Review- Bodycology Body Lotion (Coconut Lime)

The sweet scent of coconut mingles with refreshing lime to help relive stress and tension -- like a tropical island getaway.

I got a little sample of this in the mail, and I *love* coconut scented products. It's probably one of my most favorite scents, even in winter (I'm not known for being seasonally accurate ... OK??). And sure, it's a typical, run of the mill, body lotion. It worked well, kept my skin soft all day, yadda yadda like most body lotions you can buy at a drug store. BUT THE SMELL!!!!!!!! Oh my lord, the smell! It smells so delicious two, yes TWO people asked me during the day what I was wearing that smelled so delicious and awesome. (one was a total stranger on the subway!). If you like fruity smelling lotions, or if you love coconut, you will completely love this stuff.

Review- Coola Lip Lux Peppermint Vanilla

Highly concentrated with the finest food grade certified organic and active ingredients, LIPLUX is the best all-in-one lip treatment and protection. Featuring our proprietary blend of fruit butters including organic Raspberry and Avocado, LIPLUX hydrates and nourishes while our trademark broad spectrum UV protection and natural photo protectors work year round for soft, healthy and happy lips. Vitamin and antioxidant enriched - a truly tasty treatment.

I knew this girl in high school who would eat her lip gloss. Not just put a lot on and lick it off constantly - she would straight-up eat it. One time, she got one of those things that looks like a watercolor paint set, except it was different flavors and colors of lip gloss, and I swear, by the end of second period: gone.

It may be for this reason that I prefer a lip gloss with a subtler flavor to one that literally tastes like candy. I have seen how easy it was for this girl to spiral into a life of consuming something that should never be consumed (at least, at that rate and in that quantity), and I don't want to fall into the same trap with too-sweet lip gloss.

Which is why I like this Coola Lip Lux with SPF 15. It tastes pleasantly of Christmastime - peppermint and vanilla - but to a degree that is ladylike. Subtle. Not necessarily something you'd want to devour. But delicious nonetheless. You do have to reapply it fairly frequently, but hey - it's a lip balm, not a long-lasting gloss. It's soft, smooth, an overall solid product. I also enjoy the packaging quite a bit - it looks like what someone in the 1960s would have imagined lipstick packaging in the 1980s to be. Double retro!

Amanda S. Says: Oh... MM. How do I even follow this up without seeming silly? Can we sit on a beach this summer and split a lip gloss? OK OK, fine maybe not. But this stuff is really fun. I lose lip balm, chapsticks, whatever you want to call them, all the time. This one I'm actually really too attached to. So attached to that I won't put it in my purse, and am leaving it in the medicine cabinet where it won't slip off into darkness. The package is so cute and the flavor is so awesome. Maybe I need to just buy a few more?

Trish Says: I tried the Original-Scented version and loved the organic fruity taste. It has a real soft and subtle hint of raspberry fruit and avocado, and is almost nutritious tasting and healthy. The certified organic lip balm (with SPF30 protection) applies on smoothly, buttery-like, and feels like soft kisses on your lips. My only caveat is that I think it dries my lips out a little and then I really do have to apply and re-apply the balm. Not that I mind because it's such a lovely feel, hence the habit-forming nature of the product. If you're an addict of lip balm, this is the perfect product enabler...but, if you're somewhat like me and want to moisturize the lips as little as possible, you may have to be warned. Not only is the product sweet and addictive, it makes you come back for more! (And more).

Sultana Maharajh says:

I tired the Original version of this. I agree with Trish that it has a very subtle flavor. I am a lip balm junkie. I NEED to have my lips moisturized constantly or else I feel kind of inadequate! I put this on before I go to bed at night and I wake up with most of it still on. I love the flavor although I think I would prefer the Peppermint flavor more.
It leaves my lips super soft and it has staying power which is a plus. Overall, the scent is nice and it works! I say yes!

Josephine says: To show the power of the beautifile word of mouth, this balm had been in my loot bag but I hadn't try it yet. Behold the glowing reviews according to my compadres! All of the sudden, I needed more than anything to experience it for myself! True to their expert opinion, the contents of this tube of incredible are so smooth, I'm positive I let out an audible sigh as soon as it touched my lips. Also, it has an SPF which makes its stock go way up. In closing, anything with a starlight mint in its ad campaign is good.

Deedlejuse Says: So I don't need to elaborate on how wonderful this lip gloss feels, as everyone else has already talked about it. So I wanted to talk about how well it works. I took this little tube with me to Martha's Vineyard (a little town off the coast of MA) last weekend on the off chance that there would be some sun (it has been incredibly rainy here for the last month :() and I lucked out! Both with the sun shining, but also with the complete lack of sunburn from the roots of my hair to my body and best of all lips! This little tube not only feels great, tastes good and lasts a good long time, but it will also really protect your lippies from the harmful rays of the sun. I was definitely impressed, and I will definitely have this handy year round from now on!

Review- Nailene 4 Bottle French Manicure Kit

Don't let the fact that this French Tip Kit comes with 4 bottles intimidate you. It is a much less arduous process than it appears.This kit comes with a top coat, white polish, nail guides and 2 different nude polishes. Now keep in mind that you only need one nude shade per manicure. The hardest part of the whole thing is getting the nail guides just so (I'm vaguely anal-retentive about these things). Not that "hard" is how I'd describe it. It's a 5 step process if you choose to use base coat (which I do). Once your base coat is dry, apply the guides and paint the tips of your nails white. The guides function like that blue tape that painters use; it keeps you in the lines. **The key here is to not go too thick near the guide or else you'll end up with a ridge.** Then you just take off the guides and paint your dry nails with your choice of a lighter or a darker nude shade. Finish with the enclosed top coat & you are done. Now does that sound so complicated? It's not. Especially when my nail salon (which is inexpensive by most standards) charges an additional $5 for a French manicure than a regular one. I mostly recommend this kit for women who are used to doing their own nails. If you aren't in the habit, go for the French Tip Kit with the pen. I usually wear red, honestly, but I do feel that a French Manicure adds an air of class to your hands. And I'm all about the class!
*Note: The color which is showing up on my monitor for the 2 natural shades are nothing like they look like in real life. In person they are nice, muted natural colors.

Review- Nailene French Tip Pen (Black)

Ok. I liked the white pen... You can read my review of that one here on beautifile. I really had fun with it. I really did. Then Hillary gives me the black pen kit.... Listen, I didn't even know that people DID black french tips on their nails until I got this. Boy, I really screwed this up. I had black color everywhere, stuck under my nails, on my fingertips, somehow it got on my lip??? I have no idea what happened. Boy what a mess. I am sorry to report, the black, if that's your thing, is NOT very easy to use. Maybe the intensity of the color black was way too intimidating for me to deal with, and it made me mess up more, but I did not find this stuff "mistake proof".

Movie Maven says: As long as I have worn nail polish, I have preferred an unorthodox palette to the traditional reds, pinks, and mauves you typically see as nail options. (That line in Cabaret where Sally Bowles talks about painting her fingernails green? I lived for it.) Once, feeling particularly inventive, I gave myself a "French" manicure with a sky blue for the base and a deep navy for the tip. I was reprimanded by my (retail) boss for my "wild" nails, until a customer pointed out that my manicure matched the bags at the store at which I worked. Triumph!!

So when I got the chance to try out the black - yes, black - French tip pen from Nailene, I was psyched. I decided to try it out with a deep burgundy for the full goth-teenager look. The pen was pretty easy to use when I was using my dominant hand, but not so with the other. I used some guides I had left over from another Nailene kit and that worked just fine. (Amanda, I'm sorry you had such a trying time with it.) However: I have had these nails for less than 24 hours and it's already starting to chip off. For those who are wondering: I used a base coat, two coats of the burgundy stuff, then the black tip pen, then a topcoat (also by Nailene). Perhaps I should have done the pen first and then the color? Then I'd have to use something more sheer. In any event, the black tips don't seem like they're going to last very long, which is a shame, because the 17-year-old me is really, really into them (and the relative ease of application).

Review- Dex New York Modern Minerals Loose Pigment

Highly pigmented bold color infused with advanced anti-aging technology -palmitoyl hexapeptide-14 stimulates eyelids and allows for cellular turnover. Paraben Free.

I must confess I am so on the mineral make-up bandwagon. I adore the versatility of powdered minerals and I'd use them for lots of purposes- eye shadow, liner, nail polish and highlighter. These loose powders from Dex New York are high quality pigments. I have two- Gansevoort Lavender and Chinatown Rose. The Gansevoort is (duh) lavender with just a touch of opalescence, not so much that everyone can't use it. It goes on very light but can be made more opaque by adding layers. I get a lot of compliments when I wear it.

Chinatown Rose is a darkish, vaguely fuchsia, reddish pink. I know that sounds confusing but just know this this color makes green and blue eyes pop like crazy! This color has a more opaque consistency but can to be easily blended to give it a more sheer look. This is a bold color but I absolutely love it. It's not for the faint of heart, but I think you can handle it ; ).

Movie Maven says:
I love living in New York, you guys. I love to love it, I love to hate it, I even love the MTA (no, really). But Dex New York? They really love New York. They love it so much that they named every single product they make with a New York-based name. It's a cute idea, kind of, but then you realize that these products have little to nothing to do with the actual streets/landmarks after which they are called. Bedford Avenue lipstick is not the color of disillusioned hipsters (it's tan). Stonewall pigment is not the color of gay rights (it's "jungle red"). They did try, in a couple of cases: St. Marks Place pigment is described as "Purple Haze," and considering the number of head shops there, it's apt. St. Patrick's pigment is green (well, "olive").

But MoMA pigment? The one I tried out? It's "golden pink." Which makes no sense to me, but whatever, I like MoMA. But when they say "golden pink," guys...they mean "GOLDEN pink." I first used this as a blush and I looked like a drag queen version of C-3PO. Not the worst look, certainly, but also not ideal for normal life. This pigment serves better as an eyeshadow, where the golden tint is an asset rather than a liability. Like Hillary said, these colors are bold, y'all, but you can do it! The pigment itself was great - super fine powder, easy to apply with a brush, and while it's a bit pricey at $22, the package is large and should last you a while. Overall, a good product from a solid company (their lipstick is great as well).

Review- Lancôme Ôscillation Mascara

Press the button and experience a breakthrough sensation in application. In one easy new gesture, let the vibrating brush combined with an exquisitely smooth formula wrap every lash up to 360°. $34

You've heard me say it before, but this time I mean it absolutely- I LOVE this mascara. It makes my lashes look so full and long that the first time I wore it at some point during the evening my husband asked me if I was wearing fake eyelashes. When I said "No. It's my new mascara." My computer geek husband even said "It's very good." (no offense honey, but you know you are). Anyway like the blurb above says, it actually wraps around your lashes. I'll admit that although I was excited to try this product, I had serious doubts about the "oscillation" part. But it does magic with the lashes. Oscillation means to move back and forth between two points according to the dictionary, and the wand of this mascara oscillates 7,000 time per minute! I think this would be a stand-out even without the motion, but with the motion it goes above and beyond any mascara I've used before (and I've used some of the best). I've already got another tube on hand in case I run out! Now I will warn you, if you are a natural-look girl, this mascara may be a bit too bold for you (unless you like your lashes to be the most noticable thing on your face). But for girls like myself who go for the prominent lash look, you cannot go wrong with this little gem. I have it in black (of course) but it also comes in Gunmetal and Metallic Brown (note to self- get some in Gunmetal). To sum up what I'm saying, this mascara is easy to use (I apply it on the subway) and does amazing things for your lashes. All of you skimpy-lashed girls have got to run out and get it now. Oh and the pricetag, expensive- yes. Worth every penny- an emphatic YES!

Review- Weleda Citrus Creamy Body Wash

• Renews and Invigorates the Skin
• Nourishing Shower Care

What a fun little wake up call this stuff is! Taking a shower with this body wash is like taking a dip in a bowl of lemon juice, I was squeaky clean and I smelled awesome! The fun thing is, I could still smell a wee hint of lemon hours later, and it was mixing great with my perfume. Weleda also makes their products without weird synthetic colors, scents and preservatives too, so there was no strange/scary drying out going on with my skin after I washed. So I can give this a thumbs up for skin that freaks out to strong cleansers and harsh chemicals, you will have no freak outs using this body wash. A bottle is only around $10, and seriously, you need only the teeniest dime sized smidge of this on a washcloth or puff and you are sudsed up for your whole shower. I really love the incredibly clean smell.

Movie Maven says:

I got this body wash in the Sea Buckthorn scent, a scent best described as fruity without being overly so - my favorite kind. There's nothing worse than feeling like you took a dip in a vat of Laffy Taffy, but fortunately, this wash steers way clear of that. It's a little bit citrusy (it's got orange, grapefruit, and mandarin) and a little bit berry. The other thing I like about it is that it really is creamy. It looked so much like a creamy, delicious sauce that I almost wanted to put a little bit of it on a piece of flourless chocolate cake. (I didn't.) It wasn't harsh on my skin, and afterwards I felt soft and lovely - the perfect way to feel after a shower.

Review- L’Oreal Colour Juice Sheer Lip Gloss

Quench your thirst for glossy lips that burst with a sheer colour and juicy shine. Just squeeze and apply for fresh, ripe colour and a moisturizing shiny finish. Wear alone or use as a topcoat over your favorite lipstick to really juice up your look. - .5fl.oz. – around $9

I got Iced Latte and love it. I do one thing extra, though, when I don’t wear it alone: I line and fill in my lips with a medium brown eyebrow pencil and put this gloss on top of it. This makes a very pretty, very natural look. I also love how smooth my lips look and feel, even after the gloss has worn off—which can take a while since it’s a rich formula. The tube is on my desk and used every day.

Review- Yes to Cucumbers Eye Love Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel

Our lightweight Eye Love Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel is rich in calming organic cucumbers and spirulina, a renowned source of vitamins and nutrients to help reduce puffiness and brighten dark circles, while adding a cooling zest to your day! – 1.01fl.oz. - $14.99

I happened to experience a health issue at the same time I started to use this product. This meant nothing short of a biblical miracle would eliminate or reduce my dark circles; however, smooth and soothe, this product did. I appreciate that it doesn’t take much of this clear gel since it glides onto skin so easily; and I do love that it smoothes out the fine lines around my eyes. There also was no problem, once it soaked in (doesn’t take long), with applying concealer on top of it. Maybe you’ve had a similar experience where the two products clashed and you’re wiping off clumps and starting over, minus the smoother. Not so with this one. I use it every day. On better days, the dark circles were lightened.

Review- Privé Concept Vert Rejuvenating Shampoo & Conditioner

Now you don't have to sacrifice quality, performance or results in order to do your part for the planet. Introducing the revolutionary eco-design of Privé Concept Vert Rejuvenating Pure Shampoo and Conditioner, developed with Thoughtful Planet Technologies, for a product that is planet friendly in every possible way. With our color safe formulas, there are no trade-offs, just gloriously replenished and strengthened youthful hair, full of healthy body and luminous shine. For a list of salons near you that carry Concept Vert, please visit Priveproducts.com (link above) and click on "Contact Us". Make sure that the salon has a little CV next to it to insure they carry this particular line. Shampoo $28, Conditioner $30

We get to try a lot of products around here, but every once in a while we get to test something that becomes something people refer to as an HG (Holy Grail) product. This shampoo and conditioner have definitely attained Holy Grail status for me. I was in love with the concept before I even saw the shampoo and conditioner. The packaging isn't merely recyclable, you can actually bring it back to the salon you got it from, they send it back to the manufacturer who santizes and refills it so it can go back to the salon and start it's life cycle all over again. No waste whatsoever! That fact alone had an eco-nut like myself chomping at the bit to try them. Well now I've tried them and in addition to being eco-friendly, the products inside the bottles are wonderful. I'm not even being biased because of the recycling factor. They are in pump bottles that release the shampoo and conditioner as thick foams. You only have to press the pump for a second to do your whole head (and I have long hair). The smell is so good that if they came out with a perfume of it, I would buy it. And here are some other wonderful features:

• They are Sulfate and Paraben free (also free of a lot of other things you don't want in your haircare, but it's too long to list)
• They are good for both dry and oily scalps (my hair is dry and they conditioned my hair perfectly)
• The 6.7 Fl. Oz. Bottle yields as much as a 13 Oz. bottle of regular shampoo, saving on transportation emissions due to it's smaller size. Just for reference, most of the salon brand shampoos and conditioners I have in my shower are 8 Fl. Oz.

I could go on and on about this wonderful combo. It lathers well, your hair feels really clean when you wash it (without being a tangled mess) and then it feels fully conditioned and detangled once you've done the second step. I will definitely be buying this shampoo and conditioner again and again and I can't wait to see what they release next in this innovative line. It may seem a little pricey, but considering the amount you have to use, I'd say that these bottles will last me twice as long as most of my other salon haircare. And yes, I will definitely be bringing my bottles back to the salon for re-use. Every little bit helps!