Review: Suki Butter Cream Salve

Rarely do I come across a company that offers both excellent, effective products and a clear conscious. There is always that nagging voice that reminds me that something is wrong. That somewhere along the line an animal may have been harmed so that I can have my favorite gloss? Or perhaps the packaging to my moisturizer will sit in some landfill for a ridiculous number of years? These things weigh pretty heavily on my mind so I can honestly say that I was relieved to come across Suki.
Many consumers mean well when they buy makeup and skincare products that claim that they were not tested on animals. It's not their fault that the companies are purposely selective in their wording. When they say that their products are not tested on animals, it very often means that only the finished product did not harm animals. Any of the ingredients used to make the product may still be used in testing. It's important to do some research into the companies that you are purchasing from. I truly believe that it is key to making responsible choices as a consumer.
All of Suki's products are hand made, packaged using vegetable ink and recycled products, and they use ingredients that support small businesses. From using only organic cornstarch peanuts for their shipping to being actively involved in many causes, Suki stands apart from many of the companies that we are accustomed to.
The first thing I did when I twisted off the top to my Suki Butter Cream Salve was put my nose in the jar and inhale. The salve smells fresh, like herbs, and something I can't quite put my finger on. It's not sickeningly sweet or too floral or fruity. It just smells natural. Then I tried to scoop some out. This stuff is solid! I had to use my fingernail to scrape some of the salve out but once you get an area in the jar started it is a bit easier. I actually prefer the solid form now. Too often I have tried to apply lotions and creams and ended up with either far too much or with it all over my clothes.


The Butter Cream Salve lets you get precisely the amount you need. And boy, does this stuff work! I rub a bit between my palms to soften it up and apply it to slightly damp skin (this is how you will get the best use out of it) and my skin is left really, really soft. The kind of soft that doesn't need repeated applications but I find myself re-applying anyway because I love it! Honestly once you apply the salve you can leave it at home because your skin will stay soft all day. Though, chances are you won't want to.


Suki products are available at http://www.sukipure.com/

Review: Beauty Cloth Exfolia Microexfoliation Cloths

I love exfoliators. They make my skin soft, help keep blemishes and dullness away, and, to be honest, are fun to use. Something about scrubbing is rather relaxing. A few months ago a friend told me about a cloth she was using that had replaced her regular exfoliator. I didn't pay much attention at the time, but I was out somewhere and noticed the same beauty cloths on display.
I actually received a package from Exfolia a few weeks ago but I thought that I should wait to post until I had 4 or 5 good uses under my belt. I have used my Beauty Cloth five times so far and I am pleased to report that my skin is softer, clearer, and has a glow that I haven't seen in years. The cloth is very easy to use-just add water and your favorite cleanser and exfoliate the skin for two minutes. Wash the cloth with an anti-bacterial soap and let it dry. When properly cared for, one $9.95 cloth will last you 3-4 months. Exfolia recommends using the cloth twice a week for normal or oily skin and once a week for sensitive skin.
I truly believe that these are an excellent choice for an exfoliating product. The cloth leave you with baby soft skin, the price and longevity of the product can't be beat, and it is great for use on places other than your face like feet and elbows. The only negative that I have to report is that they may be difficult to find in your area, though they are always available for purchase online through retailers like Amazon. I suggest that you visit the Exfolia site to learn more; they have excellent detailed information and pictures illustrating exactly how the cloths work.
For more information and to locate a store near you visit: http://www.beautycloth.com/

An Exfolia Beauty Cloth:



The cloth itself is green and includes detailed information:



A close-up of the cloth's fibers:

Review: Pencil Me In Cosmetic's Eyeliner Pencils

I always enjoy finding small companies with great products. Pencil Me In Cosmetics is one of those companies. Linda Eisner, the company's owner and creator of the liner pencils, sent me six eyeliner pencils in various colors to try out. These pencils are natural, come in 30 shades, and each one includes a sharpener on the lid. Very clever! The pencils are also loaded with anti-oxidants and vitamins and, for $6.99 each, are a great deal. On to the review!

Each pencil has a sharpener built right into the cap.



With the cap on the pencil, simply twist. Easy!



The tip of the pencil cap pops off so that you can dispose of any shavings that are stuck.



Here are swatches of the colors that I received, from Left to Right: Jet Sparks, Greystone, Lapis, One Cent, Liberty Green, and Champagne Sparks. Each shade with "Sparks" in the name is a glitter liner.



After trying these liners out I must say that they are surprisingly pigmented! The color payoff is excellent and there is no tugging or pulling of the skin. The sparkles in the pencils are gorgeous and Jet Sparks is very similar to MAC's Black Tied, which I often use as a liner. Champagne Sparks is excellent as a shimmery color on your lower lash line. One thing you do need to watch for is to make sure you have properly cleaned off the sharpener after you've used it so that you don't get color all over your fingers/makeup bag/etc. We also found that the lettering on the pencils began to disappear after the first use so you may want to jot the names of the colors down if you have a bad memory (like me).



Overall, these pencils are an excellent value, especially for such great pigmentation and color variety. I honestly loved every color that I tried. Linda's site also has color suggestions for customers based on hair color and warm or cool tones.
Pencil Me In Eyeliner Pencils are available at pencilmeincosmetics.com or by calling (516) 524-1358.

Update

Carol here. We at Boxcar Review are pretty excited about things to come. First, a review of Beauty Cloth Exfolia will be coming in the next few weeks. They are said to be for all skin types and you use the cloth with your normal cleanser. After one use you are supposed to feel the benefit of softer skin but we are going to test them for a few weeks to get the full effect so stay tuned for that.

I have also run into a pleasant surprise in the form of Kim Snyder of OverallBeauty.com. I think that companies-both large and small-often forget that customers appreciate when they take the extra steps and deliver a personalized experience. Kim seems to understand this and takes extra care to make her customers' experience exceptional. She is sending along a few of her products for review so I will keep you posted.

I went to my closest MAC counter to check out the Cool Heat and Neo Sci-Fi collections over the weekend. I didn't pick up anything from Cool Heat because I am known for my impulse buys and I wanted to give myself a few days to think about it, but I did pick up a few Neo Sci-Fi things and some shadows. From the Sci-Fi collection I picked up the X-Rocks Sheertone Shimmer Blush though it is rather dark for my complexion and I may end up swapping it out. I also got Magnetic Fields and Evening Aura from the same collection. I also picked up Luna and Pearl Cream Colour Bases from the regular line as well as Brown Script, Sushi Flower, Poison Pen, Swish, Knight Divine, Mylar, and Electric Eel shadows.

Review: Cargo's Reverse Lip Liner

I love lip gloss. The problem is that lip gloss rarely stays put. It ends up all around your mouth and your friends are then left to agonize over whether they should risk telling you or simply giggle at you behind your back.
I was recently at a Sephora store and I came across Cargo's Reverse Liner. Cargo claims that the Reverse Liner is made for lip gloss lovers because it blends in the skin, keeps gloss in place, and does this without feathering. Though I was a bit skeptical I took one home and tested it out.



Step 1. Line just outside the lip line.



Step 2. Blend the color into the skin outside the lips.




Step 3. Apply gloss




I am pleased to say that this clever little pencil actually does work. My gloss stays in place, it is easy to use, and it is small enough that adding it to my bag isn't a burden. Some people use a similar technique using a q-tip and some foundation but the convenience of this pencil-who carries foundation around with them?!-makes it well worth the $14.00.

Find it at: www.cargocosmetics.com and www.sephora.com.