Review- Sonya Dakar Green Tea Mask

For scarred skin, this refining mask helps smooth skin while absorbing impurities. Formulated to meet eco-friendly principles, this mask is free of parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, artificial fragrances and dyes. 2.25oz. for $72

Did you ever go through that adolescent phase where you were applying St. Ives Mineral Clay Firming mask religiously? I was 15 when I fell in love with that incredible blue fairy. Moving along! This mask smells exactly like that and one deep inhale once Sonya was on my face transformed me back to my parents' house with my dad's sweatband holding my bangs off of my forehead inspecting every teenage pore in my bathroom mirror preparing to apply that potion for the second time in as many days. This is a lot lighter than the other, BTW and so comforting to have on for the reco'd 10 minutes. I didn't see until later that it was for scarring which I don't have a lot of on my face so I can't speak to whether it's miraculous on that tip but my skin was really healthy and glowing for a good day afterwards. I could get religious with this one!

Deedlejuse Says: My only complaint about this mask is that there just plain wasn't enough of it in my little tube. Instead of trying a sample just go for it! You'll be glad you did! The minty freshness of the smell is wonderful, the consistency is perfect (not too thick and not too thin) it is easy to apply and easy to get off, aaaannnnddd it leaves your skin with a beautiful glow. I also don't have too much scarring, or enough of this mask to really do anything about it, but I did notice that my pores were MUCH smaller and tighter looking after my 10 mins. I was really happy with this mask, and generally masks tend to make my face burn and feel pretty uncomfortable, but this just soothed and healed. Like I said, don't bother with a sample, just grab it now!

Trish Says: Anything with green tea makes me thrilled! Even better when the benefits of green tea show up immediately. And so it is with this cleansing and soothing facial mask. Even with my first try, I noticed tiny scars noticeably lighter and my skin much smoother and softer. For me, it does not take much for a pimple or skin irritation to leave a mark on my skin for weeks, but with this mask, it speeds the healing time and regenerates the cells producing a healthy and beautiful glow remarkably. A definite skin repair must for those who scar easily and want to restore the skin to its natural healthy, vibrant, smooth, and clear condition. Results are almost instantly visible, but mostly likely will require regular use to fully see benefits.

Sultana says: I agree that there was not enough of this mask to go around, however I saw quickly that a little went a long way. I have lots of scarring from acne and I try a lot of different products that claim to reduce marks. This one did what it was supposed to. The smell was very refreshing and you can feel a very subtle tingling when its on. After I washed it off, my face was vibrant. It looked like I went to have a facial in a salon and they scrubbed it thoroughly! If it did that in one use, imagine what it would do long term. So the price tag is a little hefty but we know that when you find a good product that works, you have to buy it. This is also good if you have sensitive skin as well. I didn't have any irritation or redness the next day and just about everything makes my skin irritated. I could see myself using this at least once a week.

Review- PUR Universal Marble Mineral Powder

The rich, earthy pigments of Universal Marble Powder in Spice add an all-over definition to the face, enhancing eyes, lips and cheeks while nourishing skin with shea butter and vitamin E. The mosaic blend of copper, cinnamon and pearl is ideal for women of colour. Pür Minerals does NOT test its products on animals. For $22.50

The shade of the compact on the site is not quite what it looks like in person, IMO. It's more orange and rusty in the flesh. I was turned off by the color thinking it wasn't going to blend well into my coloring. But as luck would have it, mineral-based formulations are so soft and easy in the pigment department that with a fan brush I was able to apply the color and keep it light. It doesn't look amazing but it's nice and pretty chill. The write-up does say that it's ideal for women of color so I'll save it for that, primarily. BTW, the directions straight up say, "...with the appropriate brush" and I think this is code for fan brush (AKA guaranteeing the lightest application available). Ha!

Sultana says: I tend to not wear blush but I will try anything at least one time. Although this is a blush, it is suitable as an all over face color as well. The color is very light but flattering at the same time. I have a darker skin tone and it blended in very well. I really like the diversity of it. Some blushes are way to rosy to wear all over your face. I would say this is soft and subtle but with a hint of color.

Review- Burt's Bees Fabulously Fresh Body Wash

Brace yourself for a fresh burst when you lather up with the rejuvenating scent of peppermint and rosemary in this sulfate-free body wash. Formulated with a gentle plant-based cleansing complex, this natural wash leaves skin feeling clean, smooth and refreshed. It's an energizing boost for body, mind and spirit. $8 for 12oz bottle.

I recently started using natural, chemical free products at the suggestion of my super green best friend. At first I was skeptical, but now I gotta say I'm hooked, particularly on Burt's Bees products. They somehow manage to be naturally made and chemical free, and have all the best attributes of luxury products at drugstore price points. Burt's Bees Fabulously Fresh Body Wash is one of my favorite products. The refreshing scent really gets you going on the morning, and after showering with it at the end of a hot, summer day, it leaves your skin feeling fresh and cool. Since it is sulfate-free it is not supposed to create a huge lather like other body washes, so don't waste the product trying to make it foam up. And while you're showering with it, try taking a few deep, slow breaths to really breathe in the stimulating peppermint and rosemary aroma.

Amanda S. Says: I saw this product last week in Duane Reade (of all places!) and picked it up, honestly, because Burt's Bees products are super cute and the packaging was adorable. I'm really glad the product met all my expectations. I've never used anything this 'natural' that smelled so delicious and fragrant without smelling fake or forced. I want to live on this stuff, and if I could eat it, I totally would. I can see this being extra great in the winter when my skin does it's yearly freak-out-from-dryness attack, because the sulfate-free composition makes it about 50x less drying than other products.

Review- RUSK Gleam Lusterizing Creme

Rusk Designer Collection Gleam Creme is infused with a formula that protects against thermal damage and contains UV protectants. Gleam Lusterizing Creme detangles and leaves hair frizz-free and smooth. Apply Gleam to wet or dry hair to provide instant, reflective shine. Gleam can be cocktailed with any other Rusk Designer Collection product. $14 for 3.5 oz.

I attempted to be as unbiased a jury as possible by using this on both wavy "non-blown-out" hair post airdry, as well as, before and then after a blowout to fully analyze its 'gleaming' properties. In terms of the amount I used, and this is key, I rubbed a tiny amount on in both cases when my hair was already dry and a bit more when it was wet. It worked best pre-blowout since the product is fairly thick and heavy and the heat was able to burn a lot of the weightiness off. I feel confident that it could roll with the changing needs of your daily hair regime if a judicious amount of the product is applied accordingly. It smells like other RUSK products, clean and woodsy, and the shine it imparts is true to it name. I should admit that I have a soft spot for this brand. I think they're really classy. This one definitely measures up.

Trish says: My hair can be so high-maintenance sometimes. It seems to work with some products and simply fall flat on others. Unfortunately, for me, I don't think my hair can handle the richness and thickness of this RUSK Lusterizing Gleam Creme. It did take the frizz out as promised, but after a nice small lather of the cream, my hair just sank, frizz-free, but floppy. I'm sure this is a nice cream to use for frizz-control and shine purposes, but with hair so delicate and fine, this cream might be just a bit too bold and strong for me. It is probably most beneficial for someone with thicker hair and a stronger hold. I have a feeling this is a great product, just not for the likes of me and my fussy hair.

Hillary says: This gloss looks really good in my hair. My hair should have been as dull as dishwater today with the myriad of products I had to put in it to make it behave, but the Gleam made the final blow-dry reveal a lustrous head of hair. Honestly, before we got these products to review I hadn't given RUSK a second look in the haircare aisle. Now I'm thinking maybe I should get the whole line up. I'm really impressed with both the Gleam and my favorite new product- the Primer.

Deedlejuse says: I totally agree with all of the above. I don't often blow dry, so I tried this products both ways and was impressed with the effect each way. Of course the shine was more pronounced when I blew-dried, but still noticeable when I didn't. All in all I liked everything I tried from Rusk, and like Hillary am seriously contemplating the addition of more of their products to my arsenal!

Amanda S. Says: I wish I could agree with everyone, but I feel sort of let down by this product! It makes me sad too because I am usually such a huge fan of Rusk items. I have to admit, I am really hard on hair shining/anti-frizz products and put them to serious tests. But today was the second big test I've given the stuff and it didn't work that well for me. It's been raining on and off all day and it's also pretty humid, and by the time I got back at my desk from lunch my hair was a fuzzy insane mess on the top and little awful flyaway hairs were going everywere. This is something I've been able to fight off fairly well, even in this abusive NYC summer, with other products for less money. So I can't give this a 100% seal of approval. I do admit though, it did make my hair extra soft.

Sultana says: I have frizzy, dry & color-treated hair. I haven't liked one cream so far. I usually use serums because they tend to tame my frizz better. When I tried this cream from RUSK, I was blown away! It instantly detangled my hair and made it soft and shiny! This deeply impressed me and like Hillary, I will take a better look when I come across RUSK in the hair care aisle. This is definitely worth the money. It is around the same cost of some of the serums I usually buy. To top it off, its very light weight and it does not leave a residue on your hands. This is my new favorite!

Review- Avon Solutions AM/PM Total Radiance Day Cream SPF 15 and Night Cream

This protective cream contains a unique light-activated deslivery system that releases a cosmetic ingredient as the expsoure to light increases. It enhances skin radiance and improves texture, tone and clarity.

$17.50 for 2.6 total fl. oz.

After two weeks of steady and thoughtful usage, I'd like to report that this daytime/nighttime lotion neither improved nor negatively altered the current state of my skin. I did have to layer SPF under the daytime lotion since it only has a 15 SPF and I am in the sun enough to justify more (perhaps in the winter this would be an all-inclusive daytime lotion) but I was commited to using this product as my only one for 14 days. As a day cream, it goes fine under makeup and provided enough moisture to last throughout the day. The night cream is really thick and quite nice. After my usual 6 hours, my face still has a considerable coating that I'm not mad at. I am disappointed to say that I did not notice any improved "texture, tone and clarity" although I reiterate that this product is benign and perfectly fine and that's not altogether a bad thing. The packaging allows for just one jar to occupy one's cabinet space which is great in a small space, big style kind of way. It is split down the center and each side holds the am/pm version, respectively. Finally, I won't pursue this product madly when I run out but I will use the rest of it.


Deedlejuse Says:
I really liked this Facial Day and Night Cream. I found the packaging to be handy, since there is less excess waste and less clutter in the bathroom. The smell is quite light and sort of citrusy, which I enjoyed. The price is right, which is always a plus. And both creams were a perfect amount of moisture for my face. I did recently get a facial, which could account for my skin looking stunning (yes that's right stunning!) but I think part is this wonderful cream. I rarely wear a concealer on my face. At the most I'll wear a tinted moisturizer unless I'm really dressing up, so it isn't unusual at all for me to go au naturale on the face. With this moisturiser I actually feel 100% more comfortable doing it. Not that I think I look bad with other moisturizers, just this one adds a glowy radience that is, in my opinion really nice. I have also gotten more compliments wearing it than others. So I feel that I am basing this on reality (hopefully!) and not just my own vanity.... If your a gal that likes to go bare faced occasionally I promise this is the cream for you, and even if you don't 100% love it, it was $17, and at least you can use the night cream! I didn't really notice the same effect with make-up, although I still liked the consistency and the moisture level of the creams. I probably will repurchase, if I ever use up the whole container!

Trish says: Having such sensitive skin, I can absolutely appreciate a true and solid, gentle moisturizer that is easy to wear, as well as super soft on the skin. I am happy to report that Avon Solutions AM/PM Total Radiance is a real safe product for sensitive types! This moisturizer, color-coded white for day and cream-orange for night, (how cute!) applies lightly on the skin, without any clogging or heaviness on the pores! (Thank goodness.) As Deedlejuse mentioned, you really can wear this moisturizer alone and/or maybe add a quick dust of powder on your skin and you're set for the day. The moisturizer works well to smooth out any dry patches, while adding a nice, clean moisturizing finish on top. I think I even noticed a hint of a light-reflecting, soft glow on my skin. This is the perfect moisturizer for the summer because it's so lightweight, as well as a nice one for people with sensitive skin or for those who really want to avoid clogging their pores at all costs. If you're like me, and need to be selective when it comes to moisturizers but don't want to spend too much, this is a solid, decent choice.

Review - Sony Dakar Blue Mask (Irritation)

For normal to combination skin, this cooling mask helps calm skin while absorbing irritating impurities. Formulated to meet eco-friendly principles, this mask is free of parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, artificial fragrances and dyes.

I put sunscreen on the other day, I swear. But I was out and about a bit longer than I anticipated, sweated a lot, and ended up with a slightly pink nose and ruddier-than-usual cheeks. So I figured the Blue Mask from Sonya Dakar might help, since it's intended to assist with irritation and has some cooling properties. I slathered it on, looking slightly ghoulish, but hoping for good results. After a few minutes, I felt a slight warming sensation, something I attributed to the fact that my face had been pelted with UV rays all afternoon. But when I removed the mask, I was horrified: my face, formerly only red on the parts that get the most sun - my nose and cheeks - was completely red. Everywhere. Well, not quite everywhere- just the places the mask had been.

I freaked out. "What happened! This is supposed to be cooling! This is supposed to stop irritation, not create it!" I shrieked to my roommate, who was just trying to enjoy an episode of Kendra and a beer. "It's probably fine," she said, barely looking up. "Maybe it's, like - it makes it worse before it makes it better. Just go to bed and worry about it in the morning."

I took her advice and lo and behold - it was totally fine in the morning. Better than totally fine, actually - the redness had gone away and was even reduced from my previous day's foray into skin cancer territory. Moral of the story: if you try this Sonya Dakar mask, don't try it right before a big event like the Oscars or the Truckasaurus Rex Showdown. And if you react badly at first, give it a bit and see if it doesn't clear up.

Deedlejuse Says: So, generally speaking Amanda S. and I have really similar views on many products. Unfortunately, this one is not the same. My skin is pretty sensitive, so this mask really was pretty noticeable while I was wearing it. When I took it off (it did come off really easily and apply like a dream) my skin was literally screaming, bright red, and looked really angry with me. The irritation I was tring to get rid of were a few pimples I have gotten recently from stress, and seriously, so not worth it! I did notice the next day that my skin was back to its normal color, and the pimples had really diminished, but I would say that if you find that you have sensitive skin leave this mask for others..... Or if you have intensely irritated skin, I guess.

Review- Arrojo Curl Creme

CURL ACTIVATING ANTI-FRIZZ WITH SEPARATION AND CONTROL. RICH MOISTURIZING FORMULA CREATES BOUNCY, VOLUPTUOUS CURLY HAIR. GO CURLY. 5 OZ. FOR $17

With all of the talk about Arrojo, I think I should cowboy up with my review of their curl creme. The curl creme profiles just as elite as their other products but for totally different reasons. It's not just that it smells great or performs better than the average hair product but the curls it imparted to my 'do were so bouncy and defined that I could easily have been mistaken for a ringlet-haired girl. I mean this may not be the look everyone needs from their curl creme but that sheer fact that I went from annoyingly quasi-wavy to this polished of a curl is kind of remarkable. One small addendum: As with all of the their products, it seems that less is more.

Review- pürminerals Pür Intensity Gel Eyeliner

Ocular-tested and free of tar and fibers, these pür-ly innovative gel eyliners are also safe for sensitive eyes and contact lenses.
Pür Minerals does NOT test its products on animals.

This is a good eyeliner- not great- good. True, it does make a very clean line, although you can easily wear it smudged if that's your preference. Also the Carbon color I have is as black as night, but ultimately it lacks the staying power of my regular liquid eyeliner. The pürminerals Gel Eyeliner did stay on for several hours, but not all day. But again, for those of you who smudge, my liquid liner fails in that arena, so it does come down to personal preference. Basic rundown- if you are a smudger, you can't go wrong with this gel. For clean line girls like myself- stick to the liquid.

Trish says: It's been a while since I've rocked the dark eyeliner look...and wow, have I been missing out. Really, suddenly my daily make-up routine went from soft and subtle to dramatic and daring. Thank You, Pür Intensity Gel Eyeliner. Hillary is right, though, this gel eyeliner is great for smudgers or people (like me) who prefer a thicker line. I found it very easy to apply and to create a near perfect line everytime, which is something I couldn't always achieve with liquid eyeliners. Also I tried the Coffee Quartz shade which is a gorgeous, rich, deep brown. The color doesn't so much jump out at you, as it draws you in, much like a sultry, sexy gaze. Hillary is also right that the gel eyeliner doesn't quite last as long as traditional liquid eyeliners, yet it still stayed on for much of the day for me without any running. The purmineral eyeliner also does an excellent job of opening the eyes and defining them. I love this gel gem and think it's perfect for newbies of gel eyeliners or for others like me who want to play up their looks and add a bit of glamour and sultriness back (in a very easy to do way)!

Movie Maven says: Yep, I'm a clean line gal myself, as well as someone who a) is constantly messing with her eyes and b) sweats more than a hooker in a Baptist church in Georgia in July. For those reasons, I had serious problems with this liner. I put it on to go out for a friend's birthday at around 8:30pm one night, and when I got home at 1am, I looked like I'd been knocked around - a lot. This stuff smudged everywhere on me. Raccoon eyes everywhere. Maybe it would have done better with a base; maybe I applied too much of the stuff; in any event, this is definitely not my favorite product. I'll stick to liquids.

Josephine says: Maybe it's because I used the best 'one-inch or less' nylon bristled brush in the history of makeup (the Ben Nye #12) but this stuff glided on with ridiculous ease. I set it immediately with a loose powder and even after I rubbed ginger (or hot pepper, it's unclear) into my eye when I was cooking Indian food earlier tonight and thus wept for a good four minutes out of my left eye alone, my perfect line hasn't moved a millimeter. I haven't worn it for hours on end yet but I suspect the powder set is the key. BTW, I have the brown shade called coffee quartz and it's a really pretty deep brown that looks great on a dishwater blond!

Review- Solutions a.m./p.m. Total Radiance Refreshing Day Cleanser and Makeup Removing Night Cleanser

Perfect skin for less than 65¢ a day! Customized to your skin's day and night needs, uniquely packaged in one...making skin visibly healthier and life much easier. Provides total radiance for normal/combination skin.

Refreshing Day Cleanser:Energizing creamy gel removes overnight buildup and deep cleans, while refreshing and toning skin. Brightens complexion and gives skin a healthy glow.

Makeup Removing Night Cleanser: Cleansing gel gently and effectively removes makeup and daily buildup, as it smoothes and softens skin. Leavs skin with a luminous, healthy glow.

This is a cute idea: a double package of one cleanser for morning and one for night. Now, as a very lazy woman who barely has time in the morning to put her pants on right-side-out, the morning cleanser was not as useful to me as its nocturnal companion, but I've been using both, and have really liked the results. My skin is naturally a little more "luminous" this time of year (read: greasy from humidity), but I think it's actually having the effect it's supposed to! The night cleanser is really gentle and you only need a teeny tiny bit (something it took me a bit to get used to) as it foams up pretty well. It effectively removed my (occasionally intense) makeup in the shower and left my skin clean without feeling dry or tight. As for the morning version, I didn't feel all that "energized" after using it, but it too only takes a bit to create a nice lather for your whole face.

The main problem I have with this cleanser duo is the packaging. I get that Avon is trying to be clever in making a "dual" bottle, but I have found that as you use more product, it becomes very difficult to extract it from the bottles. For once, my main complaint is not about the price! (It's very reasonable, especially since as of right now, it's $7.99 on the Avon site.) Other than that, this is a nice, gentle cleanser that will probably work better for ladies with more dedication to their beauty regimen than a night showerer who can't be bothered to brush her hair in the morning.

Trish Says: I think this cleanser alone is okay - though for the price you really can't top that. It is much better than drugstore options I've tried in the past for a higher price. I prefer to use this cleansing wash with the Avon Total Radiance Moisturizer for a full lightening and glowing experience. And keep in mind that a little bit does go a real long way with this cleanser as it suds up super easy and washes off make up with success. My only small complaint is that the soapy buildup does leave my skin feeling just a bit sticky afterwards, and without the moisturizer for the glow effect, the cleanser does not really improve (nor harm) my skin. So, if you're looking for a cleanser that is inexpensive and gentle, this is a good choice, but if you're happy with your current cleanser, this may not make much difference in your routine.

Melissa says: I’ve been using this product religiously for the past three weeks. Overall, I’m pretty happy with it. Honestly though, I’m not sure I see the difference between using a day and night cleanser, but I do like how it’s been working. I think the best part is that it doesn’t dry out my skin or make it tight after using it. Especially since both the am and pm cleansers lather up pretty well. Also, I’ve noticed that the pm cleanser does a great job at taking off my make up without stripping my face. The smell is light and a bit fruity, but not overpowering and it leaves my face refreshed and clean!

Review- Arrojo Hydrating Mist

Hydrating Mist provides a galvanizing pep up, anytime, anywhere, and restores vital moisture to the skin. Scented with a blend of bergamot, daisies and white cedar wood fragrance.

You might have noticed that a few of my reviews of the Arrojo products have been less than stellar. This will not be one of those! I found this hydrating mist exceptional, and charming. In fact when (if ever, it lasts so long!) I use this up I will definitely be re-purchasing. The smell was delightfully light and airy, with some citrus and a light floral. The sensation of the mist on your face is wonderful in the hot summer months, but I bet would be just as great in the winter during stressful times. It is very refreshing and even a bit moisturizing. I used it as both a facial spray and a general body refresher. It worked really well for both. The only recommendation I have is give yourself a few minutes for it to dry in, it is quite noticeable on your face, and can cause some curious looks when customers come into my store when I have just sprayed!

Melissa adds: I’m a fan of this hydrating mist because it’s light, refreshing and does the job. Summer has finally hit New York and I’ve been using this daily for a pick me up. The smell, like the Arrojo Body Wash is kind of sweet, but has more woodsy notes. I’m guessing because of the bergamot and cedar wood. So, if you're like me and want a change from the girlie sweet fragrances, try this. My only wish is that it came in a travel size pack so I can take it on the go! Other than that, this product is a winner.

Josephine says: Amen to the whole hot time summer in the city proclamation, Melissa. Anyway, I have no less than five moisture sprays in my 'big box of beauty' (this is a free standing piece of furniture in our bathroom at the request of my husband to at least make it look like this room is not as out of hand as it is in reality). This one smells great, refreshes on contact and gets absorbed quickly into the skin. From here, I am anxious to try it to set my makeups at the makeup trailer.

Amanda S. Says: agreed on this being the perfect time to try out this product! What a sticky hot mess the city is lately, right ladies?? I gave this a shot to set my make up as Josephine mentioned and it held up well. It has a really cute smell and is fun to use. This is definitely at the top of my list for the Arrojo products!