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Monday, 28 December 2009
Long hair, short hair, straight hair, curly hair
Topic: Hair Items
I had an interesting experience this week and since I'm not quite sure what I think of it, I thought I'd share it with my readers. I have insanely kinky, natural hair that I flat iron straight once a week. When I come out of the shower its an afro - I roller set it wet, let it air dry then spend ages to flat iron it to shoulder length. To do this over and over again would not only be 1) damaging but also 2) time consuming. Note: Before you email “well why don't you just rock your afro?!” A lot of people look beautiful with afros – I am not among them. That's it. Don't read something into it that's not there. So to preserve the flat ironing, I usually just pull my hair back in a bun and go about my way until the next straightening session seven days later. Have I set the scene for ya? Ok, so the other day I meet a dear friend of mine out for breakfast and I wear my hair totally down. Remember, this is an odd thing for me – I'm always seen with a pony tail, bun or Heidi buns (think lowly goatherd Heidi, not Heidi Klum Heidi). So this guy walks right past me, turns around and freaks out. He goes on and on about how good I look and blah, blah, blah. At the moment, it was an awesome ego stroke but then – at least in my head – it took another turn. Dude keeps talking and talking and talking about how I should always wear my hair down and then tries to touch my hair (at this point you should have figured that we're of different ethnic backgrounds). I'm a little weirded out, but let it go. I mean whatever right? WELL – that same day, I meet another friend for lunch. Same spiel: “why don't you wear your hair down all the time...you look so good this way...” Really? What was I before? Some cave dwelling troll or something? Nothing else had changed, I always wear my (dare I say fabulous) makeup, I'm regularly in jeans and a tshirt – the only difference was the hair. I asked him point blank, “is it [hair] that big of a deal for guys” and tell me point blank, “yes.” I have known both of these men forever and know them to be good, decent human beings. So what just happened? Was it an issue of shallowness or American ideals of beauty? Could it simply have been that my hair was just different and I should take compliments at face value? Curious indeed. Thoughts?
Posted by theworldsdresser
at 7:29 PM EST
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Tarte's Clean Slate Primer
Topic: Primers
For what it's worth - I usually hate primers. I mean, there's the odd good one now and then (Smashbox Photofinish NOT among them), but yeah, they're not my thing. I love them on brides, I love them on mature and dry skins, but for me personally - nah.  Enter in Tarte's Clean Slate Primer. It does what no other velvet-esque primer does: works without breaking me out! If I even get to close to a primer, my face wells up and begins to look like a 3D map...complete with erupting volcanoes. But Tarte's Clean Slate is like a whole new world. Made without parabens and sulfates it looks as beautiful as Smashbox Photofinish WITHOUT the drama. I adore it! Under powder, under liquid, under nothing at all - it just makes the face looks flawless and keeps everything from settling into fine lines. You need this right now. Really! Note: I have super oily, super sensitive, acne prone skin and after months of use, I still don't have any problems. Let me know what your experiences are.
Posted by theworldsdresser
at 7:59 PM EST
Saturday, 28 November 2009
My Dirty Little Secret: Neutrogena for Men Post Shave Lotion
Topic: Moisturizers & SPF
I've made it very clear on this blog that, generally speaking, I find that shaving razors for men trump ANY razor marketed to women. I don't know why this is, it just is. Well, here's another “Dude” product that stands on  top, Neutrogena Men's Razor Defense Post Shave Lotion. Found at most drugstores for less than $4, this little 2.5 oz bottle packs a punch. While it is meant to be used for men after shaving, I find it to be the best post waxing or plucking lotion on the market. Its actually so lightweight and calming that I use it as might new nightly moisturizer! I'll warn you though, this carries a distinct I'm-an-Alpha-Male scent, so be prepared to smell like the HDIC, but otherwise this is money gloriously spent. The lotion is oil free, dye free and it doesn't break out my super sensitive (and naturally oily skin). Will I buy this again? Absolutely! Click here for more of my reviews on hair removal/shaving products.
Posted by theworldsdresser
at 6:22 PM EST
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Pantene Pro V Beautiful Lengths
Topic: Hair Items
Sorry for the brief hiatus. I've been in the process of moving for a bit and I'm now just settling back into things. Thanks for all the lovely emails – I'm going though them as quickly as I can! For just now, I'd like to let you in on something I've been trying for the last two weeks. The latest Marie Claire issue had a listing of the best conditioners (commercially available) and I was shocked to see an old drug store cheapie – Pantene Pro V – on the list. Never one to shirk away from a challenge, I dropped my $3.49 and decided to give their much touted Pro Lengths version a test. The results? Well, it was actually pretty good. In fact, I'll go so far as to say that its the SECOND best drug/grocery store product around (if you'll scroll down a bit, you'll find my #1). To be honest, its a far distant second, but when you combine price with product, its a pretty good deal for the money. The smell was good, my hair was soft and yes, after two weeks, it feels strong. If you're wondering if I've tried the Pro Lengths shampoo, the answer is no. I'm sticking with Carol's Daughter Tui (click on the side bar for that review as well) since I know that it won't leave my natural-yet-heat-abused hair feeling like jacked up straw. My advice? Get it...its cheaper than a latte!
Posted by theworldsdresser
at 7:05 PM EST
Updated: Wednesday, 25 November 2009 7:09 PM EST
Friday, 30 October 2009
Happy Halloween - Have fun and be safe!
Not my babies, but OH I wish they were!
Posted by theworldsdresser
at 1:21 PM EDT
Updated: Friday, 30 October 2009 1:24 PM EDT
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Review: John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shampoo and Conditioner
Topic: Hair Items
I was recently out of town and used the trip to try some sample products I've had around the house for a bit. Two were from the John Frieda Brilliant Ultimate Shine Series - the Brilliant Brunette Shampoo and the Brilliant Conditioner. This duo comes in three shades: brunette, blonde and redhead and are intended to lift your natural color to the surface without adding any additional color. I don't stray to often from my Carol's Daughter's hair products, but after just one use of this my hair looked healthier, was softer, had more bounce and had a shine that I've never seen without having to add in products after my wash. All of my natural highlights arrived for duty.It was simply amazing - I couldn't stop touching or looking at it. The conditioner is heavy duty...extra heavy duty and I'm tempted to only recommend it for folks who have naturally dry hair. On the other hand, if your hair soaks up moisture like a sponge, then you HAVE to buy this duo. At the end of the day, this product is so good that I'm changing my hair routine. Yep. me. Instead of using Carol's Daughter every week, I'm going to interject the John Frieda Brillaint Brunette line every other week. Carol's Daughter + John Frieda + GHD FlatIron = Awesomeness. That's math you can use.
Posted by theworldsdresser
at 7:36 AM EDT
Monday, 12 October 2009
Nail of the Day: Orly's Calypso Breeze
Topic: Nail Polish Swatches
Today's nail of the day (or rather week) is Orly's Calypso Breeze. This color is currently on sale at Sally's Beauty Supply for under $3. It gives off a vibrant, nonshimmery blue that applies completely in just one coat...that's right, one coat. 
I used a Sally Hansen base coat under the color and the Beauty Secrets spray polish dryer on top. No proper top coat was used and the color has stayed on for 4 days already. I rarely use a nail polish completely up, but i'm going back for another bottle of this one just in case!
Posted by theworldsdresser
at 3:26 PM EDT
Monday, 5 October 2009
Origins Modern Friction
Topic: Exfoliators
One of the workhorses in the Origins skincare line is Modern Friction and I've finally had a chance to give it a real try. Retailing at $37.50 for a 4 oz jar, here's what you get: Cons - The product is in a jar - not very sanitary. You're forced to dig your hands in there before every use. A tube similar to Clinique's 7 Day Scrub would have been better.
- At 9.37 per oz, its not the cheapest option (but certainly not the most expensive - read my review of Dr. Brandt's exfoliator).
- Much too harsh for sensitive skins, even when used wet.
Pros - It works wonderfully. Old skin is sloughed away bringing fresh, bright skin to the surface.
- The scent is just the most amazing mix of lemon and peppermint and I usually hate scented products!
- It has just a touch of aloe to soothe any redness
All in all, this product is full of win. It can be used every other day or every 3 days and I hope you give it a try! If you have this, let me know what you think.
Posted by theworldsdresser
at 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Monday, 5 October 2009 1:30 PM EDT
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Revlon Line Fantasy Cream Eyeliner
Topic: Eyeshadows
Available at many drugstores, Revlon Cream Liners have fantastic payoff for a non-pro product. They come in four shades: black, blue, purple and brown and last all day. They are not waterproof (so not wedding safe), but they will not smudge or smear on you for everday use. These can also be used as eyeshadow bases and will hold the shadow color on your lid all.day.long. 
These were on a 90% discount and I understand they will no longer be produced. Revlon has a history of discontinuing their best products coughSkinLightscough so I can't say that I'm too surprised. Go to CVS and pick up every color right now. I haven't seen these at any other drugstore - if they are other locations for these, please let me know!
Posted by theworldsdresser
at 1:48 PM EDT
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Face Atelier Lip Stick and Lip Glaze
Topic: Lipsticks & Glosses
Last night, I went to an event downtown and wanted a lip color to really pop against darkened eyes. I ended up mixing Face Atelier's Pink Sizzle Lipstick ($20) with MAC's Pupple Matte Pigment (Free Sample) and topped it with a light coating of Face Atelier's Flamingo Lip Glaze to come up with this: 
I'll try to recreate this color this afternoon and melt it into one pot. I'm making two batches - one with the Lip Glaze and one without it. I'm not sure how well the former is going to work out... In other news, I've gone and picked up some Flawless Skin (by Prescriptives) powder for my kit as well some new pancake makeup from the local theatre supply store - I'm anxious to try it out. A bit of randomness: my aunt is trying the Nutrisystem plan and I'm really proud of her. I tasted the food the other day and, I have to say, its pretty good. Looking at the caloric data on the back though, it seems that she's taking in dangerously low amounts - each meal is 110 - 200 calories with a snack of around 150. Yikes! I eat more than that by lunch - granted I'm a weightlifter, but still... anyone have any experience with this thing?
Posted by theworldsdresser
at 8:57 AM EDT
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