Archive for the ‘Facial Skin Care’ Category

Dr. Feelgood Facial Balm by Benefit Cosmetics Review | Mattifies, Smooths Skin & Reduces Pores

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Benefit Cosmetics Dr. FeelgoodDr. Feelgood by Benefit Cosmetics is a complexion balm that is designed to be put on over makeup to reduce fine lines and pores.

It should not smudge your already perfect makeup application or feel greasy but just give you that extra bit of coverage for a flawless mattified complexion. It can be worn alone or over the top of makeup.

The balm contains vitamins C and E which helps fight the signs of aging and also help with the production of collagen.

Users Conclusions

I have summarized the information below from the opinions of the ladies using the face balm.

Pros

  • Very matte
  • Fresh clean smell
  • Long lasting
  • Feels smooth
  • Cute packaging

Cons

  • Can cause acne breakouts ( People prone to breakouts)
  • Can be irritating on sensitive skin

Ingredients

Corn Starch Modified, Diethylene Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Isosteryl Meopentanoate, Silica, Polyethylene, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera) Wax, Tridecyl Trimelitate, Diethylene Glycol Diisononanoate, Chamomile (Anthemis Nobili) Flower Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Linoleate, Ascorbyl Palmitate.

Directions Of Use

Pat and smooth over makeup with its accompanying sponge. Just remember that "less is more" as one user rightfully said, if you apply to much it can feel slimy.

To Sum Up

The majority of ladies using the Dr. Feelgood balm relish its effectiveness at minimizing pores and mattifyng their skin.

However, some users found it irritating on the their sensitive skin and a few said it made them breakout.

I think it is a little pricey at $28 for a 0.58oz tin, although many fanatics think it is well worth the price.

Buy Dr. Feelgood Facial Balm by Benefit

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Professional Glycolic Acid 35% Gel Peel by Skin Laboratory Review | Reduces Acne Scarring & Smooths Skin

Saturday, November 13th, 2010

Glycolic Acid Gel Peel

What is Glycolic Acid?

It is a alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from sugar cane. Glycolic acid is one of the best known AHA's and is used to smooth wrinkles, fade hyperpigmentation, sun damage and smooth the overall texture of the skin.

It's molecules are very small and therefor can easily penetrate the skin, allowing it to loosen the bonds that hold the skin cells together, this is what makes it more effective at removing dead skin cells.

The glycolic acid 35% gel peel is devised to stimulate collagen formation beneath the skin, improving fine lines and wrinkles.

It is one of the minimum strength peels that only penetrates the epidermis (the top layer of skin. The gel will remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin leaving it brighter with fewer fine lines.

As this is a professional strength peel it is very important to follow the directions correctly.

Users Conclusions

I have summarized the lists below from the opinions of the people using the facial peel.

Pros

  • Smooths skins surface
  • Brightens
  • Removes dead skin cells
  • Reduces acne scarring
  • Clears acne

Cons

  • Can burn if left on too long
  • Irritating

Ingredients

Glycolic Acid (35%), deionized water, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, propylene glycol.

Directions Of Use

Apply 2-3ml Glycolic acid to a gauze pad and apply to the face using a gentle rubbing action. Leave product on initially for 30-60 seconds, building up to 1-4 minutes as tolerance increases. Contact time should not exceed 10 minutes. Use every 5-7 days in conjunction with regular exfoliation and moisturization of the skin. Rinse area with water at any sign of redness or discomfort.

If uncomfortable irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult your skin care specialist. Avoid contact with eyes and lips. Do not rub into skin. If contact occurs in eye, rinse thoroughly with water.

To Sum Up

The majority of ladies seem to find this peel very effective at improving the condition of their skin. They like how it reduces acne scars and breakouts and how it leaves their skin feeling a lot smoother.

However, it is to be used with caution as it can be irritating and can even burn the skin if you are very sensitive or it is left on for too long! Some ladies found it was too strong for them and caused burning or scabs.

If you are not sure if how it will effect your skin, I suggest starting with a 10% glycolic peel and see how your skin fairs.

It is quite reasonably priced at $18.95 for a 30ml bottle, it does usually cost $34.95, which is still not a bad price considering how much you pay for peels at the spa.

Buy Glycolic Acid Gel Peel

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Eyeshadow/Concealer Primer “Stay Don’t Stray” by Benefit Review | Reduces Creasing & Prolongs Color

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don't StrayStay Don't Stray is an around the eye primer for concealers and eyeshadows. It is devised to stop concealers from creasing and make sure shadows last all day with vibrant color.

Benefit have made it a neutral shade so it should suit any skin tone. It is created with a airless pump for easy use, this also stops contamination of the formula.

The primer is formulated with sodium hyaluronate to hydrate skin and help lock in moisture. Vitamin C and E also help fight the signs of aging, says Benefit.

This is yet another product I have reviewed that doesn't contain Parabens, which as I have said in other posts are preservatives used in many cosmetics and some pharmaceutical products.

Users Conclusions

I have listed below some of the opinions of ladies that are using Stay Don't Stray primer:

Pros

  • Creamy
  • Absorbing
  • Quick drying
  • Color correcting
  • Easy to apply

Cons

  • Pump dispenses too much product (most people found this)
  • Can crease ( some found this)

Directions

Apply the primer over lids and under eyes and let set. Then apply your concealer to under-eye area and your eyeshadow.

To Sum Up

Most ladies that have tried Stay Don't Stray primer seem to favor it, as it is creamy to apply, quick drying and helps eyeshadow last longer.

There is one problem most people experienced when using the primer, they found the pump dispenser wastes a lot of product by dispensing too much every time. Also some found it made their concealer crease after a couple of hours.

I think is a little lavishly priced at $24 a bottle, although not really any complaints from patrons of the price.

All in all a reasonable primer Benefit should just get rid of the pump dispenser and opt for a tube.

Buy Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer

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Conair MDF2R Facial Sauna Review | In Home Steamer Unclogs Pores & Moisturizes Skin

Saturday, October 16th, 2010

Conair MDF2R Facial SaunaThe Conair Facial Sauna is devised to cleanse skin by opening clogged pores for easy extraction. It can also be used to open clogged nasal and sinus passages.

It comes with two cone shaped attachments, one is 6-3/4" wide and is to accommodate the face, chin and neck for a full facial cleanse. While the second attachment is 3-1/2" wide, this is created for the nose so you can breathe in the steam during allergy and cold season.

Other features include:

  • Facial tool with 2 attachments for exfoliating
  • Exfoliating brush
  • Sponge for moisturizer
  • Facial Sauna with auto shutoff and timer
  • On/Off Switch

Users Conclusions

I have summarized below what the patrons think of the facial sauna:

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Clears blocked sinuses
  • Softens skin
  • Smooths skin
  • Moisturizes
  • Unclogs pores
  • Non greasy
  • Good value

Cons

  • Very noisy
  • Not enough steam
  • Too long to heat up

To Sum Up

There are some mixed reviews on this facial sauna, although the majority of the users say it is good for the money, some think it doesn't work very well at heating the steam quickly and that it doesn't last long enough.

However, other fans say it unclogs their pores and softens their skin just as well as a more expensive brand. Most people do agree that it is quick noisy and you can hear it over the T.V.

At $25.99 it is a bargain buy just don't expect it to be perfect but for the price it does the job, according to most of the users.

Buy The Conair Facial Sauna

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Moisturizing Photo Op Under Eye Brightener Review | Smashbox Covers Dark Circles & Reduces Wrinkles

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye BrightenerPhoto Op Under Eye Brightener by Smashbox is devised to moisturize and brighten ready for concealer application.

The formula comes in a tube with a brush applicator, similar to a lip gloss applicator.

It helps to fight the ongoing battle most of us have with dark circles under our eyes with ingredients like vitamin C, red wine extract and peptides.

Smashbox have also added marine collagen to help fill fine lines and wrinkles from under the eye area.

This sounds like a good product that will give your eyes a little boost on those early mornings, so you can look awake even if you don't feel it. Well that it what its designed to do but does it actually work?

Users Conclusions

I have compiled a list below of what the users think of Smashbox's eye brightener:

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Brightens under eyes
  • Covers minor dark circles
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Shimmery ( a few people like this )
  • Expensive
  • A little watery

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Phenyl Trimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Isostearic Acid, Emulsifying Wax NF, Steareth 21, PEG/PPG 18/18 Dimethicone, Steareth 2, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium PCA, Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Laurate, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Propylene Glycol Laurate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Steareth 20, N Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide 3, Cholesterol, Capric/Caprylic Triglycerides, Diacetyl Boldine, Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen, Silanetriol, Glutamylamidoethyl Imidazole, Fructose Oligosaccharides, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Biotite, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate, Polydodecanamideaminium, Triazadiphenylethenesufonate, Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer, May Contain (+/-): Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Carmine (CI 75470).

Directions Of Use

Before concealer, apply Photo Op Under Eye Brightener under eyes with the brush applicator, then blend out using fingers. For a lifted and youthful appearance, highlight the inner corners of the eye and orbital bone.

To Sum Up

There was mixed reviews with this under eye brightener with some patrons happy with the dark circle coverage. While others found it too shimmery and didn't think it made any difference to their under eye area.

Some users thought that at $18 it is slightly lavishly priced considering they found it more shimmery than effective. However, it did work for some patrons, so might be worth a try if you don't mind paying the high price tag.

Buy Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener

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A Best Seller Eyeshadow Primer Potion by Urban Decay Review | Long Lasting & Crease Proof

Friday, October 1st, 2010

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer PotionUrban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion has a unique veil shaped like a genie bottle in a cute lilac shade.

The primer is devised to provide a totally translucent base that should glide on easily, this is promised by Urban Decay to make eyeshadow smoother to apply, appear more vibrant and last longer without creasing.

Apparently the potion has been improved with its new bent wand, this is designed to make applications smoother and easier.

The ingredients suggest this may not appeal to the more Eco friendly patron as it contains some synthetic ingredients.

Users Conclusions

Below I have summarized users opinions of Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion:

Pros

  • No flaking or fading
  • No creasing
  • Lightweight creamy texture
  • Non sticky
  • Colors appear more vibrant

Cons

  • A little expensive
  • wand applicator isn't very effective
  • Doesn't work for oily lids ( according to a few reviews)

Ingredients

Isododecane, Talc, Cyclopentasiloxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trihydroxystearin, Triethylhexanoin, Isopropyl Lanolate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Dimethicone, PEG-40 Stearate, Propylene Carbonate, Phenoxyethanol, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Methicone, Isobutylparaben. May Contain: Mica, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride).

To Sum Up

The majority of patrons adored this potion as it made their eyeshadow last all day without fading or creasing.

However, a few users found it didn't work for them at all, this was mainly ladies with oily lids. They said it didn't make any difference to their eyeshadow, some even said it made the shadow crease more.

The primer is also a little lavishly priced at $18 but most users said it does last a long time, so its worth the price.

Buy Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion

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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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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