Review- Mario Badescu Suncare (SPF 30)

Full UVA/UVB daily protection in a lightweight, low oil moisturizer. Contains soothing Aloe Vera Gel and Eucalyptus Oil. A must for Retin A and acne Rx users to prevent discoloration and scarring. $22 for 2 oz.

Mario Badescu does it again! I swear I have not tried one Mario Badescu product that I didn't love, this is no exception. I have tried (& returned) every single SPF 30 moisturizer that they sell at Sephora & none of them were to my liking. This moisturizer doesn't have any of the downfalls of the others I've tried. First of all, it doesn't smell like sunscreen, in fact it has very little scent at all. It speads over your face smoothly and sinks in completely. The MB website says this is for combination and sensitive skin, but I have very dry skin and this delivers enough moisture for me. I know you are supposed to be generous when applying sunscreen but a little bit of this lotion covers my whole face. I'm not sure if you are supposed to, but I even use this as an eye cream with no irritation. I'm so happy I found this moisturizer!

Joyce says:

This has become a “must” before I walk outside. I love the smoothes-and-soothes-the-skin texture; and how did they make a sunscreen smell more like a body lotion than a sun product?! I’ve liked sunscreens I’ve tried (and disliked some), but this one makes me feel more like I’m giving my skin a treat (positive thought-form) as opposed to protecting it from “harmful” stuff (negative thought-form). I feel comfortable getting my Vitamin D while using this product.

Sheba says:

How does Mario Badescu do so many things so well? This is another of their products that deliver. I need a minimum of a 30 SPF and this is the best of the lot I have used. Like mentioned before its fragrance is not that of a sun product. It has a very pleasant scent which is not overpowering but just right. You do not feel like everyone around you can smell the sun protection you have on. It goes on your nose so the scent is right there. Yet, I like it. I don't like the usual sun protection scents. This goes on extremely smoothly and my skin seems to drink it up -- and feels good. It moisturizes while it does its job. I will definitely be protecting myself while being moisturized with a very nice refreshing scent. This is a different experience from the usual sun protection products. I love it!!

CitySlicker Says:

This is a great moisturizer; the fact that we are getting the added bonus of SPF sends me over the moon. This is a thick rich moisturizer that really provides my skin a wonderful barrier. My skin is hydrated, plump and free from any flaking. I go overboard with my sunscreen application and this is no different. I apply about a quarter sized portion to my face and pull it down to my neck. This is unlike any other product I have used with SPF, I am not all greasy shiny, my skin actually looks ok without any makeup, not saying I would subject to the world to that but am just saying I could! My makeup goes on very well also, I have experiences no slippage. Can I be honest; I want this for my body, not just my face. You get what you pay for and so much more!

Amanda S. Says: I really need a good sunblock, for health reasons and also because my father has had skin cancer removed from his face. I've tried a LOT of sunscreens, I like the beach and I like the outdoors, and it seems that even when i slather on an alleged SPF 45, it is gone and i get a tan!!!! It drives me nuts. I tried this out not just on my face, but on my arms neck and shoulders when I was walking around all day in the city, only reapplying once to my face and shoulders, and behold... NO TAN, no sun, no damage, the sun just didn't get through this stuff. It's so much easier to put on than the other brands that are super thick and are all white and streaky until they absorb too. I really think this stuff is great!

Deedlejuse Says:

I agree with everyone on this product. It is more like a lotion than a sunscreen, and it works so well!! I hardly noticed I was wearing anything under my makeup, and it was just so easy to apply. Generally, applying SPF to my face is my least favorite part of the process, but now I think it is just because I hadn't found an amazing sunscreen for the face yet. This stuff is AWESOME! and Mario Badescu is a genius.

Review - LuMESH Lip Gloss

Here’s a gloss I love. This feels nothing like a gloss on, it feels more like a creamy lipstick. It goes on smoothly and distributes rich color. I have Trischa; it’s described as “This light pinkish gold shimmer lip gloss enhances your summer tan to perfection.” I think it’s more of a peachy pink with sheer gold opalescent shimmer. It is super with a summer tan also. When I apply my lips look more peachy golden than pink, it’s a medium peachy tint. I think this is one of the most comfortable glosses I have tried. It’s truly the anti-gloss. My lips haven’t dried out at all, which is unlikely with a gloss. This also offers a minty cooling effect, there is no taste or scent just a cooling sensation that I enjoy. This wears longer that most glosses too, not as many touch ups. I can get away without touching up till eating. Trischa doesn’t slip away in to the eternal bliss. As I mentioned before this is more like a creamy lipstick and not like a gloss. You will be amazed with the product. Again, the mirror on the tube makes this perfect to travel with! The neck of the tube is narrow so when I am running out I think it will be difficult to swish the wand around to scoop out the remains.

Maria says:

Guess what I'm wearing right now as I type this? Yupper.....LuMESH lip gloss....in Trischa no less - the same one that CitySlicker above has. I agree with her spot on color description - a peachy-golden color for sure. I see no pink on my lips, though I do see the pink on the wand when I'm taking it out of the tube. This is not a GLOSSY lipgloss - it is a creamy lipstick like gloss that feels delectable on your lips. I love that I don't get that nasty, cakey look between my lips like I do with other lipglosses - it's like wax buildup or something. Not so with LuMESH. It's now a staple in my pocketbook -and why wouldn't it be? The brilliant little tube with its side mirror make application flawless after lunch or for touching up. This will not dry out your lips - it will make them look and feel just yummy. Love it.

Review - LuMESH Mascara in Blak

I have this mascara in Blak, a standard black. It is a nice consistency, comparable to other mascaras in this price range. It does make your lashes curl up beautifully without the use of a curler. I do not use eyelash curlers, in my opinion there are plenty of products that add volume and curl to your lashes without those weird looking contraptions.... LuMESH being a perfect example. The huge plus this product gets is the packaging, there is a sizable mirror lodged into the tube. Look up at the picture, that stripe is not white; it is mirror. Perhaps I have been hiding under a rock for 24 years but I have never had any product with packaging that useful. My only problem with this mascara is the longevity, I find that it tends to flake after about 8 hours, but I am super hard on my eyes. Most mascaras don't live throughout the day. Suffice it to say this one stood up better than most. If you don't have a problem with your mascara ending up under your eyes, you will be more than happy with this mascara. Very cool packaging, beautiful affect on your eyes, I really like it. If only it came in waterproof....

CitySlicker Says:

I too have this in Blak. I love the mirror on the tube; it’s great for gals on the go. I never take mascara with me but now that I have a mirror attached, I have been bringing it along. It’s a very deep black color, goes on fairly wet with dries quickly. My lashes are lengthened, separated and full. I have to agree with Deedlejuse, this doesn’t stand up to long days. When I wear it I do notice when I come home from work that I can see bits under my eyes. I think that for $24 there are longer wearing mascaras out there... I just can’t get over the great packaging. I love that so I will continue to use it up!

Amanda S. Says:

Also had Blak here, but I had a different experience. I am, as some of you may know, a devout disciple to the 'no panda eyes' mascara made by fiberwig, and rarely stray except for top notch stuff (for long). Sure, I'll try things out and use them up if they're not terrifyingly bad, but I don't stand for things that smudge because I'm a terribly eye rubber, having to do a lot of reading at my job. I didn't seem to have a problem with the product flaking off under my eyes or wearing out on a long day, and I'd give it a B+ to an A (if I'm feeling super nice) compared to my all time favorite.

Sheba says:

I really do like this mascara -- it goes on easily and wears well. I am in the habit of using an eyelash brush no matter what mascara I use so that I do NOT have clumps, etc. I found that the brush took very little off as there really were not any clumps but I still used it. I guess I am addicted to it. It lengthens and thickens without looking cakey or too thick. Once again, I can use an extra coat to really lengthen the lashes at night if I want--don't want them hitting my glasses at work. I am also an eye rub person -- I try to stop myself -- but sometimes I do not even realize I am doing it. I did have a little flaking from rubbing -- but that is to be expected if I rub mascara like that. Sooner or later I may actually stop that bad habit. I did not have any problem with the mascara lasting throughout the day -- it had staying power with me -- except in my rubbing experieces. . . and that is me -- not the mascara. I am very happy with this mascara and plan to add it to my eye make up arsenal.

Review - Space.NK enrapture body balm

Asian plant extracts protect the skin against dehydration while shea butter, cocoa butter and other moisturising oils leave the skin soft and supple. Fragranced with a sensual blend of tuberose, ylang ylang, blackcurrant bud and orange blossom.
$30.00 200ml

I have been using this body balm for over a week now and I must say it does leave my skin very hydrated, soft, silky, and so smooth. It has shea butter and cocoa butter along with the other mositurizing ingredients and the combination works wonders for my skin. It claims to protect the skin from dehydration and I believe that claim. The one exception that gets through that protection is my monster dog. He is in love with the scent - if I even put a drop on in a room 2 rooms away from him -- he majically appears. He is not content to just smell it -- he tries to lick it. Sometimes he succeeds leaving me running for an extra wash wherever he got me. Then after applying it I need to close the door to the room I am in. Once I am safe the balm is allowed to work and it does do its job. Luckily, the fragrance does not affect other dogs the same way or I would be in big trouble. Skip just might be a enrapture addict. I try to put it on just before leaving for work which does not allow my pooch time to smooch it all off of me. The scent is different from any I have used before and it is a tad bit stronger than I am used to. If you like tuberose, ylang ylang, black currant bud, and orange blossom - you will be enraptured by the scent. The fragrance has lasting power and will remain with you for the time it remains on. It fades later in the day -- which is to be expected of any scented cream. Actually the cost seems a little high -- but, believe me, you don't need a lot for it to work. It will last longer for me when I make sure my little monster is not able to get at me when I apply it.

Review- Revlon Make A Sheen Lustrous Eye Shadow

A trio of complementary eye shadow shades drape lids with naturally sophisticated color and metal accents. Shades can be either blended together to make lids gleam with nature inspired color, or applied individually, for a personalized beauty look. Available in 4 sophisticated palettes.

I have this trio in Showstopper Copper. There is a faintly orange light color, a straight out copper color and a russet copper. These eyeshadows look like a fiery sunset on and are the perfect compliment to green or hazel green eyes. They totally stood up to a sweltering day at the amusement park yesterday and were still going strong when I got home. No easy feat with the sweating and the roller coasters! My only complaint is the distribution of the colors. As you can see in the photo above, they give you a lot of the lightest color and only a skinny sliver of the medium color (which happens to be my favorite). Overall, one of the best drug store purchases I've made recently.

Review - Nia 24 Sun Damage Repair for Decolletage and Hands

• Clinically shown to improve skin tone, texture and hyperpigmentation.
• Strengthens the skin barrier.

I am pretty young (33) and don't have a ton of sun damage because I do try to avoid too much sun exposure, but I do get tans and I do go to the beach and so on. I've developed these little spots on the backs of my hands and a few below my neck from the sun, and I really wondered if they'd just disappear over time, so I left them alone. But they haven't. So I tried this stuff, and already after a week's use the ones on my hands are actually just plain GONE and the below my neck isn't even noticeable anymore. I'm really glad for this stuff, because I think the spots were looking pretty weird and making me feel like I'd done a terrible undo-able misdeed to my skin. I recommend this to people with sun spots for sure, it will definitely help.

Sheba says:

Maybe they should call this Sun Damage Miracle Repair. Back when I was around 33 I was constantly out in the sun. Tans were good for you and to get one I needed to burn first. My face and neck and arms tanned up beautifully - strange thing though -- my legs never burned or tanned. I loved the tan -- it covered blemishes and looked fantastic without makeup but add some eye color and it popped. Let some years go by and I learned the error of my ways - - - YIKES! At first I wondered what the heck those spots were -- but then I realized they were from the sun and the worst ones are on my legs where I never got any color. I guess they were saving the damage for later. I have tried Vanishing creams galore - skin lighteners - you name it -- I tried it. Let's put it this way -- if any of them worked, do you think I would still be trying new ones?? Well, my search is over. This Nia 24 Sun Damage Repair is just plain incredible. I cannot say enough about this product. It does what it claims -- these spots will soon be history. I could not believe my eyes at first. After wasting so much money on useless products I was prepared to add another to the list. I think I actually noticed a difference within days. Now some spots are no longer there while others are faded and on their way out!! This may cost a little more than you want to spend. If I consider all the money I spent on useless creams -- this is actually cheap. This is an investment in your skin and is definitely worth every single penny. Two thumbs (with no sun spots on them) up!!!


Joyce says:

When I posted about their facial skin care, I said I loved this product line, especially for someone in my age category (50s). This particular product has impressed me just as much. I’ve stuck with applying it daily for three weeks and have to say my chest area and shoulders are noticeably improved. My hands and forearms got some serious sun damage last summer from forgetting to apply sunscreen, plus they see more sun daily than other parts. Well, the damage is not as repaired there as I’d like; but I have to say that these areas do look much better when I apply the product, and there is improvement. I think this is a case of allowing the right amount of time for more-affected areas to repair.

CitySlicker Says:

I have religiously been applying to my sun damaged chest area. I too used to worship the sun and one occasion comes to mind, a trip to Daytona Beach, me on the sand and staying there for hours, that night my chest was filled with multiple blisters. The ramifications of those blisters, I still bear and this is the first and only product I have used actually experienced results with. I am prouder than proud to report that my skin's appearance has changed the brown spots left from other infamous blisters are fading and the smallest ones are gonzo! I have been applying twice a day and will continue to use till I have to cut open the tube and scrape out... This is a perfect combination to use with their mineral sunscreen (my personal favorite product, hands down BEST sunscreen I have EVER used). I am utterly shocked that my skins looks so much healthier and I didn’t have to go to a plastic surgeon for help! Thank you NIA 24 for making a product that all have access to!

Maria says:
Well, I shouldn't be surprised that I'd like this product b/c it was love at first application on the other NIA24 products I used (and have been using for a solid three months). My favorite and star of the line (in my opinion) is the skin strengthening complex...how I love thee.....so when I got the chance to try the Sun damage repair for other areas (decolletage/hands) I was like "heck, yeah". After years and years of basking in the sun - the sins of my stupidity have come back to haunt me in the form of sun damage...so what, a combo of baby oil and iodine was NOT good sunscreen? Who knew? (yes, that's what we used - baby oil mixed with iodine - slathered it on and fried right up). I would say that this cream seems to be really addressing the areas on my chest - really well actually. I have been finding some of the tougher "spots" are fading and that there's a smoothness there. I haven't really seen too much of a change on my hands or forearms - but I truly don't think I've given it enough of time. I'll update if I see a more pronounced improvement there - but hands down, this is a line that delivers on it's claims. I have to laugh at what City Slicker says about about cutting open the tube to get every last drop - that's what i ACTUALLY did with the Skin Strengthening Complex! I can see me doing that with this as well.

Review - Clean Logic Body Wash

Nopal plants are indigenous to Mexico and have been used for centuries to cure an array of ailments. Most notably, Nopal is known for its deep healing and anti-inflammatory properties with antioxidants that can help neutralize the harmful effects daily activities and stress can have on the skin. Nopal can even help to prevent wrinkles, balance skin tone and moisturize to keep skin looking youthful.
Clean Logic Body Washes were developed using the finest ingredients to maximize our unique scents. Using refreshing, clean and calming fragrances, Clean Logic brings the luxury and decadence of the spa to your home.

enjoy with nopal, sugar & rice extracts. 11.5 fl.oz $12.99

This is a very luxurious feeling body wash. It suds up beautifully while doing its great body cleansing. There are 3 choices, 'enjoy,' 'relax' and 'refresh.' I hate to say it but my 'enjoy' steals the thunder from the others. It is very relaxing and refreshing. I bet that they are too. However, this wash does leave your skin feeling very clean and refreshed. I do think the skin tone seems a bit better since using this. I will vouch for the healing properties they mention. I had a few little boo boos on me and they calmed down and feel better after using this. NO, I am not saying it healed them. It did make them feel less achey and more on their way to heal. I cannot define the scent but it is very pleasant and refreshing. It is far from overpowering and does not remain with you for long so there is no chance that it might collide with your choice of scent for the day. Some body washes have scents that linger too long. This does not. It does cost a bit more than I usually pay but it is efficient. You do not need much so it is going to last longer than my less expensive washes. In the long run this might actually work out to be less expensive since it is lasting so long. My opinion is that it is worth the cost even if it is a little higher as it does the job extremely well without drying the skin. As a matter of fact your skin will feel very hydrated and it requires less moisturizer.

Deedlejuse says:

Honestly, I'm kind of jealous of Sheba! The Enjoy sounds wonderful, the idea of sugar and rice extracts sounds super exotic and lovely. The flavor I tried was the "Refresh" with spearmint, and I must say it was very refreshing. Thankfully the scent was rather light, I don't think I could handle spearmint in the morning if it were too strong, this was just light and breezy. The feeling it leaves you with is sort of, I don't know, fortified. I don't know if that makes any sense, but I just feel like my skin is tougher (in a good way) and silkier. I have confidence in my healthy, vibrant looking skin after I use it. In my opinion that is really all that anyone can ask for in a shower gel. While $12.99 is really expensive for 11.5 ounces, I have to agree with Sheba again in how little you need to use. I have been using everyday for the last 2 weeks, and I would say it looks like I have used it for about 2 days. I'm a fan. Enjoy.......

Maria says:

I got the chance to try this in "Relax" a kind of citrusy scented lovely shower gel. It adds a silkiness and softness to the skin and I love using it on my legs before shaving - they feel super smooth after. Like the girls above attest, a little goes a long way - I will use the whole bottle, no question. The one caveat is that I wish shower gels came in a pump bottle. It's kind of tought to manuever in the shower - opening the cap, pouring some out onto your loofa or facecloth - I would love the idea of just pumping this - then it would truly be the perfect bottle of body wash!

Review- Chi Organics Olive Nutrient Shampoo & Conditioner

Olive Nutrient sulfate and paraben free shampoo and conditioner with Certified Organic Essential oils, Natural oils and a special complex of extracts will pamper your hair and provide extra gentle, rich, moisturizing care while nourishing, moisturizing, protecting and providing balanced care for your hair while preserving and maintaining color.

I have to admit that I was a little skeptical when I went to use this shampoo and conditioner. Their consistencies are a bit on the watery side. So I was pleasantly surprised when the shampoo lathered up nicely and thoroughly cleaned my hair without stripping it. Then the conditioner left my hair soft enough to run a comb through wet without a snag. The end result of my blow dried hair looked healthy and shiny. I've been using the shampoo and conditioner for weeks and they haven't affected my color one bit. I will definitely be buying this shampoo and conditioner again.

Deedlejuse says:

Until yesterday, I had ridiculously long (they cut off a foot and I still have "long" hair) chemically processed very dry hair. Needless to say it was pretty dead at the ends, so when I say that I had dry hair, I'm not kidding. So when I got this shampoo and conditioner combo I was excited to try it, but terrified at the same time. I thought that if it wasn't loaded up with hard to pronounce chemicals I would be left with a tangly, dry, un-brushable, mess of hair that would desperately need a straight shot of that silicone stuff they use to make a lot of products flow better. I was mistaken, thankfully and hopefully forever. I used this shampoo conditioner combo for about two weeks, every other day, and by the end of this period my hair looked so shiny and healthy, I was amazed. The shampoo is a little watery looking, if your grandmother ever made you use castile soap as a kid because "it is the best soap ever" you will feel right at home with the shampoo, but it does lather up well and it is just so gentle. The conditioner I have no complaints on at all. Even for someone like me with high demands on conditioner I thought it was thick and creamy looking, and had a little more backbone than other ones I have used. The smell is not classic olive oil, but it is a fresh citrusy smell that I liked, very natural and neutral. Basically I am very into the idea of going more natural with my products, and more green to save the world. Chi Organics just proved to me that I can still have beautiful hair while doing that.

Review - Make UP For Ever HD Microfinish Powder

A universal translucent finishing powder to be applied over foundation or worn alone. $30.00

This could be the best $30 I have spent in a long time, I have been hearing and reading the hype about this powder so I HAD to get some. Since this is silica powder, to the touch it feels different than anything else I have used, it's so light, you will be shocked. This goes on so light and sheerly that you won’t feel a thing but you will see the results. I get a wonderful finish that doesn’t look powdery or over-matte. My skin is matte and but it’s natural looking, this is not a china doll matte but a matte that blends with my complexion. I find that it helps in hiding the imperfections with a gentle glide of my kabuki brush. I will tell you that the container is small but you will only need to apply in small doses. For me, I wear sunscreen daily, I know I am protecting myself but the one and only downfall is that my skin can look oily, even though I wear oil-free sunscreen. This quickly remedies the situation and it lasts through the day. I am not popping into the loo for oil control & dabbing my face with more powder. This is also GREAT for the summer, it’s hot out there but you don’t have to look overheated. I am sensitive & haven't experienced any reaction, it’s very gentle...

Review- Nutra Luxe MD Plus Vitamin C

Nutra Luxe MD Plus Vitamin C - Super Serum captures the performance of the first encapsulated, PURE and ACTIVE L- ascorbic acid Cosmeceutical available on the market today. This Preservative, Stabilizer And Creme Filler Free Cosmeceutical is ready to use. $89

First of all, this facial...lotion? I suppose that's where it fits in the spectrum of skincare products, since you don't need to use a separate moisturizer (at least, I didn't). Well, it comes in a package that looks like it should be used for transporting dinosaur DNA to the mainland. (Credit to my roommate for that line.) So that's awesome. The label warned me that it would take a few minutes to soak in, so when I first applied it and it felt like an oil slick on my already-oily skin, I didn't get concerned. The claims were true! It did absorb into my skin, leaving it soft and supple without being greasy. I would recommend to my oily-faced sisters to use this as a before-bed treatment rather than a before-day treatment, because it does take a little time to soak in, and if you're like me, you don't have time in the morning to wait for it. I definitely didn't need another moisturizer, but again, people with drier skin might need to couple it with another moisturizer. I put it on last night and my skin is still super-soft.

Obviously, I can't speak to the efficacy of its claims that it firms skin or reduces wrinkles without a longer test period, but based on the inital times I've used it, I really like it. The one issue I have with it is the price. It's expensive, more than I would ever even consider spending on a moisturizer. That said, it's targeted toward a more mature demographic than I myself fit into (I'm 27), a demographic that might be more financially solvent than me (I'm a freelance writer and actor). So some women might be willing to spend $70 or so on a facial treatment that lasts a while rather than $5000 on cosmetic surgery. If you have the cash to drop, it's definitely an effective treatment.

Amanda S. Says:

I agree with Movie Maven, this stuff is expensive! when I opened the package I thought, wow what is this? Some inoculation against space flu? It looks really cool, clear with all these little beads floating in it. I am not someone with wrinkles, but I have my fair share of dark patches and discolorations on my skin around my nose and cheeks from the sun and a few scars, and after one and a half weeks, I did notice my skin was less flaky and those spots were less noticeable. I can't see how this stuff couldn't work to help someone tighten their skin, because mine even felt smoother and tighter after using for so little time.

Deedlejuse says:

I have to agree with the above on how well this moisturizer works. I have been using it for about 2 weeks, and my skin feels much healthier and softer, and looks really nice. The summer, of course, is the best time for my skin. My skin is normal to dry so in the summer it stays blissfully normal. Almost to the point of oily at times so I really can't moisturize using a thick cream, even at night it just makes me feel heavy and shiny. This is the perfect solution, the gel is very soft and like Movie Maven mentioned almost greasy, but on my skin it soaked in instantly. There was no need for any more moisturizer. I also have to agree that it is very expensive for what it is. The amount in the weird tube thing looks used already, and I have only been using it once a day for two weeks. If you can swing it, give it a try, you will see results!