bareMinerals Prime Time Primer Shadow

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $18

THE SKINNY: bareMinerals Prime Time Primer Shadow comes in a variety of great tints (six to be exact) that work beautifully. I tested “Toasted Almond” which was a great base shade.

What is pretty neat about this primer is that you can wear it alone or with other shadow on top. The color was so nice in my sample that I just added some liner and I was ready to go.

But then I thought about the purpose of this primer and wore it a second day with a shadow. It did the job and held the shadow in place nicely, but it seemed like a waste to hide the colored primer under something else.

For $18, you get a dual threat product that is a great light primer and shadow. Don't even bother adding another shadow with this primer and you have an all-day look with little fuss.

The downside? I really prefer a product that I don't have to apply with my hands. It goes really clean and smooth but then I have tinted fingers. (Ick!)

KEEP OR TOSS: This would be a great travel product (fewer items to pack). But for daily use, I will probably stick to my all-time favorite eye primer from Urban Decay.

CHECK IT OUT: You can see all of the colors in the bareMineralsPrime Time Primer Shadow line and, read other reviews and buy direct from Bare Escentuals. 

-- Tested by Carrie 

Matrix Total Results Amplify Shampoo and Conditioner

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $9-$12 for 10.1 ounces

THE SKINNY: This might be one of my new favorite shampoo and conditioner pairs if not for the price. Matrix Total Results Amplify Shampoo and Conditioner (I used the “Amplify Volume” formula) made my hair look and feel great.

The shampoo and conditioner each had a great and lather-y texture and light, pleasant fragrance in the shower. I could actually feel my hair getting clean – a total bonus.

The true test though, was how my hair held up all day. My tresses tend to go flat after a few hours but this pair worked as advertised. The roots stayed fluffed without a lot of fuss and my hair had nice bounce all day long.

The shampoo and conditioner did have an odd tint coming out of the sample packet – they were aqua colored. I prefer products with as few dyes as possible, but am overlooking it here because I liked the results so much.

KEEP OR TOSS: If you don't mind paying more than drug- or grocery-store prices for shampoo, this is a keeper. I just don't know how my wallet feels about it.

CHECK IT OUT: There are other formulas – for color care, curls, moisture and sleekness – in the Matrix Total Results Amplify line.

– Tested by Carrie

Smashbox Photo Finish

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars
COST: $36
THE SKINNY: I may be becoming a Smashbox snob. After trying several foundation primers the last few months, I have to say I like the Smashbox Photo Finish primer the best. (Of course, it's the most expensive of any I've tried, too. Go figure.)
This primer is lighter and less greasy than its competition. It almost feels like a powder, even though it's not. It goes on smooth and easy. It actually did help my makeup stay in place longer. And it made my skin feel softer.
That's saying a lot. I'm usually not a big fan of primer because it's just one more layer of stuff on my face. Other brands have felt a little heavy on my skin. But I think I would be able to wear this product, even in the the middle of summer, when heat and humidity force me to leave the house wearing little to no makeup.
Photo Finish is infused with vitamins A and E, green tea and grapeseed oil, all stuff that's good for the skin.
Have you tried Photo Finish? Give us your review in the comment section.
KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. The samples may be the only thing I can afford on a regular basis!
CHECK IT OUT: Smashbox also makes a light formula, for those with sensitive or blemish-prone skin.

-- Tested by Shay

Ole Henricksen Ultimate Eye Left Gel

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $38 for 1 ounce

THE SKINNY: I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical about this sample. ole Henricksen Ultimate Eye Left Gel promises to reduce puffiness, wrinkles and dark circles under your eyes, all while you sleep.

This night cream uses cucumber and calendula (I had to look this one up -- it's the common marigold) to tighten and plump the skin under your eyes. The clear cream is a little sticky. Massage a little bit under each eye before bed, and it actually works.

The next morning, my eyes seemed brighter and I actually felt a little younger.

Of course, there's a downside. My eyes are pretty sensitive, and this seemed to make my eyelid a litte pink. My eyes were a little watery the next day.

Given that, I'm not sure I'll be spending $38 for a full-size product. Especially since dark circles and puffiness aren't a persistent problem for me.

How much would you be willing to spend to rid yourself of tired eyes? Do you know of any alternative products?

KEEP OR TOSS: I'm definitely using the rest of the sample.

CHECK IT OUT: The product (and the free sample) are available at Sephora. You can also read about other products in the Ole Henricksen line at the company's website.

-- Tested by Shay

L'Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $26 for 5.2 ounces ($10 for 1 ounce, mini size)

THE SKINNY: L'Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream has done the impossible – a dry skin hand cream that is not greasy. I was in total shock when I squeezed out the cream and it dried with no residue. Seconds after using the cream, I could go back to work without leaving little finger outlines on my mouse and keyboard.

This hand cream is almost perfect.

The L'Occitane formula, which is made in France, uses a 20 percent shea butter formula but does not have that buttery aroma that some other products carry. The scent is light and fresh (with a hint of jasmine for a feminine touch).

The company claims one its hand creams is sold around the world every 5 seconds. So it must be a pretty good product, right?

The only downside this cream is a by-product of my favorite thing about it – the cream seems to wash off easily. I wash my hands many times each day (hence the extreme dryness) and it does not hold up as well as those more greasy formulas. But I still really like this product, so it looks like I will just be using more of it. (Maybe that is what the company wants. What a sneaky concept by L'Occitane.)

KEEP OR TOSS: The hand cream is a little pricey, but if you combine it with other deals on the website, it is not too extravagant of a purchase.

CHECK IT OUT: Check out some of those L'Occitane deals for yourself and read other customer reviews.

– Tested by Carrie