Beauty Product of the Week: Nourish Everyday Hand Lotion

What is it?  eos (Evolution of Smooth) Nourish Everyday Hand Lotion is "designed to fit into your purse, your pocket, or on your desk.  eos hand lotion looks as good as it feels on your skin.  Infused with moisturizing shea butter, oat extract, and a generous helping of antioxidants and vitamins C and E, eos will leave your skin feeling soft, supple, and radiantly healthy long after you apply it."  Available for less than $5 at drugstores in the original version and a cucumber scent as well.


What do you think?  I bought this product because I liked the look of the bottle.  It's flat and fits perfectly into the palm of my hand...plus it's easy to locate in my pile of beauty products.  I've tried (and liked) eos lip balm, so I gave their new hand cream a whirl. 

I was not disappointed.  The price is right, the scent is right (it's light and pleasant), and it absorbs quickly into my skin.  Don't you hate when you put lotion on and then feel like you have greasy hands?  Like you're going to leave an oil slick with every touch?  Yeah, that annoys me too.  But eos hand lotion doesn't do that.  It does make my skin feel soft and moisturized, but without that frustrating oily feel.

The final verdict?  This product is not super sexy or exciting.  But at less than $5, the cute little bottle of hand cream does a pretty decent job.  I use this every night before bed, and my hands thank me for it!

Beauty Product of the Week: Aqua-Gel Eyeliner

What is it? Tarte's EmphasEYES™ Aqua-Gel Eyeliner is "a revolutionary long-wearing eye liner that contains intensely rich mineral pigments in a 50% water concentration. This revolutionary EmphasEYES™ Aqua-Gel Eyeliner captures the high-pigment concentration and staying power of a gel pot in an effortless pencil, no brush required! Even more unique is the proprietary formula which suspends rich mineral pigments in a 50% water concentration. By a process of hydrous pigmentation, cooling and refreshing pure water absorbs into the skin to hydrate and replenish the delicate eye area, leaving behind an intense, long-wearing, and pigment-rich color. Fortified with vitamin E, cucumber, and aloe this soothing Aqua-Gel Eyeliner maintains moisture balance in the skin while treating with healing free-radical fighters." Available in 8 shades at Sephora and Ulta for $18.00.

What did you think?  I've been using Urban Decay's eyeliner for months now. I think Urban Decay's liners kick ass, except for the fact that every stinking liner they (other than black) is sparkly.  Too sparkly.  I don't like I lot of glitter on my face--it's just not my thing.  The other day I was looking for an equally good, glitterless liner, and was told by a salesgirl to check out Tarte.  I'm glad I listened!

The liner goes on easily.  It feels a little cold and wet, and you can smudge it before it dries.  Once it does dry, it's set in place.  This liner does not budge!  It does take a few tries to perfect the amount of liner.  A light hand is all that's needed.  It feels smooth going on and it lasts a really, really long time.  There's also a ton of pigmentation in the liner, so you can get a bold look quickly.

The only downside is that the tip can easily break off if you have too much out for application.  Keep it low, and it should be fine.

The final verdict?  I love this liner!  They need more shades (and I'd love for it to be a few bucks cheaper), but the fact that it feels good, lasts forever and is easy to apply make it worth the price.  If you're into liners, check this one out!

Beauty Product of the Week: Smoky Shadow Blast

What is it? Cover Girl Smoky Shadow Blast Shadow Stick "is a smoky eye tool and makeup artist all in one brilliant shadow stick. Create a colorful smoky eye in just 2 easy steps! Available in 6 expertly coordinated duos with specially shaped ends. It's like having a makeup artist at your fingertips."  Available at drugstores and big box stores for less than $8.00.

What did you think? This product is very easy to use.  You just slide on the colors from either end of the tube and viola!  You have a somewhat smoky eye.  I didn't get very dramatic results from this, but my eyes looked decent enough.   The shadow is lightweight, which is nice.  I did notice that there was a little bit of creasing which I didn't like.  Oh well.

I do like the fact that everything you need to create an acceptable eye look is in one tube.  It makes this a very decent beauty product for traveling.  Overall, I liked the results I got, but for some reason, I don't find myself gravitating to this product on a daily basis.  I have it, it's in my bag, I use it if I remember, and I'm typically satisfied with the results.  It's not a memorable or exciting product, but it does a decent job.


The final verdict? There's nothing wrong with this product, but I don't love it.  I give it a solid "meh." 

Beauty Product of the Week: Spin Pin

What is it? Goody's Spin Pin allows you to get "3 easy styles. Spin your style! Style guide inside features 3 spin pin styles. To use:
1. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck (no ponytail holder needed).
2. Twist your hair into a tight bun and tuck in the ends.
3. Spin one pin in from the top and the other up from the base, taking care not to interlock pins."
Available at drugstores and big box stores in either blonde or brunette for less than $7.00.


What do you think? Good Housekeeping gave this product a VIP (Very Innovative Product) Award and for good reason: it's easy to use and it works. 

I suck at styling my hair.  My hair styling skills are limited to a simple ponytail and, when I'm feeling plucky, flat ironing.  I've been growing my hair out--it's now just at my shoulders--and being able to pull it back and up into a quick easy bun is a great option, especially now that it's getting warmer.

The Spin Pin makes pulling my hair away from my face and up off my neck a breeze.  The instructions are easy to follow, and once you get the hang of it, putting your hair up into an easy bun takes a matter of seconds.  The Spin Pins keep hair in place without being overly restrictive.  They don't pull or snag, and they twist right out.  I can't stress how easy these pins are to use!

Lots of us have used pencils or chopsticks in the past to get our hair up into an easy bun.  With these pins, you can leave pencils for writing and chopsticks for sushi.



Final verdict? I like this tool so much that I bought an extra to keep in my purse. It's easy to use, easy to remove, and I love it!  Give it a try if you're a hair klutz like me!

Beauty Product of the Week: Diamond Strength

What is it? Sally Hansen's Diamond Strength Nail Hardener "Virtually ends splitting, cracking and peeling. Noticeably harder, stronger nails instantly. Grow healthy-looking nails in 5-7 days. Titanium and Micro-Diamond formula instantly bonds to strengthen and seal fragile nail layers with a virtually shatterproof, protective shield. Locks in moisture to nourish and help stop breaking so nails can grow."  Available at drugstores and big box stores for less than $7.00.


What did you think? I live in the Seattle area, a place not known for sun and warmth.  Even with Seattle's reputation for rain and gray days, this year has been especially cool and awful.  We haven't had a long stretch of warm-ish days since 2010, and because of this, the heat has been on in my house all year.  Forced, artificially warm air tends to be drying, and for some reason, my nails have taken the brunt of the dry air damage.  Since the winter, my nails have been peeling and fragile, despite the fact that I take my calcium daily like a good little girl.

One particularly bad nail day, I rushed over to my local Rite Aid to pick up a bottle of GNC's Nail, Hair and Skin, and decided to check out the nail product aisle.  Everything was on sale (nice!), and I grabbed a bottle of Diamond Strength to give even more aid to my terrible nails.

The clear polish goes on super easily.  It's not too thick, not too runny.  And it dries very fast (perfect if you're like me and don't have all day to let your nails dry).  My nails improved quickly--in a few days, I noticed less splitting.  In a week, there was more growth.  After 10 days, my nails look long, strong, and a million times better than they did when I bought the bottle.

The only negatives are: 1) a slightly strong, off-putting smell (but that's nail polish for you!) and 2) some bubbling when I used a nail polish over this.  Not sure if I did something wrong (which is probably the case), but the bubbles were annoying.

Final verdict? Nice product, well worth the price.  My nails were a disaster, and after a week of using this, they looked so much better. Sally Hansen's nail products are affordable, easy to located, and actually do what they say they will.  What more could you want?

Beauty Product of the Week: Belle De Jour White Lotus Mask

What is it? The Belle De Jour White Lotus Mask from Kenzo will "offer the skin special moments of pleasure and rest. 10 minute application, and the White Lotus alchemy, enriched for this mask, sets to work and quickly reinforces the daily benefits of Belle De Jour. The mask's rich, creamy texture is enhanced by the brush provided which stimulates and soothes the skin at application. Wraps the skin inside a bubble, restoring its optimal balance. Hydrates the skin and stimulates cellular regeneration. Significantly reduces levels of Cortisol in the skin."  Available online or at Sephora or Nordstrom's for $70.

What did you think?  Have you ever done yoga?  If so, you know at the end when you do savanasa and then, when you sit up how you feel completely at ease?  Like you're unstressed and completely recharged?  Yeah...that's how the White Lotus Mask made my skin feel.

The mask has a very different texture than most facial masks.  It is not thick; it doesn't feel like it's drying and caking and cracking on your face.  It brushes on very lightly...almost like a cream rather than a mask.  The scent is interesting and pleasant (lotus-y!), and the whole experience of using the mask is enjoyable.  Using a facial mask means forced relaxation, and you'll want to languish in that downtime with the White Lotus mask.

Everything about this product whispers luxury.  The box it comes in is lovely.  The booklet (with the instructions) is glossy and enticing.  The brush?  Yup, high quality...just like the mask.

Final verdict?  I love this product. Sure, I don't love, love the price, but that's life.  This mask made my skin feel like it had taken a deep, cleansing breath and was left feeling all zen and chill.  So, so nice!

Beauty Product of the Week: Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer

What is it? Stila's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 is "A lightweight, tinted moisturizer infused with a hint of shimmer and a protective SPF 15.  This multipurpose beautifier does triple duty: It acts as your moisturizer, sunscreen, and luminizer to provide sheer coverage that makes skin appear flawless, and its super hydrating ingredients and protective SPF 15 will keep your skin protected."  Available at Sephora and department stores (and occasionally on HauteLook, where I scored this and a bunch of other Stila products for less than $10) for $32.

What did you think?  I typically like products that try to multitask.  I just don't think this is the best muiltitasker on the market.  This product is very, very lightweight...which I like and hate.  I like that it goes on quickly and absorbs easily.  I just don't think it provides much in the way of color or coverage.  I was hoping that it would proved enough cover so that I could stick foundation during the day.  I was sadly mistaken.  I find that I still need to brush on my foundation in order to cover some of my splotches.  Then again, this is the winter, and my skin is less than lovely this time of year.

The final verdict? The moisturizer is not greasy, it's not unpleasant, and I think it does add the slightest bit of illumination to my skin.  That said, I would not re-purchase this item at the $32 price tag.  But what do I know?!

Beauty Product of the Week: Keratin Complex Shampooo and Conditioner

What is it?  Keratin Complex Keratin Care Shampoo and Conditioner are "designed for customers to enjoy the benefits of a protein-rich keratin regimen on a daily basis.  Using these maintenance products prolongs your beautiful results long after a professional Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy in-salon Treatment."  Keratin Care Shampoo and Conditioner are designed for "damaged hair.  This shampoo is safe for everyday use and is formulated with a low pH-value and a light blend of essential oils that provide gentle cleansing and long lasting protection."  Available for $20-$37 each per bottle (price depends on bottle size) at salons.  See their website for a location. 

What did you think?  I haven't been to the salon in ages, and I haven't had a recent in-salon Keratin treatment.  I received samples of the Keratin Complex products to try out, and have been using this duo of haircare products regularly for the past couple of weeks.  Both products have light scents, but do leave my hair clean smelling.  The shampoo actually lathers (thankfully! It seems like pricier shampoos are oddly devoid of lather sometimes).  The conditioner doesn't feel too thick, but it does coat my hair.  After using this product for a bit, I think it makes my hair look shinier.  On the down side, I have noticed that my hair seems a tiny bit greasier, especially if I use Keratin's Shine, a product that goes on damp hair to help increase shine. With my hair type, this probably isn't the best product for me to use on a regular basis.

The final verdict?  For me, these products are a pass.  They're too expensive and leave my hair too limp feeling.  If I'm going to buy a salon brand, I'd just go for my all-time fave: Matrix.  But if you have regular Keratin treatments, this just might be the shampoo/conditioner combo for you.  Other people swear by this duo, and even though it's not the right product for my hair type, it wasn't a terrible product demo!

Beauty Product of the Week: Cocoa Butter with Vitamin E

What is it? Palmer's Cocoa Butter with Vitamin E is made of, "pure cocoa butter enriched with Vitamin E, in a soothing fragrance free base. Heals and softens rough, dry skin. Smooths stretch marks. Tones skin. An excellent all-over-the body moisturizer and after tanning butter." Available at drugstores and big box stores for about $6 for 8.5 ounces.

What did you think? My skin is not yet dry and flaky, and I'd prefer to keep it that way! I received a bottle of this lotion to try out, and I think I'm hooked. The lotion isn't overly thick, but it does leave my skin feeling very, very moisturized. My skin seems to just drink it up! I like using this every morning, right after my shower...and after I shave (it really makes my legs feel soft!).

The lotion has a slightly chocolaty scent that tends to fade away after a few hours. The scent is yummy but it doesn't overpower or compete with my perfume.

I've tried expensive body creams, and this one is just as good as the spendier ones.  It can supposedly help reduce the appearance of scars and stretchmarks, but I haven't tried it out for this purpose.  For moisturizing skin, this can't be beat!

The final verdict? Why spend a fortune when you can get such a decent product for less than $10? Using this product makes my skin soft and smelling like yummy cocoa. It's the perfect product to help winterize skin at the perfect price!

Beauty Product of the Week: Grow Luscious Mascara

What is it? Revlon's Grow Luscious Mascara is a "lash enhancing formula that complements the natural growth cycle of your lashes and improves their overall appearance and condition with each use.  Lashes not only look instantly longer and lusher, they will also grow stronger day after day.  Includes an oversized lash-extending brush." Available at drugstores and big box stores for less than $8 a tube (I think I got it for about $5.50 on sale at Ulta!).

What did you think?  I do a LOT of mascara reviews.  And I'm fickle with my opinion.  Sometimes I love a tube only to hate it the next time I use it.  As of late, I have not been overly loyal to any one brand.  I'll bounce from a high-end, ultra expensive brand to a dirt cheap drugstore tube without batting an eye.  Sure, I have my favorites, but I no longer have a go-to mascara.  I guess I'm something of a mascara whore--I'll try anything once!

That doesn't mean that mascara is not important to me.  Far from it.  It's probably my favorite beauty product and I'd gladly forgo other eye products (like liner, etc.) as long as my mascara was perfectly applied.  Ideally, mascara gives you fuller, longer lashes and a better defined overall eye shape.  When it goes bad, though, it can be a clumpy mess.

I had mediocre hopes for Revlon's new lash conditioning Grow Luscious mascara.  I did not get it for it's promise to "grow" my lashes.  I got it because I wanted to try Revlon again (I hated the last mascara I tried from Revlon--their horribly awful Double Twist Mascara). 

So far, I think Grow Luscious is pretty decent.  My lashes look better with the mascara on then off, so it's doing something right.  It's dark and makes my lashes longer and slightly fuller.  I have not noticed any benefit in my lashes growing, but I think it will take some time for that to show.

The negatives?  The brush is big, big, big.  This is both good and bad.  Good because it's quick to apply....bad because it can be a bit messy.  I've noticed that I have to be careful not to get little smudges of mascara on my eyelids (I HATE THAT!).  Apart from that, it's completely, totally adequate.

The final verdict?  This is not a game-changing mascara.  It won't knock your socks off with the amazing length/thickness you get from it.  No.  Instead it will give you a decent look for a decent price.  It won't flake off and it will last a good long time.  It's a perfectly lovely, if unexciting, product.  And a huge step up from that pathetic Double Twist!

Beauty Product of the Week: Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

What is it? Boscia's Luminizing Black Mask is, "A groundbreaking, mineral-rich "peel-off" mask that delivers powerful detoxifying, purifying, and brightening effects. This innovative treatment dramatically improves skin clarity, radiance, and texture. The unique peel-off action offers gratifying physical exfoliation—as you peel, you actively remove dirt, toxins, and dead skin layers. Exceptional deep-cleansing and exfoliation draw out impurities, bacteria, and excess oil, refining and minimizing pores. Recover smooth, even skintone as pre-existing melanin levels diminish, fading the appearance of dark spots. Inflammation, roughness, lines, and wrinkles fade, revealing younger-looking skin.

Formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, etc.

Contains powerful antioxidants that help prevent free-radical damage and work to counter lines, wrinkles, dryness, and dullness.

This product delivers best results when applied generously. Smooth on to create a dark black base on your skin and wait until completely dry before removing. Keep the product at least one inch from eyes." Available at Sephora for $34.

What did you think? The first and most important thing to know about this mask is that you have to put a THICK layer on for it to work properly.  You also have to be careful NOT to get it in your hair or anywhere near your eyes.  When I've used this, it initially makes my eyes burn.  I think it's the witch hazel.  Anyway, this burning is not strong and doesn't last long.  It makes my skin tingle and feel clean.  It doesn't feel unpleasant as it dries--some masks flake, feel hot, or tighten up as they set.  This one doesn't. You just leave it on 20 minutes or so and then peel when it's ready.

Peeling off a mask is so much fun!  I love the way that feels, and though it can be tricky to get this mask going, peeling it off is satisfying.  As I said, it leaves my skin feeling smooth, evened out, and cleansed.  I do find this mask to be messy, and I don't like needing to put so much on.  Oh well!

The final verdict?  I'm on the fence with this one.  While I did find it messy, I also liked the feeling of pulling the mask off.  My skin felt good after, but I am not entirely sure if was more luminous or not!

Beauty Product of the Week: Naked Palette

What is it? Urban Decay's new Naked Palette, "features 12 eyeshadows that have a distinctly Urban look, yet work for everyone. These neutrals won't leave you naked. THIS is how Urban Decay does neutral: Far from boring, the Naked Palette includes 5 new shades (with names like Buck, Darkhorse, and Virgin) in addition to seven of the brand's most addictive best-selling eyeshadows. This is a shadow palette that everyone will want, everyone can use, and everyone will buy. Experiment with office-appropriate neutrals, summertime bronzy looks, or sultry smokiness (achieve golden, brownie, or grey-hued shade combos). Plus, you get an exclusive double-ended version of the award-winning 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero (black) and Whisky (a warm brown shade without sparkle) and a mini genie bottle of Eyeshadow Primer Potion. With all this at your fingertips you'll hardly need clothes at all."  Available at Ulta and Sephora for $44.

What did you think?  I picked up this palette after hearing way too much buzz about it...surprising since I'm not usually one to give into hype.  Also surprising because I am not the world's #1 fan of Urban Decay--I find their eyeshadows to be a bit too sparkly for me as a rule.  But this palette?  OMFG!  I love  it!

I wear neutral eyeshadows almost every day, so I love having so many options to pick from.  I also like that UD didn't include a winky-dink brush with the palette and instead threw in a double-ended eyeliner that, quite frankly, rocks.  Also nice is the added bottle of primer, a product I rarely use but one that's good to have on hand.

The final verdict?  Love it!  I love that there are so many colors to play with...and that UD included several non-glittery shades that are, as they mentioned, work appropriate.  I'm glad I gave into the hype and picked up this palette.  Give it a try for yourself!

Beauty Product of the Week: Glycolic Peel Kit

What is it?  Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffery Dover's Glycolic Peel Kit, "Instantly reveals younger looking skin with each use; stimulates long-term skin renewal.  Your skin will immediately feel smoother and have a healthy glow. Over time, you will see fine lines, wrinkles and pores diminish. The first step stimulates exfoliation and renewal of your skin. The Glycolic Pads are ideally complemented by the Soothing Pads used in the second step of this regimen. I believe in creating skin care products that deliver the results you want - healthy, younger-looking, more beautiful skin. This product delivers both instant and long-term results. Immediately, skin appears more radiant and feels smoother. Over time, the exfoliation action will diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while making pores less apparent. Improves overall texture of skin; skin will feel softer and smoother; decreases appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; visibly diminishes pores. Skin effects does not test on animals."  Available at CVS for $24.99.


What did you think?  The Glycolic Peel Kit contains 30 glycolic pads and 30 soothing pads.  These pads look a lot like Oxy pad and are a piece of cake to apply.  I like that you just wipe them over your skin, rather than having to layer on a mask or slather on some sort of goopy cream.  This kit is efficient and easy when it comes to application. 

Here are the good points:

• The product is a snap to use
• It has a pleasant scent
• It leaves skin feeling more even
• It left me with a natural glow

Now here are my concerns:

• Like other glycolic peels, you have to be careful with sun exposure when using this product.  I use a moisturizer and foundation with SPF and I'm rarely out in the sun, but this could be a problem for some people.
• I worry about how people with sensitive skin would do with this product.  I felt my skin tighten up and sting a bit when I used the wipes--I think that others might end up with some redness and discomfort, but this is only my opinion.
• The containers for the glycolic pads and the soothing pads are basically identical.  To avoid any mis-application, I think they should redesign the containers and make them different colors so no one gets confused.

The final verdict? This product made my skin glow underneath my foundation.  It also felt smoother--more even.  I haven't used it long enough to get the long-term effects promised (diminished lines/wrinkles, smaller pores).  I say: for the ease of use and results, give it a try.  However, if you have sensitive skin or are out in the sun a lot, proceed with caution!

Beauty Product of the Week: Color Sensational Lipstick

What is it? Maybelline's Color Sensational Lipstick promises to let you "fall in love with color, all over again with crisper color from pure pigments, creamier feel from nourishing honey nectar, lipcolor so rich, so stunning… it’s sensational." Available in 48 shades at drug stores and big box stores for about $5.50.


What did you think? I haven't worn an actual lipstick in ages.  I've been wearing lipgloss almost exclusively all year long, specifically Clinique's Black Honey Almost Lipgloss.  I seem to prefer a lightweight, slicker feel on my lips.  However, I wanted to try out something heavier recently and picked up a tube of Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Cinnamon Stick.

I love the color I get from this product.  It's rich and deep and darn near perfect.  The lipstick itself seems a bit heavier and dryer than other lipsticks I've worn in the past.  I think my favorite drugstore lipstick is from Revlon, but it's been years since I actually picked up a tube.


Here's what I like about the Maybelline Color Sensational line:

• There are tons of colors to pick from
• It's not a long wearing lipstick (I hate lip products designed to be worn all day--they get really dry and icky!)
• It doesn't have a distracting taste/scent
• It seems to last a good long time

Now here's what I'm not crazy about:

• It seems a bit dull (as in lacking in shine), but I suspect I feel this way because I am used to gloss.  A quick coat of clear gloss could fix this.
• It feels heavy and seems to settle into the lines of my lips more than I'd like.

The final verdict? Overall, I think the good outweighs the bad.  For the price, you can't beat it.  I say give it a try if you're in the market for a real lipstick.

Beauty Product of the Week: The Falsies

What is it? Maybelline's Volum'Express The Falsies mascara provides, "false lash glam in a tube, instantly! The Falsies Mascara delivers a false lash look, giving you a full set of voluminous, bold, fanned-out lashes and the appearance of no gaps from any angle. The Pro-Keratin Fiber enriched formula is designed to deliver immediate results, distributing volume and visible intensity to your lashes. The spoon-shaped brush helps fan lashes out. The Falsies Mascara is designed to give the appearance of no gaps and spaces. In a wink, lashes you didn’t even know you had look visibly thickened!"  Available at drug stores and big box stores for about $7.50 or less.

What did you think? I don't know about you, but I find mascara ads to be very, very misleading.  They show women with layers and layers of false lashes and claim that their mascara will provide similar results.  We all know it's a pack of lies, but we all fall for it.

Maybelline's The Falsies mascara promises to give you fake lash results without the need for you know, fake lashes.  The applicator is very flexible and is easy to use. You can work the mascara into the inner and outer most lashes without too much effort.

With The Falsies, my lashes looked more defined than normal...and very dark, thanks to the fact that I bought Blackest Black (that sounds like a Danzig song, but whatever!).  I did not have any trouble with clumping (a huge plus!) and I found that The Falsies added length while thickening my lashes. One minor annoyance: this mascara seems to go on thick and wet.  It seemed to take a few seconds to dry, but I've never had it smudge while I was waiting for it to set.

I don't think I got "fake lash" results, but I did like the overall look of my lashes with The Falsies.

The final verdict?  The price is right and the mascara does a decent job at lengthening and thickening lashes.  It's not the best mascara I've ever tried, but it sure is far from the worst.  Not quite a ringing endorsement, but still--it's a perfectly adequate product and I'd consider purchasing this again.

Beauty Product of the Week: Voluminous Mascara

What is it? L'Oreal's Voluminous Original Mascara "is uniquely formulate to build lashes five times their natural thickness for a full and dramatic lash-look. Patented Volume-Maximizing brush thickens lashes evenly and smoothly, leaving them soft with virtually no flakes, smudges, or clumps." Available in black, brown, soft black, and blackest black wherever L'Oreal products are sold for less than $8.00.

What did you think? I rarely buy L'Oreal makeup products, but thought I'd give them a try. This mascara is one of their best selling products, so I thought I'd take it out for a test drive. To me, this mascara is nothing special. The brush doesn't seem to be anything new, and the formula is also ho-hum. It seemed to lengthen my lashes more than it thickened them, so I was somewhat disappointed with the "volumizing" aspects.

That said, it did a nice job of defining my lash line and making my lashes stand out. You need to be careful when you apply the product because I did get a few clumps when I first put it on.

The final verdict? I'd say this is an average product. It will give you decent lashes, but it doesn't rock my world. It's adequate, it's functional, it's affordable, so I can see why this is such a popular product. If it's on sale and you need mascara, I'd give it a try--just be careful to avoid clumps and flakes!

Beauty Product of the Week: Dry Shampoo

What is it? Jonathan's Green Routine Dry Shampoo is "an all-natural hair powder that cleanses and refreshes the hair and scalp without the use of water. The powder helps create volume at the root, and the portable brush makes application simple and convenient. Talc and aluminum hydroxide help to absorb oil, dirt, and product buildup. It's free of petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and silicone." Available in dark, light (and coming soon, black) shades for less than $20 from QVC.

What did you think? I received a sample of this product and have given it a try. Let me first post a disclaimer: I commit a terrible hair sin--I wash my hair every day. I tried this product a few times, after working out and getting my hair soaked with sweat (I blew it dry and then applied the dry shampoo).

Here's the good: I like the packaging of this product. It has a built-in brush to make applying the powder easy. It's small and spill-proof so you could easily toss it in your purse, overnight bag, or gym bag. The product is relatively simple to use and apply. And, like all of Jonathan's stuff, it's not tested on animals and is 100% vegan.

And the not so good: I just didn't see any vast improvements in the texture of my hair. I had a few splotches of light-colored powder that I had to brush through, but my scalp and roots still seemed a bit greasy. Maybe I should have used more product? I don't know...I was a bit nervous to over do it!

The final verdict? For me, I'd say this product is a pass. As I said, I'm in the horrible habit of washing my hair daily and really can't stand the way my hair and scalp feel when I miss a day.
I know that other people swear by dry shampoos and can get them to work. I'd rather just hop in the shower and get my lather on. We're all different! If you're not a daily shampoo-er or if you like dry shampoos, I'd recommend you give this one a try.

Beauty Product of the Week: Activated Thermal Mud

What is it? Caviahue's Thermal Mud will help "diminish the signs of aging now! Caviahue Thermal Mud is one of the most unique skin care products and deep cleansing facial masks in the world. One of its main ingredients is the thermal waters that flow from the inside of a volcano and are charged with the right minerals and oxygenated properties that purify the skin, leaving it smoother, softer and beautiful. You will feel a natural lifting of your facial and neck skin when you use the thermal mud regularly and as instructed.

• Helps diminish the signs of aging
• Deeply cleans and purifies
• Unclogs pores and allows your skin to breathe
• Provides the balanced blend of minerals from Caviahue thermal water and Caviahue volcanic clay
• Leaves the skin smoother, softer and absolutely beautiful"

Available online for $74.90

What did you think? I haven't used a mud mask in ages, and spending almost $80 for a skin care product is a steep investment. This mud mask is so nice! It's very dark--almost gray/black--and has a surprisingly un-muddy, pleasant scent. It's easy to apply and you don't have to use tons to get a good layer of the stuff on your skin.

The mud mask comes with a sponge to help remove the product after a 15 minute wait. The sponge helps provide some exfoliation, and it left my face feeling very soft and very clean.

The final verdict? This mask is a treat to use! I know it's spendy, but you get a lot of product, so it will be sure to last. I've made this product part of my weekly skin care routine, and just love how refreshed it makes my skin feel.

Sorry for the small image!

Beauty Product of the Week: Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

What is it? Philosophy's Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash is "A mild, exfoliating facial cleanser. Designed to effectively cleanse the skin while providing resurfacing benefits. Gentle enough to use daily, this unique formula is sulfate-free and formulated with ingredients designed to replenish and protect the skin with topical antioxidants as it helps condition the skin and retain its moisture level." Available at department stores and Sephora for $25-$37.

What did you think? I love Philosophy's Purity Made Simple. It's the perfect face wash since it's both gentle and effective at removing dirt. I bought my mother a skincare kit from Philosophy recently, and the Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash was included for her to use in the morning. That piqued my interest.

I've been looking for something that I could use daily to gently exfoliate my skin. I didn't want anything that would be too harsh, so I knew Philosophy would be a safe bet. I keep this product in my shower and have been using it daily on my face, neck and chest. It is non-abrasive, but I can feel it working when I use it. It leave my skin feeling smooth and looking good.

The final verdict? I love this product and am certain that I'll become a regular user. This product is effective for all skin types (even sensitive skin) and it does an excellent job of smoothing skin while cleansing. It's a winner!

Beauty Product of the Week: DiorShow Mascara

What is it? Dior's DiorShow is a "cult-followed mascara that leaves lashes ultra thick, long, and curled.DiorShow Mascara is Dior's original, must-have mascara that delivers ultra-glam, catwalk-length lashes. Makeup artists all over the world use this product to create the longest, thickest, curviest lashes ever." Available at department stores and Sephora for $24.

What did you think? This may come as a surprise, but I do not like to spend a ton of money on beauty products. I also don't buy as many beauty products as you might think. However, there are times when I like to splurge and get something expensive and wonderful for myself...and when those times come, I tend to gravitate towards certain brands. Dior is one of those brands.

This is not a surprise to regular Kiss and Makeup readers, but I love, love, love mascara. It's my absolute favorite beauty product. A good mascara can make your lashes longer, thicker, and can accentuate the shape of your eye. I've used a million different brands--from the super cheap to the super expensive--and I must say: DiorShow has a spot in my top five all time mascaras.

DiorShow has a nice, fat brush that makes lashes thicker and longer with only one swipe. I use black mascara which makes my lashes super dark and really makes my eyes pop. Using a good eyelash curler and a decent eyelash comb along with DiorShow results in my eyes looking bigger. My lashes look made up, but not over done. And when it comes to mascara, there's a fine line between looking "done" and looking "over done."

The final verdict? $24 is a lot to spend on mascara, but I don't regret this purchase. DiorShow is a pleasure to use and it gives me the results I want. If you want to pamper yourself with a higher-end product, check this one out!