Cleansers -Philosophy - Purity Made Simple (Real Purity Cleanser)
mashimaru 11/20/2002 7:02:00 AM
After being disappointed by Cetaphil, I was wary about using this because it kinda sorta looks like Cetaphil. But an SA gave me a sample, so I gave it a try and major thumbs-up!
It claims to "emulsify" the dirt/grime, and that's what it really seems to do. When I use it, it feels like the makeup and dirt just melts away. It doesn't leave behind any film or residue, either.
It's gentle, and gets my face really clean. A new staple in my bathroom cabinet!
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Eye Makeup Remover -Almay - Dual Phase Eye Makeup Remover
mashimaru 10/17/2002 11:27:00 PM
This is a basic oil-based eye makeup remover - comparable to Clinique Take the Day Off and Lancome Bi-Facil (you can tell there is oil in it by the separation in the bottle). It works just as well, and a lot cheaper, too - about $5 a bottle. I like to splurge on other stuff, but I like to save on things like makeup remover, so this is a great find!
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Treatments -Origins - Super Spot Remover
mashimaru 10/13/2002 3:50:00 PM
Wow, this stuff is STRONG. Over-use will definitely burn your skin, but when used sparingly, it is very effective. I put it on at the first sign of a zit, and it stops the zit in its tracks. It just destroys the zit - just make sure it doesn't destroy your skin, too.
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Hair -Back to Basics - Raspberry Almond Intensive Shampoo and Conditioner
mashimaru 10/8/2002 1:52:00 AM
I tried this conditioner, and it smells bad! Not only is the smell bad, it is very strong, and it lingers. After using this, I can smell it all day, whenever I move my head. Very unpleasant.
It does feel nice and thick, and I think it may do a good job conditioning your hair. (I wouldn't know since I only used it once.) So I won't be using this again due to the funky smell.
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Conditioner -Philosophy - Shear Splendor
mashimaru 10/8/2002 1:19:00 AM
I think I found my Holy Grail conditioner! I used a small amount, and it spread very easily through my long, too-dry hair and untangled it immediately. My hair soaked up the goodness, and became relaxed, smooth, and happy. The smell is yummy - too bad it doesn't linger (boo). But better than being stinky.
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Eye Makeup Remover -L'Oreal - Refreshing Eye Make Up Remover
mashimaru 10/6/2002 4:37:00 AM
In my opinion, this is not like Lancome Bi-Facil (which contains oil). It's more like Clinique Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent. It's a detergent-based makeup remover (you can tell because it foams when you shake the bottle).
It doesn't remove waterproof mascara, but then neither does Clinique Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent. (You usually need some oil-based MU remover to remove all waterproof mascara.)
I think this is a great substitute for any non-oily MU remover. It's only about $6.00 for a 4 oz. bottle - you can't beat the price!
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Cleansers -Neutrogena - Extra Gentle Cleanser
mashimaru 10/6/2002 4:21:00 AM
This is a lot like Cetaphil - you work it in, and then you rinse or tissue it off. I tried it once when I wanted to smaller bottle of Cetaphil for travel, but could only find the big 16 oz. bottle at the store.
If you like Cetaphil, I must say that this Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser is a good second. It cleans very gently and keeps your face soft. And there's no real scent. It feels a little bit creamier than Cetaphil though, so I usually need to splash some water on my face first.
I also like the fact that it comes in a pump. I would recommend this product to anyone who needs a gentle, creamy cleanser.
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Moisturizers -Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
mashimaru 10/5/2002 8:39:00 PM
I got this is in a 1.7 oz. glass bottle as part of a travel set. (I also have several 0.5 oz sizes from many GWP's - heh, don't we all?)
It makes my skin soft, but it's not the best lotion I've ever tried. I use it if it's there, but I doubt I would ever actually buy it.
I hate the glass bottle, though. The lotion is thick, so it doesn't pour out - you have to shake it like a ketchup bottle and hope that it plops out onto your hand. I heard that you can now get this lotion in a tube - sure sounds like a good idea, and about time!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Cetaphil - Gentle Skin Cleanser
mashimaru 10/5/2002 8:15:00 PM
This was originally a 5-star review, but I'm modifying it. After using it faithfully AM-n-PM for months, I finally discovered that it was giving me zits! :(
I've been using it on-and-off for years, without a problem, but after being burned by a harsh cleanser, I switched to Cetaphil full-time. It healed my skin and calmed it down when nothing else would.
And then I started breaking out in the worst way. I used to have pretty clear skin, so it was very frustrating. Turns out it was Cetaphil! Several weeks ago, I stopped using it, and my break-out ended for good. Finally!
I still think this can be a useful product for people who need something super-gentle, and are using medications, prescription products, etc. And for anyone suffering from major dryness, Cetaphil will probably help them. And it did heal my skin after I'd been "burned." So I'll give it 3 stars.
But I'm personally not going to use this anymore. Maybe when my face gets "fried" again, but even then, I may stick with Philosophy Real Purity.
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Cleansers -St. Ives - Clear Pore Cleanser [DISCONTINUED]
mashimaru 10/5/2002 5:18:00 AM
This is a good, cheap cleanser, I liked the smell, and it rinses clean. But it was too drying for my face. My face just started to peel like mad, and began to look "ashy."
So I had a bad experience with this - but it doesn't mean that it's a bad product. But I would only recommend this to people who have very oily skin.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No