Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System

Review Summary: Makes Skin Feel Smooth

4 Lipstick Tubes out of 5

I've been researching eye creams and facial creams a lot recently due to the fact my current moisturizer was nearly used up and I was looking for the next best thing to help my skin look and feel better.

I decided to try Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System after reading several reviews about it and its ability to make you feel your skin new and revitalized without having to visit a dermatologist.

My skin is sensitive, so I was a little worried about how it would react to such a potent-sounding formula, but I decided to try it any way! Most reviewers said it wasn't horribly strong, although one said that they knew of someone who had used it had actual visual peeling. After using it, I find this hard to believe, unless the woman was using it every day for a period of time!

Turns out, my skin has had no reaction to it - other than feeling really smooth. The directions say you can use it up to twice a week, and I have probably used it 3-4 times over the past couple of weeks. The first product in the kit that you apply is grainy and feels a scrub; the second product is more like a serum and when you apply it, the first product starts to foam and your skin feels warm - but that's all. I didn't feel any burning and didn't have any peeling afterward.

I haven't had a facial in 21 years and I have never had a dermatological treatment of my face - but this feels close to what I might be able to accomplish at home. I think I'll keep using it until I find the next best thing!

Tresemme Touchable Curls Shaping Milk

Review Summary: Perfect Summer Tool

4 Lipstick Tubes out of 5

I picked up a bottle of this Tresemme Touchable Curls Shaping Milk on a whim; I love Tresemme products, it was inexpensive at under $5 and since I've been growing my hair out, I've been looking for products that make it easier to wash and wear.

I've been using it for a couple weeks now and I really like it. I wash my hair at night - I have for many years - and I usually wake up with a crazy head of hair in the morning. Now that I've been putting the "shaping milk" on at night, my hair is less frizzy and feels conditioned when I wake up. It's light enough not to leave residue, but I feel that it conditions more than Infusium Leave-in Conditioner, which is a product I have often used in the past.

The Tresemme Shaping Milk leaves my hair shiny and ready for any styling product I may want to try or styling tool. It also leaves my hair well enough to be left alone, but it is also light enough that you can use it with other products.

Do You Have a Favorite Lipstick?

Change of season...change of weather...change of mood...  Don't know the reason, I'm but feeling like I want a new lipstick.  Not just a gloss.. but a lipstick with some color.  Do you have a favorite brand and/or color?  MAC?  Bobbi Brown?  L'Oreal?   Let me know; I need inspiration!

Almay Eyeliner

Review Summary: Great Eyeliner

5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5

I recently reviewed my other favorite eyeliner which is by Bonne Bell, but a friend asked me the other day for a long-lasting eyeliner that was easy to find (Bonne Bell isn't as widespread as some other brands, I've found) - and I recommended this one by Almay. It costs around $7.99 at drugstores ($6.49 on drugstore.com), is water-resistant, smudge-proof and has a built-in sharpener (my favorite feature for pencil eyeliners). I usually buy black-brown and love how creamy it goes on.. and stays on. Almay claims it lasts 16 hours.. I'm not sure this can be proven, but it long-lasting enough for me!.. However, it washes off relatively easily with warm water and a cloth or mild soap. The nice thing about Almay products is that you can find them in every single drugstore as well as many grocery stores.

My friend tried it a couple days ago and said she said it endured on a day when she worked and then later went for a run. She's happy -- so I'm happy!

Fun Website

Ok, so it's not a product review, but there is a website (Pursebuzz) that is fun to visit from time to time that is full of beauty reviews (sometimes they're a little over-the-top) and fun hairstyle demo videos. The woman who hosts the site has a very different style from my own, (she's younger, hip and much more "edgey" than I am) but once in a while, you can find interesting videos that describes how people get their hair to look a certain way. It's kind of like hanging out in a beauty salon to see how people achieve certain looks.

I have learned how to use a curling iron without making curls that look like Shirley Temple - or someone from the 80's; I've learned how to sleep with wet hair and wake up without it standing up all over the place; and I've learned about a few styling products that have been fun to try.

It's just a fun site to go to from time to time to get inspiration - even if it involves "toning down" a technique she is demonstrating!

For hair videos, click on "All Hair" on the left at the top of the page and scroll down to "Hair Tutorials."..

Have Fun!

Until I figure out how to post links to my blog, please cut and paste the following address:

http://www.pursebuzz.com/2009/05/welcome-to-the-new-pursebuzzcom/

Bonne Bell Eyestyle Precise Liner

Review Summary: Current Favorite

5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5

A friend recently asked me for an eyeliner recommendation.. and this is it!.. This eyeliner is actually similar to a mechanical pencil; you don't ever need to sharpen it.. Just rotate the tube to extend the liner. The instructions recommend for a fine point, you can sharpen the eye liner tip by rolling it on your hand or a tissue - but I have never found this necessary. The only other step I sometimes do is blending with a foam eyeliner spongetip (the e.l.f. site is selling them for $1, or you can just the spongey end of another type of eyeliner).

I think this eyeliner is easy to apply, inexpensive (less than $4) and lasts a long time. Bonne Bell products can be found at most Target, Meijer, WalMart and other drugstores.

If you try it, write me and let me know if you like it!

Awesome e.l.f. Deal!!

Review Summary: Make-up for $1 !!

5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5

A friend of mine let me know about an awesome deal right now on e.l.f. makeup. Apparently, e.l.f. has been bought by Nordstrom and all of its products will be re-packaged with the Nordstrom name on it. Therefore, they need to sell all of their current inventory to make room for the new stuff. Whatever the back story is, if you go to: http://www.eyeslipsface.com, you can find most items on sale for $1. Lip gloss, eyeshadow, eyeshadow compacts, brushes, concealer - you name it!

They accept Paypal - which is so very convenient - and, if you type the word "CAROLINA" in the coupon box before checkout, they will subtract $7.50 from your order. They also offer a lot of free gifts; I believe if you order more than $20, you get a free subscription to Lucky magazine. Definitely worth checking out!

I think the brushes are an especially good deal, as they are always more expensive at drugstores and Target.. and think about the last time you washed out or replaced any of your makeup brushes!!!! Have fun!!

Thank you SO much Nicole!

WetnWild Lash Intense Mascara

Review Summary: When Will I Learn?

1 Lipstick Tube out of 5

OK, so I've written about my favorite old stand-by mascara, Max Factor 2000 Calorie.. But, I always think there just MIGHT be something better out there.. And after I read about WetnWild's Lash Intense Mascara in TWO different beauty magazines whose beauty editors (not advertisements) said it was an awesome, lengthening, thickening mascara for under $8, I decided to give it a try.

The gimmick of this mascara is supposed to be the wand; one side is more brush-like for the mascara application, and the other side is more comb-like for separating your lashes after the mascara is applied.

I found the fanciness of the wand to be pointless because the mascara goes on so thin and invisible that you don't need a comb to separate your lashes, because they aren't thick at all! I even applied the mascara twice.. and used it two different days to make sure my initial reaction wasn't a rush to judgement, and both times, this mascara was barely noticable.

I plan to chuck this little (albeit nicely packaged) tube of mascara in the trash and go back to my Max Factor.

Don't bother to try it!

Crest Whitestrips Advance Seal

Review Summary: Worth a Try

3.5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5

I requested a sample of Crest Whitestrips Advance Seal from a website (http://www.pgesaver.com/Sites/PG_eSAVER/Page/HomePage) which also came with a $7 coupon. I actually have dental trays and bleach that I got from my dentist a few years ago which I have been happy with, but as expected, every once in a while my teeth need a touch-up, and I thought I would give these a shot since they were free.

First of all, they are not completely affixed to your teeth -- and I would not recommend going to work or out in public as they suggest. I did have to reposition the top strip a few times, so that's why it might have been loose, but the bottom felt like it was unwrapping a bit, too.

I applied the strips before going to bed and sure, the bleach tastes bad (just like the kind from the dentist) and in the morning, it was kind of messy removing them, but I do think they had a strong enough bleach to show a little difference in the color of my teeth. My teeth were also a little sensitive afterward, but this, too, is a common side-effect of any tooth bleaching.

I think after using it a few more times, it might make a pretty noticeable difference. Suze Orman claims to only use them, but I wonder if that's true, because her back teeth look pretty white too - and these strips are built mostly for front-tooth coverage only.

If the Proctor & Gamble site no longer is offering free samples, go to this site to get a $7 off coupon: http://www.whitestrips.com/whitestrips-special-offers/

They're really worth the try if you've been thinking about bleaching your teeth!

MaxFactor Vivid Impact Lipcolor

Review Summary: The Perfect Nude!

4 Lipstick Tubes out of 5

I think many of us have noticed the popularity of the "nude lip" these days. Every celebrity photographed seems to have perfectly sandy colored- pink lips drenched in lip gloss. I have my share of lip glosses, I admit - but I've had a really hard time finding the perfect nude lipstick color. Many of them seem too brown or almost white and look completely unnatural. I think I have found.. almost.. the perfect nude lipstick: MaxFactor Vivid Impact Lip Color in "20 Skinny Dip" is a pretty, pinkish-tan lipstick that goes on nice and creamy, doesn't streak and doesn't stain.

The only improvement I could think of would be to have it last longer - but I still haven't found a long-wearing lipstick that I like. They're too dry and I don't like how they wind up in cracks and crevasses and just look bad after a while.

So - if you want to give the "nude lip" a try - check out this lipstick. You just might like it!

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer

Review Summary: Fav Facial Sunscreen

5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5

It's that time of year; time to make SURE to wear sunscreen. Well, everyone should wear sunscreen all year long, but I know that many of us don't. (I do, though!). One of my favorite sunscreens is Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer. According to Neutrogena, this moisturizer contains "a breakthrough new sun protection technology complex called Helioplex, specifically engineered to deliver very high, very broad and photo-stable UV protection." Supposedly, it helps screen out both UVB burning rays and UVA skin aging rays to help prevent premature lines and wrinkles caused by the sun and contains an exclusive anti-oxidant blend with pure Vitamin E helps prevent environmental damage that may accelerate the signs of skin aging."

A little tidbit from Neutrogena: "The sun's UVA and UVB rays damage skin differently. UVB rays harm the skin's surface and are the primary cause of sunburn. UVA's more penetrating rays damage collagen and elastin that results in the signs of premature aging: fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, age spots."

Because it comes in a flat, plastic tube, it's easy to pack on trips and it does a nice job of moisturizing while protecting the skin from the damaging rays. Can't beat SPF 45!!!

Highly recommend it!

Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation

Review Summary: Favorite Foundation

5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5

Many years ago, I was getting ready for a trip, and I decided I needed to find a foundation that would be easy to pack in my luggage. I picked up this Max Factor Lasting Performance foundation and have continued to use it for years, even though I don't travel that much! Sure, it's in a nice, flat, plastic bottle that takes up little room in a cosmetic bag - but the consistency is great, it takes just a tiny bit to provide coverage, and it's long-lasting. I use it to even out my skin on my face in areas where I need it, as well as to provide a base for eyeshadow. It doesn't cake or crease and it just does what I think a foundation should. It's only drawback is that it doesn't contain a sunscreen, but I always use a moisturizer with sunscreen, so I figure I'm covered that way. Because it's Max Factor, it may be hard to find at some drugstores, but it usually can be found at WalMart. It costs about $7.99. It's a long-lasting favorite!

Sephora Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner

Guest Review!!

Review Summary: Terrific Staying Power

5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5

Submitted by my friend Wendy: "Because I had a coupon for a free sample from Sephora, I felt obligated to stop in at my local store and look around. As I was kind of rushed on time and wasn’t able to enjoy spritzing numerous perfumes or testing a rainbow of lipsticks on my hand, I headed straight to the eyeliner section.. My trusty Clinique Quickliner for Eyes had been looking a little worse for wear and, since I can’t even remember which decade I purchased it in, I was fairly certain that it was beyond that “6 month expiration” I’ve read about in magazines. Since wearing eyeliner is only a fad I go through once a year or so, I don’t feel the need to spend a mint on one. The Sephora Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner was $12 – a pretty good deal, I think. As I was heading to the register a salesperson mentioned how much staying power this particular eyeliner has, which was encouraging since I usually get home to find that the crisp line I applied in the morning has turned into a ½” wide smudge by lunch time.

The color I chose was Purple (I grew up in the 80s – sue me!). On the website and in the pencil it looks much more maroon-y than purple, but on, it is definitely a darker violet. The first day I wore it, it was HOT. I spent several hours walking around outside in the heat and sun and felt like I was going to melt. When I got home and checked the eyeliner though – nearly perfect! Pretty impressive."

Lancome Definicils Mascara

Guest Review!!

Review Summary - A Must Have

A friend of mine said Lancome Definicils Mascara is an absolute must-have... And here's what she said:

"The ONE beauty product I cannot live with out and the ONLY beauty product I buy from a makeup counter instead of Target is ....Lancome Definicils mascara in dark brown- when it's free gift time I buy 2 so I can have my free gifts, keep one in my purse and one in my makeup drawer."

Sounds like a great plan to save some money, get some free samples and have a mascara for home and on the run. I may actually have to venture to a makeup counter one day!

Thank you so much Melissa!

Clinique Touch Blush

Review Summary: Love It!

(5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

For some reason, as I've gotten older, powder blush doesn't seem to be enough. Layering color seems to be the only way to have long-lasting color on my very pale face. Therefore, I often use a stick blush or cream blush first, and then apply a powder blush.

I decided to try this little pot of blush after reading favorable reviews, and I chose the color "Sweet Clover" after reading various postings on Sephora for what people thought was the most versatile color. (Sure, I could have gone to a Clinique counter to look at the colors in person, but I find make-up counters intimidating and haven't been to one in probably a decade!)

The consistency is really unsual; it's almost sponge-like. All you do is dab your finger in the middle of the pot and then dab and blend into your skin. It starts out creamy but almost turns into more powdery consistency. A little goes a long way, which is why this little pot isn't too small.

I like to apply it to the apples of my cheeks and my browbones and I think it leaves a natural blush.

N.Y.C. Browser & Sonia Kashuk Brush

Review Summary: Great Combo!

(5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

All the beauty pubs say, "Eyebrows are one of your most noticeable and important features." It's important to keep them groomed, including both plucking (or waxing or threading or whatever you prefer) and then slightly filling in other areas to create the perfect shape.

I have found a great combo for filling in sparse areas. The N.Y.C. Browser is a handy little compact that contains a wax side and a color side. As the packaging explains, the grooming wax holds hair in place and the color powder fills in the bare spots. The compact costs only $3.99 at Target, Walmart, CVS, etc.

Because I didn't like the brush that came with the compact, I picked up a skinny angled Sonia Kashuk eyeliner brush to use instead and I love it! It was only about $5 at Target, it's perfectly thin and the angled handle actually seems to help.

Simply touch the brush to the wax side, swipe it a little on the powder side, tap any excess on the back of your hand and then make smallish sweeping strokes to fill in the parts of your eyebrows you want filled.

This little duo is a lot cheaper than other eyebrow kits I have found and it does a really nice job.

Highly recommended!

Keeping Track

Review Summary: Useful Tool!

While a Blackberry or any other cell phone can't be considered a beauty product, I think they are wonderful tools in keeping TRACK of beauty products!

When a friend suggests a product or I read about a brand or shade in a magazine that I think I want to try, I enter it under the "Memo" section of my Blackberry.

Then, when I'm at the drugstore or Target, I can whip out my phone, click to my list and then look through it to see what I want/need/must have!

I find it's a useful way of getting me in and out of the cosmetics aisle without too much idle time (unless I'm in the mood to browse) and it keeps me from picking up more than I should. In addition, the list is always with me and much easier to keep track of than the little pieces of paper I used to jot things down on!

Just a thought.

Paula's Choice Extra Care Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30

Review Summary: Guest Highly Recommended

(5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

Yea! Another guest submission. A friend emailed me about a great website - www.paulaschoice.com, which is actually a website by Paula Begoun, the woman who wrote "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me,"  an interesting book packed full of cosmetic comparisons.

My friend's review follows: "The line is called Paula's Choice at paulaschoice.com. The product is Extra Care Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF30. It's only $14.95 for 6 fl oz, contains antioxidants, and is good for normal to dry skin. It can be worn under makeup, used on the entire body, has UVA/UVB protection and is water resistant.. If your skin is a bit oily it might be too moisturizing, but it doesn't leave you with a pasty sunscreen look. I needed more moisture and I like to up the daily SPF to 30. When you order from Paula's you can buy samples for .80 cents and they frequently have sales or discounted shipping. Packaging is simple which probably keeps the price down."

I am so excited about this recommendation; not only for the product itself but for the other items offered on the website; particularly trying some of the samples for .80 !!!

Thank you so much Dianne!

Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Spray

Review Summary: Works Well

(4 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

Sometimes, a girl wants to look a little sunkissed. I think most of us agree a little color on the skin looks nice, but because I worry about sun damage and believe in wearing sunscreens, often, the only tan I get is from a bottle..

I just tried this spray tan and I really like it. I've tried at least two other types of tanning lotions/creams and I haven't had nearly the same results. What I like about this one is that you can use it for the face (spray it into your hand before applying to the face) or the legs, neck, arms or body by just spraying it on.

Sure, self-tanner isn't perfect. You have to be careful to wash your hands well after applying it - and you don't always get the exact affect you were going for; but I have been pleasantly surprised with this spray.

It doesn't smell great when it first comes out of the bottle, but the scent dissipates and it feels just like water when going on. I've used a variety of self-tanner lotions that have caused me to break out, and this hasn't had that affect, so I'm pleased.

I would recommend at least giving it a try if you want to give your legs a little color - or your face. It's easy to use and gives a good result.

P.S. - I used #2 medium. There is also a #3 for darker complexions.

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product

Review Summary: I'm in love!

(5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

I got my haircut a couple days ago, which is something I don't do very often. Sometimes, I go 6 months between cuts. I went to a new stylist at Salon Lofts who used this product on me. I typically don't buy products that stylists use, but he was not pushy and I loved the way it smelled and made my hair feel. I was shocked to find out it was $20 for a 10 oz bottle, but I had already said I'd buy it and I decided it would be too embarrassing to tell him I've changed my mind.

And I'm so glad I didn't!! I absolutely LOVE LOVE this product. It smells wonderful, sprays easily into the hair when wet - and after blowing it dry - it leaves your hair amazingly silky. It really changed the texture of my hair after just a couple times. I don't think it adds much volume, so I continue to spritz a little Chi Volumizing Spray at the crown before my blow-dry - but this product leaves my hair shiny and amazingly soft.

It's expensive, but the product should last a long time. It takes very little spritzing to reap it's benefits.

Highly recommended!!! (I've also found it online at various sites, including Amazon.com)

Body Shop Passion Fruit Body Scrub

Review Summary: Not Recommended!

(2 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

I bought this body scrub over a year ago because I was on a Body Shop kick. I love their philosophy and their packaging, and I am a sucker for a sale.

However, it's been 12 months and I still have not used up this body scrub for a couple of reasons: 1) it doesn't smell nice; 2) it's hard to wash off your skin and, 3) I'm afraid the seeds in it will clog my drain!

This body scrub does exfoliate; it's gelatinous and grainy and probably does a good job removing dead skin. But it's very hard to wash off. It contains lots of tiny little black seeds that get stuck behind your neck, near your hairline - and wherever - and unless strong water is beating down on it, it won't rinse off. Secondly, the seeds are big enough to cause potential drain issues. Too much use of this product over a short period of time could probably cause a clog.

Interestingly, I decided to read the ingredient list to see what types of seeds they were; I just assumed they were passion fruit seeds all this time. I was surprised to find that they are kiwi seeds!! Who would have thought??!

All in all, next time around, I would pass up this body scrub and try a different, less expensive one.. And make sure to read the ingredients to be sure there aren't seeds or other large exfoliants which could clog your drains!

Sally Hansen Wax

Review Summary: Does the job well

(4 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

I agree, waxing is not a pleasant thought. As a light-skinned, dark-haired person, I've always had the pleasure of dealing with some level of visible facial hair, and I think many women do - we just don't like to talk about it!

I pluck my eyebrows religiously. That's never going to change; but I've tried various other products to take care of other facial hair - whether that be on the upper lip or other areas of the face. While many methods are less painful, waxing is just simply the best way to remove hair completely.

I have tried several kinds of facial waxes over the years - but right now, I think this is the best. It warms in the microwave and doesn't require paper strips for the "pulling-off" step. You merely microwave the wax until it's liquid, then wait until the included spatula's heat-sensitive label reads "READY" (which means the wax is warm, yet cool enough to apply to your face), apply the wax to your face with the spatula, wait a mere second, and then pull the wax off by tugging on one end and lifting in the opposite direction.

Yes, it hurts - but I really believe after the first one or two applications, you become used to it.. a little. I simply like this product because it actually removes hair well and it's not complicated. Many wax kits require paper strips to apply to the wax that you then pull off - but these get used up super-fast and then you have a whole bunch of wax leftover and nothing to take it off with!

Another benefit is you get a $1 coupon in every box of Sally Hansen hair remover product and they don't expire.

Sure, not a fun topic... but a necessary one. I highly recommend this exact type of facial wax (Sally Hansen carries a couple different kinds)!

Nars "O" Products

Review Summary: Fun! (4 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

The Nars Orgasm blush was on my Amazon wish list for over a year; I couldn't justify spending the money - but had read so many "glowing" reviews about it that I thought it had to be a great product.

Last Christmas, I finally took the dive and tried them. Both. I know. It's almost overwhelming.

The powder blush in the "Orgasm" shade is a nice peachy-gold color. The "Multiple" shade comes in the form of a makeup stick. I have always liked cream blush, so I do like its consistency. It's sort of a cream-to-powder type of makeup. The multiple is a little more shimmery than the regular Orgasm shade, so I don't I use it quite as much.

All in all, they are pretty shades that most likely compliment most complexions. I think they are both good to use as blush and along the brow bone instead of eyeshadow.

I also have tried the Nars Orgasm Lip Gloss, which is a pretty color, but I'm not crazy about the consistency. It has sponge-tip applicator and the gloss itself is just a little too thick for me.

So, yes, I fell victim to Nars genius marketing, but it's been fun. There are probably several similar, pretty shades of blush at the corner drugstore that cost a lot less - but it's not nearly as fun to use a blush called "desert mauve." How many people can say they have an orgasm in their purse?
; )

Favorite Mascara

Review Summary: Three Favorite Go-To Mascaras

(4.5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

A relative recently asked me about mascaras that do the trick without making a mess, so I decided to submit a post about mascaras that I like. My absolute favorite brand of mascara is Max Factor. I have used the Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara for many years and love it. I recently tried the Max Factor Volume Couture mascara and like it a lot, but I don't know if I'll ever totally give up my 2000 Calorie version (why do calories have to be mentioned in a beauty product I'll never know!).

For some reason, Max Factor products have become hard to find at drugstores recently. However, I can usually count on WalMart to carry their line of cosmetics. So, if you don't live near a WalMart and can't purchase Max Factor makeup, I have a second favorite.

L'oreal Voluminous Mascara is my second-favorite mascara

Both Max Factor and this particular L'oreal mascara go on nicely, add volume and length, stay on all day without leaving marks under your eyes or flaking off. Both wash off with warm water, a washcloth and sometimes a little soap (or my Neutrogena eye makeup remover reviewed earlier - but it's not usually necessary). The eye makeup remover is usually reserved for when I wear waterproof mascara, but that's usually just to weddings or other events where I know I'll cry; otherwise, I avoid waterproof mascara like the plague!!

I have never liked the Maybelline Great Lash mascara (the pink and green one) that so many beauty magazines recommend as an all-time favorite. It's too goopy and messy in my opinion!

If you try one of these and have an opinion, let me know! - Or if you find Max Factor available at another drugstore, let me know that, too.

Finally - I personally believe an eyelash curler is a necessity before application of any mascara, so if you have mixed results, that could be a factor also.

Clean & Clear Cleanser & Astringent

Review Summary: Favorites!

(5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

The Clean & Clear Foaming Gentle Cleanser has been a favorite product for many years. It's the perfect glycerine-based facial cleanser for sensitive skin and it costs under $5, lasts a long time and comes in a convenient pump which is perfect right next to the bathroom sink. It's a definite stand-by!

I recently tried the Clean & Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent, and I really like it, too. It has a fresh, light smell and does what I want a toner to do. Takes care of that t-zone we all know about!! It, too, is less than $5 a bottle and I think it works just as well as the more expensive ProActiv brand toner. I have sensitive skin and I haven't had a problem with it.

I highly recommend these Clean & Clear products! An inexpensive, quality line that does what it claims to. Can't beat that!

Chi Volume Booster

Review Summary: Love it!

(4 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

Because I recently tried the Chi brand Silk Infusion product and loved the way it smelled, I've been wanting to try another product in their line.

I picked up a bottle of Chi Volume Booster from the drugstore and paid more than I like to pay for hair products ($12.99 I think), but I felt like treating myself, so I did!

And.. I found out I love this product. It smells wonderful; much like the other Chi product I tried earlier. And this stuff really adds volume! I feel like I have more hair when I use it!.. Sprayed on before a blow-dry, it most definitely adds volume without any stickiness or tackiness. It doesn't add curl, but it certainly adds thickness.

I highly recommend it!

Fruits & Passion Fruity Big Foaming Bath - Orange Cantaloupe

Review Summary - Want It!

My First Guest Submission!!!

I have a relative in Pt. Townsend, Washington who is a bath product junkie... Her bathroom and tub ledge is covered with an amazing assortment of beautiful, colorful bottles, tubes and jars of bath products. Taking a bath for her is a daily necessity and she clearly knows her way around The Body Shop!!

For several years, she's been a fan of the Fruits & Passion line. When asked for her MOST favorite product, she told me "Orange-Cantaloupe Bath Bubbles!" She said she loves the scent and it makes wonderful bubbles.

This line can be purchased at us.fruits-passion.com or Amazon.com, among other sites. I look forward to trying it someday soon!

Anew Rejuvenate Hour Eye Moisturizer SPF 25

Review Summary: Liking it

(4 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

I tried this undereye cream because I got samples in the mail. I liked that it came as two types of creams; a thicker one for night and a lighter one to wear during the day.

Since the samples were small and I liked the way they made my skin feel, I looked around to see where I could find the best price. It sells for $30 on Avon.com, but I found an Avon seller on eBay who sold it for less and purchased it. (in a new, unopened bottle).

I still like this cream a lot; mostly because it has two different consistency creams in the same bottle and because it contains sunscreen. Many undereye concealers don't.

My only complaint would be when opening it, the two different creams were stuck to the hard plastic packaging lid and it was difficult to remove only the nightcream or the daycream from the lid.. But now that it's sitting on my bathroom counter, the creams are staying put in their respective pots and I use it every morning and every evening.

I recommend it but it's a little pricey. I'm still open to discovering a new undereye cream that works magic but cost less.. I'll keep you posted. ; )

Neutrogena Skin-Soothing Undereye Corrector

Review Summary: Love it!

(5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

This is my favorite undereye concealer! I use it every day; sometimes more than once..

Beauty magazines rant and rave constantly about YSL's touche' eclat concealer. This product and YSL's concealer are almost the exact same thing in my estimation - a creamy concealer dispensed through a brush... only the prices are amazingly different.

A .1 oz of YSL brand concealer costs $40; A .05 oz tube of Neutrogena's concealer costs around $8-$9.

So, not only is is most cost-efficient, I love that it has a slight cooling feeling when you use it; it feels great when your eyes are tired and need a little refreshment.

Because the tubes are small, they don't last terribly long, but I believe it's still cost-efficient in comparison to other products.

Highly recommend it!

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Review Summary: Favorite

(5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

This is a a stand-by of mine. It's the perfect tool for eye makeup removal. A cotton ball or tissue, a little dab of this, and regular or waterproof mascara disappears, along with any eyeliner to boot.

It costs less than $8 and can be found in most drugstores. It's another one of those products I'd hate to see discontinued because it's cheap, the bottle lasts a long time and it does a great job.

Highly recommend it!

Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser

Review Summary: Like It

(4 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

I have sensitive skin and am always looking for an inexpensive facial cleanser that doesn't make my skin rashy or dry.

I started trying this a couple weeks ago and I like it. It's less than $8 at drugstores and comes out of the dispenser nice and foamy.

It smells good and makes my skin feel clean. It leaves my skin feeling a little tight, but since I use moisturizer, it feels like I started with a clean slate.

I don't know if it really prevents breakouts as the bottle claims, but it is a good facial cleanser for a decent price.

Recommend it!

L'oreal Elnett Strong Hold Hairspray

Review Summary: OK; too pricey

(3 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

I'd read about this hair spray in various magazines where beauty editors ranted and raved about it. They said that people were smuggling cases of it back into the states after visiting France because it was unlike any other hairspray you can buy in the U.S.

Well, since several people claimed it was the greatest thing ever, and it was now, shockingly, going to be available in the U.S., I decided that Santa might be able to put a can of it in my stocking this past Christmas. I hated to do it, but I paid something like $12.99 for a large bottle of it at Target it and it made its way to my stocking on Christmas Eve.

The wording on the bottle claims: "Disappears at the stroke of a brush." I'm not sure why you would want expensive hairspray to completely disappear at the stroke of a brush, but I guess that is something other people want.

The hairspray comes out in a very fine mist and doesn't leave your hair particularly stiff or crunchy or helmet-like.. But it smells terrible!! I was shocked at the scent.. Certainly, I believed a hair product imported from France that was $12 a bottle would smell nice, but it doesn't.

I wouldn't recommend spending the money!

Tresemme' Super Hold Hairspray

Review Summary: Long-time Favorite

(5 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

Tresemme's Super Hold Pump Hair Spray is a long-time favorite of mine. It's super-cheap ($3-$4 a bottle at Target or drugstores), it holds well, it doesn't flake and it smells decent. It's the hairspray I always have on hand and use to fill my purse-sized spray bottle that I carry with me.

If you're pulling your hair back, it holds flyaways down very well - and if you're wearing your hair down, it gives just enough hold to keep things in check.

This is a product I've used for a while and would hate to see discontinued because I'm so used to just reaching for it when I'm running low.

Dependable and inexpensive; highly recommend!

Chi Silk Infusion

Review Summary: Love It!

(4 Lipstick Tubes out of 5)

I learned about this product on a new website/blog I've been checking in on from time to time: pursebuzz.com.

This product is an oil-based product you put into your hair before using a heated styling tool.

It's not cheap, but I was felt like treating myself, so I ordered a small bottle on drugstore.com to try it. I recently purchased a 1" ceramic curling iron (I have never been a curling iron user, but thought it might be fun to try since I've been growing my hair out).

The product is a very thick, yellowish oil. It takes a teeny tiny dollop to do the trick. It moisturizes and adds a little texture and, I would presume, protection from a heated curling or flat iron.

It smells wonderful and I often just rub the oil into my hands after using it to moisturize my hands and allow the lovely scent to linger just a little.

Again, it's pretty much an oil, so if you have very fine or thin hair, it's not for you. But for almost anyone else, it's something fun to try!

Almay Pure Blends Lip Gloss

Review Summary: Terrible!!

(1 Lipstick Tube out of 5)

The recent campaign for Almay Pure Blends had me intrigued. "Over 95.8% Natural Ingredients. No compromise," states the advertising. "A new generation of natural cosmetics," claims Almay.

Being a lipgloss junkie, I had to try it. Pretty soft shades of pinks and beige.. So hard to choose!

After purchasing a pretty, soft pink (I believe it was called Peony), I opened it to experience this wonderful hypoallergenic product that contains a blend of antioxidant fruit and flower extracts, including Lotus, Orchid and Acai.

Unfortunately, it smelled horrible and tasted even worse. Grainy and filmy, the residual consistency on my teeth felt like old-fashioned tooth paste. And the taste was just indescribable. I tried to use it several times over two days to see if I could get used to it, but I couldn't.

I recommend skipping over this lipgloss, despite the enticing advertising and pretty colors to choose from.

My search for the ultimate lip gloss continues!