Sundari Lemon Cleanser for Kapha Skin

Sundari was developed by Christy Turlington after she became a devotee of the Yogic lifestyle. These skincare products are based on the principles of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda posits that there are three body types: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Kapha corresponds to an oily skin complexion.

Now, I'm not sure how much I buy into the philosophy. However, this is a lovely, gentle exfoliating scrub, that controls oiliness without drying. I definitely saw less blackheads whilst using it.

Retail: $32.00

Rating: 4 lipsticks

Phytomer Rosee Visage Toning cleansing Lotion

This is a very gentle toner that will clear any cleanser residue from your skin. Excellent for dry skin, sensitive skin, or winter skin!

Retail: $26.00

Rating: 4 lipsticks

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment

I was a bit skeptical of this sticky looking pre-shampoo deep conditioning treatment. Afdter trying it, however, I am a believer. My over-dyed hair was silkier, shinier, softer and just all around prettier-enough so that I got a compliment. It has a great fragerance that I can't quite place-a sort of musky, chocoaltely scent.

Retail: $21-$55

Rating: 5 Lipsticks

e shave Shave Cream White Tea

Another fantastic shave cream! I think this one is my favorite. It makes legs silky smooth while shaving, and has a lovely, delicate scent. It also felt stiffer than the other varieties, which made for a better shave.

Retail: $20.00

Rating: 5 lipsticks

Body Shop Coconut Shower Cream

This is fabulous! A nice, creamy, sudsy, foaming moisturizing shower cream redolent of coconut.

Retail: $11.00

Rating: 5 lipsticks

St. Ives Apricot Scrub

Okay, I know that they all say not to use exfoliators with non-milled particles, but really, it's fine! This is a perfectly serviceable scrub. Nothing fancy, but it does make skin smoother and exfoliated. Maybe sensitive types should pass on it due to the walnut shell powder, but for the rest of us, it's okay.

Retail: $3.99

Rating: 3 lipsticks

Body Shop Coconut Body Butter

There is not one speck of this product left in the jar. I used every last bit! It's a thicker body butter, which makes it great for cold dry weather. There is no greasiness, and there is something immensely satisfying about smelling like coconut when it's snowing outside!
Retail: $10-$20
Rating: 5 lipsticks

Ladylipstick's Latest Obsession

Jewelry!

I don't wear jewelry much, because I don't have much real jewelry, and well, except for fun vintage pieces, I feel like one needs, at a certain age, to wear real pieces.

So, all of this is about to change. stayed tuned for my new bejeweledness!

Body Shop Monoi Moisture Balm

Imagine a cream that feels like butter, minus the greasiness. Add a fabulous tropical fragrance. Feel hydrated over every pore. Repeat.
Retail: $24.00
Rating: 5 lipsticks

Aveeno Positively Smooth Moisturizing Lotion

This is an odd lotion. it is meant to make leg hair finer and grow more slowly. It did moisturize, and it did make my hair grow in finer and more sparsely, but it also made my skin peel.

Retail: $7.99

Rating: 1 lipstick

Proactiv Solution Reparing Lotion

There was a learning curve for my skin with this lotion. At first, the benzoyl peroxide dried my skin. However, after a few weeks, my skin rebalanced, and was much clearer! I didn't even get my monthly chin line zits. I've in the past been skeptical of products sold via infomercial, but I am now a believer!

Retail: $21.75

Rating: 5 lipsticks

Softsoap Nutri-oil Moisturizing Body Wash with Almond Oil and Shea Butter

This has all the same properties of the other Softsoap Nutri-oil Body Wash, yet this one I love! Hydrating and cleansing, it's a wonderful winter body wash.

Retail: $5.50 On Sale!

Rating: 4 lipsticks

Softsoap Nutri-oil Moisturizing Body Wash with Olive Oil & Aloe Vera

This body wash is hydrating, is non-greasy, and does work for shaving, but the fragrance left me cold.

Retail: $5.79

Rating: 2 lipsticks

Terax Miele Shampoo

I had high hopes for this shampoo. I love Crema. But, I found that it did not offer the hydration promised; in fact it seemed to rough up my hair. This might work if you want a rougher texture, but otherwise...not so much.

Retail: $20.00

Rating: 2 lipsticks

Dove Pro-Age Advanced Care Shampoo for Extra Fullness and Thickness

After using this shampoo, I was asked by a co-worker if I had gotten a hair cut! This shampoo delivers thickness, fullness, body and bounce. Two days later, and I still feel like the Breck Girl.

Retail: $5.99

Rating: 5 lipsticks

Awake Hydro-plus Eye

This lightweight eye gel is great if you have oily skin, it's summer, and you worry more about puffiness that lines. If you want a strong anti-wrinkle cream, though, look elsewhere. Retail: $45
Rating: 3 lipsticks

JOEY New York Line Up

Another example of my love/hate relationship with JOEY New York. This gel purports to smooth the appearance of lines. I found that all this sticky gel did was make my skin feel dry.

Retail: $48.00

Rating: 0 lipsticks

Body Shop Monoi Miracle Oil

Miracle Oil indeed! I think I used this product in every possible way-as a bath oil which was heavenly, as a body moisturizer-very hydrating and smells wonderful, and as a styling product-just one drop for beautiful shine!

Retail: $17.00

Rating: 5 lipsticks

Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub

This is one of those products where the expectations exceeded the delivery. I was hoping for a fantastic scrub that left me feeling clean, soft and exfoliated. The reality? The grapefruit fragrance is wonderful, but as for the rest, it left me wanting more.
Retail: $10-$20
Rating: 1 lipstick

Suave Professionals Humectant Conditioner

Just as good as its shampoo counterpart! It softens and moisturizes my color abused hair, with no greasy aftertaste! The scent again is coconut goodness!

Retail: $2.99

Rating: 5 lipsticks

What Came in the Mail 10.03.07

• Bain de Soleil Streakguarde Dark
• Bain de Soleil Radiance Eternelle Dark
• Klorane Eye Make-up Remover with Cornflower Extract
• Woolite Lint Mitt
• Neutrogena Fresh Herbal Body Wash
• Ramy Lipliner in Pick-Up Line
• Bain de Soleil Radiance Eternelle Medium Dark
• Shine and Go Shoe Polisher
• L'Homme Scrubbing Face Wash
• Ramy Lip Liner in Smile Line!
• Fekkai Glossing Cream Sample
• Tarte Clean Slate Sample
• Murad Soothing Lip Therapy
• Skyn Iceland The Antidote SPF 18 Mineral Sunscreen

Yes, I know some of these are repeats, but as long as they are on clearance, I will keep stocking up!

Maybelline Great Lash

I almost feel like it's a waste of time reviewing this. After all, who doesn't know that this is one of the best mascaras on the market? Goes on easily, makes lashes look glossier, prettier, longer. Doesn't smudge, yet washes off easily. Everyone should own this!

Retail: $3.65 On Sale!

Rating: 5 lipsticks

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

A sign that you're getting older-traditional acne treatments dry you out! This would be a great cleanser for a young, oily skin. But for me? I guess I'm getting up there*, because it doesn't help my breakouts anymore, but it does dry out my skin, leading to clogged pores, yada yada yada... Retail: $6.59
Rating: 4 lipsticks, but only if you're a teenager

*While I think that I'm about 22, I'm actually 32.

Warren-Tricomi Pure Strength Conditioner with SPF for All Hair Types

Strike two for Warren-Tricomi. Maybe because it's for "all hair types," but this did not do anything for me. So un-conditioning, in fact, that I actually reconditioned my hair with another product after using this. What's the deal, Mr. Fancy Pants Hair Stylist?

Retail: $25.00

Rating: 0 lipsticks

Secret Platinum Soft Solid Powder Fresh

The good part is that this kept me dry and smelled like baby powder. The bad part? Icky chalky white streaks.

Retail: $4.69

Rating: 2 lipsticks

Garnier Fructis Fortfying Shampoo for Color-treated or Permed Hair

With the change is season comes a change of hair-color: I'm now a deep autumnal redhead. And with a change in color (repeatedly) comes a need for taking extra care of the hair. This shampoo makes the hair feel clean, yet also as if it had been through a deep conditioning treatment. Crazy!

Retail: $3.99-$6.99
Rating: 4 lipsticks

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion

I have to say, I didn't care for this as much as the other Palmer's products I've used. It does a fine job at moisturizing, but I find the cocoa butter scent overwhelming. Retail: $4.75
Rating: 2 lipsticks

Yes I know....

I've been a terrible blogger...it's the beginning of the theatre season, so I've been working 12 hour days, I've been trying to keep up the exercising, and I've been shopping! I may expand to add some fashion posts, because, as I told an actress I know the other day, I either need to stop buying shoes or marry a dictator!

What Came in the Mail: 9.14.07

• ICE Hair Hydrator


• MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel Sample (great product!)


• Mrs. Meyer's Lavender Dish Soap (it was a freebie!)


• Paula Dorf Eye Primer


• Ramy Rise and Shine Lip Gloss in Shut Up and Kiss Me!


• Ramy Lip Pencil in Pick Up Line


• Ramy Lip Pencil in Smile Line


• Fit n Fresh Salad Shaker


• Studio Basics Dual Tip Eye Applicators
• Bain de Soleil Radience Eternelle Medium Dark Self Tanning Creme
• Bain de Soleil Streakguard Dark Self Tanning Creme
• Bain de Soleil Radience Eternelle Dark Self Tanning Creme
• Korres Olive and Rye Night Cream
• ph Advantage AM Multi Complex Moisturizer SPF 20


• Terax Miele Shampoo Sample

Body Shop Peach Body Lotion

I'm glad I got this one at half-price. It smells pretty, but the lotion is more slippery than moisturizing. Pass!
Rating: 1 lipstick
Retail: $4.00 On Sale!

What I Bought: 9.3.07

• DermaNew Acne Microdermabrasion System
• BaByliss ProTT Tourmaline 3500 Hair Dryer ($19.99 at TJ Maxx!)
• Barielle Professional Protective Hand Cream
• Barielle Nail Rebuilding Protein
• Fusion Fitness 3-lb. dumbbell set (shut up! there are some exercises that call for low weights)
• Barielle Intensive Hand Treatment Cream (with gloves!)

e shave Shave Cream Cucumber

This was a lovely shave cream. It left my skin silky smooth, and the cucumber scent was refreshing. The description for cucumber is that it cools and energizes, so this makes it a great summer product!
Retail: $13-$20
Rating: 5 lipsticks

Neutrogena Build-a-Tan

At first, I didn't think I liked this tanner-until I realized that the unevenness was from the last product I tried. This is a good self tanner for beginners or for advanced tanners who want to transition through the seasons...i.e. lightening up for fall, or revving up for summer. A gradual tan, just as advertised, and goes on smooth and even.
Retail: $9.09 On Sale!
Rating: 4 lipsticks

e shave Shave Cream Floral

This shave cream is for "normal to sensitive skin." It facilitated a close, smooth shave, and left my legs soft with no nicks or razor burn. The rose scent, however, is cloying.
Retail: $13-20
Rating: 2 lipsticks

Suave Professionals Humectant Shampoo

I don't know which I like better-the way this shampoo smells or performs. This shampoo left my hair clean, soft, healthy and hydrated. The smell? Coconut heaven!

Retail: $1.99

Rating: 5 lipsticks

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Shock

This is a great product! Thicker than a traditional glossing serum, it adds shine and texture. Good if you like piecy hair.

Retail: $5.39 On Sale!

Rating: 5 lipsticks

Aveeno Positively Ageless Rejuvinating Serum

The sample I received was not large enough to judge the anti-aging properties of this product. However, it was a quickly absorbable, soothing and hydrating moisturizer. For that alone I approve!

Retail: $19.99

Rating: 4 lipsticks

What Came in the Mail: 8.21.07

A deluxe sample of Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer.
Thanks, doc!

Avon Skin So Soft Hair Removal Cream fresh & smooth

I have yet to find a depilatory that I actually like. This has all the hallmarks of a typical one-burning scent, slick dry skin, and the added bonus of streaking one's sunless tan. It does remove hair, but not uniformly. I'm sticking with a razor, with a bit of wax.

Retail: $8.00

Rating: 1 lipstick

Palmer's Shea Butter Formula Concentrated Cream

I'm so glad I discovered Palmer's! This cream is excellent for extra dry parts-elbows ankles, knees.It is a a thick hydrating cream without greasiness. I think I'll be using it a lot this winter!
Retail: $4.10
Rating: 5 lipsticks

Sunsilk Anti-Flat Shampoo

I don't hate this shampoo! I was just about to write off Sunsilk, but this shampoo did deliver bounce and body. For dryer hair, just make sure you use a good conditioner, and your hair will be Anti-Flat!

Retail: $3.37 On Sale!

Rating: 4 lipsticks

Body Shop Peppermint Cooling Leg Gel

This gel is used to soothe tired and achy legs and feet. It does a good job, it is cooling and refreshing. On hot days, I even used it on my arms.

However, it does have a high alcohol content, and so is drying to the skin. For my money, I would rather the cooling of the peppermint foot lotion. And before you ask, no, this is not appropriate to be used on a sunburn...unless you're into pain.
Retail: $12
Rating: 3 lipsticks

L'occitane Radience Moisturizing Cream

I did not do well with this cream, but something tells me that less acne challenged girls might give it a go! I found it to be too heavy for my oily skin, at least during the summer. It is for a dry skin-no in betweens!

Retail: $36

Rating: 1 lipstick

Gillette Custom Plus Razor

This is by far the best disposable razor I've used. It gives a shave comparable to a "fancy" razor, and as long as you don't use the same razor for weeks on end (I always forget to replace my razor!), no nicks or cuts. You'll find it in the men's section, but who cares! It seems that I always do better with the men's razors anyway.

Retail: $7.49 On Sale!

Rating: 4 lipsticks

Pantene Pro-V Always Smooth Conditioner

I guess I could take it or leave it. This does smooth and defrizz, but I do notice a slight heaviness to it. Not as marked as some, though!

Retail: $5.19

Rating: 2 lipsticks

Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil Original Moisturizing

Repeat after me: there is no such thing as a safe tan (unless it's sunless). So, disregard the instructions on the bottle: "to be used by those with a good tan." This has no sun protection at all!

Okay, now that we've gone over that, this oil does smell heavenly. That old fashioned coconutty tan beach smell. There is no reason why one can't use it as a moisturizing body oil-just use SPF when you are exposed to the sun.

Retail: $7.64 On Sale!

Rating: as a sun product- 0 lipsticks

as a body oil-4 lipsticks

Redken All Soft Conditioner

First, the good news. This conditioner does an excellent job of moisturizing the hair. Redken does a great job of delivering. Now, the bad news. I can't get past the smell. There is a vinegary hint to the fragrance. It reminds me of coloring Easter Eggs.
Retail: $15.35
Rating: 3 lipsticks

Prescriptives *magic Illuminating Liquid Potion Foundation Primer Translucent

Love it! This is a highlighter that makes the skin glow-but never shine or sparkle. It gives, if you will, a "candlelit glow." Skin perfection! You can use it over or under foundation. I like it on the temples, high on the cheekbones, and along the jawline. You can use it on the shoulders, the cleavage, anywhere you want to glow. A little goes a long way-my sample was .24 ounces, and I used it on all the aforementioned places-and it lasted almost two weeks!

Retail: $30

Rating: 5 lipsticks

JOEY New York Correct-A-Line for Face

Hmmm. Another JOEY product that I, um, do not love. The claim of this product is that it plumps up the skin, temporarily reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. What I find it does is create a greasy surface for makeup to slide around on, and enhances the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Pass.
Retail: $38
Rating: 0 lipsticks

Palmer's Olive Butter Formula Lotion

This is a good summer lotion-deeply hydrating, yet lightweight. The fragrance reminds me of lotion from my childhood. A winner!

Retail: $4.76 On Sale

Rating: 5 lipsticks

Jonathan Product Silky Dirt

If you've ever watched Blow Out, you know that Jonathan is crazy. But, he makes a damn fine styling product. Silky dirt is amazing! It is a "Shine and define creme" that actually texturizes and adds shine. And, if you're a crunchy girl (or lad) it's 100% vegan. I almost want to get cable so I can give his show another spin!

Retail: $28

Rating: 5 lipsticks

Cuccio Naturale Forte Horsetail Nail Stengthener

I picked up a Natural Nail Care Kit from Cuccio at a salon conference a while back. I am a big proponent of natural nail care. However, I find this strengthener too sticky and long drying to be of any practical use. Used as a base or a top coat, your whole manicure ends up smudged. In addition, when used alone, it tends to flake and peel. If the objective is to strengthen nails, peeling is not going to help!

Retail: $12.00

Rating: 0 lipsticks

Cover Girl Advanced Radiance Foundation

A very nice sheer foundation that does give a glow to the face! Non-greasy, natural looking and feeling!

Retail: $11.53

Rating: 3 lipsticks

Benefit Playstick

A great foundation!! This cream stick offers full coverage without being masklike or greasy. It covers blemishes incredibly well. So well, in fact, that upon removing my makeup at night, I am shocked at what is underneath it. It comes in a good range of tones, too!

Retail: $32

Rating: 5 lipsticks

Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-pod

Who came up with this? Individual "pods" for the eye. First, squeeze the pod to release the product. Then, dab it about the eye. Next, use the sponge applicator to massage the eye area.
Wrong! The actual product does not release evenly, and the sponge is waaay too abrasive to "massage" the delicate skin around the eye.
Back to the drawing board, boys!
Retail: $26.99
Rating: 0 lipsticks

JOEY New York Pure Pores Instant Blackhead Remover and Pore Minimizer Gel

JOEY New York products-I either love 'em or hate 'em. There is never an in between for me. This is not one that I love.

This product is meant to be applied in a thin layer over skin, and then after it dries, buffed off, revealing blackhead and pore free skin. In reality, I found that the gel actually caused more breakouts. I suspect it is because it dries the skin, and the dry skin clogs the pores. After using this religiously twice a week, as directed, I head skin that was redder and more pimple ridden. Not what I was looking for!

Retail: $25

Rating: 0 lipsticks