Cleansers -Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) - Blemish Buster
ashebrook 8/12/2012 6:10:00 PM
I originally received this product as a free sample in my order. In fact, I received it several times as a free sample and I just threw them in drawer without trying them. Recently, I have developed atopic dermatitis/eczema reactions to products around my eyes. This is a serious bummer because with the exception of my eye area, the rest of my face needs a pretty strong cleanser to combat my oily, congested skin. All the cleansers I resorted to trying either caused my eye area to react or left the rest of my face less than clean. In desperation, I went rooting through my cabinets for something - anything! I found the samples of Blemish Buster and I have been so pleased. It REALLY deep cleans. I am very satisfied with how clean my skin is and it is incredibly gentle around my eyes. I have even been brave enough to use this three times a day when I have needed too and my eyes have been just fine. Thank you MUAC.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Clearasil - Vanishing Cream
ashebrook 8/12/2012 6:00:00 PM
To get the real benefit out of any product, you have to know how to use it. BP works best to prevent breakouts. If you use it consistently, you will be amazed at the improvement to your skin. The trick is to find what schedule works for you. I have been using clearasil for 30 years and this is how it works for me. Twice a day, I wash my face, apply toner, and then apply clearasil to the areas where I WOULD breakout. In other words, because of clearasil I DO NOT breakout. I pretty much always have clearasil on. About every five years, I decide I have finally reached an age where I do not need zit cream and stop using clearasil for a few days. Guess what, I am always wrong and end up going right back to it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Neutrogena - Pure & Free Liquid Daily Sunblock, SPF 50
ashebrook 8/12/2012 5:48:00 PM
This is a good sunscreen IF you are very fair so the white cast is not too obvious AND you are going somewhere where the white cast is not a big deal AND you can't use other sunscreens for some reason. In other words, if you are an adult, who is not of northern european extraction and you are somewhere other than the pool/beach, and you are not allergic to other sunscreens, you will not like this sunscreen.
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Cleansers -Alpha Hydrox - Foaming Face Wash
ashebrook 8/12/2012 5:41:00 PM
CAUTION - Be careful around your eyes. This product is actually pretty awesome. It will exfoliate your skin and help keep pores clear. It says it is gentle enough to use around your eyes, but after two or three weeks of using this I developed a reaction around my eyes. So I recommend with reservations. Avoid your eye area! Edit - some of the reviewers below question the AHA quantity in this product. I can assure you there is plenty of glycolic acid in it because it significantly increased my tendency to sunburn.
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Skincare - Face -Unlisted Brand - Nadinola - Fade Cream
ashebrook 8/12/2012 5:36:00 PM
This stuff totally works. Not only does the active ingredient fade sunspots, but the cream base it is in is great too. I would actually buy this stuff just as a moisturizer. It leaves your skin plump and fresh looking.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Cover Girl - Classic Color 'Soft Mink'
ashebrook 8/12/2012 5:31:00 PM
I love Cover Girl. I have been using this blush for 25 years at least. I have not a single complaint. For those who care about such things, Cover Girl is a classic American company that still makes its products here in Maryland.
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Clarins - Face Treatment Oil - Lotus
ashebrook 8/12/2012 5:23:00 PM
This product does work and I am glad I tried it as an introduction to using oil as part of my skincare routine. I have found that using an oil prior to cleansing has made a difference in the cleanser penetrating pores. Oil does breakdown oil after all. The clarins oil is ridiculously expensive however. I have had identical results from argan oil or even the dirt cheap grapeseed oil from the supermarket.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Clarisonic - classic
ashebrook 8/12/2012 5:16:00 PM
Definitely worth the investment. It takes some experimenting to find the right combination of cleanser, head, and frequency of use for you. If you have a tendency to congested pores, you will love this. It also prepares your skin to maximize the effectiveness of your other products.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Garnier - Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Eye Roller
ashebrook 8/12/2012 5:11:00 PM
I had a reaction on the second day of using this product. I just wanted to let folks who are prone to atopic dermatitis/eczema that this might trigger a reaction. Bummer.
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Treatments -Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) - vitamin C
ashebrook 8/12/2012 5:05:00 PM
At this point I am using MUAC products almost exclusively. The vitamin C & E serum is part of my daily routine. I use it in the morning under sunscreen because I understand vitamin C helps sunscreen be more effective. I find that my skin feels plumper and more resilient with this product.
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Treatments (Eye) -Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) - Vitamin K Cream
ashebrook 8/12/2012 5:00:00 PM
I really think this works. The jar is large and lasts forever. Several months ago, I inadvertently ended up with two jars and decided to give one to my daughter who complains about having dark circles. She also likes the results she has had. To top it off MUAC provided sensational customer service. I once left this product in my car on a hot day and it liquified. I thought it would firm up once I brought it inside, but it did not. I emailed them and they sent me a new jar. Of course, we should have considered that it was still the summer and the jar was going to be sitting in my hot mailbox for hours after delivery. Needless to say, I got another liquified jar. MUAC very graciously replaced that one too. I can't say enough good things about their service and products, which I learned about on makeupalley.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Loose Powders -Coty - Airspun face powder
ashebrook 8/12/2012 4:51:00 PM
I have been using the Coty loose powders for 25 years. I think it is a wonderful product for a great price. I am frequently complimented on my skin. I keep it to myself that some of the credit should go to the smooth, invisible coverage Coty provides. It is such a staple in my life, that my teenage daughter told me she considers it my signature scent!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Aveeno - Active Naturals Eczema Care Moisturizing Cream
ashebrook 8/12/2012 4:46:00 PM
Thank you Aveeno!! I have developed atopic dermatitis around my eyes over the last six months. It comes and goes and while it is unsightly, I prefer to not use steroids around my eyes. This Aveeno cream has been a godsend. As soon as I start to feel the tell-tale tingling that signals a flare-up, I start slathering this cream on. Without the Aveeno, my eyes will swell and my skin will be violently red, skaly and itchy. With the Aveeno, all of that is minimal and resolves within a day. I hope this product is always available.
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Cleansers -Neutrogena - Oil-Free Acne Wash
ashebrook 8/12/2012 4:41:00 PM
I am surprised this face wash does not have a higher rating. I think people often use a product that is not formulated for their skin issues and then blame the product. This product is really designed for a specific skin type: tougher, very oily skin that is prone to blocked pores and blackheads. If that describes your skin, you will really love this product, if not, you will probably find it too harsh. If you are wondering if it is for you, it is inexpensive enough that is certainly worth a try.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) - .30% Retinol Serum
ashebrook 8/12/2012 4:27:00 PM
Great product. I have been using this for two or three years and will continue to use. It is effective and the price is right.
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