I have read many articles stating that Retin-A is the best product out there when it comes to anti-aging products and so I had to try it! Here’s what I discovered; It’s sold as Retinol for over the counter products and there are many to choose from… Here are the ones that I picked to try; Keep in mind that I would have been much happier saying that the cheaper one was better, but with these that I tested you do get what you pay for.

1. MD Skincare Demand Results

Love It! Truth be told, Demand Results gives you results and fast. I have not only my face to test it on, but I borrowed an older one as well (72) and she too had amazing results. This product has many steps and will take about 5 minutes from start to finish before bed. I kind of like the extra work because I feel I’m getting extra results, the other face would rather slather something on and be done with it. It is pricey, for the above package it will cost you around $140 – my face is worth it.

2. philosophy help me retinol night treatment

Love It! This night cream costs about $45 and results showed up the very next day – again both on my face and the one that I borrowed. Although it stands by itself without a whole regime it still is effective but doesn’t compare to that of the md skincare.

3. RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

Eh… This did work but not as well as the others. So it may cost less at $20 but it can’t compare to the others that I mentioned.

www.BMWusa.com

Love It!

I do love the BMW. There’s nothing else that drives like it. If you’re someone that thinks a car is a car, then I wouldn’t suggest spending the extra money for it, but if you’re like me and enjoy the “feel” of your drive then I highly recommend it. This model is a Sports Activity Vehicle which means it’s smaller than an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) but bigger than a sedan. The seats in the back easily go down to make for a large cargo area which is important if you’re a shopper. The gas mileage is average (nothing great but much better than an SUV), good sound system, comfortable seating and great AC. If leasing the vehicle, I would suggest pre-purchasing the miles at 10k a year. If you see you’re going to run over that mileage, call them to increase your mileage to either the 12k or 15k per year, but you must do this within the a certain time frame or else you’ll be paying a lot more than expected. I purchased the car with 12k a year and have only been using 5k each year which means that I overpaid and I’m now out that extra money. Basically you can increase your mileage but you can’t decrease it. I will say that it’s a little pricey for what you’re getting. These days there are more cars out there for the same price that offer much more. Shop around- there are plenty of vehicles to choose from right now and many offer some great incentives, unfortunately not BMW. I myself will be looking for a new car in the next few months. If I can find something that has a nice drive like the BMW, but that costs less, that’s what I’ll be getting.

www.apple.com

Love It!

Once you go Mac, you’ll never go back! I used to use the PC’s but after my first apple there’s no way I could ever go back. Everything is easy on a Mac from copying, pasting, downloading music, making videos and creating picture albums. If you’re in need of a new computer, I suggest that you pop in to an Apple store and let them show you how much easier everything is on the Mac. I’m sure you’ll opt to buy one over any other computer you were thinking about.

I have both a desktop and a laptop. If I were to get one I think I would pick the laptop – They have many models to choose from that make it easy to get exactly what you need. They’re light and small enough to put into a bag and carry with you wherever you go.

www.Amazon.com

Love It!

This eyebrow dye is not as simple as the Swiss-O-par that I’ve commented on previously, but it lasts much longer. At this point I’m choosing to use this dye for both my lashes and brows – it may take more time, a little more energy but in the long run the coverage is better and lasts longer. I suggest leaving it on longer than the directions state if you like darker, fuller brows. Some of the color will get on your skin so you want to have dye remover handy with a q-tip to wipe off the excess.

Product Description
Within ten minutes (development period) Refectocil produces permanent coverage and even coloration which lasts several weeks. The vivid coloration is light and water resistant. A complete line of tinting accessories renders the application of Refectocil professional, simple and very profitable. Refectocil is the perfect choice for dyeing beards, sideburns and even intimate hair!

www.Sephora.com

Love It!

I have the whole Redness Solutions regime which includes the face wash, cooling cream and the relief mineral powder. I do like it. It isn’t going to take away the redness, but it does help to tone it down.

Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder
Unique mineral treatment measurably reduces redness on contact. It’s lab-certified. Under its care and cover, visible redness and broken capillaries virtually disappear—instantly and for hours. Patent-pending formula helps skin “keep its cool.” Oil-free, talc-free. With anti-bacterial brush. Appropriate for skins with mild-to-moderate Rosacea or reactive redness.

www.Sephora.com

Love It!

This works just as well if not better than the liquid form. The main difference; one is a gloss and one is a moisturizing stick. I would definitely recommend trying it but beware that it will tingle some. To me the tingle lets me know that it’s working.

VIEW ALL PRODUCTS BY DuWop

Prime Venom
What it is:
A matte finish plumping lip balm infused with the Lip Venom formula that also works as a lip primer.

What it is formulated to do:
This satin matte lip balm leaves your lips supple and conditioned while acting as a primer to help lipsticks go on smoother and last longer as well as plumping the lips for a matte finish pout. Prime Venom contains macadamia nut oil, prized for its long lasting, moisturizing properties and the now famous blend of essential oils including cinnamon, ginger, and wintergreen that put plumpers on the map.

www.Sephora.com

Bare Escentuals Rare Minerals Blemish Therapy

Love It!
This treatment is great to use on the oily areas of your face. It absorbs moisture and leaves a matte finish. I use it as a concealer as well over the red areas of my face.

RareMinerals™ Blemish Therapy
What it is:
A super-concentrated and effective acne treatment.

What it does:
This Bare Escentuals breakthrough natural, mineral-based product is clinically proven to quickly and effectively clear and heal blemishes. RareMinerals™ Skin Blemish Therapy combines the non-irritating, exfoliating properties of our patent-pending 100% pure RareMinerals™ concentrate with the acne-fighting benefits of natural sulfur to treat acne and blemishes while preventing future breakouts from forming. It penetrates pores to control blackheads. Plus, its translucent tint neutralizes and diffuses the look of blemishes. Use it as an overnight spot treatment to heal blemishes and also as a daytime treatment under bareMinerals makeup. It’s perfect for all skin types and ages.

Zappos.com

#1 – Zappos

Love It!

I have to shop online because of an injury that impedes my ability to go shopping. It’s not an easy process.

1. First you have to find clothes that you like which means countless hours online searching site after site.

2. Next, you don’t know what size to buy – one brands size 6 will be another brands size 10. So now you buy two of the same item but in different sizes so you’re sure to get one that fits.

3. Lastly and most importantly, the return policy. This is why my house looks like a store. Each online store has a different return policy – some are good, some that are not. It’s not as easy as you would think – time just slips away and next thing you know too much time has passed and you now own the same pair of pants in 2 sizes.

This is why I choose to shop at Zappos.com. Not only do they have a 365 day return policy, but they also offer free shipping both coming and going- so if you need to return, slap on the printed return label and you’re good to go. I will say that their clothes, shoes etc are no bargain, but what you don’t save on the wallet you do save on customer service and in the end that can save you money.

Nordstrom.com

#2 – Nordstrom

Love It!

Ahhh – Nordstroms, my home at home. I love this store. You don’t like it – return it. No receipt – they’ll find it.

When you walk into a Nordstom it’s like a shoppers Disneyland. There’s often a grand piano with music playing that can be heard throughout the store and it adds to the shopping ambiance. They also offer concierge service. I used to shop at my local Nordstrom so often that the sales people knew me. This could mean one of two things – either I shop way too much, or that these people are on top of customer service. They kept a record of what style of clothing I liked and would call or send me a note to inform me that “a jacket came in that I thought you may like. Would you like me to place it on hold for you in size…” (a girl never tells).

Unfortunately I can no longer go to the store and am now forced to shop Nordstrom.com. Here’s the good and bad of it.

1. Nordstoms website is in need of a serious makeover. Their online site is lacking in merchandise compared to their instore shopping experience as well as other online retail stores.

2. If you do choose to purchase online there’s a shipping fee of $8 if spending less than $200. To some, $8 may not seem all that big a deal, but it adds up and if you decide to return the item – guess who’s paying… that’s right, again it’s on your dime.

3. So here’s the big question of the day… when returning how do you know that they’re receiving your package? What if it gets lost? Their return process is easy, place the return sticker on the box, bring to the post office or convenient mail stop and pray that the package gets to the destination. I recently returned some items and it was not a good experience. I suggest going to the store for your returns.

PDP-5020FD

Love It!

Pioneer is by far the best brand in televisions out there – in my opinion. Although if you look at C-Net, Consumer Reports, PC Magazine etc, you’ll find they tend to agree. That’s the good news – the bad news is that you’re going to pay for it – literally. These tv’s are expensive, but this is how I rationalize it; Where do I (you) spend the most time in your house? Typically it’s going to be in your bed (mattress) and on your couch watching tv, so I’ll put some extra money into these items. This 50″ Kuro typically sells for $3500, but I found it for $2000 at Costco, plus they add an extra year of warranty (2 years total). The Kuro is known to have the blackest blacks of all the plasmas out there and this is what makes it stand out from the rest. The next best options are the Samsung and Panasonic.

50-Inch Class (49.85” Diagonal) 1080p KURO™ Flat Panel HDTV

• High-Definition 1080p Resolution (1920x1080p)
• 5x Deeper Black for Unmatched Contrast*
• Home Media Gallery Network Connectivity
• 4 Independent HDMI^® 1.3 Inputs

$3,500.00

Nordstrom – $795

TRIA Laser Hair Removal System

Still on the fence…

As promised, I’m trying another laser hair removal system. I tried it for the first time 3 days ago and I’m still waiting for the hair to fall out (they say about a week). So in the meantime let me tell you a little bit about this instrument – it’s heavy… I mean 5 pound heavy. I guess you can look at that with the glass half full attitude and figure you’ll get some good arm muscles going as a benefit from using this machine. It has 3 heat settings – low, medium and high (makes sense). I’m pretty tough when it comes to taking laser pain and I have to say that when I used it at it’s highest setting, I did jump a little from the intensity. That makes me happy because I know it’s not low voltage… turn it up – the higher the better to fry the follicles, but only if you can stand it. The downside is that the power dies very fast… very, very fast, and it doesn’t allow for use while it’s plugged in. That stinks. So you can do half an arm – then charge it – 1/4 of a leg – charge it. Other than that it’s a smooth and easy application just a little tricky to unlock. Now we just have to wait for the results. I’ll keep you posted and let you know in a few days if it’s working.

UPDATE!! March 29, 2009

Sorry… it just doesn’t cut it- or laser it. I’ve tried it a few times now over the same areas and it’s just not working. At this point I would rather spend the $800 on 8 treatments at a professional laser clinic.

The TRIA System is the first FDA-cleared laser hair removal device available that delivers safe, professional results in the privacy of your own home.