Co Bigelow is an 168-year old apothecary company, originally from New York’s trendy West Village. The products are now carried in outlets of Bath and Body Works so that the rest of America can enjoy their expertly formulated range of skin and body care. I am a huge fan of the range, and my current favourite product is the Deluxe Moisturizer. With my sensitive skin, I am always on the hunt for lightweight formula’s which will moisturize my skin, without leaving it too heavy. The Deluxe Facial Moisturizer or no. 301 as they call it, is a great example of a hydrating lotion with a lightweight formula. Containing extracts of Chamomile, know for its ability to soothe and calm the skin, the product does not irritate even my very sensitive skin. The product is easily absorbed and helps balance and control oiliness, which is a great bonus. In the winter, however, when skin is really dry, it may not provide enough moisture in certain areas (I get a very dry nose for example which needs extra moisture), but it is perfect for the summer. To top it off, it smells divine - a mixture of blended aromatherapy oils. Try it out - I’m sure you will love it.

Where to Find It: Co Bigelow is available from Bath and Body Works. A 4oz bottle of Deluxe Facial Moisturizer is $20.

* NOTE: In an effort to bring you the best in beauty, we’re expanding our reviews to include men’s products. My boyfriend has graciously agreed to do the first review. Show him some love! xoxo, Crystal

Using a high-end shaving kit is a lot like tasting a high-end ketchup—no matter how exotic or decadent it is, you just can’t shake the fact that it doesn’t taste like the good ol’ Heinz you grew up with. So when my beautiful girlfriend Crystal surprised me with A Clean Start Kit by Anthony Logistics for Men, I hesitantly stuffed the old Gillette can into the cabinet and embarked on a taste of the finer life. And just like a fancy ketchup, I was put off at first, but now I’m hooked—with a couple caveats.

A Clean Start Kit is a starter pack of shaving essentials, including a travel sized facial scrub, glycolic facial cleanser, shave cream, after shave, and a tube of lip balm for good measure. The set comes in a package that is neither too tacky nor too metro, and includes a small sheet with handy shaving tips. (Did you know that you should wait 20 minutes after waking before shaving? I didn’t.)

The glycolic facial cleaner and facial scrub were the biggest disappointments. The scrub was decent, but didn’t have that intense, deep-clean feel you might get from a far cheaper drugstore brand. The cleanser had a viscous consistency that felt greasy on the skin. They both washed off just fine and I can’t say I’ve had any acne in the past month, but you’ll find cheaper products at the drugstore that both make you look and feel clean.

The shaving products are the real winners here. Just a pea-sized squirt of the shave cream was enough to cover most of my face with a thin, soapy coat—nothing like the thick Cool Whip-esque gunk of most creams. My razor was in heaven: a couple slides down the face and the hairs glided off, leaving my chin softer than I’ve felt it since I was twelve. The after shave is also nice and does the job of cooling down the razor burn while moisturizing at the same time, although I would’ve preferred something a little less goopy and heavy feeling. Both products have a subtle minty scent that make you feel oh-so-GQ.

The kit is a sweet set that even the most machismo guys might appreciate, but if you’re buying it for yourself amigos, I’d stick to the shave cream and the aftershave. Sometimes even ketchup can use an upgrade.

Where to find it: Find some Anthony Logistics for Men products at Bath & Body Works, and the full line at Sephora. Or, purchase online at anthony.com. Retails for $40.

I am always using L’oreal mascara’s, but the other day I was out shopping in Sephora and I noticed they had a range of different recommendations. They all claimed to lengthen and thicken lashes, but some to a greater extent. After a lot of procrastinating, I finally decided to go for a mid-range mascara by Too Faced called Lash Injection. The 3D formula claims to coat each lash with ‘tube-like’ technology, which works through polymers which curl, fatten and stretch the lash. Enriched with Vitamin E and other healthy ingredients, it sounds like a wonder product. However, despite the fact that I really loved the brush and felt that it was going to give me the right amount of thickness and length, the actual formula of the product did not seem to work so good. I had to coat my lashes with about three or four layers of the product, before I felt it made any difference. Even after that, it was too runny in its consistency and did not separate or cling to any of the lashes. I like my mascara super lengthening and thickening (which is what this product claims to do) but this just made them look natural and as if I barely had any mascara on! The worst part about this product is how hard it is to remove, it dried in clumps and I still had remnants of the mascara on me even after I had washed it off twice. Definitely a product to avoid.

Where to Find It: Too Faced Lash Injection is available at Sephora priced $14.99.

After reading my review for L’Oreal’s Lash Out Mascara, you may think I’ve already found my HG (holy grail) mascara.  True, Lash Out is a great everyday mascara, but a girl’s got a right to shop around, right? So I did.  Recently, when my beloved tube of Lash Out started getting chunky, I picked up L’Oreal’s new Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara.  L’Oreal promises that this mascara will give you two times the intensity and dramatic length.  The verdict? It does.  Telescopic gives my lashes almost TOO dramatic length.  This is not a  ”swipe it on quickly before rushing to work” mascara.  Your face will be a mess.  Trust.  At first, I hated it and thought I’d never get the hang of it.  But when I take my time, my lashes do look longer, darker, and more intense.  In fact, I’d venture to say that Telescopic Mascara is just as black as that other hyped mascara (ahem…DiorShow!) that comes with a much higher price tag.  The problem is, Telescopic may be too heavy of a formula. There’s no way lashes coated in this stuff are holding curl.  So you can forget about it.  But if you want dramatic lashes for a night out on the town, Telescopic’s your new best friend.

Note: Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara is fragrance-free and suitable for those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. 

Where to find it:Find L’Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara at your local drugstore for around $9.

Finally a Lush product I can’t live without. I have been totally crazy about all their handmade bath and beauty lines for the last few months, but I was looking for the perfect unbeatable product - now I’ve found it!. Ice Blue Soap really is the business. Packed full of natural ingredients like peppermint oil, citrus extract and sea salt, It smells very refreshing and is great for a hot summer day. Just jump in the shower and this will refresh you no problem! It does take a while to work up a lather, but remember that is not necessarily a bad thing (often products which lather too much contain harsh chemicals). Ask the assistant in the store to cut you off a slice of the soap which contains the white chunky bits (normally on the top part of the soap block) as these will provide a mild exfoliating quality. As with all Lush products they contain lots of essential oils and leave skin feeling soft and never dry. Defintely a product I would recommend. An essential for summer.

Where to Find It: If you cant find a Lush store near you, check out the online store www.usa.lush.com. Priced at $5.35 for 3.5 oz it wont break the bank either!

So ladies, if you have been reading Beauty or Bust avidly you know I’m going to Vegas next week, right? Well, my sweetest friend and fellow blogger, Crystal, bought me a fantastic gift so I wouldn’t have to look all white and pasty when I strip off into my Bikini - Bliss A Tan For All Seasons. The citrus scented self tanner contains aloe vera and a transfer-resistant sun set bronzer so you can see where you’re applying it. The formula also contains erythrulose, DHA, and pyrus malus fruit extract to act as an antioxidant. It basically sounds like the Rolls-Royce of tanners. So is it any good? Well, the answer is yes. The color is really natural and today I have it on and I can see no streaks at all! Naturally, when I applied the tanning product I made sure I exfoliated first and moisturised (as you need a good base before tanning). I found the spray much easier to use than a regular lotion. When first applied it looks very dark and only sprays on in a very small area, so I was worried it wouldn’t give even coverage. Once you start blending though, it surprising how easy it is to distribute. I got dressed five minutes later (great - no annoying waiting time) and in a few hours I noticed the color, which was really even and natural. This product is great ladies, its definitely worth parting with the extra cash to make sure you get a fantastic tanner like this.

Where to Find It: Its a bit pricey at $36, but its worth every penny. Find it at Sephora, Macys, Bloomingdale’s or online at www.blissworld.com

This product is very expensive. At 75 bucks for 30 applications, you may need to take out a loan before you can actually purchase it, but it is worth it as the results speak for themselves. The Microexfoliation formula, developed by New York’s Doctor Dennis Gross is meant to give a more intense facial peel rather than just simple exfoliation. Firstly one pad is applied to the entire face. Known as step one, this first product tends to sting the skin, but don’t worry as the sensation only lasted for a few seconds. It contains a mixture of Salicylic, Glycolic and Malic acid as well as chamomile and green tea extracts.

Step two is another soaked pad which is then applied all over the skin and it instantly makes it look brighter. This product is said to not only diminished the appearance on wrinkles, but also help even skin tone, smooth away blemishes and tone the skin. The short term effects really appear to make skin look brighter (it contains vitamins A C and E which explains how it brightens skin), however the long term effects have yet to be seen. I have to say that I have given it to a very wrinkly 40 year old guy, so I am looking forward to hear the long term results, but for now he is pleasantly surprised with the way his skin feels toned, brighter and fresher. Definitely a product to try if you can part with the cash.

Where to find It: At Sephora priced $75 for 30 applications or buy online at www.mdskincare.com

New York Magazine, my guide to all things New York, suggested visiting NYC Looking Good for a cheap, decent haircut. A wash and a cut runs at $19.99 (a professional blow dry is an additional $19.99). As I only needed a trim (and am on a serious budget!), I thought I’d give it a try. Anyway, I went last Friday and left with a completely different haircut - an ugly haircut. It was longer in the back (very Joan Jett) and layered to all hell. I called and complained and was told to come in by the manager(?), who would fix it. Well, to fix it, she had to take off A LOT of length. I wasn’t happy, but at least the style was nice. But when I got home, I noticed that the right side was obviously longer than the left side! Geez louise. This isn’t rocket science! Scared to lose the rest of my hair, I decided to even it out myself. Much better. Still, I thought I should warn you girls, don’t go here! Find someone you trust and shell out the big bucks. Its worth it - its your hair. NYC Looking Good, 416 3rd Ave (between 29th St & 30th St), (212) 685-9475

On the other hand, its just hair. Although I’m sad my hair is short again, I’ll get over it. Thankfully, hair grows back.

Thoughts?

Kiehl’s is a fabulous, high-quality beauty brand. Unfortunately, its also expensive. For this reason, I usually don’t purchase Kiehl’s products (since I’m ballin’ on a budget). But when a friend of mine left his Formula 133 at my house, I thought I’d give it a try. Kiehl’s says this product can be used as a conditioner or a grooming aid. Its consistency is very thin or “free-flowing,” making it easy to distribute. I find that I need a thick and creamy conditioner in the shower to moisturize my parched locks, but sometimes, if my hair requires a little more moisture, I reach for this product. Formula 133 is completely oil-free, so it’ll never leave your hair greasy. I like to apply it anytime my hair feels thirsty. Its a great grooming treatment for girls with wavy or curly hair, as it minimizes frizz and adds a little shine. All I’m sayin’ is…this product leaves my hair feeling like a virgin (no dye, heat styling, etc.). Hallelujah!

Where to find it: Go to the Kiehl’s website to find a store near you, or order online. I recommend purchasing the smallest size for $7 to see if you like it.

This product claims to be the first liquid mineral make up formula with a new “Hollow Sphere” technology. Basically microscopic fluid-filled globes help inject moisture into the skin, whilst still giving you perfect coverage. The Liquid Mineral foundations come in five colors and three finishes; Fantastic Finish - a moisturizing formula designed to give sheer to medium coverage, Ultimate All Day - an oil-absorbing matte foundation for medium coverage and Extra Coverage - a heavier semi-matte formula designed to disguise all blemishes. All the formulas are 100 percent oil-free and protect against the sun with SPF 21. The extra cool thing is that Illuminare comes with a unique applicator sponge. The large oval fabric pad spreads the product quickly and easily. It also has an antibacterial mesh center which doesn’t absorb or waste any product. And to top it all off - it’s machine washable, so there is no excuse for dirt sponges ladies!

STEPH: This product is really fantastic to match to your skin tone, even though there are only five colors, the mineral consistency makes it smooth and flawless-looking no matter what color you are. I found that Florentine Fair was almost a perfect match. At first I was a bit daunted by using the sponge, as it felt like the texture might dry out my skin and, it was so big, I thought it may be hard to use. Once I applied the product to the sponge (only a pea sized amount) it blended really well. I was surprised by how natural it looked and, because the sponge is so large, you can use the other areas to smooth out the product on your face. I liked the Dewey Finish formula best, because it moisturised my dry skin and left it looking fresh all day, whereas the other finishes tended to dry my skin out as the day went on (I have super dry skin in places) Overall, I was really impressed with the product - definitely one for my summer make-up bag!

CRYSTAL: As I’m a fairly oily girl with some acne scars, I opted for the Extra Coverage formula. Like Steph, I was a little unsure how well the antibacterial sponge would work, but was pleasantly surprised! The sponge really helped me blend the formula for a flawless finish. Its also machine-washable, so it lasts forever (not literally, but you know what I mean!). For my skin, I chose Florentine Fair, but the shades seem to be fool proof. I have to say, I’ve never tried a mineral foundation that covered so well. The Extra Coverage formula works as a foundation AND a concealer, so it saves you the extra step. During the day, my makeup stayed put and looked natural. Sadly, because my skin is SO sensitive and acne-prone, I noticed some new pimples forming. I quit using the foundation for a couple days and it went away. While the foundation offers fantastic coverage, its just not right for my uber-sensitive skin. :( I do recommend it though for ladies with fairly calm skin who want a natural, flawless finish!

Where to find it: Visit Illuminare’s website for a list of retailers near you, or order online. We recommend you order the Introductory kit, which contains all three formulas in 3 shades each for $10.

Every girl needs a great lip gloss - a little burst of juicy color to brighten her face. But with thousands of different glosses on the market, how can you find the one that’s right for you? I bought Paula Dorf’s Lip Slide in Taffetta, a muted red shade, about six months ago when I was on my red lip kick. Although I find it to be a little pricey for a lip gloss, I use it often. Paula’s Lip Slides are thick and slightly sticky. They’re enriched with jojoba and avocado oils to keep lips soft, and have a long-lasting formula. I especially love how pigmented Lip Slides are. I get much more lip color with them than with any other lip gloss I’ve tried. The packaging, though simple, is ideal. Overall, Lip Slides stand apart from their competitors and offer a longer-lasting, more polished look. So if you’re looking for a great lip gloss that lasts longer than your first cup of coffee, try Paula Dorf’s Lip Slides.

Where to find it: Find Lip Slides online at Ulta, Amazon, and on Paula’s website. $19

This oil-free face wash is really a treat to use. Formulated to remove both eye make-up and face make-up, it leaves your skin feeling clean and revitalised. The citrus orange smell is fantastic and surprisingly, it didn’t aggravate my sensitive skin. You Clean Up Nice is an astringent, which my beauty consultant at Macy’s told me would be good for my combination skin. An astringent deep cleans the pores and minimises them (also reducing some of my shine), whilst also protecting skin - yes, ladies it has some fantastic qualities! I was a little worried about drying out my sensitive skin, but I needn’t have worried. Even when it felt slightly tight after rinsing, it wasn’t hardcore dry like I have experienced with other products. After the first couple of days I noticed an improvement, my skin looked clear and more radiant. I think this is a great product and I will asking for more tester samples once I run out of this one! Also, the packaging is super cute!

Where to find it - Sephora, Macys, Bloomingdales, priced at $23 for 8 fl oz.

You spend oodles of time and money desperately trying to rid your face of acne. Well what about the rest of your body? Bacne (body acne) is pretty common and often neglected - until summertime that is. When the clothes start coming off and the swimsuits come on, pesky bacne is not to be ignored. Take it from me. I recently went on vacation, and noticed that I had a few small pimples on my shoulders. Although I’m probably the only person who noticed, it was enough to rush me to the drugstore. I picked up Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub because it contains salicylic acid and is gentle enough for everyday use. I’ve been using it for about a week now and I already notice a difference in my skin. My shoulders and back (where I usually get bacne) are smooth and no longer pimply. Plus, the scrub is a gentle exfoliator so its safe to use all over my body, everyday.

Cons: The packaging is terrible. Its incredibly hard to get the product out of the bottle. I may transfer the contents to a jar to make it easier to use. I also find that the scrub doesn’t lather as easily as Neutrogena says it does. However, I think working it into a loofah may help.

Where to find it: Your local drugstore. Retails for $6.99.

As an oily-skinned girl, I’m always on the lookout for a good facial scrub. Many are too harsh and contain large, grainy particles, which can damage your skin. Others don’t exfoliate enough. Origins’ Never a Dull Moment Skin-brightening Face Polisher is a fail-proof option for those who don’t know which scrub is right for them. Packed with fruit enzymes such as Papaya, Apricot and Mango, this gentle facial scrub exfoliates by dissolving lackluster skin cells. Apply it to damp skin and gently massage for a moment. The fruit enzymes work on your skin without the need for intense scrubbing, so don’t over-do it! Use twice a week for polished skin and a more even skin tone. But beware - this product smells so delicious you’ll be tempted to spread it on toast!

Cons: Never a Dull Moment usually comes in a tub, which I find can be somewhat unsanitary. Use it in the shower to be sure your hands are clean before each use. Look for Never A Dull Moment in a gift pack if you prefer a tube version.

Where to find it: Find it at your local Origins store or at the Origins website for $23.50.

I am totally obsessed with organic and natural shopping. I love green products and bottles, in my old apartment I even had an elaborate recycling system which meant that nothing ever went in the trash! This obsession has made me super excited about trying products at Lush, a fresh handmade cosmetic store. I recently used their jungle conditioner, which comes in a solid bar. It smells fantastic, a mixture of avocado, banana, figs and passion fruit. I asked for ten dollars worth and the lady cut me off a cube - it was great - I felt like I was in a deli! Once I got home I tested it out right away and I have to say I was disappointed. It took me a while to work up a lather in my hands so I could distribute it on my hair. The soap-like bar kept braking and crumbling and half of it fell into the drain. I was literally wrestling to get some remnants on my hair. It did smell great and I am willing to try it again, but it was such a palaver to use. I decided that I would wait and judge the results. Once dry, my hair felt nice and soft in places, but the fact that it was so hard to distribute meant my hair had to suffer, as some parts were still dry. I am still excited about trying some more Lush products, but this conditioner is something I will not be buying again in a hurry!

Where to find It: If you don’t have a Lush store near you visit their website www.lush.com. 3.5 oz is $9.95.

As you may have noticed, here at Beauty or Bust, we love Barry M products. Barry M hails from the UK and is known for its reasonable prices and extensive color selection. I was lucky enough to receive a Shimmering Eye and Lip Crayon for my birthday from my lovely friend Steph, who recently visited her hometown of London. The Shimmering Eye and Lip Crayon comes in seven shimmery pastel colors, and is ideal for highlighting the eyes and lips. I received crayon number 7, which is a lovely gold color - perfect for highlighting the inner corners of the eye or creating a pouty iridescent lip. I took the pencil on my Florida vacation to add a pop of gold to my tanned face. The soft, creamy pencil is easy to use and small enough to carry around in your purse for touch-ups. I always enjoy quality cosmetics that have more than one purpose, and this crayon is no exception. For girls who like to keep their summer look simple but fresh - this crayon is for you!

Where to find it: Find a full range of products on Barry M’s website or at Boots and Superdrug stores in the UK. The Shimmering Eye and Lip Crayon retails for £4.50 ($8.86).

Hailed as the ‘moisture drink’ that your skin needs, my mum has been using the popular lotion for many years. Apparently it is suitable for dry to combination skin-types and since my skin is a mixture of everything right now, I decided to check out what all the fuss was about. It is also part of the Clinique three step programme, so I wanted to try it (before committing to all three steps) At first, I was impressed by the way it glides on my skin, and doesn’t react with my very sensitive complexion. The product is oil free and so I was hoping it would get to work on my oily areas, making me appear less shiny. Instead, I found the product didn’t give me enough moisture on my dry spots and left my oily spots, well, oily. I just didn’t think it had the balance right. I think it may work fine on normal skin, but anyone like me, whose skin is more erratic and needs more help, I would give it a miss. One good thing is that because it is developed by dermatologists, it is not going to aggravate your skin. I have to say though ladies, I think its overrated.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion is available in Macy’s Bloomingdale’s and Sephora, priced at $11.50 for a 1.7 oz tube.

Steph xoxx

As a mineral foundation ONLY girl, I’m always on the lookout for new mineral lines. Lately, I’ve been using Maybelline’s Mineral Power foundation, but needed a setting powder (a la the famed mineral veil) to combat afternoon shine and help my foundation stay put. I was particularly interested in a yellow-toned powder to even out my ruddy complexion. Although I love my Maybelline foundation, I don’t love the color selection in their setting powders. So one day, I came across Monave’s website and ordered their setting powder in Angel (a yellowish tone). Angel is one of their bestsellers, and promises to absorb excess oil and set your makeup.

About Monave: Monave products are naturally preserved and completely free of irritants, so they won’t irritate your skin or cause it to break out. Monave is one of the only mineral lines that address the needs of women of color, and was created by Deborah Bilezikian, an Eastern Armenian/Caucasian woman who found it difficult to find foundations that matched her unique skin tone.

The verdict? The setting powder in Angel does a nice job of concealing my skin’s natural pink hue, and does seem to limit oil production, though not completely (but that’s an impossible task! I’m one oily girl!). A thirty-six gram sifter container of Angel costs $12, which is a decent price for a high-end brand (BE’s Mineral Veil retails for $19). I think girls who don’t have sensitive, acne-prone skin may prefer a powder with more absorbing power (such as Bobbi Brown’s Sheer Finish Loose Powder in Pale Yellow); but for the rest of us, Monave takes the cake!

Where to find it: Unfortunately, unless you live in Baltimore, you’ll have to purchase Monave products online. If you want to try a few products from the line, purchase a sample set for $10.

The search for a great long-lasting lipstick seems to be never-ending. Some have little to no lasting power, while others are so dry they make your lips shrivel up (not pretty). Trying to find a long-lasting RED lipstick is even harder. I must have searched for months trying to find a shade and texture that’s right for me. To my surprise, the Sephora brand lipstick was the winner. Sephora Maniac Long-Wearing Lipstick comes in two finishes - matte and shimmer. I particularly like the matte finish for red lipstick as I find it to be a little less aging than bright shimmer shades. I purchased Mat 10, which is described as a matte cherry rose. The shade is bright without looking clownish, and really brightens up the face. The lipstick is supposed to be hydrating, but I find it a little drying (as you’d expect from a long-wearing lipstick), so I always apply lip balm first to keep my lips smooth. Its highly-pigmented, so its buildable, and is especially useful in creating a stained lip look. For a glossier look, I like to apply a long-lasting lip gloss on top in a similar shade (such as Paula Dorf’s Lip Slide in Taffeta).

Where to find it: Try before you buy at your local Sephora. At only $12, its a steal!

I have been excited about trying this product for a long time and had spent the last four weeks walking past my nearest Benefit counter debating about whether I could afford it or not. Finally after my Benefit makeover (see post) I decided to purchase it.

The product comes in a cute silver pot with a sponge applicator and smells of aromatherapy oils. It glides on the skin smoothly and surprisingly does not feel dry. In fact it contains vitamin E, so can’t dry out even my skin (which is very dry in parts). I used the product under my regular make up and immediately noticed a difference. My skin looked healthy and definitely less shiny. It also seemed to make my skin look smoother. I could even wear it alone without make up and it would give the same effect. The only negative thing was the fact that the shine free look didn’t last. I had to keep applying to maintain it. However, it lasts a lot longer than any powder I have tried. This is a great product and one that I recommend to anyone! The only unattractive thing is the price - at $27 its something you will need to save for!

Where to find it: Sephora, Macy’s, Bloomingdales