Vichy - Podexine Cracked Heel Repairer

I have diabetes, and an unfortunate side effect is that, due to poor circulation, I get cracked and dry skin on my feet. Now that winter is nearly over, it's time to start thinking ahead to summer and the flip flops that come with it! I decided to give this a go - couldn't hurt, right? Well no, no it did not. In fact, for the first time in I-don't-ever-remember-how-long I actually have smooth heels! It's a minor miracle! I've been using this with Pied de Pepper most nights and it leaves my feet feeling smooth, moisturized and all tingly! If you're in the same boat as me, I'd definitely recommend giving this a try. The best part? It won't break the bank!


**Update - 2/6/2011
I have been doing a lot of research on companies that do and don't test on animals. Unfortunately Vichy is actually a subsidiary company of L'Oreal, who appear on PETA's list of companies who DO test on animals. I am currently on the hunt for a cruelty-free alternative to this product (if you've got any suggestions, let me know!). I will not be purchasing anything from Vichy in the future, and please bear this information in mind when making your own consumer decisions.

Ratings:
Packaging: 5/5
Product quality: 5/5
Worth the price? One of the best cosmetics purchases I've made this year!
Would I purchase again? No. See below. 
Cruelty-Free? No. Vichy is a subsidiary of L'Oreal, who appear on PETA's list of companies who DO test on animals.  
Where to find it: Shopper's Drug Mart or London Drugs.

MAC - Makeup Remover Wipes

I started using makeup remover wipes a few years ago after having problems with bits of cotton from even the most quilted cotton pads getting into my eyes. I started out with the Marcelle wipes, which were great, except that they didn't do as good a job of getting eye makeup off cleanly. 

One thing it's important to point out is that these are makeup removing wipes, NOT cleansing wipes! You do still need to wash your face after using these if you want to avoid residue, stickiness and possible break-outs!

Like many other reviewers, I had an issue with the scent of these at first. It's very strong and it lingers on the skin for ages even after washing my face. I've found that I've become accustomed to the scent, though, and now I barely notice it. But I would prefer it if they made a scent-free version!

I have found that these irritate my eyes sometimes, but usually once I've rinsed my face they're fine. Definitely better than using an oil-based formula or cotton pads that leave bits in my eyes! I haven't had any trouble removing makeup (waterproof or otherwise) with these, and actually find them better than most other brands I've tried. I like the cloths as they don't break apart with repeated wiping.

The cloths are huge and I don't need a whole one to clean off my makeup as I don't wear a lot. I cut them in half with clean scissors and this way they last twice as long. At around $30 for 100, a package of these lasts me about four or five months, minimum. Not too pricey after all - in fact cheaper than the drugstore brand I started out with!

Tip: These are best stored upside down. Otherwise the liquid pools in the bottom of the package and the first ones will be a bit too dry while the end of the package will need to be wrung out before use! If stored upside down they retain the same saturation throughout.

Ratings:
Packaging: 4.5/5 (note: the packages are accepted as part of Back-2-MAC at my local stores)
Product quality: 4.5/5
Worth the price? No doubt!

Cruelty-Free? Yes - appears on PETA's Cruelty-Free list.

Would I purchase again? I have, and I will. I  use these every single day.

MAC - Pigment in Sunpepper

I recently received a sample of this pigment in a Makeup Alley swap and am completely in love with it. The colour is nearly impossible to describe. The base colour is a redish-terracotta, but the shimmer is silvery-mauve with a hint of warmer tone in there too. It ends up looking nearly irridescent and is impossible to dupe (I've tried!).We all know that red tones are tricky in the eye area as they can make eyes look irritated and tired even if they're not - but because of the irridescent shimmer to this pigment, it isn't a problem.

My favourite way to wear it is with a dark brown kohl on my upper and lower waterlines and a dark slightly winged brown liner on my upper lashline. Stunning!Of all the discontinued MAC pigments I've tried, this is the one I'd have them bring back if given a choice!

Because it's discontinued it's nearly impossible to get your hands on. If you find a secret stash somewhere, let me know!

Ratings:
Packaging: 5/5
Product quality: 5/5
Worth the price? Definitely!
Would I purchase again? Oh, if only I could!!
Cruelty-Free? Yes - appears on PETA's Cruelty-Free list.
Where to find it: All Cosmetics Wholesale online has a limited stock of samples only. This is the only place I've been able to find it other than Makeup Alley. 

MAC - Eye Kohl in Teddy

***Pictures and Swatches Coming Soon!***

I love the colour of this. It's a rich, dark reddish brown with just a hint of gold. I have very fair skin and hazel brown eyes, and I sometimes find that black liner is a bit harsh if I'm doing a neutral look. This liner is the solution.

It does tend to move around more than Smolder - if you touch your eye anywhere that this is applied you will likely need to fix and/or re-apply. Other than that, I think it's a great liner. I usually draw it on and then smudge into the lashline with an angled liner brush (like the 266). It makes my eyes pop but still looks natural.

Now if only I could remember where I put mine.... ;)

Ratings:
Packaging: 5/5
Product quality: 5/5
Worth the price? Totally.
Would I purchase again? I might have to if mine doesn't turn up! This is definitely one I'll always have in my collection.

Cruelty-Free? Yes - appears on PETA's Cruelty-Free list.

Where to find it: MAC in store and online. 

MAC's Back 2 MAC Recycling Program

  To view image source, click on image

Are you a MAC-lover? Do you want to get free stuff - and help out the environment at the same time? Well you can. All you have to do is save your empty bottles, jars, tubes and packages. It's that easy. Once you've got six you can take them back to your local store for a brand spankin' new lipstick, lip gloss or eyeshadow!

Now you will probably need to do a little research about what your local store will take back. I have heard all kinds of feedback about it being inconsistent, etc., and I agree that it would be great if they had a list of exactly which products were and weren't eligible for B2M on their website (maybe as a little recycling icon on the page of each product that is eligible) and in the store. Mine will accept empty shadow containers (even if they don't have the metal pan - though I've heard some don't so you might need to buy some empty pans if you depot. They're cheap on ebay, though!), any containers from products that aren't limited edition and even the package from makeup remover wipes!

But even if all they accepted were eyeshadow containers or lipstick tubes, it would still be a wonderful program. That they offer recycling at all is a wonderful thing given the amount cosmetic containers that get thrown out, but that they also give the added incentive of providing free product - any free product - is just a bonus in my opinion! I am a huge fan and love being able to gather up my empties and get a treat every month or two!