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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pantene Age Defy Thickening Treatment

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $18.99

THE SKINNY: Can your hair look old? That's what Pantene wants you to think with the new Age Defy line of products.

Pantene says this product is for anyone with damaged or "fragile" hair: "Thickens existing hair so it's like you have up to 6,500 more hair strands.
Your hair looks more beautiful on you than it does in your brush. This potent formula of Vitamin B3, Panthenol, and caffeine helps thicken existing hair strands and provides strength against breakage."

So I tried it. (Even though I insist that I am not "aged" in any way.)

And after a week, my hair actually did seem thicker and fuller. You just spritz on 15 -- not sure why the number is relevant -- pumps each day on wet hair, then style.

It worked well to hold my style and did not weight hair down in any way. I did though notice a lot of static in my hair when I used it; that could be the cooler air, but Age Defy did nothing to combat it.

I'll use the bottle, but I am not sure if I would buy more.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find Pantene Age Defy at mass market retailers and online.

-- Tested by Carrie

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

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

bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4.5 stars

COST: $29 (plus another $28 for the special brush)

THE SKINNY: Foundation that's as light as a serum? Yes, please.

When I saw Sephora had two samples (in two colors) of Bare Mineral's newest foundation, I grabbed them.

It doesn't disappoint.

Pure Brightening Serum Foundation is extremely light and still provides decent coverage, masking fine lines and light imperfections in my skin tone. The color lasted through the work day, and, best of all, it never felt like it was there.

The hardest part of using this foundation is picking a color because the various shades have definite tint. I have a light, freckled complexion with a bit of a summer tan. Bare Sand was too yellow. Bare Buff was close but a shade too light.

I plan to keep trying to find the right match. I'd recommend getting professional help in choosing one.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. This is great for warm weather.

CHECK IT OUT: Pure Brightening Serum Foundation comes in 20 shades. Get help finding yours.

-- Tested by Shay

Josie Maran Black Oil Mascara

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $22

THE SKINNY: This deluxe sample came in a recent Sephora order and I absolutely love it. Mascara that actually feels like it is good for your lashes!

Josie Maran Black Oil Mascara contains the wonder stuff, argan oil, as it conditions and does all the great mascara stuff -- lengthening, volumizing, lifting and curling. Here's what in it, according to the website: "Argan Black Oil Mascara treats your lashes to the nourishing lash-softening effect of 100% Pure Argan Oil mixed with blackest-black iron mineral pigments, and infused with the lash strengthening properties of bamboo—delivered in an innovative 5 ball brush that reaches every lash."

It was easy to apply, lasted all day and did not flake. The brush was a little awkward, but I wonder if part of the problem was the half-size brush in the sample.

It did take two to three coats to get the look I wanted, but it did look exceptionally nice.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: This only comes in one color -- black -- and is available from Josie Maran or Sephora.

-- Tested by Carrie

Urban Decay Naked2 Basics

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $29

THE SKINNY: I almost cried when I had to retire my Naked2 eyeshadow palette a few weeks back. Thank goodness Urban Decay got the smaller Naked2 Basics in stick the same week.

This eyeshadow palette is as good as you would imagine from Urban Decay. The colors are cooler than the Naked Basics palette and every shade has a matte finish (unlike the larger Naked2 counterpart).

The matte shades are fabulous. And they stay all day. The collection includes Skimp (pale nude satin), Stark (nude-pink matte), Frisk (warm gray matte), Cover (muted red-brown matte), Primal (muted brown matte) and Undone (deep, smoky brown matte). 

For me, this is actually a much more usable palette than Naked2. Less glitter and shimmer equals more workday use.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Right now the only place you can find this palette is direct from Urban Decay, but I suspect it will be in stores such as Ulta soon.

-- Tested by Carrie

Revlon Bold Laquer Mascara

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $7.99

THE SKINNY: I like Revlon Bold Laquer Mascara for a drugstore mascara. I just happen to be a bit of a premium mascara snob.

The formula was thick and seemed to have little fibers that made my lashes long and separated nicely. But I wasn't a fan of the wand or bristles. They just weren't designed well enough to coat without having to go across lashes multiple times.

Revlon claims the mascara adds shine, but I did not notice any shine at all.

The waterproof formula did stick to lashes well without flaking.

Seriously, if I was not so snobby about mascara, this would be a great option. But I am just too addicted to bareMinerals Lash Domination right now.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: This mascara comes in Black, Blackest Black and Blackened Brown; find a retailer near you.

-- Tested by Carrie

Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $7.99

THE SKINNY: This power duo of polish and topcoat lasted longer than anything else I have tried -- ever!

Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy is a two-step process with a base coat/color and then top coat. It goes on (and comes off) like regular polish though, so don't be fooled by "gel" in the name.

But it stays on like a gel. It is super shiny and smooth like a gel. (I used "Beginner's Luck," a pale but shimmery nude.)

I can normally keep nail polish for a day before it starts to chip. This polish never chipped or wore down. (I removed it after a week because I could see where it was growing out.)

I was very skeptical about this polish and top coat before buying but it works so much better than I expected. Now I only wonder ... will the topcoat protect any nail polish this well? (I plan to try that experiment next and report back.)

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. And go get more!

CHECK IT OUT: See all 30 shades from Revlon and buy at grocery or drugstores everywhere.

-- Tested by Carrie

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $22

THE SKINNY: Urban Decay promises "bigger, blacker, badder lashes" with this lengthening and volumizing mascara, and it's true.

It's also not as dark and dramatic as I expected it to be, so this mascara is perfect for everyday use. It makes my lashes look full and happy.

The tube comes with a nice caterpillar-type brush that catches every lash. The mascara is pretty creamy but stays put for the day. Then it comes off fairly easily with cleanser and water, although I'd recommend a makeup remover to get every bit off your lashes at night.

I'm impressed.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Urban Decay says to use Subversion Lash Primer with Perversion Mascara.

-- Tested by Shay

Bumble & Bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $38 for 3.4 ounces

THE SKINNY: I recently read in Allure magazine that argan oil can leave a little unwanted color behind if you have light-colored hair. (Typically in the form of a reddish tint.)

Bumble & Bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil packs most of the same benefits of argan oil for hair but in a clear oil. (It's actually a blend of six oils.) This product sprays on damp hair and then you style as usual to help add shine and softness and time flyaway strands.

It works pretty well but you have to be careful with it. Too many spritzes and hair just looks ... well ... oily. (I have this same issue with argan oil products as well.)

But I do like the coating quite a bit for a day at the pool or beach. The oil also provides a UV protective layer to help shield your color from the sun.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Bumble & Bumble is available from the retailer and Sephora.

-- Tested by Carrie

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