Product Reviews by strawbit

BB Cream -Laneige - Snow BB Cream SPF41 PA++
rated 1 of 5
strawbit 5/4/2011 10:14:00 PM

I had the same experience with usnguyen. Since this BB cream is from Laneige, I thought it would be of high quality. Unfortunately, after around an hour of wearing it, my face started to itch. And when I finally got home and took it off, I had breakouts and redness all throughout. Just thinking of it makes me itchy and angry at the same time. I couldn't locate the ingredients either. The fragrance in this product is pretty strong. I have this in the natural shade, #2. If you have hypersensitive skin, I advise you skip this product.

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Loose Powders -Jill Stuart - Loose Powder - Glow
rated 4 of 5
strawbit 3/29/2011 2:49:00 AM

This is a review for the earlier version of Jill Stuart's loose powder. (They have since released a new powder with a flat top packaging.) I have this shade in 01 Glow, which is a natural powder with no shimmers. This loose powder is very fine and comes with a puff that is pure softness. 01 Glow is a pink-based, light colored powder that goes on translucent. It is slightly whiter than my skintone (NC 20), but it also evens out into a transparent finish after a few minutes. Oil control is good for about 4 hours, but I would need to blot after that. I am very pleased with this powder because it evens out my pores and skintone. I use this alone without foundation. Overall, a pricey loose powder that delivers quality.

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Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - Vanicream SPF 60 Sensitive Skin Sunscreen
rated 4 of 5
strawbit 3/29/2011 2:36:00 AM

Vanicream SPF 60 was prescribed by my dermatologist in line with other products to treat rosacea. She said this is the only sunscreen that would be suitable for my hyper sensitive skin. At first, I didn't like the greasy feeling it leaves me; I have been spoiled by the matte / glowy finish of Japanese sunscreens after all. But I did notice this does not have alcohol in it, and although it is creamier than most sunscreens I've tried, it did not irritate my skin at all. The only solution I found for the greasiness is to put powder on top of it. This method works pretty well until midday when my naturally oily skin starts to oil up -- but that is fine for I blot with blotting papers around this time anyway. Another thing to note is how big the tube is and the price is very reasonable. I have had mine for 5 months now and there is still half of product left. I like that it really protects the skin against sunburn and freckles, etc. A most economical, effective sunblock that I would recommend to sensitive skin types.

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Lotions/ Creams -Soap and Glory - Hand Food
rated 4 of 5
strawbit 3/28/2011 8:46:00 AM

This hand moisturizer is light and non-greasy. It is the only non-greasy hand cream I have used that actually does what it says - moisturizes properly. Although the effects are temporary, the protection it offers lasts for almost the whole day. Used nightly, this is a pretty good moisturizer for the hands that delivers. The price is unbeatable for the product's quality.

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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Muji - Cleansing Oil
rated 4 of 5
strawbit 3/28/2011 3:52:00 AM

I use Muji Cleansing Oil for Sensitive Skin. I like this slightly better than Shiseido FT's Perfect Oil because of its texture -- slightly thicker -- somehow I feel it cleanses a wee bit better. It hasn't broken me out which I appreciate very much. A basic, good-quality, reasonably-priced cleansing oil. A product with value.

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Cleansers -Shiseido - "Perfect Oil" Cleansing Oil
rated 4 of 5
strawbit 3/28/2011 3:45:00 AM

Shiseido Fine Toiletry's (FT) Perfect Oil has been my staple makeup remover since RMK. It is a very runny liquid which I think is suitable for oily skin types. I like that it removes makeup well and washes off fairly easily without leaving too greasy a trace. I also always follow up with another cleanser after using cleansing oil (double cleanse). I like this much better than Shu Uemura's which is is too rich for my skin type. Compared to RMK, Pefect Oil is slightly below par in terms of scent and texture (slide), but the difference can be overlooked for Perfect Oil is unbeatable for its price. Nonetheless, I have also disovered Muji's Cleansing Oil to be an excellent alternative. There are many cleansing oils being released in the self-select department, and the temptation to try them is always there. But it is also good to know that there is a good basic cleansing oil to fall back to.

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Scrubs -Soap and Glory - Breakfast Scrub
rated 4 of 5
strawbit 3/28/2011 3:36:00 AM

Soap & Glory's Breakfast Scrub is my favorite body scrub to date. I fell in love with the scent - I think I have never encountered a body scrub that smells like maple syrup. Oats, shea butter, and sugar are mixed together to form a creamy scrub that exfoliates and moisturizes my body so well. The granules are a combination of fine and medium sized buffers that are comfortable to use. I use this once a week and my skin feels smooth and soft (not to mention delicious) after. I have to stop myself from tasting the product. I am quite amazed with Soap & Glory products for they offer great packaging and the deliver what they claim and the price is hard to beat.

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Scrubs -Skinfood - Black Sugar Mask
rated 3 of 5
strawbit 3/28/2011 3:29:00 AM

Skin Food Black Sugar Mask Wash Off is a scrub made of sugar and some oils. It comes in a tub and is brownish-black. The particles are not so fine, but not too abrasive either. I'd say the granules give a satisfying scrub. The smell reminds me of Coca-cola, but sweeter. I feel this scrub definitely removes dead skin cells on the upper layers of my skin. My skin is noticeably smoother to the touch after use. However, I find that this product does not really deep clean into the pores, and that is what I like my masks/scrubs to do. If you are concerned only of smoothing the dermis, I would certainly recommend this product given its abilities, and it is fun to use. I wouldn't recommend this to gals who crave for some serious de-clogging of pores.

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Treatments -Jason Natural Cosmetics - Tea Tree Oil
rated 4 of 5
strawbit 3/28/2011 2:43:00 AM

I use this for pimples and found it works effectively. It really minimizes the pimple size and kills it inside also. Sometimes pimple potions only target the surface but I could still feel the bud beneath the skin. Jason Tea Tree Oil takes its time, and I really mean it takes its time to address the pimple (estimate 2~3 weeks of application every night), but it is effective and does not leave glaring red post-pimple marks. For patient people, a recommended buy.

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Shampoo -Soap and Glory - Glad Hair Day
rated 5 of 5
strawbit 3/28/2011 2:23:00 AM

I got this shampoo from Soap & Glory's Christmas 2010 Pink Big Set in the UK. To be honest, I had low expectations from this product because it looked frilly. I must say Glad Hair Day proved me wrong, and I have never been happier to be. This clear pinkish shampoo smells of raspberry and vinegar and is seriously addictive. It makes my hair genuinely shine when it dries. I believe its no-buildup formula claim because I do not feel any heaviness/stickiness on my sensitive, oily scalp after use. This did not break out my temples, as some shampoos with strong scents and chemicals do. I must say Soap & Glory may be one of those brands that actually deliver what they advertise on their bottles. It cleans my hair really well too. I think I am extremely appreciative of this product because it was able to combine fantastic packaging and amazing formula with an unbeatable price!

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Shampoo -Unlisted Brand - Free and Clear Shampoo
rated 5 of 5
strawbit 3/28/2011 2:12:00 AM

Free & Clear Shampoo is a clear liquid that is marketed as free from harmful ingredients. At first use, I was not happy with the product because it dried out my hair. But with persistent use every other day, I have adjusted quite well to the product. My hair isn't as dry after use anymore, and is quite light-feeling. Aside from the detergent smell (I like it), I also enjoy how it turns into a healthy lather in the shower. It cleans the hair very well, and my hair, to an extent, is soft after combing. I think the highest point of this shampoo is its cleansing ability. Great for people with oily and sensitive scalp.

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Treatments -Avene - Diroseal
rated 4 of 5
strawbit 3/28/2011 1:58:00 AM

Avene Diroseal is a treatment product for people suffering from rosacea. This green lotion is meant to counteract the redness on the face and also contains some ingredients to thicken skin surface. I use this twice a day before sunscreen in the morning and moisturizer at night. I can see how with continuous use, my skin has better coped with rosacea before starting the treatment, but I cannot be entirely sure because aside from this product, my dermatologist also prescribed Robaz (metronidazole). I do see how it can somewhat reduce the perpetual redness on my cheeks. Another thing I am concerned about is the mineral oil contained. So, one lippie off for that. Otherwise, I think it is a fairly good product.

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Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Vitec Vitamin E Lotion
rated 4 of 5
strawbit 3/28/2011 1:49:00 AM

Vitec Vitamin E Lotion was prescribed by my dermatologist as part of my regimen to combat rosacea. My skin is extremely sensitive and finicky and reacts quickly to products in the form of redness, pimples, etc. It is quite hard to find a moisturizer that does not break me out. Thus, I am quite happy to say that I do not have adverse reactions from this moisturizer. This comes in a tube and applies as a white moisturizer. Its consistency is a cross between lotion and cream, but leaning more on the lotion side. Although quite runny, it is dense and needs to be spread for some time for it to absorb properly. It is a basic moisturizer - moisturizes skin that is all - nothing more or less. My skin is oily and acne-prone, not to mention suffering from rosacea, but it has tolerated the product well, aside from the occasional red blotches on parts of my face after application (which disappears in a few minutes). I feel its efficacy in the morning when I do not see any dry patches or unwanted pimples on my face. I recommend this lotion for those who have extremely sensitive skin having a hard time finding a good, basic moisturizer.

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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Free & Clear Liquid Cleanser
rated 4 of 5
strawbit 3/28/2011 12:56:00 AM

Free & Clear Liquid Cleanser was prescribed to me by my dermatologist as part of a skincare regimen to combat rosacea. At first use, I could immediately feel the difference compared to my previous cleanser. My skin felt calm, smooth, and comfortably CLEAN. After five months, I am still very pleased with the abilities of this liquid cleanser; it capably removes all sunscreen and powder (but not foundation) properly, without having to use a cleansing oil/cream beforehand. The only fault I could find is that it stings the eyes slightly each time, but I guess it is just fully removing all the grime and impurities. Added to all these benefits is that this cleanser is free of most potential irritants and harmful ingredients. A great cleanser.

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Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Vitacreme B12
rated 1 of 5
strawbit 5/23/2010 1:55:00 AM

Vitacreme B12, made popular by a Japanese actress, is a product of Switzerland. The pink cream is housed in a 50-ml narrow tube shaped much like toothpaste. It is said to be suitable for all skin types. The texture is a quite thick but spreads easily enough on the face. However, I find this cream to be too thick to absorb into my combination skin, and oddly enough it doesn't provide good moisturizing properties. As a makeup base, one has to wait for it to settle for a few minutes before piling on other products. The pamphlet recommends it as a night cream, but says it is also suitable for day. I have tried alternating the two and did not find much commendable results. My skin texture did not improve, rather it just maintained the status quo. Personally, I think Vitacreme B12 is a much-hyped product. Update: May I add, that this was the culprit for my horrible skin of 2010, which has not yet fully recovered now. A recent patch test revealed that I am highly allergic to cobalt which also cross-reacts with Vitamin B12 (also found in vitamins like Centrum, who would have known?). Please note for people who have skin hypersensitivity, do test the product out first before applying. I couldn't have thought this cream was the reason because I was using it in conjunction with other skincare items, but looking back, yes, my skin was considerably worse after using this product. Vitacreme B12 is on my blacklist.

5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you?   Yes     No