Happy Winter! (Part 1): Dr. Denese HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum (review)

I meant to post this review yesterday, but ended up staying out late to have a fabulous conversation. So today there will be two reviews. Both of them for products to soothe dry, winter skin. Here’s our first lovely item. From Dr. Denese.

HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum

Blurb: A Customer Choice Award winner supercharged hydrating serum that locks in moisture to drastically reduce the look of dry lines and wrinkles. It intensely moisturizes skin for a soft, supple, luminous, more youthful look. So if your skin feels dry by midday, you need HydroShield®. If you see more dry lines around the eyes, cheeks and mouth area, each and every year, you need HydroShield®. Remember: Dry skin equals wrinkled skin. Hydrated skin equals plump, dewy, youthful looking skin. Suitable for any skin types from dry to normal to dramatically and almost immediately change the look of dry lines on your face. If your skin is oily, place it only around the eyes and neck and on dry patches--not on the oily T-zone. HydroShield® is remarkably effective for skins with dry lines and wrinkles, as it locks in hydration to recreate the youthful look you once had.

This is one of the most hydrating serums I’ve ever used. If winter dryness is an issue for you; I highly suggest giving this a try. Ingredients like ceramides and retinol provide both anti-aging and moisturizing benefits.

When I used this serum, I found that it spread evenly, had a silky feel, and absorbed very quickly. There was no stickiness or slickness, but my skin felt very soothed and hydrated – and there was even a bit of plumping. My skin stayed very soft during the day – even when switching from dry, cold, outdoor air to dry, warm, indoor air. Excellent product!

Take a look at all of the HydroShield products on the website. There are also some great gift ideas to browse. Dr. Denese is also available through QVC.

(ftc disclosure: received as a sample with purchase)

Hair Care Friday: Cutler Specialist Cleanser + Conditioner with Olive Oil for Dry, Damaged Hair (review)

It’s Friday night and I have gotten almost nothing done on my “to do” list. I recently signed up for Netflix, and I spent waaay too much time adding things to my queue and watching old TV episodes on my computer. It’s pretty awesome. But not very productive. Especially when I’m supposed to be getting ready for my Christmas trip next week.

Okay. So I’m not quite ready to do anything yet; but maybe if I talk about one of the products I’m taking with me; it will get me started. Some nifty hair care from Cutler.

Specialist Cleanser + Conditioner with Olive Oil for Dry, Damaged Hair

Blurb: Why simply shampoo your hair when this one product can do so much more? This specially-formulated Cleanser + Conditioner is a revolutionary way to cleanse and achieve healthy-looking, shiny hair that's soft and bouncy - with just one product! Specially formulated for dry, damaged hair can be used in place of shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, de-tangler, anti-frizz, shaving cream and body wash. Single-step, detergent-free formula cleans, conditions and defrizzes hair without lather. Detergent-free formula helps minimize color-fading, loss of elasticity and natural oils. Helps add body and shine to hair. Leaves your hair looking and feeling beautiful and healthy.

Now I actually like all the gazillion beauty steps, like shampooing, conditioning, leave-in, etc., etc. However, the TSA has made it their business to stamp out both terrorism and good grooming. Trying to bring lots of bottles in my carry-on seems to cause all kinds of commotion; so I really make an effort to pare down my beauty regimen (I do it for America and to keep my fellow passengers from hating my guts).

This product is coming with me to Christmas! I used a smaller amount than recommended in the directions, and still got clean, shiny, soft hair. It cleaned well, conditioned well; and it’s detergent-free, so my color is safe. I also tried it as a body wash, and got excellent results. And it made a surprisingly good shaving cream!

Check out the rest of the products on their very cool fancy website. You can also find Cutler at HSN.

One of the things I’ve been watching tonight are old episodes from The Office. Here’s one of my favorite scenes ever…



Have a great weekend!

P.S.: Sorry I missed yesterday’s post.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Fresh-Faced Wednesday: (MALIN+GOETZ) Grapefruit Face Cleanser (review)

I’m still short on time today, but at least I’m getting my review in before sundown. Check out this fabulous cleanser from (MALIN+GOETZ).

Grapefruit Face Cleanser

Blurb: Our foaming cleansing gel synthesizes natural grapefruit extract with amino acid-based cleansing agents. Unlike traditionally harsh detergents that can be drying, stripping and irritating, this formula gently and thoroughly purifies and hydrates to ph balance all skin types, especially sensitive. Rinses residue free, eliminating the need for a toner. Perfect make-up removal. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance and prevention regimen.

They’re eco-friendly, green, rely on natural apothecary style ingredients and work hard to minimize their carbon footprint. There’s a bunch of other conscientious stuff they do which you can read about here.

Of course none of that would be very interesting if this wasn’t an excellent cleanser. Luckily…it is an excellent cleanser. The bottle says it’s PH balanced for all skin types, and that may be the reason it feels so easy on my skin. We had a recent cold snap, and my skin has been really sensitive – but since I’m also prone to breakouts, a cleanser with lots of oils is not my friend.

This cleanser is surprisingly gentle, yet it cleans very effectively. My skin feels smooth and balanced after I rinse. It leaves my skin feeling super clean, but not dry or stripped. And it also has a fresh grapefruit scent!

Check out the website and browse all of the other planet-responsible items. There’s a great gifts section, an excellent travel page and a whole page of videos. And be absolutely sure to check out the Product Hounds.

(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Lashtastic Tuesday: Lancôme Cils Booster XL Mascara Base (review)

It’s been a hectic day followed by an evening on the phone. Whew. I need a nice beauty break before bed time. I’m thinking…Lancôme.

Cils Booster XL Mascara Base

Blurb: Give your lashes an XL boost. With just one sweep, this innovative mascara base glides on and evenly coats and smoothes your lashes to maximize the results of your favorite Lancôme mascara. The magic behind this mascara base is the conditioning formula—featuring micro-fibers and Vitamin E - to add extra length and thickness to your lashes for added visible performance to your mascara.

If you’re wondering about whether the extra step of using a mascara base or primer is worth it, it absolutely is - but only if it’s a really good product. I’ve tried a whole bunch of mascara bases and primers over the last couple of years and this is only the second one I’ve loved enough to feature here. It’s mighty awesome!

Cils Booster acts as an excellent primer, and even adds some of length and volume on its own (yay!). It also conditions and protects my lashes from the drying effects of mascara. And…it's a wonderfully smooth base – which makes any mascara I use go on more easily, look better and stay put!

Check out the website. You can take advantage of free shipping right now (no code needed) and take a look at the Limited Edition Beauty Sensation and the Holiday Gift sets. You can also find Lancôme at nice department stores and Sephora.

(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

A Smoother Monday: Lisa Hoffman Vitamin A&C Serum (review)

Today was not nearly as “Monday-ish” as I thought it would be. I felt really frantic all weekend; but I guess I got more done than I thought. The day actually went pretty smoothly. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the whole week is just as easy.

Speaking of smooth (and didn’t I already do the smooth thing yesterday? Oh well…). Here’s a great skin-smoothing serum from Lisa Hoffman Skincare.

Vitamin A&C Serum

Blurb: This vitamin-rich serum retextures and improves skin clarity while reducing the appearance of fine lines to leave skin luminous. The silky formula also hydrates and adds radiance. After 15 minutes of application, 93.10% of participants agreed they liked the way the product absorbed into the skin. After 30 days, 79.3% of participants reported a lessening of deep lines and wrinkles. After 30 days, 82.76% of participants noticed an improvement in skin texture.

This was in my last Beautyfix kit, and it was a while before I got around to trying it out. I’m really impressed. First at the ingredients. It’s water free, and has lots of Vitamin A and C antioxidant protection. I liked that it absorbed almost immediately, and offered a tiny bit of hydration. I really appreciated how well it worked with my moisturizer(s) and foundation(s).

After about three weeks, my skin was looking and feeling very smooth. I’m not sure if there was a lessening of the deep wrinkles; but some of the tiniest lines were definitely minimized. What I noticed most was the overall smoothness of my skin. And I loved knowing I was getting a giant dose of antioxidants every morning.

The website has a cool Vitamin A & C Try Me Kit. There’s also a nice selection of Holiday Gifts and a very cool spa collection. You may also want to sign up for their special welcome offer.

(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Hair Care Friday (Sunday Edition): Kérastase Masque Oléo-Relax Slim (review)

It looks like Hair Care Friday is a couple of days late (oops). This year, the holiday season has been a lot crazier, so I’m not quite as on top of things as I could be. A little more smoothness…and control would be very nice.

But (prepare for corny tie-in), even if there isn’t a product to completely control and smooth out my schedule; there just so happens to be one to provide those things for my hair. From Kérastase Paris.

Masque Oléo-Relax Slim

Blurb: Intense Smoothing Masque for Thick, Dry, Rebellious Hair. Provides discipline to rebellious hair while delivering deep moisture and nourishment. Results are intense volume reduction. Moisturizes and provides hydrophobic protection with 24-hour anti-frizz protection. Smoothes and nourishes hair fiber from within creating optimal shine and softness.

If your schedule is crazy, be assured that this is is going to be a short review. This stuff is so great it doesn’t need a whole lot of words. It works. Big time.

I used it before a blowout and got one of the most amazing accidental compliments ever. Someone at work said she couldn’t remember…was my hair naturally straight or naturally curly?

Whoa.

That’s how well this product tamed my (naturally) curly fuzzy out-of-control hair. Some one had to actually ask me.

It not only made my blowout, soft, smooth, shiny and frizz-free (all day). It also got rid of my (naturally) fluffy volume, and my hair was straight and swingy. Like I was born that way.

Whoa.

Check out the website. Be sure to visit the Exclusive Offers and Salon Locator pages too. Kérastase is also sold at Target, CVS, and folica.

Hope you had a great weekend!

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Bringing Sexy Back…to Thursday: NARS Lip Gloss in “Bougainville” (review)

This particular Thursday I'm hungry for something a little vampier than my usual 9-5. So it’s a perfect day for something sexy and yummy. From NARS.

Lip Gloss in “Bougainville” (limited edition)

Blurb: Reminiscent of its origin, this sensual pomegranate lip gloss infuses lips with dramatic, diva-esque color. Deep in pigment yet sheer on the lips.

I love NARS glosses. They feel good, look amazing, and have excellent staying power. I had a really difficult time choosing a gloss from this collection. The other gloss ("Downtown") was also pretty stellar in its own way. But I eventually settled on “Bougainville” because it just looked so darn delicious. (Oh, and sexy.)

The shade is actually deeper than it appears in the photo. It’s the color of pomegranate seeds, and it makes my lips look shiny and juicy. It’s wearable enough for day; and it’s also got enough pizzazz for evening. And this color really is an instant pick-me-up (no, not that kind).

The website has the entire Holiday 2010 Collection. It’s thoroughly gorgeous and worth a good long look. There’s also a whole slew of gift ideas on the Holiday Glow page (and you can get free shipping on orders of $25 or more as well as complimentary shipping on any gift). NARS is also available at Sephora, beauty.com, and department stores like bloomingdales and Saks.

(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

All Softened Up: Four Truffles Earth Apple™ Body Butter (review)

Or should I say “all buttered up?” Nah…that sounds weird. I’ll stick with “softened.”

After a very restless morning; someone sent me a nice note full of wonderful thoughts and ideas that made me cheerful for the rest of the afternoon. I love when that happens! A lovely image or two can sometimes make all the difference.

And now that my restless demeanor has softened. I think it’s only fitting that I feature something to soften up everything else. From Four Truffles.

Four Truffles has their own way of making things better. Besides creating wonderful body products, the company is committed to empowering women and children throughout the world. They source their organic 4T PDN Complex™ ingredients from female-operated cooperatives in Morocco and West Africa and then donate 10 percent of sales profits directly to women and children’s charities.

Earth Apple™ Body Butter

Blurb: FourTruffles all-natural luxuriously rich and creamy whipped Body Butter deeply hydrates, rejuvenates and binds moisture to skin. The sweet, simple scent from the first bite of an apple awakens skin and senses to a fresh start. The fruity Earth Apple aroma, ideal for both men and women, is known to evoke energy and feelings of love and happiness. Four Truffles Body Butter melts into skin to provide long lasting hydration and helps restore skin to a more youthful appearance with the 4T PDN Complex.

The first three ingredients are water, aloe and shea butter. Other ingredients include argan, olive and coconut oils. I was pretty sure I was going to like this, and I was absolutely right.

It has a luxurious whipped texture, and a lovely fresh apple scent (with a hint of coconut). It melted into my skin right away. There was no stickiness or greasiness, but my skin stayed hydrated all day. I especially noticed its staying power on my elbows and knees. Yummy.

This body butter is also available in a purse-sized tube. And if you’re thinking of giving it as a gift; right now it comes in a gorgeous limited edition 2oz. wooden apple-shaped jar.

Take a look at their website and learn more about how they create meaningful beauty. If you buy any 6.2oz Body Butter, Four Truffles will donate $4 to Bridges of Hope. You can also check out their blog and sign up for their their newsletter (you’ll receive a $4 coupon). Four Truffles can also be found at Dermstore.

(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

One Fine Tuesday: Lola Fine Line Eye Pencils (review)

It’s a fine Tuesday because my antibiotics are starting to do their job and I’m able to close my mouth again (don’t even say it. Lol.)

And...there’s no finer way to spread the cheer than with one of my favorite things…eyeliner. How about a particularly fine one? From Lola Cosmetics.

Fine Line Eye Pencil

Blurb: This super-fine pencil with a twist up tip allows for precise application and a thick, luscious lash line. Precision-size allows you to easily apply color at the lash line creating a fuller, thicker lash look. Easily deposits color just where you want it. Never needs sharpening!

Since I’ve made it my life’s work to investigate nearly every type of eyeliner ever concocted; it was only a matter of time until I got around to trying these. These liners are super slim retractable pencils, with tiny tips that sharpen themselves. Great!

I love using them! One of my favorite looks is to apply a regular liner in a fairly heavy, soft focus swoosh. Then I follow that with a thin, precise line of dense color right at the lashes. These pencils are perfect for that. They’re super soft, and go on easily without any skipping, dragging or pulling. The color is highly saturated and creates a smooth, even line. The self-sharpening tip stays small and can get right up to the lash line. The look is wonderful. The only caveat is that because the pencils are so soft, they can smudge. (So make sure to use a good primer, and don’t rub.)

The website has plenty of other goodies. You can take a sneek peak at the new stuff, check out the celebrity beauty gallery or research store locations.

Since I’m feeling better – how about a rousing tune for all of us. Let’s all sing along with…The Chiffons!




(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Modern Monday: Origins Modern Friction™ (review)

Yeesh! I guess I was a little loopier than I thought this weekend. I didn’t even notice that my Friday post completely disappeared. Don’t worry – I found it and put it back.

Thanks to the magic of modern pharmaceuticals, my tooth/gum is much better. But I’m still taking painkillers, so I’m not as alert as I could be. Luckily my job doesn’t require me to operate heavy machinery. The un-heavy computer keyboard is enough of a challenge.

Aneeeeway...Today’s salute to modern pharmaceuticals is also a fairly corny tie-in to one of my all time favorite modern skin care products. From Origins.

Modern Friction™

Blurb: Nature’s gentle dermabrasion. Sand-blasting skin with coarse, chemical crystals? How painfully passé. Here’s age-smoothing exfoliation without irritation. Skin-refining Rice Starch, cushioned in cream, shows real affinity for rapidly removing sluggish cells, uneven patches and signs of skin damage and discolorations. Lemon Oil kick starts the process of illumination. Another age-sweeping action: skin-menacing molecules are mopped up. All while Aloe keeps skin calm and comfy. There’s no ouch, extra steps or other complications. No redness or flaking follows. The before-and-afters are amazing. Signs of fine lines and size of pores appear to shrink in size. Skin looks perfectly polished, smooth and luminous. And the perk-me-up aromas of Bergamot and Peppermint help you look on the bright side. Origins tested Modern Friction™ on a panel of 54 women. After just one try, of those who had undergone clinical micro-dermabrasion, 94% said they would now consider using Modern Friction™ instead.

I’ve been using this for years, and can’t believe I haven’t written about it yet. But sometimes when something is consistently reliable; it’s easy to take it for granted. Because it works. It does what it’s supposed to without any fanfare or fuss.

I first tried it when I was having issues with pigmentation, and it made a huge difference. After about six weeks, my skin tone was noticeably brighter and more even. Even better - my pores looked smaller and my skin seemed much smoother. I still apply it two nights a week to keep my skin looking good; and the mornings after I use it my skin looks absolutely radiant. It’s easy to use, non-irritating, doesn’t cause breakouts and always works. I love that!

It’s always fun to visit the website. Right now, check out the special offers, stocking stuffers and gorgeous gifts. Be sure to look at the store locations page if you want to browse in person.

Now...just in case I haven’t thrown enough “modern” at you this Monday. Check out this newfangled holo vocaloid craziness. I wonder if you’ll find it fascinating…or just wish I’d be done with the painkillers already.



(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Hair Care Friday: Blow Ready Set Blow express blow dry lotion (review)

I’m still limping along with my tooth/gum issue; but I visited the dentist this morning, and now I have meds. Yay! I’m also a little bit loopy (yay?).

I may be loopy, but my hair is looking mighty good today. I have an awesome blowout – thanks to a stellar hair product from Blow.

Ready Set Blow express blow dry lotion

Blurb: Using unique heat-polymer and setting technology, Ready Set Blow delivers easier, faster, longer-lasting, smooth blow-dry results. Accelerates blow dry time and "plumps" hair for a fuller heat style. Goes on to tame frizz, static and flyaways all day - even in the most humid conditions.

I would love to get a blowout at a Blow blow dry bar; but it’s a tad far for me to travel in the morning. Sooooo…enter the next best thing. Awesome products for home blowouts!

And awesome it is! This lotion made my blowout faster, easier and better looking! I rubbed a nickel-sized amount between my hands and smoothed it through my hair (starting at the ends). It had a very light scent and felt weightless. I was tempted to use more, but decided to follow directions instead and see what happened.

Good things happened. First of all my hair dried faster. It also felt very soft, and had a lot of swing. I was thrilled, though, at how great my blowout looked. Very smooth, nice shine and no frizz or flyaways. And it stayed that way all day long and into the evening. I tried it again today (dentist appointment and holiday party at work), and got tons of compliments. (Which cheered me up, and made me far less cranky about my tooth.) Love this stuff!

Blow has a pretty cool website. You can shop, Book an appointment and also check out the Retail Store Locator. You can also find Blow products at Ulta and Folica.

Have a great weekend!

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Your Thursday...um...Foot: Exuviance Heel Repair (review)

Hello, everyone! I’ve decided to temporarily suspend my “Your Thursday Face” series for a while. Mostly because I’ve come across a ton of really awesome products lately, and I want to have time to feature them all. It's all good.

Well...it’s all good except for the fact that I am on day #2 of a toothache. I made a dentist appointment for tomorrow morning (cause I’m trying to act like a big girl); but it’s not very fun right now. So to keep my mind off of it, I’m going to focus on a beauty product that’s as far away from my face as possible. From Exuviance.

Heel Repair

Blurb: Do your heels need rescuing? Exuviance Heel Repair contains high strength Alpha and Polyhydroxy Acids (AHAs/PHAs) in an amphoteric formulation to gently yet effectively exfoliate and repair dry, scaly, even calloused and cracked, feet. Pro-Vitamin E and skin conditioning oils instantly soothe and refresh tired feet. Feet are smooth as silk, pedicure-perfect and sandal-ready. Dermatologist tested and fragrance free. 2010 Shecky's Beauty at its Best award winner.

Way to go, Exuviance! I’ve been thrilled so far with all of their fabulous face products, and now they literally have head-to-toe awesomeness! I used it twice a week and my feet are softer and smoother than they’ve ever been! They also feel great. I wish I had known about this during the summer, but I sure am glad I know about it now.

If you have issues with dry, cracked skin on your heels – go get a jar of this!

When you visit the website, be sure to check out their Best Sellers and request a catalogue. (also…3 free samples on orders over $75). You may also want to check the retail locator to see if you can browse in person.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Midweek Moisturizer Report: Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser™ Light

Okay, I know I don’t usually have a midweek moisturizer report. I just thought it would sound all newsy and official. I got a note today that began with “Dear Editor.” Cool, huh? I’m practically a media mogul!

Before I slip completely into silliness, how about an excellent item? This one is from Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare.

Skin Repair Moisturiser™ Light – Combination/oily

Blurb: Light and gentle, this easily absorbed moisturising lotion is ideal for combination, oily or problem skin. This finely balanced blend of naturally active skin-conditioning ingredients includes borage oil (a rich source of the essential fatty acid GLA), echinacea, hops, avocado oil, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and natural antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin E to replace lost moisture and help protect your skin, leaving it soft and smooth with a naturally healthy glow. Includes borage and avocado to lightly moisturise and balance the skin.

One of the cool things about trying so many products is knowing what’s out there when friends, family, acquaintances, etc. tell me they’re looking for something. An even cooler thing, though, is trying out something that works exactly perfectly for me! Yay!!

This moisturizer fits so many of my needs it’s dizzying. I have combination to oily skin that’s also sensitive, prone to breakouts, and still requires a good moisturizer (on account of the fact that I’m no longer in my teens…or twenties…or…never mind). This moisturizer smells nice, has a lovely texture, absorbs quickly, doesn’t cause breakouts, feels weightless, hydrates, and even minimizes my pores slightly.

What’s not to love? (Answer: nothing, this is an awesome light moisturizer).

There are also skin repair moisturizers for normal/combination and dry/sensitive skin. Check out the website for details. While you’re there, be sure to browse the holiday gifts, stocking fillers, and read the expert tips.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Give and Get: LORAC Box Office Hit Full Face Palette (review)

I’m in shock. In about 70 minutes it will be December. How on earth did that happen? Wasn’t I just finishing up my Halloween costume?

Of course the extremely cool thing about December (besides the weather...ha!) is the gorgeous, fabulous array of holiday collections and awesome pallettes. Check out this one from LORAC and ULTA.

Box Office Hit Full Face Palette

Blurb: An ULTA exclusive! Critics are buzzing about LORAC's Box Office Hit! Create backstage beauty and take center stage with an attention-getting full face collection for eyes, cheeks, and lips. A $210 value. This luxurious Cabernet Croc Palette contains everything you need to create soft, natural looks for day-and sexy, smoky party looks for night: 12 eye shadows, 2 eyeliners, 1 blush, 1 bronzer and 8 lip colors. You are sure to be a Box Office Hit with LORAC!

This ULTA exclusive is part of LORAC’s Holiday 2010 Collection. It’s extremely giftable (and keepable). The packaging is excellent, practical and absolutely lovely. The croc case opens to reveal a really nice collection of colors. I especially loved the shadows (of course) – 12 shades that range from fresh and subtle to dark and smoky. The two pencil liners were very good, and I also loved the lip colors (housed under a genius see-through flap). The bronzer and the pink blush complete the palette very nicely.

What I also loved about this palette is that it snaps securely shut - keeping everything housed in an elegant, and extremely portable little case. It fits easily in most bags and would be perfect for holiday travel (no gels or liquids to get the TSA all agitated).

This palette is only avaible at Ulta. Visit the website if you want to know more. You may also want to check out the Special Offers section and take advantage of free shipping on all orders of $25 or more (use code: 512213). You can also visit the LORAC website to see more of the Holiday offerings.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

New Week, New Stuff: Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age-Correcting Eye Creme (review)

Well it looks like the weekend is actually over. I spent a hectic Black Friday scoring deals at the mall; and I just don’t have it in me to participate in Cyber Monday. I’m going to let the other bloggers tell you about all the amazing online bargains; and I’m just going to stick to my review. But it’s a fabulous review. Cuz it’s Estée Lauder.

Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age-Correcting Eye Creme

Blurb: Now experience our most dramatic age-correcting results ever around your eyes. The look is strikingly younger and more lifted. Enviably radiant. Astonishingly beautiful and full of life. It's a singular achievement in visible age correction: an ultra-luxurious, all-powerful creme with our ultimate repair technologies and intense hydrators. Lifting, firming, perfecting your skin's appearance like never before. Our multi-patented Life Re-Newing Molecules™ combine proprietary, rare and precious extracts plus some of the most scientifically advanced technology. All brilliantly intertwined to help repair, recharge, and restore skin's energized, radiant appearance.

This is an absolutely gorgeous eye cream! It feels velvety soft, absorbs quickly and moisturizes extremely well throughout the day. Now that the air outside is cold and dry, and the air inside is warm and dry; I really notice the difference. This cream doesn’t feel heavy at all; but at the end of the day, my eye area still feels and looks hydrated and supple. Love this!

Visit the website to learn about the entire Re-Nutriv line. And while you’re there, be sure to take a nice long look at this year’s stunning Glamour is Golden Makeup Set. ($55 with any fragrance purchase - worth over $340.00).

Estée Lauder is also sold in fine department stores.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Hair Care (aka “Black”) Friday: TRESemmé Naturals Lightweight Mousse and Finishing Spray (review)

Well my travels and holiday “stuff” are finally done. At least for now. I had an awesome Thanksgiving and I hope you all did too.

Today I’m gearing up for a day at…the mall. Yes, I’m actually going to brave the black Friday crowds, lines, food courts and parking lots. Mainly because I’m on a pretty strict budget this year, so I need to take advantage of as many amazing deals as I can.

So…in the spirit of value and quality. Today’s hair care Friday is all about TRESemmé.

Lightweight Mousse

Blurb: TRESemmé's new lightweight mousse is formulated with organic Sweet Orange extract, to help you get long-lasting hold with natural benefits for healthier, stronger hair.

Finishing Spray

Blurb: You don’t have to sacrifice beautiful style when choosing a natural hair care line. Formulated with USDA certified organic ingredients: aloe vera, sweet orange, and avocado. These products with naturally derived polymers will leave your hair healthier, shinier, stronger, and looking naturally gorgeous. Our unique lightweight spray formula, with organic extracts, keeps your style in place all day.

Two words: Great stuff.

Really. I used the Finishing Spray to tame and smooth my hair after a blowout. It left my hair smooth and shiny without any stiffness; and everything stayed in place in the dry air without any flyaways or frizz. The Mousse was also excellent. It really is lightweight. I airdried my hair, and got some gorgeous tousled waves! A little dab also worked very well as a curl definer. My hair had volume, but wasn’t stiff or sticky.

I was really impressed with both of these products and now I’m curious about the other items in their “Naturals” line. I like that they feature organic ingredients; and I love that they work. Oh…and they smell wonderful.

Visit the website and check out the Awards and Offers section. There’s also a really fun Backstage page. TRESemmé can be found in grocery stores, drug stores and places like Drugstore.com and Sally Beauty.

Off to the mall…wish me luck!

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know I’ve been MIA during the last week and a half. I’d hoped to post on Monday; but there was just too much traveling (and holiday preparing). Things got pretty backed up.

So instead of frantically trying to write a review, I’m just going to wish you all a happy, healthy, loving and safe Thanksgiving. I’m feeling very grateful for the people in my life and the wonderful blessings that the year has brought. I hope each of you gets at least one moment to experience gratitude for someone or something that has enriched or awakened your life.

Peace and see you on Friday!

Gone Fishing (not really)

I'm just gone vacationing. I'm going to be travelling all week visiting family and friends in upstate New York (before everything gets socked in for the winter).

I'll be back on Monday with some fun pre-Thanksgiving beauty, but until then have a wonderful week and weekend!

Monday Magnificence: Lancôme Artliner Precision Point Eyeliner (another rave review)

It’s mighty close to midnight (and therefore almost Tuesday), so I’m going to get right to the review part. Today’s (tonight’s) super fabulous eye-tem is from Lancôme.

Artliner Precision Point Eyeliner

Blurb: Emphasize your eyes with this easy-to-handle, liquid pen featuring a uniquely shaped foam tip that lets you line, shape and define eyes to create any look you like. Rich, deep, luminous pigments offer the most intense, dramatic color. Glides on smoothly without scratching, tugging or skipping and lasts all day.

The short version: I love love love love this liner! Why didn’t I try it earlier?

Long version: Well I didn’t try it earlier because I have waaaay too many liners already. But I was scouring the mall for a specific shade (a deep burgundy/magenta) and the saleslady at the Lancôme counter suggested I try their Artliner in “Plum Glimmer.” I was worried it would be too purple, but I gave it a try. I was right – it was too purple for what I was looking for. But the brush and formula were amazing!

So I bought one. And I love it. And now I want them all.

It’s a liquid liner with a “pen” applicator. However, this pen is incredibly soft and flexible – which means you get pen precision with the smooth velvety lines of a brush. A cat’s eye is a piece of cake, and so is a tiny thin line right up against the lash line. The pigment is highly saturated and lasts all day. Another A++ (that's two in a row)!

Check out all the colors on the website. Be sure to browse the What's New section, and maybe even take advantage of their special offer (4-piece deluxe sample collection and free shipping with any $45 purchase with code: ANOV). You can also find Lancôme at nice department stores and Sephora.

(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Hair Care Friday: NEW Samy Fat Foam Hair Color (rave review)

Wow…it’s finally Friday. It seems like last weekend was about a million years ago; and I am soooo happy that a brand new weekend has arrived. Speaking of brand new…I’m even happier to feature today’s new exceptional hair care product. From Samy.

Fat Foam Hair Color

Blurb: Even Coverage From Roots to Ends! No-mistake hand application provides even distribution, especially to those hard-to-reach areas such as the back of the head. No dry spots, it’s so simple. 100% Gray Coverage! Long lasting, rich color that covers gray completely with less application time. Conditions & Shines! Formulated with soy protein to leave your hair looking smooth, healthy, shiny and youthful. Less Mess! Non-drip whipped foam means the color wraps every strand, stays in place, and won’t drip.

Hair color is a very personal thing. I color my hair at home; and it takes a lot to get me to stray from my “usual.” But I just may have found a new “usual.” This product is that good.

From start to finish, Fat Foam worked better than any at-home color I’ve ever used. I poured color powder and a liquid into a large, plastic cup with a domed lid. I closed the lid and shook for about a minute, and the mixture turned into a foam. Then I used my (gloved) hands to apply the foam to my hair. It was amazingly easy. The foam turns to liquid on contact, and I completely covered every single bit of hair in just under 8 minutes. I’ve never gotten it done that quickly.

The processing time was 40 minutes (I have dark hair with lots of gray), so I used a shower cap to cover everything and prevent any drips. The package contains packets of both shampoo and conditioner; so I rinsed then washed and conditioned. The shampoo made excellent lather and rinsed easily. The conditioner was rich; and after I rinsed, my hair was soft and tangle-free.

The results were thoroughly fabulous. I used “Medium Reddish Brown” (a lovely, deep auburn). My hair was soft and shiny, the color was even, and the grey coverage was superior to anything I’ve ever tried. I was completely wowed. It’s been over a week since I colored, and there has been almost no fading – which is amazing with reds. The color isn’t identical to the one I’ve been mixing myself for the past few years; but it’s pretty close. And I’m so impressed with the formula that I’m thinking of switching to Samy for good. A++!

You can check out the other colors on the website – and even order directly (there’s free shipping with any purchase over $50). There’s also a where to buy page if you want to browse the colors in person.

Happy Friday Everyone!

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)