Review: Neutrogena Advanced Solutions

Product's website description: "Clinically Proven To: Reduce blackheads, whiteheads, redness, and inflammation; Reduce oiliness; Kill acne causing bacteria; Improve skin texture/reduce bumps; Visibly reduce appearance of acne; Provide SPF sun protection. An easy 2 step regimen twice a day. " [website]

Contains: Skin Polishing Acne Cleanser, Oil-Free Lotion, &  Overnight Acne Control Lotion

Price: $20

Review: 1 Star

I do not have acne prone skin, but I was looking to clear up some persistent spots to the side of my mouth.    The box that I got said that it's proven to work faster than ProActiv, so I thought I'd give it a try.  I tried this for the whole summer and my skin got worse and worse by the day. Had I known that the official product site has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee before the 90 days was up, I would have taken them up on their offer. Instead I gave them the benefit of the doubt, thinking it's one of those products that might take a little while to kick in.

The first few uses I was fine until one day my face was on fire and started peeling, but those side effects went away pretty quickly.  However, this product did not work at all to get rid of any acne.  I'm almost positive that it was the Skin Polishing Acne Cleanser that caused the bad reaction, but it did do a good job cleaning my face.  The Oil-Free Lotion has SPF 15 so on its own it has its merits.  But as a whole the product did not work for me. Maybe you have to have a lot of acne for it to work??? Everyone's skin is different and they did have just as many positive reviews as they did negative. This is just one girl's opinion!

Review: Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm

Product's website description: "*Kiss-proof color with soft shine *Nourishing balm for supreme comfort *Lipstain and balm in one convenient, dual-ended package *Lipstain marker provides precise application *Color does not smudge or streak *Contains vitamin C for for anti-oxidant protection *Creamy, lightweight balm perfectly melts on lips for smooth, glide-on application *Translucent balm provides instant moisture and soft shine *Available in 10 lightweight shades " [website]

Color: Twilight (2nd from bottom in photo)

Price: about $7

Review: 2 stars

As much as it pained me to buy something called Just Bitten in the shade Twilight, for obvious reasons, that was the color that stood out to me the most. It's a nice berry color.

Since it is a lipstain, it does create a problem by accentuating cracks in your lips. The balm does help soften the look, but the color remains looking a bit flat. There is no shine, even with the balm. As the day goes by and the lipstain starts to wear off, you're left with patchy colors on your lips.

I've only had this product for two months and don't use it regularly, but it seems to be drying out already. It doesn't even resemble the same shade as when I first bought it. That is the main reason why I won't be buying this product again.

Review: N.Y.C. Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil

Product's website description: "... tear-proof, sweat-proof and swim-proof eyeliner pencils that are perfect for an active lifestyle. The waterproof formula provides long lasting coverage, so you don't have to re-apply during the day." [website]

Color Purchased: 931A Black

Price: Under $3

Review: 2 Stars

This has been my daily go-to liner, but I'm not very satisfied with it. I always end up with raccoon eyes by the end of the day. I notice it doesn't say "smudge-proof" in the website description, but I'm sure that's implied when it's "*-proofed" on everything else.

I'm waiting on my shipment to arrive for my very first eye primer, so I may have to revise my review after I try this product paired with the primer. I'm guessing it will have more staying power then.

Also, I have not had great success in perfectly lining my eyes. You cannot get smooth lines using this. My bottom lash line is ok. But when I do the top lash line, the color feathers out and ends up looking like a dull black while my bottom lash line stands out.