My Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1.5 stars

COST: $68 for 2 fluid ounces

THE SKINNY: This moisturizer is supposed to be a lightweight, non-greasy formula that adds moisture and a matte-finish to your skin.

I found it to be icky and sticky. The sample was hard to apply and just felt gooey on my skin.

It's not what I want in a moisturizer. So maybe I should stop trying products that multitask?

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. It just didn't feel good on my skin.

CHECK IT OUT: The company recommends using this mattifying moisturizer twice a day.

-- Tested by Shay

fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 star

COST: $35

THE SKINNY: This is the first time I've been less than impressed with a product from fresh. This light serum went on cool and refreshing and felt good on my skin.

But it didn't do anything close to creating a matte finish, and within a few hours, my T-zone was oily.

According to fresh, umbrian clay "works to neutralize acidity, purifying and clarifying the complexion." That wasn't quite the experience I had with it. A product that claims to help create a matte finish shouldn't leave my face feeling oily.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Want a second opinion? Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum does get good reviews on its website.

-- Tested by Shay

Clinique Chubby Stick Eyeshadow

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $16

THE SKINNY: Clinique hit one out of the park with the introduction of Chubby Sticks last year. The super-successful line has been expanded to include eye colors as well.

These sticks of eyeshadow come in 12 color that provide a light, but pretty color. I tried both the purple (Portly Plum) and green (Mighty Moss) and each provided a nice, but somewhat subtle color.

What's great is that these sticks contain an almost cream shadow that glides on easily and lasts pretty much all day. The sticks are thick though, so don't expect a liner. This is an eyeshadow. Because of the nature of the stick, these shadows are great for pairing -- the colors don't seem to bleed together. (Portly Plum looks quite lovely as a thick line and blended with a neutral shade toward the brow line.)

The downside? The sticks are thick and make for difficult precision in application and could be tough to apply on smaller lids.

This is a fairly mess-free product though. No loose color on the counter top and no sharpening necessary -- the stick just turns to get more product.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. Nice color that lasts all day is hard to beat.

CHECK IT OUT: Check out all the color available from Clinique and don't forget to pair with specials and deals when you order online.

-- Tested by Carrie 
 

Nick Chavez Volumizing Mist

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $20

THE SKINNY: This stylist mist is a spray that goes on damp hair to add lift and texture. But the Nick Chavez Volumizing Mist did not seem any better, or any worse, than comparable products that cost a lot less.

The spray goes on light and did not weigh hair down when sprayed on the ends. It just did not really seem to lift it up either. It did, though, weigh down my roots -- so much for lift where I most need it!

The smell was pleasant and it seemed to keep static and flyaways at bay. But overall it was really just OK and if you need a lot of lift, another option might be better.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. It's too much trouble to use two products -- one for roots and one for ends.

CHECK IT OUT: Nick Chavez products tend to be harder to find but are available at DermStore.

-- Tested by Carrie 
 

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle and UV Damage Corrector

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1 star

COST: $47.50 for 30 ml

THE SKINNY: I finally found a Clinique product that I don't like -- Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle and UV Damage Corrector.

The freebie was offered to me at the Clinique counter and I was pretty excited, a $45+ product should deliver, right?

Wrong! My skin and this product did not get along at all. It was super-drying - we're talking crusty and giant flakes dry. Then the breakouts started. Giant under-the-skin pore-exploding breakouts.

Clinique promises results after 4 weeks and reduced wrinkles at 12 weeks. I made it 5 days and gave up. Not worth it.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Reviewers on the Clinique site seem much happier with this product. You can see what they have to say.

-- Tested by Carrie