Blaq Vixen Beauty

Editor's note: The products mentioned in this article were sent for editorial consideration.

Yesterday night and this morning, I finally started my JolieMD Metamorphosis regimen, which goes a little something like this:

• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
• JolieMD Metamorphosis Softening Serum
• JolieMD Metamorphosis Enlightening Lotion
• Jan Marini Daily Face Protectant SPF 30 (will use this until I run out)

I've decided to exclude the 100% Natural Botanicals Witch Hazel Daily Facial Toner because the doctors (of JolieMD Metamorphosis) said that even though this toner shouldn't be a problem it could cause dryness. Furthermore, I shouldn't be using it with the products.

Now based on my experiences in the past, this particular toner has not dried my skin out at all. In fact, it did the opposite - it helped my skin stay moisturized. I'm not too pleased that I have to omit using a toner but if it will hinder my results, then I'll skip the witch hazel.

I just want to be successful.

As much as I'd like to stop the press and just visit a dermatologist (for the first time in years), I figured that I give the JolieMD Metamorphosis products that I received back in March a try. I see it as a last resort before I finally make an appointment. I hope that during this period I can calm my fears.

I'd like to thank all of you that emailed me, expressed concern on Twitter, Facebook, etc. - it's all very much appreciated, specifically L220, DaphneB, Kizzy-Online, Cocoa22, Kat Quarterman, Antithesis, Latarra, KurlyBella, Felicia, Amber - just everyone! I know I haven't responded to some of the comments posted but I will. I just have to think of what to say!

For my JolieMD Metamorphosis regimen, I'm using two "new" products - Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and the 100% Natural Botanicals Witch Hazel Daily Facial Toner (read why I've changed my mind). I'm sure if I want to add more products just yet but I hear that I should consider adding the Clarisonic to my regimen. I'm undecided but I'll stick to using my hands to wash my face and chemical exfoliators.

So, dear readers, keep the suggestions and comments coming. I know that most of you would rather I go see a dermatologist already. I don't blame you. However, I hope the Jolie MD Metamorphosis products live up to their claims. I definitely hope they do.

I'm trying to refrain from creating a list of beauty resolutions that I know that I won't be able to keep. In 2009, out of my 40 most pressing goals, I've only fully completed about 5. So much for "a different me."

That was before I  spotted an early campaign invite for the L'Oreal Paris Lash Boosting BzzCampaign in my inbox. I haven't been too impressed with the products that L'Oreal put out lately (peep my "L'Oreal Lost" series, as in "L'Oreal is falling from grace." Catch the reference?)

In my Lash Boosting BzzKit, I obtained three items: a BzzGuide, the L'Oreal Paris Concentrated Lash Boosting Serum, and the L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara. This all arrived December 24th. I saw it as an early Christmas present.

The Lash Serum has a patented Soft-Touch Applicator, which blows. It's a plastic scythe that enables you to coat the the entire length of the lashes, from the lash line to the tip. I wish that L'Oreal chose to implement a comb applicator because sometimes it's difficult to work it around my lashes. I love that the serum is clear. It takes some practice to make sure that you get just the right amount of serum on the applicator so that it will apply evenly.

Rest your eyes on the royal version of L'Oreal's Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara. This one is called the Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara. Step 1 is a serum-enriched primer. The serum contains two ingredients that  I've never heard before - arginine and centella - and is designed to fortify and nourish your lashes so that they will rival voluminous falsies in appearance.

Let me tell you why I'm not too fond of the primer.

I wish L'Oreal considered making the primer clear instead of white. As I'm sure you know if you use Double Extend Beauty Tubes, fully coating each lash covered in primer proves to be a challenge. When the primer dries, the lashes are stiff.  Not only that, but applying Step 2 (the mascara) ruins the look by transforming the lashes into clumpy, spider legs! Skip Step1 and just apply the mascara. The mascara is mostly great by itself but it does flake during the day. I have a couple of flakes that have settled in the bags underneath my eyes.

Don't mistake this as an inexpensive and more accessible alternative to Latisse or Jan Marini Eyelash Conditioner (which I actually need to remember to use and review) though. It is only meant to improve the lashes that you already have, not encourage new eyelash growth unfortunately. But wouldn't it be amazing if this product could transform your lashes into glossy, semi-permanent, feathered fringes? I'm almost giddy just thinking about the possibility.

I have 46 days left. I officially started on December 25th so I've been using the serum and 2-step mascara for ten days. It's too early to tell whether my lashes are longer or not but I have hope. I've noticed that when I remove the mascara, I do lose 1 to 2 lashes each session. It could be worse, right?