Archive for September, 2010

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Flawless Dollskin Cheek By Tarina Tarintino Review | Natural Crease & Fade Resistant Blush

Monday, September 20th, 2010

TARINA TARANTINO Dollskin CheekI haven't really heard of Tarina Tarantino before today so I took a glance at her site. It was very interesting seeing how she started out, just selling odd bits she had made in her apartment. Going from model-makeup artist-jewelery designer. I know its not relevant but I love her pink hair!

Dollskin Cheek by Tarina Tarantino is a blush devised to provide cheeks with a natural glow that lasts all day long. It is also designed to be crease and fade resistant.

Tarina says, "Unique micronization technology provides the most ultra-fine particle size possible, which results in enduring, crease- and fade-resistant application".

There are 5 different shades available, these should be suitable for all skin tones. By layering higher pigmented definition can be achieved.

It is made without parabens, which are preservatives used in a lot of cosmetics and some pharmaceuticals.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Luminous sheen
  • Creamy
  • Natural looking
  • Highly pigmented
  • Glides on smoothly

Cons

  • Dull ( one reviewer said)
  • Expensive

Ingredients

Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearate, Silica, Nylon-12, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Manganese Violet (CI 77742).

To Sum Up

Dollskin blush has first class reviews with patrons admiring the great color that glides on for a natural look. They also like how it feels kind of creamy on their skin.

There was one user that wasn't bowled over by this product. She says the color is dull and it made her look pasty.

It is quite lavishly priced at $25 a go but most patrons think it is worth it.

Buy Tarina Tarantino Dollskin Cheek Blush

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bareMinerals Mineral Veil by Bare Escentuals Review | Flawless Matte Finish with SPF 25

Sunday, September 19th, 2010

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 25 Mineral VeilMineral Veil by Bare Escentuals is a natural powder that gives your makeup a finished airbrushed look, says B.E anyway.

It is formulated with an SPF 25 for sun protection, which is one of the most important factors for me when choosing makeup.

This powder also helps eliminate shine, therefor making skin appear mattified. It should help minimize fine lines and pores, while lasting all day long.

There are 2 options for Mineral Veil, either the translucent powder or a lightly tinted shade for a bit of color. Both are suitable for all skin tones.

Like other most other Bare Escentual products Mineral Veil doesn't contain Parabens- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Synthetic Dyes- Petro-Chemicals- Phthalates, so good for those of you that like to keep it natural.

Users Conclusions

I have summarized below users opinions of Mineral veil from sephora.com:

Pros

  • Sheer coverage
  • Sun protection
  • Oil absorbing
  • Flawless finish
  • Lightweight
  • Natural

Cons

  • Pasty looking skin (one ladies opinion)

Ingredients

Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Corn Starch Modified, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.

To Sum Up

It was hard to find any bad comments about Mineral Veil, there was just one lady who said it makes her look pasty and pale.

However, most other bareMinerals fanatics aspire to it, saying it gives flawless coverage, provides sun protection, is natural looking and lightweight.

Patrons think it is reasonably priced at $19 a pop considering it does so much.

Buy Mineral Veil by Bare Escentuals

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Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion by Cosmedicine Review | Moisturizing Facial Tint with SPF 20

Saturday, September 18th, 2010

Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Face TintCosmedicine have devised a matte facial tint that also controls excess oil production. It should mattify and eliminate shine for up to 8 hours, according to Cosmedicine.

This does sound like a very appealing product as it has an SPF 20, which I know is a very important factor for a lot of people. In turn the sun protection will help reduce skin moisture loss.

The face tint is also formulated to hydrate the skin, therefor leaving it smoother and more even. All these factors including the tint, will give the face a natural hint of color for a flawless complexion, says Cosmedicine.

Medi-Matte Face Tint and Oil Control Lotion is suitable for all skin types, even the more sensitive ones. The lotion is recommended by Cosmedicine for people with excess oil and enlarged pores.

Users Conclusions

Below I have summarizes users opinions about Cosmedicine's oil control facial tint from reviews on totalbeauty.com:

Pros

  • Great for oily skin
  • SPF 20
  • Hydrates
  • Reduces pore size
  • Leaves skin with a matte look ( some found it only helped for a few hours)

Cons

  • Doesn't last more than a couple of hours (some users had these results)
  • Clogs pores causing breakouts ( a couple of users found this was typical)

Ingredients

Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Purified Water, Glycerin, C12-14 Pareth-12, Butylene Glycol, Punica Granatum Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Root Extract, Sorbitol, Squalane, Yeast Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Glucosamine HCl, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.

To Sum Up

While most users with oily skin found the lotion worked well for mattifying their skin, some said it only worked for a couple of hours before their skin became shiny again.

There are a couple of patrons that said it seemed to block their pores coursing a acne out break.

As every ones skin is different there will never be a product that is perfect for all of us. Fortunately this oil control lotion seems to work for most though.

At $42 for a 1.35oz bottle it is a little extravagant but if you can fit it into your budget it might be worth a try.

Buy Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Face Tint & Oil Control Lotion

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Bright & Natural Lip Stains by Tarte Review | Long Lasting Glossy Color

Friday, September 17th, 2010

tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip StainJust like other products from Tarte this lip stain is made with natural ingredients. The lip stain is designed with LipSurgence(TM) technology which Tarte says, "is clinically proven to increase moisture content by an astonishing 6000%".

Tarte Natural Lip Stain is formulated with peppermint, just like the best selling cheek stains it should give a natural flush that lasts all day long. With the help of the LipSurgence(TM) technology increasing skins water retention. It will give a fuller lip appearance, which will make lips more hydrated and smooth.

Like other Tarte cosmetics this doesn't contain Parabens (no toxic preservative)- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Synthetic Dyes- Petro-Chemicals- Phthalates- GMOs- Triclosan. This could be an appealing trait for those of you that like to keep it natural.

This stain is available in 6 pinky natural looking shades.

Users Conclusions

Below I have summarized the opinions of the ladies that have used the lip stain:

Pros

  • Glossy then matte when dry
  • Long lasting
  • Non drying ( most ladies think this is a good thing as it can be wiped off if a mistake is made)
  • Feels nice on lips

Cons

  • Bright colors (some users liked this)
  • Moisturized when first applied then dried lips

Ingredients

All shades contain:Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceide, Vegetable Oil, Candelilla Cera, Cera Alba, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Castor Oil Bis-Hydroxypropyl Dimethicone Esters, Ozokerite, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Stevioside, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Red 27 (CI 45410). (+/-): Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77499), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 28 (CI 45410), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140).

To Sum Up

Tarte have seemed to made a average collection of lip stains. Quite a few patrons think the stain is so-so, but the range of colors seemed a little bright for some who just wanted a more natural shade. Although just as many ladies liked the brightness of the stains.

Most users thought it was long lasting and very moisturizing. However, they found the moisture surge only lasted a while after application, then seemed to dry out their lips once it had dried.

If you fancy giving Tarte lip stain a try it retails for an expensive $24. Could be worth a try, especially if your a fan of the brighter shades.

Buy Natural Lip Stains by Tarte

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Creme de La Mer Face Cream by La Mer Review | “Miracle Broth” Daily Moisturizer To Firm Skin

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

La Mer Creme de La MerLa Mer Creme de la Mer is a face cream designed to make skin firmer, softer and even out the driest of complexions.

Some users of La Mer's cream have described it as a "Miracle broth". Others say they saw dramatic results in the reduction of dark circles and a increase in skin elasticity.

The accident that would lead to La Mer "Miracle broth"

About forty years ago, a aerospace physicist called Dr. Max Huber suffered a horrific accident when a routine experiment exploded in his face, leaving him with severe chemical burns.

Neither science nor medicine could offer sufficient promise for help, so Dr. Huber decided to help himself. Twelve years and thousands of experiments later- "La Mer was born."

Here are some negative opinions from La Mer users:

  • It's too heavy
  • Sticky on the skin
  • Difficulty with the directions of using the "Miracle Broth"

Directions for use

There are some that use La Mer Creme da le Mer who have had difficulties in using the cream. It has specific instructions on how to use it so it will work effectively.

So this is how it's done- place an amount (about the size of 1-2 peas) into the center of your palm then very vigorously rub your hands together.

The cream will liquify, becoming a clear liquid, then it is ready to spread onto the face. Customers who haven't done this will not see the same effects as those who have, says La Mer.

Ingredients

Here are just some of the ingredients used in La Mer Creme de la Mer face cream:

Seaweed (Algae) Extract, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum),Petrolatum: occlusive, Glycerin: humectant, Isohexadecane: thickening agent and emulsifier, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Extract,Microcrystalline Wax (Cera Microcristallina): thickening agent, Lanolin Alcohol: emollient, very closely resembles your skin's natural oils, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil: emolllient, can be irritating to those with very sensitive skin, Eucalyptus Globules (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil: thought to have anti-bacterial or anti-viral properties on the skin, Magnesium Sulfate, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seeds: Sesame oil is anemolllient, can be irritating to those with very sensitive skin, Alcohol Denat: Denaturized alcohol, Fragrance.

Personally I would expect miracles from this cream as it retails from $130(1oz)-$230(2oz).

Buy Creme de La Mer Face Cream

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Gentle Makeup Remover by M.D. Forte Review | Daily Facial Cleanser II Gently Reduces Acne Out-Breaks

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

M.D. Forte Facial CleanserM.D Forte Facial Cleanser is suitable for any skin type, although people with dry, normal, combination and slightly oily skin usually find it more effective. There are a couple of users with sensitive skin that have used this and they found it a little irritating for their skin.

This daily use cleanser should remove makeup and dead skin cells easily as it has a higher amount of Glycolic compound. This compound is a pH balanced mixture of glycolic acid, ammonium glycolate, purified water, and higher-molecular-weight oligomers of glycolic acid.

The cleanser should leave skin cleaned deep down into pores and feeling smooth and soft.

I personally would not recommend this cleanser to those of you that have very sensitive skin. It has had an irritating effect on other users with sensitive skin and the acids in the ingredients can be a little harsh.

Users Conclusions

Jamie Kelly said on Amazon that M.D Forte Facial Cleanser helped to clear her acne. Other users found it worked great for smoothing dry skin and removing makeup. One lady said it even made her look ten years younger.

However a few patrons found it didn't remove their makeup effectively, so they had to buy a separate makeup remover.

Ingredients

Purified Water (Aqua), Glycolic (and) Ammonium Glycolate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Sorbitol, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

Directions

Use a quarter-size amount and massage over wet skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Pat dry. Use either morning or night.

To Sum Up

On the whole M.D Forte's cleanser seems to work quite well. Most users said it removed their makeup and smoothed their skin.

A few ladies did find it a little irritating for their sensitive skin. Just check the ingredients before you give it a try to make sure your skin can tolerate them.

This is a little pricey for $28 but none of the users seemed to mind and some said it got rid of their acne so its worth it.

Buy M.D Forte's Facial Cleanser

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Clay & Charcoal Cleanser by Pelican Deitanseki Review | Japanese Deep Cleaning Cleansing Soap

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

Pelican Deitanseki Clay & Charcoal Facial Cleansing BarPelican Deitanseki Clay and Charcoal bar is a facial cleanser that is made from natural ingredients. It is made in Japan and is suitable for all skin types, which is formulated for everyday use.

Kaolin clay and carbon powder gently cleanse skin and lather to draw the impurities out from the pores. It also contains Bentonite which should help your skin retain its natural moisture.

There is a couple of ladies that use this soap for their body as well as their face and some that even use it on their hair. They say it makes it soft and shiny.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Great for oily skin
  • Reduces acne
  • Helps retain natural moisture
  • Smooths skin

Cons

  • Hard to find

Ingredients

Soap Base, Water, Tetrasodium Edta, Etidronic Acid, Peg-75, Glycerin, Chacoal Powder, Papain, Bentonite, Kaolin, Fragrance, Titanium 3 Dioxide.

Directions For Use

Using warm water lather the soap in your hands, then gently massage it onto your face, then rinse.

To Sum Up

This Japanese soap cleanser has proved very popular with users. They relish how it reduces oil, thus helping reduce acne breakouts.

The only complaint I found was that it is hard to get hold of in the states.

I think this cleanser is very reasonably priced at $10 for a 5.3 oz bar.

Buy Pelican Deitanseki Clay & Charcoal Cleansing Bar

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Dermalogica Age Smart Skin Resurfacing Cleanser Review | Gentle, Exfoliating & Moisturizing

Monday, September 13th, 2010

Dermalogica AGE Smart Skin CleanserDermalogica Age Smart Skin Resurfacing Cleanser is formulated to get rid of dull skin cells on the surface of the face and leave a more youthful glow. Its a cleanser and exfoliant in one. This anti-aging cleanser is suitable for all skin types.

It contains antioxidant vitamin E which promote softness and also fortify s the skins natural moisture barrier. The Rose flower oil helps to calm the skins sensitivity, so that should make Age Smart gentle enough for everyday use even on sensitive skin.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Evens skin tones
  • silky smooth skin
  • Exfoliates
  • Quick and easy to use

Tips

Rinse face with warm water, lather cleanser in hands then apply to face and neck, massage for about a minute then rinse. Use gentle circular motions on the face and upward sweeps on the neck.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lactic Acid, PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Polyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Citral, Citronellol, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Isoeugenol, Limonene, Linalool, Acorus Calamus, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, ,Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Rose Flower Oil, CitrusMedica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil/Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.

To Sum Up

This product seems to have acquired a fan base in women 40+. They say it has taken years off their skin, as well as exfoliating deep into the pores.

I haven't come across any disappointed customers that have used this cleanser yet.

If you want to try Dermalogica Smart Skin Resurfacing cleanser it costs around $35 for a 5.1oz bottle. A reasonable price for a 2-in-1 cleanser and exfoliant.

Buy Dermalogica Age Smart Skin Resurfacing Cleanser

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Anti-Aging Daily Eye Cream by Benefit Cosmetics Review | Eyecon Helps Reduce Puffiness, Fine Lines & Dark Circles

Sunday, September 12th, 2010

Benefit Cosmetics EyeconIt has created an eye cream "Eyecon" that is supposed to help fight against puffiness, dark circles and fine lines. Well, although Benefit Cosmetics are usually very good, it should have left youth restoration to the experts! Sorry Benefit.

Benefit Cosmetics was established in San Francisco in 1976. So really it is still a baby and we could see improvements in this product in the future.

The only ingredients mentioned in this concoction are apple and sweet almond. If that's the key ingredients and Benefits biggest selling point for this eye cream, then I would rather save my money and smear fresh apple and almond under my eyes instead of buying this!

Personally I find it very frustrating when a company doesn't supply the list of ingredients on its site. Especially when there are so many people with allergies that have to check these things.

Users Conclusions

Most users seem to agree the cream is hydrating, a little goes a long way and they also like how it is unscented.

Unfortunately it is let down by the fact that most patrons say it does absolutely nothing to reduce dark circles or fine lines.

Ingredients

The only ingredients I found mentioned were sweet almond and apple fruit.

To Sum Up

Although most users found Eyecon ineffective a couple of people said it worked for them and reduced their dark circles and puffiness.

Frankly this eye cream has come across as weak when put to the test in the field, therefor I think it is far too expensive at $30.

Buy Eyecon Anti-aging Eye Cream by Benefit

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The Micro-delivery By Philosophy Review | In-Home Micro-dermabrasion Peel Resurfaces & Replenishes Skin

Saturday, September 11th, 2010

The Micro-delivery By PhilosophyPhilosophy have created an at home micro-dermadrasion peel. Micro-dermabrasion is usually something you would go to your beautician for.

What is Micro-dermabrasion?

It is a facial exfoliation procedure in which the top layer of skin is abraded away with ultra fine crystals of aluminum oxide or other ingredients. This process improves and smooths skin surface and can minimize imperfections, like blemishes, fine lines, and signs of sun damage.

What is a Micro-delivery peel?

It is similar to micro-dermabrasion in that it resurfaces the skin, it is just achieved using a peel with crystals and a activator gel rather than just dry crystals. Micro-delivery peel is also designed to replenish the skin with vitamin c, says Philosophy.

Philosophy's Clinical Results

Philosophy apparently carried out clinical trials and its results show that after just one micro-delivery peel, 82% of respondents agreed their skin appeared to be resurfaced; 65% of respondents agreed their skin felt brand new; 80% said their skin felt smoother and more refined.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Leaves skin feeling clean
  • Face feels baby soft
  • Natural glow
  • Non irritating
  • Exfoliates
  • Instant results

Cons

  • possibly cause a breakout. (only a couple of users have had this reaction)

Ingredients

Peptide/vitamin c crystals: peg-6, sodium bicarbonate, oleth-20, glyceryl stearate se, silica, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, retinyl palmitate, ethylhexyl palmitate, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) oil, tocopheryl acetate, sorbitan isostearate, tribehenin, palmitoyl, oligopeptide, isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, beta-caroteneactivation gel: water (aqua), lactic acid, hydroxyethylcellulose, linoleamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate, propylene glycol, salicylic acid, diazolidinyl urea, polyquaternium 10, methylparaben, propylparaben.

Directions

First apply vitamin c crystals to a clean dry face. Gently massage using circular motions to buff away dead, dry skin cells for thirty to sixty seconds; and then leave on skin for one to three minutes. Apply a thin layer of activator gel over crystals. After applying activator gel, a warming sensation and foam will appear. Leave on for one minute and then rinse.

To Sum Up

Micro-delivery peel seems like a superior product. Nearly everyone who has tried it found it transformed their skin from dry and rough, to smooth and soft.

I think if you are considering using this peel you should check ingredients to make sure your skin will be able to tolerate the content. As a couple of patrons found it made them breakout shortly after use.

The price is quite reasonable at $40 for a 2pc 1oz set or $65 for a 2oz. If you went to the spa for a micro peel it would cost over twice as much for one treatment, where as you can do this your self when ever.

Buy The Micro-delivery Kit by Philosophy

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