Review - Yu-Be Foaming Skin Polish

Cleanses - Exfoliates - Softens 18.00

I got 2 small sample packs of this and if you saw them you too would think, you would get a little more than a hands worth of the body done with these sample packets so I used them on my face. I had high hopes for this since I love the other Yu-Be products I have. This polish is oozy and messy; I thought it reminded me of an apricot scrub, I could see the big grains suspended within. I thought that it was too harsh on my face. I am spoiled and used to polishes that have a finer grain that feels almost massaging on my skin. This polish would be better suited for the body and not face. I don’t think there are many products that are for face and body that actually perform well for both. After using my face was red and raw feeling, I didn’t over do the exfoliation either, it just didn’t agree with my face.

Sheba says: Aha, perhaps with age comes a tougher facial skin!! I have been using this for the past couple of days and found it to scrub, clean, and exfoliate my face well. It did leave my face a tiny bit pink but it felt good, not uncomfortable. My face then drank up moisturizer which is suggested by the Yu-Be Foaming Skin Polish. I have to agree with Cityslicker that I have found very few products that work for both the face and body. I would personally prefer this skin polisher for my body. It seems much better suited for that. It did work for my face but I did have that pink to it. I will be using the remainder of it for body polishing. Tender facial skin may very well react like Cityslicker's experience. So, you might be better off just using it to polish up the body rather than the face.

Joyce says: My experience was different from my co-posters. I really appreciate someone combining a face and body scrub into one product gentle enough for one, effective enough for both. I love the scent and the idea of exfoliating and stimulating skin with rice bran, bamboo, ginger, ginseng, green tea (we know how healing that is for skin), and camphor. My more mature skin loves when I use this product, and I love how smooth my skin feels, forehead-to-toes.

Review - Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss

A full color, ultra-moisturizing lip gloss. $18.00

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I have this in Aura – the color at the top. It’s a pinky, taupe with lots of shimmer. When I saw this in the tube, I was not impressed it looked more like a beige tone. I think by the second stroke on my lips I was sold. I have this in a tiny sample size and I find myself losing it in my handbag daily. I love the color but I need more of it so I don’t lose it! I am very satisfied with the performance. I have worn it every day since receiving the sample. The color on me is a perfect nudie color with a touch of pink. I love it; it’s like those retro nudes too. I find that it wears for a decent amount of time, it’s not gooey, sticky, or heavy. It actually makes my lips feel smooth. I haven’t found that my lips have dried out at ALL! I have worn it alone, over a lipstick and just with a liner. It works all the angles and still keeps on going. I am very fair in complexion and feel that it works for me; I think it’s pretty versatile since it’s not a heavy color but full of shimmer which anyone can wear. I wear it to work and apply a double dose for the evenings... I will be buying my own full sized container!

Sheba says: Sorry, I cannot find my shade on the chart-- it is 'Lovely' which appears to be a very vivid hot pink in the container. However, when you put it on it appears very innocent with a muted shimmer. In other words it does not stand out too much. It simply enhances your lips which is what glosses are supposed to do. Many other brands go on and are there but they really do nothing for your lips. Smashbox goes on so nice and evenly and caresses your lips. It prevents chapping while in use and gives your lips their best pout ever. It feels so soft and silky -- not waxy or heavy. I find that it stays on for a while longer than my usual glosses which means I retouch with it less frequently. You can fool around with it like Cityslicker and put it over lipstick, etc. I always like to mix and match and this is no exception. Again, this particular color seems to me like it would enhance any skin tone but like I said -- you would not realize it when you peek at the container. It just looks a lot more stronger and potent than it turns out to be -- which is a very good thing. You can add a layer or two to intensify the appearance if you are so inclined. No matter how you decide to wear it -- you will be happy with the effects.

Amanda S. Says: I have posted my firmly set fear of lip gloss on here before. I am terrified it will slide around my lips or collect in the corners (this has embarrassingly happened, how horrifying!). Luckily, smashbox has great things to offer all around and I wasn't disappointed here either. The colors I have (I bought some of my own also, after trying it) match my skin and blend in really well, I don't feel like I have a sticky weird layer on my lips, and it has nice staying power. Highly recommended.

Review - Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo and Conditioner

This unique daily shampoo adds body to fine hair—without stripping, build-up or static electricity. Formulated with peppermint to awaken your senses and rosemary to help protect from environmental damage. Its pure plant aroma naturally energizes and motivates your mind and body.

This daily conditioner adds weightless body and shine while preventing tangles and static. The tonic properties of rosemary and peppermint cool and revitalize your scalp.

Movie Maven says:

I just want to keep smelling this shampoo and conditioner forever. It smells so good, like a minty forest. I love using it just for the smell. Aveda knows what they're doing when it comes to delicious-smelling products, and this Rosemary-Mint Shampoo and Conditioner are no exception. As far as function...well, that remains to be seen. While I love Aveda overall, I don't think this shampoo is quite what my hair needs. While I love the invigorating feeling it gives my scalp, and how my hair looks after it's just been washed, my hair seems to be going limp a lot faster with this shampoo than with some others I've used. That said, however, I have a freakishly oily scalp and absolutely must wash my hair every day to prevent me from looking like a recently-arrested celebrity mugshot (Nick Nolte comes to mind). So because this shampoo is recommended for "fine to normal" hair as opposed to "oily," I may not be the target audience. The same goes for the conditioner - I don't use conditioner at all because of my overactive sebaceous glands, so I told my roommates to feel free to use it. They freaked. I'm taking that as a good sign. I did use it once for review purposes, and it smells just as glorious as the shampoo. So if you like natural things and have fine to normal hair (or roommates who do) - check this out!

Sheba says: Wow, these are really refreshing products to use. They feel so good as you are using them and they work!! Yes, I do notice a bit more texture and the appearance of more body to my fine hair. I usually wash my hair every other day as the day's accumulation of everything gives it a bit of uuumpph for the second day -- but after that I get the Nick Nolte look, myself. When using the shampoo I thought -- gee, it even feels like it is cleaning my hair so well!! To get the extra body is a real bonus. I did notice the static free condition of my hair also. Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo and Conditioner are two hard working, terrific smelling products! Like Movie Maven said check them out, especially if you love natural products. Your hair will be glad you did!!

Review - Aloette Multi-Use Makeup Brush

" The Multi-Use Makeup Brush is an all-purpose makeup brush, working well for achieving a natural, light coverage on your face and for applying eye color. " $18.50

This brush is just what I needed, something that is versatile.When I get something new, another can be cleaned up and used for other functions. I am loving this! The bristles are super soft without losing any firmness when applying shadows, it makes application a breeze. I can use all over my eyes too, it works in the crease, as a highlight and on the lids. I like not having to have an exact brush for each and every stroke I make. I haven't tried using on my face since it's working so well on the eyes there is no need for me to move on just yet. I think for $18.50 this is should be a staple in all train cases, I like it that much! Nice sturdy construction also & cruelty free!!

Hillary Says: I've been using this brush for everything- eyeshadow, Aloette's "Look Alive" Powder under my eyes, even on my brows. They mean what they say when they call it multi- use. It's nice and compact so it fits in my purse make-up bag. I can't see using it as a face brush, but I can see using it with mineral foundation on individual imperfections. This is a quality brush with a lot of versatility. Aloette appears to be much more popular in the South (of the U.S.), West and in Canada than here in NY. It seems to be a company that's a lot like an upscale Avon where you can throw Aloette parties and such. Just from the quality of the products I've tried, I'd say it's an oportunity worth looking into if you are looking for extra income.

Deedlejuse says: I have to agree with everyone. This brush rocks! I have actually started carrying it as (one of) my primary brushes. It works great for eyeshadow, but you can also almost perfectly line your eyes with the tip and highlight areas too! As Hillary said it might be difficult to use as an all over face brush, but for touch ups it works wonders. This little brush will make your life so much easier! Love it.

Review- R.E.M. Spring Facial Hair Remover

"R.E.M. SPRING is a fast and easy way to remove those little hairs on cheeks, chin, neck and upper lip. Roll the REM Spring™ bar over unwanted hairs—it removes hair from the root, and won’t leave skin with rashes, redness or sores like waxing can. Use wet or dry. Easy to take along in a purse or travel kit. $19.95" Solutions catalog (1-800-342-9988)


It's a little hard to see in this photo, but the R.E.M. Spring is a spring about 4 inches long with an arrow shaped holder at each end. When I first saw it I thought "This is so simple and clever!". Who hasn't gotten their hair (or skin) caught in a spring at some point in their lives? The spring is very tightly wound and not once in the three times I used it on my "lady moustache" did it ever catch skin. It takes a few minutes of practice to perfect your technique, but once you've got the hang of it, this tool leaves you totally bare. My 'stache grows in darker on the ends with thinner shorter white hairs in the middle. I could never get at those hairs with the epilator I had been using, but the R.E.M. Spring got them no problem. Now the question you've been dying to have answered- does it hurt? I wouldn't say it hurts, it does have a slight sting to it like waxing or threading, but since you can do a little at a time in the privacy of your own home, it's a much gentler process. Another plus is that I experienced almost no redness as the spring only grazes the skin and doesn't "clamp on" like wax does. I would especially recommend this tool for ladies who travel. With this, you'd never have to worry about being hairy in a different city again. And it is so small you could fit it anywhere in your luggage. And think of the long term money you'd save over waxing or threading!

Review - Yu-Be Body Lotion

"The same #1 selling Japanese formula from Yu-Be... now in a moisturizing body lotion! Our glycerin formula with a unique blend of vitamin E, B2 and camphor provides ideal daily hydration and protection for many troublesome dry skin conditions. The perfect year-round, all-over body moisturizer. Smooth, easy-to-apply glycerin lotion helps hydrate, soothe and smooth dry, sensitive skin.
Moisturizes and protects against dry skin during the cold months - then soothes sunburns and replenishes moisture in the summer. (Yu-Be does not contain SPF protection)" $29.00

I have been using this for almost a week now and it glides on smoothly and is absorbed quickly. This particular lotion doesn't seem to have any fragrance, or if there is one, it is very faint which is very nice. I find this lotion to be ideal, especially in these winter months with heat just drying you up!! I am a little leery of using it in the summer since it does not contain SPF protection which I believe it critical in any skin care regime. Perhaps they will 'improve' it before the summer months and add some protection--it would definitely attract more users if that is included. Right now I am very comfortable as I do not use it on my face and my body is completely covered whenever I am outside so I have no fear of sun damage. This is a serious lotion -- it really does perform very well. My skin is letting me know that it enjoys the moisture it provides. . . it is so soft and silky!! I have always found that Vitamin E nourishes my skin and it is one of the ingredients included. If they do not add SPF protection I might consider using this along with some SPF protection. However, it is ideal when they are combined!!

Cityslicker says: I have used this in the past - once again I am not disappointed! This is a miracle worker on the skin. I read that this was created for a woman in Japan who suffered from dry cracking skin and she also didn’t want a petroleum based product. Well, I am on board with that train of thought and don't want petroleum based products either. The first thing you will notice is the rich thickness of the cream. I have used it on the elbows, feet and knees. The rich cream envelops my skin and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling lightly coated and protected. This does last and the hand cream, if you lightly wash your hands, remains on. The cream stays on and leaves my skin feeling so hydrated. I also want to mention that once you rub it into the skin the scent dissipates and is gone all that is left – moisture... Oh, yeah one other thing this is wonderful to use at night on feet with socks. They aren’t all slippery in the morning but they are soft and smooth...
Right now you can get 3 samples for free, you will pay S&H; you must live in the US to take advantage! Do it, you won’t be disappointed.

Deedlejuse Says: I must begin by telling you that I had a sample of this body lotion, and I don't know if the others did too but I really didn't get enough to give you a fully rounded review. What I will say is that I had some scratchy patches on my arms and thighs that completely cleared up after two applications of this lotion. It is not particularly thick, but it really sinks in quickly and leaves your skin feeling incredibly moisturized. It doesn't leave you feeling like there is an extra layer left with you, just like you have naturally wonderfully moisturized skin. My problem with it is the smell. I absolutely can't believe that Sheba didn't notice a smell, because it really bowled me over! I am particularly sensitive to smell, however, so if you aren't a smell freak you should be fine with it. It smells basically like Vicks Vapo-Rub, awesome when your under the weather or if you love Eucalyptus, but if it isn't your favorite smell you might be a little turned off. The results speak for themselvs, though. I would take Cityslicker's advise and take advantage of the free samples before you decide to purchase!

Amanda S. Says: What else can I say? This is a great moisturizer. I tend to use a lot of oils on my skin to avoid weird ingredients (like petroleum products). In the dry winter months, I find myself in a state of desperation, trying to balance keeping my body safe and keeping myself from peeling like a creepy lizard. This lotion is a great balance. I especially like using it after taking a bath, because the lack of fragrance doesn't interfere with the smell of bath oils and such. I loved this enough to buy a bottle for my mother's friend as a gift and she too loves it.

Review - Yes to Cucumbers Completely Cooling Body Butter

Bring the zen back to your body! Our Completely Cooling Body Butter is rich in green tea, Dead Sea Minerals and Spirulina to totally nourish and moisturize your skin.

Movie Maven says:

Yes to Carrots has long been a favorite of mine (okay, a lot of that was because I thought the name was cute, but seriously...their products are great), but this was the first time I had the chance to try out this Yes to Cucumbers Completely Cooling Body Butter. I'm a huge fan of body butters in general, because they really treat my feet well. This body butter is just what you'd expect - thick, rich, and yes, completely cooling. I put it on my tootsies before bed, slipped on some cotton socks, and woke up to not only moisturized, but refreshed-feeling feet. The only caveat I'll mention is that this is SERIOUS MOISTURE. Don't apply it unless you are prepared to let it absorb into your hands for a good long while (thankfully, we had a few random episodes of The Simpsons on our DVR, so I watched that while I waited). The other thing that's nice about this product is that while it's not fragrance-free (there is fragrance listed in the ingredients), it may as well be. It just smells fresh and nice. Recommended!

Review - Dr. Michelle Copeland Blemish Controller

Developed by renowned New York Plastic surgeon, Dr. Michelle Copeland, the Blemish Corrector & Intensive Acne Spot Treatment contains Salicylic Acid (at 2%) to help treat adult and teen acne.

My famous last words to Hillary recently were "oh, I never break out". The next day I had a gigantic zit on my forehead. Well, thankfully Hillary had literally handed me a tube of this blemish controller the night before. I took it out and religiously applied it to the horrible spot and it disappeared in under 48 hours. From my awful break-out experiences, this is a high speed recovery and it's greatly appreciated. The really great thing about this blemish controller is that it doesn't glob up or look lumpy under make up. It's also not tinted (read: doesn't match any skin known to any human being) like some acne medications, and it doesn't destroy make up applied over it. I used it morning and night, and voila, goodbye horrible zit, never to be seen again. I'm keeping this stuff right in the medicine cabinet to fight off any evil returns. If you've got a zit, you NEED THIS STUFF.


Hillary says: Let's face it, lots of products can get rid of the occasional zit here or there, but most of them have the unfortunate side effect of wrecking the skin on and around the blemish. This gel is not one of those products. You can put this gel on a zit in the most obvious of places and it doesn't turn your skin red or flaky, it just erases the blemish. Poof! It's gone into thin air and you don't need an additional week for the surrounding skin to go back to normal. I have several prescription spot treatments and none of them does what this one does- eliminate the zit without killing the surrounding skin. This stuff is liquid gold!

Review - Karin Herzog Professional Cleansing Cream

Removing makeup can be a frightening task, yet leaving it on can cause even more alarming damage. Karin Herzog Professional Cleansing cream effortlessly removes all makeup and impurities, even waterproof mascara without disrupting your skin's natural harmony.1.7 fl. oz.
A staple for all to use as a gentle, soothing cleanser that doubles as a makeup remover.
Glycerin is a gentle, non-irritating cleanser. Sesame is rich in essential fatty acids that smooth and nourish the skin.

Background
All Karin Herzog products are based on the research of Dr. Paul Herzog, the first scientist to successfully stabilize active oxygen in a medical grade emulsion and to patent his invention internationally. Not new to the study of oxygen, in 1948 Dr. Herzog pioneered the respirator used to ventilate the lungs of patients undergoing surgery.
Science
Lack of oxygen accelerates the aging process of your skin. Karin Herzog oxygen skin care boosts the natural levels of oxygen in your skin, increasing the rate of cell renewal, helping skin absorb essential nutrients, and eliminating toxins and enhancing its natural glow.

I'm just going to come right out and say it - KH Professional Cleansing Cream is probably the BEST cleanser I have used in all of my 30...cough - okay 40 something years. I was extremely skeptical - the vaseline-like texture, etc....but once I got the hang of it - wowza. I warm my fingers with warm water, squeeze a little more than a pea size amount in my palm, then gently massage all over my face - gently pressing around the temples, under the nose, etc - and then I take a baby washcloth (these are fabulous - not just for little wee ones! They're a perfect size, very gentle on the skin..I usually buy a package of six at Wallyworld Carters, Gerber - it doesn't matter, but I digress) and then wash off. My face feels so clean - not dry, just clean and very soft. When I wash my face at night, this is the first cleanser that I don't feel I have to add a moisturizer after cleansing b/c my skin never feels dehydrated or tight. Seriously great product.

Review- Aloette Flawless HP Rapid Skin Perfection

Restore a healthy glow and even tone to mature skin with this color-correcting face serum. With a yellow tint to offset age spots and discolorations, Flawless HP Rapid Skin Perfection’s light-diffusing properties clarify and illuminate splotchy skin while minimizing the appearance of pores.

To be entirely honest, I couldn't figure out what this stuff was/did when I first took a look at the bottle. It said to put it on before applying make up, but I wasn't sure if it was a moisturizer... a peel.. some sort of make up base... or what. When I went to the website, I realized it was a corrector, it covered up spots and illuminated the skin to mask visible pores, signs of aging, all those types of things. I tried it out a few times this week under my foundation and was pretty shocked at how well it worked. It's tinted and the color offsets a lot of age related issues, but also discolorations in my skin from dullness and overdrying, and a few scars that are light but annoy me. I'm not sure if this is one of the benefits Aloette touts for this product, but it also seemed to make my foundation last longer, which is always appreciated because of long days hauling around the office and the city.
p.s. did I mention that they don't test on animals? Another great bonus!
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CitySlicker Says: I too was in the dark upon receiving this product... I was thinking Flawless HP, sounds good to me... I like the term flawless when applied to skincare – it’s a sell for me! I have been using this for just shy of one week. I really like the formula. I find that it agrees with me skincare that I apply first. As you ladies know when something doesn’t agree, well the results are nightmarish. I have applied with my fingertips and will my foundation brush. For me fingertips works much better so I get a more complete application. It really feels like a foundation primer. My face is very smooth and feels and looks like all the little lines are filled it. I think it helps with the foundation too, keeping in on and giving a longer wear time. The result after applying foundation is a smooth look that is natural. I think my skin tone has a more alive look – it’s brighter and plump too. I will use scrape this out of the tube also! My skin seems to maintain the hydrated look throughout the day too. I am using this in conjunction with look alive.