Treatments -Kate Somerville - Exfolikate
inneroracle 3/31/2012 11:30:00 AM
I am loving Kate Somerville right now. After trying other high end brands that haven't worked well, this is a breath of fresh air. I like that she was a medical esthetician. This product is supposed to be used 2 times a week. It is a green, gritty cream. I apply it to my face in circular motions, and I let it sit for two minutes, then wet my fingers and gently massage for another few seconds and then rinse. It does sting a bit, but my face is so smooth afterward. I am used to really active products, so my skin can tolerate this just fine. If somebody has sensitive skin, this may not be for you.
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Liquid -Christian Dior - Capture Totale Liquid Foundation SPF15
inneroracle 3/31/2012 11:25:00 AM
I have been wearing this foundation for a little over a week now. It is expensive. I went to Macy's to look for a foundation. I feel like the Nordstrom at Arden Fair Mall just tries to sell me expensive products to make a commission and not actually products that look good on my skin. Anyway, my skin has been super dry from using Peter Thomas Roth's Fusion PM. I love that stuff, but it is just tight because I've been using it too much. I can wear 020 in this foundation. My face is darker than my neck, and it matches pretty good, but you have to apply it correctly or it will look like a disgusting, shiny mask. If you use 2 pumps of this stuff and apply it, it looks shiny and really orange. Yuck! There was a Dior makeup artist, and she advised me to just use one pump or it would look like a mask. It really does cover the whole face with one pump on a foundation brush. You have to moisturize well for the one pump to work properly. This has a luminous quality to it, which does give a little bit of a glow. It is a light to medium coverage. It's worth a try for dryer skin that is older. It doesn't settle into fine lines. I like it well enough. It isn't a miracle product, but it is pretty good. And, it doesn't break me out, so that is a big bonus.
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Primer/ Corrector -Laura Mercier - Foundation Primer Radiance
inneroracle 11/9/2011 9:04:00 AM
I think the Oil Free Primer in this line breaks me out. And, I'm used to a foundation that provides a little more radiance. I bought this directly from Laura Mercier's web site. Doesn't look like this is sold in any stores yet. This comes out of the tube looking kind of peachy with gold flints in it. I don't notice that it alters the color on my face, but I'm a beige ivory gal. I don't really even notice any shimmer on my face, even though I see it on the product. This does feel a little heavier and thicker than the other primers; however, my skin is dry so that isn't a problem. I have to say that I really like this. I have even gotten a compliment on my skin during the last week I've been using this. I don't know that I would recommend this for oily gals. I'll update if my opinion changes. Update: I stopped using because this also breaks me out. I think it is just too heavy for my skin.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -Laura Mercier - Pressed Setting Powder - Translucent
inneroracle 10/31/2011 10:06:00 AM
This does a good job of setting makeup. You are supposed to apply it with an LM puff. You work the product into the puff then roll it onto your skin. Maybe I don't have enough powder on the puff, but I feel like half of my makeup comes off when I try to work this product into place. I took one lippie off for the way you have to apply this. It doesn't alter the color at all, but I wear beige ivory.
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Concealers -Laura Mercier - Secret Camouflage
inneroracle 10/31/2011 9:55:00 AM
I don't really know how I feel about this product. I use the light color on its own to cover the dark circles under my eye, and I try to mix the 2 colors to cover the red acne scars on my face. It is a great concealer. I find it difficult to use though, and the texture feels a little dry when trying to blend it on the back of my hand. It really does work though, and I'd have to say it is the best concealer for coverage I've ever used. I probably just don't have the hang of blending it though. One lippie off for the fact that it isn't just one step to use it.
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Crème -Laura Mercier - Silk Creme Foundation
inneroracle 10/31/2011 9:50:00 AM
I just bought this foundation 2 days ago and have applied it 3 times. I was told it must be applied with a sponge using a wiping motion and stippling it in areas for better coverage. It does do a pretty good job with fuller coverage. The color match of beige ivory is pretty good. It does oxidize a bit on me, even with the oil free primer on -- or maybe that is just the color. In the store under fluorescent lighting, the color matched my neck perfectly. In the car, looking in the mirror with the sunlight, it was slightly orange and a little darker -- not too bad though. I think it can be built to full coverage, but I am used to a dewier foundation, and something about this combo of products makes me feel like my skin is dryer, even though there is a slight moistness when I touch my face. I don't love this foundation yet, but I don't hate it either. I think the color is better than most, and it can be built to full coverage. So, that is a bonus. I do have 2 new breakouts -- cysts since starting to wear this. I am thinking it might be the primer though. I'll update as things change. Update: I did stop using this. It seems to be a nice enough system for some, but I think the primer breaks me out. This product doesn't look as nice on bare skin.
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Primer/ Corrector -Laura Mercier - Foundation Primer Oil -Free
inneroracle 10/31/2011 9:45:00 AM
Hmmm, the jury is out for me on this. I went to Nordstrom a couple days ago for the Cosmetics Trend Show, and they kept talking about Laura Mercier and the flawless face. I had just starting using the Unwrinkle Foundation from Peter Thomas Roth -- which is really more of a tinted moisturizer. My skin had broken out from La Prairie and was clearing up from the Peter Thomas Roth products. I quickly searched reviews online before asking them to color match me. I am not in love with this foundation system. The makeup artist told me that Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle foundation I was wearing was too orange on my skin, but everything oxidizes on me. She insisted I get this primer because it would prevent oxidation. She matched me to beige ivory. This does go on just like a moisturizer. I find the application methods I need to use for the foundation and powder a bit difficult to master, and even with this primer on, the Laura Mercier foundation did oxidize a bit. It was a closer match though. I bought the kit and kaboodle. I couldn't wait to get home and wash my face and reapply for going out later that night. It has been 2 days and 3 applications later, and I have 2 cysts. I am taking a lippie off because I think it might be this primer. I have had luck with Smashbox's primer in the past, and normally my face doesn't like dimethicones. Of course I was using Jan Marini skin care then, and it is more active than Peter Thomas Roth skin care -- at least in my humble opinion it is. I will update if this is the culprit that is breaking me out. I did order Laura Mercier's new radiance primer directly from her website since nobody else is selling it. I prefer a little more radiance in my foundations and am hoping the other primer will provide it. UPDATE: I downgraded this a lippie. I'm certain this breaks me out. I've switched to the Radiance Primer, and I'm having better results.
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Fragrances -Prada - Candy EDP
inneroracle 10/29/2011 9:14:00 PM
I tried this today and bought it on the spot. I could smell the caramel, and there was a smell that I think must be the benzoin that reminds me of Trussardi skin as the undernote. I got a gift with purchase at the Nordstrom Trend show, too. This is like a blend between Flowerbomb and Trussardi Skin -- of course, missing some of the notes. I like the sweet gourmand scent that reminds me of Flowerbomb, and the musky? undernote that reminds me of Trussardi Skin. Definitely worth a sniff or try.
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Foundations -Peter Thomas Roth - Un-Wrinkle Foundation SPF 20
inneroracle 10/21/2011 9:29:00 AM
This is my new foundation I am trying after returning La Prairie anti-aging foundation. That was a fine foundation, except my face went a little cystic. I think dimethicone is problematic for my skin, but the -anes haven't bothered me so much yet (keeping my fingers crossed) My search for my next foundation took me to Sephora where I was disappointed with the coverage from Make Up For Ever Face and Body which doesn't have any cones. I tried Josie Maran which does contain cones, and it didn't have much coverage. So, I mosied down to Macy's and looked at their offerings. This foundation only has 4 colors. I grabbed the Medium to try. When I was walking around looking for a spot to try it on, one of the SA's said, that's great stuff. My mother has it, and she has skin just like yours that got all broken out from all of the stuff she tried, and then she went and grabbed the anti-aging skin care set to try. She even knew what color I'd be. Oh God! Now I look like someone's mom. Well, it's to be expected at 42. I guess. So, the SA applied this, and it was fairly sheer. I'd call it light to medium -- a little more coverage than a tinted moisturizer. I was able to use a foundation brush and stiple on a little more coverage over some of the red spots from existing acne and acne scars on my face. This foundation lasts pretty well throughout the day, but what I like about it is the slight glowiness it has. I really like the glow. The color match from medium was decent, too. I am one of those people with a really light neck -- it is light and has a yellow tone to it. But, my face is light/medium and more beige. So, nothing matches both my face and neck. But, this looked good. I'd recommend trying it. And, it didn't irritate my skin. The SA said that this stuff was the best thing on the planet for her mother because the PTR line cleared her mother's face up, it is medical grade and developed by a doctor, and her mother tries and returns all kinds of cosmetics but kept all of her PTR. So, I'll keep you guys updated! Update: I returned it after trying it for a couple of weeks. It is a good product, but the color just wasn't right. When I looked at my neck in the car, there was a huge difference between my neck and face when wearing this product. I still recommend a try of this. It is a good product but just limited in color choices.
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Scrubs -Peter Thomas Roth - Anti-Aging Buffing Beads
inneroracle 10/21/2011 9:14:00 AM
I got this in the anti aging kit for $56. I really don't like the way this squirts out -- too much came out of the little shampoo bottle container. I thought this did a good job of cleansing. Not sure about the exfoliation as the jojoba beads are not super fine. My skin does feel great after cleansing with this. It feels a little smoother, and this doesn't feel overly drying. I'd say give it a try. It isn't too expensive, and I think this would be a great light exfoliation for the body.
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Cleansers -Peter Thomas Roth - Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel
inneroracle 10/21/2011 9:10:00 AM
After returning La Prairie skin care products because they were causing Cystic acne, I purchased the PTR Anti-Aging Skin Care Kit for $56. This product is kind of thick, and you just pour it out like from a shampoo bottle in the kit. I don't love that, I wish there was a flip top to squirt through a smaller hole. It lathers okay, but it does feel kind of thick. I'd say it is an ok cleanser. It isn't the best I've ever tried, and it isn't the worst. But, if it continues to work, I'd continue buying the 8 oz for $36. Update: I've purchased the 8 oz for $36 and now use it morning and night. It doesn't feel as thick and hard to get out of the bottle. I love the velvety feel my skin has after using it, and it doesn't dry me out. I've upped the review by another lippie.
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Treatments -La Prairie - Cellular Purifying System - Blemish Control
inneroracle 10/10/2011 9:31:00 AM
I bought this product even though it has been discontinued. Nordstrom still carries it. My face is starting to get cystic after changing up my skincare and starting to use LP. You use a q-tip to take a bit from the dropper and it does sting a bit when you apply it. I have used really active products, so this isn't excessive for my skin. Maybe this works better for surface acne and not cystic acne. The cystic acne is still there after a couple of uses. I'll keep you updated. UPDATE: I returned all of the LP products I bought because I kept getting little pimples. When I talked to the SA, she said that I should keep them for a couple of weeks because her skin breaks out with new products. I started getting cystic acne around my chin areas, and back they products went. This product was active, but it has been discontinued. Nordstrom still sells it though. It burns when it goes on, and it does a nice job on pimples. I still returned it because $80 is a lot on a single product like this. I prefer an overall face product to keep my skin clear -- like Jan Marini's bioclear rather than chasing around a bunch of spots with this product. This is better for somebody who just gets the occasional spot.
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Treatments -La Prairie - Cellular 3-Minute Peel
inneroracle 10/10/2011 9:24:00 AM
Hmmm, I'm not really sure about this product yet. I don't think it is strong enough to really make a difference. I used it for the first time last night. The rep said 3 minutes only. I applied it and rinsed 4 minutes later. It dries on the skin, but not in a tightening way. It did take a fair amount of rinsing to get it off. My skin did not look glowing or smooth afterwards. It looked the same. It did feel softer. It isn't a bad product, but I think I am just used to more active products. I'll post if my opinion changes. UPDATE: I returned all of the LP products I bought because I kept getting little pimples. When I talked to the SA, she said that I should keep them for a couple of weeks because her skin breaks out with new products. I started getting cystic acne around my chin areas, and back they products went. I could have kept this product, but it was a little too expensive for a system that didn't really work for me. And, I didn't feel it was as active as other products. I think Just needed more exfoliation with this whole system. Seems like a great line for aging skin that isn't sensitive.
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Moisturizers -La Prairie - Anti-Aging Stress Cream
inneroracle 10/10/2011 9:21:00 AM
This is a nice moisturizer. It is light and doesn't feel greasy, but it does feel a bit wet on the face, even after being on the skin for 3 hours -- hence knocking off a lippie. It smells faintly like honeysuckle. I do like it as a moisturizer though. My skin feels smooth and velvety once it soaks in. I have only used this a couple of times. I'll update if my opinion changes. This product is expensive. It is $195 for 1.7 oz. My Jan Marini Transformation Cream is about $80 for 1 oz. So, this should last longer. I did buy it a week after buying the foam cleanser because my face did start getting cystic. The sales rep said that I needed this to calm my skin. I'll let you guys know what happens. UPDATE: I returned all of the LP products I bought because I kept getting little pimples. When I talked to the SA, she said that I should keep them for a couple of weeks because her skin breaks out with new products. I started getting cystic acne around my chin areas, and back they products went.
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Cleansers -La Prairie - Foam Cleanser
inneroracle 10/10/2011 9:17:00 AM
Well, I have been a bit haphazard about my skincare the last 3 months, and my skin has noticed. It has been mostly clear because of all of the Bikram Yoga; however, my skin tone has suffered, and my face has more redness after I wash it. I bought this a week after I decided to switch back to the La Prairie foundation. So far, I like this cleanser. You need less than a pea size of this stuff, and it lathers enough to clean your whole face. I think it will last for at least 6 months, possibly 9 months at this rate. That comes out cheaper than Cosmedix cleanser if it does last over 6 months. It doesn't irritate my eyes. It does a reasonable job on eye makeup/mascara, but it doesn't get off all of the mascara if it is caked on. My face doesn't feel dry afterward. It actually feels fairly soft. I used this on its own for about 4 days without following up with any products, and then for the next 3 days, I followed up with Jan Marini Transformation Cream moisturizer (which I have used without problem off and on for 3 or 4 years). I don't think this combo works for me because I did get cystic with about 4 or 5 cysts on one side of my face. I called the saleslady, and she said that I need the anti-stress cream to calm my skin down. I am not sure if the cleanser is the problem or if the combo of the cleanser and the moisturizer is the problem -- or even the new foundation. I'm still giving the cleanser 5 stars because it does do a good job of cleansing. I would say this is good for dryer skin. This might feel like it leaves a residue for folks with really oily skin. UPDATE: I returned all of the LP products I bought because I kept getting little pimples. When I talked to the SA, she said that I should keep them for a couple of weeks because her skin breaks out with new products. I started getting cystic acne around my chin areas, and back they products went.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No