Eyes -Dr. Denese - HydroShield Eye Emulsion
whocareswhoiam 3/28/2013 11:42:00 PM
Fantastic formulation of the "best of the best" eye care ingredients on the market today. What it lacks is the irritating ingredients. This is a unique luxurious lightweight formula, not a cream and not a gel. It feels refreshing and instantly hydrating. I use this in conjunction with Dr. Denese HydroShield Serum. The retinol serum is "crazy good" and key. The combination of both products has really given me some excellent results: a) crepiness on eyelid disappeared b) fine lines seem invisible c) crows feet diminished d) under eye skin is firmer, strengthened e) no more redness on eyelids, under eye appears brighter. I periodically would see dark circles, yet haven't had them in a while now...so hoping this has been effective in relieving me of those. Once in a while I do experience puffy eyes. I apply this emulsion and it seeps to settle down the swelling. Overall, this is the best eye cream I have ever used. I've tried many others with disappointment. This combo formulation really works well for me.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Dr. Denese - Microdermabrasion Cream
whocareswhoiam 3/23/2013 12:38:00 PM
The product looks and feels like whipped cream with a FEW granules of sugar, very luscious. It is a non-irritating and gentle cream, definitely not harsh on the skin. For me, it did not exfoliate sufficiently to be worth keeping in my skin care regimen. I often have small white heads oil that clogs the indent in my chin and the inner corners of my nose. I use a microdermabrasion cream to help clean out those areas. This cream was not effective. While it feels wonderful, it just didn't seem to add any benefit to my skin care goals.
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Treatments -Dr. Denese - Wrinkle Rx Extreme Pro-Peptide
whocareswhoiam 3/23/2013 12:30:00 PM
OMG - the odor of this product is so unpleasant. It feels sticky and tacky and remains that way after application. I attempted to use this product, but the odor and tacky feel made it difficult to like. After one week, my sensitive combo skin became irritated in the nasal labio folds and marionette lines - the exact areas it is suppose to help! Three strikes: odor, feel, irritation - would not use this again.
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Treatments -Dr. Denese - Triple Strength Wrinkle Smoother
whocareswhoiam 2/22/2013 1:58:00 PM
There is a difference between this product and the Triple Strength ADVANCED Wrinkle Smoother. The ADVANCED version is amazing, see my review.
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Moisturizers -Dr. Denese - Wrinkle Defense Day Cream SPF 30
whocareswhoiam 2/22/2013 1:50:00 PM
I purchased the smallest TUBE, 1.5oz., for my testing of this product. I prefer moisturizers in a TUBE for sanitary reasons. Tubes also seem to protect the product potency. This is a nice tube, yet the wideness of the tube makes it difficult to get all the product out - thus some product is wasted. At such a high price, this is annoying. Perhaps a better tube could be found, i.e. Coola products use a fantastic package. The formula is broad spectrum UVA/UVB paraban free, with zinc oxide is the primary sunscreen ingredient. Zinc oxide is one of the best. Zinc oxide is white and greasy, so I am impressed with Dr. Denese formula which is NOT greasy at all. It is also tinted, so there is no white residue film. The formula is not very emollient, yet it is not drying on the skin. It spreads well and absorbs quickly. The tint does not cover minor imperfections or flaws. I apply this product over the HydroShield serum and under a light primer, followed by foundation. I do not experience any pilling. The ingredient list does indicate other beneficial ingredients. Overall, this full spectrum SPF30 cream is very good for my sensitive combination skin type. I will definitely purchase this again. It is pricey and I would be happy if Dr. Denese could mimic the Coola packaging. Coola use to be my favorite SPF product, but I prefer Dr. Denese right now.
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Skincare - Face -Dr. Denese - HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum
whocareswhoiam 2/22/2013 1:40:00 PM
I purchased a 4oz bottle because it was the best value size. One pump of the serum covers my entire face. It spreads evenly and takes less than a minute to fully absorb into my skin. It does not feel greasy or tacky, my skin does feel hydrated after the application. I do apply a night cream over the serum. Application of the second product does not result in pilling. I believe this serum helps to hydrate my skin. I believe it really helps to renew skin, the retinol does an excellent job creating skin cell turnover. I will continue to use this product not just for the hydration benefit, but more for the benefits of the retinol - so effective, my skin texture has dramatically improved. This is the first retinol product that does not adversely affect my sensitive skin. The ingredient list is impressive. The 4oz. size is the best value, but is not good for "carry-on" travel. Unfortunately, the smaller sizes of this product are even more costly. When QVC offers Dr. Denese TSV, it is the best value. Otherwise, register at the Dr. Denese website. The site periodically emails some special offers and does provide free shipping w/minimum purchase. Dermstore and Skin Store websites now carry this line, they too periodically offer discounts to those registered on the site.
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Conditioner -Kerastase - FONDANT CHROMA CAPTIVE
whocareswhoiam 10/29/2012 9:40:00 AM
I decided to try this new formula because of the packaging. I find the formula very thin. I have shoulder-length, fine hair yet I have a lot of hair. Trying to use this runny formula is challenging. Because it is thin, it is hard to distribute it evenly throughout my hair. Possibly beause it does not distribute evenly, I find it does not result in the shine and softness that I get when using the thicker formula packaged in a jar. I will not purchase this again. I much prefer the jar. While the jar is more expensive, it distributes easily and offers more shine and softness. I do not need to use much of the thicker product. The Fondant Chroma Captive is so thin, I find it will not last long and in the end be costly. So for that reason, I cannot recommend this for anyone with long hair or lots of hair. Perhaps, it might work nicely for someone with BABY fine short hair.
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Blush -Lancome - Blush Subtil Palette Nectar Lace
whocareswhoiam 10/8/2012 6:36:00 PM
This blush takes makeup artistry to a new level! You can sculpt and highlight to create that beautifully enhanced cheekbone. The palette has three colors. One is used under the cheekbone to create the hollow. Suck in your cheeks and feel the hollow under the cheekbone, this is where you apply the contour color. Sweep the color on from the top corner of the ear and down under the cheekbone. I like to use Lancomes #25 brush for application. The blush color is then applied to the apple of the cheek for a pop of color. Smile and find the apple apply there and then lightly sweep up to the hairline to blend. The highlighter color is applied on the top of the cheekbone directly under the eye, apply to the outer corner of the eye and under browbone. Use Lancome #25 brush to apply all three colors and to blend all colors for a flawless, sculpted cheek. I really like this new blush and hope they come out with more colors. It is great to have this level of makeup artistry available in one compact. i really love the contour color as it is natural. Using bronzer to contour is NOT my thing...so thanks to Lancome for this new contour shade color which really WORKS!
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Blush -Kevyn Aucoin - Highlighter Powder
whocareswhoiam 10/8/2012 6:17:00 PM
Perfect highlighting powder to enhance cheekbone area under the eye. You can use it on the bridge of the nose too. It is a nice formulation of finely milled powder that does not cake or settle into fine lines. It is a lightweight powder. The CANDLELIGHT color is a hint of skintone color which brings subtle shimmer to draw light and emphasize the cheekbone. This color can be used on almost any skin tone. The compact is made well and there is a lot of product in the pan, it will last quite a while. It gives a very subtle effect and really helps sculpt cheekbones when used in conjunction with the KA Contour Powder. This is a duo of products that really work together. STAPLES IN MY COSMETICS BAG.
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Blush -Kevyn Aucoin - Contour Powder
whocareswhoiam 10/8/2012 6:07:00 PM
WOW - great product for contouring and works on most all skin tones. My skin is medium/light and this medium ash contour powder has made a huge difference in sculpting my cheekbones, slimming my nose and defining my jawline. I apply my primer, then foundation first. I follow with a very light dusting of Lancome Ageless Minerale translucent powder. I then apply this contour color using the Lancome #25 brush. I apply the powder just under the cheekbone to create the hollow. I apply it to the sides of the nose as well as the jawline. If you have a large forehead, it can be used near the hairline as well. Apply blush color only to the apples of the cheeks, using the opposite side of the Lancome #25 brush. I apply Kevyn Aucoin highlighter powder to the top of the cheekbone. BLENDING IS THE FINAL IMPORTANT STEP as this powder should blend in and create subtle sculpture and definition. Lastly, to create a flawless finish, apply a light dusting of the translucent "setting" powder. I wish KA would make a medium light contour powder too.
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Treatments (Eye) -Clinique - Even better eyes dark circle corrector
whocareswhoiam 10/8/2012 5:53:00 PM
After two months of use, I really am pleased with the results achieved from this dark circle eye cream. It is packaged in a nice tube with a cool silver applicator tip. A little goes a long way, so I squeeze a tiny amount onto the tip then apply it to my ring finger. I tap my two ring fingers together, then apply to each eye. Tap, tap tap onto under eye area and inner corners. The sliver applicator tip can be used to blend it out rather than use fingers - nice cooling effect if you like that. Just remember to wipe the applicator tip clean. The color of the product has a slight skin tone to it, so the brightening effect looks natural. I like that. It is a great base before application of any corrector/concealer. I also like to apply it during the day, even over concealer, for a refreshening. I am very pleased with the EFFECTS this eye cream offers for those of us with moderate dark circles. It is not going to make them go away, but it does minimize the appearance and evens out the skin tone for a brightening effect under the eye. Negative: it is not moisturizing and does nothing for fine lines.
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Concealers -Bobbi Brown - Corrector
whocareswhoiam 10/8/2012 5:44:00 PM
I've purchased many products for dark circles and typically end up disappointed. Bobbi Brown's Corrector has not disappointed at all. I have a medium/light skin tone and use the Light Peach color. I apply eye cream first. Then I use a concealer brush to tap on the corrector in the corners of the eye, under the eye right up to the lower eyelash line. Only a very little is needed on the brush. It applies perfectly without being thick, gloppy or settling into fine lines. Because I apply it over eye cream, it glides and blends easily with the brush. It gives a nice brightness to the eye area and really does reduce the appearance of the dark circles. I don't even need to use a concealer with this product, although if I am going to be photographed I will apply concealer and a very light dusting of yellow powder. The product does last for hours. I sometimes add a little eye cream over the concealer if I feel I need to refresh it. The container is small, black well made plastic, easy to open and close.
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Makeup Brushes -Lancome - Cheek & Contour Brush #25
whocareswhoiam 10/8/2012 5:36:00 PM
I have been using this brush for two weeks now. The contour brush is small and makes it easy to apply contour powder. The cheek side is great for application of blush color and highlighter powders. I use both sides of the brush to blend the contour color and blush, works great. Lancome makes a trio kit that has contour color, blush and highlighter powders, this brush was made for use with these kits. I also use KA contour powder but find now that it is winter, the Lancome contour color is actually a little better for my light skin tone. Regardless of whatever color powder contour I am using, this brush is a staple for the perfect application to really create that subtle contour indent under the cheekbone. It is a great brush for traveling. My only negative on this brush is that at home I keep my brushes in a glass jar, it is impossible to keep this two sided brush in the jar without damaging one of the brush sides. Thus I have to keep it in a drawer. Oh well, that is not a major drawback - but if they ever make the contour brush in single form, I'm on board to purchase it. Great feel and does regain shape after cleaning.
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Styling Products -Kerastase - Nectar Thermique
whocareswhoiam 8/4/2012 1:08:00 PM
What I love about Kerastase: I use the Shampoo and Masque for Color Treated hair. I find using this shampoo, my dark color does not rinse out or fade. The masque keeps my hair feeling fabulous, protected from the sun and every so shiny. I prefer the Nectar Thermique for stying. I apply it first, then apply the Elixir Ultimat from the mid length to ends. Even though my hair is fine, this keeps it sleek and retains the shine. What I don't like is the expensive cost, but since I color my hair, I feel this is a good investment and the product is sized to last a reasonable about of time. What I don't like is the Kerastase website for customer service. There are so many problems using that website, spelling of their own products is inaccurate and it is hard to scroll to read about the products. For such a high end line, I expect better service when using a website. So that is very disappointing. If you want to find out anything about the product, you have to go to a salon and see a stylist that uses these products - so even more expensive if your stylist is not a Kerastase rep.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -OPI - Pirouette My Whistle
whocareswhoiam 7/19/2012 11:15:00 PM
This is a delicate topcoat that adds a subtle sparkle and works best over OPI Exactly My Pointe. I have used this topcoat on my toes, as a French tip over Exactly My Pointe, and as a topcoat on my left ring finger only. It is lovely. I get compliments every time I wear these two colors from the OPI ballet collection.
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