Busy Mom Reviews

I had been carrying around the same old Clinique Bonus lipstick for years (years, I tell ya) in the makeup bag I keep at work.

When I had to use it one day, it dawned on me that it should probably be called "Frosted Hideous Freak of Nature", so, I flung it into the trashcan. I proved a point for fashion, but, I was lipstick-less, so I ran down the street to the drugstore intending to pick up something quickly.

Maybelline Superstay Lip Color caught my eye since I had heard people talking about long lasting lipsitck, so I thought I'd give it a try.

I'm picky about colors, but, I loved the "Raisin". Once I got it unwrapped, I realized it had two ends: one end is the sponge-tipped applicator, and, the other is a conditioning balm thing.

I immediately applied the color using the sponge tipped applicator, and, it went on well. It is almost paint-like, so, I was a bit surprised when I had a hard time correcting a mistake. I then put the lip balm stuff on, and, it didn't go on smoothly, and, the balm stick thing itself was covered in lipstick.

Though I was sad because I liked the color, I figured this was going to be another addition to my "Things That Were a Good Idea When I Bought Them, but, They Didn't End Up Looking Like I Expected Them To" drawer.

Then I read the directions. And the angels sang.

You have to put the stuff on carefully, and, let it dry first. THEN you put the balm stuff on.

Love this stuff.

It really is long lasting, but, I'm not sure it has gone 16 hours like it says, though. But, that's OK, people who I care about seeing me in lipstick don't look at me for 16 hours.

I have nearly used a whole tube, and, the balm stuff has worn down, but, I read that you can buy refills for it, though I haven't tried to, yet.

It comes in several different colors, and, is available at drugstores.

There's nothing more frustrating than a baby with nasal congestion. You want to tell them to "just blow!" already, so, they won't be so uncomfortable, and, can rest easier. However, that usually doesn't work out.

Bulb suction things (affectionately called a "snot sucker" around here) often make baby cry even harder, and, may not be worth the trauma.

Enter the Nosefrida. It's from Sweden, and, the name means "nose relief". It's a plastic tube with a filter that the parent uses with their own mouth to remove mucous from a child's nose. With the filter in place, the parent does NOT come into contact with the mucous, and, there is nor risk of any bacterial contamination.

I was sent one for review, and, had every intention of trying it out around these parts, but, what I didn't factor in was the fact that, in winter, everyone's nasal passages are like the Sahara Desert because of the drying effects of heat.

There's no snot to suck around here. But, I sure wish I'd had something like this when my kids were babies

Anyway, the Nosefirda is $15.00 US and comes in a carrying case with 4 filters. A bag of 20 extra filters is $2.50 US.

I was sent samples of Nozin Nasal Sanitizer, and, I'm surprised I accepted , as I have a thing about things in my nose. However, I was relieved to learn they were simply swabs designed to reduce your chances of infection.

Nozin is for use before exposure to areas that may contain hazardous germs such as crowded airplanes, trains, offices, gyms, hospitals, theaters and schools. The citrus scented swabs are safe, and, they have been shown to kill 99.9% of common disease-causing pathogens and creates a nasal barrier to fight germs for up to 8 hours.

I used them when the kids started getting sick. Because I'm a little slow on the uptake, I probably waited too long, but, I will say that, for whatever reason, I did not get as sick as they did. Even if it wasn't related to my Nozin use, it's safe, easy to use, and, there's no harm in trying it out.

Nozin is available in a convenient travel package of pre-filled swabs (10 doses) for $9.95.

The Thermaclear acne treatment device zaps acne bacteria with a burst of heat to treat pimples after they occur.

An FDA treatment study showed that it clears acne pimples two to four times faster than those lef untreated.

Since I have th unfairness of being over 40 with acne AND wrinkles, I was all over trying this one out.

The Thermaclear is a small battery powered device that really does deliver a burst of heat to acne. You just press a button, it heats up, and, when it's ready you apply the tip of the device to the pimple, and, press another button, and, it zaps with "HEAT" (Heat Enabled Acne Treatment).

There is a high and a low setting, because it takes a little bit of getting used to, it almost feels like a bee sting at first, but, it goes away quickly, and, you get used to it.

Enough about how you do it, does it work?

I was a little skeptical a first, but, I believe with repeated usage per the directions, it did actually hurry my zits along. It wasn't a magical cure, but, I can say it reduced the time needed to clear them up.

However, it's not meant for cystic acne or open sores of any type.

Thermaclear also makes acne prevention products, cleansing pads, clarifying cleanser and acne clearing gel which is benzoyl peroxide.

Though a bit pricey at around $150, I have to say that it's been pretty helpful for me, and, it's worth checking out if you are so inclined.