Philosophy 3-in-1 Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath

I think the question here is who doesn't love Philosophy's 3-in-1 bath products? This stuff is a definite PW favorite and one I've been using for years.

I don't use it as a shampoo so no comment there, but as a shower gel, it's awesome. The scent is one that you actually smell and the scents do smell as close to the real thing as a bath product can get. The smell, while strong and enjoyable in a shower (or bath) does not stay on skin so you won't spend the day smelling like a cake, or in some cases, a margarita. When used as a bubble bath, it creates lots of bubbles and a lingering scent in the bath, but again, washes off easily.

A very recommended product, but be warned that once you get one and try it, you most likely won't stop there. PW favorites include Red Velvet Cake, Sugar Plum Ferrie (limited edition), and Apple Cider.

This can become your addition as well for $16/bottle. Pick it up by browing Sephora stores and online, Nordstrom, and www.philosophy.com

Dessert Beauty Whipped Body Cream

The only reason this crap showed up on my site is simply because I was making a trip to my friendly neighborhood Sephora and found that they still carry it.

Where should I start? First, this stuff tastes like crap. I was uh, "lucky" enough to recieve a bottle as a sample after it first made it's debut. It essentially served for an evening of laughs and not a whole lot else. Not only does it taste like sweetened soap (or something) it is sticky as all hell. You'll have a highly enjoyable time attempting to get it out of the sheets! It isn't rich, it isn't creamy, and who in God's name really thinks it's a "skin moisturizer"?!

Please stay away from this. I know someone out there is browsing sephora.com, sees this crap is only $5 and thinks maybe it's worth it. Trust PW when she says it's not. Do yourself a favor and stay away from Dessert "Beauty", no matter how cheap it is. If you somehow manage to score some for free, kick back and have fun... but make sure you're near a shower for afterwards.

Sephora Pink Grapefruit Body Smoother

I mentioned this product as a cheaper alternative to Philosophy's body scrub so I figured it was time to review it in case people were wondering.

The good? The quantity you recieve for the price is quite generous compared to what you would recieve from other brands. If you're on more of a budget and want to save a bit of money, this is the way to go. It does it's job. If you have ultra sensitive skin, this may be the way to go for a body scrub.

The bad? While it does do it's job, I don't think it is as good as Philosophy's body scrub. Ultra sensitive skin aside, the sugar crystals are not nearly as large or coarse in this version and so while it does get rid of dry skin, I don't find it as effective. The scent also turned me off. I didn't find it "refreshing" and I didn't find it smelled like grapefruit whatsoever.

All in all I recommend it, especially at the price. Unless you are one who wants to make your own (see recipe in Philosophy scrub post!) it is worth it. Check it out and decide for yourself

You can pick up your own at www.sephora.com or Sephora stores for $15.

Sephora Indulgences Whipped Body Delights

I hate to love this stuff.

Let's face it. This is Sephora's answer to Philosophy's multiple "this smells like food!" body lotions and many other potions. With that said, this stuff works suprisingly well. It leaves skin soft, it feels good when you rub it in and depending on whether or not this is your thing, it does smell like candy. I guess the question is, do you just want to enjoy the scent in the bath and let it wash off and be on your way or do you want to wander around smelling like a candy apple (or whatever.)

I can leave most of the scents, but I'll take the product. All in all recommended.

Where to buy? Sephora stores and www.sephora.com

At only $15 for 3, it's pretty affordable.

Carmex

After trying all of the fancier (not to mention much more expensive!) treatments for chapped lips, PW kept coming back to tried and true Carmex. It is soothing to lips and prevents lips from becoming cracked and sore. I use it at night before going to sleep to keep lips smooth and kissable all the time.

Carmex is affordable to everyone, it is easy to find and as an added bonus, it still gives lips a nice shine as you'd get from a gloss.

Pick it up at drug stores nation wide for about $1.20 per pot.

Burt's Bees Mama Bee Leg & Foot Cream

Even though PW is not a "Mama Bee", I picked this stuff up simply because I couldn't stand the scent of their non-mama foot cream. I absolutely love this stuff! It is soothing and it leaves skin extremely soft and it helps to repair dry and scaley feet (and legs.) While it's meant for feet and legs, I tried on my hands and this stuff is a keeper!

You can pick this up for about $9.00 (about 3.5 oz)

Product can be found at www.burtsbees.com Target stores, and some drugstores nation wide.

Bliss Softening Sock Salve

This was actually a good product. I liked it. It did make my feet soft and it felt nice. Is it worth the cost? I don't really think so. I think that my tried and true baby lotion really worked almost as well and given the price, "almost" is good enough for me. I'll take or leave this one.

Cost: $26

Where to purchase: Bliss spas or at Sephora/www.sephora.com

Bliss Softening Socks

I was skeptical when I got these and now let's just say that Im out $50. These things are soft and comfortable, but "softening socks"? Seriously? Come on Bliss. Simply put, if you didn't get it already, this PW does not recommend these at all. These don't do anything more than your basic gym sock. Heck, go buy a 10 Pack of socks @ Costco for $8, a bottle of Johnson's Baby Lotion with Aloe & Vitamin E and you're all set for a fraction of the cost!

If you missed it, these socks are $48+ tax.

In the event that you want to try them for yourself (uh, why???) pick them up at your friendly neighborhood Sephora.

The Neiman Marcus BEAUTY EVENT is here!

Online (and in store) you can receive a FREE* NM Exclusive pink tote with some great beauty samples.

*With beauty purchase of $85 or more before sales tax and shipping

There are other great deals and gift bags from La Mer, Chanel and of course, Bobbi Brown and more. To check it out, please visit the following link: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/template/catB9.jhtml?itemId=cat2980731&parentId=cat000285&masterId=cat000000&icid=

Lancôme Absolue Replenishing Eye Cream

Absolue Eye is a great cream for those of us who suddenly woak up one morning and realized that in fact, wrinkles and fine lines do seem to pop up over night! Absolue Eye moisturizes and firms the eye area and is intended to reduce the appearance of fine lines within 4 weeks of use.

All in all, I think it's a great product that I will continue to buy, even if it is on the pricey side. For those who don't want to spend the money, check out Loreal's Wrinkle Decrease Collagen Filler Wrinkle Reducer ($14 at Target and drugstores nation wide.)

Cost of Absolue Eye is $73 from Sephora and Lancôme counters.

PW's Tip: You can sometimes find Absolue Replenishing Eye Cream at Costco for around $45-50.

Lush Bath Bombs

Bath bombs, shower jellies, silky underwear powder... What do you love about Lush?

Bath bombs are one of my favorite products. Drop one in the bath and prepare to be relaxed. The bath bomb fizzes and floats around the tub, leaving a nice scent (and at times, dyed bath water) behind. Fun alone or with a partner.

PW's favorites are the Sex Bomb (shown) and Butterball. You can try those and plenty of others for yourself at Lush boutiques or from their online store www.lush.com

A bit expensive for one, but it's a fun treat. Prices start at about $4.00 and go up to about $6.00

T3 Evolution Hair Dryer

This is a product that PW is torn about. The dryer is a good one. It cuts down drying time, leaves hair smooth and with a lot less frizz than your typical hair dryer. With that said, I haven't found all that much of a difference between this one and my Conair Infinity Ionic hair dryer that I bought at Target for a fraction of the cost after this T3 malfunctioned.

Would I buy another T3? Probably not. For only $50 at Target stores, the Conair Infinity (tourmaline) Ionic dryer did the exact same thing. Cutting maybe an extra 2 minutes off of drying time isn't worth it to me. Do yourself a favorite and keep your $220.00 for something else. This doesn't make anywhere near enough of a difference to fork over that kind of money.

In the event that you still are interested, you can find the T3 Evolution at Sephora stores and online at www.folica.com

Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask

Want to get rid of a huge blimish/zit quickly? Apply this stuff that the first sign that one is about to pop up. This mask will dry up acne and it helps to minimize pore size and get rid of blackheads. No time for a facial? No problem. Apply this in the comfort of your own home and skin immidiately feels cleaner and refreshed. Keeps shine off of oily skin.

The negatives? It can really dry out skin depending on skin type and how much it's used. Smell isn't the best, but it isn't unpleasant either. Strange after smell so you may want to have soap on hand.

Can be purchased at select Target stores and www.drugstore.com

The cost? Only $3.50

Revlon ColorStay for Oily/Combo Skin

I know I mention it in a previous post, but I figured this product deserved it's own post. If you want to look fabulous and keep shine under control, but don't have the money to spend on pricey makeup counter foundations, this is the one for you.

The negatives? This foundation only contains SPF 6 so if you're going to be in the sun for any extended period of time, you will definitely want extra protection. This stuff also dries quickly once you start to apply it, so work quickly or else you may end up with a less than even application.

This produt can be found at drugstores nation wide or online at www.drugstore.com

Prices vary depending on location, but they should be anywhere from $10-12.

Bobbi Brown Oil Free Even Finish Foundation

This foundation is great. PW has combination skin and this stuff works well. It doesn't leave a perfectly matte finish so it looks a bit more natural than others, but it also keeps oil under control. Does it really leave you with an "even finish"? Yes, it does. PW was skeptical about that in the beginning, but Bobbi Brown proved her wrong.

All in all, a great product.

Can be purchased at Nordstrom or anywhere that BB cosmetics are sold.

Unfortunately, this will set you back $40 for a 1 oz. bottle. Does it last? Yes. Is it worth it? For me yes, it is. However, since I know that some of you may be on more of a budget, here is a PW secret: check out Revlon's ColorStay Oil Free Foundation. That will only cost you about $10 at drugstores nation wide. Be aware that the Revlon does give more of a matte finish and if you have really oily skin, the Revlon will probably be better at keeping shine under control.

Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick Compact

What is this you ask? The be all, end all of bronzer, blush and eye make up all in one. I think I've used this thing for just about every accent you can think of. Bobbi Brown's bronze shimmer brick is the best bronzer of it's kind that I've used. It never gives a totally fake, made up look; it simply makes skin glow. It is subtle enough that it can be worn year round.

Where to purchase? Any place that sells Bobbi Brown cosmetics.

How much will this set you back? A whopping $38. Ouch. The good news, aside from the fact that it goes on well is that it lasts for quite some time. Luckily, it isn't one you'll have to replace any time soon.

Do you want a FREE deluxe sample from Sephora?

Use code FUTURE during checkout to get a free deluxe sample of Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask with any order from www.sephora.com

(Expires February 28, 2007)

Philosophy Hot Salt Body Scrub

This stuff is a god send. Scaley legs or feet? Dead skin on the elbows? This stuff takes care of it instantly and leaves skin glowing and soft.

PW likes just about every scent they make, but looks forward to Christmas so she can get the Candy Cane Scrub. Let's face it, that jar is a lot cuter than this one. All in all, you can't go wrong here. 1 jar will last you quite awhile if you only use it once or twice a week.

Where to buy? Sephora and Nordstrom

Price: $25... This PW's secret? You can buy a slightly cheaper version from the Sephora brand for $15.

Want to make your own? Check out this easy recipe:

Easy Sea Salt Body Scrub Recipe

1/4 cup Sea Salt 1/4 cup Olive Oil warmed 5 drops of your favorite essential oil

Mix everything together, put in a pretty glass jar of your choosing and enjoy!

Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Sparkling Lip Gloss

All this PW can say is, "Thank God I didn't have to pay for this!" I got a coupon in the mail that entitled me to get a free one and so I took them up on it. If you were starting to think that PW liked everything, this proves you wrong.

Where do I start? Shade selection is quite limited; there are 3 shades and of the 3, 2 of them are much too bright. It's way too sparkly for anyone over the age of 16.

As far as the cost, it's $12 if you're one of those unlucky people who weren't able to obtain a free coupon. If you can score this stuff for free, try it and see for yourself (and then Im sure you'll leave mean comment if you disagree) but all in all, I don't think it's a great product. This PW will leave it.

If after all of this you want it anyway, you can obviously pick up a tube at your friendly neighborhood Victoria's Sectret store.

Yves Saint Laurent Luxurious Mascara aka Faux Effect

Intense, faux eyelash look from this stuff. This PW can't get enough. Sexy, dark, bedroom lashes all the time for me. For those who are MAC/color lovers, it does come in a variety of colors as well as standard black for those of us who are slightly less bold in our color choices.

Where to buy: Saks Fifth Avenue or where ever YSL makeup is sold.

Price: $26.50

This PW's secret? Sometimes you can find the same stuff @ Costco under the name YSL Faux Effect Mascara for $15.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour

What kind of review site would this be without a heart felt Product Whore shout out to Chanel nail polish? This Product Whore adores Chanel polishes. In general, they go on well, go on evenly and most importantly, stay looking amazing for at least 7 days.

What are this PW's favorite shades? Noir Ceramic, Vamp, and Blanc Ceramic are all on my top 10 list.

Where to buy them: Anywhere Chanel make up is sold. Nordstrom, Saks, Bloomingdales, etc...

The cost? $18 each

Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush

If you take my recommendation for the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner, I highly recommend you use this brush for application. High quality brushes are always well worth it and being a BB fan aside, I do think this is one of the best for this type of eyeliner.

Where to buy: Nordstrom, www.nordstrom.com , any other place Bobbi Brown products are sold.

Price: $20.00

Johnson's Baby Lotion with Aloe and Vitamin E

I'll bet you thought that Product Whore only liked expensive products, didn't you? This Product Whore is happy to tell you that you are in fact, wrong.

Johnson's Baby Lotion is an old favorite and one of the best things for dry skin that this Product Whore has tried. As much as I can appreciate L'Occtaine and Kheils, I keep coming back to my old stand by of baby lotion.

Where to purchase/price? Only $3.00 or so at drugstores nation wide.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

Product Whore is also a complete whore for Bobbi Brown.

Product Whore used to have some trouble getting her eye liner to stop getting a line on the top of her eye lid. Finally Product Whore became smart and invested in this stuff. Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is one of those (few) eyeliners that truly IS long lasting. Water resistant and easy to use, even for the inexperienced. It is versatile and can be used for every day (subtle) or evening (dramatic) looks. Product Whore recommends you purchase Bobbi Brown's Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush for best results. Product Whore gives it an A+.

Where to purchase: Nordstrom or nordstrom.com

Price: $19.00

Oscar Blandi Luce

I admit, I was quite the skeptic when I picked up this product at my friendly neighborhood Sephora. Luce is a rinse-out gloss for both chemically treated and virgin hair, exclusively designed to lock in pigment added to restore shine. The first time I used it, I noticed a little bit of added shine, but nothing that would make me buy the product again. I made the choice to finish off the bottle and see what happened. Let's just say, I am now a believer! This stuff really worked for me. My hair takes a lot of heat and processing damage and after about a weeks worth of use, my hair looked shiney and more healthy. Definitely recommended by this Product Whore. The 8oz bottle lasts quite some time.

Can be purchased at Sephora or on Sephora's website: www.sephora.com

Price: $25

Frederic Fekkai Straight Away

Hands down, the best straightening balm I've used. Used a large pearl size amount of product after towel drying hair. Blow dry and then smooth with flat iron. Hair is silky and it doesn't feel like Im wearing product at all. A+

Where to buy: Sephora, Nordstrom

Price: $17.50