Shampoo -Clairol - Herbal Essences Drama Clean refreshing shampoo
Yum3ji 12/6/2009 11:51:00 PM
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Come clean with my formula, fused with extracts of orange flower & berry tea--a combination of berry extracts & tea extracts--for hair that is renewed, refreshed and ready to go. Get light, lush locks with all the lather, but without all of the gunk. This little soap opera isn't over yet. Try my fresh-headed conditioner. Use me: work your hair into a lather-frenzy. Rinse and repeat--just for the joy of it. MY THOUGHTS: This is a review posted on behalf of my boyfriend. He purchased a 300 mL bottle of Herbal Essences Drama Clean shampoo at Wal-Mart for $2.93 CAD to use in between his Nizoral treatments. So far he is satisfied with the results; however, he has noticed that it has left his hair slightly on the dry side. INGREDIENTS: Water/Eau, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Fruit Juice, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Extract, Fragrance/Parfum, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Propylene Glycol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Sodium Xylene Sulfonate, Yellow 10, Blue 1.
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Cleansers -Aveeno - Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser
Yum3ji 12/6/2009 11:10:00 PM
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: This light foaming cleanser calms and soothes dry, sensitive skin and improves the tone of skin prone to redness while gently cleansing, so your skin looks and feels back to its healthy best. With an extract of feverfew, a natural ingredient related to chamomile known for it's soothing properties, and a gentle soap free conditioning cleanser, this fragrance-free formula lifts away dirt, oil, and make-up without over drying or aggravating even very sensitive skin. • Fragrance-Free • Non-Comedogenic • Soap-Free • Hypoallergenic Directions: Moisten face and pump AVEENO® Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser into your hand or cloth. Massage lather over face. Rinse and pat dry. Warnings: For external use only. MY THOUGHTS: I purchased a 177 mL bottle of AVEENO® Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser from Wal-Mart for $9.98 CAD. Based on previous reviews, I decided to purchase this cleanser in hopes of relieving facial sensitivity and redness. The product is packaged with a foam dispenser pump and a clear plastic lid that fits perfectly. I find one pump to be sufficient for my Shiseido Cleansing Brush to distribute the cleanser evenly across my face. Unlike other cleansers, there is no heavy or sticky residue left over after rinsing. However, I do not see this cleanser being adequate enough to remove water resistant or oil based makeup. In which case you may want to use a cold cream or oil cleanser prior to this product. Unfortunately, with around 25% of the product left, the pump began to stick on me. This was quickly remedied by disassembling the pump and rinsing the parts. However, the problem returned just as quickly as I resolved it. So I transferred the remaining amount of liquid into a different foaming container which solved the trick. Although Paula Begoun rates this product as average due to the "irritant" ingredient feverfew, Dr. Leslie Baumann clarifies this misconception by explaining that feverfew can cause blisters if it hasn't been distilled. In the case of Aveeno products, the blister-inducing component of feverfew has been removed. INGREDIENTS: Water (eau), Glycerin (Humectant), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide, PEG-16 Soy Sterol (Emulsifier), Polysorbate 20 (Surfactant), Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate, Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Butylene Glycol (Thickening Agent), Sodium Citrate (pH Adjuster/Chelating Agent), Sodium Coco PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Tetrasodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Methylparaben (Preservative), Xanthan Gum (Thickening Agent), Propylparaben (Preservative), Ethylparaben (Preservative), Chrysanthemum parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids, Sarcosine, Potassium Aspartate, Magnesium Aspartate, Citric Acid (pH Adjuster/Chelating Agent), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster). MYSELF: I'm an Euro-Canadian with combination and sensitive skin that is prone to clogged pores (Baumann skin type: OSPW).
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Quo - Deluxe foundation sponge
Yum3ji 12/6/2009 9:46:00 PM
I believe these are the sponges that I own. I purchased a couple oval-shaped Quo sponges from Shopper's Drug Mart for around $2.50 CAD during a trip downtown Vancouver. Both sponges double in size under water, and are amazingly soft on the skin. I use these to apply my moisturizer evenly on my face. However, I have noticed that if you do not wash these sponges immediately after usage they may discolour. I have washed these sponges several times and neither one has begun to tear. If you are hesitant about sanitation, I believe you can microwave these sponges--like sponges for washing dishes--for two minutes to kill most disease-causing germs. Try to purchase these during a sale to maximize your dollar's worth.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Shiseido - Facial Cotton
Yum3ji 12/6/2009 9:23:00 PM
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: This exclusive facial cotton is 100 percent natural and uniquely manufactured for a consistent soft, smooth texture. Allows for maximum absorption and assists in the application of Shiseido softeners. Use for apply toner, removing nail polish, etc. Made with 100% Cotton. 80g/2.8oz. These facial cotton retail for $8 CAD at Sephora. MY THOUGHTS: I received a few samples of Shiseido's The Makeup Facial Cotton during one of my visits to my local Sephora outlet. Each cotton square is 5.5 cm x 6.5 cm. Indeed, these cotton squares are softer than your typical drugstore brands. I have also noticed that, when dry, these are easily stretched and torn. I've read many reviews that state these cotton pads absorb product better reducing the amount you need to use per application. In addition, when wet, these pads are not easily chaffed like drugstore brands. I decided to test these pads against your typical drugstore brand using NeoStrata Toning Solution on my boyfriend. I found that 5 drops on a drugstore brand cotton pad barely covered one of his cheeks before "drying up." Meanwhile, 5 drops on the Shiseido pad did a satisfactory job of dispersing the toner all over his face. If you do decide to purchase these cotton squares, I would best advise to wait for a sale and to conserve each square buy cutting them into smaller pieces. Another tip is to use both sides of each square, i.e. one side for the left eye, the other for the right eye.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Starbucks - Napkins
Yum3ji 12/6/2009 8:32:00 PM
After discovering that McDonald's napkins did a satisfactory job of absorbing excess oils from my face after applying moisturizer, sunscreen, and/or makeup, I decided to include it in my daily regiment. I like to cut one napkin into smaller sizes for practical reasons and to conserve material. Note that any napkin will do. I find that even one-ply tissue paper does a better job than napkins, i.e. Swan tissue paper sold in bulk at Costco. I would rather blot my face with napkins than apply more makeup (powder) to absorb excess oils.
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Cleansers -B. Kamins - Booster Blue Rosacea Cleanser
Yum3ji 12/6/2009 8:15:00 PM
I received a sample of B. Kamins' Booster Blue Rosacea Cleanser during one of my visits to Sephora. I was looking for something that could help cover or treat the redness on my cheeks, nose and chin (possible early stages of rosacea) and the sales representative showed me this line "popular" for those with rosacea. I opted to try the cleanser first, since I was having trouble with a generic version of Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser (possibly a reaction to the SLS). I applied a small amount of B. Kamins' Booster Blue Rosacea Cleanser on my Shiseido Cleansing Brush and quickly began exfoliating my face. I quickly noticed that this cleanser does not lather. After rinsing the product off my face, it felt tight and dryer than usual. I had to use a thicker moisturizer than what I usually use to "rehydrate" my skin. I'll try this cleanser a couple more times until my sample runs out then revise this review.
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Primer/ Corrector -Make Up For Ever - HD Microperfecting Primer in 1 Green
Yum3ji 12/6/2009 8:00:00 PM
I received a sample of Make Up For Ever's HD Microperfecting Primer in green during one of my visits to Sephora. I was looking for something that could help cover or treat the redness on my cheeks, nose and chin (possible early stages of rosacea) and the sales representative showed me this primer. She explained that the green would neutralize any redness because they are on opposite ends of the colour wheel. Initially I applied this primer all over my face only to find myself looking like The Hulk. Lou Ferrigno would be so proud of me. However, I did notice that the areas where I usually experience redness (cheeks, nose, and chin) looked normal. Not green, not -as- red, but ideal. So, next time I'm going to try applying the green primer on just the red areas and see if that works better.
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Lotions/ Creams -Aquolina - Pink Sugar Creamy Body Lotion
Yum3ji 12/6/2009 7:36:00 PM
I received a sample of Aquolina's Pink Sugar Creamy Body Lotion from Sephora upon check-out. In the container, the fragrance mimics the prominent Pink Sugar perfume; meanwhile, the texture is thin and light. However, upon application, the fragrance turns sour. It's not until an hour later that the fragrance loses the initial sourness. I do appreciate the matte finish, so I'm a little torn about purchasing this or not. Until I make a decision, I'll stick with the free samples.
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Tools -Shiseido - The Skincare Cleansing Massage Brush
Yum3ji 11/28/2009 9:09:00 PM
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: A new source of strength for the future of your skin. With over a century of scientific achievements, Shiseido Laboratories brings new findings... new optimism to the pursuit of skin well-being. Born of the latest advancements in cutaneous biological research, The Skincare empowers your complexion to work harmoniously... consistently.. defying the forces that challenge a youthful appearance. The Link Between Skin Imbalance and Premature Aging. UV rays, pollution, and a demanding lifestyle disrupt critical communication through the basement membrane, hindering skin's protective and reparative capabilities and compromising equilibrium. Unresolved... this stressed state accelerates signs of premature aging. A Stabilizing Force For Time-Fighting Benefits. Using state-of-the-art ingredients, Shiseido has developed highly-effective formulae, tailored to the needs of skin in today's environment. Enhanced by pampering textures and an aromachology-based fragrance, The Skincare relaxes... energizes... synchronizes... for optimal beauty day after day. Cleansing Massage Brush. A cleansing brush that heightens the benefits of foaming cleansers while providing gentle facial massage for increased well-being and a more youthful-looking radiance. For use with foaming formula cleansers. Excellent for all skin types. • Designed to provide ease of handling and effective cleansing over facial contours. • Silky soft, finely-tapered bristles of varying heights combine luxurious skin pampering with exceptionally deep pore cleansing. • Fitted with silicone cushions that flex gently to massage skin. Facial massage can improve microcirculation and can contribute to enhanced skin vitality. • Inspires feelings of relaxation and a more radiant, youthful-looking complexions. To Use: • Wet face and Cleansing Massage Brush with water. • Use foaming formula cleanser and brush to create a rich lather. • Apply brush to face using gentle circular movements. • Rinse brush thoroughly after use and recap for protection. • To store, brush can be hung or placed upright. MY THOUGHTS: I purchased the Shiseido The Skincare Cleansing Massage Brush from my local Sephora store for $26 CAD. The plastic brush is about 16 cm in length and has a creamy, pearlescent finish that shines pink under light. There is a 1.5 cm hole near the end of the handle to allow the user to hang the brush, and a fitted cap to protect the structure of the bristles. The bristles are 2 cm in length and combined about 3.5 cm in diameter. There are 5 pale-pink silicone pegs embedded in between the silky-soft, white, tapered bristles to flex gently and massage the skin during cleansing. The best comparison I can make regarding the bristles texture is that to of a soft feline coat. After my first use, I noticed the brush was amazingly soft. So soft I'm not even sure if it cleaned my face at all. By amplifying the foaming action of a cleanser, this cleansing brush reduces the need to use excessive amounts of a product (i.e. 1/4 teaspoon). This of course extends the lifespan of your cleansers and saves you money. My only complaint is that the bristles easily fall out over time with usage. From what I can see, there doesn't appear to be anything securing each hair in place. I suppose this simply ensures future sales for Shiseido.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Vaseline - Aloe Cool & Fresh light body lotion
Yum3ji 11/21/2009 8:23:00 PM
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Aloe Fresh lotion awakens the skin with a sheer, light burst of hydration and quick-penetrating conditioners, leaving it smooth and refreshed. • soothing aloe & cucumber formula leaves skin feeling cool and refreshed. • conditioning moisturizers provide an instant lightweight burst of hydration. MY THOUGHTS: I purchased a 325 mL bottle of the Vaseline Aloe Fresh Hydrating Body Lotion with Aloe & Cucumber from Real Canadian Superstore for around $2 CAD. I haven't used it that much, but I like the cucumber/melon/dewberry fragrance associated with it. I find the moisturizer is absorbed almost immediately after spreading and leaves no thick, heavy residue behind. The cap is a little flimsy. I'm always worried I'm going to rip it right off every time I try to open the bottle. It's best to use this right after showers, before bed, and/or controlling winter dryness. After performing an oil migration test, I discovered this product had a negative result. INGREDIENTS: Aqua, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Glycol Stearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Petrolatum, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil or/Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterol, Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Sodium Acrylate/Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Lecthin, Sodium PCA, Potassium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Collagen Amino Acids, Urea, Parfum, Stearamide AMP, Triethanolamine, DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Disodium EDTA, CI 77891.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare -The Body Shop - For Men Maca Root Face Protector
Yum3ji 11/21/2009 7:25:00 PM
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Energizes and hydrates skin to combat the signs of fatigue and maintain firmness. Peruvian maca root and creatine energize and help boost skin vitality. Community Trade Brazil nut oil moisturizes and softens skin, while Community Trade aloe vera soothes and hydrates sensitive skin. Maca Root Energetic Face Protector contains multi-action skin benefits, helps defence against environmental aggressors, and firms and soothes the skin. Smooth all over the face daily after washing and/or shaving. Can be used after Razor Relief if the customer suffers from razor burn. MY THOUGHTS: My mother purchased a 100 mL (3.3 US fl oz.) tube of The Body Shop For Men Maca Root Energetic Face Protector for my boyfriend one Christmas. He's been using it sporadically throughout the year whenever he experiences dry patches on his face. The accompanying scent isn't too bad either; it reminds me of a light men's cologne. After performing an oil migration test, I discovered this product had positive result. INGREDIENTS: Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyl Methoxydibenzolmethane, Glycerin, Octisalate, Butylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Gel, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Sorbitol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Bertholletia Excelsa (Brazil) Nut Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Creatine, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii Root, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Capryloyl Glycine, Sodium Hydroxide.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Lemon Juice
Yum3ji 11/19/2009 11:31:00 PM
After reading a post on the skincare board about using lemon juice to treat hyperpigmentation, I decided to try it since there was nothing to lose but a lemon and some time. They key component in lemon juice is the citric acid, which is one of many α-hydroxy acids. AHAs are known to diminish cellular cohesion between corneocytes at the lowest levels of the stratum corneum resulting in smoother, even-toned skin. To prepare, I squeeze a fresh cut lemon into a small glass bottle through a strainer, then store in the fridge. Every night, I soak a cotton ball with the pure lemon juice and apply it all over my face like a toner. I try to avoid applying lemon juice during the daytime due to its photosensitive properties. I have noticed dramatic results since incorporating this into my nightly regiment. I've experienced smaller, controlled pimples that now heal within days rather than weeks. In addition, my red blemishes have lightened, and I don't experience as many flushes. Update: for the first 60 seconds upon application, my face itches uncontrollably. I've noticed a substantial amount of blemishes and small bumps all over my face the past few days. The only products I'm using is this and a cleanser. So, I'll revise this update if I determine it's not the lemon juice causing this.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Unlisted Brand - Head & Shoulders - Smooth & Silky Dandruff Conditioner
Yum3ji 11/19/2009 10:11:00 PM
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Advanced system of shampoos and conditioners relieves scalp itch, dryness, irritation and helps prevent recurrence of flakes associated with dandruff while helping to restore an ideal moisture balance. Directions: apply to wet hair after shampooing. Gently massage into hair and scalp. Leave on for several minutes. Rinse. Repeat, if desired. Use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor. For effective dandruff control, use every time you shampoo. Use with Head & Shoulders shampoo. MY THOUGHTS: My review will be based on the samples I received for Head & Shoulder's Smooth & Silky dandruff conditioner along with its complimentary shampoo. The active ingredient, along with several other dandruff shampoos in varying concentrations, is zinc pyrithione. Zinc pyrithione is used in many dandruff shampoos due its antibacterial and antifungal properties, and resistance to ultraviolet radiation. I found the texture to be very high in viscosity (thick), and low in transparency (creamy). There was an attached fragrance to the conditioner; however, after my hair dried it wasn't potent enough for me to identify any possible notes. After rinsing the conditioner out I noticed my hair felt rougher, and more tangled than usual (right now I'm using L'ANZA). In addition, my hairline area showed signs of irritation (itchiness). I can imagine that this product may weigh down your hair if applied too liberally. ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 0.5% w/w Pyrithione Zinc. INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Water, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Dimethicone, Glutamic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Citric Acid.
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Shampoo -Head and Shoulders - Smooth and Silky shampoo
Yum3ji 11/19/2009 9:39:00 PM
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Head & Shoulders formula relieves scalp itch, irritation, redness, and flakes associated with dandruff, while improving the look of your hair and scalp. Restores silky smooth look: • starts at the scalp to smooth each strand and to calm dry frizzy hair. • gentle and pH balanced for everyday use even on permed or colour treated hair. • for best results on hair and scalp use Head & Shoulders conditioners. Directions: for effective dandruff control, use every time you shampoo. Wet hair. Massage onto scalp. Leave on for several minutes. Rinse. Repeat, if desired. Use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor. MY THOUGHTS: My review will be based on the samples I received for Head & Shoulder's Smooth & Silky dandruff shampoo along with its complimentary conditioner. The active ingredient, along with several other dandruff shampoos in varying concentrations, is zinc pyrithione. Zinc pyrithione is used in many dandruff shampoos due its antibacterial and antifungal properties, and resistance to ultraviolet radiation. I found the texture to be high in viscosity (thick), and low in transparency (creamy). There was an attached fragrance to the shampoo; however, after my hair dried it wasn't potent enough for me to identify any possible notes. Lathering produced a substantial amount of foam which I can only credit to both sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate, which are listed at the beginning right after water. After rinsing the shampoo out I noticed my hair felt rougher, and more tangled than usual (right now I'm using L'ANZA). To date, I've only used the product once and can only imagine that if used too frequently this will dry out your scalp. ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 1% w/w Pyrithione Zinc. INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamide MEA, Zinc Carbonate, Glycol Distearate, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Cetyl Alcohol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Benzoate, Magnesium Carbonate Hydroxide, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride.
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Lip Treatments -Nivea - A Kiss of Protection Sun Protection Lip Care SPF 30
Yum3ji 11/11/2009 9:48:00 PM
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Nivea Lip Care's unique combination of moisturizing ingredients and sunscreens protect your lips from the sun's burning rays. ● Provides moisturization and protection ● Waterproof formulation The result is highly protected and smoother lips. Dermatologically tested. No preservatives. DIRECTIONS: Apply evenly to your lips 15 to 30 minutes before exposure to the sun. Re-apply after eating and/or drinking. CAUTION: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Discontinue use if rash or irritation appears. Children under 6 months of age: consult a doctor. Keep out of reach of children. MY THOUGHTS: I purchased a 0.17 oz./4.8 g tube of Nivea Lip Care Sun SPF 30 balm at Real Canadian Superstore for $1.69 CAD after reading a few positive reviews regarding Nivea lip balms. The fragrance is an artificial version of an orange creamsicle; meanwhile, the sunblock ingredients leave a rancid taste in your mouth when eating (for that I won't be repurchasing this product). The product itself is opaque, and when applied just slightly whitens your lips. This product would be ideal for individuals concerned with sun protection, lightening dark lips, or those seeking a cheap primer for lip stick/gloss. MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS: Octocrylene 7.5% w/w, Octinoxate 7.5% w/w, Oxybenzone 3.5% w/w, Titanium Dioxide 2.5% w/w. NON-MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS: Microcrystalline Wax, Octyldodecanol, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cetyl Palmitate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Myristyl Myristate, Benzophenone-3, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, C20-40 Alkyl Stearate, Copernica Cerifera (Carnauba), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Beeswax, Trimethoxycaprylylsilane, Butylated Hydroxy Toluene, Parfum/fragrance, Yellow 5 Lake.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No