Treatments -Avon - Clearskin Immediate Response Spot Treatment
PrettyInPlaidChic 4/14/2011 11:56:00 PM
A little surprised by some of the negative and disappointed reviews. I recently re-purchased my third tube of this little 'secret' in my nightly skincare regimen. The packaging has been re-vamped a little, but the product itself is no different than the original formulation that came in the tube with the blue lid. Prior to discovering this solution, I'd tried various blemish healing/drying/clearing formulations, with little, measurable success, including Proactiv, Dermalogica, Clinique, Clarins, Mary Kay, The Body Shop, Clearasil, Clean&Clear and Neutrogena. Not entirely sure what it is about this product, but it works for me, and reasonably fast, too. Although, the term 'immediate' is perhaps overstating its actions more than a bit, it is timely and effective. In addition, I like to use this as a daily preventative, and have found that it is non-drying, non-irritating and dependable. Moreover, considering how much time, stress, energy and $ I've expended on flawed, harsh or just plain unpleasant blemish treatments spanning decades, this one is a simple and straightforward joy. Practical packaging. Applies mess-free. Sensibly priced. Definite re-buy product for me.
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Cleansers -Lancome - Galatee Confort
PrettyInPlaidChic 4/13/2011 3:07:00 PM
I've used different Lancome cleansers and their variants as PM cleansers for close on 20 years, with no irritations nor issues. Periodically, I'll try alternative products, however, time and time again, I always find myself returning to Galatee Confort, in particular. It's gentle and effective (scent aside), as a cleanser, and I certainly don't use this product as an eye make-up remover, nor apply it anywhere near my delicate eye area. Non-drying and non irritating. I follow it with a gentle toner. I've also found that I need to use less night treatment after I use this cleanser. Adore the pump packaging, too!.
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Lipstick -Avon - Ultra Color Rich in "Sheer Naturale"
PrettyInPlaidChic 4/2/2011 2:41:00 AM
Perfectly wearable, daily shade. Inoffensive scent and non-perceptible taste. Beautifully sheer, as its name implies, together with being universally flattering. Non-drying and non-feathering/bleeding. Can easily and confidently be worn without a liner. A great value buy, and the standard packaging isn't too 'tacky', either. If I wore enough lipstick to justify doing so, I'd purchase this shade again, in a heartbeat. However, I'm more of a Glazewear gal, myself.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Sothys - Skincare
PrettyInPlaidChic 3/30/2011 1:37:00 PM
I've been sampling Sothys products recently,and have been having a remarkably positive experience. Their line seems to be gentle, effective and pleasurable to use. For once, in an extremely long time, I've woken up with fewer and fewer of the issues, problems and difficulties that were bothering me because of rosacea and sensitive/combination/stressed skin. If I'm applying something cosmetic or medicated to my face, I research it, for myself. Very rarely do I seek out or pay any attention to a facialist, derm or salesperson. Our skin is as individual as we ourselves are. I've tried other 'salon' brands and high end companies (such as Ella Bache, Nuxe, Jurlique, La Prairie, Orlane, Guerlain, YSL)-and I've found that each 'house' has their stand-out performing products. By contrast, I've also had some extremely unfortunate experiences with Clarins, Clinique, Shiseido and Estee Lauder and Mary Kay. Bottom line: most any cosmetic 'brand' out there is likely guilty of high consumer price mark-ups, a certain amount of 'pseudo' cosmeceutical science, together with over-hyped claims about efficacy and long-term 'benefits'. Two examples of products from Sothys that have helped me tremendously with my roascea are their Anti-Ageing Cream Grade 2 and their Immuniscience Fluid. Both have made a visible difference to my skin's condition, texture and reactivity. Point being, Sothys is well-established and well worth a try, in my opinion.
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Tinted Moisturizer -Jane Iredale - Dream Tint
PrettyInPlaidChic 3/29/2011 12:13:00 AM
Really appreciating this product, however, I'm with-holding a lippy, pending wearing it for longer, and further observing the results. So far, I'm loving the velvet-like coverage, and the fact that the shade "Light" is and wears like it claims to be, and not some strangely 'off' undertone shade of orange, pink or yellow. I examined this finish with a magnifying mirror and while it didn't hide my pores, it has a very nice, smooth finish. A brush application helps with layering this on effectively, too. Has a 'herbal' scent that fades once this product dries. Bottom line: I love wearing this, and love what this does for and to my skin. For me, well worth the extra $$ for the fab finish!.
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Moisturizers -Sephora - Instant Moisturizer
PrettyInPlaidChic 3/19/2011 6:48:00 PM
This 50 ml (1.69 fl. oz) 'basic' moisturizer is a welcomed addition to my ever-changing routine. Effective and absorbs well-both underneath my daily foundation/tinted moisturizer, or used as a night treatment. According to Sephora, this is non-comedogenic, oil-free, dermatologically tested, suits all skin types, even sensitive skin. Formulated without parabens. Contains "HydroSenn", an ultra-moisturizing, natural ingredient that is even more effective than hyaluronic acid, for immediate and long-lasting moisture. Contains flattering light-reflecting pigments and antioxidants to prevent the first signs of aging. Does not contain Philates, Sulphate, Phtalate, OGM or Tricolsan. Made in Switzerland. Claims to show demonstrated reults in terms of: long-lasting moisture, smoothed and replumped skin and a radiant complexion. 12 month expiry from time of opening. Jar packaging is pretty standard. The lack of a sunscreen in this product isn't really an issue for me, either, since I already wear so much during the day anyway, via additional products (such as tinted moisturizer). Not too wild about the 'fresh' fragrance, however, I can live with it, and it seems to mostly fade once the cream itself has absorbed. A reasonable buy for a reliable performer.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Gels/Soaps -Clean & Clear - Morning Burst Body Wash
PrettyInPlaidChic 3/19/2011 1:07:00 AM
Fantastic product. I wholeheartedly agree with the reviewers below, who suggested that you read the label on the back of the packaging before your purchase this!. I have zero body acne, as does my husband, and we both appreciate this body wash. Rinses cleanly, and is deliciously non-fru-fru, too. A mild, minor downside is that this is slightly drying. At US$2.99 @ CVS, this was a good value purchase, and I'll most certainly be interested in purchasing other flavors/fragrances in the future, once this now firm favorite on our shelf eventually runs out.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Maybelline - 24 Hour super stay
PrettyInPlaidChic 3/7/2011 9:27:00 PM
This is my first experience of so-called 'long-lasting' lipcolor. I have this in 080 Infinite Petal, which is very close to my natural lip tone. The shade you see in the tube is what you get, in terms of color/shade/tone. Initially, I liked this, although it seemed to be a little bit drying on my lips, particularly during the first hour's worth of wear. My lips are in great condition, so that wasn't the heart of the issue with this product. Still, I persisted with it. However, there's just 'something' about this that I didn't/don't really like. Starts off looking reasonably moisturizing (when applied with the balm). Yet, after a while it started to drift, bleed, look flat, and migrated everywhere else, except on my lips themselves. Upper lip stiffening, anyone?. Oh, and it stayed that way. A crying shame, because I really, really want/ed one lipcolor hat I can love, wear confidently, and depend upon. I also thought that the color selection was a bit limited in the rosy/pink tones-lots of reds, nudes and browns.
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Lip Treatments -Smith's Rosebud Salve - Smith's Strawberry Lip Balm
PrettyInPlaidChic 1/30/2011 2:19:00 AM
Soft, pretty, subtle. Protects and moisturizes. Despite the fact that this is a petroleum-based product, I like it. The strawberry scent has a nice, natural depth to it. I purchased this as a part of the "Three Lavish Layers of Lip-Balm" at Sephora, so it was affordable. This is a slightly different texture from the other two (Mint Rose and Rosebud Salve)-more whipped, perhaps?. In any case, this is my favorite overnight lip balm. Cute metal, gold-toned tin with light green and bright red accents, in the vintage style of Smith's. A joyous little treat. Ingredients: Petrolatum, Vilvanolin, natural white beeswax, a Trade Secret blend of strawberry flavor, natural and artificial dyes. Made in the U.S.A.
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Lip Treatments -Smith's Rosebud Salve - Smith's Rosebud Salve
PrettyInPlaidChic 1/30/2011 2:06:00 AM
This was inexpensive for me because I purchased the "Three Lavish Layers of Lipbalm" from Sephora, as a part of my birthday haul. I'll review each of the balms individually, as each one in this trio has their own, distinctive characteristics. I adore the vintage-style tin packaging, and considering that a little dab of this goes such a long way, it is a remarkably good value. A sweet-smelling, all-purpose emollient that is non-greasy and non-irritating. Has a soft, subtle sheen. As Smith's claim, " This is the original and only Rosebud Salve. Rosebud Salve may be used as an all-purpose skin preparation. Rosebud Salve may help to relieve chapped lips and skin, diaper rash, blemishes, detergent burns, and rough cuticles and may soften rough hands." I can speak to the blemishes part-it applied nicely, but didn't seem to do much for diminishing swelling or redness. It's perfectly adequate as a lip balm and general moisturizer.Not too overly sticky or gloopy. Storing this metal tin in a warm environment might not be too wise, because this product seems like it would liquefy pretty easily. One lippy off because this makes the back of my throat scratchy after using it for a while. But, it'll remain a firm favorite on my vanity.
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Conditioner -L'Oreal - EverSleek Intense Smooth Conditioner
PrettyInPlaidChic 1/29/2011 8:07:00 PM
Ever-eek!. Generally, I've kept away from this line of L'Oreal's SLS-free shampoos and conditioners up until now. Primarily because of their heavy, sometimes just plain nastily astringent, or sickly, cloying fragrances which all trigger migraine headaches in me. However, I'd mistakenly hoped that this conditioner might be different, because the concept is an interesting and modern one. Initially, I tried this on my daughter's hair and it left it limp, dull, drab and ...'manky', as if it hadn't been conditioned nor brushed in a month!. Disappointed, I've tried using this since, and it has done absolutely zip-zero-nada for my hair, which is long, fine, color-treated and lots of it. I simply couldn't (and still can't) seem to get it to rinse out properly. It just clung on to the lengths and ends of my hair like some sort of stinking, caustic, cascading custard. Thank-goodness I avoided my scalp area. As a second insult, this irritated the living daylights out of my skin, which left a non-flattering, dermatitis-like rash on my body, and made my face flare up like an over-ripened, flaming tomato. Moreover, surprise-a migraine headache soon followed. Not once, but twice!. Let's face it, there are only so many shampooing and conditioning sessions in which I'm not going to think that, in this case, the definition of insanity definitely is repeating the same mistake over and over and then be expecting a different result. C'mon L'Oreal-quit simply trying to knock off JF, while being all Pureology, and get your shampoo and conditioner components all in one sock, for a change. This is a shocker!. US$9 before tax in CA at CVS, too. Bin material!. Clunk!.
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Gels/Soaps -Philosophy - Strawberry Milkshake 3 in 1
PrettyInPlaidChic 1/28/2011 11:26:00 PM
Gimmicky. Recipe on the front of the bottle is vapid and laughable-anyone who needs instructions as to how to 'carefully' pour milk, strawberries and yogurt (or icecream) into their blender, needs their head examined, in my opinion. Fragrance isn't entirely fake, plastic strawberries, however, it could be slightly more believable. Once rinsed, it's subtle-something that I happen to prefer. As a shower gel, this is perfectly adequate and rinses well. As a bubble bath gel, it fails to deliver many bubbles at all-and adds a sour milky sludge-style rim around your bath-tub (or hot tub, in my case). As a shampoo, it's highly ineffective and is a disappointment. Leaves hair coarse, ragged and stripped. If I wasn't so obsessive-compulsive about using every last drop of this product, I'd 'freecycle' it. But, the one 'plus' is that you get a reasonable amount of bathing for your buck. Lovely idea. Mediocre, standard fragrance. Poor performer. An absolute no re-buy for me, sadly.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Olay - Sensitive Skin Foaming Face Wash
PrettyInPlaidChic 1/27/2011 2:42:00 AM
One Olay product that I especially hope is never discontinued (or reformulated) by Olay. I always try to keep a bottle of this on hand, regardless of whatever my skin regimen is. This is non-stripping, thorough and gentle. Foams just enough. Rinses well. Does not make my acne nor rosacea flare, and thoroughly cleans off all and any make-up. I like the pump packaging, too. Fairly utilitarian and no-frills, but it does the task. I recently renewed my supply for a modest US$4.95 @ CVS. Each pump lasts me for three months, with nightly use, so it's an effective product at a fair and reasonable price (even at full retail).
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Concealers -Milani - HD Advance Concealer
PrettyInPlaidChic 1/25/2011 3:12:00 PM
By comparison with YSL's Touche Eclat-there's no comparing this to that. And, not just because it's a DS concealer, either. Rather, the YSL product is more of a highlighter/primer, than a concealer, per se, imo. With that out of the way, this concealer is fluid, offering light coverage but with fairly poor lasting qualities, overall. I use 01, and while it is plenty light enough for my PPP complexion (and has very little in the way of an offensive fragrance) it just doesn't cover in any kind of a lasting way. It's okay for the most delicate and straighforward of touch-ups, but in no way is it 'heavy duty'. The packaging is light, cute and perfectly portable-it didn't leak, and closed securely. The brush was okay too, and the clicking mechanism didn't jam up. However, I just couldn't get enthused about this product. Won't be purchasing again because I need something with a little more va-voom.
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Tinted Moisturizer -Sonia Kashuk - Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 (tube)
PrettyInPlaidChic 1/22/2011 3:33:00 AM
Given my strong preference for tinted moisturizers in my recent past, I picked this one up over the Holidays, in the hopes that I'd found something that was understated, and not as pricey as LM. Kashuk touts this as being her 'dupe' for the LM Tinted Moisturizers at around 1/5th the price for a similar quality product. Hrm. Great concept, liked the slick, yet standard tube packaging, however the product was surprisingly .... drying. It's touted as an all-in-one tinted moisturizer and base/ UVA/UVB sunscreen (SPF15) in-one. Applied reasonably easily, moreso after the application of an additional moisturizer. In "Fair" this was also a tad 'off' on my pale, Winter-time complexion. This was US$12.99 before tax at a CA Target. As an upside, it lasted well, and didn't irritate my sensitive skin or cause breakouts. May well work better in the Summertime. A reasonable buy, however, I won't be re-purchasing.
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