Update!

Okay, so its been a while and I apologize.
Anyway, I have a couple new products to review.

First on the table is Organic Coffee Bean Eye Cream. It's really smooth and great on my eyes, doesn't do anything for dark circles but definetly reduces puffincess. The caffeine in it increases blood flow and feels really good on my skin. It's also 100% organic. yay! I give it a 8 out of 10 (-1 each for price and no effect on dark circles)

its like a smoothie for the eyes.

Stop the Press!

So I just got back from a haircut and the lady who did my hair gave me some great tips, she told me that in lots of anti frizz cremes there's wax, which doesn't wash out during shampooage and builds up, which can make hair dull and lose its color. So on that note, I have stopped using Herbal Essences None of Your Frizzness Creme (and I have taken it off the dyme list). She told me that if you do want anti-frizz, it's better to go top notch salon products on that one. She also told me that the apricot scrubs (like St. Ives) have little bits of apricot pit in them and actually scratches the skin, creating fine lines. So per her advice, avoid those products.

9/10 Face Wash.

Aveeno Moisturizing Bar.

This face bar is great. I love everything about it except that sometimes the bar doesn't dry out between uses and gets softy (-1). Otherwise its my favorite fash wash as of now, it never dries out my skin and doesn't make me break out either. Muy Bueno!

Dove Deep Moisture Facial Lotion.

I got this lotion because it has spf 15 in it, and I love it! It's pretty thick, but not heavy on the face at all. It has a nice scent as well. I give it a 9/10 because its too heavy for everyday use.

C.O. Bigelow.

Okay so over the past years I have obtained quite a collection of C.O. Bigelow products. I usually buy them at Bath and Body works but I'm sure they can be found elsewhere. These are a few of the products I have and use:

C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine- I have had it in a reddish color (not sure which tint #), pink (1137) and just plain mint- great gloss and great flavor 10/10

Bigelow Mentha Lip Balm Stick- its no-shine formula, I like it quite a bit, but it feels a little cakey on the lips. I didn't realise that there is an spf formula, but I definitely recommend it (the spf one that is). 8/10- -1 for the feel and -1 b/c it doesn't help with chapness that much.

Bigelow Deluxe Gentle Foaming Cleanser- I really like this face wash, the only problem I had with it is contrary to the title, it doesn't foam so I never know if it's all washed off or if I miss any spots. (9/10)

Chapped Hands Soap Free Cleanser- I bought this cleanser during the winter when I lived in the dorms, the foamy hand washes across campus are killer on the hands. I really like this cleanser but it's kinda hard to wash off, and you have to use pretty hot water, because of the oils, but it's definitely worth having baby soft hands. (9/10) -1 for the packaging, the jar is kind of awkward to scoop cleanser out of and the waxy-oilyness of the cleanser.

Dr. Hiosous Quince Hand Lotion- I used this lotion at about the same time as the chapped hands cleanser and they are a great pair! This lotion is lightweight but extra moisturizing and smells good! Also, its non-greasy. 10/10

As mentioned before, I bought Vaseline's Daily Skin Shield lotion with spf 15... it has green tea and aloe vera in it. It is wonderful! Just as it says, it is light and non-greasy. It absorbs quickly and smells pretty good (like aloe) and makes my skin feel good too. And knowing that it has spf in it makes me happy too. It doesn't feel like a sunscreen at all either which is a major plus. I give it a 10/10.

Okay, so after a long week in South Haven the sun has taken a toll on my skin. I thought about it more, and decided to use a moisturizer without spf at night (thank you Sarah N.), I started using Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer which is great, I used it in the winter and love it. I also use Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream, for those days when my face needs a little more attention.
I give the moisturizer a 9/10 because it can get greasy but thats what these are for.
I give the blotting tissues a 9/10- I just got them but I really like them, they sometimes leave too much powder in areas though, which can be rubbed in with the fingers.
As for the cream, I give it a 10/10. Its great! Also, fun fact: in 2005 the crew on the first ascent of Greenland's icy mountains used this cream! ooh la la!

Update on The Lotion Post.

Okay so I used that Nivea firming moisturizer a little more and I don't think I like it at all. I'm going to give it a 6/10 because it does what it says, it gives you a little color (which, if you don't wash your hands will end up in the webbed part between your fingers... not cute) and I'm not sure if it 'firms' b/c i didn't use it enough and I'm already pretty 'firm' Anyway, I give it a 6/10 cuz it gave me a little irritation and also turned my hands orange glow. Anyway, it does seem to do what it claims so if firming color is what you need, this lotion is your match.

The Lotion Post.

Alright, so here it goes... I have been trying to find the perfect body moisturizer for many years now and have still many many more to try. I have had some great bottles of lotion, but haven't found the right one yet. Here are the ones that I have tried:

Eucerin Original Body Lotion- 9/10~ moisturizes well, fragrance free, non irritating but it is kinda greasy (-1 for that)

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion- 9/10 moisturized well, also fragrance free, oatmeal but smelled a little off~ 9/10 (-1 for smell)

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Lotion- 7/10~ smelled nice, but it left a weird squeaky feeling and sometimes irritated my skin (even though it says for sensitive skin of all ages)

and I am currently using Vaseline Intensive Rescue Moisture Locking Lotion. I actually really like it and have no problem with it, I just haven't used it long enough to give it a rating. It is fragrance free, very moisturizing and doesn't smell like anything. Rating to follow in the near future.

and sometimes I use Cocoa Butter Lotion... I usually use it after a day at the pool. I give it a 9/10, it smells good, moisturizes well and cocoa butter has many great effects (helps prevent fine lines and protects skin) but its a little runny so it's hard to control how much comes out of the bottle (-1).

Oh yeah, and I also got a small bottle of this and its pretty great. It has aloe vera and green tea in it and spf 15... but I have only sampled it a total of two times... a review of that one to come in the near future as well.

And one more that my mom gave me... I have only used it 3-4 times... it tingles and irritates my skin a little, but its supposed to be firming and has that gradual sunless tanner in it (not sure how I feel about it- gradual sunless tanner that is). Anyway, I have't seen any change in my skin color or firmness...? But I will get a rating of it up here soon.

Good Item.

So for my fine yet wavy hair product choice is of the utmost importance. I usually stick to my tried and true products but every once and a while find a new item to join the team. None of your frizzness by Herbal Essences is great! It smells good and just a little bit keeps my frizzies tame. It is very lightweight and doesn't weigh my hair down. It also is a great price, about $2.99 for a full size bottle.

I give it a 10/10... another Dime Piece to add to the list.

*** See post from 7/25/07 "Stop the Press!" regarding this product. It no longer has the good reputation and has been taken off the Dime Piece list.

So last week when I was back at my home (which is located slightly in the country) I started using Lush's Solid Shampoo, 'Soft.' It is designed for soft water areas (ie the country, places with wells). It smells like campfire... which is okay despite my aversion to the smell due to a hayride freshman year where I got a little too drunk. Anyway, The shampoo made my hair squeaky clean (literally!) but as many people on the site have said, it does crumble but I just picked up the crumblies and washed my hair with them the next time. I would reccomend getting the Solid Shampoo Tin to accompany the shampoo as well.

I give it an 8 out of 10. minus two for crumbliness and price ($9 for a small disc). Although, depending on how long it lasts I may add a point and retract my statement regarding price. So far it has had about 5 uses and looks the same as the day I bought it (very promising).

There is also a version for you city folk. It is entitled 'Hard.' It has cocoa butter in it! [will be purchasing this item... review to come]

My First Product Reviews.

So I searched and searched for a facial moisturizer with spf 30 in it for my delicate skin and ended up with this one

I give the lotion a 9/10... keep in mind it is spf 30 so naturally it is heavier and since it is a higher spf you're gonna get a slight pasty face b/c of the sunscreen aspect. Its great! I haven't had any irritation from it or burning from the sun. I took one point off because it is slightly expensive and the packaging makes it look like you're getting more than you really are. Also, its not the most moisturizing but since it is summer my face doesn't need as much moisture. [a small bottle (2.5 oz) runs you about $14]

Lightweight and Comfortable.

Today I am wearing this tank top. [In Forest]

I give it a 9/10 minus one because you have to wear a cross back bra to accompany the shirt. otherwise it is great and comfy and not just a plain ole tank top.

So I am currently wearing 'The Summer Shirt' from American Apparel paired with the 'Thick Knit Page Boy Shorts' with my white report flats (see zappos.com --> search Report Ramy) just to give you a visual. The tshirt gets a 10/10 for comfort... so light and confortable.. definately going to stock up on these. The shorts have already been previously rated (see post 5/12). And these shoes are great! Definetly a staple in my wardrobe... they have been a part of the team since mid-august and are great little mary jane flats. Very affordable as well. I give them a 8/10 [-1 for blisters you get when first wearing and -1 for maintenance (must scrub often with oxi-clean to keep the classic 'clean' look going)]

I got these shoes

and they are great! (I got them in the cotton candy pink color) you have to wear them in a bit at first but they are sooo cute! and not bulky at all like other crocs! not only are they cute but also waterproof! Best for rainy days when you still want to be stylishhh.

I give them a 8 out of 10 (-1 for having to wear them in and -1 b/c they squeak sometimes when your feet sweat)

American Apparel Shopping Spree.

these are the best.

I got them a size or two larger so they're a little baggy and they are SO great!

I would give them a 9 out of 10 for comfort level. (-1 for low rise which may show crackage at times)

I also got the baseball tee in navy and white and the summer shirt in light grey-white. I'll let you know their comfort level