Cleansers -Joey New York - Pure Pores Cleansing Gel with Vitamin C
cowgurl 12/17/2005 3:35:00 PM
This cleanser is doing the job and then some. It has just the right combination of ingredients to get your face clean-clean-clean - lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids. Sounds harsh, but it isn't irritating. This formula would probably be good enough just like that, but there's also something in here that feels like baking powder scrubbies that leaves your skin energized and probably boosts the action of the above ingredients. (I don't like scrubs because I think the aggravate skin problems, but I trust this feel of this stuff and it hasn't failed me yet). I'm a "thirty-something" and still prone to break outs, but I think this product would be great for all ages and skin types. It's non-drying and primes you for whatever you put on next. I squeeze a nickle-sized amount out of the bottle (it's a white perlized gel), massage on dry skin, then add a bit of water to form a tingly lather. After the easy rinse off, I follow this up with Alpha Hydrox's new AHA Souffle. I'll write a separate review on that rather than go on about it here, but after trying a lot of expensive potions, I finally feel like I've hit on the right combination that's simple and not expensive. Follow up with sunscreen or an SPF foundation and you're out the door. In sum, I dig this cleanser big time -- I look forward to washing my face even at night in the dead of winter when I absolutely dread going near the water tap and getting wet. To me, it's worth every penny (about 24$). It lasts a good 3-4 months, but it's hard to find when you need it as sells out frequently on drugstore.com. As for the scent that some reviews have mentioned, it IS old fashioned, and not my favorite part of the product, but I am soooooo willing to overlook this minor detail because of the results. A final note on the packaging. It's in a white unobtrusive bottle with a push open/closed tilt up cap -- very convenient to use.
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Treatments -Philosophy - Save Me
cowgurl 4/4/2004 10:32:00 PM
I'll give a good review after seeing so many bad ones lately. I have adult acne, esp. the hormonal action on my chin and have had great luck with the Philosophy line. I think the various "acids" in this line have an antibacterial effect in addition to exfoliation. With regard to "Save Me", I had been searching for a vitamin C serum but all those I tried left me with breakouts and were greasy. This stuff seems to absorb right in, with no breakouts. It has a clean effect. I use it as a vitamin C antioxidant for days when I don't feel like applying a sunscreen.
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Skincare - Face -Philosophy - Hope in a Jar Eye & Lip Cream
cowgurl 3/26/2004 7:32:00 PM
This is the only eye cream that does not make my eyes all squinty (i.e. irritated) after a bit of wear. It is thick. It stays put. If you apply a moisturizer *after* you use it, the thickness factor shouldn't be a problem - it will blend in - for day wear. It's great at night, I also apply it on lips and wake up with it still on! They make this in a tube with a dropper applicator, also. I just hated the thought of "eye creams" but will keep with this because I can actually use it on my eyes... and as a very effective lip balm.
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Moisturizers -MAC - Day SPF15 Light Moisture
cowgurl 8/18/2003 1:39:00 AM
I've wanted to wear a day screen with a SPF of at least 15, but everything I tried left me with shine, stickiness - and suspicious break outs within 24 hours. I've used this for about three weeks, having first been introduced via a sample I asked for at the MAC counter. My skin has never been perfect, but I do notice a difference with this moisturizer - that is, I don't feel it has caused any break outs that wouldn't have happened anyway. And it leaves my skin matte. I don't need much of this, and the pea size dot goes on smooth and even. Attributes: Matte, smooth, goes on even, no suspicious break outs, light milky fragrance (love it), baby yellow color, milky-matte-glide-y texture, gentle near eyes, good 'eye drops-style' bottle. Well done. I'll try the SPF 30 when this runs out. UPDATE: Dumped this product for Kiss My Face SPF 30 Face Factor. Similar in smoothness, but much better composition and ingredient profile IMHO.
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Styling Products -Aveda - Light Elements Finishing Solution
cowgurl 8/18/2003 12:07:00 AM
Frizz be gone! I have wavy hair which I blow dry straight. I use this in combo with Phytodefrisant which straightens well but does nothing for frizz. Just a nickel size dollop of this Finishing Solution on wet hair (roots area) before blow drying put an end to my seemingly unconquerable halo of frizz! If you're looking for a polished/straight look try this. For folks on a budget, I think this would work great without Phyto but they work great together because they are both light and because Phyto is unscented while this one has a lavender fragrance. I blow dry every day and think this protects from the heat - while nuking that frizz. Leaves no residue so you can, in theory, put it on dry hair (frizz) and it just melts away. It's about 20$ for 6.7 oz - and you need only a little. The bottle is a light blue upright with a flip top cap that has a 'bladder' inside to prevent too much of this liquidy product from coming out. Also, for my fellow frizz fighters, I find I get equal results with Body Shop "Define and No Frizz Styling Cream." You need even less of this and it has a nice nut smell. Nukes the halo of frizz - again in combo with Phyto - and costs about 10$. I use just a little on the flyways before blow drying. I'd write a separate review, but don't know how to start a new chain . . . .
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