Review- Thymes Essentials Face Lotion SPF 20

Protect your skin all day from UVA/UVB rays with Thymes absorbent SPF 20 formula to lessen the effects of photo-aging UV damage, without all the residue.

Dermaxyl Complex significantly reduces the appearance of unwanted age lines.

The logo on the Thymes Essentials products is "basic in a beautiful way". This face lotion is basic, but it covers all the bases to be an effective moisturizer. For starters, it has a comprehensive SPF with more than sufficient UVA and UVB protection. It has a refreshing cucumber scent and it absorbs completely, making it a perfect base for foundation. Many of it's ingredients are from natural sources. The lotion contains Retinyl Palmitate which is a mild retinol similar to that found in Retin-A. This product comes in a generous 4 oz. bottle, so it will last me a while. My only criticism is the pump. I find it a little hard to use. Although it does dispense the product, it's rounded shape makes it a little hard to pump.

Amanda S. Says: this is a little hard to pump out of the container, but worth it, trust me. I love natural beauty products, but sometimes hate how they are either too heavy or way too light so it's almost like you never put it on and you never feel the benefits. This one has a great balance.

Joyce says: Like the Face Polish, the scent of this lotion is fresh and pleasing to me. It’s smoothing and soothing. The only thing is my skin has been around a bit longer than my fellow bloggers’. It needs Grease in winter. I think if you’ve been on the planet less time than I have, you’ll absolutely love this lotion. And as I said on the polish post, this would be an awesome summer product. I’m basing my comments on the fact I have “combination” skin. Women of more mature years with oily skin may find this is perfect for them.

Deedlejuse Says: I really have to agree with everyone up there! except, of course, (because I am excessively optimistic about all natural stuff) for the issue with the pump. Mine works just fine, two little pumps, and your good to go. My singular problem is that the cream is quite thick, and it takes me a while to get it to rub in all the way. Otherwise I adore it though. It has a nice refreshing scent, and I don't have to add an SPF on top of it! If you're in the market for a new moisturizer you absolutly can't go wrong with Thymes!

Sheba says: I have that darn combination skin and it likes this Thymes Essentials Face Lotion very much. It does agree with each of the three different types of skin and my skin seems to drink it up pretty quickly, even the oily area. Luckily the pump on my lotion works very easily and is comfortable to use. It has a very nice, clean, crisp, cucumber scent that is very light. The SPF 20 is a bit higher than the usual 15 which is especially nice. I say the higher the SPF the better. It does mention that it reduces the appearance of lines. I have to say that I do notice what appears to be a softening of the lines. It does not make me appear to be a lot younger or as though I have just returned from a Botox treatment (I cannot afford them or just maybe!), but it does have a pleasing effect on those lines. Perhaps with longer time use I will notice more of an improvement. This is a very effective lotion that you will not go broke buying and it will last for quite a while.

CitySlicker Says: I think this is a great basic moisturizer. It truly does the job. I apply after washing and it quickly absorbs into my skin and makes my face feel soft and hydrated. I do have to agree with Joyce that in the winter months my skin does need an extra boost for moisture. I do find that when wearing this the hydration doesn't last as long as I would like I do need something that offer more emollients in the months when the heat is on. This does work and does keep my skin clear and fresh looking it's just that I need a little more for my skin to look dewy all day long. It smells lovely and absorbs really quickly for me..

Maria says: I agree with CitySlicker and Joyce on this as well. As a 40-something year old with dry skin - more dry in winter - I need a little more "oomph" in my moisturizer around this time. It starts off going on just fine (I could NOT get the pump to work - so I have to take off the top and put some in my hand - didn't love that - someone clue me in on what I'm doing wrong!) but then my skin starts to feel dry again not long after - it gave me no problems at all - nice soft fragrance too - it's just that I like to feel more soft and supple in the face area during this time. The winter really knocks my skin out of whack. My darling 15 year old got a hold of it and she loves it. We were at a party yesterday and one of her aunts ran her hand down her cheek and told her how soft and smooth it looked. She has normal skin - so I think I'll be sharing this great product with her!

Movie Maven says:
As the resident "combination/oily" (emphasis on the oily) gal in our little pack, I found this moisturizer to be a little bit much for my already-frequently-greasy skin (yes, even in winter...yet it's still flaky...how this is possible is beyond me). Because it's so thick, it takes a bit of time to absorb, and once it does, I don't feel moisturized, just shiny-fied. It smells lovely, and I love me some all-natural products, but oily gals - this one's not for you.

Review - Mineral Essence Lush Lips Lip Gloss

"Sexy… flirty… luscious… ME’s new Lush Lips Lip-Enhancing Lip Glosses are infused with plant and flower extracts to soothe, hydrate and nourish lips." $18.00

I have this gloss in Mimosa. It's a real Lilly Pulitzer Palm Beach orangy color. The first swab on my lips it goes on and doesn't look really orangy it looks more like a stain with a shine, the second coat ensures that my pout is ready for the tropics. This is a color that I would look forward to wearing the warmer months. It's too summery for me right now so when I do wear it, I apply like a wash on my lips. It totally is enough too, it's shiny and glossy. This is such a comfortable gloss to wear, it's not sticky but comfortable. My lips never stick together and if I rub my lips together to feel if there is anything left it is heavy enough to feel if there is (I hope this makes sense). My lips aren't dried out by the end of the day at all, in fact they feel moisturized.. I would love to sink my lips into a color that I could wear more consistently like their exotic pearl. I can vouch for this gloss and swear to you that if you are looking for shine and comfort ME is right up your alley!!

Joyce says: The product line is simply a really good one. I told a friend about it and her eyes got glazy because she loves this company’s entire line. It does go on smoothly, moisturizes (and don’t we love moisturized lips!), and shines big-time. I tried Flirty Rose which looks rosy-coral in the tube and looks peachy-pink on my lips—that’s just the way it goes with natural lip color and tints. It’s a stand-alone gloss or a great one to spice up a matte lipstick.

Review- Evian Facial Spray

"Tone, refresh and moisturize your skin with Evian® Brumisateur® Facial Spray. Spray it on and feel the cooling sensation as the millions of tiny micro-droplets are absorbed and instantly go to work to moisturize and refresh.
Directions: Use the Evian® Skin Care Atomizer several times a day (for the face, start at the neck and move slowly upwards). Leave a few minutes to act and gently dab away."

Deedlejuse says: Evian Facial Spray is something I have seen around for a while, and honestly been a little confused about. I know what your thinking "Why, does a bottled water company sell Facial Spray?" let me just say that it doesn't matter why they do it, I'm just happy they do it! This product is just the answer to a dull day. It feels amazing on your skin when you mist it on and adds a hint of moisture every time you use it, which doesn't have to be next to a sink. It could be anywhere! I have a sample size which fits perfectly into my bag so I can use it anytime. I have a feeling that this will be an amazing refreshment on a hot summers day. My only problem is my boyfriend has almost used up the whole thing!

Review- Coola Face Suncare SPF 30 Cucumber

"Silky, transparent, age defying, and vitamin/antioxidant-rich, FACE is specially created to protect, hydrate, and soothe delicate facial skin. Formulated with twelve certified organic extracts including Cucumber, Rose Hips, and Comfrey that, among other benefits, help to tighten skin and stimulate healthy tissue growth."

Not to sound preachy, but I cannot stress enough how important it is for preventing premature aging to wear sunscreen every day! Even on cloudy days, %70 of the sun's damaging rays get through. Also, your sunscreen must contain either titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) or Mexoryl. Only these ingredients protect you from UVA (aging) rays.That said, Coola Face contains several UVB and 2 UVA protecting ingredients. Plus it has a high SPF of 30. It contains Shea butter and Retinyl Palmitate (a retinol). This cream has a wonderful cucumber scent (it also comes in unscented) and it feels weightless on the skin. If your current face lotion does not have sunscreen, you totally need this product. You can also use this alone as a daily moisturizer. This cream will be an indispensable part of my arsenal come spring/summer!

Sheba says: I am not waiting until spring/summer -- this is now in my 'must have' products. It is too late to preach to me -- I have the sun damage. So anything that can prevent any further damage is a Godsend -- especially when it works as well as this Coola Suncare Face SPF 30 Cucumber does. It does so much more than protect your face with all the wonderful ingredients that Hillary mentioned. First off, many products have SPF 15 -- which is okay. However, 30 should be required for facial products!! You do not need a lot of it and it applies so easily and is absorbed very quickly. Your face feels the difference immediately -- the dryness is gone and it feels wonderful. Meanwhile those ingredients are working on your skin once it has been absorbed. You cannot go wrong with this product. I like the cucumber scent and it is light enough. However, my next one will be the unscented. It is not often that you get a face moisturizer with so much working for your skin so don't let this slip by.

Amanda S. Says: Well of course, all of the above, but I also really like the smell and the minty cute container. I am not a big fan of pump / squeeze bottle moisturizers because I tend to make a mess. So that's another bonus.

CitySlicker Says: (Coola Suncare Face SPF 30 Cucumber) I am so in love with this... I know it’s weird to be reviewing a sunscreen during the cold winter months but I try to take the best care of my skin all year long so there isn’t a day where I don’t use sunscreen on my face and neck. What I love most about this line is that the cream is rich, thick and not oily, as so many sunscreens seem to deposit oil on my skin not true moisture that lasts all day… Coola does. I apply makeup over this and feel like my makeup is staying up and there are never any signs of flaking or peeling. I swear by this. I am known to rock the NIA 24. When you see the container it is small but I can get away with what seems like a smaller amount... I would rank this up at the tippity top of my sunscreen list. I will continue to use and surely spread the word to all who will list... Ladies / Gents get yourself some Coola, you will be amazed too!

Deedlejuse says: I am the youngest member of this blog. With that being said I would also like to stress the points above, of course I don't know quite as much about SPF protection as the ladies above, but I do know that if I want my skin to look as young and fresh as it does today five or ten years from now I need to take care of it. I also know that both my mother and grandmother (both sides) have had at least one type of skin cancer. My mom is actually going today to get a few "spots" checked out. So I use face cream with SPF, and apply copious amounts in the summer with the hopes that my skin will not develop all of the nasty things sun damage can cause. This Coola Suncare Face will keep me even more vigilant, because it feels like your putting on regular cream, and does not feel like your wearing anything on your face during the day. It soaks in in seconds, which is always my issue with facial sunblock, and doesn't leave your face smelling like cucumber. The scent is very nice while your using it though. I will be the twenty-something voice: IF YOU THINK YOUR TOO YOUNG TO WORRY ABOUT THIS YOU ARE WRONG!!! And seriously, try Coola, because I bet if you have a really good quality Sunblock for your face you'll actually use it!

Maria says: Well, well, well.....I have to admit I was reluctant to try this - (me: "it's not even summer and there's an SPF in my foundation, and I don't even like sunscreen in my moisturizer") I must admit that I am not a huge fan of a sunscreen in a moisturizer - I know - very very bad - but for some reason, on me, it doesn't work - it makes my makeup ball up, it casts a weird pallor on my skin, etc...the only one I've ever had any kind of success to speak of is Skinceuticals Physical SPF 30 - HOWEVER, I'm thinking that this Coola is quite cool. It's really, really nice. It does not feel like a sunscreen, sinks in jiffy quick, leaves your skin smooth but not greasy...and guess what? I don't care that it's December and sunny, warm days are now in the distant future - I'm going to use every last drop of this. Truly a great product. Well done.

Joyce says: Oh . . . yeah . . . A cream that performs like grease but doesn’t look or feel like grease on skin. In fact, it settles with an almost talc-like surface, which lets my mineral power go on smoothly and evenly. More-mature-skin heaven! I was sitting here working and my skin was feeling tight from the heat in my building. I thought it was a good time to try this cream. First: big yum on the top-note scent—like vanilla taffy. After the top-note settles, it’s wonderfully mellow. Second, my skin was feeling prickly, and calmed down immediately after I applied the cream. The information card that came with it said it can be used as an everyday moisturizer and I’m doing just that.

Review - Barielle Total Foot Care Cream

"This luxurious conditioning formula softens and helps to eliminate calluses while healing chapped areas of your feet. Use it just twice a day, and your entire foot will be soft and silky. Gives you great looking and feeling feet."

Movie Maven says:
After just one use of this thick, creamy Barielle Total Foot Care Cream, my feet felt and looked noticeably better. I used it in the suggested way - I put it on before going to bed (while watching the Colbert Christmas Special, if you must know), put on cotton socks, and slept with them on. I actually cannot stand wearing socks while I'm asleep, but I wanted to get the full effect of the lotion, and I'm happy I did! My gnarly winter feet were softer and prettier already. I suspect that I will have to use it on a regular basis to get the full benefit, but as I said, I don't care for socks in bed. However, I may start putting it on at the beginning of the day as a test!


Deedlejuse says:
I totally agree with Movie Maven on this super rich, thick and creamy foot cream. I also used it before bed and wore socks, and my feet in the morning looked like they belonged to someone else. Or more specifically someone who wears socks and foot cream to bed regularly. It only took one use for them to look much nicer, but after a few weeks of using it every couple of nights my feet look, and feet amazing. They are so soft and less uncomfortable! I'm definitely sold on this cream.

Review - Shades (Barielle) Nail Polish

"Salon Strength Formula
Long lasting finish
Protective Barrier
High Shine
Size: .5 fl. oz. / 14.8 ml $8.00 Ea Buy any 2 Shades colors and get one free"

I tried this nail polish out in Passionate which is a very pretty medium pink. I found that it really goes on very smoothly and dried pretty quickly. Yes, there is the high shine they include in the description. I do think it has such a shine that you may not need a top coat. It definitely has the long lasting qualities that they mention. I have had it on for 4 or 5 days and not even one chip --I even caught one of my nails on something and snagged it -- but the polish stayed in place. I am the mixer with nail polishes and lipsticks and sometimes make up. Well, I gave this a frost that set it off wonderfully. I added a coat of plain white to lighten it and again I loved that. The price is high if you get just one bottle -- but pick 3 (it will be very easy once you get a glimpse of the many 'Shades') and you will only pay for two and get the third one for free. It seems to add some strength to my nails -- the snag was a freaky thing where I caught the nail and pulled on it. Their colors run the gamut -- I think everyone will find 'Shades' they love!!

Deedlejuse says: I have to agree with Sheba, again, on all of her points with this nail polish. I got a really cute, iridescent, translucent pink called Baretini. It is really cute, but takes at least two coats to show up. This, of course, is perfect for people who want their nail polish to be barely there, and also useable for those of us that like it to be bright and beautiful. I used it primarily on my toes, just because I really like toe nail polish, and it has been on for two weeks with no chips at all. Seriously you're going to have to reapply only because your nails have grown! I think thats a pretty amazing feat for nail polish. And, Like Sheba, I didn't need a top coat at all because the polish was so shiney. There are so many shades on their website I bet even the most outrageous tastes will be catered to!

CitySlicker Says: I have the Fortifying Nail Builder with Calcium Fluoride. I think I am the perfect person to test this out. I have dry nails that split, break, peel and look terrible. I go through times that I take great care of my nail then times where it slips from the forefront and I start seeing them deteriorate again.. I have been using this for almost 2 weeks and I am proud to announce that it really works well on nails that are one step away from being kept in my gloves full time. I have been applying daily and change it out about every 5 days. This goes on strong and stays strong. It doesn't build up dry out and peel off like some of the other strengtheners on the market. I have noticed since using my nails are growing, they looks healthier and aren't breaking as much. I will continue to use and by the time Santa comes down my chimney I might be able to pick the tiniest cookie crumbs from his beard with the tips of my nails. I will continue to use and rebuy - this is a results orientated product.

Hillary says: I hate to disagree with the other reviewers, but I did not have such a positive experience with my color of Barielle Shades Nail Polish. Mine is a poppy red called "Ecstasy" but instead of ecstatic, it made me a little perturbed. All 3 times I used it, with different base and top coats, it chipped the same day. And kept on chipping. I have tons of nailpolish and I have noticed that to a degree, different colors within the same line can have different wear lives. We'll have to wait for the other reviews to see whether it happens with anyone else's shade, but I recommend staying away from the "Ecstacy"- in all its forms.

Amanda S. Says: Well Hillary, looks like we're on the same page again. Sure, I loved the color and the shine of the polish, but on my toes it chipped off the tips of my big toenails by the end of the day at work wearing heels :( which really bummed me out.

Review - Cutler - Specialist Definition Cream for Texture & Shine

"This lightweight formula protects against frizz while it adds shine and definition for a touchable, natural hold. A balanced blend of avocado oil and moisturizers leave hair looking polished and healthy without the greasy excess."

Movie Maven says:
As a girl with hair that tends to hang limp when I don't pay enough attention to it, I'm always on the lookout for products that will make it look thicker and more "piecey." This product isn't it. This is not to say that this Cutler Specialist Definition Cream isn't a good product - for shine. But to call it a texturizer is a bit of a misnomer. When I think of a texturizer, I think of a product that will make your hair look thicker, more defined. This product does nothing but add a bit of shine, and, if you rub in a little before you blow-dry, a touch of fullness. But when I used it after having blow-dried, it actually made my fine hair a bit lifeless. I'd recommend this for ladies with major frizz problems (something I am thankful not to have), or for those who need taming, rather than for texturizing fine hair. It does, however, smell fantastic!

Review- Cutler Extra Gentle Shampoo & Intensive Conditioner

Shampoo- Formulated to gently clean dehydrated or chemically treated hair. $16 Conditioner- Moisturizes dry, damaged or color-treated hair. Smooths and seals. $17

I love this shampoo and conditioner! In addition to the clean scent, the shampoo is extra gentle and cleans without leaving your hair stripped. It is low foam but your hair feels superbly clean once you rinse. My hair is dry and color-treated and this combination makes my hair look very healthy and shiny. The conditioner is thick and rich, yet rinses completely leaving my hair soft and smooth. Once I put the conditioner in I use a large tooth comb to work it through. The comb slides through effortlessly with this conditioner. I have no doubt I will be buying this shampoo & conditioner again and again. And considering the small amount you need to use, these products are well worth the money.

Sheba says: I have the shampoo and it reminds me of a baby shampoo because it is so gentle and fresh. It leaves my hair 'squeaky clean' as my mother used to say. It lathers up a little but it does remove all the stuff I put into my hair very nicely and leaves it very clean and fresh. I do not detect any scent to the shampoo other than a very fresh one. For the price you cannot do better for a daily shampoo. I usually shampoo every other day as my hair needs a day between washings. This works wonderfully at removing all day old hair products and dirt and smog from the atmosphere. Hillary mentioned that you just need a tiny dab to get your hair as clean and refreshed as it can be.

Review - Mario Badescu Citrus Body Cleanser

"Grapefruit Extract gently exfoliates the skin while the soothing Linden Flower Extract leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed. Leaves no soapy residue." 8oz. - $10.00 16oz. - $18.00

Mario Badescu - need I say more? No, I do not work for them --I wish I did. I have had excellent results from all of his products that I have used. This is no exception -- it is awesome. You always feel clean after a shower -- want to feel extra clean and refreshed -- use this!! It lathers up really well and just spreads its wonderful citrus scent over you as it cleans and hydrates. I love citrus anyway but in a body cleanser it is just sseems so much more clean and fresh. Your skin will be very happy as you use it and when you are done. Of course, it is clean and fresh but it feels as though you already put moisturizer on!! The price is very reasonable and many of Mario Badescu's products can be located on EBay for even less. Check it out -- you will be happy you did.

Review - Liz Earle Young Skin Try-Me Kit

Movie Maven says:
While I wouldn't say I have young skin, I definitely have the skin problems of a much younger woman. Overactive oil glands lead to a constant battle between me and pimples galore. So when I got the opportunity to try this Liz Earle Young Skin Try-Me Kit, I was stoked. It comes with a variety of products, so I'll talk about each one (in the order you use them).

Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser: This cleanser, a thick cream that you apply to dry skin, then "polish" off with the included muslin cloth, is fast becoming one of my favorites. It left my skin soft, but not oily, and I did see mild improvement in my problem skin after using it for about a week and a half (which is about as much as you can get out of the little tube in the try-me kit). It did claim to remove even "tough mascara," which I didn't see happening, but it's definitely a nice product for teens (or women whose faces think they are teens).

Deep Cleansing Mask: This mask might work. I could only use it twice, though, because the smell is so strong that after I used it (AND put the toner on AND put the lotion on), my face STILL smelled like rancid dirt. I really wish it didn't smell so bad, because the two times I used it, I liked the results, but it's just not worth it when there are other, lovely-smelling masks out there to use. The only plus: it comes with two sponges to sponge the mask off your face and provide an even deeper cleansing. Skip this one. Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer: This toner in a little spray bottle is, thankfully, wonderful-smelling. I don't really care for the spray toner thing generally, but this spray bottle worked well and was a much finer mist than others I've tried, so I liked it.

Skin Repair Light Combination/Oily Lotion: This lotion really is light and works well on oily skin. In the winter, it's so difficult to tread the line between "my face is so dry it's about to fall off" and "I need to do something to control this grease" when you have combination or oily skin. This lotion moisturizes just enough for the winter dryness to be under control, but not so much that it will overdo the grease.

Final Thoughts: The kit is well worth trying out if you've got combination, oily, or problem skin, even if you're not a teenager. But if you're buying full-size products, steer clear of the mask!