Moisturizers -Gold Bond - Intensive Healing Hand Cream
Sileny 2/7/2013 11:55:00 PM
To be blunt, this stuff saved my hands from the harsh winter and cleaning products, easily my HG hand cream. They were cracking at the cuticles and just looked so dry and worn no matter how much I moisturized with other products. It's not greasy at all, feels smooth, and doesn't rub off on other things you touch during the day. It has a light scent that disappears after a minute and the fragrance is very low on the ingredients list so I think even those with sensitive skin might still be able to use it.
For those of you looking for a vegan/vegetarian product, this is not for you since it contains hydroxyethyl urea as the second ingredient. It contains petrolatum, glycerin, fatty alcohols, ceramides, aloe, vitamins, niacinamide, which are all great for your skin. So it moisturizes and helps heal your skin. I really couldn't ask for more.
The only downside to this is the price. If I recall correctly, I paid about $7-10 for the 3oz bottle. It doesn't sound like much for a hand cream, but a tub of CeraVe at 16 oz is about $16 (though it isn't as moisturizing).
I wouldn't recommend this if your hands are only dry some of the time. It might be too rich for your hands, but for those with hands that are irritatingly dry, give it a shot.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Paula's Choice - Resist Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel w/ 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid
Sileny 1/3/2013 8:01:00 PM
As a skin exfoliant, this worked amazingly well. If this were all it was meant to be, I'd give it 5 lippies easily. It left my skin extremely smooth and it didn't irritate or dry it out at all. My pores even looked better. It felt a bit moisturizing so those with oily skin might find it a bit much to follow with a moisturizer so nighttime use is best. However, since it's also meant to be a skin lightener, I had to knock it down to 3 because it had no impact on my dark marks after 5 months of nightly use. It's really disappointing, since I bought this primarily to help rid of my post-acne marks at a quicker rate. The packaging is also an odd choice for this liquidy gel sine it tends to spill out easily so you'll end up with more product than you need for your face.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
BB Cream -MISSHA - M Signature Real Complete B.B. Cream SPF 25 PA++
Sileny 12/10/2012 11:47:00 PM
I got this in a free mini set from Missha when I made my first purchase and I was excited to get this since it's marketed for sensitive skin. It's by far the worst product I've used for my skin, other than Revlon's colorstay foundation. This caused me to breakout something sinister all over my face. It's shocking how many postules formed on my cheeks and forehead. I normally don't have major issues with foundations breaking out my skin, since I am meticulous in my makeup removal regiment, but this was completely out of the ordinary. I ended up tossing it. If you are acne prone, do stay away from this product! There are far better bb creams out there like Holika Holika and Skin79.
#21 was a tad dark (I'm NC10/15) and had a runny consistency, but that didn't bother me. Coverage was medium, but on oily skin it felt uncomfortable; it made it even oilier.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
BB Cream -Unlisted Brand - Holika Holika - Petit BB Cream - Moisture SPF30
Sileny 12/8/2012 12:25:00 PM
Though this is too dark for me (I mix some white MAC face and body foundation to lighten it, I'm NC10/15) I still think this is one of the best full coverage foundation I've tried, especially for the price ($7). The Essential bb cream is also a very good one, but I have to add white foundation and moisturizer to this to make sure it suits my skin type (I've finished accutane so my skin is still dry).
It doesn't cake up during the day and it has the texture of skin so it's hardly noticeable, even though I didn't sheer it out. It lasts all day without clinging to my pores I find myself reaching for this over my pricier foundations or bb creams. I would definitely buy all shades of this line except watery (too pink), since I've been so impressed with the two I have.
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Cleansers -Ponds - Deep Cleanser Cold Cream
Sileny 10/10/2012 11:38:00 PM
My skin is horribly dry due to my accutane treatment and I needed a good makeup remover for cheap. This was on sale for 50% off so I thought, why not? And picked it up. Based on the ingredients, I wasn't so sure it would work out. It's pretty much just mineral oil plus thickeners and I knew this wasn't going to be water-soluble so I was afraid it would break me out. At first I just tried to use it like a regular cleanser (i.e. no wash cloth) and it was horrible. My face was super oily and I followed with a cleanser twice. I regretted buying it.
Next day I tried it with a wash cloth and it was actually amazing. All the makeup came off (eyeliner needed a separate remover) and left my skin feeling moisturized, clean, and not oily. Even so, I followed with Cerave's cleanser for dry skin and their cream moisturizer from the jar mixed with Theraplex from my dermatologist. Ever since using the cold cream, my pores aren't clogged and my skin has been soft and not as dry.
Honestly, this far exceeded my expectations. I actually like it more than an oil cleanser, especially since it's much cheaper. I didn't expect it to work any better than any makeup remover, but my skin has improved noticeably after a full week's use. Beautypedia has it at a mediocre rating, yet it worked out well for me. Perhaps this only works for very dry skin, like mine is currently. I'm not so sure I'd like it when my skin was extremely oily and broken out.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -DERMAdoctor - Photodynamic Therapy
Sileny 8/5/2012 9:59:00 AM
I've used a sample from Sephora just to try out because with a claim that it converts UV rays into anti-aging red light how could I not? Well, it's nothing more than a marketing ploy because the reasoning given by the brand for how it works (like solar panels converting sunlight into electricity? Are you kidding me? Solar power works nothing like that.) is nuts. So do not purchase this product for it's marketing, please! Converting from invisible to visible light (i.e. UV to red light) is physically impossible.
As for the product itself, it's just okay if your skin isn't sensitive AT ALL. It made my skin feel like it's slightly stinging and made it redder. I did a little research into the ingredients and it looks like it's "Anacyclus Pyrethrum (Pellitory) Root Extract" because it's known to cause those symptoms in skin, especially if you have a ragweed allergy (I don't, but it still irritated my skin).
It's moisturizing enough for dry skin during the summer, but those with oily skin should stay away because it would feel too greasy. For $85 for one ounce of sunscreen product, I say pass this up. It's really a subpar product and there are others that are better formulated and without the crazy marketing that cost far less than this.
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Treatments -Neutrogena - Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment [DISCONTINUED]
Sileny 7/28/2012 12:09:00 PM
This is the best drugstore BHA product out there. According to beautypedia, it actually has the correct PH level for the salicylic acid to exfoliate and clean out pores so I gave it a shot. A week later, my skin is smoother and my pores are looking better and not sandpaper-y. The texture is extremely lightweight and gel-like and absorbs very quickly into the skin and doesn't dry or irritate it. The cucumber scent, though, is a little strong for my liking, but it fades quickly.
I used to have extremely oily skin (I'm on accutane now), so I can tell this would be enough of a moisturizer during the summer, but for those with combo or drier skin might find it lacking - I have to use a moisturizer afterwards. The small bumps have either faded or on their way to going away. It has no effect on the cystic pimples, however.
Salicylic acid works for acne because it helps with exfoliation so pores don't get clogged by itself (skin not shedding properly). If you find that this doesn't help with your acne, you might have to use an antibacterial treatment in conjunction like benzoyl peroxide (i.e. use BHA in the morning and BP at night). If nothing from the drugstore/counter works then you have to see a dermatologist, like I do. I really just use this as gentle exfoliation to use with my accutane.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Bourjois - Healthy Mix Foundation ] [DISCONTINUED]
Sileny 6/29/2012 8:59:00 PM
I'll just say it: this is the best drugstore foundation I have ever used. It's even better than a lot of high end foundations. It's a shame that it's shade selection is abysmal; it's just fair to light-medium skin. Dark-medium to dark skintones are completely left out. Plus, it's not sold in America; I had to buy it from a UK-based online store for $11. I read that Bourjois tried to break into the American market, but failed. Really, unfortunate for us Americans who like the brand.
I'm just started accutane so my skin right now is about dry-normal, but I think this would be doable for oily skin as well. I applied it like any foundation and it blends very easily, looks like second-skin, and never sunk into my pores or dry patches. It didn't dry my skin out further and lasted all day. 12 hours later my makeup still looks great, except it wore off some from my forehead and nose. Honestly, I have no complaints about performance. It didn't irritate my skin either. One thing that bothers me a bit is the strong apricot smell. At least it wears off quickly.
As for it's supposed skin benefits, I really can't say because accutane is doing wonders. Better something than nothing, though.
I'm a MAC NC15 and 51 Vanilla is a great match.
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Lotions/ Creams -Eucerin - Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Sileny 6/16/2012 3:48:00 PM
I started accutane and my lips were dried out horribly and no chapstick I had would work, even the vegan ones made from a bunch of butters weren't cutting it. A coworker who had been on accutane recommended this for me to use on my lips and on my skin that cracked underneath my lips. When I saw the ingredients, I wasn't impressed because it's such an old formula with petroleum and mineral oil as the 2 biggest ingredients. Though, it's a formula fantastic for sensitive skin.
She insisted I get it, so I did, and it was the best purchase I ever made for my skin and lips. After one day that horribly cracked patch of skin is nearly healed! I am so happy because the pain and itch are gone. My lips are as good as new. It's a thick, clear gel so it stays on your lips and skin for hours, so my skin was able to heal without reapplying every 10 minutes, like with other chapsticks I was using. This might replace my nivea cream I have used since childhood as my nighttime balm for my lips because it's clear and so I won't look like a weirdo with thick, white lips. The winters are harsh here so I think I found my skin protector to survive the subzero windchills and high wind speeds while working outdoors.
My biggest con is that it's extremely oily, but that's what I wanted in this case. If you don't like the greasy feeling, I'd suggest looking elsewhere. It's a life saver ever since I started accutane.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Cover Girl - Natureluxe Liquid Silk Foundation
Sileny 6/16/2012 2:02:00 PM
Ever since I started accutane, the makeup I had suddenly became awful because what's good for oily skin isn't good for dry skin. I needed something in the short term and I really wanted to avoid using a high end foundation if I'm only using it infrequently for a few months. When I tested it out, it seemed like a good fit since it's alcohol free and nondrying. I can tell it's a bad choice for oily skin, unless a moisturizer is skipped.
Finding a drugstore shade is always a challenge. 305 Alabaster is the lightest shade with pink undertones while next shade and 310 Flax and is significantly deeper with neutral to cool undertones. If you are pale with yellow undertones, you're completely out of luck. This is my biggest problem with drugstore brands: most pale shades are pink based even though most people have neutral to warm undertones. I bought 310 Flax and it's slightly too dark, but it's a much better match than 305 Alabaster.
As for how it works, it's seriously great for drier skin. I applied it with a Real Techniques angled foundation brush with no problem. It didn't emphasize flakes and gives sheer to medium coverage and a slightly dewy finish. It didn't cover acne spots, but it covered redness and uneven tone pretty well. It gave an airbrushed finish and never caked or sank into my pores as the hours passed. I'm positive if my skin were still oily, it would fade in a couple hours. Since my skin is drier, it lasts about 6 hours or so. I got it on sale for $10, but I believe it normally retails for $14 which is pretty pricey for drugstore brand. Finally, it has a light scent and not overpowering like a lot of high end foundations.
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Liquid -Giorgio Armani - Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF20
Sileny 5/28/2012 1:04:00 PM
I'm actually really upset that this didn't work for me. Shade match was perfect, the semi-matte finish looks great on me (initially), light-weight coverage was medium but easily buildable (still needed concealer for acne spots), and it lasted pretty well.
However, it made me horribly oily. I normally blot about 3-4 times a day, but this was overkill at 6. The makeup disappeared from my t-zone so my nose, cheeks and chin looked pink against the rest of my face. I'm assuming that it's the high alcohol causing this (it's the third ingredient and I believe it's what gives the foundation the matte finish). It made me break out in cysts at first, but it looks like my skin got used to it and hasn't broke out since day 1 (it's been a week of wear).
It cost about $60 so I am definitely returning it; I don't believe it's worth holding onto a mediocre foundation at that price range. It's a shame because Armani's concealers and color correcters are among the best I've ever tried.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
BB Cream -Skin79 - Dear Rose
Sileny 5/20/2012 3:01:00 PM
I find bb creams to be the best for my oily skin because it lasts longer than most traditional foundations. Plus, the addition of skin brightening ingredients and high SPF (and good UVA/UVB protection) is always welcome for my pale and acne-prone skin. However, most bb creams are too dark for me. I'm generally a NC15 and Armani #2. This bb cream, after reading MusingsofaMuse, is supposed to be a light shade, so I gave it a shot. It's limited edition and sold only in Taiwan, so that's why Korean sellers on ebay don't have it in their stores (be careful when buying on ebay, there are so many Skin79 fakes it's unbelievable). I got mine from imomoko for $35 and it was authentic based on the sticker.
This bb cream is marketed for more mature, damaged, or drier skin, but it is still fine for my super oily skin as long as I skip the moisturizer and just use sunscreen. It gives a satin finish, though it might look more matte on dry skin. After 4 hours my face is an oil slick, but that's expected. At least the cream is staying in place and has not slid and pooled up in my pores. Nothing has helped with oil control so I'm not letting that affect my rating.
It has a damask rose scent, which can be a bit much at first, but it fades after a couple minutes. The shade is a neutral beige, not pink or grey at all, and applies a sheer to medium coverage. It's a perfect match! My skin is acting out (I'm really broken out and my skin is seriously shedding, will be on accutane next month) but this helps diminish the bad and doesn't emphasize the flakes. It won't completely cover marks, but it will make them less obvious.
I prefer this to Skin79's Orange bb cream. Though I love the coverage, it left a weird white cast. I looked flat and downright ghostly, even after I used blush and bronzer. However my sister, who has a warmer skintone than me, likes it a lot.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Rimmel - Lasting Finish - Kate Moss 12
Sileny 5/19/2012 12:09:00 PM
I bought this on a whim because of the price ($5 is so cheap compared to what I'm used to paying) and the color looked like a coral under store lighting. As it turned out, it's much more orange with a bit of red than coral. In fact, I wouldn't categorize as coral at all! At first I was upset it wasn't the color I thought it was but I tried it on anyway and I loved it. I thought for the longest time I couldn't pull off orange lipstick, but looking at models on the runway I really wanted to, and this is the first shade that actually looks great on me. In fact, I love this shade so much. It's moisturizing, has a slight creamy/satin finish (you can blot to matte it out easily), and lasts for hours. If feels like you are wearing a balm and it doesn't have that sticky-dry feeling a lot of long lasting lipsticks have. Because it's so moisturizing, you don't have to do much prep work and application is super easy. The color in the tube is much more subdued than when it's applied. It's a great shade for summer if you've been looking for a new look to try.
The colors in the Kate Moss line are similar to what I have seen on the runways so if you are on a budget, but love the looks the models are wearing, I cannot stress checking this line out enough. I'm definitely going to purchase some other colors next time I'm out shopping.
The packaging, though, is lacking. I'm not surprised though, considering the price. However, I feel like if I threw it into my purse, the cap might pop open because it takes such little effort to open it by hand.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Trader Joe's - Nourish All in One Facial Cleanser
Sileny 5/16/2012 10:39:00 PM
Great, great cleanser for sensitive skin. It's loaded with good stuff, though they're kind of useless in a cleanser, since you rinse them off your face. Still! It's very gentle, sulfate free, fragrance free. It has a very mild and inoffensive scent. It rinses off clean and doesn't dry my skin out at all. It hasn't broke me out, but it doesn't wash makeup off that well. Especially eyeliner, so you will have to use a separate makeup remover for that. If you are more interested in a makeup remover plus cleanser, you'll probably be disappointed in this, but I still think it's worth considering. The price is good at $6 and you get 8.45oz. My one complaint is the pump: it's kind of broken, but I'm sure that something limited to the one bottle I bought. Though, it still had an impact on my quality rating.
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Bronzers -Chanel - Soleil Tan de Chanel - 61 Desert Corail
Sileny 5/16/2012 10:16:00 PM
It's a fabulous bronzer, probably the lightest one I've seen on the market. I have very pale skin, but I wanted something to use for slight contouring. Plus, there are some runway looks I wanted to emulate and I needed bronzer for that. This has very subtle shimmer (hardly noticeable in fact) and isn't so pigmented that you have to be very careful with your application. It's buildable and looks very natural and not orange at all, which was a great surprise for me. Bronzers tend to look incredibly fake and odd on me, since I am pale (for reference I'm MAC NC15), but this didn't. It comes with a nice brush that is useable, but I prefer a big powder brush. However, the packaging is lacking. It feels cheap for the price and the Chanel logo is flaking off on the top of the lid. It stays in my drawer so I have no idea how that happened.
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