{Tested} Wei Lady Berry Instant Line Repair

LEAVE A COMMENT 2012 June 14

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Wei Beauty cosmetics are “inspired by ancient Chinese herbal medicine.” Wei Lady Berry Instant Line Repair is the “Ancient Eastern Alternative to Botox,” according to the product’s marketing. The Wei company claims it “instantly fills lines and minimizes pores while remaining flexible and hydrating so it feels like part of your skin.” What did our FOF Beauty Testers think?

We sent 5 testers the product. Did this fill their lines and…their expectations? Read on.

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

**Quick take: 4 out of 5 testers would use this product again.**

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Wendy Vanhatten – Vacaville, CA

Did this product work for you?
The fine lines around my mouth seem to have almost completely disappeared.There is not as much change in the deeper lines on my forehead. It met my expectations on its claims for fine lines and I like that it has no scent and is not greasy.

Would you use this product again?
Yes, I would. However, I am not sure if I would pay $60.00 for it. I don’t know what the competition charges, so this may be a fair price.

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Maci Berkeley – Glenwood Springs, CO

Did this product work for you?
It has literally reversed wrinkles that I thought were permanent. The most radical change is in small vertical lines between my eyes. They’re gone – even without make up.

Would you use this product again?
Yes, I plan to keep using it!

What could make this product better?
With liquid foundations it really is difficult to use, BUT, using either a powder base or mineral foundation solved the problem. It seems expensive but it really goes a long way. Per use I think it is very reasonably priced.

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Darinda Huntley – Round Rock, TX

Did this product work for you?
Yes. It filled my wrinkles and made skin look tons smoother almost miraculously.

What didn’t you like?
Although it filled my wrinkles, it made my skin feel a bit tacky and made me break out. Something in this product definitely did not agree with me.

Would you use this product again?
No, because of the breakouts.

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Rebecca Beer – Rancho Murieta, CA

Did this product work for you?
I like it and it DID soften the lines on my upper lip that are the worst [deepest] lines I have. In the past I tried L’Oreal’s collagen filler and I didn’t get any results like I have with the Wei Lady Berry instant line repair. I saw results in three weeks.

Would you use this product again?
Yes. Price is the only downside. I have a good friend that owns a laser skin business, I showed her the product and she said it has all the ingredients it should (like peptides and sunscreen) compared to other products at this price range.

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Kathy Fodi – Union, KY

Did this product work for you?
I saw results immediately after using the product. I used the product almost daily over my moisturizer and makeup, around my eyes, laugh lines and T-zone. I was very satisfied with the results I received. It did not feel heavy, leave a greasy film and it was very easy to spread.

Would you use this product again?
I really loved this product and would definitely use it again.

{Tested} Couture Gel Nail Polish Kit

LEAVE A COMMENT 2012 June 12


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If you’ve had a gel manicure in a salon, then you’ve probably sung the praises of this super-polish more than once. It’s chip-free, dries instantly, last up to two weeks and gives you nails that are shiny as a new penny…but, it will cost you! Salons charge upwards of $40 for one application.

Now, one company Couture Gel Nail Polish sells a kit (retail value: $129) that includes everything you need to get an “invincible 3-week manicure,” according to the company.

We sent 6 testers the kit which includes 3 polishes, a base coat, top coat, carrying case, UV lamp and an instructional DVD. Did this kit nail it? Read on.

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

**Quick take: 6 out of 6 testers would recommend the Couture Gel Nail Polish Kit to other FOFs.**

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DORINDA HALLENBECK – West Chester, PA

Was this product easy to apply?
I received a broken bulb at first, but the company sent me a new one at which point I realized it was the actual light that was defective. The company then sent me a new fixture and it worked. It was easy to apply.

Did it dry quickly? Did you get up to 3 weeks of wear?
Yes. I did my nails the day new product arrived [three weeks ago]…and still have no chips.

Did your nails appear stronger?
Yes, to some degree.

Would you continue using this product?
Yes, it will be a great money and time saver. The price for the Couture Nail Kit and polish is well worth it. The finished product is very professional looking, as long as you know how to manicure your own nails. They also have many great polish color choices to choose from.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Yes, I’d highly recommend it.

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

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JEANIE GRUPP – Jeannette, PA

Was this product easy to apply?
Yes, the product went on smooth and easily. [I] just followed directions, less polish on [the] brush is better.

Did it dry quickly? Did you get up to 3 weeks of wear?
The polish dried after the last step (when the alcohol is applied to remove the tackiness).

Did your nails appear stronger?
I believe so. [I] was surprised that they felt harder with the polish on. I liked the result!

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
Absolutely! I love the way the polish goes on, but more importantly, how it saves money in the long run–no more trips to the salon and your nails look wonderful and shiny after two weeks of wear. My nails never looked this good with regular polish. My friends were impressed as to how long I had the polish on without any chipping (2 weeks and one day). [After that,] I changed the polish [because] I was anxious to try another color and my nail beds were growing out. This is a great product and [there are] many colors to choose from.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Definitely. It is an investment but it pays in so many ways. The products were nicely packaged and presented. The instructional video was easy to follow.

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

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SANDRA BULLOCK – Spokane, Washington

Was this product easy to apply?
Yes, very easy!

Did it dry quickly?
[It was] very quick to dry, just a couple of minutes.

Did you get up to 3 weeks of wear?
Yes, 3 weeks exactly!

Did your nails appear stronger?
Yes! That is what is so great! My nails were weak and brittle [until I used this].

Would you continue using this product?
Absolutely! It is so user friendly.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
You bet!

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

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MARY K. FLAA – Minneapolis, MN

Was this product easy to apply?
Yes.

Did it dry quickly? Did you get up to 3 weeks of wear?
It dried quickly using the dryer in between coats. I put mine on 4 weeks ago, [and] it is still intact on all nails. I freshen it up as my nails grow out.

Did your nails appear stronger?
Yes. I work with my hands and have been able to keep them longer with the gel polish on them.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
Yes! It stays on so well and always looks good.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Yes.

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

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LINDA HILL – Las Vegas, Nevada

Was this product easy to apply?
It was very easy to use.

Did it dry quickly? Did you get up to 3 weeks of wear?
[It] seemed a bit tacky for a little while, but the alcohol dried it pretty quickly. It has lasted almost 3 weeks now except for one nail that broke off, but I don’t think this was the fault of the product.

Did your nails appear stronger?
My nails are definitely stronger with the gel polish.

Would you continue using this product?
I love it and will continue using it.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
I have recommended this to my friends and a lot of them have used it and love it.

Please rate this product from 1 (Ugh. This was the worst) to 5 (Loved it!):
4 (I had a little bit of trouble getting the light to come on several times.)

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KRISTINE PHELPS – Huntington Beach, CA

Was this product easy to apply?
This was easy to use yourself, but may be even easier if you and a friend apply [it], especially if you don’t have a steady hand. You need to take extra care not to get any polish around the cuticles.

Did it dry quickly? Did you get up to 3 weeks of wear?
It was completely dry after curing under the light! I did get 3 weeks wear from the polish.

Did your nails appear stronger?
They were extremely strong with the polish on. I was not careful with them during the review period to see if they would chip or break. I did nick the tip of one [nail] when opening a hard plastic package about four days in, but was able to file the nick without reapplying it. To remove, you have to soak your nails in pure acetone and scrape off [the] excess. After this, the nail seemed to be weakened a bit, but not as much as after removing artificial nails.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
Absolutely! I love the look of manicured nails, but hate how quickly regular polish chips or dulls. This gel polish looked like it was just done for weeks and made my natural nail stronger. I would recommend giving your nails a day or two break between uses just to give them some time to breathe and recover from the removal process. The added benefit is the cost savings from having to go to the salon for regular gel manicures.

Would you recommend this product to other FOF members?
I would highly recommend this product.

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

{Tested} Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel

LEAVE A COMMENT 2012 May 29

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In the early 90s, celeb dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross, MD, launched his first at-home product, the Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel, designed to bring his signature, skin perfecting formula to the rest of us. More recently, he’s launched a new Extra Strength version (retail value: $88 for 30 applications). The two-step peel comes in the form of two containers of pre-soaked towelettes (similar to makeup remover pads.) Step one contains a proprietary blend of five different acids, including Alpha and Beta Hydroxy that Dr. Dennis Gross promises will minimize the appearance of pores, wrinkles and fine lines, and leave you with firmer, brighter, more even skin. Step two contains retinol, natural antioxidants (such as Resveratrol and green tea extract), and Genistien, an ingredient in soy extract that boosts collagen production and soothes the skin. Sounds apeeling but did it actually work? We sent it to 6 FOFs to test. Read on for their reviews.

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

**Quick take: 5 out of 6 testers would recommend the Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel to other FOFs.**

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M. DIANE GIBSON – San Marcos, NY

Was this product easy to use?
Yes, very easy. The entire procedure took only minutes, and I could feel it working immediately.

Did you see a difference in your skin?
The texture felt softer.  I liked it.

Did the product diminish wrinkles, and reduce pore size and dark spots?
I never had much of a problem with my pores.  However, I have dark patches near my temples.  The product hasn’t done much for this particular problem, which is disappointing.

{click here to read all the reviews!}

Did it improve your skin’s tone and texture?
Definitely yes. It’s much softer and moister.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
Yes, especially if it starts working on those brown patches. Even still, I like the softer texture it gives my skin.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Of course.

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

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CHRISTINE NORMAN – Boise, ID

Was this product easy to use?
Yes, very easy. I used it every morning.

Did you see a difference in your skin?
No, my skin actually broke out in irritating small bumps at one point, which I treated with another product.

Did the product diminish wrinkles, reduce pore size and dark spots?
No.

Did it improve your skin’s tone and texture?
No.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
No, because I did not see any improvement in the skin on my face. I felt I can get better and much less expensive results with cotton balls and a bottle of astringent and a daily moisturizer.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
No.

Please rate this product from 1 (Ugh. This was the worst) to 5 (Loved it!):
2

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MICHELLE NARVAEZ – Sacramento, CA

Was this product easy to use?
Yes, very simple.

Did you see a difference in your skin?
Yes.

Did the product diminish wrinkles, and reduce pore size and dark spots?
Yes.

Did it improve your skin’s tone and texture?
Yes.

Would you continue using this product?
Yes.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Yes.

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

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MARLA RUDONI – Santa Rosa, CA

Was this product easy to use?
Yes, extremely easy. The presoaked towelettes/pads are a great and easy way to distribute the product.

Did you see a difference in your skin?
Yes, a very slight difference in my skin’s texture.

Did the product diminish wrinkles, reduce pore size and dark spots?
I think some of my light wrinkles look a bit better and my pores appear less visible. I have melasma and this product did not decrease the color or lighten the pigmentation.

Did it improve your skin’s tone and texture?
The texture was slightly improved but there was no improvement in my skin’s tone. My skin got a bit red and peeled slightly around the folds of the nose area. Nothing a good moisturizer or Clarisonic couldn’t take care of…Other than that, my skin tolerated the product very well.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
I will not continue to use them. Even though it states the product is ‘best suited for stubborn skin conditions that have not responded favorably to other anti-aging treatments,’ it might not have been strong enough for me to see results.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Yes, because everyone’s skin is different.

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

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CELESTE M. CRAGO – Bluffton, SC

Was this product easy to use?
Yes, very easy. It is a two-step procedure, two jars of product used two minutes apart. The pads are very thin, but hold a lot of  liquid. There is enough product in one pad to cover my face, neck, decollete and hands, which was impressive. I actually look forward to using the product. It makes my face feel fresh.

Did you see a difference in your skin?
I used it on my face, neck, decollete and hands. I was a beach babe in my youth and now my skin is doing all kinds of weird things.  I was impressed to notice a difference in only 5 days, and by day 7, I knew I wasn’t imagining it.

Did the product diminish wrinkles, reduce pore size and dark spots?
My dark spots on my hands have noticeably improved.  Lines around my mouth and eyes are more smooth, and my pores are tighter.

Did it improve your skin’s tone and texture?
Most definitely!

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
I will definitely  want to use this product, at least three to four more months. I still have discoloration that I would like to fade or hopefully, erase. I think using this product, I am likely to get these results.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Definitely, but I think you’ll have to use it for several months to see if it will work for you.

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

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BERTI KATZ – Suffern, NY

Was this product easy to use?
Yes.

Did you see a difference in your skin?
Yes.

Did the product diminish wrinkles, reduce pore size and dark spots?
It reduced pore size noticeably, reduced dark spots very slightly, however, it did not diminish wrinkles.

Did it improve your skin’s tone and texture?
Yes, a little.

Would you continue using this product?  Why or why not?
No, because I do think that it was effective enough to warrant the price.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Yes, if they are willing to pay that much for it.

Please rate this product from 1 (Ugh. This was the worst) to 5 (Loved it!):
3.5

from →  ,

{Tested} BMR Bottom Lift

LEAVE A COMMENT 2012 May 22

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 Bottom Lift (retail value: $200). Stay tuned for the reviews of the Arm Lift and Tummy Lift, next month.

FOF Beauty Tested: Bmr Bottom Lifter
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One company, Bio-Medical Research (BMR), claims they’ve created a device that will firm and lift the muscles in your tush 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 40 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 are sent between the gel pads on the Bottom Lift device, causing your muscles to contract naturally. The result: “firm and toned” glute muscles 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 tush toner really work? We wanted to get to the bottom of it, so we sent it out to 6 FOF testers. Read on for their reviews.

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

**Quick take: 6 out of 6 testers would recommend BMR Bottom Lift to their FOFriends.**

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FOF Beauty Tester, Francine Tucker

Why did you want to try the BMR Bottom Lift?
I am petite women and a bottom lift would give me the curves I need to pucker up my look.

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.

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

Please tell us about your experience using BMR Bottom Lift.
I really enjoyed using the BMR Bottom Lift. I like to exercise but I am very cautious, because I do not want to lose any weight since I am tall and slender. My bottom was quite small and sagged. [Now,] it’s firmer and has more shape. I have a little more swing in my hips, now. I am going to my daughter’s wedding in the Dominican Republic and have bought a new bathing suit to show off my new shape! My clothing size did not change but my dresses and pants look better and I’ve been complimented. It also helped me understand where the muscles are in my bottom. I could feel them even when I was not using the tool and would squeeze those muscles on my own. I plan on continuing to use the bottom lift and have already purchased a new set of gel pads. I also plan on purchasing the toner for my arms.

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FOF Avia Anderson

Why did you want to try the BMR Bottom Lift?
I am in good shape, I work out at the gym 3 times weekly, but I just can’t seem to find a good exercise for my butt. I hate doing squats and lunges.

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.

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

Please tell us about your experience using BMR Bottom Lift.
I enjoyed my experience using the BMR Bottom Lift. I used it five times per week for a half an hour per day. It was easy to use and I started seeing improvement after approximately 10 days. I was amazed (as was my husband) at how much firmer and lifted my bottom was. It looks so much better in my clothes! I continue to use the device once or twice a week, just to make sure I don’t lose the results I achieved. I have never been more pleased with a product and I will definitely order another unit for my arms or abs.

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Why did you want to try the BMR Bottom Lift?
Because I am working on my legs and my bum!

How pleased were you with the results you achieved? Please rank on a 1-5 scale (with 5 being the best).
3.

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?
No.

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

Please tell us about your experience using BMR Bottom Lift.
It was easy to use and felt great!

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Why did you want to try the BMR Bottom Lift?
My children tease me about having no butt. Not too long ago my daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and three grandsons ALL pinched me at the same time! When I yelped and asked what that was about, they all chuckled and said since I had no butt they were helping me out by pinching and if it swelled, I would have a butt! The stinkers…gotta love ’em!

How pleased were you with the results you achieved? Please rank on a 1-5 scale (with 5 being the best).
3

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

Why not?
Travel and work schedule prevented me from using it 5 times per week, but I did use it at least 3-4 times per week.

Would you recommend this product to a friend?
Yes.

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

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

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Why did you want to try the BMR Bottom Lift?
I have a problem with that [bottom] area even with lots of exercise and eating right, it still sags.

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

3

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?
No.

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

Please tell us about your experience using BMR Bottom Lift.

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Why did you want to try the BMR Bottom Lift?
I enjoy vacationing in the south, but don’t like it when my tush heads south!

How pleased were you with the results you achieved? Please rank on a 1-5 scale (with 5 being the best).
2

Were you able to comply with using it 5 times per week during the test period?
No, I had some unexpected travel which did not allow me to bring this along or the privacy to use it!

Would you recommend this product to a friend?
Yes.

Would you consider purchasing a tool for another body part?
Yes – perhaps the arm one

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

Please tell us about your experience using BMR Bottom Lift.
The hardest thing for me was finding time to be ‘alone’ to use this. I tried to do after a shower, but a lot of times that didn’t work with my schedule. Nothing against this tool, it just ended up being a difficult time of year for ‘alone’ time.
I was expecting a better result, but saw a small change–a minor lift.

{Tested} Murad’s Time Release Retinol Concentrate for Deep Wrinkles

LEAVE A COMMENT 2012 May 15

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Retinol is widely accepted by dermatologists as one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients in beauty products, but, many with sensitive skin complain it has unpleasant side effects including dryness and irritation. Murad’s Time Release Retinol Concentrate for Deep Wrinkles contains a proprietary retinol that is released over a longer period of time, reducing skin sensitivity and increasing effectiveness, according to the company. The product is “clinically proven to  reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles by 45% in 6 weeks,” they say. Was this the solution to deep wrinkles–or a deep disappointment?

7 FOFs put this product 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: 4 out of 7 testers would recommend Murad Time Release Retinol Concentrate for Deep Wrinkles to other FOFs.**

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ALLISON SAMMARCO – West Long Branch, NJ

Was this product easy to use?
Yes, very easy–love the [applicator] tip. I used it morning and evening since I received it.

Do you think this product helped to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles? Did it soften and smooth your skin?
Yes it did. I have definitely noticed a difference. I was very surprised

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
Yes–I intend to continue using it and will order it once I run out.

{click here to read all the reviews!}

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Yes, I have already recommended this to many of my family members, friends and coworkers. They noticed a difference in my skin and asked about it.

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

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KATHLEEN MUSCOLINO – Redding, CT

Was this product easy to use?
Yes.

Do you think this product helped to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles? Did it soften and smooth your skin?
It softened my skin but I don’t believe it reduced deep wrinkles.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
No–I don’t believe it was effective.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
No.

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

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KRISTINE MCCULLOCH – Westminster, CA

Was this product easy to use?
Yes, very easy. At first, I applied it to my wrinkle areas every single morning. My skin became a little dry and flaky in those areas, so I then applied it every other day with pretty good results.

Do you think this product helped to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles? Did it soften and smooth your skin?
It did appear to reduce the appearance of my deeper parenthesis wrinkles (on the sides of my mouth) and it appeared to smooth out the skin, too. When I used it on the wrinkles closest to my lips, it tended to make my lip edges chapped and very dry, so I eased up on the use there. I noticed less of a reduction on the deep set ridges between my eyebrows, however, the skin was softened, and I think with continued use it could be helpful.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
Yes, I think I will continue to use it for a longer period of time to see if it will work more miracles on my wrinkle areas!

Would you recommend this product to other FOF members?
Yes–the price is pretty reasonable ($65), compared to other treatments.

Please rate this product from 1 (Ugh. This was the worst) to 5 (Loved it!):
4. But, it has potential to become a 5 if I continue using it and see more results.

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WENDY STINE – Fort Collins, CO

Was this product easy to use?
Yes, and directions were simple to follow.

Do you think this product helped to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles? Did it soften and smooth your skin?
It definitely helped improve the texture and clarity of my skin, and maybe a slight decrease in the size and appearance of my deep wrinkles and crow’s feet. My skin is softer and certainly smoother.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
Yes, if it were less expensive. I have used better products that cost less.

Would you recommend this product to other FOF members?
No.

Please rate this product from 1 (Ugh. This was the worst) to 5 (Loved it!):
2.

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THERESA KINGSTON – San Clemente, CA

Was this product easy to use?
It was a bit tricky at first but I got the hang of it. You are supposed to use the applicator tip to get the product directly into the wrinkles. Since you have to squeeze the tube as you run it along a wrinkle or line, you have to be careful not to squeeze too much out at one time.

Do you think this product helped to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles? Did it soften and smooth your skin?
It softened the appearance of wrinkles around my mouth.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
Probably not, it’s a bit too pricey for me.

Would you recommend this product to other FOF members?
Yes, if price isn’t an issue, this is a product worth trying.

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

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NOREEN BRAMAN- Jamesburg, NJ

Was this product easy to use?
The instructions were very brief and not specific. It just said, ‘apply to wrinkle’ and didn’t say if it should be rubbed in, patted in, etc. It also instructed the use of other products that were not included.

Do you think this product helped to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles? Did it soften and smooth your skin?
I found this to be helpful on my horizontal forehead lines, but not my vertical ‘marionette lines.’

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
No, It made my skin peel, even after reducing use.

Would you recommend this product to other FOF members?
No.

Please rate this product from 1 (Ugh. This was the worst) to 5 (Loved it!):
2.

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LAURA ALEXOFF – Cincinnati, Ohio

Was this product easy to use?
Yes, but the ‘special’ applicator tip was actually nothing special. The product absorbed well, was smooth, and had no fragrance.

Do you think this product helped to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles? Did it soften and smooth your skin?
I don’t believe this changed the depth of my worst wrinkles, however, it definitely made my skin softer and smoother, so it may have reduced the appearance of wrinkles.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
I would continue using the product because it made a difference in my skin for the better, without adverse effects such a flaking or dryness.

Would you recommend this product to other FOF members?
Yes, though seems there might be a less expensive product that works as well.

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

{Tested} Josie Maran Argan Balm

LEAVE A COMMENT 2012 May 1

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Argan oil, produced from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree, has been called “liquid gold” for its healing, conditioning and anti-aging properties. “There are few-to-no formal studies proving a measurable effect of argan oil on skin health,” says Dr. Jessica Krant, a NYC-based dermatologist. So, we decided to conduct our own “study.” Seven FOFs put Josie Maran’s Argan Balm (retail value: $42) to the test.  The balm is made of shea butter infused with Argan oil and “leaves the skin softer and more supple” according to the company.

Is this balm–a bomb or a blessing? Read on to see what our testers thought.

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

**Quick take: 5 out of 7 testers would recommend Josie Maran Argan Balm to other FOFs.**
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WILMA LONGMAN – Brush Prairie, WA

Was this product easy to use?
Very easy. It’s temperature-sensitive: when cold, it’s a wax-like consistency, when warm, it’s buttery and soft. It melts deliciously into the skin as soon as it’s applied.

Did you see a difference in your skin? Was your skin softer and less dry?
Yes. I was especially impressed with the difference the balm made on my cuticles. As a pharmacist, I wash my hands many times a day, and my cuticles were a mess. When I applied the balm before work, it protected my hands all day.

{click here to read all the reviews!}

Did it provide relief for your distressed skin?
Yes–it seems to have healing properties. I had a couple small cuts on my hands during the testing time, and the balm seemed to help them heal more quickly.

Is it important to you that this product is made with all natural ingredients and no harsh toxins?
Yes. Chemicals in products can be absorbed through the skin.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
When it is empty, I am definitely going to buy another tin of Argan Balm. It is worth the $42 price tag.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Yes, absolutely! I even caught my FOF husband sneaking some balm for his rough hands.

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

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RHONDA BYER – Los Angeles, CA

Was this product easy to use?
No. It was waxy and in a tub [which made it] hard to get out. I had to keep rubbing my finger in it.

Did you see a difference in your skin? Was your skin softer and less dry?
It worked well on my lips and elbows. I haven’t noticed a change in other parts of my body yet.

Did it provide relief for your distressed skin?
Yes.

Is it important to you that this product is made with all natural ingredients and no harsh toxins?
Yes.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
No. The consistency makes it too difficult to get out of the tub. I prefer a creamier substance for body care and moisture.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
No.

Please rate this product from 1 (Ugh. This was the worst) to 5 (Loved it!):
2

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KAY FLETCHER – Charlotte, NC

Was this product easy to use?
Yes.

Did you see a difference in your skin? Was your skin softer and less dry?
Much softer–especially my heels, which are extremely dry and cracked.

Did it provide relief for your distressed skin?
Yes. My feet feel great at the end of the day when I massage them with the Argan Balm.

Is it important to you that this product is made with all natural ingredients and no harsh toxins?
Yes.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
Yes. It makes my hands and feet feel softer.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Definitely–especially to FOFs with dry skin

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

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CINDY STEELE – Meridianville, AL

Was this product easy to use?
Very easy.

Did you see a difference in your skin? Was your skin softer and less dry?
Skin is softer. It works especially well on my lips.

Did it provide relief for your distressed skin?
It worked well on my skin, but not my face. It was too greasy.

Is it important to you that this product is made with all natural ingredients and no harsh toxins?
Very important. Our bodies absorb what we put on our skin.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
I wouldn’t go out and buy it. Vaseline would do the same thing.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Not for the price.

Please rate this product from 1 (Ugh. This was the worst) to 5 (Loved it!):
2–nothing special.

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MICHELE DOMKE – Sunnyvale, CA

Was this product easy to use?
I didn’t care for the packaging–it was too large. Also it didn’t really transfer well from the container to my finger to my [skin and] lips.

Did you see a difference in your skin? Was your skin softer and less dry?
Yes, I used it on my lips and it kept them moist, not chapped.

Did it provide relief for your distressed skin?
Yes and it was very creamy and smooth.

Is it important to you that this product is made with all natural ingredients and no harsh toxins?
Very much so.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
Yes, but I’d use it more regularly if it was easier to get out of the container.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Yes, it does it’s job.

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

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ANNE KALICH – Lacey, WA

Was this product easy to use?
Very easy.

Did you see a difference in your skin? Was your skin softer and less dry?
Yes. This product really improved the texture of my rough elbows and knees. It also helped the eczema I continually fight behind my ears.

Did it provide relief for your distressed skin?
Yes. It’s especially good for knees, elbows and feet. I’d rub it on my feet, put on light cotton socks, go to bed, sleep overnight – magic!

Is it important to you that this product is made with all natural ingredients and no harsh toxins?
Very much so. Although the skin on my face is not sensitive, for some weird reason the skin on my legs is. However, I had no problems with this product. I was able to use it daily without itching or bumps.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
Yes. It worked and a little goes a long way. It didn’t have an annoying fragrance.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Yes. I’d recommend this product to anyone who has very dry or rough problem areas.

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

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KAREN LEE-DAVIS – Philadelphia, PA

Was this product easy to use?
Very easy

Did you see a difference in your skin? Was your skin softer and less dry?
My skin is definitely softer. It kept my skin moist and healthy.

Did it provide relief for your distressed skin?
Yes, it left my skin soft but not oily and it did not transfer onto my clothes.

Is it important to you that this product is made with all natural ingredients and no harsh toxins?
Yes–the more natural the better.

Would you recommend this product to other FOFs?
Yes.

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