Review - Barielle Total Foot Care Cream

"This luxurious conditioning formula softens and helps to eliminate calluses while healing chapped areas of your feet. Use it just twice a day, and your entire foot will be soft and silky. Gives you great looking and feeling feet."

Movie Maven says:
After just one use of this thick, creamy Barielle Total Foot Care Cream, my feet felt and looked noticeably better. I used it in the suggested way - I put it on before going to bed (while watching the Colbert Christmas Special, if you must know), put on cotton socks, and slept with them on. I actually cannot stand wearing socks while I'm asleep, but I wanted to get the full effect of the lotion, and I'm happy I did! My gnarly winter feet were softer and prettier already. I suspect that I will have to use it on a regular basis to get the full benefit, but as I said, I don't care for socks in bed. However, I may start putting it on at the beginning of the day as a test!


Deedlejuse says:
I totally agree with Movie Maven on this super rich, thick and creamy foot cream. I also used it before bed and wore socks, and my feet in the morning looked like they belonged to someone else. Or more specifically someone who wears socks and foot cream to bed regularly. It only took one use for them to look much nicer, but after a few weeks of using it every couple of nights my feet look, and feet amazing. They are so soft and less uncomfortable! I'm definitely sold on this cream.

Review - Shades (Barielle) Nail Polish

"Salon Strength Formula
Long lasting finish
Protective Barrier
High Shine
Size: .5 fl. oz. / 14.8 ml $8.00 Ea Buy any 2 Shades colors and get one free"

I tried this nail polish out in Passionate which is a very pretty medium pink. I found that it really goes on very smoothly and dried pretty quickly. Yes, there is the high shine they include in the description. I do think it has such a shine that you may not need a top coat. It definitely has the long lasting qualities that they mention. I have had it on for 4 or 5 days and not even one chip --I even caught one of my nails on something and snagged it -- but the polish stayed in place. I am the mixer with nail polishes and lipsticks and sometimes make up. Well, I gave this a frost that set it off wonderfully. I added a coat of plain white to lighten it and again I loved that. The price is high if you get just one bottle -- but pick 3 (it will be very easy once you get a glimpse of the many 'Shades') and you will only pay for two and get the third one for free. It seems to add some strength to my nails -- the snag was a freaky thing where I caught the nail and pulled on it. Their colors run the gamut -- I think everyone will find 'Shades' they love!!

Deedlejuse says: I have to agree with Sheba, again, on all of her points with this nail polish. I got a really cute, iridescent, translucent pink called Baretini. It is really cute, but takes at least two coats to show up. This, of course, is perfect for people who want their nail polish to be barely there, and also useable for those of us that like it to be bright and beautiful. I used it primarily on my toes, just because I really like toe nail polish, and it has been on for two weeks with no chips at all. Seriously you're going to have to reapply only because your nails have grown! I think thats a pretty amazing feat for nail polish. And, Like Sheba, I didn't need a top coat at all because the polish was so shiney. There are so many shades on their website I bet even the most outrageous tastes will be catered to!

CitySlicker Says: I have the Fortifying Nail Builder with Calcium Fluoride. I think I am the perfect person to test this out. I have dry nails that split, break, peel and look terrible. I go through times that I take great care of my nail then times where it slips from the forefront and I start seeing them deteriorate again.. I have been using this for almost 2 weeks and I am proud to announce that it really works well on nails that are one step away from being kept in my gloves full time. I have been applying daily and change it out about every 5 days. This goes on strong and stays strong. It doesn't build up dry out and peel off like some of the other strengtheners on the market. I have noticed since using my nails are growing, they looks healthier and aren't breaking as much. I will continue to use and by the time Santa comes down my chimney I might be able to pick the tiniest cookie crumbs from his beard with the tips of my nails. I will continue to use and rebuy - this is a results orientated product.

Hillary says: I hate to disagree with the other reviewers, but I did not have such a positive experience with my color of Barielle Shades Nail Polish. Mine is a poppy red called "Ecstasy" but instead of ecstatic, it made me a little perturbed. All 3 times I used it, with different base and top coats, it chipped the same day. And kept on chipping. I have tons of nailpolish and I have noticed that to a degree, different colors within the same line can have different wear lives. We'll have to wait for the other reviews to see whether it happens with anyone else's shade, but I recommend staying away from the "Ecstacy"- in all its forms.

Amanda S. Says: Well Hillary, looks like we're on the same page again. Sure, I loved the color and the shine of the polish, but on my toes it chipped off the tips of my big toenails by the end of the day at work wearing heels :( which really bummed me out.

Review - Cutler - Specialist Definition Cream for Texture & Shine

"This lightweight formula protects against frizz while it adds shine and definition for a touchable, natural hold. A balanced blend of avocado oil and moisturizers leave hair looking polished and healthy without the greasy excess."

Movie Maven says:
As a girl with hair that tends to hang limp when I don't pay enough attention to it, I'm always on the lookout for products that will make it look thicker and more "piecey." This product isn't it. This is not to say that this Cutler Specialist Definition Cream isn't a good product - for shine. But to call it a texturizer is a bit of a misnomer. When I think of a texturizer, I think of a product that will make your hair look thicker, more defined. This product does nothing but add a bit of shine, and, if you rub in a little before you blow-dry, a touch of fullness. But when I used it after having blow-dried, it actually made my fine hair a bit lifeless. I'd recommend this for ladies with major frizz problems (something I am thankful not to have), or for those who need taming, rather than for texturizing fine hair. It does, however, smell fantastic!

Review- Cutler Extra Gentle Shampoo & Intensive Conditioner

Shampoo- Formulated to gently clean dehydrated or chemically treated hair. $16 Conditioner- Moisturizes dry, damaged or color-treated hair. Smooths and seals. $17

I love this shampoo and conditioner! In addition to the clean scent, the shampoo is extra gentle and cleans without leaving your hair stripped. It is low foam but your hair feels superbly clean once you rinse. My hair is dry and color-treated and this combination makes my hair look very healthy and shiny. The conditioner is thick and rich, yet rinses completely leaving my hair soft and smooth. Once I put the conditioner in I use a large tooth comb to work it through. The comb slides through effortlessly with this conditioner. I have no doubt I will be buying this shampoo & conditioner again and again. And considering the small amount you need to use, these products are well worth the money.

Sheba says: I have the shampoo and it reminds me of a baby shampoo because it is so gentle and fresh. It leaves my hair 'squeaky clean' as my mother used to say. It lathers up a little but it does remove all the stuff I put into my hair very nicely and leaves it very clean and fresh. I do not detect any scent to the shampoo other than a very fresh one. For the price you cannot do better for a daily shampoo. I usually shampoo every other day as my hair needs a day between washings. This works wonderfully at removing all day old hair products and dirt and smog from the atmosphere. Hillary mentioned that you just need a tiny dab to get your hair as clean and refreshed as it can be.

Review - Mario Badescu Citrus Body Cleanser

"Grapefruit Extract gently exfoliates the skin while the soothing Linden Flower Extract leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed. Leaves no soapy residue." 8oz. - $10.00 16oz. - $18.00

Mario Badescu - need I say more? No, I do not work for them --I wish I did. I have had excellent results from all of his products that I have used. This is no exception -- it is awesome. You always feel clean after a shower -- want to feel extra clean and refreshed -- use this!! It lathers up really well and just spreads its wonderful citrus scent over you as it cleans and hydrates. I love citrus anyway but in a body cleanser it is just sseems so much more clean and fresh. Your skin will be very happy as you use it and when you are done. Of course, it is clean and fresh but it feels as though you already put moisturizer on!! The price is very reasonable and many of Mario Badescu's products can be located on EBay for even less. Check it out -- you will be happy you did.

Review - Liz Earle Young Skin Try-Me Kit

Movie Maven says:
While I wouldn't say I have young skin, I definitely have the skin problems of a much younger woman. Overactive oil glands lead to a constant battle between me and pimples galore. So when I got the opportunity to try this Liz Earle Young Skin Try-Me Kit, I was stoked. It comes with a variety of products, so I'll talk about each one (in the order you use them).

Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser: This cleanser, a thick cream that you apply to dry skin, then "polish" off with the included muslin cloth, is fast becoming one of my favorites. It left my skin soft, but not oily, and I did see mild improvement in my problem skin after using it for about a week and a half (which is about as much as you can get out of the little tube in the try-me kit). It did claim to remove even "tough mascara," which I didn't see happening, but it's definitely a nice product for teens (or women whose faces think they are teens).

Deep Cleansing Mask: This mask might work. I could only use it twice, though, because the smell is so strong that after I used it (AND put the toner on AND put the lotion on), my face STILL smelled like rancid dirt. I really wish it didn't smell so bad, because the two times I used it, I liked the results, but it's just not worth it when there are other, lovely-smelling masks out there to use. The only plus: it comes with two sponges to sponge the mask off your face and provide an even deeper cleansing. Skip this one. Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer: This toner in a little spray bottle is, thankfully, wonderful-smelling. I don't really care for the spray toner thing generally, but this spray bottle worked well and was a much finer mist than others I've tried, so I liked it.

Skin Repair Light Combination/Oily Lotion: This lotion really is light and works well on oily skin. In the winter, it's so difficult to tread the line between "my face is so dry it's about to fall off" and "I need to do something to control this grease" when you have combination or oily skin. This lotion moisturizes just enough for the winter dryness to be under control, but not so much that it will overdo the grease.

Final Thoughts: The kit is well worth trying out if you've got combination, oily, or problem skin, even if you're not a teenager. But if you're buying full-size products, steer clear of the mask!

Review - Studio I/M Parting Comb

Comfort Flex™ Spine minimizes breakage
o ProPlasmium Grip™ prevents slipping for added comfort and control
o Tourmaline adds shine, smoothes and reduces static
o Closely spaced teeth for backcombing or adding volume
o Ceramic to withstand 300’F
o Long tail for parting

Seriously, who knew there was such technology behind combs..... But I have to say it is totally worth it. I recently received a Goody Smoothing Hairbrush, and their I/M branded Parting Comb. My hair has never looked so beautiful. It might have to do with a recent change in shampoo (which will be a different review) but I don't think so. I am definitely charging Goody with my amazing new look. This comb is to-die-for, AND it's only five bucks! I'm in love. All of the things they mention above are true, and they make it super comfortable, easily controllable, and amazingly effective. Let me ask you, when was the last time someone with hair half-way down their back (but straight) told you honestly that they used a comb, and actually enjoyed the experience? The tail for parting is also very cool, I don't think I've actually used a parting comb in many years, so this was sort of a revelation. Like " Oh, is that how your supposed to do that" it totally makes sense, I just never thought about it before. Even if you don't think you need this comb, I bet you'll be happy if you got it!

CitySlicker Says: I have the Detangling Comb with Handle.. Is a comb just a comb? For me no.. this has been a little godsend. I have been using this mostly to assist in flat ironing my doo. This comb is good to go up to 300'F so I don't have to risk my fingers getting burned anymore. I am using this comb to separate smooth then iron. It does take a little longer and I did have to get over the urge to just use my hands. I am totally over it and find that this comb helps me out by ironing my smaller sections. The overall looks is much better. I will happily shell out a mere $6 for another but I know that this will last forever.

Hillary says: I have the 3-in-1 comb & I love it. I use it to blow-dry my bangs as I have a super hot hair dryer & these combs can really take the heat. This comb is 1 part wet hair comb (wide-toothed), 1 part straight hair comb (medium-toothed) and a pick at the end. I have to say I use the pick the most as I wear my hair "tousled" & that takes a decent amount of gel. The next day I have the choice to comb out the product and be a complete frizzball or pick it and keep the "touseled" look. I think it's clear what I do. And for $6 it saves you money as you no longer need 3 combs.

Joyce says: I have the parting comb and really like how it smoothes my hair but also seems to add fullness to my thin, fine hair. And, maybe I’m dreaming, but is that enhanced shine I see when I use this comb? Hmm . . . I’ll take it! Oh, and when I want to tease (my hair, that is), it does the job.

Coupon- 15% off at MarioBadescu.com 12/1 - 12/15/08

Mario Badescu Holiday Discount and Gift with Purchase

Mario Badescu is celebrating a year of amazing blog reviews and reader comments by offering 15% off of product purchases* on www.mariobadescu.com between December 1st and December 15th 2008 when you enter promocode BEAUTYBLOG at checkout.

In addition to the discount, anyone who purchases 2 or more products will receive a complimentary deluxe sample set which includes 3 assorted 2oz. samples of best selling MB products and mirror tucked away into an MB signature cosmetic bag.

If this is the same sample set as last year (& I beleive it is), it was so nice I gave it as a gift!

*Gift Certificate purchases do not apply

Review - Watkins Lemon Cream Body Cream

Shea and cocoa butters blended with natural oils provide extraordinary skin softening abilities. Great for in-home manicures, pedicures and hand massages

Not tested on animals

So, I was recently at a trade-show for all natural products recruiting for my store. The best part about trade shows is that you get a-bajillion samples of an insane number of products. In most cases I was relatively unimpressed with the samples of detoxifying P.M. deodorants, and detoxifying foot pads. ( imagine all of the crazy all-natural things people come up with and then throw all those people into one room so they can try to sell their crazy products to whomever walks past them) So, I have been dutifully trying everything in my goody bag, thinking about what might work for me when I opened a little pouch of heaven. This Lemon Cream Body Cream smells like cake, or lemon mousse, or some other delicious desserty kind of thing. It leaves your skin eadibaly soft, and soaks in in a few seconds. Watkins is a brand that has been around forever, and is sort of like the go-to place for all natural, never tested on animals, and inexpensive body products. They just work, but I don't think any of them smell better than this Lemon Cream.

Aveda Free Shipping, Gift Wrap and Sample

Free Holiday Shipping and Gift Wrap w/ all orders + Free Sample. Offer Expires 11/30/08 11:59 EST.

Review - Kiss My Face Moisture Shave

Our Fragrance Free moisture shave is a moisturizing formula with highly effective natural essential oils, extracts and vitamins for the best shave ever!

I believe that someone recently posted about how wonderful, and inexpensive Kiss My Face products are. Here you will see more of the same. I would not hesitate to recommend any of their products, ever. Apparently this also holds true for their Moisture Shaves; I tried their unscented version, and oooh are my legs silky smooth! I didn't even need to apply a moisturizer after shaving, and my legs look as gorgeous as is possible for them. Not a small feat, let me tell you! It doesn't foam up in quite the same way as products like Shaving Gels but I used it outside of the shower, and was more than impressed with the lather that resulted. As with anything I think it takes a perfect balance of moisture to really get it to lather up, but once you figure that out you will only need a tiny amount to get all the places you need to get. If you are a normal reader than you know that sometimes I just like unscented products (I work at a fragrance bar and so am always surrounded by scent) and this one is perfect. Not a hint of any unattractive product smells either, which is awesome. If you like scented things though, it looks like they have some great scents: Patchouli, lavender, peaches and cream.... Yummy!

Review- Black Opal Lipstick

A moisture-rich lip treatment, enhanced with Vitamin E and lip softening Aloe Vera that impart lush, opulent color to lips. Hypoallergenic. $5.75

Yes, it's true, Black Opal cosmetics are intended for African-Americans (which I am not), but when we got the opportunity to review it I figured lipstick is lipstick. Although the color is too dark for me to wear on a regular basis (mine is Ebony Wine which comes out black), I was really impressed with the quality of this lipstick. I wore it on Halloween and I put it on around 6PM. I didn't have to re-apply until after I ate around 11PM! Even then it wasn't totally gone. I wear all my lipstick with lip balm, but this lipstick is moisturizing enough to go without it. This is one heavily pigmented lipstick and at $5.75, it's quite a bargain. African- American women are unfortunately very limited in the choices of brands which cater to their skin tones which I've always felt was unfair. Luckily, Black Opal offers them quality lipstick at an affordable price.

Sheba says:
I am no stranger to 'ethnic' cosmetics. I use some on my hair and have given them glowing reviews. I got the Black Opal Lipstick in Honey Suckle and I like it a lot. I have mentioned before my mixing colors of lipstick and nail polish. Well, I can wear this alone and it looks very nice. I can wear it with a white over it or a pearl over it. I can do no wrong with it -- it looks great no matter how I wear it. I will use this one on my lips and put the mixer on top of it. The reason I want this on the lips directly is the moisture and aloe feel wonderful on my lips. Why put another lipstick on first and miss that feeling?? As Hillary mentioned this is a lasting lipstick. I need to refresh my lipstick often but this has staying power and I don't find the need to refresh as often. This is a very good quality lipstick at a reasonable price.

Movie Maven says:
Okay, we're all white girls. And yet we're reviewing lipstick intended for women of color. Is this a result of the new "post-race" age everyone's talking about? In any event, Black Opal Lipstick is a fine product regardless of your skin tone. I got it in Bon Bon, which in the tube appears to be a chocolatey brown, but actually goes on in a more cinnamon-y color. I walked out into the living room wearing it and told my roommate it was Black Opal, and she said, "It just looks like you're wearing lipstick." Although I'm a cool tones sort of girl, on a woman with warmer skin tone - whether she's the palest of the pale or the darkest of the dark - this color could totally look good. The lipstick itself is soft and actually feels good on my lips; the only complaint was that I had to reapply it a couple of times. However, for the price, it's a bargain! Definitely recommended for everyone.

CitySlicker Says:

I have this lippie in Golden Ambition. I too am no stranger to wearing dark colors on my lips and always jump at the chance to try something new. I don’t care if a line is marketed to a specific ethnicity if I like the product I jump on board quickly. It is clear that the foundation wouldn’t work for me but the lippies do. The Golden Ambition is a rich bronzy color that would be perfect for me with a tan in the summer, right now I am pale and wearing this color kind of makes me look sickly it brings out the wrong tones so when I wear this I need to bronze it up. First thing I noticed is just how smooth this goes on and almost leaves like a light powdery feel to it... It does stay on nicely and that is SUPER important for a dark lippie. I could wear without reapplying for a couple of hours (pretty much till I ate). I don’t notice a lot of feathering either. Now let me get to the best part….. Can you believe $5.75?? OMG, this line has many treasures at price points that won’t break the bank or scare you away... Nice product, nice color and stands up to my busy day!

Joyce says: I like a lipstick that goes on easy and feels good, as this one does. And it did last. My shade was Tropica which is a red with a strong orange base. I thought it was a bit bright on me and my friends commented that it was the wrong shade. I’m going to mix it with a darker color and expand my palette because I do like it.

Amanda S. Says: I have nightmares where I put on lipstick and it stays right on the outside of my lips and wears away on the inner part of my lip immediately, and makes the corners of my mouth look gross. Wait, those aren't nightmares, that happens to me constantly. I live in fear of lipstick, with my face in mirrors everywhere making sure it's not creeping all over my face or getting on my teeth. When I got this Black Opal lipstick, I was afraid to use it in fear that I'd be living under seige all day. But I wore it around the house for a few hours, checked on it, and behold.. it didn't freak out on me. It must have some super hero strength staying power or something, because unlike 99% of the lipsticks I've ever used, it made me happy. !

Reiew - Christine Aguilera Inspire Perfume

"Christina Aguilera Inspire EDP SP 1.7 Oz. Christina Aguilera Designer Perfume. Christina Aguilera Inspire perfume for women is made by Christina Aguilera. This fragrance for women contains a blend of mango, citrus, freesia, rose, gardenia, orange blossom, sandalwood and musks. This women's fragrance is recommended for romantic wear." $42.00

This perfume really did surprise me. I wasn't really sure what to expect from Christine Aguilera -- she has many faces as an entertainer. Actually this Christine Aguilera Inspire Perfume is a very nice fragrance. I had a whiff of it when going through a cosmetic section of a store and liked it but that was not enough to really make a judgement so I did get a bottle. I am glad that I did: this is a wonderful blend of scents that come together beautifully. It is recommended for romantic wear as mentioned above and that is appropriate, however, I have used it during the day and it was not too much. I catch the citrus in it and I am a citrus person. That is not to say that I didn't like the rest of the combination. I think the combination is 'inspired' and maybe that is how the name came about. Inspire can be interpreted as a romantic blend for sure but I found that it could also be just a very casual scent if used lightly. I think it has an air of sophistication to it. It is definitely a nice addition to my perfumes and gives me another option when I am selecting one for the day or evening. The cost seems to be right where most perfumes fall. However, check out Amazon.com and EBay for some pretty good discount prices. I also think that this perfume would make an excellent present. . . especially for Christine's fans. I would not limit it to just her fans as it is a delightful fragrance is sure to be appreciated by the general public. Her designers came up with a real jewel in Inspire.

Review - Mineral Essence Eyeshadow and Brush

"Whether you want a hint of subtle color, a splash of glamour or simply want to accentuate your natural beauty; these velvety smooth, crease-proof formulas offer a variety of gorgeous, long-lasting effects to choose from."

This loose mineral eyeshadow, made from natural ingredients and enriched with vitamins, is a nice product. I'm not going to say it's my new obsession, but it's definitely Top Ten material. I got it in 24K, which (as you might infer) is a gold shade. In the package, it appears to be a rather sheer gold, but once you put it on, the color is richer than anticipated, making it better for a night out on the town than a day at the office. When I did put it on, though, it stayed in place for the day, but not into the night - a girl might need to reapply if she decided to rock the gold for more than just a few hours. Since I'll be using this for evenings from now on, however, I don't see that as a drawback. My favorite feature of this product was actually the packaging: instead of dipping the eyeshadow brush (sold separately) directly into the powder, a shaker top is provided underneath the lid, allowing you to shake out just a little, making it easier to load up the right amount on your brush. Speaking of the brush - it's a fine little guy, with soft bristles that let you capture enough of the loose powder to put on, but it's also easy to knock a bit off if you find you've overdone it. Overall, a solid product.

Deedlejuse Says: I got this eyeshadow in Chocolate, a perfect shade for lining the eyes. The brush I received was also a lining brush so they must have meant for it to act as a liner. The brush is really nice, very fine so you have plenty of control, and it has a smudge sponge on the end. The eyeshadow is kind of hard to use. I'm not that good at applying loose powder eyeshadow, so I have to be really careful with such a precise line. It stays on for most of the day though, and is pretty highly pigmented so you only need to use one or two layers to get a defined line. In the future I might try a shade that is more for all over coverage (I'd like to try the 24K!) because I really like the idea and the product, I just don't trust myself with lining via mineral.

CitySlicker Says: I didn’t get a shadow but I got the Mineral Essence Shimmer in Pure Bronze – when you see the color online the color I received is much deeper and a lot more bronzy. This can be used on the lips, face and eyes so I am pretty psyched about that! A three in one for only $16.00... The pot is small so when using this with my big bronzer brush I have trouble tapping the excess back into the pot so I do it over a clean piece of paper to be able to funnel the extras right back to where they belong. This product instantly gives my face a warm glow that truly gives off a healthy complexion. I have used a little on my eyes more like a liner and with my hazel eyes it brings out the golden flecks, very pretty if I say so myself. I find that this wears throughout the day on my face but when using on the eyes it does feather and spread a little so the next time I applied I used it with a damp brush and got all day wear out of it. This line has something for everyone with price points that don’t make you cringe... This will last forever and it’s filled with lots of shimmer for all you gals that like reflecting qualities...

Sheba says: My Mineral Essence Eyeshadow selection is Mocha. Let me say I have been dying to try a shadow in this color range since watching different makeup artists on various television shows. They use a multitude of colors. Yet, I have noticed any color/shade near this particular shade gave a beautiful definition to most any color eye and I noticed they use it to highlight also. At first I thought it was boring until I saw just what they were able to accomplish with it. My eyes are hazel and I first used my Laura Geller primer which I have already raved about in its own review. Next I applied this shadow and Movie Maven is dead on about the shaker top -- it is so much easier to use it with that in place! It really went on so smoothly and the primer helped to disguise some of the crepes in my skin there--the shadow looks terrific. I tried it different ways on different days. One day -- fully on the lids. Another day, in the crease and another as a highlighter. I could not mess up with it: it worked and looked wonderful no matter what I did with it. The color has perfect intensity and it does make your eyes pop -- in a very good way. The price is reasonable, especially for the quality of the product you get.

Review- Profound Beauty Glossary Shine Spray

"Captures and reflects light for shimmering shine on all hair types. Microprisms enhance haircolor tonality and highlights. Goes on clean and dry. Will not interfere or damage your style. Prevents frizz and flyaways. Protects against humidity. $41"


A lot of women could really use this product. If you're like me, you don't wash your hair every day (mine would be breaking off @ the roots if I did. But you usually end up with less-than-shiny hair on that second day. So what to do? Profound Beauty has found the answer in this lightweight aresol. This product weighs literally nothing on the hair, and adds a vibrant shine to hair in any condition. I've used it on my hair when it's straight and I've used it when I've worn the "tousled" look and both times it added considerable shine to my hair. My hair did not look greasy or weighed down in the least. The only drawback is the sticker shock I got when I saw the $41 price tag. But I can tell you that if you are looking for shine, I've never used another product like this one in it's shiny but not heavy quality. Except maybe the Profound Beauty Shine Cream (see review here), but that goes on damp hair. Let me leave you with this, if you don't wash every day and you worry it's noticable, pick this up and the shine will throw them off your tracks!

Sheba says: Shine on!!! This does exactly what it claims and works as well as Hillary has said. I have tried some shine products with mixed results but Profound Beauty Glossary Shine Spray shined its way to the very top of the performers. It does not add any noticeable weight to your hair and cause helmut head look. I was afraid it might add just that much more weight to flatten my hair a bit -- but no, it did not. It gives you the appearance of wonderful, healthy, shiney , clean hair. It does not look like you sprayed your hair with plastic as I have had it the past -- it looks so very natural. The cost is really way up there for me but you do not need a lot so this will last forever. In between uses I will go with other shine products that also work well. This will be for the 'important times'. I am putting this on my Christmas List -- perhaps my husband will be caught up in the spirit and not mind spending some extra money. Ho ho ho!!

Review - ANEW CLINICAL Thermafirm Face Lifting Cream

"Our most effective lifting treatment ever is formulated to fortify damaged tissue with new collagen. In just 3 days, see tighter, firmer, more lifted skin.** Simply apply daily to a clean, dry face AM and/or PM under your moisturizer. 1 fl. oz.As seen on TV." $32.00

Avon Anew is one line I have had fantastic luck with and this is no exception. This ANEW CLINICAL Thermafirm Face Lifting Cream goes on very smoothly and is quickly absorbed by my skin. It leaves my skin feeling really soft, smooth, and hydrated but the best part is that after a few days I did feel that the skin is lifting or tightening -- even if it is slight. I use it both day and night and I just put my moisturizer on after this is applied. I swear I do see an improvement in skin tone and it seems to really do the job. I now get most of my Avon Anew from EBay since I have discovered the incredible sales there. Try there before paying full or even sale price.

Coupon- 25% off Any Single Item @ Victoriassecret.com

Add qualifying merchandise to your shopping bag. Enter offer code GET25 at checkout. The price of your item will be adjusted after offer code is applied. Valid through November 26, 2008. Offer subject to adjustment due to returns, cancellations and exchanges. Offer excludes UGG Australia, Frye and the 2008 Fantasy Bra. Not valid on previous purchases, purchases made in Victoria's Secret stores or with any other item-level offer. For orders outside the United States, additional taxes and duties may apply.

Not sure if you can layer these or not (you usually can), but I've got these codes as well:

Free Slippers w/ Select Sleepwear Purchase
Coupon code: FA813753 Valid through 12/21/08

Free Panty + $10 off any Regular -Priced bra
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Free Scarf w/ Sweater Purchase
Coupon code: FA813765 Valid through 12/21/08

Free Shipping on $100 or more
Coupon code: FA813681 Valid through 12/21/08

$30 off $175 or more
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The only one I think maybe won't work is the free panty in conjunction w/ the 25% off.

Review- Cutler Specialist Protectant Treatment Spray

"Special treatment spray that moisturizes while it adds a barrier of protection between heat and hair. This light-weight styling spray is designed to detangle, protect and treat hair."

This product had some big shoes to fill since I LOVED my old heat protectant, Frederic Fekkai Coiff Defense (see reviews here). I'm glad to report it filled them well. This protectant has a nice clean smell, not too flowery or anything, and I don't think it would clash with most shampoos. I decided to give it a run for it's money, so I both blow-dried and straight-ironed my hair. Thanks to this protectant, my hair still looked good after being put through the ringer. The real test came the next time I washed; it wasn't dry at all (which it should have been.) I know it seems like our shelves are getting complicated with more and more products lately, but I really recommend using this treatment before heat styling your hair. It has avocado oil, sweet almond oil and sunflower seed extract to moisturize your hair as well as several other fruit and plant extract. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this for people with oily hair as they don't need the moisture, but I'd say it's light enough for them to use for the heat protecting qualities.

Review- Lush Honey I Washed the Kids Soap

"Sweet honey heaven cleanses and moisturizes sensitive skin. Imagine pulling the comb straight out of the hive, slathering that divine honey all over, then being showered by a delicate spring rain. Honey I Washed The Kids handmade soap calms sore, sensitive epidermis with a rich aloe vera lather and leaves skin silky smooth and deliciously satiated. Slight hints of bergamot and orange lift your spirit and lull you into an intoxicating honey bliss." $7.95

I know, I know it says I washed the kids. Well I don't have kids and this soap is way too good smelling for me to be a stickler for the rules. If you love the scent of honey, you will LOVE this soap. It's sweet without being sickly and it's fresh enough to make you smell scented, but clean. The bar does have a flaw though. The honeycomb-looking part of the bar is much harder than the gorgeously soft tan part. And it's a little sharp. I simply took the honeycomb part off of my soap and used the rest. The remainder of the soap is so wonderfully soft that I can see why it's recommended for children. This soap shouldn't even be called a soap (you know I think soap is a four-letter word). It should be called a moisturizing bar or something about lotion, because my skin doesn't need any further hydrating products when I use this soap. I've sniffed but not tried Lush products in the past, but now my interest is piqued. I guess I know what gift card I'll be asking dear old sis for!

Review- Covergirl VolumeExact Mascara

Flexible, rubber bristles. An anti-clump formula. Tons of Volume.

Okay, call me fickle. I'm in love again. I haven't fallen far away from my recent love, more like falling for his best friend. I previously swore up and down that Covergirl LashExact (see review here) was the best drug store brand mascara on the market. Now, of course, it's according to whether you're going for length (Lash) or volume as your primary concern. I usually go for lengthening, but the VolumeExact does a wonderful job of volumizing while adding a bit of length so you get the best of both worlds. True, if I got to choose my overall favorite, it would be Exceptionnel de Chanel mascara (see review here), but do I seriously have the $28 to plunk down every few months for mascara that is just vaguely more volumizing than this $7.49 gem? Or would I bother for the minor differences between them? Not on your life. But keep in mind next time you're shopping for mascara, VolumeExact does compare favorably with the Exceptionnel de Chanel mascara. That should make you feel like you're getting a steal (which you are for the quality!).

Review- Ace Nail Brush for Men

Man-sized, rubberized grip. Durable, short, slanted bristles & long, dense bristles.

"Hand it to ACE to think up the all-new nail brush, designed with an extra large, rubberized grip for man-sized hands, short, slanted bristles to scrub away grit under nails and long, dense bristles for cleaning outer nails and cuticles." $6.99

Dermot says:

Ace thought of everything a man could need with this brush. It's got a sturdy, full-sized handle, which is oval shaped for comfort. It has both the traditional placement of bristles across the bottom and a layer of slanted bristles on top. The bottom bristles are hard enough to do the job & the slanted bristles really "get right in there". It may not be as decorative as the unisex brush I usually use, but it makes up for that with effectiveness. My wife suggested it would make a great stocking stuffer & she's right.

Review - Lush Dream Cream

We take every natural ingredient aimed at transforming dry, bumpy and unhappy skin and combine them all into an epidermal elixir of excellence. This moisturizer helps you banish alligator elbows and impress that special someone with your baby-soft skin. Use a small dollop every night before bed and find your skin silky and comforted within days. This may look humble among LUSH's other products but it's truly the most gratifying.

Vegan, lots of organics, aaannnddd all natural, fortified with all the best essential oils! Yep, I would say this is totally my kind of product. I was skeptical at first, I have to admit, because the smell is SUPER natural, and it threw me. Also I applied it for the first time to dry cool skin, so it stayed really sticky and never completely dried, which did not leave me enthusiastic. But.... If you apply right after a nice warm shower right after toweling off it will dry completely, and not leave a hint of scent. Your skin will be beautifully moisturized and rejuvenated, and the best part is you really don't need a lot. I love this product, definitely on my Christmas list!

Review- Laura Geller Spackle Under Makeup Primer Trio

Spackle is a unique under make up primer that creates a smooth palette for your make up. Non toxic silicone fills in fine lines while natural botanicals nourish your skin. The original, and still the best. Oil free formula. $25 for 2 oz.

Let me first start out by saying I could not find a listing for the primer trio. The kit I recieved had primer for eyes, lips and face. Since I can't find it, I'll just review what I did find, the face primer. I'd not been in the habit of using a foundation primer, but after using this, I'm now a devotee. This primer makes your foundation go on as smooth as silk and last for hours. I thought it would be annoying to add another step to my make-up routine, but when I look at the results I get, it's worth the extra minute to put it on and allow it to soak in. It also adds that little extra bit of much needed moisture. If your skin is anything less than flawless, I suggest you give this "foundation for your foundation" a try.

Joyce says:

I tried it with liquid base, mineral powders (two brands), and cream base. On my skin, the only one that gave me results that came close to the praise my co-blogger gave it was the cream base. So . . . I turned to my friend who has skin “issues” and asked her to try it. I also gave her the Mary Kay mineral powder I bought in a summer shade. Any tanning I had has faded; so rather than let the powder sit for a year—and since I thought it would match my friend’s skin tone—I gave this to her to try, as well. What a huge difference. I’ve never seen her skin look so smooth, even, and blemish-free (which it’s not). Mineral powders are good, but they're not that good. In my friend’s case, Spackle was a huge success!

Sheba says:

Wow, Laura Geller, where have you been? My face is in love with Laura Geller Spackle Under Makeup Primer. This is like a magic potion for my face -- it actually smooths it out very evenly; my skin actually looks transformed. I use both a mousse and mineral powder -- on different days. It worked its wonders with both for me. This is an essential in my makeup arsenal now. I would be in a state of panic without it. In addition my little magic jar has lip and eye primer in the top part of it. Those are also worth their weight in gold. The eye primer smooths the crepiness in my lids and seems to keep any shadow in place for much longer periods than usual. The lip primer also helps to diminish the appearance of lip lines and my lipstick does stay on my lips a lot better. I feel that the price is definitely worth it when you see the results. I do not need a lot to get the results so it will last for a while. You can bet I will be buying more of this before I run out!! My face will never forgive me if I don't keep up this regime.

Review- Hemloq Citrus Scrub

"This extra creamy formula provides a gentler feeling exfoliation. Our unique blend infuses jojoba beads, green tea extracts and chamomile providing a soothing polishing action.

Paraben Free, Sulfate Free, Cruelty Free $28"

Hemloq Citrus Scrub is a very mild facial scrub. It has a fresh citrus scent (of course) and leaves your face feeling refreshed. It does not have a great density of exfoliating particles so I'd say it's gentle enough for everyday use. It left my skin both smooth and moisturized. I think this product is best suited to normal-to-dry skin. The only drawback is that you have to clean your face before you use this scrub, rather than the scrub cleaning your your face while you scrub.

Exclusive Coupon- 30% off @ Kissmyface.com

As a special treat for Beautifile readers, Kiss my Face is giving 30% off any order @ Kissmyface.com. Simply enter code: kmfblog3. Expires 12/15/08. Read our reviews of Kiss My Face products here.

Don't forget to enter our Jane Iredale contest! (See the bottom of the page)

Review - Goody Add Shine Brush

Jojoba oil infused. For dull, damaged hair. Get shiny, silky hair with the Styling Therapy Jojoba Oil Brush collection. These finishing brushes feature flexible bristles that gently glide through hair. The natural ingredient, jojoba oil, infused on this brush: Helps repair dry and damaged hair. Smoothes the cuticle to calm frizziness and fly-a-ways. Leaves hair looking naturally silky and shiny. Made in China.

Have you every had a "this is my favorite hairbrush of all time" moment? No, neither have I, until.... I received this amazingly wonderful hairbrush by Goody. I'm officially in love, it is just the greatest thing. It has bristles that are actually made of soft rubber so they don't pull your hair, even when you have snags it just gently pulls them until they are gone. So you might have to brush a few more times, at least for me keeping my hair in my scalp is worth three or four extra brushes.... It also is infused with Jojoba Oil, so my hair looks shiny and smooth, even if I rolled out of bed with 10 minutes left until I need to leave for work. I have long blond very straight hair, but I definitely get those pesky fly-aways in the winter. With this brush my problem is solved, even with no extra product. The only problem is, if you are used to that scraping feeling on your scalp from hard plastic bristles you will not find them here. Now is that really a problem?

Review- Mineral Essence Mascara

Blended with silky, rich essential oils this amazing mascara, plumps, thickens and extends your lashes for the most voluptuous lashes ever. Plus it’s totally water-resistant so you can’t cry or laugh it off.

I love trying new mascaras. So when I got this I was pretty psyched, I ditched my unfinished bottle of another kind and tried this one out for today.

I have to be honest with y'all. I wasn't that impressed. It was really hard to get on, it didn't seem to cover my lashes entirely, I could see the lighter color of my lashes peeping through, and it didn't lengthen my lashes noticeably. I mean, I must have passed it over my lashes about 6 times more than I usually do and it still seemed to not be doing much.

I'm not sure if I got a dud / old product or something but I am going to have to pass on this one.

Amanda S. Says: No, I'm afraid my dear that this mascara wasn't that awesome. That's not to say it didn't do the job, but compared to my Fiberwig, it wasn't all that. OK, I know a lot of people don't like Fiberwig, and that's alright with me because it's not for everyone, but the Mineral Essence just didn't seem to really make an impact on my lashes like I'd expected. Maybe my expectations were too high? I really love their foundation though, so I know they have good products out there.

Review- Styling Therapy, Reduce Dandruff , Copper Infused” hairbrush

Even if copper wasn't proven to help with dandruff, this brush is pretty rad. It's super soft and cushy so it doesn't feel like it's ripping my scalp to pieces. I tend to get flaky problems with my scalp especially during the more dry times of the year (which really sucks, let's be honest, because I wear black a lot and have jet black hair). I've used this for a few days and, from what I can tell, my scalp is actually less tight and itchy. I would totally recommend this to someone looking for a new cool brush, and hey, why not try it if you're flaky like me, the worst it could do was help a little.

Oh, almost forgot. You can get it at Target for $10 too.

Review- Kiss My Face Olive My Body

"A sensuously soothing body balm with Extra Virgin Olive Butter that's perfect for nails, knees, neck, lips, cuticles or anywhere else in urgent need of attention."

I've been using this super-emollient balm on everything- my ragged cuticles, my dry chin, my hands and my lips. It smells delish and once it's on, it stays on. I have it on my cuticles right now and I washed my hands a minute ago and it's still on. This is a great uber-moisturizing balm based on Extra Virgin Olive Butter. It's also gentle enough to use anywhere you have dry, flaky skin. As an added bonus it's %100 natural. It's ph balanced, %100 biodegradable, petroleum and paraben free and not tested on animals. With all that going for it, how can you go wrong?

Joyce says: I agree that this is a Lovely product. My lips absolutely love it—even atop lipstick. My nose loves the citrus scent. And, it stays with me non-stop so I can whip it out the moment anything feels dry. If I meet someone from the company, I’ll kiss their face—with their product on my lips!

Review - Catwalk Sexed-up Body Building Conditioner

"Body Building Conditioner - Say goodbye to flat, limp hair. Sexed-Up Body Building Conditioner will revive your luscious locks with vitamins, pure proteins and mesmerizing moisturizers. This is a conditioning treatment you will NEVER forget! To Use: Work thoroughly through damp hair and rinse. For extra therapy, leave in 3 to 10 minutes. Features: look- big, beautiful & healthy looking, feel -soft & thick, consistency - light, won't weigh down your hair, hair types - any hair length or texture, fragrance - raspberry lemonade, details - provides delectable moisture adds great body & thickness" 8.oz- $13

This conditioner does give your hair a very luxurious feel with a definite look of some more thickness. You just need a little dab -- work it in and let it stay for a while. I leave it in while I finish my shower which gives it some time to work its wonders on my hair. It does have that Raspberry Lemonade scent which is very refreshing and it is not overbearing. When I rinse it out my hair does have a great feel to it. I can feel the extra moisturizing when I put my fingers through it and that is when I noticed the different feel in the texture. It feels a bit fuller and it does look like there is some extra body to it. I was lucky enough to find it at Home Goods for $2 on Clearance. After using it a few times I returned to pick up the last one at that price. I have since checked for it -- to no avail. However, I do have enough with the two bottles to last quite a while. Hopefully, by then I will have found it on clearance again. If not, I will need to check around for the best price. I will definitely buy it again.

Free Subscription to Elle Accessories

Click on link above to get a free subscription to Elle Accessories magazine. Unsure how long the subscription lasts.

Review- Kiss My Face Coconut Pineapple Lip Balm

This lip balm is %72 organic. It soothes, smoothes and protects chapped lips with an SPF 15.

The scent of this lip balm reminds me of a Pina Colada (my favorite drink). Most of the ingredients are of organic origin and it's made in a NOP (National Organic Program) facility. It has a comprehensive SPF 15 protecting from both UVA & UVB rays. The balm contains lots of "good for you" ingredients such as beeswax, aloe juice, vitamin E and royal jelly. The consistancy is nice and soft without being overly mushy. It works well under lipstick. I really like this balm and the Kiss My Face way of producing it makes me feel good about using it.

I have to whole-heartedly agree with Hillary on everything. I absolutely LOVE Pina Colada (who doesn't right?) but I have a bit of trouble with milk so I can never drink them :( My answer to this dilemma is finding the best Pina Colada scented beauty products and slathering myself with them. Kiss My Face has done a great job with this natural lip balm, and it has an SPF to boot! I'm so excited, usually all of the best Pina Colada smells are in cheapo dollar store lotions that you know aren't good for you.... So this is really a fave. It also stays on longer than most of my current lip balms which are just too emoliant (there is a point where you want your lip balm to stand up for itself!) What a great find! And It's Kiss My Face so you know its affordable. Two thumbs up!

Sheba says:

Kiss My Face Coconut Pineapple Lip Balm is several notches above some of the best lip balms I have tried and used. Personally, I do not like Coconut and was a bit hesitant to try it but it is not overpowering -- it has the exact right amount for the Pina Colada taste. That might be a problem for some people like me who don't even realize I am liking the taste so much I am licking it off. But, fear not, I just have to reapply more often and I am not complaining!! How can something taste so good and work so well?? I don't know----but Kiss My Face sure has it down pat! I think I am addicted to it now. It is so reasonably priced that I will be able to feed my addiction without hurting my wallet. This is a good addiction!! Besides tasting so good, and treating your lips so well it has the extra added bonus of the SPF!! Try it and you will become a fan for sure.

Coupon- Mini Train Case w/ 15 Samples w/ $25 Purchase @ Sephora.com

Spend $25 or more on Sephora.com and get a mini train case filled with 15 samples. You cannot use this in conjunction with the free shipping on $25. Expires soon (no date was given). Coupon code: BEAUTYBOX. Also, sign up for Ebates.com (an online shopping portal with discounts to 100's of stores) and get %8 off your order. Please write me @ info@beautifile.com and I will send you a referral which will give you a $5 credit in your Ebates account.

40% off Linden Leaves Products Plus Free Shipping

Valid between now and December 31st. Free Shipping on purchases over $75. Read Linden Leaves reviews here.

Coupon- Free Shipping on $25+ for Beauty Insiders @ Sephora.com

You must be a Beauty Insider and enter promotion code SHIPFREE25 to receive free standard shipping on your online merchandise order of $25 or more. Not valid in Canada, retail stores, SEPHORA inside JCPenney stores, or on previous purchases. Cannot be used in conjunction with other promotion codes. Offer valid through 11/23/2008 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Also, sign up for Ebates.com (an online shopping portal with discounts to 100's of stores) and get %8 off your order. Please write me @ info@beautifile.com and I will send you a referral which will give you a $5 credit in your Ebates account.

Review - Joey NY Lift-Up Eye Gel

Description: Gently firm and tighten the skin around your eyes with this botanical treatment with antioxidant vitamins. Our Price: $15.00

I have used a few of the products from the Joey NY line. I have to say that I have had excellent results with them. This Joey NY Lift-Up Eye Gel does not give you the appearance of a face lift or that you woke up ten years younger. However, it does give you a very refreshed, smoother look. The lines around your eyes appear more minimal and you look like you are fresh and ready to start the day or the evening. It applies very easily and I found that it was absorbed pretty quickly. I have to say that it was a while before I actually saw the differences. Maybe they were there right away -- but they were too slight to really notice. Hey, any noticeable improvement(s) are always welcome even if they are slight. To be quite honest I had gone to the JoeyNY website to order some more of this and it was $30. I thought -- okay, it works but why don't I just shop around a little. I found it at Ulta.com for $15. It was worth the effort. If you have even better luck -- please let me know.

Review- Profound Beauty Glossary Shine Cream

This versatile cream can be used on either wet or dry hair to add high-gloss shine and light conditioners. Protects from heat styling.

My hair is generally pretty shiny on it's own, so I was curious what this cream would do for my hair. I'll tell you- it makes it gleem! I used it on wet hair and blow dried and the results are wonderful. My hair feels very soft and has incredible shine. I love the fact that it protects my hair from heat styling as well, without weighing my hair down. And it only took an amount the size of a nickel to do my hair which is past my shoulders. This is a really great addition to my routine, especially as I dye my hair and we all know what damage that can do.

Coupon- %30 off Urban Decay & %50-75 off Hard Candy

Urban Decay - get 30% off use code FFH30 11/10/08-11/18/08

Hard Candy - right now it's 50% off , starting 11/18-11/25 it will be 75% off no code required

Review- Neutrogena 3 in 1 Concealer for Eyes

This concealer has 3x the benefits. It combats fine lines and puffiness, it conceals flawlessly and it has SPF 20 sunscreen. $9.79

This is an all around great product! In addition to being a great medium-full coverage under eye concealer (although I use it all over my face), it has my beloved sunscreen. I often have vaguely dark circles under my eyes due to allergies. This makes my eyes look bright and alert. It also acts like an eye cream, firming and treating the delicate area around the eye. It comes in 4 shades, although I can't for the life of me imagine who wears the lightest shade as I am the palest of the pale & I wear the 2nd shade. In my opinion, you can never have enough sunscreen on your face, and this gentle option for around the eyes is the perfect complement to the SPF I already wear. As you can tell, I highly recommend this product. : )!

Sheba says:

Gee, I think Hillary likes it. No surprise, I have also used this concealer and it is definitely a keeper. I have it in the lightest and the 2nd lightest. Love both. I used to have pale, pale skin until I just about ruined it with the sun. My complexion actually got a shade or two darker after my years of sun abuse. Pretty soon I expect my face to be one giant sun spot!! I would never have suspected that the sun could do as much damage as it did. Anyway, I love my concealer for under the eye darkness and when it is especially dark -- I use the light. It definitely helps camouflage the dark areas along with all the other little problems that I need to hide. It is so nice that it has the sun protection -- but fear not, I put my makeup over it and that also has sun protection. After years of being a dummy, I finally smartened up. Can't get enough of that sun protection now. This concealer seems to really help brighten up the eye area and make the eyes pop a little more than without it. Neutrogena has an excellent reputation in the skin care line and if you use their products you will see why. No, I do not work for them -- I am just one very happy and satisfied customer.

Review - Physicians Formula: Powder Finish Concealer Stick (SPF 15)

Oil-free formula.
Yellow hides dark under eye circles and other bluish skin discolorations.
Green hides scars, birthmarks, blemishes and other red discolorations.
Light covers any minor skin imperfections.
Protects sun-sensitive skin (SPF 15).

Of course we'd all like to never break out or have to use a concealer for anything on our faces, but this isn't a perfect world. This is the best cover up concealer I have ever used, as someone that gets red marks from blemishes that can last for weeks, over foundation or even just powder, this concealer (i use the green and/or the regular light) it lasts all day, doesn't wear off or rub off, and is a must have in my purse everywhere I go. The additional sunblock helps prevent the sun damage on a blemish that can make them ten times worse and can make them last longer. I absolutely require having this product and would recommend to anyone dissatisfied with their own concealer or cover up to give it a try.

Sheba says:

This is definitely one of the best concealer/corrector products I use. I also use the green and the regular concealer. The green does help mask those aggravating red marks I get while the regular concealer helps to disguise dark under eye problems. They recommend the yellow for under eye circles but I am only too happy with the job the regular concealer does. These products are a real Heaven-send to hide such problems. You can find them just about anywhere and there are frequent sales. I have found coupons in the newspaper for them and if you combine them with sales, you have yourself a great deal. Even the regular price is a very decent one. . . however, check for the sales first.