Friday, October 31, 2014

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1.5 stars

COST: $85 for 2 ounces

THE SKINNY: What I did not expect from Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate scrub would be that it was a seaweed green color in the packet.

I also did not expect it to have a strong organic, yet medicinal smell.

Combined, I was not at all impressed.

 It did seem to exfoliate pretty nicely although the formula was a bit too harsh for my sensitive skin. (It was a bit red afterward, but the label warned to use the "gentle" formula on sensitive skin.

But the color and mostly smell, were just hard to overcome. And for something that costs a small fortune, I'll pass on future use.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: It's pricey but well liked with more than 10,000 loves at Sephora.com.

-- Tested by Carrie

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Bvlgari Conditioner

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $45 for 6.76 ounces

THE SKINNY: I love a conditioner that smells great and fights tangles. Bvlgari's conditioner does both.

But I just can't see myself ever paying $45 for it.

The scent is light and fresh -- what you would expect if you have ever used a Bvlgari fragrance -- and does not "stick" in hair too long. It smells great in the shower but is not overpowering after you style hair, so it won't compete with other scents that you might be using.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find this conditioner at department stores or get it direct from Bvlgari. There's also a matching shampoo.

-- Tested by Carrie

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Sephora Green Tea Mask

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1 star

COST: $6 for 1

THE SKINNY: So I quickly decided that paper masks gross me out. Applying this thing is like laying a wet paper towel on your face.

And then leaving it there for 15 minutes.

While it tries to peel off and slide around.

It was in no way soothing or relaxing. It might have done something nice for my skin, but I was too disgusted to notice. No more paper masks for me. I will stick to mud or peel-offs.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Sephora has a whole line of individual paper masks in different formulas, including this one.

-- Tested by Carrie

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit Bath and Shower Gel

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $18.50 for 300ml

THE SKINNY: I confess. I am a sucker for a citrus bath product.

So you can probably guess that I absolutely love Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit Bath and Shower Gel. The super citrus scent is relaxing and refreshing in the bath (which is how I have been using it). The product as doubles as a shower gel.

Fresh is one of my favorite brands as well and this moisturizing power of this product was exactly what I had hoped for. Plus the great smell sticks to skin for a light and refreshing feel for hours.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Learn more about the super citrus combination in this item and buy direct from Fresh.

-- Tested by Carrie

Monday, October 27, 2014

Nailed Kit (Halloween)

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $8

THE SKINNY: I've never really had a lot of luck with nail decals. They always come off after a day or feel too thick and I just pick at them. Or I just make a mess trying to get them to stick in the first place.

Nailed Kit's Halloween Decals are by far the easiest I have used to apply and days later they are still in place. (And I have not picked them off at all.) Plus, the little Jack'o Lantern's are quite cute for this time of year.

The decals come on a small sheet. You have to cut them out to apply. (Make sure to cut them as close as possible.) Then press on to nails and hold with a damp cloth. Cover with a topcoat. And you are done!

The only downside is that there are six of each decal design in the package. So if you want to do all 10 fingers (or toes) with the same design, you will need two packs.

These decals come in a ton of designs and Nailed Kit even has a monthly club.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: The Nailed Kit decals came in a recent PopSugar Must Have box. (I love this monthly box of goodies. This months box also included a pair of Happy Socks, buton London eye pencil (look for that review soon), Isaac Jacobs ohoto frame, Mine Design chalkboard candle, Dean & DeLuca pumpkin spice malt balls and K. Hall Designs olive oil bar soap. You can learn more about Nailed Kit online.

-- Tested by Carrie

Friday, October 24, 2014

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar: Matte in Black Dahlia

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1 star

COST: $18

THE SKINNY: Halloween came early for me this year. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar: Matte in Black Dahlia is a lip color that asks not to be judged by the color in the tube.

But I should have.

This lip product was super dark and no fun to apply. The tube comes with a small brush where you dab a bit of product on it. (This needs to be a super small drop or the black color does not had to red.)

It's difficult to apply and keep from looking messy. The consistency is a bit drippy even.

And it sticks with you. The "tar" formula is almost a stain and the color stays for hours after application (and even attempted removal). It's supposed to have a lot of moisturizers but the sticky goo was too much for me to leave on for any extended period of time.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. Unless you are using it for dress up or typically wear very dark lipstick.

CHECK IT OUT: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar comes in more than 40 shades.

-- Tested by Carrie

Thursday, October 23, 2014

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $9.50

THE SKINNY: Tea tree oil can do wonders for skin if you are not bothered by the smell. The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil is an afforable option that works very well.

The light oil can be applied on skin to relieve irritation, heal blemishes and generally soothe skin. I recently used it to help heal some light scarring from a horrible case of poison ivy and my skin started looking and feeling better almost immediately.

Granted tea tree oil does leave quite a scent behind. I recommend taking a sniff test before purchasing, because the aroma lingers for quite a while.

This oil also does a good job without actually feeling oily. It fades into skin quickly so you don't have to worry about it staining clothes.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find this product online or at stores like Ulta (make sure to look for BOGO deals; they are common for this brand.)

-- Tested by Carrie

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Hikari lipstick

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $13

THE SKINNY: Hikari's lipstick in the shade "cabernet" came in a recent Ipsy bag, and it's one of the driest lipsticks I've tried in a while.

This is billed as a long-lasting matte lipstick, and it is that. It's just not very comfortable on the lips.

The color lasted for several hours, even with multiple coats of Carmex (which didn't help as much as I wanted them to).

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Hikari lipstick is available in six shades.

-- Tested by Shay

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Makeup Forever Rouge Artist lipstick

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4.5 stars

COST: $20

THE SKINNY: Makeup Forever's Rouge Artist is my new favorite lipstick. This uber-creamy formula feels great on my lips. The color lasts an hour or two, but the moisturizing effect lasts most of the day.

I like that this lipstick is easy to apply, too. It glides on but doesn't ooze outside your lip line, like some of the more-buttery lipsticks.

The color, Copper Pink, that came in the birthday month bonus from Sephora this year is my new favorite, too. It's vibrant, but still neutral enough that it looks OK with a lot of the bronze eye shadows I've been wearing of late.

I really must have more of this. It's really not that expensive.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Rouge Artist comes in two formulas: natural and intense. Both formulas come in 51 shades separate.

-- Tested by Shay



Monday, October 20, 2014

Essie Nail Polish (She's Pampered)

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $8.50

THE SKINNY: Every girl needs a go-to red nail polish. She's Pampered from Essie could be just that shade.

The red is bright -- but not obnoxiously so -- and the polish goes on easy and sticks to nails. It's not easy to chip either.

Plus it looked great and had a nice shine for more than a week. What more can you ask for in a polish?

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Essie polishes come in hundreds of shades. And they are giving some away during the month of October.

-- Tested by Carrie

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $33 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: This primer was not at all like what I expected. It's also the first true face primer I have tried.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer is a medium to thin thickness white gel/cream that you apply before foundation to help give it staying power. Unlike a BB cream (what I thought it would be like), this product has no tinting and does not provide additional coverage.

It does contain sunscreen -- a real bonus if your foundation does not -- and is easy to use. It did seem to help hold my powder foundation all day.

The formula was a little too thick for me. I could feel and see a little shininess after application. (But in the winter this will be welcome.) If you have drier skin, this is definitely a bonus.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer gets great reviews on the company website as well; check them out if you are thinking about buying.

-- Tested by Carrie

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Josie Maran Infinity Lip and Cheek Oil

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $18

THE SKINNY: I was not sure what to think of a lip and cheek oil to be quite honest. I have been hot and cold on Josie Maran products as well. But Josie Maran Infinity Lip and Cheek Oil was a pretty nice option -- for lips.

The color was bright (much like the package) and went on and looked a lot like a gloss. You could feel the moisture and I liked the way it looked on. Plus, as far as a lip gloss is concerned, it was not overly sticky.

As a cheek stain, I will pass on future use. It was too thick and creamy for that part of my face. I could feel it on and did not like how much different that part of my face felt.

So I guess I am still hot and cold on this one. Go for it as a lip product, but pass on the cheeks.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Josie Maran Infinity Lip and Cheek Oil comes in six shades, including Limitless Pink (which I tried) at Sephora.

-- Tested by Carrie

Monday, October 13, 2014

Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $5.99

THE SKINNY: It seems like Jergens has a "new" formula every season.This one is better than what I remember from the past.

My skin is already especially dry (and winter is not even close yet) and this little packet was enough to coat my legs and got them feeling better after just one use.

The lotion went on easy and smooth and had a simple, light fragrance. It did not irritate my skin or leave a greasy feel behind.

It was just right, really. And for less than $6 -- plus you can buy it wile picking up groceries -- this seems like a major win.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer at drug and grocery stores everywhere.

-- Tested by Carrie

Friday, October 10, 2014

Buxom Lash Mascara

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $19

THE SKINNY: I was fascinated by the fun little wand inside the mini tube of Buxom Lash Mascara, but it wasn't as great as I had hoped for.

The formula was a little too thick and gooey for my taste. It tried to stick to lashes and stick lases together. It took a little extra work to get nice and even separation.

After that it looked really good and was not flaky.

But I wanted the application to be so much better. There are too many options to fight with your mascara.

KEEP OR TOSS: On the fence. OK as a sample, but I would not buy it.

CHECK IT OUT: Buxom mascaras comes in full and mini sizes at Sephora.

-- Tested by Carrie

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Dr. Jart+ WaterFuse Beauty Balm

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $34

THE SKINNY: I will admit this product scared me big time with the first application.

It goes on VERY light. The color was ghost-like. But it self-adjusts rather quickly to match your skin tone ... almost before I panicked.

After the initial shock, I was quite pleased with Dr. Jart+ WaterFuse Beauty Balm. It want on easy and finishes with a matte look that never got oily or greasy looking during the day.

It was light-feeling on the skin and contains SPF 25 (a must-have).

The only real downside is cost. At $34, this is a pricey item, but you only use a dab or two so you can expect it to last a long time.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Dr. Jart+ WaterFuse Beauty Balm is available from retailers such as Sephora (where this item is also highly rated).

-- Tested by Carrie

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

ybf Perfect Prep Face Primer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $28

THE SKINNY: This is a decent face primer that kept my oily spots at bay and kept my foundation in place for a work day. It has a waxy texture that feels light against the skin.

It does as well as anything else I've tried at filling lines and helping to cover imperfections.

ybf (Your Best Friend) seems to be a small makeup company that touts its "intuitive understanding of today’s modern girlfriend." That doesn't really speak to me.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep, but I wouldn't pay $28 for a full-size version.

CHECK IT OUT: A full-size version comes with a soft-tipped sponge for application application.

-- Tested by Shay

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Drybar Triple Sec

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $25

THE SKINNY: Drybar's Triple Sec promises to amplify, texturize and refresh hair, three things I'm always seeking in hair products.

On my short hair, it does an OK job but it works more like a dry shampoo does than a styling product to amplify and texturize. More than anything, it seems to mattify my hair, which is OK, too.

I've found that on my short, fine hair, Triple Sec works best alone. If I style my hair with products, then add Triple Sec at the end, it's a little too much.

My real complaint is that the nozzle puts out a lot of product, like most dry shampoos, which seems like a waste on my hair. Be careful where you apply it.

It's also scented, sort of a hair product-meets-fruity drink kind of smell, but it's not lingering.

Overall, it's OK. But I'd like more texturizing and amplifying for $25.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Find a how-to video on the Drybar website.

-- Tested by Shay

Monday, October 6, 2014

Napolean Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $45

THE SKINNY: Auto Pilot's primer formula is more creamy than others I've tried, maybe because it also includes chamomile, Vitamin E and other ingredients to help hydrate skin.

It does an OK job of filling lines and keeping foundation and other makeup in place throughout a day. But my face did feel a little greasy throughout the day.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. I don't like the texture.

CHECK IT OUT: There are several variations of Auto Pilot, including a concealing and a brightening primer.

-- Tested by Shay

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Urban Decay Naked Flushed

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $30

THE SKINNY: My skin in naturally pink so I typically stay away from blush, but I tried Urban Decay's new Naked Flushed trio anyway.

The color is soft and nice -- although my pink undertones did shine through. The powder formulas glide on and have some staying power.

This product is everything you would expect from Urban Decay. Sadly, I'm just not a blush girl.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Urban Decay's Naked line of products is one of my favorite. Flushed comes in four color combinations.

-- Tested by Carrie