Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Julep Orbital Eye Shadow (Supernova)

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $18

THE SKINNY: I know what I'll be wearing when the ball drops tonight -- the new Julep Orbital Eye Shadow in Supernova.

This new eyeshadow from Julep is a great color (how can you go wrong with purple) and is full of great little blue flecks that reflect light beautifully.

The color was very much what you would expect when you open the container, lasted all day and garnered a few compliments.

Use it as a liner shadow for day or full on smoky eye for a special event, such as New Year's Eve. Want more drama? Use this shadow wet for a super look.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: The new Julep eyeshadow line comes in six shades.

-- Tested by Carrie

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

DermaDoctor KP Duty Body Scrub

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $46 for 16 ounces

THE SKINNY: DermaDoctor KP Duty Body Scrub works like any other body scrub. It was hard to rank it in any way other than average because nothing about it really stood out at all.

And then I saw that price. That really stood out for a product that did not enthrall me.

What's supposed to be different about this product, according to the manufacturer is that the "dual-action exfoliator combines the benefits of a chemical peel and a microdermabrasion into a single, easy-to-use formulation"

I just don't know. Honestly, all I can see is that price tag.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find this and other DermaDoctor products at retailers such as Sephora.

-- Tested by Carrie

Monday, December 29, 2014

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $50 for 16.9 ounces

THE SKINNY: I was not sure what to expect from a shower oil, but with the L'Occitane name on it I knew it would be good. And it was.

The oil transformed into a thick, rich soapy later when it hit my wet skin. It cleaned and made every inch of me feel soft and smooth.

Plus this shower oil smells just as good as the body oil from the same line. I might be in love with almond products this winter!

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Learn more about this sweet smelling line from L'Occitane.

-- Tested by Carrie

Friday, December 26, 2014

Surface Taffy Whip


RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $18 for 4 ounces

THE SKINNY: I was introduced to this product by chance. My stylist used it during a recent visit to the salon and I was sold the minute I smelled the stuff.

Then when she explained that Surface Taffy Whip is made by a fairly small, family owned business, I bought some and have been very happy ever since.

The thick cream goes on -- just a super, itty-bitty, tiny dab -- dry hair to hold your style. And it is the best thing I have ever tried in terms of keep winter static away.

The product line is made for color-treated hair (yay!) and everything is made with sustainable harvested ingredients and certified organic botanicals. So you can feel good about using this products from the Surface line.

Plus this stuff is made for practically any hair type -- straight or curly, men or women, long or short ... you name it. And it smells like a bakery. Seriously.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Learn more about Surface, which is available at salons.

-- Tested by Carrie

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays from Beauty Test Dummies

We wish you all this best in this holiday season and in the upcoming year!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

So Susan Cosmetics Universal Blush

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $27.95

THE SKINNY: Although So Susan Cosmetics is a brand I had never heard of, I was fairly impressed with my first product, universal Blush.

The blush is a pinkish color (as you might expect) but has lots of tiny little shiny flecks throughout. Just a dab on my cheeks added nice color without being too much. The overall look was slightly flushed and "healthy."

The product is designed to work with almost any skin tone -- I am pretty light -- and is OK for sensitive skin.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find this blush and more from So Susan Cosmetics.

-- Tested by Carrie

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $42 for 3.4 ounces

THE SKINNY: I am not a big fan of oils in general. They tend to leave a little too much mess behind.

L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil is different. The almond oil goes on smooth, soaks in quickly and leaves skin feeling pretty amazing. (Especially in the winter time.)

And the smell ... that's really what had me hooked. The almond aroma is fresh and nice. I kept catching whiffs of it all day.

This stuff is packed with skin goodness, too -- almond oil, omega 6 and camelina oil, which is rich in omega 3. My small bottle did not have a spray top but the larger sizes do.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Buy direct from L'Occitane, and make sure to look for special offers.

-- Tested by Carrie

Monday, December 22, 2014

Vince Camuto Amore Eau De Parfum

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $78 for 3.4 ounces

THE SKINNY: With the big flower on the package, I was quite skeptical of Vince Camuto Amore Eau De Parfum. But I was pleasantly surprised.

The fragrance was feminine and light but not too flowery.

From the manufacturer: "Our newest scent is inspired by undying passion and romance. Be the woman you wish in this sweet and tantalizing perfume. Fruity top notes mix with the organic smell of freshly picked flowers"

That description seems a little over the top, but the fragrance works for a day at work without being overwhelming. One downside is that the fragrance does not seem to stick around all that long.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: This limited editor fragrance will only be around for a short time from Vince Camuto.

-- Tested by Carrie

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Dark Circle Minimizer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $41

THE SKINNY: I'll admit I'm not a big Origins fan because I find their products always seem a little, well, dingy, for lack of a better word. Mega-Bright is no exception.

The yellowish lotion quickly turned gloopy and gritty. And while it was OK as a moisturizer, it didn't really do much to brighten or soothe dark circles under my eyes. (With two puppies in the house, I have a lot of dark-circle mornings.)

Meh.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Origins' Mega-Bright line includes a serum, cleanser and moisturizer.

-- Tested by Shay


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Kate Somerville Restor8

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $165 for 1 ounce

THE SKINNY: Wow. Products such as Kate Somerville's Restor8 serum are the real reason samples were invented. We get to play around with a product most of us could never afford.

Restor8 is a thick and creamy serum that made my face feel nice and soft and gave it a bit of extra glow. This is a little thicker than I normally like for a daytime moisturizer, but it's perfect for night.

The serum targets eight signs of aging, evens out skin tone and plumps up dull skin.

I was impressed, and then I choked when I saw the price.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: If you have the money for this, Kate Somerville offers an auto-replenish option.

-- Tested by Shay

Monday, December 15, 2014

Clean Cool Cotton

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: Starting at $20 for a rollerball

THE SKINNY: Clean's Cool Cotton fragrance is a light, fruity scent that would probably be better as an air freshener than a perfume.

The top notes are orange, apple and lemon, and it's almost an off-putting combination.

Luckily, the scent doesn't overpower and fades fairly quickly.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. It's not for me and probably not for winter, either.

CHECK IT OUT: Explore all the sizes available at the Clean website.

-- Tested by Shay

Friday, December 12, 2014

12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $20 for 6 ounces

THE SKINNY: I had never heard of the 12 Benefits line of products until I got this little bottle in a recent Glossybox. But 12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment is a keeper.

This leave-in goes on wet hair before styling to help correct damage and protect your hair (including color!).

The 12 benefits include: Seal hair color, smooth frizz, repair damage, prevent split ends, moisturize dry hair, strengthen fragile hair, prevent flat iron damage, prevent chlorine, wind and sun damage, add shine, softness and a silky finish, protect hair from blow-drying , improve detangling and manageability and keep hair youthful.


I can't attest to them all but I love that this product fights the frizzies and winter static. That alone makes it a great find in my book!
Seal hair color + Smooth frizz + Repair damage + Prevent split ends + Moisturize dry hair + Strengthen fragile hair + Prevent flat iron damage + Prevent chlorine, wind & sun damage + Add shine, softness and a silky finish + Protect hair from blow-drying + Improve detangling & manageability + Keep hair youthful - See more at: http://12benefits.com/instant-healthy-hair-treatment/#sthash.ZzzGd9Di.dpuf
Seal hair color + Smooth frizz + Repair damage + Prevent split ends + Moisturize dry hair + Strengthen fragile hair + Prevent flat iron damage + Prevent chlorine, wind & sun damage + Add shine, softness and a silky finish + Protect hair from blow-drying + Improve detangling & manageability + Keep hair youthful - See more at: http://12benefits.com/instant-healthy-hair-treatment/#sthash.ZzzGd9Di.dpuf
Seal hair color + Smooth frizz + Repair damage + Prevent split ends + Moisturize dry hair + Strengthen fragile hair + Prevent flat iron damage + Prevent chlorine, wind & sun damage + Add shine, softness and a silky finish + Protect hair from blow-drying + Improve detangling & manageability + Keep hair youthful - See more at: http://12benefits.com/instant-healthy-hair-treatment/#sthash.ZzzGd9Di.dpuf

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Learn more about this brand if it's new to you (it was for me).

-- Tested by Carrie

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $60 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: Vitamin C products seem to be something your skin will either love or hate. I like them a lot and Murad Essential-C Day Moisture was no exception.

The cream went on easy and kept my skin soft while protecting from the sun. (A product with sunscreen is a must!)

The only real problem with this product for me is the price in comparison to other moisturizers. This one is expensive. The Murad brand is good but it can be tough to drop that kind of money on just a cleanser.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: This is part of the multi-step Murad Essential C line. We reviewed the cleanser as well. You can buy from Murad (look for a free gift) or retailers such as Ulta or Sephora.

-- Tested by Carrie

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Laura Geller Spackle Supercharged

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $30

THE SKINNY: There's a disconnect here.

To me, spackle is thick. It needs to be to cover nail holes and other imperfections on a wall, right?

I had the same hope for Laura Geller Spackle Supercharged, that the primer would go waxy thick and cover fine lines and other imperfections on my face.

Instead, Spackle Supercharged is wet and goes on like a lotion. It provided some coverage, but not the "ready-for-closeup" coverage I wanted.

The so-called "supercharge" for this primer is more ingredients to soothe aging skin. But when I use a lotion or a serum to do that, it's not something I need from a primer.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Laura Geller suggests that you can wear this primer without makeup for a "fresh" look.

-- Tested by Shay

Monday, December 8, 2014

Chanel Le Lift Anti-Wrinkle Creme

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $165 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: Every Chanel product has been as good as you would expect. Too bad I just can't afford to use this brand regularly.

Chanel Le Lift Anti-Wrinkle Creme felt great on skin. It was so incredibly silky and smooth and made my skin feel the exact same way.

According to Chanel, "this soft, creamy and comforting formula features exclusive ingredient 3.5-DA* to deliver targeted anti-aging benefits — for a visibly recontoured, toned and refined complexion."

I can't attest to that because the sample was so small and I think you really would have to use it for a while to see this type of result.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. (I'd really like more.)

CHECK IT OUT: Ask for this for the holidays if you are like me and just not willing to spend mega bucks on a skin cream.

-- Tested by Carrie

Friday, December 5, 2014

derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1 star

COST: $32.50

THE SKINNY: This exfloliator is very rough and very floral. I used it a few times and each time it irritated my eyes.

Like most exfoliators, you massage derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub onto your skin once or twice a week and rinse. The grit, in this case Dead Sea salt and volcanic sand, buffs away the duller surface cells and helps absorb oil.

It did leave my skin softer and smoother, but it also left my eyes watering and red.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: This product is vegan and free from nearly everything -- cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, glycol-free, lanolin-free, gluten free and GMO-free.

-- Tested by Shay

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Demeter Pixie Dust Roll On Perfume Oil

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1 star

COST: $2.50 for a sample, $25 for 4 ounces

THE SKINNY: If this is what pixie dust smells like, Tinker Bell can keep it to herself.

At the same time, this is exactly what I imagine Tinker Bell to smell like -- candy sweet.

This really isn't perfume for anyone over the age of 6. It came in a recent Ipsy bag, which is a little disappointing.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Somehow, Pixie Dust Roll On Perfume Oil is in the "top 30" of Demeter's scents.

-- Tested by Shay

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Elizabeth Mott You're So FINE Eyeliner in Glitterati

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $17.99

THE SKINNY: One look at the built-in brush for this eyeliner, and I expected the worst. This fine-point brush is not my friend, and I usually find it to be difficult to use and slightly painful during the experimentation stage.

But Elizabeth Mott's You're So FINE Eyeliner surprised me. The brush is a little softer than normal, and it's not as difficult to use.

The eyeliner goes on smoothly, albeit a little thick. Because it's a wet eyeliner that dries quickly, it's a little hard to blend or smudge with a makeup brush. But with some practice, I can get a decent line out of it.

I love the color, which is a glossy black with little flecks of silver glitter. It's not enough that you look like a teenager, but it is enough to be interesting.

This liner is waterproof and lasts all day.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. I'm getting good with the brush.

CHECK IT OUT: Elizabeth Mott You're So FINE Eyeliner is only available in black or Glitterati.

-- Tested by Shay

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

J. Cat Beauty Wonder Lip Paint

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1 star

COST: $4.99

THE SKINNY: I haven't been a fan of the J. Cat Beauty products that occasionally show up in my Ipsy bag. This one is one to toss immediately as well.

Wonder Lip Paint is runny and smudges easily. It's difficult to use and smells a little funny.

It's not quite a stain and not quite a gloss. Because of that, it never quite dries on the lips.

KEEP OR TOSS: Ick. Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: J. Cat Beauty Wonder Lip Paint comes in 15 shades, including turquoise and green. That should tell you all you need to know.

-- Tested by Shay

Monday, December 1, 2014

BlowPro Blow Up Thickening Mist

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $21

THE SKINNY: BlowPro Blow Up Thickening Mist isn't a miracle spray that gives my fine hair amazing volume. But it is a light spray that's easy to use and gives my hair a little help.

And at the end of the day, that's the best we fine-haired girls can ask for -- a little help that's not sticky or tacky or wreaks havoc on our hair or scalp.

I get decent bounce from Blow Up that lasts for most of the day.

The spray itself smells a little on the chemical side, but it's tolerable for the short time you actually smell it.

Spray Blow Up onto damp hair and style as usual. The spray uses rice and milk proteins to strengthen and restore your hair.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. I've gotten consistent results from this thickener.

CHECK IT OUT: BlowPro offers seven products in the Blow Up line, including a traditional and a dry shampoo.

-- Tested by Shay