Treatments -Dermalogica - Daily Resurfacer
scopingforyou 12/23/2012 2:37:00 PM
PROS: I have searched and searched for an exfoliator that actually works and also does not bother my very sensitive skin. Sunscreen makes my skin more red than this. In fact, I don't think this even "reds" me up at all when I apply it. Does not make my dry skin more dry. Anyway, my skin has been helped a bit in other ways too, besides exfoliation. This helps my pores somewhat and helps my skin to be less congested. And as I said, a great gentle exfoliator. CONS: May not be exfoliating enough for some. Even Dermalogica recommends that if you use a gentle chemical 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 doesn't have a bad scent; it just doesn't impress me as smelling very good either. It doesn't bother my sensitive allergies at all, so I don't care. PURCHASING TIPS: You can get this cheaper in the pro size or just cheaper in general at places like Amazon. But then you have to chance that it's not the real product. It depends on if the gamble is worth the savings to you. (It is to me.) USAGE TIPS: (See "CONS.")
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Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - Devita Solar Body Block 30
scopingforyou 12/23/2012 3:30:00 AM
PROS: SPF 30. No irritating fragrance (very mild). NO OILY RESIDUE and not drying! That is so rare for a higher spf. I can barely tell I have anything on. Natural ingredients. Does not bother my rosacea/sensitive skin. Rare for an spf for me (even spf 15). Woo-hoo! No animal testing. No titanium dioxide or parabens or animal products. Light enough that I don't have to use anything special to remove it before cleansing. Does not clog my pores (no cones either). No white cast. CONS: For those who want a good amount of moisture, you'll need to use a heavier moisturizer first. But if you do this, especially over anything that is oil-based, it may ball up on you. A reviewer mentioned this bothered their eye area. I don't put this near my eyes. I use Clarins Wrinkle Control Eye Sunscreen for that. A lot of reviewers feel like it doesn't protect well enough, but I am not in the sun for any length of time, so this protects me well enough so far. If you need to rely on the protection, I'd test it on an arm or something first because it doesn't seem to protect much. This is for someone who doesn't need much spf, even though it says 30. I use something else when I will be in direct sunlight for a period of time. ALTERNATES: They have a face version that is a little more expensive, but it's more moisturizing and doesn't ball up at all (but the spf protection is questionable, like with this one). I personally love Replenix Antioxidant Moisturizer SPF 50 (in silver tube) for great moisture and spf protection that doesn't bother my sensitive skin. PURCHASING TIPS: You can get this cheaper at places like Vitacost.com
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Revlon - Extra Curl Lash Curler
scopingforyou 12/21/2012 9:26:00 PM
PROS: I've tried 4 or 5 HE curlers and all of the drug store curlers, (I don't like the regular one by Revlon) this is my favorite drugstore curler, by far. This actually works very well without completely pinching them to death and damaging them, also somehow, I end up less clumped looking after using this than I do with other curlers. CONS: The curl doesn't last quite as long as some in the "alternates" section below. ALTERNATES: The Shu Uemera one has less curve than this. Bobbi Brown has one with less curve than this (better for my almond shaped eyes). Shiseido has one that has less curve and whose curl may last longer than this Revlon one. .
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Deodorants -The Body Shop - DeoDry Dry-Effect Deodorant
scopingforyou 12/18/2012 7:58:00 PM
*****Per "The Body Shop," this is discontinued.***** PROS: Natural. NO ALUMINUM AT ALL. Works okay. I don't understand some reviewers not realizing that there is a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. This product is not supposed to lessen your amount of sweat. It is supposed to protect you from that sweat having odor. CONS: I don't like the green scent (more for guys, I guess). And I'm not crazy about the blue scent (little too "shower fresh" for me. I don't like those kind of scents.) But I do like the pink (some may not like that it's a floral.) ALTERNATES: The Crystal rock brand is a popular one (but I don't like that it has any form of aluminum.) Kiss My Face has a great unscented roll-on that works very well for me.
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Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - ECO logical Baby Sunscreen
scopingforyou 12/17/2012 10:13:00 AM
PROS: I have early rosacea and am very ruddy. Most sunscreens bring out the redness terribly. This actually tones my redness down. I read that zinc could do that. I'm blown away, though. Natural ingredients. CONS: The smell is odd. It's like a slightly dusty cardboard scent. But I mean, I put up with Philosophy's wet dog scent in the past. ;) Sometimes settles into my lines a bit and gets stuck in my pores somewhat unless I'm SUPER careful in rubbing/patting in. VERY greasy film left over. In fact, it even comes out of the tube separated (and it wasn't expired). ALTERNATES: Trader Joe's Enrich moisturizing lotion with spf 15 is such a nice nongreasy texture, but it gets me just a little red. I personally love Replenix Antioxidant Moisturizer SPF 50 (in silver tube) for great moisture and spf protection that doesn't bother my sensitive skin. As far as alternates for baby sunscreen, Anthelios makes an expensive but wonderful line. PURCHASING TIPS: I can get this cheaper through places like Vitacost.
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Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - ECO Logical - Body SPF 30
scopingforyou 12/17/2012 10:06:00 AM
PROS: I have early rosacea and am very ruddy. Most sunscreens bring out the redness terribly. This actually tones my redness down. I read that zinc could do that. I'm blown away, though. Natural ingredients. CONS: The smell is odd. It's like a very dusty cardboard scent. But I mean, I put up with Philosophy's wet dog scent in the past. ;) May settle into my lines a bit and getting stuck in my pores somewhat unless I'm SUPER careful in rubbing/patting in. Slightly greasy film left, but I am VERY dry skinned, so it's okay. ****UPDATE: I could not get past that smell. It's one of the least important things to me in skincare, but this time, I couldn't get used to it. ALTERNATES: Trader Joe's Enrich moisturizing lotion with spf 15 is such a nice nongreasy texture, but it gets me just a little red. I personally love Replenix Antioxidant Moisturizer SPF 50 (in silver tube) for great moisture and spf protection that doesn't bother my sensitive skin. PURCHASING TIPS: I can get this cheaper through places like Vitacost.
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Cleansers -Olay - Sensitive Skin Foaming Face Wash
scopingforyou 12/17/2012 9:49:00 AM
PROS: Gentle cleansing. I've tried SO MANY different cleansers and always come back to this. No harsh fragrance. Price is quite fair. I much prefer the pump packaging for the shower. The squeeze tube gets water built up in the lid, which gets stuck there. No fragrance I can detect. CONS: Wish it was just slightly less cleansing/even more gentle. But I have very sensitive skin with early rosacea. (See application tips for how I make this even more gentle for me.) APPLICATION TIPS: I use organic jojoba oil (by desert essence) directly on dry skin (even with makeup on) and then add some water and then add some of the cleanser. Perfect balance for my very dry/sensitive skin. And really removes my makeup well.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Olay - Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System
scopingforyou 12/17/2012 9:10:00 AM
PROS: Not too harsh on my sensitive/early rosacea skin. Two speeds. Helps me with exfoliating, where most scrubs irritate me too much. Reasonable price. CONS: (See alternates regarding deeper-level stimulation you can get from the Clarisonic.) The battery compartment is ridiculously hard to get into. Had to use the end of my scissors to pry it off, and I was afraid I would break it at any second. USAGE TIPS: For my very sensitive skin, I don't leave it long on each spot of skin, and I use it on the low speed. And I only use it at night. ALTERNATES: I have this and the Clarisonic, and this is much better for my sensitive skin (even using the Clarisonic's most gentle brush that's name is "delicate.") I can see how some may prefer the Clarisonic for really vibrating/deep-stimulating the skin. There is some deep-level vibration with this one too, just not as much.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Derma E - Hydrating Night Creme (formerly named Hyaluronic Acid Night Creme per C.S. at Derma E)
scopingforyou 12/13/2012 1:18:00 PM
******Per customer service at Derma E, The new name is "Hydrating Night Creme." It is the same product as the old name, "Hyaluronic Acid Night Creme.")****** PROS: I love this for serious moisture and plumping that causes my wrinkles, even the deep ones, to be a bit better. Natural ingredients. Doesn't bother my very sensitive skin too much. I have noticed slight lightening of brown spots and definitely less depth in wrinkles. Here's what's on the label: "This extra-rich, deeply penetrating crème, infused with Vitamins A and E, Ester-C, Allantoin and Macadamia Oil, drenches your skin in moisture. By plumping skin tissue, fine lines and wrinkles seem to disappear. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a 'moisture magnet', capable of retaining up to 1000 times its own weight in water, and thus attracts and retains moisture for the skin. Its unmatched hydrating properties result in smoother, softer and younger looking skin. derma e's exclusive HA formulas blend this remarkable ingredient with skin vitamins and botanicals to maximize hydration while helping diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles." CONS: A little too sticky for day for me, if I am not careful to apply lightly. Comes in a jar, but I have clean hands when I apply. The texture is just a bit odd, and that may bother some. I don't care. I care about what my face looks like because I have put it on. :) There are times that I get a very slight burning, perhaps from the fragrance? It has a smell that is from the Plumeria blossom. When I saw that in the reviews, I thought I would hate the product. The scent is somehow quite tolerable (and perhaps almost enjoyable). That really surprised me because I normally hate floral scents, even in perfume. But it's mild and soft and fades very fast. PURCHASING TIPS: I get this cheaper from places like Vitacost. ALTERNATES: Devita's Evening Rich Nutritional Moisturizer is a bit lighter than this but doesn't provide enough moisture for me at night (I use it under my spf during the day.) This brand has a day cream too, but it doesn't give me enough moisture. I really like Paula's Choice Barrier Repair Moisturizer (with retinol). It's very light-feeling and leaves no film at all but really moisturizes.
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Moisturizers -Derma E - Hyaluronic Acid Day Creme
scopingforyou 12/13/2012 1:14:00 PM
PROS: Such a beautiful whipped texture that feels great going on. The active ingredient seems to really be helping my wrinkles look less deep. Natural ingredients. Doesn't bother my very sensitive skin too much. CONS: Comes in a jar, but I just make sure I have clean hands when I apply. It has a smell that is from the Plumeria blossom. When I saw that in the reviews, I thought I would hate the product. The scent is somehow quite tolerable (and perhaps even enjoyable). That really surprised me because I normally hate floral scents, even in perfume. But it's mild and soft and fades very fast. Although, it does sometimes bother my sensitive skin a bit, and I think it may be the fragrance. It also may be the witch hazel in the product.. ALTERNATES: This brand has a very moisturizing and gentle night cream, and Paul's Choice Barrier Repair (with retinol) is very moisturizing but leaves no film on my skin. I personally love Replenix Antioxidant Moisturizer SPF 50 (in silver tube) for great moisture and spf protection that doesn't bother my sensitive skin. PURCHASING TIPS: I can get this cheaper through places like Vitacost.
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Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - ECO Logical Face SPF 30+
scopingforyou 12/13/2012 1:04:00 PM
PROS: I have early rosacea and am very ruddy. Most sunscreens bring out the redness terribly. This actually tones my redness down. I read that zinc could do that I'm blown away, though. Not greasy at all. That's rare for an spf 30. Natural ingredients too. CONS: This leaves me just slightly sticky. The smell is odd. It's like a slightly dusty cardboard scent mixed with something that is almost spoiled. But not dusty where it would bother allergies. Just an odd scent. My main concern with bad scents is it bothering my sensitive allergies, and this doesn't bother me at all. I mean, I put up with Philosophy's wet dog scent in the past. ;) Kind of aging for my lines and gets stuck in my pores, unless I'm SUPER careful in rubbing/patting in. (But still somewhat aging.) ALTERNATES: Trader Joe's Enrich moisturizing lotion with spf 15 is such a nice nongreasy texture, but it gets me just a little red. I personally love Replenix Antioxidant Moisturizer SPF 50 (in silver tube) for great moisture and spf protection that doesn't bother my sensitive skin. PURCHASING TIPS: I can get this cheaper through places like Vitacost.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Deodorants -Kiss My Face - Liquid Rock Deodorant
scopingforyou 11/18/2012 3:15:00 PM
PROS: Protects well against odor. NO aluminum. Works better for me than The Body Shop's natural deodorant and the Crystal rock one. Price is right, especially at vendors like Vitacost. I don't understand some reviewers not realizing that there is a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. This product is not supposed to lessen your amount of sweat. It is supposed to protect you from that sweat having odor. CONS: The packaging is not good in that it disperses way too much product onto the armpit if I use the packaging as intended. If I let that much product go on to my skin, it takes too long to dry. (I just make sure I put very little onto the armpit skin and then use my hand to spread it around to the rest of my armpit.) I just wipe off the remainder on my hand onto some tissue or rinse it off in the sink. It's not that big of a deal because it doesn't leave a sticky or bad film on my hand if I'm not near a sink or tissue. In fact, if it stays on my hand, I would not be able to tell the difference. APPLICATION TIPS: (see "CONS" above.) Shake before each use!!! Also, for times when I need added protection to stop sweating, I will use Secret's unscented Clinical at night. I then use a moisturizing body wash to get it all of in the shower in the morning. Then I apply as I described in "CONS" above. Perfection. ALTERNATES: Crystal rock or some name like that The Body Shop has natural deodorants that have scents with them, but in my opinion, this works a lot better. EDIT: This is working so great for me still.
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Deodorants -Suave - Clinical Protection
scopingforyou 11/11/2012 4:00:00 PM
PROS: WOrks well, especially if used as my application tips below describe. CONS: The price is a little steep, so I'm going to try the Suave version of this. APPLICATION TIPS: I apply this at night on clean and very dry armpits. Then when I shower in the morning, I use a bodywash that removes all traces of this (the chemical has already done its work during the night). THis actually prevents sweating better for me. I sometimes also use a natural deodorant after showering like the one by Kiss my Face or some name like that. (on dry armpits). ALTERNATES: Secret has a version of this that is a lot more expensive. But Secret has an unscented version, where I don't think Suave does. Certain-Dri blows this out of the water, as far as effectiveness.
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Deodorants -The Body Shop - DeoDry Dry-Effect Deodorant
scopingforyou 11/5/2012 7:49:00 PM
*****Per "The Body Shop," this is discontinued.***** PROS: Natural. NO ALUMINUM AT ALL. Works okay. I don't understand some reviewers not realizing that there is a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. This product is not supposed to lessen your amount of sweat. It is supposed to protect you from that sweat having odor. CONS: I don't like the green scent (more for guys, I guess). And I'm not crazy about the blue scent (little too "shower fresh" for me. I don't like those kind of scents.) But I do like the pink (some may not like that it's a floral.) ALTERNATES: The Crystal rock brand is a popular one (but I don't like that it has any form of aluminum.) Kiss My Face has a great unscented roll-on that works very well for me.
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Deodorants -Secret - Clinical Strength
scopingforyou 11/5/2012 3:09:00 PM
PROS: WOrks well, especially if used as my application tips below describe. I prefer the Freshwater Orchid Scent for those that have scent, but my favorite is the unscented one. CONS: The price is a little steep, compared to the Suave version of this. APPLICATION TIPS: I apply this at night on clean and very dry armpits. Then when I shower in the morning, I use a bodywash that removes all traces of this (the chemical has already done its work during the night). THis actually prevents sweating better for me. I sometimes also use a natural deodorant after showering like the one y Kiss my Face or some name like that (on dry armpits). ALTERNATES: Suave has a great version that is much cheaper. Certain-Dri blows this out of the water, as far as effectiveness.
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