Best Concealer

Exuviance CoverBlend Multi-Function Concealer


Who among us doesn't have something to hide? That is why the right cover-up can be your best friend. My search finally ended when I came across Exuviance CoverBlend by Neostrata.  This concealer gets high marks for flawless coverage of dark circles, redness, spots. Lightweight and  blendable, it stays put and does not seep into lines or creases. Available in many shades - for virtually any skin tone -  making  it easy to find the perfect match.  Not waterproof but definitely long wearing, this cover-up will not dry out your skin, nor will it clog pores or cause breakouts. Apply it and all you will see is smooth skin, free of unsightly discoloration!

Best Acne Treatment

La Roche Posay  Effaclar K

I have combination skin which, even at 37 years old, is still prone to clogged pores and occasional breakouts. Most over the counter products to treat acne are made for teens and have not worked well for me. Effaclar K is different. It contains 1.5% salicylic  acid and gently refines the texture of your skin.  I apply this easily absorbed lotion to clean skin right before going to bed and wake up with fewer blemishes and clearer - thus tighter - pores. And my skin does not feel dry or irritated. Definitely an excellent product!

Best Microdermabrasion Cream

Naturderm Epidermx II

The holy grail of all facial exfoliators, Epidermx II is  made with pure alpha-fused medical grade Corundum Crystal, natural botanical enzymes and actives, vitamins, minerals, herbs, antioxidants,  natural occurring alpha-hydroxy acids  and pure essential botanical oils. A gentle, yet powerful exfoliator, Epidermx II  removes dirt, dead skin and other pore clogging debris. Nightly use of this miracle cream will produce noticeable results - almost immediately. A must-have for anyone with skin that is dull, dry or sluggish.  Smoother skin, improved skin tone, less visible pores and an overall vibrant complexion. It is free of parabens, silicone and preservatives.  Safe, non-irritating and leaves skin fresh, moist and renewed. 

Worst Microdermabrasion Exfoliator

Cosmedicine Medi-Morphosis Self Adjusting Exfoliator

I was out of my tried and true microdermabrasion cream - so in an act of desperation, I went to the drug store in search of something to use for the time being.  I made the unfortunate decision to purchase this one, from  Cosmedicine.  The first thing I noticed, was that the crystals were much larger than most microdermabrasion scrubs I have used.  It also felt rather chalky, almost like a clay face mask.  Then there are the "stop-action" granules,  made to dissolve after what seemed like just a few seconds of rubbing and the fact that it  left a weird film behind.  Don't be fooled by the many "positive" reviews posted all over the web - this is one supremely ineffective product.

Best Leave-In Conditioners

Goldwell Color Glow IQ Gloss Infusion

Available for lightened, highlighted and color treated hair. I used "Bright Shine" (for blonde hair) as well as "Brilliant Gloss" (for highlighted hair). It also comes in "Deep Reflects" (for red hair). It comes in a box containing four 10 ml tubes.  Perfectly designed to take care of lightened hair with Gloss Repair System and Color Protect Complex *Highly concentrated gloss emulsion revives and intensifies the rich radiance of your blonde tone *Smoothes - nourishes and protects the hair structure *Gives blonde hair dramatic  bright shine.  This stuff rocks - your hair will thank you.

Enjoy Leave-in Conditioner

The Enjoy haircare line is one of my favorites. This is a great leave-in for all hair types. It moisturizes, detangles and protects each precious strand of your hair against the damage from heat styling and the sun's UV rays.  Preserves hair color and prevents fading. The consistency is creamy, without being too heavy or greasy - and makes a great moisturizer for skin as well.  Leaves hair smooth, frizz free and PH balanced.  Sulfate free and safe for color treated hair.  Also pretty economical, as a 12 oz. bottle lasts a long time.

New Product Review: Colgate Optic White

Whitening Toothpaste - Colgate Optic White

I decided that I would not write a review of this toothpaste until I used an entire tube.  So for the last month and a half, I brushed three times per day and did not use any other whitening products. I am a sucker for new toothpaste - especially those which promise a brighter smile. With it's slick packaging and advertising, "The Hottest Thing in Whitening has Arrived" - I was anxious to start brushing! This new toothpaste contains 1% hydrogen peroxide and promises whiter teeth in one week. Well, the verdict is in and I am not impressed. After six weeks of diligent use,  my teeth look exactly the same.  This is quite disappointing, considering that a white strip produces noticeable results in just five minutes. Another negative is that it comes in only one flavor - wintergreen,  which Colgate calls, "Sparkling Mint".  

Worst Self Tanners

Xen-Tan Dark Tanning Mousse
Seldom have I been so utterly disappointed in a product. After spending $30 on a 4oz bottle - I certainly expected more from this self tanner. I'm not usually bothered by the smell of sunless tanners but this one, which is supposed to be "light and delicious" had an odor that can only be described as rancid vanilla frosting.  Even after five consecutive days of application, the "instant" color was almost non existent and the "tan" was a pale, yellow/orange which did not fade well.  Save your money!


So Bronze Tinted Self Tanning Body Lotion

Hands down - the worst self tanning product ever! Where do I begin? To start, the color, straight out of the tube immediately evoked childhood memories of the most hated crayon of Crayola's 64 colors - "Burnt Sienna" (which I believe has since been discontinued.) For those too young to remember this ugly crayon - it was a dark, red-orange brown. Not exactly the most desirable shade for coloring or tanning!  I should have stopped right there but I didn't.  This over-priced nightmare was thick, difficult to apply and left behind a splotchy, streaky, orange mess. Three hours after applying, it had settled into my pores and was still rubbing off on my clothes. I have used many, many sunless tanning products and none were as awful as this one.