America has a new weapon on the front lines of battle, and it’s hot pink. Toenail polish in a bright pink hue is one of the indispensable beauty items that made life during her 2004- 2005 Iraq tour bearable for US Army PFC Tara Ricks, “Sometimes all you have to remind you that you are still a women is your hot pink toe nails.” Being away from home for months on end, and coping with extreme climates, it’s no surprise that many servicewomen (and men) rely heavily on online shopping for their beauty purchases. Says Ricks, “Just because you are in a war zone doesn’t mean you can’t look your best.”
So what products do female soldier-reviewers on Buzzillions.com rate high for their ability to stand up to the sun, sand and sweat?
#1 Dust-Busting Shampoo
With an overall rating of 4.4, Sunsilk Hydra TLC Shampoo gets high ratings from civilians and military alike. One shampoo reviewer in Iraq remarks, “I absolutely love this product. SinceI[sic] have come to Iraq to work, I find my hair gets dirty faster, and when I wash & condition my hair with this product, it feels so clean, smells great (thanks guys) and is so very soft. I recommend thi[sic] product for all reasons. “
#2 Scorch-proof Lip Balm
Lip balm is essential for surviving the scorching heat and sun. One reviewer found that Aveeno Lip Protectant Intense Relief held up to the conditions in Iraq. “I work in Baghdad, Iraq and am constantly battling these harsh conditions. My lips are almost always chapped and I have had a hard time getting something to work. I have tried Blistex, Chapstick and other lip balms. None working to better my chapped lips for good, only a temporary fix if that. This actually works. The only downside is that I cannot find it in a tube. Other than that, it is terrific.” The medicated action and matte finish earn this lip balm an average of 4.9 stars.
#3 Anti Kevlar Skin Care
PFC Ricks swore by the Proactiv system while in Iraq, “There is so much dirt and grime in Iraq, you are constantly breaking out because of the Kevlar helmet and the heat. Proactiv was an ESSENTIAL part of my daily routine.”
#4 No-Melt Mascara
PFC Ricks wouldn’t go anywhere without her mascara, and neither would Buzzillions reviewer “Sandstorm Suzette“. Despite the warm temperatures, mascara is still a must. “I never realized that mascara alone could make me feel pretty as I wear my combat boots all day. After ten hours, there is the minor wear and tear of the mascara but I think that this is normal. So far, so good and worth trying.”
#5 Desert Worthy Face Lotion
“HappyFace43″, also in Iraq, loves Lancome’s Absolute Replenishing Cream with SPF 15‘s ability to prevent skin damage and even reduce existing age spots. Nine reviewers give is a unanimous five-star rating. Users over 40 agree that it makes their skin look and feel much smoother.
#6 Fabulous Foundation
It takes a special foundation to protect your skin in hot temperatures. The right balance of coverage and breathability is key. PFC Ricks’ go-to foundation was a Clinique’s Even Better foundation, “You can’t be cheap with your skin care line when the environment can damage your skin.”
#7 Tough Toenail Polish
And let’s not forget the toenail polish! OPI’s Classic Shades polishes get great reviews.
While stationed in Iraq, Tara was able to buy almost all of her supplies online. At a base in Germany, she could even get her favorite Clinique foundation at the commissary for a nice discount. But the hot pink nail polish? “That had to be sent.”
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