Ayres Body Butter

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $28 for 6.75 ounces

THE SKINNY: I had never heard of this product or brand when a sample Ayres Body Butter showed up in a recent Glossybox.

But I am glad I tried it. This thick body butter packs a punch against dry skin while going on light and not leaving a lotion "layer behind."

It has a great simple aroma that has a hint of floral to it. (The smell disappears pretty quickly though so it will not overpower your favorite perfume.)

This product is made with a handful of natural ingredients and includes Vitamin E.

The downside? It is really pricey. And I've never seen it in stores.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find the Ayres brand online.

-- Tested by Carrie

Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Palette

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $34

THE SKINNY: Urban Decay celebrates the 20th anniversary of the movie "Pulp Fiction" with this palette, designed to emulate the look of Mia Wallace (played by Uma Thurman). These are pretty and versatile matte shades.

You can dust these neutrals on lightly for a day look (Righteous, a light cream; and Tyranny, a warm brown work best.)

Add more layers and use Anger, the black with just a hint of sparkle, for a more dramatic night look.

Like all Urban Decay eye shadows, the colors go on cleanly, blend easily and last most of the day with primer.

The brush is small, but decent.

If you need new warm neutrals, this is a palette to check out.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Get a rundown of all the colors at the Urban Decay website.

-- Tested by Shay

Elizabeth Mott Tints & Sass

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $22.99

THE SKINNY: Elizabeth Mott's Tints & Sass is one of those lips or cheek stain products that came in a recent Ipsy bag.

It's far too red and far too wet for me use on my cheeks, but I've been happy with it as a lip stain.

This is where the wetness comes in handy because the products glides onto my lips and leaves a decent amount of color. It dries quickly and lasts a few hours.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: According to the Elizabeth Mott website, you can layer this product to get a darker color. I haven't had much luck with that. And does anyone really want red cheeks?

-- Tested by Shay

DIY Sea Salt Spray

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: <$5

THE SKINNY: I came across a recipe for DIY sea salt spray in a magazine. It's been one of the best texturizing sprays I've used, and it's a really simple recipe.

Mix a cup of tap water, 2 tablespoons of sea salt and a drop (or two) of conditioner in a spray bottle. Shake and spray.

I used Kroger's Private Selection Mediterranean Fine Sea Salt ($1.99) and two drops of my best conditioner, Philip B's cream rinse. My fine hair can get dried out when I experiment with new products, so I used two drops of conditioner just to be safe.

The hardest thing about the project has been finding a good spray bottle. (The one I'm currently using cost $1.99 and holds about a half-cup of liquid. My issue is it has a really wide spray pattern, which means I get salt water on everything, including my shoulders, my shoes and the floor.)

I've used this spray daily for about a month now, and my hair is still happy, healthy and moisturized. Plus, the salt spray gives it just enough texture and waves to look beachy.

Apply to damp or dry hair. This is almost as good as jumping in the ocean and better than anything I've bought at the drugstore.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

-- Tested by Shay

Matrix Biolage Hydrasource shampoo and conditioner

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $18 each

THE SKINNY: Matrix Biolage Hydrasource shampoo and conditioner smells wonderfully classic. It's easy to use and rinses clean.

The shampoo itself makes my hair feel like straw when it’s wet and leaves my short hair feeling tangled and tough to comb out. I imagine if I had long hair it would have a lot of knots.

It does leave hair bouncy, moisturized and looking shiny and healthy. But this shampoo and conditioner leaves it too moisturized, so there isn't enough texture to create a style.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. I don’t like the texture when it’s wet or damp. And the knots? Forget it.

CHECK IT OUT: Matrix makes a shampoo, conditioner and hair mask in this line.

-- Tested by Shay

Pür Minerals Big Look Waterproof Mascara

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $20

THE SKINNY: When this came out of a recent Ipsy bag, it looked really clumpy on the brush and out of the tube. My heart sank.

This mascara, made with argan oil, may be a little messy, but it delivers dark, mostly clump-free, rich lashes with a lot of shine. The mascara lasts all day without flaking. My lashes actually look moisturized, too.

For waterproof mascara, it comes off fairly easily with a makeup with or makeup remover.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep, but I'm not sure for how long.

CHECK IT OUT: Layer Pür Minerals Big Look Waterproof Mascara for a more dramatic look.

-- Tested by Shay

Benefit They're Real Push-Up Eye Liner

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $24

THE SKINNY: It made me cringe to spend $24 on an eye liner. But Benefit's They're Real Push-Up Eye Liner isn't just any liner. This gel liquid is the real deal.

It goes on easy -- you do need a steady hand -- and makes eyes look big and bold. It feels like mascara ... in a liner.

It goes on unlike any other eyeliner I have ever tried. The applicator has a flexible rubber tip and the product comes up through it. One click will go all the way across you lids.

This stuff lasts all day and looks like it just went on. It dries exceptionally fast (so you don't end up with smudges) and is waterproof. If you want to try some of the funkier eye liner styles of there (exaggerated cat eyes or just high drama), this is a great solution.

The only downside is that it only comes in black.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Check out Benefit's liner looks and buy online.

-- Tested by Carrie

La Fresh Instant Body Soother Wipes

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $9.99 for 24

THE SKINNY: After a long run, I am gross. Plain and simple. So gross that I don't even want to climb back in the car. Enter body wipes.

La Fresh Instant Body Soother Wipes are some of the ... um, well ... freshest wipes I have tried. The cooling wipes have a wonderful peppermint fragrance that smells and feels clean.

The wipes are designed to soothe skin with six oils and are part of the brand's eco-beauty line, meaning the wipes are biodegradable, compostable and made with solar energy practices. So you will feel good and feel good about using this product.

I also especially like that you can buy these wipes in a pack of 24 or pack of 18 individually-wrapped wipes (great for keeping in the car).

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: La Fresh has an impressive line of wipes for almost any situation. Save 15% off your order with code GOLAFRESH15.

-- Tested by Carrie

bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4.5 stars

COST: $18

THE SKINNY: I am always a little mixed on whether I actually like cream eye shadows or not. The staying power is nice, but the feel is typically too thick.

Problem solved with bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow! I love this stuff. It is a cream but is super light. And then has the feel and finish of a powder shadow. (The best of both worlds.) It works great alone (darker hues) or as a layering shadow (lighter hues).

The product is new and only has 10 colors right now, but I am seriously hoping for more. The shadow is different in that it is a BB cream base -- no primer needed here -- and contains sunscreen. bareMinerals also claims this product contains FIVE benefits:

• 12-hour long-wearing color
• Supercharged primer
• Powerful brightening benefits
• Smooths appearance of fine lines
• Protects with SPF 15

I can vouch for three of them -- long-wearing, great primer and brightening. (We'll just have to take their word on the other two.)

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep!

CHECK IT OUT: Buy from Sephora, Ulta or direct from bareMinerals.

-- Tested by Carrie

Lorac Lip Lustre Gloss in Ruby

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $15

THE SKINNY: If you're looking for a red lipstick that isn't too scary and won't dry out your lips, try Lorac Lip Lustre Gloss in Ruby.

The color is a deeper red that goes well with my fair skin. The gloss is thick, stays in place and moisturizes.

Lip Lustre Gloss is shimmery and a little sparkly, which makes the color feel special.

Additionally, it's made with fruity antioxidants and Vitamins A, C and E, according to the Lorac website.

The color lasts a few hours and then fades away. This lipgloss comes with a brush applicator, which you really need given how thick it is.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. I love it.

CHECK IT OUT: Lorac Lip Lustre Gloss comes in red and four other colors.

-- Tested by Shay

Ban Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4.5 stars

COST: $3.29 for 10 wipes

THE SKINNY: I play tennis pretty regularly at lunch, and if I can't get in a quick shower afterward, I rely on Ban Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths to clean up.

Unless you have uber sensitive skin, don't read the ingredients. The list reads like a mad scientists' concoction of various alcohols and other chemicals. But these wipes really do work and leave me feeling refreshed and able to return to work.

They take away sweat, cool hot skin, erase redness and leave behind an almost-showered scent. They don't leave my skin sticky or dry or irritated.

My only compliant is that the cloths aren't bigger. They're the same size as a makeup wipe, which can be a little awkward trying to wipe down larger areas. Luckily, they're a little damper than the average makeup wipe, so they do get the job done.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths are available in three formulas (enliven, invigorate and restore). I don't notice much of a difference among them.

-- Tested by Shay

Lancer Eye Contour Lifting Cream

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4.5 stars

COST: $95 for a half-ounce

THE SKINNY: Lancer Eye Contour Lifting Cream is one of the best eye creams I've tried. The lotion is thick, creamy and cooling, and it feels wonderful against that sensitive skin around my eyes.

I saw immediate results. No dark circles. No hint of tired. I've been using it twice a day, for the most part. I can really tell a difference on the days I don't use it.

If only the cream wasn't so expensive.

Lancer uses a blend of reflective elements, caffeine and something called a "collagen-boosting peptide system." Whatever it is, it really works. I will be a sad girl when the sample runs out.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. I love this stuff.

CHECK IT OUT: Lancer has a whole line of skin care products available at high-end department stores. All are expensive.

-- Tested by Shay

Skinn Olive & Enzyme Cleanser

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $24 for 4 ounces

THE SKINNY: Skinn's Olive & Enzyme Cleanser suffers from an identity crisis.

It's a makeup remover, a cleanser and a mask. And it doesn't do a great job with any of those tasks.

Billed as a "water-free, super-rich, night-time cleansing balm," this soap is thick and gooey. It dissolves if you mix it with water, so don't expect any bubbles or froth.

It goes on thick like a mask, but never really dries on your skin. When I rinsed it off, my skin felt a little oily and not very clean. It didn't do much to remove mascara.

Really, the only good thing about this soap is the scent, which smells like an Orange Creamsicle.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. I think this made my chin break out, too.

CHECK IT OUT: Find a full list of ingredients on the Skinn website.

-- Tested by Shay

Aqua Spa Relax Body Cream

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $9.99 for 12 ounces

THE SKINNY: Little travel-sized lotions are one of my favorite things. Aqua Spa Relax Body Cream is a nice option for your bag.

The thick little lotion has a nice lavender fragrance, goes on smooth and easy and really moisturizes skin. This product claims to help improve skin over time and is made in the USA -- both bonuses!

For a relatively easy to find, inexpensive options with a luxurious feel, Aqua Spa is a good option.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can order this right from Aqua Spa or find it at discount retailers (there's a list on the website.)

-- Tested by Carrie

Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $5.79 each

THE SKINNY: Don't you love it when companies make up words to describe what their products do? Dove uses "Oxyfusion Technology" to describe it's new Oxygen Moisture hair care line.

Translation: the shampoo and conditioner help moisturize and add volume to fine hair.

I have that kind of hair, and I've been pleased with the Oxygen Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner. It did leave my hair a little bouncy and a little soft.

This shampoo is thick, like all Dove shampoos tend to be. The smell is nice. And neither the shampoo nor the conditioner is heavy.

For me, this is a great improvement from the regular Dove hair care products, which generally left my hair limp and dull.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. It's a decent product.

CHECK IT OUT: Dove Oxygen Moisture also makes a leave-in conditioning foam and a root lifter.

-- Tested by Shay

Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $8.99 for 4.2 ounces

THE SKINNY: Most days, with the right product, my hair will fall into perfectly beachy waves. Marc Anthony's Dream Waves Beach Spray did not quite get my hair to that point.

It added a little wave, but mostly just fell flat. (Maybe if you have a little more natural curl or shorter hair, it would hold up better.)

The spray goes on light and does not leave behind any of that scrunchy feeling.

What I did like about this spray is the perfectly beachy smell. All day long I caught hints of coconut and pina-coloda. Great for a day at the beach (and this stuff contains UV protectors) ... not so great if you go through a traffic stop.

I'm not sure this will make its way into my normal rotation but because it does have some sun protection in it, I'll likely use it for a day at the pool. So it's not a total loss.

KEEP OR TOSS: I am keeping it ... for now.

CHECK IT OUT: You can learn more about the Beach Waves line and find this item at Ulta.

-- Tested by Carrie

Hey Honey Take It Off!

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $35

THE SKINNY: The Hey Honey Take It Off! Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask left my skin feeling soft and radiant. Yay for honey extract.

But that's where the good review ends.

This peel-off mask is incredibly hard to peel off. The mask itself is clear and runny, and the instructions say to apply a thin coating (over a light coating of moisturizer) to your face.

I ended up removing it off with warm water and a wash cloth. That works fine, but because the product is clear it's difficult to tell if you've actually gotten all the mask off your skin.

I don't understand the logic of applying a peel-off mask over moisturizer. Isn't that a waste of moisturizer? Why not make a thicker mask that's easier to peel off?

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. This mask is good for my skin, but the process stresses me out.

CHECK IT OUT: Learn more about Hey Honey at the company's website.

-- Tested by Shay

bareMinerals Lash Domination Mascara

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4.5 stars

COST: $18

THE SKINNY: bareMinerals Lash Domination Mascara is my new favorite mascara. It goes on easy, stays all day and layers beautifully for day or night.

It has this fun little curved brush that catches every-freaking lash! And then coats them evenly for longer, thicker looking lashes. (The special brush, called ProTwist180 is even trademarked.)

I like this stuff so much bareMinerals should really think of paying me commission for every person I have told about this mascara. And at $18, you don't even mind paying for it.

The mascara wears great without flaking or drying out my eyes. The only con I have found is that it is only available in one color -- black.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Go fill your cart with this item and look for other bareMinerals goodies in the sale shop.

-- Tested by Carrie

You Smell Lemon Verbena Aloe Wet Wipes

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $5 for 12

THE SKINNY: The powerful little wipes are great for when you smell. You Smell Lemon Verbena Aloe Wet Wipes are nice-sized towelettes that help you feel a little fresher after a workout or any time you just need to freshen up.

I used one after a run and the light lemon scent was clean while the wipe did not leave me feeling sticky or with overly-dried skin. (I was actually surprised at home much I love these little things.)

These wipes are also great on skin because they don't contain alcohol and the cloth used is soft. Each box comes with 12 wipes that are individually wrapped for easy use and so they won't dry out over time.

Plus this little box is a steal for only $5. I have found my new running partner for sure. (And I can't wait to try the Honeydew Mint wipes next.)

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. What a steal!

CHECK IT OUT: You can find these wipes and other scents from the You Smell line online. Mine came in a recent Pop Sugar Must Have box (highly recommended).

-- Tested by Carrie

NYX Butter Gloss

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $5

THE SKINNY: Ispy sent a full-size tube of NYX's Butter Gloss lip gloss in a recent bag. (Ipsy sends a lot of NYX products, which are generally hit or miss for me.)

Butter Gloss is a rich, creamy lip gloss that does feel good on your lips.

My only real issue with the product is that the gloss doesn't last long, even for gloss, on your lips. I felt it had disappeared by the time I left for work.

NXY promotes this product as a sweetly scented gloss. I didn't really notice a scent, so it's not that scented.

My sample came in a light pink color called Eclair, which looks horrible on me.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. This pink is too pale for me.

CHECK IT OUT: NYX Butter Gloss comes in 22 colors. I'm sure I could find a color that looks great on me if I tried.

-- Tested by Shay

Laura Geller Italian Marble Lipstick

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $18

THE SKINNY: I didn't notice the first few times I used this lipstick, but the color really is lightly marbled. This one from the Laura Geller line mixes light and dark shades, and it really does create an element of depth and richness on my lips.

This is easily one of the creamiest and most comfortable lipsticks I've tried. (I'm a gloss girl, normally.) The color isn't overwhelming and stays in place while keeping my lips moist and feeling pampered.

The color, Sugared Maple, is dark enough to be interesting but light enough for everyday wear. It has nice hints of bronze, also, which I'm always pining for in summer. This is a great color to compliment peach and amber eye shadows.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Laura Geller Italian Marble Lipstick comes in nine colors.

-- Tested by Shay