Bliss Micro Magic Microdermabrasion Treatment

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $48

THE SKINNY: After a trip to the beach, my skin is always in need of some work. Maybe it's the sand and salt ... or maybe it is the neglect while I am vacationing the days away.

So I saved this little packet for my return-home-routine and it was AMAZING. Bliss Micro Magic Microdermabrasion Treatment is the best I have ever tried.

It was light and not too rough on the skin. But it easily sloughed away all the ick while making my skin feel super-smooth. Unlike a lot of other things on my sensitive skin, this did not cause redness or irritation of any kind.

According to Bliss this is a "skin-smoothing volcanic pumice, conditioning vitamin E and soothing aloe that help gently treat the appearance of dullness and surface imperfections to give your skin a fresher, softer, more revitalized look and feel for spa-perfect results at home." And that is right on the mark.

The only downside is the price. But I am going to go for it. This made my skin feel great in a way that few other products have been able to.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. Look for more samples ASAP!

CHECK IT OUT: You can buy direct from Bliss, where on-site ratings are also really good, or retailers such as Ulta or Sephora.

-- 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

Pacifica Natural Water-Proof Eye Pencil

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $11

THE SKINNY: I wouldn't call Pacifica's Natural Water-Proof Eye Pencil "waterproof." This creamy eyeliner (my sample from Ipsy was a standard brown called "fringe") rubbed off with one swipe of my finger. Even when I was careful, the color didn't stay put for more than an hour.

It would have been an OK everyday liner if it hadn't been touted as waterproof. But for $11 I expect a lot more.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. I love Pacifica's body lotions and scents. But so far the makeup line has been disappointing.

CHECK IT OUT: Pacifica Natural Water-Proof Eye Pencil comes in four colors: Black, brown, gray and nude.

-- Tested by Shay

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $26 for 5.25 ounces

THE SKINNY: Made with avocado, argan oil and rosehip, Don’t Despair, Repair! really is a deep conditioning hair mask that's easy to use and left my fine hair silky soft.

This stuff, from a recent Ipsy bag, smells heavenly, like something they'd use on my hair at the salon. Work it in. Leave it in for three to five minutes. Rinse it out.

I used it after on my color-treated hair after I spent a week at the beach being exposed to salt, wind and sun. The result? My hair felt much softer and had a lot of shine.

But my hair was too soft and wouldn't hold a style without adding in a lot of products (which seems to counter the results of the mask.)

The trade off? I could use it once every few weeks on a weekend to help keep hair healthy.

KEEP OR TOSS: I'm on the fence.

CHECK IT OUT: This mask gets great reviews on the Briogeo website.

-- Tested by Shay

Manna Kadar Cosmetics Sheer Glo

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $29

THE SKINNY: The Sheer Glo highlighter came in a recent Ipsy bag.

On the plus side, you can mix this highlighter with a lotion or a foundation to add that dewy glow.

On the negative side, this highlighter is a neutral, pinkish color that I never noticed against my natural skintone. Because of that, I can't really tell you how long it lasts or how it looks paired with different products.

Given the price, I'm not impressed.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Manna Kadar compares itself to high-end highlighters on its webpage.

-- Tested by Shay