LaRoche-Posay Effaclar DUO

Something clicked with my hormones recently that has caused my skin to go crazy - oily, dry, breaking out like I never did even as a teenager... it has sucked!! why was my tried and true skin care routine no longer working for me?? So I've been on a search for something to help me out. I wasn't ready to go the medical route, since there are so many over the counter items, but I also didn't want to spend money on a product I didn't know about.

Luckily, I have found the wonderful world of free samples can, once again, fill this void of knowledge. And in this particular quest, I found LaRoche-Posay Effaclar DUO. This has even won awards this year, so there's even a backing (besides me) out there.

I had quite a few doubts since before this particular product, I had tried a few others, which just weren't good enough. They either dried out my skin too much, or just didn't work (up to my standards, at least). None have been anything worth writing about, good or bad. Until now. One use overnight and I saw a dramatic difference! ONE USE! I used the sample up and was quickly on the search to buy this product. Though in the week long use of the sample, I did learn I couldn't use it the recommended 'up to' of 2 times a day (morning and night). But as long as I stuck with the directed 'thin layer' before I went to bed, it worked great!

So this is a must buy if you have issues with breaking out, even in short bursts. It's not the cheapest thing on the market, but you only need such a little bit of it (pea sized) for each use, the tube should last for awhile!

Schick Hydro Silk Razor

It seems like a new razor with one more blade or other 'upgrade' comes out every year. How much new technology can there really be in a razor??

One of the more recent 'new' razors is the Schick Hydro Silk Razor. The Hydro Silk touts a water-activated moisturizing serum and 5 curve-sensing blades with skin guards to help protect skin from irritation. So I already use a 5-blade razor with ribbons of moisture of another brand, so I decided to try it out, side-by-side, or rather, leg verses leg.

The results? Surprisingly, there was a bit of a difference. The Hydro Silk left me smother for about a day or so longer. So I guess it was that much closer?? Granted, my other razor had been used a couple of times, so it was 'old' in comparison this this fresh out of the package Schick. But still...

I think the key, overall, is the five blades. So yes, the Schick Hydro Silk works and is a great little razor. At the end of the day, though, I'll like just get what's on sale. Only because I'm not exactly one to always go with the latest and greatest in choosing brands.

Osmotics Cosmeceuticals Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair

We all wish for 'a miracle overnight' when it comes to our facial skin tone and appearance. If we could only stay young forever!

We hear about various elements and minerals that are good for our skin. Osmotics Cosmeceuticals Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair brings that to us (if we desire). This anti-aging moisturizer is packed with skin-repairing powerhouses. Copper PCA jumpstarts collagen synthesis, which is proven to decline as we age. Antioxidants like vitamins A and E, along with powerful carnosine combat harmful free radicals to prevent future aging while helping your skin retain moisture for a dewy, soft, line-free complexion. Plus, allantoin soothes and calms irritated complexions, making this cream great for rosacea sufferers. But does it really work?

While I don't have a lot of the aging issues yet (I like to think my skin care regimen has something to do with NOT seeing those deep wrinkles yet), I can say it did give a very dewy look when I woke up after the first night. And my skin did feel softer after just one use. But the one thing I couldn't quite wrap my hands around was the scent... the copper infusion treatment smells like, well, copper!

So this is something you may want to make a judgement for yourself, if you're up for spending some cash. But what girl doesn't want to spend a little money to make her skin look better? It just depends on where you're at in the need for it. Not a bad product, by all means... I'm just not ready for it!

Boscia BB Cream

BB creams see to be the latest rage in beauty. In general, they've been out there for awhile, seemingly becoming popular in Asia before hitting it big in the US. Their popularity has soared because, lets face it, we love products that do more than one thing!

Boscia BB Cream touts that it has a botanical, more natural formula. Which is good, right? Like many BB Creams, it creates a lustrous, flawless finish as it hydrates, firms and soothes the skin. It also helps diminish the appearance of pores, fine lines and uneven skin tone while providing long-wearing, natural coverage that conceals imperfections. That last part is key... this one actually DOES conceal. It's a self adjusting shade that is *supposedly* good for all skin tones... I can't make the call on that, but this is what I can tell you... it does work.

The one oddity I found about this was that it's almost too thick - it doesn't spread easily, at least initially. It stays think, i n patches, until you rub over it a few more time than you'd expect you'd have to. It does cover great, though! But since it covers, it feel like it covers. It doesn't feel as lightweight as I'd like. So I guess what it comes down to is whether or not you need the full coverage. If so, this is a good BB Cream for you. If you don't have any flaws to hide, something with less coverage might need to be found elsewhere for you.

Stila One Step Bronze

There are so many primers and creams and tinted moisturizers and such on the market that it can get confusing on what to put on your face first. It can also be intimidating to try something new, especially if it strays much from your normal routine.

Stila has become a brand I like to try new things from (at least to me). There stuff seems to be innovative without being too crazy and intimidating. This latest find, however, was one of the more 'edgy' ones, at least for me. Stila One Step Bronze just looks intimidating, to start. All sorts of bronze colors swirled in a clear liquid. What is this stuff??

Well, it does a lot, it seems. Get this... this revolutionary new formula contains three illuminating bronzers: Matte bronze with copper undertone - to bronze, Bronze with pink undertone - to enhance skin tone and illuminate, and Kitten - to brighten, illuminate and help diminish the appearance of sun spots. But even further along, this primer, illuminating, bronzing, color-correcting skincare serum contains Stila's Youth Revival Bio-Available Mineral Complex that instantly: Reduces imperfections, Improves skin texture, Diminishes the look of fine lines & wrinkles, Minimizes pores, Hydrates, balances and nourishes the skin, and Controls oil production.

Wow... that's a mouthful! In short, though, it's almost like a BB Cream. But not quite. There's something slightly lighter about it. The first time I used it, I used too much and quickly learned that one quick pump is plenty! It give that dewy, sun-kissed look without covering up your skin with a layer of color. In other words, it doesn't conceal. But it doesn't claim to, either.

This is one of those products that grew on me. The first time I used it (too much of it), I shook my head and put it on the shelf for a bit before using it again. But once I figured out how much to use and how to make it work with my make-up routine, I became sold on the little extras it did. This is worth it if you have the space in your routing for it, even if it's not everyday.

LA Fresh Eco Beauty Facial Cleanser

Convenience is the way of our society nowadays. While every girl knows it's important to wash your face every night and get all you make-up off before going to bed, we all can get a little rushed, or just lazy. So whenever I see an opportunity to short cut, I have to check it out.

One sure way to cut some time off of the night time ritual is a make-up remover in a wipe form. The LA Fresh Facial Cleanser wipes do just that. Truth be told, I don't that there's much difference between these and other make-up remover wipes on the market. But regardless, these are a great thing to have on hand.

One big plus LA Fresh has is the fact that they sell packages of individual wrapped wipes. This makes for a great way to travel without getting bogged down with bottles of beauty care. For that reason alone, this become high on my list of 'good buys' that I have... and the price is right, too.

Dior Diorshow Extase

I tend to think my eyes are my best feature, but with my blonde hair, even though my lashes have decent length, disappear if I have nothing on them. So mascara is one of my most important daily beauty needs.

Enter Dior Diorshow Extase. I usually can tell you almost instantly if a mascara will work for me or not. While I'm not extremely picky, I know what I like and expect from mascara. First and foremost, it has to make my eyes pop without any other eye make-up. I will typically go with no other eye make-up, so if the mascara doesn't pop, then it's worthless to me. But this Dior mascara makes my eyes pop! It give a volume to lashes without overdoing it.

My mascara better stay put, too. I love going to waterproof mascaras, since they're designed to not move, no matter what. But so long as we have a smudge proof, relatively flake-free mascara, I'm good. Again, this Dior mascara has that.

Now the bonus... Dior took its classic volume-boosting formula and added a patented ceramide complex to help your lashes grow thicker and stronger over time. While I didn't see this in the small sample I had, this could be a nice added bonus if you're looking for a lash treatment.

The only downfall I see to this is the price. While I'm not against paying for something good, the nearly $30 price tag for this even stops me and makes me think. But you are getting a 2 in 1 product - mascara and treatment.

So bottom line, good stuff, but you pay for it. Depending on my need will determine if I actually buy it. In the meantime, there's so many mascara out there that come close to this, at least in daily use and look. The treatment part may be the determining factor for someone, and then it may be well worth it.

Pantene Split End Repair Keratin Protection Creme

I have fine hair, but I often go between haircut longer than I should. And what happens then? Split Ends. Which leads to flyaways. I HATE flyaways... especially when it's humid out, because then it's just straight-up frizziness!

I got to sample a full size product from Pantene - Split End Repair Keratin Protection Creme. I wasn't really sure what to expect. Keratin has been hitting product line-ups in full force recently. It's always been around, but I think with the popularity of the Brazilian Blowout, Keratin became a headliner.

So how does it work? I was actually pretty impressed! Not only did it help with my split ends, it left my hair so silky soft and manageable. I loved the way it felt. I didn't feel like it was something I HAD to use everyday... the effects of the Keratin seem to really penetrate the strands and actually do some good.

Shocking, I know!

I think this is well worth the money (less than $10) if you've ever wanted to play around with Keratin, but aren't ready to dish out the big bucks for a professional treatment. And you only use such a small amount at a time - since I received a full sized bottle to try, I still have some of mine!

Wonderstruck

I know everyone has their own personal preference when it comes to fragrances, so it's hard to judge perfumes and such. But since I get to sample some, I still like to talk about them.

Taylor Swift's Wonderstruck has a very light, fruity scent. It has more of a sweet berry scent verses a citrusy scent. Personally, I like these type of scents verses woodsy or musky scents. The scent didn't stay overly strong for too long, so I think it's an ideal casual scent.

I think the scent fits the persona Taylor Swift presents, and any younger fans would also enjoy this scent. It's not too young, but I also can't see someone older wearing this scent. Unless you are just one of those that feels young. This could be a scent on my list of likable perfumes. But I see myself buying this for my niece before I buy it for myself.

Supergoop Sunscreen Swipes

I have to admit, the first time I saw Supergoop Sunscreen Swipes, I was a little turned off by the name... it just didn't sound pleasant. But you know what? They freakin' rock!

Personally, I love the individually wrapped swipes. But they also come in a 40 pack, which if you have a family to pass them out to may work better. I first tried these at an ultimate test spot... Wrigley Field Bleachers. It's always so hard to put sunscreen on there, especially once the crowd gets going, but these are so quick and easy... and MESS FREE! But the best part it that they really work!

They can be used all over and they're water resistant. One wipe should do the whole job, at least if you're in shorts and a t-shirt. I'd assume it's cover you in a swimsuit, too. And if you're not into wipes, they do have a full line of products. But the wipes are what make it awesome... I highly recommend them!

BeFine Gentle Cleanser

I've had the opportunity to try a few different BeFine products now, which I've loved, but the BeFine Gentle Cleanser left me wanting more.

It has several claims of helping rejuvenate you skin and such, which may be all well and true, but it was like water. Literally. Typically, cleaners foam or come in a gel or lotion/creme like form that you can see as it goes on and feel it as you cleanse - some sort of texture. But this... it had the consistency of water and I couldn't tell when I have put it on my face or if I still had some left in/on my hands. Which really bummed me out.

On the plus side, it smelled nice and it did leave a nice tingle on the skin... but even with that, I wasn't left satisfied my skin was cleansed. So I gotta say, unless I just got a bad sample, I can't say I'd recommend this particular product, even though everything else I've tried from BeFine has been awesome.

Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel

There's a lot of products out there claiming that they doing it better than the other guy - we all know that. Then you have the group that says it's good for those with sensitive skin. Shouldn't all facial care products be good for sensitive skin? Apparently not. But recently, a new line of products have hit the market in the US called Simple. Sounds simple, right?

I have a theory that we have become over obsessed with how a product is 'supposed to' feel. Case in point - in order for a face wash to be effective, your skin should be taut after you rinse. Or you should feel it tingling as you wash. I don't think this is really the case, though... and in order to really test Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel, you need to break away from that thought process. And I say this from experience.

When I first used it, I felt nothing while I washed, and nothing after I rinsed. So initially, my thought was, "This stuff doesn't do anything!" Of course, I didn't end it there. I still used it to get a good sense of how it worked. And that's when I realized we've been brainwashed as to how we *think* we know something's working. If one of our senses doesn't sense something, then of course it's not working, right?

Wrong. After a few times using it, I actually did notice something... my skin was a bit softer and a lot less irritated. Go figure! And I felt nothing along the way! Score!

Luckily, they gave me a big enough sample to last awhile... but I think I might stash it and use that for travel. This just might be worth enough of buying a full size before the sample's gone!

Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution

I have lots of freckles on my face. I've had freckles for as longs as I can remember. I think it just came with being blonde and growing up in FL. And probably having a wee bit of Irish in me. They've never bothered me and I've never wished them away. But sometimes they seem to have a mind of their own when they get in the sun, some of them darkening, others not, giving me an almost blotchy look. But that's what foundation is for, right? To help mute and matte things a bit.

So when I received a sample of Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution in my Birchbox last month, I figured it was worth a shot to see if it did anything to these areas. While you can use it everywhere to even skin tone and to impart overall radiance and luminosity to your skin, I chose to do areas just on my cheeks since I had such a small sample.

While I didn't see jaw dropping results, there's was some lightening of some of the underlying skin tones that caused the blotchiness (leaving the freckles there to pop all on their own). This surprised me, but then it may just have been a coincidence to me not being in the sun too much lately. Which leaves me on the fence a bit. But I think it's worth exploring a little further and maybe even focusing on some of it's other claims, as well (like reducing the appearance of scars, etc.). I could see where you might get the results they note on their website, though, which take up to 8 weeks to see.

Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum

Everyone has some blemish issues on their face, even if it's only once in blue moon. For us women, something seems to pop us about once a month (unless you're one of those perfect models out there). The biggest issue with the treatments out there is that they often seem to irritate and cause more issues... even more blemishes! So a viscous cycles continues... And it sucks.

Low and behold, with all the natural products popping up on the shelves nowadays, one was bound to be for fighting blemishes! Enter Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum, a powerful organic fruit acid complex with salicylic acid from willow bark unclogs pores, reduces breakouts and lightens scars while organic aloe, CoQ10 and fat-soluble Vitamin C renew the skin for a healthy, clear complexion.

As always, I'm a skeptic about 'natural' products. I love the idea of them, but so many have failed to meet my expectations. I've thought about lowering my expectations, but I can't do that. Keep the bar high, otherwise you settle for mediocrity.

But I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by this product. The biggest plus I saw was no irritation! While it didn't work overnight, it DID work! And there were some small instances (literally) where it DID work overnight! This one's going on my 'To Buy" list!

Eye Rock Designer Liner

In this day and age, we seem to be rushed with everything, so we're always looking for a shortcut. I reviewed some nail appliques in an earlier blog, which I really loved (though I did find a downside later - it weakens your nails!) which is a good case in point of this trend. More recently, I've discovered there's a whole array of 'stick on' make up you can use, including lipstick (which is sometimes referred to as lip tattoos).

While I haven't done the lip art, I did try something I thought would be a little more conventional in the wisdom of stick on make-up, Eye Rock Designer Liner, which as you can probably tell from the title, is stick-on eyeliner.

At first, I thought this was a great idea! Who hasn't had problems putting on eyeliner, especially in on of the trendy ways of the moment. So I decided to try it out during a night out with the girls. I followed the instructions, including making sure your eyelid is clean, dry, and free of oil... which is harder than it sounds, believe it or not. I pulled off one of the stickers and... uh oh... I couldn't get it to stick down all the way. Wait... now it's stuck to my finger! Do I even have them on right??

So aside from the cleanliness of your eyelid, the instructions aren't very clear on the best way to apply them. On top of that, just looking at them alone (unless it's one of the funky styles - this wasn't), you can't tell which is for the left eye, and which is for the right eye... or which way is up, for that matter! Some labeling on by the stickers would be nice.

Finally, after getting them on (correctly, I think), I took a look. Interesting, but I could definitely tell I had something stuck on my eye! And I had a narrow 'normal' looking liner one. What if you go for one of the bigger, funkier ones?? Then I noticed the ends still weren't staying stuck down.

These got a big FAIL in my book! I didn't even make it out the door with them to get any outside opinions on how they looked. They were too difficult to work with and even weirder feeling one they were on. Not worth it, no matter ow cheap! I'll stick with my non-perfect hand drawn eye liner.

Juicy Couture - Viva La Juicy

I feel like I've gotten a lot of perfumes to try... haven't even had time to truly talk about them all. So I throw the ones that intrigue me on here, at least for now.

The latest? Juicy Couture - Viva La Juicy. When I read the description, I though this would be my for sure winner of scent choice. It's op notes of wild berries and sweet mandarin flirt with lady-like middle notes of honeysuckle, jasmine, and gardenia. Love all those!! Then there's warm base notes of caramel, amber, vanilla, sandalwood, and praline. Things these underlying scent are what didn't make this my #1... got a little too musky for what I typically like.

But it's still a great scent! And on certain occasions, you don't really want to smell like a fruit orchard. So maybe a small bottle? Not sure yet. still have some ore scents to go through.

stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner

My eyes are one of my favorite features and if I was to accentuate them, eyeliner is a must! But I don't do it too often because it's such a pain and the eyeliner is the first thing to smudge and get all nasty looking on my eyes. The last time I did my eyes up, I even wondered why they couldn't get eyeliner to the level of mascara when it came to stay-ability? Was that too much to ask?

Enter stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner to the line-up! This eyeliner is easy to apply (it's a twist up), long lasting (think 'needing spacial eye make-up remover' long lasting!) and waterproof! Tis stuff does not budge!! Ad they have all sorts of colors, to boot! THIS STUFF ROCKS! It might even make me want to wear eyeliner more often!

So yes... this product get a standing ovation from me. Bravo! If there's other out there like this, I haven't seen them. This going on my 'to buy' list!

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse OR Multi-Usage Dry Oil Shimmer

Sometimes, I just get a little something fun in my Birchbox that you just have to love. Or at least have a little fun with.

Recently, I received a sample of Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse® OR Multi-Usage Dry Oil Shimmer in my box. Initially, i thought is was just your typical shimmer gel to slather on before heading out at night. But then I learned that it was much more!

This is from a French skincare company and it has six essential oils, plus Vitamin E, to leave face, body, and even hair soft and silky. Better yet, microscopic flecks of golden shimmer deliver a subtle glow to where ever you put it! And it's not that obvious "I have shimmer gel on" look... it truly is subtle! It even smells good!

So this was definitely a fun surprise for me! I want to learn more about the company as a whole before I run out and get something so specific, but it seems they have a lot going on in the skincare world, so I don't think it's a fly by the night type of company. But this will stay on my radar!

Borghese CuraForte Moisture Intensifier

During the winter, your skin gets dry. At least mine does... And while I hate when my hands get dry or my legs get itchy, I really hate when my faces seems dried out and feels all tight. Usually, just making sure I moisturize in the morning and at night, I can manage to get through without too much though. But some days I just want to lie face down in the sink of water in hopes that my skin will suck up the moisture!

Enter Borghese CuraForte Moisture Intensifier. This is an interesting concept. Essentially, it a primer for your moisturizer... supposedly, it intensifies and maximizes the skin's capacity to hold moisture by 200%. Sounds all well and good, right? Naturally, I wanted to try it out almost immediately, as we seem to finally be having winter here.

After a few days of using it, I can't say I saw too much of a difference in how my skin felt, day to day. But I think this is one of those products that you have to use for awhile to appreciate it... and my sample doesn't give me that much, unfortunately. It is one more step in your facial care routine, so if you already have a lot going on, it's a step I see being skipped over. But it does seem to have some research behind it that might be legit.

I don't think I'm ready to jump on this bandwagon, yet. Maybe one day... but it didn't do enough for me this go around.

LÄRABAR

I love to try new stuff (hence, this blog). When you try new stuff, you find new things to love. You also get the other extreme sometimes and it make you not want to try new things.

The LÄRABAR wasn't either really... but it did disappoint me, a bit. I guess I've tried so many different protein bars and 'health nut' bars, that I had really set the bar high as to what this one would give. It definitely gave me the perception of some yummy for my tummy when reading the description.

Yeah... not so much. While it had good flavor, which is something you really want, it had the texture and consistency of a mud pie. Literally. With an occasional rock... er.. nut to crunch on. Maybe it was the particular one I tried, but I can't imagine others would have too much different of a texture.

So unfortunately,I don't see any more of my business heading that way anytime soon. I'd be willing to try it again, just to see if my first impression was wrong... but so very few times is your first impression of ANYTHING wrong.

Jouer Body Butter

Body Butter. It just sounds scrumptious! In yet another find in my Birchbox, this one I was also excited to try. I seem, more often than not really excited to try the stuff I get in that thing!

Jouer Body Butter has a subtle blend of gardenia, jasmine, and honeysuckle... one of my favorite scents is gardenia. There's always just been something about it. I will warn you, you need to really love the scent of gardenias because it can be strong, but if you do, you'll love this! The product is loaded with good for your skin stuff, like shea butter, jojoba, and coconut oil. And unlike some body butters, it feels really light going on your skin and absorbs right in.

I really liked this one. For all the reasons above. I will likely buy this sometime in the future... maybe when my bath renovation is complete. Or just because.

Harvey Prince - Ageless

I'm a fruity kind of girl. At least when it comes to scents I like. So when I found a sample of Harvey Prince - Ageless in my Birchbox this month, I was a little excited to try it!

Why, you ask? Well, the description for one - pink grapefruit, pomegranate, luscious mango, with a dry down of jasmine. Like I said, I'm a fruity kind of girl, especially if some sort of citrus is involved! But then I read more about it. This isn't just some musk you throw on when you go out. They actually did research and found this combination of scents actually make you smell younger! How cool is that??

Not that I was looking to smell younger, but you have to admit, it's pretty cool side effect.

So my thoughts on this, as a whole? I did love the scent, regardless if it made me smell younger. Personally, I almost think a fresh, citrus smell is a common sense young smell. It seems as women age, they tend to buy more musky stuff... and really lay it on thick! It's no wonder we think of musk being for older women! Would I buy Ageless? That's probably the better question... and one I'm not sure how to answer. I like it, but I also think there are similar scents that don't cost as much. But then, there's research behind this one, not just someone saying, "Oh, I like the smell of that!" So I guess it depends on what you're looking for. I don't actually wear enough perfume to warrant buying a full size bottle of anything. So I'll just stick with my samples. For now.

Holiday Down Time

I apologize for my lack of blogs over the past month... the holidays really got me busy and sampling just hasn't been in the cards!! But I promise, I'm getting back on it and hope to have lots of blogs to post shortly!