Disappointment of the week - July 16th, 2009

I have a sad review to deliver today. I was pretty excited to try this product being as how I loooove mascara. And while I can't give this lash beautifier a perfect score by any stretch of the imagination- it is not all bad. Which is why I am still reviewing it today but calling it my disappointment as opposed to my product of the week.

Revlon Double Twist MascaraLet's start with the good of this mascara. The formula is actually excellent. Seriously defines, lengthens, thickens...all the things you want a mascara to do. It is actually one of the best formulas I have ever used. It doesn't flake or smear and it can easily be layered for a more dramatic effect. If I was simply reviewing the product inside the tube - this mascara would be an A+.

Now for the bad news...the brush is HORRIFIC. I know that is what they were going for when designing and marketing this product but the brush is the downfall of this Revlon item. First off, it is huge. You can barely get it through the opening in the tube. And the combo of the thickening brush and the silicon separators just creates a clumpy mess. When you pull the brush out of the tube the top half of the brush is cleanly covered with mascara while the bottom half looks like you spread the mascara on the bristles with a thick Spackle. It is BAD.

The only way I have managed to still be able to use this mascara is to clean off the bottom bristles with a tissue when I pull the brush out and then try to focus the application with the upper bristles. You waste a ton of product when doing this so sadly I am not expecting this tube to last very long.

So if you have a coupon for this mascara and you need one....I say go ahead and buy it. Or perhaps if you don't care about the brush- the formula is still worth a try. But really- it is just a big fat disappointment.

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Product of the week - April 16th, 2009

Imagine my delight when setting out to write today's POTW - only to discover that our featured item is on sale for 30% off!!! How serendipitous!!!

Now I have always been on the fence about the effectiveness of face masks. Other than some basic hydration and the relaxation it gives to the user, masks to me have always been more of an indulgence/nice treat then a true skin treatment or legitimate part of my regimen.

Until now.


Organic Apoteke's Rejuvenating Fask Mask - Originally $54.95, now $38.47 (Online at organicapoteke.com)
This face mask has single handedly changed my opinion of masks. It really and truly works. Not only does it give your face a healthy and much needed dose of moisture- the moisture lasts - for days. I have noticed every time I have used this mask that my skin is visibly better for days to come. Smoother, more supple, more hydrated, less lines.... The Organic Apoteke line is 100% organic (as you can tell from the name) and those folks are definitely doing something right. This mask supplements collagen and elastin while detoxifying and nourishing. It is formulated with honey, shea butter and peptides to naturally increase the micro circulation of your skin. I would recommend this mask to anyone who wants their skin to look more like it did at 17...so pretty much everyone.

After my great experiences with this product I look forward to more experimentation with the line and their belief in better skin through hydration and circulation. For more on the whole line- click here.

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

P.S. One word to the wise on this POTW - the smell and texture are definitely "organic" but don't let that put you off- it is still pleasant and soothing - you will not feel as though you are putting something gross on your face.

Product of the week - March 26th, 2009

This week's POTW is soothing, affordable and fresh.

Sephora Body Butter - $16 (Sephora stores nationwide and online at Sephora.com)
I absolutely love this Sephora brand product. I have been using the Coconut Cream scent as a luxurious night cream before I hit the sheets. The scent is coconut with vanilla, almond and musk accents and makes me feel relaxed just by smelling it.

This cream seems to be the best of both worlds- nice and thick in the container and when it first hits your skin. Then just like the name (butter) it miraculously melts into your skin leaving soft, subtle but not overpowering scent. My bf has commented many times how this is his favorite of all of my lotions in rotation and I have to agree. It heals my cracked, parched late winter skin but is light enough that I know it will be in use year round (perhaps as a perfume replacement in the hot months?)

I have only been using the Body Butter but I know that the Sephora specific scents come in a complete collection for each unique fragrance (Body Butter, Body Scrub, Bubble Bath, Shower Gel and Dry Oil Spray). So if you like this cream and want to spread out it is possible!

Affordable and chic!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Product of the week - March 19th, 2009

Did you all survive St. Paddy's day? I didn't go out this year, opting instead to celebrate my Irish roots at home with Dancing with the Stars and Pizza....
However, some of my friends did go out and I mean BIG TIME, all day long Irish revelry. And one fellow I know? He dyed his hair bright green. Yup. Not just a subtle forest green tinge. From the pics, it looks like he bleached it and then dyed it the color of AstroTurf. This sad hair tale brings us to the POTW.

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave in Treatment - From $14 (Specialty beauty stores and salons nationwide)

Now my loyal readers know that I hardly ever talk about hair care products. But this pretty blue bottle? Well, we have had a love affair for years. This is the one hair care product that I cannot do without. It has made the world of difference in the quality, strength and shine of my hair. It smooths the hair without being greasy, gives it shine without making it brittle- in general just amps up the health and beauty of anyone's lucky tresses. If you have never tried Anti-Snap (and I know that some of you are already on the band wagon with me) go out there and grab a bottle. You will not be sorry! Soon enough it will be spring and then summer and there will be no hiding your pretty locks under a winter hat. This leave in is THE tool to help you get ready for the warmer months.

A word to the wise on purchasing this and any other "salon" quality hair care products. I really recommend that you buy these kind of things only at a salon or a major beauty supplier. The drugstore versions are not to be trusted. They are not licensed to sell these kind of brands so I would never trust what is in the bottle you would find outside a salon or beauty supply. If you are interested in the Anti-Snap specifically- here is the link to the Redken website where you can search for the closest retailer near you.

http://www.redken.com/products/haircare/extreme/extreme-anti-snap

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Product of the week - January 13th, 2009

Okay, I know it is not Thursday. But as I sit here with a sore nose once again this season (seriously- how did I go years without one cold and so far already have three this year?! I guess I was due...), I was overwhelmingly thankful once again for a very simple product in my life.

What product you ask would cause me such happy moment in a time when the skin around my nose (and under it) is red, peeling, itchy and just generally unpleasant?

Petroleum Jelly (aka Vaseline) - $2.00 to $4.00 (depending on brand and size), Drugstores nationwide

Now perhaps you are scoffing at my POTW this week. Maybe you consider it some old fashioned relic of another time and think why would I ever have this next to my lovely creams and potions? Because it works. Very well. For many many things. For example, whenever a cold strikes and I am blowing my nose roughly 256 times a day, nothing is as soothing to the overused area as a thin coat of Petroleum jelly. It soothes, it protects and no it does not clog the pores in the area. When my hands get really dry and crack in the winter? Once again, petroleum jelly to the rescue. What if my lips are chapped? Or if I have run out of eye make-up remover? Stretch marks? Sensitive baby skin?

The list goes on and on.

Now some simply called petroleum jelly "Vaseline", a brand name just like "Kleenex" for a tissue. If you are a "Vaseline" person go for it, but know that for the most part a simple generic is the same in the this case and half the price. In fact, the jumbo jar in my cabinet? Target brand of course.

It is cheap. It works. You will be SO grateful to have it around when you least expect it. Go get some and survive winter and every other season!

Keep looking fabulous,

BGND

P.S. Just because this is hilarious:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOR4qekHWlA

Product of the week - January 8th, 2009

It is the first POTW for the new year and once again here at BGND we are focusing on the best bang for your buck/the most you can get for your dollar/something worth the cash in these financially stressed times.....

Maybelline New York Cool Effect Cooling Shadow/Liner - $4.69 (Drugstores and online nationwide)

This lovely "liner" has been a weapon in my arsenal ever since I moved to NYC after college and needed something that was 1) cheap, 2) easy to apply anywhere/everywhere and 3) a multi-tasker. Today's POTW I bought on a whim to try to fulfill all three of those things... and boy did it ever! Today, long gone from NYC, I have it in many many colors (it comes in twenty) and I love it even more than the day I discovered it at a Duane Reade drug store. It is always there for me whether I need a quick sweep of shadow on a day I am running late, a thick sultry eyeliner for night or perhaps just something I can smudge and make messy. It really is a multi-purpose make-up utensil. I DEMAND you go out and get at least one of the colors so you can see what I am talking about. You will fall in love like I did so many years ago!

Keep looking fabulous,

BGND

Product of the week - November 20th, 2008

I think most of you BGND readers know that I am kind of obsessed with blush. I own a lot of it. It seems to be the product that I always end up buying even when I don't need it and there are many unopened containers in my make-up case at home...you know what I am talking about you girls who always buy lipstick or eyeshadow- I know you are out there!

Well, today as I was getting ready I was reminded once again why I LOVE this week's product of the week. It is my go-to powder blush and for a gal who loves blush, that is saying something!

Covergirl TruBlend Minerals Blush - $6.56 (Drugstores and online nationwide)
(shown below in True Romance - my shade of choice)

This blush is the only one I have found out there that gives you the same gentle flush of color that a gel blush can provide. It goes on smoothly, looks amazingly natural and is made of minerals - great for the skin. It does not streak or have that dreaded stripe-like blush look. It simply looks like you have a lovely color to your cheeks with just the tiniest bit of sheen. Genius!

I actually found this blush off of a cover look in a magazine. I believe it was an old issue of Allure that had Rihanna on the cover and I loved her look so much I actually read the make-up credits page and went out and bought this blush. I could not believe it was only $7 and it is a HUGE container. I was also astounded that not only did this blush look great alone, it layered well with other colors or with gel blushes if you wanted more intense color. Plus, something that can look good on a pale freckly gal and Rihanna? I am sold. And I think you will be too! Go check it out!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Product of the Week - November 13th, 2008

As most of you BGND readers know, I am a fan of Dove soap. I think it works fabulously , it is affordable and it is kind to the environment. However, I know there are some of you out there who prefer a body wash and are always looking for the next great one to try. So today's POTW is to all of you shower poof loving BGND folk....a fabulous body wash to soothe your sad winter skin.

Olay Body Wash plus Creme Ribbons - $4- $6 (Drugstores and online nationwide)

Now even though I have switched to the Dove, this lovely body wash still tempts me every time I walk down the skin care aisle at Target. It is creamy, smells fantastic and is truly moisturizing. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a rich, smooth body wash that feels luxuriant. The only downside is that this body wash can be pricey but for all of the elements you get, I think it is worth it. You will use less lotion after your shower and be relaxed while you are showering. I love it!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Product of the week - October 30th, 2008

Boo! Halloween is scary and frightful...and so is your skin! Dry, patchy, tired, sad and scaly....In other words, your winter skin has arrived. So in honor of all of the very dry skin out there on legs, arms, feet and everywhere you can imagine...I present you with not one but two of my favorite affordable body lotions for the winter season. (Why two? - because lotion is personal and not everyone likes the texture or smell of certain lotions.) But have no fear, both of these lotions will fix all your dry patches and make you baby smooth.

Option #1:

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion (Original/Regular) - $10.99 (Drugstores/Health food stores nationwide and online at Drugstore.com)

I found out about this lotion (amazingly) from a male friend of mine. He had a bottle of it in his bathroom and I tried it out and LOVED it. I quickly went out and bought some for myself (back in the day that it was only available at Whole Foods!) and was hooked. It smells fantastic and literally makes my skin softer and smoother than any other lotion out there. There are versions that are unscented or with SPF, so there really is something for everyone. This lotion is AMAZING. You will not be disappointed. Thanks Mike!!

Option #2:

Olay Quench Body Lotion for Extra Dry Skin - $9.99 (Drugstores nationwide and online at drugstore.com)

I am generally pleased with most Olay products. Some are not as great as others but this thick moisturizer I have found to be one of the best creamy lotions out there. It smells great, has amazing lasting power and you will notice the difference in your skin within one day. Best of all, you get a pretty decent sized bottle for $10 so you really feel like you are getting a luxe lotion for a steal.

Scary Scaly Skin officially gone!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Product of the week - October 23rd, 2008

Eye creams are a dime a dozen. So many work, so many do nothing..but in general I find it pretty easy to find a decent one for a decent price.

My current fave is this week's POTW superstar...

Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Eye Cream - $12.99 (Online at cvs.com and at drugstores nationwide)

I LOVE this eye cream. I have been using it for well over a year. It is cool and soothing and chock full of all the good stuff - Lycopene, Vitamin C etc.. Best of all, it promotes cell turnover and diminishes all that puffiness and the nasty darkness that loves to lurk in the eye area. AND it helps smooth out those nasty fine lines. Even better- it smells fantastic. Honestly, it is a good deal, does it's job and does it for a decent price.

Don't walk, run out and go get this eye cream.

Keep looking fabulous!

BGND

Product of the week- October 16th, 2008

Well BGND readers...I have a confession. In general, I do not like foundation. I find nine times out of ten it is too dark or too light or too cakey or too thin...and in a lot of cases, I find that the person wearing the foundation does not need the layers of make-up they have on.

However, I do see the merits of a good foundation and what it can do for an uneven skin tone and for someone who is needing a boost of confidence. Well, today's product of choice is a foundation and a fantastic one at that.

L'Oreal True Match Foundation - $10.95 (Drugstores nationwide)

This foundation is FANTASTIC. As I explained above, it is hard to impress me with foundation. However, I recently had an occasion for which I HAD to wear foundation so because of the Allure endorsement I decided to give it a try. I was blown away. This foundation goes on smoothly, covers without being too thick or streaky and really does blend into your skin better than some counter foundations I have tried. Oh and by the way - it only costs $10!!!

This is now a permanent member of my make-up bag - a foundation- who knew?!

Keep looking fabulous!

BGND

Product of the Week- August 21st, 2008

Yay- Thursday!
Product of the week day!!



This week's product superstar: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - $10.79 (Drugstores nationwide)



Alright, I hear the collective groan... Cetaphil is SO boring...it is always recommended!!



Yes that is true- and it is for a REASON. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is sent from heaven above. It is gentle but cleans amazingly well. It is soothing but gets all the gunk from out of your pores. It is moisturizing but never feels oily. In a word, it is perfect.

I often use Cetaphil in the mornings or on days when I feel like my skin is lacking moisture. I find it is a cleanser that is perfect for what we put our skins through, meaning all kinds of treatments designed to ward off aging. The problem with some of these treatments is they can wreak havoc on the skin. Your skin can become flaky, or itchy or red from all the things we pile on to make our skin look better. Well to me, Cetaphil is my shower rockstar( a note- it can work with or without water). It makes me clean, lets my skin breathe, look well rested and moisturized and in a word - pure.

I know some of you may be concerned because there is no lather but hopefully you all know by know that products shouldn't over foam. If they do, those are lovely chemicals that have been added to make you feel like your skin is getting "clean". Cetaphil was designed by dermatologists and will clean your face without all that fuss.

Don't knock it till you try it.



Keep looking fabulous!

BGND

Product of the Week - August 7th, 2008

Hey BGND readers!


Today I start a new element of my blog. On each and every Thursday I am going to give a little shout out to my favorite new product (and if I am lucky occasionally be able to give some away!) I will try to mix it up and bring you varied and different types of products but always know that every Thursday you can check back here and learn about something fun and new or if you are a life-long product lover like me, reaquaint yourself with an old friend.



Today's fave: derma-e Anti-Aging Hand Cream - $9.50





So I LOVE this hand cream. It is just the right consistency, works great and is LOADED with all kinds of goodies like Olive Oil, Green Tea Extract and Aloe to name a few. It is fast absorbing but works like a heavy balm. It also smells delicious (sort of like Sweet-Tarts Candy) and I have gotten so used to putting it on before bed that when I recently forgot it on a trip, I truly missed it. All of derma-e's products are winners, this just happens to be my latest fave and has earned a permanent spot on my night table.


Derma-e is family owned and operated and can be purchased nationwide at Vitamin Shoppe, Drugstore.com or Whole Foods. And of course you can purchae Derma-E through their website - http://www.dermae.net/. The website also has a function where you can input your zip code and find local retailers that sell derma-e.



Let me know if you try out the Anti-Aging Hand Cream or anything else from derma-e and if you like it.



Keep looking fabulous,

BGND