Favorite Finds: Reviews of Olay Regenerist, HooRag, dry shampoo, PediSpin, Udi’s, more

Here are this month’s Favorite Finds:

Olay Regenernist Micro-sculpting Cream – I am halfway through my first jar, and really like this product as a moisturizer. I’m using it morning and night, over my entire face and neck. The problem I often have with creams is that they are too heavy and break me out, or they’re greasy. But this one is neither; it’s light, easily absorbs, and hasn’t caused even one pimple. I’ve noticed a nice luminescence to my skin when I wake up in the morning. Plus it comes in an unscented version, which I require for any facial products I use. I can’t speak to its advertised anti-wrinkle properties — I am not noticing any so far, but, I’ve only been using it for a few weeks. Found at most retail and drug stores, about $22.50.

HooRag – HooRag is a tubular bandana that can be worn different ways and is geared toward outdoor enthusiasts. I can see how it would be great for outdoor sports (covering your ears in the cold if you’re running, for example), but I’ve found it quite useful indoors as a beauty and fashion accessory. Recently I received a product sample and discovered that I really, really like this as a headband. Normally I find headbands difficult to wear — uncomfortable, either too small or too big, and they just don’t stay in place. But not HooRag. It’s very comfortable, fully adjustable on width, the fabric is lightweight with just the right amount of stretch to stay in place, and washable.  I’ve worn it to keep the hair out of my face when working out, cooking or applying makeup. It’s very handy. Available online, $14.95.

Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo – I’ve been on the lookout for a while for a good dry shampoo, to use on the second day after washing (I wash my hair every other night) to eliminate grease on the crown from anti-frizz product build-up. I’ve tried a few powder and mousse varieties, and have not been satisfied. The pricey powder sample was messy and smelled too strong; the mousse was just wet. I’ve even tried baby powder, as I know someone who swears by that. Baby powder works somewhat but is really messy, and just not a great option for dark hair like mine. I’d had good luck with other Not Your Mother’s products so I decided to give their dry shampoo a go — and I like it. It’s an aerosol spray and the product goes on dry, is colorless, and not messy in the least. I would much rather it be fragrance-free, but the scent isn’t too bad. Available at WalMart, Target, CVS, others. Around $5.99.

PediSpin – This is a small battery-operated device to smooth callouses on your feet, via a spinning filing disc. I’ve read mixed reviews on it, but I think the mistake people make with PediSpin is they press too firmly, causing the disc to stop spinning. I got great results with PediSpin by using a very light touch. It need only barely touch the skin to do its job effectively. I used it right after showering, and found it quick and easy to do. After, I applied moisturizing lotion and put on socks. Since I use my treadmill every day and I don’t like using manual files, I’ll be using my PediSpin regularly to keep callouses at bay. Available at Wal-Mart and others, about $14.99.

Lip Smacker, Girl Scout Cookie Flavors – When I saw this 3-pack of Lip Smackers with a balm of Chocolate Peanut Butter and Coconut Caramel Stripes, and a liquid gloss in Thin Mints, there was no way I was not getting this.  Found at Harris Teeter, $4.99.

Yummy Favorite Finds

Udi’s Gluten-free Dark Chocolate Brownie Bites – I recently received some product samples from Udi’s and all were delicious. I have to say I am impressed with Udi’s bread, because the last brand of gluten-free bread I tried was like eating sawdust. Not Udi’s; every product of theirs I’ve tried has been high quality. But I especially love their Dark Chocolate Brownie Bites. They are SO good, so craveable, I might even call them highly addictive! Found at health food and many grocery stores, or online; about $5.

Kettle Brand Bakes Chips, Sea Salt – As I’ve written before, I love my chocolate and potato chips. What I don’t like about many chips though are their greasiness. But I also am not crazy about the taste or texture of most of the baked brands I’ve tried. When I saw Kettle Brand Bakes with Sea Salt, I thought I’d give them a try. I’m glad I did. They are actually really good, and come the closest to non-baked chips than any other I’ve had. I also like the fact that they are perfectly salted, and not too salty like Lay’s Baked. These will definitely be on my must-get list when I’m at any store that carries them. Available at Target, Kroger, Whole Foods, others; around $3-4.

©2012 Michelle Rogers, Inc.