We tried out the Tear Free 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash, which is mild and hypo-allergenic. So how does it work?

The GOOD: The light scent of lavender is nothing short of delicious – if you normally like the scent of lavender, that is. The formula is indeed tear free and it left both my son and daughter’s hair soft and clean. The bottle was easy to open with just one hand, since it has a handy little button to push to pop the top. Also, this is free from any animal by-products, parabens and petrolatum, which is just better all around.

The BAD: I wish the line included some sort of detangler or conditioner for baby as well.

MONEY MATTERS: Earth’s Best 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash is available at retailers like Target and online at the Jason Naturals site. It retails for about $8 online, but may be less expensive in the store. Be sure to watch for sales.

The MOM VERDICT

Sarah says:  When I choose products to use on my kids bodies, I like them to be free from bad additives and this is. I also like them to smell nice, which this does. And it has to still work well, which this also does. So, for me, this Shampoo & Body Wash from Earth’s Best was an all around home-run. Earth’s Best is a company that I trust and I feel comfortable with their products. We’ll definitely be using this one again.

But in the after time, I discovered that wearing makeup really does take a backseat to the needs of your children. That being said, I think even if you don’t have time for three tones of eyeshadow, blush and bronzer, you still have time for a quick polishing of your look with mascara and a little lip color … But if you are going to only use two products, then they better be good, right?

Enter Liplicious 2-in-1 Lip Stain & Gloss from Bath & Body Works.

The GOOD: Shiny lips look good enough to kiss, and sleek enough to make people forget that your face is otherwise bare. This 2-in-1 product delivers pretty color that lasts for a long, long time and sheen throughout the day. It’s comfortable and easy to apply. And the price is right.

The BAD: This is supposed to have some berry scent or flavor, but I totally don’t get that — but maybe it’s because I don’t lick my lips while wearing it or anything. Also, beware of dropage — My tube slipped off my dresser onto my tiled floor and broke at the stain end.

MONEY MATTERS: Although this usually retails for $12, it’s available on Bath & Body Works’ website for just $4.

The MOM VERDICT

Sarah says: When I saw the fantastic price drop on Bath & Body Works’ website, I was excited, but I am also a little weary that they might be discontinuing this fantastic lip product. I am totally addicted to the wet, shiny look on my lips and would hate, hate, hate to lose it. So, ladies, grab it up while you can  — this is one product I can totally get behind. Love it!

When I was a kid, I had hair as straight as an arrow and as shiny as a lake on a calm day. Then in my teens, I got a perm and everything changed. Even once the perm grew out, my hair was (and still is, more than 10 years later) wavy, sometimes curly and not anywhere near as shiny. As a result I am always on the lookout for products that will help me have that shine and straightness in my tresses.

David Babaii for WildAid Hair Polish is supposed to promote shiny, healthy hair without build-up. How does it work?

The GOOD: This product contains no sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals or animal products and it’s not tested on animals either. It won’t damage your hair or hurt any animals. It definitely gave my hair a nice sheen when rubbed in. It washes away easily as well when you shampoo.

The BAD: It may have been coincidence, but it seemed like when I used this, my hair would get a little bit static-y.

MONEY MATTERS: David Babaii for WildAid Hair Polish is available at Target, RiteAid and other retailers as well as online. It retails for $9.99.

The MOM VERDICT

Sarah says: I worry about products that will harm or damage my hair. So, the body-friendly David Babaii for WildAid line is right up my alley. I did really like the sheen that this product gave my hair, though if you have shorter locks like me then I suggest steering clear of the root area, as it can make the hair clump a bit at the roots. Overall, I am not sure if I would actually purchase this though since I found the static sensation that my hair got after using it off putting.

Stressed out? Maybe it’s time for a spa day. But before you buck at the expense, don’t. You don’t need to work for Google to find low cost ways to unwind after a long day of work. The March 2009 issue of ShopSmart has all sorts of ideas on how to save money while getting your relaxation in.

ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, found 7 tips for spa savings:

• Call spas and ask, ‘What specials are you offering?’ Inquire about off-season deals, cost-cutting packages, specials for new clients and whether certain days or times are cheaper than others. And don’t be afraid to admit that you’re looking for a deal.
• Try chain massage stores. The décor usually isn’t too fancy and chains are prone to staffing turnover, but the savings can be big. Massage Envy, for example, has more than 500 storefront locations nationwide and employs only certified therapists. As a member, you get one monthly massage for $49 to $59 per month (depending on location) with additional massages that month costing $39 to $49 each.
• Go to school. Most cosmetology and massage therapy schools offer a student spa/salon or clinic where treatments are done under the supervision of instructors at a fraction of the price. Search the Web sites of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (www.careersinbeauty.org) or the American Massage Therapy Association (www.amtamassage.org).
• Consider Costco. The discount warehouse sells two $50 SpaFinder gift certificates for $79.99, a 20 percent savings, which can be used for treatments (including discounted ones) at any spa in the SpaFinder network.
• Search the Web. Sites like Spafinder.com, Spamagazine.com, Lifebooker.com, SpaWeek.org and Spa-addicts.com post special deals. At Google, type in your city name and “spa discount” to find promotions, or sign up for your favorite spa’s e-mail alerts on specials.
• Buy in bulk. You might be able to purchase a series of treatments—say, six for the price of five—to be used within a specified amount of time. Some spas offer a frequent-user card and the 10th visit is free.
• Ask about product deals. As spas make the transition from one season to another or change product lines, they often offer specials. These types of specials are here one day and gone the next, and they aren’t posted online, so call the front desk to ask.

Recently Oral-B sent over their Vitality toothbrush to check out. It’s got a similar functionality to their more expensive brushes but is sold for a bargain price. How does it work?

The GOOD: The speed on this toothbrush is a little slower than other electric toothbrushes, which is easier on the teeth and gums. The base station has a smaller profile, so it’s less conspicuous. You can use the toothbrush with a variety of heads designed for different mouth needs. The brush has a rubber grip, which makes it easy to grab even when you have wet hands. It’s a bargain at under $20.

The BAD: The smaller base has no room for storing additional brush heads, so that becomes a challenge if you want to share the toothbrush body among several family members, or if you keep different heads for different occasions. Also, there is no light to show if the toothbrush is charging, so if it gets unplugged and you don’t realize, you could run out of battery life.

MONEY MATTERS: The Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush retails for $19.99, but is available online at Amazon for just $14.40.

The MOM VERDICT

Sarah says: Although this toothbrush has a few drawbacks, they are minor when considering the good performance that this has. It’s soft on the teeth, which will make your dentist happy. Plus, with the bargain price, this is an electric toothbrush that almost anyone can afford. My husband, who did the testing, said he would definitely buy this. Thumbs up from the Caron household!

What do I look for in a lotion? Something natural, nourishing and safe. Peter Rabbit Organics Baby Lotion fits the qualifications, but how does it work?

The GOOD: This organic lotion is safe for the youngest and oldest members of the family and everyone in between. It is free of endocrine disruptors and estrogenic activity (as is the bottle). It’s also organic, which is a big plus.

The BAD: This line is exclusively available at Whole Foods, so if there isn’t one nearby, you are out of luck. The bottle that this lotion came in (a trial size) was incredibly stiff and too hard to squeeze. Also, my hands didn’t feel nourished or satisfied after using this.

MONEY MATTERS: This lotion retails for $14.99 and is available at Whole Foods.

The MOM VERDICT

Sarah says: I really wanted to like this lotion. But after keeping it on my desk for two weeks and using it again and again, I just didn’t. The scent is very nice. However, the too-stiff bottle was frustrating. Plus, I didn’t feel like it was really nourishing my hands since it evaporated really quickly without feeling like it soaked in. This one just isn’t for us. Next!

Nutra Luxe MD Plus Vitamin C Complex is a skin product that claims “to boost skin cell renewal and collagen production”  without clogging pores or causing irritation to the skin. Basically, the product is comprised of two components: a moisturizing gel-like base and little white capsules that contain the active ingredients (in English: the Vitamin C Complex).

The GOOD: This Nutra Luxe product smooths on easily and is simple to coat the skin evenly. It won’t clog pores or irritate the skin, since it contains all natural ingredients. When it absorbs into the skin, it leaves the surface feeling silky and smooth.

The BAD: The little capsules in this are a little challenging to break open — I found several times that despite vigorous rubbing in, the capsules didn’t break. Also, the bottle has an odd top where you twist it and up lifts the push top to get the Vitamin C Complex out. It’s challenging to keep the top from twisting down when you push it to get the gel out.

MONEY MATTERS: This retails for $89 and is available online.

The MOM VERDICT

Sarah says: Who doesn’t want beautiful skin? I certainly do. So, when I received this, I dug right into trying it. It definitely left my skin feeling soft and hydrated, but the little capsules inside the Vitamin C Complex were hit or miss in terms of bursting open. I often ended up with unbroken capsules left on my skin. Did it make my skin look younger and healthier? It did give my skin a healthy look to it — not sure about the age thing though. Ultimately though, this just wasn’t a knock it out of the ball park product for me. It was okay, but for $89 I expect it to be amazing.

Fast forward two years and I now have a one-year-old daughter as well. She was fortunate to miss out on all the spitting up issues my son had. With all the BPA concerns and information that has come to light in the last year, our old VentAires just wouldn’t cut it, so we switched to the always BPA-free Playtex Nursers.

But Playtex has quickly responded to the BPA concerns, releasing the VentAire Advanced. How does it work?

The GOOD: The Playtex VentAire Advanced bottle is BPA-free, something that is evidenced with its cloudy appearance. The design inside the bottle has been improved. The seal at the bottom is easier to remove and easier to install.

The BAD: Be sure to tighten both the bottom of the bottle and the top really well, otherwise it can leak quite a bit.

MONEY MATTERS: The Playtex VentAire Advanced Bottles retail for between $4.39 and $5.39 each. They are also available in three packs for between $11.99 and $12.99 each.

The MOM VERDICT

Sarah says: VentAire bottles saved my sanity when my son was an infant. So when I heard about these bottles, I was more than happy to give them a try. I received this sample at the BlogHer Boston event and handed it over to my daughter. It’s significantly different than the Playtex Nurser she’s used to. But after a mishap or two involving not-so-great-tightening on my part, she discovered that the angled neck is a nice feature that really helps her get the most of her bottles. I love that this is BPA-free, though the cloudy appearance isn’t the most appetizing. Nonetheless, I do really like these and would certainly buy them.

I heard that question more than once while I wore the BodyBugg for three months to see how it worked and if it could really help accelerate weight loss. The device is a small monitor that tracks your calories burned, steps, activity and more. It’s been getting a lot of notice lately, especially since it was featured on national television. The participants on The Biggest Loser wear one to track their activity.

But can it really work for the average man or woman?

The GOOD: Wearing the BodyBugg, you are forced to face the reality of your activity level. Forget about questionnaires that ask you if you are somewhat active, moderately active or very active: there is no fooling yourself when you see the chart at the end of the day. Once you get used to having the BodyBugg on your arm, you almost can forget it’s there. The online interface compares your actual calories burned with how many calories you take in, and it keeps you honest by comparing what you say your deficit was with what your weight loss indicates. There are many improvements being made across the board including an updated, smaller BodyBugg (the one pictured is the one I used). More foods are being added to the database for food logging regularly.

The BAD: There is an adjustment period as you get comfortable wearing the armband. The online interface works with Internet Explorer, so if you are a Firefox aficionado, you will have to get used to IE for this. Also, the food logging and arm band syncing uses Flash, which is on the slow side.

MONEY MATTERS: The BodyBugg retails for $249 and is available online from BodyBugg directly. For about $349, it also comes with a visual display. However, 24 Hour Fitness has the BodyBugg with the digital display for $249 with a free visual display.

The MOM VERDICT

Sarah says: I knew that I didn’t live the most active lifestyle. However, using the BodyBugg I found that I don’t walk a whole lot or get a lot of exercise in. As a writer who works at home, I just don’t move as much as I should. Using the BodyBugg has helped me change that. And while due to the holidays and the demands of being a food writer, I didn’t lose much weight, I also didn’t have a big gain over the holidays like has typically happened. Now that it’s the New Year and I am recommitted to a healthy existence, the BodyBugg has been instrumental in showing me what exercises do the most for me. And while I hate that it uses Flash and Internet Explorer – two things I dislike – it’s a small price to pay for the accountability that you have with the BodyBugg. The one caveat? You have to be ready to do something about your weight – through a change in diet and exercise – if this is going to work. So, if you are ready, then I highly recommend this device. Two thumbs up here.

My, how things change with the responsibility of two kids. I don’t have time for relaxing baths, mini-facials or loitering in the beauty aisle. In fact, the buzz word of life these days is streamlining. I live for items that do double duty or things that allow me to multi-task like crazy.

Recently, I had the opportunity to give Dermelect Detoxifying Oxygen Facial Commission to the test. So how does it work?

The GOOD: Dermelect Detoxifying Oxygen Facial Commission is a double duty product. If you put it on quick and wash it off, it’s a facial cleanser. If you leave it on for a few minutes, it foams and tingles and is an uber-quick mask. And hey, that foaming time isn’t deadtime — you can brush your teeth, paint your nails or brush your hair while you wait. Heck, if you are fast, you could even iron a quick t-shirt. And when you wash it off, skin is cleaner, smoother, and even minus a few clogged pores.

The BAD: The logo and packaging just didn’t catch my eye, which are two important things in terms of catching interest.

MONEY MATTERS: Dermelect Detoxifying Oxygen Facial Commission retails for $48 and is available online.

The MOM VERDICT

Sarah says: Perhaps it’s all the time I spent arguing over layouts and fonts when I was an editor at Weekly Reader, or perhaps it’s just that I am a visual person, but a product with boring packaging doesn’t inspire me to buy. And if that item comes at a higher price, even more so … But I am learning more and more that my issues with packaging shouldn’t matter. Why? Because there are some really great products out there with plain Jane packages. This product is a good example. I can’t tell you how much I loved this facial commission. I liked it so much that I’ve been using it daily. And despite the price, if I can fit it in the budget, I will be buying more of this. It really makes my face feel clean and beautiful.