  It honestly didn't seem to enhance the length or the volume.  For those of you who aren't familiar with this line of mascaras, I included a comparison photo below of the two brushes.  The Lash Blast brush is wider and made of small rubber bristles.  I find it harder to work with because of its larger size. 

Top: Falsies   Bottom: Lash Blast

In the end, I think the Falsies mascara wins with a knockout. I actually ended up having to add a coat of the Falsies on top of the Lash Blast just so I can use it up.

The Falsies:  A
Lash Blast Fusion:  C-

HARRY POTTER!

I have a confession:  I am totally and completely addicted to all things Harry Potter.  I have read all of the books many times and have seen all of the movies.  I think it is so fun to get swept away into the magical world of wizards, castles, and magic.  I want to go live in Hogwarts castle and be friends with all of the HP crew.  Whew, it feels good to get that off my chest.

Anyway, I went to see the latest Harry Potter movie this weekend, The Deathly Hallows Part 1.  I am just continuously amazed by what a great job they do with these movies.  I also think the actors have definitely improved tremendously since the first movies.  I really felt for the trio when they set out on their own from the wedding....you could just feel how scared and unsure they were.  I really enjoyed the movie, but it definitely left me wanting more. I cannot wait for the next one to come out...even though I know it is going to be soooo sad!

Any other Harry Potter fans out there? 

Which Dry Shampoo is Right for You?

Dry shampoo, where have you been my whole life?  It takes a really long time to style my long, thick, frizzy hair, so I really appreciate being able to avoid wetting my hair and styling it all over again day after day.  Plus, it is better for your hair to avoid washing it everyday.  For those of you who have never used a dry shampoo, they usually come in spray form and are used by spraying the roots of your hair and letting it sit for a few minutes before brushing out the excess.  All three of the dry shampoos that I have tried tend to leave a white powdery residue in your hair, which is more noticeable on those of us with darker hair.  Usually it can be brushed out fairly easily or a hair dryer could be used to blow out some of the residue.  They are great for the days when you don't want to wash your hair or for those people with hair that tends to get oily by the end of the day and  need a touch up.  There are some slight differences between the different brands I've tried and I'll summarize them below:

Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Dry Shampoo ($17 Ulta)
This product is the most different from the other two because it really does add more volume, in addition to reducing the oily appearance of your hair.  As you can see, it is also the most expensive of the batch.  When you spray it into your hair, it definitely changes the texture of the hair at the roots until it is washed out.  It feels like their is a residue on your hair even when you can't see the white powder any longer.  I really don't like this feeling; however, I am willing to overlook it because of the volume that it brings to my hair.  Sometimes I will even use a little bit on my bangs after I've just washed my hair if I want a little lift.  The scent of this product is also less than great.....It kind of smells like a strong hairspray.  Despite the high price tag, weird texture, and less than appealing scent, this is still probably my favorite due to the volumizing result.  Grade:  A-

Batiste Dry Shampoo ($8 Ulta)
This product smells a bit like a strong perfume that my grandmother would wear, which may still be an upgrade from the strong scent of the Big Sexy Hair dry shampoo.  It does a good job of reducing the appearance of oil in my hair, but it does not add as much volume as the previously mentioned product. It does not dramatically change the feeling and texture of my hair, but improves the overall appearance.  Grade: B+

Tresemme Freshstart Dry Shampoo for Oily/Straight to Normal Hair (Drugstore $5)
This one also smells somewhat like perfume.  I think that it works similarly to the Batiste dry shampoo for the most part.  Plus, you can't beat the price!  Grade: B+

My hair has fallen in love with Macadamia Natural Oil!

I am one of those unfortunate people who cannot leave the house without mass amounts of time spent styling my hair...well, unless I just give up and throw it back in a ponytail.  I have very frizzy hair that is wavy in some parts, straight in others, and downright curly in some spots.  It is also extremely thick. Sometimes it seems like I need a team of professionals to tame my messy hair.  I've tried a lot of straightening, smoothing, and/or anti-frizz products over the years and nothing really seems to make a difference. 

I couldn't help but be intrigued by all of the recent buzz about Moroccan Oil and Macadamia Oil hair products.  After doing a little research, I ordered the Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment through Amazon because I was able to get it cheaper than at Ulta.  I think I paid around $25-30 or so.  The description on the bottle sounded fantastic: "instantly absorbs into the hair, weightlessly infusing moisture, health, softness, protection, control, and shine."  It is also supposed to reduce the drying time.  The first day I used it after showering, I generously distributed it throughout my hair from about the top of my ears down, concentrating extra on my ends.  I dried my hair as usual and noticed at least a 50% reduction in frizz--something that I have never before found with a styling product.  I also smoothed a little bit on my dry hair after straightening for extra shine and frizz reduction.  My hair seems to drink up this product and it has quickly become a favorite!  My hair does not appear oily or weighed down in any way, which I have noticed with some smoothing products.  I think it could even be used with a thinner or finer hair, especially with a bit lighter touch.

Because of my positive experience, I ordered the Macadamia Nut Oil Deep Repair Masque. I also bought this through Amazon and I believe I paid about $30 for the 16.9 fl oz. size. The instructions state, "liberally comb through clean, wet hair and allow up to 7 minutes of penetration before rinsing."  I am a huge bath lover, so I have been using this about once a week in the tub.  I often leave it on for over 7 minutes and then wash and style my hair as usual.  My hair does feel somewhat softer and healthier after using this product, although I don't think that I notice the "miracle like hair rejuvenation" that it claims. I have heard other reviewers say that they have left this product in overnight and noticed great results. 

Overall, I think these are both good products.  I think the main con is that they are expensive!  I will probably buy them both again, but if I had to choose one product to buy, I would definitely stick with the Healing Oil Treatment.

Overall grades:
Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment---A

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque--B