Moisturizers -Derma E - Very Clear Problem Skin Moisturizer
a1issa 5/26/2012 12:25:00 PM
UPDATE: just got a new jar of product, with derma-e's new packaging, and it leaves your skin WAY less tacky. I like the new texture much better. Also, after several months of using the cream, my acne is better than it was when I had ALL the clogged pores, but it is definitely not acne free. I am still getting big cysts UPDATE 2: My face is like an oil slick with this moisturizer. Using toner before-hand helps, but my face is just DROWnING in oil. Even as a teenager, I never had such an oily face. Right now, my face is broken out in BIG cysts and looks generally awful. This is not working for me. UPDATE 3: because I hate throwing out product, I started mixing in a little squirt of jojoba oil, and that's tamed the oiliness problem. I might even end up repurchasing if this custom blend works for me. ORIGINAL REVIEW: So my poor face is just looking awful. I have acne ALL over the place and my pores are seriously clogged. After several months of using a very heavy moisturizer that didn't agree with my skin (Boots!), I switched to this one about two months ago. I've definitely seen a difference in the number of new clogged pores, and my skin is looking a bit clearer. Whether this is the result of the moisturizer or the Retin-A I've started using 3x a week, I'm not sure. What I don't like: it isn't heavy enough to prevent my skin from producing a fair amount of oil by the end of the day. I added a salicylic acid toner to my regimen and that did help in reducing the oil production. I do feel like this product is helping to clear up my face... or at least isn't adding to the problem. .
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Moisturizers -Boots - Botanics Organic face hydrating day cream
a1issa 2/4/2012 10:23:00 AM
I was so excited to find this at Target. After reading about the permeability of the skin to chemicals, I have tried to switch over to more natural products. This seemed to fit the bill after I ran out of my more expensive organic Duchess Marden rose cream. I've been using it now for almost 2 months, and my skin is the worst it's been in years. I have huge cysts all over my chin and lower cheeks, and my pores are clogging all over (even under my eyes). I've also been getting a lot of smaller comedones as well. You wouldn't believe the size of a few of the spots I've extracted, either! Ick! Also, I end up oily by the end of the day, which I wouldn't expect for an oil-based moisturizer (usually oil based keep my face from producing any).
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - PureFusion Energy Surge Revitalizing Foaming Cleanser 
a1issa 11/27/2010 10:21:00 AM
This was another TJMaxx find for me- $9.99. Unlike the moisturizer that I had purchased previously from this brand, this product has virtually no fragrance, so it doesn't bother me. I have never used a foaming cleanser before, and I'm not sure why. I hate splashing my face with water to begin cleansing (weird, I know) but don't mind rinsing a product off. This foaming cleanser is perfect for me. It's not too drying, doesn't leave a residue, you only need one pump, and at $9.99 for a mostly organic product, you can't balk. I'm not sure I'd buy it for $30+ but it is definitely a solid cleanser for $10.
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Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - DUCHESS MARDEN Face Creme
a1issa 10/13/2010 9:59:00 AM
I picked this up at TJ Maxx a few weeks ago for $30. I just went back to get more... and of course the many bottles previously sitting there were all gone. I love how rich this moisturizer is. I recently started using benzoyl peroxide and it really was tearing up my skin. With the addition of this cream at night, I no longer have any flaking or dry areas! I am still somewhat red from the BP but my acne scars have gotten lighter (probably more from BP than DM). It's also so perfect for a dry climate, or a northern climate in the winter. I am hesitant to pay $60 a bottle for this... but I am very happy with it so far. I don't normally use such expensive creams, so I don't know how it compares to other moisturizers in this price bracket. I do have very acne prone skin and I realize that using a moisturizer with oil can be counter-productive. However, for the first few days, my skin had a few very tiny whiteheads in places I don't normally get them, then they went away. The number of new cysts that are appearing is greatly reduced. Duchess Marden + BP seems to be the trick to get my skin to calm!
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Powder -mark - Powder Buff powder foundation
a1issa 9/19/2010 11:34:00 AM
--have used for a week I was attracted to the product because I read a few reviews that compared it to Mac Studio Fix. I was in the market for a new foundation, and while I have been very happy with powder mineral makeup for the past several years, I am getting very tired of cleaning my counter top and makeup bag constantly. I like the concept of having a pressed powder that would hopefully be less messy. My local Avon lady helped me pick out the shade, Nude. It's a very close match to my slightly yellow skin. For the first few days, I applied it with the included sponge, which results in a pretty heavy application. It does build very nicely without looking too fake, but I didn't want to look so made up for work. Instead, I used a very loose foundation brush and found that I like the finish a little better. It looked more natural, and covered just as well but without getting really heavy. I do have a lot of acne scarring, and often times fresh pimples that need covering... I have needed concealer to make the large fresh marks disappear but it works well without additional concealer over the wasteland of my cheeks where I'm speckled with light scars. I'm not one for touch-ups during the day, so if my makeup doesn't last, I am SOL. So far, it has lasted well enough though the day that I haven't had to re-touch before going out for a casual evening. My added natural oil actually seems to improve the texture of the foundation and it looks far more like my actual skin. What I don't like: The texture is REALLY matte. I prefer a little bit of sheen because I feel like it gives a more realistic look. Overly matte foundations just seem to make me look older and too done-up. I've been experimenting with my Claudalie spray and silk powder to try to give it a little more life. Overall, I'm much happier with this than I was with EveryDay Minerals or Lumiere (my last two foundations) and I anticipate that Mark and I will be having a long relationship. ;)
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Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - PureFusion™ Daily Dose Nutrient Age Protect Moisture Cream
a1issa 9/19/2010 10:59:00 AM
I found this product at TJ Maxx and it looked like a great candidate for my new daytime moisturizer. It's from a botanically-based line that's organic, and the price was right at $14.99. It apparently used to sell for $65 at Sephora. It's very light, yet seems to be pretty hydrating. A little bit goes a long way so I suspect a single jar would be several month's supply. It doesn't soak in immediately but it doesn't take too long either, leaving your face feeling soft and hydrated without being sticky or tacky. I suspect makeup would go on very nicely over top, though I didn't get that far. Unfortunately, while the scent is amazing (kind of minty and very fresh) I am VERY allergic to it. I had to remove the product from my face an hour after applying because my nose was running like a faucet! For $14.99 it seems like a bargain, however, I wouldn't shell out the big bucks.
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Olive Essence Spa Experience Facial Gel Cleanser
a1issa 3/11/2010 10:16:00 AM
Picked this up at TJ Maxx or Marshalls (it's at both right now) for $4 or $5. I was attracted to the fact that it's paraben-free and free of the other usual chemical culprits. My expectations were pretty low since it was inexpensive and at TJ, but I thought I'd take my chances. Comments: 1) It's a very concentrated, runny consistency, and it's easy to use too much. They say use sparingly on the package and it is a good recommendation. 2) It goes on easily and washes off without too much effort, unless you have applied far too much. 3) The smell is pleasant, with maybe some lemon or lemongrass? It's not too strong (my sinuses are easily irritated, and this doesn't bother me) and the scent does not persist after washing it off. 3) It is not drying at all! There's nothing that I hate more than that tight over-cleansed feeling of having all of your oil stripped. This cleanser leaves you feeling nice and moisturized, and it's not tight to smile after using it, nor is it greasy-feeling. 4) My face is left with an overall glow! My skin tone is more even and I wouldn't be too embarrassed to run into a neighbor without makeup after using this product. 5) I can't comment on its effect on acne, since I've only been using it for 5 days. It is soothing, however, and it has smoothed out a few spots that I'd normally pick at if they were too dry. (Yeah, I know, terrible.) My advice: if you like organic/natural products and a non-drying cleanser, the price is right to pick up a few bottles. I wouldn't pay more than $12 per bottle but it is certainly one of the better cleansers that I have used!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Everyday Minerals - Foundation - Intensive formula [DISCONTINUED]
a1issa 10/5/2009 2:46:00 PM
I've been using EveryDay Minerals Intensive foundation for probably 8 months now, and I'm relatively happy with it, mostly because I have gotten it so cheaply ($6.50 each) in the past. However, I would not pay $12 a tub. Since they've discontinued their old deal of 5 items for $30 (or whatever it was), you now have to buy 12 items to get them down to $6.50 each. I split my last order with my mother, but I probably won't be using it much longer if I can't continue to get it so cheaply. I do have to agree that you can get very oily, but I keep that tamed with Lumiere's Silk (I hate Every Day Minerals Silk; it's cheap and crappy). It's not a problem for me unless it's a hot day or I'm really sweating up a storm (which isn't often). It also comes off easily later in the day. Wherever my sunglasses touch, my makeup comes right off. Or if I barely touch my boyfriend, off it goes. The good thing is that you can find very light tones. I have problems finding makeup that matches my very pale yet warm toned skin, and I did find a good match from them.
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Makeup Brushes -Everyday Minerals - New Flat Top Brush
a1issa 10/5/2009 1:56:00 PM
I love this brush! I replaced my bare minerals kabuki with this one, and it's really perfect for foundation application. It get the makeup really even, and the flat top allows you to get into crevices very well. $12 very very well spent.
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Treatments -Neutrogena - Rapid Clear Pads
a1issa 10/5/2009 1:49:00 PM
I had a $5 off coupon for Walgreen's, so I bought these on a whim. Sometimes, I'm just too tired to care to properly wash my face in the evening, so it's nice to have a cleansing pad around. I have to say, I was very disappointed, and only managed to use about 10 of them before giving up. -- They're very drying. I live in Wisconsin, and it's so dry in the fall/winter/early spring that you don't want anything in your regimen that's drying. -- They leave a sticky, gross film on your face. There's no way I'd use these without washing my face afterwards. -- They REEK. Actually, the smell itself isn't so bad (it's the intensity), but these irritated my sensitive sinuses to the point that I had to start on a nasal steroid again. No facial product scent should be this strong. -- There are far better salicylic acid products out there. I use a Burt's Bees Salicylic Acid cleanser in the shower, and Skin Medica 15% AHA/BHA moisturizer (this is a great product; look it up!), which together are plenty to keep small acne spots under control. Don't dry your face out with this cheap, smelly crap!
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Hair Styling Tools -Unlisted Brand - Bio Ionic iSmooth One Pass Nano Ceramic Straightening Flat Iron
a1issa 10/5/2009 1:20:00 PM
--- Written by a gal with TONS of medium thickness hair, never dyed -- -- Have had iron for six months -- I was in the market for a flat iron, and after a bit of research, I settled on and enjoy this particular one for the following reasons: 1) Fast - I hate spending time on my appearance, even though I value looking good. With the claim that it takes only one pass, I was instantly all ears. I think this is accurate, if you don't try to straighten too much hair at once. I can straighten all of my copious amount of hair in under 10 minutes, less if I'm working fast. 2) Smooth - The silicone strips on one of the plates really do seem to make your hair more shiny and smooth. All that nano ceramic negative ion stuff seems to help, too, far more than the cheap ConAir I had in high school. 3) Adjustable temp - you can go pretty low with this iron, and not higher than 400 degrees. I have no need to hit 400 degrees, ever, much less anything higher. 4) Controls out of the way - After experiencing a hair dryer that has incredibly poorly placed controls, I always look for products that you can't accidentally turn off or change settings while using. The One Pass controls are so far down on the handle there's no way you could poke them accidentally. 5) Reliability -- I chose this over a Sedu, because I read so many reviews of Sedu's that had cord problems and quit working. Bio Ionic has a pretty good reputation, as far as I can tell. Qualms: -- I'm a bit worried that I'm doing some damage to my hair. My ends are a little more spiky than they have ever been. I do use a Sebastian heat protector (it has alcohol tho, which probably isn't good). I think I may have done some slight damage by not having my hair entirely dry before flattening, on a few occasions. I'm a flat-iron newb, so I didn't realize this was a huge no-no! -- The insulation on the back isn't great, so if you grab the iron above the plates, it is hot. I don't mind getting my fingers toasty, but some people might. You can also hit the plates and I have slightly burned myself a few times. I think a more ergonomic handle would be helpful. I've been tempted to buy one of those moldable grips you can get from hardware stores to keep myself from sliding my hand up too far. -- It didn't come with a case. I've been keeping it in a Sephora bag, but it'd be nice to have an insulated travel case included, considering the price. I'll be purchasing a cute handmade one on Etsy. Note: Even though my Sephora bag isn't insulated, I can put the iron in while it's still hot, and it hasn't burned or deformed the bag.
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Cleansers -Burt's Bees - Natural Acne Solutions - Purifying Gel Cleanser
a1issa 8/16/2009 1:15:00 PM
I have to say I purchased this on a whim - and it sure was a good whim to have. ;) Lately my skin has looked pretty good (Kiss My Face Exfoliating Cleaner, SkinMedica AHA/BHA cleanser, Everyday Minerals foundation & blush, Lumierere Silk) but it hasn't been as clear as I would like it. My normal cleanser is good, but I wanted something that would really cut the oilyness that my skin tends to exude in the warm summer. I also thought it might be good to try another BHA to see if that would help my skin. And, in three days, with use once a day, my skin is already clearer and more consistent in complexion. It's awesome! I've definitely noticed some scar fading, too, and my face is to the point that I actually went out this morning without makeup (unheard of for me, after 10 years of awful acne & lots of scarring). Of course - be careful with salicylic acid - it is aspirin, and you should not use it excessively. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/607765/risk_of_death_by_salicylic_acid_body.html?cat=69
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Powder -Lumiere - Flawless Finish
a1issa 1/4/2009 11:00:00 PM
When I first found Flawless Face six months ago, I was thrilled that there was a mineral makeup with such heavy coverage that all of my awful, awful acne scars, current acne, and and picked-at spots could be covered to the point of non-existence. However, I think it's clogged my skin terribly and my face is worse off for having used it. I have blackheads & tiny, clogged pores all over my face, in areas that I never used to have them before. I am very curious to see how my skin looks after a month off the Flawless Face. My other qualm: it will separate on you after a few hours, and you will look like a freakish sewer monster under fluorescent lighting. In retrospect, I'd keep looking. I know why I settled, but don't make the same mistake I did!
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Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Plus White - 5 Minute Speed Whitening Gel
a1issa 11/20/2008 11:15:00 AM
I read the reviews for this a few days ago, then went out and purchased a tube @ Walgreen's for $7. I drink black tea constantly and the tannins have yellowed my teeth quite a bit. I had used Crest Whitestrips years ago but I didn't like the price, the way the strips came off, and how sensitive my gums would get. So I chose this particular product and applied it using a mouth tray that came from one of those $1 whitening kits. They aren't the world's best but you can make them comfortable by cutting down the tray to fit your mouth better. I've used it two days now, yesterday for around 15 minutes and today for 20. I'm really seeing results already! My teeth are a few shades lighter, and I'm hopeful that they will get much, much whiter yet. So far I've had only a tiny bit of sensitivity on top of one tooth, and no gum sensitivity whatsoever. My one qualm is that it's difficult to squeeze the gel out of the tube onto the tray without making a mess or using too much. They really needed to package it with a narrower tip. Would definitely repurchase. A steal @ $7.
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Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Sea Flora Laminaria Facial Moisturizer
a1issa 11/13/2008 1:39:00 PM
I'm on the fence about this moisturizer. I was very, very excited when I ordered it because I love organic products and seaweed is so nutrient-filled. I've only been using the moisturizer for two days, but I already have a qualm. It leaves your face with the feeling that there's something caked on it. When you smile/otherwise move your facial muscles there's a gooky tightness. It's funny, though, because when you touch your face it feels silky smooth. The other thing that slightly bothers me is the smell... it definitely smells like seaweed, which is to be expected (and I'm glad they don't mask the smell with more aroma which could potentially irritate my sinuses). It just takes a little getting used to, and is no where near as bad as the smell of certain products I've used (like Skinceuticals Ferulic C + E, which reeked of meat). It's definitely not a super-heavy moisturizer (they do offer a richer formulation) but so far it seems to be enough for my incredibly dry apartment now that winter has come. My face is also slightly glowy, but not in a greasy way. The bottle is great, with a pump, and it delivers a relatively equal amount of product each time. The label is pretty and it definitely has the refined appearance of a high-end product. I'll update this review once I have few weeks of use under my belt.
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