{Test This} Gray Disappear

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“There’s no reason for your grays to show with so many excellent touch-up products on the market,” says Lois Joy Johnson, a beauty and fashion director for over 30 years.

Enter Gray Disappear (retail value: $15.99)  from Generation Klean. This touch-up hair mascara comes in four shades (gold, blaze, espresso and onyx) and according to the company, it “will cover grays in seconds…no muss, no fuss.”

The product is also rich in antioxidants and vitamin E and it’s paraben-, sulfate- and propylene glycol-free. It’s not permanent and “rinses out with just shampoo.” Sounds like answer to our hairs…er…prayers. But, let’s get to the root of it:  Is Gray Disappear a wonder wand or a washout?

7 FOFs will test it. Click here to find out more about Gray Disappear, 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 4, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

{Test this} Super Booster Whitening Pen


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“Teeth can discolor with age, turning yellow or brown,” says Dr. Pia Lieb, a leading authority in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. An inconvenient tooth of aging, yes, but you don’t have to accept it. Whitening Lightning, the manufacturers of the Super Booster Whitening Pen (retail value: $79), claims its product can whiten teeth up to 7-10 shades in two weeks.

“Just paint it on your teeth and let it dry for a minute,” says the Whitening Lightning website. “It will whiten your teeth while you sleep.” The pen, formulated with 16% hydrogen peroxide, dissolves difficult to remove stains without any damage to the tooth enamel, freshens breath, kills bacteria and restores teeth to natural white, say the manufacturers. Are they telling white lies or is it all smiles for this “super” whitening pen? Tell us!

10 FOFs will test it. Click here to find out more about the Super Booster Whitening Pen, 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!

(See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes March 28, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

{Test This} Josie Maran Argan Balm


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Argan oil–an extract from the kernels of the argan tree–is known in Morocco as “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. “However, the promise is great–it contains vitamin E, many essential fatty acids, and other antioxidants.”

This week, we’re conducting our own “study”: 8 FOFs will put Josie Maran Argan Balm (retail value: $42) to the test. The balm is made of shea butter infused with Argan oil, and“creates a protective barrier to seal in hydration and leaves the skin softer and more supple,” according to the Josie Maran website. The company claims distressed skin will be relieved “instantly,” and also suggest using it on unruly cuticles, dry feet and frizzy hair.

We want you to tell us: Is this balm a bomb…or a blessing?

8 FOFs will test this product. Click here to find out more about it, and then leave a comment below for a chance to test it.

PS – 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 March 7, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

{Tested} StriVectin-TL Tightening Neck Cream


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Let’s talk turkey…Beauty manufacturer StriVectin promises that their TL Tightening Neck Cream (retail value: $89) will tone that turkey neck within two weeks. The cream is made with NIA-114, a “proprietary form of vitamin B3” discovered during skin cancer research and shown to “strengthen skin.” We called fowl on this turkey neck tightener but sent some to our FOF testers just to be sure. What’d they think? Was this turkey neck tightener for the birds… or a golden egg? Read on.

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Quick take: 4 out of 5 testers would recommend this to other FOFs.

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JOANN MELTON, Florissant, MO

Was this product easy to use?
Yes.

Did you notice any changes in your neck?
This product was amazing. I expected to see some instant, temporary improvement. But, by day three I could see visible, lasting results including firming and smoothing. Every day forward the results improved upon the previous applications. The turkey neck has not reappeared even on days when I was less diligent about applying it.

{click here to read all the reviews!}

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
I plan to. It’s not in my typical price range for product purchases, but I can see that [given] the [results] per application, it’s not expensive.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
Absolutely. It addressed the skin issues that maturing brings, without causing redness or irritation. I have sensitive areas of my skin, so this was a major plus.

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ANGIE EHLERS, Aurora, CO

Was this product easy to use?
Very easy. It goes on smoothly and has a great texture. It smells nice and is not too greasy.

Did you notice any changes in your neck?
Very noticeable results instantly. The results were long lasting.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
Yes. This is something wonderful, new, and worth it! I would use it over and over again. It works like nothing else I have ever bought.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
I’d recommend it to anyone looking for an instant lift!

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THERESA MELTON , Cleveland, TN

Was this product easy to use?
Yes, very easy. The jar opened easily even when my hands were slightly damp from washing them and my face. The little paddle supplied was just the right size to scoop out a proper dose. By using the paddle, I knew the remaining product was not contaminated, which happens when you have to scoop out product with your fingers. The instructions included were written in about every major language on the planet and were easy to understand.

Did you notice any changes in your neck?
Unfortunately, not a single change of any kind. I was deeply disappointed. I really wanted this stuff to work and would have gladly ponied up some big bucks to keep using it if it had been effective.

What other changes did you notice?
Nothing, other than a couple of pimples.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
No. It was completely ineffective. I saw no changes, not even moisturizing effects I would have gotten from a cheap lotion. It also left a somewhat tacky residue after use and I really disliked the light scent it had. However, these quibbles would not have kept me from using it if the product had performed as advertised.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
No! Save your money, sisters! I’m glad this trial is over and I can go back to my PY Neckline Slimmer.

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HELENA LEMON, Provo, UT

Was this product easy to use?
Extremely easy. I just put a small amount on in the morning and night.

Did you notice any changes in your neck?
A slight improvement. My crepe-like skin can be dry and not supple. It was better after I used the product.

What other changes did you notice?
I didn’t have as much sagging in the area directly under my chin. It was just a slight improvement, nothing drastic. On a few occasions, I broke out on my neck. I believe it was because the cream is very heavy and blocked pores. I also noticed that the product would become dry and would flake off like dead skin–which was sometimes rather embarrassing.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
Yes, I would continue to use this product because I saw enough of an improvement. Also, it lasted much longer than a month. I used it twice daily for a month and I still have over half the jar left.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
Yes. If you want to have a little bit more firmness in your neck area I would recommend it. If you want a more dramatic effect, go for a neck lift.

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SUSAN NAVIDAD, Little Rock, AK

Was this product easy to use?
Very; It is smooth and easy to apply.

Did you notice any changes in your neck?
Skin is firmer, tighter, less saggy.

What other changes did you notice?
One time it seemed like the skin was exfoliating, but I’m not sure if it really was–there was no redness, only a seeming slough of skin cells.

Would you continue using this product? Why or why not?
Oh yes! I’ve continued to use the product. I love that the skin on my neck is more firm.

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
Most definitely.

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{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.

{Beauty Testing} Clientele Lavender Lift Oil-Control Powder

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Clientele Skincare, founded by award-winning scientist Dr. Pat Riley, was once available only through dermatologists’ offices. Now, more than thirty years since the company launched its first product, the line is available to everyone through to everyone through thir website. Four FOFs put Clientele’s Lavender Lift Oil-Control Face Powder to the test. The company claims this oil-free, ultra-sheer powder will absorb excess oil, make pores visibly smaller and keep makeup fresh without a dry or cakey look. Did this powder perform? Read on…

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How long did you use this product?
Several weeks.

Please describe your experience with this product.
The clientele powder was heavier than my usual makeup, plus I had to wear my makeup just a bit heavier to cover up the paler shade of the clientele powder. The clientele powder smelled great but really didn’t work for me.

{click here to read all the reviews!}

What could make this product better?
When I used the applicator sponge that came with the product, it went on too heavy for me. I then used an application brush and that was better.

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Were the directions given to you clear?
Yes.

Did the product meet or exceed your expectations?
It exceeded them.

Would you use this product again?
Yes!

Please describe your experience with this product.
Except for the messiness, I actually replaced the finishing powder I normally use from Bare Minerals with this product because it helps my makeup stay on longer and really delivered on the hydration promise.

What could make this product better?
There is no cover on top of the holes when you shake the product out so it’s quite messy. A lock/unlock/shake system, a la Bare Minerals products, would serve this product well.

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Were the directions given to you clear and understandable?
Yes.

Did the product meet or exceed your expectations?
It was about what I expected.

Please describe your experience with this product.
I used the product for several weeks in lieu of other face powders I normally use. It gave me a smooth finish, seemed to handle the oil, but I can’t say that it lasted any longer than many of the other products on the market. I think the lavender color made me look a little washed out and I found myself applying more bronzer and blush to compensate.

Would you use this product again?
I wouldn’t buy this product. Not because I didn’t like it, but because it didn’t do anything special for me that would make me want to spend the money.

What could make this product better?
The thin little powder puff [applicator] seemed cheap. I would think either a nice puff or a brush, might make it seem more upscale.

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Please describe your experience with this product. Overall, my experience was excellent. The product kept my shine to a minimum and was absolutely weightless. I was waiting for the Virginia heat and humidity to arrive so I could report how the product worked under ‘steamy’ conditions, but we actually had a mild year.

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Leave a comment below to be entered for a chance to test Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner ($98). 6 women will receive this product to test.

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 December 27, 2011.)

{Beauty Testing} Lisa Hoffman’s Japanese Agarwood Fragrance Duo

.Japanese Agarwood was once “used as the centerpiece in Kōdō incense ceremonies to [help participants] achieve a higher level of consciousness and inner peace,” according to the Lisa Hoffman Beauty website. Lisa Hoffman (wife of actor Dustin Hoffman) uses Japanese Agarwood as the centerpiece for one of her 2-vial collection (retail value: $52)  which includes morning and evening scents. The Japanese Agarwood essence is intensified with bergamot and spiced ginger, creating a scent the website says, “inspire(s) feelings of clarity and warmth.” What did our FOF testers think? Did this perfume make them feel all warm and fuzzy inside?

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Neither the scent for day or evening appealed to me. I used the daytime and evening alone and then decided to mix them, but they gave me a slight headache. It was very strong. The scent is not for me. I definitely would not wear it again.

However, the packaging was unique, practical and eye catching. The satchel is great for a purse or even a pocket.

{click here to read all the reviews!}

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I usually don’t wear perfume because it gives me a headache, but this didn’t. The day fragrance was light, but warm with a rich undertone. The night fragrance was a deeper, more sensuous version of the day scent, which I really liked.

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I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something about the Japanese Agarwood fragrances that lift my spirit. It’s so crisp and fresh, when I smelled this, I was sent reeling back to the 70s when I was a wild, carefree, hitchhiking young woman. Those were the days I wore handkerchief halter tops and bell-bottom blue jeans with frayed hems and sensuality was the norm! I wear it every day and night.

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It came in such a beautiful package and I love the case. I tried both the morning and evening versions as well as mixing them together. It is a little bit heavy for my taste. I prefer something a little lighter and sweeter smelling.

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I could not stand it! Both the day and night fragrances [made me] smell like an old man. I asked others what they thought. My sister said it smelled like my dad who has been dead 10+ years and wore too much Polo aftershave.

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Leave a comment below to be entered for a chance to test Cosmedix Cell ID Intensive Defense ($100). 5 women will receive this product to test.

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 December 21, 2011.)

{Product Testing} Peptide Wrinkle Concealer Duo Wand by Clientele

Clientele, claims that its Peptide Wrinkle Concealer Duo Wand (retail value: $30) will “lubricate away crow’s feet,” “protect the delicate tissue around your eyes,” “fight the appearance of wrinkles,” and, if that’s not enough, “It’s a wonderful base to hold eyeshadow fresh all day.” Each stick comes in two shades, neutral and tan, and contains a “special peptide” promising to “erase your age” without overdrying skin. But what did our FOF testers think?

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Were the directions given to you clear and understandable?
The directions were clear and understandable but not complete. The product was thick and sticky and I felt like I had to pull my skin too much to apply it.

How quickly did you see results?
After about 3 days of use, I stopped using it on my eyelids and instead, just used it over my outer eye creases. The cream filled in the creases immediately.

{click here to read all the reviews!}

Did the product meet or exceed your expectations?
I used the product for 3 weeks. I don’t believe it actually improved my skin, it just temporarily filled in the wrinkles.

Would you use this product again?
No.

What could make this product better?
I’m not sure. It was just a temporary cover-up and I would like to see something that would help to soften lines and wrinkles more permanently.

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Were the directions given to you clear and understandable?
The directions were understandable, and the concealer was very easy to use.

How quickly did you see results?
I used the concealer now for two weeks and noticed great coverage immediately.

Did the product meet or exceed your expectations?
This product exceeded my expectations. I love using it on my eyelids [as a primer] and it makes the eyeshadow I apply in the morning last until evening.

Would you use this product again?
I would definitely use this product again.

What could make this product better?
I have no improvements. It works just as it is.

What was your overall experience with this product?
Positive. My crow’s feet are diminishing and unlike other concealers I’ve tried, it does not give me a white-eye effect. I do not feel it is greasy or too heavy. I am very pleased with the results and will definitely purchase and continue to use it in the future.

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Were the directions given to you clear and understandable?
Yes.

How quickly did you see results?
Immediately.

Did the product meet or exceed your expectations?
In some ways, yes, others, no. It was a little greasy and hard to blend in, almost the consistency of sunscreen. At first I thought even the neutral shade went on too light but after it settled in (and I blotted the greasiness), I noticed that it gave very good coverage to my seriously dark circles.

Would you use this product again?
Possibly, if they made some changes to the ingredients.

What could make this product better?
Perhaps they could use an emollient other than petroleum so it would be less greasy.

Please describe your experience with this product.
Besides that it was greasy and hard to rub in, I was pleased with the results and excited that I might have found an even better concealer than the expensive one I currently use. But, unfortunately, after a few days, I began to develop psoriasis on my eyelids (an off-and-on problem, that I haven’t experienced in many years). It seems that putting petroleum products on my eyelids has caused psoriasis flare-ups. I didn’t check the ingredients prior to using the Clientele product, but after the flare-up, I checked and, sure enough, discovered that it was petroleum based. Once I stopped using it, the psoriasis quickly disappeared. If this company would switch their formula to an organic emollient base, such as beeswax or plant oils, I think this product would be a winner! But in the meantime, I will stay away from it because of the reaction my skin had.

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Were the directions given to you clear and understandable?
I was initially confused by the instructions. “Apply under the eye. When absorbed, used the handy sponge applicator or wand to gently pat concealer under eyes.” This lead me to believe there were two products; the one that I apply under the eye and the concealer to pat on after the first was absorbed. Once I asked and got that straightened out, I was okay.

How quickly did you see results?
I never did see it “lubricate away crow’s feet.” However, it did give me a nice unblemished base under my eye to work from.

Did the product meet or exceed your expectations?
The product was not what I expected. It was too thick and sticky for my skin type. However, I didn’t expect it to absorb into my skin as much as it did, so it ended up okay. It was also very white, and made me look a bit scary until I applied some foundation.

Would you use this product again?
I would not go out and purchase this, but I will most likely finish using what I have.

What could make this product better?
A lighter texture and consistency.

Please describe your experience with this product.
This product reminded me of the ‘pancake makeup’ that actors wear. I felt like I was preparing for the stage rather than my daily life. I am sure the product is wonderful for the right skin type, but the area under my eyes is thin-skinned, and this was simply too dense. The consistency made it hard to get just the right amount on my eyes and I needed to spend a lot of time blending it.
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Were the directions clear and understandable?
Yes.

How quickly did I see results?
I did not notice any results.

Did the product meet or exceed my expectations?
It neither met or exceeded my expectations.

Would I use it again?
No, I would not.

What could make it better?
If it was creamier so that it went on more smoothly. Also, I wish it did not get lighter in color as the day went on.

What was your overall experience with this product?
I found this product hard to use. It was quite firm and was hard to apply. When I tried to dab it on my skin with the applicator, I felt like it was pulling. I tried patting it on with my finger and this worked slightly better, but I found that it was going on much too thick.

Also, it kept getting lighter in color as the day went on. A couple of hours after I applied it, I looked like I had pale circles under my eyes. As an eyeshadow base, it was okay.

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Were the directions given to you clear and understandable?
I felt the directions supplied were very confusing. They contained directions for two different products–wrinkle treatment and firming eye cream. After reading it several times, I wasn’t quite sure how to use it, or what to expect. The fact that the cream had two compartments with what seems to be the same product was also confusing.

How quickly did you see results?
I do not feel that there were any lasting effects with this product.

Did the product meet or exceed your expectations?
No.

Would you use this product again?
Probably not.

What could make this product better?
Better directions and a more spreadable consistency. I was not able to easily blend it into my skin.

Please describe your experience with this product.
The product did not blend very well on my skin. Once I was able to blend it using a combination of my finger and the sponge provided, it did provide some coverage of fine lines and brightening under my eye. However, I can’t say there has been any permanent reduction in fine lines and crow’s feet.

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Were the directions given to you clear and understandable?
No. Visually, I couldn’t tell the difference between the two compartments and there was no labeling on the box. Of course, I eventually figured it out, but for $30, I’d hope for more clear instructions.

How quickly did you see results?
I really didn’t see a difference at all.

Did the product meet or exceed your expectations?
I had hoped this 2-in-1 product would be better than others I have used, but it wasn’t.

Would you use this product again?
I don’t think I would purchase this product and prefer what I was already using.

What could make this product better?
This product would be a lot more user-friendly if the compartments were labeled!

Please describe your experience with this product.
I really did want to love this…

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Leave a comment below to be entered for a chance to test Strivectin-TL Tightening Neck Cream ($89).  Five women will receive this product to test.

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 December 1, 2011.)

{Product Testing} Lash Food Eyelash Conditioner

JB Cosmetics promise that their Lashfood Nano-Peptide Eyelash Conditioner ($80) is “clinically demonstrated” to “provide the appearance of longer, thicker lashes” and “transform frail and brittle lashes to become healthy and strong.” All in just 3-6 weeks. They also claim “all natural” ingredients including Biotin, soy protein and a proprietary nano-peptide complex.  Sounds, lash-tastic. But what did our FOF testers think?


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How long did you use the product?
About 3 weeks.

Did this product work for you?
I cannot see a difference in photos, however, when I put my glasses on last week I noticed that my eyelashes were rubbing on the lenses. My husband took a very close look and stepped back in surprise. My eyelashes appeared fuller and longer.

{click here to read all the reviews!}

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
Yes. I already passed it on to a friend.

Any negatives?
I had no side effects save a slight burning for a few seconds if a small amount got into the eye.

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How long did you use the product?
3 weeks.

Did the product work? What changes did you notice?
I think it actually made my lashes healthier and softer which I think made them feel thicker. They seem to be a bit thicker. My eyelashes did not fall out as much.

Would you use it again?
I would, however I felt the applicator was very difficult to use because it was so thin. If they had a thicker brush it would be easier. I almost had to put my glasses on to see that the serum got where it needed to be.

Would I recommend it to others?
Yes, if they had the applicator thicker.

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Did this product work for you? Did you see a difference in your lashes?
I was using the product for a few days and my eyes would tear and burn. I think I may have a mild allergy to something in this product. [Discontinued use]

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Did this product work for you? Did you see a difference in your lashes?
Surprisingly yes. I tried Latisse on my left eyelashes and Lashfood on my right, not expecting any results from Lashfood. When I looked in the mirror 2 weeks later I was confused as to how the right lashes seemed longer than the left. I did not know it was supposed to make my lashes grow.

Would you use it again?
Yes

Would you recommend it to other FOF members?
Yes

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How long did you use this product?
30 days.

Did this product work for you? Did you see a difference in your lashes?
I can’t say that I have noticed a change. I started getting milia on my eyelids so I stopped using it.

Would you use it again?
I would not use this brand again and I would not recommend it to other FOF members. However, I did discover a lash enhancer called Amplif that has promising results.

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from →  

{Health} Bringing the Dermatologist’s Office Home

Doctor’s-office cosmetic procedures, such as laser treatments, micro-dermabrasion and peels, are generally considered a luxury. Perfectly realistic for the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills–less so for the average FOF on a budget.

But recently, a number of products that employ medical-grade technology have been approved for home use, from “skin-renewing” lasers to “body-smoothing” eletromagnetic pads. These items aren’t cheap (the Palovia Skin Renewing Laser is $500 and the Brazilian Skin Peel is $78) but when compared to their in-office counterparts, they’re a steal.

The question is–do they work?

We looked at 6 new at-home anti-aging products that employ medical-grade technology and asked Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research Mount Sinai’s Department of Dermatology, whether their science made sense. Then we asked real FOFs who had tried the product to tell us what they thought. Check out the slideshow below to see them all.

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