Here’s the best and worst (which I’ve personally experienced) from each:
Sephora.com
Best:
- Most extensive range of brands (about 200) and products
- Free returns for EVERYTHING and you can return to the store too (this includes products you’ve used and hated)
- Deluxe samples and exclusive products thru the Beauty Insider program
Worst:
- Rarely get dollar discounts except for the annual 20% off Friends and Family sale (usually around Thanksgiving)
- Major sample gift bags occur only during Thanksgiving/Xmas season
Beauty.com
Best:
- Continuous offerings of sales, gifts, sample bags, 5% back throughout the year
- Don’t pay any tax *grin*
- Can bulk up with purchases from Drugstore.com to get free shipping
Worst:
- Limited brand selection
- Opened products can only be returned if they fall under the 100% Color Guarantee
And now the summary:
Comparable features from both sites:
- Sephora now offers free shipping for $50 and above and Beauty.com offers it for $49
- Both offer 3 free samples with each order
And the bottom line is:
- Buy from Sephora if the product is new and you’ve never tried it before.
- If it’s available, buy from Beauty.com if the product is an old standby you are unlikely to return. Especially if there’s a special promotion going on.
Filed under: Shopping Review , online shopping
Dermologica Daily Microfoliant
Rating: 8/10 blown kisses
Review: For gentle exfoliation to get smooth skin that tends to run on the oilier side of the pond. Powder formula means no fillers. Just add water, foam up in your hands, massage, and rinse! I like to use this whenever my skin starts feeling a little rough and I know I need to get rid of those pesky dead skin cells. I felt daily use was a bit too much for me.
Trick:You must add water before massaging on your face, unless you like your scrubs to be sandpaper rough
Packaging: Functional. You pour the powder out so no contamination. But the 2 large holes mean you need to be careful not to overdo it!
Fragrance: Rice-y. Actually contains rice powder…and a bunch of skin brightening/exfoliating goodies.
Price: Expensive. $49 for 2.6 oz at Dermstore.com
Product cousins: Haven’t found a product sister; but I would say Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream is another well-made, gentle scrub that is probably more suited for dryer skin types.
Filed under: Beauty, Product Reviews , 8, Dermalogica, exfoliant, scrub
Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo
Rating: 9/10 blown kisses
Review: Great for people with oily hair that need to extend that blow out for a day. It won’t substitute a real water wash, but does plump up the volume and soak up that oil slick look. Basically it’s a white powdery formulation that you squeeze into your hair, shake your fabulousness with your fingers, and brush out.
No worries: Didn’t leave a “white powder” look on my brown/black hair so definitely works even if you’re not a blonde.
Trick: You need to use a natural bristle brush to brush this out of your hair (i.e. boar’s bristle). A mere comb won’t do and will leave you feeling… itchy and powdery. Unless you want to emulate Marie Antoinette, make sure to brush and brush well.
Packaging: Average. Basic plastic squeeze bottle. Can sometimes end up squeezing wee too much…
Fragrance: Lemony fresh!
Price: Expensive. $11 for 1 oz at Sephora.
Product sisters: Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray, Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo (Spray), Stila Hair Refresher, Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser (Spray). I noticed that the “spray” versions of dry shampoos tend to include some type of alcohol in the ingredient list…a major hair no-no for my damaged locks.
Filed under: Beauty, Product Reviews , 9, hair, Oscar Blandi, powder, shampoo
