Wednesday, 03 June 2009 | Author: Catherine Horgan | 
An astonishing amount of As for the month of May here at msf!
Glytone: Lipo-Lift Massage Kit
I tested this for over 30 days to see if the appearance of cellulite could really be reduced. This was a new routine for me ... that added several minutes to my shower everyday, which isn't really a big deal. But, at first, the body massager hurt. Not a painful hurt, just a 'I've never massaged my own leg/bum before' feeling that I had to get used to. And you have to massage with your hands outside of the shower, too. I will say, it does leave your skin super soft and a little firm. I did not use any special lotions or serums in conjunction with Glytone's product. The results are in ... and it works. Did it rid of my cellulite altogether? No. But honestly, what will? I am extremely pleased with what I see. And I am still using the product because I am convinced that daily circulation is a good thing. An A!
Nude: Nude Lips
This organic lip balm is wonderful. I admit, I am a sucker for packaging. And for a lip balm, it doesn't get any cuter! It truly nourishes your lips with shea butter, beeswax, coconut oil and vitamin E, among other great ingredients. Surprisingly, the little tub lasts a long time. It's my overnight lip balm ... and it certainly does the trick. Keeps my lips hydrated all through the night. Never a dry moment. This gets an A.
By Terry: Touche Veloutee in Beige
You all know that I don't wear foundation and concealer. However, as of late, I have found more reason to use a little concealer here and there. And now that I have this product, I want to use it everyday because I love what it does for my eyes. I sweep it under the inner corners of my eyes and down my nose. It's so natural, you don't know it's there. My eyes look awake and fresh! It contains 6 star phyto-active elements combined with ultra-refined Soft-Focus Powders and 5 ultra-performing matte reflecting prisms helped by hydra-plumping hyaluronic acid microspheres. It's also touted to cover dark circles. If you are a YSL Touche Éclat fan, you'll love this even more. An A.
La Prairie: Advanced Marine Biology Tonic
This is a high tech product. Three separate waters are divided in this one bottle, yet combine when you shake it for application. The blue water is meant to brighten and even skin tone, as well as stimulate collagen synthesis and improve elasticity, while soothing irritation. The golden oil contains de-aging antioxidants for advanced protection against free radicals. The clear oxygen infuses oxygen into the skin to enhance your complexion. Very cool product for very cool results. I noticed firmer skin ... and love the fact there are built-in antioxidants in the toner! Another A.
Bakers: Samantha Sandals
You know I am not a flats wearer. I am doing my best to embrace the trend this summer. So when I passed by these on my way to another store, I had to stop in. These gladiator-inspired sandals are super cool and comfortable. And for $49, I can deal with this style dying after the summer. The metallic straps are adjustable and they zip up in the back (so you never have to re-adjust the straps). Love 'em! B+.
Kate Somerville: Exfolikate
This does a nice job of exfoliating. The fruit enzymes help to clarify skin by removing dead cells. It's not harsh, like I imagined it to be. Your skin produces a soft glow after using this product. An exfoliator should be used 2-3 times a week. This gets a B.
Clark's Botanicals: Cellular Lifting Serum
Okay, this serum ... AMAZING! And the story, even better. Keep an eye out for my interview with Francesco Clark, the founder of Clark's Botanicals. Honestly, I loved the product so much that I just had to speak with Francesco personally. I realize the Cellular Lifting Serum is pricey. Really pricey. However, it rocks. It is the most hydrating serum I have ever used. It smells great, goes on smooth, penetrates the skin instantly and holds in moisture all day long. At a time when my face was peeling it was so dry, this serum was my savor. I didn't even need to use moisturizer with it. I would find excuses to wash my face just so I could reapply the serum. I know, not the most cost-conscience thing to do. The applicator is a bit thick, so you have to be careful not to waste any of this liquid gold. The serum contains awesome ingredients such as Jasmine Absolute (which is 15x more expensive than other oils), Swiss apple stem cells (5%, where most other products use 1%), Centella Asiatica (collagen building) and Algae Extract (moisturizing). For days, I would stare at my skin every time I passed by a mirror. With ongoing use, you'll benefit from the anti-aging properties. Of all the Clark's Botanicals products, this is the most expensive ... so don't be shy about checking out the other products. I imagine they are all stellar. I give this an A!
OPI: Matte Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
This is one of the best nail strengtheners I have ever used. It's a 'go to' product for me ... one that I know I will always get results from. I love the matte finish and the strengthener stays on well through the week with re-application. You can almost see your nails grow. An A.
Susan Posnick Cosmetics: COLORESSENTIAL Lipcolor in Milan
This luxurious lipstick comes in the prettiest, petite tube. My friends covet it. When I first opened the tube to see the red revealed, I was a bit nervous. It looked brick red to me, which typically I can't wear. But once I put it on, a hint of pink came through. Is the formula that intuitive ... that it knows just how to look good on my lips? It's smart lipstick and I am a fan! The whole collection is like this ... universal flattering shades. Susan Posnick used the finest natural ingredients when developing this line of lipsticks. Very moisturizing, too. An A, of course.
John Master Organics: Evening Primrose Shampoo, Lavendar & Avocado Intensive Conditioner
The shampoo combines evening primrose oil with 7 proteins and amino acids, 10 certified-organic extracts and 11 certified-organic plant oils. It's very gentle and smells good. It softens hair, but doesn't hydrate as well as I would like it to. It is safe for color-treated hair, of course, and does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate. I give this a B+. The conditioner smells so yummy, I never wanted to wash it out of my hair! I cannot get enough of this scent. It has a sweet hint to it. Both lavender and avocado oils are combined with over 10 certified-organic plant extracts and oils for serious hydration. It's also safe for color-treated hair. An A.
Glytone: Lipo-Lift Massage Kit
I tested this for over 30 days to see if the appearance of cellulite could really be reduced. This was a new routine for me ... that added several minutes to my shower everyday, which isn't really a big deal. But, at first, the body massager hurt. Not a painful hurt, just a 'I've never massaged my own leg/bum before' feeling that I had to get used to. And you have to massage with your hands outside of the shower, too. I will say, it does leave your skin super soft and a little firm. I did not use any special lotions or serums in conjunction with Glytone's product. The results are in ... and it works. Did it rid of my cellulite altogether? No. But honestly, what will? I am extremely pleased with what I see. And I am still using the product because I am convinced that daily circulation is a good thing. An A!
Nude: Nude Lips
This organic lip balm is wonderful. I admit, I am a sucker for packaging. And for a lip balm, it doesn't get any cuter! It truly nourishes your lips with shea butter, beeswax, coconut oil and vitamin E, among other great ingredients. Surprisingly, the little tub lasts a long time. It's my overnight lip balm ... and it certainly does the trick. Keeps my lips hydrated all through the night. Never a dry moment. This gets an A.
By Terry: Touche Veloutee in Beige
You all know that I don't wear foundation and concealer. However, as of late, I have found more reason to use a little concealer here and there. And now that I have this product, I want to use it everyday because I love what it does for my eyes. I sweep it under the inner corners of my eyes and down my nose. It's so natural, you don't know it's there. My eyes look awake and fresh! It contains 6 star phyto-active elements combined with ultra-refined Soft-Focus Powders and 5 ultra-performing matte reflecting prisms helped by hydra-plumping hyaluronic acid microspheres. It's also touted to cover dark circles. If you are a YSL Touche Éclat fan, you'll love this even more. An A.
La Prairie: Advanced Marine Biology Tonic
This is a high tech product. Three separate waters are divided in this one bottle, yet combine when you shake it for application. The blue water is meant to brighten and even skin tone, as well as stimulate collagen synthesis and improve elasticity, while soothing irritation. The golden oil contains de-aging antioxidants for advanced protection against free radicals. The clear oxygen infuses oxygen into the skin to enhance your complexion. Very cool product for very cool results. I noticed firmer skin ... and love the fact there are built-in antioxidants in the toner! Another A.
Bakers: Samantha SandalsYou know I am not a flats wearer. I am doing my best to embrace the trend this summer. So when I passed by these on my way to another store, I had to stop in. These gladiator-inspired sandals are super cool and comfortable. And for $49, I can deal with this style dying after the summer. The metallic straps are adjustable and they zip up in the back (so you never have to re-adjust the straps). Love 'em! B+.
Kate Somerville: Exfolikate
This does a nice job of exfoliating. The fruit enzymes help to clarify skin by removing dead cells. It's not harsh, like I imagined it to be. Your skin produces a soft glow after using this product. An exfoliator should be used 2-3 times a week. This gets a B.
Clark's Botanicals: Cellular Lifting Serum
Okay, this serum ... AMAZING! And the story, even better. Keep an eye out for my interview with Francesco Clark, the founder of Clark's Botanicals. Honestly, I loved the product so much that I just had to speak with Francesco personally. I realize the Cellular Lifting Serum is pricey. Really pricey. However, it rocks. It is the most hydrating serum I have ever used. It smells great, goes on smooth, penetrates the skin instantly and holds in moisture all day long. At a time when my face was peeling it was so dry, this serum was my savor. I didn't even need to use moisturizer with it. I would find excuses to wash my face just so I could reapply the serum. I know, not the most cost-conscience thing to do. The applicator is a bit thick, so you have to be careful not to waste any of this liquid gold. The serum contains awesome ingredients such as Jasmine Absolute (which is 15x more expensive than other oils), Swiss apple stem cells (5%, where most other products use 1%), Centella Asiatica (collagen building) and Algae Extract (moisturizing). For days, I would stare at my skin every time I passed by a mirror. With ongoing use, you'll benefit from the anti-aging properties. Of all the Clark's Botanicals products, this is the most expensive ... so don't be shy about checking out the other products. I imagine they are all stellar. I give this an A!
OPI: Matte Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
This is one of the best nail strengtheners I have ever used. It's a 'go to' product for me ... one that I know I will always get results from. I love the matte finish and the strengthener stays on well through the week with re-application. You can almost see your nails grow. An A.
Susan Posnick Cosmetics: COLORESSENTIAL Lipcolor in Milan
This luxurious lipstick comes in the prettiest, petite tube. My friends covet it. When I first opened the tube to see the red revealed, I was a bit nervous. It looked brick red to me, which typically I can't wear. But once I put it on, a hint of pink came through. Is the formula that intuitive ... that it knows just how to look good on my lips? It's smart lipstick and I am a fan! The whole collection is like this ... universal flattering shades. Susan Posnick used the finest natural ingredients when developing this line of lipsticks. Very moisturizing, too. An A, of course.
John Master Organics: Evening Primrose Shampoo, Lavendar & Avocado Intensive Conditioner
The shampoo combines evening primrose oil with 7 proteins and amino acids, 10 certified-organic extracts and 11 certified-organic plant oils. It's very gentle and smells good. It softens hair, but doesn't hydrate as well as I would like it to. It is safe for color-treated hair, of course, and does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate. I give this a B+. The conditioner smells so yummy, I never wanted to wash it out of my hair! I cannot get enough of this scent. It has a sweet hint to it. Both lavender and avocado oils are combined with over 10 certified-organic plant extracts and oils for serious hydration. It's also safe for color-treated hair. An A.
