Review: Astalift Nurturing Eye Cream

Kristin Reviews Astalift Nurturing Eye Cream

I have been anxious to try an eye cream with the powerful antioxidant squalene in it for a while now. The Japanese brand Astalift’s Nurturing Eye Cream contains just that and is a wonderfully moisturizing and rich eye cream if you are looking for something thick and buttery. It is a bit on the sticky side but not greasy. I absolutely love it! It helps with puffiness and fine lines immensely! I woke up every morning with plumped and moisturized under eye skin. Darkness and redness around my eyes was diminished after one month of using it as well. My allergies have been really terrible this season, so this eye cream was perfect to combat any inflammation! You only need to use a little bit so one tube should last you about two months. The only issue you may have is putting on under eye concealer with this product. I recommend a concealer with a less buttery more liquid consistency like YSL’s Touche Eclat or By Terry’s De Rose Teint Supreme Foundation to give you a fresh youthful glow. This cream is great for all ages, whether you are pretty young thing partying the night away with a little morning puffiness or trying to age gracefully while combating fine lines and crow’s feet! A++

A little bit more about Astalift…

“Astalift is a revolutionary skincare brand born out of Fujifilm’s unrivalled expertise in collagen, antioxidation and nanotechnology. Astalift’s rich Nurturing Eye Cream contains extracts of Dill and Watercress to counteract puffiness, shadows and crow’s feet. Applied twice daily, it works hard to reduce the tell-tale signs of too little rest (or too much fun) by restoring moisture, plumping and firming, soothing inflammation and tackling circles of darkness. Squalane and Vitamin E condition the delicate skin and fight off free radicals, while collagen and Astaxanthin rebuild and protect from ageing environmental aggressors.”

Astalift Nurturing Eye Cream Available at Cult Beauty with FREE SHIPPING $59

*product sample*

Battle of the Dry Shampoos

Jenni reviews six different Dry Shampoo’s and picks the best of the bunch!

I think Dry Shampoo is one the best beauty inventions in the last decade. Dry Shampoo is an easy & quick way to liven-up dull, flat, greasy and dirty hair. It’s such a time saver – I don’t have to wash my hair every day, I don’t have to put my hair in an ugly pony tail if It feels a little greasy, I don’t have to spend 40 minutes blow drying my hair if I want bounce and volume…etc.….the list goes on and on. I’m beyond obsessed!

Awhile back my obsession led me on an intense search to find the BEST dry shampoo out there, and so I began testing and testing and testing…

OSCAR BLANDI Pronto Dry Shampoo Powder – $21.00 2.5 oz

What it is: A refreshing dry shampoo for renewing the hair without water.

What it’s used for: Pronto Dry Shampoo is a unique formula that allows you to refresh hair without the use of water. Natural oat, rice and tapioca starches absorb excess oil and product without causing the hair to become limp or heavy. Triclosan and tea tree purify the scalp and reduce dandruff, resulting in a healthier appearance. A rejuvenating lemon verbena aroma leaves hair smelling fresh and clean. Use between washings, midday, or when you’re short on time to create a ”just washed” look.

Refresh, revive, and recharge hair and scalp without water. Pronto is perfect for use between washings, in a rush, or as a midday hair pick-me-up. This dry shampoo increases volume and removes dirt and build-up in your root area in seconds.

Key Ingredients:

Natural Rice, Oat and tapioca starches cleanse hair
Tea tree Oil helps nourish scalp
Lemon verbena fragrance provide fresh and clean scent to eliminate odor

How to use: 

Separate sections of the hair using the pointed cap, tilt bottle and lightly squeeze to release product
Massage in to scalp using fingertips
Follow with a natural bristle brush to eliminate oil
Restyle hair as desired
* For a quick fix pour Pronto into the palm of your hands, let travel to fingertips and massage into to scalp

OSCAR BRANDI REVIEW: This is an excellent dry shampoo! It’s different from all the other ones i’ve tried because it’s a dry powder, as appose to a spray-on formula. Oscar Blandi is wonderful because it actually freshens-up your hair and removes all the oil. My hair always feels cleaner after using this product and it smells shower fresh too! It’s so easy to use, since you don’t have to vigorously shake the bottle between sprays like you have to do with the spray cans. The powder does come out very white, and it looks like you’ve sprinkled baby powder all over your head – but after you rub it all in and brush it through a couple times, there’s no residue left behind at all. I also recommend running a soft bristle brush through your hair a couple times, and you’ll achieve a clean, fresh and shiny head of hair. Love it!!!

SACHAJUAN Volume Powder – $32.00 6.8 oz

What it is: A powder-based spray that creates volume and provides structure.

What it does: This powder gives a matte finish and a fresh feel to the hair between shampoos.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

Parabens
Sulfates
Synthetic Dyes
Petrochemicals
Phthalates
GMOs
Triclosan

What else you need to know: Volume powder is suitable for both long and short hair.

Suggested Usage: Spray on to the scalp from a distance of about four inches on dry hair and allow it to dry.Remove any surplus and style with your fingers.Protect clothing from the powder when applying.Shake the bottle well before applying.

Awards:  Best of Beauty 2012

SACHAJUAN REVIEW: This was my least favorite out of the bunch. It made my hair look and feel very sticky. Although it gives TONS of volume, I didn’t feel like it was good volume, it looked more like bad 80’s hair. Also, I didn’t feel like my hair was ‘shampooed’ at all, it just looked like I applied a lot of hairspray on my roots. If you’re looking for big Texas hair or you’re going to an 80’s party then this product is perfect for you, but in any other situation I’d say skip it.

Philip B. Russian Amber Imperial Dry Shampoo – $28.00 3 oz

***WINNER – WINNER – WINNER***

What it is: A lightweight, volumizing dry shampoo.

Refreshes tired, unwashed hair, giving it a clean, powdery-fresh feeling without any powdery residue.
Extends the life of your blowout.
Creates gorgeous body and lift anytime.
Absorbs scalp oils and neutralizes product build-up.
Leaves hair with a gleaming finish (not matte).
Doubles as a hair perfume: The formula is infused with the intoxicating, spicy-warm scent of Pure Russian Amber.
Paraben & Phthalate Free.

What it’s used for: Philip B. Russian Amber Imperial Dry Shampoo is a lightweight dry shampoo that freshens hair between washes and provides non-greasy shine. This dry shampoo absorbs excess oil, neutralizes product build-up and leaves dirty hair, bouncing and healthy.

Directions: Shake can vigorously until you clearly hear the marbles rattling inside. Holding can 6″ to 8″ from hair, lift sections and lightly spray the roots. Shake can vigorously between usage to ensure optimum results. Spray, fluff and go!

RUSSIAN AMBER REVIEW: I LOVE this dry shampoo, it is the best on the market (or at least out of the ones I’ve tried.) You have to shake the bottle very hard before spraying it, and the smell is quite strong at first but don’t worry, the odor is not chemical based it’s just the spicy scents of Russian Amber and it goes away after a couple minutes. I’ve tested this dry shampoo in all different situations and it always passes the test. My hair can be so greasy and ratty-looking, but with 3-4 spray of Russian Amber Imperial Dry Shampoo in the roots, a quick fluff of my hair with my fingers and that’s it! My hair looks clean, healthy, and bouncy and I’m ready to go! Another added bonus is that this is the only dry shampoo I’ve tried that doesn’t leave any white residue right after application. It’s such a time saver to not have to brush out the white flakes. Love, Love LOVE it!!!

TRESemme Freshstart Dry Shampoo Volumizing – $5.79 5.7 oz

What it is: From TRESemme’s origins in salons, they have always been driven by a simple truth; every woman deserves to look fabulous without spending a fortune. TRESemme is dedicated to creating hair care and styling products that are salon quality without the salon price. Salon inspired. Experience that salon feeling everyday. Tresemme – professional, affordable.

What it’s used for: Do not miss a fresh look and feel even on the second day. The unique formula, with mineral clay and citrus, refreshes your hair by removing oil and odor while injecting volume. Just a quick spray transforms lifeless, limp hair into clean, fresh hair full of bouncy body. It also helps to maintain hair color with less washing. With tiresome fresh start, refresh your hair anytime, anywhere.

Directions:

Step 1: Shake vigorously before use and in between spray bursts.

Step 2: Spray lightly and evenly to dry hair, holding 8-12 inches from head and leave in for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Brush out, then style as usual.

Step 4: If a shinier texture is desired, follow with Refreshing Mist.

TRESEMME REVIEW: I can’t say that anything really great stood out with the TRESemme product, but nothing too negative stood out either. In my opinion this is a solid dry shampoo that gets the job done. The price is great and its super convenient to find since it’s available at most drug stores. One time when I used it I think I sprayed a little too much in one section and I did experience that sticky hairspray feeling, but after that I’ve been conservative when using it and never had a problem again.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray – $39.00 300ml/8.5 f. oz

What it is: A texturizing hair spray. Bigger, better, full-on glamorous hair. This invisible dry hair spay builds in incredible volume and sexy texture. Patented polymers absorb oil at the roots, leaving you with just-styled hair for days (and nights).

What it does: Creates grip and body in hair. Shake. Spray where you want volume and style. A brilliant alternative to dry shampoo.

Ingredients and Benefits: Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice hydrates, smoothes and nourishes hair. Kiwi and passion flower extracts deliver antioxidants more powerful than those found in green tea. Maintains moisture balance and protects color. Ginger root extract derived from Hawaiian white ginger, promotes circulation, adds shine and softens hair. Mango extract rich in antioxidants and vitamins, hydrates, smoothes and nourishes hair. Unique copolymer blend allows for hairstyles to hold longer by protecting the hair shaft. Sunflower seed extract deliver incredible shine while providing color protection. Humectants add shine and body while repairing damaged hair. Hydrolyzed wheat protein conditions and renews damaged hair, while adding body and shine. Pro vitamin B5 strengthens thickens and moisturizes hair.

The paraben-free formula refreshes any style, protects color with a multi-layered UV protection system and leaves hair looking, feeling and smelling beautiful with Oribe’s signature scent.

ORIBE REVIEW: OK so I like the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray but I don’t love it. I think it’s great for the day after you had a blow-out hair-do and you want to keep that full body look as long as possible. It creates just the right amount of volume and texture without making your hair too stiff. I don’t like using this product strictly as a dry shampoo, because I don’t feel like it absorbs oil as well as the other dry shampoos on this list.

Serge Normant Meta Revive Volumizing Dry Shampoo – $25.00 4.5 oz

What it is: A dry shampoo spray that adds volume and thickness to the roots.

What it does: This dry shampoo spray effortlessly refreshes and invigorates the scalp and hair. Use it between shampoos to add texture and vibrant body or as a quick fix during the day. It can also be used on freshly washed hair to boost volume. Formulated with Cedar Bark Extract from the mountains of Morocco, this effective formula clarifies hair to leave locks feeling balanced and restored, not stiff or sticky.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

Parabens
Sulfates
Synthetic Fragrances
Synthetic Dyes
Petrochemicals
Phthalates
GMOs
Triclosan

What else you need to know: Meta Revive Dry Shampoo has the least amount of powder for a dry shampoo to ensure that it can be used on all hair colors without heavy powder deposits. Follow with Meta Sheer Dry Finishing Oil for added shine.

Suggested Usage:

Shake well before use.
Hold bottle approximately 10 inches away from head and spray onto scalp and hair, focusing on the roots.
Let hair set for two minutes, turn head upside down and comb through to remove excess powder.
Style and follow with Meta Sheet Dry Finishing Oil for added shine.

SERGE NORMANT REVIEW: Unfortunately Serge Normant’s Meta Revive has the worst odor out of all dry shampoos tested. The initial smell is like aerosol and bad hairspray, but it does subside after a few minutes. This is not an everyday dry shampoo that’s quick and easy to apply and go. I found this product to require a bit more care and attention, for instance you really need to distribute it evenly through the roots or you’ll get some random sticky clumps. Also, it’s sometimes hard to brush through your hair and build-up can occur. If you have the time and patience to properly apply this product, than it’s great! But who wants to spend 20 minutes with a dry shampoo? Isn’t the whole point to save time by not having to shampoo your hair?

REVIEW: Caudalie’s Premier Cru The Eye Cream

Kristin reviews Caudalie’s Premier Cru The Eye Cream

I love Caudalie but have never been a fan of their eye cream until discovering Premier Cru The Eye Cream two weeks ago! I know I am late. I have absolutely loved their beauty elixir, instant foaming cleanser, and deep cleansing exfoliator over the last year and 3 months Jenni and I have been writing this blog. They have so many top quality products, but Caudalie’s Premier Cru The Eye Cream really blew me away! It’s so luxurious and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and firmer instantly. It’s the perfect texture…not too heavy and not too light. It really just melts into the skin. There are so many eye creams out there that if you aren’t getting some sort of instant results it’s not really worth spending the extra money on an expensive eye cream. I would say this one is worth its hefty price tag ($98). Its actives include resveratrol to firm the skin, antioxidant polyphenols, anti-dark spot viniferin, as well as loads of hyaluronic acid and tetrapeptides. Sesame and apricot butter make it very rich and moisturizing. It has a beautiful scent of rose and oak as well. I have used Caudalie’s Premier Cru The Eye Cream for the last two weeks and it has really improved the dark circles and puffiness under my eyes as well as fine lines. You only need to use a tiny drop of it on each eye as well so the .5oz should last a while( 3 months if you use it every day probably).This eye cream is great for day time under makeup because it almost acts as an eye primer smoothing out any fine lines easily. It also lightens dark spots and has a matte finish with a little bit of a pearlescent glow to it that brightens up the eye area right away. Just tap it a little bit along under the eye and over the eye lid and you have beautifully refreshed and smooth looking eyes instantly! Definitely in my top 5 cream of the crop eye creams!

About how much you need to use for both eyes!

*product sample*

Receive Free Gifts with purchase Cult Beauty $98.

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GUEST REVIEW: Sponge Skincare Krema Niktas Night Cream

Carly brings us another Sponge review! Today She’ll be reviewing the antioxidant enriched night cream - Krema Niktas

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

KREMA NIKTAS - St. Johns + Linden + Sage – $70

restore and replenish - enriched with the powerful anti-aging and antioxidants benefits of olive leaf, st. john’s wort, linden and sage, this nourishing cream helps prevent and repair signs of aging by restoring moisture, elasticity and cellular renewal while you rest

REVIEW:

Typically I opt out of night creams because they’re usually very expensive and I have personally seen limited results from using them. For my dry, sensitive skin, night creams in general don’t seem to provide a heavy enough hydrating and moisturizing benefit, or they tend to be too harsh and drying. I subscribe to an “oily” regimen since my skin always appears very dry and dehydrated. Thus, when I began using the sample of the Night Cream “Krema Niktas” by Sponge Skincare, I was very surprised to see a quite immediate change in my skin—for the better.

I noticed that my skin suddenly seemed to appear more hydrated. The night cream skeptic in me was very doubtful at first. But, after using KREMA NIKTAS Night Cream for several days, and then followed by my regular “oils,” for extra moisture it became clear that I was not having just a few “good skin days” (those lucky days every once in a while when your skin glows for no concrete reason!) my facial skin was truly, improving. And, because I kept up the use of my usual “oils” and night time skin routine. I knew the credit for the improvement was owed to Krema Niktas.

Sponge Skincare’s Krema Niktas is a “deeply replenishing formulation,” and it features ingredients such as St. John’s wort, olive leaf, linden and sage (all antioxidants). It is heavy in hydration and is claimed to boost elasticity and cell renewal. So it seems that with these wonderful ingredients and hydration my skin really was getting replenished each night and explains why it seemed more hydrated and youthful.

I also have to mention that I LOVE the smell of Sponge’s products and the story behind their product line is quite alluring as well…The products were first created by a doctor for use on pregnant patients…which translates that this skin care line is safe and made with organic, plant and herb-based ingredients! (Always a BIG plus). The Sponge Skincare products also originate in Greece, and all of the plants and herbs and flowers that are used in their products are grown in Greece. Can’t you just picture these wild, organic plants growing in a beautiful Grecian countryside?

Lastly, between the romantic story, beautiful, signature fragrance and the gorgeous, and simple glass packaging that Sponge Skin Care uses, (AND the improvement of my skin) it is truly a special treat to end my day using Krema Niktas! I highly, highly, highly recommend this Sponge Skincare product!!

Sponge Skincare KREMA NIKTAS Night Cream is available at Beautyhabit Modern Luxe Apothecary for $70.00

BONUS DEAL – GIFT WITH PURCHASE! Wild Herbs! Straight from the Greek Isles, Sponge Skincare utilizes nature’s most powerful plants & herbs to promote healthy glowing skin! With your $85 or more Sponge purchase, receive a FREE full size Wild Herb Cleansing Gel – a $30 value!

Check out more Sponge Skincare reviews from BFF Beauty Blog…

KREMA TRIANTAFILLO Rose Sage Cream
GEL BASILIKO Sweet Basil Gel
AROMATOTHERAPIA Aromatherapy Mists

REVIEW: Detox & Recovery Treatment by HAIRFIX

KRISTIN REVIEWS DETOX & RECOVERY TREATMENT BY HAIRFIX

Hairfix Detox and Recovery Treatment works instantly and is basically a facial for the hair. It is a 3 step process that “cleanses the hair, lifts out impurities & product build up & moisturisers the hair”. It should be used every 3 to 4 weeks, alternated with your regular shampoo, to get the most out of it and even more if you have dry damaged hair like myself. The bottle says “Use once a week on lifeless hair, twice a week on damaged hair. Use weekly to make all your existing products work even more effective.” Because I have a lot of long hair, I had to apply a lot to get the full effect. Luckily, I only need to use this once or twice a week or else my bottle would be running out very soon! My bottles have taken a beating as you can see…

How to use:

1. Massage Release cleanser into wet hair just as you would a shampoo. It will not foam. Leave for one minute and rinse thoroughly

2. Then massage Revive Keratin-rich cleanser into the wet hair until it foams and rinse thoroughly.

3. Immediately massage Replenish Protein Drench onto the clean hair – concentrate on the drier ends. Rinse thoroughly and style as normal

I have used this twice in the past week and am loving the results! My hair and scalp feel so much cleaner and healthier. My ends seem much less dry as well. It’s the next best thing to getting a haircut! The first step is the “Release Cleanser” which does not foam. This is kind of weird because you can’t feel it working as you do with regular shampoo but just go with it. If you have long hair, you need to use a lot. You should apply it until all your hair feels slimy. I usually have a hard time sitting still with a hair mask on, but this is a cinch only needing to be left on for ONE minute! Then, the creamy “Revive Cleanser” should be applied until it foams up. It has a milky creamy foam that is much more luxurious than cheaper shampoos that foam up like dishsoap. The “Replenish Protien Drench” is a light conditioner and leaves no residue whatsoever. I love this system and highly recommend it if you are flat ironing your hair a lot or using lots of product each day that leaves your hair looking a little lack lustre. After using this system, my hair is shiny and my usually dry winter ends are looking great! I think I can even procrastinate a few months longer on getting a haircut if I keep this up!

*Product Sample*

DETOX & RECOVERY TREATMENT BY {HAIRFIX} Available at Cult Beauty £26.00

For a limited time only starting on Sunday April 7th, spend £50 at Cult Beauty and qualify for their latest – and greatest – suped-up goody bag. Featuring an all-star lineup of skin care and make up gorgeousness from the likes of Astalift, Elemis, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Tammy Fender and more, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover a new favourite… and shipping’s on us!
Enter OhGoody in the free gift box at the checkout.

*One goody bag per customer on orders over £50 while stocks last. Substitutions may occur.
Free shipping applies to standard shipping only excluding Escentric Molecules. Inside the goody bag (please attached image!)
NCLA Peter Som Glamour Collection
Tammy Fender Bulgarian Lavender Oil 5ml
Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax 3ml
Ginvera Marvel Green Gel 10ml
Elemis Pro Collagen Body Cream 50ml
Anastasia Covet Noir Pencil
Alpha H 5ml Liquid Gold
Dr Lipp Original Balm 3ml
Astalift Make Up Remover Oil 30ml