GTG Tries It Before You Buy It

The only downside of being your go-to-gal is that I read and hear about new beauty products every day. And I always want to try each and every one of them, which often leaves a dent in my wallet.


The beauty industry is built on our needs, which includes having the perfect complexion, no bags under our eyes and even producing a sun kissed glow without sun.

In response to our demands, the industry is constantly cranking out products that guarantee us the world, but as we very well know-- a lot of the time these products fall flat.

I'm an avid believer that if you buy something that works you should invest in it. But first do your homework. Research the brand and product beforehand. A lot of the times you can contact the company directly requesting samples and since they see you as a potential customer they'll be more than glad to oblige to your requests.


Don't forget to keep an eye out for beauty sales at major department stores because they always hand out free samples of the really good stuff. It's a simple way to try out new products before committing to their costs.


In order to better help you purchase worthy beauty products, I will be updating this page from time to time with new products that I'm trying out and give you the 4-1-1 as only I can.

If you're like me and you hate your pores you know that you will try anything under the sun to shrink their appearance.

Product: Dickinson's Pore Perfecting Toner

Claims: Refine pores, removes and controls excess oil, soothes irritation and locks in moisture; great for use on all skin types

Actually: It's very gentle and it's a great toner/cleanser. I have seen a slight difference in my skin after about 2 weeks of use.

Pros: It doesn't aggravate skin like a lot of other toners that have alcohol in them and it's gentle enough for everyday use. The best part about it is that it doesn't dry out your skin like other toners.

Cons: It has a very peculiar smell, but it isn't as awful as I first thought it'd be from something named "witchhazel."

Product: L'oreal Magic Perfecting Base

Claims: A flawless smooth surface free of wrinkle lines and large pores.

Actually: I personally didn't see much of an improvement in my skin with this product. I've read multiple reviews that say it even works without wearing any makeup. That was not the case for me.

Pros: I do like that it leaves your skin feeling smooth.

Cons: The few times I've worn it I found that it has made my makeup come off faster than when I wear makeup without this as my primer.

Product: Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil

Claims: Renews your hair's cell structure, sealing in shine, and creating lush softness

Actually: It made my hair look super shiny and soft.

Pros: You can use this as a hot oil treatment by applying hot water to the oil and putting your hair up in a hot towel (do this once every 2 weeks.) You can also use it as a conditioning treatment which you can either wash off or simply leave in as a leave in conditioner.

Cons: Leaves hair feeling greasy.

Product: Deep Down Detox Ultra Cleansing Mud Mask

Claims: Removes impurities for a clearer brighter complexion.

Actually: It left my skin feeling super clean and smooth.

Pros: It smells great. You can actually feel it cleaning out your pores. Leaves your skin looking bright and refreshed. Use 1-2 times a week to ensure your skin doesn't dry up.

Cons: Can cause breakouts.

Last month, I had the honor of being a bridesmaid at my dear friend Jessica's wedding. She got married in Atlanta to the love of her life. And I couldn't be happier for her.

We spent the day of the wedding, getting our hair and makeup done at Scarlet's Retreat, the spa where she works at and it was there that I was introduced to makeup by Glo Professional.

I had never heard of the brand, but I was so impressed with the powder's coverage that I decided to buy it and try it out at home. Ladies, I'm so glad I did. This product is almost magical!

Product: glo Pressed Base

Claims: Delivers flawless, semi-matte coverage.

Actually: I feel like I have perfect skin every time I wear this mineral based powder.

Pros: Unfortunately, because I'm still breaking out at my age and have some less than attractive scars from a botched facial I got when I was 20, I'm not happy with my skin. However, in the past month, since I've been using this powder I see an overall improvement in my complexion. I think it's the vitamins and green tea extract that are improving my skin! I keep getting compliments about how great my skin looks.

You can also use this powder for sheer to full coverage and the best part is that it's ideal for all skin types! It doesn't look or feel cakey. I love love this product!

Cons: The only con to this product is how expensive it is, but it's so well worth it when you see the results.

I've been waking up early for more than 20 years and I'm still not a morning person, especially on  mornings when my destination is work.

About two years ago, I was the kinda gal who woke up two to three hours earlier to make sure I walked out of my house looking like I belonged on a page in one of my favorite fashion magazines, but the truth is I don't have that kind of time anymore.

So my morning makeup routine consists of powder, blush, lip gloss and mascara (I use eye liner from time to time, but only when it's an actual good morning.)

I love Henri Bendel bags and last year I made a purchase that included a free goody bag. I love goody bags and this particular goody bag contained a Mally Beauty volumizing mascara. I had never heard of the brand and it took me a few months to actually use it, but when I did I was marvelled. 

I've never used any other mascara after.

Product: Mally Beauty's Volumizing Mascara

Claims: The unique formula helps create the look of gorgeous, full, luxurious lashes.

Actually: The mascara makes your eyelashes appear fuller and longer and it's the perfect finish to any high glam look!

Pros: Doesn't clump or smudge. And it lengthens without the use of a curler.

Cons: The price. This tube of mascara runs you about $20 and you can only purchase it online or through QVC because I haven't found it anywhere in Miami. If you live in NYC you can just pick it up from the Bendel store.

I get bored with my hair very easily and as a consequence, I had severely damaged my hair to a dry brittle state with no shine.  I had to make the conscious decision to lay off dyes and chemicals and let it grow out naturally. And so I've been on a dye-free mission for the past two years.

However, I was having difficulty growing out my hair because it was barely growing. While speaking to an acquaintance of mine who has nice long locks, I asked him about his hair products and routine . He told me he used Mane 'n Tail Shampoo, the shampoo that was invented to take care of horses' manes and tails.

By no means did I run out and buy this horse shampoo right away in fact I kind of forgot about the whole conversation until it was time to restock on my hair products. While shopping for shampoo, I saw the huge horse shampoo bottle and remembered what my friend said and decided to try it out. So today I'm writing about my experience with the shampoo for horses.

Product: Mane 'n Tail Shampoo


Claims: Leaves hair shiny and manageable

Actually: I've been using Mane 'n Tail shampoo and conditioner for the past month and half or so. Since I started usng it my hair is noticeably shinier, healthier, longer and even thicker.

Now I'm not saying that this is a magical shampoo that makes hair grow out thicker, but it's sort of done that for me. I've even been getting tons of compliments on my hair everytime I wear it down. Just this week I went to get a blow out and the lady kept saying how healthy and gorgeous my hair was and asked my what I used to take care of it.

Pros: Price. A 32 oz. bottle costs about $7 and so does the conditioner.

Cons: I'm a bit OCD and sometimes I wash my hair on a  regular basis if it just feels dirty or oily. I noticed that anytime I washed my hir two or more days in a row it felt very dry even when using the conditioner afterwards. To resolve this issue I do my best to wash my hair every other day, which is what you should be doing anyway to ensure your hair's essential oils are maintained and not washed out.

Overall, I do recommend you try this shampoo and see if it works for you.

I will always let you  know when I post about new products on this page and please let me know if there are any products that you swear by, so I can share them with everyone.

Beautifully yours,

GTG

"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within."- Elisabeth Kubler Ross