Treatments -Unlisted Brand - ken paves healthy hair shine serum
centerfuse 5/18/2009 10:17:00 PM
I used to use the Brilliant Blonde silicone serum, but cannot find anymore. Tried a few other d/s products--ok but nothing great. Tried the Tigi shine serum that looks like it's a cheeze whiz can-dude, yo! Only a tiny amount for us thin -haired girls. And looks like crap the day after. Plus no real shine. More like dirty hair. And not in the Kate Moss olden days look.NO WAY! Have to wash hair every day?? Crazy talk. So, here I am back in Marshalls and I see a nice detangler/shine serum with silicones (which work well for me) and some oils. Two pumps, comb through, swoop through my bangs and front part of hair that is lightly colored ( highlighted with lowlights underneath) but really fragile because I have thin, fine. blonde (umm, mostly natural) hair but lots of it---except in the front because of my big frontal lobes. As if I have a receding hairline but that's just the way it's always been. Just got the nerve to do some bangs and choppy but fine layering in the front. I NEED something if I want to use an iron to make my blonde hair look so NOW, so yes. A bit of teasing in the back and it's France Gall all over only even cooler. So I paid 10.00 for this. Two small pumps through the hair and rubbed on the ends. Then the extra on the bangs and thinner parts of my hair. Blow dry. Fluffy and ok. Flat iron. Totally shine and soft. Don't know if i will be able to find this again, but if you can find, have fine and delicate, color-treated hair and need something to protect your heat damaged hair, I recommend. What a pain, but I will list ingredients. cyclopentasiloane, Phenyltrimethicone, dimethiconol, cyclomethicne, ken paves "BLEND" ha!!![PANTHENOL. T0c0-uer7pacetatelm hydrolyzed wheat starch, hydrolyzed wheat protein], Fragrance oil (oooh! fancy French here--Huile parfumee), phenoxyethanol. sheesh. What a bunch of stuff on my hair. Still, it shines and looks good the day after without the limp crap. When I use my iron to make it blonde and straight, my hair looks good--great. A winner--but probably hard to find,
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Moisturizers -Sage - Old Lady Cream
centerfuse 5/17/2009 12:31:00 AM
If you check out some of my other reviews (for Sage Hydrating Emulsion) or notepad, you will know that I've been "moisturizer fear-based" forever. I'd use retinoids since my 20s (I am now close to 50!! eeek! I mean, yo! What up to plastic surgery?) to clear up cystic acne/clogged pores. Unfortunately, if you check out the MUA Skincare board, redness, irritation, and flakes are the routine Will it go away? What products will work for your skin? The idea of an OIL CLEANSER and even ordering from Asia? Ordering retinoids from Mexico? What? Two years ago, I started studying the MUA Skincare Board and learned more than any of the may dermatologists. I tried products and tested. I learned to give products time to show good or bad reactions. I even ended up finding that foaming cleansers are not the be all and end all. However, the retinoids I now use (Retin-A Micro .01, Renova .05, and Retin-A Gel) are used on a maintenance plan after years of experimentation. Last year, I was mixing my own concoction of vaseline or triple antibiotic ointment, safflower oil, mineral oil and SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 (HA) serum. Saving money, making my own small batches daily to keep my skin from flakes, irritation, redness, and breakouts as I tried to find the RIGHT combo of retinoids and compensating moisture for me. Then, thanks to BarbiH, I found that my concoctions were quite similar to the Sage products. I'd been consulting the Sage (zerozits.com- Become an Acne Detective) website forever trying to narrow down the products that my troubled (cystic acne at worst), mildly roseacea-prone could handle. Let us not get into sunscreen. Love MUA for finally finding a sunscreen that I could use without instant whiteheads (Sofina Lucent). Thank you, Mua Skincare Bofard for finding Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil to remove my sunscreen and foundation/powder/eye mu as a pre-cleanse before my MD Forte Glycolic Cleanser. Thank me for forgetting washcloths, which were too rough and using my gauze fabric to lightly exfoliate. But BACK to SAGE OLD LADY CREAM. I began to buffer my retinoids with the Sage Hydrating Emulsion with excellent effect. However, the second day after my Retin-A Micro application, I would experience a major flake period. Any manual exfoliation would make my skin irritated--especially during the Northeast winters. My only recourse was to use Vaseline, or, better, a light layer of triple antibiotic ointment until the skin turnover was gone (usually 2-3 days). It was always this morning mix to keep things fresh. So, then I decided to ask for a sample of the Sage Old Lady Cream to seal in the layer of Sage Hydrating Emulsion after my am cleansing. Wonder of all wonder. No irriatation. Maybe a dab of triple antibiotic ointment around my nose and mouth because I am particularly sensitive there. But hey. The Sage Old Lady Cream was what I was mixing up myself but make the "I've got to get to work on time and don't want to mess with my crappy skin" blues. Sure, if I don't have to hurry, I'll do my home-made remedy of mineral oil, petroleum/triple antibiotic ointment, safflower oil and HA serum. But I have to get up and go in the morning. I can't deal with yucky flaking skin. With the combo of MD Forte III cleanser removed by lightly swiping a gauze cloth in the am followed by the Sage Hydrating Emulsion, my skin is soothed and soft. A TINY dab of Old Lady Cream on my sensitive spots and eye area. If there is any redness, I dab on a bit of triple antibiotic ointment--this is most often my nose area as I have allergies and the constant wiping of my nose makes it sore. On the advice of a pharmacist friend, I always keep a tube of the triple antibiotic ointment in my purrse for the nose area. I will say that the Old Lady Cream certainly does seal in moisure without breakouts/clogs---as long as I am using my Retin-A. My makeup (Make Up For Ever Face & Body or High Def) applies like a dream. I use a Japanese brand of Shiseido Powder--Majolica Majorca Pressed Fantasia 24 Hour to tone down shine when necessary. I also loved the Besame loose powder but have run out and no replacements as of yet. Neither cause breakouts. So, I highly recommend the Sage Old Lady Cream for flakes and irritation--it really serves to calm the skin without breakouts. The formula is clean--no fragrance/irritants. Use sparingly--a little goes a long way, which justifies the price. This review is from one who tried so hard to do the Dr. Hauschka and other "NATURAL" cleansers. The essential oils only made my skin reactive. The Fancl MCO and Sage Products are fragrance free and just seem to work for me along with my retinoid routine. Look, my friend asked what I was using because, as she said, "your skin looks so great." Jeeze. I'm almost 50. I told her to dump the Murad and try something else. Live and learn. I highly recommend the Sage Old Lady Cream when peeling or feeling irritation from acne/breakout preventing products. I think it would be best for winter to buffer (apply before) acne/anti-age treatments, but it is still going to be my go-to if I feel I've exfoliated aggressively or need to heal. Highly recommend the Sage Hydrating Emulsion and asking for a sample of the Old Lady Cream for summer. I will most certainly order a full size Old Lady Cream for next winter, unless, yo, I ;move to San Francisco, which I am so wanting to do. Whatever. All I can say is that the Sage Advice products (in additon to Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil and Sofina sunscreens) are wonderful and, because I always test products for sensitivity or breakouts, the most non-comedogenic products I've used. Sure, they are pricey, but they last. Bottom Line: I am going to be 50 next month and between my skincare products and makeup, my skin does not show my age--and I've had adult acne/never a dull moment with my skin in terms of being "normal." My issue, friends: the lazy nights when I don't stick to the "
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Cleansers -MD Forte - Facial Cleanser III
centerfuse 5/16/2009 11:20:00 PM
My skin is hormonally wack. Almost 50, but without the most special care/product, I get clogged pores, whiteheads, and even cysts. I live on the East Coast and get oily during the warmer months. Dry with flakes during the colder months. But, it seems that, thanks to the MUA Skincare Board, I've found a way. Now I can't complain about the wrinkles because I've been using retinoid and sunscreen forever. Well, maybe a bit of a complaint about some signs of age on my neck and fine lines that prove that I laught a lot, but heck, I'm trying to do the "grow old gracefully." Don't think that I haven't thought of cosmetic surgery, either. It's a maybe...if.... But finally left foaming cleansers behind. After hearing about the affordability and results of the MD Forte Glycolic line, I started out with the II. Mind you, I use Retin-A Micro .1 once/week, Renova .05, once per week, and Retin-A gel .01 once or twice\/week always buffered with Sage Hydrating Emulsion. I recently (zerozits.com). So I finally ordered the MD Forte III. Need to pre-cleanse with my Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil to remove my Sofina sunscreen and other Japanese ss plus my Make Up For Ever foundation (Face and Body and High Def). I don't think that the MD Forte will remove makeup completely. Eye makeup is out of the question as you cannot use on eye area. Plus, I've realized that an oil pre-cleanse is an essential part of my clear skin routine. A bit of a sting again at first when I *lightly massaged* the non-foaming formula. For those of you who know me from the skincare board, I remove with squares of gauze cloth that I rip to size and purchase by the yard from the fabric store. The gauze cloth is gentle enough, dries quickly, washes well, and is cost effective. Well, after a few days, my skin definitely showed a difference in terms of glow. There was a bit of flaking because of the weekly retinoid peel and I do believe that the MD Forte III also removed some skin. But this is good! A bit of Sage moisturizer and my skin looks plump, clear-pored, and no breakouts. I cannot recommend this product enough. I order from skincarerx.com using the MUA20 for a 20% discount. I will use this product as long as they keep making it. However, do start with the II if you are not used to AHA cleansers or your skin is on the dryish side. Best to work up. Since I use a retinoid, I decided that the I was baby stuff. Highly recommend the MD Forte glycolic cleansers. My friend just said how nice my skin looked. Yo! That's crazy talk!
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Lips -Jane - Be Pure Mineral Lip Balm, Pink Garnet
centerfuse 5/10/2009 8:51:00 PM
Color 03, a nice cool-toned deep pink Use daily to moisturize and add some zing to my cool-toned skin. If no makeup at all, it's my Ray Bans and this lip color to make an early morning ttip anywhere without looking like I just rolled out uh da bed....depending upon... Not sticky in the least. Need to reapply if not using over a lip stain ( I use Revlon Colorstay lip color in Pomegranate--see review). Update: I bought about 7 of these and have them in every purse and computer bag. My HG.
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Eye Shadow -NARS - Galapagos single
centerfuse 5/7/2009 8:48:00 PM
This is the perfect non-bronze or reddish dark brown with a bit of shimmer,http://makeupalley.com/product/rsearching.asp/ and it's perfect for my fair skin, blue eyes, ash blonde looks. Find the *perfect* brown is quite difficult for me. So *tired* of reddish browns or bronze that make me look overly done, if you know what I mean. I go walking into Sephora thinking, "Well, Cargo Oil Slick is a great high shimmer best-when-wet for tight lining." Lo, Cargo has been relegated to the BACK OF THE STORE and no go. So I get to wandering around Sephora looking for a true chocolate shimmer brown. People, what is up? Finally the sweetest Sephora SA comes back to me with about 6 swatches on her hand, and the Nars Galapogos is pretty near perfect. The powder is very soft and has a slight warm/gold shimmer--but it still works for the cool-toned. Tres sexy. Best used wet because of fall-out--just like the Cargo Oil Slick. When I sweep it on my lid, it is always after a quick sweep of my setting powder so I can simply brush away any specks. Use it wet to tight line, a light dusting dry on the lid, and, if I'm feeling it, a wet line with a tiny wing done with my Japonesque pointy brush or Essence of Beauty slanted (depending upon which one is clean). Works for evening smokey eye or daytime eye emphasis without looking overdone. Mind you, you have to play with it because it is a dark brown, but you can also mix with a beige if you want to tone it down. As is, I just do a very light sweep on my eyelid and blend well to get a really nice contrast to my blue eyes. LOVE. Highly recommend for those needing a true brown with shimmer--no bronze, red, brick, or pink undertones. Note: I also use this to line my eyes after a light dusting of Besame Peacock Blue. The blue/brown really works for blue eyes.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Unlisted Brand - Triple Antibiotic Ointment
centerfuse 4/8/2009 11:31:00 PM
Me: Mild rosecea, older acne/clog prone in addition to stress-related cystic/adult acne, clogged pores, using Retin-A Micro .01, Retin-A .-1 gel, Renove .025 and Renova .05 Other products: Sage Hydrating Emulation (www. sageadvice.com) to buffer retinoids; Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil often mixed with a bit of organic Saffflower Oil; MD Forte and MD Formuations 12% Glycolic cleanser on dry skin after oil cleanse, gauze cotton fabric to gently exfoliate.remove cleansers. Also use generic triple antibiotic oinitment or Vaseline day after application of RAM .1 to soothe skin and keep flakes/irritation at bay. I will say that RAM .1 is strong and will tend to leave sensitive skin red, irritated, and cause flakes and irritation. I am on upkeep and use 2x/week. However, I 've found a way around the bad stuff: the day after applying my RAM .1*buffered skin*, after the morning cleanse with either MD Forte or MD Formulations Glycolic Cleanser, I use my Sage Hydrating Emulsion mixed with a very small amount of generic triple antibiotic ointment to soothe redness and keep the skin supple. It soothes and makes the skin calm. Once the skin is calmed, I switch to Vaseline--but only the tiniest dab so that my skin does not look slick. I love my Majolica Majorca 24 H Pressed Fantantasia powder of Besame loose to lightly remove shine without caking. I have found that Make Up For Ever is an excellent foundation for problem skin that flakes. I smooth it on almost like a moisturizer. A little extra on the red areas (for me, my nose and cheeks). A light dusting of the above mentioned powders, and I am good to go. Btw, if the powder looks gross, just dampen skin with a cool cloth and go with what you've got. Some days are better than others. All I can say is that the triple antibiotic ointiment works wonders to quickly heal any irritation, keeps you from going the "over exfoliating" route, and calms. You just have to get used to a day or two of "not so great skin." Sure, some folks have all the luck. My mother had "perfect skin." Not me. It's been years of trial and error. I have found, though, as I evolved into my 30s, that the Retinoid plus a petroleum-based ointment is the best for irritated skin.
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Skincare - Face -Unlisted Brand - Gauze fabric face cloths
centerfuse 3/19/2009 2:05:00 AM
I buy bolts of gauze fabric made for clothing to thoroughly remove my cleanser and avoid irritation from "scrubs, toners," or harsh cleansners. Best, the cloth is inexpensive and usually no more than $2.00/yard if you look in the bargain fabrics. *sigh* Fabric stores are becoming a thing of the past. But if in US, Joann is a good source--just be sure to sign up online or at the store so you can get coupons. With a small amount of money, you can cut enough gauze cloths to last for weeks--so it's cost effective (big Plus) Me: mild rosacea, fair skin, use Retin-a Micro .01, Retin-A gel .01 and Renova .05 and.25 to control adult acne (clogged pores and sometimes cysts). After years of foaming cleansers,I made the move to either MD Forte or MD Formulations 12% glycolic cleanser. I cannot believe I was such a wimp for thinking that if my cleanser didn't foam and make my skin feel squeeky clean, my cleanser didn't do its job. NOT TRUE. More fool me. I was actually causing irritation and unnecessary dryness. And let's not talk about my avoidance of moisturizers because they would clog, sting, or not work to help deal with the dryish skin I have at times, especially in winter.While some have no need for moisturizer, I have found that when the dry weather comes, it's a necessity. Plus, I use the Sage moisturizer to buffer my retinoid, which has made SUCH a difference in flakes and irritation. SO-let's get down to business. Washcloths are too harsh. Scrubs are also usually ineffective, harsh, drying, and/or irritating. After some research, I realized that removing a glycolic non-foaming cleanser, or any cleanser for that matter, with a warm gauze cloth gave me a gentle exfoliation in additon to really removing all traces of the cleanser. I follow with splash of warm water. I cut the gauze to approximately 7inches by 10 inches. They dry quickly and are so inexpensive that you can have tons. The best thing is that they don't unravel, so you can use, throw in the washer, and have a nice supply without breaking the bank or having to worry about bacteria Anoteer plus is that the gauze does not unravel.. I've used other methods, but I find that the gauze is gentle as long as you don't "scrub.: My routine is to start wth a cleasning oil as I do use soe makeup.Next, I dry my face and I apply my glycolic cleanser (for you youngers with more resistant skin, foaming is fine), wet the gauze cloth with warm water, and then press it lightly over my face, rinse, and then rub lightly to remove all traces of cleanser and remove dead skin.. The objective is to use the cloth to exfoliate--but since the gauze is lightweight, it's much easier to control than a washcloth thus avoiding irritation. I am left with really clean feeling skin. Ever since I started this cleansing method, my skin is much more even-toned and the pores are much smaller in appearance--plus the nice glow. I follow with Sage Hydratging Emulsion (this particular product works wonders for me) and then, a few nights/week, follow up with on of my tretinoin (retin-a) products. I also have found that a light rub with a dry hand towel or washcloth in a downward motion while the face is still damp from washing works to remove any residual flakes--but you have to be, as always, gentle. I have found that the dry rub without cleanser makes it less likely that you will "over exfoliate" and cause irritation/redness.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Shiseido - Majolica Majorca MJ Spice
centerfuse 3/17/2009 10:16:00 PM
I LOVE the Dolly Spice (Pk).The Dolly Spice color is a lovely light raspberry pink with very light shimmer that I apply over MAC Coygirl (perfect complement in terms of color coordination) at the tops of my cheekbones and bridge of nose instead of a bronzer as it suits my fair coloring---bronzers tend to look like crap on me so this is the perfect way to glow. The bottle is tiny but you need so little it will last a long time. I find that it lasts all day. My secret to keeping the loose powder mess and loss to a minimum is to sweep my MAC Coygirl across my cheekbones and then tap a bit of the MJ Dolly Spice onto the inside of the MAC lid, swirl, tap, and then apply *lightly* to the tops of my cheekbones. You do have to be careful with application as it does have shimmer and is highly pigmented. Less is more. Wore it today after major stress and lack of sleep and was told how healthy I looked. Ha! Gotta love makeup. Highly recommend. update: unlike many other soft shimmer blushes, this one has not casued trouble with my skin. Another Majolica Majorca (Shiseido) coup. I am tempted to buy more.
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Powder -Shiseido - Majolica Majorca Pressed Fantasia 24h
centerfuse 3/17/2009 9:46:00 PM
Edit 2009: Love this translucent powder because no breakouts, no cakey look, very light but not "whitening" for my ruddy-but-fair skin. Used with a brush, it works as a finishing powder. Pressed on with the flocked pad, it fills in pores without making them look like craters. Also worth mentioning is that there is no shimmer and you can reapply without build-up--especially if you do a blot when perspiring. One of the best powders I've used that does not emphasize flakes/dry skin. In fact, it is a wonderful powder for dry/irritated/dehydrated skin! Have two refills. Love the case. A product I use so often I forget to even mention. Excellent over sunscreen. The flocked puff is on top of the powder with a plastic cover instead of a separate levered cover--NO big deal. I happen to LOVE this puff. It will last as long as the powder if not longer even when washed often. The case is so cute/fem and is of high quality. Highly recommend for breakout prone light skin. Update: after using for over a year, I really love this light translucent powder more than any silk powder or Dr. Hauschka--but only when applied with a brush after using my Make Up For Ever Face & Body foundation with a powder brush and for a quick touch up with the flocked sponge that comes with the refills. Even when I am dry and have some flaking from retinoids, a quick swipe of the Fantasia after I've been perspiring over my F&B does the trick of keeping my skin "balanced." I cannot say this of any other powder I've used. Mind you, I love the highlighting properties of Sana Maiko-han when my skin is ready for a sparkle; but for setting makeup, normalizing, and blotting excess oil, the Pressed Fantasia 24h is my ultimate powder--even more than the silk dusts.. I just looks so WHITE-Best for fair skins or, like me, fair but ruddy--or when you want a "whitening effect.". I always remember to dust with a brush along my jawbone and neck to even out the redness of my face to the pale neck. I am so in love with this d/s Japanese powder. So good for the troubled skin. At night, I love the Sana Maiko-han as a highlighting powder. Makes skin glow. For everyday, the Majolica Majorca is the best. Next, Besame loose or Sana Maiko-han.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -MD Forte - Facial Cleanser II
centerfuse 12/16/2008 2:23:00 AM
I am in love with what this product is doing for my skin now that it's colder. Me: mild rosacea, skin that gets seriously dehydrated from tretinon (Retin-A gel, RAM, and Renova) when the cold dry wind blows. Oily in summer. Prone to cysts and other forms of breakouts/clogs unless I use RAM at least once/week and then the milder Retin-A gel .01. Also use Renova once/week. I ordered the different forms of tretinoin and found that a mix works for my skin. UPDATE: RECENTLY MOVED UP TO THE MD FORTE III FORMULA. LOVE. PLEASE CHECK OUT THE REVIEW IF YOU HAVE USED THE II OR ARE LOOKING FOR A STRONGER BUT NON-FOAMING CLEANSER. I have to be honest. I've never tried a non-foaming cleanser that felt "right" on my skin. I just can't take a filmy feeling. However, I use an oil cleanser (Fancl mixed with safflower oil) to remove my Sofina (Japanese) sunscreen and MUFE Face&Body and pat dry. Then I add a small amount of the MD Forte II and massage lightly on face and neck, especially around my nose, cheeks, and chin. I do feel a bit of a sting, but it does not last for more than a few moments. Then I warm up a gauze cloth with water. wipe *gently*, and follow up with a few splashes of water. My face feels clean with no residue. I follow with Sage Hydrating Emulsion if dry (every day in cold weather). If I feel that tight feeling, I cover the Sage with a bit of petroleum jelly. What I've experienced after a number of weeks is clearer pores, softer and smoother skin, and less flaking/dryness as well as tighter, more even-toned skin--and I am prone to redness. Highly recommend for those who have problems with leave-on glycolic products or experience excessive dryness. **Update***:An extra push for those who are afraid of non-foaming cleansers, as I'd always been. I am still so impressed with this cleanser--although I suspect it is using it with the gauze fabric that gives the feeling of clean skin I crave without the dryness. As long as I use an oil cleanser and then this, my pores stay as clear as they can be. Now, I'll admit, sometimes I get lazy and don't remove my makeup---within a day or two, I can tell. But as soon as I get back to my routine (including tretinoin a few days/week), my skin is glowing. Well, that and the MUFE Face & Body...I keep laughing at how it all sound so high maintenance when, in reality, the whole cleansing process is less than 10 minutes. This is the first winter that I didn't get super dry patches or irritation from the various tretinoin products I NEED to use to keep my skin cyst-free and clear pored . I have to give some of the credit to the Sage Hydrating Emulsion, too, as it is the only commercial moisturizer that hasn't clogged my pores. I apply the moisturizer and let dry, do the bit of sunscreen (Sofina Beaute or Rise on light days/Lucent on out-and-about-days) and wait a few minutes, and then apply the Make Up For Ever almost like a moisturizer as the consistency works really well when I pour a bit into my palms, rub them to warm, and then smooth over my face, including under my jaw to help with the difference between my ruddy face and light neck. I like to do a very light setting powder (Besame, Majolica Majorca Fantasia, Silk Powder (esp in the summer). My skin loves this stuff. I also have MD Formulations 12 %, which I find to be basically the same but more expensive. Order from skincarerx.com with MUA20 discount.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Fresh - Cannabis Rose
centerfuse 12/8/2008 2:02:00 AM
This just works with my chemistry and it is the first time strangers ask me what I'm wearing on a regular basis. Mind you, when I first spritzed it, I was thinking "strong, " another Sephora customer coughed and said "wow," and my daughter turned away in disgust while trying out the more "girlie" fragrances that turn my stomach. But when we went up to the counter to pay for a purchase after about 20 minutes of shopping, I was offered the Sephora gift, one of which was the Fresh Cannabis Rose spray and a cream. I wasn't thinking of the Fresh at all. Then my daughter said, "Mom, it really smells nice on you now. That's werid." And it did. So I took the gift and started using it. My father was the first to ask what I was wearing. He said it reminded him of something my mother wore in the 50s when he first met her, and he couldn't remember but he liked it (pm me if you have any idea). Then the waitress at the Thai restaurant. Then my hairdresser. And the cashier at the CVS. And so on. Yes, it's a bit much when first applied, but the dry down within 15 minutes (if if works for you) is incredible. I spray it on the inside of my coat and a bit on the back of my neck in additon to a bit on the wrists. Not one "gross!" So I just wanted to give my best score for a fragrance that has become my signature. UPDATE: STILL LOVING THIS. HIGHLY PERSONAL, THOUGH. HOWEVER, WHEN YOU GET STOPPED AGAIN AND AGAIN AND ASKED "WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?", YOU KNOW YOU FOUND THE RIGHT SCENT.
8 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Sage - Hydrating Emulsion
centerfuse 10/28/2008 11:19:00 PM
Peeling, and shedding skin are a normal part of retinoid use for me. Since using this product, my skin has transformed. Along with a light (as needed) application of Make Up For Ever Face & Body foundation, my skin looks practically flawless. Believe me: getting compliments on my skin is hard to accept. But it happens now. For reference, I am fair-skinned, still clog prone, and finally over years of cystic acne due to RAM. It's incredible to me that at my age and the severity of my acne, that my skin isn't destroyed. Until now, every moisturizer I tried had a little bit of *something* that just didn't work-whether high or low end. Either I was shining by noon or breaking out in small whiteheads. Realized that waxes aren't for me. I finally found a ready-made moisturizer that works for my clog-prone, mild rosacea, Retin-A dried skin. No clogs, no breakouts, no oily shine. I bought the Light/summer version in full size and also received a sample of the Winter version. In short, I am simply amazed. Last winter, when my skin was dehydrated due to Retin-A, low humidity, and cold weather, I ws faced with a first: finding a moisturizer. I never really needed one before. Granted, I am older, but in general, I have very oily skin, even when it's dehydrated That all changed when I started using tretinoin (Retin-A gel, Retin-A Micro, and Renova) on a regular basis. Suddenly, I was doing home chemistry daily with glycerin, petroleum jelly, and safflower oil. The Hydrating Emulsion is perfect for my skin, and best applied directly after washing when the face is still moist. I also add a drop or two of SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 on my face and neck under the Hydrating Emulsion to get a very nice "plumping" effect. This product sinks directly into the skin and leaves no slick feel or shine. I am in love and ready to re-order. For sunscreen, I generally use Sofina Lucent, but have been trying the Sofina Rise and Sofiina Beaute, both spf 24+++ for winter. I also love the finish of the Sofina products. I sometimes add Paula's Choice 8% AHA gel on night's off from Retin-A as well. Another trick is mixing a bit of bentonite clay with my cleanser (Boscia Purifying)for a gentle exfoliation and rinsing with a gauze cloth. I really think that using the gauze helps remove all traces of cleanser and makeup. I highly recommend this moisturizer for anyone who has had trouble with finding one that doesn't cause more trouble than it fixes. My only complaint is that it comes in a tub instead of a squeeze tube, but I just make sure to use clean hands--I have accepted that I'm too lazy to use a scoop. Hey, isn't it enough that I wash my makeup brushes and clean my gauze cloths regularly?? Edit--just ordered my second Hydrating Emulsion and the summer version comes in a pump!! I also ordered the Winter, but that was still in the tub. Still loving this. My best friend even mentioned that my skin was looking so smooth (we both have large pores) and I told her about this and the MD Forte II cleanser (also MD Formulations Glycolic Cleanser which is more expensive) along with the gauze and the mix of retinoids. I think I am nuts sometimes, but when people compliment my skin at age 49, I have to give credit to the products because I simply glow. The dewy cheeks aren't oil because the moisture keeps my skin from going haywire. And I don't get the super dehydration, either, when I use the Summer HE under my reinoid. Love Sage and hope it may work for others who have had major problems with dryness and finding moisturizers.***update***this is the best buffer for my retinoid. Highly recommend trying if you are prone to breakouts but have a need to keep the skin from tightness. The Winter formula was, indeed, perfect for winter. The summer is great for spot application. Neither formulas have caused milia as I use them around the eye area. Best, a good coat on my neck seems to make the old neck ickies much less noticable. So who knew? I'm even doing the upward strokes like my mom used to do in the 60s. Ahhh, the things we do to be, as Strong Bad says in Teen Girl Squad, "to be lookin' gooooood."
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Ponds - Deep Cleanser Cold Cream
centerfuse 9/7/2008 2:27:00 AM
I really wanted this time-tested and inecpensive product to work for removing my makeup and sunscreen, and it did. But it also irritated my eyes (making them blurry, red, and watery), was very difficult to remove, and ended up *really* clogging my pores and giving me small whiteheads even though I use Retin-A Micro and used a warm washcloth/sponge and follow up cleanser to remove it. I felt that I was being too rough with my skin. I think the waxes & fragrance may be a problem for me and the fact that it just doesn't rinse well. I don't have problems with mineral oil. I also disliked the tub as I was always looking around for something to scoop the cream out with.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Boscia - MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil
centerfuse 9/3/2008 10:05:00 AM
Now here is one major problem I have with Sephora: their offering of cleansing oils. My local store only has Boscia MakeUp BreakUp and Clinique's Take the Day Off Balm (which isn't technically a cleansing oil, but that's splitting hairs). There are lots of cleansing milks/creamy cleansers. I can't use them, especially since I use a Japanese sunscreen and need the oil to remove it completely. And most cleansing milks have so much stuff in them and burn my eyes. And that's one of the reasons I don't care for the Boscia cleansing oil. Their parent company, Fancl, makes Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil, which is, in my opinion, the best cleansing oil I've ever used; it has no fragrance, does not burn eyes, removes eye/other makeup & Japanese or other tough sunscreens like a dream, and it rinses completely. I am sure there are others like it. Why do we have to order these online??? And what is with the Boscia and the menthol? Between that and the eucalyptus, sometimes my eyes are kind of crusty in the morning. They get a bit blurry and teary if there is even the tiniest tad left in my lashes. Not what I am looking for. It's quite a bit thicker than the Fancl, too. And you can smell all the botanicals. I like botanicals, don't get me wrong, but they often bother my skin or have some strange combinations that, I believe, is just for marketing "botanical based" products to make comsumers feel better. You *really* have to rub after a dry application with wet fingers to emulsify this or it does not rinse easily--far more rubbing then the Fancl MCO. In addition to all this, I find the Boscia MUBU to be ever so slightly drying. Maybe it's the higher concentration of botanicals, maybe the emusifiers. I have used the majority of one bottle on vacation. The only plus is that it did *not* cause me to break out, but then again, I follow up with the Purifying Cleanser. Still, I would not buy this again. Plain safflower oil would be better. I like the Fancl MCO to use just around my eyes to totally remove my eye makeup or when I am lazy and just want one step. So Sephora, if you are listening, I highly suggest introducing more cleansing oils to your stores, especially the Fancl MCO. It would sell like hotcakes. Place Japanese Sofina sunscreens nearby and your will hit GOLD Mprofits. You should listen to me--it's marketing genius. Asian is soo hipster right now. If you start carrying some of the makeup, heaven help us. But really, for now just stick with adding Fancl MCO since you already carry Boscia. And you carry Shiseido ss, which is also best removed with an oil cleanser (and it is also Japanese!!!) You could even place it near the Boscia so you won't scare the silly Americans who are "afraid to put oil on their skin," as the French Sephora SA confided. Heck, I was once one of those silly Americans, but I learned how well a cleansing oil works--right here on the MUA Skincare Board. Sephora, get with the teaching and introduce some better oil cleansers to your stores. For reference, I am fair/med, blond hair, blue eyes, mild rosacea (and so somewhat sensitive to some things), clog/breakout prone (use Retin-A to keep my skin clear).
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Brows -Chanel - Precision Brow Definer
centerfuse 9/2/2008 8:51:00 PM
First, this looks great in 01 Taupe with my blonde hair/blue eyes. Way better than Anastasia Brow Powder in Ash-although that's pretty good. Better than MAC brow gel (the mascara kind) in that you can get more consistent coverage with this. It's firm and gives a very precise stroke to you don't overdo. I do a bit of the Anastasia powder and then finish it with the Chanel. Good brows make such a difference-from washed out to polished and defined. And it comes with a sharpener!!! You actually get a gift for the high price. Also has the mascara like brush on one side to set the brows just so. Another big plus is that Precision Brow Definer doesn't rub off/smear (like the MAC) or fade (as the Anastasia can do). So far, the best eye enhancer I own. I can't say enough how attention to blonde brows can do absolute wonders for the face. It defines your whole look and you'll need less makeup. Highly recommend in the 01 Taupe.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No