Have you seen that catchy commercial where a girl gets out of the shower, gets dressed and is literally out the door in under 30 seconds? Who is this wonderwoman and how on earth did she streamline her beauty routine to such a degree? Of course, the commercial is meant to be playful and grab your attention for new Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer, a lotion that claims to be so easily absorbed, you don't have to wait to put your clothes on - and you can be on your way in mere seconds. Vaseline sent me a complimentary can of this product in the Total Moisture variety, and here's what I thought.

My latest Rent the Runway purchase included a sweet little gift bag with some free samples from their advertising partners, including a Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm in Fresh Plum. I must say this is a clever marketing strategy because I don't think I would have tried this lip balm otherwise! But I'm so glad I did, because it's become my new favorite.

What they say: Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20 ($8.99) helps make lips softer, rosier and healthier-looking, even after you take it off! This sheer tinted balm with exclusive ion2complex™ instantly moisturizes lips, leaving them looking fuller and more defined. In just one week, it helps improve lips' texture and restores the look of rosiness. SPF 20 helps protect lips and keeps them looking healthy.

What I thought: This is the perfect my-lips-only-better balm, subtly adding natural-looking color and lasting moisture. Fresh Plum reminds me of Clinique's Tenderheart shade, which I used to wear obsessively in high school, a neutral hue that deepens the natural color of your lips.

I love that the color is noticeable but not so deep that you can't apply this balm without using a mirror. You can also build the color up a bit for more impact, but nothing overpowering.

I like the all black packaging, too, and the oval shape - never seen that before. The balm has a pretty soft consistency and I'll probably use it up quickly but I'm not too concerned about that. It's not sticky and it won't "travel" into your mouth (yuck) like some glosses do.

The scent is super light and reminds me of strawberries.

In terms of staying power, you will need to reapply after meals. In my experience, glosses either keep your lips moisturized but come off easily, or they actually dry out my lips and come off easily. This balm falls into the first camp.

As far as the "revitalizing" features, I didn't necessarily find this to be the case, but my lips weren't in awful shape to begin with. Honestly I could do without the SPF, too (can it really be healthy to put octinoxate and oxybenzone on your lips every day? Wouldn't you consume small quantities? I dunno.)

The bottom line: A pleasant surprise, Neutrogena's Revitalizing Lip Balm is a great everyday balm that makes lips look prettier and naturally enhanced. I'll definitely be buying this lip balm and can't wait to try the other colors soon.

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I don't normally mix up my blush routine - I have a favorite and that's that - but when Pixi Beauty offered to let me sample one of their perfect-for-spring shades, I decided I had nothing to lose - and could possibly gain a new tool to help me combat my pale, winter skin.

What they say: Pixi Blush Beauty in No. 1 Healthiest Honey ($16) instantly offers a natural touch of color that won't require any touch up throughout the day

What I thought: Pixi is one of Target's high-end beauty lines so it's not cheap, but the quality is really impressive. First, there's the girly packaging - light mint green and gold fairy logo - just lovely.

Then, the product. This blush is super soft, has no noticeable odor (you know me and my aversion to fragrances) and goes on light and smooth. It didn't irritate or dry my skin at all. Just what a good blush should be!

The color itself is more of a soft bronze with just a kiss of pink, and it worked amazingly well with my complexion. When you're as pale as I am, many blush colors can be instantly overpowering and you run the risk of looking clownish, but Healthiest Honey is basically foolproof. It's so light that it might actually not provide enough color for those with darker complexions. You can build up the color but only to a point.

As for staying power, this blush definitely has it. My blush stayed put all day, without smudging or fading.

My only qualm is how powdery this blush gets in the container - a few swipes with my blush brush and there was blush dust all over. It's odd because the powder isn't dry whatsoever, it actually has the slightest creamy finish. I'm not sure what the technical term for this would be but I'd prefer something that adheres to my brush without "snowing" everywhere.

Oh. Also, the price. It's $16. Ouch. This is a toughie for me because as much as I enjoyed this product, I'm not sure I'd honestly fork over $16. But that doesn't mean it isn't worth it.

The bottom line: For a soft, sun-kissed glow you can wear year round, Pixi Blush Beauty delivers. I'd love to try some of the other shades, like Purest Peach or Perkiest Pink.

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I've been on a very long quest to find the perfect all-natural deodorant - even more so now that's I'm expecting - and Lavanila was high on my list of brands to try. Recently I got a complimentary sample of Lavanila's The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Lavender to put to the test, and here's how it went...

What they say: Lavanila's Healthy Deodorant is all-natural, aluminum-free! It delivers superior odor protection and vitamin-rich nourishment without the use of commonly feared harsh chemicals.

What I thought: Lavanila totally works - for regular, everyday use. A typical day for me includes brisk walks with my dog, running errands, and lots of sitting in front of a computer. Basically your average workday. At the end of the day, I do a smell check (LOL), then subject my husband to the highly scientific "smell check" - and ladies, I passed! Lavanila helped keep me "presentable" for all intensive purposes.

However, if I have a really important meeting or something (like when I did my satellite media tour and could not be seen sweating buckets on national TV), I will probably resort to using my chemical deodorants. But for me, those moments are few and far between. I'd much rather wear a natural deodorant that works "good enough" than slather on toxic chemicals - because if you think chemical antiperspirants and deodorants are good for you, they're not.

Lavanila might not stand up to an intense workout either, but if you're going to the gym and showering afterwards, I think you'd be totally fine.

What's more, Lavanila's packaging is chic, the botanical fragrance blend is beautiful and it feels great on your skin. It will get on clothing though so be careful with delicates and dark colors.

Lavanila has no harsh chemicals, no petrochemicals, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oils, silicone, synthetic dyes, sulfates or parabens. It's also not tested on animals and it is made in the USA.

Priced at $18.00 (for 2 oz) or $10.00 (for .90 oz Mini Deodorant), Lavanila is a relatively small price to pay for a safer deodorant that works well and smells great.

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See also:
My favorite natural deodorant, Avalon Organics deodorant spray

The moment I received my Spa Sonic Skin Care System and posted a picture of the unopened box on Instagram, I knew I was in for a real treat - dozens of readers rushed to comment and share their thoughts on the "original" face polisher - the Clarisonic - unanimously singing its praises.

The Spa Sonic positions itself as the cheaper, budget alternative to the Clarisonic, so that's why I'm reviewing it. I have never tried the Clarisonic (I'm deprived) so I can't do an accurate comparison but you can find literally hundreds of reviews and comparisons online and on YouTube (I found this one to be particularly detailed and helpful).

Ok, so let's get started! I've been using my Spa Sonic for about two weeks now, so I can't speak to the longevity of the product or longterm results, but here are my initial impressions: First of all, it's supereasy to operate. You just pop in the batteries and snap on the brush that you want to use and you're ready to go. I love the modern, sleek look of this all-white device that fits comfortably in your hand, doesn't make much noise, and vibrates ever-so-gently.

The Spa Sonic comes with four attachments: A small brush for the face, a large brush for the body, pumice for rough areas, and a facial sponge for micro-dermabrasion and reduction of fine lines. One extra face brush is also included since this is the one you'll probably wear out the fastest.

I started out with the face brush and I was instantly WOWED. So this is what I've been missing out on!!?? If the Spa Sonic is the cheap-o face polisher, I can't even begin to imagine how amazing the Clarisonic must be, because the Spa Sonic is pretty awesome. The brush rotates in a full circle, gently exfoliating and massaging every pore, every skin cell with the utmost of ease. It feels soothing and unless my eyes deceive me, my skin looked better after just one use. It could be a placebo effect but who cares?! I felt so pampered, so rejuvenated. Who knew a little rotating brush could do so much?