So far, I’ve been loathe to spend over $50 on a face cream. Something about spending $80 on a single ounce of fluid seems absurd, especially for a person who favors abundance. However, as time marches across my face, I recently decided that a luxury skin treatment might be worth it — but only if it is really, really effective. We begin with Kinerase C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment on the recommendation of a very well-informed friend (merci AMP). 
Kinerase claims that C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment creates younger looking skin in 28 days. The active ingredients are essentially Kinetin, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, white tea, and Acetyl Octapeptide 3.
Days 1-7, average application: 5 pumps
Within two hours of the first application, areas of inflammation calmed. An angry red stubborn blemish softened to pink. Skin texture felt moisturized, but not oily; nourished, but not too shiny. Immediately the treatment softens skin. Overnight the angry blemish lightened even further to a very pale, smooth pink. Skin looks tighter; lines softened. Moisture content in skin retained overnight. By day three, hot spots not completely gone, but greatly improved. Skin texture appears tighter, but still soft. No new areas of inflammation have surfaced. The visage looks healthier.
Truthfully, after going in for some regrettable extractions last night, this morning’s face still shows the evidence. While each morning skin texture looks better than the night before, there have yet to be much in the way of cumulative results. So far it has been the same two steps forward, one step back when it comes to Kinerase C8. Day five, the re-aggravated hot spots have not completely subsided, but the overall skin tone appears more even. No new blemishes have emerged since treatment has commenced. Though it contains vitamin A, it is not a strong exfoliator. This serum is calming, but not the most “active” product when it comes to skin resurfacing.
On day six, woke up wishing this stuff was a bit more emollient. Stubborn spots still present, but hyper-pigmentation appears less noticeable. Hot spots chilled out overnight. After the seven days, there is notable improvement in skin texture to the touch. To make Kinerase C8 worth the investment, the next seven days must bring a marked improvement in visible skin texture.
As promised and requested (C’est pour vous, AMP), please enjoy reviews of the second half of Sephora’s Mascara Sampler. Loyal readers remember the first round; if you are new here, welcome, please feel free to browse. You’ll find reviews for the first half of the sampler categorized under Beauty.
Laura Mercier Thickening and Building Mascara has a soft, densely bristled large brush. A no-clump formula provides above average lash lengthening and separating. Overall, this is a non-flaking, quality mascara. Bonus tip: if you like a mascara brush, save it. Wash it, and use it to separate your lashes. Clean mascara wands make the best declumpers. Consider hanging on to this Laura Mercier brush.
The second best of these five, Sephora Lash Stretcher has a smooth, non-clumping texture. The innovative brush design uses tiny hairs which protrude from the larger bristles to coat every angle of each lash. Lash Stretcher is just that: a lengthener. It doesn’t do much in the way of thickening. Not super dramatic, this is another great formula for everyday.
Me likey the idea of a stain, but not the execution. Tarte 4 Day Lash Stain has a sharp pointed stiff brush. The color is pitch black, and the formula very lengthening. It isn’t exactly clumpy, but it does cause the lashes to stick together….like fucking glue. It was extremely difficult and messy to separate the lashes. Worse, smudges are damn near impossible to clean off due to the stain feature of this product. My lashes still looked darker the next day, but this is for those nasty bitches who sleep in their makeup.
If you like the new, short, rubber bristled brushes, then Cargo LashActivator might be for you. The brush design excels at reaching bottom and corner lashes. The non-messy formula falls in the middle in terms of lengthening, but it does curl nicely. The only drawback: slightly clumpy texture. Overall, this one’s treading in the sea of mediocrity.
Why drop serious coin on something that goes down the drain? Body wash presents a special challenge. Most of the inexpensive products marketed towards women are drying and too perfumey. 
This Old Spice Red Zone Body Wash is surprisingly moisturizing and great for shaving. The scent it leaves behind is more Chanel No. 5 than Love’s Baby Soft. This stuff is especially fantastic if your body chemistry brings out the sweet notes in fragrances.
Plus the names are hilarious: “Swagger,” “Afterhours,” “Showtime.” I’m anxiously waiting for the newest fragrance: “Boner.” The color might be oddly electric, but the Old Spice gives good suds. 
When it comes to skin texture, a glowy soft matte finish proved the overwhelming trend on the fall runways. To maintain this look throughout the day, a high quality pressed powder is essential.
Typically loose powder trumps pressed, but this REVLON Photo Ready is the biznass. Finely milled and non-creasing, it does more than mattify: it provides a final ladylike touch.
Dust on with a big puff brush to dim your shine, even your tone, and properly finish your face for fall.
When is the last time you cleaned out your make-up box or bag? That bacterial orgy is nasty, for reals. Time to handle your biznass.
First things first, sort through your collection and liberally toss anything falling into one of the following categories: 1) products not used within the last three months, 2) mascara older than three months, 3) old, cracked, raggedy-ass products, sponges, tools, or brushes. Think of it this way – you are making room for a few new treats just in time for the change of season. 
Like Rapunzel, hair must look beautiful and glide through the hand like silk. Others must be compelled to reach out and touch it.
To achieve soft, shiny, lustrous, attention-begging hair, try Redken Anti-Snap. Work through wet hair to detangle, protect, and fortify. Add a second layer to your ends after you blow dry to smooth any split ends, frizzies, or fly-aways.
Similar products abound, but a hefty 8.5 oz bottle of Anti-Snap can easily last a year, making it the best value.
My only criticism: it looks like jizz.
For a photo finish face, begin with exceptional skin texture. Discoloration can be addressed with concealer, but make-up does little to disguise an uneven surface. Most modern moisturizers contain exfoliators like AHA acids or retinol which work to release the top layers of skin cells. Physically scrub all that dead gunk off, or you won’t have an ideal canvas for your makeup artistry.
When you really think about it, nail polish is sort of artificial and gross. Once in awhile a lady or gent invests in a proper pedicure, but for the vast majority of our sad population, sloppy fucking feet abound. Throwing some nasty polish on dirty feet fools no one.
First you need a foot file. This should be used on dry feet. Focus on your heels; your heels are gross. After, you must moisturize.
There are some things in life so comforting you just keep coming back to them. Bonne Bell Lip Smacker is one of those things.
The primal and familiar smell of Dr. Pepper takes you right back to twelve years old.
The best flavors/colors are Mango, Wild Raspberry, and Dr. Pepper. Strawberry ain’t bad either. The remainder of the variety pack merits less attention. 