NUDE SKINCARE HYDRATING WATER SPRAY

fun smooth rubbery lilac spray bottle

Happy Monday! Here's hoping everyone had a really great weekend. Get ready to be bombarded with loads of reviews, hauls and fall fashion.beauty trend reports as I'm back in Venus mode.

Well let's get to it then... Up for review today is Nude Skincare's Hydrating Water Spray sent to me for my consideration from publicity. This was actually sent a few days before I left and had the chance to use it for a couple of weeks daily/nightly and fell in love with it. But before I talk about this hydrating spray some info on the brand. As most of you already know NUDE is a brand created in part by Ali Hewson, whom is U2 Rocker's Bono's wife, but who doesn't know that. Seriously? And I'm controlling myself from going in an all out crazed fan rant on my teenage obsession with U2 and how I own every Cd, Cd/Set, concert video they ever made because were talking about skincare right now. Oh and if you haven't noticed, NUDE is EDUN backwards which is from Ali's first fair trade clothing venture of the same name which was meant to be NUDE spelled backwards. So now it's EDUN spelled backwards, loves it! Brand, product info below.

NUDE Hydrating Water:

NUDE Skincare's refreshing rose and vanilla floral water removes final traces of cleanser and locks in moisture, leaving skin calm and beautifully soft. Mist natural toner onto clean skin and wipe gently with a cotton pad. A skincare essential, Hydrating Water is perfect for setting make up and instant refreshment. Revives normal, dry and sensitive skins.

Beautiful without parabens, sulphates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, propylene glycol, phthalates, GMO, mineral oil and silicones

NUDE founder Bryan Meehan learnt how the right nutrition supports the way the body works and, more specifically, looks and feels, when he set up Fresh&Wild natural health food stores around London. He understood that the skin is the largest organ in the body and it made sense to feed it well.  His customers wanted to avoid potentially harmful skincare ingredients but they didn’t believe ‘natural’ could deliver the same results as ordinary skincare. Bryan believed  ‘natural’ could deliver better results.... Inspired by Bryan’s conviction and armed with the experience and passion for ethical business, friend and co-founder Ali Hewson joined Bryan to create NUDE, now synonymous with high performance, luxury, natural skincare.

Pro: harmful chemical free, cruelty free, non-irritating, refreshing, quick absorption, no residue, travel friendly, sets makeup

Con: although the ingredients incorporate natural essences they are not organic, may be considered pricey, a faint hint of rose scent (strictly personal-I can't tolerate rose scent) although very subtle and non intrusive.

VENUS TIP:

Hydrating Water's Dual Use/Purpose- Can be used as a makeup setting spray. I tested this in humid weather and my makeup stayed fresh until evening

My Results: This lightweight feeling hydrating spray comes in very handy when you need a quick moisture mist without having to apply heavy cream. I love that it also works as a makeup setting spray and it does work because I tested it out in very humid weather. I think this product would be perfect for winter weather when your face is always exposed to the harsh elements, you can carry it in your bag and mist your skin for on the go moisture anywhere.

Packaging: The spray comes packaged in this lovely innovative lilac rectangular spray bottle made out of this smooth rubbery material but not the sticky kind where debris would stick to it. The material is recyclable and if you don't have a recycling program in your area you can send the bottles to the company and they will recycle for you. Wonderful!

Formula: The formula is very lightweight and quickly absorbs into your skin. It contains hints of rose water, prickly pear, vanilla and grapefruit. The scent is very subtle but it contains roses and I'm sure I have blathered endlessly on my loathing of rose scents & roses altogether so it's a little bit of a turn off for me. But I have to state it's very faint and non intrusive, it's more of a personal quirk for me. It does make your skin feel refreshed and moist but then quickly drys which is great for not having shine but those with severe dry skin might not like this. Still it gives you a nice refreshed boost on the spot. The ingredients are chemical free, cruelty free and contain many naturals but it is not an organic product and the site states they feel the performance level would be less if the line were organic. I don't know if I agree with this because having used Beauty Without Cruelty I find they deliver what they promised.

All in all, it's a great brand that is concerned with the environment, harmful chemical free and they don't animal test which is huge for me which is why I'm giving it a great 4.5 starfish rating. The price is a bit high but a little goes a long way so this and the non organic factor is the reason for my rating. I definitely would recommend you try this spray out as it's great to have on hand, travel with and serves as a makeup setting spray. I'm excited to see what other items I will try out from the rest of the line.Has anyone tried this yet? Opinions? Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability: Nude Skincare $20 3.4 ounce

1 RATING=WORSE 5 RATING=BEST SUPER STAR=SUPER PRODUCT!

CHEMICAL FREE -NOT ORGANIC:: 4.5 stars

PACKAGING:: 5 stars

MOISTURIZING:: 4.5stars

FORMULA:: 4.5 stars

PRICE & VALUE:: 4.5 stars
OVERALL PRODUCT:: 4.5 stars

Give Your Skin It's Daily Dose Of Vit. C

Finally! My long awaited review for the last product in the batch sent over to me, Beauty Without Cruelty Vitamin C Vitality Serum With CoQ10 Enzyme. I wanted to save this product for last until it was completely finished as to give a thorough review of the product. It was also exciting for me to test this out because as you know since dropping all my products that were not cruelty free brands it was hard to find a decent replacement  to my beloved Regnerist with all the sought after ingredients my skin was used to. It's thrilling for me to know this serum also contains Vitamin A and green tea extract which are important factors when looking for a great anti-aging product. My initial results after using this are very promising and I plan on purchasing this so I can bring you another review after extended use. Stay tuned for this in the future. I'm not going to stop looking or testing other brands in the future but I can honestly say that Vitality Serum has me hooked. I know this review is going to be a bit longer than my others but if your interested in a quality anti-aging serum that is cruelty free with organic ingredients then please read this post fully as I will try to provide every little detail as possible. Also keep in mind my results are based on my skin type/tone which is pretty well toned and not mature skin. I don't know how this works on more mature skin but for the price and ingredients it's worth trying out. Some product info from the manufacturer and some of my tips posted below:

BEAUTY WITHOUT CRUELTY VITALITY SERUM: uses active forms of vitamin C
and Co Q10 to improve skin circulation, clarity, tone, and texture.
Anti-oxidant vitamins A, C, and E combined with green tea and grape seed
extracts help neutralize sun and environmental damage to keep skin firm and
youthful.  Powerful humectants deeply moisturize your skin to smooth and soften.
Natures botanicals and organic, aroma-therapeutic essential oils nurture
and rejuvenate while rich emollients soothe and protect.
pH balanced
Benefits all skin types
Paraben Free
Organic Ingredients
No Animal Testing

To Use: Apply drops of serum to clean face and decollete for complete coverage.

Gently press into skin. Use morning and night. May be used alone or under any
BWC moisturizer or make-up.

Pro: cruelty free,fast absorption,dry's instantly allowing perfect base 

for your foundation,no flaking,non irritating,instant skin firming-tight

action,Green tea extract,Vit. A (retinol), Vit. C, fresh citrus scent, long

lasting,super saver value-one pump covers entire face, non oily silky

smooth fluid formula

Con: dispenses too rapidly,if your not careful with the pump 

the product can waste easily. Scent might be too strong citrus for some. 

It was fine for me, you can smell the natural botanic essences. Would also love if it had

some amino peptides I'm used t0 having in past products. I would have to use this at

more length to see results with prolonged use.

My results: This serum lasted me well over a month with once nightly use with full face/neck coverage. I'm sure it would have lasted a little less had I used it both morning and night then again it seemed that I may have wasted too much because the serum which is creamy fluid like in consistency flowed out rapidly. This is something you need to be careful of  as not to use up too much. Because it is so fluid you seriously only need one full pump to cover your entire face with a little extra to cover your neck area. The first thing I noticed besides the strong floral-y citrus scent (it's actually fresh once you get used too it) is how it instantly firms and tightens my skin. You need to work really fast with this to cover your skin because it absorbs quickly and dries off nicely. These two factors also made me fall in love with the serum because your face wont stick to your pillow and you can use this as a base over any type of foundation! I'm not able to say how it changed my skin tone yet because my skin tone was fine with all my Regenerist use but having stopped using Regenerist I was worried my skin would suffer but instead using this serum my skin maintain the same great tone. I don't know how much of a difference it makes with this product not having amino peptides in the formula but it keeps my skin toned, firm and no breakouts. My skin feels moisturized without any oiliness to it. Drier skin types might want to use an added moisturizer over this which BWC also makes. I'll add this as a little side tip because I discovered when using a serum you should also use a moisturizer on top. All these products to keep a gal youthful, staying young is hard work! You younger girls should start thinking about anti-aging because experts now say you should start in your 20's! I'm completely thrilled for discovering a cruelty free product with natural ingredients which also contain retinol and green tea, my only complaint would be the absence of amino peptides. I highly recommend you try this for yourself as I have read other online reviews and women seem to love this product. This gets a full five starfish rating for being a promising serum, cruelty free, cost efficient and for it's ingredients. Please comment if you use it. Stay beautiful!  XOXO

Availability: Beauty Without Cruelty $24.95 1ounce

Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream

Here is the last in my batch of Olay products tested and ready for review, Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream.This  formula is much more richer and emollient than the serum as it is a cream version. What this cream does is help fight the loss of moisture to your skin, firm and tone sag prone areas especially near the jaw line while smoothing the surface and restoring elasticity. This formula contains the highest concentration of Regenerist exclusive amino-peptide complex as well as an Olay exclusive intracellular fortifier made up of hyaluronic acid. My results after using this 1.7 ounce cream for about three weeks now, which by the way has plenty more product left to go past a full month, are that the moisture in my skin feels restored more than the other versions in this line. This is probably due to the fact of it's ultra rich luxurious formula and while the direction labels suggest you use this morning and night I find this too rich and emollient for day time wear as it leaves too much product on my skin for me to apply foundation properly. It might be a different  case on some skin types which may be bone dry allowing better absorption and foundation application. And of course if you don't wear any foundation then there is no problem with that aspect of it all. I also found that once you use a small amount you shouldn't attempt to try to layer some more cream on as it will flake so just a dab will do. It leaves a nice dewy finish on your skin but not oily or sticky if you apply the right amount and the scent is very fresh and clean. I love love love how thick and rich it feels going on and how it hydrates your skin perfectly making it the right moisturizer for harsh winter weather.  I would also say this is more appropriate for super dry skin than the serum in this line. I already use a full range of Olay products and I notice how each different cream helps maintain the firmness, plumpness and hydration in my skin. This is one that I will be using only during the night time because it interferes with my foundation which I generally prefer a more matte base on my skin. It's an amazing moisturizer that beat out other fancy department stores brands in surveys from women and the price point is more affordable for everyone's budget. Got really dry skin and on a budget? This is a sure bet, try it for yourselves and feel free to leave me comments on what you think about this cream. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availablity: Mass Retail Market $24.99

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules

full size product

sample pack tested by me

Up for review today is Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules which about a ten day supply was given to me for testing. The product description reads as follows:

These Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules are worth their weight in gold. Elizabeth Arden's CLX Complex delivers the restorative power of Ceramides and essential lipids to strengthen skin's barrier against the visible signs of time. These single-dose capsules support natural collagen, taking the focus off lines and wrinkles to maximize smoother, younger, even toned skin.

Benefits:
Strengthens skin.
Firms and tones skin.
Diminishes lines and wrinkles.
Improves skin tone and clarity.
Supports collagen production.
Convenient, single-dose capsule sealed for purity.
One-touch opening jar.

The only quality that I agree with in the products performance is the moisturizing effect it has on your skin. Inside the tiny little capsule is the silkiest feeling moisturizer applied on my skin. It's oil like consistency goes on smoothly and absorbs wonderfully leaving no oily residue but a nice matte finish. I was surprised how quickly and easily it absorbed into my skin because being an oily serum I thought my skin would have this oily dewy barrier sitting on my face. Surprisingly it drys down matte so much that you can actually go ahead and apply foundation over this serum. What I didn't find too appealing was the weird thick oily scent, it literally smells like cooking oil but fortunately it does not linger around. For me, it didn't make my skin feel like it was being firmed and didn't change the tone or clarity although my supply was limited to 10 nights. It did however also make my skin feel nice and smooth when I was applying it on my face and the smoothness continued when I woke up. This for me is more of a great moisture quenching product for dry skin instead of an anti-aging product. I would definitely by these and use it on top of my Olay products for those nights I feel my skin needs more moisture. You only need one tiny little capsule which covers a full face and neck application. This just shows how very little product we need and how women sometimes have a tendency to waste product by over applying. I love that this tiny little caplet has just the right amount needed pre-measured for you without any mess. One recommendation I would make is that instead of twisting as the instructions suggest but rather use a small sharp scissor to snip open the seal because when twisting the oil spills out a bit to fast. The full size jar comes with 60 capsules which is about a full two month supply. If you feel you need to use it morning and night then it would be a one month supply. For having 60 applications it makes this product a great value for the price and worth the moisturizing benefits. The best part is that the capsules are sealed for freshness so if you want to use them every other day or a few nights a week when you need extra help to combat winter skin, it stays fresh until you pop one open. Awesome! It's definitely great to have one jar around for you to use at your convenience, while maintaining it's freshness and  being sanitary. Plus it gives you more product for the same price of other high end department store brands. Amazon sells them a little less than the department store, see link below. Stay beautiful! XOXO 

Availability:Amazon $68 60 count capsules

The Skin Food-Ancient Rice Emulsion

When I ordered an Asian product awhile back this little packet called Skin Food Ancient Rice Emulsion was sent along as a sample but I just threw it into the basket pile of other samples sent to me forgetting about it until last night. After applying my Olay night moisturizer my eyes spotted this on top of the heap so I grabbed for it and read that it's an emulsion you use on top of your own moisturizer. I figured why not get rid of it, it'll probably be laying around forever. I'm so glad I used it,  it's fantastic! My skin felt like super silky satin. Even though it's very rich to the touch it's refreshingly lightweight while absorbing nicely onto the skin. The scent is very fresh & green, somewhat combination of plant and fruit. It also gave a nice firming effect to my skin. I have no idea what's inside this because it's all written in Korean because it says made in Korea but with all the foreign text there was a little website printed in English. Woo! What I can tell from this little sample is that the formula is made of three different types of ancient rice moisturizers that firms, nourishes and moisturizers the face. This company isn't a new age brand that just popped up over night, it seems it's been in business since 1957. Although it was just a small one time use I'm already intrigued by this emulsion. I woke up to softer smoother skin which already was improving with all the Olay products I'm using. This helps gives an extra boost of moisture on whatever cream you use now. It's just so fun to discover a new product or brand.  I went ahead and found the website which I'm adding a link to below. It's in Asian but on the top right corner there's a English box for you to click on although there is no apparent ordering and shipping info to the Unites States. Those of you in Asia and The Arab Emirates can find a location to shop the products. They have an email and I'm going to contact them to get more info because they have the most amazing fresh products on their site. How could they not sell to the rest of the world yet? Get on the global bandwagon peoples! I want to try half of what they have listed so far. If I get more information it will be posted here and if anyone overseas has heard or used this brand please comment about it. On another note, Ms. Givens over at Trend Wisely Blog has awarded me My First Bloggie Award! Honestly I was surprised and am very grateful for her consideration, thanks so much for the love and support! I wish everyone a very safe and Happy Halloween this weekend. If your going to parties don't drink and drive! Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability: The Skin Food

My First Bloggie Award!

Carita Diamant De Beaute Ultimate Luxe Gift!

$600 Diamond Luxury Moisturizer

Hot tamales! This has got to be the ultimate luxurious holiday "wish list" goodie every girl dreams about. I'm lusting for it already. Of course it's that indulgent little treat you hope Saint Nick stuffs your lacey stocking with and not a purchase you want to make yourself. Carita Diamante De Beaute diamond cream formula is enriched with a unique combination of mineral, vegetable and bio-technology. Diamond powder, plants, gems and tourmaline are infused together to give your skin an even tone and a bright luminosity while Sequoia buds and Blue Lotus reduce skin damage against free radicals and increasing skin density. Even with it's beautifully boxed elegance,diamond formula and giant diamond shaped glass jar the price is ridiculously outrageous! All you ladies with sugar daddies you know what to hit em up for this year hahaha. The rest of us will have to settle for recession friendly gifts. Seriously though, the website should have some real life reviews & testimonials listed, for now they only have there own test results. What is making me laugh uncontrollably as I type is noticing on the website a drop down menu box prompting you to order multiple quantity's if you choose. What, One jar isn't enough?  Clearly this website doesn't have us mere mortals in mind... Sitting on the right side of my shoulder, my natal astro Virgo angel is scolding me for salivating over an impractical item that will evaporate over a months time leaving not even a whisper of diamond dust behind. But over on my left shoulder my little natal Venus angel is squealing with glee telling me to sell some blood or maybe a pair of designer shoes to sample this cream just for the sheer curiosity of it all. HA! Unfortunately for my Venus fairy, Virgo kicks ass this round! I'll be content sticking with my tried and true Olay Regenerist serum. Well maybe until I hit the lottery...A girl can dream right? Stay beautiful! XOXO 

Oh, on the off chance someone does try this-please do tell...

Availability:Carita USA Diamant De Beaute $600 1.7 oz jar (detailed product info on site)

Total Effects 7 in 1 Moisturizer Plus Cooling Hydration

Here's another review for a fabulous moisturizer from Oil Of Olay. Total Effects 7 in 1 Anti-Aging Moisturizer Plus Cooling Hydration.This product contains 7 anti-aging therapies in 1 daily moisturizer with vitamin and mint extract. The added cooling mint in the formula allows your skin to stay refreshed and hydrated from morning till night. The mint really gives you a nice soothing cooling sensation for a more refreshed younger looking feel to your skin with the best part for me being the scent lingering on my face so that every time you shift you get a nice whiff. It's very light and subtle almost fruity but not perfumy at all. Of course the product itself is also great. The mint in the formula gives you skin a burst of invigorating freshness along with providing an array of anti-aging benefits. What this light lotion does is:

1. Minimizes appearance of fine lines
2. Cooling Moisturization-soothes dry skin
3. Energizing Radiance for a healthy glow
4. Gentle Exfoliation-evens out skin texture
5. Pore Refinement-minimizes appearance of pores
6. Free Radical Defense-helps prevent damage to skins surface
7. Subtly Lifting-hydrates for firmer skin appearance

It's also dermatologist tested, won't clog pores, oil-free and fast absorbing.The formula contains vitamins, minerals and cooling mint extract. It absorbed very nicely onto my skin and has a matte finish without drying your skin. This could be used under your foundation as well because I didn't experience any flaking of the product. I have sensitive skin and this moisturizer which is a very light lotion didn't irritate or burn my face. The only thing that's missing to make this product complete is allowing it to be used on your eyes as well, then you would really be set. Olay should make something like that-a face and eye serum all in one. The dispenser which is in a pump form does let out more lotion than you need so you have to be careful when you press the top and just tap it gently. Another top quality product from Olay. This particular moisturizer would probably be something more practical for the under thirty age bracket and I only say this because it doesn't have the heavy retinoid in the formula that more mature skin might need. It's a light refreshing lotion that younger girls might appreciate on their skin without as opposed to really rich moisturizers that seam more weighty. Also if you workout or are very active and outdoorsy, the way this lotion absorbs completely without leaving any residue is perfect for the sport loving woman. You have to try this for yourself to see how refreshing this is on your skin to understand why it's my opinion that it is a more lighter youthful product. Of course the packaging doesn't say this product is for one particular age group and it's for all woman and all skin types to use and try. To me it's just very youthful as more mature skin would naturally need more targeted heavy duty ingredients.Is it wrong to say a moisturizer is fun? That's the feeling I get every time I apply it to my face at night. Yes, I use this at night because I have been using the Olay DNA Superstructure cream during the day and I'm also happy to report it doesn't rub off on your pillow! A little goes a long way because it's very blendable and silky so it's economical as well. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability:Mass Market Retail $19.99 1.7 ounce

Olay Regenerist DNA Superstructure Cream

After about three weeks of use with Olay Regenerist DNA Superstructure UV Cream I'm ready to review it. This product had me excited from my first morning application because of it's perfect under foundation base. Here are a few facts about this product:The consistency of this formula is a very light creamy lotion with an SPF 25 to help block out DNA damaging rays. It provides highly concentrated moisture, protection against the damaging effects of the sun and complete anti-aging benefits while firming your skin. You could say this is an all in one super cream. Even though I immediately felt a nice firming of my skin more on my neck area than my face probably due to the fact that my cheeks are full and my neck area is more delicate, at least that's what I think. It  was an added plus that this cream was the perfect base under my foundation. It didn't flake off or ruin away my makeup because it is super absorbent. You need just a few drops of the product which comes in a pump dispenser worked quickly over your entire face and neck. I say quickly because it dries fast so you need to massage it into your skin just as fast. It's almost semi-matte in finish but leaves a nice supple feeling on your skin making this cream ideal for oily and dry skin types. If you tried the original serum and found it too rich for your skin this might be a better alternative. I'm totally convinced there is an  Olay product out there for every woman, you just need to experiment which one suits your needs best. With the price points the products are offered at it's economical to do so. Another thing which I found curious was that because the cream is a solid white color (see swatch in photo above ) it seemed to act like a primer under my foundation making my discolorations fade more. Now this just  might be only my perception of seeing visibly lighter skin but it was worth mentioning. It also has a nice green floral scent to it,very delicate and fresh. For me it was great that all I needed was this cream to work as a moisturizer, anti-aging cream, sunscreen protection, firming lotion and a foundation base on my face and neck without having to layer any other product on other than my Olay eye serum. I just might opt to use this in the morning because of the UV protection and switch the original serum for the night time. No skin irritations or burning sensation was experienced by me. This is a highly recommended must have cream as part of your daily skin care routine even for the under twenty age group because it protects against harmful sun rays and won't interfere with your makeup. I'm hoping everyone goes out to buy this because you really need to experience this amazing moisturizer for yourself. If you already use it let me know what you think about it by posting in the comment box. Stay beautiful!  XOXO

Availability: Mass Market Retail $24.99  1.7 0z

Estee Lauder Idealist Skin Refinisher

full size product

my test sample 

I bring you yet aother product for review! This is for Estee Lauder Idealist Skin Refinisher.I had received a couple of these travel size serums to test out and I have to admit I was looking forward to using them because I've heard so many great things about this refinisher-some even hail it as a miracle. I don't know if miracle is quite the word I would use but I think I really like this.I say think because I need more of the product to see what a real difference it would make with long term use.It's just soooo expensive for a little one ounce jar that I might have to grab some more samples before even considering buying this full size as a regular staple. I do love the results I've seen and felt on my skin so far.Let me give you some information on what this product is meant to do for your skin first before I talk about my findings.This serum is meant to be used under your moisturizer to minimize & reduce the size of pores as well as smooth out uneven skin texture,roughness and flakiness.You use it by applying it morning & night under your moisturizer.I'm sure most women only apply it once as the size and price wouldn't make it viable for two daily applications unless you can afford it.The skin clarity and pore shrinkage improves after continued use while the seamless look & luminosity to your skin is instant.I can vouch for the instant seamless look and feel because it's the first thing I noticed.The minute I smoothed this on my face it felt as if it were acting like a primer smoothing out my pores and giving me a nice glow.It feels so silky! Instantly I felt like my pores were less visible and my skin more clarified. I have to mention not too apply to much if your using this in the morning as it will make your foundation flake a bit.What I can't say for sure is if it will completely shrink your pores in time or remove discolorations because I only used it for less than a month and my pores are not that large for me to have noticed any change during the time that I have tested it.However it does instantly improve your skin texture,clarity and appearance of pore size.Your skin will feel so smooth and your foundation will look flawless. If you have real large pores you might want to invest in the full size and try it on an extended basis  or even consider purchasing the larger size bottle although it's pricier. And if your skin isn't that bad this makes a great quick fix under your makeup for super smooth coverage and you might want to consider using it only when you need it for special occasion's when you know your going to be photographed instead of a daily basis.I really wish the price weren't so high but it seems like a great product with a nice fresh scent and it doesn't irritate or make your skin break out.I'll keep you posted if I try this for a longer duration. You can try to get some samples from your Estee Lauder rep. before you purchase the full size.

Availability:Estee Lauder $46.50 1 ounce {larger sizes available}

Elizabeth Arden Overnight Success Serum

This is another one of those products I used up a couple of months ago and never got around to reviewing  it so here it is.I had four medium size sample tubes sent to me of the Elizabeth Arden Overnight Success Skin Renewal Serum which lasted me a month.You use this serum as a pre-moisturizer by applying all over your neck and skin before you put on your moisturizing skin product.The company recommends that you use this in conjunction with Ardens Good Night Sleep which I reviewed & can be found here.It's supposed to amplify the effects of your moisturizer by making your skin more softer and clarified by helping regenerate skin cells.The formula is a very light marmalade like gel with a nice light floral scent.There is essence of lavender contained in this cream which works to soothe & calm the surface of your skin.It spreads quickly on your skin without a heavy oily residue but you can feel there's product on your skin when you touch your face even though it's subtle.You only need a few drops to completely cover your face area but it does flake if you add more than you should.I also felt it sticking to my pillow a little bit.It does feel a little bit heavy after you apply your normal moisturizer over it and so sometimes I would skip that process because of the warm weather.I didn't really notice a difference in clarity but I did wake up with soft skin.I also didn't experience any irritations or breakouts but I woke up with a slight oiliness on my skin.If you have severely dry skin you might enjoy this serum as an added benefit to your own moisturizer as it really does add moisture especially in the upcoming winter weather.If you have normal to oily skin you probably should skip this as would be too heavy and greasy on you.Women who suffer from the most dry skin would probably love this as an added supplement to their skin regime.It's not bad but it wasn't a product I felt I needed for my skin type plus it's rather pricey but it should last you awhile because you only need a small amount. 

Availability:Elizabeth Arden $49

Shiseido Bio Performance Super Lift Complex

I'm going to be posting more than usual in a few days because I want to add all the older products I've tested that have just been sitting on the sidelines especially all the mineral makeup products.So here is the first of many that I have tested & is ready for review.This is Shiseido's Bio Performance Super Lift Complex.I received about 3 sample size tubes which lasted me about a week each,the photo above is for the actual full size bottle because I disposed of the sample tubes.Let me say that I was surprised with the scent which was pleasant because in my experience every time I try a Shiseido product it's overly fragranced.It's also good on sensitive skin because it didn't irritate,burn or make my skin breakout.The formula is very light consisting of a  gel like lotion and absorbs nicely into your skin.It doesn't leave an oily residue behind making it great to sleep with it on your face although it's not completely matte you will feel some moisture from the product.This seems like it's more targeted toward mature skin because of  the ingredients it contains so if you have super dry skin this should work nicely to restore some moisture.I have to also mention that only a few drops were needed to cover my entire face because it's very silky & easy to smooth on just be careful not to apply more than needed because it starts to build up and flake off.It made my skin look dewy when I woke up in the morning and I noticed a nice firmness after a few days. The only issue I had was the ridiculous cost for such a small bottle. I don't think that the full size 1 oz can last for even a full month when you consider you apply it onto your neck area as well.There are plenty of other firming skin creams out on the market which are more reasonably priced and I don't think I would have purchased this on my own if it weren't sent to me for review but it was a good product as far as could tell in the short time I used it.I also only used it during the night time because the sample tubes were so small.If you have the resources to splurge for skin care while also having more mature skin {which I think this is better suited for because of it's collagen boosting ingredient} then try it out.You can also ask your Shiseido rep for samples before you commit to a purchase.

Availability:Beauty Rose $74

Elizabeth Arden Good Night's Sleep

sample tube I tested

full size product

I hope everyone had a pleasant weekend :) and don't be shy...try your luck for a shot to win a pair of cute earrings in my blog contest-just click on the contest image in the sidebar to enter.I have so many products to review and have so little time! I still have all those mineral makeup posts I never got around too,please stay tuned for those as well.Oh,today I was contacted by a couple of PR firms that are sending me some great new products to test-one being a new bath & body line which I'm excited about-love love love bath & body items and another from a skin care company.I'll talk about those items when the samples arrive for me to test.I also ordered a couple of hot palettes and can't wait till they arrive so I can swatch and review them for your guys! Hint hint...one palette is NAKED from UD! I'm also happy to announce I'm just about ready to add the new "Wardrobe Essentials" free standing page.I have been working on it for months and I compiled all these helpful hints and suggestions for you ladies who need some help in this department.It's all my own work from my experiences and knowledge I gained along the way studying-working in fashion.I hope it helps women who need a fresh perspective on re-thinking a basic wardrobe.I think I made it really simplified so it's easy to follow as well as adding some visual aide for inspiration.I should be posting that soon in the sidebar with an image. After that page is done I will work on my "Style Tutorial" page for helping organize and put together looks.Now on to my review for the day.So I've been using this Elizabeth Arden Good Night's Sleep Restoring Cream for about a week now I'm ready to share my findings.Although this was just a sample tube the formula is so silky and rich that just a little product went along way.I applied a few droplets all over my face and neck and then gently worked it into my skin until it was absorbed-it absorbs nicely but not completely matte,it leaves a nice soft dewy moisture on your skin.It's really very rich so if you wake up with dry skin this is a product you really want to try.My face was glowing every morning I woke up and no breakouts! Usually a rich formula means breakouts for me but not the case with this cream.The only issue I had was the scent,it is bit on the floral side and has that 1980's perfume department store scent but it's not as bad as the old fashioned smell most of the Shiseido products have.Shiseido products are great but they really need to work on the scent.Anything that makes you wake up looking all glow-y and dewy without wreaking havoc on your skin is A-OK with me.It's summertime and this product wasn't uncomfortable to sleep with so I can imagine how much better it would work when winter weather rolls in.I definitely am going to stock up on this for the upcoming dry & cool weather nights because waking up all dull faced and flaky is not very appealing.It's also dermatologist and allergy tested.

Availability:Elizabeth Arden $38 1.7 oz jar