Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - Topix Replenix CF Advanced Anti-Photoaging Complex spf 45 DISCONTINUED PER CS at TOPIX
scopingforyou 2/22/2013 5:37:00 PM
**************I won't spend any time reviewing this in detail, because it's been discontinued. I will let you know it's been replaced, per Topix customer service, by "Antioxidant Moisturizer SPF 50" in the silver tube. (When I say that, I am NOT referencing the SPF 50 in the Replenix line that is all physical sunscreen, though.)********************* If you got to my review of the replacement, you will see I adore it and why.
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Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - Topix Replenix CF Anti-Photoaging Complex SPF 45 DISCONTINUED per C.S. at Topix
scopingforyou 2/22/2013 5:34:00 PM
**************I won't spend any time reviewing this in detail, because it's been discontinued. I will let you know it's been replaced, per Topix customer service, by "Antioxidant Moisturizer SPF 50" in the silver tube. (When I say that, I am NOT referencing the SPF 50 in the Replenix line that is all physical sunscreen, though.)********************* If you go to my review for the replacement, you will see I love it and why.
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Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Topix - Replenix Antioxidant MOISTURIZER SPF 50 (silver tube) (replaces SPF45 in white tube)
scopingforyou 2/22/2013 2:16:00 PM
***PER C.S. at TOPIX, this replaces the recently discontinued SPF 45 they had that is in the white tube.**** PROS: *Angels singing in background* I have found my holy grail sunscreen. Where has this been all my life? Very moisturizing. Basically no scent (I hate fragrance.) Product from a very reputable source and has lots of anti-aging ingredients like antioxidants, green tea, polyphenols, and caffeine (I'm very sensitive to caffeine, even in creams, but this doesn't affect me at all). Most with any chemical sunscreens create redness for my sensitive skin/rosacea. This does NOT. SPF 50 means I am actually protected against the sun WITHOUT the following: greasiness, product balling up on my skin, white cast, thickness that settles in my wrinkles/pores!!! The price is very reasonable for the quality, and a little goes a long way. Great moisture for my dry skin. SPF's are usually too greasy/oily or don't provide enough moisture. There are no parabens and no alcohol and no fragrance and no oil. Wears great under makeup. Does not ball up on skin. I love the slight tint (thought I would hate it.) I'm N10-15 (leaning to NC) and the tint ends up VERY natural on me. EDIT: I just fall more in love with this. I can't believe an SPF makes my skin look better. My 40-something, acne-scarred skin is usually not made to look better from any spf I've tried. CONS: Those with greasy skin may prefer the other versions mentioned in alternates. This leaves a bit of a dewy look, especially if you don't rub it in at all. Also, those with very cool tones may not like the tint in this. Not the cheapest in the world, but the value is excellent for that price. Also it's a con that I have to order it and can't get it at a local drugstore, etc. PURCHASING TIPS: I can get this cheaper at places like skinmedix.com APPLICATION TIPS: I adore wearing this as sort of a primer, put on right before my foundation. Then I sort of rub my foundation into it, if that makes sense. (I don't like a heavy coat of foundation.) I also wear it when I'm not wearing any makeup, but then I just put a bit less on and rub it in a bit. ALTERNATES: There is a "Sheer Physical" SPF 50 cream, but I tried both and prefer the extra moisture of this moisturizer for my dry skin. There's even a Sheer Physical spray version of the spf 50, but it definitely makes my dry skin too "matte."
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Pantene - Overnight Miracle Repair Serum - in bottle
scopingforyou 2/17/2013 8:38:00 PM
PROS: I suppose the cones could smooth it to some degree. CONS: The ingredients are pretty harmful to the hair. The smell is the typical pantene smell (kind of perfumey) and not toned down at all to be able to put it on right before bed. It leaves a much stronger scent than the conditioner would once it's rinsed out. Bothered my allergies a lot.
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Liquid -L'Oreal - Visible Lift Smooth Absolute
scopingforyou 2/6/2013 11:56:00 PM
*****On its way to being officially discontinued. Walgreens has this on clearance.******* PROS: I like the finish (satin on my skin.) I have quite dry, mid-40's, large-pored skin that is so hard to find foundation for. This is pretty kind to my wrinkles compared to most foundations.(I've tried 32.) CONS: The stupid brush contraption that makes you have to click (even if one careful click at a time, it comes out in a huge gush.) It makes it more expensive to use, because there's quite a bit of waste. Color selection is small. The lightest shade (classic ivory) is quite pink. The nude beige is more warm-toned, but it is too dark. I'm an N10-15 (leaning to NC). (see alternates for my solution of using the Serum Absolute version instead.) APPLICATION TIPS: I put it right on top of my moisturizer while it's still "wet" when I want a light coverage. I like it even more when I use Loreal's Magic Smooth primer or some name like that. (I pat it into pores and then let it set for a bit before applying makeup.) It also makes this last longer on my face. REMOVAL TIPS: If you are prone to clogging, you may want to remove this with a cleansing oil before using your regular cleanser. I actually just put a few drops of jojoba oil in my olay sensitive cleanser. ALTERNATES: I like to use the Serum Absolute instead for much better color range. I use 144 (light ivory - which is much warmer than this line's ivory) mixed with just a bit of 146 (nude beige). The Serum Absolute lasts longer on my face too. It looks just as good in my wrinkles and pores. I just put it on top of my moisturizer (Replenix SPF 50 Moisturizer in the silver tube) for more of a tinted moisturizer look.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Scrubs -Dermalogica - Daily Microfoliant
scopingforyou 1/12/2013 11:49:00 PM
PROS: Wonderfully gentle but effective exfoliator. Does not bother my teen's acne. CONS: May not be exfoliating enough for some. Even Dermalogica recommends that if you use a gentle exfoliator daily, that you will probably want to use a physical one or heavy-duty one once a week or thereabouts. I just combine this with use of the Olay cleansing brush. (I only use the brush very quickly on my skin at night when cleansing.) It has a lemony smell that doesn't bother me at all. It doesn't bother my sensitive allergies at all. When my skin is more dry, I use the Daily Resurfacer by Dermalogica, which is gentle to my sensitive skin, not drying at all. ALTERNATES: See "CONS" above regarding Daily Resurfacer. PURCHASING TIPS: You can get this cheaper in the pro size or just cheaper in general at places like Amazon. There is a gamble whether the product is genuine, but I've had success so far. USAGE TIPS: I buy the travel size and transfer product to it so that I don't have to worry about spilling (the travel size has a more narro opening at the top.) (And see "CONS" for another tip! :)
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Styling Products -TiGi - Catwalk Curlesque Strong Hold Mousse
scopingforyou 1/12/2013 11:35:00 PM
PROS: Definitely holds my curl. It even makes my fine hair appear more thick. Smell is fine. CONS: Not the cheapest in the world, but there are much more expensive products too. I could see how this would weigh someone's hair down if they used too much. APPLICATION TIPS: I was using "Spray it Curly" by itself. I now use the Spray it Curly sprayed into my hand to scrunch my ends with. I then take the "Lightweight" version of this and put a small amount at a time into my hands and work some into my root area (and some mid-shaft too). I could see using this a bit on my ends too. ALTERNATES: They have one for a "Lightweight" too. I prefer that one for my very fine hair and because I really don't like ANY "crunch" to my curls. This may be a bit too defining for me because I like pretty loose curls.
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Styling Products -TiGi - Catwalk Curlesque Lightweight Mousse
scopingforyou 1/12/2013 11:31:00 PM
PROS: My curls are very weak (barely curly hair.) Usually, curl products either emphasize a curl but leave my hair stiff and crunchy, or they are too glossy/moisturizing and weigh my curls down. This is what I've been searching for. It's my holy grail hair product. I get definition and a bit of smoothing effect, while making my curls more "curly." It even makes my fine hair appear more thick. Smell is fine. CONS: Not the cheapest in the world, but there are much more expensive products too. I could see how this would weigh someone's hair down if they didn't use it sparingly. APPLICATION TIPS: I was using "Spray it Curly" by itself. I now use the Spray it Curly sprayed into my hand to scrunch my ends with. I then take this and put a small amount at a time into my hands and work some into my root area (and some mid-shaft too). I could see using this a bit on my ends too. ALTERNATES: They have one for a "Strong Hold" too. I prefer this one for my very fine hair and because I really don't like ANY "crunch" to my curls.
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Eyes -E.L.F. - Under Eye Concealer & Highlighter
scopingforyou 1/11/2013 12:15:00 AM
PROS: I buy this for the highlighter. It's wonderful if I use it spraringly on my N10-15 (leaning to NC) skin. The price is so inexpensive. CONS: The concealer wouldn't be good for those with dry skin. The highlighter would be ridiculous on anyone's skin much darker than mine (N10-15.) Also I would think that if you were quite warm-toned, the highlighter would be way too cool on you.
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Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - Topix - Replenix Ultra Sheer Physical Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
scopingforyou 1/11/2013 12:08:00 AM
PROS: Product from a very reputable source and has lots of anti-aging ingredients like Vitamin C and CoQ10 among many others. All physical sunscreen means no extra redness for my sensitive skin/rosacea. SPF 50 means I am actually protected against the sun WITHOUT the following: greasiness, product balling up on my skin, white cast, thickness that settles in my wrinkles/pores. The price is reasonable for the quality, and a little goes a long, long way. I would think this would be great for those that don't have very dry skin. There are no parabens and no alcohol and no fragrance and no oil. Wears well under makeup. Does not ball up under makeup. The wetness it leaves on the skin dries up on its own in just a few minutes. CONS: I find this saps out my moisture, even if I apply moisturizer under and/or over it. But I am VERY dry. But it does highlight wrinkles a bit as it dries me up. They have a cream version of this that is less drying (and even a cream version that is not purely physical that is MUCH better for wrinkles.) Not the cheapest in the world, but the value is excellent for that price (about $34 for 4 oz. at places like dermstore.com). Also it's a con that I have to order it and can't get it at a local drugstore, etc. PURCHASING TIPS: I can get this cheaper at places like dermstore.com APPLICATION TIPS: Make sure to shake before spraying. I spray it into my hand and then apply to my face. It takes just a few minutes to dry down on its own. ALTERNATES: There is a cream version that you may prefer if this dries you up. I tried both and prefer the extra moisture the cream provides for my dry skin (It's a very light texture that dries matte but still provides more moisture than this.) I get the cream version at places like skinstore.com. I have recently fallen in love with the SPF50 "Moisturizer" in the silver tube by them that is not purely physical sunscreens. The chemical ss in it doesn't bother my sensitive skin like most usually do, and it leaves me with a lot more moisture. (It does have a slight tint which some with very cool tones may not like.)
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - Topix - Replenix Sheer Physical Sunscreen Cream SPF 50
scopingforyou 1/10/2013 11:56:00 PM
PROS: Moisturizing but lightweight. The texture is for someone who wants a slightly matte finish. Product from a very reputable source and has lots of anti-aging ingredients like Vitamin C and CoQ10 among many others. All physical sunscreen means no extra redness for my sensitive skin/rosacea. SPF 50 means I am actually protected against the sun WITHOUT the following: greasiness, product balling up on my skin, white cast. The price is reasonable for the quality, and a little goes a long way. SPF's are usually too greasy/oily or don't provide enough moisture. I would think this could even work well for those who are oily because the moisture is light, but I'm not sure. There are no parabens and no alcohol and no fragrance and no oil. Wears great under makeup. Does not ball up on skin. CONS: Not the cheapest in the world, but the value is excellent for that price (about $29 for 2 oz. at places like skinstore.com). Also it's a con that I have to order it and can't get it at a local drugstore, etc. PURCHASING TIPS: I can get this cheaper at places like skinstore.com ALTERNATES: There is a spray version, but I tried both and prefer the extra moisture of the cream for my dry skin. There is also a version that is called "Antioxidant Moisturizer SPF 50" in the silver tube that is heavenly for my very dry skin. Gives more moisture than this. (But it has a slight tint that some with very cool tones may not like.)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Cover Girl - Natureluxe Liquid Silk Foundation
scopingforyou 1/10/2013 5:34:00 AM
PROS: Price isn't too bad. 320 was a good color match for my N (lean to NC) 20 skin. Light coverage. CONS: Pretty aging for my wrinkles (too dry for my older skin.) Didn't like the strong perfumey smell (made my sensitive skin itch.) APPLICATION TIPS: If worried about pores, pat a primer like L'Oreal's Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting base into the pores. But let it "set" for at least a minute before applying the foundation. REMOVAL TIPS: If you are prone to clogged pores, you will probably want to remove this with a cleansing oil before your regular cleanser (I like to use jojoba oil before Olay sensitive skin wash.) ALTERNATES: My skin does better with L'oreal Visible Lift foundation. If you want a similar texture to this but are willing to pay more, you can try Armani Face Fabric.
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Moisturizers -Clean & Clear - Oil-Free Dual Action Moisturizer
scopingforyou 1/7/2013 11:14:00 AM
PROS: Works wonderfully for my acne prone teen. Helps control flakes without increase in acne. CONS: May not be someone whose skin is super breakout prone, but it's worth a try. Sometimes the skin is pumping out more oil because it's not getting any moisture at all. ALTERNATES: Clean & Clear Acne Control Moisturizer seems to be good for my teen, too, but this one seems to be the best.
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Moisturizers -Clean & Clear - advantage oil-free Acne Moisturizer
scopingforyou 1/7/2013 11:07:00 AM
PROS: Works wonderfully for my very oily teen. Helps control flakes very well without increase in acne. CONS: May not be someone whose skin is super breakout prone, but it's worth a try. Sometimes the skin is pumping out more oil because it's not getting any moisture at all. ALTERNATES: Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer seems to be even better for my teen.
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Cleansers -Equate - 3-1 Facial Cleansing Towelettes
scopingforyou 1/7/2013 2:36:00 AM
PROS: Removes makeup. Very inexpensive. Convenient for bedside. CONS: Smell is kind of like bathroom cleaner mixed with bad perfume. Leaves me with red, irritated patches that last a couple of days. (This is even worse when I'm removing the Armani Face Fabric foundation. Don't know why.) ALTERNATES: I ended up keeping a bottle of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (or the Equate version) with a box of tissues by the bed for when I have "forgotten" to wash my face.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No