Thursday, March 12, 2015

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $22 for a rollerball

THE SKINNY: I have to giggle when I read Sephora's description of Elizabeth and James' Nirvana Black, brought to you by Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen.

"Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black is an addictive blend of alluring violet, sensual sandalwood, and rich vanilla that strike the perfect balance between masculine and feminine," according to the Sephora website.

To me, it's none of those things. Instead, it reminds me of the heavy incense used in Catholic churches during the high holidays.

That's really not a scent I want to wear -- heavy and sweet.

On a good note, the scent lingered for a whole workday.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. This one isn't for me.

CHECK IT OUT: See all the bottle sizes available at the Sephora site.

-- Tested by Shay

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Eye Cream

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $32

THE SKINNY: This is creamy goodness for your eyes.

First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Eye Cream is designed to smooth, firm, brighten and nourish the skin while adding subtle glow to the under-eye area. It does all that and more. In the few weeks I've been using it, twice a day, I've seen a noticeable reduction in the dark circles and other signs of tiredness under my eyes. (And it's not from getting a decent night's sleep.)

This cream feels great on my skin and soaks in quickly.

My only real complaint is the packaging, which I apparently wasn't smart enough to understand. The tip of the container was sealed, and the only way to open it seemed to be to hack at it with a pair of scissors. There wasn't a "cut here" mark, so I have a little tiny opening through which I have to coax the product.

Luckily, you don't need a lot of this cream at one time, so it's tolerable.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. This is a new favorite of mine.

CHECK IT OUT: This gets great reviews across the board on the First Aid Beauty website.

-- Tested by Shay

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Tarte Lipsurgence Skintuitive Lip Tint and Lip Gloss

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $24 each for full sizes

THE SKINNY: This was one of those random "special offer" items I put into my online Sephora shopping cart to reach the free shipping threshold. The two products are sample sized and sold together.

Tarte's Lipsurgence Skintuitive lip products are supposed to change color, in this case various shades of pink, based on your skin's pH. Mine is sort of a pale magenta pink. The color is kind of meh, mostly because I'm not a loves-pink girl. But I do like the way the products feel on my lips.

The "tint" version is sort of a lip crayon with a Chapstick consistency. It's moisturizing and lasts about as long as my Carmex does. It is a little fragile, though. I've broken off the tip when it gets too warm in my bag and had to smush it back into place.

The "gloss version" is a gooey gloss that leaves a generous coating on my lips and really helped with the late-winter dryness.

So, product great. Color OK. At least it wasn't a really obnoxious pink, right?

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Tarte Lipsurgence Skintuitive Lip Tint has a lot of moisturizing ingredients in it. Find a complete list online.

-- Tested by Shay


Monday, March 9, 2015

Gucci Guilty Diamond

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $80 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: Proving that you can’t judge a fragrance by its name, Gucci Guilty Diamonds is a medium-bodied spicy powdery scent that’s not too floral interesting enough to make me take notice.

Do I love it? No. But I was surprised that I like it.

The notes are lilac, cardamom and pink pepper (How a colored pepper is supposed to smell, I don’t know). The pink pepper adds the spice that I like in the scent and tones down the floral notes.

KEEP OR TOSS: This one is a toss up for me. I like the scent but I don’t know that I would wear it every day.

CHECK IT OUT: The Gucci Guilty Diamond bottle comes with a sparkly “G,” of course.

-- Tested by Shay


Tuesday, March 3, 2015

L'Occitane Bonne Mere Soap (Milk)

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $7 for one bar

THE SKINNY: I love a shower experience that leaves me feeling calm, relaxed and just a little pampered.

L'Occitane Bonne Mere Soap (I used "Milk") fits the bill.

The creamy soap glides on and just makes skin feel soft and refreshed. It has a simple, light aroma and is ideal for every day use.

It comes in three scents and seems to be a better option for skin -- and the environment with L'Occitane's RSPO-certified pal oil.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Opt for L'Occitane's Bonne Mere Soap if you want to feel pampered or get a great spa-style gift for a friend.

-- Tested by Carrie

Monday, March 2, 2015

Shaveworks The Cool Fix Gel

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $25 for 5.3 ounces

THE SKINNY: So I used this stuff for a week and never really figured it out. The Cool Fix by Shaveworks is supposed to sooth skin after shaving to waxing and reduce redness and ingrown hairs.

I just did not see any results. And I felt like I was just adding on way too many products. (On days I shave my legs, lotion is a necessity.)

I did not notice a reduction in ingrown hairs either. I'm just not finding a benefit here.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Sephora shoppers seem to like Shaveworks The Cool Fix Gel. Maybe it works better with waxing than shaving?

-- Tested by Carrie

Friday, February 27, 2015

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser


RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $75 for 4.1 ounces

THE SKINNY: I didn't really think anything about Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser. It was very average.

And then I saw the price tag -- $75 for a cleanser! I had to be missing something, right?

From the manufacturer: "This gentle exfoliating cleansing treatment acts as a 4-in-1 product to thoroughly cleanse and improve glow while purifying, minimizing the appearance of pores and helping to protect the skin’s natural hydration balance. Free of soaps, alcohols and detergents, this cleanser clarifies with fresh enzymes, clays and essential oils, while microspherical beads polish the skin and reduce appearance of blackheads – all without stripping the skin of moisture."

Maybe I just did not get all that from a little packet. I have been a lot happier with $20 options. (Plus this one also seems a little difficult to find.)

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep, but I won't buy.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser and more from the brand online.

-- Tested by Carrie

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Chloe Love Story

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $75 for 1 ounce

THE SKINNY: Chloe Love Story is very classic scent that’s not for me. It reminds me of a fresh cut bouquet with some roses in it, even though the official notes include orange blossom oil, jasmine and cedar wood.

This is a heavy scent that lingers in your nostrils, so a little dab will go a long way.

KEEP OR TOSS: I like perfumes with citrus or woodsy scents, so this much floral isn’t for me.

CHECK IT OUT: Love Story's bottle design is based on the locks used throughout the Chloe brand.

-- Tested by Shay

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Tarte Fresh Eyes Maracuja Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Wipes

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $12 for 30 wipes

THE SKINNY: My eyes water in cold weather, so I typically wear a waterproof mascara during the winter. It can be a pain to take off, and most makeup wipes take a little elbow grease to get all the mascara off my lashes.

 Tarte’s Fresh Eyes Maracuja wipes take a lot less scrubbing and the oils leave the skin around my eyes feeling moisturized instead of sandblasted by cleanser. I’ve been impressed with how well they work — much like using a the perfect amount of liquid makeup remover.

These wipes are about two-thirds the size of a normal face wipe. They’re damp but not dripping wet.

Even better, they contain fruit extracts to help brighten the skin around the eyes. Who doesn’t need that?

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep

CHECK IT OUT: Tarte Fresh Eyes Maracuja Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Wipes are biodegradable, too.

-- Tested by Shay

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Tory Burch

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $28 for a rollerball

THE SKINNY: You know those "find your perfect scent" tools or quizzes you can fill out? When I do one, Tory Burch's fragrance always appears at the top of the perfume list that's generated.

I didn't like it, although you'd think otherwise if you look at the list of scents that blend together to make Tory Burch's signature fragrance.

Orange blossom. Grapefruit. Jasmine. All of my favorites.

But I found this perfume to be overly sweet in an almost turn-my-stomach sort of way. Instead of citrus, the tone is much more flowery.

It was a disappointing experience for me.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. I love the idea of this perfume, but not the actual scent.

CHECK IT OUT: If you do like Tory Burch, it comes in perfume, lotion and shower gel.

-- Tested by Shay

Monday, February 23, 2015

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $25 for 8 ounces

THE SKINNY: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner did amazing things to my hair over the three days the sample lasted.

It turned my fine, don't-like-to-hold-a-style locks into healthy, voluminous, bouncy hair. Several people asked me if I'd gotten a trim and a new style.

It didn't matter if I paired the shampoo and conditioner with Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Hairspray or not. I got the same incredible result.

But I could only give this product 3.5 stars because it's harsh on my fine hair, making it feel stiff and brittle when it was wet. The conditioner was a requirement, not a bonus, to make my hair feel soft and almost normal again.

It makes me worry about the long-term effects of using this duo day in and day out.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep, but I wouldn't use this product more than once or twice a week.

CHECK IT OUT: Bumble and Bumble's thickening line includes the hairspray and a leave-in conditioner.

-- Tested by Shay

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Fresh Sugar Lemon Sugarbath

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $38 for 6.35 ounces

THE SKINNY: All you need are two little cubes from this jar to float away to total bath relaxation.

Fresh Sugar Lemon Sugarbath includes a fizzy experience with a citrus smell that is clean, energizing and invigorating.

A good soak with these in the water is seriously all you need to melt away a day of stress. (And I am a sucker for citrus bath products.)

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Fresh Sugar Lemon Sugarbath is part of the Sugar Lemon line -- now I want to try the fragrance -- that you can find online and from retailers such as Sephora.

-- Tested by Carrie

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Cailyn Just Mineral Eye Polish

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $15

THE SKINNY: Cailyn Just Mineral Eye Polish is an interesting take on a loose, mineral eye shadow. The bottle comes with its own sponge applicator for the shadow, which is easy to apply when the bottle is full and gets less easy and the bottle grows empty.

The brush is nice and firm and easy to use.

The shadow itself -- mine is in a pale neutral pink called "orchid" -- is decent. It goes on thick enough to stay put for a few hours with primer, and it's easy to blend. it has pearl finish, so just enough sparkle to be interesting.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. The pale color is just enough for a weekend look.

CHECK IT OUT: Cailyn Just Mineral Eye Polish comes in a whopping 40 colors.

-- Tested by Shay

Monday, February 16, 2015

Davines MoMo Shampoo and Conditioner

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $25 for the shampoo, $29 for the conditioner

THE SKINNY: Davines' MoMo shampoo and conditioner is made for dry and damaged hair and meant to be low-foam so it rinses away cleanly.

My hair isn't normally dry or damaged, but it still loved this shampoo and conditioner. Both left my fine hair silky smooth and shiny.

My hair was soft but still manageable. And I especially enjoyed the smell which was a luxurious cross between a vanilla and a peppermint.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. I used the whole sample over the course of a few weeks.

CHECK IT OUT: The MoMo line includes a shampoo, a conditioner and a hair potion (leave-in conditioner).

-- Tested by Shay



Friday, February 13, 2015

L'Occitane Divine Eyes

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $76

THE SKINNY: Like all L'Occitane products I've used, Divine Eyes is rich and creamy goodness.

The gel is designed to smooth fine lines and firm sensitive skin around your eyes. It's so soothing that I don't mind it doesn't fight dark circles.

After a few uses, I can already see the skin around my eyes plumping up and those little lines and wrinkles looking less noticeable. Plus, the gel lotion just feels good on my skin.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: L'Occitane recommends using Divine Eyes morning and night.

-- Tested by Shay

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Aussie Sun-Touched Shine Spray

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $3.49

THE SKINNY: Aussie recently changed the name of this product to "You Can Shine." Regardless, this hair spray offers flexible hold and a little bit of shine.

It does a decent job on my fine hair, which often has trouble holding any kind of style. It doesn't leave my hair feeling sticky or crunchy.

This gets a lower score because of two issues.

1. I expected a little more shine, especially on my dirty blonde hair.

2. After a few weeks on the bathroom shelf, the hairspray did start showering me with little droplets of product -- maybe that's the shine part.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. It does a decent job of helping my hair hold its style.

CHECK IT OUT: Aussie's You Can Shine line includes shampoo, conditioner and styling products.

-- Tested by Shay


Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleanser

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $34 for 4 ounces

THE SKINNY: Even though "gelee" was on the package, I did not expect Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleanser to actually look and feel like jelly.

But that did not last long. As I rubbed the cleanser in my hands, it turned to more of a thick foam wash.

And it smelled so clean -- a great citrus sent -- that I am not sure I would have even noticed if it left makeup behind. Though I am pretty sure it removed almost every trace of foundation, shadow and mascara from the day.

As with the rest of the Pure Truth line, this product is packed with Vitamin C, which we've found here at Beauty Test Dummies that you either love or hate. (Personally, I am a fan.)

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can buy direct from Ole Henriksen or at retailers such as Sephora.

-- Tested by Carrie

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Clarins UV Plus HP Sunscreen

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $41 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: Major SPF power. Check. Glide on formula. Check. Smooth texture with moisture. Check.

The only problem with Clarins UV Plus HP Sunscreen (SPF 40) is that it's not waterproof. Sadly I found myself wiping it off and into my eyes during a run.

On the flip side, this would be a great daily sunscreen (if you makeup is lacking SPF). It glides on so smooth and actually feels great on skin. Nothing like what you imagine from some of the drugstore sunscreens.

I do find it irritating though that something this pricey isn't waterproof. Really?

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find Clarins at Sephora.

-- Tested by Carrie

Monday, February 9, 2015

Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $18

THE SKINNY: I am becoming a bigger fan of the Bliss line of products every day. Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream is a powerful option that has been able to calm the dry, cracked skin winter has forced on me.

The cream is thick and creamy, but not greasy. It smells light with a hint of lemon.

And I could feel it working for hours. This is the first thing I have found all winter that seems to stick around and work. It can be a little on the pricey side for a hand cream, but the overall value is there.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find Bliss items at retailers such as Ulta or from the company website, Blissworld (gotta love that name!).

-- Tested by Carrie

Friday, February 6, 2015

Nude Detox Brightening Powder Wash

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $42

THE SKINNY: I liked the idea of a powder cleanser that fizzes and foams after you get it wet, but the reality is that the product falls way short.

It does fizz and foam, but there was still a lot of gritty product left behind. It was also tough to keep the powder from washing away before it fizzed enough to use.

It seemed to clean well enough, aside from the leftover grit. But it also had a somewhat unpleasant smell to it.

The idea of this product is a lot nicer than it really is.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: The Nude brand is new to me; you can find it at Sephora.

-- Tested by Carrie

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Olay Regenerist Luminous

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $25.99

THE SKINNY: Designed to help fade dark spots and firm skin, Olay's Regenerist Luminous seems like a great idea. Too bad the sample is too small to tell.

Seriously what is the point of giving away a one-time-use packet if the stuff takes EIGHT WEEKS to work. How do I know if this stuff is worth the price?

What I can say is that the cream is silky and glides on. The smell was pleasant.

Overall though, it did not moisturize as much as I would hope. (That's a must for something that is more than $25.)

KEEP OR TOSS: I might try it again.

CHECK IT OUT: This is part of a complete Olay Regenerist line that you can find at drugstores.

-- Tested by Carrie

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Jack Black Lip Balm

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $7.50

THE SKINNY: While Jack Black typically offers products for men, this lip balm is something anyone can enjoy.

It's a lot like Carmex in a tube ... only with more flavor options and more SPF.

I call that a win!

The clear balm goes on smooth, although it can be a little tough to squeeze it out of the tube, especially if it gets cold.

There's just enough flavor to be pleasant, but not overpowering and the moisture from this balm lasts for hours. Plus at only $7.50 a tube, it's a pretty good thing to add to a online shopping cart when you are hovering near a free shipping deal.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: This lip balm comes in five flavors and is designed for men or women.

-- Tested by Carrie

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Suntegrity Face Sunscreen and Primer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $45 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: I need a good sunscreen for my face all year round.

I had never seen or tried Suntegrity Face Sunscreen and Primer until the little packet came in a Sephora grab bag. But it was a great choice for a long run in the winter sun and wind.

The formula is super thick and coats extremely well. It was not greasy at all and my skin actually felt moisturized. (And I came inside after more than two hours without even a hint of redness.)

The formula contains SPF 30 and can be used under makeup as well.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Suntegrity is an Allure Best of Beauty winner, always a sure sign that a product is worth a try. You can find it online.

-- Tested by Carrie

Monday, February 2, 2015

Ole Henriksen Grease Relief Cleansing Cloths

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $8 for 10 cloths

THE SKINNY: I grabbed a sample pack of these cleansing cloths thinking they would be good after a lunchtime workout. They're OK but not nearly as useful as I had hoped.

These are made with eucalyptus, which you can really smell, as well as witch hazel, aloe and a few other ingredients meant to help remove excess oil from your skin.

The smell is a little off-putting, and the clean isn't as tangy as I wanted. They do a good job of removing grime and oil. But I'm not enamored by them.

The cloths are textured on one side to help with cleansing.

If you're looking for something to cleanse, exfoliate and calm your skin, these are worth a try.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. They do work.

CHECK IT OUT: Ole Henriksen recommends Grease Relief Cleansing Cloths for oily or blemish-prone skin.

-- Tested by Shay

Friday, January 30, 2015

Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1 star

COST: $32 for 6 ounces

THE SKINNY: I was skeptical of a face cleansing oil, and I was right. While I wanted to like the new Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil, my face did not at all.

It led to a pretty massive breakout.

Maybe because my skin tends to be somewhat sensitive and on the oily side already?

Regardless, it was not a good fit.

But that's OK because the texture did not feel clean -- it was pretty runny -- and the smell is rather offensive. (It smells kind of like a bad orange.)

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil is a Sephora exclusive right now as the product launches.

-- Tested by Carrie

Thursday, January 29, 2015

fresh Black Tea Age-Defy Eye Concentrate

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $85

THE SKINNY: Black Tea Age-Defy Eye Concentrate is a nice moisturizer for that tender around-the-eye area, but it doesn't do much else.

That makes the $85 price tag a little hard for me to swallow.

The moisturizer from fresh uses black tea, blackberry leaf extract and lychee seed to create a rich moisturizer that didn't irritate my eyes. It seems to work just fine.

But I want more from an eye cream, especially one with a hefty price tag. I'm like millions of other working adults who don't get enough sleep. My fight is less the fine lines and wrinkles and more the tired eyes with dark circles. If I'm going to pay $85 for a moisturizer, I need it to help me look brighter and awake.

fresh says this moisturizer is "cooling" and will do that, but my sample failed in that area.

On the plus side, a little bit of this moisturizer goes a long way, so the little pot of lotion will last forever.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: fresh says to use Black Tea Age-Defy Eye Concentrate after cleansing day and night. Use with Black Tea Age-Delay Serum and Cream.

-- Tested by Shay

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

NYX Butter Lip Balm

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1.5 stars

COST: $4

THE SKINNY: NYX Butter Lip Balm went from my Ipsy bag straight into the trash. When it comes to moisturizing, especially in winter weather, not much beats Carmex. Definitely not this product, which is a little gritty and didn't last for more than 10 minutes on my lips.

The second problem was the color. Ipsy sent me a neutral brown called "marshmallow." It went on almost white and made me look like death.

There are a lot of Carmex-like products on the market that deliver moisture, lip protection and color. This is one of the worst ones I've tried.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss

CHECK IT OUT: NYX Butter Lip Balm comes in eight colors. Avoid marshmallow.

-- Tested by Shay


Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Wei Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $42 for 8 pods

THE SKINNY: Oh how I love a good mask. And mud masks are my absolute favorite!

The new Wei Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask is no exception. This mask was pretty amazing.

The mud mask comes in eight little pods (which actually contain enough product for two applications if you could find a way to store it) that brush on (the brush is included).

The mask goes on smooth and cool. The brush is super-soft and the product applies with ease. It felt great on skin -- cool with a little tingle as it dried. I left it on for about 15 minutes, but the package says you can allow the mask to stay on overnight to fight blemishes or other problem areas.

It both moisturized and helped my face feel fresh and clear.

Make sure to clean the brush well after each use. It washed clear with water right after use with ease, but I would not dare letting it sit for any lengthy periods of time.

This product is a little on the pricey side, but it works nicely and breaks down to less than $3 per mask if you can get 16 uses out of it. (Store it in small plastic containers and it won't dry out.)

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find the Wei mask at Sephora.

-- Tested by Carrie

Monday, January 26, 2015

Dove Dry Spray

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $6.49

THE SKINNY: I have never liked spray antiperspirants. They just had a "yuck" feeling to them. Why spray on something wet to keep you dry?

Dove's new Dry Spray fixes that problem. It sprays on with a dry feeling, has a fresh smell and works as well as anything else out there.

I am especially happy about how it feels (as well as works). It did not dry out skin or make it flaky. It did not itch or burn (even after shaving).

And it did the job. The scent -- I had "Nourished" -- was fresh and clean but did not hang around too long. (There are five other varieties available.)

Another bonus of the spray product? No white marks when I pulled a black sweater over my head. Win!

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find the new Dove line almost anywhere. I got my sample through the Bzzagent program. You can learn more about it here.

-- Tested by Carrie

Friday, January 23, 2015

Caudalie Divine Oil

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $32 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: I will try anything to beat winter weather dry skin. Caudalie Divine Oil is a "dry oil" that can be used on the body, face or hair.

I stuck to using it as a body oil because it was well ... pretty oily.

Which is not always a bad thing. It was super moisturizing and great on my winter skin. It went on smooth, had a woodsy fragrance and lasted for hours.

That's really all you need to keep winter dryness at bay, right?

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find Caudalie Divine Oil at Sephora. Let me know if you use it on your hair and how that works.

-- Tested by Carrie

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush (Fearless)

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $26

THE SKINNY: A lot of people love Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush, but I was not a fan.

The color -- Fearless -- was too pink. And the powder formula was too hard to keep light. (I tried with a brush and with my fingertips and it just seemed to apply heavy.)

But the caveat to all of this is that I don't particularly like blush. My skin already has a pinkish tone and blush always puts me over the line.

The good elements of the product are that is does stick on skin for a while and it kept my face from getting as oily as normal during the course of the day. Both major bonuses.

If you a re a blush wearer, this product might be a good option. Let us know in the comments if you like it.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush is listed as a bestselling item and comes in 16 shades.

-- Tested by Carrie

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Styling Treatment

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $26 for 4 ounces

THE SKINNY: Every time I use a Living Proof product, I expect my hair to look like Jennifer Aniston's. Every time I end up disappointed.

But that's not to say I wasn't pretty happy with Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Styling Treatment. It actually works pretty well on my shoulder-length+ hair. Used just on the ends, it smoothed and eliminated a lot of fly-aways.

This stuff does seem a little thick to use anywhere else and I'm not sure how it would feel on short hair.

You use a little (a very little) on damp hair before styling. I still had to use a finishing product to get rid of winter static and get some final hold.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: The Living Proof PHD line also includes shampoo and conditioner.

-- Tested by Carrie

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Julep Luxe Lip (Sheer Coral)

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $24 ($19.20 for Mavens)

THE SKINNY: Julep's new Luxe Lip treatment is more than just a lip conditioner, it contains a nice gloss color as well. The lip glosses were introduced in a recent monthly box and online.

I liked the color a lot (Sheer Coral). It was not sticky and lasted as long as you would expect from a gloss.

But the metal tip applicator was a little odd. First, it was cold. (Not something I want in mid-January.) Second, the color was super sheer. I liked that, but if you are looking for color, this is not the product for you. (It's also something buyers have complained about on the Julep website.)

After a few days, I am not sure about the "treatment" part either. It works fine, it feels fine, but my lips are not any smoother or less dry.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Julep's new Luxe Lip line comes in four colors.

-- Tested by Carrie

Monday, January 19, 2015

Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Treatment

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $45

THE SKINNY: Ole Henriksen's Invigorating Night Treatment is a gel that you slather onto your face in the evenings and is supposed to do a lot of good stuff while you sleep.

The gel is cold and slimy, and I wasn't convinced that it did much of anything.

According to Ole Henriksen, the product "resurfaces" your skin, smooths fine lines and minimizes pore. It's made with purified algae and Vitamin E.

After a few weeks, I didn't see much difference. Plus, I really didn't like the texture.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss

CHECK IT OUT: Find a complete list of ingredients online at Ole Henriksen.

-- Tested by Shay

Friday, January 16, 2015

Ralph Lauren Romance Fragrance

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $50 for 1 ounce

THE SKINNY: When you see the pale pink packaging and hear the name "Romance," you assume this is going to be girly. This Ralph Lauren fragrance fits that bill for sure, but in a way that I did not mind at all.

From Ralph Lauren: "Romance is the women's fragrance that evokes the timeless essence of falling in love -- discover the sensual essence of velvety woods, extravagant florals and seductive musk."

I don't know if smell is enough to make you fall in love, but this is a nice everyday scent that is feminine but not too overwhelming.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can buy the fragrance, gift sets or other Romance items at department stores or direct from Ralph Lauren.

-- Tested by Carrie

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $28 for 8 ounces

THE SKINNY: Admittedly, I'm bad about reading the directions. But the first few times I tried Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Hairspray, it seemed one of the worst products on the market.

Then I read about the product and realized it wasn't a hairspray in the sense that it holds a finished style. It's a hair product that gets sprayed onto damp hair to help style it.

Facepalm.

But I'm happy to report that this spray does a great job (when used properly).

It adds volume and texture to my fine hair without weighing it down. And the effect lasts a full workday and into the evening.

The smell of this product is kind of awesome, too. It's kind of peppermint-y and fun.

I'm ready to try the whole line now.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. The nice thing about short hair is samples last longer!

CHECK IT OUT: Bumble and Bumble's thickening line includes shampoo, conditioner and a serum.

-- Tested by Shay

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $40 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: Sheer Transformation is an oil-free cream moisturizer from Ole Henriksen that helps fade dark spots and other discolorations.

I like it because it's lightweight and glides onto the skin without feeling sticky or heavy. It's soothing and cooling, too, which is nice now that we're dealing with blasts of winter cold wind.

Being so light, this moisturizer will last as a little dab goes a long way.

It feels really simple, yet there's a lot of good stuff packed into it, including a little Vitamin C, licorice and chamomile.

Basically, it's healthy for your skin and does a great job as a moisturizer.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep

CHECK IT OUT: Ole Henriksen recommends using Sheer Transformation in combination with Truth Serum during the day and Invigorating Night Gel in the evening.

-- Tested by Shay

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $24

THE SKINNY: Bye Bye Under Eye is one of those products that I love but find incredibly frustrating.

The good: This is an amazing concealer that's meant to perform well on that sensitive skin under your eye. It cover and brightens and makes my skin look radiant. It's everything you would hope for in a full-coverage and waterproof concealer.

The bad: It's hard to put on, mostly because it's so thick and a tiny bit goes a long way. I have a lot of trouble, even with a tiny brush, getting the right amount of product.

Put a drop on your finger and it's way too much. I looked spackled. Really.

I get too little on a makeup brush, and then it dries fast and is difficult to blend.

Basically, this product takes some practice. The results are worth the work.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. I'm getting better at using it, and some mornings I really need to use it.

CHECK IT OUT: Bye Bye Under Eye comes in four shades.

-- Tested by Shay

Monday, January 12, 2015

Rogue Underground Make-Up Sealant

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $28.99

THE SKINNY: I'll be honest: I've never quite understood the real purpose of makeup setting spray but I don't mind the idea of helping my makeup stay on a little longer.

Rogue Underground's Make-Up Sealant didn't do anything for me, other than to make my face feel wet. I never noticed any difference in the lifespan of any makeup -- eye shadow, foundation or powder.

This one is supposed to be waterproof, sweat-proof and non-transferable. But after a few sprays, I could still pull makeup off with a tissue.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Who knew? You can find this product at Target.

-- Tested by Shay

Friday, January 9, 2015

Absolute Nail Polish Remover Pads (Lemon)

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1.5 stars

COST: $2.99 for 32

THE SKINNY: What seems like a great idea in the Absolute Nail Polish Remover Pads falls incredibly short of expectations.

The pads are super thin and small -- about half the size of a coaster -- and shredded when rubbed fervently. Yes, I will admit to trying to remove glitter polish.

The most unusual thing about this polish remover is that it was oily. Really oily. My fingers were covered in oil during use. This seems like a good idea as far as protecting and moisturizing, but it really just felt gross.

The remover pads did not make easy work of removing polish either. But oddly enough almost all of the polish on my right hand disappeared as I was working to remove the polish on the left. Nowhere did the instructions say to let the stuff sit on polish for removed, but that did seem to work much better.

The pads also claim that one is enough to remove the color from all 10 nails. NO WAY! It will take a minimum of one remover pad per finger.

It's also worth noting that while these are supposed to be lemon-scented, there was really no fragrance to speak of. But at $2.99, it might be worth a try.

KEEP OR TOSS: I'll pop them in a travel bag for just in case, but that's about it.

CHECK IT OUT: Absolute Nail Polish Remover Pads are available in four scents -- peach, lavender, spring fresh and lemon -- from Nicka K.

-- Tested by Carrie

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Kneipp Herbal Bath (Lavender)

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $20 for 3.38 ounces

THE SKINNY: The first things I will tell you about Kneipp Herbal Bath (Lavender) is that the bottle is not made of blue glass. It's actually clear and the coloring is from the bath product.

It is so blue in fact that it turns your bathwater blue. And it has a warning not to pour it right against the tub because it might stain.

But the aroma was wonderful. The bathroom was filled with a clean, lavender scent that was relaxing. The bath gel or oil -- I'm not quite sure what to call it really -- has no bubbling or foam action. It did not feel quite as luxurious as I really wanted the bath to be.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. (The bottle is only enough for two baths.)

CHECK IT OUT: You can find Kneipp Herbal Bath from a variety of retailers and buy a sample size direct from the company.

-- Tested by Carrie

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Ole Henriksen Nurture Me Makeup Removing Wipes

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $15 for 30 cloths

THE SKINNY: I am fairly certain the people at Ole Henriksen can do no wrong. While I have used plenty of their wipes, the Nurture Me Makeup Removing variety might be my favorite.

These wipes seem to be a little more gentle than some of the others, while still working magic on makeup. (I also like to use these to get grime off my face after a good run.)

They are tough enough to take out waterproof mascara -- unlike many other wipe-style removers -- and are packed with good oils to help moisturize while cleaning.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find these and other Ole Henriksen wipes at retailers such as Sephora. (I especially love the mini packs for your bag or to keep at the office.)

-- Tested by Carrie

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

L'Occitane Precious Cream

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $62 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: L'Occitane's Precious Cream is just wonderful.

That's it really.

Wonderful-feeling on skin.
Wonderful when you consider that it's made organically.
Wonderfully expensive.

This face cream is thick, but not too thick, and is designed to help fight those pesky little lines, wrinkles and skin discoloration. It made my face feel smooth and young -- precious, you might say.

I was pretty disappointed when my sample ran out. Other reviewers seem to love it as well and it is one of L'Occitane's bestselling products.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find the full line from L'Occitane online. It might feel like a splurge, but everything I have tried in this line has been worth it.

-- Tested by Carrie

Monday, January 5, 2015

Uberliss Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $24 each

THE SKINNY: With a name like Uberliss, I just new this shampoo and conditioner due would be awesome when it arrived in a beauty box.

It was only average.

Neither product really did anything for my hair. They worked fine, they lathered and cleaned well, but generally did not do anything that made this product stand out from anything else.

And if you are going to get me to pay $24 for a bottle of shampoo, I need to really like it.

Sadly, my favorite thing was the design of the bottle. (That skinny little text on the purple container is uber cool.)

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: I had never heard of this brand. You can learn more from the Uberliss website if it's new to you as well.

-- Tested by Carrie

Friday, January 2, 2015

bareMinerals Correcting Concealer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $20

THE SKINNY: I use a lot of concealer. It's just the way when you are fair-skinned and deal with sensitivity issues.

The new bareMinerals Correcting Concealer went on great -- it's nice and thick -- and provided excellent coverage. (It even fought against some of my sporadic redness.)

Plus this stuff contains plenty of SPF and is pretty affordable. My color, Light 2, is good for pretty fair skin and is actually lighter than the normal foundation I buy from bareMinerals (medium). Because of this, you might go and test it before buying.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: bareMinerals Correcting Concealer comes in eight shades to match almost every skin tone.

-- Tested by Carrie

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Happy New Year!

Happy 2015 from Beauty Test Dummies

We wish you all the best in the new year and hope you have some great concealer if you welcomed the year in with a bang last night. (If not, we have a review of the new bareMinerals Correcting Concealer coming tomorrow.)