Wednesday, 18 November 2009 | Author: Catherine Horgan | 
Obagi: Condition & Enhance System
I have always understood that Obagi was a major player in the skin care industry. However, after having tried the system for 12 weeks, I can personally attest to the reason why. While this particular system is touted to complement any procedures that you may have, what it can do for those of us who haven't had a procedure is worth its weight in gold. The products truly do lighten, tighten, firm and turns skin cells over on a daily basis. The prescription-strength ingredients, like 4% hydroquinone and tretinoin, as well as exfoliating agents such as glycolic acid, lactic acid and phytic acid help to even skin tone, diminish fine lines and improve acne challenges. My skin has, what I call, that creamy and dreamy appearance. Simply fabulous results in 6 products (5 in the day, 4 at night). Be prepared for super flaky skin, though. It was amazing to me that where my skin chose to peel was on and around my nose. The line is meant to 'shed' of the bad so the new can make its entrance. And an entrance it makes! You will not be disappointed! Aficionado gives this an A.
Urban Decay: Deluxe Eye Shadow in Ruthless
This shimmery taupe neutral color blends easily and can be as dark or as light as you want it for a day or evening look (an eye shadow doing double duty ... perfect). The packaging catches your eye with a cartoonish space scene and has a built-in mirror included — super cool! No creasing with this eye shadow either. MamaQueen gives this an A.
SPONGE: Body Milk
Love this body lotion! The scent is invigorating and the formula leaves your skin silky smooth and well nourished. As the name implies, the lotion is milky in texture, very lightweight, yet delivers a mega dose of hydration. I was surprised to feel the moisture locked into my skin throughout the day. The company is built upon nature, utilizing plants and herbs. The body milk contains St John, peppermint and olive leaf (a fantastic antioxidant). And the beautiful glass bottle makes it a joy to display. Aficionado gives this an A.
Ann Taylor: Rose Print Sheath DressI am a huge fan of Ann Taylor fashions and found this dress to be one of my favors. The style is extremely flattering for women who do not have a defined waistline but want to show off their curves. The color on the top compliments any skin tone and is a very nice combination of fall earthy colors. Who can beat black on the bottom to hid our flaws and accentuate our curves. The fabric is very comfortable but will require dry cleaning to preserve the longevity of the dress. It can be worn on colder days with a short jacket to give the illusion of a suit with a blouse and pencil skirt. I accessorized the outfit with a string of cascading pearls for an elegant work look, black hose to continue a long, sleek look down to my black shoes. Shopaholic gives this a B+.
ESPA: Skin Care Introductory Collection
This collection comes with five products: Hydrating Cleansing Milk, Floral Spafresh (freshening toner), Refining Skin Polish, 24-Hour Eye Complex, and 24-Hour Moisturizing Complex. Designed to work together to hydrate and moisturize, my skin felt clean, refreshed and dewy. The Cleansing Milk goes on in a light sheen of cream and worked well in removing my makeup. Best of all, my skin already felt hydrated before I applied the Spafresh and Moisturizers. The Floral Spafresh smells dreamy, like all of the products, a mixture of clean and light floral, just like in the spa. Both the Eye and Face 24-Hour Moisturizing Complex went on light and sank right into my skin. The Refining Skin Polish has a light sand texture and exfoliated my skin without leaving it red or irritated. These products gets a high grade for packaging, they come in cool frost glass bottles with marbled caps — classy look, classy product. Product Junkie gives this a B.
Phyto: Phytocitrus Vital Radiance Shampoo, Vital Radiance Mask
This is a great 'go to' hair care line with wonderful ingredients, incorporating the healing power of plants. The shampoo contains grapefruit extract and smells absolutely divine. While it doesn't lather as much as I would like, it cleans and moisturizes well. The mask is to die for. Seriously hydrates with plant butters. You get glossy hair — and you can see it through a wet head! Just blow-dry to perfection! Aficionado gives these a B+.
LORAC: Translucent Touch Up Powder, TL3 - Dark
I used this as a blotting powder for touch-ups throughout the day. It went on sheer and zapped the shine without caking or drying out my skin. The powder looks dark in the compact, but went on translucent and stayed that way. I use a foundation powder every day to even out my skin tone, and I don't like anything that goes on thick or cakes ... it has to look natural or I don't want it as a base on my skin. This powder is a complement to my existing routine as it goes on without adding additional color, just a touch freshened up my look and zapped the shine without leaving me with a matte look. Product Junkie gives this a B.
Lierac: Diopticrème Age-Defense Cream for Wrinkles
It takes a lot for me to fall in love with an eye cream. However, this one had me at first application. With botanical extracts to promote cell renewal, this intensely hydrating eye cream increases overall skin firmness and elasticity over time. I was stunned at the moisture levels that were maintained throughout the day. And it contains no parabens, phenoxyethanol or artifical coloring. Aficionado gives this an A.
TOMMYGUNS: Smooth and Finish Creme
Absolutely my new favorite hair styling product! The texture and smell of this product are incredible. The Creme is smooth and sleek, just like it felt on my hair. I've got some pretty serious natural curls, and this product left my curls wavy and soft. I got multiple compliments on my "new look" on the days I tested this product, an unintended and fabulous result. A small amount goes a long way. My favorite thing is that my hair was super soft and there was no trace that I had used any product in it at all. It looked completely natural — none of that semi-wet look or leftover crunch that some products leave behind. This has become my 'go to' hair styling product, which for a product junkie, is really saying something. Product Junkie gives this an A.
Mirabella: Jewelry Box Collection Eye Shadow Quad, Semi-Precious Marble Blush
As a jewelry designer, I oohed and ahhed over this stunning set of eye shadows in gold, amethyst, emerald and black diamond (charcoal). The colors pop and can be applied with the included sponge applicator for an opaque, dramatic look or layered with a brush for a lighter wash of color. With a high sparkle quotient (mica is the top ingredient), they work best for nighttime looks and younger skin. This is not for more mature skin, as the shimmer highlights any wrinkles. The colors were long wearing and non-irritating. The square compact looks modern and fresh, however, if you tend to drop your compacts a lot, you’re likely to break the shadows, as the colors are half spheres that sit on top of the compact surface, instead of caked in pans. This blush looks intense in the container, but when applied, the marbled, pressed powder adds nice sheer color, with sparkle. This is natural enough for day and layers well for night. An added bonus? Brush lightly onto the décolleté, legs, or anywhere you want to highlight. Sparkle away! Simply Chic gives both products a B+.
Banana Republic: Non-Iron Tailored Shirt
As a mom on the go, I need quick-and-easy everything! A non-iron shirt fits perfect into my schedule and my lack of ironing skills. This one from Banana Republic did not disappoint. I tried both the Tailored Shirt and the Fitted Shirt. The Tailored Shirt fit better for my shape. It's fits nicely at the waist and bust and has a little stretch to make it even more comfy. The French cuffs are a nice touch, though I mostly roll up my sleeves and wear this shirt under a cardigan sweater. I got the blue color, a great neutral for any wardrobe. Now the best part? It really is non iron. It washes great and I simply put it in the dryer and tah-dah! It's ready to go for the next day. I've washed it now four times, and so far, the results are great, the fit is still great (no shrinkage that I can notice). I'll have this shirt for a long time! MamaQueen gives this an A.
GAP: Ultrafine Turtleneck Sweater in Black
I am a turtleneck girl. Love them. It's one of the easiest things to throw on that not only keeps you warm, but also helps to refine any look. With jeans, trousers or skirts, this ultrafine turtleneck is the perfect match. Aficionado gives this an A.
Biodrux: Millennium CF, A.Balm
Almost my entire month of October was nursing my sick children back to health. I kid you not ... 3 weeks in total. Thank goodness for Millennium CF. This product, designed to help support the body's natural ability to recover from various ailments during the cold or flu season, I truly believe kept me healthy (that, and washing my hands a gazillion times a day). Millennium CF boosts your immune system to help combat harmful pathogens. It was a life saver (because we all know, mom isn't allowed to get sick). The lip balm was very hydrating, which I wasn't expecting. It has a hint of color, which is great for my lips. And surprise, surprise, it utilizes a specific blend of herbs to keep your stomach in a contracted state in order to aid in weight loss. Did I experience weight loss? No, however, sometimes your head takes over no matter what your stomach is saying. I can honestly say that I feel like I eat less when I use the lip balm (without the scientific evidence). Aficionado gives both products an A.
Anthropologie: Night Phoenix Necklace, Bits-Of-Ice BraceletI have to hand it to Anthropologie, they have really stepped up their game in the accessories department. Loving their jewelry. One of my favorite casual pieces is the Night Phoenix Necklace, which I got in September (and is now sold out). It is perfect for jeans and a t-shirt. It's incredibly fun, easy and comfortable to wear, and always gets compliments! The Bits-Of-Ice Bracelet is absolutely stunning! Talk about bling. You don't need much of anything else when you wear this. I love how sparkly it is (cut glass) and it comes in three different colors that each tell their own story. Aficionado gives both products an A.
