Sephora Collection Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $21 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: Let me first say that although I love Sephora makeup, I've been less than impressed with the lotion and cleanser lines. But I keep trying the samples. Sephora's Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer has its good points and its bad.

For me, the bad came immediately. I don't like the way the moisturizer goes onto my skin. It doesn't glide on, the way most foundation or moisturizer does. It feels rather icky, actually. I even tried mixing a little of tinted moisturizer with my normal facial lotion, and it even made it lose its silkiness.

But once it's on, the tinted moisturizer performs fairly well. The "tint" lasted all day and looks natural. And it's SPF 20. 

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. If you're looking for an alternative, try No7 Soft and Sheer Tinted Moisturizer. I found mine at Target for $11.99 for 1.69 ounces.

CHECK IT OUT: Learn more about Sephora's Perfecting Tinted Mositurizer.

-- Tested by Shay

L'Oreal Youth Code Day/Night Cream

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $14 for 1.6 ounces, starter kits from $16

THE SKINNY: This is the lightest night cream I have ever tried. Maybe because the L'Oreal Youth Code formula is a day/night cream – a concept that it totally new to me. But I like the idea of something I can use in the morning or evening. A beauty product that is easy to use? I'll take it.

My face felt, for lack of a better word, silky hours after applying the cream. And it has a light but pleasant scent that lasted for a few minutes after application.

Advertisements for Youth Code suggest this line helps skin grow faster which will make skin appear younger. It also contains an anti-wrinkle ingredient that I will not pretend to understand. I don't know that I look any younger but the cream did feel nice. I might have to try this out for a while to see what the long term results might be.

KEEP OR TOSS: I am planning to buy a full size product. L'Oreal is offering a rebate right now that makes me think it will be worth the price to try it. For more on the rebate, check out my coupons page.

CHECK IT OUT: Find out more behind the beauty science that goes into L'Oreal Youth Code Day/Night Cream and where to buy products in this line.

-- Tested by Carrie

Playtex Sport Body Wipes

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1 star

COST: $3 for 20 count box

THE SKINNY: I can't figure out why I would use these. The package claims that Playtex Sport Body Wipes are “great for the entire body” and remove dirt and sweat. I don't really doubt either of these claims and they look and feel like typical wet wipes. The “fresh and clean” scented sample was just that.

But overall, the concept just grosses me out. The wipes remind me a little too much of wet wipes or dampened toilet paper. (The package even says these are flushable.)

Playtex Sport Body Wipes
are the same shape and
size as other wet wipes.

Using the Playtex wipes after a run did not make me feel clean. I actually felt a little dirtier. I could feel the cleanser from the wipe on my skin where sweat and dirt were wiped away. This is not the solution to a quick shower and is not really any faster.

I could see using them to wipe grime from your face mid-workout but honestly I am quite wary of using something on my face that is made by and reminds me of other feminine hygiene products.

The Playtex brand has a great reputation but I am not sure I expect to see this product on store shelves for very long.

KEEP OR TOSS: I don't even plan to open the other sample pack.

CHECK IT OUT: Find out where to buy Playtex Sport Body Wipes, part of the brand's sport line which includes tampons.

GIVEAWAY: I will send the other sample pack to one reader who comments on this blog post by Nov. 11, 2011. Or you can request your own sample from Playtex. Check out my coupons page for details.

-- Tested by Carrie

Aquage Sea Salt Texturizing Spray

RATING (out of 5 stars): 5 stars

COST: $10 to $16 for 8 ounces

THE SKINNY: Full disclosure: I first sampled Aquage Sea Salt Texturizing Spray about three years ago. But I have been using it regularly ever since. This hair product gives you a beachy look and enhances natural curl (or in my case the occasional frizz) without that “crunchy” feel that some other products leave behind.

With just a few spritzes in damp hair, light curls form that are soft to the touch. In shorter hair, the spray works to separate strands for that stylish but disheveled look. It does not have much of a scent and works great for men, too.

Even after a whole day out,
my hair is still full of
waves after using Aquage
Sea Salt Texturizing Spray.

The Aquage spray also brings out highlights in my hair. The lighter strands seem to pop out in the mix of messy, beachy waves. And with a touch of tan in the summer months, the finished look makes me feel like a summer goddess. (And who doesn't want to feel like a goddess?)

Since I discovered Aquage Sea Salt Texturizing Spray – I got my first sample from my hairdresser – I have not even bothered to pack a blow dryer for trips to humid or hot destinations. It is also a great rainy day solution to that annoying frizz that will sneak into your locks by midday.

KEEP OR TOSS: I can't live without this hair product. If the bottle even starts to feel light, I buy another and keep a trial-size bottle for travel.

CHECK IT OUT: Get a step-by-step tutorial on how to use Aquage Sea Salt Texturizing Spray to create a just-from-the-beach 'do for men or women.

-- Tested by Carrie

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo and Conditioner

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $3 to $4

THE SKINNY: This new formula in the Garnier Fructis line claims to be more biodegradable than other brands (94 percent for the shampoo and 92 percent for the conditioner). It is also sold in a bottle that contains 50 percent post-consumer recycled plastic to make you feel like you are doing a little more for the environment. The “green” formula is also silicone, paraben and dye free.

The good news: It has the great fruity scent that is a signature of the brand (my favorite thing about the line). It lathered well and was great in the shower. And my hair felt super-soft all day. I like the clear formula as well. I am always a little weary of bright pink or orange shampoo.

The bad news: It left my hair totally flat. Not super skinny and sleek flat, but limp and lifeless flat. Apparently this is from the lack of silicone in the product, which is a super frizz fighter. According to a 2010 article in Marie Claire, the right balance of silicone in shampoo gives hair a polished finish and makes hair have fewer tangles and improves shine. It can, though, damage hair (and hair color) over time.

KEEP OR TOSS: I am a little torn. The product should be better for my hair. I might give a full size bottle a try and pair it with a volumizing mousse for a more full look. I really want to like this product because it is more eco-friendly; I am just not f the flat-hair look is for me.

CHECK IT OUT: Garnier has the skinny on its Pure Clean line and information about its efforts with TerraCycle to help decrease beauty product waste.

-- Tested by Carrie