Meg here! Usually it takes me at least 2 months to break down a man. Much like the military, I believe you have to "break them down to rebuild them better." I mean, duh. So when my new roommate Nick moved in I thought I would have to coerce him into his next "product man whore" role. It's probably because of his cross country move and he already feels slightly weary. I have never had such success in transforming a man into a product genius. I also must confess, I have taken the liberty to try this product myself. You know, for journalistic reasons, in the case Nick didn't accept his mission. It had absolutely nothing to do with the fact this smells divine no matter what your gender. As with all things, Nick delivered! So here is his review on Arcona Exfoliating Facial Scrub Productivity. Because ladies, the holidays are almost here so here's a tip for a gift for your guy!

Nick here! To be honest I've always considered myself too much of a manly man to concern myself with exfoliating my face. However, the last time I was getting my eyebrows waxed, Soleil, my charming beautician, suggested that I begin exfoliating 2-3 times a week to help with my clogged pores and oily complexion. I stubbornly retorted that I didn't think it was necessary to exfoliate since I used a daily face cleanser. Now Soleil (Soleil? I guess Nick visits New Age facialists) could of let me waltz out of there a naive fool but instead she patiently explained the differences and necessity of using gentle exfoliation to rejuvenate the skin...that day I left behind not only my ignorance but also my boyish complexion. Fast forward 10 years later and here I am reviewing Arcona's Exfoliating Facial Scrub appropriately named "Productivity."

The first thing that I noticed was the fruity berry aroma (I do like smelling every thing first) coming from the cranberry and raspberry enzymes, which according to the bottle unclog and minimize pores...Soleil would definitely approve.  The purplish grayish tint comes from the volcanic minerals that gently exfoliate your face, and to top it off Arcona has added salicylic acid--an acne fighting staple-- to cleanse and purify the skin.

Now Ive tried different exfoliation cleanses and the reason I've never been a fan is because most of them use harsh exfoliaters (see apricot scrub) leaving my face raw and irritated (please remember me as a manly man)(We're trying). However, the fine minerals in Arcona's facial scrub have a gentle sandy quality (think Hawaiian beach) that leave the skin feeling smooth. Not even the manliest man wants sandpaper on his face! 

After using the scrub three times a week for the last couple of weeks my complexion seems to be improved but better than that my face feels good....and really at the end of the day guys just like feeling good.(Guys just want to "feel good?" You don't say.) So I definitely recommend this as a gift for the holidays because as Soleil says "only a real man exfoliates."

Stacy B here! In true New England fashion, we went from snow to 68 degrees in less than 3 days last week. My hair got flat and static-y, then wavy and frizzy. My skin was just as confused and went from normal, to sticky in the humidity and then dry and irriated in the cold air.

After the crazy weather, I notice my skin wasn't recovering very well. And not in an acne, breakout way, but on my arms and legs in more of a 'am I dry? am I oily? am I cracked? is this winter? is this summer? What is going on!?' kind of way. The backs of my arms had those yucky dead skin bumps and my knees and elbows were dry and splitting but my face was getting oily and so was the skin around my ...um...ladies. ;) And after two kids, the girls deserve to be taken care of!

I had to do something, I'm in for a long, dry winter and didn't want things to get worse.

I've had success myself and with my kids using Sebamed products, so I found a SebaMed Cleansing Bar for Sensitive Skin. I chose it because it was moisturizing, for my dry parts, had the right pH balance to erase my oily parts and was mild with natural vitamins and amino acids to sooth my skin and get it back to normal.

This has a really light scent, is curved to fit right in your hand and lathers up really well. I like my bubbles. I need bubbles. If I don't see bubbles, I don't think it's working. The best part was even with all the bubbles, it washed away entirely. The bubbles were thick and creamy and rich and made me feel really clean and pampered.

After I got out of the shower, my skin felt moisturized and smooth. After a few days, everything was back to normal. The dry skin bumps went away, I could bend my knees and elbows without fearing a crack and any oily spots were gone, too.

This bar is still going strong and I'll probably invest in a few more to get through the next few cold, snowy months. They are a bit on the expensive side, about $14, but they last and they really do work. If I rotate between this bar and another soap, I can stretch it out a bit and still reap the benefits.

Meg hair! My friend Dawn over at BeautyFrosting.com has turned me on to Tresemme's Style Studio. I am not one for how to You Tube's. Honestly, they annoy me. I can never seem to duplicate the "effortless" looks that those guru's show. Don't even get me going on the "hauler girls." Yes, amazing. You bought shoes for 20% off at Steve Madden, I don't give a rat's ass. Then I am shocked to see like a million views on YouTube so apparently, I'm in a minority. Wouldn't be the first time right?

When Dawn was telling me that I should check out Tresemme's Style Studio, I wasn't prepared to be impressed. First off, there are few things in life that annoy me more than my hair (second one is punctuality, I am ALWAYS on time. I have a panic attack if I think I'm even 5 minutes late.) Generally, if I am at the drugstore and in need, I do pick up Tresemme. Their products do work really well. I'm currently loving their Extra Firm Hold Hairspray AND I LOVE THAT THEY DO NOT TEST ON ANIMALS! Even though Prudence has been a little naughty lately. The new roommate has been calling her "RUDEnce" lately. 

Any how, I just spent the last 30 minutes on the new Tresemme Style Studio. Since I am accused of having A.D.D. constantly, this is quite a testament. The site is laid out really well. Extremely easy. If you have hair you can do this. I think that the tutorials are step by step and the camera zooms in so you can actually see what the heck they're creating. The longest one I watched was just over 3 minutes so even with my fruit fly attention span, I can watch and learn through the entire process.

I'm totally trying this Bombshell look for my next hot date (or any date-can someone call me?) They even have a handy mirror app that your web cam has. You can work right along, side by side, with the pro. GENIUS!

As if that's not enough, there are over 100 how to videos. But not from a shrill 22 year-old OMG! The categories are pointed specifically for your hair type and then you can search by style or even occassion, in case you need some ideas or inspiration. Tresemme even shows you the exact products that they use and how to exactly use them. It's pretty great knowing that none of these are going to break the bank.

I love when companies are actually trying to help us and not just "sell" us. I feel like they want me to look great and since I am hair challenged, they want to empower me! They love me and we are really BFF's right now and OMG Look at my Steve Madden's!

Meg here, holidays are coming up and if you need to fill a stocking but don't want to go with Old Spice, I've got a treat for you! I have a new roomie. His name is Nick and he is from NYC. Never one to miss an opportunity, I decided he would rate "man products" for the holidays. He didn't have much of a choice, I know where he lives. So let's welcome Nick on his first megsmakeup.com review!

Hi everyone! I just moved in with Meg and apparently along with the 12x15 bedroom and garden view, I also inherited a basketful of male products and an editorial position with Meg's Makeup. Meg claims that I'm the first man she's asked to contribute to "Manly Mondays" championing the under represented voice of the male hygienic perspective; however, knowing Meg, I'm hardly her first. (ha ha Nick, I never said you were the first. Keep it up though and you may be the last.) Nevertheless, I'm still honored to take on such a huge responsibility of sharing my male viewpoint on expensive sounding products with the Meg Heads...so without further ado... 

Nick here! The first product I tried and will review on this post is Jack Black's Beard Lube.  

Finally! I've been waiting anxiously for Jack Black to get into this space and was so excited to try these products since I'm such a huge fan of his movies. 

To be honest, I've personally never ventured out of my shaving cave where I was born and bred on the Gillette brand. So I was very nervous to stray away from my roots especially when I found myself staring at something called beard lube. I'm sorry Jack, I loved you in Nacho Libre, but "beard" and "lube" are two words that organically don't go well together. I mean most guys are worried about being judged for purchasing weird sounding condoms ( see ultra ribbed ecstasy)...you throw beard lube in the mix and all bets are off with the store clerk. Nevertheless, after getting over my initial reaction to the name, I noticed that this is in fact a 3-in-1 shaving product acting as a pre-shave oil, shave cream, and skin conditioner which is wonderful for someone like me who loves pre and post shaving products but is honestly too lazy to use them rushing in the morning. Also, I like that this product states on the front label that it contains Jojoba and Eucalyptus, which though I have no idea their actual skin benefits, it sounds expensive and salubrious (boom thank you word of the day calendar). I mean heck the most I can expect from Gillette is maybe touting aloe vera which I feel was so five years ago.

Now after using the lube for over a week, I have to say that I really like it a lot. It has a masculine aroma with hints of what I assume is eucalyptus and it goes on clear without feeling too heavy or greasy. The most addicting quality, however,is the cooling sensation from the menthol which actually seems to be infusing my face with healing oils and nutrients instead of drying my skin. And I have to say because the product goes on clear, I have missed fewer spots being able to aim the razor more precisely. Now as I sit here writing this post, with probably the softest and healthiest skin I have had since starting to shave, I can't help but wish I could go back in the cave ignorantly shaving with thick, pore-clogging gels because it would be an easier existence....ignorance is certainly bliss. However, I have entered the light of Meg's Makeup and there is no going back. So here I am pining away enthusiastically over more beard lube from Jack Black.

<CORRECTION> It has been brought to my attention that Jack Black is not affiliated with the actor of the same name. 

So Nick, is this something women should consider for their man's holiday stocking?

No, if a guy likes this than his boyfriend will buy it for him!

Nick!!!

Ha, ha. For sure. It's a great a gift!

 Stacy B here! I'm not sure what I'm more excited about this week, no more annoying election ads or the fact that it SNOWED a little on Wednesday! I heard the forecast for snow and was not all that pleased, it's still fall! And it's early November! Too early for that kind of cold and precipitation! But....then I saw the flakes and instantly I was a little kid again. All I wanted to do was run out of my office and play in it!!

It's like the unofficial start of the holiday season now. Even though it's supposed to be almost 60 again on Saturday...whatever, New England weather keeps me on my toes. But you know what this makes me think of? Sparkly, festive, holiday make up!! Perfect parties, glittery dresses, fancy heels, furry mittens and holiday martinis! Presents and snowflakes and lights!

Someone needs to talk me off the holiday ledge. Or at least get me a spiked hot chocolate and a fancy eye liner.

NYX to the rescue again. I got their Glam Liner Aqua Lux Collection and its' perfect for the next few weeks! No, it didn't come with spiked hot chocolate, but since this product is so easy to apply, I'll have time to make my own.

Normally I hate liquid liners, I just don't have the steady, or artistic, touch. They get all over my face, they are never even, they bleed all over the place, it's always a total failure. But, this is not bad. It's glittery, so the need for precision is not as great as a straight black or deep color. You can be a little imperfect and it's OK.

I was really anxious to try this so I couldn't wait for a holiday party. I threw caution to the wind and wore this to work. I did apply it VERY lightly and smudged it a bit, but I did it. I have a fellow make-up lover who sits about 4 doors down and before she even got all the way in my office, she was gushing over this liner. She loved it and said it was really cute, for day or night!

Meg hair! Isla Fisher showed up on the red carpet with a sophisicated side braid that's on trend for easy holiday hair. I'm not talented with hair. I usually just do the hot rollers while I put my face on and call it a day. Leonor Greyl Creative consultant, Marki Shkrelli brakes Isla's look down in steps easy enough for even me to follow. If I can replicate this look then no doubt you can to! Here are Shkreli's tips...

To Achieve Isla Fischer's hair I would start by:

- Shampooing her hair with  Creme Moelle De Bambou and follow with Masque Fleurs de Jasmin conditioner

- Apply  Lait Luminescence which is a detangling milk spray and comb her hair using a Mason Pearson detangling brush.

- Apply Mousse au Lotus Volumatrice and Structure Spray Naturelle to give the hair hold and shape for the style.

- Dry hair so that 80% of moisture is gone.

- Use medium size round brush and give the hair a volumous blow out.

- Curl the hair with a 1.25 inch curling iron to give it form.

- Comb hair out with brush and follow by combing hair with your fingers.

Hi! My name is Meg and I decided that I wanted to show as much love to my readers as they show to me. I wanted to use my "power and influence" (take that stuff with a grain of salt...Or 5) 

I am a bit at the mercy of the makeup companies and I don't want you to think I'm over here cashing in my Paypal and then eating bon bons. The hard truth is, makeup blogging doesn't pay all that well (shocker.) So I have other jobs I have to do to, you know, survive.

I really love my life. I'm totally not bitching. It's a great existence. However, shit piles up (I'm so not calling or referring to you as shit-by the way.) Then it gets over-whelming and I wait for boxes of lipgloss and when they don't show up have melt downs. Which is beyond ridiculous when I could replace FEMA with "Lip Gloss" and I'm still freaking out.

Times are a' changing. You don't know, between "flash sales" and "membership samples" (hi Birchbox) It's harder for me to get great full size product to you. But I will. Because I am Meg and I will weild my "power and influence" (try not to giggle when you read that.) To my faithful readers and I will reward you. I will reward you as you are fit to be rewarded! I WILL NEVER SEND YOU A STUPID PACKET YOU HAVE TO CUT WITH SCISSORS. I would hate that. I imagine, you would as well.

I spent the last two days cleaning my cabinets and alternating between reading member profiles, writing and packing. I did both with love and here is where I get emotional and stupid (maybe from all the manual labor, maybe from packing envelopes. Maybe from 4 glasses of wine.)

Ladies, Seriously. THANK YOU, I mean it so much! Some of you have been reading me since 2009! THANK YOU! You're comments are hysterical. I appreciate them so much. Sometimes, we can feel very "alone" in this crazy world but I have never felt judged or negative from you. Thank you for that. You know how rare that is when you open yourself up on the internet? I have the most fantastic women supporter's that exist.

But this is not A ONE WAY STREET! You all know how to reach me and if I can help YOU in any way...Send a message!

Stacy B here! Happy Halloween! A little late, but I'm still feeling festive. My pumpkins are still out (well, aside from the one that was smashed by some annoying teenagers) and my fall decor is out and ready for it's Thanksgiving transition. I'm also still gorging on candy that my 3-year-old collected by running from house to house announing that his name was Kyle, not Mickey Mouse, he was just DRESSED as Mickey! Lucky for me, he's not into candy all that much so I'm claiming it.

I also wanted to take a quick moment to send thoughts to all those effected by Hurricane Sandy. NYC and NJ, Boston stands with you (even if you are a Yankee fan!) We got just the tail end of the storm and it still knocked out power and trees, I can't imaging the strength of the winds and waters in those areas. I hope for the best for you and your families. If I lived closer I'd offer my home for showers and cell phone chargers but I'm a little far away!

Now that the weathers have calmed, Halloween is over and November is here, it's time for the holidays to really begin! Although, I am totally against Christmas music until after Thanksgiving, we can't forget about that little holiday! Even as we look forward to the holidays, the parties, the outfits, the drinks (candy cane martini anyone?) and the New Year's bashes, we have to remember that there is still some fall left and we should celebrate it!

I have a new fall obsession in my make-up arsenal. The NYX Crimson Amulate Dark Shadows Palette. This is inspired by the movie "Dark Shadows' which came out in May. A terrible time for a dark, spooky movie to come out if you ask me. I think it was a PR mistake to not promote this for fall, considering the fall inspired make-up the film used.

I LOVE this thing. This book of make-up has been my best new toy this week. It's packed full of over 30 eye shadows, 6 blushes, a liquid liner, an eye shadow primer, and a brow highligher. All in one little booklet. With a mirror! The colors are perfect for fall, lots of dark, shimmery greens, plumbs and greys. And the lighter, highlighing colors are the perfect compliment. There are endless combinations of looks in this one little case. All I can think of is that I wished I had this a month ago when I traveled for a wedding. Talk about light packing, I could have brought this, my favorite concealer and lip gloss and been set for the week!

You can do a dark smokey eye, a light, purple-y, fun, shadow mix or a perfectly fall neutral look. It even comes with three looks from the movie with step by step instructions on how to achieve them. As I've noticed from many drugstore brands, check your pigment before you slap it on. I found, as I usually do, that some colors are very true and very pigmented, and some are deceivingly light or translucent. Mess up the back of your hand before you mess up your eye, trust me.

The shadow primer really works, blends in quickly and is surprisingly smooth without being oily. I've never been on to prime my lids (totally lazy) but this may have changed my mind. I found that the shadow stayed on much longer with the primer. I didn't prime yesterday, and by the end of the day, my lids were practically bare. But, with the primer, I got almost 12 hour coverage.

AAAARGH! I'm really sorry ladies. I was going to be back Monday AM and my flight was canceled. I had no power or anything. I was trapped in NYC. I just walked in the door. I have boxes to open and packs to mail. I apologize for the weeks hold up on mailings. Just when I thought I was ahead of the game with everyone I emailed.

I'm totally stressing out over this but my roomates said they will help me sort this week!!

I know this is annoying but I swear I am doing my very best and the packs will be great!!

I liked SANDY better when she was wearing a catsuit and becoming naughty at Rydell High.

Please stick with me here.

I've been trying to get home all week.

Stacy B here! Everyone talks about how much they love fall, the pumpkin flavored everything, the leaves, crisp, cool temperatures, hot chocolate, sweathers and boots...but no one cares to mention the colds and flues that are lurking just around the corner. With all that cool air comes recycled heat in offices, airplanes, schools, banks, grocery stores, and they will get you. Flu shot or not, you are going to get a cold in the next few months no matter how hard you try to avoid it. Hopefully you're healthy and careful and your cold is just a minor 3-day annoyance, not a full blown, week-long attack on your immune system.

Either way, nothing ruins your make up like a stuffy, red, sore nose, watery eyes with bags the size of carry-ons under them. And who wants to put on make up and go out when you feel like your head is going to explode and you have an economy sized box of tissues in your bag?

Luckily, pro-active prevention and precaution can keep you looking your best. My review this week is not exactly a make up item, but it will help you avoid those things that make your make up null and void. I think I've talked about before, I believe that the best way to get your skin to look its best isn't a ton of product to cover it up, but a few select products on skin that's hydrated by drinking lots of water, glowing by eating the right foods, and fresh from a good night's sleep. Granted, we can't always eat and sleep as well as we should and that's where those extra products come in. But, if you take care of yourself from the inside out as best you can, your make up will only enhance your natural beauty. Which I know you all have!!

So, there's my highly qualified medical lesson. (disclaimer...I'm a training specialist for a software company, please take my 'medical' advice with a grain of salt! But not too much salt...it bloats you.) Drink water, eat your veggies, get some sleep and when you feel a cold coming on. Try this product. It's amazing.

I have been using, along with my husband, 3-year-old and 6-month-old, Ocean Premium Saline Nasal Spray. Any time we feel a little stuffiness, or some congestion, we get two squirts up the nose. It's really gross and creeps me out, but I do it because it WORKS. It tastes a little like you swallowed some salt water, but it clears you out.

It's late October and aside from some mild sniffles last week when the weather really turned, we are all cold free. Which is amazing considering between the four of us in the last month, we've been on 4 airplanes, in 3 hotels, in a doctor's office, in a new preschool with 15 other germ-y kids, at day care with 4 new germ-y babies, at an outdoor wedding in 48 degree weather, to 3 kid-birthday parties, in 2 offices that have switched from AC to heat and to one very wild and crazy bachelorette party. Not to mention the contact with people in every day situations like the grocery store, the mall, Dunkin' Donuts, etc.