Review- Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

"By using a shielding lotion that bonds with the outer layer of your skin you can keep irritants out and moisture in. Because most moisturizers do not seal in the body's own moisture, they artificially lubricate the outer layers of skin. When they wear off, the lubrication is gone and the original dryness remains. Sometimes this process will draw out the body's natural moisture and contribute to the dehydration process," writes Dr. Peter Helton, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology.

"A conventional lotion is not formulated to protect the skin like a shielding lotion does. Conventional lotions only add surface moisture to temporarily alleviate the dryness or itching. Shielding lotions are an effective dry skin treatment because they bond with the skin and protect it for long periods of time. With this protection in place your skin keeps its own moisture in and has a chance to use this natural moisture in the deep layers of the skin to heal itself," states Dr. Lisa Benest, a board certified dermatologist of Burbank, CA.

This stuff really works. I had several little cuts on my hands (I sleepwalk & I have no idea where they came from) and I used this for three nights and they were gone. Not that it claims to heal cuts, but I believe it did mine. It says you can use this on face, hands and body. It seems like it would be the perfect "outdoors in winter" moisturizer, yet it goes on very light. There is no fragrance and it is chock full of good-for-you ingredients. Definitely check this out if you work somewhere where you constantly have to wash your hands. It is a bit pricey, but you can get a sample for $2 s&h to try it first.
4 oz. bottle (1-2 month supply) $25 @ Skin MD Natural

Jinki says:

This product seems to be getting some good press and is worth checking out - Skin MD Natural in the UK. It uses a new advanced scientific proprietary formulation which, apparently, has a moisturizing factor 6 times greater than glycerin, the standard humectant (water absorber) against which all others are measured. It is a shielding lotion which bonds to the skin to keep the irritants out, moisture in and protects the skin in a way a normal moisturizer can’t. Well worth a look.

Thanks for your comments Jinki!

Review - Dr. Michelle Copeland Lip Enhancer

Enriched antioxidants and anti-wrinkle complex make lips appear fuller immediately Reduces the appearance of fine lines around the lips and protects from harsh ultraviolet light May be used under lipstick or as a lip-gloss
No burning or stinging – just soft, kissable lips!

The first thing you notice about Dr. Michelle Copeland's Lip Enhancer is the scent. With notes of mint and herbs, it smells like Sleepytime tea, a comforting scent. I had no real issue with the fullness of my lips, but decided to give it a try anyway. It says somewhere on the package that you may experience some tingling. This was...slightly more than tingling. It wasn't pain so much as extreme discomfort. Not so much that I wanted to run to the faucet and stick my lips under the cold tap, but enough to say, "Hey! What's happening?" Fortunately, that sensation lasted less than a minute and I was left wondering whether I could lick my lips or not (I didn't, just to be safe). But you know what? IT WORKED. My averagely full lips were noticeably "plumped." I would imagine on someone with lips that they felt needed plumping, it might work even better.

Hillary says:

It's so funny how 2 people can have such different opinions of a product. I love this stuff. I've had 2 "allergic" reactions to lip plumping glosses in the past and was very leery to try this one. I put it on and it tingled for about 3 minutes after which, it was perfectly fine. And I love the way it makes my lips look! A little like I've put on a sheer stain plus a shiny gloss. It seems to bring a "flush" to my lips. I used to the other day over my favorite lipstick, which happens to be super matte, yet it still was super glossy. I've also been wearing it on it's own for the pink flushed look it gives me. I can honestly say I'm surprised at how long the moisturization lasts. I have really dry lips and usually I have to apply gloss or balm every hour. On Saturday I went to a 4 hour bridal shower and only had to re-apply once. I'm not much of a lip gloss girl, but with the way the Dr. Michelle Copeland Lip Enhancer conditions & it's yummy minty taste, I'm hooked.
P.S. I almost forgot the most important part- it doesn't bleed into the lines around my lips. Fantastic!

Amanda S. Says:

I have tried several products before that claimed to make a noticeably plumper appearance to lips and enhance their contour, but all they did was essentially burn my lips, feel stingy, taste weird, and look shiny. Dr. Michelle Copeland's Lip Enhancer actually does what it says: i put the product on, waited 5 minutes, and asked my roommate 'do my lips look difference?', and he said 'yea actually they look BIGGER what happened??'. it works! it doesn't sting, or taste weird, in fact it has a pleasant non-greasy feeling like it won't rub off in seconds, it feels like it absorbs and that's it! you barely feel the 'effort' in it working, but you can tell your lips are suddenly a little more plumped up. i think this is definitely my new favorite lip product!

Cityslicker Says:

I am don't usually go for lip plumping products so I was eager to try this out.. I was pleasantly surprised.. I don't feel that I need plumper lips they are pretty full not Angelina full but full to me.. I have to tell you if you are over 30 this a little plumping action is GREAT.. I have found that my lips have gained a youthful fullness from using this.. I think that when the action begins it feels like when I chew big red chewing gum, a little hot and spicy on my lips.. I love it and have been using this in the morning under my lips, I feel like a get a little bit of a more pouty look. It doesn't last the day so if you are looking to keep reapplying.. I find this is a great product and would indulge and buy again.. Just keep in mind that this isn't an injection so you aren't going to look bee stung but you will notice a nice difference and the more you use it during the day the longer it lasts.. I have had no ill reaction to using on a daily basis and my skin and lips can be sensitive..

Review- Dr. Michelle Copeland Ageless Skin Under Eye Concealer

In an independent study, women used Ageless Skin Under Eye Concealer—provided in an unlabeled white container—for four weeks.

81% noticed lessening of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (crow's feet)

94% noticed their skin had smoother texture

94% noticed their skin was less dry

87% noticed an overall improvement in the quality of their skin

Dr. Michelle Copeland is onto something with her make up line, non-cakey under eye coverage without run-off, without the product falling into any creases of the eye, and great color matching. I used "medium" for my somewhat fair but also olive skin and the coverage with a few dots of the make up was quick and flawless. Containing 11 anti-aging ingredients, it feels like your feeding your skin instead of coating it and drying it out like some other heavy full coverage concealers feel.

This is light, non-irritating on my super-sensitive eye area and goes on very smooth. Coverage lasts average if not longer than most under eye concealers and make up, but really when it contains all the added anti-aging benefits like coQ-10 it's worth what it does in double duty far beyond the other options out there.

I also love the texture of the make up, it doesn't look clumpy or thick or hard to spread on your skin, even if you have fussy sensitive under eye skin that tends to dry out.

Hillary Says:

The first time I used this concealer, I had been outside for a while and my skin was like parchment, so there wasn't much it could do. Every time since then I have used it I've loved it. It goes on smoothly, yet covers completely. It comes with a "fabric" applicator wand that distributes the make-up well. It doesn't go into the minuscule lines under your eyes (which as we all know makes you look 10 years older). I originally thought the "Light" color wouldn't be light enough, but once I put it on, it matched perfectly and it stayed on all day. My eyeliner quit before it did & I had used sealer (we're talking a long time). It has lots of anti-oxidants as well as aloe to protect your eye area. I feel a lot of people overlook the eye area when it comes to anti-oxidants, so this is a no-brainer. This product is staying in my purse at all times!
P.S. I haven't been using it long enough to notice an improvement in my skin, but check back in a few weeks and I'll let you know!

Cityslicker says:

I LOVE this concealer, it's a perfect yellow based concealer (at least that how it appears to me).. I don't use a lot of this, I don't need to, I find that a little does the job, it leaves my eye area looking bright and flawless.. I dab a little on with the wand and blend in with my concealer brush, I am finding that it is covering the teeny tiny veins that aren't super visable but yet I know they are there.. I think that since using this concealer that my foudation looks better. I have a bright complexion. I also have to mention that I don't notice this riding in any of the fine lines that I around my eyes and it's made for longterm wear.. I don't need to reapply if I go out at night. I also would like to mention that this is creamy and hydrating.. I find that along with an eye cream, there is no riding and it looks fresh all day long.. It stays on and really blends in with my skintone.. This is a concealer that offers a light to medium coverage depending on how it's applied, you can totally cover up imperfections or just dab on for brightening in dull areas.. I have only been using for about 10 days so I haven't notices any decrease in my fine lines I am very happy with my results thus far..

Review - Dr. Michelle Copeland Dental Whitener

• Formulated specifically to minimize tooth sensitivity
• Brightens teeth at least three shades within seven days
• Formula: 6% hydrogen peroxide gel
• Whiter teeth for a beautiful, healthy, younger-looking smile
• Disposable one-time use pre-measured trays
• Guaranteed whiter smile in just one week!
• One size fits all

I have extremely sensitive teeth. Also being an ex-smoker and a coffee and tea drinker, I get some heavy staining on my teeth. I started using Dr. Michelle Copeland's dental whitener kit praying that it wouldn't sting and burn my teeth and gums like those other strips you can buy (no names mentioned!) which really ripped my gums apart and made me feel like I had just gotten ten new fillings and was afraid to even chew after a few days of using them. This stuff is different. First off, it comes in these awesome foamy little pre-filled things that are so comfortable to use, no weird drooling or feeling like you want to spit them out, I wore them for the full time (15-30 minutes) and felt fine doing it each day. They fit really well, didn't slide around, taking them out was easy and you can just rinse afterward and go on with your regular life. This stuff is just great, my teeth are definitely whiter, much whiter. I had several people checking my progress over the week of use and there is a seriously noticeable difference. It's even whiter than I expected it could be without getting some sort of professional whitening that costs $300 and burns like crazy. I would recommend this HIGHLY to anyone having problems with teeth discoloration because it's a lifesaver, and to date no stains have returned. I will use this again if any issues arise with discoloration, it's definitely worth the money savings (this is only $99 for a ten day pack versus the $300-400 a dentist will charge for the same exact thing). try it!

Hillary says:

This stuff is amazing! I can't believe how white my teeth have come with this kit! I started seeing results from the first time I used it. I venture to say it gets your teeth 2 shades lighter with each application (I leave it on for as long as you're allowed to). This has gotten my teeth much whiter than a professional cleaning at the dentist does and there's not poking or prodding. I'm not implying this is a substitute for a real cleaning, but aesthetically this kit does wonders and at such an affordable price.

Review - Origins A Perfect World Serum

In an ideal world, skin would never age before its time. Now Origins has uncovered the key to longer-lasting look of youth, health and vitality - utopia’s own Silver Tip White Tea. It helps banish youth offenders long before they cause visible signs of oxidation, deterioration, dehydration. Boswellia sets up a secure sanctuary against age-accelerating static and stress. Without the need to defend itself, skin’s energies are devoted to improvement. Smoothness is immediate. And lush, tranquil Mimosa, Orange and Bergamot sweep over you like a tropical trade wind. Skin has found its Shangri-la.
I am an Origins fanatic, and I am also somewhat of a moisturizer expert. I would like to think I've tried almost any moisturizer I could afford, from the $5 stuff at the drug store to the $75 stuff at the department and specialty stores. The fact of the matter is, at leas two Origins products are on my top 5 of all time favorite and useful moisturizers, and A Perfect World is one of them (the other is Constant Comforter). There are many great things about Origins products in general, that they're all gentle and use natural and often organic ingredients, they all smell great, they're perfect for sensitive skin, and also, they are reasonably priced. A little bit of this serum goes a long way, and for $32.50 for a 1 oz, (which I would think could last well over a month or two for me), it's reasonable enough to baby your skin with the best. I have tried a lot of other moisturizers, but time and again I go back to Origins because it calms my skin and it always works perfectly, whether I'm feeling oily and broken out, or I am dried out and in need of some deep moisturizing. If you have to have one moisturizer you rely on, make it this one.

Review - Caress Body wash, Exotic Oil Infusion Moroccan

Want to discover a Moroccan inspired beauty secret? Caress Exotic Oil Infusions captures the magnificence of exotic oils in a body wash! Entice your skin with the richness of Morocco in this authentic Cream Oil formula. The unique fusion with a blend of Cassis Cream and Starflower Oil soaks your skin in decadent moisturizers, leaving it ultra silky. With skin this luminous, you'll enchant everyone around you!

Wow, for $5.32 at drugstore.com you can't go wrong with this body wash. I am absolutely definitely getting a big giant bottle of this stuff! It has oil essences and is so creamy and awesome, your skin doesn't feel stripped/dry after showering, it feels so soft you almost forget to use any body lotion. In fact, you open the bottle and it almost LOOKS like body lotion it's that creamy. I really truly love the smell, it's clean but exotic and spicy smelling, I'd definitely recommend trying it out. Despite the oil and creaminess of the body wash, you don't feel greasy/unclean afterward, you just smell great and have super soft skin.

Hillary Says:

Want to discover a Japanese inspired beauty secret? Caress Exotic Oil Infusions captures the magnificence of exotic oils in a body wash! Spoil your skin in the feelig of Japanese silk with this authentic Cream Oil formula. The unique fusion with a blend of White Lotus Cream and Kukui Nut Oil gently silkens your skin and leaves a delicate sheen. Step out and enjoy skin that looks lustrous - like pure silk!

I have the body wash in "Japanese". It smells of an oriental floral perfume (it reminds me of Shiseido's Zen perfume). It is very creamy, but not greasy. It is just the right balance of cleanser and lotion to leave your skin soft yet totally clean. Another bonus is that it doesn't leave slippery residue on the tub like a lot of other lotion based body washes. It's actually called on the bottle "Cream Oil Body Wash" and they put it perfectly. It's all of these things in one nifty package. I don't even need a body lotion after using this. This is an affordable indulgence that shouldn't be missed.

Review - Korres Pomegranate Balancing Moisturizer

A light-textured cream/gel, which carefully meets the needs of oily and combination skin, regulating the sebum secretion, while hydrating. It also makes an excellent makeup base.
this is a great little moisturizer that works really well under those mineral make up foundations everyone is keen on using nowadays. I've noticed that some moisturizers clump up or get weird under foundations, but this one works great and my skin wasn't dried out at all by the end of the day. It is also dermatologically tested so my super sensitive skin handled it really well. I love the texture too, which is light and not greasy at all, it absorbs almost instantly, faster than any moisturizer I've used to date.

Review - J.F. Lazartigue Deep Action Treatment with Carrot Oil

This is a deep action pre-shampoo treatment for thick hair that has been excessively sensitized, damaged end dried out. Carrot oil is rich in vitamins and in carotene, effectively combating the dryness of the hair. After just one application, your hair will look silky-smooth again.

Not only do I dye my hair black, but I periodically relax it and straighten it regularly with a ceramic iron. And well, it gets... pretty fried. I received a sample of the J.F. Lazartigue deep action treatment with carrot oil and was skeptical, how could carrots help my hair? Well, after you follow the (somewhat unorthodox) instructions of applying for 30 minutes and THEN shampooing your hair, you'll see for yourself. My hair has never been this soft or shiny, not even after having it treated with a color glaze. I love this stuff, I want to get a gigantic bottle of it and run around giving everyone a try.

please note: the container says this is not necessarily for those with bleached/streaked hair since the carrot essences can, apparently, cause some discoloration. I have jet black hair and this was not an issue for me.

Hillary Says:

This is my absolute favorite hair treatment! I dampen my hair, work this through with a wide tooth comb and sit around w/ a shower cap on for 30 minutes. By the time I leave the shower my hair feels like silk. I have straight untreated, unprocessed hair, but I am the driest of the dry so I use this every 2 weeks or so and my hair looks like I just had it blown out. I would only recommend this for people with dry hair who are light brown or darker. I feel that on oily hair it would be way too much conditioning. J.F. Lazartigue also makes a similar mask with shea butter that can be used on blond and bleached hair. This stuff may be pricey, but it makes your hair look like a million bucks.

Review - Cover Girl Clean Eyes Make-Up Remover

• Lightweight lotion gently and thoroughly sweeps away traces of eye and lip make-up.
• Gentle formula helps keep delicate skin around the eye and mouth soft and smooth.

The claims are true: this product is gentle and it does work to remove your eye makeup. My main issue with it is that it seems more like an oil than anything else, and it leaves oil on your face, which for those of us with naturally overactive sebaceous glands, is not acceptable. I feel like I have to wipe with all my strength in order to remove all traces of this removes, and even then, it's a battle. Perhaps for someone with drier skin than mine would find what I consider to be a flaw to be a benefit, since the product works fine otherwise, but this girl says: no thanks. You can buy it (if you dare) for $

Review - Nivea Visage Eye Makeup Remover

This unique gel formula uses Pro-Vitamin B5 to care for the delicate eye area while removing make-up. Formulated to remove even water-proof make-up and mascara without leaving a greasy residue.

I wear stage makeup, so I have a lot of experience in both putting on and taking off all the wonderful gunk we put on our eyes. Cold cream is an old favorite, but it's pretty hardcore. When I've been wearing regular old eye makeup and need to get it off quickly and easily, this is the stuff I use. It's more like a lotion than anything else, and it's super soft on that sensitive skin around your eyes. You don't need to use much, and it works remarkably well. $5.79 at drugstore.com (or steal it from your roommate like I did).