January may have come and gone. However, the fabulous products we tested linger on. How fortunate for us, as these are stellar products!
Laura Mercier: Foundation Primer - Radiance The new version of an already fabulous primer, Radiance, makes it possible for everyone to get that beautiful, healthy glow we try so hard to achieve. The primer blends into the skin easily and provides the perfect base for foundation or tinted moisturizer. Don't have to save this for a special occasion. You'll want to sport luminous skin all day or evening long!
lululemon: Infinity Scarf in gray/white stripe When something is great, it doesn't stick around in the stores, or online, for that matter. As is the case for lululemon's Infinity Scarf. Pure heaven is what it feels like. In fact, there is rarely a day I don't wear it. And if I'm not wearing it at a particular moment in time, it seems to follow me ... as I might want to touch it or put it around my neck.
Twisted Silver: New Attitude Necklace This is such a great staple necklace! The mixed use of metal means that it goes with everything, no matter what. The style also provides a wide range of options from casual to dressy. And this necklace is super lightweight! The best part is the ability to change the look of the necklace based on where you hook it in the back, as it's adjustable. Personally, I love it close around my neck, choker style. Über chic!
Hourglass Cosmetics: Film Noir Mascara I love being introduced to new mascaras — brands that I don't run across everyday. What a pleasant surprise it was to experience this winner by Hourglass. I knew immediately by looking at the brush that I was going to love this mascara. It has pinwheel bristles that create volume and length. Two coats of this stuff and you have major drama! I have never met a mascara yet that doesn't clump at all, even toward the end of its 3 months' use. This stuff is amazing!
Messeca New York: Green Velvet Wedge When I saw these shoes online, there was no need to ponder the purchase. I mean, seriously. Within 2 seconds they were added to my closet. The price was ridiculous for the quality (and they are on major sale right now). The plush jewel-tone green velvet is scrumptious and the gold bar at the heel is a nice detail. They are really comfortable, though a bit wide. I had to put gel inserts at the toe bed to keep my foot from moving. This peep-toe wedge certainly turns heads!
Naila MD: Skin-Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer in medium This 3-in-1 product is fantastic! It not only moisturizes the skin, but it also provides gorgeous sheer color while shielding your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays with over 4% titanium dioxide. I am surprised with the amount of coverage this provides ... definitely more than your typical tinted moisturizer. And it feels like velvet on your skin!
Twistband: Hair Tie I'm thinking this might be another obsession. Thank goodness it's an inexpensive one! These elastic trim hair bands work well in hair and ensure no ponytail dent is left behind. The colors are super fun (even tie dye) and I always have a few waiting on command around my wrist. The only draw back, they stretch out after a couple weeks wear. That's why you'll want to buy a pack!
Kumani: Shea Restore Anti-Aging Cream for Tired/Mature skin I love that this company is a Fair Trade only company. And this product, which contains Fair Trade Certified Shea Butter, hydrates magnificently with the lightest of formulas. It also contains Baobab Oil and Vitamin E to help firm and smooth wrinkles, repair elasticity and stimulate collagen cells. The perfect pampering moisturizer.
The team of testers were not paid to review these products. However, most of the products listed above were supplied as samples for review purposes.
A busy, busy December it was. And an interesting one. Let's call it a mixed bag ... some great, some good and some not so good.
Dolan: Shearling Cardigan Talk about cozy goodness. This cardigan delivers warmth like no other. I love that I can live in this cardi inside and outside my home. I wish it were cut in a more flattering style (it's a little boxy), however, I love it all the same.
Crest: 3D White Vivid Toothpaste This toothpaste cleans exceptionally well and leaves your mouth minty fresh for hours and hours. However, that long-lasting freshness comes at a price. Somehow, there seems to be some kind of film that is left behind and shows up unexpectedly throughout the day in uncool ways. As far as whitening, my teeth seem to maintain a certain level of whiteness, so it's hard for me to tell. After 2 months' use, I didn't see a difference, but the fact that I maintained signals that it must help in that area.
lululemon: Quick Step Pant in black, Scuba Hoodie in white/black microstripe I live in lululemon when I work out, which is daily. So it has to be functional and fashionable. Lululemon delivers, every single time. The Quick Step Pant is my favorite. While I can't run in them, I can Pure Barre in them. And I lounge around the house in them. I just ordered another pair, as they're now on sale! The Scuba Hoodie is another phenomenal product, providing warmth, comfort and style. It hugs you for a fitted look, yet has plenty of room to move around in. The long length of the sleeves and thumb holes are perfect for this time of year. It's one of those hoodies you don't want to take off. Ever.
Burt's Bees: Orange Essence Facial Cleanser This natural cleanser infused with orange oil and soap bark extract gentles cleanses and leaves skin soft and hydrated. This is best for dry skin, in addition, best used in the winter months. It feels a bit heavy coming off. And sometimes, it doesn't seem to wash off all the way. You really need a hot muslin cloth to thoroughly do the job.
Hourglass: Film Noir Lash Lacquer This product does exactly what it's intended to do — take your lashes from day to night! Volume, length and shine, this lash lacquer gives you the drama you crave. It doesn't take long at all to apply. You simply swipe it over your existing mascara. You can apply to the ends, for a winged out look, or all over. I even apply to my bottom lashes. There are so many looks you can create. You'll enjoy playing around with it. And it contains no parabens, sulfates or phthalates.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian: Absolue Pour le Matin Every now and then, a fragrance comes along that leaves a lasting impression. And not in a good way. Enter: Absolue. While it boasts a melding of woody dry amber and the flower of violet, I can't seem to get past the smell of diapers. It's supposed to be a clean scent. However, I don't particularly want to smell like clean diapers.
Rilastil: Sparkling Bronze Lipgloss This is a fantastic lipgloss that smells (and tastes) great, is the perfect neutral color for just about everyone and adds volume and definition over lipstick. Love! I want to see additions to the lipgloss line in more colors. I'd buy every single one.
Prairie Underground: Prairie Hoodie in Cream Another one of those so-glad-I-bought-this sweatshirt hoodies. It looks more like a car coat in a sweatshirt material. I love that it's long, so I can wear leggings underneath without exposing my rear. It's comfortable and super cute. I can't wait to get another one in a different style and color next year. A definite must!
Kenra: Matte Texture Putty 10 This easy-to-use medium hold styling product provides the perfect amount of hold without showing any evidence of doing so. The matte finish is great. I rarely use hairspray, so this allows me to achieve the look I desire ... and holds all day.
Twisted Silver: Starburst Necklace One of the testaments of a great piece of jewelry is how well it transitions from day to night. The Twisted Starburst necklace with the string of tumbled glass and stones on an antiqued braided chain and hand-torched brass starburst is that piece of jewelry. The elegant design can easily make its way into a Bohemian-style necklace. Wear it with a black or white maxi dress or a long sleeve white collar shirt under a suit jacket to give it a pop of excitement in the corporate world for a day time look. For evening, it can be worn with an elegant peacock blue cocktail dress. I was able to pull off all these looks with this one fabulous necklace. The added beauty of the necklace is the length, which allows you to wear the piece long or doubled up. The craftsmanship is very good. I was surprised with the weight of the necklace ... so light. It has become one of my favorite pieces in my jewelry box to date.
The team of testers were not paid to review these products. However, most of the products listed above were supplied as samples for review purposes.
It's hard to believe November came and went so quickly. I have a feeling December will do the same. Well, one thing is certain, the team had a great time getting to know some new players in fashion, beauty and skin care. We hope you do, as well!
MOAS Brands: ShiverClip I have been having a blast finding new ways to accessorize with these little expressions of style. These jewels essentially clip onto any article of clothing, shoes, handbags, etc. I especially like the Indian Shield of Feathers pinned to my sock, worn with my combat boots. Just that little bit of detail brings visual interest. I have also attached other ShiverClips to my belts, scarves and to my daughter's headbands. If you can think it, you can attach it. They are so affordable, you'll want a dozen! *Pictures to come.*
lululemon: Run: Swiftly Long Sleeve (LS) Tech top, Inspire Crop II I am certainly digging the no-stink line from lululemon. The Run: Swiftly LS Tech top is my second piece and I can attest that it doesn't stink after multiple wears, thanks to the Silverscent knit. In fact, I put it to the test by wearing it 5 days in a row, running daily. I was shocked that it didn't smell. Not that I would do that all the time, but I had to give it a whirl! I love the lightweight fabric. It's perfect for wearing underneath another tee or sweatshirt. The extended sleeves and thumbholes make my hands happy, too. The only downfall I found was that the top tends to ride up. I have to tuck it into my shorts or pants to keep it still while running. The Inspire Crop II running pant fits nicely and isn't as cropped as I thought it would be (which is a good thing for me). It has resistant flat seams so it's super comfortable to run in. Thank goodness for the adjustable waist. Otherwise, the impact would cause the running pants to slide off of me (not a good look). While there aren't many running pants in this fitted form that I find flattering on me, I was okay with how I looked from the rear (my cringe zone).
JK Jemma Kidd: Hi-Design Eye Colour in Sashay This ultra-pigmented shadow gives a long lasting and crease-resistant finish. It goes on silky and smooth. Sashay is a great base color to build on. It's a warm, very blendable lavender color that looks great with my blue eyes. It really lives up to the claim of being crease resistant, too! I especially like that it has the right amount of matte and not too shimmery.
become: Age Resistance Ultimate Face + Neck Moisturiser The very first week I used this moisturizer, I could see a difference. I know it sounds crazy, but my skin improved immediately. I love this stuff! First off, it's packed with all of the good stuff: Stem cells and Marine 3+ (to repair and stimulate new cell production), Resveratrol (to prevent and repair cellular breakdown) and stabilized Vitamin C and collagen boosting peptides (to transform the skin at a cellular level). Plus, it's extremely hydrating, smells absolutely divine and makes your skin look radiant! After 4 weeks' use, the texture and tone of my skin improved, in addition to being firmer.
Presenza: Light Blue Wrap Top This wrap top provides comfort and allows you to add your own individual style. It's versatile enough to go with jeans, leggings, slacks or skirts. I personally liked the blouse tucked into my black high-waisted pencil skirt. The black against light blue was a great contrast! There is just enough fabric at the bustline to prevent gaping. You can actually expand the shirt’s top half by unbuttoning the area under the arm if you need more coverage. The length of the sleeve, which stopped right above the elbow, provided added comfort and did not constrict movement. The top is well made and easy to launder and press given the 100% cotton fabric. It can also be worn on the outside and provides a finished tailored look around the waistline and hips. What I enjoyed most about the blouse is that I could dress down on a Friday for work with slacks and a string of pearls or spice it up on a Saturday night with straight leg skinny jeans, a chunky necklace and large hoop earrings, and you would never know that it was the same blouse worn the day before to work. For those ladies who have found it difficult to find a well fitting wrap blouse, this one is worth the spend.
CHANEL: Beaute Des Cils Nourishing Mascara Base This conditioning formula mascara base is perfect to wear under mascara, in addition to applying at night as a lash strengthening mask. This base is super hydrating and layers well with mascara. My lashes appear fuller and thicker when I use this. I apply it every night to keep my lashes conditioned and strong. And I love being able to wake up in the morning and do nothing but apply a little mascara over this base for a quick run or errand before I start my day.
Velvet: Ganet Long Sleeve Tunic in Spirit Velvet is known for comfortable and stylish layering pieces. And this tunic tee is no exception. It's super soft and cozy. I love the button detail at the sleeve, too. I wear this scrunched with jeans or pulled down over leggings. Velvet tees feel heavenly against my skin. When I don't feel like taking them off, I sleep in them!
NIA24: Rapid Exfoliating Serum This serum treatment, with 5% clinical strength Pro-Niacin®, has been gaining a lot of fans over the year. And for good reason. In a short amount of time, results are certain. Using prickly pear and willowbark to exfoliate, red algae to brighten and rose bud (antioxidant) to boost collagen, not only did I notice a difference in my skin, others did, as well. Within two weeks (I used it once daily, though sometimes twice a day), my skin's tone and texture improved. While I didn't see a change in my sun spots, I am very happy with my softer, smoother, glowing skin.
The team of testers were not paid to review these products. However, most of the products listed above were supplied as samples for review purposes.
A great start to kick off fall! October was a month reviewing several new fall products, as well as new-to-market products. From boots and jogging tanks to brightening creams and eye shadow palettes. Check out what the team has been up to.
MD Confidential: Get That Glow Brightening Cream More than just a cream — a treatment and primer in one! In the morning, the cream not only treats skin discolorations, hyperpigmentation, age spots and acne scarring, but also acts as a primer for foundation. There's a reason the word 'glow' appears in the product name. Talk about luminosity! The formula is pearlescent in color and delivers instant radiance. While it treats minor skin discolorations, it is gentle. It does not contain Hydroquinone, but it does contain arbutin (to gently lighten discolorations and act an anti-inflammatory), dithiaoctanediol and gluconic acid (clinically proven skin lighteners), beta-carotene (natural anti-oxidant) and sutilains (increase cellular turnover). Used nightly, the cream can easily be layered underneath a moisturizer. Again, super gentle and non-irritating. The brightening aspects of this cream are two-fold, which is why it's so special.
Diba: Maxed Out suede boot in beige While I mainly use this boot for TV and photo shoots, it's the perfect color to add to so many outfits in my closet. It's getting a lot more use than anticipated. As versatile as this boot is, the comfort is just not what it should be. Cushioned inserts make a huge difference!
JK Jemma Kidd: I-Sculpt Shadow and Liner in charcoal The i-sculpt applicator is a great tool to have in your make up arsenal. If you are like me, you admire a make-up artist with the ability to draw a perfect line across the eyelid without looking as if it were applied in the dark. The i-sculpt shadow duo is a work of art when it comes to the applicator. The angled liner end of the pencil allows you to apply a straight line with precision and ease. The pencil provides a dark, non-blotchy line with the right amount of texture and pressure. It takes a bit of practice to use eye liner pencils. However, this particular applicator allows the novice the ability to apply like a pro. The other end of the pencil has a very nice silver color. The applicator sits inside of a reservoir which allows you to apply the shadow heavy or light. The applicator is very comfortable and provided full coverage without having to go over the first stroke to experience the real effect of the color. The only problem is that after a couple of hours, it started to fade and required a refresh more frequently than I would have liked for a girl who has very little time. I tried the product with an oil-controlled base moisturizer and translucent powder which aided in making it last longer.
Rilastil Make-Up: Volumizing Mascara* Want major lashes? Then you want this mascara. One coat is all it takes to create volume. The formula is so hydrating, too. Extra product does tend to build up on the end of the wand, but it's easy to swirl it back into the tube. As a result, there's a tendency for glumpiness if you're not careful. Though, I am thrilled to report there's no smudging, smearing or flaking with this mascara.
Twisted Silver: Lucky Penny necklace This is one necklace I won't lend out. I love it so. It's one of the easiest necklaces to wear. It's long. It's lightweight. It goes with almost everything in my wardrobe. And I love the 1970s minted penny captured in time on this antiqued brass bead chain. Super cool. Almay: intense i-color in smokey-i kit for browns If you have difficulty putting eye shadow colors together, look no further. Almay has taken the guess work out of the process with their Intense I-Color Powder Shadow. I love the shape of the actual packaging which indicates which color is used for brow highlights verses the contour of the eye and lids. The consistency of the shadow is smooth and goes on without caking. The texture has a nice shimmery look which really pops and adds a bit of flare. I received a ton of compliments, too! This particular palette is more appropriate for evenings out due to the high shimmer and worked well against my dark skin. The shadows did not fade or smudge.
lululemon: Run: For your Life Tank I am a huge fan of lululemon. And I am especially ecstatic over their no-stink line, with knitted silverescent® mesh woven in for anti-stink properties (the silver fibre also inhibits growth of bacteria). This particular top is perfect for almost any form of exercise. It supports you while you run, yet moves comfortably with you during hot yoga. The only difficultly I have with the top is that it doesn't lay flat at the bottom while running. It tends to move up, no matter how tightly I cinch it. It helps to wear a different fabric, like cotton, against it. One of the best surprises are the motivational sayings sewed into the inside bottom of the tank. Love!
JK Jemma Kidd: Smoke It Up i-Kit Jemma Kidd make-up gives you more than a fresh look, but a great feeling that you are contributing to a vision which translates into helping people around the world. The JK VISONFund is reaching out to assist people suffering in Ethiopia to fight against devastating diseases and makes me feel that my beauty regimen is also contributing to a good cause. I found the product line to be young and fresh with a great sense of what women really want. The Smoke it up i-kit has a very nice look and feel to it and the packaging is charming and stylish. The color palette is contemporary and provides a great daytime smokey eye (not over-the-top for the office). The longevity of the product was very good, as I only required an end-of-day touch up, for which I added a bit more of the darker color in from the palette. The team of testers are not paid to review products. However, products are supplied as samples for review purposes.
Whoa ... an almost straight A-er month! I love it when this happens. Fabulous products in September including make-up + skin care, overnight + accessories bags, jewelry and a hair curling rod. What a mix!
Atenti: Sangria overnight bag I initially purchased this bag for photoshoots to make it a bit easier to haul my goods to and fro. However, I immediately fell in love with it and began using it for its intended purpose, overnight trips. It's brilliant! It has plenty of room for clothes, accessories, shoes, toiletries and technology. The construction is great and the design is beautiful — brocade in blood red + gold with a chenille animal design around gusset and ultra-suede trim. Love this multi-tasker!
Atenti: Madrid accessories pouch I loved my Atenti overnight bag so much, I bought an accessories pouch for my purse to use for my cosmetics and such. It's a great size to hold more than just my lipsticks and glosses. It also holds my measuring tape, fashion tape and safety pins! In a pinch, I've used it as a clutch for a football game when I didn't want to bring my big handbag.
Become: Duo Bronzer Highlighter You gotta love an anti-aging bronzer! This wet/dry formula from Become is so versatile (and the colors are amazing). I swirl both shades together and apply to my cheeks for the perfect sun kissed glow. Then I apply the highlighting shade underneath my brow bone. You have to watch Stephanie White's video to find out how not to get that Nike swoosh across your face (where so many go wrong when applying a bronzer).
Become: Day Screen Seriously. I love this stuff! It's not so much that I want to eat it out of the bottle it smells so good, but more about how incredibly hydrating this zinc oxide formula is. Did you see me slip that in? Zinc oxide, as in you'd never know the white stuff was in this bottle. This light as a feather pro-elastin and pro-collagen formula hydrates impeccably and is packed with anti-oxidants. This is one product I will not share!
Jemma Kidd Make-up School: Light As Air SPF 18 foundation Looking for a lightweight foundation in a matte finish? You will go gaga over this formula. It goes on velvety smooth, covers to perfection and stays put all day long. And, very little products goes a long way. I love the way my skin looks when wearing this. If your skin is on the dryer side, this formula is best for the summer months. However, if you have oily skin, this product may just be your best friend year round! I prefer a tinted moisturizer, so I mix this foundation with my morning moisturizer for an even lighter effect.
Twisted Silver: Muscle Bracelet, Classic Earrings More terrific twisted goodness in store for you with this totally awesome bracelet of mixed metals. It goes with everything and the best part, nothing much else is needed ... it grabs plenty of attention. In fact, my daughter snatches it up the second I take it off, every single time. And these classic earrings are perfect for just about every occasion. They are extremely lightweight, a great size for everyday wear. Easy metal.
Senna Cosmetics: Eye Color in Forget-Me-Not and Chameleon Luminous I’ve tried a few other Senna products and this product line does not disappoint. Both shadows are silky smooth, go on easily and lasts through the day. A pretty pale violet opaque eye shadow, Forget-me-not, is a great daytime color. It doesn’t crease and doesn’t need a primer. Forget-me-not is a great base and when I pair it with a darker violet or purple color, it creates a dramatic evening look. I have sensitive eyes and this shadow did not bother me at all. A sparkly cousin, Chameleon Luminous, offers a little more glamour and a lot more sparkle. A little too much, at first. As the day goes on, it becomes more of a frost. But, I was super impressed that by day’s end, both shadows were still on my lids, no creasing! Paraben-free.
Senna Cosmetics: Lip Sync in Pink Mink This lipstick and lip gloss duo (in complementary shades of pink) is not only a great idea, it’s a great lipstick and lip gloss. It’s like three looks in one — all in one package. You can wear just the lipstick, or just the gloss, or layer them together. The formula is moisturizing and long lasting and it's paraben-free. It contains Maxi Lip which claims to be collagen stimulating, too. Though, I didn’t notice too much more pout with my use. No more digging around in your purse for that elusive lip gloss!
FHI Heat: Go Curling Rod What a great tool! I love how easy this curling rod is to use and it gives me the most amazing curls in minutes. There's no clamp, so you simply twist your hair around it (just like the professionals). It even comes with a glove in case you get too close to the rod. The only drawback is that it doesn't come with a stand.
The team of testers were not paid to review these products. However, most of the products listed above were supplied as samples for review purposes.
Laura Mercier: 
Hourglass Cosmetics: 
Messeca New York: 
Twistband: 
Dolan: 
Crest: 
Maison Francis Kurkdjian: 
Twisted Silver: 
become: 
NIA24: 
MD Confidential: 
Twisted Silver: 
