Chick Lit Plus by Samantha March

Latest Youtube Videos

Beauty Review: Maybelline Define a Lash Mascara
Chick Lit Plus

Beauty Review: Maybelline Define a Lash Mascara

A few months ago I purchased Maybelline’s Define a Line Eyeliner, and had awesome results with it. I was so pleased with the liner that I decided to try out the Define a Lash Mascara, hoping for the same luck. Unfortunately, the mascara didn’t quite live up to the hype I had in my head. While it’s not a bad mascara, I didn’t have to deal with any clumps or anything like that, it just didn’t give any sort of oomph. I bought the black, but it still barely tinted my lashes, and while maybe it lengthened them a little, it wasn’t a difference maker and seemed to wear off within a few hours. I started using this mascara on my light makeup days, when I just wanted a little something to coat my lashes. So if you are looking for a product to really give you length, this is not the one for you.
[Rating: 3]

September 10, 2011
Leave a comment
Beauty Review: Biore Pore Minimizing Lightweight Moisturizer
Chick Lit Plus

Beauty Review: Biore Pore Minimizing Lightweight Moisturizer

I have been trying out the Biore line, especially the pore minimizes, since that is a big problem that I have. When it came time to buy new moisturizer, I decided to try the Pore Minimizing Lightweight Moisturizer with SPF ($20). I really liked this product, it went on smoothly, smelled nice, and I think it did help control my large pores. The reason why I wouldn’t use it again is because it’s really not all that lightweight. After I would apply it, it would feel super heavy on my face, and I would have to wait 10-15 minutes before I even attempted to put on my makeup. But it worked well for days that I went makeup free, and could just throw some on and have the added bonus of a sunscreen built right in. Overall, good product, but not a favorite for me. It looks like this product is going to be discontinued anyways, so I’m glad I didn’t fall in love with. And I’ve been having pretty good luck with Biore, but they discontinue products so fast that I think I will try a new brand next. I would hate to get my heart set on something only to learn it’s no longer available!
[Rating: 3.5]

September 3, 2011
Leave a comment
Beauty Review: Maybelline Define-a-Line Eyeliner
Chick Lit Plus

Beauty Review: Maybelline Define-a-Line Eyeliner

Maybelline has been my go-to makeup line for the last few products I have bought, especially when it comes to eyes. Recently, I picked up their Define-A-Line eyeliner, and am very impressed by the results. The first thing I noticed with this eyeliner was how smooth it went on. No hard pressing, no going over the line multiple times, just one swipe and I get a perfect line. The second thing I noticed was how long lasting it was. This eyeliner stays on from when I first apply it in the morning, all the way until I take it off before bedtime. My only complaint is a very common one with eyeliner that is applied to the upper lash line: it smudges above the eye. A few times a day I have to wipe the smudged liner off, but it comes off quickly and easily, so it’s not too terrible. The liner also comes with a built-in smudger, so you can easily have a more relaxed look if you choose. Overall, I really love this product and will definitely be buying it again. I think the next mascara I will try will be Maybelline’s Define-A-Lash Lengthening Mascara. Crossing my fingers for the same great results!
[Rating: 4.5]

July 18, 2011
9 Comments
On Trend: The Blues
Chick Lit Plus

On Trend: The Blues

I just wrote an article recently on a hot spring/summer trend being lace and sheer. There is one more color that we can add to our shopping bags- blue! In particular, darks blues or sapphire. Can anyone take a guess why this color is so popular? The Royal Wedding and Duchess Catherine of course! Kate Middleton’s sparkling engagement ring, the eighteen carat oval sapphire surrounded by fourteen diamonds, which of course belonged to Prince Williams’s late mother, Princess Diana, is the envy of many young women around the world. The day Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement, Kate complimented her new piece of jewelry with a blue wrap Issa dress, a style that is said to compliment almost any figure. The day following her wedding, where she wore two custom design gowns, Kate rocked a $90 Zara cornflower-blue shift dress. Since her engagement and dazzling fashion choices, sapphire blue is becoming one of the hottest colors to be seen in for the Spring and Summer of 2011. I think I also need to pick up a similar wrap dress to add to my wardrobe! What do you think about this color being on trend? Do you love seeing what Kate Middleton is going to where next, or are you over the Royal Hoopla?

July 11, 2011
Leave a comment
Primping and the Opposite Sex
Chick Lit Plus

Primping and the Opposite Sex

I read an article in a women’s magazine last week that got me thinking. The article was about how women shouldn’t get too comfortable with their boyfriends or husbands. This means not being seen without your makeup on, not letting him see you putting on a face mask, or not letting him watch while you tweeze your eyebrows. You also shouldn’t wear sweatpants, women should try to be sexy when around their men. I’m sorry, am I back in the 1950’s? This article was in a popular women’s mag, and I was pretty disappointed with it. I live with my boyfriend, and there are days that I simply don’t want to put makeup on. If I’m not going anywhere and will just be lounging around the house, who says I need to have a full face on? And at night I often use cleansers or a face mask, and I don’t feel like I need to confine myself to the bathroom when I have these on. If I want to go into the bedroom to pick out my clothes for the next day, I will. I don’t care if the BF sees me. Do I think he thinks I am just naturally beautiful all the time? Um, no. He knows I wear makeup, and he knows I use products to keep my skin from breaking out. This is not a shock to him, nor should it be to any guys. And why the hell can’t I wear sweatpants? He wears sweats or basketball shorts every night, but I have romp around in lingerie every day? I don’t think so. Not only that, but the BF has plucked my eyebrows before, and I have returned the favor. We tried out the Biore pore strips- on our three year anniversary no less- to see if they worked. I don’t feel like I should have to hide parts of my life from my boyfriend just because it shows off another side of me, a side that might not always be pretty or sexy. But that shouldn’t matter. What should matter is that I know he loves me, when I wear fake eyelashes on and when I don’t.
What do you ladies think? Are you afraid to let your man see you without mascara? I think it would be exhausting to try to look and act perfect all the time around the one I love. Isn’t love supposed to be about acceptance and letting you be who you really are? With all this said, I’m not trying to say that I’m completely disgusting around my boyfriend either. I shut the bathroom door when I pee. But I don’t think that not ever being able to primp while he is looking is possible. Especially once we moved in together. I should be able to feel comfortable in my own house, regardless that my roommate happens to be my lover as well. Are you afraid to let your boyfriend or husband see part of your beauty routine? Do you wear silky PJ’s every night? I would love to her any opinions on this subject!

June 2, 2011
14 Comments
On Trend: Lace and Sheer
Chick Lit Plus

On Trend: Lace and Sheer

I have been browsing the racks, both in-store and virtual, the past few weeks searching for my fabulous spring and summer wardrobe additions. Two trends kept popping up: lace and sheer. And I love both! Designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Roberto Cavilla showcased these looks at recent fashion shows, and clothing catalogs like Victoria Secret and Venus have their take on the trend. Dresses, shirts, skirts, and even swimsuits are celebrating the light and feminine style of sheer and lace. If you are looking to add some essentials to your closet, check out a few of my favorite pieces below.

May 12, 2011
1 Comment
Beauty Review:Biore Clay Mask
Chick Lit Plus

Beauty Review:Biore Clay Mask

I have been searching for a good mask to use in my beauty regime, as my Mary Kay was all gone and didn’t prefer to re-order it. Of course, I first turned to my trusty Biore pals, since I own almost all their products anyways. While browsing Biore products on Amazon, I found the Biore Clay Mask. It is for shine control, which I do have problems with, and is described as an “oil-absorbing clay mask with skin-refreshing extracts” that “absorbs dirt, oil and shine.” It also promises to leave “skin tingly-cool and naturally matte.”
This four ounce bottle only cost $2.99, which I couldn’t believe, and I quickly snatched it up- or placed it in my virtual shopping cart. I have used the mask twice so far, and have had great results. The green mask is easy to apply to the face, and I leave it on for about eight minutes while it hardens. It was easier than other masks that I have tried to take off, instead of rubbing vigorously at my skin, I simply dampened a washcloth and wiped off smoothly. That was probably my favorite part. My skin did feel tingly cool afterwards, and have noticed a definite cut down on the shine- which is great because I am not using my oil blotting sheets as much! One off thing though that I will point out- this item is not on Biore’s website. I have no idea why, because you can buy it on Amazon or other sites such as Overstock.com, but I couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t on Biore.com. But I would definitely recommend this product if you are looking for a good mask and need help with shine.
[Rating: 4.5]

April 7, 2011
Leave a comment
Dangers of a Brazilian Blowout
Chick Lit Plus

Dangers of a Brazilian Blowout

Ladies, do you want your hair to finally be smooth, straight, sleek, and most importantly- not frizzy? Let me think about that for a nano-second. Um, yes! We used to turn to our simple products, then the flat iron, then the professional blowouts at the salon. But lately, the trend has been the Brazilian Blowout. Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon have used this treatment, which consists of creating a protective layer around the hair to eliminate frizz and keep your mane smooth. It seems to be a simple enough process: a shampoo session with a specially formulated shampoo to prep your hair, towel-drying, then your stylist combing the Brazilian Blowout Professional Treatment through your hair. A blow dry followed by flat ironing the hair, then rinsing (not shampooing) and applying the Brazilian Blowout Masque. Once that is finished, the stylist will once again rinse, towel dry, then apply the Brazilian Blowout Smoothing Serum then blow dry one more time. Ninety minutes later, you are better looking than ever!
But there has to be a catch. After salon workers in Oregon started complaining of eye irritation, nose bleeds and difficulty breathing after using Brazilian Blowout products, state officials stepped in. What was found is a high level of formaldehyde. Chemists at the Oregon Occupation Heath and Safety Administration and the Oregon Health and Science University’s Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology tested a sample from salons in the area, and determined the product contained 4.85 percent to 10.6 percent formaldehyde, even though the Brazilian Blowout products are labeled “formaldehyde free.” Manufactures are required to alert stylists if a product has over 0.1 percent of this chemical. The Oregon Health and Science University released this public health alert on September 30th, 2010 about the disturbing findings.
Why should we be concerned? ABCNews.com said that formaldehyde can be found in food and other products, being exposed to us every day. While low exposure can cause the eye irritation and other similar effects, high exposure can lead to some cancers, according to The US Centers for Disease Control. But what is formaldehyde? Cancer.gov lists this as a “colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that is used in building materials and to produce many household products.” It goes on further to say that formaldehyde has been classified as a “human carcinogen.” Is that word familiar? It is often used when talking about cigarettes. Yes- it is a cancer causing substance. Innocent stylists and salon-goers are being exposed to high levels of this carcinogen when using the Brazilian Blowout products.
The makers of Brazilian Blowout products are defending themselves against the claims. ABCNews.com reports that they are arguing the high amount of formaldehyde, because the OSHA did not get samples directly from them, instead they used the samples from the salon. Brazilian Blowout is currently doing their own investigation. If you can afford to get this treatment, which can set you back up to $500, it is suggested you hold off until all investigations are complete. If you insist on getting the Brazilian Blowout, make sure the salon is equipped with masks or goggles that will protect you from breathing in the formaldehyde.
My personal advice? Stay away! Until you know for sure what you are exposing yourself to, I don’t think any beauty treatment is worth the risks. I recently posted on Herbal Essences shampoo- that helped cut down the frizz in my hair without the risk or the high price! Has anyone tried this type of hair straightening before? Would you? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Research obtained from:
ABCNews.com
CBS.state.org
Cancer.gov

March 15, 2011
4 Comments
Loreal Go 360 Facial Cleanser Review
Chick Lit Plus

Loreal Go 360 Facial Cleanser Review

I have been pretty faithful the past few months to the Biore Skincare line, but I wanted to try something new. You know me- beauty junkie, always wanting to try everything. So I grabbed a bottle of L’Oreal’s new Go 360 Clean Deep Facial Cleanser (the green bottle). Why did I choose this product? Because I was intrigued by the “scrublet” that came attached to the front of the bottle. You get your face wet, pour a little of the cleanser on to the scrublet, and run over your face. Wait a few seconds and rinse. The deep facial cleanser promises to shrink pores by getting down and dirty with the pores on your face, removing makeup, oil, and dirt to keep acne away.
I will be honest here- the first time I used this product, I was horrified. Just moments after rinsing off the cleanser, my face was raw red and starting to flake. I put on a pound of moisturizer so I could go out in public, but still felt like my face was was peeling away. I threw the cleanser deep into a corner of my bathroom drawer and vowed never to use it again. A few weeks later, I was doing some research on the cleanser to write a scathing review for it, when I noticed a lot of people used words such as “gentle” “fresh” and “non-drying” when talking about the deep facial cleanser. That couldn’t be right! This evil gel made my face dry and flaky for days after one use! How could people really use this on a daily basis?
I decided to give L’Oreal one more try. Honesty again here- I think I got a little carried away the first time I used it. I blame the scrublet! I had so much fun running that little brush over my face, I couldn’t stop. The second time I tried the product, I didn’t use as much pressure, and didn’t take ten minutes to apply the gel. I lightly ran the scrublet over my face twice (taking under a minute) then promptly rinsed. Verdict- everything was fine! My face felt clean, not dry and tight, and I had no flakes. I used it again the next day, just to see if I could use this on a daily basis and again- no dryness! I have been using the scrublet almost every night now for the past week and have had no issues with dry patches. I am so glad I gave this product another try, because I now really enjoy it and would definitely recommend. Just don’t go overboard with the srcublet like I did! L’Oreal has four different kinds of this new cleanser, and they have a great tool on their website that will help you find which is best for your skin type.
[Rating: 4]

March 10, 2011
1 Comment