Sunscreen -Skinceuticals - Physical Fusion SPF 50
ahryb 6/10/2012 1:59:00 PM
Wow, this is the product I have been waiting for! You need to try it! I love the "dry touch" liquid shaker style sunscreens (ie Neutrogena, Anthelios, Ulta) because they go on light and dry instead of feeling heavy, wet and cold. and they tend to have high SPF (usually 50-70). But until now, all have been "chemical' sunscreens OR if they have the physical sunscreens I prefer (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), they end up WAY too white at this high of an spf if you put on enough product to be effective. This added tint is perfect for my skin tone and doesn't leave a white or ashy cast at all. It is not too heavy of coverage (quite sheer) and the color is not too pink or orange-y like some I have tried (for example, I like the tinted liquid Athelios with Meroxyl but the tint can be too dark for me even though that is also pretty sheer). I'd say the tint is perfect for me (neutral light sheer tint)...but I have light skin so not sure if you have very dark skin. It also seems to leave a finish that is very nice, not too shiny and not too matte. To be honest, I actually wouldn't mind if this was a slightly more moisturizing/dewy finish but I like products that give a slight 'radiance/glow." No parabens added is wonderful as well!!!! For reference, I am 38 and have been wearing daily facial sunscreen since I've been 28 (so I have tried a ton of sunscreens). I am light skinned, have some freckles/sunspots even though I avoid the sun, and still have mild to moderate acne. I would say I have combination to slightly oily skin naturally, although I use Proactiv/acne products and retin-A, so that can make my skin a little drier in places sometimes (mostly around mouth/chin). If there are any negatives to this product, it would probably be that the sunscreen can make any flaky or drier spots stand out a bit (the product builds and catches there). So, not sure if a drier skin type would need to moisturize before using this. The second negative would be the high price......although spending on sunscreen along the way IS better than spending on skin cancer and aging procedures down the line! I ended up buying the "limited edition" 4.2 oz size for around $50 online (retail is $64) but I hope they continue to sell this size permanently. Lastly, I am not yet sure that this will not aggravate my acne because it doesn't say noncomedogenic or anything along those lines and while it hasn't made my acne worse, I still get some clogged pores as usual.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Cover Girl - Olay Simply Ageless
ahryb 3/26/2011 4:10:00 PM
Have been resisting trying this one mostly because of the price (and I couldn't catch it on sale it seemed, it's $12.99 at CVS nonsale) and the fact that it doesn't have SPF. But, I had a 25% off coupon for CVS yesterday and saw the color "light medium" 215 which sounded like a good match for under my eyes (I have been trying to go a tad darker than the fair and light concealers of which I have SO many, because even though I'm light skinned, they seem too chalky lately). I think you get quite a bit of product for the money with this one (it's a pot full with a screw off cap, no applicator) and you can use your own brush to apply it if the finger-dipping into a pot grosses you out (although I used my finger twice now, tsk tsk). Like the other CG olay products, this one is the color of the product swirled with white product that I assume is supposed to be the olay serum or whatever. This concealer is a pleasant surprise! Nice color match and pretty good coverage (I'd say medium-light buildable coverage and I have fairly dark hereditary undereye circles that no concealer covers completely naturally). Blends nicely without pulling and tugging. Like the other Simply Ageless products (I have 3 of the cream blushes which I like), it becomes blendable very quickly (it liquifies a bit into a thin slippery cream with a silicon-y feel), blends quickly, feels ultra light, and a little product goes a long way. I like idea of the moisturizing swirl but the product is more light and "cone-y" feeling than a rich cream. I like this so far. I would like it more if it provided SPF and to be honest, I wish it were a tad more truly creamy so I felt like it was really moisturizing instead of just giving lots of "slip." But, I do think it's decently moisturizing without being heavy, making your makeup run, or breaking you out. Worth a shot, I think even younger people in their 20s would like this concealer although it's geared toward the "older" crowd (I'm 37 and I guess spokesmodel Ellen D is near 50 but she does look good!). I don't have a HG in concealers so I'm always on the hunt (like I said, I have dark circles for sure) but this is one of the better ones! I also like Dr Denese's Smart Concealer, Amazing Cosmetics concealer, and Sheer Cover cream concealer. Revlon honestly makes good concealers as well and I still occasionally use Lancome Photogenic concealer in Ivorie and I like it although it seems a little dry in the pot.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Peter Thomas Roth - Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads
ahryb 3/26/2011 1:47:00 PM
Wondeful! I will most definitely buy this product again, they really work on my skin which is 37 years old but still prone to breakouts. I'm also concerned about the signs of aging --dullness, drier skin, discoloration and the start of fine lines, etc. I know "peels/acids" help with both acne and aging so I love them. My skin is not as oily/combo as it used to be when I was younger but it's not dry and it's pretty tough without many fine lines yet (used SPF since I've been 28). Please note that I am very accustomed to glycolic acid because I've used it for close to 10 years now--I've tried a lot.......Dr. Varon peel (my 1st try with a "peel" from Ulta for $20..... love it, but it's harder to find now), proactiv toner, Dr Denese facial pads, MD Skincare Beta Peel Pads, C Booth 10% toner, Proactiv peel wipes, Alpha Hydroxy. While they are all good and definitely help my skin, I was looking for something stronger that was still over the counter and wouldn't leave my face red, dry, scaly, etc, because I can't afford to take time off of work. I think even at 20% these are VERY gentle but quite effective. I have been using one pad every night before my shower ( I tend to wash my makeup off 1st) and I generally leave it on for up to 2 hours because I don't always make it to the shower right away ( I don't recommend leaving them on this long for everyone, but they just don't irritate my skin at all). You simply rinse and onto your next skin care steps (I use my Pro-X cleaning tool and retin A at night as well). The pads leave your complexion brighter and more "glowy" and smooth. I think they definitely help with breakout and dullness, but I can't say they *completely* get rid of acne and fine lines either (I've only used for a week or so, but you can't expect absolute miracles). the downside is the definitely the retail cost ($45 + tax for 60 pads)..... and the instructions say to use even twice a day! I bought mine on Ebay 60 pads for $28.50 total, and I only use once a day or every other day. I wish I could get this on auto delivery for like $20 lol. The other thing I don't understand is why put all the extra ingredients in and charge us for it, when you are supposed to rinse it off in 1-3 minutes! Usually quick peels keep it simple and make it all about the acids which is what do the exfoliation, or the extra "good" ingredients are meant to sit on your face most of the day like with the Denese and MD pads that don't get rinsed. I do think the pads are decently large and wet (equivalent to a Stridex pad) but I still use one pad because I don't think 1/2 pad is quite enough for me personally. As an experiment, I started using the remainder of the pad on my husband's face (he's 3 years younger but acne prone with larger pores and trouble with ingrown hairs) and he said it stung/burned him a bit upon application. But, after just a couple times, I've noticed his face looked smoother, more refined and "glowy" too! So, I would definitely recommend to men, teens, etc! I would say to start slow like the instructions say....and let your skin tell you (it will tell you if it's too much by redness, stinging, burning,etc. so always pay attention to what your skin tells you!). I'm sure people with dry and sensitive skin could have some side effects, so use with care. If there was one complaint besides the cost, I actually wish PTR would come out with this product in yet a slightly stronger strength as well for people who are used to stronger products. And remember, if you are concerned with the signs of aging like I am, keep in mind that aging is inevitable and natural but the best effort is avoiding the sun, SPF, and taking care of yourself by not smoking, etc.
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Tinted Moisturizer -Philosophy - Hope In A Tinted Moisturizer
ahryb 3/5/2011 1:17:00 PM
I tried this off Ebay to help cut down the cost (retail $38 plus tax, $18 on ebay), although you do get a lot of product for the price and a little goes a long way because the texture is more watery and blendable than expected. The tube-with-pump packaging is sanitary. I appreciate the decent SPF of 20 but wish it had physical sunscreens like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. I still use a separate sunscreen under this product for now so I guess I'm using it more for the color/coverage/look than just sun protection. I picked the shade extra light which is a little lighter than my natural skin color but it helps tone down some rednessness in my face(from Retin A and alpha hydroxy use) to match it more to my neck/other skin. The extra light doesn't have the orange-y undertone that I saw in the light shade (looked at testers at Ulta). I almost think I need a shade that is a blend between extra light and light to be honest but the extra light is working for me for now. My favorite feature of the moisturizer is that it gives me a sort of luminousity/radiance without being overly shiny, greasy or heavy, and it blends very easily. It hasn't broken me out which is essential. I'd rate the coverage light to moderate--looks natural and just a little extra oompf without being heavy and cakey. So far, I like the product. My other go-to skin products right now are hylexin eye cream, retin-A cream and philosophy hope in a tube. I must say, the retin A is probably the most dramatic difference of the bunch..... but I guess that's why it's prescription.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Neutrogena - Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock spf 70
ahryb 4/13/2010 10:07:00 AM
Even at age 36, I get breakouts and some oily skin yet I have been using sunscreen pretty religiously now since I was 28 (and it does seem to have helped somewhat with lines, wrinkles, etc). I prefer physical sunscreens (I love Murad tinted spf 15) but also like higher SPFs which usually are the "chemical" kind. I REALLY like this sunscreen and am glad I tried it for the following reasons 1) it goes on very "dry" and light, soaks in right away 2) it's invisible/not white or chalky 3) it's mostly matte/not too shiny 4) makeup goes on easily over it 5) so far, it doesn't break me out or make my face an oil slick by the end of the day and 6) it has very high SPF. I think perhaps someone with really dry and/or sensitive skin would not like this product as much but for someone like me, I am thrilled there is a product like this out there at last. It is pretty expensive for the small amt ($11.99 at target), but it's still pretty cheap for quality facial sunscreen. Many mornings, I would dread putting on sunscreen because it seemed wet, goopy, had to be rubbed in very well, and left my skin shiny until I put powder on it. It felt heavy and cold, as if it would surely clog my pores and irritate any acne. But now, I almost look forward to putting on my sunscreen in the morning.......and that alone is worth every cent!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -DuWop - Private Red
ahryb 2/25/2010 11:54:00 AM
I am surprised there are only a few reviews on here for this product...there are hundreds on sephora.com. I missed out on this item when it first came out and had no idea it even existed....but being a connoisseur of red lipstick, the idea was just too fun to pass up --the "perfect" red for you, like it was custom-made! I like this item and I'm going to keep it because I think it's good, but I can't give it 5 stars either. I already have quite a few reds in my stash that look good on me, and I can pull off red lipstick, so I can't necessarily say this one is really that much better. The texture feels really great initially, light and thin going on, like you wouldn't even know you had it on - but then it quickly becomes drying to the point of perhaps annoying. I have to put a clear layer of balm underneath and/or over the help prevent this. The color, while a very nice true classic red, is also a little too dark/deep on me initially but it does look good if I blot or take a little off from the top layer. I think the general makeup trend and the fact that I'm getting older (35), I have to be careful of very matte, dark or too dramatic of lipsticks. A red with a tad more shine, brighter and a little more transparent can work better sometimes right now. I think this is just a little too much for everyday daytime wear, but I would wear this for a night out with light netural makeup on the rest of my face. It does kind of remind me of the reds you see when stars hit the red carpet or maybe that old 40s glamour. It also makes my teeth look even whiter and the smell doesn't bother me at all. If you don't have a red lipstick that works for you yet, this may be your shot.
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Eye Shadow -Flirt - Dreamy Eye Shadow Aztec Aqua
ahryb 1/14/2010 6:06:00 PM
Love love this shade! I have a bunch of shimmery bright aquas but most of them are more blue/turquoise while this one manages to have much more green in it...... while not being green. Flattering shade on just about any skin tone and eye color I would think. It is bright and shimmery (no glitter) without being overly gaudy and it's fun with black mascara and a nude/neutral lip and cheek. The quality of the shadow is good too, very soft and blendable, although the staying power is only average (I don't use base and have oilier lids). The packaging is so-so...not a big fan of the Flirt! packaging in general especially for the price (I paid $12 for this eye shadow!) but it's functional. I think this shade is LE for a current promo going on but it's worth a try!
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Lip Gloss -Cover Girl - Shineblast
ahryb 1/13/2010 11:59:00 AM
Bought this from CVS in shade #875. I knew it would be a more sheer/translucent shade just by looking at this shade in the tube but I still tried it for $7 because sometimes I like a light look. The color in the tube is a bright orangey coral. On the lips, it's a very sheer orangey coral..not terrible but I was hoping it would be more pigmented and glossy. The applicator is nice, the feel of the gloss is pretty good and smell/taste is pleasant if you like watermelon. The wear is not good (not many glosses really are) so you will have to keep re-applying especially because it's not very pigmented. Overall, not unwearable but definitely nothing special. You could get this look from a cheaper gloss.
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Fragrances -J. Lo - Still
ahryb 12/20/2008 11:36:00 PM
I bought Still way back when it first came out (and I actually used to be crazy about J.Lo Glow). I loved Glow but I also LOVE Still...and think that Still stands the test of time better. I'm sorry to hear it is discontinued, as I have really enjoyed this scent since it first came out. But, for some reason, I never got any comments at all about it! I was anticipating them because I thought it smelled fabulous but.......Now, I revisited this fragrance after a few years, and still have half a bottle left....and I still LOVE it....AND I've gotten a serious compliment from someone who matters. Granted, it was only one person who commented (male!) but it was enough for me. The scent to me is just SEXY and feminine, sophisticated, warm and comforting. It is totally womanly without being matronly and is perfect now that I'm in my 30s. It might not be for the "younger" crowd, but I think for late 20s and beyond, it is a near-perfect scent, particularly for cooler weather and nighttime. It is appropriate for work or fun. I think it is strong enough without being completely overpowering, unique without being odd or offensive, and lasts well. I will definitely repurchase, I see it on Ebay and many fragrance sites despite being discontinued. Thank goodness!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Neutrogena - Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive SPF 20
ahryb 9/30/2008 10:30:00 PM
I am always attracted to Neutrogena products but never all that impressed once I actually try them, especially their skin products. This one, however, is a keeper so far. I avoided buying this a couple times due to price and the thought that this would be a greasy, heavy cream due to "intensive anti-wrinkle" and no comments about "noncomedogenic" on the packaging. I am 34 with combo/oily skin that still breaks out so while I sometimes need moisture, and always try to get SPF protection, I also have to be careful with breakouts. This is actually MUCH lighter-weight than I anticipated and actually may not even moisturize enough for some people (I don't need a ton of moisture). It seems to "evaporate" almost immediately into my skin (I've personally never used a cream of this texture and application before) and it doesn't leave a shiny oil slick even as the day wears on. Makeup applies well, I guess it could sort of be like a "primer." I am happy with a slightly higher SPF of 20 instead of the "typical" 15 although I also try to do a higher SPF 30+ when I can. I don't have many lines and no deep wrinkles, I use this mainly as sunscreen for my face and neck that doesn't break me out or leave me greasy looking/feeling. I haven't used this long enough to comment on the wrinkle improvement, but I don't think I see this product doing much in the way of wrinkles for some reason. Also, the initial chemical smell is pretty bad and I'm not that attuned to smells. I believe the smell wears off after a little bit though. I noticed some comments about it irritating sensitive skin, so I should probably mention that I don't have sensitive skin. Bottom line: I am pleasantly surprised and glad I finally tried this-- This one is actually worth a try. It's not the heavy, greasy, pore-clogging cream you might expect it to be, it is very light and weightless.
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Lipstick -Clinique - High Impact Lip Colour SPF15 - Rosette #17
ahryb 9/30/2008 2:34:00 PM
I like the look and feel of the High Impact lipsticks a lot. They deliver a lot of color and staying power without feeling heavy at all. They are a definite lipstick (more matte) as opposed to a gloss but they are nice for the office because of that. Rosette is a very pretty, wearable reddish pink with slight golden shimmer. The shimmer helps tone down the matte look and the pinkish edge gives off a "wearble" daytime red/deep pink. Your lips are noticeable and it brightens the complexion without being overly loud and vixenish. My only minor complaint would be that the lipstick is slightly drying after a while--definitely not drying like many "longwear" lipsticks( it actually feels moist when you press your lips together) but it could moisturize just a little better. The good thing is that it fades pretty well--it doesn't wear off in balls/clumps and doesn't leave too much of a ring on the outline of your lips.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Too Faced - Lash Injection PinPoint
ahryb 8/8/2008 2:55:00 PM
This is my 1st experience with Lash Injection but I ended up disappointed for $19.50. The packaging and look of the brush/product are very nice. But I thought this would give me "wow" lashes--dark, thick, long and curly. But it was only mediocre in all aspects and isn't dramatic at all. Doesn't hold a curl and doesn't even lengthen that much. The worse part is that this has flaked quite a bit on me and doesn't seem to last long at all! I rarely have problems with flaking/smudging but that is a definite no-no in the mascara department. At least I tried it but I can't recommend it. Max Factor Lash Perfection is a lot better, cheaper, and comes in more color choices.
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Fragrances -Coty - L by L.A.M.B--Gwen Stefani
ahryb 7/2/2008 2:24:00 PM
This reminds me a lot of "Sunflowers," with a couple of slightly different notes. Sunflowers was the bomb back "in the day" but that was when I was 20 and it was the mid-90s!..Things have changed now! This is too strong and floral/citrus for the type of scents I prefer now. I am honestly surprised this would be Gwen's scent of choice for her to put her name on--it is not atrocious but there is nothing exceptional about it at all--it is not very sophisticated or unique. I DO prefer it when it wears off a little but I could have done without this scent. Nonetheless, it might work for some people, someone younger perhaps. Test it out first!
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Lipstick -Revlon - Colorstay Mineral Lipglaze
ahryb 6/15/2008 9:06:00 PM
Wow, surpisingly disppointed with this product. I love L'oreal Infallible glosses (near perfection for a one-step true gloss that really stays put). I figured this would just be Revlon's take on it and the product would be very very similar with additional color selections. The Revlon color selection is not bad (although it leans a little too much toward browns and plums which aren't flattering for me). However, the actual product leaves much to be desired. It is uncomfortable to wear...heavy, tacky......and I even tend to like slightly thicker/heavier glosses! The colors are too opaque--I expected a "glaze" to be more of a gloss, sheerer and shinier. One of the colors even left a white ring on the inside of my lips/mouth after a little bit (100% unacceptable!). The applicator is hard and small compared the luxurious feel of Loreal's Infallible applicator (which is the same as Lancome's Color Fever glosses). The only positive about this product is that a couple of the colors are nice--the Ablaze is a VERY pretty true true red and the nude is a true nude, apricoty-brown. I hope Revlon was just in a rush to get these out since L'oreal beat them to the punch...but in order to win market share, Revlon should have waited until they could get a better product. I would try other brands' "long-one step gloss" if they came out with it, but for now, I will stick with Infallible!!
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Treatments -Clairol - Natural Instincts Shine Happy clear shine treatment
ahryb 6/2/2008 6:04:00 PM
Overall, this product is not as good as I had hoped as far as imparting shine so I doubt I would use again. I'm not even sure it imparted ANY shine honestly. With hydrogen peroxide in the product, I can't see how this would be healthy for your hair either. AND it does "subtly lighten" the color as the insert states, or at least it did for me. I anticipated this because of the hydrogen peroxide, but fortunately I have light brown hair that I wouldn't mind having a little lighter. However, if I really wanted to go lighter/brighter/blonder, the way to do this would NOT be with a product like this (Hydrogen Peroxide is the same ingredient in Sun In!). It does leave a reddish/brassy tone that my hair tends to fall toward anyway but that I don't necessarily want, and this product did bring out some of those tones. If you want to lighten, get highlights, visit a salon, etc, and do it the right way. I guess all I can say is, I'm glad it didn't totally ruin my hair, the price is reasonable and application is easy and quick.
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