Best of 2012 (Carrie's Picks)

With 2012 almost in the books, we thought we'd recap some of the best products we tested at Beauty Test Dummies this year. Take a look at Carrie's favorites ... and look back to Friday for Shay's top picks. We'd also love to hear what products you loved this year ... share them in the comments or on Facebook.

Favorite Products

Blinc Mascara

Tiny little tubes coat your lashes for a super-gentle mascara that is great for everyday wear.

Clinique Color Surge Eyeshadow

Clinique's Color Surge shadows have beautiful matte colors that go on smooth and last all day.

Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Lipstick 

The lipstick that makes me actually like lipstick. Surprisingly, the color went on smooth and held for hours. The lipsticks did not have the "feel" that I have come to associated with most lipsticks (I am a gloss girl).

philosophy Clear Days Ahead Cleanser 

This cleanser contains a touch of salicylic acid to keep pimples at bay. Use this cleanser mixed in with your normal cleanser to keep skin fresh and acne at bay.

Julep's The Best Pedi Creme Ever! 

Smooth feet are a must … and easy with this great crème. After just two days, my feet were smoother. No extra scrubbing or exfoliation required.

Favorite Subscription Box

Glossybox 

This monthly box contains first-class high-end products each month. It costs a little more than some of the other boxes out there ($20 monthly) but I totally love the product selection; it really makes it a great value.

And If Money Grew on Trees

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum 

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum contains a bunch of vitamins C and E in a super-runny moisturizer that makes your skin look and feel fantastic. (My sensitive skin just soaked it right up.) Whether it is the vitamins or something else is up for debate but after just one application my skin had a great, fresher look to it.

Alterna Overnight Caviar Hair Rescue 

The overnight conditioner makes hair feel amazing and repairs damage. The results are impressive and last for days.

Clarasonic Mia Cleansing System 

The soft bristles vibrate to remove makeup and other impurities. It cleans extremely well, leaving skin is softer and feeling fresher.

-- Tested by Carrie
 

Best of 2012 (Shay's Picks)

With 2012 almost in the books, we thought we'd recap some of the best products we tested at Beauty Test Dummies this year. Take a look at Shay's favorites ... and coming Monday, Carrie's top picks. We'd also love to hear what products you loved this year ... share them in the comments or on Facebook.

Favorite Products

Urban Decay Naked 2 palette
I use this collection of neutrals almost every day. Layer colors for a simple look or something more dramatic.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
This rice-based enzyme powder helps smooth and polish your skin. It does the work of an exfoliator without the harsh grit.

John Frieda Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray
My secret weapon for adding a hint of highlights to dull blonde hair, especially in winter.

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil–Free UV Protector
SPF 42! This is extremely lightweight and perfect for summer. Or skiing.

Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner
A creamy pencil that goes on smooth and straight and stays put all day long.

And If Money Grew on Trees

Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder
I was skeptical at first, but it's a nice powder billed as being able to "reduces fine lines and wrinkles in 10 minutes" because of a patented hydration system. It's $59. (No, that isn't a typo.)

L'Occitane Divine Cream
One of the best moisturizers I've ever put on my face. Of course, it's $98 for 1.7 ounces.

Kerastase Bain Substantif Shampoo
This left my hair silky and bouncy and, best of all, it stayed that way all day long. So this is what thicker hair feels like. Sadly, it's $36 a bottle.

Philosophy Full of Promise
It left my face feeling silky soft immediately. Heck, it even made my fingers feel silky soft from applying it. It's $65 for 2 ounces. Yikes.

-- Tested by Shay

Vaseline Lip Therapy (Original)

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $1.79

THE SKINNY: I am convinced that Vaseline is the answer to almost any skincare issue. It definitely my winter-dry lips.

Vaseline Lip Therapy is one of those products I was always too cool to try. But this year my skin and lips are suffering in a major way from dryness. So I gave it a try -- I used the Original formula. And I am glad I did.

After just one application -- I am using it before bed so I can use great lip color during the day -- my lips felt smoother. And the flakiness I was beginning to develop, just vanished.

It only took a dab and this tiny container will easily last all season. I am in love!

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep!

CHECK IT OUT: Vaseline Lip Therapy comes in Original, Cherry and Advanced. You can pick them up at almost any grocery, drug or discount store.

-- Tested by Carrie

DDF Advanced Eye Firming Concentrate

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $88 for 0.5 ounce

THE SKINNY: This is probably a really good eye cream. For $88, it should be.

But I can't get past the smell of the lotion. It smells heavily of peppers.

The lotion itself is fine. It's just the right thickness. It feels good on my skin. It doesn't irritate my eyes. It's moisturizing.

It's supposed to reduce puffiness and wrinkles and help firm and lift the skin around your eyes.

But it smells like peppers. And I can't deal with that.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Find this product at beauty stores such as Sephora or at the DDF website.

-- Tested by Shay

Happy Holidays

Credit: mel5545

Wishing you and your family all the best this holiday season.

May your days be bright and maybe you will find a great beauty product or two in your stocking!

Happy holidays,
Carrie and Shay