As a beauty expert, I receive products from various beauty and skin care companies that are seeking my seal of approval for their newest launches. Many of these products are great for every budget, and I felt that this was an excellent opportunity to share my product reviews.
In the spirit of this initiative, I have created my very own curl rating system as a guide to some of the best products on the market. Each product is reviewed and rated on a scale of 1 to 5; with 5 curls being the best rating.
These reviews are my objective opinion, and I am open to hear your thoughts and experiences with any of the products I review.
CLARINS SELF TANNING INSTANT GEL: This is one of my best kept secrets for keeping a healthy, sun-kissed glow all year round. The formula is a refreshing, non-oily gel that provides an instant, natural-looking tan. It is great for your legs and doesn’t distort your natural color or turn your skin orange like other simular products. Best of all, you don’t have to wait for the product to dry before dressing and it helps prevent signs of premature skin aging.
Accolades:
2007: ‘Allure’ Beauty Awards, ‘Glamour’ Glammy Beauty Awards
2006: ‘Allure’ Beauty Awards, ‘Sephora’ Beauty Awards
2005: ‘Allure’ Reader’s Choice Beauty Awards, ‘In Style’ Best Beauty Buy
DICKINSON’S WITCH HAZEL: This 100% natural formula utilizes witch hazel extracts to cleanse and condition the skin. You can dilute it with water and use it as a facial toner or to gently remove the last traces of makeup, soap residue, or excess oil.
Secret Beauty Tip: Use this under the arm prior to using deodorant for lasting freshness.
COPPERTONE OIL FREE SPF 30 WATERPROOF SUNBLOCK: I recommend this product to all of my beachgoers. It’s great for oily skin and doesn’t clog your pores.
Secret Beauty Tip: Use this under your make up for UVA/UVB protection.
Did you Know… UVA rays may penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to premature skin aging and skin cancer.
DR. HAUSCHKA BODY SILK: I recommend this product as an absolute must have to anyone with oily skin. I love this powder! The all natural, silky-smooth formula is great for absorbing moisture and excess oil; leaving your skin feeling luxurious all day. You can use it all over or as a face powder for the perfect translucent finish, and it is gentle enough that it will not irritate the skin.
Secret Beauty Tip: Body Silk can be used in the hair as a dry shampoo with gentle brushing to follow.
December 5th, 2008 at 9:06 am
I listen when I can and heard you talking about the best UNDER EYE COVER that you’ve used for years. I am currently using the Balm which is good but drying. I use Bare Minerals make up which a love. What is the brand of under eye cover up please. Thanks so much. Its always a pleasure to listen to you on Sirius.
Estelle
December 6th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Hi Estelle,
I’m glad to hear that you tune into my radio show when you can. I absolutely love Lancome’s Effacernes Waterproof Undereye Concealer. I’ve been using it for years, and it doesn’t crease or fade like other concealers. I’m interested to hear how it works for you.
Eva
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:32 pm
I heard you talking about Johnson and Johnson Cocoa and Shea Butter gel, but all I can find is the lotion. Is the gel only available in larger markets?
Thanks, Marty
March 3rd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Hi Marty,
The product that I mentioned was Johnson’s Baby Oil Gel with Shea and Cocoa Butter. I love it because it’s extremely moisturizing. You can find it at WalMart, Target and Drugstore.com. I hope that this was helpful, and please let me know what you think of the Baby Oil Gel.
Eva
March 29th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Hi Eva, my husband and I got married about 3 years ago, and to give you a little background he is an accountant and constantly has me on a budget.- ugh! I have just recently starting running out of all of my skincare products and makeup and I am looking for a change for my skin. I would like to try to start to get on a routine because I’m starting to notice alot more wrinkles than ever and it freaks me out. I’m ready to make an investment in my skin, because I know it is so important, but I’m getting confused with all the different products out there. Is it possible to make an appointment with you, to suggest skincare products and a new makeup line that matches my skin color. Have a great day!
April 2nd, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Hi Shannon,
Thank you for your email. Yes you can definitely come in for a consultation with me to discuss your skin care questions and concerns. The best way to schedule an appointment is to call the salon at 212.677.7315, x4 to book an appointment for a consultation. I hope to see you soon!
Best,
Eva
November 4th, 2009 at 11:11 am
I tried the Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Undereye Concealer as you suggested and it is a great product. I thought a little pricy for the small tube but now its November 2009 and I’ve been using this tube for almost a year, so its well worth the cost. Thanks. Estelle.
November 7th, 2009 at 5:43 am
My hair is a very light ash blonde with some gray/white. I usually have a partial foil done about 3 or 4 times a year. I would like to use highlift color because my hair is fine and I don’t like what bleach does to my texture and condition. My hairdresser uses bleach with 10 volume with no heat for 30 minutes. She says that highlift color is just as damaging because she would have to use 40 volume. Is this true?
November 14th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Mia,
I’m writing on behalf of Eva. She says that your colorist makes a good point. Everyone reacts to color differently. You may try alternating between a high-lift color and bleach to see which you like better. Bleach results in a lighter, brighter blond, while high-lift color tends to create more natural, beige blondes. Hope this helps!
Best Wishes,
Kerstin
November 16th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
can you recommend the very best cuticle cream, remover, softener please. Thanks
November 17th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
The Lippmann Collection is a fabulous line for nail and cuticle care.
Best Wishes
November 18th, 2009 at 7:22 am
Thank you. I always love Martha’s haircolor and I believe I have about the same base color. Can you tell me if you use bleach or high-lift color to achieve that result?
November 18th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Hi Mia,
To achieve Martha’s look, I highlight her hair using a bleach and a clear glaze by Diacolor.
Best,
Eva
November 19th, 2009 at 5:10 am
Thank you. Maybe the glaze is the missing link for me in terms of shine. I always feel like bleached hair looks a little overworked and dehydrated. In your experience do you think the glaze would benefit fine hair? I am always concerned about weighing my hair down.
November 20th, 2009 at 5:17 am
Just one more question. In your opinion what is the best way to care for fine highlighted hair? I am currently using Kerastase age-recharge mask and shampoo. I use the mask as a conditioner after each shampoo. My hair is in fairly good condidtion, but it can feel a litte heavy.
November 21st, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Mia,
Glazes add shine and seal the ends of the hair, so this could definitely be an option for you. To truly get to the source of your dehydration, rethink your daily routine. Do regular in-salon treatments like Kerastase’s Vita Ciment and use the at-home compliment to maintain the treatments. You should switch to Kerastase’s Bain de Force Shampoo and Ciment Anti-Usure Conditioner. This conditioner is lighter than what you are using and is still rich in protein.
Hope this helps!
Best Wishes,
Eva
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:40 am
Thanks Eva. I will make the switch. I have learned so much from your radio show as well as your appearances on “Martha”. You give us hope
Eventually I may even get it together!
December 15th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Hi Eva, I just wanted to give you some feedback–I love your program. One week a couple of months back you recommended to a caller that she try drinking vegetable juice in the afternoon for energy. I tried it and you’re right–it makes you feel fantastic. Thanks for the healthy hint. You’re the best!
December 24th, 2009 at 4:21 am
Thanks Eva for you great show. This week you mentioned your friend’s salon in Farmington, MI and I was unable to write it down. I live in MI and would like to seek her out. Can you offer the information again. Thank you.
December 29th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Tracy,
I was talking about Lynn Blanchard at Lance Vincent Salon in West Bloomfield, MI. She is excellent.
Best Wishes,
Eva
March 10th, 2010 at 8:14 am
Hi Eva,
Caught your show on sirius yesterday and thought maybe you could tell me the answer to this question. I have been using NutriMinC RE9 Day Crème with SPF 8 and Eye cream by Arbonne for about 3 years now - I am 28 but am trying to take care of my skin while I am young. Together these items will cost about $80. Is there a different or better product you would recommend within that price range?
March 10th, 2010 at 8:15 am
Thanks for any help you can provide!!
-Kate
March 11th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
Help Eva,
I have yet to find a good colorist or cut near my home. Do you or your associates know anyone good near Charlotte or even Raleigh? Thanks a million.
March 22nd, 2010 at 11:36 am
Hi Eva,
I am 27 years old and have very oily skin. It actually dries out pretty easily since I am on dermatologist prescribed topical creams for acne. I put my foundation on and it looks beautiful, but within an hour, my face is completely shiny, slick, and the foundation is blotchy looking. This even happens when I use a loose powder over my foundation. Do you have any brand suggestions for foundations (which I do need to use because of old acne scars). I also have super sensitive skin.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!!!!!
April 12th, 2010 at 6:14 am
You spoke about some nail treatments regarding brittle weak nails that do not grow.
Can you tell me here again I heard it on the radio months ago and never wrote it down.
Thank you,
Genay
April 13th, 2010 at 2:58 am
Hello Genay,
The product that I mentioned was Hair, Skin, and Nails Dailyfoods by Megafoods. This is a wonderful supplement to take that will not only improve your nails, but your hair and skin as well. We carry Megafoods at my salon and would be happy to mail it to you. Just give us a call at 212.677.7315.
Brittle nails can also be a sign of a mineral deficiency so I would also recommend a multivitamin.
Best wishes,
Eva
April 29th, 2010 at 3:52 am
Eva:
I love hearing you on Martha Stewart Radio.
Have you heard about the new soak off nails? I am thinking of trying Axxium by OPI. Apparently the gel is like nail polish except it is cured betwen coats under a UV light. The benefit is that the manicure lasts longer but there is not drilling so your natural nail is not damaged. I value your opinion. What do you think of this product?
May 21st, 2010 at 6:00 am
Hi Ellen,
I haven’t had them done myself, but I spoke to a a stylist here who uses the soak off nails. She said the manicure does last longer, and her nails feel strong while its on, but there is some damage to her nails. It’s not as harmful as acrylic nails, but the damage is definitely something to take into consideration if you’re going to have this done. I hope this helps!
Best wishes,
Eva
June 25th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Hi Eva,
Could you please recommend an affordable good liquid eyeliner. Now that summer is here, my regular eye pencil that I use just melts on my eyelids ~ not very pretty. I don’t want to look like Baby Jane!
Thanks ~ Lisa
June 29th, 2010 at 5:12 am
Hi Lisa,
I have two long-wearing liquid eyeliners that I use in the summer months. One is Make-Up Forever’s waterproof liquid eyeliner, available through Sephora. This product is great at staying put, even on the hottest days. If you’re looking for more color options, I also really like Bobbi Brown’s waterproof gel liner. It’s a gel formula, but gives you the look of liquid liner and comes in 17 shades.
I hope these work for you!
Best wishes,
Eva