Sunscreen -Aveeno - Active Naturals Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion - SPF 45 
Dagne7 7/12/2008 12:08:00 PM
This is a nice sunblock that isn't too oily and doesn't leave a white cast. It doesn't break me out and stays closed in my bad that I throw around everywhere. I just prefer other sunscreens, though.
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Treatments -Barex - Shock Treatment
Dagne7 7/12/2008 12:02:00 PM
This was a good protein treatment but it wasn't what I was expecting. It made my hair stronger, a little thicker, and made the ends smoother but it didn't add any softness or sleekness. The product is supposed to replenish, re-texturize and recondition but I would say it replenishes only, which is what a protein treatment is supposed to do. To use it, you have to heat it in warm water, shake to mix to two phases together, and administer dry heat after applying until it hardens, then rinse. You also MUST use a moisturizing conditioner afterward, even though it doesn't say so but I'm of the opinion that you need that moisture to balance out a protein treatment or your hair will be too hard. This is a good product if it were only touted as a strong protein treatment, otherwise, it just doesn't live up to much else. I definitely prefer Joico K-Pak Reconstructor, or my most exalted, Vita Ciment.
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Treatments -Kerastase - Voile Nuit
Dagne7 7/12/2008 11:43:00 AM
I just had to try this as soon as I saw it since I'm such a Kerastase Resistance fiend. This says it's for fine hair although my hair is medium/normal, I guess. It is in liquid form and comes in a spray dispenser. I am kind of on the fence about this because I didn't notice any difference when I washed it out the next day but it is excellent as a leave-in. I also don't like that I use so much of it at a time. I'm not heavy handed but I need more to see an effect. My bottle is less than half full after using it every other day for about three weeks. Since it's pricey for 100 ml/ 3.3 oz, I don't think I'll buy this again but I know I'll succumb to buying the Serum Nuit for good measure. Oh, and to counter another review, I don't think this product is anywhere near the level of the Vita Ciment. No way. I would even say the Ciment Thermique is a better choice as well.
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Cleansers -IS Clinical - Cleansing Complex
Dagne7 7/12/2008 11:13:00 AM
I'm becoming quite a fan of iS Clinical. This cleanser is pretty mild, fragrance and dye free, and uses a lot of the same ingredients as their Active Serum. I agree with other reviewers that the watery gel-like consistency could benefit from a pump dispenser. Otherwise, it does a good job of removing makeup and leave the skin well cleansed and toned without being drying. Full list of ingredients: Water Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate Cocomidopropyl betaine PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate Glycerin Propylene glycol Cellulose gum Salix alba (willow) bark extract Saccharum officinarum ( sugar cane) extract Camellia sinensis leaf extract Chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract Asiaticoside Asiatic acid Madecassic acid Ascorbyl palmitate Phospholipids Tocopheryl acetate Retinyl palmitate DMDM Hydantoin Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Unlisted Brand - CRS Cell Rejuvenation Serum w/ Growth Factor (Citrix by Topix brand)
Dagne7 6/11/2008 12:28:00 PM
This is a nice vitamin C serum that is more like a cream. I like the pump that it comes in. It really tingles upon application, especially on a freshly washed face. It's mostly cones so it has that primer feel and it will ball up if over-applied. It does seem to plump up the skin and make it brighter. No breakouts, either. I use the 10% right now. Ingredients: Cyclomethicone L-Ascorbic Acid Silicone Polymer Dimethicone Purified Water Dimethicone Crosspolymer Phospholipids TGF-beta-1 Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract Phenoxyethanol
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Garnier - Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage Moisture Lotion SPF 28
Dagne7 6/11/2008 11:40:00 AM
This is not a bad product but it's a touch too heavy for my skin. The scent lingers way too long, though. I can smell all day when I wear it. I wish it would give the percentage of vitamin C because all it says is that it has "2x vitamin C as compared to Skin Renew Daily Regenerating Moisture Lotion." That's absolutely no help. I'm guessing it can't be much because I don't feel the same tingle that I get when I use other 10% and above vitamin C products. I don't know if the reason is the ascorbyl glucoside form or what.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Advanced Skin Technology - Green Cream by AST
Dagne7 6/11/2008 11:12:00 AM
I've used this product for about two years now, Level 6. I just don't see much difference in my skin. It didn't fade any marks or help with frown lines. It is good as a spot treatment for acne, though. Other than that, I can't justify another repurchase. I might give up retinols altogether but I'll try Skinceuticals for good measure.
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Styling Products -TiGi - Ego Boost
Dagne7 6/11/2008 11:06:00 AM
I've used this on and off for what, ten years? I just doesn't do it for me anymore. I guess I've found better products. It's still nice to use it on wet hair since it gives a bit of control and hold. The product is feels stick on your hands but not when applied in the hair. It has a nice scent as well. I'll have to retire this, though.
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Skincare - Face -Prescriptives - immediate glow tonic
Dagne7 6/4/2008 1:40:00 AM
I only bought this because the SA at the Prescriptives counter in Nordstrom told me to and I just can't say no to her. She's an angel. Plus, it seemed like a good buy at the time? I don't know. I find this nearly useless as it was sitting on my dresser 95% full for months. It doesn't remove makeup residue, it doesn't refine pores and I certainly didn't see any immediate glow. I just started using it again because I was making a serum with salicylic acid powder and needed a solvent. Since water wasn't cutting it, and this was just collecting dust, I gave it a try. I'm glad I won't have to toss it at least, because I paid full price for this crap.
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Treatments (Eye) -Mario Badescu - Hyaluronic Eye Cream
Dagne7 6/4/2008 1:25:00 AM
I got a sample of this like many reviewers did. I don't have any problems in my eye area so I didn't notice anything because there's nothing to notice. One day I was in a rush leaving and used this all over my face under my makeup. When I went to wash my makeup off that evening, I saw that my nasolabial lines (that I hate with the intensity of a thousand suns) were so much subtler and faint. I tried it again and I got the same results. I've used so many things to get rid of those lines because it's my only aging concern right now. I had been using a 1% hyaluronic serum and in conjunction with this cream, it looks like I'm finally making some progress on these lines. I'm going to have to buy the full size since this sample is running low. It's lasted me a little over three weeks using this a spot treatment in that area. Whatever works, right?
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Toners -Bioelements - Power Peptide
Dagne7 6/4/2008 12:58:00 AM
I received a sample of this from one of those NewBeauty boxes. I actually liked it and so much so that I repurchased. That doesn't happen everyday. I like how it works with moisturizers and serums. It takes some of the stickiness and/or oilness out of them. Allegedly, it's also supposed help "absorb key anti-aging ingredients" but who knows? I just prefer it to the other half a dozen toners I've tried. Oh, I almost forgot. This mofo is not fun if you inadvertently spray it your eyes! It doesn't burn but it is irritating in a covert way that you won't realize why your eyes are bothering you until it's too late. I have to spray it in super close proximity to my skin to avoid this. A plus side is that it conditions the eyelashes or something. Mine look more lush since I started using this. *Shrugs*
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -IS Clinical - Serums
Dagne7 6/4/2008 12:44:00 AM
This is a review for the Active Serum. I've been using it steadily for the past 2 months and my skin is noticeably smoother, clearer and has that glow thing going on. More specifically, I have way fewer clogged pores, and old acne scars have actually faded. I like it more than a mandelic acid product I used and I find it better suited for my skin than retinoids I've tried (Green Cream, Prescriptives). It felt strong when I first started using it but I guess my skin acclimated after the second week. I just don't understand why this is so expensive because it doesn't have any fancy ingredients in it, just glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and kojic acids and arbutin. Whatever, I'm just glad I'm getting results from it and at least I got it for a decent price. I guess.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Pureology - Hold Fast gel
Dagne7 4/5/2008 8:21:00 PM
This is the best gel I've ever used! It's an iridescent, pearly, dense gel. Not the typical gel texture at all. Absolutely amazing on curly hair. It defines the curl with having that crunchy feeling or flaking. Not only that, it makes the hair soft and looking moisturized. I love that it comes in a pump so I can wash my hands without having to handle the bottle. A must have for me.
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Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Leaf & Rusher - Tx Night Formula
Dagne7 4/5/2008 8:13:00 PM
I got a free sample but I am liking it so much, I purchased the Essentials Kit (and since I had a Leaf & Rusher gift card). I don't know if it is doing any "repairing" of my skin or whatever else it claims, but it does leave my skin feeling nice when I use it. This is the only creamy night treatment I've been able to use without consequence. I'll decide after I'm done with the second little tube to see if it's worth buying the full size. I'm still doubting it because it seems overpriced, but we shall see.
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Leaf and Rusher Beverly Hills Green Tea Wash
Dagne7 4/5/2008 8:06:00 PM
I just started using this cleanser but so far, I'm relatively impressed. I like the gel texture and how it leaves the skin feeling clean but soft. I will come back and edit if I've changed my mind with further use.
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