Beauty Product Reviews

Believe it or not, Ke$ha and candles have something in common. Nest has released a collection of three candles, aptly dubbed the After Midnight Collection, that were inspired by the pop rock singer's tune "Take It Off." The candles are separate in both scent and time of night, spanning from One O'Clock to Two O'Clock to, my favorite, Three O'Clock ($34). A scent labeled "Exotic Woods," Three O'Clock has notes of sandalwood, warm amber, frankinscense, and smoldering embers. The candle burns for 50 hours and, when lit, releases a scent that is both heart racing and soothing at the same time. Strike a match and slip into something a little more comfortable . . .

Just thinking about the word "peel" sounds painful, but the new Perricone MD Blue Plasma ($95) not only has a cool futuristic name, but also reinvents the facial peel. This silky blue liquid is an acid-free option that you can use daily to reveal glowing skin without the typical drawbacks, such as the redness and sensitivity you'll often find with a standard peel. The magic lies in an enzyme found in salmon eggs, which only works on dead skin cells.

This means you won't get the redness, irritation, and sensitivity that results from sloughing away layers of healthy skin, but you will get the benefits of removing debris from your pores and banishing lackluster skin. Plus, magnolia bark extracts provide anti-inflammatory benefits, while copper helps to repair your skin and gives the formula its striking blue color. This product is great for all skin types — even the most sensitive — and should be applied daily after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Getting enough sloughing action just got a whole lot easier.

What's the first thing you think of when you hear "hair oil"? If you're thinking argan, you're in the majority — it seems as if lately this amber oil has dominated the hair oil discussion. But argan isn't always enough, and Kérastase's Elixir Ultime ($54) is here to prove that. A potent cocktail of four different oils, this hair serum can be used in a slew of ways: as a preshampoo treatment, a leave-in conditioner, for postblow-dry smoothing, or for a serious dose of shine.

The secret? The four fabulous oils, of course. Maize oil delivers on the shine, while pracaxi oil deep-conditions your strands. Camellia oil smooths out the hair fiber and our old friend argan acts as a barrier to protect hair from external aggressors. A four-in-one treatment that takes care of all of our beauty woes? We're thinking 2013 will be the year of flawless hair.

Cut the complexity out of your smoky eye look with the Trish McEvoy 24-Hour Eye Shadow & Liner ($32). This eye wonder comes in multiple hues including crystal gray and smokey quartz — two shades perfect for night-out makeup. This all-in-one shimmering stick is the only tool you'll need for a quick smoky eye. Just apply the color to the outer half of lids and along the lash line for a subtle smokiness. Then, you can use your blush or a highlighter to brighten up the inner corners of your eyes. It goes on soft, so you have plenty of time to smudge, but once it sets it stays put. The medium-sized stick allows you to wiggle into tight spots underneath the eye, and not to mention the stick is the ideal size to fit in clutches, laptop bags, and pencil holders. You no longer have a reason not to have the perfect eye makeup.

Limp hair can get weighed down fast, which is why most women with fine hair typically steer clear from products — aside from the occasional volumizers and possibly hair spray. And the thought of using a leave-in conditioning treatment? Forget it. These heavy-duty hydrators are often simply too intense for fine-haired folk. Thanks to Nexxus Hydra-Light Weightless Moisture Leave-in Conditioning Foam ($15 at drugstores), though, that's about to change. This foaming product easily absorbs into fine hair, protecting already-fragile strands from styling without leaving hair greasy or making it fall flat. So now hair that could use a little lift can also enjoy some long-lasting nourishment, too.

Banish blemishes overnight? Sign me up. With Dr. Dennis Gross Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask ($42), it's possible. And to answer your burning questions: yes, there is a slight sulfur scent, but nothing too potent. And no, it won't stain your pillowcase.

This oil-absorbing mask comes in an easy-to-use press pump, making it easy to apply. The five percent sulfur sucks up any excess oil, all while minimizing breakouts. Prickly pear exfoliates, willow bark extract treats acne, and retinol helps to smooth out skin. After one use, trouble spots are dried and T-zone shine is minimized. You can also use this mask for 10 quick minutes if you prefer not to sleep in it, or even as a spot treatment. It's the perfect thing to add to your weekend arsenal.

Essie is starting the New Year with an exciting new launch: Sleek Stick Nail Appliqués ($10 each). While nail art wraps aren't exactly new, the brand is out to set a new bar on the nail sticker category. The Sleek Stick collection features 12 different designs with many of them making a good use of metallics. UV cured, the high-shine wraps are made with a long-lasting adhesive that can stick to your nails for up to 10 days. I used the Oh My Gold! design, which features a silver and gold geometric pattern. The wrap is actually clear, so my natural nail was able to peek through; that means this would also look great over any nail color. Learn more about the application process when you read more.

Between the nose-blowing from that cold you can't kick to the frigid Winter wind that's whipping around your face, your skin is taking on a lot of stress. A good moisturizer will help keep things in check, and Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisturizer ($65) is just what the doctor ordered. The thick and creamy lotion penetrates skin's surface, effectively wicking away any trace of dryness or flakiness. Shea butter and retinyl palmitate smooth out and improve texture, while collagen perks up dull skin. And with no greasy residue, there's nothing to keep you from slathering it on day after day. So don't be afraid to show face this Winter.

Dry shampoo is one of those products that has received a great deal of hype as of late, and for good reason. But not all dry shampoos are created equal. Some can leave your hair feeling stiff, unnatural, and a little lackluster-looking. Enter Arrojo Refinish Dry Shampoo ($22). This product is what dry shampoos should strive to be: it's lightweight, it's oil-absorbing, and it smells amazing. It's made with aloe vera to rehydrate hair, leaving it shiny and almost impossible not to run your fingers through. I used it after another product left my hair looking greasy, and it immediately wicked away the shine. Spritz some on to give strands a perk between washes, and you'll look like you just stepped out of the stylist's chair.

Lip balm may be the most-used beauty product during the Winter months, as dry, chapped, peeling, flaky (and even bleeding) lips are a trademark of the season. Enter Rodial Glam Balm Lip ($25), which will protect your mouth from whipping winds, plummeting temperatures, and then some. You might ask, though, why you would spend extra money on this particular lip product when others can be easily procured at the local grocery store for practically pennies.

Usually it requires multiple, strategically placed products to keep lips supple (one at work, one in every handbag, another on the vanity). But the creamy consistency of this glam balm will break your dependence on other greasy sticks and pots. Rose wax and shea butter gets under the cracks for a smoothed-out appearance, and vitamin E provides long-lasting moisture. Plus, the high-shine finish eliminates the need for gloss. Ski bunnies and slope enthusiasts everywhere will rejoice.