Cleansers -La Roche Posay - Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser 
NightShift 2/21/2012 12:44:00 PM
This Toleriane Cleanser has been a winter staple for me for the last four years. I really love this cleanser. Price and Packaging: I don't think the price is too terrible, it used to be $20USD and now it is 22$ I believe. During the colder months I use this everyday, sometimes twice a day and one bottle will last me during those months. The packaging is simple and sturdy-it's not so thin that you'll squeeze out more product than you need (if that makes sense). Performance: The texture of this is creamy and soothing. If I ever try a product or am around an environment that is irritating to me, this is the first thing I reach for to comfort my skin. Years ago I tried the Olay Total Effect "Unscented," within a few minutes my face was stinging and as red as steamed lobster. I immediately smoothed this on and it helped to take the sting away. I still had red cheeks for the rest of the night, but it felt like that moisturizer was at least off my skin. I personally do not notice a film, (I do with Cetaphils cleanser, for example). My skin is left softer and comforted. But bear in my mind my skin is very sensitive and thinner in some areas. I always use this at the end of a shower to help my face feel less tight. If my skin is extra dry in the morning, I will smooth this onto my dry skin. Then I will rinse with the company Thermal Spring Water and tissue it off. (Very hard tap water in my house). I only do this when my skin is extra dry that day, not all the time. As to this being a make-up or sunscreen remover? Make-up, not so much. Once while traveling I found myself in the clutches of an aggressive Chanel SA who put a full face of makeup on me. (I should have said no but I was caught off guard and sort of didn't know what to do, at least I didn't buy anything and had big sunglasses/shades). This was the only cleanser I had and it took me a long time just to get the foundation off, and the eye makeup...ugh, it wasn't going to happen with this cleanser. Sunscreen? Well, it *seems* like it's taking the sunscreen off, I don't see or feel a leftover film from the sunscreen, and I don't really get breakouts anymore because my skin is very dry at this time of year. -The sunscreen I am currently using is the Vanicream SPF60. Admittedly I don't use this in the Summer very much, only if my skin is irritated for whatever reason. At night it isn't enough to remove the sweat and grime of the humid Summer days. Despite this being a seasonal cleanser in my case, I always have it on hand. Currently I am looking to try a new oil cleanser for night, but the Toleriane Cleanser will continue to be a morning cleanser for me. It's a soothing, very gentle cleanser for my skin I don't like to be without. Thank you for reading xx
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Unlisted Brand - Vanicream for Sensitive Skin SPF 30 and SPF 60
NightShift 2/20/2012 9:37:00 PM
*This review will be for the SPF 60 version. (I can't find the SPF 30 in the store and will have to special order it sometime). Sunscreen is an absolute stable in my everyday skincare, and has been for years and years. I've tried a lot throughout that time, and I don't think anything has ever protected, yet damaged my skin more. When I first started using sunscreen, I used a chemical sunscreen. I used that everyday for 9 years, and when I was a teenager it was my primary moisturizer. Then "one day" my skin went to hell; stinging, red, and so tight it would hurt to talk or smile. Try as I might, I realize now, *anytime* I use a product that contains either Oxybenzone or Avobenzone my skin howls in protest. (Even lip products, they make my lips tight and bright, stinging red) This is how my search led me to Vanicream SPF 60. Now I have to say, this is not my favorite sunscreen. As one reviewer said, it's a product you hate to love. V. SPF 60 is very thick to apply, but on my thin skin is does not feel heavy. Having said that though, this is the greasiest, stickiest sunscreen I have ever used. While some had said it looks like sweat, on me it looks like I've dipped my face into Crisco or lard. Even to the point of my less-than-tactful father asking what the heck I had on my face. Also, heaven forbid there is dust or fuzz in the air, because it will fly right towards your face and never let go. Many people miss their hairline when they apply sunscreen, and if you're not missing that important area, this will make your hair greasy. Your ears will also be ever so shiny too. On me, the shiny aspect lasts for a few hours, somewhere around four hours. (Crisco shiny in the morning, tolerable at lunchtime). You may be wondering, why the heck am I giving this four lippies!? Because in bright, cold weather, this is fabulous. This feels like it really protects my dry, sensitive skin from the cold wind and sun, and "seals" my moisturizer in and adds to skin feeling less dry at the end of the day. And oddly, it's soothing to put on if my skin is feeling stingy to something in the air. -That affect does not last long I should note. It is very thick going on, but not goopy or clumpy (Neutrogena Sensitive, I'm looking at you). There is a bit of a smell, but it's not that typical sunscreen smell, and I find I don't notice it after a few minutes. One of the things to remember (one of the things I have to remember) is that this sunscreen uses *physical* blockers. They work by sitting on the skin, hence the thick, greasy feeling. But, the fact that it does not irritate my skin and helps to protect my skin makes me want to try to love it. I'm not sure how it will work in hot, humid weather, but I am willing to wait and see. Thanks for reading xx Edit 22Apr12: We've had some very hot weather around here lately and I have found this sunscreen to be too heavy in that kind of weather. But in a blistering cold day in January, this would be perfect. Especially if you enjoy winter sports.
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Sunscreen -Eucerin - Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion - Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen - 4.0 FL. OZ. 118mL
NightShift 1/22/2012 3:46:00 PM
My skin is very fair and sensitive, and sunscreen is my main defense against premature aging (most of the "sensitive" anti-aging products are far too strong for me), so sunscreens are something I try out a lot. I wanted to try this sunscreen because it is marketed for sensitive skin, and have heard good things about Eucerin, so why not? Well lets start with the positive, the texture is light and easy to spread (too light for me because my skin is dry, so I have another moisturizer) and it sinks in very quickly. There is a strong "sunscreen" smell. My skin is left matte and a little smoother. But then comes the fall. As soon as I have applied this to my face it rolls off. Literally. Neck, forehead, cheeks, everywhere, it rolls off. I actually asked a dermatologist about this, and his immediate response was, "You're putting too much on". At the time I was struck dumb so I let it go, but now that I've had some time to think about this I strongly believe it is just this sunscreen. I have been using sunscreen *daily* since I was 14. Daily. I've tried a lot over the years and I have never had a sunscreen roll up on me like this. Just for my own curiosity I put a thinner layer on, and it still rolled up on me. I honestly think my chemistry does not work with this sunscreen. While I do use a moisturizer underneath, I let it sit in for 10-15 before I put on the sunscreen (I have breakfast, etc), and again, I don't have this problem with other sunscreens. ..alas, the hunt for the HG sunscreen continues.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Cetaphil - Restoraderm skin restoring moisturizer
NightShift 11/27/2011 10:34:00 AM
I can't believe I'm saying it, but I *love* this moisturizer. Throughout my sensitive-skin life, I have been very unimpressed with Cetaphil. Their famous cleanser left a gross film on my face, while their body cream left me sticky and clammy-the body cream in particular I kept trying to love for some reason, but it wasn't meant to be. I discovered this cream while visiting a friend-she and I have always had reactive skin together, and I was curious about this new product. At first I tried it on my hands and immediately loved the texture-creamy and soothing with no smell, and upon arriving home I sought out a bottle. During this time I was using Vanicream, which while a fabulous moisturizer, did not leave lasting hydration. Price and Packaging: The price is not bad, I pay about 13$USD and the bottle lasted quite a while (about two months while using it twice a day everyday on face, and on trouble spots for body ((I use another brand on body))). The packaging is a nice pump system, so no unhygienic tubs, but unfortunately when you're low and the pump will not work, you have to spend a short while shaking the living daylights out of the tall thing to get the amount you want. The product itself is not thin so it's not going to slide out. Here is where I think the moisturizer "Vanicream" has the advantage-it's a tub with a pump, so when it does get low it's not a pain to get the last bits. It's a small disadvantage but kind of annoying. The bottle itself by the way, and I know it's weird, has a very pleasing texture to it, lol. It's kind of interesting, unless they're trying to subconsciously let you know this is a "gentle" product, versus something slick and harsh. (Wow I thought too much about this...) Performance- Out of all the moisturizers I've tried, and I've tried a lot; Eucerin, Atopalm, philosophy, Vanicream, Ponds, Aveeno, Olay, and La Roche Posay, none of them have left my skin feeling soft and hydrated like this moisturizer has for the whole day. Vanicream I thought was great, until it got cold, and then it lasted maybe a few hours and I'd have to reapply. Which is not a good thing in my work environment. Cetaphil lasts much longer, probably around 6 hours in very cold weather (with an added sunscreen), and 8 in cool. I get bumps around my jaw line and in my eyebrows when my skin is dry and irritated-with this moisturizer they are nearly gone on the jaw and much less in my eyebrows. The lines near my jaw have also gone down. On warmer days, I did find this felt a tad heavy, and then later found small breakouts on my nose. But for me I'd rather take that than days where I'd wake up and the rest of my face would be so tight it would hurt to smile. One thing I will say, after applying this you DO need to let it set in for a few minutes. Even with my skin, which usually soaks moisturizers in fast, has to wait a few minutes to soak in. So, apply the moisturizer, then make the bed/have breakfast/whatever you need to do, and then go to the next step. Recently I have started putting this on my hands, I work in an aquatic laboratory and my hands often encounter water-which with the cold weather has left excema patches on my knuckles. Putting Cetaphil on takes away the itchiness and tightness, but it's too soon to tell on the "healing". If you have sensitive/dry skin, I highly recommend this moisturizer to you. It really is a fabulous product that can be used just about anywhere you need it. It lasts a long time, there's no irritating smell or hidden fragrance (that I recognize at least), and the price is not terrible at all when you think of how important your moisturizer is and how much they can be. Thanks for reading xx
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Chantecaille - Vital Essence
NightShift 3/13/2011 6:38:00 PM
Today marks my one-month anniversary of using this product, which I thought would be a good time to review it. I should note that I am no longer using this product. I will list why but first I want talk about the positive. Why this serum? I have been curious about this serum for a long time. My skin is very reactive/sensitive and I've noticed lines on my face from dehydration. I had heard this was an excellent product for that, and I was also intrigued by the Vitamin C within, thinking it would help brighten my complexion. I do on occasion get breakouts, so I thought this would help with that too. It is targeted to those with an oily skin, but it says it is good for sensitive skin as well. The price: Might as well get this part over with, this serum is painfully expensive-I paid $100. I rarely pay more than 40$ USD for skincare, so this hurt. But my curiosity got the better of me and I just had to try it. Packaging: The packaging is among the best I've seen. It has an excellent pump system that never leaks or cracks, delivering a pea-sized amount each time. It's also very pretty-the vitamin C within the clear gel gives it a lacy look that I really like seeing on the counter. The acrylic container has a nice weight to it that stays put-no teetering on its base knocking over. Performance: The consistency is a gel, but on the face it feels like water, with no stickiness as with some gel moisturizers. It doesn't take much because a little goes a long way. I did not notice any stinging in my case, and my skin gulped this down, allowing me to put my normal moisturizer on top (Atopalm MLE cream). The smell is so nice too, just like roses. After one month I have noticed that the lines on my forehead, especially in between my brows, have gone down due to the hydration factor. I have not had any breakouts while using this. As for redness, it did seem like my face did not get as "inflamed" as it normally does, but now on to why I've stopped using Vital Essence. The fall: This product has increased the pigmentation on my face, especially under my eyes and my forehead. This is the only "new" product I have been using over the last few months, so I'm pretty sure it is the serum. It's my own fault really, Vitamin C has been known to not be nice to those of us with very sensitive skin as it can be too strong, but I thought I would be okay. Which I guess raises the question as to why this is targeted to sensitive skin.. but in the end it's all about your own judgment of what you think your skin can handle. My skin is hyper sensitive and unfortunately I overestimated what was okay (as I usually do), and am now peppered with new pigment. :( Having said that, I do think this is a lovely product for many other skin types. Hence why I decided to give this three lippies instead of two. I guess the plus side is my mother was delighted when I presented her with this expensive serum, her skin is bulletproof compared to mine and she loves it. :) However it is too soon to tell if it's improving her skin. Thanks for reading xx
7 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Estee Lauder - Futurist Foundation
NightShift 11/26/2010 9:03:00 PM
I have to admit, I never thought to look at Estee Lauder, but that was until I started watching the two lovely ladies of Pixiwoo on Youtube over a year ago. Recently they reviewed several foundations of Estee Lauder, and it was then I decided to try this one out. To start I have very sensitive, dehydrated, combination skin: I get dry patches on my jaw line and in my eyebrows, I have cystic acne scars around the mouth, and a fairly oily nose. I also tend to get lines on my forhead from the dehydration. I'm only 23/24!! D: The purchase: In my case, I was fortunate to have a very nice, spunky lady who tried several on me until she suggested the color soft ivory. I was very skeptical because many have suggested foundations that were too yellow or too pink. I have pale skin with neutral undertone that flushes easily, so finding the right foundation is frustrating. Thankfully, soft ivory is a nice combination of the two with light tones. Application: This product has a very nice consistency. It is a little thinner than I was expecting, but it still felt slightly moisturizing. Instead of a brush, I just like to use my fingers to apply-which I like a lot because I don't want to risk a heavy finish, but I think a brush would work nicely. The finish is quite nice-a small amount of sheen on skin that looks, well like healthy skin. And thankfully, this makeup did not irritate. After settling, I could still see some acne scars a little, however I do not think anyone else would notice because it was quite light. I did find this did not cover the broken capillaries on my face however. But that is small compared to the overall effect; The patches on my jaw, my easily flushed cheeks, and the lines on my forehead are hardly visible after application. Hurray! On me, and especially using my fingers instead of a brush, this provides a light to medium coverage. But you could easily use more if you need too. Performance: Working in an aquatic lab and greenhouse, it can get a little hot and humid. I've seen sunscreens and some moisturizers slide off my face and on to my safety glasses. But not this. I was amazed at how well this stayed on; no patchiness and no sliding, and that was without a powder to set. My nose still gets a little shiny, but the makeup doesn't show. I did find that this foundation fades throughout the day, but the skin still looks nice and refreshed. Overall this is a wonderful foundation, and it is the first foundation I've wanted to wear everyday. It doesn't show, feels comfortable, and makes my highly sensitive skin look almost normal. Thanks for reading xx
22 out of 23 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -MAC - Super Cleansing Oil [DISCONTINUED]
NightShift 11/9/2010 4:30:00 PM
Unfortunately I can't say this product worked well for me overall. To start, my skin is sensitive and reacts to many fragrances, and dries out easily. On the plus side, it removes my makeup well-which consists of tinted moisturizer, concealer, light eyeshadow, and waterproof mascara. I found I had to use a little more product to remove the mascara, but I was expecting that possibility. While that works well, I found that this product stung and left my face feeling very dry and tight afterward. The stinging was not too bad, but I certainly noticed it on my cheeks. This product does have a fragrance, which is not unpleasant, but I think that might be at least one of the reasons I reacted to this product.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -BeneFit Cosmetics - Erase Paste in Fair
NightShift 1/9/2010 7:51:00 PM
I am always on the hunt for a good concealer, due to my very noticeable dark under eye circles (inherited from my mother). So while looking through Sephora I came across Benefits Erase Paste and decided to try it out. The consistency is very thick, I found it difficult to blend with a brush and had to use my fingers to smooth it over. I try to use brushes as much as possible because blood rushes to my face when I touch it. Once it's blended it adds a lot of brightness to the eye area, which is nice but you have to be careful because you can easily overdo it. I usually set this with powder, but even then I've found it doesn't have very good staying power; on me it lasts about 3-4 hours. Lastly, the packaging sucks. It comes in a small pot with a protective lid (not attached to the main lid), as well as a spatula. When I bought this product I thought it would be okay, but in practice it's a little annoying to scoop out the product and then replace everything to get up and go. In fact, I actually lost the tiny spatula on a recent move, so I've been breaking a Qtip in half and using the rod to scoop out the product. It's not a bad concealer that does what it says for the most part, but I am going to continue looking for something better. Thanks for reading. xx
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Essence of Beauty - Deluxe Duo Set for Face
NightShift 1/9/2010 7:30:00 PM
If you're just starting out with brushes, this is a good set to buy. Includes: Duel Blush and Powder brush, Blending and Eye Shadow brush, fluffy Eye Shadow brush, and Foundation and Conceal brush. The foundation brush is hands down my favourite, as it is very soft and works well for under eye concealer. I especially like that the larger side as a slight point in the center, which is perfect for blending right into the corner of the eye. I haven't noticed any shedding and it is easy to clean. My second favourite is the eye shadow brush. Personally I think it's a bit too fluffy for eye shadow but I really like it for blending out harsh edges. Next up is the blending and eye shadow brush. The side for eye shadow is nicely dense and good for eye shadow, I've found this is good for intense color on the eyes. The blending side I haven't really found a use for...though I did sweep away fall outs with it. As with the foundation brush this one is very soft and good for the eye area. Lastly there is the blush and powder brush, which is my least favourite, and in fact one of the worst brushes I've ever tried. It has the white side labeled blush and the black side labeled "powder." But to me I think the white side is more for powder, and the black side is too small. The bristles fall out of the white brush side constantly, every time I've tried to use it I have bristles all over my face, which begins to irritate my eyes and nose. It's a shame because it's a very soft brush and the angles are nice. The powder brush is entirely too small for powder, or really anything else unless you have petite features. Overall though, this is a good set of brushes to own and is nicely priced-I paid about 14$ for the set, so it is a very good buy for what you get. Thanks for reading. xx
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Bath Treatments -Fresh - Sake Bath
NightShift 12/5/2009 4:52:00 PM
Sadly..I love this stuff. After stalking it in Sephora several times I decided to invest in this product and try it out. The smell is just amazing, to me it smells like sake-tangy but also with a light peach scent. The product itself is pretty and I love the packaging. I was told it wasn't going to foam up but it did foam up very well every time I used it, and the smell didn't evaporate away like some bath products. I suppose it did have detoxifying properties, as I always felt very tired after wards, but otherwise I couldn't tell. Now for the downside...the bottle says to use 2 capfuls, but a capful is very small, so I usually poured in a little more. I tried to be choosy about when I used this, say once a week, but it still didn't last very long. It's very expensive, so in a way I kind of think you're paying more for the bottle than the actual product. I would love to find something like it but I haven't found something that matches that wonderful smell. (I'm a smell person, :] Definitely a splurge, and it's something I would recommend you have someone else buy for a special birthday or anniversary gift.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Unlisted Brand - EXTRA VIRGIN Coconut Oil (All brands)
NightShift 12/5/2009 4:26:00 PM
This is my HG of body moisturizers. I've used this after I shower for years and it is just amazing-I almost never need to apply lotion or creams during the day. I have fairly dry skin with Keratosis pilaris, so it helps to make my skin softer in those areas. I use it year-round and I've never broken out. I did try to use it on my face but that did break me out, so I I use it only for body. It can seem a little greasy but a little goes a lot way because it will instantly melt on your skin and spreads easily. Also wait a few minutes, then pat yourself dry with a towel before putting on clothes. Coconut oil is also a natural sunscreen. :]
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No