Wednesday, 09 May 2012 | Author: Catherine Horgan | 
What a mix! Workout gear, lip balm and hand towels — and then some. Enjoy our April reviews.
lululemon: Run: Wild 1/2 Zip
Let me start by saying — love! This lightweight running layer is awesome. It certainly came in handy during early spring when the temps dipped. It's nice and long and doesn't ride up when running (thank you). The side pockets rock. I cannot tell you how much I have stuffed into them during a run. And the mesh venting is genius. You can also wear this over your yoga or Pure Barre workout attire. The neon piping is super fun, too!
Scents & Feel: Fouta Hand Towels
As much as I was excited to add new hand towels to my bathrooms, these have been a bit difficult to manage. I bought two coral ones, one black with tiny white stripes and the other white with two black stripes. Interestingly enough, the solid color towels have been a pain! They are proving to only be ideal for show versus use (not absorbent, no matter how many washes). The biggest issue I have with them is after each wash, I have to rebraid almost every strand to get it looking somewhat decent. The two other striped towels have not given me a single issue, and they look as good as new. Why can't there be consistency among the variations?
ILIA: Sheer lipstick in Arabian Knights and Bang Bang
I was recently introduced to this ethical-sustainable line — up to 85% certified organic bio-active botanicals. Not only do I love the sleek packaging of this lipstick, but I am totally digging the sheer color than deepens with each swipe. Arabian Knights mixes deep tones of violet and burgundy. Bang Bang is a light berry color. You can choose your intensity based on how you apply it, which is the best part. It truly can go from day to evening. And it soothes and conditions lips. For the neutral lip gal, this is the perfect stepping stone, as the color is sheer and completely controllable.
Twisted Silver: Queen ring, Pixie bracelet
This cameo ring is truly unique. For one, it's huge (so fun). It definitely gets the attention of others. And it also dresses up or down with ease. And the Pixie bracelet is such an easy piece to wear alone or layered with other bracelets. I am obsessed with the links in this chain. So cool!
Murad: Energizing Pomegranate Cleanser, Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer SPF 15
I’m a push-over for a foam cleanser. I like the lightness and foaming action in the shower in the morning. So I was excited to try this new cleanser by Murad. The pomegranate smell is subtle and refreshing. It’s a cleanser and toner in one, stimulating healthy cell function. I love how it makes my skin feel. I found it to be gentle, non-irritating and cleanses without drying the skin. And the lightweight, oil-free moisturizer delivers all-day moisture and broad spectrum SPF 15 protection (though I’d still wear a bit more sunscreen). Zinc and copper condition and balance to leave skin silky smooth. It's perfect for warmer temps when light moisture is all that’s needed. It absorbs right away and gives my skin a healthy glow. Make-up is easy to apply over top and does not leave my face oily.
Talullah Cosmetics: Punk Rock Pink lip gloss*
I know what you're thinking — that's a crazy bright color! But it's not. This lip gloss is the perfect mix of purple and pink in a sheer, yet generous formula. The shine and staying power are phenomenal. It's a must for summer!
Rodin Olio Lusso: Lip Balm*
This luxurious hydrating lip balm hosts a ton of fabulous ingredients, such as a blend of jasmine, orange flower oil, shea butter, beeswax and castor seed oil. The packaging is gorgeous — a modern-style lucite compact that fits easily into your purse, pocket or lululemon zip pocket. It layers beautifully over lipstick, too.
The team of testers were not paid to review these products. However, most of the products listed above were supplied as samples for review purposes.
lululemon: Run: Wild 1/2 ZipLet me start by saying — love! This lightweight running layer is awesome. It certainly came in handy during early spring when the temps dipped. It's nice and long and doesn't ride up when running (thank you). The side pockets rock. I cannot tell you how much I have stuffed into them during a run. And the mesh venting is genius. You can also wear this over your yoga or Pure Barre workout attire. The neon piping is super fun, too!
Scents & Feel: Fouta Hand TowelsAs much as I was excited to add new hand towels to my bathrooms, these have been a bit difficult to manage. I bought two coral ones, one black with tiny white stripes and the other white with two black stripes. Interestingly enough, the solid color towels have been a pain! They are proving to only be ideal for show versus use (not absorbent, no matter how many washes). The biggest issue I have with them is after each wash, I have to rebraid almost every strand to get it looking somewhat decent. The two other striped towels have not given me a single issue, and they look as good as new. Why can't there be consistency among the variations?
ILIA: Sheer lipstick in Arabian Knights and Bang BangI was recently introduced to this ethical-sustainable line — up to 85% certified organic bio-active botanicals. Not only do I love the sleek packaging of this lipstick, but I am totally digging the sheer color than deepens with each swipe. Arabian Knights mixes deep tones of violet and burgundy. Bang Bang is a light berry color. You can choose your intensity based on how you apply it, which is the best part. It truly can go from day to evening. And it soothes and conditions lips. For the neutral lip gal, this is the perfect stepping stone, as the color is sheer and completely controllable.
Twisted Silver: Queen ring, Pixie braceletThis cameo ring is truly unique. For one, it's huge (so fun). It definitely gets the attention of others. And it also dresses up or down with ease. And the Pixie bracelet is such an easy piece to wear alone or layered with other bracelets. I am obsessed with the links in this chain. So cool!
Murad: Energizing Pomegranate Cleanser, Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer SPF 15 I’m a push-over for a foam cleanser. I like the lightness and foaming action in the shower in the morning. So I was excited to try this new cleanser by Murad. The pomegranate smell is subtle and refreshing. It’s a cleanser and toner in one, stimulating healthy cell function. I love how it makes my skin feel. I found it to be gentle, non-irritating and cleanses without drying the skin. And the lightweight, oil-free moisturizer delivers all-day moisture and broad spectrum SPF 15 protection (though I’d still wear a bit more sunscreen). Zinc and copper condition and balance to leave skin silky smooth. It's perfect for warmer temps when light moisture is all that’s needed. It absorbs right away and gives my skin a healthy glow. Make-up is easy to apply over top and does not leave my face oily.
Talullah Cosmetics: Punk Rock Pink lip gloss*I know what you're thinking — that's a crazy bright color! But it's not. This lip gloss is the perfect mix of purple and pink in a sheer, yet generous formula. The shine and staying power are phenomenal. It's a must for summer!
Rodin Olio Lusso: Lip Balm*This luxurious hydrating lip balm hosts a ton of fabulous ingredients, such as a blend of jasmine, orange flower oil, shea butter, beeswax and castor seed oil. The packaging is gorgeous — a modern-style lucite compact that fits easily into your purse, pocket or lululemon zip pocket. It layers beautifully over lipstick, too.
The team of testers were not paid to review these products. However, most of the products listed above were supplied as samples for review purposes.
*Available at Jeffre Scott in Charlotte and Turner & Scott in Asheville
