{Test This} Bring It Up Instant Neck Lifts

Denise Cooper won’t give in to gravity. She is the FOF behind Bring It Up, a line of products designed to lift everything from your brows to your breasts. The Los Angeles salon owner was downright tired of listening to her clients complain about their double chins and turkey necks–so she created Instant Neck Lifts (retail price: $20 for a 30 day supply), which she claims can “instantly tighten and tone a sagging neckline”–sans surgery. The promises are well…promising. The “lifts” are small, transparent, waterproof, hypoallergenic adhesives that work by tightening the neck from behind your ears. Oh, and Cher uses them… but, shhh… we didn’t tell you that!
We want you to tell us: Are these lifters a pain in the neck? Or, the neck-st best thing?

20 FOFs will test these products. Click here to find out more about them, and then leave a comment below to enter to test them.

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(By entering this contest you are agreeing to test and submit a written review of this product to FabOverFifty and to send a photo of yourself to accompany the published story. See all our past winnersSee official rules. Participants will be chosen at random from all those who leave a comment. Contest closes February 15, 2012.)

{Beauty} The Home Beauty Remedies that FOFs Swear By

What did FOFs do before there were fancy-shmancy lotions and potions? They treated their wrinkles and imperfections with things they found from the earth–raw herbs, plant and animal oils.


Now, some FOFs are nixing modern anti-aging treatments and creams loaded with chemicals and other unidentifiable ingredients in favor of the all-natural remedies used by our FOForemothers. “Recently, my nutritionist encouraged me to get as far away from manufactured creams as possible,” says FOF Trish Perry. But, do these natural remedies actually work? We spoke to FOFs who swear they do and dermatologist Dr. Jessica Krant about what the current research says about these age-old beauty secrets.

Tell us: What natural home beauty treatments do you use?

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[portfolio_slideshow] —————————————————————————————————

{Tested} SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

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Multiple studies (including this one by The Society for Investigative Dermatology) have determined that Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, when combined, create an elixir that provides powerful protection against photo-aging and skin cancer. We conducted our own “study”–we sent C E Ferulic (retail value: $144), a serum by SkinCeuticals that contains this supposed power-blend, to real FOFs. We asked them to test the manufacturer’s claims that this product “neutralizes free radical damage and protects against oxidative stress – the factors that lead to premature aging, loss of elasticity, and hyperpigmentation.” Did the product stack up to the studies? Read on.

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Nola, Lake Forest, CA

Was this product easy to use?
Yes. The dropper dispenses the product nicely. You get one drop at a time making it easy to control the amount you use. Also, once applied to the skin, it is easy to lightly spread the product with your fingertips, to cover the area you want.

Did you notice any changes in your skin? If so, what changes did you notice?
Yes. I have normal skin,  pretty nice to begin with but after using this product for 30 days, my skin feels smoother and more supple than before. I noticed a change very early on. It looks clearer, and a bit radiant. I have a more even skin tone and I was pleasantly surprised that the few age spots on my cheeks are lighter and less visible now. Also, [since I used it] I have received a few compliments that I have nice skin.

{click here to read all the reviews!}

Do you think this product is a good way to prevent future sun damage?
Yes, especially when followed with a good sunscreen.

Would you continue using this product?
Yes. I live in a sunny climate and I know of a few people who have suffered from skin cancer and had to have surgery. Sun protection is very important to me. Not only will I continue using this product, I plan to look into additional products by this company, such as eye creams, etc.

Would you recommend it to other FOFs?
Absolutely.

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Kira Miftari, Aliso Viejo, CA

Was this product easy to use?
Very easy. My personal tip is to use a few drops all over the face and then connect the dots.

Did you notice any changes to your skin? If so, what changes?
It helped even my skin tone–I had some red spots from previous breakouts which are starting to fade out. The overall skin condition is just more balanced. Also, I got the proverbial Vitamin C kind of glow to my skin.

Do you think it would prevent sun damage?
I trust the science behind the combination of C, E and Ferulic Acid. In studies it has proven to prevent sun damage.

Would you continue using this product?
Definitely–I’ll especially use it during the summer under my sun screen, since, according to studies, it increases the strength of your sunscreen protection. This serum is pretty expensive, but it surprisingly lasts quite a long time, so I consider a good investment.

What is your overall feeling about this product?
I think it’s a gold standard of quality, preventative skin care. It’s a perfect addition to any skincare routine.

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Deborah Bates, Carmel, CA

Did you notice any changes in your skin?
After applying it as instructed, I found curling iron burn marks on my face slightly disappear overnight, then gradually decrease even more during the two week trial. I was pleasantly surprised, especially since I have tried many products just for this very problem. The serum improved the quality of my skin leaving a glow, which is something a stage four cancer patient like me, does not often experience.

Do you think this product is a good way to prevent future sun damage?
One of the side effects of being a chemotherapy patient is our skin becomes dry and hyper-pigmented. The serum helped my face combat the dryness, even during the chemo recovery process. A miracle!

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
I would definitely recommend this to all my fellow FabOverFifty members.

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Ruby C. Barton, Vancouver

Did you notice any changes in your skin?
I was very surprised by the results it gave me. The first few minutes after I rubbed it in, my skin felt moisturized, tightened and brightened, taking away the sallow look. After using this for just a couple days, it seemed to plump my wrinkles…Yeah! I still have lip lines, but even those are smoother.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
Yes.

Would you continue using this product?
Yes–it has done wonders for my skin.

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Holly Cunningham, El Dorado, AZ

Was this product easy to use?
Extremely easy to use, and very lightweight.  It spread across my skin well and was absorbed almost immediately. It was easy to incorporate into my morning routine, and didn’t interfere my moisturizer.

Did you notice any changes in your skin?
After using for a couple of weeks I noticed that my skin looked brighter and more youthful. Some of the older sun damage across my cheek and forehead areas was somewhat diminished as well. I really feel like my skin is firmer and tighter…in a good way! The larger pores across my nose and upper cheeks are visibly smaller.

Would you continue using this product?  Why or why not?
Yes–I feel that I am getting great results and it is extremely easy to use.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
Yes–I think it addresses several of the issues many of us have with our skin. It totally lived up to the claims.

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Mary Grace Gallagher, New York, NY

Was this product easy to use?
Yes. Simple application.

Did you notice any changes in your skin? What changes did you notice?
Yes, my skin felt softer and smoother.

Do you think this product is a good way to prevent future sun damage?
I believe so.

Would you continue using this product?  Why or why not?
I found this serum no different from any other serum that I’ve used religiously. I will continue using  my supply until it runs out, but most likely would not purchase it again due to it’s steep price.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
Only those with deep pockets!

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Donna Blair, Hollidaysburg, PA

How long have you tested this product?
1 month.

Was this product easy to use?
No, I felt the dropper was extremely awkward. It [dispensed] either too much or too little, and [the product] tended to run if not rubbed it immediately. if you tried to put it on your fingers, they absorbed it first.

Did you notice any changes to your skin?
No.

What changes did you notice?
None

Do you think it would prevent sun damage?
No, [there was] no SPF listed.

Would you continue using this product?
At $110+?  NO WAY,  I’ll stick to my Olay!

Would you recommend this to other FOFs?
No, too expensive, too few results.

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Martha Hildreth, Lynchburg, VA

Was this product easy to use?
Yes, although, I had some concerns because the product package stated that it needed to be used concurrently with their moisturizer and sunscreen.  I used the products I normally use, instead.

Did you notice any changes in your skin?
The only changes I noticed were a tighter, dryer feeling when I applied the product.  After the moisturizer was applied, I saw no difference.  There has been no change in my skin, other than the usual smoothness from my moisturizer.

Do you think this product is a good way to prevent future sun damage?
I don’t know.  I understood from the package that the SPF product and moisturizer needed to be used with it.

Would you continue using this product?  Why or why not?
I will continue, in hopes that my skin is so old that it needs additional time to see any improvement. I would also like to use the products the package stated I should use along with it, to see if that makes a difference, as the other products may not combine with their product accurately.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
I think others may have better luck with it than I did, and should try it, especially with the additional products from this line. Taking care of our faces, neck, etc, which make our first impression on others, is important.

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{Test This} LaRocca Skincare 24k gold anti-aging trio

Gold diggers, rejoice! All products in the LaRocca Skincare line are flecked with 24K gold, which the company claims will make you look like a million bucks.

According to the LaRocca website, every person’s skin has metal ions, and the “Colloidal Gold” in LaRocca’s products “promotes electron transfer,” causing “cell turnover.” The result: Skin that is “smooth and rejuvenated with a youthful glow.” Could it be true?

LaRocca is giving 6 FOFs the chance to test 3 products from the line (total value: $195):

Exfoliating Cream Cleanser

Daily Hydrating Moisturizer

24K Gold Firming Eye Cream

We want you to tell us: Are these products the gold standard–or fool’s gold?

6 FOFs will test these products. Click here to find out more about them, and then leave a comment below to enter to test them.

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(By entering this contest you are agreeing to test and submit a written review of this product to FabOverFifty and to send a photo of yourself to accompany the published story. See all our past winnersSee official rules. Participants will be chosen at random from all those who leave a comment. Contest closes February 8, 2012.)

{Giveaway} Win tights with underwear woven in

FOF Hallie Peterson of Leg Luxury is giving away two pairs of her one-of-a-kind tights. Enter to win by answering in the comments below: Do you always wear nude stockings with skirts–even in the summer?

Most mornings, FOF Hallie Peterson partakes in a ritual she calls “dressing from the bottom up.”

“When I get dressed, I start with my tights. I decide which ones to wear [based on] my attitude,” says Hallie. “If I’m feeling sassy, for instance, then I put on something like my ‘Wild and Fun’ tights or my ‘Feathery Lace’ ones.” If she’s feeling more conservative, Hallie opts for her ‘Little Dots’ or ‘Elegant Scrolls.’

Hallie has the luxury of choosing from dozens of styles, because as owner of Leg Luxury, Hallie takes multiple trips to Asia each year to find the most unique tights.”I’ve had women literally chase me across parking lots to ask me where I got my tights.” She doesn’t sell basics opaques or sheers because, well… “you can get those in Target,” says Hallie. On her buying trips, if she doesn’t see quite what she’s looking for, she works with her manufacturers to come up with something truly one-of-a kind.

“A client came to me and said ‘look, I’m 42 years old, I hate panty lines, I’m single and I take my clothes off in front of men.’ So I worked with my vendors and we created tights with these lacy French cut panties sewed in,” says Hallie. “It gives a sexy, elegant feel and it removes the question of whether to wear panties or not.”

Prior to launching her tights business, Hallie, a San Diego-based FOF, worked in marketing for Radisson Hotels and Northwest airlines while launching multiple side endeavors, including selling popcorn in Russia. “When I write my biography, it’s going to be called ‘From Popcorn to Pantyhouse–Living the Frivolous Life,’ she jokes. But, all jokes aside, Hallie describes herself as an “entrepreneur with great purpose, background and foundation.” “I’ve reinvented myself a number of times but I think I’ve found what I’m sticking with,” says Hallie.

Hallie sells her tights online and to boutiques across the United States and Canada. They range in price from $20-$26.
“We don’t have the legs we had when we were 20,” says Hallie. “We may have vericose veins, sun spots or cellulite, and when you cover your legs it looks a lot better than leave them bare.”
Enter to win a pair of Leg Luxury tights by answering in the comments below: Do you always wear nude stockings with skirts–even in the summer?

Thank you for entering. This contest is now closed.

Two FOFs will win. (See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes February 2, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.
Can’t wait to find out if you won? Now, you can buy Leg Luxury tights in the FOF shop.

{Test This} Made From Earth Face Firming Serum

Face it–most products that deliver serious anti-aging results, also are loaded with serious chemicals and/or ingredients that are harmful to the earth.
Not the Vitamin Enhanced Firming Face Serum (retail value: $39.99)  from indie beauty brand, Made From Earth. In lieu of harsh chemicals, Made From Earth uses ingredients from certified organic farms across the U.S.
This face serum contains a blend of meadowfoam (touted for its binding qualities and non-greasy feeling), DMAE (a much-buzzed about skin-firming agent), vitamins A, B, C and E, and alpha lipoic acid. According to its manufacturers, the product “immediately tightens and firms the skin” and “eventually improves your skins elasticity” all while it “counteracts dryness.”
We want you to tell us: Is it a natural wonder… or a natural disaster?

10 women will test this product. Click here to find out more about it, and then leave a comment below to enter to test it.

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(By entering this contest you are agreeing to test and submit a written review of this product to FabOverFifty and to send a photo of yourself to accompany the published story. See all our past winnersSee official rules. Participants will be chosen at random from all those who leave a comment. Contest closes February 2, 2012.)

Read past product reviews.

{Style Expert} 2012’s Hottest Nail Trends – Would you wear them?

Some nail colors–candy-apple red, sheer pink–are forever. But with polish as cheap as $3 a bottle, you don’t always have to invest in the classics. We checked in with FOF Deborah Lippmann, manicurist to the stars (i.e. Meryl Streep), who reveals this year’s top nail trends so far.  You tell us, would you wear them?

To enter to win a bottle of FOF Deborah Lippmann’s own fave shade, Naked, vote and then answer this questions in the comments below: What’s your go-to nail polish shade, no matter what’s trendy?

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Before you run screaming from this color, consider it paired this spring with a classic white blouse, jeans and a pair of neutral flats. Or, as Deborah says, “it will give you that easy, breezy and carefree feeling you’d have on vacation.” Still not convinced? Vote “No way!”
Deborah Lippmann “Mermaid’s Dream,” available Spring 2012; Essie “Absolutely Shore,” $8; Revlon Nail Enamel “Minted,” $4.79; Butter London “Bossy Boots,” $14.

Would you wear it?

View Results

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“Turquoise will be a big color this spring and summer,” says Deborah. “Different hues of blue–baby blue, turquoise, and navy–will definitely be a lasting trend seen into fall as well.” We could imagine working the baby blue at the beach, and we love the idea of navy for fall. Turquoise sounds a bit trickier–but we take Deborah’s word for it. Do you?
Essie “Bobbing for Baubles,” $9; Deborah Lippmann “On The Beach,” available spring 2012; Priti NYC “Crown of Thorns,” $12.50; Butter London “Blagger,” $14.

    Would you wear it?

    View Results

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    “My new ‘Run The World Girls’ neon shades [editor’s note: these will be available in Spring 2012] have a matte finish, which makes it easier for us FOFs to wear the trend,” says Deborah. “If you don’t feel like you can take the plunge with CONFIDENCE–because that’s the key–then wear it on your toes!” Yes, the highlighter shade takes a little getting used to, but we love tan hands with neatly trimmed nails in neon pink.
    Essie “Knockout Pout,” $3.90; Essie “Tangerine,” $6.65; Chanel “Mimosa,” $34.99; Butter London “Jaffa,” $14.

    Would you wear it?

    View Results

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    “Beige is the new sheer pink, and its popularity is rising,” says Deborah. “It gives the illusion of skin continuing and really lengthens your finger. My staple nude is ‘Naked.’” The trick is to match your skin–whether it’s beige, tan, chocolate or porcelain. We don’t need convincing on this one. It truly lengthens–try it!
    Deborah Lippmann “Naked,” $16; OPI “Samoan Sand,” $8; Dior Vernis “Ivory,” $30.59; RGB “F3,” $16.

Would you wear it?

View Results

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Would you wear it?

View Results

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To enter to win a bottle of FOF Deborah Lippmann’s own fave shade, Naked, vote and then answer this questions in the comments below: What’s your go-to nail polish shade, no matter what’s trendy?

One FOF will win. (See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes January 26, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

{Product Review} Brazilian Peel

Remember the episode of Sex and the City where Samantha gets an impulse peel, her doctor leaves it on too long, and she ends up looking like a boiled lobster? According to reps at Advance Home Actives, this can’t happen with Brazilian Peel, an at-home, medical-strength glycolic peel that is designed to “turn itself off.” The treatment works just like a doctor’s office peel, by removing the upper layer of dead skin cells to reveal fresh new skin below–in effect, “brightening,” “tightening” and “smoothing” your skin, according to its manufacturer.

We sent Brazilian Peel to real FOFs to test. So, what’s the peel with this product? Read on…

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How often did you use the Brazilian Peel and how long did you leave it on?
I used it once a week for 10-12 minutes.

Were the directions easy to follow?
Extremely easy.

Was the applicator easy to use, or do you think it could be improved?
Application process [was] very easy and did not waste any product.  That was a big plus.

{click here to read all the reviews!}

Did you notice any burning or redness after or during the use of this product?
No burning, but after application [there was] slight pinkness lasting about 3 hours.

How did the product make your skin look and feel after the first use?
Smoother, smaller pores and radiant.

What was your skin like before you used the product?
Very dry with some tiny areas of flaking on forehead and the sides of my nose.

What was your overall experience with this product?
Very good.  I liked the easy application, its nearly non-existent aroma and that the amount dispensed covered my face, neck, and decollete nicely. I just didn’t see my fine lines minimized.  It worked more like a nice scrub.

Do you think the Brazilian Peel is worth $78?
No. It needs a little extra strength. The results were minimal after 4 weeks.

Would you use this product again?
For special occasions because it gave me a slight glow. I’d also use this every 2 to 3 weeks. But to use it weekly, as recommended, would be nearly $1,000 a year. Looking at it that way, it isn’t worth it.
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How often did you use the Brazilian Peel and how long did you leave it on?
I used it once a week for four weeks and left it on for the recommended time.

Were the directions easy to follow? Extremely easy.

Did you notice any burning or redness after or during the use of this product?
None at all.

How did the product make your skin look and feel after the first use?
I noticed a definite difference after the first use.  My skin seemed clearer and softer.

What was your skin like before you used the product?
My skin was starting to get dry due to the winter weather.

What was your overall experience with this product?
Positive though not life-altering!

Do you think the Brazilian Peel is worth $78?
For four weeks worth, it might be.

Would you recommend this product to your friends?
Possibly.

Would you use this product again?
I wouldn’t seek it out, because the results really weren’t that different from the Obagi products that I use on a daily basis.  But I would definitely use it if it was 1) cheaper, or 2) given to me.

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How often did you use the Brazilian Peel and how long did you leave it on?
Once a week, for four weeks. I can honestly say that I looked forward to Sundays, when I could use it again. That’s how much I loved it.

Were the directions easy to follow?
Yep, and I get impatient with instructions.

How did you feel about the application process?
Was the applicator easy to use, or do you think it could be improved? It felt good. Warm and oozy.  I had a little trouble removing the cap but persevered. It was worth the effort.

Did you notice any burning or redness after or during the use of this product?
There was a teeny bit of sensation. Nothing uncomfortable.

How did the product make your skin look and feel after the first use?
Awesome! I don’t want to put anything on my skin afterwards.

Do you think the Brazilian Peel is worth $78?
It’s a bit high for me now but probably worth it.

Would you recommend this product to your friends?
Yes.

Would you use this product again? Yes.

What was your overall experience with this product?
Let’s put it this way. The very first time I used it my (estranged) husband said to me: ‘Your skin is looking really good….is there something you’re doing to it that I should be doing?’ That’s the ultimate compliment.

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How often did you use the Brazilian Peel and how long did you leave it on?
Once a week for 10 minutes.

Were the directions easy to follow? Yes.
How did you feel about the application process? Was the applicator easy to use, or do you think it could be improved?
I had no problems at all!

Did you notice any burning or redness after or during the use of this product?
Not at all.

How did the product make your skin look and feel after the first use?
After the first use [there was] little change. By the fourth use…amazing!

What was your skin like before you used the product?
Dry–aging skin.

Do you think the Brazilian Peel is worth $78?
Yes!

Would you recommend this product to your friends?
Definitely!

Would you use this product again?
I just bought one at Sephora and I bought their acne one for my daughter–I am hooked!

What was your overall experience with this product?
Very effective–I got many compliments on my skin after the 4th use!

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How often did you use the Brazilian Peel and how long did you leave it on?
I used the product, once a week for four weeks.

Were the directions easy to follow? Yes.

How did you feel about the application process? Was the applicator easy to use, or do you think it could be improved?
The applicator was easy to use–I don’t feel that it could be improved.

Did you notice any burning or redness after or during the use of this product?
I didn’t have any redness or burning during or after the application.

How did the product make your skin look and feel after the first use?
After the first use, my face was brighter and smoother, however, the next day, I did have a slight breakout.

Have you ever had a professional peel? If so, how do you think this product compared?
This was not as strong as a professional peel. I had no peeling or redness like with the professional peel, but, I like the way my face felt after each use.

Do you think the Brazilian Peel is worth $78?
For four, I would say yes.

Would you recommend this product to your friends?
Yes.

Would you use this product again?
Yes.

What was your overall experience with this product?
Very good–my face felt smoother, looked brighter and I did notice the reduction of fine lines.

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How often did you use the Brazilian Peel and how long did you leave it on?
I used it once a week and left it on the full 10 minutes.

Were the directions easy to follow?
Yes.

Was the applicator easy to use, or do you think it could be improved?
I liked the application process. I loved how it warmed in my hand.

Did you notice any burning or redness after or during the use of this product?
The first time I used the peel my skin felt like I had a mild sunburn for about a day or so. It didn’t look red, just felt that way.

How did the product make your skin look and feel after the first use?
After only one use my skin looked fabulous–the effect on my neck area was amazing! I had started to be really bothered by that first horizontal line that runs across the middle of your neck and afterwards I felt like it had almost disappeared! Also a dark spot I used to have was gone!

What was your skin like before you used the product?
My skin is in good condition but has always been dry.

What was your skin like before you used the product?
No, I have not had a professional peel.

Do you think the Brazilian Peel is worth $78?
Yes, absolutely, without a doubt!

Would you recommend this product to your friends?
Yes 100%!

Would you use this product again?
Yes, it will be part of my skin care routine!

What was your overall experience with this product?
I loved, loved it!! I have used many over the counter products and have never seen such a difference especially after only one use. If they are looking for sales people, I would work for the company. I loved it that much!

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from →  ,

{Test This} Blinc mascara

Go ahead, watch The Notebook or go for a jog while wearing Blinc mascara…because, its manufacturer promises, “it cannot run, smudge, clump, or flake…even if you rub your eyes, cry or sweat.”

How is that possible? Unlike other mascaras that simply coat your lashes, Blinc mascara [retail value: $25] forms tiny water resistant “tubes” around them. Then, when you want to take it off, no makeup remover is required; just use water and apply pressure, this magic combo will make “the tubes will effortlessly slide off your lashes into your hand,” say the marketing reps at Blinc.

Click here to find out more about this product, and then leave a comment below to enter to test them.

5 women will test this product.

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(By entering this contest you are agreeing to test and submit a written review of this product to FabOverFifty and send a photo of yourself to accompany the published story. See all our past winners. See official rules. Participants will be chosen at random from all those who leave a comment. Contest closes January 25th, 2012.)

Read past product reviews.

from →  ,

{Test This} Glytone Anti-Aging Trio

This trio of products from Glytone, used alone or together, is designed to help you “reclaim your glow and significantly reduce the visible signs of aging.” All three products contain a Glycolic Acid, known for it’s exfoliation benefits and Red Tea Flavonoids which is said to “offset everyday environmental damage from sun exposure, pollution and stress.” Is it three cheers for this pricey beauty trio or is it as phony as a three-dollar bill?

Click here to find out more about these products, and then leave a comment below to enter to test them.

6 women will test this product.

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(By entering this contest you are agreeing to test and submit a written review of this product to FabOverFifty and send a photo of yourself to accompany the published story. See all our past winners. See official rules. Participants will be chosen at random from all those who leave a comment. Contest closes January 18th, 2012.)

Read past product reviews.