Monday, 03 August 2009 | Author: Catherine Horgan | 
Xen-Tan: Deep Bronze Luxe
As I don't have olive skin, I quickly added the perfect product tester to the msf team of testers this month. Here's her review: This product applied smoothly and easily, and absorbed into my skin within a few minutes of application. The vanilla scent was okay. I noticed it on application but by the end of the day, that self tanner smell came through decisively. As far as product performance, I was pleased with both the shade of tan (which was perfect for my light olive skin tone) and the intensity. I received many compliments on my tan! And no streaking. This gets an A.
Styli-Style: Liquid Metals in Chrome
For an evening look, this liquid liner is super fun to use! Be careful with application, though. As it’s applied, it dries immediately. I like to use it with my charcoal eyeshadow trio. Don’t go overboard with this. Less is enough. Either use on your top lid or bottom, but not both. B.
Advanced Home Activities : Brazilian Peel
This is an amazing new-to-market skin care product containing 30% glycolic acid (medical strength peel for at-home use). I have never before met a more gentle, yet effective, peel that brightens, smooths, firms and tones skin for a more youthful appearance. I love the açai-glycolic facial cleanser that accompanies the kit. You use the peel (syringe) once a week which contains two products, that when rubbed together produces heat to activate the ingredients. Keep on for 10 minutes. Your skin will feel softer than it’s ever felt before. Apply the açai-glycolic exfoliating daily peel (pads) every night, except on the night you do your peel. My skin looked alive and fresh! Getting rid of the top layer of dead skin cells over the month allows new skin cells to produce. An A!
Terezinha: Thrill Her wood wedges
What is not to love about these shoes? Do I even need to say more? As high as they are, they are not difficult to walk in. I love the animal print, leather wrap and pointy toe bed. They make any basic outfit grand! An A.
Renee Rouleau : Night Time Spot Lotion
Truly, over night this blemish drying lotion does its job! The first time I used it I couldn’t believe how effective it was. I woke up the next morning and not only was my blemish reduced, it was almost gone. The redness disappeared, too. This stuff really works. Another A.
Leonor Greyl: Masque Quintessence
This is packaged so gorgeously, you don’t even want to open it. But once you do, you find a little slice of heaven for hair. Packed with hydrating power, it provides a time-release effect that moisturizes the hair fibers. You apply this onto dry hair for 10-20 minutes before you jump in the shower to wash your hair. Shampoo and condition as usual. Whether you blow dry or not, this masque leaves your hair incredibly smooth and silky with a beautiful sheen to it. Plus, it makes summer hair feel healthy (and that’s hard to do). This gets an A!
Bumpits: mini, light brown
I wasn’t sure what to think of this product. However, if you are one to pull your hair back a lot, this makes the messy, puffy pony tail easy to achieve. Simply pull your hair back and lift the top portion up to insert the mini bumpit underneath. Lay your hair back over the bumpit and put your pony tail holder on. You won’t need to pull up much from the pony tail. You get this natural awesome bump! Let’s be honest, sometimes the nonchalant, messy pony can take more than 15 minutes to pull off. The goal is to make it look as if you just pulled your hair back without caring. And you can do it in just a few minutes. B+!
Orlane: LIGHTBOX Absolute Radiance
If you haven’t seen the spotlight on this product, you must. This is one of the most incredible products I have come across for that 'just had a facial 2 hours ago' glow. I recommend this for use before a special night out or a big event for your very own red carpet moment. An A!
Perricone MD Cosmeceuticals: No Foundation Foundation
Right now, I want to kiss Dr. Perricone’s feet. This product is brilliant! I know I’ve said that moisturizers should not contain SPF because they never have the right amount or mix of ingredients. Well, Dr. Perricone knew what he was doing when he developed No Foundation Foundation. This tinted moisturizer contains Alpha Lipoic Acid (antioxidant to diminish fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration) and DMAE (to lift, tighten and tone skin). It leaves a natural, sheer coverage while protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays with healthy levels of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. While I don’t care for the smell, I love that I can use this to accomplish the job of my typical two products (moisturizer and SPF). Way to go, Dr. Perricone! You get an A!
TOMMYGUNS: Weather Protect Dew Drops Serum, Leave me in Conditioner & Styling Creme
TOMMYGUNS rocks! The Dew Drops Serum not only smells wonderful (think cucumber + melon), it’s silky and totally effective against the frizzies. The leave-in condition is fantastic, smells amazing (energizing ginger root & green tea), softens and detangles even the knottiest of hair. And it has UV and thermal protection to guard against heat styling and environmental damage. Both get an A!
Anastasia: Lash Lifting Mascara
A mascara that meets my criteria — volume, length and no clumping, flaking, smearing or smudging — is hard to come by. Enter Lash Lifting mascara. Recently added to my list of favorites, this mascara really does lift the lashes and lasts all day long. You cannot go from early morning into the wee hours of the night without a little smearing, though ... but honestly, there are not many mascaras that can accomplish that, unless they are waterproof. Thanks, Anastasia, for a phenomenal mascara! A.
LUSH: Sugar Scrub
LUSH products are always terrific. And the Sugar Scrub does not disappoint. It’s a heavy duty exfoliator, so go gentle. I like to pull off pieces and rub them into my skin rather than taking the whole bar and rubbing it against my skin (it’s too rough that way). Your skin will never be so smooth — perfect for getting the closest shave on those legs of yours! And the perfect foundation for applying self tanner! B+.
Ooohlala of Beverly Hills: Sweet Orange & Lemon Energizing Body Wash + Body Lotion
These products smell yummy! The body wash lathers so nicely and awakens the senses. The body lotion goes on smooth and keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day. However, some all natural and/or organic products make my skin breakout, and this was one of them. I got a terrible rash on my decollete and stomach that took a week to get rid of. If it weren't for the rash, it would have graded higher. B-/C.
Kinesys: Spray Sunscreen, 30 girl, SPF 30 Spray Sunscreen
Kinesys is a line dedicated to performance body care and sun care for the athlete in us all and claims to have developed an effective product to guard against the sun’s harmful rays. Unfortunately, this is not the case. While a few of their products contain titanium dioxide, most do not, nor do they contain zinc oxide or mexoryl. I pride myself on the fact that my children have never gotten a sunburn on my watch. However, one Sunday afternoon, after having used all three products on the whole family, every single one of us got burned. As always, I apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going outside and re-apply every hour on the hour. Still, this product proved to be ineffective in guarding against the sun. Unfortunately, I cannot grade this.
elf Cosmetics: Liquid Eyeliner in black
It’s tough to make a good product for $1. I have to give elf Cosmetics props. You will soon see a feature on their lip glosses (that I love). But for this liquid eyeliner, it’s pretty good. I do not like the smell or the applicator, but it stays put throughout the day. Not bad for $1. This gets a B-.
SAMPAR: Dew It Again Shower Gel
Sampar's new Urban Active complex, containing shea butter, mint leaf extract and plant sugar and lactate extract, reinforces skin's natural defense system and restores balance. This shower gel smells inviting and refreshing, and it lathers great. And it's protecting my skin. An A!
Goody: Mosaic Ouchless brush For Curly Hair
This brush seriously answered my prayers. My daughter has heavy waves/soft curls and her hair is always tangly. She despises having her hair brushed, and for good reason ... it hurts. In all her years, I have never found a brush that worked well for her hair. Until now. She doesn’t even mind having her hair brushed now and it takes half the time with absolutely no difficultly. Of course this gets an A.
As I don't have olive skin, I quickly added the perfect product tester to the msf team of testers this month. Here's her review: This product applied smoothly and easily, and absorbed into my skin within a few minutes of application. The vanilla scent was okay. I noticed it on application but by the end of the day, that self tanner smell came through decisively. As far as product performance, I was pleased with both the shade of tan (which was perfect for my light olive skin tone) and the intensity. I received many compliments on my tan! And no streaking. This gets an A.
Styli-Style: Liquid Metals in Chrome
For an evening look, this liquid liner is super fun to use! Be careful with application, though. As it’s applied, it dries immediately. I like to use it with my charcoal eyeshadow trio. Don’t go overboard with this. Less is enough. Either use on your top lid or bottom, but not both. B.
Advanced Home Activities : Brazilian Peel
This is an amazing new-to-market skin care product containing 30% glycolic acid (medical strength peel for at-home use). I have never before met a more gentle, yet effective, peel that brightens, smooths, firms and tones skin for a more youthful appearance. I love the açai-glycolic facial cleanser that accompanies the kit. You use the peel (syringe) once a week which contains two products, that when rubbed together produces heat to activate the ingredients. Keep on for 10 minutes. Your skin will feel softer than it’s ever felt before. Apply the açai-glycolic exfoliating daily peel (pads) every night, except on the night you do your peel. My skin looked alive and fresh! Getting rid of the top layer of dead skin cells over the month allows new skin cells to produce. An A!
Terezinha: Thrill Her wood wedgesWhat is not to love about these shoes? Do I even need to say more? As high as they are, they are not difficult to walk in. I love the animal print, leather wrap and pointy toe bed. They make any basic outfit grand! An A.
Renee Rouleau : Night Time Spot Lotion
Truly, over night this blemish drying lotion does its job! The first time I used it I couldn’t believe how effective it was. I woke up the next morning and not only was my blemish reduced, it was almost gone. The redness disappeared, too. This stuff really works. Another A.
Leonor Greyl: Masque Quintessence
This is packaged so gorgeously, you don’t even want to open it. But once you do, you find a little slice of heaven for hair. Packed with hydrating power, it provides a time-release effect that moisturizes the hair fibers. You apply this onto dry hair for 10-20 minutes before you jump in the shower to wash your hair. Shampoo and condition as usual. Whether you blow dry or not, this masque leaves your hair incredibly smooth and silky with a beautiful sheen to it. Plus, it makes summer hair feel healthy (and that’s hard to do). This gets an A!
Bumpits: mini, light brown
I wasn’t sure what to think of this product. However, if you are one to pull your hair back a lot, this makes the messy, puffy pony tail easy to achieve. Simply pull your hair back and lift the top portion up to insert the mini bumpit underneath. Lay your hair back over the bumpit and put your pony tail holder on. You won’t need to pull up much from the pony tail. You get this natural awesome bump! Let’s be honest, sometimes the nonchalant, messy pony can take more than 15 minutes to pull off. The goal is to make it look as if you just pulled your hair back without caring. And you can do it in just a few minutes. B+!
Orlane: LIGHTBOX Absolute Radiance
If you haven’t seen the spotlight on this product, you must. This is one of the most incredible products I have come across for that 'just had a facial 2 hours ago' glow. I recommend this for use before a special night out or a big event for your very own red carpet moment. An A!
Perricone MD Cosmeceuticals: No Foundation Foundation
Right now, I want to kiss Dr. Perricone’s feet. This product is brilliant! I know I’ve said that moisturizers should not contain SPF because they never have the right amount or mix of ingredients. Well, Dr. Perricone knew what he was doing when he developed No Foundation Foundation. This tinted moisturizer contains Alpha Lipoic Acid (antioxidant to diminish fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration) and DMAE (to lift, tighten and tone skin). It leaves a natural, sheer coverage while protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays with healthy levels of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. While I don’t care for the smell, I love that I can use this to accomplish the job of my typical two products (moisturizer and SPF). Way to go, Dr. Perricone! You get an A!
TOMMYGUNS: Weather Protect Dew Drops Serum, Leave me in Conditioner & Styling Creme
TOMMYGUNS rocks! The Dew Drops Serum not only smells wonderful (think cucumber + melon), it’s silky and totally effective against the frizzies. The leave-in condition is fantastic, smells amazing (energizing ginger root & green tea), softens and detangles even the knottiest of hair. And it has UV and thermal protection to guard against heat styling and environmental damage. Both get an A!
Anastasia: Lash Lifting Mascara
A mascara that meets my criteria — volume, length and no clumping, flaking, smearing or smudging — is hard to come by. Enter Lash Lifting mascara. Recently added to my list of favorites, this mascara really does lift the lashes and lasts all day long. You cannot go from early morning into the wee hours of the night without a little smearing, though ... but honestly, there are not many mascaras that can accomplish that, unless they are waterproof. Thanks, Anastasia, for a phenomenal mascara! A.
LUSH: Sugar Scrub
LUSH products are always terrific. And the Sugar Scrub does not disappoint. It’s a heavy duty exfoliator, so go gentle. I like to pull off pieces and rub them into my skin rather than taking the whole bar and rubbing it against my skin (it’s too rough that way). Your skin will never be so smooth — perfect for getting the closest shave on those legs of yours! And the perfect foundation for applying self tanner! B+.
Ooohlala of Beverly Hills: Sweet Orange & Lemon Energizing Body Wash + Body Lotion
These products smell yummy! The body wash lathers so nicely and awakens the senses. The body lotion goes on smooth and keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day. However, some all natural and/or organic products make my skin breakout, and this was one of them. I got a terrible rash on my decollete and stomach that took a week to get rid of. If it weren't for the rash, it would have graded higher. B-/C.
Kinesys: Spray Sunscreen, 30 girl, SPF 30 Spray Sunscreen
Kinesys is a line dedicated to performance body care and sun care for the athlete in us all and claims to have developed an effective product to guard against the sun’s harmful rays. Unfortunately, this is not the case. While a few of their products contain titanium dioxide, most do not, nor do they contain zinc oxide or mexoryl. I pride myself on the fact that my children have never gotten a sunburn on my watch. However, one Sunday afternoon, after having used all three products on the whole family, every single one of us got burned. As always, I apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going outside and re-apply every hour on the hour. Still, this product proved to be ineffective in guarding against the sun. Unfortunately, I cannot grade this.
elf Cosmetics: Liquid Eyeliner in black
It’s tough to make a good product for $1. I have to give elf Cosmetics props. You will soon see a feature on their lip glosses (that I love). But for this liquid eyeliner, it’s pretty good. I do not like the smell or the applicator, but it stays put throughout the day. Not bad for $1. This gets a B-.
SAMPAR: Dew It Again Shower Gel
Sampar's new Urban Active complex, containing shea butter, mint leaf extract and plant sugar and lactate extract, reinforces skin's natural defense system and restores balance. This shower gel smells inviting and refreshing, and it lathers great. And it's protecting my skin. An A!
Goody: Mosaic Ouchless brush For Curly Hair
This brush seriously answered my prayers. My daughter has heavy waves/soft curls and her hair is always tangly. She despises having her hair brushed, and for good reason ... it hurts. In all her years, I have never found a brush that worked well for her hair. Until now. She doesn’t even mind having her hair brushed now and it takes half the time with absolutely no difficultly. Of course this gets an A.
