Monday, 15 March 2010 | Author: Catherine Horgan | 
Go team go! February was a fun month of reviewing fantastic products that you absolutely must know about. Get your glass of tea or wine ready and enjoy!
tarte: Provocateur Pressed Mineral Powder in Tan
This powder goes on super light and doesn't cake like some powders can. I use a powder foundation daily and definitely go for one that doesn't make my skin look overly matte, that provides light coverage while still letting my natural freckles come through. I know, it's a lot to ask for. However, tarte delivered! This powder has Vitamins A and E which help protect against free radicals and assist with moisture retention. I also like what this product does not have — no mineral oil, petrolatum, phthalates, synthetic fragrance and paraben. And an SPF 8 to boot. The tan was a tad too dark for my skin tone, but I got so many compliments when I wore it, perhaps it made me look sun-kissed! It didn't dry my skin out which is a big plus. On a side note, the packaging rocks. Who doesn't want to flash a royal purple quilted compact? Product Junkie gives this a B!
SwapHandbags: Louis Vuitton Cabas Piano
Renting authentic designer handbags ... yes! You've heard of the concept. There is always an occasion! For me, I wanted a change with a medium-sized bag that would travel easily for an out-of-town styling session. And I got just that ... in style with a LV, to boot! My package arrived super fast with easy-to-follow return instructions. The LV handbag was in mint condition! A little slice of heaven carrying it around, I tell you. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience ... the ability to 'borrow' someone else's bag, knowing I had the option to purchase it if I wanted to. Since then, I've rented an evening clutch — tune in next month for my review! Oh, and you'll appreciate the sizing clue ... with a diet coke can! Aficionado gives this an A!
Bali: Comfort Shape V-Neck Cami
I am obsessed with my post-pregnancy muffin top. I mean, where did THAT come from and how do I get rid of it? Three times a week to the gym and this little gem of a cami and poof! Muffin top minimized. This cami slims the torso and smooths the back. It delivers firm control and is long enough to easily tuck into pants (faux tummy tuck). And it’s comfortable. I don’t feel squeezed into it at all. I hardly feel like it’s on, but it works. It’s great for that rayon T-shirt that is so unforgiving! MamaQueen gives this an A.
Aveda: Smooth Infusion Shampoo, Conditioner, Glossing Straightner
I am always in search of smoothing hair care, so I was happy to stumble into Aveda's Smooth Infusion line. I am most impressed with the shampoo's ability to lather, cleanse, yet hydrate hair, thanks to a babassu-derived system. The conditioner also hydrates well without having to use a ton of product. The Glossing Straightner is nice, as well. You use it when your hair is almost dry. It leaves your hair silky, with absolutely no greasy residue. Good job, Aveda! Aficionado gives these a B.
Illamasqua: Pure Pigment in Furore
The best way I can describe this product is that it adds pop to whatever you use it on. Designed to highlight the cheeks, brows or eyes, this peachy gold shimmer powder packs a real punch. I used it alone as an eye shadow, which made my lids glimmer with a sparkly shine. I blended it with my normal blush to add a flush to my cheeks. In addition, I used it as a brow highlighter. The color worked particularly well with my skin tone and is pretty all on its own in the package. A little definitely goes a long way. Application was a little tricky with this one ... it doesn't come with an applicator, so I used my own brush and dipped it into the pigment. The powder was pretty flaky going on and more than once I ended up with highlighter all over my face. I resolved most of this by gently dabbing off the excess, but even then, there still was some flaking with the product. A little work and ingenuity improves upon this issue, but doesn't quite eliminate it. The pigment is high shine and as I said packs some punch, so in my opinion works better for an evening look. Product Junkie gives this a B.
Illamasqua: Lipstick in Tramp, Powder Blusher in Thrust
There is nothing like a wonderful lipstick to finish off your look in the morning. The Illamasqua lipstick does just that. I love the way the lipstick feels going on. The texture is smooth and wet while giving me just the right amount of shine. The color is a very fitting matte red tone which lived up to its name without making you look like a ‘tramp.’ I found the color to be very flattering against my dark tone skin. I love the sleek black square lacquer tube, too. Worth the price! The Illamasqua powder blusher provides a nice subtle look to your cheeks. The powder stays with me throughout the day and only requires one retouch. I love the color so much, that I use it to double for a shadow to highlight my eyes. The color looks and feels smooth with just the right amount of drama needed to highlight my cheek bones. While the color appears to be very pink in tone in the package, it looks good on my darker toned skin. Shopaholic gives these a B+.
Wendy Glez: Whisper White Long Nightgown, Resort 2010
I have always wanted a long nightgown. So when I saw this ivory cotton nightie, I had to have it. It melts into your skin. Seriously delicious! And it keeps me way warmer than my PJs. I love it so much, I find myself lingering in it far too long. Aficionado says A, for sure!
ELLIS FAAS*: Eyeliner in Chocolate brown
This is one fabulous eyeliner. It goes on as a liquid and turns into a powder that lasts lasts lasts all day and all night! The color is a rich brown with just a hint of golden shine. Once I found the right application method (I'll go into that in a moment), this product was easy to work with and control and I was able to line my lid with precision. When I received the product to test, I was intrigued by the packaging. Think sleek yet skinnied down silver rocket. The concept is to pump the bottom of the applicator until the liquid appears on the applicator brush at the top. However, I could not get the liquid to emerge. When I continued pumping, the entire applicator basically exploded sending liner oozing down the sides of the "rocket". Not the best first experience. Perhaps my package was defective, but the experience definitely colors my review. Making the best of the situation, I used a thin applicator brush I had on hand and tested the liner. It goes on smooth, stays on through everything, no flaking and no smearing. You have to let it dry a bit before it turns into a powder, but it's only a few seconds and the results are well worth the wait. Although I was disappointed with the packaging, I would definitely give this another go as the product is fabulous. Product Junkie gives this a C.
*ELLIS FAAS: Eyeliner in Black
I concur with Product Junkie 100%. The product itself is outstanding, superb, phenomenal! However, the delivery system has some serious issues. I, too, would pump and pump and pump to no avail. Then 4 minutes later, liquid would ooze out all over the super sleek bullet casing. Such a shame to waste all of the awesome product ... it made me sad. Sometimes being too fancy can backfire. The eyeliner glides on like velvet, dries quickly, and stays put ... like, forever. Yet, washes off with ease. Please, oh please, Ellis Faas, simplify the delivery system and it will be a match made in heaven. Aficionado gives this a C.
L’eggs: Profiles Waist Smoother Capri in Nude
After a certain age, well, we all need a little help with smoothing out the curves. If you’re looking to slim your shape (including the muffin top bulge) this is the ticket. It smooths and shapes from above the waist to mid calf, right where most of us need it the most. It’s comfortable through the waist and has adjustable leg bands. My only complaint is that it doesn’t run true to size. I'm typically a Medium, but the Large fits me great. My recommendation is to go up one size ladies. MamaQueen gives this an A-.
Benefit: Eye Bright
Can you say addicted? One simple little product slightly different that the rest that soon became an everyday must have in my cosmetics bag ... who knew? This pencil is soft pale pink in color and is applied to the inner lower lash line and up into the corner for an immediate 'wide-eyed and awake' effect (even when you're not). I've used white pencils before and was never happy. Benefit is ten steps ahead. Lucky us! The color is perfect and it lasts a while, too. Aficionado gives it an A!
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.
tarte: Provocateur Pressed Mineral Powder in Tan
This powder goes on super light and doesn't cake like some powders can. I use a powder foundation daily and definitely go for one that doesn't make my skin look overly matte, that provides light coverage while still letting my natural freckles come through. I know, it's a lot to ask for. However, tarte delivered! This powder has Vitamins A and E which help protect against free radicals and assist with moisture retention. I also like what this product does not have — no mineral oil, petrolatum, phthalates, synthetic fragrance and paraben. And an SPF 8 to boot. The tan was a tad too dark for my skin tone, but I got so many compliments when I wore it, perhaps it made me look sun-kissed! It didn't dry my skin out which is a big plus. On a side note, the packaging rocks. Who doesn't want to flash a royal purple quilted compact? Product Junkie gives this a B!
SwapHandbags: Louis Vuitton Cabas PianoRenting authentic designer handbags ... yes! You've heard of the concept. There is always an occasion! For me, I wanted a change with a medium-sized bag that would travel easily for an out-of-town styling session. And I got just that ... in style with a LV, to boot! My package arrived super fast with easy-to-follow return instructions. The LV handbag was in mint condition! A little slice of heaven carrying it around, I tell you. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience ... the ability to 'borrow' someone else's bag, knowing I had the option to purchase it if I wanted to. Since then, I've rented an evening clutch — tune in next month for my review! Oh, and you'll appreciate the sizing clue ... with a diet coke can! Aficionado gives this an A!
Bali: Comfort Shape V-Neck Cami
I am obsessed with my post-pregnancy muffin top. I mean, where did THAT come from and how do I get rid of it? Three times a week to the gym and this little gem of a cami and poof! Muffin top minimized. This cami slims the torso and smooths the back. It delivers firm control and is long enough to easily tuck into pants (faux tummy tuck). And it’s comfortable. I don’t feel squeezed into it at all. I hardly feel like it’s on, but it works. It’s great for that rayon T-shirt that is so unforgiving! MamaQueen gives this an A.
Aveda: Smooth Infusion Shampoo, Conditioner, Glossing Straightner
I am always in search of smoothing hair care, so I was happy to stumble into Aveda's Smooth Infusion line. I am most impressed with the shampoo's ability to lather, cleanse, yet hydrate hair, thanks to a babassu-derived system. The conditioner also hydrates well without having to use a ton of product. The Glossing Straightner is nice, as well. You use it when your hair is almost dry. It leaves your hair silky, with absolutely no greasy residue. Good job, Aveda! Aficionado gives these a B.
Illamasqua: Pure Pigment in Furore
The best way I can describe this product is that it adds pop to whatever you use it on. Designed to highlight the cheeks, brows or eyes, this peachy gold shimmer powder packs a real punch. I used it alone as an eye shadow, which made my lids glimmer with a sparkly shine. I blended it with my normal blush to add a flush to my cheeks. In addition, I used it as a brow highlighter. The color worked particularly well with my skin tone and is pretty all on its own in the package. A little definitely goes a long way. Application was a little tricky with this one ... it doesn't come with an applicator, so I used my own brush and dipped it into the pigment. The powder was pretty flaky going on and more than once I ended up with highlighter all over my face. I resolved most of this by gently dabbing off the excess, but even then, there still was some flaking with the product. A little work and ingenuity improves upon this issue, but doesn't quite eliminate it. The pigment is high shine and as I said packs some punch, so in my opinion works better for an evening look. Product Junkie gives this a B.
Illamasqua: Lipstick in Tramp, Powder Blusher in Thrust
There is nothing like a wonderful lipstick to finish off your look in the morning. The Illamasqua lipstick does just that. I love the way the lipstick feels going on. The texture is smooth and wet while giving me just the right amount of shine. The color is a very fitting matte red tone which lived up to its name without making you look like a ‘tramp.’ I found the color to be very flattering against my dark tone skin. I love the sleek black square lacquer tube, too. Worth the price! The Illamasqua powder blusher provides a nice subtle look to your cheeks. The powder stays with me throughout the day and only requires one retouch. I love the color so much, that I use it to double for a shadow to highlight my eyes. The color looks and feels smooth with just the right amount of drama needed to highlight my cheek bones. While the color appears to be very pink in tone in the package, it looks good on my darker toned skin. Shopaholic gives these a B+.
Wendy Glez: Whisper White Long Nightgown, Resort 2010I have always wanted a long nightgown. So when I saw this ivory cotton nightie, I had to have it. It melts into your skin. Seriously delicious! And it keeps me way warmer than my PJs. I love it so much, I find myself lingering in it far too long. Aficionado says A, for sure!
ELLIS FAAS*: Eyeliner in Chocolate brown
This is one fabulous eyeliner. It goes on as a liquid and turns into a powder that lasts lasts lasts all day and all night! The color is a rich brown with just a hint of golden shine. Once I found the right application method (I'll go into that in a moment), this product was easy to work with and control and I was able to line my lid with precision. When I received the product to test, I was intrigued by the packaging. Think sleek yet skinnied down silver rocket. The concept is to pump the bottom of the applicator until the liquid appears on the applicator brush at the top. However, I could not get the liquid to emerge. When I continued pumping, the entire applicator basically exploded sending liner oozing down the sides of the "rocket". Not the best first experience. Perhaps my package was defective, but the experience definitely colors my review. Making the best of the situation, I used a thin applicator brush I had on hand and tested the liner. It goes on smooth, stays on through everything, no flaking and no smearing. You have to let it dry a bit before it turns into a powder, but it's only a few seconds and the results are well worth the wait. Although I was disappointed with the packaging, I would definitely give this another go as the product is fabulous. Product Junkie gives this a C.
*ELLIS FAAS: Eyeliner in Black
I concur with Product Junkie 100%. The product itself is outstanding, superb, phenomenal! However, the delivery system has some serious issues. I, too, would pump and pump and pump to no avail. Then 4 minutes later, liquid would ooze out all over the super sleek bullet casing. Such a shame to waste all of the awesome product ... it made me sad. Sometimes being too fancy can backfire. The eyeliner glides on like velvet, dries quickly, and stays put ... like, forever. Yet, washes off with ease. Please, oh please, Ellis Faas, simplify the delivery system and it will be a match made in heaven. Aficionado gives this a C.
L’eggs: Profiles Waist Smoother Capri in Nude
After a certain age, well, we all need a little help with smoothing out the curves. If you’re looking to slim your shape (including the muffin top bulge) this is the ticket. It smooths and shapes from above the waist to mid calf, right where most of us need it the most. It’s comfortable through the waist and has adjustable leg bands. My only complaint is that it doesn’t run true to size. I'm typically a Medium, but the Large fits me great. My recommendation is to go up one size ladies. MamaQueen gives this an A-.
Benefit: Eye Bright
Can you say addicted? One simple little product slightly different that the rest that soon became an everyday must have in my cosmetics bag ... who knew? This pencil is soft pale pink in color and is applied to the inner lower lash line and up into the corner for an immediate 'wide-eyed and awake' effect (even when you're not). I've used white pencils before and was never happy. Benefit is ten steps ahead. Lucky us! The color is perfect and it lasts a while, too. Aficionado gives it an A!
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.
