The glowing Laura Lee from Scott Barnes sent us some of their hydrating masks to test. I am wearing one as I type this post. I think this idea is genius. Masks are usually so time consuming. As they dry you feel your skin tighten up and they are a pain to scrub off. I get that stuff in my hairline, up my nose and behind my ears.

I have never seen anything like this product! Picture a cloth make-up remover, but if it had eyes, nose and mouth. It's like a moist towlette. This product is way better then make-up remover though so forget that reference. It's just hard to explain.

All you have to do is place the hydrating mask to your clean skin and leave it on for 15 minutes. Then you just pull it off your face and massage the remaining hydrating essence into your skin. I haven't done that last part yet. I think it's because I don't want to take this facial mask off. Whatever blended essences were used on this hydrating mask, they are heavenly. I'm having my own little spa experience as I type this.

Laura Lee also gave me a little gossip, she told me that Scott Barnes will not apply any of his clients make-up unless he uses this on them beforehand. As one of the most famous make-up artists in the world, Scott has put this same hydration mask on Jenifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Julianne Moore and Kate Hudson. Those are just a few. Scott Barnes is a serious A-List must have.

O.K., I have to go take this off and see if I'm all hydrated and able to apply my makeup easier.

Here is what Scott Barnes has to say about his hydrating mask "This is a must have product in Scott’s kit! All his models receive this revitalizing facial treatment prior to makeup. Beautiful skin requires a dedicated skin care regime. Cosmetics alone are not enough. See and feel the difference of radiant skin with an easy facial mask for all skin types".

"Use before a special occasion for increased beauty and in a weekly skin care regime. Tear open a sachet, unfold cloth mask, lay on face, positioning cut outs and wear for 15 minutes. The essence contains soothing, moisturizing and brightening ingredients. Your skin soaks in the facial softening essence while adding moisture and glow. Toss used mask away and apply moisturizer and makeup, if desired. Makeup wears more evenly without fading. Facial skin looks glossy and revived"

I'm serious, I'm getting up in 5 minutes to take this off! If you have any holiday parties to go to I would suggest this experience so far.

Ladies please post if your hydrating masks make you feel A or D list!

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Scott Barnes Hydrating Mask

The fresh and natural reps for Juice Beauty sent us some of their Green Apple Antioxidant Moisturizer. I was very excited to try this line as I have been eyeing it forever. The only thing holding me back? Right there on the bottle it says "The ORGANIC Solution".

I, (like you don't know this already, you read the blog) am a total weirdo. "Organic" generally scares me. When it comes to eating produce I'd rather swallow poisonous levels of insecticide then risk buying organic and biting into a worm. It also brings to mind Northern Californians wearing Birkenstocks and smelling like a homemade patchouli oil (excuse me but my skin is starting to itch).

However, after using the EXTEMELY natural Suki lemongrass scrub, I started to think, "hmm maybe there's something to this organic thing".

Now I'm intrigued. Do the Juice Beauty ladies grow their own apples, peel them and smash them into a puree? What will happen to me if I eat this moisturizer? I'm probably over thinking this.

My real thought is does all natural really work? Can we leave out the chemicals and still get great results? If yes, then what's up with all the chemicals?

Here's what Juice Beauty claims..."This nutrient-rich moisturizer combines a brightening complex of organic apple, lemon and grape juices, nutrient-rich essential fatty acids, and age-defying alpha lipoic acid, co-enzyme Q10, vitamin C, peptides and DMAE to replenish, nourish and firm aging skin morning and night".

Ladies please post if one treatment of Juice Beauty Green Apple Antioxidant Moisturizer keeps the *Dr. Away!
Dr. as in Plastic Surgeon

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Juice Beauty Green Apple Antioxidant Moisturizer

The pure and natural reps from Suki sent us some of their Lemongrass Exfoliating Cleanser to test out. This company is hard-core natural and organic. The creator, Suki Kramer, was (sounds like me actually) obsessed with high-end beauty products but she had uber sensitive skin. I feel your pain Suki!
She started her own line and she healed up her skin problems with her natural remedies.

I have sensitive skin, unlike Suki, I was not creative enough to start my own line of products. I do search for something that will cleanse out my pores with-out leaving a rash on my chin and nose though-we have that in common.

It's really unfair. Sometimes I'll find a fantastic shampoo that makes my hair look like a million (o.k. a hundred) bucks only to leave an outbreak on my face!

Suki claims of her Lemongrass Cleanser "the key ingredient for clear, healthy skin. our gentle exfoliate increases cell turnover & unlike damaging glycolics, utilizes natural, safe aha's & bha's, awakening a fresh, new layer of skin safely & gently. clears & evens skin tone. this product is vegan".

Ladies please post if the Lemongrass Cleanser is the answer for sensitive skin looking for a deep cleaning !

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Suki Exfoliating Lemongrass Cleanser

The Ultra-Chic rep Mio, from Awake Cosmetics (Awake Cosmetics, as sold in fancy dance Neiman's, Bergdorf's, and of course dahling Bendels) sent us some of their Hydro Manage Makeup.

I'm not worried about having enough money for retirement. I'm not worried about not being able to afford a vacation home or visiting exotic lands. I am totally stressing about the expenses related to aging. I love every store I mentioned above. I look like those orphans in movie scenes that are staring through restaurant windows watching people eat. I feel like those darn orphans. Only I'm at a red light in my car on Wilshire Boulevard staring at Barney's window displays.

What if Awake is the only product that works for me? I have no business being in those stores. If I didn't have this blog, where would I have ever heard about them? I can afford $33 for the Awake foundation. It's the $2,500 Lucien Pellat-Finet sweater in the display window that scares me off. I can't be alone in my fear. That is why I am making a vow, right now, to all meg's make-up readers. I PROMISE TO TAKE THE FEAR OUT OF THE RIDICULOUSLY HIGH-END DEPARTMENT STORE!!

I promise to not make you feel stressed out walking through the shiny brass doors. I will not make you feel like a have-not because Jean Paul Gaultier's military jacket is not in your closet. I WILL PUSH PAST THOSE DISPLAYS. I will see what boutique cosmetic brands lurk beyond. I will bring them to you.

I have never felt so Joan of Ark in my entire life. I have been sent my higher calling. Someone send me a horse.
Awake Cosmetics claims that their Hydro-Manage Makeup..."AWAKE’s signature water-based foundation that provides a hydrating medium coverage. It offers the ease of a compact foundation with a lightweight coverage that feels like second skin. The unique formula is packaged in an airtight compact to preserve its high water content and refreshing touch. Skin Type: All skin types!

Features & Benefits:

Water-based formula that provides skin with optimal moisture levels
Formulated with Rosehip oil, Jujube extract and Vitamin E for skincare benefits
Long-lasting coverage with a light reflective finish for a glowing complexion.

Ladies please post if Awake Cosmetics was impressive enough for you to push past the Chloe !

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AWAKE Hydro-Manage Makeup

The luxurious Libby from Ole Henriksen sent Meg's Make-Up two different types of their brand-new sun protection cream. Some of the creams main ingredients were Chamomile-for oily skin. Some were Green Tea-for dry skin. We are going to start by reviewing the Chamomile.

At Meg's Make-Up we get sent so many different lines. A lot of the time there will be a few stand-out products but the rest are just kind of average. We have never had anyone send us so many previous hits as Ole Henriksen. The reviewers have ALWAYS been almost unanimously, overwhelmingly positive.
The testers always ask me when we are getting something new from Ole to try. It's not like our reviewer's are the only ones that go ga-ga over his work.

Ole and his talented staff work their “magic” on some of the world’s most famous faces; from Naomi Campbell, to Renée Zellweger, Christy Turlington, Ralph Fiennes, Leonardo di Caprio, Kylie Minogue, Alanis Morissette, Cher, Charlize Theron, Mark Wahlberg, Eminem, Matthew McConaughey and Julia Stiles to name a few. So, it seems like we are in pretty good company. Also, here's a bit of gossip. When I was speaking to one of the awesome girls at Ole, her phone rang. On the other end was "Desperate Housewives", they wanted Ole to send baskets of his products over to the show for the ladies.

I can't recommend the other products enough from Ole Henriksen. They are amazing. The only thing that bummed me out over my favorite Ole Henriksen
Truth Serum and Sheer Transformation Crème is there is no sunscreen in either product. I always wanted the luxury of an Ole product with the protection of an SPF.

My prayers were answered when the sun-light protection crème showed up SPF 30! And lush ingredients in there to boot. Here's what Ole Henriksen claims about his Sun-Light Protection Crème SPF 30.."A light textured formula that helps minimize sun damage & environmental pollutants. Contains chamomile & algae extract, plus sodium hyaluronate proper use may reduce the chance of premature aging of the skin & skin cancer. paraben-free"!

Ladies Please Post if Ole has another winner or if it was just average?

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Ole Henriksen Sun Light Protection Creme with Chamomile SPF 30

The fantastic PR rep for ModelCo sent us out some FlUIDSPLASH 3 in 1 Foundation! The tube is pretty brilliant. The cap has a flip-top on it, when you flip the cap top, there’s a creamy eye base and concealer. Once you actually screw the cap off you have the main tube full of a squeeze-out oil free foundation.

Foundation is so important to get right. I'd rather have a blemish right there out in the open if the choice was do that or have a foundation line under my chin and around the ears. It doesn't matter how well you blend. If it's the wrong shade there is just nothing to do but trash it.

ModelCo comes from the land down under so that gives me hope it’s a great product. I don't know if all Aussies are gorgeous but all the ones I've met are. They have that really natural beauty that takes most women an hour in front of the mirror to pull off. Why is it the more natural I want my look to be the more time I have to spend primping then when I want to actually look made up?

Here is what ModelCo claims.."This innovative formula contains over 50 percent water to cool and soothe the skin as it maintains the skin's natural moisture level with a deeply moisturizing, hydrating complex. Antioxidant vitamins C and E and sun filters nourish and protect the skin all day.

Flip the lid to reveal the eye base and concealer, a lightweight cream that masks imperfections with a skin-loving combination of vitamin E and aloe Vera. It glides on effortlessly and stays put.

Ladies please post if ModelCo 3 in 1 Foundation made you comfortable enough to apply a little lip gloss and go out "natural".

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ModelCo FluidSplash 3 in 1 Foundation

Fergus you are so awesome! When I received a box from Besame Cosmetics and opened it up to see several boxes of the Besame Luxurious Trio inside I had a perma-grin for the rest of the day. Then I started whistling and skipping down the street.

When I took the trio's out to mail them out to the lucky testers I noticed some labeled "cool" while others were "warm", so I knew what color tones were inside. That made it even better so I knew which boxes to send the brunettes, blondes and redheads.
Each box contains a lipstick, rouge and BEAUTIFUL dusting powder. On the Besame website www.besamecosmetics.com you can completely customize these packages with your choice of colors. How awesome is that?!
So many times I get a "Trio" and only one of the items will work for me. It's like my Chanel lip gloss compact. There are 14 different glosses in it. You know what? I only use one or two of the colors at the most. So, really smart to have a customize option Besame!
The packaging is still romantic and beautiful but how did the products deliver? Here's what Besame Claims..."This classic combination gift set includes an Enchanting Lipstick, Feather Light Dusting Powder and Boudoir Rouge in an exquisite, classic collectable box. Choose from our Warm Hues or Cool Shades collections. Custom sets available through web orders only".
Ladies please post if you found this trio "luxurious" or just ho-hum.

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Besame Luxurious Trio Set

The skin on Boscia's Jessica is so perfect she had to send us her secret! Boscia California Orange Blotting Linens arrived on our doorstep with the promise of clear complexion for days ahead!

I'm pretty shameless in describing my beauty routines so here goes. When I am in those lovely, slick, PMS skin days I try to head off the blemishes by taking extra strength Oxy and slathering it on my forehead, nose bridge and nose tip and chin. It is slippery, glistening, a snow, thick white, pasty if you will. That's how I'd describe this medicine while I apply it's process in the bathroom mirror. I almost think I over applied,
I didn't over apply. I look in the same bathroom mirror at the commercial break and IT'S GONE!! I swear, it has disappeared! Sure, I'm left with a flakey remnant but what happened to all my oil soaking medication?

I just remind myself that it's in their fighting, soaking and placating the oil, bacteria and shiny germs. How did this happen to me? Why do I have a field of fungi growing on my face? Sure the germ glue has shut it up for now, but what about when it attacks!!

What about when it attacks at a place I can't pour Oxy on? What if I need a quick, quiet place to conveniently put my shine to sleep?

Here's what Boscia Blotting Linens claims. Instantly blot away excess oil and perspiration without disturbing your makeup. Hint: Let your personality shine, not your skin! Tip: Perfect for lipstick blotting too. Made from finely-woven leaf fibers of the exotic Abaca Tree Plant and infused with the energizing essence of fresh California Orange to enliven your complexion. Slim package fits perfectly in your pocket, handbag or desk drawer.

Ladies please post if the only shine you sported was that of your glowing personality and not of your T-Zone.

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Bocsia California Orange Blotting Linens

The glamorous Jelly Pong Pong marketing geniuses sent us some of their OMNIBRONZE to review. We really get the coolest products to test. This bronzer comes in the coolest copper leather pouch. As if that weren't enough, it also comes equipt with its own brush and compact style mirror. So purse and travel friendly.

Jelly Pong Pong also claims this is a "UNIVERSAL BRONZER". This statement is really going to be put to the test. We sent it out to all different skin tones so I'll be curious to see if everyone agrees it flatters their complexion.

If everyone can agree that this is the holy grail of bronzers-I'll be in shock. I don't know if you can get 10 women to agree on anything (other then George Clooney, Christian Louboutin heels and Chanel).

Jelly Pong Pong claims..."The formula contains no shimmer, so your bronze looks & feels real. Packaged in a chic, hot-cognac compact with faux-leather pouch. Bonus : Comes in a Universal shade to compliment all skin tones. This is THE bronzer which will make you look like you've just stepped off a yacht in St. Barts, bold and glorious in sun-touched skin.

**Brush Included**

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Omnibronze

The magnificent PR Reps for Magic Of Aloe sent us their Proto-Collagen moisturizer. It claims to be a nutritional Aloe based collagen moisturizer that will provide a flawless finish to your complexion. May be used with or without foundation.

I have been taught that you need to look for long, confusing ingredients for face creams to work. Scientific ingredient names like Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Copper Pesticides, Hyaluronic Acid and N6-furfuryladenine. Names that you're a little afraid to pronounce in company. Names that could be found in a dirty bomb. If it's strong enough to nuke L.A. it must be strong enough to blast these fine lines from my face! Nature be damned!

Imagine my surprise getting a bottle of face cream called "Magic Of Aloe".

I am always suspect of a bottle who has ingredients I can easily say and have heard of before. This company doesn't even claim the aloe is from a remote land, untouched by man, bred from the rarest Aloe plant. It just says "Aloe".

Ladies, are we really back to basics? What about the acids? If this whole "keep it simple" approach does the job then there's a greenhouse I need to be buying soon. Please post if the aloe in this bottle was a true abracadabra!!

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Proto-Collagen Moisturizer