Review- Pixi by Petra Nail Polish

Developed to provide a fantastic full spectrum of shades, that will withstand wear and tear. Formulated for high definition and high gloss nail colour whether it’s a natural French manicure or a sultry bright red or even a fashion forward purple!

Pixi Nail Polish in Number 17 is a tropical red, slightly opalescent hue, totally my type of nail polish. It was really inappropriate for this season, but will be super fun next summer. Not only was the shade gorgeous, but it dried super fast. Unfortunately it wasn't really durable - it started chipping the next day, and my mani was totally rugged by day 3. If you can live with having to touch up your polish every couple of days then great, but for me that was kind of a deal breaker.

Sultana says: I got this in # 10 which is Dusty Rose. I am a nail polish nut. I also like shimmery & glittery colors. This one is nice, its just not me. They call me Glitter Girl in my office for a reason! I did see that the website sells some shimmery colors. I wouldn't mind trying one of those, because aside from the color; the brand is OK. It lasted a few days and didn't chip too much.

Trish says: I'm wearing the clear and translucent pink shade - No. 2... I like that it goes on like a sheer polish but also has a light touch of color that is both soft and feminine. It's so light that even if the polish started to chip, I didn't really notice. I also used this translucent shade as a top coat - it turned my current pale pink polish into a prettier high shine and glossier finish. As the others have mentioned, the polish by itself is "okay", but with the right color and its versatility, I'm growing fond of this little bottle of pink polish.

Review- Embryolisse Hydrating Cream With Orange Extract

Crème Hydratante à l'extrait d'orange (Moisturizing Cream with Extract of Oranges) is specially formulated to improve moisture content in the upper layers of the skin. Vitamins A, B, C, and H stimulate and instantly rehydrates the skin. The light, non-greasy formulation makes it perfect for year-round use.

In the summer, I try my best to tame my manic and uncontrollable oily skin, however, in the winter, it's the very opposite and I really want and welcome any kind of nourishment available. Thank goodness for the Embryolisse line! They really know how to moisturize and hydrate with the lightest of touch. I tried the Hydrating Cream with Orange Extract and can literally feel the soft nourishment absorbing into my skin. It leaves the skin super smooth and as others have mentioned earlier "baby" soft. If you have combination skin that is seasonally temperamental like mine, rest assured that this Embryolisse Hydrating Cream works just as beautifully for oily types in the winter! Otherwise, I think this is an excellent moisturizer for those who lean on the drier side year round, because it does fully hydrate and absorbs wonderfully onto the skin.

Review - Yaby Shimmer Eyeshadow

» Highly pigmented eyeshadow that are extremely easy to work with.
» The smooth texture allows blending with ease.
» Used dry or wet to achieve anything from a veil of color to a dramatic statement.

These itty-bitty, shimmery shadows are intended to go in the larger Yaby palette; I just got one to test (I believe the color is called “Green Delicious”). About the size of a dime, each little pot gives great color for your eyes. The one I got is a "frost" finish, but the colors come in a variety of finishes from matte to high shine. I think they probably work best in tandem with each other, but I liked this a lot by itself. I think the nicest thing about this product line overall is that the little refills are pretty inexpensive – around $3 – and they come in an INSANE array of colors. It’s ideal for the girl who likes to play around a lot with eyeshadow (and, of course, makeup artists, who I think are the real target audience for this line). I didn’t find that this shadow lasted very long, though, so you may get to play around more often than you thought!

Malikah says: I tried this in a shimmery pink shade, which was so wonderfully feminine I fell in love with it right away! It was a perfect frosty pink that can work beautifully year round, and its subtle enough that you won't look like a little girl playing dress up. It didn't last that long though, and kind of creased after awhile, so you may want to keep it handy for touch ups (which is easy to manage since its so tiny). You could collect your fave shades and customize your own palette, or just keep a few of the dime-sized pots in your makeup bag to transition your look or pack on a trip.

Josephine says: I have the color called "dragon fruit." It's a really bright pink and looks better on my cheeks than my eyes but that's just reflective of my own coloring, this color could look awesome on eyes belonging to someone with more yellow tones in their skin. Anyway, I agree with Malikah and Hillary in that the color did fade after a sort of short amount of time for how pigmented the website claims the shadow to be but it did go on 100% true to the color in the pan which is a testament to its quality. I agree with Hillary that this palette would be a useful addition to a makeup artist's arsenal. Has anyone put a fine point on the size of this puppy by likening it to the size of a lithium battery? For real.

Review- Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Body Wash

Ready to reveal your daring side tonight? Flaunt your gorgeous even skin tone with confidence. Caress Evenly Gorgeous with Burnt Brown Sugar and Karite Butter gently exfoliates and lusciously moisturizes to reveal beautifully, even-toned skin. $4.79 for 12 oz.

Caress Evenly Gorgeous Body Wash is a divine smelling, super moisturizing body wash that will leave your skin feeling like silk. The deep, musky fragrance leaves just a hint on your skin, and reminds me of a hot August night. It really didn't do much in terms of exfoliating, since I could barely feel the beads and didn't notice much of a difference in my skin afterward, but the moisturizing quality and smell were still amazing. If you want the feeling of a steamy summer evening during the end of December, you'll definitely love this product. However if you need a more serious scrub for dry, flaky, skin you might be disappointed.

Josephine says: Malikah nailed something about this shower gel that I haven't been able to do yet. It does somehow encapsulate summertime in like, Cuba. The smell is awesome yet subtle and it cleans and softens wonderfully. I did think the exfoliating was meaningful, though. The winter is so harsh on my skin and it's dry on such a deep level that it doesn't even look flaky or scaly to the naked eye but I itch as if I have poison ivy. Basically I am trying to say that I need exfoliating/moisturizer like I need air. I will most definitely (and joyfully!) finish the bottle and seek Caress out again, especially when I am on a budget because that quality to this product is not to be overlooked either.

Trish says: I agree with both reviews above! The scent is absolutely decadent, reminding me of a rich caramel flan that adds that beautiful touch of warmth in the middle of one the coldest winters in NY (from what I can remember). There is some exfoliating here - even if ever so modest- it's not a full scrub, but my skin still felt soft and nourished after using it. I love how the Caress body wash suds up so beautifully and washes off just as easily. Your skin truly feels much softer and smoother and clean afterwards, leaving a gorgeous and sweet scent to remember. I'd definitely purchase the body wash for the silkiness factor and the enjoyable fragrance together!

Review - Save Your Skin Exfoliation Bar in Regal Blossom

If a bar of soap could grow on a tree, this one certainly would. Handcrafted with all natural and organic ingredients, this product is sure to stimulate your mind, body and soul.

Infused with tiny bits of organic Yerba Maté, our soaps are perfect for those looking for a little exfoliation action. Organically-grown Aloe Vera will keep skin moisturized. Together, these ingredients will leave your body feeling smooth and toned.

Okay, so when I was a kid I had this set of decorative soaps from the Body Shop that were, like, my PRIDE and JOY. They were glycerin soaps, so they almost looked like jewels, except that they were in the shape of a variety of endangered species – I definitely remember a rhinoceros. There were maybe six of them, and they came in a keepsake box, and I never, ever used them. I just loved smelling them (and saving the animals, of course, because I was really into that as a kid).

This Save Your Skin Exfoliating Bar in Regal Blossom smells JUST LIKE that box of Animals in Danger soaps. The website describes the scent thusly: “a colorful accord of the natural aroma of lavender, geranium and rose. As nuances of palmarosa, chamomile and carrot seed reinforce this soothing combination, accents of citronella, pimento berry and clary sage add depth. A background of sandalwood and vanilla support this extraordinary creation.” Well. That’s complicated. I don’t know what convergence of scents happened to re-create the wonderful scent of my childhood soap set, but whatever it is, I’m into it. Add to that the fact that this soap is scrubby in a pleasant way, AND that this company is highly earth-conscious? Sign me up. As bar soaps go, this one is great.

Review - Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadow in Anja

Bring a room to its knees without saying a word. Each of these glorious colours makes a statement that’s as individual as you are. Highly pigmented, these lasting colours ensure all-night intensity.

For some reason, blue eyeshadow will always, always, always make me think of the movie My Girl – maybe I saw it during a particularly formative moment, or maybe I just love Jamie Lee Curtis a lot – whatever the reason, I will never forget the scene when JLC tells Vada Sultenfuss that a girl can “never have enough blue eyeshadow.” I think that in the somber, grunge-oriented ‘90s, this was intended as sort of a “ha ha, people in the ‘70s thought blue eyeshadow was fashionable and it’s SO NOT” joke, but now? I think it’s kind of true. Blue eyeshadow, used correctly, can be flattering to just about everyone.

This particular blue eyeshadow, from Illamasqua, is called “Anja,” and is a bright, matte robin’s egg blue, that, when applied lightly, gives just a whisper of tint, and when applied more heavily, is dramatic in a kicky, summer way. I wore it (along with a shimmery green) to the New Year’s party I attended in Florida, where I decided to look like an old Florida lady. I think it worked pretty well:

I am seriously digging the finish on this powder, and it definitely lasted a while (I put that on at around 7pm, and I didn’t put those glasses on until almost midnight, and the eyeshadow is still in FULL EFFECT. That said, I don’t know that I would rock this look on a normal day – the blue is SO bright and SO pale that I think (on me, at least) it would always look a little bonkers. I’m saving this one for special occasions – especially the kind that last all night! Update: I wrote all of this and then read on the Sephora site that this line is exclusively “nighttime makeup.” So I guess I was right on target there! I’m now basically obsessed with the whole line.

Review- Avalon Organics Rosemary Shampoo and Conditioner

This shampoo volumizes and gently cleanses hair and scalp, as strengthening wheat protein builds body for fuller, healthier-looking hair.

I sigh as I write this review. I strongly and fully endorse most products from Avalon Organics, except this one. If you can use an inexpensive organic and all natural product, please buy it, thus please buy Avalon Organics..... Only my hair has never felt as dull and limp as it has after using this shampoo/conditioner duo. The review has to be the combination of the two because I honestly tried one without the other and I had no better results that way. Perhaps my scalp just doesn't like rosemary or something, but my hair doesn't like it at all! I like the smell a lot. I like how the conditioner works very much, but the "whey proteins" just weren't doing it for me. If you are looking for a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, unfortunately, you are going to have to look somewhere else.....

Trish says: Crazy, I had the same reaction as Deedlejuse with the Avalon Organics Rosemary shampoo and conditioner. My hair became so completely flat and lifeless, I thought I was doing something wrong. I even propped it up with additional volumizing products afterwards, hoping to make the shampoo and conditioner work on the side...One positive though is that my hair did smell super natural and organic and fresh and earthy, which is pleasing. Also, my hair seemed cleaner overall after the rinse, with little to no product build-up, but the volumizing part seemed to be amiss for me as well. I would try another Avalon product in the future, because I really do appreciate natural and organic products in general, but the Rosemary shampoo and conditioner didn't quite add the right body and texture that my hair so desperately needs and crave. Still on the lookout.

Review- Lait-Crème Concentrè Moisturizer

Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream) is a rich moisturizing lotion. This specially formulated lotion is quite versatile; throw it in your travel bag when you don't have enough space for numerous products. Our creamy lotion is really three products in one: the make-up artists use it as a primer, moisturizer, and make-up remover. It also reduces irritation after shaving! $25

I am so in love with this moisturizer! I'd heard about it from many magazines and my make-up artist friends and I never believed it could live up to all the hype. But it does! It is completely hypo-allergenic as in no one is allergic to it (hard to believe but true). You apply a thin layer to your face, then wait a minute for it to sink in. It makes an excellent base for make-up, I didn't even use a primer with it and my foundation went on flawlessly. Also, my dry skin was completely moisturized, even after I washed my face. It has no scent whatsoever and has a great light consistency. The tube says it is suitable for all types of skin and I can see why. It's also referred to as the "24 hour Miracle Cream" and I think that's because it not only hydrates but repairs and nourishes your skin. Go ahead and ask any make-up artist what they think of it and you'll probably hear a ton of praise for the product. One caveat- it's sort of hard to find, but fear not, because I know where to get it- visit Temptupro.com. Ok, so they are temporarily out of stock, but you can still order it and you'll get it when it comes in. I recommend you do so, you'll thank me later.

Review- KohGenDo Maifanshi Lipstick

This light and sheer lipstick adds polish to lips and brightens up the face. Wears smooth and soft, like a lip cream. Protects lips from dryness and damaging agents like wind and the environment. Lips become healthier the more often you use it.

I have this lipstick in the Nude Beige, which is by far my favorite nude I have ever tried. There is this wonderful vibrancy it brings to your lips, I think it is without a doubt a combination of the wonderful moisturizers and the high pigmentation of this lip color that makes my lips look fuller and healthier than they do without it. My only concern is that $35 is an awfully high number for a lipstick. The highest priced lipstick I have tried, other than this one, was around $28 and I was shocked by the price tag even though the lipstick was organic and had good staying power. This one does not last that long, I'd say two hours max, and it is super moisturizing so you must use a bit more than I would with most lipsticks. Regardless, I love it. My lips have improved exponentially since I started wearing it, and for that the extra expense is well worth it in my book. If you have been looking for an extraordinary lipstick please give this one a try!

Hillary says: I would be sooo lazy if I just wrote "ditto", but that is pretty much the way I feel. This is one of those nudes I can see using on most skins except the darkest. It's somewhere between opaque and sheer, so your natural skin tone will dictate the shade, but it is a beautiful shade of beige with enough warmth to not wash out one's face. As Deedlejuse says, it's very pricey, but much like I said in my review for the Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Foundation, this is an awesome choice for a special occasion. I got a little more wear out of it than D did, but this lipstick is more about the moisture than the long wear. It makes your lips feel like silk and I have to say this is the only lipstick I own that I can wear without lip balm. Thus the price tag. If this sounds ideal to you- or your lips- bust out the cash from your Christmas stocking & buy one.

Review- Marini Lash

Now you can enjoy dazzling dense and lush eyelashes and eyebrows—with a stunning new product from the research labs of Jan Marini. Marini Lash—the first and still the best, although others have tried to imitate it—this revolutionary eyelash and eyebrow enhancement formulation has surpassed even our expectations. You will see remarkable results in weeks. $160 for .23 oz.

Even though it hasn't quite been the "suggested" amount of time one should use this eyelash growth conditioner to see big results, I looked in the mirror today and all of the sudden I have daddy longlegs at the end of my eyelids. They don't even need a hint of mascara because they are so thick and long. Looking back over the last week, the urge to skip mascara has come upon me at least three times and while I do occasionally go without when I have a stronger makeup look on my eyes, I rarely make that decision without some deliberation. But this past week I haven't even consciously reached for my trusty tube because it didn't occur to me that I needed it. So! Given those circumstances I am pleased to announce that this stuff totally works and worked in approximately one month of nightly use. The tube is totally easy, you apply it like you would a liquid liner, there was no irritation in any way and even though I might have been experiencing the placebo effect when I swore my lashes looked different after two weeks, who cares! The end result is the same--I feel like my lashes look cra-mazing. And to think there was a moment in time when I was contemplating pricey eyelash extensions... Ha!

Sultana says: I was very skeptical when I got this. But even so, I kept an open mind because I really wanted this to work. I have lashes that get super thick and long when I wear mascara. What I intended to get out of this, is to be able to use less mascara. WOW, I got it!!!!!!!!! After solidly using this for one month, my lashes sprouted! They got longer and a little bit fuller. I noticed that I only needed one coat of mascara instead of two!
Now this is kind of pricey, but it lasts for six months. I know women that would buy this in a minute. I would recommend this to anyone that is looking for something that truly works. I am so excited to see what my lashes will be like in another couple of months!

Trish says: I agree with Sultana, I too was skeptical at first, convinced that nothing short of a miracle would make my sparse lashes thicker, fuller, and stronger. And despite my own mental stubbornness, this stuff really worked! There are new lashes growing along the lash line where I've never seen before, my thin and wimpy lashes are so much stronger and resilient now - and I can use my favorite eye lash curler without fear of new lashes falling off. While the lashes aren't quite super long yet, (still the miracle case) they are definitely fuller and thicker and are steadily growing with each use. I'm amazed that this wonderful tube (which applies as easy as a liquid eyeliner) can last for 6 months! Definitely worth the long-term investment in my opinion. Plus, you need to apply only a small amount - which I've been very diligent about- and can still see some true and visible results that are amazing. Highly recommended as an eyelash booster - this Marini Lash conditioner works like magic!