Treatments -La Roche Posay - Effaclar Duo
BayRidge 4/24/2013 11:45:00 AM
This is for the US version... I decanted a portion of this into a tiny opaque container to use over a long weekend of travel. It remained closed for 2 days, then when I opened it up, I noticed the plastic on the sides of the container had degraded. It looked like it had been burned. And yes, it was completely clean, no product to interact with. Was it a reaction to the air? If so, how will this reaction to oxygen work when on my skin? Needless to say, I threw out the container & the tube when I got home. Why does LRP feel the need to supply a completely different product in the US than what they provide in Europe?! Why?! going back to my tea tree oil & crushed aspirin, thank you very much...
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Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - Suntegrity "5 In 1" Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen
BayRidge 4/23/2013 2:09:00 PM
This is an awesome product. High in non-nano ZO, lightweight, tinted, fluffy, easy to apply the correct amount needed for full protection. Its not greasy or oily, settles in quickly so no waiting around. I thought I had found a true all in one product as I don't need to use any moisturiser underneath (I do however apply a serum) nor do I need to apply any foundation or additional TM on top.... I do get some shine breakthrough mid day but I haven't found a high ZO SS where I don't... Best of all, when I've reapplied it after some time outdoors, it doesn't cake or feel too heavy. It gets high marks from all kinds of dermatologists, I could in fact call it HG material were it not for one teeny tiny thing.... The colour. I use Light (there is also a medium) but on my neutral 20 face, its too dark. In the summer, I can rationalise by saying I look like I have a "healthy glow" but its a bit trickier now that I am still in full winter pale. I've solved this by mixing it 50/50 with my Snowberry outdoor SPF (with 23% ZO) and the result is perfect. I don't mind doing the extra step if it can help me avoid putting extra layers of "stuff" on my face, and the combination works super well on my skin - no breakouts, no rashes, and lots of great protection. If you're interested in this as an "all in one" I highly recommend getting some samples either from Suntegrity or from online retailers (beauty sage I think offers them) to see if it works for you - there are a lot of fair bloggers who have not mentioned this as an issue, so perhaps its just me being overly "enthusiastic" with the amount I'm applying. The other use could be if you have a high zinc SS that you love but its too chalky & hard to apply, a "blob" of this mixed in could make the SS much more wearable & appropriate for everyday use. I will say that I am keeping my fingers crossed that Suntegrity comes out with an extra light - I would be first in line to purchase. Ingredients (from manufacturer website):: Active Ingredient: Zinc-Oxide 20% Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Capric Caprylic Triglycerides (Coconut Oil Extract), Sorbitan Stearate (Plant Derived), Glyceryl Stearate (Plant Derived), Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate (Plant Derived), Hexyl Laurate (Plant Derived), Simmondsia Chinensis (Organic Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cetyl Dimethicone (Mineral Derived), Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt), Helianthus Annuus (Organic Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Organic Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Astaxanthin (Algae Source), Hyaluronic Acid (Plant Derived), Chlorella Emersonii (Red Algae) Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Organic Green Tea) Extract, Punica Granatum (Organic Pomegranate) Oil, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Iron Oxide
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -ILIA - Macao
BayRidge 4/6/2013 8:31:00 AM
If you are in the market for an understated look for your lashes, look no further than Ilia Beauty Mascara in Macao, "a subtle copper hue that catches the light". I have both Macao & Shadow of a Doubt and while I like both, Macao makes my green eyes pop. Seriously. There is definition (if you are looking for hyper volume or length look elsewhere) but the colour just makes my eyes glow - I get compliments on my eyes, not on my makeup. I am sure it would be equally lovely on hazel & blue eyes. The packaging is awesome but takes a bit of getting used to as the opening is very small to help preserve the contents for longer. The brush is great, it really gets in there to help coat every lash. The form factor is such that it allows you to get close into the lash line as well, so tightlining is optional. And finally, no flakes, lasts all day with no smudging and washes off easily. I took a lippie off due to price (I'm pretty cheap when it comes to mascara) but the colour and its effects makes the price bearable. Now Ilia, can you please develop a liquid eyeliner in the same color? I would be first in line to buy. Ingredients (from the Ilia website):: Water (aqua), Octyldodecyl Behenyl Citrate Crosspolymer Brassica Campestris, Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera (carnauba) wax*, Hydrogenated Glyceryl Abietate, Crondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Aloe (Barbadensis) Leaf Extract, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Butter, Triisostearyl Citrate, Stearic Acid, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Silica, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol. May Contain: Mica, Iron Oxide (CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491), Ultramarines. *Certified Organic Ingredients. Ingrédients Certifiés Biologiques.
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Lotions/ Creams -Unlisted Brand - Nieves - The Balm
BayRidge 4/3/2013 11:18:00 AM
Me - inveterate cuticle picker. Ever since I was a little kid (I've seen pictures of my 3 year old self picking at my fingernails). In times of stress or boredom, it can be particularly nasty looking. Enter the Balm. Used 2 nights in a row, it completely healed a torn thumb cuticle & sped up the healing of another cut on my hand. The last time I suffered some razor burn, this soothed instantly & cleared it up overnight. I've never seen anything like it, but I'm not going to start questioning because the results speak for themselves. I have a travel size (0.5oz or 14 grams) & fully intend to buy a larger size when this one runs out as its also lovely as a lip balm, all over moisturizer etc. (As a point of comparison, rms beauty lip shine is 0.2 oz, $25, by terry baume de rose is 0.34 oz, $59) I find the pricing very reasonable & absolutely fair. The ingredient list is minimal & understandable, production is small batches. Whats not to love?
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BB Cream -Garnier - BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector for Combination to Oily Skin - Light
BayRidge 3/25/2013 8:50:00 PM
Please read this knowing I have no experience with bb creams, either the Western or Asian kinds. Nor am I the target audience as I don't have super oily skin. So why did I buy it? Curiosity & price point - I brought this in Italy because a lot of women were raving (positively) about it. To me, its a very watery light foundation with better than expected coverage. Actually, it reminds me a lot of Armani Maestro so if you are interested in that product, you may want to check this out first if you can find a color match. (They are both owned by L'oreal... just saying...) Alcohol is very high on the ingredients list which stops me from using this regularly. However, over a very moisturising sunscreen it works well to cover just enough imperfections without looking false. I have a sunscreen that I love, but which leaves me just a bit too dewy. This is a great accompaniment to that product. The packaging could use some work - its so watery that the tube dispenses far too much product (like Maestro...) even when I'm careful. So watch out for that. One word of caution - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't use this as your sole SPF. Or if you do, don't be fooled into thinking you are getting broad spectrum coverage. Because you're not. Its why I gave this product a 2 - Garnier should have just removed the SPF as its only adding extra chemicals that provide no benefits.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Ren - Resurfacing AHA Concentrate
BayRidge 3/21/2013 6:17:00 PM
I've now on my 3rd (or 4th?) bottle of this exfoliator. The ingredients agree with me & my needs as I'm not looking for a hard core immediate "what a glow!" result, but rather as a way of keeping my pores clean and my skin clear. (Particularly as I use a lot of oils and noticed that I needed a product to add some oomph to my routine.) I read somewhere that this is actually a 10% glycolic acid treatment (maybe Sephora), which surprised me as I have never experienced any irritation or issues with this, even when I'm on a retinol in the middle of winter. Of course its used only at night, and frequently underneath a serum to boost the serums benefits. There are other products out there that serve the same purpose, but I'm too fussy to go experimenting. So if the price fits within your budget, this is highly recommended. Ingredients (from dermstore website, n/a) Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Water, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Leaf Extract, Alcohol Denat., Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Lactate, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Rhizobian Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Parfum* (Fragrance), Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulfite, Limonene, Linalool. *100% Natural Fragrance - Parfum 100% Naturel
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Lipstick -Lipstick Queen - Jean Queen
BayRidge 3/21/2013 6:00:00 PM
I have just repurchased this lippie... And I never repurchase the same lipstick. Like others, its the perfect MLBB on my neutral 20 skintone. My lips are quite pale, so if I wear a colour that's actually close to their natural state, I look washed out. This provides a perfect hint of tint, not too glossy, but just enough to make my lips look really healthy. It could be a glorified Burts Bees, but this one can actually be built up to a certain extent whereas Burts Bees don't have that ability. I'm sure there are other brands/colours out there that would also fill the bill, but I don't want to go through the hassle (and cost) of finding them when this one suits just so well. Yes it needs to be reapplied, but this can be done easily without a mirror. And its seriously one of the few formulas that I can wear consistently without suffering from dried out lips. (The others being Ilia Beauty & rms beauty lip shines). This lipstick/balm is not a ground breaking or edgy colour, but it is really pretty. Or at least it makes me feel pretty, like a better version of myself.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Avene - Very High Protection Emulsion SPF50+ (2010 FORMULA)
BayRidge 3/17/2013 6:45:00 PM
I have no idea how anyone abive an NC5 skin tone can wear this as an everyday sunscreen - I am on the fair side (neutral 20 in MAC parlance) and even on me it leaves me looking like a ghost. The recommended amount is 7 pumps. 7! My skin is in good shape - not perfect but pretty good - but if I use this at the 7 pumps I have to wear so much powder to cover it up that I might as well be wearing a mask. It does feel lovely & smooth, not sticky at all. I just can't get beyond the kabuki mask effect it gives. In addition, it gets stuck in the pores on my nose in a way thats beyond unflattering. And weird as I don't have this issue with other SS or makeup. Having said that it is excellent for a day spent outside in the sun - which is what it was made for, a day at the beach. But for everyday, not a chance.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Snowberry Intensive Renewal Face Serum
BayRidge 2/7/2013 8:48:00 PM
I've been using retinol products (never Retin A) at night as part of my routine for the past 3 years now. I loved what they did for my skin, but after my first winter of using retinol, I developed hyperpigmentation on my forehead despite wearing SS every day & staying out of the summer sun. Big fat sucky. Not so bad that I have to wear lots of foundation, but enough for me to be self conscious about the need to cover it with a concealer etc. However, I continued to use retinol (Poetry in Lotion or Avene Triacneal) for the other benefits it provided, as well as hoping it would help to less the hyperpigmentation. Of course, there is the resulting side effects - flakes in the wintertime, using a special cream cleanser, extra moisturiser etc. It becomes a domino effect. Well, I ran out of a retinol about a month ago, and began to use this product exclusively at night (before I would use every other night or during the day.) At first, I didn't notice any difference. But about 10 days into it, I began to notice that really, there wasn't any difference, meaning I wasn't suffering from that tell tale loss of "glow", my pores weren't clogging, I wasn't breaking out... If anything, my skin is looking fresher & my hyperpigmentation is now genuinely fading to the point that a dusting of powder is all I need. Seriously. No more special cleansers or extra moisturizers. I won't tell you that this product got rid of every last line on my face or that I now look like one of the Naomis (Campbell & Watts) or the Kates (Bosworth & Blanchett.) But I will tell you that I am delighted to have found an (unfortunately achingly expensive) product that maintains & builds up what I had achieved without the resulting sun sensitivity. I do wear an SS everyday (also Snowberry) but its such a relief not to have to stress over wearing one of the Euro high PPD ones on a daily basis, with all of the resulting anxiety around it - are the actives degrading on my skin? is my forehead acting like a mirror for commuters to check their teeth on? is the SS stable? do I need to reapply after a few hours? Ugh. For a day at the beach, for sure my euro LRP will be rearing its head. But I will be re-purchasing this serum for the summertime so I can continue having great skin without the price that needs to be paid with a retinol.
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Treatments (Eye) -Unlisted Brand - Snowberry - Smoothing Eye Serum
BayRidge 2/5/2013 7:21:00 AM
The most expensive eye cream I've ever purchased, but also the best. In fact, its turned me into a believer for eye creams whereas before I was a skeptic. Previously I would wake up with puffy eyes particularly when I travel & don't have double pillows to prop my head up. But using this product, no more. Even after a double whammy sushi-wasabi-soy sauce dinner (which would previously mean I would wake up with my eyes half shut) - now I can indulge at night with abandon! Wears beautifully under make up, doesn't cause concealers to crease into any lines. My eye area is plump & hydrated without being overwhelmed by a rich cream. I wish it worked on my dark circles, that's why I'm giving this a 4. But until I find something that does, I'm sticking with this one. Ingredients (from beauty sage website):: What it contains: Aqua (Demineralised), Water (Aqua) & Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Cecropia Obtusa Bark Extract, Dextran & Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Algae Extract & Pullulan, Hydrolysed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract & Dextrin, Dextran & Tripeptide-1, Hydrolysed Rice Bran Protein & Oxido Reductases & Glycine Soja Protein, Glycine Soya Seed Extract & Ceramide-3, Echium Plantagineum Oil, Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea (Lingonberry) Seed Oil, Olive Oil Squalane, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Seed Oil, Sorbitol & Yeast Extract, Keratin & Hydrolised Keratin, Soyabean Lysophospholipid, Ethyl Ximenynate & Lecithin, Glucose & Glucose Oxidase & Lactoperoxidase, Sclerotium Gum, Rhizobian Gum, Xanthan Gum, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-2, Parfum, Hydrolysed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ubiquinone, Podocarpus Totara, Tocopherol (Mixed) & Beta-Sitosterol & Squalene (Sunflower), Andrographis Paniculate Leaf Extract, Fragrance and Tetrahydropiperine. What it doesn’t contain: Petrochemicals, Silicones, Volatile Alcohols Or Artificial Colors.
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Cleansers -Avalon Organics Botanicals - Q10 Cleansing Milk
BayRidge 12/10/2012 9:04:00 PM
I am shocked at the reviews of this being a harsh burning cleanser as my experience has been just the opposite. I find this to be a completely innocuous gentle cleanser that's perfect for a second cleanse during the winter time when my skin is prone to dryness. Seriously. I brought this as a replacement for Cetaphil, it works well with a Clarisonic, doesn't sting or dry my skin, is reasonably priced. I don't expect my cleanser to work miracles, just to clean my skin gently and effectively. WIth that being my criteria this performs well. I don't use this as a makeup remover, that's relegated to my oil cleanse so I can't speak to those properties. The only reason I give it a 4 is the pump container (3 for packaging) - I have to hack open the container in order to get the last bits out, as there is always a lot left over that is unreachable by the pump. Ingredients:: Organic lavandula angustifolia lavender flower1, chamomilla recutita chamomile flower1, camellia sinensis white tea leaf2 and organic arnica montana flower3extracts aqueous, vegetable glycerin, stearic acid, glyceryl stearate SE, glycine soja soybean oil, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, tocopherol vitamin E, emulsifying wax, ubiquinone CoQ10, butyrospermum parkii shea butter, sorbitol, caprylic/ capric triglyceride, organic helianthus annuus sunflower seed oil2, polysorbate 20, prunus amygdalus dulcis sweet almond oil, citric acid, sodium PCA, sodium carbomer, dimethicone, tocopheryl acetate vitamin E, L-ascorbic acid, ethylhexylglcerin, organic citrus aurantium bergamia bergamot fruit oil2 and other essential oils. 1 Certified by Oregon Tilth 2 Certified by Quality Assurance International 3 Certified by Pro-Cert Organic Systems Contains 100% vegetarian ingredients. No animal testing. Paraben free. EU cosmetics directive compliant.
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Primer/ Corrector -Yves Saint Laurent - Teint Parfait - Complexion Enhancer in Apricot 4
BayRidge 12/10/2012 2:47:00 PM
Dear Terry (Gunzburg), Before there was Smashbox with its fancy silicone, before there was L'Oreal color correctors or Benefit That Gal... there was this unassuming tube of skin heaven. I send this love letter to you as you were in charge at YSL when this wonderous product was created. Leave it to a french woman, coming from a culture known for its low key approach to cosmetics, to develop a product that mimics the way your skin was a healthy & vibrant 10 year old. I do understand that you've made your name on flashier products, but this one is, for me, the penultimate of great skin. I fell in love with it over 5 years ago when I was living in Paris, and have gone through numerous tubes since. I don't know a French woman who doesn't have one in her kit. Just how did you manage to capture a "peaches & cream" complexion in a bottle? Unicorn wings? Magic fairy dust? When I wear this, I am always complimented on how "fresh" I look, like I just came back from a holiday. Granted, I am a skincare fanatic, so I can't place all of the praise onto your feet, but Teint Parfait in Apricot just adds that lovely je ne sais quoi known as a "soft focus" glow without being white, pearly, obviously shimmery. I love the fact that my skin just looks so soft, pores minimized, lines slightly diffused. There is no coverage, but that's what concealer is for. And it plays well with my myriad of hippie skincare. Plus the tube is perfect for traveling unlike other well known enhancers (cough cough I'm looking at you blanc de Chanel). I had no need of this when I was under 30 but now that I'm well past that, I appreciate every last drop. I know there are so many flashier products out there now, but YSL please don't discontinue this. There is absolutely nothing on the market that compares to this. Thank you from one of your biggest fans. ps I had been using a sample of the bobbi brown BB cream, then came back to this. Then decided to use up the sample. WOW! My skin looked just so flat, so lifeless, so...bleh when I compared the two. Yes, 2 different products with 2 different usage occasions, but believe me I'm not straying again.
12 out of 13 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Muji - Nylon flat pouch w/ tissue case
BayRidge 11/30/2012 1:29:00 PM
Dear Muji, Why must this "mini vanity pouch" be so incredibly deceptive? Mini my foot! At 3.7 x 7.3 x 2.4", its unassuming, not flashy, one of the items that are so easy to pass over in the shop. But wow! The shape, its dimensions the thoughtfully provided brush holders (with a flap to cover them) on the lid, the way it miraculously expands to fit "just one more... " and then another and then another. I've used this for an overnight trip, and for a 2 month trip, and you've never let me down. Yes I have the free pouches that come as a GWP but they don't hold a candle to your ability to expand. Plus I like to see what I have in my pouch, versus having to throw everything out onto a bed or table to find what I'm looking for. The only thing that could make this little pouch more perfect would be a patterned fabric on the exterior as the black fabric can get a bit manky. But a small quibble, I understand that you prefer to be hardworking yet unobtrusive - the silent stalwart. At any rate, you scrub up well, so I won't belabour the point. I don't anticipate having to re-purchase as you are really very sturdy. We've traveled the world together with no show of wear & tear. But if we become separated for any reason (clutches pearls!) I will run to find your twin. Thank you
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Muji - Connectable PILL CASE
BayRidge 11/30/2012 12:36:00 PM
Dear Muji, My shoulders wanted to send a small note of thanks. Why? Because they no longer have to carry a weight they are not made for as I run through airports trying not to miss a flight. Through your thoughtful design process, this ingenious little product allows me to travel with any number of lip balms, sticks, cream cosmetics, without having to schlep the entire container (generally glass, bulky & unwieldy). Better yet, because they are detachable, I can take just a lippie in my purse when I'm out & about. What used to be a heavy shoulder bag has lightened substantially. My chiropractor may be upset, but I'm delighted. Thank you from one of your biggest fans
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Make Up For Ever - Kabuki Brush
BayRidge 11/25/2012 10:50:00 AM
I feel like I am the only one who doesn't like this brush, but on my skin, its really harsh & scratchy (am I like the Princess and the Pea?). In addition, because I like to push powder (gently!) onto my skin, the hairs are just too long. Eco tools are much softer & much less expensive - definitely prefered over this brush.
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