Beauty Bar and CEW Best In Beauty Awards product reviews

I normally love L'oreal products and considering that they own Lancome, whose fiber mascara I love, you'd think that I'd love this, but nope. They must use a slightly different formula (I guess if they didn't, there'd be no point in buying Lancome, huh?) because this one is a bit clumpy and while it did add thickness, it didn't really lengthen my lashes noticeably. I used it up since it was okay, but I wouldn't buy it or recommend it.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles – (Neutralizer shade) 


This stuff is AWESOME. And look how freaky cheap you can get it from Amazon! Whoa! Maybe the best undereye concealer I've ever used. Doesn't settle into fine lines and instantly neutralizes dark circles while also giving an overall brightening to the eye area that takes years off your face. The Neutralizer shade is what's recommended for very dark circles, but they have other shades as well. I can use this when I'm exhausted and I look like I got a great night's sleep. I love that it doesn't need a heavy hand and doesn't look all cakey. The applicator makes using it a dream- it's a very soft sponge that really gets in all of your crevices. 

L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream 

L'Occitane Lavender Hand Cream, 2.6 oz What is it: This smooth, light-textured Lavender Hand Cream, enriched with shea butter, gently nourishes the hands, leaving them softly perfumed.

If I was only going to buy one brand of hand cream for the rest of my life, this would be it. I have been using L'Occitane hand cream for easily 15 years and I never get over how rich, creamy, easily absorbed, non greasy and soothing it is. They made their fame and name on this line of hand creams and it's easy to see why. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but it's so concentrated that one tube will last you easily a year. You need a drop about the size of a pea to completely moisturize your hands. There's a ton of scents (and unscented) available, but I love the fresh, clean scent of the Lavande. The scent is subtly relaxing and uplifting at the same time- it was my work desk staple until I finally squeezed every drop out of my last tube. That's when I cut that puppy open and scraped every last teeny bit out. Then I cried. You can get it in a number of sizes, from a purse friendly travel tube to the whomper 2.6 oz tube. 

SuperGoop SPF 30+ Everyday 

Supergoop Everyday Face & Body Lotion SPF 30 ,1.5 fl oz What is it: The SPF 30+ Everyday Face & Body Moisturizer delivers ultra-moisturizing UV protection while keeping skin soft and hydrated.

This is another one of my staples. You get total sun protection without the thick chunky streaky white mess. It absorbs readily and makes an excellent moisturizer. Love my multi-taskers! They actually have it available in a giant jug because it's so awesome that a lot of folks slather it from head to toe as an allover body and face moisturizer every day. I only put it on my exposed ares, even though I realize that clothing doesn't really protect you from long term sun exposure. All things considered though, I avoid the sun and park in a parking garage, so my daily exposure is generally limited to time in the car (so get that face and those arms!) to and from work which comes to a sum total of about 20 minutes a day, and then the walk from my front door to the car and vice versa, so another whopping 30 seconds. It not only protects from the sun's rays, but it provides protection against environmental oxidants such as pollution and tobacco as well! UVA and UVB protection, withstands water for a full 80 minutes, and free of oxybenzone and parabens. Even baby safe!

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips – (Animal Instinct)

SALON EFFECTS REAL NAIL POLISH STRIPS (ANIMAL INSTINCT) By SALLY HANSEN SALON EFFECTS REAL NAIL POLISH STRIPS (ANIMAL INSTINCT) By SALLY HANSENGet salon-worthy nails in a flash with nail polish strips from Sally Hansen. Simply peel and press to get perfect nails without the hassle of using liquid nail polish. Sally knows nails are the best accessory. Now Sally makes it easy to get a salon effect any time any place. It wears like nail polish because it IS nail polish. No dry time so youcre ready to go.Application Tips:Because Salon Effects is made from real nail polish be sure to use all strips immediately upon opening otherwise they will dry out. Benefits:c Lasts up to 10 days c Removes easily with nail polish remover

GACK, I am love with these things. They are the easiest things on the planet to use and I can have wow worthy nails in about five minutes flat. These are my go tos for a lazy manicure and I keep a huge stock of them on hand for last minute party invites and such. I get huge compliments every time I use them. They also last for over a week, I've had them make it almost 2. I once read a bad review of them by someone who found them offensive because they made it look like you did amazing nail art and that detracted from the "nail artists" who work so hard to achieve similar effects. Well, do I go around getting pissed at people who dye their hair red just because mine came naturally? Chill, nail diva snobs, some of us don't have the time, patience, or ability to get fancy designs on our nails, so quit yer bitchin' and leave the Sally Hansen to us :-) 

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer

I keep reading rave reviews of this stuff, but I honestly just don't get it. It's got a thick, paste like consistency that looks like I've put putty under my eyes. It pulls as it's being applied, which seems to go against the whole point of an undereye concealer- why would you want to cause more damage? meh. I'll stick with the Maybelline above. (See Clara? I'm not a label snob!)

Burt’s Bees Red Dahlia Tinted Lip Balm

I lurve this stuff. It feels fantastic, is long lasting, super emollient and adds a lovely hint of beestung color to your lips. If you like their standard formula balm but want some color, here's your ticket to ride. This is perfect for a low key, errand running day when you don't want to go all out, but want to be a bit pulled together. This is what I'm wearing in the video.

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm Red Dahlia A Hint Of Color That Cares For Your Lips. 100% Natural No Animal Testing Made In Usa

StriVectin-TL Tightening Neck Cream
You can read my review of this that I did on Total Beauty 

Strivectin NEW StriVectin-TL Tightening Neck Cream 5% NIA-114 + Protein Tighteners A clinically proven anti-aging neck & jaw line treatment to visibly restore firmness; shape and contour. For the 76% of 50+ women who are experiencing loss of firmness; elasticity; and want a skin care product to visibly correct sagging; laxity and thin; crepe skin . Breakthrough three-tiered technology to TIGHTEN; FORTIFY and STRENGTHEN neck and jaw line from within: 1. Tightens: Neck feels tighter immediately. 2. Fortifies: Skin's supportive matrix fortifies; neck looks firmer. 3. Strengthens: NIA-114 molecule strengthens skin's hold on natural collagen and moisture. Your neck regains lift and contour.

Heidi Klum Shine 
I previously reviewed that here

Shine Perfume by Heidi Klum, 1.7 oz Eau De Toilette Spray for Women Shine Perfume by Heidi Klum 1.7 oz Eau De Toilette Spray for Women. In 2011, The House Of Heidi Klum Released Shine, A Luxurious And Sophisticated Scent That Embodies The Sophisticated, Refined And Classical Woman. Not Too Sweet, And Not Too Flowery, Shine Is The Perfect Combination Of Light Floral Fragrances And Subtle Hints Of Earthy Sweetness. Top Notes Are Comprised Of Pink Peppercorn, Pear And Mandarin For A Spicy And Sweet Citrusy Scent. Middle Notes Are Made Up Of Lily Of The Valley, Mimosa Absolute And Sunflower. Sweet Vanilla, Tonka Beans And Musk Comprise The Final Base Notes Of This Incredible Scent.

Burt’s Bees Cocoa & Cupuacu Butters Body Lotion 

Another keeper from Burt's Bees. This is for those with very dry skin, as it's quite thick and rich. It keeps you moist and soft for eons, you don't find yourself needing to reapply. My mother in law puts a tube of this in my husband's stocking almost every year and he's fiercely protective of it. If I try to use it I get a retort of "you have your own lotion! This one's MINE!" We have gas heat in our house, so despite the humidifiers it still gets pretty dry so at night before bed we both slather up. When I got this tube, I was petty enough to almost not share, but I acquiesced with the caveat that he remember that the next time I wanted to use his. It smells like straight up cocoa butter, but if that isn't your bag, the scent does fade pretty quickly, a plus if you plan on using it and then wearing fragrance. 

Burt's Bees Richly Replenishing Cocoa & Cupuacu Butters Body Lotion Cocoa & Cupuacu Butters Enriched With Skin Softening Cocoa And Cupuacu Butters, This Body Lotion Is Also Formulated With Botanical Moisturizers Sunflower And Olive Oils, And Just A Hint Of Vanilla. It Leaves Skin Feeling Soft, Smooth And Healthy, Naturally. Clinically Proven To Moisturize For 24 Hours. Dermatologist-Tested Absorbs Quickly Non-Greasy Formula For Dry Skin 99% Natural Made In Usa

L'oreal Youth Code Serum

I used the Lancome Genifique Serum for a good while, it was the serum that got me hooked on using serums as part of my skincare routine. Genifique is SPENSIVE. Youth Code has almost identical ingredients and is made by the same company. Youth Code is available on Amazon for $10. Genifique is $85. There ya go. Oh- what does it do? It softens your skin, gets rid of any dry or rough patches, makes your moisturizer work better, gives your makeup a smoother surface to work with, diminishes fine lines and dark spots and makes your skin glow. So, in general, a baby's butt on your face. Without the diaper.