This Reign Isn't Going To Last Long...

Smashbox's Fall Reign collection was released, and I immediately was drawn to the Reign Fusion Blush in Regal. Described as a peachy nude with both a matte and shimmer side, I ordered it and waited excitedly for it to be delivered. I instantly fell in love with the swanky packaging, and eagarly opened the compact...and stared in horror at the brownish orange shade of blush. What?!?!? I mean, seriously--look how gorgeous the color is in the picture! The blush made my face look dirty, and I can't imagine the shade would be flattering on anyone. I wouldn't have minded so much if the picture hadn't been so misleading. I feel cheated!

101 Uses And Counting...

I have a serious case of chapped lips and have tried hundreds of dollars of lip balms and treatments, and have come to the conclusion that the more expensive products are not necessarily better, they are just more expensive. My absolute favorite for dry, scaly lips: Aquaphor Healing Ointment. This drugstore staple truly does it all. It hydrates and add shine, and is also great on dry elbows, cuticles and heels. I've also used it in a pinch to help with flyaways. If you haven't tried it before, I definitely recommend it--think Vaseline without the gooey texture and bad taste.

Butter Me Up

The Product: butter London Hardwear P.D. Quick Topcoat

The Claim: A great topcoat is a necessity for longer lasting manicures. Hardwear protects the layers of colour beneath it, and gives a super-shiny finish. Nails look wet, vibrant, and freshly painted even when they are dry. Of course it’s also 3 Free, like all our products. In case you were wondering, P.D. Quick stands for ‘Pretty Darn Quick’!

The Results: I was in the Seattle airport for a layover last week and they had the cutest pedicure station by butter London. Never one to turn down pampering, I immediately signed myself up for one. When I left the first thing I noticed was how insanely shiny my toes were. Now, I know that matte polish is in style right now, but that is a trend I just can't get behind for toes--I want mine bright and shiny for summer. This topcoat is the best I've ever tried. It's a week later and my nails are still as shiny and chip-free as the first day; they look like they haven't dried yet. Love it! At $18, it's pricey, but can you really put a price on the happiness I get when I look down and see my gorgeous toes?

Living in a High-Def World, and I'm a High-Def Girl!

The Product: Cargo blu_ray Pressed Powder

The Claim: Created to provide flawless results while looking completely natural during high-definition filming, blu_ray™ Pressed Powder contains specialized photochromatic pigments that adjust with the light so that your base makeup always looks perfect regardless of lighting or setting. Photochromatic pigments adjust with the lighting so that you have natural looking makeup no matter what the setting, while ultra-fine micronized minerals fill the look of fine lines and reduce the appearance of imperfections. An irregular particle size creates light dispersion, an effect that softens the look of the skintone. This oil-free powder is perfect whether you are getting married, going to your prom, having portraits taken, or simply want to look fabulous anytime and comes in a sleek black compact for convenient touch-up on the go.

The Results: I am now a full-fledge fan of the entire High-Def line by Cargo. It started with the blush, then the concealer, and now I'm in looooove with the pressed powder. It actually reminds me a lot of the MAC Studio Finish (translation: it's heavy with full coverage), so I wear it primarily at night. It has a very slight shimmer to it that makes skin appear luminous and very photogenic. My only problem with it is that it doesn't come with a sponge or brush, so touch-ups on the go are difficult for me--I hate carrying around an extra brush in my evening clutch. However, I have received compliments on my skin every time I've worn it, so I'm happy.

Gypsy Eyes

The Product: L'Oreal HIP High Intensity Pigments Kohl Eyeliner

The Claim: A loose-powder kohl liner that glides on velvety-smooth, in gorgeous, rich, shimmering shades.

The Results: Loose kohl eyeliner reminds me of gypsies with dark smokey eyes and sexy allure. Unfortunately, that doesn't describe me in any way. I found the long handled applicator difficult to maneuver when trying to make a straight line, creating an uneven line that was too thick. I looked like a teenager trying to be Goth...and that was before the liner began to smudge and flake off. The colors I tried, Gold and Navy, were gorgeous and I would have loved them as an eyeshadow, but as far as the kohl liner went, it was just a mess!

L'Oreal HIP Color Presso Lip Gloss

The Product: L'Oreal HIP High Intensity Pigments Color Presso Lip Gloss

The Claim: A fun, innovative way to create custom color...and your signature shade.

The Results: I tried the Trendy and Swanky colors, and I must say that they lived up to their names! These glosses consist of two separated tubes that can be mixed and matched to make your perfect color combination. It was easier for me, however, to either use the same amount of both, or just one of the colors. The blend of the colors was great, as were the individuals colors. Trendy, a mauve/light pink blend smelled delicious and gave a natural shimmer to my lips. Swanky, a bright pink/golden pink blend added a pop of color without being too overwhelming. The glosses are super-moisturizing, and I actually started using them instead of my regular chapstick--they worked that well!

Quick Beach Waves

The Product: Ceramic 3-Barrel Jumbo Weaver

The Claim: This 3-Barrel Jumbo Waver creates beautiful waves in large sections of hair for a naturally wavy look. The ceramic coated barrels help hair to retain moisture for silky and shiny styles.

The Results: I still love the Remington Emi blow dryer for beach waves, but when I've overslept and don't have time to shower I turn to this curler for large "S" waves. Since my hair is naturally wavy, I just grab random 1" pieces and clamp the curler on the middle-to-end of the hair shaft. It's a quick and easy fix for beachy, beadhead waves.

ChapStick True Shimmer

The Product: ChapStick True Shimmer

The Claim: This season's latest addition to ChapStick lip balm, ChapStick True Shimmer, offers the moisturizing benefits of a lip balm with the added bonus of a subtle, radiat shine, providing just the right accent for your lips on any occasion.

The Results: These chapsticks really moisturized while adding a hint of shimmer and color. This is a great summer substitute for lipgloss; I only wish it came with SPF. The Botanical Berry and Tropical flavors are available now, and the Peppermint Rush and Fruit Sherbet will be available in August. Here's a breakdown of the flavors-

Botanical Berry--This flavor provided a soft pink shimmer, and smelled (and tasted) like strawberry candy. Yummy!

Tropical--I'm actually not the best judge for this flavor. Due to a night with too much Malibu rum (sorry mom) I can not longer stand the smell of coconut. However, if you like the coconut sunscreen smell, you'll love the Tropical flavor. It leaves a pretty pale gold shimmer on the lips.

Peppermint Rush--I love minty, fresh smells on lips, so I was very excited to try this one out. Plus, I was sure the blue with pale silver shimmer would make my teeth stand out and look whiter. Not so much. Instead, I looked like I had a case of hypothermia.

Fruit Sherbet--This one had a light guava flavor, and the purple tint was actually very flattering. This scent was the most subtle of the four, and probably my favorite.

MaMa Mia, is this stuff good!

The Product: MaMa Lotion

The Claim: MaMa Lotion is the ultimate agent for those wanting clear, healthy skin. Its powerful formula is tough on wrinkles, acne, and scars, yet gentle on the skin. Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, fades acne scars, fights acne, and evens skin tone.

The Results: I have to admit I was a little put off at first by the name of this product. Mama lotion? Really? Turns out the MaMa stands for Mandelic and Malic Acid, which translates to 10% AHA. It's strong, so they recommend applying it every other day at first. After the first application I noticed my pimples dried up. After the second application, my skin was peeling and scaly and I was embarrassed to leave the house. After the third application, I woke up to amazingly smooth, clear skin. Hallelujah! In less than a week, my skin completely changed. After two weeks I noticed a more even tone to my skin. I can't vouch for any fading of acne scars, as that takes time, but this product is worth it for the pimple-drying effect alone. If it also fades my discoloration I am going to be one extremely happy camper. And, at $44.50, it's very reasonable for this type of product.

Side Note: I normally don't say things like "happy camper," but I just can't control my excitement over this product!

I'm Not Ready For This Jelly

The Product: Royal Jelly Extract

The Claim: Pamper your skin with this concentrated liquid essence made from the nutrient-rich substance produced by honeybees. Rich in amino acids, including proline, lysine, and serine, this powerful age-defier helps boost collagen—skin’s major component for strength and support. Plus, a revolutionary extraction process allows the treatment to penetrate deeply, quickly, and thoroughly.

The Results: I am a HUGE fan of DHC products, but I must admit I was disappointed with this one. It wasn't bad, it just didn't do anything. I may as well have been rubbing water on my face. It didn't help the texture of my skin, or provide the 'glow' you know I always look for. Basically, it's an over-rated toner. Definitely not worth it.

The Wonderful Wonderbar

The Product: The Wonderbar facial cleanser

The Claim: Facial pores tighten, skin becomes much firmer, tighter, and smoother. A natural healthy pinkish radiance. Oily skin becomes less oily and dry skin less dry. Freckles and pigmentation lighten. Wrinkles become less visible. Sensitivities are lessened.

The Review: This product comes with a warning about a "healing crisis" that can include itching, dryness, peeling, or breakouts due to the release of toxins under the skin. I definitely had a "healing crisis," and it lasted a full week. A very long week with broken out skin. Just when I thought I couldn't take anymore, I awoke to smooth, clear skin. It made my skin unbelievable soft, and my complexion seemed a lot less blotchy than normal. However, I only tried a small sample bar so just when it really seemed to start working, it ran out. A week of skin detox followed by the beginning of amazing skin, only to be cut short. I was devastated. I want to try a full bar, but $40 seems kind of steep right now. Plus, I really don't want to go through the "healing crisis" again! What do you think? Should I just suck it up and buy it?

Placenta Hair Mask. Crazy, But True.

The Product: Hask Henna 'n' Placenta Dual-Action Pac

The Claim: Nature's most complete conditioning treatment. Strengthens and repairs dry, brittle, lifeless hair. An extra rich formula combining two of natures most complete hair conditioners - neutral henna and natural placenta. Together for the first time to quickly repair and strengthen dry, brittle, lifeless hair. And will not change hair color. The result is ravishingly beautiful hair with manageability you never before thought possible. Placenta extract, derived from animal placenta (Environmentally responsible formula), is combined with amino proteins to revitalize and protect every hairtype.

The Review: Just the thought of slathering my hair in placenta was enough to make me slightly nauseous, and more than a little skeptical. After shampooing my hair, I open the packet (the directions tell you to use the entire packet in one use) and started saturating my hair. There's a lot of product in the packet, so I sectioned off my hair and put them in buns. Then I covered it with a shower cap and let it sit for 20 minutes. After rinsing and styling, my hair has never been more manageable and frizz-free. It shocks me to say it, but my new go-to hair product is a $1.99 hair mask with 'Placenta' in the name. The next day I went to the drugstore and bought out the rest of the stock. You should probably go pick up a packet for yourself before I get to it...

Cherub Cheeks

The Product: Stila Cosmetics Cheek Duo - Pink Glow

The Claim: Two shades are always better than one. Get a fresh, flushed glow with Stila Cosmetics Cheek Duo - Pink Glow. The pigments are baked on a terracotta tray for the smoothest, most radiant finish on the skin. The duo includes a shade of bubblegum pink and a shade of mauve. Ideal for those of all skin types who want a sheer, natural-looking pink glow on the cheeks. Mica creates a luminous finish. Vitamin E repairs damage. Jojoba Oil hydrates and nourishes.

The Results: A swirl of this pink and mauve blush on the apples of your cheeks will give you the fresh, cherub glow you've been dreaming of. It's sheer with a hint of shimmer, so it looks like you're naturally blushing. Love it!

Mattify, Moisturize, and Tone in One Step

The Product: bliss steep clean toner pads

The Claim: T-zone shine is thing of the past with our toner pads! Perfect for oily and combination skin to reduce mid-day shine without leaving your cheeks peeling or parched. With salicylic acid, smartsponge technology (self activating oil-control spheres), and dead cell digesting enzymes. Don't 'face' the day without them. Decongests pores and reduces inflammation, gently exfoliates to prevent breakouts, hydrates the skin to restore moisture balance, controls oil where needed without drying.

The Review: This is an easy, convenient way to get rid of any remaining debris after cleansing. They're especially good after waxing--no more ingrown hairs for me. I use these after I work out and I've noticed I don't break out as much as I used to. They're perfect to throw in your gym bag and go!

Bambi Lashes

The Product: Shiseido Lasting Lift Mascara in Black

The Claim: Provides maximum lift and weightless volume to lashes for hours. Waterproof. Smudgeproof. Gives lustrous dimensional color with Full Saturated Color Powder. Contains Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE, a lasting moisturizer.

The Results: After applying this mascara, my lashes looked naturally full and long. It increased the curl in my lashes, which made my eyes look huge (a miracle in itself). I went to the mall and was actually asked if I had lash extensions. I couldn't believe it! Me? The girl with short, stumpy lashes? Obviously this was about the best day EVER! The curl lasted all day, and I spent way too long checking out my awesome lashes in the rear view mirror while driving. When I got home I used my regular makeup remover and face wash...and the mascara was still there. I had to practically bathe my lashes in the makeup remover, and then scrub them--I'm pretty sure I pulled out some lashes with the amount of scrubbing I did. It occurred to me that if it was always this difficult to remove, I would be in short supply of lashes very soon. You would think that the threat of lashless eyes would dissuade me from using the mascara again: no way! The doe-eyed look from this mascara was too much for me to resist, and I continue to use it daily. It's sooo worth it! (I've learned to press a cotton ball soaked with makeup remover on my lashes for about 30 seconds to take it off)

Be fine Gentle Cleanser

The Product: Be fine Gentle Cleanser with Sugar, Mint, Oats & Rice

The Claim: Gentle Cleanser is a naturally moisturizing formula that uses food ingredients to rejuvenate skin tone, fight aging, invigorate, and refresh your skin. Sugar removes impurities of daily stress, revealing radiant skin. Mint stimulates circulation, reviving both your senses and skin tone. Oats and rich work together, feeding vitamins A, E and F for vital replenishment.

The Review: This cleanser actually smells like fresh mint, not the sickeningly sweet mint scent used in some products, making it perfect for early morning use. After using my skin is not too oily, not too dry, but just right. It's extremely gentle, and leaves my skin feeling refreshed, without any residue. Also, I love that it has a pump. When I don't have a pump I tend to use too much and go through the products too fast. The Be fine Gentle Cleanser distributes the perfect amount each time, and the slim bottle is nice for travelling.

Milk. It Does A Body Good.

The Product: k. hall designs Shea Butter Lotion

The Claim: Milk, it does your skin good. It is a rich, velvety smooth body cream enriched with the scent of Coconut, Vanilla, and fresh Cream. Shea Butter and Aloe Vera hydrate, calm, and soften the skin.

The Results: This lotion is the perfect treat for summer. It's lightweight yet moisturizing, the aloe extract is great at the end of a day at the beach, and the Milk scent is subtly exotic. Plus, you just have to love the simple, modern bottle.

The Bonus: All Orders over $49 Receive Free Priority Shipping from Apothica.com

Alterna Caviar Shampoo--AMAZING!!!

The Product: Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Moisture Shampoo with Seasilk

The Claim: This decadent, sulfate-free, youth-preserving shampoo targets the aging process at a cellular level and salvages strands stressed by the environment, chemical treatments, or simply the sands of time. It magnetizes moisture to hair and keeps it there with the help of caviar-extract-rich Age-Control Complex™. This shampoo also includes marine-based, moisturizing Seasilk® and tint-preserving Photozyme Complex™ with Color Hold™.

The Results: I don't say this lightly, but this is the best shampoo I've ever used. It provides extreme moisture and has made my hair soft and manageable. It's super-gentle and doesn't contain sulfates, so my color lasts longer. Truly, I love this shampoo so much that I don't have the words to describe it (and you know that doesn't happen to me often). Just trust me, and go buy this shampoo. Seriously. Now.

Maybelline Lash Stiletto

The Product: Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara

The Claim: The only mascara that does for lashes what stilettos do for legs. The Grip & Extend brush grasps each lash and coats from every angle. Elastic formula stretches lashes for provocative length. Pro-Vitamin B-5 formula conditions and smoothes for black-patent shine.

The Results: If your problem is short, stubby lashes, this is the mascara for you. This is absolutely the best lengthening mascara I've ever tried. As you know, I'm extremely hard to please when it comes to mascara, so I was surprised by all the bad reviews I read on this product--most complaints described flaking and a bad odor. I didn't notice either of these things. Nor did I notice the "black-patent" shine touted by the makers. Still, I was really happy with it, I would highly recommend it to anyone searching for 'out to there' lashes. Also, I love that the tube is shaped like a stiletto heel; such a cute idea!

Arcona Booster Defense Serum

The Product: ARCONA Booster Defense Serum

The Claim: Antioxidant cocktail regenerates at a deep cellular level, leaving skin firmer, stronger and protected from damaging environmental stressors. Eliminate environmental impurities that contribute to aging with super-oxide dismutase. Defend against free radical damage and premature aging with resveratrol and grape seed extracts. Retain moisture and protect skin with antioxidant green tea and vitamin E.

The Results: I've never understood people who are loyal to an entire line; I find one or two items I like in a brand and then move on. However, I've never had a complaint with any Arcona product I've tried, so I decided to buy the Booster Defense Serum without even sampling it. To make a long, unpleasant story short, it gave me a rash. Well, not a rash, exactly, more like small bumps all over my face. Now, as I love all the other Arcona products I've tried, and the reviews on this product were phenomenal, I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and conclude that my skin is the problem, not the serum. However, after not using it for a few days to make sure it was truly the serum that was causing these bumps, I tossed it in the trash instead of passing it off to a friend--just to be safe.