Cleansers -Kose - Softymo - White Cleansing Oil
rossjen 12/2/2011 1:24:00 PM
Although I am very much a face wash girl, this cleansing oil has been a very nice change for me. I started using it about three months ago as my evening cleansing step to remove my thick sunblock. The texture is pretty viscous along the lines of mineral oil, with a slight citrus smell that is almost impossible to detect. I just need three pumps of the oil to remove my sunblock as well as any other face and eye makeup, without having to do an extra cleanse, and without any extra hassle. My combination skin never feels overly dried out either. No irritation or acne either. The packaging is your standard pump bottle that comes with a pull off clip to lock the pump. I have not traveled with it though to test out how durable against leaks it actually is. I got the 230mL bottle of this, as well as a 170 refill pack as a package set on sasa.com for around $10, which was a marvelous deal, as I have seen just the 230 mL in a nearby Korean supermarket for six dollars more. I don't think I'll ever abandon conventional face cleansers, but I'll add the occasional bottle of this to my routine for sure when I feel like something different. If you come across this, don't hesitate to try it out.
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Lip Treatments -Nivea - A Kiss of Flavor Cherry
rossjen 10/17/2011 12:25:00 PM
On my pigmented lips, even the lightest layer of Nivea Cherry has almost too strong of an impact. In terms of color payoff, this is among the best in any lipbalm I've tried, so pick this up if you're looking for a lipbalm that really is tinted. It is too blueish-red, however, and just looks unnatural on me. The moisturizing abilities are where this really misses for me, it seems to have none whatsoever. The more I wear this, the more I've noticed the moisture dissipating from my lips. The texture is a bit waxy, which I don't mind, but something to be aware of if you do not like that in your lip product.This balm does not wear off evenly either, so I'm left with a ring around the outside of my lips which just looks silly, so another strike for that. The scent is probably my favorite thing about this balm though, it smells very much like cherry gummies or cherry hard candy.
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Gels/Soaps -Dr. Bronner's - Peppermint Castille Soap
rossjen 10/9/2011 7:47:00 PM
A 2 oz. bottle of this was my Target impulse buy one afternoon. I have tried the unscented and the lavender versions of these soaps, so I figure I couldn't lose since I already like them. I was not disappointed with the peppermint version. In this seemingly endless Texas summer, using this as shower gel has been heavenly. The peppermint zing is so refreshing, it literally makes you shiver when using it. Do not use this, like others have said, on any delicate areas for just this reason. I have also used it successfully as a face wash and hand soap (literally two drops will do you for either use). It has not dried my skin out or left a film in any way, and it washes base makeup clean away (I would not advise this for use around the eyes though). I am seriously thinking of using this as my summer cleanser. It's economical and performs really well. Wonderful.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
rossjen 10/5/2011 9:38:00 AM
I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil mainly as a "booster" if my regular body lotion is not moisturizing enough. A quarter-sized amount of the oil mixed in with a bit of body lotion usually does the trick for me. I've also used it alone on body and face with pretty good results, although I have to be careful how much I apply, or it has a tendency to feel heavy. There have been no breakouts in sight, however. The only thing olive oil does not work for is my hair, but as my hair seemingly does not like oils of any kind, I was not surprised that this did not work out for me either. Since I cook with it all the time, I'll always have a big bottle around for those occasions where my skin needs some extra TLC.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Kiss My Face - Peaches and Creme moisturizer with AHA
rossjen 9/30/2011 11:59:00 AM
If you're like me and don't like sticky and heavy moisturizers, this is a great one. This is perfect for the summer because it leaves no sticky feeling behind at all. Albeit, the initial texture is a bit strange, it starts out streaky, and when I first used it, I was a bit concerned it would never absorb. So you do need to spend a couple of extra seconds rubbing it thoroughly into your skin. Once you do though, it seems to disappear. I use it on my face occasionally, and I haven't had any problems with it. I do believe the percentage of AHA in this lotion is too low however, so I haven't seen anything major in terms of exfoliation on rougher areas like elbows and heels. I'm neutral about the smell, it smells like fresh peaches to me, no strange undertone at all. I'm not the biggest fan of fruity scents though, but it is by no means horrible. The value on this is really good for the large amount you get, and I find it to be a good multi-tasking moisturizer.
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Lip Gloss -Silk Naturals - Lip Gloss in Gold Blush
rossjen 9/23/2011 12:31:00 PM
I have a handful of Silk Naturals lipcolors, and I am in love with all of them, but this color is probably my favorite of the line so far. It is a really sheer pink blush with a lot of warmth to it that really looks nice and glowy on my lips. Nice and glossy as well. The formula of these is gold to me. They are smooth, glide on wonderfully, can be built up nicely without caking, and are ultra moisturizing. There is a really subtle vanilla scent also, and no flavor. These are probably my favorite lipcolor formula ever, and there is such a variety of colors available that I don't think I'll ever be bored with these.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - MSM
rossjen 9/23/2011 11:32:00 AM
I mainly began to take this because using MSM topically (in the form of lotions and soaps) was beneficial in calming down my temperamental skin (Acne, flakiness, bumps and irritation). In the past year, I have also had a lot of hair breakage that I was trying to remedy. So I figured that it could only work better taking it in pill form for these conditions. After taking it for three months, I did notice that it helped with my muscles not being as sore during and after exercising, but in terms of my skin and hair, I did not notice any changes at all, positive or negative. The main reason I am no longer taking it is reading some of these reviews here. Until I know more for certain, I don't want to take chances with the health of my liver.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
BB Cream -Skin79 - Super+ BB Cream Pink Label
rossjen 9/21/2011 9:51:00 AM
Fabulous bb cream, one of the best ones I've tried since I got into experimenting with these this year. This is miles better than ordinary foundation on me, blends in seamlessly, and does not turn orange or pink at all. The oil control has been impressive as well (my nose being the only exception), lasting through some of the warmest days of the summer. Once applied, it just looks like I have nice skin, no caking or streaking at all. I can't recall any foundations I've tried that have looked as natural on my skin as this product does. Compared to the Gold version, I find this one just a bit lighter in terms of coverage and feel on the skin, but if pressed, I have to say the difference between the two is so slight, I think you would do well with either one because they are so identical in almost every other aspect. I will definitely get a full size of this, I'm already missing my trial samples.
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BB Cream -Skin79 - Super+ BB Cream Gold Label
rossjen 9/21/2011 9:22:00 AM
Add me to the people posting major raves for this bb cream. This is definitely in the top of the bb creams I've tried so far. Initially I was a bit skeptical about the thick texture, but it blends in so nicely and does not feel suffocating on the skin. In terms of oil control, it lasted through a 90+ degree Texas day without melting off and otherwise looking bad, with the exception of my nose (I figure there is no hope for that). The color is very neutral and looks slightly grey out of the container, but it somehow adjusts seamlessly into my skin, with no visible lines. Absolutely genius stuff in that regard. I would purchase this again in a heartbeat, but I prefer the Hot Pink version ever-so-slightly more.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Yes To Carrots - Yes to Tomatoes Totally Tranquil Facial Hydrating Lotion
rossjen 9/20/2011 8:59:00 PM
I have been using samples of this moisturizer for a couple of weeks now. So far, I'm really happy with it. It has proven to be a nice transition moisturizer for the end of summer (but not quite Fall) weather. I have been really surprised with how matte the finish is, and how it almost feels like I'm wearing nothing. The smell is sweet and powdery, and I find it pretty warm and comforting (and this is coming from someone who generally doesn't like fragrance in skin products at all). Your mileage may vary on that one though. No adverse effects on my skin as far as I can see, it's just soothed and without any additional breakouts. I am loving this and plan on investing in a full size. The packaging of this has changed though, and I don't know if a reformulation has come with that (leave it to me to discover this little gem way too late), but I'll probably try the replacement regardless, as well as look into the rest of the line.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
BB Cream -MISSHA - M Perfect Cover BB Cream
rossjen 8/16/2011 9:37:00 AM
This was the first bb cream I tried. I ordered some samples of #21 shade off of Ebay, which wound up matching me pretty well. I have to say, the coverage of this is extremely good, more to the point of an actual foundation. There are some days (mostly when the heat index reaches above 100 degrees) that I find this too heavy to wear. All that aside, it makes your skin look amazing once it's blended. I credit this item with starting my interest in bb creams.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Yes To Carrots - Yes To Cucumbers Face Cleanser Towelettes
rossjen 7/27/2011 10:08:00 PM
These are my first foray into the Yes to brand, and I snatched up a ten-pack of these on my most recent trip to Ulta. They seem to be soft enough (I can't compare them to other cleansing towelettes), and remove powder makeup at the most. I don't think these will be adequate enough to remove waterproof eye makeup. The scent obviously cucumbers, not too cloying in my opinion. Unfortunately after using these the last three nights, I feel they're slightly irritating my skin. There is a slight tingling sensation and my cheeks are red afterwards. I'm afraid if I continue the results will escalate down the line, so I'm glad I didn't purchase a full size pack of these.
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Liquid -Maybelline - Fit Me Foundation
rossjen 7/5/2011 6:27:00 PM
I loved the concept when I first saw this, as I always have a hard time finding any foundations to match my olive undertones. After some experimenting with some sample shades though, I came to the conclusion that the foundation turned orange on me after less than an hour, and none of the shades which I thought would be in my shade range looked right. I guess Maybelline is just not the line to give me an accurate shade match. The formula itself looked nice and dewy for a short while before it too turned into an oily mess that looked horribly caked on and obvious, however little of it was applied. I don't think oily-skinned ladies will be happy with this. Definitely not for me.
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Masks -AcneFree - Sulfur Mask
rossjen 6/29/2011 10:16:00 AM
My skin generally does really well with products containing sulfur, so this is what sold me on the product. The price is a little steep for the amount you get, but the mask lasted a decent amount of time, because only a thin layer is needed. In both reducing redness and acne, it did an ok job, but it wasn't anything stellar, so I don't think this would be ideal if you have larger acne issues to deal with. It soothed my skin a little bit, but I didn't notice any major improvements. For that reason, I won't repurchase again.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Nivea - A Kiss of Protection Sun Protection Lip Care SPF 30
rossjen 6/22/2011 6:04:00 PM
I grew up with Labello lipbalms, so I knew what this Nivea balm was going to do when I purchased it. I wanted this specifically for the high SPF, and I truly think this is one of the better lipbalms with SPF factor out there. It does go on waxy, but I don't find it horribly so, and I like that it does not disappear on you in a short period of time. It goes on slightly white, but I've never ended up with a flaky white finish as has been my experience with some other zinc oxide based balms. Moisturizing factor is fine for me as well. What I truly love this for however is that it makes a wonderful lipstick base that is not too oily. I'll repurchase this for that alone.
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