Tried and Tested Product Picks

No one wants to venture blindly into the product maze that is today's cosmetic counter. Not to worry, dolls… we’ve come to the rescue. From cleansers to lip colors, we've tried it, we've tested it, and now we're tellin'. Here’s a roundup of the latest and greatest products that actually deliver on their beauty promises.

Revitalize Exfoliating Gel Cleanser

Designed to Revitalize, Renew, Rejuvenate and Restore, R Bath and Body offers up four separate formulas of their products to cater your skin’s every need. We love the Revitalize group, sure to wake up tired skin. Chock full of vitamin C, peppermint extract and lavender extract along with the soothing scrub of jojoba beads, R Bath and Body’s gentle, but efficient Exfoliating Gel Cleanser is a perfect way to start or end your day. And, if your summer skin looking more solemn than sunny, add some extra moisture and life with any of R Skin Care’s Shea Butter Body Treatments.  These products are available for $8 and $10, respectively at  rbathandbody.com.

ideeli.com – Shopping Community

If you’ve ever lusted after a $2,500 bag or have found the perfect piece of out-of-your-price range jewelry, ideeli.com might just be the antidote to your fashion impotence. This by-invitation-only site and its email alerts feature the sale of top-of-the-line, exclusive brand clothes and accessories for a fraction of the cost that you’d pay in stores (that is, if you can even FIND it in-store). Shop away with their free standard membership and, if when you upgrade to a “First Row” membership with Ideeli, get to-the-minute notifications about upcoming sales and have the chance to win freebies of the products you love. So, if you are looking to expand your collection of handbags while still having some dough to keep inside, log on to ideeli.com and request an invitation.

Min New York’s Solution2 Rollerball

Mid-summer and bikini-clad, bronzing beauties have more to worry about than just coordinating their itsy-bitsy bikini with a complementary tote. ‘Tis the season for meticulous grooming and battling against post-waxing and shaving ingrown hairs and irritation. Luckily, we’ve uncovered a little secret in Min New York’s Solution2 Rollerball. This easily applied, clear ointment contains liquid aspirin and organic spearmint to reduce post hair-removal irritation and seal the pores. Plus, the convenient packaging and application system is just as easily applied on the beach as at home. This summer-saver is available for $20 at minnewyork.com.

Kissable Couture’s Dream Gloss

A delicate mix of subtle color and a hint of shine, Kissable Couture delivers a gloss like no other. This gloss goes on smoothly and the formula is just thick enough to cover, but thin enough not to go sticky post-application. We love the Dream color, which blends light brown with pale pink, creating a dimensional hint of color and a striking glossy finish. This gloss Kissable Couture’s many other shades, are available for $22 each at kissablecouture.com.

Blistex’s Silk & Shine Lip Balm

Blistex is doing us all a favor this summer by making sure we keep our lips protected with Silk & Shine lip balm. Packed with vitamins A, B5 & E this PABA-free balm also provides SPF 15 protection, so it’s perfect for those long summer outdoor adventures. With its satisfying subtle glide, this sheer “pearly” gloss goes on smoothly to keep lips looking healthy and polished. It’s made with real silk extracts leaving lips moisturized, smooth and conditioned. Beach bunnies around the world thank Blistex for packing this practical little balm with protection and a hint of silkiness. Pick this tiny gem up for $3 at Walgreen’s nationwide or at Walgreens.com.

Weil by Nature's Path Pure Fruit & Nut Bars

From trips to the beach to long workdays, sometimes there is just enough time to grab a quick snack in lieu of a full lunch. But, conscious of what’s truly good for our bodies as well as what tastes good, we’re always on the lookout for great snacks that travel well, no matter the conditions.  The organic Nature’s Path has collaborated with Dr. Weil bringing forth Weil Pure Fruit & Nut Bars—vegan, USDA organic and wheat free snacks that are portable and satisfying. The Chia Razz bar (our personal favorite) is packed with raspberries, apples, cashews, dates, raisins, & chia seeds.  The Chia seed, which boosts energy and strength, is said to aid in weight loss, improve intestinal regularity and regulate blood sugar.  If Razz isn’t your flavor of choice, choose from Banana Manna, Goji Moji, Chocolada Walnut or Pistachi-Oh! These bars are available at health food stores nationwide and for $2 per bar at worldpantry.com.

Schick Quattro for women

Four blades seem excessive, even dangerous, for a razor. Until, of course, you try the Schick Quattro for women and get a clue into what our leading men have known for years: more blades equals a closer shave. Any lady desperately seeking a smooth shave for summer will be delighted at the extreme closeness of the Schick Quattro for women. Blades aside, this razor packs in two conditioning strips, a pivoting head and a sturdy metal handle to make shaving a smooth experience. Leaving nothing but smooth, stubble-free skin behind, once you go four blades, you won’t go back. This razor is available for only $9 at drugstore.com.

Pure Organics’ Lemongrass and Tea Tree Facial Cream

It’s a universal truth that the right amount of moisture is instrumental in maintaining healthy-looking skin. Pure All Organic uses all natural products to make the most of moisture with their Lemongrass and Tea Tree Facial Cream. Using essential oils of organic apricot, avocado and coconut combined with beeswax and, of course, lemongrass and tea tree, this cream comes together to provide weightless and long-lasing moisture. Pure Organics’ Lemongrass and Tea Tree Facial Cream is available for $14 at pureallorganics.com.

Natural Spa’s by Earth Friendly Products’ Pomegranate Body Soufflé

Utilizing pure, plant-distilled ingredients Natural Spa’s Pomegranate Body Soufflé lends a stunning fresh scent to a whipped moisturizer that is light, easily absorbed and without any trace of stickiness. So whether it takes up permanent residence in you medicine cabinet or comes along with you in your purse of beach bag, this whipped body cream is perfect for staying fresh and moisturized during the stifling summer months. This Body Soufflé is available for $26 at ecos.com.

e.l.f. Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder

Not only does this bronzer lend the perfect, sun-kissed bronze to highlight cheekbones but, as a sweet bonus, this generous sampling of bronze is only $1 on eyeslipsface.com, along with each of e.l.f’s products. This impressive pressed powder loosens up with the help of the e.l.f Blushing, Bronzing and Blending Brush, contributing to the perfect summer glow. So, even if you’ve been stuck in the office and not able to bask in the sun’s rays, you’ll look like you’ve relaxed on the beach all day.

Zia Natural Skincare: Fresh Cleansing Gel And Bamboo Exfoliant

Chock full of natural ingredients and soothing botanicals, Zia Natural Skincare’s Skin Basics collection puts its ingredients to work for all skin types. From parched to overly oil producing, no matter the state of your skin Zia’s Fresh Cleansing Gel and Bamboo Exfoliant ensure a clean and nourish routine that rivals the top of the line. What’s more, these generously sized, top-shelf products come without top-shelf prices; $12-25 on zianatural.com.

 

 

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Got a spa, salon, product or service we should know about? Email our editors at editorial@prettycity.com.