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Review: PARNEVU T-Tree Oil Break Control & Scalp Oil products

December 11, 2012 by Kim S. / blog, Reviews / 2 Comments

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca) is well-known for its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It also has plenty of uses for hair (Tea Tree Oil for Hair Growth) and skincare. Currently, I add the essential oil to my conditioner, shampoo, scalp oils, blemishes on my skin. I also make a homemade house cleaner from it. When I was contacted by PARNEVU to try some of their products, I stuck with something I was familiar with, and chose two of the thirteen items from the PARNEVU T-Tree Oil line as well as a product from their extra dry line.

What I picked from the PARNEVU & the PARNEVU T-Tree Oil line

1. PARNEVU T-Tree Break Control ($6.00)

2. PARNEVU T-Tree Scalp Oil ($6.00)

3. PARNEVU Hair Mayonnaise ($7.00)

First, I’d like to point out that the PARNEVU T-Tree Oil line smells wonderful. If you are familiar with tea tree oil you’d know that it has a distinct scent that you either deal with or hate. In my case, I just end up mixing it with other essential oils to cut the smell. The PARNEVU T-Tree Oil line won points in this aspect.

PARNEVU T-Tree Break Control

Description:

“The T-Tree Break Control coats the hair with its unique formula, preventing hair breakage and split ends. by coating the hair moisture is locked in, adding elasticity which leaves the hair soft, manageable and shiny.”

My Thoughts:

The PARNEVU T-Tree Oil Break Control, upon application left my hair feeling soft. I fell in-love with it! The texture is creamy, and it’s not oily/greasy, which is perfect for my fine hair. It doesn’t weigh my hair down; therefore, I am able to apply it more than twice per week or even daily. I did notice that if it isn’t massaged into the area it’s applied to, you are left with a whitish residue of sorts. Imgagine going to work via public transportation, to get there and have your coworker tell you that you have white stuff in your hair! Oh well, lesson learned – the hard way. I did like that it softened my hair. I did experience reversion in the areas where I applied it to my new growth. It’s okay since it doesn’t completely ruin the look of my hair style. I also like that the PARNEVU T-Tree Oil Break Control left my hair shiny and healthy looking. As far as reducing split ends and preventing breakage, I didn’t really notice much in that area.

PARNEVUTREEOILJPG — My newgrowth after applying the PARNEVU T-Tree Oil Break Control

PARNEVU T-Tree Scalp Oil

Description:

PARNEVU T-Tree Scalp Oil is a uniquely formulated to be applied daily directly to scalp to stimulate, heal, and repair hair and scalp, reducing itching, flaking and dryness while promoting healthy growth. For a complete treatment, also try PARNEVU T-Tree Herbal Grow and Leave-In Conditioner.
This unique scalp oil helps:
•Heal scalp
•Stop itching
•Stimulate growth

My Thoughts:

When one thinks about the PARNEVU T-Tree Oil line, you would think that the main ingredient would be TEA TREE OIL. It is not. Tea tree oil (melalEuca) is #14 of 16 ingredients. Amongst a ton of other oils, I was happy to see that the PARNEVU T-Tree Oil does have Olive oil, Castor Oil, wheat germ oil, which I currently use in my at-home scalp treatments. Since Tea Tree oil wasn’t high on the ingredients list, I added my own plus some peppermint oil to it. I only added my own essential oils after I tried it and noticed it wasn’t really helping with the itches, until after I added more Tea Tree oil to it.

I have a sew-in weave. The nozzle applicator makes it especially easy to apply the product. The bottle itself is user-friendly, too. The bottle is small enough to hold in your hand and maneuver around.

The oil, if applied daily will weigh down your hair, especially if it is fine, and if you don’t wash your hair weekly.

PARNEVUTTREEHAIR — My hair using the PARNEVU T-Tree Oil Break Control and Scalp Oil

Would I recommend?

The PARNEVU T-Tree Oil product line is priced low enough for you to try them on your own. If you can find them onsale, that’s even better. I would recommend the T-Tree Break Control just because it helped with shine, moisture, and keeping my hair soft. I wouldn’t recommend the oil so much since you can probably make a whole batch of it yourself for less money. That is, of course, you don’t have the time to make your own concoctions, buy it. Like I’ve said numerous times, just because something may not have worked for me or has worked for me, does not mean it will prove the same results for you.

Check PARNEVU online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Parnevu

Twitter: https://twitter.com/parnevu

Have you tried PARNEVU Products? What do you think?

Do you use Tea Tree Oil?

Disclosure: Products reviewed in this post were provided to me by the company or its PR for review consideration. I was not compensated monetarily for this post. All opinions in this post are my own.

Review: IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette {Swatches}

December 11, 2012 by Kim S. / blog, Product Swatches, Reviews / 11 Comments

I was excited when I received a package from IT Cosmetics that contained their fairly new IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette amongst some other goodies I will share in a future post. The palette features 12 gorgeous eyeshadows that allow you to easily create simple day-time makeup looks as well as evening. The eyeshadows in the IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette can be used wet or dry as an eyeliner or to create a more dramatic look. The palette also comes with a dual eyeshadow brush; one end for shadow application on the lid and crease, and the other to apply the eyeshadow along the lash lines.

12 Eyeshadows in the IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette

Cashmere (matte creme)
Heavenly (pearl white)
Satin Sunshine (pearl light yellow)
Espresso (matte deep brown)
Earth Angel (matte beige cashmere)
Je Ne Sais Quoi (shimmery nude pink)
Ipanema (golden beige pearl)
Venus Love (pearl coppery rust)
Azure (midnight navy)
Plum Passion (rich matte purple)
Romance (satin rich taupe)
Jet Black (matte black)

Description (source):

Working hand in hand with leading plastic surgeons, IT Cosmetics introduces “Anti-Aging” Luxe Eyeshadow Palette with Brush. This naturally pretty collection of 12 Waterproof and highly pigmented eye shadows are comprised of twelve separate hand-selected trio of desert island must have shades designed to bring out your eye color and sparkle! Hydrating and skin loving ingredients give you high performance color that lasts all day, plus anti-aging benefits for younger looking, naturally pretty eyes! Each ultra luxe shadow is infused with an ultra-hydrating age reverse and preventative complex including hydrolyzed collagen, green tea, acai and Vitamins A, C & E. Talc, paraben, sulfate, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, and phthalate free. Hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic.

My Thoughts:

I honestly, love this palette. I’ve used IT Cosmetics’ eyeshadows before (see an example here), so I was sure these weren’t going to disappoint in terms of texture, quality, and pigment. I was right. The eyeshadows are smooth, and apply easily. I hate when I have to work too hard to achieve a certain look and color payoff.

Although I prefer matte or satin finish eyeshadows, I like that the IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette has both matte and shimmer shades. The shades in this palette are on the neutral side, but, it does offer some color eyeshadow options (‘Azure’ & ‘Plum Passion’) if you are like me, and prefer a little bit more drama. The shimmer shades with a little of the ‘Jet Black’ are perfect for creating sexy evening looks. ‘Espresso’ is a good shade for brow shading, and for blending colors into the crease. ‘Heavenly’ and ‘Cashmere’ are similar in tone, especially on my dark skin, and appear a little ashy. See looks I’ve created here and on instagram: MakeupbyKimPorter.

The IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette packaging is cute. It’s a faux, padded leather case with the It Cosmetics logo stamped on the front, that opens like a book. The palette itself is lightweight, and I wouldn’t mind toting it around in my purse. My only issue is I wish it had a magnetic closure to keep it shut.

The IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette comes with a dual end brush. I found the brush to be just ‘okay’. If you’ve used IT Cosmetics other brushes, the one included does not compare, especially when it comes to softness. I found the bristles to be a little rough and stiff. I had better application using the No-tug Dual Airbrush Eyeshadow brush; however the flat liner end of the brush included with the palette applied the eyeshadow both wet and dry, nicely to my upper and lower lash lines.

[flgallery id=4 /]

Would I recommend?

I would recommend this palette. You can create a number of looks that are perfect for day and evening. The cost of this palette is $38, which is a little over $3… a steal in my opinion. I swatched the eyeshadows without a primer or base, and as you can see in the photos, the eyeshadows in the IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette don’t lack in pigmentation. I can’t attest to the anti-aging abilities because I’d need a few years too see whether or not the eyeshadows help in that aspect.

Where to purchase: ITCosmetics.com or QVC

IT Cosmetics on Social Networks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itcosmetics

Twitter: https://twitter.com/itcosmetics

What are your thoughts on this palette?

Disclosure: Products mentioned in this post were provided to me by the company or its PR for review purposes. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.

Holiday Giveaway: Kim Porter’s Favorite Things from IT Cosmetics {CLOSED}

December 10, 2012 by Kim S. / blog, Giveaways / 14 Comments

I’ve wanted to have a holiday ‘Favorite Things’ giveaway for the longest time. I am very grateful for IT Cosmetics, a new favorite brand of mine to sponsor it for me. I’d love for my readers to try the IT Cosmetics products I’m fond of, and hope that you will become a fan of theirs too! I know this giveaway is not [yet] on Oprah’s Favorite Things status, but, I’m hoping that eventually it will… Stay tuned! 🙂

Please enter, and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules:

You must be 18 or older or have your parents permission to enter

You must reside in the contiguous United States (No P.O. Boxes)

You must be a follower/subscriber of this blog http://makeupbykim-porter.com/blog

No Purchase necessary

Giveaway ends: 12/16/2012 at 11:59 AM

One winner chosen randomly via rafflecopter.

Check my reviews & Swatches

Review of IT Cosmetics ‘Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer’

Review of IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush

IT Cosmetics on Social Networks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itcosmetics

Twitter: https://twitter.com/itcosmetics

Disclosure: Products were provided for this giveaway by the company or its PR. I received products for review purposes only, and was not compensated monetarily. I am not affiliated with the brand mentioned. All opinions are honest and my own.

Holiday Makeup Look: Elisha Cuthbert at the 2012 AMA’s

December 8, 2012 by Kim S. / blog, Makeup Looks / 2 Comments

I loved Elisha Cuthbert’s look during the 2012 American Music Awards. Skin is in this year, and Elisha pulled it off with this natural, bronzed look. This, I believe is the perfect holiday makeup look for an office holiday party or if you’re meeting your significant other’s family for the first time.

What to use:

1. Highlight using NARS Orgasm Illuminator. Apply to your cheekbones, bridge of nose and cupids bow.

2. Contour using NARS Bronzer in Laguna. Apply bronzer in a 3 or ‘E’ pattern on both sides of the face. Using a flat top kabuki brush like Sigma’s F80 Flat Kabuki ($18 at sigmabeauty.com)

3. Color your pout with Make Up For Ever’s Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in #3. You can apply it straight out of the tube or use a lip brush for precise application. You can try Sigma’s L05 Lip Brush ($10 at sigmabeauty.com)

4. Apply some lashes for subtle drama. I like Ardell #120.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means I might earn a few cents (or even dollars) if you click on them. ALL opinions and recommendations are my own and are not affected by the use of these links. I will not tell you I like something unless I really like it!