December Product Reviews
Thanks to the msf team of testers for a strong month of reviews!
Purely Clear: Toner, Repair Serum
This line contains essential oils and combines them with high technology processed oxygen, minerals and other beneficial nutrients. The toner is light, non-drying, and I love the herbal scent. The serum smells great, too, but the texture is a little grainy and it takes some time to get used to. If you put on too much, it feels sticky, so go lightly. I think it’s fantastic that the company offers two sizes of their products. So if you want to test it out before making a commitment, pick the 1 oz. trio version for only $11.95. Both get a B+!
Moroccanoil: Curl Lotion
Great packaging, great product. This cream does a nice job of enhancing natural curls, especially on naturally curly hair. It’s not too heavy, either. B
Lisa Hoffman: Night Cleanser, Purifying Toner
I typically don’t gravitate toward cream cleansers, but this one has worked really well for me. It’s great for my sensitive skin, which tells me it will work well for most skin types. Both the cleanser and the toner have done an excellent job of cleaning and moisturizing my skin. The products smell good and I really like the simple, classic packaging. Both get an A.
Antonio Banderas: Blue Seduction Women’s Fragrance
What a huge surprise, especially considering that it is by a celebrity. I am hooked. The combination of properties is unique and intoxicating! It has citrus notes combined with fruits and violet leaves. The middle notes are rose and jasmine petals over a raspberry base. There is also an oriental accord and musk base. I’ve worn this fragrance every day since receiving it. Now, I have it on my Christmas list! Even more surprising, Blue Seduction can be purchased at your local drug store at a steal. This one gets an A!
Prestige: Mineral Cosmetics Line
The Skin Loving Minerals Fresh Glow Baked Mineral Blush in Natural is fantastic. If you do not wear a lot of make-up during the day, you will like how natural the color is and it definitely gives your checks a little bit of a shimmer and glow. Packaging could be better for ease of use. I give this a B+. The Skin Loving Minerals Shimmering Trios Rose Crystal is great for its multiple uses - including the eyes, face, shoulders, arms and chest. I wore a strapless top to a holiday party and used it on all of those places. I love the shimmer and the color choices. Again, the packaging, with three separate compartments, can be cumbersome and messy. This gets a B-. The Eyeshadow Quad had a nice texture with lots of options - B. The Classic Eyeliner dried out and became hard to apply - C. The Bronzing Powder contained pretty marbled colors, but a bit too much sparkle for me - B-.
Avene: Soothing Moisture Mask
You’ve seen reviews on this line before, all excellent products in my opinion. Catered to sensitive skin, Avène contains stellar ingredients that satisfy most skin types. It’s preservative-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. This mask stays creamy - it doesn’t set. It’s extremely hydrating and instantly calms my skin down. A.
Usher: UR Women’s Fragrance
I wasn’t sure what to think when I first tried this scent. It’s fruity and floral, but with rich undertones of amber and wood. As the day went on, the bottom notes pleasantly surprised me. Found myself smelling my wrist constantly. This gets a B!
Belegenza: Illustrious Shampoo, Romance Deep Conditioning Treatment, SpotLite Shine
What a find! This line is not only silicone-free, mineral oil-free, petrolatum-free, paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free and urea-free … it’s also food grade (not that you would necessarily want to eat it). The formula penetrates deep into the hair shaft and provides condition, shine and performance. My hair looked and felt healthy using the shampoo and conditioner. And seriously felt weightless! I wish the shampoo was a bit more lathering, though. I really enjoyed the Spotlight Shine and used it before shampooing which resulted in super soft and shiny hair. B+!
TOVA: Signature Perfume
At first I liked the scent. However, with time it became too powdery for me and gave me headache. C.
Giuseppe Zanotti: Ikat Peep-Toe Pump
Where do I start? First, they are made by my favorite shoe designer. Second, they have a metallic blue stiletto heel. Third, and most important, they are comfortable (seriously comfortable). I have never received so many compliments on a pair of shoes (from both men and women) than when wearing these. The pattern is brilliant, because it works with almost everything in your wardrobe. Of course, an A.
