I started the Beauty Product Guinea Pig posts because I’m a bit of a product junkie, and I wanted to write honest reviews about the products I use.  Because when you read a beauty magazine, it’s tough to gauge whether they truly love a product or whether their just cozying up to their advertisers. So I thought today, I would follow-up on some of my BPGP posts to let you know which products I’m still using and whether a product I loved after a few weeks is still holding a place of honor in my medicine cabinet.

Nearly two years ago, I reviewed Aztec Secret Healing Clay ($8), a Bentonite clay mask that purifies and exfoliates skin.  While I still think this is a great product, I replaced it with the Origins Active Charcoal Mask ($17) and never looked back.  But if you’re looking for an inexpensive product that does the job, go with Aztec Secret.

Rembrandt Deeply White Toothpaste ($7) is a great product.  But since my review last July, I’ve developed some sensitivity in my teeth and had to switch to Sensodyne’s whitening formula.  I don’t like it nearly as well, and I’ve had to go back to whitening with Crest Professional Effects White Strips to keep my teeth from looking dingy.

If you suffer from ingrown hairs, you need TendSkin Roll-On ($17).  The liquid helps prevent ingrowns and heal the ones you already have.  It’s the best ingrown prevention product that I’ve ever used, and since you can refill the roller from a larger, less-expensive bottle of TendSkin, the no mess applicator is a good value.

Maybelline Age Defying Treatment Dark Circle Concealer ($9) is the best under-eye concealer I’ve ever tried.  My only complaint is that finding your correct shade can be difficult.  My winter skin falls between light and medium, so I have to mix the two products on my hand and apply them with a brush.  On the upside, however, the lighter concealer is a great under-eye highlighter.

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Set ($45) is the perfect product for women who paint their nails at home.  The base and top coat keep my polish in like-new condition for at least a week, with minimal chipping for two weeks.  Proper application takes some practice, but if you like painted nails and hate chips, this is the product for you.

Every woman has that one thing they obsess about.  Maybe it’s your shoes or your lipstick, but for me, it’s my hair.  Pureology Hydrate Light

Shampoo and Conditioner ($22 each) gives me that bouncy, Charlie’s Angels hair that I’ve always wanted.  The problem?  It also gives me acne on my shoulders and chest.  During the winter months, when I’m all covered up, this isn’t a problem.  But as things start to warm up, I’ll be doing a revival of Sophie’s Choice in my bathroom each morning.

As my struggle with adult acne continues, I will try almost anything to stop the occasional breakouts that plague me.  I bought Illumask’s Anti-Acne Light Therapy Mask ($29 for 30 treatments) last month.  I used it as directed for one month and did notice a difference in my skin.  It was clearer, firmer, etc.  But once the treatments ran out, I didn’t replace it.  If I get serious about lighter therapy, I’ll buy a device that doesn’t have a shelf life that’s a better buy in the long run.

There are lots of products that purport to give your skin that airbrushed, dewy look.  Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder ($45) is the only one that actually delivers.  I use this powder as an under-eye setting powder and a highlight.  The light-diffusing particles smooth out imperfections and give even tired, dehydrated skin a healthy glow.

I hope to do a few more of these roundup posts in the coming weeks, but for now, if you want to know about a specific product that you’ve seen her on Capitol Hill Style, leave your question in the comments.