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!