Saturday, 02 August 2008 | Author: Catherine Horgan | 
What an awesome month of testing - tons of As! Grab a spot of tea, or glass of wine or a dirty martini (depending on the time of day you read this) and enjoy!
Rainbow: Narrow Strap Flip Flops in Black
These are my very first pair of Rainbows, as recommended by multiple friends. While I think they look so pretty and sexy on feet, they are difficult to break in. I had blisters within 3 hours the first day and couldn't wear them again for 3 weeks. However, when I wore them for the second time after my blisters healed, I found them to be quite comfortable. I still can't walk around for miles in them, but I do like them. They get a B-.
Mario Badescu: Azulene Calming Mask and Control Cream
Both of these products are excellent for sensitive skin or for those with rosacea. The mask is not only calming to skin that may be a little uptight, but it's also refreshing and hydrating. The control cream is my wonder product. When my skin springs dry patches, I reach for this. It cures it instantly. It's also wonderful for your nail cuticles. Both get an B+.
James Jeans: Aged Denim High-Rise
I am in love with this brand of jean, this being my second pair. They are so easy to wear and flattering on my big booty. I like the amount of stretch in them - they stay put (versus stretching out too much with wear). Definitely an A.
LUSH: New, Ultimate Shine and Seanik Solid Shampoo
Having tried all three of these, I definitely have my favorites. I am absolutely in love with the Ultimate Shine shampoo bar (Grade = A) - leaves your hair shiny (glossy) and soft. The Seanik is my second fav (Grade = B+), with a citrus and seaweed combo to enrich and enliven hair and leaves your hair soft and silky. The New shampoo bar, which is an excellent stimulant for the scalp, as well as an active cleanser that rids of styling product residue, is nice as well (Grade = B). These solid shampoos are fantastically easy to travel with - and I've been doing quite a bit of travel this summer.
Avene: Skin Care for Intolerant Skin
Pleasantly surprised with this skin care line. It utilizes the therapeutic properties of natural spring water to address a variety of skin disorders and has proven to work well with my sensitive skin. The Gentle Cleanser For Intolerant Skin (Grade = B) is a no-rinse formula (not my favorite type of cleanser) and is exactly what it says it is - gentle. Cream For Intolerant Skin (Grade = B) is a light, but hydrating, moisturizer that I used in the day and at night used Hydrance Optimale (Grade = B) - which was rich and great at penetrating skin for overnight hydration. The Self Tanning Moisturizing Lotion (Grade = B-) is a light formula for gradual tanning. You can apply the product thicker and get a deeper color, however, I found it to streak a bit with heavier application.
Marc by Marc Jacobs: Navy/Cream Spectator Pumps with Tie
What a fantastic staple to have in your wardrobe. These pumps will never go out of style. They are comfortable, can be worn all year round, and are very well made. A true classic! Of course, an A!
Sara Happ: Brown Sugar Lip Scrub
The best lip exfoliator out there, hands down (though, I have a secret recipe of my own I will share with you soon!). My lips feel a little dry after use, but I coat them pretty good with my Rosebud lip balm. Your lips will be so soft and smooth - you will love it. You can exfoliate 2x a week. This gets an A.
Ormonde Jayne London Perfumery: Sample Program
I am quite pleased with this sample program. For $60, I received 10 fragrance samples of some of the best scents out there for women (they even include a men's fragrance that is very sexy). It took only days to receive - and it was beautifully packaged. There was only one scent that I didn't care for. Other than that, I am a happy camper. My favs are Sampaquita, Orris Noir, Frangipani and Ormonde Woman. B+!
Sweet Grass Farm: Bath Salts in Sweet Vanilla
A lightly scented, nice smelling bath treat. The bath salts dissolve quickly. I thought they would leave my skin softer, but I can't say I noticed any difference. I did enjoy the fragrance - it wasn't overpowering and was truly relaxing. B!
Lindi Skin: Soothing Balm
Even though this is for your entire body, it's my very favorite lotion to use on my hands. I use it every single night before going to bed. What's so great about it is that it sinks into your skin quickly so there is no greasiness, yet it hydrates all night long and into the morning. In fact, when you wash your hands in the morning, you can feel it. Excellent - an A!
Pin Up Balms: in Mocha
This is a nice lip balm, containing beeswax, that moisturizes well. I did not care for the scent, but the results were great. B+.
Dermelect Cosmeceuticals: Microdermabrasion 2-3 Facial Reveal
I love when I find natural and gentle exfoliation products - and this is one! It refines the skin with Corundum Crystals while keeping it calm and comfortable. I wasn't even red afterwards. You can use this 3x a week. Fantastic - a B+!
Glytone: Retexurizing Ultra Heel and Elbow Cream
I have been a big fan of Glytone's Retexurize Body Lotion for years. I couldn't wait to try their Ultra Heel and Elbow Cream. It rocks! You know those cracks in your heels, how nasty they can get ... well, one night softens them and with continuous use they go away. Seriously. An A.
Styli-Style: Colorlash Glitter in Silver
Every girl needs to own a tube of this. I have tried lots of glitter products in my day, but none as fun and effective as this one (and so inexpensive). It stays put, so no glitter flecks show up under your eyes or on you cheeks. It's a great "evening" look and especially for those holiday events! Another A.
Duchess Marden: Vegan Skin Care I have been using Duchess Marden products since the day I met Marla Steuer. She has created an exceptional product line. The Damascena Neck & Decollete Serum stimulates collagen, which is so important for our skin - especially around the neck and decollete (which often gets neglected). It also hydrates and provides important antioxidants. I have to admit, though, I use this on my face, as well - it gives a really nice sheen. I am in love with the Anti-Wrinkle Serum. Even though this is meant for the eye area, I press this into my face (all over). It diminishes fine lines and wrinkles and acts as a free-radical scavenger. The best part, it gives you that "glow" ... and forgive me Marla for clarifying just the kind of glow if gives ... but I call it the "after sex glow." Sorry - it's out there - had to be honest. And the Pure Rose Water balances and restores the skin's Ph, tightens pores and clears the skin. You can also use it to set your powder foundation. All Duchess Marden products get an A.
RevitaLash: Lash Serum First off, I love the story. Secondly, it truly works! If you haven't heard of this product, consider yourself educated. I have had the opportunity to test some really incredible lash growth products out there - and this is one of them. You have to be patient and give it 45-60 days to see the results, but you will see results. My family and friends cannot get over how long my lashes are - it's crazy! An A.
Rainbow: Narrow Strap Flip Flops in Black
These are my very first pair of Rainbows, as recommended by multiple friends. While I think they look so pretty and sexy on feet, they are difficult to break in. I had blisters within 3 hours the first day and couldn't wear them again for 3 weeks. However, when I wore them for the second time after my blisters healed, I found them to be quite comfortable. I still can't walk around for miles in them, but I do like them. They get a B-.
Mario Badescu: Azulene Calming Mask and Control Cream
Both of these products are excellent for sensitive skin or for those with rosacea. The mask is not only calming to skin that may be a little uptight, but it's also refreshing and hydrating. The control cream is my wonder product. When my skin springs dry patches, I reach for this. It cures it instantly. It's also wonderful for your nail cuticles. Both get an B+.
James Jeans: Aged Denim High-Rise
I am in love with this brand of jean, this being my second pair. They are so easy to wear and flattering on my big booty. I like the amount of stretch in them - they stay put (versus stretching out too much with wear). Definitely an A.
LUSH: New, Ultimate Shine and Seanik Solid Shampoo
Having tried all three of these, I definitely have my favorites. I am absolutely in love with the Ultimate Shine shampoo bar (Grade = A) - leaves your hair shiny (glossy) and soft. The Seanik is my second fav (Grade = B+), with a citrus and seaweed combo to enrich and enliven hair and leaves your hair soft and silky. The New shampoo bar, which is an excellent stimulant for the scalp, as well as an active cleanser that rids of styling product residue, is nice as well (Grade = B). These solid shampoos are fantastically easy to travel with - and I've been doing quite a bit of travel this summer.
Avene: Skin Care for Intolerant Skin
Pleasantly surprised with this skin care line. It utilizes the therapeutic properties of natural spring water to address a variety of skin disorders and has proven to work well with my sensitive skin. The Gentle Cleanser For Intolerant Skin (Grade = B) is a no-rinse formula (not my favorite type of cleanser) and is exactly what it says it is - gentle. Cream For Intolerant Skin (Grade = B) is a light, but hydrating, moisturizer that I used in the day and at night used Hydrance Optimale (Grade = B) - which was rich and great at penetrating skin for overnight hydration. The Self Tanning Moisturizing Lotion (Grade = B-) is a light formula for gradual tanning. You can apply the product thicker and get a deeper color, however, I found it to streak a bit with heavier application.
Marc by Marc Jacobs: Navy/Cream Spectator Pumps with TieWhat a fantastic staple to have in your wardrobe. These pumps will never go out of style. They are comfortable, can be worn all year round, and are very well made. A true classic! Of course, an A!
Sara Happ: Brown Sugar Lip Scrub
The best lip exfoliator out there, hands down (though, I have a secret recipe of my own I will share with you soon!). My lips feel a little dry after use, but I coat them pretty good with my Rosebud lip balm. Your lips will be so soft and smooth - you will love it. You can exfoliate 2x a week. This gets an A.
Ormonde Jayne London Perfumery: Sample Program
I am quite pleased with this sample program. For $60, I received 10 fragrance samples of some of the best scents out there for women (they even include a men's fragrance that is very sexy). It took only days to receive - and it was beautifully packaged. There was only one scent that I didn't care for. Other than that, I am a happy camper. My favs are Sampaquita, Orris Noir, Frangipani and Ormonde Woman. B+!
Sweet Grass Farm: Bath Salts in Sweet Vanilla
A lightly scented, nice smelling bath treat. The bath salts dissolve quickly. I thought they would leave my skin softer, but I can't say I noticed any difference. I did enjoy the fragrance - it wasn't overpowering and was truly relaxing. B!
Lindi Skin: Soothing Balm
Even though this is for your entire body, it's my very favorite lotion to use on my hands. I use it every single night before going to bed. What's so great about it is that it sinks into your skin quickly so there is no greasiness, yet it hydrates all night long and into the morning. In fact, when you wash your hands in the morning, you can feel it. Excellent - an A!
Pin Up Balms: in Mocha
This is a nice lip balm, containing beeswax, that moisturizes well. I did not care for the scent, but the results were great. B+.
Dermelect Cosmeceuticals: Microdermabrasion 2-3 Facial Reveal
I love when I find natural and gentle exfoliation products - and this is one! It refines the skin with Corundum Crystals while keeping it calm and comfortable. I wasn't even red afterwards. You can use this 3x a week. Fantastic - a B+!
Glytone: Retexurizing Ultra Heel and Elbow Cream
I have been a big fan of Glytone's Retexurize Body Lotion for years. I couldn't wait to try their Ultra Heel and Elbow Cream. It rocks! You know those cracks in your heels, how nasty they can get ... well, one night softens them and with continuous use they go away. Seriously. An A.
Styli-Style: Colorlash Glitter in Silver
Every girl needs to own a tube of this. I have tried lots of glitter products in my day, but none as fun and effective as this one (and so inexpensive). It stays put, so no glitter flecks show up under your eyes or on you cheeks. It's a great "evening" look and especially for those holiday events! Another A.
Duchess Marden: Vegan Skin Care I have been using Duchess Marden products since the day I met Marla Steuer. She has created an exceptional product line. The Damascena Neck & Decollete Serum stimulates collagen, which is so important for our skin - especially around the neck and decollete (which often gets neglected). It also hydrates and provides important antioxidants. I have to admit, though, I use this on my face, as well - it gives a really nice sheen. I am in love with the Anti-Wrinkle Serum. Even though this is meant for the eye area, I press this into my face (all over). It diminishes fine lines and wrinkles and acts as a free-radical scavenger. The best part, it gives you that "glow" ... and forgive me Marla for clarifying just the kind of glow if gives ... but I call it the "after sex glow." Sorry - it's out there - had to be honest. And the Pure Rose Water balances and restores the skin's Ph, tightens pores and clears the skin. You can also use it to set your powder foundation. All Duchess Marden products get an A.
RevitaLash: Lash Serum First off, I love the story. Secondly, it truly works! If you haven't heard of this product, consider yourself educated. I have had the opportunity to test some really incredible lash growth products out there - and this is one of them. You have to be patient and give it 45-60 days to see the results, but you will see results. My family and friends cannot get over how long my lashes are - it's crazy! An A.
