Product Review: Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toner, B+

Happy Monday, everyone! Up for for product review today is Aveda's Botanical Kinetics Toner.

Last week I had a facial at the local Aveda Institute and my esthetician used this toner on my face a few times. A 5 oz. bottle (with spritz) retails for $19 and the 16.9 oz. bottle retails for $44.

Here are the details from Aveda...

Come face to face with the benefits of nature as this cooling, refreshing mist helps hydrate and balance your skin while minimizing surface oil build-up. White oak, witch hazel and peppermint provide mild astringent benefits.

• Refreshingly aromatic
• Helps tone, balance and replenish moisture
• For normal to oily skin 

And my review...

The Good: It smells divine and keeps my skin toned but not dry. I definitely haven't experienced that "tightness" that some toners provide. Also, you have the option to spritz your face directly (which I prefer) or onto a cotton ball.

The Bad: $19 for 5 oz. isn't cheap. Sad trombone.

The Verdict: B+ overall! I love the scent and the softness that this toner provides. I'll see how long a bottle lasts me and then determine if I'll buy the big poppa refill.

Product Review: Clinique Superbalanced Powder Makeup, A-

Helllloooooo everyone! Happy Monday to all.

I had a fabulous weekend with my girlfriends...we bopped around Madison, WI. We pretty much did everything in excess - walking the campus, eating, drinking, shopping, etc. Good times had by all.

And when I arrived in Madison, I realized I forgot my foundation. Yup, I was without any kind of face makeup whatsoever. Since I really wasn't in the mood to look like a zombie all weekend, my friend Jess lent me her Clinique Superbalanced Powder Makeup. It retails for $34.50 for .63 ounces (mineral makeup). Thanks, Jess!

Here are the deets from Clinique...

“Smart” technology keeps dry areas comfortable, oily areas less shiny. No-waste grinder dispenses skin-defending vitamins with each twist. Fresh-shaved mineral powder clings evenly to skin. Lasts for up to 8 long hours. Includes antibacterial brush. Turn grinder clockwise stopping at first mark to release enough fresh powder for a full-face application. Dip brush into powder and tap gently to remove excess. Sweep over face to desired coverage. One click is enough for full-face application. 

And my review...

The Good: This is a super fun product - the clickity function ensures the product is kept clean and disburses the right amount of powder. Coverage is definitely on the lighter side and it left my skin looking shine free. Also, it seems like this would last you a while...so price per wear isn't ridiculous by any means.

The Bad: For those ladies wanting full face coverage, this probably isn't the product for you.

The Verdict: A-! This product really worked for me and left my skin feeling light and airy. Once I'm done with my MAC foundation, I'll likely give this a buy!

Product Review: L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Cleanser, B

Hi all! Hope everyone had a great Halloween weekend!

Today's review is on L'Oreal (fairly new) Go 360 Clean Cleanser. This little bottle comes with a unique, soft rubber scrublet that I was just itching to try. You'll find this in plenty 'o drugstores and big box retailers.

Product details: 
L'Oreal go 360° clean offers a complete range of four expertly formulated, high-foam cleansers that are perfectly calibrated to perform with the scrublet. The deep facial cleanser is a deep-cleaning, high-foam gel, which unclogs pores as it removes oil, dirt and makeup. The gel formula helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes with its deep cleaning, pore-by-pore action. Oil-Free.

My review: 

The Good: The scrublet is pretty damn awesome. It gives the perfect amount of exfoliation and suds. The cleanser smells super fresh & I really like the concept. Plus - it's pretty affordable!

The Bad: This particular cleanser is a bit drying. I'm thinking of trying some of the other formulas and see how that pans out.

The Verdict: A solid B from me. This may bump up to an A with the other cleanser formulas. I'll definitely be holding on to the scrublet in any case, though!

Friends & Family at Sephora.com

Soooo...in case you didn't already know....Sephora.com is running their (freakin' fabulous) 20% off everything Friends & Family Promotion through Wednesday, November 3. The promo code is FF2010...plus they are offering free shipping when you spend more than $50.

The adorableness that is Strawberry Swing & Other Things did a wishlist post here...and I thought I'd follow suit! I'm going to break this down into a few different sets.

First up - Eyes!

Eyes Shimmer & Glitter by Bobbi Brown
Mascara by Christian Dior

Next, Lips!

Lipstick by Laura Mercier
Lip Pencils by NARS

Then, Face!

Face Blush by Bobbi Brown
Face Concealer by Laura Mercier

Lastly, Hair & Body!

Bath & Shower Gel by philosophy
Gifts & Sets by philosophy

Well, while I certainly have a long list of items I'm lusting after...I'll probably just pick up a few things that I'm running low on. What are you craving for the Sephora F&F promo?

Product Review: L'Oreal Sublime Bronze One Day Instant Tanning Gel, B

Hey friends!

So, over the weekend I helped out at a pop culture themed event and I decided to go as Snooki. Yes, Snooki, of Jersey Shore fame.

So, I bought a long black wig, a Bumpit, lots of black eyeliner and a boatload of one day bronzer. I was careful as I didn't want to be that shade of tan/orange for any longer than the party. Thus, my decision to purchase L'Oreal Sublime Bronze One Day Instant Tanning Gel.

Here are the product details...

Sublime Bronze One Day instant tanning gel delivers a sheer tint of bronze color that lasts up to one day. This unique quick-drying formulation with natural caramel colorant and golden pearls gives skin a natural-looking sun-kissed glow. The no-mistakes formula washes away with soap and water.

• For face & body

Results:

• Instant radiance & sun-kissed glow
• Smooth, streak-free, even-looking skin tone
• Tan level builds with additional applications
• Long-lasting hydration for smooth feel

How to use:

• Apply evenly on clean skin
• Allow to dry before dressing
• Use multiple applications for deeper color
• Wash your hands after use
• Rinses away at the end of day with soap
• Does not contain sunscreen. (DHA-free)

And my review...

The Good: After layering many levels of tanning I was about halfway to Snooki's tan level, which was enough for the party! The gel smoothed on evenly and would have given me some nice color if applied in a normal, non-Snooki seeking manner. Oh, and it indeed washed off easily!

The Bad: It's a bit expensive, running $10-$12 (for 6.7 oz.) and it flaked a bit on my face. However, remember that I layered this product on for the Snooki effect. I don't think it would have flaked under normal circumstances.

The Result: This earns a B from me! The product stays true to its promises and delivers a golden tan. If you're looking to get Snooki-ized or just a very temporary, wash off tan, this is a solid product!

If you really, really want to see me Snooked up...see below!

Product Review: MAC Mineralize Satinfinish Foundation, B

Hi everyone! Happy Monday to all.

Up for review today is MAC's Mineralize Satinfinish SPF 15 Foundation. I picked this up while perusing through a Cosmetics Company Store (outlet mall store where expensive brand name cosmetics are sold) as I was in need for a lightweight foundation. As many of you may remember I adore Laura Mercier's oil free foundation, yet I decided to give a go to this particular blend from MAC.

Deets from MAC's website:  
A fluid foundation that blends the natural light-reflecting properties of micro-minerals with a smooth satin finish. Provides a low-to-medium buildable coverage with a slightly luminous look. Contains antioxidants vitamins C and E. Provides everyday SPF 15 sun protection. Long-wearing. Suitable for normal-dry skins. 1 oz., $29.50. 

And my review...

The Good: With a very wide range of colors, MAC's foundation line covers just about every skin tone. The particular foundation goes on super smooth.

The Bad: It doesn't stay all day and can sometimes look a little flat if you don't dress it up with some other color on your face.

The Verdict: B from me! The finish is nice and light, but I keep thinking about my LM foundation. I'll definitly continue to use it, but I think I'll go back to LM during my next go around! 

Product Review: Tarte Peaches & Cream Foundation, C

Happy Monday to all!

Now that I'm back from vacay (a wonderful week in Charleston) it's back to blogging!

Up for review today is Tarte's Peaches & Cream foundation. I bought this little product off of Gilt.com on the cheap, as it retails for $35 on the Tarte website.

Details from the product site:

Apply this velvety confection when you want to hide imperfections and create a perfectly smooth canvas.

The vitamin-enriched formula goes on like a dream and dries to a soft, powdery finish that’s just peachy. It also offers SPF 20 - which I'm a big fan of. And here's my review: The Good: It does indeed make your skin velvety...and as mentioned I'm happy with the SPF 20 and oil free product. The Bad: Bummer...this product dulled my skin and made me look zombie-esque. (And it's the correct shade) Speaking of that there are only three shades to choose from. Woof. The Verdict: C from me. I really wanted to dig this product, but it just made me look ashy and dull. Definitely not a rebuy for me as I prefer a more luminous foundation.