Monday, December 21, 2009

RAMY Beauty Therapy Innocent Beauty Cream Quad


Here's a pot of 4 colors that you can use on your lips, cheeks and eyes. I heart the flattering and soft shades in the Innocent Beauty pot. These are creamy shadows. They looks great on your eyes if you want that little extra something. I wasn't a fan of it on my cheeks or lips because of the iridescence. It's too sparkly anywhere else but the eyes for me.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Urban Decay~Smoky Eye Kit


Urban Decay, my personal favorite line of cosmetics, has packaged a selection of their products into an adorable, easy to use kit with instructions on how to create a gorgeous, sexy, smoky eye!!
This kit includes Eyeshadow Primer Potion to make your look stay, a Matte Nude Shadow, Matte White Shadow, Medium Tone Shadow, Dark Tone Shadow, Zero 24/7 Eye Pencil in Black, Skyscreapter Multi-Benefit Mascara, and travel brushes for application!! This eyeliner is fantastic and the mascara is my go-to product for every day wear. This would make an excellent gift. If I had four thumbs, I'd have them all up for Urban Decay!!!

FROM BROWNSQUARED

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Sustainable Youth Immune Performance Elasticity Cream


Immune Performance Elasticity Cream
Immune Performance Revitalizing Serum with Alasta

From Colleen:

Promises to improve skin elasticity & firmness.

Seems to be working!!!
I would buy again.

Borghese Forma Bella Body Contour Scrub & Cream



Borghese Forma Bella Body Contour Scrub & Cream

From Colleen:
I didn't have enough of the scrub to get a good feel for it.
The cream was rich and smooth.
Great smell for both!

Renee' Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel

From Colleen:

I liked the tingling and exfoliation it provided.
I did not like the chunks of berries on my face.
Good results!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Too Faced Lash Injection Mascara

Click Here

This mascara is fabu! It has 3D coating technology which plumps and stretches each lash. It doesn't smudge or flake. My lashes don't droop when I wear this and it has real staying power. As a die hard fan of waterproof mascara, it often takes me about 10 minutes to take my mascara off at the end of the night. Not this mascara. It comes off so easily.

The website is pretty cool too.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Global Goddess Upgrade Complexion Face Primer

This is definitely something new and different for me. I am used to face lotions and creams, but this Face Primer is silky, smooth, and not as thick. Smelled of black licorice, but lightweight and absorbed quickly into my skin. I like the way my face felt and looked after only a few uses. Great to use before applying makeup - it helps create a smooth, even toned canvas.

Olay Professional Pro-X Anti-aging Starter Protocol


Anti-aging Starter Protocol : Age Repair Lotion SPF 30, Eye Restoration Complex & Wrinkle Smoothing Cream.

This is a great starter kit for revitalizing your skin. Definintely using as directed on a daily basis is a must. I love the thickness and softness of each lotion. Thick, creamy & soothing to my skin. I would say that the biggest difference I noticed was around my eyes. Wrinkles, circles, and puffiness decreased. For those who are looking for a face pick-me-up without going through a procedure, I would highly recommend starting with the Pro-X Products. Olay even allows you to pick what you want to work on and put together your own regimen on their website. Go there and start rejuvenating your skin today!

IntelliWhite - Pout-n-Polish


I was so excited when I found out I was going to test this product. I thought to myself, what a great idea - lip gloss and teeth whitener all in one. Unfortunately, the polish never worked. I tried and tried to get it to work, but nothing ever came out. The polish left my mouth feeling clean and minty fresh. I am really bummed that the lip gloss was defective. Oh well, this product definitely had the potential to be great, but fell a little short of my expectations.

skyn ICELAND






skyn ICELAND
the EYE CLINIC
Icelandic Relief Eye Cream & Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

Tired puffy eyes be gone! I can not tell you how amazing the Firming Eye Gels feel. After a long day or night, your eyes and face will thank you after 10 minutes with skyn's under eye pads. They provide a cooling, soothing feeling to those tired, wrinkled, and puffy eyes. The Icelandic Relief Eye Cream helps lighten dark circles to refresh your eyes. No matter how stressed or tired you are, no one will ever know if you use the EYE CLINIC products from skyn!

Mally

Mally
Citychick Smokey Eye Kit
Soho Silver



The perfect smokey eye all in one cool compact. This kit comes with everything that you need to make the perfect, non-smudging, long lasting look for the evening. Mally even has tips and a video on her website on how to use the kit effectively. Click Here

The kit includes a cream to powder base, 3 shadows, and a creamy pencil liner with sparkles. The first time I tried it, I went a bit heavy on the shadow, but now I have the smokey look down - all thanks to Mally!!

DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew


This face moisturizer is great. It is fragrance free and light, but not runny or goopy at all. I have been using it on a regular basis and am loving it. SPF 15 is an added bonus. My face feels protected, moisturized and ready for the day.

Boscia Sheer Tinted Moisturizer - Warm

I have tried tinted moisturizers before. Boscia created a moisturizer that is a little different from all of the rest. It is made with Willow Herb, an anti-irritant and Jojoba Leaf, an anti-oxidant. It goes on even and smooth, with a nice warm color that blended well with my skin tone. I used it instead of foundation and didn't feel I was missing anything. My face looked and felt great. The best part about boscia is that they offer preservative-free skincare that makes you look and feel better.

Simple Skincare




Simple
Kind to Skin
Soothing Facial Toner & Moisturising Foaming Facial Wash

Simple started introducing products that are gentle on your skin almost 50 years ago. They use perfume-free, non-harsh, all natural products to create skin care everyone can use. The facial wash foams and feels gentle on my skin. I love the texture, and the way my face feels after. Clean and soft. The toner cleans the last bit of dirt and makeup from my skin without drying it out. That is a huge bonus in my book because most toners make your skin so dry it itches! Simple ingredients, kind to your face...what more could you ask for?!

Philosophy - Pink Frosted Layer Cake


Philosophy
Pink Frosted Layer Cake
High-Foaming Shampoo, Shower Gel, & Bubble Bath


One word - YUM! I love starting my morning with this delicious smelling potion. It makes the day that much better. I have been mostly using it as a shower gel, but it definitely works well as shampoo and gives some flavor to an extra bubbly bath. Makes me think of celebrating birthdays when I was younger. I haven't run across a scent that Philosophy makes that I don't enjoy. My advice: buy it as a stocking stuffer this Holiday season!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Global Goddess~Chair Cheek Color


This easy to apply and blend cheek color comes in a pretty case and a variety of natural blush colors. It is infused with ginseng and green tea which is intended to fight free radicals and prevent premature aging, as well as claming and balancing skin. Honestly, I cannot speak to these promises, but am definitely comforted and enlightened by the idea-a girl will take what she can get when it comes to skin care, am I right?

Over all, this is a beautiful product that leaves me with a healthy glow to my face and a hopeful intention to care more for my skin at the same time. I would fully recommend this product-particularly in "Chowrasta", a color I have grown very fond of.

FROM BROWNSQUARED

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Darac Beauty Sifted Blur


This skin perfecting powder is pretty neat. What looks like a powder is actually a creamy thin delight. It goes on very light and contains tiny skin diffusing flecks. Use it under foundation as a primer, use it over your makeup to set it or use it alone! Surprisingly flattering shade on me. Seems to be quite versatile.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

RAMY~Juicy Cheeks, Sheer Intense Cheek Color

RAMY-Beauty Therapy's Sheer Intense Cheek Color in "Pure Juice" comes in a cute, simple, mirrored compact with a convenient mirror. At first peek, this shade looks as though it would be even too dramatic for Barbie herself, but once applied, it really is a sheer, glossy, perfect highlight for any cheek. Under powder for day, and less blended for night, this adorable little gem of a product is my new go-to for dull winter skin, or when I need a bit of brightening up in my make-up regime. I'm hooked!!
FROM BROWNSQUARED

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Everyday Minerals~Eye-Mystic Night and Cheeks Best Friends

At first glance, I was really excited to try these products. The Everyday Minerals line is a well-known brand and this eye color looked fantastic! Application of this eye shadow changed my mind-I found it incredibly difficult to blend and equally as hard to control-it powdered and flaked off of my lids, leaving dark purple specks all over my cheeks. Not so attractive.

The cheek color, although easier to apply and control, was not much to brag about. The shade "Best Friends" is a deep, natural blush color, but again, not a product I would necessarily recommend or endorse.
Overall, Everyday Minerals left me bored and unimpressed. I was expecting a great, popular brand, in fun, vibrant colors, but was left with a boring mess.

FROM BROWNSQUARED

One with Nature~Rose Petal Soap


One with Nature uses a pure vegetable base, shea butter, and dead sea minerals to create this delicious bar of goodness for your skin. The rose scent is delicate and lovely, the exfoliants are mild and gentle, and the shea butter leaves your skin feeling moisturized and refreshed. I'm not usually a bar-soap kind of girl, but One with Nature has made me a changed woman!!

FROM BROWNSQUARED

Friday, October 23, 2009

SensiClear



SensiClear System

My husband has some occasional breakouts and has tried several different face washes and products. Since I knew he was still searching for something that worked, I let him try the SensiClear System. It only took one use for him to decide that this was the product for him. He even went so far as to say that he preferred it to ProActiv. The thing he likes best is that his face feels clean after using it, and the face wash is gentle on his skin. His only complaint was that if he forgets to pack it and take it with him on trips, his face tends to break out again. Overall, he would recommend this product over all others that he has tried so far and will continue to use it in the future!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

DDF Advanced Firming Cream


I used this every night before bed for a week and didn't see any difference in firmness. The smell is a little medicinal but not strong. The texture is light to medium thickness. I did notice that my skin was pretty dry after using it. Considering I have extremely dry skin, this may be best for someone who has more normal or combination skin.

DDF Acne Control Treatment


This Salicylic Acid Acne fighter is great!
Goes in for the kill without leaving collateral damage.

Treat your zits at night, wake up clear or clearer in the morning.

Not so much for teen-style acne, but great for the occasional flare-up in adults.

Bonus: Works well on those underground suckers you can feel growing.

DDF Glossy Lip Treatment




Tastes like peppermint ice cream!
Has spf!
Glossy, but not like you are trying to use your lips as a mirror.
Not sticky!

DDF, I love this!

I use it alone & over non-SPF-rated lipsticks/stains.

SLEEKSkin from SLEEK MedSpa Oily-Acneic Skin Kit


SLEEKSkin indeed!

The Oily-Acneic Kit contains four products:
  • De-clog to clean
  • Tame to tone
  • Clear to treat
  • Moisture to (you'll never guess) moisturize

My skin actually got worse for the first two or three days, but I persevered & it cleared up!
I think the initial nastiness is from all the crap getting out of your pores.

Using the line, mostly the De-Clog and Moisture, got rid of all the lovely blackheads on my nose! It has even made a difference in the weird chin bumps I get.

I really like that it clears up effectively without making your skin an ashy, flaky mess!

If you are at all prone to breakouts, I would recommend the SleekSkin products any day, definitely better than ProActive!!!


OLE HENRIKSEN Apricot Cleansing Lotion


My skin is not generally dry (unless it's opposite day), but I have a boatload of allergies.
I thought I'd try this, recommended for dry or sensitive skin, as my skin was being way too sensitive.

Pink and fruity, you only need a little bit to rub on to your dry face. The instructions call for a "complexion sponge," but I use my Clarisonic.

Rinse, and voila-- my skin glows. Really. I look like marble, and I don't mean because of my pallor. I even used it through my extreme-oil time-of-the-month! It cleans and clarifies, never over drying, and doesn't leave a residue.

I highly recommend the Apricot Cleansing Lotion-- it costs more than the drug-store stuff, but the bottle will last a very long time. It makes my skin so happy!!!

Bath and Body Works-Aromatherapy Sugar Scrub

Moved here:
My beautiful blogger friend pawned this sugar scrub product off on me because it was making her sneeze. I was happy to help her out (and indulge myself as well!), and took the Jasmine and Vanilla Sugar Scrub home to escape into exfoliation bliss....

Not an hour after having the little tub of scrub in my home, my husband and I both had killer headaches from the strong scent. I did make it to the tub with the stuff, but could not even bare to keep it. Perhaps my nose is sensitive, but my sneezy friend and our aching heads lead me to believe that this is just an over-perfumed product.

The exfoliation factor was fine-it felt nice on my skin, but because of the overpowering scent, I ended up showering again, not wanting my skin to smell of it. Any benefits from this scrub are definitely cancelled out by it's stench. Not so therapeutic afterall.

Posted by brownsquared

Monday, October 19, 2009

Logona Naturkosmetic


I took Friday off work, and thought, why not be brave? So I was brave and gave Logona a try. While I love natural products, and have a fondness for Jojoba, Almond Oil and Calendula, my sensitive skin just can't handle it. *sigh*
I used the Light Beige (01) - just a tad pale for my odd mix of pink-with-yellow- undertones complexion. I loved the packaging - in my humble opinion all foundation should be in a squeezable tube! The scent is distinctive, lasting and a little bit too much. Kind of medicinal. The coverage was light - great for those looking for something in between a tinted moisturizer and a regular foundation. It promised to control oil, which it did - a miraculous feat on my super oily mug. But on the downside, it inflamed some already compromised areas on my face. If only I wasn't so sensitive...gee, where have I heard that before? LOL

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Parissa Natural Hair Remover System 2 in 1 Roll-On



Click Here

Like most hair removal systems, I had high hopes. I'm always in search of the magic bullet that will replace shaving. It is definitely mess-free. Wax stays contained in the green ball and application is easy. Too bad it didn't do a thing for me. It pulled about 3 hairs off my leg. Like a lot of hair removers, I think they're best for blond, peach fuzzy girls. Sad.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Noodle & Boo: Honey Child Sugar Mama scrub & soap

Noodle & Boo, in addition to making superior products, sets aside "a significant amount" of their profits for children's charities.

The Glowology products are made for sensitive skin, and the Honey Child line is part of Glowology.

Sugar Mama Scrub-- Good scrub, but doesn't remove your entire epidermis! Barely scented, leaves your skin super-soft. Makes my legs like butta!

Sugar Mama Soap-- Excellent lathering, not drying. Leaves you clean, but with moisture levels intact! Not strongly scented, just smells like honey.

All the products are beautifully packaged, will make beautiful gifts--& look great in your bathroom!

Bobbi Brown, Metalalic Long-Wear Cream Shadow

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009

Bobbi Brown, Metalalic Long-Wear Cream Shadow

I tried this shadow in Brown Metal 4 and absolutely LOVED it!!

It is light enough to not look caked on and does not dry throughout the day. Perfect for day or night wear, this shade has just a hint of shimmer and oodles of class!!

For an extra long day (or night out...), I'd recommend wearing a powder shadow over this delicate cream version!!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion


Not one to splurge on expensive lotions, potions or even clothing, I now understand the reason do it. This body lotion leaves my skin baby soft. It leaves my skin softer than any other body lotion I've used before. The scent is light and tangeriney. It's lightweight and almost like an oil. This is true love.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Beauty Addicts RelationLIPS



Seduce

Loving these colors!

Non-stick, good staying power for glosses, moisturizing.

Not too shiny, but there is magic-shine-goo (the
white sparkly-ness) if you are so inclined.

Good for mixing as well.

Fun for your lips!

Monday, September 7, 2009

The Savannah Bee Company 100% Natural Beeswax Lip Balm


How cute are these balms? Light, not tacky, free of scent and tasteless. Thick enough to cover and last but not gunky and waxy.
There are only a handful of ingredients too-always a plus.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Nair Shower Power


Sorry Nair. I just don't like you.
I tried this kit. You put the lotion on the green side of the sponge before you get in the shower, get in the shower and wash hair, etc. then wipe off the lotion with the white side. I let the remover sit on my legs for about 8 minutes. When I wiped it off, 1, 2 hairs came off tops. No thank you.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Nair Precision Face and Upper Lip Kit


Nair has never worked for me in the past and well, it doesn't work for me in the present. The smell is much improved. The applicator tip, lovely. I also love the rebalancing moisturizer for after. Yet it didn't do a thing for me. I'm guessing unless you're blond and peach fuzzy, this won't do the trick.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Cosmedicine

Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion

This SPF 20 lotion is intended to subdue the shine, but I tested it twice and saw zero glare reduction. I tried a humid day and a not-so-humid day, and different sides of my face (to see if my side-parted hair was a factor) but the results were the same. I also noticed that my pores looked a little worse for the expirement.

And so my quest for non-irritating, non-zit inducing, shine control continues...

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Alcone Makeup Remover Cloths



Click Here

These are great because they're individually wrapped. It's annoying when you buy makeup remover cloths in a big package and the remaining cloths dry out once you open the package. The cloth took off almost all of my makeup. It doesn't work on waterproof mascara but most removers don't anyway. Great for travelling and great for the lazy.

Pangea Organics Japanese Matcha Tea Mask



Click Here

This line of products is outstanding! This mask is a green brown and has the texture of a scrub. It doesn't dry tight and hard, which can be almost painful, especially when you giggle with it on. It has a nice invigorating aromatherapy scent as well. While applied the mask is soothing - not irritating at all. I left it on for about 10 minutes. My skin definitely feels softer. It's a keeper.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Pangea Organics Bar Soap Canadian Pine w/White Sage


Love the aromatherapy smell of this bar-like the other product I've tried from this company. Gritty, milky bar that leaves my skin quite soft. It's great for exfoliating, especially elbows if you ask me. Packaging is out of sight! Soaking the cardboard box right now. Will plant it as it suggests on the outer packaging and within 2 weeks, there will be germination of a spruce tree. They are so environmentally conscious. Stop it!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in True Rosy Blush


I have literally thrown away my other blush stick. This one is amazing. It's smooth, creamy and dewy. It makes my cheeks feel hydrated too. A little goes a long way so I just dab a bit on my cheeks and I've got a healthy glow about me. I also put a bit on my lips for a hint of lip color

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

One With Nature

Coconut Lime Body Wash

I have fallen in love with this product! The scent is totally different from anything else I've smelled, and trust me, I've tried a lot of coconut scented products! This blend with lime is subtly invigorating. When I read the bottle, the Dead Sea salt minerals intrigued me, and having used salt scrubs before, I was expecting a chunky texture. But to my surprise and delight, this body wash is the perfect blend of the moisturizing properties of a good body wash, and that exfoliating properties of a good scrub. The shea butter works with the salt/minerals to give you a clean and polished feeling. I love this product all year round - in winter it is revitalizing, in summer it's refreshing.

You can use this product with a wash cloth, sponge or loofah. To get the best foamy lather, I recommend either a natural sponge or a sponge cover with fine loofah.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Sally Hansen HD Sweepstakes


High Definition is the new standard for visual and audio entertainment. Now Sally Hansen translates this unrivaled clarity and brilliance into nail color!



July 8, 2009 - September 15, 2009

Sweepstakes Prizes*
One Grand Prize winner will receive a 32inch HD TV
Three 1st Prize winners will receive an iPod Nano
(in high definition colors)
Ten weekly winners receive a Sally Hansen gift bag

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Olay Total Effects Skincare


Total Effects plus SPF 15 Fragrance Free-- Nice, light moisturizer. Love that it is fragrance free! Perfect for those winter days when you need a little something quick.

Total Effects plus Blemish Control-- Fruity-light scent, odd peach color. Does EXACTLY what it says it will! Clears up your skin and makes it look better. Ideal night product for those of us who live in the place where zits meet fine lines! My new favorite.

Total Effects Night Firming Cream-- Thicker, richer, floraly cream. Would be great for winter nights when I'm feeling a bit chapped. Too much for daily use with super-oily skin.

Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream-- Odd scent & color, but makes for lovely eyes! Great firming & bag-reducing effects.

Total Effects Instant Smoothing Serum-- My new second favorite. Perfect for the summer! Moisturizes and refines, but is super light. Goes on smooth, makes my skin happy!


Total Effects Anti-Aging Anti-Blemish Daily Cleanser-- Little scrubby beads and saylic acid make for clean, happy skin. I use it in the morning so feel like the saylic acid will keep me clear all day. I don't know that it does, but I like to think so, and I have no evidence to the contrary.

Total Effects Lathering Cleansing Cloths--la package total! Like a washcloth with all the skin cleaner already in it! They cover a lot of skin, though. Truthfully, I cut them in half before I use them--perfect amount of cleaning, scrubbing, foamyness. Makes my skin feel soft and smooth.


EOS Organic Lip Balm


Smooth Sphere

Lip balm in a little rubbery egg!

The balm itself is smooth, not too heavy, and the mint is like a cool breeze on your lips. Wonderful for hot summer nights!

The orb o'balm inside the egg is easy to apply, though it does feel a bit (ummm) obscene at first. Totally worth it, though!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Maybelline Mineral Power™ Lipcolor in Healthy Rose



Click Here

Part of the mineral phenomenon, this lip stick is super light and smooth. Glides on like a yummy lip balm. Awesome for those who don't like heavy feeling lip color. Color is rosy with a hint of pink. No smell, no fuss. Ideal for low-maintenance girls.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Jess' Bee Natural Lip Balms


I have fallen in love with Jess' lip balm all over again--
1st the Peppermint, now the Lime.

Same wonderful, lip-smoothing balm, now available in

You can even buy a variety pack, or get lip balms with personalized labels.

Jess, you are brilliant!

Jess' Bee Natural: Happy Skin Lotion Bar


Lovely Lotion Bar!

Looks like soap & the man on the moon, then melts in your hands!
I used the unscented, which still smells nice (Sweet Almond Oil).

Feels great once you get the hang of the melting bit.
Great on the legs, especially overnight!

True Blue: Morocco-- Honey & Date Body Yoghurt


I was in love within the first hour after using this Body Yoghurt!

It smells like Baklava, is super thick & creamy, & makes my skin feel ridiculously soft.
My skin stays soft, as if the moisturizer has melted into my hands/arms/legs.

The jar is also cute as can be, simple & a little retro, so I can leave it lying around without being unsightly.

The big problem: I want to eat it!

eos organic lip balm - smooth stick in pomegranate raspberry


This is my favorite lip balm!!!!!! Subtle, subtle scent...no taste. Thin and not waxy or tacky at all.
It's so smooth and I'm tempted to use it on dry patches. I just might. 95% organic, 100% natural organic lip balm. It's packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, eos keeps lips moist. The tube is cool as hell too. It's this weird firm rubber. Love love it!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Mally: Bronze Genius Self Tanning Powder Bronzer


From JenB:

Bronze Genius Self Tanning Powder Bronzer

I tested this on my arm and it seemed like it would be great. I only used this once on my face and it seemed to hard to get good coverage without it looking too fake--I think it would work better on someone with a medium skin tone-I don't think the shade is right for me.

From me (Kate):
You know when they tried to make Natalie Wood look Puerto Rican in West Side Story? This was more obvious on me... On the plus side, I didn't break out! The compact is great, nice formulation, would like to try other products by Mally Beauty, hopefully with better results.