merry merry

My family isn't much for Christmas celebrations, but it's nearly impossible not to feel even a little holiday spirit. The lights, the retail buzz, the cocktails. The sparkle!

I am officially in love with Sephora by OPI's Only Gold For Me topcoat. I wandered into Sephora two days ago, swiped this over my Forever Young lacquered pointer finger, and couldn't stop stupidly grinning every time I looked at my hand. It's grown-up glitter...a combination of tiny specks and large, geometrical pieces. The consistency is gel-like, and can be a bit tricky to get on, but it's worth it. I swiped two layers over Essie Wicked (with a coat of Essie's 3-way glaze on top to seal it all in) for a moody, yet festive look. After NYE, I plan to try this over a nude polish for a toned-down, glam look.

Happy Holidays!!!

review: Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser

Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser

Retail: $18 for 6 oz.
Review: Cleans thoroughly without leaving that tight, super dry feeling. Good for sensitive skin.

During my freshman year of college, a girl lived on my hall who I was envious of. I've mentioned before that it took years for my skin to finally become clear, and when I started college, my skin was a blotchy mess. She, on the other hand, had glowy, porcelain skin (along with exceptionally shiny long red hair). I remember scoffing at her great genetics when I checked out the contents of her bath caddy in the communal bathrooms - every night she'd use St. Ives Apricot Scrub (back then it came in a tub) and a generic Witch Hazel for toner. Surely these products weren't solely responsible for her crystal clear face?

Fast forward to 2010, and I find myself hunting for a new face cleanser. I had picked up an Origins cleanser for free but suspected that it wasn't cleaning well and also clogging pores. I was also interested in finding a more natural cleanser, and one that lacked too many sulfates that could irritate my sensitive skin. A quick search on Sephora's site led me to the Jack Black cleanser. Husband had used the shave cream in the past, so I was familiar with the line, and the reviews included many women who were really happy with the product. It's described as a 2-in-1, serving as a cleanser and toner (this is where the witch hazel ingredient comes in), and is made of mostly natural ingredients.

The cleanser has a milky texture to it, and produces a light lather. The instructions advise using a nickel-size amount, but I found a dime size works for me. There is a faint smell that isn't really herbal or soapy, just 'clean.' My face was left feeling clean and refreshed (even on days when I wore some makeup), but not tight in the least bit. Other cleansers that claim to be moisturizing seem to leave a film on my face, but Jack Black manages to be effective and gentle (the elusive combination, probably due to the witch hazel!). My face appeared almost glowy and radiant after washing, and any 'damage' done by the Origins cleanser has been reversed in just a few weeks.

I'm still keeping my other cleansers in the rotation (Aveeno's Ultra Calming Cream Cleanser for mornings before the gym, and Philosophy's Purity Made Simple for use with the Clarisonic or when I put on heavier makeup), but this is a great everyday choice. At $18, it's a bit spendy, but the 6oz. will probably last a while. Highly recommended!

love this stuff

The brew and the polish. The drink is Reed's Original Ginger Brew. The polish is Essie's Turquoise & Caicos. Obsessed with both.

Essie Mambo = the perfect nude

I finally found it. The perfect nude polish that doesn't look ashy or pasty or ghostly against my tan skin. Two coats was all I needed for good, smooth coverage. Essie's Mambo may not work on lighter skin tones, but on me it's a wonderful slightly shimmery pinky nude tone. How's that for descriptive? I'm guessing it would look great against summer tans as well. I bought it on a whim while making a return at J Crew, of all places...only to find out later that J Crew has been carrying Essie polishes since last year, and Mambo is not exclusive to the retailer. Oh well!

lessons in waxing: part 1

I've mentioned my battles with body hair before, and I think every woman goes through a failed self-waxing attempt at some point in their mid-20s. Consider it a rite of passage. You come away with either a load of wax left behind, or bleeding and bruised skin...vowing to never touch the drugstore wax again. I've been there. But, I'm here to tell you that it CAN be done, successfully, and with little pain!

I hate shaving my legs often...the hair grows back fast and thick, and my sensitive skin is prone to razor burn. I did some research, and bought some semi-professional supplies to use at home. I've been doing my lower legs with absolutely fabulous results, and plan on tackling the upper legs, underarms, and bikini line next (will report back for part 2). I hear you all shuddering, but it's really not that bad! Here is everything I picked up from my local Ricky's (you can probably find it all at Sally Beauty Supply too, or Amazon for cheap).

* Gigi Wax Warmer

You'll find this warmer in two versions - one with a simple on/off switch, and one with an adjustable temperature setting. I'd recommend spending a bit more for the adjustable setting. You can warm up the wax quickly, and then set the temperature lower so it's not too hot (but just hot enough to stay melted and usable). It's fairly compact too...mine is stored in its box underneath the bathroom sink. The Gigi warmers can also be used with other brands of wax...I think the containers must be around 14 oz. to properly fit.

* Wax Clean Collars

You MUST use these when using any type of wax warmer. Waxing is a messy business, regardless of how careful you are with the application. These collars ensure that no wax will drip on your warmer, and also provide a little ledge to rest the applicator on. One package will last forever too.

* Wax

I read a ton of reviews before choosing a wax. First things first, most of the negative reviews are from people complaining about how 'messy' the wax was. ANY wax will be messy, so you should just ignore these. Yes, they are messy, and yes, they can be difficult to remove from the skin. But, if you do it properly and carefully, you can minimize the mess and make cleanup fairly easy. Anyway, the most helpful reviews talked about how well the wax actually worked to remove hair on various body parts. Having had bad experiences with the 'honey-type' of soft waxes (these are often referred to as 'honey,' 'all-natural,' 'sugar-based,' etc.), I went with a creme wax, because I've read it's best for sensitive skin. These will appear opaque (rather than translucent). The Gigi Tea Tree Creme Wax is wonderful for most of my body hair. It removes hair easily, doesn't stick to the skin much, and any leftover wax comes up easily with extra muslin or cloth strips.

* Applicators

These are basically tongue depressors, packaged nicely and marked up slightly. Flat, wood, rounded edges...they'll all do the job. I swiped some of my mom's tongue depressors from their medicine cabinet and they work just fine.

* Strips

I've used muslin and the paper-cloth ones (more rigid than muslin). I think both are fine, although I slightly prefer the latter. They are slightly easier to remove quickly. Also, when using muslin, the fibers come off the ends and get all over the place. I think some waxes work better with certain cloths, so double check the wax container to know for sure. Both types of strips are fairly cheap, and are more economical when you cut them for size.

EXTRAS!

*No Scream Cream
I haven't used this cream, but I have friends that swear by it for brazilians. I've used numbing creams for laser hair treatments, and it really works. One small tube is pretty expensive, so you may want to save this for the bikini area and underarms.

* Pre-epilation Oil
Reviewers who used hard wax for the bikini area claim this oil really helps lower the pain. It's supposed to work in the same way that powder does - helping the wax stick only to hair and not skin. Will report back once I try it out...

* Wax Remover
You'll most definitely need to use something post-wax to remove the stickies. After early waxing sessions, I would just rub olive oil over my legs. There are a few wax remover lotions available (here, here, here, here), but they seem to work similarly to oil - you still need to scrape around to really loosen the wax from skin. I've recently bought a big bottle of baby oil to use, rather than dumping perfectly good olive oil over my legs.

You're probably wondering if all these products are worth it. Why not just go with the microwaveable type? First of all, having to microwave the container every few minutes is a pain. It was a pain for me living in a one bedroom apartment, with the bathroom about 15 feet away from the kitchen, so imagine how it would be if you lived in a house. It's also messy. It's nearly impossible not to get wax all over those small little containers! Finally, I think the quality of product is better than the microwaveable versions. It removes the hair better, with less pain, and the product stays smooth and even until you hit the end of the container. I will say, though, that drugstore brands can be great option when you're trying to find the best wax for your skin and hair type. The kits have everything you need for a few waxes. If you do want to try a drugstore kit before committing to the whole set above, I'd recommend the Sally Hansen All-Over Body Wax Hair Removal Kit. The wax is a creme wax, and it removes even the most stubborn hair with little leftover wax on the skin. It's also fairly easy to get rid of with a wax remover. Whatever you do, do not even think about Nads or any of those pre-waxed strips (they don't work and tear skin). Look out for my step-by-step and tips in Part 2!

wishlist for reals

Ok so I put out my long-term lust list. The items that, whenever they are acquired, will hold a treasured and permanent place in my home. That's all fine and good to drool over every so often, but I still have a more realistic wishlist of items I hope to pick up this year!

Lululemon Gear

I've bought workout clothing everywhere from Target to Old Navy to Nike. Most of it hasn't fared so well through countless washes and wearings. I think this is the year I step it up and invest in some Lululemon. I'm intrigued by the patented Luon material that wicks away moisture and holds in all the lumps and bumps. In particular, I've got my eye on the famous Groove pant for it's booty-flattering quality, the cropped Run pants for their mesh paneling behind the knees (perfect for spin class), a moisture-wicking jacket to wear to/from gym, Rock Out shorts for their not-so-short inseam (also great for spin in the summer), and various tanks that I swear have looked great on every girl I've seen. If the eastern seaboard doesn't get out of this deep freeze anytime soon, I might also go and pick up some thermal-lined running leggings I saw a while back in store.

Items in this set: lululemon - Tracker Jacket, $98 lululemon - Groove Pant*R, $98 lululemon - Competition Jacket, $138 lululemon - Run:Kozy Tech Tights, $98 lululemon - Run:Empower Crop II, $86

American Apparel / Alternative Apparel tees

I lived in these last spring/summer. Paired with skinnies, a long cardi, flats, a statement necklace or fun earrings, and a high messy bun...it was my go-to uniform. I've gotten rid of most of my more fitted tops that hug the stomach, preferring flattering drapes and looser styles. These tees are perfect for that - body skimming yet not too tight. Although I'm partial to American Apparel's Tri-Blend deep-v tees, their marketing campaigns and photos creep me out more and more. Alternative Apparel's Burnout tees are fast becoming a celeb staple, and I love the unique texture and look of the fabric. The one thing holding me back is price - while you can find Am.App. pretty easily and on the cheap via ebay, Alt.App. prices have slowly been creeping up and they aren't as ubiquitous.

Superga Sneakers

I still remember my first J Crew purchase. It was from the catalog, in the days when they included the order forms that you could mail in. I filled out the information as neatly as I could, and begged my parents to call in the order. About 2 weeks later, they were at our doorstep. A supercool, superbasic pair of sneakers. White and canvas, they were a preppier look than my Chucks, but still comfy and cool. J Crew stopped making these sneaks ages ago, but the Superga ones are a pretty close match. I'm not sure which preceded which. All I know is that I lived in those JC shoes until they fell apart. I'm eyeing the Supergas in a neutral goes-with-everything taupe (maybe even black or navy...oh so daring am I!), although the red or cobalt are so fun and different.

Items in this set: Superga 2750 Classic (Unisex), $69 Superga 2750 Classic (Women's), $65 Superga 2750 Classic (Unisex), $69 Superga Portofino (Women's), $70 Superga 2750 Classic (Unisex), $69

Long Gray Cardigan

Like I said, I lived in long cardis throughout spring and summer. I need the perfect long gray cardi...not too light, but not to charcoal. This one from J Crew has the right idea, but is a bit too dark and not heathered. The hunt continues...

J Crew Featherweight Cashmere Forever Cardigan ($228)

Twistbands

An item I'm intrigued about. I've seen a few girls with them at the gym, and they seem like such a great alternative to elastics that tear hair. I always get a headache when I'm wearing headbands (possibly due to my larger than average head...trust me, it's a problem), and also when I wear high ponies all day. I actually love the tie-dye version, but might start off with a neutral set. They're no more than $15 for some simple sets, making them an affordable addition to the wishlist.

Kiehls Amino Acid Shampoo

I had to shower at my gym (Equinox) earlier this week when our apartment building's heat and hot water went out. I've blogged before about the Kiehl's products at the gym, but got to fully test them out. Along with the Grapefruit Body wash (smells yummy, but a tad on the runny side), I used the Amino Acid Shampoo and Hair Conditioner & Grooming Aid. The shampoo has coconut oil in it, and smells delectable. It lathers really well and cleans wonderfully. I'm stuck to my Matrix Biolage for its heavier moisturization, but come spring/summer I'm picking up the Kiehls for sure.

Kiehls Amino Acid Shampoo ($18 for 8.4 oz.)

Laura Mercier = dead to me

Prior to our engagement photo session in Central Park, I had my makeup done at the Laura Mercier counter at Bendels. I was happy with the look, and ended up taking home 2 glosses and a concealer that matched my skin perfectly. It was a compact with 2 shades (one lighter, one darker), that I could combine to use in the summer when I was more tan, and in the winter when my skin tended to be lighter and dry.

For the last 6 months, I've been stalking every department store and Sephora for my color (Undercover-5). Most told me that I must be mistaken about the brand or the color, since Laura Mercier never made such a color. Excuse me? Last I knew, the product was available up to 6 or 7. (This was told to me at every Sephora I visited...why are their SAs the least helpful or knowledgeable product salespeople ever?)

Finally, I decided to return to Bendels - the original place of sale. As it turns out, they discontinued my color shortly after I had purchased it. Now my skin is not that dark, meaning they phased out every color beyond an olive tone! I checked out the available powders and liquid foundations, and those too are only available in lighter colors. Anyone darker than me (or me in the summertime) would be unable to use these products. This just seems crazy to me! And makes me so angry. The SA at Bendels informed me that LM will be introducing some more colors later this season, but honestly, I may not even shop the line when that happens. It's hard enough finding shades that work for me...particularly concealers (YSL Touch Eclat included here)...and in a weird way, I feel totally discriminated against. I hardly believe the market was not there for these shades, so I wonder why they pulled them. Ugh!

Happy holidays - need help?

I'm not much of an extensive gift-giver, or getter. It's not a tradition I have with many friends, and since we don't celebrate Christmas, my parents would usually just treat us to a small holiday gift (so we didn't feel left out). Still, the spirit of the holiday always gets me excited, and although the blogosphere is flooded with gift-giving guides, here are some of my ideas. The best part is they are all under $100!

Bendel's bangles
I have only been in Bendel's twice...once to pick up some Laura Mercier concealer, and once to kill time before a meeting in Central Park. I never had any intention of actually buying something, thinking the goods were too expensive. I saw these bangles on another blog (apologies, but I forget which at the moment) as a cheaper stand-in for the famed (and $$$) Cartier Love bangles. The Bendel's bangles come in a variety of colors and sizes. I personally love the petite hinged in rose gold, but you can even go with a stripe or leather look. Many of them are sold out online, but it looks like they will be restocking soon! Priced from $58-$98.

bendels bracelets

Items in this set:
Henri Bendel - Jewelry -, $88 Henri Bendel - Jewelry -, $88 Henri Bendel - Jewelry -, $88 Henri Bendel - Jewelry -, $88 Henri Bendel - Jewelry - Medium Hinged Enamel Bangle, $88

Anthro Aprons
Getting married awakened some domestic abilities in me...I love to play around in the kitchen and cook meals now! The aprons at Anthro are SO adorable and reasonably priced. They've taken their design aesthetic and produced some pretty fashionable kitchen-wear!

anthro aprons

Items in this set:
Aprons - Kitchen - Anthropologie.com, $32 Kitchen - At Home - Anthropologie.com, $32 Extra Ingredient Apron - Anthropologie.com, $38 Stockholm Floral Apron - Anthropologie.com, $28

Scarves
Now that scarves are worn year-round, except for the hottest summer days, they are a fabulous gift to give! Every store has a great variety at a number of pricepoints. I'd recommend going for a cotton or cotton-silk blend in a large size...this can be used in winter wrapped securely around the neck and chest, or in fall/spring (although I still rock the lightweight wool blends into spring).

scarves

Items in this set:
Women: Plaid blanket scarf - purple plaid, $25 Metallic Zigzag Scarf - Anthropologie.com, $58 Sheer Satin Floral Scarf, $7.80 Hand Knotted Fringe Scarf - Love Quotes, $85 Print Scarf - Alice + Olivia, $82

West Elm Diffuser
We LOVE these for adding a subtle fragrance to our bedroom and bathroom. We've tried everything from the high-end (Voluspa) to the low-end (Glade), and NOTHING freshens as well or as long as the West Elm diffusers. Plus, they look so chic out on the dresser or over the sink. I don't see them online, but I urge you to run to the nearest store and stock up.


French Press
My only experiences with french-pressed coffee were in fancy-schmancy brunch restaurants, but after some research, I decided to use our Macy's giftcard to purchase. I went with the classic 8-cup Bodum press, with a removable/replaceable beaker. Let me tell you. There is nothing better then a big, bold cup of french-pressed coffee, steaming hot straight from the press, with a splash or two of milk. On weekdays, we live for our programmable Cuisinart, but weekends are reserved for the press...makes it feel more special. The 4-cup version would be a great gift for a single person, and the new colored ones are so fun!

Bodum Chambord Press ($25 and up)

Bodum Brazil 8-cup press ($25)

Cookbooks
Another love I've acquired since getting married...cookbooks! I am always browsing them for tips or new ideas, and I love the idea of perfecting recipes that I can cook for years to come. I love Nigella Lawson's cookbooks, as well as Ina Garten's, but if you're going to go the gift-giving route, Joy of Cooking is a classic that is a must for cooks of all skill levels.

Makeup Palettes
I LOVE these and rarely purchase for myself. A set of eye, lip, and cheek colors...all designed to coordinate and flatter? Perfect and less thinking on my part. I exclusively take these along when we travel. The Sephora sets are especially cheap, with fun, bright colors...perfect for a college-age girl (college girls love to play with makeup!) I especially LOVE the Nars sets...perhaps my holiday fairy will be kind to me this year!

makeup palettes

Items in this set:
LORAC Double Booked Full Face Collection ($350 Value) Double Booked..., $55 NARS Everlasting Love 15 Year Anniversary Palette ($87 Value)..., $75 NARS Wild At Heart 15 Year Anniversary Palette ($87 Value) Wild At..., $75 Too Faced Glamour Revolution ($100 Value) Glamour Revolution, $40 Sephora Brand Glamorous 360 Deluxe Palette ($130 Value) Glamorous 360..., $36

Reusable Shopping bags
I get a ton of use from various canvas shopping bags. Living in NYC, you get used to doing a small amount of grocery shopping at one time, and carrying shoulder bags full of groceries is WAY easier than carrying several full paper bags in hand (especially in the cold). Even when I was driving and lived in a city, canvas bags were invaluable for transporting stuff to/from my car and apartment. Best of all, you can toss them into the washing machine whenever.

My favorite is the FEED bag, which I purchased from Whole Foods. It folds up to a super small size that fits in any medium purse. I've even used these when retail shopping to avoid those clunky shopping bags.

FEED bag from Whole Foods

Etsy is a fab place to pick up a one-of-a-kind tote. Just search under 'reusable bags' or 'canvas tote' to find over 300 pages worth of options.

Source

Source

worst news ever

It's finally happened to me. A beloved beauty product I found and was willing to buy forever...is being discontinued. My Nars Powder Foundation! So sad!
I had been on the Sephora.com waiting list for my color (Sahara - perfect match), when I received an email saying they would not restock due to the product being discontinued. I've emailed Nars for confirmation and am awaiting a response.

This powder had the perfect amount of coverage, never made me breakout, and kept me oil-free and never flaky. It was perfect. I'm pretty much buying out the remaining stock from every e-tailer I can...

Updates!

I rarely do updates on past posts, but am always thinking of edits or info I'd like to add. Let's give it a whirl, shall we?

Diet & Exercise

Update from 6/30/09: So we stopped the Apple Cider Vinegar thing...largely because even after choking down the diluted ACV we saw no changes whatsoever. I also did more research and found some pretty decent evidence that the effects of an ACV diet are negligible to harmful. I still have a little left, and it's actually kind of yummy in apple juice (tastes like a tart apple), but will definitely not purchase a bottle again.

Update from 7/20/09: On the other hand, our Green Monster routine stuck. We love them! Our base is always spinach, frozen bananas, and milk. We also usually add chia seeds. As for supplements, we've swapped out the protein powder (reviews to come) for Amazing Grass' Amazing Meal. We've tried various frozen fruit additions (Whole Foods has a good selection of frozen fruit), and decided that strawberries are def the way to go.

To ensure Husband gets enough protein to keep him satisfied until lunch, I've started making protein pancakes! They are so easy to make. For one pancake I start by mixing egg white from one large egg and 1/4 cup oatmeal. The next 1/4 cup can be any number of things...I've used pumpkin puree, mashed banana, applesauce, and a mix of carob chips and nuts. Finish it off with 1 scoop of your chosen protein powder. Mix well, drop onto a frying pan (on medium-high heat) with about 2 T hot olive oil, and cook for maybe 3 minutes on each side.

Update from 7/30/09: Good news and bad news on the workout front. I gave up kettlebells. I truly did love the twice-weekly workouts. But, my amazing instructor left and they canceled one of the classes. I was also developing some knee and back pain...the combination of high impact moves with occasional running was doing a number on me. I thought this was a great opportunity to branch out and try some new classes. And...I'm now obsessed with spinning! Something I NEVER thought I could get into (after one sad attempt at 30 minutes on a stationary bike followed by a week's worth of sore quads). I'm even looking at special cycling shoes! Stay tuned...

Beauty

Update from 8/26/09: As much as I loved the Aveeno Hair Minimizing lotion, it just doesn't stand up to the central heating in my apartment building. I'd forgotten how incredibly dry, flaky and itchy my skin gets when the outside temp drops. Going back to my tried and true Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Butter lotion until next spring/summer.

Update from 10/9/09: Again, another beauty product bites the dust come winter. The Boscia eye treatment is wonderful, but it just doesn't provide enough moisture for my skin right now. I wake up to flaky and super dry skin, and that red, raw look has slowly returned. The hunt for an eye cream continues...hearing good things about Origins so that may be my next try.

Fashion

Update from 10/10/09: So many updates here! Well first, I decided against getting a cape. I checked the Anthro one out, and it was actually a greenish taupe color (not the oatmeal I saw on the website). Also, I decided it just wasn't practical for me. I get cold, I need sleeves. Incomplete arm coverage will only do it for me when it's maybe 55-60 degrees. Any warmer, I grab a hoodie or light sweater...any cooler, I need a real coat. The good news is that I picked up a great leather jacket (love it even more than the Vince one pictured)...it's the perfect transition piece and I've already worked it into so many outfits.

I did manage to locate the Anthro Bull's Eye dress, which sold out in my size online...and no thanks AT ALL to the sales associates at the 16th and 5th Ave location (filled out my info for a charge send and they forgot all about it...never heard from them again, UGH). Will def post a review once it arrives!

Finally, I'm totally SOL with regard to the JCrew chambray shirt (sold out online and seemingly in every store), so I can only hope it'll show up at a factory outlet someday. Ditto with the green Anthro purse. It went on sale, was still too much for me, and it disappeared online and in-store. *shrugs* I guess they weren't meant to be.

Finally, the Anthro Cross Your T strappy shoes! They sold out quickly on the website. But thanks to Kim over at Anthroholic, I found out that they are not exclusive to Anthro! I'm watching out for a coupon code or sale on the Seychelles Vaudeville heels!

Dog/Pet

Update from 6/30/09: Our fur baby is almost 9 months old now! And quite the traveled citygoer. He's been on the subway, in various cars, and even on a flight to Miami with us! In each case, he has been a calm little guy - mostly sleeping or being curious. On the subway, we always carry him in a bag and no one seems to care or pay attention. This makes the original linked story pretty curious for me. Maybe her pug was in an open-top bag? And maybe she just got super upset about it and was belligerent with the police? If it were me, I would have exited at the next stop, tended to my pup, and hailed a cab. Well actually, I would have taken a cab to begin with. Anyway, it's the last time I comment on a random story with incomplete facts!

Update from 8/31/09: We finally got Griff some pet insurance - settling on Trupanion. I think we pay around a $40 premium per month with no deductible. Since then, we've had 2 medical issues with him, so thank goodness we finally settled on a package. Will update once we complete the claims.

what I'm loving now: Kiehl's

Lately I have been loving Kiehl's products! The original store, which happens to be the flagship (store #0001 on the receipts) is just 5 blocks from our apartment, and I find myself there often. Our gym (Equinox) has also started carrying Kiehl's products in the locker rooms...allowing me to test products I wouldn't normally try out.

I know Kiehl's products can be expensive and hard to find in certain locations. But several of them are really great, and a nice indulgence every now and then. They are also SUPER generous with samples, which is refreshing. Here is a quick rundown of the products we are loving:

Creme de Corps body lotion
The cult classic. We first fell in love with the SPF-containing version on our honeymoon. It was perfect for soothing sun-kissed skin, and the smell is to-die-for. Whenever I feel like being transported back to vacation memories, I use this. I also slather this over my face after tough workouts (yes, really!). I've found that it's perfect this time of year, when my skin tends to get super dry and flaky. After a workout, my skin is flushed and pores are open...this sinks in nicely and provides a glowy look. I don't have it on for more than an hour or so (once I get home, I shower it off), and I'm sure it would wreak havoc if I tried to wear it all day, but it's a nice indulgence that feels lovely.

Scented Lip Balm - Coconut
This stuff smells fantastic...subtle and not in-your-face. The moisturization is great (not too heavy, but does not disappear like Rosebud Salve sometimes does), and it's not sticky at all. The applicator could be better (as in, there could be one), but other than that quip it's a great, everyday balm. I have one in every bag!

Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream
Your man will thank you for this. Husband was using standard shaving creams before he met me. Okay, he actually never even knew there was a world of high-end men's products before me. :) He LOVES this stuff. A little goes a long way and one tube lasts forever. It is moisturizing and provides great protection from the blade (although he complains that it is slow to rinse away unless using super hot water). I stocked up from Hautelook a while back for half price, but even at full price, this is really worth the investment (particularly if your man has to shave every day for work). Kiehl's also carries a version in a blue tube containing Camphor and Menthol, Husband found this a little drying and irritating.

Facial Fuel SPF 15
Husband walks to work every day, and frankly, he's not getting any younger. He had been using Vaseline body lotion on his face (shudders), before I purchased this product. It is lightweight, non-greasy, fairly soothing post-shave, and has sun protection. Haven't heard any complaints, so I assume this will be sticking around in the med cabinet.

Cuddly Coat Grooming Shampoo & Conditioning Rinse
Even our fur baby is pampered! Although he hates baths (he acts as if he is dying in the tub), we love the Kiehl's products for him. The shampoo cleans well and smells wonderful. It rinses away quickly and completely, and leaves his fur super soft and fluffy. We haven't tried the conditioner yet, since his fur hasn't been too long, but plan to this weekend.

Spray-n-Play Cleansing Spritz
All dog parents can thank me later for this...one of the best concotions we've used. Since Griff hates baths, we don't give them often. To extend the time he can go before he gets a little too stinky, this spray has been a godsend. Just spray liberally, rub in it well (Griff seems to love this), and wipe with a towel. It wipes away cleanly, and leaves no residue. I have also used this to clean his paws after a walk in the rain, or his face after he eats.

review: MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator

MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator
Retail: $19.50 for 3.4 oz.
Review: Did nothing but dry out and irritate my skin. Exfoliation is minimal at best. Expensive for the quality.

I'm a sucker for anything limited edition. I couldn't give a hoot for if something is available year-round. But products made under 'when-it's-gone-it's-gone' policies make me panic in the same way that a Gilt sale might. I must have it. Now.

I had read the hype around MAC's Volcanic Ash Exfoliator when it first came out. At the time, I was battling skin issues and didn't want to add another unknown to the mix, so I passed. When it was re-released, and the beauty blogosphere rejoiced, I headed to my nearest MAC counter and snatched it up. Differin makes regular exfoliation essential for me...St. Ives is my reliable standby product, while Boots micro-dermabrasion scrub is great for when I need a deeper and stronger scrub. But...BUT...what if the MAC scrub was better? And it sold out before I even got to try it? And I NEVER KNEW!?!?

Dramatic much? Yeah...and that's what I'd describe the hype as. This could possibly be the worst scrub I've ever used! The directions say to use a dime-sized amount all over the face and/or body every few days - applying to a damp face, working into skin for a minute or two, and gently rinsing with warm water. First off, the granules are sugar, which means that they melt away within 5 seconds of use. I need at least 20 seconds of scrubbing action to rid my skin of flakies and dullness...this didn't cut it. Secondly, the scrub began to burn my skin during use. It remained red in patched even after I moisturized. Finally, it thoroughly dried out my face...to the point that it was tight and flaky all day long!

To be fair, I do like the squeeze bottle, and the fact that it turns from jet black to grey as you use it is pretty cool (it does stain so relegate this to in-shower use only). The scent is quite nice...a nice hit of lavender that I enjoyed...but I suspect that fragrance may be one of several skin irritants. This scrub might be a better option for combination or oily skin types...many MUA reviewers praised it's acne-fighting ability...sensitive or dry skin types should stay away. As far as being a 'scrub'...I'd beg to differ...you might be better served rubbing it into skin until the granules dissolve, and then leaving it on as a mask.

review: Boscia Enlivening Amino-Age Eye Treatment

Boscia Enlivening Amino-A Eye Treatment

Retail: $38 for 0.5 oz.

Review: Doesn't irritate sensitive skin. Good moisturization. Seems to reduce puffiness with repeated use, but no difference seen on dark circles.

I had found my HG eye cream - a silky white lotion from Aura Science at Victoria's Secret. It cooled, it reduced puffiness, it brightened the eye, and never once irritated my skin. When I heard that VS was discontinuing the line, I searched through every bin in at least 10 different stores. I came up short...it seemed that other shoppers shared my love for the cream as well. When my in-store efforts failed, I hit ebay, buying up as many sample sizes as I could.

These samples, and the rest of my stash, got me through 2008. 2009 brought a totally new skin care regimen (retinol), and I needed a new eye cream. I moved through Clinique, Chanel, Kiehls, drugstore brands...all of these caused major irritation around my eyes. Itchy, flaky, red, raw skin...it was horrible! The retinol had cleared my skin, but made it uber sensitive. I read so many reviews on MUA, and did some research on skin irritants...finally settling on Boscia's Enlivening Amino-AG Eye Treatment.

This Boscia cream lacks many common skin irritants - parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and dyes, etc. The texture is similar to my beloved Aqua cream...silky and light...thicker than a gel, but thinner than a cream or heavy lotion. There is no discernible scent. The moisture level is exactly right...not too heavy and not too light. It claims to contain antioxidants and amino acids aimed at aging and reducing fine lines. I don't know about all that. Thanks to my parents' genes..fine lines are not yet an issue and dark circles are mild and rare. The cream does help reduce puffiness, which I am thankful for after every night of 2 or more glasses of wine. Best of all, it has never caused even the slightest irritation, through 2 months of nightly use.

0.5 oz. seems like a miniscule amount for a price of nearly $40. But, a little of this stuff goes a long way...especially if you only use it once a day. I wish the container was a pot style, rather than a pump, so I could ensure that every last drop was used (I know some poo poo the unsanitary nature of pots, but I wash my hands people!) Overall, it's saved the skin around my eyes, and I plan to continue purchasing! As always, I'd recommend purchasing from Sephora or a Boscia counter (if thsoe exist), to ensure hassle-free returns if necessary.

review: tweezerman products

Tweezerman Petite Manicure Set
Retail: $20
Review: Adorable little nail care set with everything you need for a quick and easy mani/pedi. Plastic case is perfectly small for travel and tools are well-made, yet incredibly easy to use. Hangnail trimmer is a godsend.

As I mentioned in this post, I have all but given up on professional manicures. However, the one thing holding me back was my cuticles, which need a trim and cleaning up every so often (despite my best attempts with the Burt's Bees cuticle balm and towel post-shower). I went to Sephora searching for a cuticle pusher, and came out with this nifty mani set. First off, the entire set was $25, while a full-size cuticle pusher is nearly $20 when purchased separately. I'd say the extra little tools and case are worth the extra $5. Second, the hangnail trimmer is proving to be quite useful as we start to enter the drier months of fall/winter. I am notorious for picking at my loose hangnails...this habit combined with my obsessive I-need-to-wash-my-hands-constantly-so-I-don't-get-your-flu-or-cold regime leaves my hands a scaly, itchy, dry mess. This trimmer will help me keep things neat, so I can avoid the urge to pick. Gross.

This set is perfect for a quick and simple at-home mani or pedi. I mainly use the cuticle pusher and nail cleaner (opposite ends of the same tool), along with my full-size metal nail file. The cuticle pusher really helps clean up the nail bed and prep it for color. Plus, the small plastic case is perfect for travel. Although I'm guessing the metal file wouldn't make it through security...my advice is to ditch the file at home and bring your own disposable file on your trips.

Tweezerman Petite Tweezer Set
Retail: $25
Review: Good value if you're after the Tweezerman brand. Tweezers are small...may be too small for some. Also, they are quite sharp...took about 2 months to wear them down even a little. Can't beat the Tweezerman lifetime warranty - a HUGE plus!

I bought this set after my cheapo Revlon tweezers were so dull, they failed to remove even the thickest hairs. Most of the regular-sized Tweezermans run at $20-$25, so when I saw these slightly smaller tools at a two-for-one price, I caved. It is nice to have the separate tip options...the pointy tip can remove even the smallest, most stubborn hair, while the slant tip is a classic option for everyday grooming. The tools are small...this doesn't bother me since I usually hold the tweezers close to the ends during use...but I'm guessing that those used to standard-size tweezers might find them difficult. Also, they are incredibly sharp at first. Nearly every time I used them for the first 2 months, I'd end up ripping out some skin along with eyebrow hairs. Not good and ouch. They finally seem to be softening up at the edges, but I still think I need a ginger touch for a few months more. Overall, I'm super pleased with these, and think my sentiments are summed up best by the following review from the Sephora website: "So glad I found Tweezerman and I love the pink color. FINALLY, I can pluck with abandon! :-)"

nailing it

Looking back at S in high school, you would never guess that this former sporty and nerdy tomboy would later count a shoebox full of nail polish among her most prized possessions. No kidding. My first manicure was for my senior prom...I, the naive and weak beauty virgin, was somehow talked into getting tips (my nails needed a full year to recover after that debacle). Hey, it was a high school prom in Jersey, what can I say! I think the manicure featured large french white tips, accented with a gold stripe, and a single crystal on my ring finger nail. Quelle horreur!

Fast forward to college. Living on an all-girls hall - and then a sorority house - helped me get in touch with my girly side. Always the artist, nail polish was a fun and simple way to spice things up. Every week, I would painstakingly wield an orange stick around my cuticles, inevitably make a mess on said cuticles with polish, walk around like a bear about to attack waiting for nails to dry, and get ready for the weekend's festivities. The sacred box of polish made me everyone's friend. Sure, I've got a polish to match your gold pleather pants for that date party! And 5 shades of red for every skin tone.

Somewhere along the way, I got lazy and stopped caring...probably initiated with a bad move during which my father shook the box at me yelling 'Do you REALLY need this???' My personal style probably changed as well (not that I was ever the flashy type) to much more simple and low-maintenance. Nails were kept bare, short and neatly filed...toes were naked in winter but enjoyed a pedicure every 2-3 weeks during the summer.

Nowadays, professional manicures are saved for occasions (weddings, family gatherings, etc.) In fact, the last time I went, the technician merely pushed my cuticles back, quickly filed my already short nails, and polished. $8 is a small price to pay for lovely, perfect nails walking out of the salon, but for everyday randomness, I can totally do that myself! [Emily over at cupcakesandcashmere has a great mini-tutorial on the perfect home mani.]

My supply box has been whittled down to a small makeup bag, filled with tools and a few signature polishes:

1) Revlon nail clipper & nail file: I'm always losing the paper files...if not lost, then they fall apart on me. This nail file will last forever and I can sterilize it regularly with an alcohol wipedown. It also doesn't make my nails split like paper files do.

2) Cuticle Oil: If you want to make like the professionals, a swipe of cuticle oil across each nailbed and a quick soak in warm water will do it. It greatly facilitates the task of pushing back cuticles into a clean, rounded shape (using a towel out of the shower is great too).

3) Burts Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream: This has saved my nails and I sing its praises nightly. I massage it into my nails just before bed...no more hangnails or bleeding cuticles in the winter! It can help extend a manicure's life and even works well on chapped or ultra-dry skin. It's a wonder product, and one container will last forever. Buy it.

4) Orly Bonder Base Coat: MUA reviewers love this stuff. It dries quickly and really does create a rubberized finish that polish clings too. I get far fewer chips when using this.

5) Sephora by OPI nail drying drops: This stuff is pretty amazing. After you do your base, color, and top coats, apply 1 drop to each nail. They will be dry to the touch in less than 60 seconds. Amazing. You still need to give nails some time to fully dry, but you can at least have some use of your hands shortly after a self-mani.

6) Healthy Hoof Lacquer: This stuff is like a cult, insider product. My former Russian manicurist constantly described it as 'good stuff.' It is the perfect, cheap top coat...drying shiny and strong, but quick. It's wonderful as a clear coat on it's own too. OPI's Chip Skip has worked well for me too, but Healthy Hoof is cheaper!

7) Polishes: I don't use polishes enough, so I keep just a few around:

(Clockwise)

*Sephora by OPI Metro Chic: The best replacement I've found for my beloved (and discontinued) OPI Root Beer Float. A wonderful purply mud that is subdued and perfect for fall.

*Essie Ballet Slippers: This comes out fairly light and semi-opaque on me. I like it for summer, on hands and toes.

*Essie Prima Ballerina: My go-to for special occasions. The perfect pinky-white neutral on me. Lasts forever.

*OPI Lincoln Park after Dark: Maybe others have moved on, but this is still my go-to for a dark brownish purple. A hint of sparkle increases longevity.

*Essie Wicked: Another favorite vampy purple. More matter than OPI's LPAD.

*Essie Jelly Apple: The perfect red on my skin tone. I wear this year-round...most fun in winter on toes.

*OPI Russian Navy: The most recent addition to my rotation. This comes out quite chic...love it on short, short nails in the dead of winter. It lasts forever with few chips.

Fall is perhaps my favorite time to sport polished nails. Temps drop, air gets dryer, and I find my nails stay healthy with a few coats of polish. I always feel a bit more chic with clean and pretty nails. And, there is nothing more relaxing than doing a self-mani with a glass of wine on a cold or rainy day...such a guilty pleasure!

review: hair-minimizing lotion & deodorant

Aveeno Positively Smooth Moisturizing Lotion

Retail: $8.49 (10.3 oz.)

Review: Hair regrowth is finer and slower. Hair is sparser. Greatly reduces irritation when shaving. Adequate moisturization - may be too light in winter. Expensive for the amount...only use on affected areas to get the most out of bottle.

Dove Ultimate Stay Smooth Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

Retail: $4.99 (2.6 oz.)

Review: Hair regrowth is still thick, but slower. Experience little to no irritation when shaving. Virtually invisible when applied, and keeps me dry all day!

There are very few people in this world who I hate, but I do include the fair-haired and naturally hairless in this category. My own hair is thick and dark, while my skin is ultra-sensitive. Shaving in the summer means using the thickest, most protective shave gel available, along with an ultra-calming post-shave lotion...and forget about daily hair removal (ouch). You can usually see regrowth on me by the end of the day...this dilemma has prevented me from being able to wear sleeveless tops or skirts/shorts at will. Yes, it seems trivial, but I know my dark-haired friends out there understand.

I'm probably a candidate to get some kind of refund from the American Laser Centers...in other words, laser hair removal totally failed on me. Oh, it worked fine when I was actually going through the treatments. But, the regrowth came back in its original glory as soon as I stopped visiting the clinics. (Note: ALS is a crock...visit a dermatologist if you want real results or honest feedback).

Enter these two products. I had used the Jergens hair-minimizing lotion years ago, but found it to be very irritating and saw little difference in body hair. At the time (high school, I believe), I couldn't justify the price tag to my parents, over the standard Vaseline and Lubriderm products we kept around the house. When I found out about the Aveeno lotion and Dove deodorant, I was curious...had they improved on past failed attempts? Indeed, there is some debate about how effective such products actually are...with some users defending up and down the merits of the (now discontinued) Jergens.

I'm here to tell you that the products work! Even for a stubborn-haired user like myself. I've waited a good 3 months, just to do these reviews justice. First, the Dove deodorant...I'd been a loyal buyer of Secret deodorants for years. They were the first women's brand to come out with a product that had a high concentration of sweat blockers, in a formula that was easy on the skin and virtually invisible. The Secret eventually stopped working for me...same story with the brief experiment with Lady Mitchum.

The Dove formula has a 14.8% concentration of the active ingredient, which is pretty darn high. It keeps me dry on all but the hottest, most sticky summer days. The formula is an invisible solid (although it can come off on clothing if you're not careful), while the scents are pleasant and not overpowering. As far as its effects on hair, Dove claims it will "minimize the visual appearance of hair over time" with a "Pro-Epil Complex." Within a week, I noticed that the hair regrowth had slowed considerably...I could even go 3 days without noticing any substantial growth, and confidently still wear sleeveless tops. When I did shave, I experienced none of the usual irritation, and actually got a much closer shave. I can't attest to whether it makes hair finer...mine still appears thick. But, after 3 months of daily use, I can go up to 5 days without any substantial regrowth - and THAT is amazing! One negative: if you apply more than 2-3 swipes, the formula tends to ball up on the skin. Strange, but using less is just as effective and avoids this issue.

Onto the Aveeno! I love most Aveeno body creams and lotions...they are great for sensitive skin and incredibly moisturizing and soothing. Alas, they are fairly expensive when compared to similar amounts of other drugstore brands. Aveeno is the only hair-minimizing lotion available right now that is under $10, and found in drugstores. I actually experienced more of an advertised effect with this lotion than the Dove deodorant, although it took at least 4 weeks to notice a difference. My leg hair has gotten significantly finer, and is even sparse in some areas. Shaving is a breeze...my skin is left totally smooth with little to no redness or irritation. I can go a full week before the hair becomes super noticeable again. Best of all, the lotion has never irritated my skin - even post-shave! The only downside is the cost for a relatively small bottle...I only use the lotion on my legs and arms. I also cannot find it at any drugstore in my area, having visited several Duane Reades - I ordered 2 bottles from Drugstore.com, and plan to order more. I pray they don't discontinue this product!

I'm guessing these 2 products would work even better for those with finer body hair. You must be patient to really see the full effects...reserve your judgement for at least 3-4 weeks. I'm hoping to see continued effectiveness even after 3 months!

packing 101

Picture source

We're back from a glorious, relaxing, and too-short vacation. First, we hit Texas (Dallas and College Station) to attend a wedding and visit with family. Then, it was on to Cabo San Lucas for 3 nights at Dreams Los Cabos. We spent our time relaxing on our balcony with champagne, golfing on a course sandwiched between the desert mountains and Pacific Ocean, and lounging under a beachfront palapa sipping frozen fruity drinks. But, more on that later...

The real achievement was how well we packed for the trip...ending up with one carry-on and one medium-sized checked suitcase. Although we had to pack for both Texas and Cabo, I am fairly confident that we could have packed only one suitcase (if we were just packing for 3 days in Mexico). I'm usually a chronic overpacker, but this time, I was meticulous and deliberate in my selections. I ended up using every single piece that I brought, which never happens! Below are my clothing and accessory selections, along with a few products that turned out to be surprisingly useful!

[Roughly clockwise]

1. Alternative Apparel Stevie wrap in petal (perfectly lightweight and neutral)

2. F21 scoopneck tee in cream

3. American Apparel tri-blend v-neck tee in grey

4. F21 floral sheer tunic

5. Cool Change halter dress

6. F21 ruffled magenta silk top [Substitute pictured from F21]

7. J Crew white chinos

8. J Crew favorite ribbed tanks in black & white

9. J Crew chambray shorts

10. F21 knit tank dress in teal [Substitute pictured: AA tank dress]

11. Juicy Couture terry shorts

12. F21 silk romper

13. F21 skinny jeans in dark rinse

14. Rachel Pally cropped leggings

15. 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent silk slipdress

[Roughly clockwise]

1. Target tankini

2. Juicy Couture striped halter bikini

3. Anthropologie (Eberjey) bikini

4. Long gold necklace with open rings

5. Gold filigree-style earrings [Substitute pictured: F21]

6. Gold earrings with turquoise beads [Substitute pictured: F21]

7. Gold hoop earrings [Substitute pictured: F21]

8. Lightweight cream scarf [Substitute pictured: Alice+Olivia scarf from Shopbop]

9. Turquoise-colored bracelet [Substitute pictured: F21 cuff]

10. Gold bangles [Substitute pictured: F21]

11. Havaianas bronze rubber flip flops

12. Bernardo leather pewter sandals

13. Tory Burch Ali black sandals [Substitute pictured: Tory Burch Thora patent flip flops]

As you can see, most of the items pictured can be swapped out and matched up. I wore the F21 tunic on the plane, layered over a tank and with skinny jeans...and later used it as a swim cover-up with knit shorts. The Cool Change dress worked mainly as a cover-up, but could have transitioned to a casual dinner dress. The J Crew lightweight chinos served me twice for dinner - once with a plain black tank and heavy gold accessories, and again with the magenta top and simpler jewelry. The resort (and Mexico vacations in general) was fairly laidback and casual. 'Formalwear' simply meant a collared shirt and full pants for men. This meant that I could easily get away with 'resortwear' for dinner, and throw on a cover-up to eat lunch or stroll through the resort.

As for products, we loaded up on travel-size products that could be used up and tossed over the 3 days. This significantly lightened our toiletry load on the way home. A few products were a pleasant surprise, and I must give them credit:

1. Fekkai Glossing Sheer Shine Mist: Blowdrying my hair was unnecessary before dinners, but I still needed to tame the frizz and define my waves. This spray was perfect...after towel-drying, I spritzed this fairly liberally through my hair, scrunched, and air-dried. What resulted was a head of perfect beachy waves that also looked just messy enough and textured the next day. The travel-size purchased from Sephora was a great size and should last through several more trips.

2. Gillette Venus Breeze: I had seen these in Duane Reade and was intrigued. Husband has ditched his Edge shave gel in favor of Kiehls Shave Cream, so I could no longer get by with just taking 1 razor and extra Mach 3 blades for both of us. Having super sensitive skin, I was pretty skeptical of this product. I ended up using it 3 days in a row (unheard of!) on legs, underams, and bikini area. The shave isn't as close as my standard Mach 3, but the gel strips really do moisturize and protect well. After 3 days, they were barely worn down and I had no razor burn or irritation. This is a perfect item to take on a 3-5 day trip.

3. St. Ives apricot scrub: I've been using this cult item for years...every so often I stray to another scrub or microdermabrasion product, but I always return. The small travel size is perfect for a 3-day trip. Not only did I use it on my face to clear sun-dried dead skin, but I mix it with some shower gel for an instant and effective body scrub. It's especially useful just before shaving, and has never irritated my sensitive skin. You can probably use the medicated version to ensure even smoother and clearer all-over skin!

4. Kiehls Creme de Corps body lotion: We first purchased this for our honeymoon, during which we had to bear the hot Greek sun for half the trip. This lotion is heavenly and takes me back to the Greek Isles every time I use it. The bottle is fairly small compared to drugstore-brand lotion, and quite expensive, which is why we reserve it for vacations and getaways. It smells like coconut oil and moisturizes like crazy...it might be too greasy for everyday use, but for pre- and post-sun exposure it is perfect. The SPF is only 30, so I layer a stronger sunblock on top, but we'd still never leave for the beach without this.

5. Aveeno sunblock spray: When I grew up, the only spray sunblocks around were by Banana Boat, and were too low an SPF for us. As you can imagine, we rarely came out of the pool for the arduous task of reapplying a lotion sublock. These days, everyone from Neutrogena to Aveeno makes a spray sunblock. The Aveeno version is great for sensitive skin (it never makes my skin sting), and smells yummy. It is so easy and quick to use, that we never forget to reapply. The bottle doesn't go very far though, and in 3 days, it was nearly empty, but it's great for days on the go or short vacas.

6. Clinique Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator: I received this in my last Clinique bonus and figured a trip on which I knew no one was the perfect opportunity to test it. Although I heart my Nars powder foundation, I hate the powdered look on summer nights out, when I crave a more dewy and natural face. Usually I mix a bit of Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer with my regular moisturizer and slather my face. This Clinique Illuminator was like heaven in a bottle...a drop or two mixed with my regular moisturizer gave my face a healthy and glowy complexion that was neither glittery nor resembled an oil-slick. It had a healthy luminescence, and all I needed was a light dusting of All-Over Color on my apples, mascara, and bright pink gloss to feel polished and ready for dinners overlooking the ocean.

review: dior nude natural glow hydrating makeup

Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup SPF 10

Retail: $45

Review: Was not super impressed, and would probably not purchase. Coverage was very light and seemed to melt off partway through the day. Also clumped strangely in container. Color selection is still a bit limited. Added SPF is a plus.

Finally! A review that is not overflowing with praise! I attended a friend's wedding this weekend, and thought it was the perfect opportunity to try Dior's fairly new foundation. Slightly hydrating, it is a mineral makeup with a SPF 10. Thank goodness for Sephora...the SA 'color-matched' me and gave me a generous sample to try out.

This is not a product I plan to purchase. First, I am not an exact match for the colors available. I was given Honey Beige #40 - "a light mocha for medium complexions with neutral undertones." It was a bit on the yellow side, which apparently works much better for me than anything with a pink undertone. I received the sample on a Thursday...by Saturday, the sample had formed small, strange clumps. Yuck!

This unpleasant occurrence aside, I was less than impressed with the coverage. I don't like feeling makeup on my face, but I found this SUPER light...I suppose for someone who only needs minimal coverage it would be good for evening out skin tone, but it did not even cover the little redness I have on my face (around the nose and the corners of my eyes). It also required a fair amount of blending, which I did with a makeup sponge. I applied around noon, and by 4:30pm (after the wedding), it had already melted off! Even with a light dusting of some Clinique loose powder I had! While it does give a somewhat glowy look, I think it's no different than what you could achieve with a good tinted moisturizer (I like Laura Mercier's). My advice would be to try a sample (as well as samples of tinted moisturizers), and decide for yourself.

review: pure & simple

Philosophy Purity Made Simple

Retail: Starts at $10 for 3 oz. up to $32 for 16 oz.

Review: Fans of clean skin won't miss the foam. Cleans well without leaving skin tight and dry. Nice herbal smell and pleasant lotion-y consistency. A little goes a long way...bottle should last forever.

For years during my battles with my skin, I believed that my face needed to get ultra and squeaky clean to be acne-free. I always used cleansers with either salicylic or glycolic acid, and ALWAYS bought foaming ones. Foam=clean, right?

Fast forward to this year, when a visit to the derm changed everything. My prescription for Differin made my once oily skin dry and even more sensitive, so my old foaming cleansers were way too harsh. I switched to Cetaphil on the recommendation of the Doctor. Cetaphil is a fine cleanser for the morning and after the gym, when I have no makeup on my face. However, it doesn't cut it for end-of-the-day cleansing. I don't even wear a ton of makeup...a dot or two of Laura Mercier concealer on dark spots, light brushing of Nars powder foundation all over, and Clinique blush to finish it off.

I had heard about Philosophy's Purity before, but was hesitant to try it out (having sampled and hated other Philosophy products). But, many reviewers praised it for their sensitive skin, so I decided to try the 3 oz. size from Sephora. Minimal investment, and I would always have a travel-appropriate one to refill should I stick with it. And I must say, I am in love.

The texture is a bit thinner than Cetaphil--almost a runny lotion. The smell is mild and sort of herbal...I imagine many people would be turned off, but it reminds me of my beloved Neutrogena Rainbath body wash. I pour a quarter-size amount into my palm, generously dot all over my face, and begin to cleanse. Rub in a circular motion for 30-60 seconds, rinse, and you're left with clean and fresh skin. It does foam up if you rub vigorously enough, but the foam isn't necessary for the job. I've been using this for a few weeks, and already I can see an improvement in the tone of my skin. Perhaps if I used this by day I would see more dramatic results, but for my current purposes it works wonderfully.

*Update (July 20th) - This is indeed a fab makeup remover...I finally put it to the test this past weekend after attending a wedding. On my face was foundation, translucent powder, bronzer, eye shadow and liner, mascara, and lip gloss. After scrubbing for about 60 seconds all over, my face was left absolutely clean and fresh...no raccoon eye!