Review - Montagne Jeunesse Tonic Mask

Rip open and feel immediately perked up! The orange oil aromas smell so fresh - freshly squeezed! Pure Vitamin C invigorates the skin restoring natural vitamin levels. Fresher, Softer and stress free. 

I freaking love face masks like this. Growing up, I used to (and still do) love peel-off masks because they made me feel fancy and spa-like, but there is something about the towel-based mask that makes me feel EVEN FANCIER. Maybe because they are single-serving? In any event, I love them, and was excited to try this orange oil-based one from Montagne Jeunesse. 

This mask is intended to invigorate your face, but with my face, I think the experience was a little TOO invigorating, because I got ALL RED after using it. I did look amazing while using it, however:

Turbin' it!! Apparently you are supposed to pull the mouth part off and use it on your nose, but I didn't read the directions or realize that, so my nose went un-masked. At first, the mask felt really nice, but then it started to warm up (it did say it was a thermal mask) and my face started to get a little too hot. I think if you have less sensitive skin than I do, you might be all right, but it was too much for me to take, and I looked like a lobster when I took the thing off. That said, Montagne Jeunesse has, like, a million kinds of masks and I kind of want to try them all, even after this less-than-stellar experience with this one.

Review - Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner for Oily Hair

With black cohosh, yangu oil, blue seakale and shine-boosting apple and orange extracts, our ultra-light, finely balanced colour safe conditioner leaves oily, dull, limp or lifeless hair shiny, volumised and full of life.

I very rarely use conditioner. A hairdresser once told me I didn't need to, since I have short, fine, relatively oily hair, and from then on I was like "HAHA SUCKERS NO CONDITIONER FOR ME!!!" But I do like the idea of moisturizing one's hair so that it looks shiny and beautiful like Penelope Cruz's, the goal of course being to snag a babydaddy as sexy as hers. So I was excited to try this conditioner, the first one I'd used in a long time. The best thing about this conditioner is the lightness of it - it's creamy without being heavy, and rinses out easily.

My hair wasn't noticeably shinier after just one use, but it was definitely softer, and I didn't feel like it was weighed down like I normally do after using conditioner. If you're a conditioner-phobe like me, this is one to try, especially in the dry winter months.

Deedlejuse Says: So I am an avid onditioner user, with long processed blond hair that needs A LOT of lovin'. With that being said, I will tell you this really is a good conditioner, it just wasn't blow your mind amazing. I feel like my hair should be shiny and wonderful instantly if I am going to spend $14.50 for 6.7 oz. Don't get me wrong, I love love the idea of all that Liz Earle has to offer, and the natural ingredients she puts into them, but I found I needed just a bit more moisture. If you don't have blond processed hair I am positive you will love this conditioner, but for me I have found better.

Review - adesign Finishing Crease Brush

Finish: Grade 'A' goat hair & high grade synthetic
Shape: Elongated finely tapered point
Use: To blend & contour the crease of the lid.

I will never know why there are so many different kinds of makeup brushes. Some of the distinctions make sense to me - you cannot use a blush brush on your eye, of course, and a lip brush and an eyeshadow brush are very different. But this brush, the Finishing Crease brush by adesign, seems SUPER SPECIFIC. "I only use this brush on my eye crease and NOWHERE ELSE." 

That said, it's quite useful to have a brush shaped in this manner - it's longer than your average eyeshadow brush, and more tapered, to really get into the crease of your eye. I liked using it with a dark shadow on the outer part of my lid to create a glamorous cat-eye effect. Also useful is the fact that it's a combination of natural and synthetic hairs, so you get the durability of a synthetic with the softness of a natural.

Review- Dove Intensive Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner

• Conditioner + treatment system
• Contains patented micro moisture serum with fiber actives
• Deep internal nourishment and prevents split ends and breakage
• Advanced care and repair for beautiful hair

I am African-American with super coarse, kinky hair that constantly needs deep conditioning. I tried Dove Damage Therapy's Intensive Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner, hoping that it would bring new life to my flustered, frizzy strands. Sadly the formula was just not intense enough for my hair texture. The conditioner had a light texture and nice smell, but my particular type of hair just needed more. Also, this product is designed for daily use, but I only wash my hair once a week, so I don't think I got the maximum benefits. Overall this might be a great product for someone with less coarse hair that isn't as challenging to manage, but it definitely didn't do much for my mane.

Sultana says: I love our blog because we all have such different features. I think all of our readers can relate to at least one of us. With that said, I had the complete opposite experience! I have damaged and frizzy hair that takes A LOT of different steps to manage. Most important in my routine, is conditioner. I need something strong, yet not heavy. Unfortunately, this conditioner was too much for my hair. I was really shocked. The directions say use a quarter size on your hair. I went a little over that because my hair is long. BIG MISTAKE!!!!!!!!!!!! When my hair dried after, it still felt like I had conditioner on it. It was hard and stiff and felt so strange. So the second time around I only used a dime. The end result was not that much different. This is one conditioner that I am going to say is actually over kill for me. Its very strong, and if you have fine hair I don't think it will work.

Trish says: This winter my hair had been especially dry and helpless. Trying to highlight my hair definitely didn't help it either. When I reached for this conditioner, to say the least, I really needed some of that moisture back quickly, too. I will say that Dove's Intensive Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner did do the trick and added the much needed hydration back to my hair successfully. However, in the process of re-moisturizing, I found the conditioner a little too heavy for my head to handle, and while I had noticeably silkier strands by far, it was also flat. Fortunately, I had a volumizing conditioner on hand and mixed it with the Dove daily treatment and came out pretty well with the best of both worlds. I would keep this conditioner on hand, especially if you're the type to color or treat your hair a lot...it really does moisturize, but be warned if you have fine hair like me, you may need to mix two types of conditioner together to get optimal results. Otherwise, it worked adequately for me with a little commingling going on!

Melissa says: I am African-American and my hair is natural. I need a conditioner with a lot of moisture and protection from dry ends, NYC's weather and the heat used to keep my hair straight. This conditioner didn't work for my hair. While it smells good and I had I hopes, I think I needed double the dosage to make an impact. I'm sure this would work for fine hair that can stand everyday washing and conditioning and needs minimal moisture.

Review- Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner

This innovative gel-based waterproof liner stays blendable for 60 seconds then dries to a smudge-proof, budge-proof finish that lasts all day. JET SET is perfect for lining the inner rim of the eye or as a stay-put traditional liner. Glides on effortlessly with ARCED LINER BRUSH #21. $22

I am feeling this eye liner in a major way!! I tried it in navy blue and am loving just how sexy it looks! It seems to bring out a super cool and chic downtown edge to it (if that's the look you're going for) which adds that extra bit of fun and fashion to any style. I found this silky eyeliner to glide on very smoothly and was able to create a super thin line, although it did take me a couple of practice tries to perfect it. Eventually, I learned that to maximize the use of the eyeliner brush, I had to press the brush firmly into the pot and make sure all sides of it were equally covered. That way your first application is your best, and ideally, only application. Once you create the perfect line, it doesn't take long to set (about 60 seconds or less) you're pretty much done for the rest of the day! I didn't experience any smudging, although my line was pretty thin to begin with, and noticed it lasted a long time. The best part is how cool the midnight blue looks and how little it budged! As well as being overall very easy to use with a nice eyeliner brush. I can imagine this being a great navy eyeliner that works for all skin tones and eye colors, as well as an excellent choice for the stylish fashionista in all of us!


Hillary says: This is the waterproof eyeliner you want to use if you are just starting with waterproof eyeliner because as it says in the description, it gives you 60 seconds to blend, but those seconds can be used to correct as well. Believe me, I'm an old hand with an eyeliner brush but even I make mistakes now and then, which is why I love this eyeliner. I have it in Dark Brown and Midnight Purple and both colors have an amazing amount of pigment and stay on until you want them gone. I must admit, the first time I used one in my waterline (rim of lower lid) I used too much and it was totally uncomfortable, but I've since learned my lesson and it wears comfortably and beautifully. These liners are "must-haves" when creating a smokey eye (yes, smokey eyes can be any color you want). As an added bonus, if you think your eyes might tear, in the wind for example, this gel stays put.

Movie Maven says: Yeah, yeah, I know the whole Mad Men look is kind of played out at this point - fashion has moved on to being inspired by Black Swan instead, replacing pencil skirts with chiffon layers and clean lines with feathery details. But I know what looks good on me, and it's a 60s-inspired thick black line. This is partially due to the fact that I find it incredibly difficult to do a thin, thin line, and partially because like every other woman with a substantial rack in America, I want to look just like Christina Hendricks. This gel eyeliner is perfect for completing this look, since with the use of an appropriate brush, you can create a great, solid line that stays in place like a dream. Thanks, Smashbox, for making my life a little more Mad Men.

Review - Scunci No Slip Grip 59293-A

Sooooo, this is not the image of the product I am reviewing. Unfortunately I believe that the company must have discontinued the hair ties I got, because they are no where to be found online....... I have to say if this is true, it is for good reason: they aren't terribly practical. They are made of this gummy rubbery texture that isn't very pliable. I always wear my hair up in a pony tail, or in a bun and these hair ties pull a bit, and don't even think about wearing them on your wrist at night (which I do every night.) Maybe I am a traditionalist, but the normal Scunci elastics are much more my speed! On another note, I will not use anything but Scunci elastics. They really are the best, and cost next to nothing! I do love that they are looking into new products, but this one just wasn't my thing...

Melissa says: I was so excited to try these ties as Scunci is the gold standard. Unfortunately, they hurt my hair so bad and pulled a lot out. Although these weren't fore me, just like Deedlejuse, I will continue to use Scunci forever !

Review- CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM

Ordinary moisturizing lotions need to be applied frequently because the ingredients are released in a single “burst” and absorbed in a short period of time. Like all CeraVe® Skin Care products, CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM offers the benefits of unique, patented MVE® delivery technology, which provides a controlled release of essential ceramides and other skin-nourishing and protective ingredients slowly over time. It penetrates deep into the skin to moisturize and nourish skin throughout the day while “locking in” precious moisture. The unique ingredients in CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM help restore and maintain the natural protective function of the skin barrier, help restore damaged skin, and help keep skin healthy…all night long!


It probably won't surprise you that this lotion is ALSO one of my current favorites. It's everything I ever wanted in a nighttime moisturizer. It doesn't break me out, or make me feel greasy but it is strong enough to contend with my Tazorac (think strong Retin-A) and keep my skin from peeling off like dead leaves from a maple. The time-released factor really helps keep my skin hydrated through until the morning. It's a unique quality that really helps considering most moisturizers are done as soon as they rub against your pillowcase. My skin has not looked this good in a long time and again, this is happening with a $12 price tag. Be sure to read my review of Cerave AM Lotion because the two together make an awesome duo.

Trish says: Totally agree on what Hillary said above! I too so love this PM moisturizer that I use it affectionately and delicately, because it really does work and absorbs so gently into the skin, nourishing every bit of it while working its moisturizing magic. Usually, I skip nighttime moisturizers because my pores clog easily and for anyone who has combination skin knows how tricky it can be - super dry in areas that beg for the extra moisture, yet oily areas that can't bear it. With CeraVe's PM Lotion, my skin thoroughly drank up the moisturizing lotion without the heaviness of clogged pores the next morning. Used in combination with the facial cleanser, I noticed a quick turnaround with my skin - it was glowing and soft and so much more youthful looking, I can't praise this CeraVe Facial Moisturizer Lotion PM enough!

Review- Cerave AM Facial Lotion

Ceramide-rich formula
SPF 30
Non-comedogenic
Deflects UVA and UVB rays from the sun and other sources of UV radiation
Rebuilds and restores your skin’s protective outer lipid layer

Today is my "Favorite New Finds Day". I'm only going to review things I love today and Cerave AM Facial Lotion is DEFINITELY one of my current favorite things. The bottle and packaging are totally unassuming and your eyes have probably gone right past Cerave products on the shelf 100 times. They are the definition of "no flash, all substance". This moisturizer is rich without causing breakouts, minimizes fine lines and to top it off has a healthy SPF of 30. I have given up on using all of my pricey Sephora-bought lotions in favor of this one. Why? Because I am seeing results. It is chock-full of good for your skin ingredients like niacinamide (fights dullness & dark spots), ceramides (helps retain moisture) and cholesterol (moisturizes). This is everything I want in a moisturizer in a fragrance free, hypoallergenic bottle. And it's time released to continue improving your skin for 24 hours. Oh, and did I mention it runs about $12-14 a bottle, which lasts for so far, 2 months. At that price and with these benefits, what do you have to loose?

Trish says: You know how when you use something good for your skin, you can really feel it and tell? That's how it is with the CeraVe line. I love that as I get older, and my skin is starting to show little signs of aging, there's a moisturizer such as this one that fully hydrates the skin and protects it with SPF30 during the day. It is a thicker moisturizer than I would normally use, and because I'm prone to oily areas, this CeraVe AM lotion did add a bit of heaviness for me, but throughout the winter I really didn't mind it at all as I needed the extra hydration. Now, when the weather warms up, I may have to use just a little of it or less, however the thought of going totally without it would make my skin a little sad. For oily types, this facial moisturizer may be a bit heavy during the day, but if you're dry year round and need and want that added moisture and protection, this is definitely a nice and affordable facial lotion to have packed in your anti-aging arsenal!

Review- Certain Dri Antiperspirant Solid

This product is specially-formulated to provide everyday, all-day dryness for those who suffer from excessive underarm perspiration.



Certain Dri® Solid Anti-Perspirant contains 25% aluminum sesquichlorohydrate (Anhydrous). It is the only over-the-counter antiperspirant with this ingredient, which is more effective than the aluminum zirconium formula found in over-the-counter solid antiperspirants that are labeled “clinical strength.”

If I were to make a list of my current favorite things, Certain Dri Antiperspirant would definitely be on it! I know what you're thinking "What's all the hubbub? It's an antiperspirant." Oh, but it's so different from your ordinary underarm protection. I am not what you would refer to as an excessive sweater. I do, however, have a more sensitive than normal sense of smell (thank you S.A.D.!). So basically, if I smell sweaty in the slightest way, to me, I stink. Probably not to anyone else, but I digress. I started using this "unconventional" sweat-stopper - I mean, you use it at night and you don't need to re-apply after showering- thinking that it couldn't be better than my usual deodorant/antiperspirant. I stand corrected. I simply do not sweat from my armpits when I use this. The insert from the package says that the sweat is directed to other parts of ones body. I put this on at bedtime, shower & stay dry all day. No fear of deodorant stains on my clothes & definitely no sweating. If you want to stay drier than you ever thought you could, try Certain Dri. Yes, I sound like a commercial! I genuinely like it that much. Oh, as an added bonus, it's unscented so it can be used by both sexes. For the super-sweaters among us, they also make an auxiliary daytime deodorant/antiperspirant "refresher" called Certain Dri AM. This summer skip the worrying and get Certian Dri.

Melissa says: For years, I have been loyal to my deodorant. However, I knew that I should be looking into other brands as they health claims associated with mass labels have gotten me a bit worried. I thought that Certain Dri wouldn't do the job but it did. It kept me smelling fresh all day and I only needed one application. It's really and excellent antiperspirant and I've been using it faithfully without going back to my old standby. Also, unlike other "good for you" deodorants, you will not feel self-conscious about having body odor mid day! Like Hillary, I highly recommend Certain Dri!

Review- Sulwhasoo Basic Line Trial Pack

"Nourishing skin care formulated with precious Korean Medicinal Herbs to promote harmony and balance in the skin." 

When I first recieved this trial pack, I didn't realize I would be changing from one step after cleansing my face to four.  I'll admit, I was a little daunted.  But let me tell you, my skin is singing the praises of Sulwhasoo skin care.  Let me tell you the routine.  First, on a cleansed face, you press the First Care Serum into your skin.  It does smell like medicinal herbs to a degree, however, that disappears once it soaks in.  This step prepares your skin for the products to come.  Next comes the "toner" in the form of Balancing Water.  This is really refreshing and doesn't make your skin tight whatsoever.  I'm not a big fan of traditional toners, but this one I love.  After that you smooth on the Balancing Emulsion which serves as a lightweight yet effective moisturizing lotion.  It sinks in beautifully and I (miraculously enough) have not seen a single dry skin flake since I've been using this set!  The final step in the kit is the Concentrated Ginseng Cream which is a slightly heavier moisturizer but again, it soaks in beautifully.  Now this may seem like a lot of work, but my dry, acne-prone skin hasn't looked this good in as long as I can remember.  No tightness, not even wind chapping from this brutal NYC winter.  Also, you don't need to leave any time at all between steps, so the whole thing takes less than five minutes.  And tell me, who doesn't have five minutes for georgeous skin?  I even went out without make-up on Saturday!  I never do that.  Now these products are a bit pricey, $55-$220, but you use the products so sparingly that the full sized products will last you a year.  This is a brand to look out for, they'll be big.