{Test This} Molton Brown Anti-Aging Bodycare Collection

376 COMMENTS 2012 April 17


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London-based beauty company Molton Brown is known for its fragrant hand and body washes; now its making a splash in the anti-aging market with a new body care collection (retail value $216) for FOFs. All the products in the collection are made from kopara, a rare ocean algae found exclusively on a coral island near Tahiti. Kopara produces exopolysaccharides to shield itself from UV rays. It can also do wonders for FOF skin, according to Molton Brown reps, who say that products formulated with this super-algae will “protect from age-accelerating pollutants, promote healthy-looking skin, and are clinically proven to reduce the signs of aging.” Sounds promising, but shall we sea for ourselves?

10 FOFs will test the entire Molton Brown anti-aging body collection formulated with kopara extract including a hand cream (retail value: $48), body cream (retail value: $89) and neck and decolletage cream (retail value: $79).

Click here to find out more about Molton Brown’s anti-aging body care collection, and then leave a comment below for a chance to test it.

P.S. Want to be guaranteed a product to test? Join the FOF Beauty Club now!
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(See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes April 25, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

{Test This} Mai Couture Papier Foundation

245 COMMENTS 2012 April 10


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Mai Couture Makeup’s new Foundation Powder Papier (retail value: $24) comes in a pocket-sized booklet with 50 one-time-use sheets–ideal for makeup application and touch ups while you’re on the go. The powder paper comes in three shades: fair glow, golden glow and nude glow. You don’t need a makeup brush, which, according to Mai Couture, “often carries bacteria that can irritate sensitive skin.” Instead, tear off a sheet, sweep it over your face and buff and smooth out the powder to finish.

The mineral-based powder is also paraben and talc free. “It softens the appearance of imperfections, evens out skin tone and controls oil without the mess.” Sounds good on paper…but what do you think FOFs?

10 FOFs will test it. Click here to find out more about Mai Couture Foundation Powder Papier, and then leave a comment below for a chance to test it.

P.S. Want to be guaranteed a product to test? Join the FOF Beauty Club now!
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(See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes April 18, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

{Tested} Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner

3 COMMENTS 2012 March 13

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RevítaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner was developed by Dr. Michael Brinkenhoff as a gift to his wife Gayle, whose eyelashes had become thin and fragile after she underwent intensive chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer. Using a proprietary blend of ingredients, including powerful peptides and soothing botanicals, Dr. Brinkenhoff and the chemists from Athena Cosmetics created a product they promise will “beautify and nourish the eyelashes” of any FOF. According to the RevítaLash website, a clinical study showed “over 97% of users saw an improved appearance of their eyelashes in only 3 weeks!”

Is it as lashtastic as its manufacturer claims? 5 FOFs put this lash-lengthener to the test. Read on.

Quick take: 3 out of 5 testers would continue using RevítaLash.
**P.S. Want to be guaranteed a product to test? Join the FOF Beauty Club now!**

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Catherine Moore – Blowing Rock, NC

Was this product easy to use?
 Extremely easy. Apply nightly before bedtime as part of your normal routine.

Did you notice any changes in your lashes? What changes did you notice?
 In just the first two weeks I noticed much fuller and longer lashes–a significant difference. I had previously used Latisse and this product produced comparable results, possibly more quickly.

{click here to read all the reviews!}

Do you think this product is a good way to achieve longer, thicker and fuller looking lashes?
 Absolutely, with consistent use.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
I plan to purchase it as soon as this one is gone!

Would you recommend it to other FOFs?
Yes.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I have been using this for four weeks and have not noticed any discoloring of eyelid or eye as is sometimes reported with use of other products like this.

On a scale of 1 (ugh, this was the worst) to 5 (loved it) what would you rate this product?
 5.

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Esther Bradley-Detally – Pasadena, CA

Was this product easy to use?
Yes.

Did you notice any changes in your lashes? What changes did you notice?
I think they are growing, they look slightly darker and a few lashes may have come out.

Do you think this product is a good way to achieve longer, thicker and fuller looking lashes?
I’m not sure.

Would you continue using this product?
I want to continue using it a few more weeks before I decide.

Would you recommend it to other FOFs?
Not until I see more progress.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
The directions say apply to the base of your eyelashes above the level of your skin. This was confusing. I didn’t use it on bottom lashes.

On a scale of 1 (ugh, this was the worst) to 5 (loved it) what would you rate this product?
 2 or 3.

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Joanna Baker – Cleveland Heights, OH

Was this product easy to use?
 Yes.

Did you notice any changes in your lashes? What changes did you notice?
 There may be a small change in the thickness of my lashes; more on the left eye than the right.

Do you think this product is a good way to achieve longer, thicker and fuller looking lashes?
 I think that using it for a longer time may indeed achieve these reults.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
 Yes, I will definitely continue using this product. I feel like the results will be greater with longer usage.

Would you recommend it to other FOFs?
 Depending on price, I may or may not recommend it.

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Joan Carfango – Bronx, NY

Was this product easy to use?
 Yes.

Did you notice any changes in your lashes? What changes did you notice?
 Lashes that were already long, got longer.

Do you think this product is a good way to achieve longer, thicker and fuller looking lashes?
 No.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
 No, because it didn’t do what I wanted it to–improve my broken lashes.

Would you recommend it to other FOFs?
 Only if all your lashes are intact.

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Padma Narasimhan–Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Was this product easy to use?
Yes.

Did you notice any changes in your lashes? What changes did you notice?
My eyelashes did get thicker.

Do you think this product is a good way to achieve longer, thicker and fuller looking lashes?
Yes.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
I don’t need it anymore because now that I’ve used this product for some time, I have good eyelashes! But, perhaps after some time passes, yes, I’d use it again.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
Yes, if you have sparse eyelashes, this helps.

On a scale of 1 (ugh, this was the worst) to 5 (loved it) what would you rate this product?
 4.

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{Test This} Somme Institute’s 5-Step Regimen

650 COMMENTS 2012 February 21

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According to Somme, their 5-Step Regimen (retail value: $298) “transforms the skin…improving its tone, texture and clarity while reducing the signs of aging.” Heard it all before, you say?

Well, the team of researchers and dermatologists at Somme Institute swear this isn’t the same old story.

The institute was founded in 1994 on the premise that “skin care companies should deliver the claims they promise.” Seven years later, the team discovered MDT5 or Molecular Dispersion Technology 5, a now-patented compound used in all Somme’s skincare products. Reps claim that MDT5 allows the active ingredients to penetrate the skin 3-4 millimeters deep, deeper than ingredients are able to penetrate with other skin care products on the market.

Somme Institute is giving 7 FOFs the chance to test their 5-Step Regimen which includes:

Step 1: Nourishing Cleanser
Claim: Deep cleans the skin while leaving it feeling dewy, soft and refreshed.

Step 2: Transport (exfoliant)
Claim: Promotes resiliency, hydration and cell renewal.

Step 3: Serum
Claim: Helps reduce the visible signs of premature aging, smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and evens skin tone.

Step 4: A-Bomb (moisturizer)
Claim: Helps soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles while targeting other problem areas, such as poor skin texture and dryness. Calms and soothes the skin while promoting skin’s vitality and firmness.

Step 5: Double Defense (sunscreen with SPF 30+)
Claim: Protects skin from premature aging while locking in vital moisture.

We want you to tell us: Is it high fives for this five-step regimen…or did it leave you hanging?

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7 FOFs will test these products. Click here to find out more about them, and then leave a comment below for a chance to test them. (See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes February 29, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

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

{Tested} SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

5 COMMENTS 2012 February 1

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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

439 COMMENTS 2012 January 31

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 winners. See official rules. Participants will be chosen at random from all those who leave a comment. Contest closes February 8, 2012.)

{Test This} Made From Earth Face Firming Serum

571 COMMENTS 2012 January 24

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 winners. See official rules. Participants will be chosen at random from all those who leave a comment. Contest closes February 2, 2012.)

Read past product reviews.

{Test This} Blinc mascara

536 COMMENTS 2012 January 17

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.

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{Tested} Vincent Longo “Diamond” Body Spray {Test This} Beecology

417 COMMENTS 2012 January 3

A diamond is a girl’s best friend…but is ‘Diamond’ Body Spray by Vincent Longo (retail: $35 on Soft Surroundings) an FOFriendly beauty product? According to Vincent Longo marketing materials, the spray “adds glamour to any look” by “illuminating body skin with instant sparkling highlights.” Is this shimmer a winner or was it no more than a glimmer of hope for our FOF beauty testers?

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Did this product work for you?
I love this product–easy to use, very light and airy. It makes me want to wear a v-neck sweater and show off!

Did you like the effect it had on your skin?
It gave my decolletage a little extra sparkle and made it not so naked looking. It feels like a powder, not sticky.

{click here to read all the reviews!}

Would you use this product again?
I am very happy with the product and would use it again. I recently saw it for sale in a Soft Surroundings catalog and was delighted I had already tested it! I like the silver best, it goes with my brunette hair and skin tone.

Would you recommend it to other FOFs?
I’d recommend it to everybody.

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Did this product work for you?
Yes.

Did you like the effect it had on your skin?
It sparkled–but I didn’t seen any difference in the quality of my skin other than that.

What could make this product better?
Better delivery design–the directions say to shake the bottle but when you do, the glittery sparkle goes all over the place.

Would you use this product again?
I would use it again, but, it isn’t something you wear everyday. It is definitely a dress up and sparkle item.

Would you recommend it to other FOFs?
I’d recommend it to FOFs, but honestly, it seems more suited for younger, smoother skin.

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Did this product work for you?
I am not a ‘sparkly’ person. I used it when I went out to dinner–my friends noticed it on my chest and giggled. I asked why [they laughed] and they said ‘it was just not me.’

Did you like the effect it had on your skin?
Not really.

What could make this product better?
I don’t wear makeup, so this was just over the top.

Would you use this product again?
No.

Would you recommend it to other FOFs?
If they like to sparkle and get noticed, then yes.

What was your overall experience with the product?
I am a little too simple for a product like this.

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Did this product work for you?
Yes.

Did you like the effect it had on your skin?
Nice glow on my skin.

Would you use this product again?
Yes. I would also give as gifts.

Would you recommend it to other FOFs?
Yes.

What was your overall experience with the product?
To me, it is a product for special occasions.

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Did this product work for you?
It worked as stated and gives a nice sheen to the skin. It did not wear off or stick to clothing.

Did you like the effect it had on your skin?
It looked festive and gleaming.

What could make this product better?
I liked it the way it was. I really liked the container–very retro-Hollywood-looking on my dressing table.

Would you use it again?
I would use for a special night out. I just don’t have too many of those!

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
Yes–it is a fun and glamorous product.

What was your overall experience with the product?
Nice to look at, fun to use, very effective.

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Did this product work for you?
I really loved using this body spray! The glow it gives adds to a special night out.

What could make this product better?
I would add a small brush for even coverage.

Would you use it again?
I will use this product every chance I get, and will continue to tell everyone about it.

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Did this product work for you?
It gave my skin a sparkly look that was pretty. It comes in a beautiful bottle that I love and will keep.

What could make this product better?
A lower price point. I’m assuming there are other products that come in tubes [less expensive packaging to produce] that give the same for a lower cost.

Would you use this product again?
No. It’s out of my price range.

Would you recommend it to other FOFs?
It is a lovely product but the women in my circle would not be able to afford 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 12, 2012.)