Treatments -DERMAdoctor - Litmus Test Glycolic Facial Moisturizer
1800inbloom 9/2/2012 10:54:00 PM
Here's my story on Litmus Test and (unfortunately) I'm not sticking with it! I bought this product at Ulta after getting a sample of it with another purchase. I used the sample 2x daily for about a week and couldn't believe that I actually saw some improvements; like a softening of the lines in between my eyes, nasolabial folds and marionette lines. That was all the inspiration I needed to make the purchase, which I did the minute I finished the sample. In my haste I neglected to check the ingredient list; something I always do. When I got home I looked and much to my dismay I saw one paraben after another. Ugh! I could have returned it but decided it was too much trouble and used it 2x almost daily for the next three months. Bottom line: less lines overall but at a cost that's too great for me, not in dollars but in dangers. I simply don't want parabens near my skin and have gone to great lengths to avoid them everywhere. Thus, I just purchased Tarte Maracuja oil and am hoping for much the same improvements without all the toxic chemicals. If, however, you aren't concerned with parabens then you won't be disappointed with Litmus Test. It's a fine product, which is why I gave it a "4." I just can't 'high-5' it considering the chemicals that make up its composition. BTW, if you're interested in learning more about the ingredients that are used in your choice of skin care and makeup products I strongly recommend you go to: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse/anti-aging/
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Nature's Gate - Hemp Skin Therapy Lotion
1800inbloom 3/19/2012 11:58:00 PM
Hemp Hemp Hooray! Nature's GREAT! What would I do without the Alley gals (& guys)? Once again, I learn about a product I cannot imagine living without from MUA: Hemp Moisturizing Lotion. Five years ago I got sick with what felt like a very bad flu. At the same time I started getting ridiculously itchy hives on my feet. Coincidence? Who knows. Anyway, the hives that continue sporadically to this day also brought on what feels like elephant skin. A thick, unpleasant skin condition that (fortunately) is only on the tops of my feet. As you might imagine, I’ve spent a small fortune and tried EVERYTHING to soothe and smooth what used to be my silky soft feet and nothing has made a difference: until now! You might say, after reading the reviews here, I had “high hopes,” and the Hemp Moisturizing Lotion did not disappoint. In fact, I noticed a marked difference within the very first week of using this. I honestly wasn’t expecting such a transformation. This is as good as it gets, folks. Almost two weeks have passed and I’m head over heels in love with this amazing product. Its now replaced all my other body lotions. The price is unbeatable. The product is natural and free of all that unnecessary filler crap and best of all it really really works!! UPDATE: BTW, NG has added a "new improved" formula, which concerned me at first since I had already committed to their old great formula. However, it is EVEN better than the original, so I'm a "lifer" for sure.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Body -Alba Botanica - Moisturizing Cream Shave
1800inbloom 3/15/2009 2:30:00 AM
I use this (unscented) product strictly for underarms as I do not want to use products with parabens in an area so close to lymph nodes. I have tried other paraben-free shaving creams and none are as thick, rich and emollient as this. As others have noted, a little goes a long way. Two underarms up!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Alba Botanica - Very Emollient body lotion Unscented
1800inbloom 3/15/2009 2:21:00 AM
Love it! I try to purchase as many paraben-free products as possible and this is no exception. I've been using it (unscented) for a couple years and love the consistency (thick & rich), and lack of scent. My skin is on the parched side and drinks this stuff up. I use it strictly as a body cream since I need even more moisturizing for my hands.
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Foundations -Guerlain - Fleur de Teint Foundation [DISCONTINUED]
1800inbloom 3/15/2009 2:13:00 AM
I LOVE this foundation and can't believe I just read it was being discontinued. Say it's not so! Fleur de Teint works wonders as both a foundation and concealer. I apply it minimally (a little goes a long way) with a brush and it is as close to flawless as I can imagine. Has great staying power (even in the oily T-zone) and always looks fresh. I have fair skin with broken capillaries around my nose and Rose Naturel #240 is my perfect shade.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Deodorants -Unlisted Brand - Crystal Roll-On Body Deodorant
1800inbloom 3/9/2008 7:03:00 PM
I wouldn't be without this product! I use Crystal Roll-on purchased at LuckyVitamin.com and I can't say enough good things about it. I was using a heavy-duty anti-perspirant for years, Mitchum, and while it worked I worried about the ingredients with breast cancer on the rise. I was very cynical about a deodorant without anti-perspirant but I have never experienced any body odor in the entire time I've been using this and my husband and I have been using this product for two years or better now. We both are very active and workout regularly and still have all our friends, LOL! The only reason I gave this product a 4 for packaging is because sometimes the roll-on locks up, but this happens only infrequently. Also, the product directs you to use it immediately after showering and we have always followed those directions with the best results.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Hair Color -L'Oreal - Natural Match haircolor [DISCONTINUED]
1800inbloom 3/9/2008 6:52:00 PM
Girls! I LOVE this product, when I color my own hair. I have had my hair colored for 25 years and have had salon color for half of those years, especially when I wanted highlights. I've also home-colored and tried many products all with marginal results. This is the closest I've found to professional results. I have some gray with a natural mousy brown hair color so I color for drama and this product delivers. I use 6R, Light Reddish Chestnut, and I love it. It's every bit as nice as what I get at the salon and lasts as long. The color is very rich and flattering, easy to apply and not intensely scented. I start with the roots and leave the product on for 30 minutes then do the all-over color and leave it on for another 10-15 minutes – for 40-45 minutes total. When I do my roots I start at the center part and rub the product in lightly from my forehead to the crown until I've covered each 1/2" part on both sides of my head and then follow with the back. Sometimes I'll come back and add a little more product to the gray areas after finishing with the parts. I've yet to see a stray gray after coloring since using the product late last year. I'm really happy with Natural Match and don't see myself changing products anytime soon.
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Moisturizers -Olay - Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
1800inbloom 3/9/2008 6:29:00 PM
I have found most of the beauty products I now use on MakeupAlley but occasionally go off on my own to try something new without consulting the reviews. The Regenerist micro-sculpting cream was one such product. Prior to using this product I was using Regenerist UV defense regenerating lotion but purchased a bottle that was spoiled so decided to try another product instead of replacing it with the same. I do not like the new micro-sculpting cream for a few reasons you girls should know. 1) After using it for a week I started breaking out, something that rarely happens. At the same time, I noticed that the product contains subtle sparkles (you can only see them on your skin upon close inspection), something that I gave up 20 years ago! I looked into the ingredients on a website that reports on cosmetics and learned the product contains nano-particles. Long story short: not good. 2) Worse yet, for the four week period I was using this I started getting extremely congested around the clock. I thought it might be allergies flaring but I'm taking Claritin so that didn't make sense. I finally put two and two together and implicated my moisturizer! Whodathunk? When I stopped using the product and went back to an older product I had on hand –viola– the congestion stopped immediately. Bottom Line: Buyer Beware!
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Brows -Chanel - Sculpting Brow Pencil
1800inbloom 12/2/2006 11:08:00 PM
Thanks to the MUA girls I splurged on this pencil in Blond Cendre and can't say enough good things about it. The only bad thing I can say is that they've discontinued the Blond Cendre! I just went to purchase a backup pencil today and was dismayed to learn this news. I am a deep golden redhead with fair skin and this color was perfect for me...not too light, not too dark...just right! Any suggestions from the MUA for a comparable replacement?
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Bronzers -Estee Lauder - Bronze Goddess
1800inbloom 4/1/2006 11:52:00 PM
I like but don't love this bronzer, which may be due entirely to my ruddy complexion. I'm a LLL with strawberry blonde hair in my mid 40s. Likes: not as shimmery as NARS, but don't be fooled by "matte" finish, it definitely has a soft shimmer to it. Also, the price for size is as good as it gets. Dislikes: fleks of red in color. I think the NARS Laguna color is more true to tan than this one. The only reason I gave up the NARS was the over the top shimmer. The Bronze Goddess is not a bad product, but redheads with red tones in complexion should test before buying.
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Treatments -Cellex-C - Advanced-C Serum
1800inbloom 11/6/2005 9:16:00 PM
I'm probably "ancient' compared to many of you reading these reviews, but I LOVE this product! I started using Cellex-C products at 40 (I'm now 47), and receive complements on my skin all the time. I spent a good amount of time in the sun when I was young so I could have paid a high price but the Cellex-C products have really helped. I have very few superficial lines under my eyes, NO crows feet, NO nasal labial lines and just a little lining on each side of my lips, that's it for 47! No one (outside my family and friends) has ever guessed my age and most people think I'm in my mid to late 30s. NOTE: I started using these products because of the crows feet and various other wrinkles I saw settling in...so I am definitely a testament to their efficacy. I use the Cellux-C Advanced-C Serum, Skin Hydration Complex and the GLA Eye Balm each morning along with my Olay Regenerist Enhancing Lotion. I use the Cellex-C Betaplex Line Smoother and Skin Hydration Complex along with my Olay Regenerist Enhancing Lotion and ROC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream three times a week at night. Granted, the cost of these products is not for the weak of heart, but then I haven't had to spend a dime on cosmetic surgery so I still feel I've saved money over the course of their use.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No