Tuesday, 09 February 2010 | Author: Catherine Horgan | 
Thanks to the Team of Testers for sharing their reviews so that you can buy with confidence! Enjoy!
Twisted Silver: Tapestry Bracelet
Anything that is unique, pretty and easy to wear makes me happy! This beautiful vintage flexible bracelet brought on some serious compliments. And that doesn't even count the ones on the inside of me wanting to come out. It's adjustable, so you get a really good fit. And it's easy to layer other bracelets with. Personally, I love wearing my alone. It's such an attention grabber! Green Goddess gives this an A.
Boscia: Skin Perfecting Primer, Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
I don’t wear foundation anymore, but sometimes I want to even out my skin tone. I have been a fan of tinted moisturizers since they arrived on the scene so I was thrilled to review Boscia's products. The primer is a preservative-free, oil-free gel that reduces the look of pores while creating a silky, matte finish. Genius! Made with peppermint to refresh and reduce pores, it’s the ticket to making my skin look smooth. I followed up with the tinted moisturizer. It’s 100% natural and fragrance free. Though it does have titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (1.56%), I still use a sunscreen underneath it. It truly does go on sheer and feels silky on my skin. It gives me a healthy, even-all-over light color tone to my skin and moisturizes all day long. Mamaqueen gives both products an A.
Beautisol: All Seasons Glow gradual self tanner
Having fallen in love with the Summer Glow System by Beautisol, I was eager to try out the new gradual self tanner. To my very pleasant surprise, it's not so gradual. How fantastic is it that you get all the benefits of a gradual tanner — quick application (sans gloves) with no need to be perfect — yet you see immediate results! Again, thinking I would wash this delicious color from my skin with a shower, I was happy to see that my color remained ... and I loved what I achieved in one day's use. The second day, even more fabulous. In fact, it lasts a week so I never feel the need to apply daily. Now, there is a bit of a processing smell and the product color is on the green side (which actually is a good thing so you can see where you apply it). Other than that, it's perfect! Aficionado gives this an A.
LiftKits: Lo-Top, Universal inserts
The lift kits would be the perfect solution for a guy who is height challenged. The unassuming lifts give the illusion of height hidden in the bottom of your shoes. The only problem with the inserts is that you must have the right type of shoe for the inserts to work. The product professes to be designed for all standard footwear. However, I tried wearing them in my favor Kenneth Cole shoes which did not work at all. The insert took up more than half of the space on the inside of my shoe which made it impossible for me to put the shoe on. I even tried the inserts in a shoe boot which was a larger type shoe and still found it difficult. It was as if the lifts were made for a specific type of shoe, which would really defeat the purpose of using the lifts if I had to also purchase special shoes. While the concept was great, the lift falls a bit short! Soul Man gives these a C-.
Alchimie Forever: Purifying Facial Cleanser
Foaming cleansers are my thing, and this product does not disappoint. Papaya, grapefruit and cucumber ensure the skin's natural pH balance is preserved, while leaving skin super clean without stripping it of moisture. It leaves skin soft and healthy. The packaging is sheer genius! I can't believe other companies haven't caught on yet. The non-breakable material is an all-in-one container so you never have to worry about messing with pieces and parts. You simply twist to open and close. It travels brilliantly because of this. Loving Alchimie Forever and you will, too. Aficionado gives this an A!
Mario Russo: Miracle Styling Crème
In the dead of winter, with fine hair, I’ve got fly-away issues. A smoothing product helps calm all those little hairs down and hopefully makes hair more manageable and protects it from drying and flat ironing. Made for over-styled hair, this product claims to make hair shiny and conditioned. It contains olive oil and vitamin E. It did smooth my hair, and I did feel like it was soft and conditioned, but it also weighed it down. My hair moved in one movement—sort of like a big clump. I tried it again, this time only on the ends (the directions just said to “work it through damp hair before styling.”) A better result, but I still felt the weigh-down. Mamaqueen gives this a B-.
Benefit: Erase Paste
There isn't much I don't love about Benefit Cosmetics. The names of their products, for one. And the simple fact that they make 'to-the-rescue' products. Erase paste definitely falls in that category. It's a fantastic concealer that is easy to use. It brightens around the eyes and certainly hides any imperfections (read: blemishes) with ease. If you have pink undertones in your skin, you may want to sample before you buy. The medium has a little pink in it, where yellow does better for me (counteract effects). Nonetheless, a great stay all day product! Aficionado gives this a B+.
Bali: Passion for Comfort Underwire Bra, Passion for Comfort Hipster
When Bali's says that you are wearing a great bra and you know it... I agree. I absolutely love the comfort of the Bali intimates. The size was spot on and was one of the best fitting bras I own. There was no bulging and unsightly lines under my garments. The straps were very comfortable and stayed in place with no cutting into my shoulders. The bra provided full coverage and support while giving me a very nice smooth look and curvy shape under my clothing. The underwire is hardly noticeable, and it aided in the overall comfort. After washing the bra, it felt as new as the first time I wore it, which tells me this is a great product that will not loose its shape. The Bali panties performed just as well. Who does not love the feel of cotton against your skin? The panties were comfortable and stayed in place and did not ride. I love the leg seams because they were not visible through my clothing. I am happy to know that Bali continues to find ways to create undergarments that focus on comfort, beauty and style to make women feel special. The bra and panties are reasonably priced and I would recommend running out to the stores and investing in Bali products. Shopaholic gives both of these an A.
YOYO Lip Gloss: Kissable Kiwi
This retractable lip gloss can be worn on your shirt to have lip gloss at the ready. I'm all set! All kidding aside, it’s recommended for ages 6 and up, it does leave a super shiny shimmer, as well as some sparkle. It’s moisturizing and leaves a cooling sensation well after applied. If I had an older daughter, I wouldn’t mind her wearing it, as it leaves very little color on my lips. Mamaqueen gives it an B+.
Jessica Simpson: Jonas Boot, Saddle
It's hard to restrain myself from getting every item I write about. However, when I posted this snow outfit, I knew these boots had to be mine. I love them! Not ever having owned a pair of Jessica Simpson shoes, I am pleased with the construction, style and comfort of this boot for the price. The oiled suede and square toe are fabulous. While the leather straps are best shown off with dresses, skirts or leggings, I like wearing them under jeans. Aficionado gives these a B+!
Tracie Martyn: Firming Serum
This is one of those products that you read about all the time ... one with a clamoring celeb following. This serum claims to firm, hydrate and repair skin. With ingredients such as epidermal growth factors (to boost collagen and elastin production), antioxidants (to inhibit free radical formation), patented glycosaminoglycans (to reduce moisture loss), and protective phyto-chemicals (to discourage visible signs of aging), to name just a few, I was excited to integrate this into my skin care routine. I am happy to report excellent short-term results of firm skin, yet extremely hydrated skin (how is that possible). And I'm thrilled with the long-term benefits to come! Aficionado gives this an A.
The msf team of testers were not paid to review these products. However, most of the products listed above were supplied as samples for review purposes.
Twisted Silver: Tapestry BraceletAnything that is unique, pretty and easy to wear makes me happy! This beautiful vintage flexible bracelet brought on some serious compliments. And that doesn't even count the ones on the inside of me wanting to come out. It's adjustable, so you get a really good fit. And it's easy to layer other bracelets with. Personally, I love wearing my alone. It's such an attention grabber! Green Goddess gives this an A.
Boscia: Skin Perfecting Primer, Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
I don’t wear foundation anymore, but sometimes I want to even out my skin tone. I have been a fan of tinted moisturizers since they arrived on the scene so I was thrilled to review Boscia's products. The primer is a preservative-free, oil-free gel that reduces the look of pores while creating a silky, matte finish. Genius! Made with peppermint to refresh and reduce pores, it’s the ticket to making my skin look smooth. I followed up with the tinted moisturizer. It’s 100% natural and fragrance free. Though it does have titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (1.56%), I still use a sunscreen underneath it. It truly does go on sheer and feels silky on my skin. It gives me a healthy, even-all-over light color tone to my skin and moisturizes all day long. Mamaqueen gives both products an A.
Beautisol: All Seasons Glow gradual self tanner
Having fallen in love with the Summer Glow System by Beautisol, I was eager to try out the new gradual self tanner. To my very pleasant surprise, it's not so gradual. How fantastic is it that you get all the benefits of a gradual tanner — quick application (sans gloves) with no need to be perfect — yet you see immediate results! Again, thinking I would wash this delicious color from my skin with a shower, I was happy to see that my color remained ... and I loved what I achieved in one day's use. The second day, even more fabulous. In fact, it lasts a week so I never feel the need to apply daily. Now, there is a bit of a processing smell and the product color is on the green side (which actually is a good thing so you can see where you apply it). Other than that, it's perfect! Aficionado gives this an A.
LiftKits: Lo-Top, Universal inserts
The lift kits would be the perfect solution for a guy who is height challenged. The unassuming lifts give the illusion of height hidden in the bottom of your shoes. The only problem with the inserts is that you must have the right type of shoe for the inserts to work. The product professes to be designed for all standard footwear. However, I tried wearing them in my favor Kenneth Cole shoes which did not work at all. The insert took up more than half of the space on the inside of my shoe which made it impossible for me to put the shoe on. I even tried the inserts in a shoe boot which was a larger type shoe and still found it difficult. It was as if the lifts were made for a specific type of shoe, which would really defeat the purpose of using the lifts if I had to also purchase special shoes. While the concept was great, the lift falls a bit short! Soul Man gives these a C-.
Alchimie Forever: Purifying Facial Cleanser
Foaming cleansers are my thing, and this product does not disappoint. Papaya, grapefruit and cucumber ensure the skin's natural pH balance is preserved, while leaving skin super clean without stripping it of moisture. It leaves skin soft and healthy. The packaging is sheer genius! I can't believe other companies haven't caught on yet. The non-breakable material is an all-in-one container so you never have to worry about messing with pieces and parts. You simply twist to open and close. It travels brilliantly because of this. Loving Alchimie Forever and you will, too. Aficionado gives this an A!
Mario Russo: Miracle Styling Crème
In the dead of winter, with fine hair, I’ve got fly-away issues. A smoothing product helps calm all those little hairs down and hopefully makes hair more manageable and protects it from drying and flat ironing. Made for over-styled hair, this product claims to make hair shiny and conditioned. It contains olive oil and vitamin E. It did smooth my hair, and I did feel like it was soft and conditioned, but it also weighed it down. My hair moved in one movement—sort of like a big clump. I tried it again, this time only on the ends (the directions just said to “work it through damp hair before styling.”) A better result, but I still felt the weigh-down. Mamaqueen gives this a B-.
Benefit: Erase Paste
There isn't much I don't love about Benefit Cosmetics. The names of their products, for one. And the simple fact that they make 'to-the-rescue' products. Erase paste definitely falls in that category. It's a fantastic concealer that is easy to use. It brightens around the eyes and certainly hides any imperfections (read: blemishes) with ease. If you have pink undertones in your skin, you may want to sample before you buy. The medium has a little pink in it, where yellow does better for me (counteract effects). Nonetheless, a great stay all day product! Aficionado gives this a B+.
Bali: Passion for Comfort Underwire Bra, Passion for Comfort Hipster
When Bali's says that you are wearing a great bra and you know it... I agree. I absolutely love the comfort of the Bali intimates. The size was spot on and was one of the best fitting bras I own. There was no bulging and unsightly lines under my garments. The straps were very comfortable and stayed in place with no cutting into my shoulders. The bra provided full coverage and support while giving me a very nice smooth look and curvy shape under my clothing. The underwire is hardly noticeable, and it aided in the overall comfort. After washing the bra, it felt as new as the first time I wore it, which tells me this is a great product that will not loose its shape. The Bali panties performed just as well. Who does not love the feel of cotton against your skin? The panties were comfortable and stayed in place and did not ride. I love the leg seams because they were not visible through my clothing. I am happy to know that Bali continues to find ways to create undergarments that focus on comfort, beauty and style to make women feel special. The bra and panties are reasonably priced and I would recommend running out to the stores and investing in Bali products. Shopaholic gives both of these an A.
YOYO Lip Gloss: Kissable Kiwi
This retractable lip gloss can be worn on your shirt to have lip gloss at the ready. I'm all set! All kidding aside, it’s recommended for ages 6 and up, it does leave a super shiny shimmer, as well as some sparkle. It’s moisturizing and leaves a cooling sensation well after applied. If I had an older daughter, I wouldn’t mind her wearing it, as it leaves very little color on my lips. Mamaqueen gives it an B+.
Jessica Simpson: Jonas Boot, SaddleIt's hard to restrain myself from getting every item I write about. However, when I posted this snow outfit, I knew these boots had to be mine. I love them! Not ever having owned a pair of Jessica Simpson shoes, I am pleased with the construction, style and comfort of this boot for the price. The oiled suede and square toe are fabulous. While the leather straps are best shown off with dresses, skirts or leggings, I like wearing them under jeans. Aficionado gives these a B+!
Tracie Martyn: Firming Serum
This is one of those products that you read about all the time ... one with a clamoring celeb following. This serum claims to firm, hydrate and repair skin. With ingredients such as epidermal growth factors (to boost collagen and elastin production), antioxidants (to inhibit free radical formation), patented glycosaminoglycans (to reduce moisture loss), and protective phyto-chemicals (to discourage visible signs of aging), to name just a few, I was excited to integrate this into my skin care routine. I am happy to report excellent short-term results of firm skin, yet extremely hydrated skin (how is that possible). And I'm thrilled with the long-term benefits to come! Aficionado gives this an A.
The msf team of testers were not paid to review these products. However, most of the products listed above were supplied as samples for review purposes.
