Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Advanced Home Actives - Brazilian Peel Facial Resurfacing System 
dsbirnbaum 4/27/2011 10:00:00 AM
This is a decent, very mild, easy to use, but overpriced, 30% glycolic peel. It is a good introductory, home use glycolic peel system. When I used this product, my skin was accustomed to professional glycolic peels, other glycolic based products, and retinoids, so I experienced no stinging, irritation, flaking, or redness. If you prep your skin with other acid based products, hydroquinone, and/or retinoids for a couple weeks prior to use of any glycolic peel, you will reduce your risk of sensitivity and increase the effectiveness of the peel. You can use half a syringe per peel, and stretch out the use of the product, if you don't perform the peel on your neck. Be nice to the Sephora salesperson and ask for a couple samples, which can equal more treatments for less money. Each sample syringe equals half the amount of product that is in the full size syringe, so it is not enough to use on the neck. I performed 6 peels total, spaced 1 week apart. If your skin is more sensitive, you might want to space these 2 or 3 weeks apart. This peel provided moderate improvement in skin tone and texture, with reduction in pore size and breakouts, and an overall healthier glow. There was a very slight reduction in skin discoloration caused by melasma and old acne marks. Overall, this product was too weak for my needs, as my skin might have reached a plateau with 30% glycolic or this peel was too buffered to achieve the maximum results at this percentage strength. The kit includes four syringes/treatments for $80. This product is much cheaper than professional glycolic peels at this strength, but don't expect the same results. There are similar and stronger home use glycolic peels that you can purchase for less money, which is why I rate this product a 3 rather than a higher mark. For example, I am now using a glycolic peel from Platinum Skincare, spending less money, with more noticeable results. I will post a review of the PS peel when I complete 6 treatments. FYI: The Sephora rep may tell you this is the strongest glycolic peel for home use on the market. It may be the strongest peel they sell at the store, but many online retailers sell less diluted 30% peels, and stronger, ranging up to 70% glycolic peels.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Skinceuticals - Phyto Corrective Gel
dsbirnbaum 4/25/2011 8:38:00 AM
This product was recommended by my esthetician to help fade hyperpigmentation and promote even skin tone. I used the serum twice per day, on my entire face, using 2 full bottles over a 6 month period of time. I was using this product in conjunction with the Skinceuticals Pigment Regulator. This serum did not work to fade any dark spots caused by past sun exposure. The anti-inflammatory ingredients and/or the greenish tint did seem to reduce redness, aiding in a temporary improvement in overall skintone. I experienced fewer acne breakouts during use of this treatment, although that was not the target problem. I am not certain if the redness reduction was attributable to cosmetic effects of the green serum (green reduces red) or an actual effect of the ingredients. I would not repurchase this product because it was not strong enough to treat my hyperpigmentation. I recommend this product as something which can help reduce acne breakouts and reduce the appearance of redness caused by acne and intensive or invasive skin treatments.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Skinceuticals - Pigment Regulator
dsbirnbaum 4/24/2011 11:00:00 AM
I like some of the Skinceuticals products, but this one was a huge disappointment. After daily use, over the course of a six month period of time, this product did not promote noticeable lightening or brightening of dark spots caused by past sun exposure. The ingredients appear to be too mild for my problem. Perhaps this is more effective on younger, less damaged skin? I give this product a "2" rating, rather than a "1", with hesitation, only because it did help to fade old acne marks. Given the hefty price tag of $85, I don't think it is worth the price. There are less expensive products that are equally as effective for fading acne marks, including those that contain the active ingredient of 2% kojic acid and similar exfoliating acids. There are other products that are more effective for tough hyperpigmentation problems. I will gladly pay at this price point or more for something that actually works. And there are prescription strength and OTC treatments at this price point, or a bit less that actually do produce results. Unfortunately, most pigment treatments without hydroquinone produce minimal results when trying to treat tough cases of melasma. The acids plateau with effectiveness and bleaching becomes necessary. This product also claims to "prevent" future discoloration, which is ridiculous. If you are trying to prevent dark spots caused by sun exposure, only sunblock will work as a preventative measure, not this product which contains no SPF. The directions tell you to wear a sunscreen. Hilarious.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -La Roche Posay - Mela-D Serum
dsbirnbaum 4/24/2011 9:57:00 AM
This is a decent, moderately effective, anti-dark spot concentrate designed to fade hyperpigmentation. It contains glycolic acid (5%), kojic acid (1%), and LHA (.2%), all in minimal strength amounts. These are ingredients that are proven effective for skin lightening and brightening. This product is significantly more effective than products I tried before this serum, such as Clinique's anti dark spot remover. It was my first experience with a glycolic based product, so I experienced a slight stinging and tingling sensation, until my skin adjusted to the acid. I used this serum every day and night, on my entire face, as directed in the instructions. Used in this manner, the product lasted about 6 weeks. If you use it only on the dark spots, it will certainly last even longer. It absorbs quickly into the skin. I did not experience any allergic reaction or acne breakouts, despite the fact that my skin tends to be sensitive to many skin products. The hyperpigmentation I am trying to treat is caused by past sun exposure. I noticed a slight and gradual reduction in dark spots with use of this treatment. The only reason I would not repurchase this is because I have moved into use of stronger treatments, including but not limited to professional glycolic peels. This is a good introductory glycolic product that will help your skin adjust and prepare for higher strength treatments.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Peter Thomas Roth - Un-Wrinkle Night Cream
dsbirnbaum 4/23/2011 9:54:00 AM
This is this best night cream, with the most productive results, that I have used to date. I have been using this night cream for approximately 4 months, in conjunction with the PTR Unwrinkle Serum and Unwrinkle Peel Pads. In my experience, the positive results of this night cream were noticeable upon initial use, evidenced by a slight plumping of some fine lines upon waking in the morning. The moisturizing benefits are wonderful and suited to my dry/combination skin. The hydration benefits were a marked improvement over my usual, periodic flaky skin which usually poses a problem for me during the winter months. After several weeks of use, I started to notice an overall improvement in skin tone and texture. My skin has developed a healthier glow using this product and this has generated compliments from others. I experienced no irritation or acne breakouts from the Unwrinkle line, which is a plus since my skin is prone to allergic reactions sparked by many skincare products. This cream is geared toward those with older skin, and is probably too heavy and a waste of money for most of the under 35 age group. The price is high, but a little of the product goes a long way. I just reordered the cream, as I am nearing the end of the jar I purchased 4 months ago. Here is a money saving tip: I have been ordering PTR products directly from the company because they offer free shipping with orders over $50, good discounts and promotions, and sometimes give generous samples of various products. In comparing prices, I have discovered that ordering from PTR has saved me money vs. purchasing the PTR products from retail stores.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Clinique - All About Eyes Rich
dsbirnbaum 4/22/2011 8:57:00 PM
I used an entire large size jar of this eye cream, every day and night, over the course of 6 months. This product felt soothing, provided adequate moisture, but did not promote the slightest improvement in under eye circles, puffiness, or fine lines. Perhaps this eye cream is better suited to the under 30 age group? During use of this product, I developed periodic swelling and crusting of my eyelids, treated it with a MD prescribed antibiotic ointment, and initially thought it was an allergic reaction to my eye shadow or make up. After discontinuing this product, and starting use of a new eye cream, the swelling and irritation disappeared. On top of being ineffective, this cream sparked an allergic reaction.
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Highlighters -Revlon - Age Defying Spa Illuminator Pink Light
dsbirnbaum 4/22/2011 7:55:00 PM
This is a really nice highlighter that gives a healthy, dewy, glowing look without excessive color, glitter, or shimmer. I purchased this product on a whim in the drugstore and was pleasantly surprised. It is a bargain considering that it compares in quality to other highlighters that cost double the price. I use several other highlighters in various warmer shades, including Lorac, Nars, and Benefit High Beam. My hand reaches for this Revlon product more than the others in my makeup bag because it gives me a more natural look than the other products. My skin is medium, warm toned, and yet the pink light somehow works with my complexion. I wear it over moisturizer and under my foundation. This process likely tones down any pink or silver tones and makes it suitable for my coloring. I like that the product contains a SPF, but wish they could make it higher than 15.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -NARS - Orgasm Blush
dsbirnbaum 4/22/2011 5:02:00 PM
I love this blush. It gives me a warm, natural looking glow, with a slight amount of gold shimmer. A little goes a long way. It is easy to blend. This blush usually lasts me all day, into night, without the need for a touch up, unless the weather is very hot and humid. The salespeople will tell you, "This blush looks good on everyone", but I humbly disagree. Gold highlighted makeup doesn't look good on every skin tone. And this shade might look too severe on pale shades of skin. If you prefer a matte look, this is not for you. The shade "Super Orgasm" is the same rosy coral shade as Orgasm, with more intense glitter. I like the shade Super Orgasm for a dressy evening look, but prefer the regular Orgasm blush for daily daytime use.
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Loose Powders -Laura Mercier - Secret Brightening Powder
dsbirnbaum 4/21/2011 8:52:00 PM
This is a beneficial product for subtle under eye brightening. It effectively sets concealer in the under eye area, helping to prevent creasing and fading. I dab on a tiny amount, using a fluffy eye shadow brush. I quickly learned that a little of this product goes a long way. If you apply too much, It will make the under eye area look dry and creased. I suffer from hereditary dark circles, which are difficult to conceal. This product, used in conjunction with eye make up primer and a good concealer gives my eye area a lift. The brightening effect from this product appears to be most noticeable in photographs.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Amazing Cosmetics - Amazing Concealer
dsbirnbaum 4/21/2011 8:32:00 PM
I love this concealer. It works great to cover dark circles under the eye, blemishes, and other skin discoloration. I apply it over eye makeup primer (Benefit Stay Don't Stray) with a concealer brush and finish blending with my finger. This product has a thick, creamy consistency. A little dab goes a long way. If you apply too much, and don't blend thoroughly, it will appear cakey and crease in the under eye area. For the under eye area, I set it with a dab of brightening powder to prevent creasing and fading. This stuff lasts forever, making it worth the price. I have many other concealers in my make up bag, because I am always experimenting, but I always come back to using this one because it seems to work the best.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Peter Thomas Roth - Mega Rich Intensive Anti-Aging Cellular Eye Creme
dsbirnbaum 4/21/2011 8:20:00 PM
This is a decent, moisturizing eye cream. The jar lasted almost four months, after using it religiously day and night. I experienced a slight stinging sensation after my initial application of the cream, but that quickly subsided after continued use. Many eye creams tend to irritate my eye area, but this product caused no redness, inflammation, or other allergic reaction. It absorbs quickly into the skin and did not cause my make up to crease or fade. On the downside, I am not sure it is worth the price. I have used many eye creams at almost half the price that produce similar results. I did not experience any significant change in fine lines, dark circles, or puffiness. The ingredients are good, so perhaps we are paying for the preventative benefits? This eye cream did not produce the more noticeable results I have experienced with some of the other PTR products. After this ran out, I had a couple frustrating experiments with 2 other eye creams and experienced related allergic reactions. I reordered this cream because it moisturizes, the ingredients are beneficial, and doesn't irritate the sensitive skin around my eyes. I will provide an update in a few months, if I notice an improvement after more continued use.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Clinique - Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
dsbirnbaum 2/10/2011 6:28:00 PM
I like this product a lot. I do not use it as my daily moisturizer, as it it too mild to suit that purpose for me. I carry it in my purse and use a little dab here and there, as needed, if my skin feels dry or appears flaky. I also use it if I need to refresh concealer or makeup in a hurry. This product has a very light, almost gel like consistency. It provides a soothing, cooling, light hydrating, and refreshing effect.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Clinique - Rinse-off foaming cleanser
dsbirnbaum 2/10/2011 5:48:00 PM
I love this cleanser and have been using it for a few years now. I occasionally experiment with other cleansers, but I always come back to this product. It removes heavy foundation and eye makeup, including mascara, with ease. It is gentle and non-drying on my dry/combination, sensitive skin. I lather a small amount each night to remove make up. The bottle lasts for at least several months. I use this in conjunction with the Clinique # 3 toner and my skin is totally clean and clear. With this combination of products, my prior problem of periodic acne breakouts has become nonexistent.
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Treatments -Clinique - Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
dsbirnbaum 2/10/2011 4:25:00 PM
I used this product in the past to treat melasma/hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure. This product was my first attempt at treating this problem and I did not perform adequate research before purchasing and using 2 bottles of this product. I saw no lightening and no brightening. It did not break up or even slightly fade dark spots. This product is NOT strong enough to treat melasma, as it does not contain glycolic, retinoids, hydroquinone, kojic acid, etc. It slightly faded some old acne marks after a couple months, but I can get that effect from antioxidant and Vitamin C treatments.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Peter Thomas Roth - Un-Wrinkle
dsbirnbaum 2/9/2011 4:51:00 PM
I am surprised at the minimal number and mediocre reviews of this product. After many failed attempts with other treatment products, and after some research and word of mouth referrals, I have been using this serum along with the PTR Unwrinkle night cream during recent months and have been highly impressed with the results. There has been a significant reduction in fine lines, a unexpected, but pleasing plumping effect, and a dramatic improvement in overall tone and texture. I have spots of melasma caused by past sun exposure and this treatment has been gradually fading and breaking up these spots. I use this serum every morning and at night. It sinks into the skin quickly. It has has not caused any irritation, but my skin has adjusted to retinoids and glycolic, chemicals that can cause irritation, from other professional and over the counter treatments. If you haven't been regularly using these type of ingredients, you may need to gradually build up a tolerance. The only downside is the price, ouch. But a little of this product goes a long way. The first bottle lasted approximately 8 weeks. This serum is designed for older women. So if you are under 35, take my advice and stay out of the sun, wear sunblock, use a good moisturizer and take the money you would spend on this and buy a nice pair of shoes or something fun!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No