{Tested} Victoria McGill Eye Defining Contour Strips

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One company, Victoria McGill, promises its EyeDefining Contour Strips (retail value: $9.99 for 16 strips) will give you a “non-surgical eyelid lift… instantly!” The strips are made from a “comfortable and discreet” crescent-shaped adhesive coated with “makeup-gripping” material to hold liner and eyeshadow, according to the Victoria McGill website. Just “moisturize the eyelid area, apply the strip, apply makeup,” and your “sagging eyelids will disappear instantly.”

We sent it to our FOF testers to try. Was this the best lid lifter they’ve laid their eyes on (and laid on their eyes)? Read on to find out.

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Melissa Fraher – Tampa, FL

How much of a difference did you notice when using this product?
My eyes look amazingly better. A male co-worker remarked on how good I looked one day. I can’t afford surgery so this is the next best thing.

Were they easy to apply?
I recommend using an eye makeup remover to help remove them. It can really [hurt] if you just pull them off. Now that I’ve seen the results, I want to have them on every day!

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
I’m thrilled and will be recommending them to all of my friends who could benefit from them.

Will you continue using this product?
I just ordered my first month’s supply!

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Carole Grinstead – Sylvania, Ohio

How much of a difference did you notice when using this product?
I just have to say that I was overwhelmingly surprised at how well this product worked! I don’t have particularly droopy eyelids, [and] I really didn’t expect to see a difference. I couldn’t understand [how the product] could possibly work. Wow–was I wrong! Instant, dramatic improvement.

Was the product easy to apply?
[It was] comfortable and easy to apply makeup over. My headline would be, ‘A big thumbs up — I wish you could see before and after!’

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Stephanie Silver – Bridgeville, PA

How much of a difference did you notice when using this product?
[I noticed an] amazing positive difference. This is such a simple and amazing product. Good things do come in small packages!

Was the product easy to apply?
[It] took no more than a few tries to get maximum results. The location of these strips will vary by user. They were so comfortable, I forgot I had them on (except when I looked in the mirror and was reminded how much better I look with this product applied. Also, interesting extra benefit [my] vision [was] better. [The] pressure on my eyeball was distributed differently, and this, of course, affects vision.

Will you continue to use this product?
This is a great safe, easy product to use. Price is so reasonable for the results obtained. A fantastic idea!

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Constance Mcqueen – Rock Hill, SC

How much of a difference did you notice when using this product?
I wore the contour strips for the first time today. I really like them. I could tell the
difference right away, even my husband of 29 years noticed!

Was the product easy to apply?
I had some difficulty with the initial application; however, the second attempt applying the strips it was not difficult.

Will you continue to use this product?
I plan to make additional purchases.

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Lisa Dunmore – Mission Viejo, CA

How much of a difference did you notice when using this product?
They showed an obvious difference in my eyelids after applying.

Was the product easy to apply?
It’s important to read the directions thoroughly before applying to understand the process. There are also diagrams to aid in proper placement. They are very small so I found it a little challenging to apply. The color blended nicely with my skin color and I didn’t wear any eye makeup to cover it, as suggested. They definitely showed a marked difference.

Will you continue to use this product?
I would wear them for special occasions, with eye make-up.

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Linda Ryan – Valencia, CA

How much of a difference did you notice when using this product?
My friends could not see them until I pointed them out.

Was this product easy to apply?
Once I figured out where on my eyes was the best placement they were quite easy. I like the fabric feel of these strips as I have used a plastic type strip in the past.

Will you continue to use this product?
These were superior to those [ones I’ve used in the past] but the price point would be the deciding factor for me.

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Meg Frischholz – Lockport, NY

How much of a difference did you notice when using this product?
A big difference.

Was this product easy to apply?
I did have a little difficulty, the first day. I had to pull them off and reapply [them] a little lower, but they still worked. The second day I carefully placed them in the correct spots for my eyes.

Will you continue to use this product?
I will order these and use them regularly when I need a lift!

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Pam Ray – Wichita, KS

How much of a difference did you notice when using this product?
My eyes looked about 60% better.

Was this product easy to apply?
The first day was difficult getting the location right and get a lift. The second day was easier and I left them on all day. I now have used the strips for 4 days and I believe I have the hang of it.

Will you continue to use this product?
I like them and would purchase them.

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Mei-Lin Yeh – Tucson, AZ

How much of a difference did you notice when using this product?
From scale 1-5, I give it a 4, because I have medium skin tone [and] need to find the concealer
to match the color of the strip. It lifts my eyes, makes them appear 60% better, larger and
younger looking. [It’s] as good as a surgical eye lift. Great for a special occasion if you want to
look at your best.

Was this product easy to apply?
A little practice will do the trick. [You] need to find the correct spot to put it on, not too high or low.

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Megan Sterner – Germantown, MD

How much of a difference did you notice when using this product?
There seemed to be a slight difference to my eyes.

Was this product easy to apply?
I did have some problems applying the strips, which the insert states is normal in the beginning. Also, I found that if you take it off and reapply, the adhesive doesn’t seem to stick as well. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. The color of the strips matched my skin tone which was nice.

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Lillian Poole – Claymont, Delaware

Was this product easy to apply?
I found the application of the strips difficult. It took me several times and many
adjustments to get them in position still not sure if I got it right. On the positive side,
they blended great with eye. The color of the strips and the material were not noticeable at all.

Natural Hair Removal Powder From Puff It

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Hair today, gone tomorrow?

One Indonesian company says they have a product that will make hair on your legs, underarms, face, back, bikini and chin…disappear. Puff It “Miracle” Hair Removal Powder (also known as Puff It Destructurizer) will “remove unwanted hair in 90 days and have your skin as smooth as the day you were born,” according to the company’s website.

Made from a concentration of minerals, with potassium alum sulfate as the active ingredient, the formula has been “tested and tried over the centuries by the local rural people in Indonesia.”

The powder reportedly works by “killing hair at the follicle, making it grow thinner and thinner after use,” the company asserts. “Use as is and wait for the hair to fall off or faster permanent hair removal can be achieved when combined with other hair removal methods (one company rep recommends to use after waxing for the quickest results).”

Is Puff It truly a miracle…or a puff of smoke? 6 FOFs will put this powder to the test. Leave a comment below for a chance to win.
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(See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes August 1, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

{Tested} Bremmen’s Upper Eyelid Lifter

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Bremenn says that their Upper Eyelid Lifter (available at Soft Surroundings, retail value, $59.00) will make your eyes “bigger, brighter, fresher and captivatingly alive.” Most eye creams are made to combat under-eye puffiness, but this cream is formulated with botanical extracts, key peptides, biomolecules and amino acids to reverse sagging, deflating and drooping upper eyelids. What did our FOF Beauty Testers think?

P.S. Want to be guaranteed a product to test?
Join the FOF Beauty Club now!

**Quick take: 3 out of 4 testers say they would use Bremmen’s Upper Eyelid Lifter again.**

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ImagePlease describe your experience with this product:
I love this product even though I did not experience any permanent lift to the skin on my upper eye lid. I did experience a temporary lift every time I used it. I received many compliments on my eyes. Friends and family told me I looked rested and well.

Were the directions clear and understandable?
Directions were very clear and the product was easy to use. I really liked the consistency of the eye cream–it applied smoothly and easily. I loved the way my eyes looked after applying the product. I have sensitive eyes and I did not experience any irritation. The lid lift was temporary with each use, but the improved overall eye appearance makes this product special.

Would you use this product again?
I will definitely purchase this eye cream in the future.

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ImageWere the directions clear and understandable?
The directions were very clear.

How quickly did you see results?
I noticed firming on the skin on my eyelids after the first two days. Every time I used it, my eyes looked more open.

Did the product meet or exceed your expectations?
I really did not think that it would work, but I was very happy because it exceeded my expectations.

Would you use this product again?
Yes, I am sorry that I’m at the end of the tube!

What could make this product better?
The color is a little muddy. Maybe they could make it whiter.

Please describe your overall experience with this product:
I used this product every morning and evening after cleansing my face. It felt silky while applying. I am very satisfied with the results!

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ImagePlease describe your experience with this product:
I used the product faithfully for over a month. To test it, I used it only on my right eyelid, using my regular eye cream on my left lid.

How quickly did you see results?
There was no immediate difference and, I’m sad to say, that even after a month, I could see no difference and no real improvement with my saggy lids.

Did the product meet or exceed your expectations?
I wanted to like it because I’m self-conscious of my puffy and increasingly saggy upper eyelids. I wish I had better news to report.

Would you use this product again?
Let’s just say, I’m still looking for non-surgical solutions.

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ImagePlease describe your experience with this product:
I found this product to be pretty good. The skin around my eyes appeared to be tighter, and even toned. And there were no side effects…rashes, redness or burning.

Were the directions clear and understandable?
Yes, the directions were clear and were easy to follow.

How quickly did you see results?
In about a week.

Did the product meet or exceed your expectations?
The product was as good as advertised, and I have seen it in other catalogs recently!

Would you use this product again?
I actually ordered more.

What could make this product better?
I thought the product was very good…no suggestions.

Would you recommend this product to other FOF women?
Yes, I would recommend it to others.

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{Test This} NightCare Heel Treatment Kit

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Sandal shy?  You’re not alone. “As feet age, the skin becomes drier and more vulnerable to cracking at the heel,” according to this WebMD article. One company, Justin Blair & Company says they have just the product to heal your heels. Its NightCare Heel Treatment Kit includes special gel-lined socks and a foot cream that “instantly moisturizes skin to help heal and prevent dry, cracked areas.”

The foot cream contains vitamins A, D, E and urea, a compound used in many topical creams to hydrate and break down tough skin.

A tester for Glo Magazine reported “baby-smooth heels” after applying the cream and wearing the special socks overnight for a month.

The kit retails at $25–a bill worth footing if it actually works. So, does it? 10 FOFs will put the NightCare Heel Treatment Kit to the test. Leave a comment below for a chance to win.

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(See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes July 25, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

{Tested} Ahava Extreme Night Treatment


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Ahava’s Extreme Night Treatment (retail value: $72 for 1 oz.), works on your lines and wrinkles at night, so that by the time you wake up, you’ll have “a softer, smoother, radiant complexion,” according to the company.

The concentrate is made of natural ingredients from the Himalayas, one of the highest altitudes on Earth, where plants, moss and minerals are resilient to the harsh climate and conditions. Ingredients are also sourced from the Dead Sea, the lowest altitude on the Earth and “the legendary, personal spa of Cleopatra,” where the water, mud, minerals and plants have “proven regenerative properties,” according to the Ahava website.

We wanted to know: is this “extreme” night treatment–extremely effective?

6 FOFs put it to the test. Read their reviews below.

P.S. Want to be guaranteed a product to test? Join the FOF Beauty Club now!

**Quick take: 4 out of 6 testers would recommend Ahava’s Extreme Night Treatment to other FOFs.**

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KATHLEEN EASTWOOD – Springfield, Missouri

Was this product easy to apply?
[It] was smooth and very easy to apply. A tiny amount covered my whole face and neck.

Did you like the smell of this product?
I did not dislike the scent of this product. It is somewhat neutral, similar to sesame seeds.

What was your overall experience with this product? Did you feel like this product diminished the look of expression lines and increased your skin’s elasticity, firmness, texture and radiance?
I think this product may be best for drier skin than mine–it gave my face one or two tiny white head infected pores. However, since it is so rich, it nourished my skin and my deeper forehead lines less obvious.

Have you noticed any other differences in your skin after 4 weeks?
The skin on my face seems softer. It may not be meant for hands, but it seemed to help my dry hands a lot–an added bonus!

Would you purchase this product for $72? Why or why not?
If there is a similar product in this line for normal (not dry) skin, then yes, I feel it [would be] worth the price. A small amount–one to two pumps–goes a long way, covering the whole face and neck. Many similar products cost much more, but [this] would be easier on the budget.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Yes. It does what it says it will and the price is not too bad considering a tiny bit goes a long way. The company said “96% felt their skin texture was more nourished and soft , 94% reported that their skin was firmer, 91% saw a reduction in facial lines and wrinkles.” I found this to be accurate and totally true.

Please rate this product from 1 (Ugh. This was the worst) to 5 (Loved it!):
5.

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REBECCA BEER – Rancho Murieta, CA

Was this product easy to apply?
Yes, this was very easy to use.

Did you like the smell of this product?
The scent was fine.

What was your overall experience with this product? Did you feel like this product diminished the look of expression lines and increased your skin’s elasticity, firmness, texture and radiance?
No changes to my skin.

Have you noticed any other differences in your skin after 4 weeks?
My skin remains the same.

Would you purchase this product for $72? Why or why not?
No, I’ll continue with my regular products that I’ve been using before the Ahava (even though they cost more.)

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Yes.

Please rate this product from 1 (Ugh. This was the worst) to 5 (Loved it!):
3 or 4.

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ROBIN STANFIELD – Phoenix, AZ

Was this product easy to apply?
Yes. Additionally, I like the packaging because it is small and not a waste of materials. The bottle fit well into the box and it was not bulky at all.

Did you like the smell of this product?
Yes. It was very minimal, but, pleasant.  Not sweet and not harsh.

What was your overall experience with this product? Did you feel like this product diminished the look of expression lines and increased your skin’s elasticity, firmness, texture and radiance?
The product was a bit greasy when you put it on and it takes a bit of time for it to absorb into the skin. However, it helped diminish some of the lines under my eyes as well as help with puffiness in the morning, but, I did not feel a real increase in the firmness of my skin. It did make my skin feel smoother.

Have you noticed any other differences in your skin after 4 weeks?
The lines and bags under my eyes are less [pronounced] in the morning, but, not what most people would call a noticeable difference.

Would you purchase this product for $72? Why or why not?
No, I would not spend $72 for it because it did not make as much of difference I was hoping for.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
No.

Please rate this product from 1 (Ugh. This was the worst) to 5 (Loved it!):
3.

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JERICE BERGSTROM – Lyme, NH

Was this product easy to apply?
No. The product would drip off of the applicator causing it to smear instead of be placed.

Did you like the smell of this product?
No. my husband and I were both mildly repulsed by the smell.

What was your overall experience with this product? Did you feel like this product diminished the look of expression lines and increased your skin’s elasticity, firmness, texture and radiance?
The product had no positives and a number of negatives making the overall experience a net loss. It didn’t diminish my expression lines or do anything for my skin’s elasticity, texture or radiance.

Have you noticed any other differences in your skin after 4 weeks?
No.

Would you purchase this product for $72? Why or why not?
No. It holds no value for me – not even a tenth of that price would lure me to purchase it.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
No.

Please rate this product from 1 (Ugh. This was the worst) to 5 (Loved it!):
1.

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CHRISTINE FRANK – Fredericksburg, VA

Tell us about the packaging and applicator. Was this product easy to apply?
Not really. It was hard to measure a drop and I worried about cross-contamination with dabbing the wand on my face.

Did you like the smell of this product?
Yes.

What was your overall experience with this product? Did you feel like this product diminished the look of expression lines and increased your skin’s elasticity, firmness, texture and radiance?
I think so, especially on the forehead. I think it also helped with texture and radiance.

Have you noticed any other differences in your skin after 4 weeks?
Pores may be smaller.

Would you purchase this product for $72? Why or why not?
Yes. That price is about on par for a night treatment and it lasts a long time.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Yes.

Please rate this product from 1 (Ugh. This was the worst) to 5 (Loved it!):
A low 5.

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JEANNE-MARIE PATRICK – NYC

Was this product easy to apply?
Yes–very easy.

Did you like the smell of this product?
[It had] not much to no smell.

What was your overall experience with this product? Did you feel like this product diminished the look of expression lines and increased your skin’s elasticity, firmness, texture and radiance?
I still have expression lines but yes to everything else. Excellent product!

Have you noticed any other differences in your skin after 4 weeks?
No.

Would you purchase this product for $72? Why or why not?
It’s a lot [of money] for me. I almost would but times are tough.

Would you recommend this products to other FOFs?
Yes! No doubt. [It’s] a must have! [It’s] hydrating to the nth degree and fine lines disappear. Perfect for anyone of ‘a certain age.’

Please rate this product from 1 (Ugh. This was the worst) to 5 (Loved it!):
5.

{Beauty} Beauty Secrets of FOF Models

Who better to ask for beauty secrets then FOF models? Come on, these ladies are paid to look gorgeous. Here 3 beauties share their best tips.

Beverly Johnson / Age: 59

In 1974 Beverly made history as the first black model to be featured on the cover of Vogue. Following her Vogue shoot, was recruited by Eileen Ford to be represented by the Ford Agency. From there she landed modeling jobs at Glamour, Elle, hundreds of other top magazines. Today, at 59 she is back with Ford Agency. The “modelpreneur” also has her own haircare line sold at Target, authored a beauty book and most recently has her own reality show, “Beverly’s Full House” on Oprah’s OWN network. The New York Times named her one of the “20th century’s most influential people in fashion.”

1. You can look like a million bucks without spending a fortune.
“I’m a big drugstore products junkie. Presently, I’m liking this Pantene Pro-V ‘Shine’ Conditioner. For skincare, RoC has some really beautiful products. They’re not super, super pricey but they are high-end.”

2. Dress the way you feel.
“When I was younger I was very self-consciously sophisticated. Now, I dress the way I feel. I’ll wear shorter skirts or cheetah print. My girlfriend and I go out and dress alike, that’s how bold we are. People say, ‘Do you two know you’re wearing the same dress?’ And we say, ‘Uh huh!’”

3. Read fashion and beauty magazines for inspiration, but not to compare yourself.
“I read magazines for ideas. I’ll see they’re doing this kind of vest now and not this kind… Looking at them is not punishment anymore. I don’t look at them and say, ‘Ohmigod I used to be that thin.’”

4. You don’t necessarily have to hit the gym to get a great workout.
“I work with my trainer, Tanya Evans, via Skype. She’s so fabulous, she’s one of those people who stays on the cutting edge of everything. She was a former Ms. Fitness and she really knows the woman’s body. And she can see everything on Skype. I can’t cheat!”

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Susan Hersh / Age: 50

As a teen Susan Hersh idolized supermodel Twiggy and as a young adult worked in fashion under designers Calvin Klein and Norma Kamali. In her 30s Susan was discovered by a model scout while she was sitting in a California coffee shop but passed on the opportunity. In her 40s, when she was scouted for a second time–this time by Ford Modeling Agency–she accepted. “I was starting to think, maybe it’s my calling–it just keeps coming back to me,” she says. Since then, you may have seen Susan’s face grace issues of O Magazine, Good Housekeeping, and Macy’s, Sephora, Nordstrom and Target ads. She was also the “face” of Silver Expressions for Pantene and walked the runway for Barney’s. “I’ve had a pretty good run,” she says.

1. Splurge on your sunscreen.
“I use Kiehl’s Vital Sun Protection SPF40 for my body and Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense 50+ on my face. It’s not cheap, but, in the summer I’ll have suntan lotion on my skin sometimes for up to ten hours–I have to make sure it doesn’t make me break out.”

2. Use Moroccan Oil in your hair.
This product is amazing. I put it on after I blow dry my hair. You don’t need that much. It’s a miracle product–it immediately makes it soft, shiny, luxurious and contained.”

3. Eat green, leafy vegetables.
I eat kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli rabe, swiss chard, zucchini and string beans. I rotate all of my vegetables. I steam them instead of boiling them to keep in the nutrients that are so beneficial to your health and beauty.

4. Just come to terms with the fact you’re aging already.
“We cannot chase beauty our entire lives. You can have your eyes done and a facelift and everything else and still not feel satisfied. At this age, it’s time to come to terms with the fact you are aging and may have flaws.”

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Robin Bobbé / Age: 60

In 1999, at age 47, Robin Bobbé married a photographer and the two ran a successful commercial photography business together for print advertising. Later, she honed in on what she liked best–casting–and started to do that full time. When an agent looking for new faces of the 50+ market asked if she knew of anyone, Robin thought, “why not me?” This year, at age 60 she went pro with her first gig modeling for a pharmaceutical company ad campaign.

1. Start your workout before you get to the gym.
“I go to the gym every day and alternate what I do there–yoga, weights, etc. But, as a warm up I ride my bike to the gym.”

2. Use tinted moisturizer, instead of foundation.
“I use Kiehl’s Tinted Moisturizer because I get good coverage from it. I think when you’re older you really have to be careful about not using too much product. You don’t want to look pasty and made up plus, foundation can go into your lines and make them more pronounced.”

3. Good genes.
No secret here. “I have a little gray but not much. My mother at 87 years old [her hair] just went white.”

4. Beauty starts internally.
“There’s sunblock, there’s Cetaphyl but to me it’s all about self-discovery. Without that, there’s no beauty. At 60, I’m discovering for the first time who I am. I was feeling very stagnant, I didn’t know what do with myself. My therapist said to me you must try new things…and I did. I started writing, I tried yoga and I took a sewing class. I became more confident–and to me, confident people always look more beautiful.”

{Test This} Ladycare Menopause Device

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It sounds attractive–a palm-sized magnetic device that clips discreetly to your underwear, repels symptoms of menopause. But, does it actually work?

According to the website for Ladycare (retail value: $45), “over 300,000 women worldwide use the product.” In a study of policewomen in the UK who used LadyCare, “over 71% reported alleviation of their menopause symptoms one month after wearing the device continuously.” These symptoms include hot flashes, sudden weight gain, fatigue, trouble sleeping and loss of libido.

The company says the product works by “rebalancing the autonomic nervous system” in turn “improving the body’s ability to self heal and restore natural hormone balance.”

“Over 300,000 women use the product worldwide,” according to the company website and just recently, they’ve launched the product in the U.S. 50 FOFs will be among the first in the country to try it.

For FOFs looking for a natural, drug-free solution to their menopause woes–this might just be it.

Sounds attractive–let’s see how it works. 50 FOFs will put Ladycare to the test.

For a chance to win, answer in the comments below: “Are you going through menopause now? If not, at what age did you experience it?”

Note: For best results from this product: Testers should experience a minimum of 4 hot flashes per day.

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(See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes July 18, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

from →  ,

{Tested} Molton Brown Anti-Aging Bodycare Collection

London-based beauty company, Molton Brown, released a $216 anti-aging body care collection this year, featuring products made from Kopara, a rare ocean algae found on a coral island near Tahiti. Kopara produces exopolysaccharides as a protective shield against UV rays. These also come in handy on your FOF skin, which will appear “healthier” and “glowing” after you use these products, according to Molton Brown reps. The body care collection includes a hand cream (retail value: $48), body cream (retail value: $89) and neck and decolletage cream (retail value: $79).

We wanted to sea for ourselves if this skin trio would stand up to the hype. 9 FOFs put it to the test. Read on for their reviews.

P.S. Want to be guaranteed a product to test? Join the FOF Beauty Club now!

**Quick take: Rave reviews for the hand cream. Many of the testers say they would recommend the products to other FOFs as a “splurge.” As one tester puts it: “If you can afford it, they…make you feel very special.”**

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Kathleen Eastwood–Springfield, Missouri

Were these products easy to apply?
Very easy. The packaging was user friendly for those of us who have difficulty opening such things.

Did you like the fragrance of these products?
I did not mind the fragrance, finding it mild and non-competing with my perfumes. My 24-year-old daughter said, “Mom, what is that? You smell like an old lady.” I am not certain what “old lady” smells like, but maybe there is a generation gap.

Did you feel like these products left your skin firmer and more hydrated?
I hoped for firming, but did not notice this. It did have a nice hydration effect. My forearms looked less like crepe paper, [it] made [my] skin smoother. The night time hand lotion decreased the peeling skin around my fingernails, which was a wonderful bonus.

Have you noticed any other differences in your skin after 4 weeks?
No.

Did you have a favorite product of the three?
I enjoyed the hand lotion best of the three due to fewer hang nails and less crepe-like skin.

Would you continue using these products for $216? Why or why not?
I will continue using these until I run out (it has lasted more than 4 weeks). I would not pay $216.00 for a three pack. I know that there are products which will do the same thing for our skin for much less.

Would you recommend these products to other FOFs?
Yes, to all FOFs who have realistic expectations and the budget or just want to splurge.

What was your overall experience with these products?
It is rich and feels very nice on your skin. It soaks in without making you feel greasy.

Please rate these products from 1-5 (5 being the best).
4.

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JANA HAYES – Elk Grove, CA

Were these products easy to apply?
Yes. I really like how the neck and decolletage cream dispensed and you could see how much was left in the bottle.

Did you like the fragrance of these products?
I didn’t love the fragrance of any of the products, [but] the best was the hand creme. Since it’s a night time product I didn’t mind the scent. The body creme did not have a very appealing scent.

Did you feel like these products left your skin firmer and more hydrated?
I felt the hand cream did hydrate my skin and kept my hands silky smooth. The neck and decolletage cream did seem to help the skin on my chest seem less crepey in the morning. The body cream seemed too light to do a great job of hydrating.

Have you noticed any other differences in your skin after 4 weeks?
The skin on my decolletage seems a bit more hydrated and smooth. In the morning my hands still seem smooth and hydrated. [As for] the body lotion, I didn’t feel that the hydration lasted.

Did you have a favorite product of the three?
The hand cream–it is really silky and cooling and it did seem to keep my skin hydrated all night.

Would you continue using these products for $216? Why or why not?
As much as I enjoyed the hand cream, I did not notice enough of a difference to pay that much. I did like the neck and decolletage cream, but again I did not see enough of a difference to justify the price. I definitely would not pay the high price for the body cream.

Would you recommend these products to other FOFs?
I would recommend the hand cream and the neck and decolletage cream to other FOFs if they don’t mind spending a good deal of money. I would not recommend the body cream.

Please rate these products from 1-5 (5 being the best).
The hand cream: 4
The neck and decolletage cream: 3
The body cream: 2

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MARIE DOYLE – Vista, CA

Were these products easy to apply?
Very simple. Would have loved to have had a masseuse to do the application!

Did you like the fragrance of these products?
The fragrance was very mild. It did not conflict with my scents.

Did you feel like these products left your skin firmer and more hydrated?
I enjoyed using the products but, with the exception of the hand lotion, I did not see any great difference in my skin.

Have you noticed any other differences in your skin after 4 weeks?
No.

Did you have a favorite product of the three?
The hand cream.

Would you continue using these products for $216? Why or why not?
No. There are similar products that are not so pricey.

Would you recommend these products to other FOFs?
Only if you have an urge to experiment with the unknown, and want to brag about the price to your friends.

What was your overall experience with these products?
Delightful. I enjoyed using the products — they were pleasant and nice [on] my skin.

Please rate these products from 1-5 (5 being the best).
4

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LINDA IVEY – Atlanta, Georgia

Were these products easy to apply?
Yes.

Did you like the fragrance of these products?
Loved it. [It was] not too strong and it dissipates.

Did you feel like these products left your skin firmer and more hydrated?
Absolutely–remarkable difference.

Have you noticed any other differences in your skin after 4 weeks?
[My skin is] a lot less flaky [and] smoother.

Did you have a favorite product of the three?
[I] liked them all.

Would you continue using these products for $216? Why or why not?
Absolutely.

Would you recommend these products to other FOFs?
Yes.

What was your overall experience with these products?
I loved that they were not in jars. [They were] easy to use, lightweight, not heavy on the skin but amazingly effective.

Please rate these products from 1-5 (5 being the best).
5

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KERRY DIEFENDERFER – Bath, PA

Were these products easy to apply?
Very easy.

Did you like the fragrance of these products?
Not at all, they are too perfumey.

Did you feel like these products left your skin firmer and more hydrated?
The hand lotion made my hands feel more hydrated.

Did you have a favorite product of the three?
The hand lotion.

Would you continue using these products for $216? Why or why not?
I would not spend the money on this product.

Would you recommend these products to other FOFs?
No.

What was your overall experience with these products?
The smell was overpowering and the lotions were just okay, although I did like the hand lotion.

Please rate these products from 1-5 (5 being the best).
2

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JO-ANNE BURTON – Herndon, Virginia

Were these products easy to apply?
Amazingly simple.

Did you like the fragrance of these products?
Loved the fragrance.

Did you feel like these products left your skin firmer and more hydrated?
My skin is definitely more hydrated. I used the body cream on my abdomen, buttocks, inner thighs and arms mostly. I liked the cream on my inner thighs and buttocks. I think my skin is firmer on my posterior thighs, but noticed the most difference on my neck with the decolletage cream.

Have you noticed any other differences in your skin after 4 weeks?
Overall softness.

Did you have a favorite product of the three?
Definitely the decolletage cream.

Would you continue using these products for $216? Why or why not?
I would continue to use these products.

Would you recommend these products to other FOFs?
I would definitely recommend the body cream and the decolletage cream. I like the hand cream as well, but do feel there less expensive products that are [just as] effective for the hands.

What was your overall experience with these products?
I thoroughly enjoyed these products and will continue to use them.

Please rate these products from 1-5 (5 being the best).
5.

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KELLY EVERETT – Milpitas, CA

Were these products easy to apply?
Yes.

Did you like the fragrance of these products?
Loved the fragrance.

Did you feel like these products left your skin firmer and more hydrated?
My skin felt more hydrated, but not firmer.

Have you noticed any other differences in your skin after 4 weeks?
No difference.

Did you have a favorite product of the three?
The hand cream.

Would you continue using these products for $216? Why or why not?
The price doesn’t justify [their performance].

Would you recommend these products to other FOFs?
If they have money to burn, sure.

What was your overall experience with these products?
Nice creams, nice fragrance, but no real visible change in firmness.

Please rate these products from 1-5 (5 being the best).
2.

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KATHLEEN HESS – Taylor, UT

Were these products easy to apply?
Very easy. The pumps were great.

Did you like the fragrance of these products?
Not bad at all. [It] was just right.

Did you feel like these products left your skin firmer and more hydrated?
[I’d say] smooth and healthy.

Have you noticed any other differences in your skin after 4 weeks?
The thing I have noticed the most is [that] my neck had weird lines like tracks with rails on them and the tracks are fading.

Did you have a favorite product of the three?
The body cream only because if I was in a hurry that was the one I would use. The neck cream was great but I have always been a one lotion for everything kind of girl and special neck cream was one extra step.

Would you continue using these products for $216? Why or why not?
I doubt it mostly because as a mom, I’m last on my list to spend extra [money] on.

Would you recommend these products to other FOFs?
Yes, if you can afford it, they are wonderful products that make you feel very special.

What was your overall experience with these products?
Fantastic! It was great to feel so pampered.

Please rate these products from 1-5 (5 being the best).
5.

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NANCY NORRIS – Makawao, HI

Were these products easy to apply?
[Yes.} It absorbs so rapidly, I was surprised.

Did you like the fragrance of these products?
It smells [so] divine, [that] I had to hide it from my husband!

Have you noticed any other differences in your skin after 4 weeks?
My body feels softer than it did 2 weeks ago. I’ve tried almost [everything], but Molton Brown has hit the mark with this set.

Did you have a favorite product of the three?
I am in love with all three! If pressed, I guess it would have to be the neck cream as I’ve seen the biggest change there.

Would you continue using these products for $216? Why or why not?
Yes.

Would you recommend these products to other FOFs?
I would recommend all of these products, especially [for] bathing suit season.

What was your overall experience with these products?
These Molton products are HOT! [They] feel great, I look better, and my husband is now following me!

Please rate these products from 1-5 (5 being the best).
5.

Best BB Cream For Women Over 50

BB creams are the latest trend to hit the beauty industry. A craze in Asia for the past twenty years (Korea Herald editors refer to it as “the secret of Korean actresses”), Western beauty companies are now marketing the product to U.S. consumers as the one stop solution for all of your skin needs. Advertised as a moisturizer, primer, foundation, and sunblock in one, is it possible that BB creams can do it all…and do it all well? Or are marketers laying it on thick? Beauty expert Lois Joy Johnson weighs in.

Five lucky FOFs will try Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream. Enter to win by leaving a comment below.

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What exactly are BB creams?
Beauty Balms or Blemish Balms are really just super tinted moisturizers. Some have a little bit more coverage than others, some come in one universal shade, others come in a light, medium, dark palette and some target aging skin with brighteners. Most actually work well as makeup primers to tint, hydrate, and add ‘slip,’ which makes liquid and cream foundations easier to apply and blend. Some give skin a dewy look, others give skin a matte look. Some are super-sheer, others have a little more coverage. Some have a higher level of sunscreen–if you’re over fifty, and you have sun damage, the ones with SPF are the most beneficial.

Who do BB creams work best for?
I think they’re a good option if you like a lightweight, non-made up look and feel, if you have nearly perfect skin due to amazing genes or careful lifelong sun protection, or if you use a self-tanner. A faux tan blurs skin discoloration, so you won’t need more than a tinted moisturizing cream for a boost.  If your skin is naturally darker, and more even in tone (you don’t have a lot of discoloration) BB creams would probably make you pretty happy.

You mentioned that some BB creams contain brighteners for aging skin–can they also help other skin issues, like wrinkles, redness or under-eye circles?
Some so-called BB creams help these issues, and some of them don’t. BB creams are really not any more miraculous than a lot of stuff that’s already out there, but I do think that several are suitable for mature skin. (Click slideshow below to see Lois’ BB cream recommendations.)

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[portfolio_slideshow]

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Where did BB creams originate?
The original BB creams were prescribed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons, primarily in Asia, and were designed to treat and soothe skin post laser surgery. These new, so-called BB creams riff on the original, but each one has it’s own combination of ingredients.

Are there certain ingredients that these creams have to be labeled “BB creams?”
You don’t need some seal of approval. You can slap the BB cream label on anything you want. It’s just a term, meaning Beauty or Blemish Balm. There’s no secret to it. Think of it the same way you see diversity in lipstick textures and ingredients.

So if someone over fifty came to you and asked if you recommend they use a BB cream, what would you say?
By the time you reach 50, your face is dealing with pigmentation issues–brown spots, dark circles, broken capillaries, rosacea, loss of pigment, as well as sagging, loss of firmness, lines and wrinkles, and dryness.  There is no one product that is going to solve everything. Most women over fifty are looking for long-term treatment and performance, as well as short-term instant visible improvement.  I think, overall, that BB creams are a good option to play with but are certainly not a miracle. It’s smart marketing!

Lois Joy Johnson is a leading expert on style and beauty and the author of Great Hair After 50: A Vibrant Nation Guide and The Makeup Wakeup, a critically acclaimed guide to looking fabulous at any age. She’s the former Beauty and Fashion Director of MORE magazine. Her new book, The Wardrobe Wakeup will be available in December 2012.

Five FOFs will win. (See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes July 5th, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

{Tested} BMR Arm Lift

As part of an ongoing series, we sent Bio-Medical Research (BMR) Tummy Lift, Arm Lift and Bottom Lift devices to FOF testers to use and report back. This month we found out what testers thought of BMR’s Arm Lift (retail value: $280 including cost of activator needed for use).

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One company, Bio-Medical Research (BMR), claims they’ve created a device that will firm and tone your arms while you’re watching TV, doing laundry or working at the computer. What could be better for multi-tasking FOFs?

BMR is a company that manufactures medical-grade electrical products used for over 50 years in hospitals, clinics, and physiotherapy practices around the world to strengthen and rehabilitate muscles. They’ve adapted their Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology into devices you can use at home for toning your tummy, tush and upper arms.

EMS works by mimicking the body’s natural muscle movements. Electrical impulses cause your triceps muscles to contract and relax naturally. The result: “firm and toned” upper arms just by using the device for “20 minutes a day, 5 times a week,” according to the BMR website. The device is also FDA-cleared and can be worn discreetly under your clothes.

Did this arm toner really work? We sent it out to 4 FOF testers to find out. Below, are the two positive reviews we received (the other two testers were unable to comply with the instructions for use–one due to medical reasons and another went on vacation and was unable to use the device continuously). Read on!

P.S. Want to be guaranteed a product to test? Join the FOF Beauty Club now!

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How easy was the assembly. Please rank on a 1-5 scale (with 5 being the easiest).
5.

What results were you expecting?
I was a skeptic. I wasn’t expecting much, but the results were more than I ever expected.

How pleased were you with the results you achieved? Please rank on a 1-5 scale (with 5
being the best).

5

Were you able to comply with using it 5 times per week during the test period?
Yes.

Would you recommend this product to a friend?
Yes.

Would you consider purchasing a tool for another body part?
Yes.

Anything you would like to add?
I felt that the pads did not last as long as the projected period of time. Perhaps my skin was very dry, but I needed new pads before the recommended time.

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How easy was the assembly? Please rank on a 1-5 scale (with 5 being the easiest).
3.

What results were you expecting?
Slimmer, toned arms

How pleased were you with the results you achieved? Please rank on a 1-5 scale (with 5 being the best).
5.

Were you able to comply with using it 5 times per week during the test period?
No.

If ‘No’ why?
The unit quit working and I needed to wait for a replacement, then the pads kept drying out because of the extremely dry air here. I also had a family emergency and didn’t do it for a week.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Would you recommend this product to a friend?
Yes.

Would you consider purchasing a tool for another body part?
[I] don’t know.

Will you continue to use the tool you own?
Yes.

Please tell us about your experience using BMR Beauty tools.
It is a bit uncomfortable to use, but worth it! My arms are not only more toned (and ¾” slimmer), but stronger as well. After going back to yoga after a long hiatus I was able to hold myself up with my arms (without shaking) and lower myself from a plank pose, when before I would basically just fall to the mat on the way down because of my weak triceps. What a nice surprise result [arm strength] was! I plan to continue using it intermittently or when I’m not doing much exercise that works the triceps.