Shampoo -L'Oreal - EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner
csquared14 5/23/2013 11:28:00 AM
First, a disclaimer: I am an avid shampooer who has been known to wash her hair every day on occasion (I KNOW I KNOW that sound you hear is me causing the world to end, etc.). Therefore, this seemed like a great idea for me--gentler on my hair, no sulfates, and all of that. And it's...fine. That's the best word to describe it. Not great, but worked well enough so that I didn't turn around and get right back in the shower to try to fix things. As others have noted, its smell is interesting. Sort of like a bad drugstore vanilla perfume that you've let sit on the shelf a few years too long (that said, some of the other shampoos in the Ever hair line remind me of my ex-boyfriend's shaving cream, so comparison, this isn't bad!). One odd thing is, if you are expecting an actual shampoo-like consistency, it really doesn't lather. Massaging it into my hair was, therefore, kind of weird, especially since I usually avoid my scalp when I condition so as to not make things greasier than they have to be. It didn't quite feel like it was cleaning, and because it doesn't lather up, you end up using a lot more product than you would a typical shampoo. The packaging isn't my favorite--the twisting motion you have to do to unlock the cap initially is to the right, the opposite direction that you normally do. You have to pump a bit to get the right amount of product, which is difficult to do when you're holding the bottle in the shower and things are getting slippery. I used it after a variety of situations. It was fine as an in-between thing on sort-of dirty hair that hadn't gone around the "you seriously need to wash me before people start talking" bend--it definitely made it soft and shiny, more so than my typical conditioner. But it is not something that I would want to depend on as my sole means of cleaning my hair. It wasn't up to the task after the gym, and when I used it after a few days of not washing, it just left my hair greasy and limp. It's not a bad product, but I would definitely use it as a part of my weekly shampooing cycle, not as the one thing that I use.
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Gels/Soaps -Trader Joe's - (Joes) Tea Tree Tingle Body Wash
csquared14 4/16/2013 12:55:00 PM
SO good. Trader Joe's beauty section is tiny compared to Whole Foods', but every product I've tried in it has been amazing (and cheap!). This doesn't smell overwhelmingly of tea tree oil, if that is something that bothers you. Instead, it is fresh, minty, and invigorating. It works up to a nice lather--I've gotten away with using it while shaving when I'm too lazy to break out the shave cream. It comes in a big bottle that definitely lasts awhile--nothing fancy about the packaging, but it's functional, with an easy-to-use pop-top lid and a cap that's never broken on me. In my fairly unscientific research, if you have issues with body acne, this could be helpful for you, as tea tree oil has acne-fighting properties. I saw a reduction in the amount of breakouts on my back and chest area. I wouldn't say that this should be your only treatment by any stretch of the imagination, but I think that it complemented my treatments nicely (in the past, I've seen creamier body washes break me out). It leaves no weird residue behind--just a nice, clean, tingly feeling. One thing I'd say is do NOT get this in your eyes--not fun!
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Concealers -Kat Von D - Tattoo Concealer
csquared14 3/17/2013 2:55:00 PM
I usually walk straight past the Kat von D setup at Sephora--makeup from a super-intimidating tattoo-lady with a highly questionable taste in men? No, thank you. Well, I'm here to tell you that I was an idiot. As is the case for every concealer review I've done on here, I've been on the hunt for something to cover the remnants of the post-college god-awful hormonal breakout that basically ruined the skin on my cheeks for two solid years. I found a fairly decent concealer from Make Up Forever, but was open to trying new things. The SA recommended this one, and I tried to talk her down. Again, I'm an idiot. But then she applied a little to my face, I looked in the mirror, and...oh. My skin looked even and smooth. It blended perfectly, even though she only used a little bit. I left and came back, because two hours later, it still looked fresh and perfect. Well, then. I was sold. I'd say that this is mediium-to-full coverage (I don't think it would actually be successful if you wanted to cover a tattoo). I usually wear it over my Laura Mercier primer/Silk Creme Foundation mix, but I'd say that it does pretty well on its own as well. The consistency is pretty liquid, but it dries to a velvety finish, which is nice and a bit forgiving when your skin is a little dry. Its consistency and scent remind me of Rimmel's primer. You really only need a tiny bit to do your face (note: I don't use this under my eyes, as I prefer my Clinique All About Eyes concealer for that, as it's more brightening and I need that). I set it with Clinique powder and it stays all day--no touch-ups. It's in a tube, which is nice. My one complaint is totally not its fault, but as a word of warning--Sephora sells out of this stuff fast (both of the ones I go to in NYC have little signs on the display, saying that they have an email list where they'll send you a message to let you know that they have your shade in). So, if you're like me and NEED your concealer every day, I'd recommend stocking up well in advance of your tube running out. Price is a bit high, but the tube lasts a very long time, and, well, there are so many bad concealers out there that I don't really mind paying a bit extra for a good one. So, lesson learned: do not judge makeup brands by their covers. And this might actually be the best concealer I've ever used.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Maybelline - Fit Me
csquared14 1/27/2013 8:22:00 PM
I am not generally someone who seriously reacts to skin makeup. That is, until I met this guy. This product broke me out horrifically--cystic acne that took months to clear up after I realized what was happening and stopped using it (note: this product was the only change in my skincare/makeup routine when I started breaking out, so I am fairly certain that it was the culprit. My skin also, as stated above, started clearing up when I stopped using it). I couldn't quite believe the extent of damage that it did--I'm not usually hyperbolic when it comes to things like this. I took it into my derm, though, and was surprised to hear that I was not the first one of her patients who has had issues after using this product line. It's not a bad concealer. It gives medium coverage, and I didn't have any issues finding a shade to match my skin. I don't think that the finish that it gives is any more "real" than other finishes, as they seem to be getting at with their marketing campaign, but it covered moderate scarring decently. When used under my eyes, it caked up in the creases. The packaging is quite nice--very simple, sleek, and impactful, definitely aiming to look more high-end. The black part of the label did get faded and smudgy after awhile, though. It's pretty cheap for the quality of concealing that it gives...but then, it also led me to buying a whole new acne regimen, so it didn't end up being quite so cheap in the end. I think that if this does not make your skin go insane, it is a decent concealer for your money. But definitely proceed with caution.
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Toners -Mario Badescu - Glycolic Acid Toner
csquared14 11/13/2012 11:02:00 AM
I have yet to try a product by Mario Badescu that I don't absolutely love, and this is no exception. This brand's approach to skincare is different, and it just really works for me. After a year of awful stress-related acne after I graduated from college, his drying cream and drying lotion are the two products that cleared up my face again (and that's after rounds of Dermalogica, which is easily over 3x the price). I decided to try this toner in an attempt to even out my skin after the battering that it took, and I have to say that it definitely works. I bought a bottle of this for $18 from Blue Mercury, which is not a bad price for a higher-end skin brand, and it's lasting me for quite awhile. You just need a little bit on a cotton ball or pad to do your whole face--the label recommends twice a day, but I usually just do it before bed because I still use a lot of products on my skin and am trying not to completely overwhelm it. I haven't had any issues with tingling or anything. It has a pleasant, cooling effect on your skin. The bottle is very serviceable--it has a squirt top and is nothing pretty (none of Mario's packaging ever really is), but it works and it's very hygienic and spill-proof, which I appreciate. I usually wash my face with my Clarisonic paired with either his Glycolic Cleanser or Enzyme Cleanser (I alternate, as the Glycolic face cleanser is a bit harsh for every day), use the toner, and then moisturize and add the Drying Cream or Drying Lotion as needed. As for results, I can't quite respond to any acne-preventing capabilities, as I rely on Mario Badescu's other products to do that. That said, I haven't had any serious breakouts while using it. I noticed after a few weeks of using this that something about my face was...different. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I was sort of glowy-er. My makeup was going on better. I needed less concealer on the scarring on my cheeks. My skin is actually starting to look PRETTY again, which, let me tell you, is not small feat. It's definitely a slow process that has been going on for weeks now, but it's steady. I haven't had any bad side-effects, even excessive drying (I do moisturize pretty religiously, though). I will absolutely keep using this and will be replenishing it whenever my bottle runs out. I'd HIGHLY recommend this if you're looking for something to make your skin more refreshed and even.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Crème -Laura Mercier - Silk Creme Foundation
csquared14 8/29/2012 12:36:00 PM
This is the be-all, end-all of foundation. HG times a thousand. There's a reason why Laura Mercier has the reputation that it does. It covers extremely well, looks natural, and stays on all day (I set it with Clinique powder). The texture is silky smooth (somewhere between a cream and a liquid), and it feels completely weightless on your skin. It did not dry me out, and on days when I had blemishes that were a bit gross or flaky, it didn't accentuate the dry skin (no small feat: this is the first foundation I've used that I can honestly say that about). It's incredibly easy to apply--it comes in a tube (the product needs to be shaken), and you just squeeze out however much you need), so you don't have to worry about germs being transferred or too much product being released. I wouldn't say that it's mattifying, so if you have problems with oil, you're definitely going to want to use this with a primer. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but you only need the tiniest amount to cover your face. I anticipate my tube lasting me for the better part of a year, and I wear it every day. My one main issue with this is that the range of colors is not great. If you have lighter skin, you'll be fine, but I have medium skin, and if you are any darker than me, you probably will not be able to find a shade to match your skin. That's a shame, because this is a good product, and Laura Mercier should really make the effort to diversify the shades that it offers.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Mario Badescu - Drying Cream
csquared14 7/25/2012 9:24:00 AM
I've been using this for three weeks, and I can honestly say that I have never in my life encountered a more effective acne treatment. I have literally been unable to do anything about the breakouts on my cheeks for a solid year now (and when I say unable, I mean that I have used everything, from drug store brands straight up to the fancy stuff from Dermalogica and the Clarisonic), and this cleared them up--and I swear that I am not exaggerating here--in less than three weeks. Three. Weeks. I am hugely skeptical of the so-called "overnight cure," and am well aware that skin has a seven week regeneration cycle. However, when I say that this stuff works, I mean that it seriously, honest-to-goodness, works. When I woke up this morning, I basically stood in front of my mirror and stared at my skin, because I literally have not seen it this smooth in YEARS. Yes it smells a little funny, yes the consistency is a little weird, and yes the website/celebrity endorsements everywhere are kind of cheesy, but I could not care less. This stuff is giving me back my skin. Mario, I don't know who you are, but I think that I love you. The basics: this appears like it's in a small little jar, but you just need the tiniest bit of product, so it's actually a very good deal. Mario Badescu in general seems to make products that are different from the typical acne treatments that every single other skincare brand markets (I didn't see the typical tube of BP on the display case), and this stuff seemed different from every other treatment I've used. The consistency is sort of like that of a clay mask (as is the smell). I have heard some people say that it is concealing, and I think that if you are quite pale, it could be, but if you have medium skin, it takes some serious blending to make it disappear. I usually just put it on at night, since the thick consistency can make it a bit difficult to layer with makeup. You're supposed to use it very sparingly, and I can see it seriously drying out your skin if you pile a lot on. The packaging isn't beautiful (and you might want to use a spatula, as it is in a jar), but it's solid and the product inside is great, so I'm not about to worry about that. As long as you work, I don't care if you look pretty on my shelf. I don't really have a side on the whole "is purging real" debate, but I will say that for the first few days that I used this, my acne became inflamed and was more noticeable as a lot of those little hard bumps under my skin rose to the surface and came to a head. However, after a full week or so of this, I noticed that as they healed and went away, they weren't coming back (and, for the record, this was during my time of the month, so the fact that I did not experience new breakouts was MAJOR). No new pimples were forming, from cysts to those annoying clusters of little tiny bumps under the skin, and as the inflamed pimples came to a head and went away, they left smooth skin behind. After the initial inflammation, I haven't experienced any issues with break-outs or serious dryness. My skin looks so much healthier, I'm wearing less makeup, and I'm just all-around so much happier with my appearance. I cannot tell you how happy I am with this product. Acne is such a demoralizing, self-esteem-killing issue for me, and this is the first thing I have tried that has really, truly worked and done exactly what it is supposed to do. I highly, highly recommend it, and as it isn't that expensive, I think that it's really worth a try. If it continues to be this effective, I really don't see myself looking for another acne treatment any time in the future.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Neutrogena - Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing NIght Cream
csquared14 7/23/2012 5:44:00 PM
I was pleasantly surprised by how high-end this cream felt. Definitely comparable with some of the Lauder night creams I have tried in terms of texture. As far as moisturizing goes, it does its job. It doesn't feel greasy on the face, and you'll wake up with plump, well-moisturized skin. I haven't noticed any remarkable differences in my skin from the multi-vitamin formula. My two gripes are 1) it it is lightly scented--I don't mind the smell, but I don't particularly like putting scented things on my face, as that seems like it's just taunting my acne-prone skin to come out and play. And 2) it's in a jar, thus bringing up issues of hygiene and, again, potential acne issues. The jar is solid and well-made, but it'd be nice if it perhaps came with a spatula or a more hygienic way of transferring the cream from the pot to your face. So far, I have been using this for two weeks and have not broken out from it. I think that this is a solid buy--nothing really spectacular that makes me think that I will be loyal to it, but it's a decent price for a good cream.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -NARS - Semi-Matte in Heat Wave
csquared14 7/12/2012 7:17:00 PM
I never thought that another red could make me cheat on MAC's Ruby Woo. Well, I was wrong. I love this lipstick. LOVE. THIS. LIPSTICK. I literally cannot find a fault in it (for me, Ruby Woo has one--I don't like that it's so dry). Heat Wave goes on creamy and soft, but by some miracle this does not mean that it disappears instantly once one hour passes. You can swipe it on your lips without a worry about them looking dry or cracked for a casual, everyday look, or it can also be built up and worn with lip liner for a cleaner, fancier look. The color is bright and vivid--I am South Asian, but I haven't seen it look bad on any of my friends. It won't dry out your lips and stays bright for hours. I am not usually someone who is comfortable with wearing lipstick every day, since it usually takes a bit of maintenance, but this is so easy to just put on and not worry about. You don't need the layers of balm, pencil, and lipstick to make it look good, and I've found myself wearing it almost every day. This is my new go-to lip color (I really am sorry, Ruby. I'm still keeping you around, just in case). I HIGHLY recommend it. It is a bit pricey, but it really just blows every other lipstick in my arsenal out of the water. As with all NARS products, it's packaging is that beautiful, classic black and white. It's sturdy enough to toss in my bag without the packaging getting messy-looking or, worse, the case opening and the bullet of lipstick getting ruined. If you are looking for a flattering, wearable red, I highly recommend going over to Sephora and giving the tester a shot, because this little guy is so worth it.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Trader Joe's - Tea tree oil facial cleansing wipes
csquared14 6/28/2012 10:16:00 AM
These are amazing. AMAZING. I've gone through my fair share of face wipes, from the cheap Neutrogena ones up through expensive Ole Henriksen. And these are BY FAR my favorites. These come in a simple plastic container, and each pad is soaked through with a bunch of natural ingredients--tea tree oil, witch hazel, etc--that help break up oil and dirt. The pads themselves have a smooth surface and a rougher surface, so that you can use them to exfoliate a bit. They leave your face feeling absolutely squeeky clean and fresh. I don't think that it's a makeup remover, per se--I use it after my Clarisonic--as I wouldn't want to let this too close to my eyes. And remember to moisturize afterwards, as some of the ingredients (tea tree oil in particular) can be drying. Some reviewers have complained about the fact that these sting a bit--they have tea tree oil in them, which is a very, very strong natural ingredient that's been found to be as effective as salicylic acid. You should NOT confuse being natural with being gentle--when you use these wipes, you are going to feel them on your face. I personally like the tingling sensation, because it makes me feel like it's working, but if you're sensitive to that sort of thing, I suggest finding a gentler product. Also, tea tree oil has a very distinct smell. You either like it or you don't--it smells clean to me, but I know people who can't stand it. If you're okay with the tingling and smell, this is a great alternative to products with a lot of artificial ingredients, where you won't have to sacrifice effectiveness for a more natural product. I highly recommend this product. It's cheap, it's simple, and it's very effective for acne-prone and oily skin.
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Treatments -Estee Lauder - Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
csquared14 6/22/2012 1:01:00 PM
What this product ended up being to me is very, very expensive shimmer for my face. And if I wanted that, I would have bought the cheap ELF stuff from Target, because their whipped illuminator product essentially does the same thing that this did for me. I'm generally not someone who gets too angry when a product with claims like this does not work out--I mean, there's only so much a serum is going to do. I accept that. But to charge THIS price for it?! This is probably not a product I would have bought myself, but I received a bottle as a part of a gift. I used it consistently for three months, when I realized that it was just not doing anything. The claim by Lauder is that if used consistently for 12 straight weeks (three months, as I did), it will give you a more even, glowing skintone, reduce dark spots, etc. It did none of that--absolutely nothing. And, based on the reviews here, it would seem that I am not the only person who had that problem--you can make a valid argument about products working differently on different types of skin, but if this many people are having issues with it, then there is a serious problem. This is a product that, depending on the size that you get, can run you up to $158, not including tax/shipping. That is, quite simply, not acceptable, not to mention surprising for a brand with the history and reputation of Estee Lauder. The product, essentially, gives you a shimmery golden golden glow from the sparkles that are in it. While this would be nice if it was, say, a bronzer, it's not--it's supposed to be making my skin glow on its own, with no products. I didn't have problems with breakouts or anything, which is not a given for me acne-prone skin. It isn't really moisturizing, but it's a serum, so it makes sense that it would just be one step in your routine. The packaging is, as with all Lauder products, absolutely lovely. I guess that if you're one of the very few people who have had a positive experience with this product, that's great. But for the rest of us, it just seems like a colossal waste of money, not to mention a misleading ad campaign. You're better off with the Garnier dark spot fader, which worked significantly better for me. I'd love to see the research that went into this product, to see if they have the scientific justification for the pricetag.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
csquared14 6/20/2012 11:58:00 AM
Let me start with the fact that I have worked in a field with ties to the beauty industry, and therefore have seen a LOT of moisturizers. Cheap ones, fancier ones, ones that could take a chunk out of my college loans, etc. I've gotten a very good look at the market, and I can honestly say that nothing--NOTHING--has proved more effective than olive oil as a moisturizer for me. I started using this on a whim, when I ran out of the expensive Estee Lauder stuff that I was using for awhile and was between paychecks. I vaguely remembered hearing about olive oil as a moisturizer and, after a quick Google search to double-check that, grabbed the bottle from my kitchen and started applying. Looking back, this was a bit risky and stupid--my skin has been very, very temperamental for the past year, and likes to explode with horrible breakouts whenever prompted. However, there was nothing to fear here. Wow. I apply it at night at the very end of my routine (Clarisonic, toner with tea tree oil, and, if necessary, some acne treatment), and I wake up with moisturized, glowing skin--no clogged pores, no breakouts. My skin feels healthier and firmer than it has in years--and I've used some of the so-called "miracle" products on the market (looking at you La Mer). Olive oil has been used for millenia as the ultimate multitasking skincare product, and there is a very good reason why. It's chock full of good stuff for your skin, the things that other creams spend a lot of money on replicating--the difference is that this is $4 for a bottle from your local grocery store. I'd recommend getting extra virgin, as it is higher quality and therefore is going to have the most good stuff in it. I haven't found any noticeable differences between the brands that I have bought, and one bottle lasts for quite a while, as you don't need to pile it on. The two flaws that I have found are a) as I said before, it does make me a little shiny, so I use my regular moisturizer in the mornings and b) I haven't quite nailed down a good method of applying it quite yet. Since it's an oil, things can get a bit messy should you have any sort of misstep, and the shelf that I keep my products on has gotten a bit...oily. The supermarket bottles are made to be poured into measuring cups, not applied to your face. I'm planning on maybe decanting it into a bottle with a pump of some sort to see if that makes it any easier. The bottom line is that this is an awesome product that you should give a try before you spend more money on something that either does the same thing or is less effective. While I'm sure that it won't work for everyone (what does?), it's been an incredible addition to my skincare routine for me. And if this endorsement isn't enough for you, you should know that olive oil is one of the main parts of Sophia Loren's skincare routine. If it's good enough for her, it's probably worth a try.
13 out of 14 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Clarisonic - Mia
csquared14 6/14/2012 12:47:00 PM
I'm sort of struggling with what to rate the Clarisonic Mia--I don't think that it's the miracle product that will give you brand new skin that I keep seeing people call it (nothing is, except the heavy stuff), but I also noticed that the company doesn't claim to do a lot of the things that others have said that their Clarisonics have done for them, so I can't really fault them for that. I have had a very good experience with my Clarisonic--I think that it is a solid tool that, if you have the money, will make your skincare routine easier, but it is by no means a necessity or the be-all-end-all of modern skincare. To start off, I've been using the Clarisonic Mia every day for seven months, which I think is enough time to get a good grasp of the product. Three of those months were with the normal brush head, four of those (most recently) have been with the deep cleaning version. Regarding the state of my skin: after graduating from college and jumping into a pit of unemployed stress, my face broke out worse than it ever has been in my life and stayed that way for months, so I've been constantly looking for things to help me get it back to how it was when I was a teenager (how's that for irony?), including four months of using the Olay Pro-X brush, which has been touted as a cheaper Clarisonic alternative. Basically, I've gotten a very good look at the market, so I think that I'm in a position to talk about it a bit. The Clarisonic does exactly what it claims--it gives you an incredibly deep clean that takes your makeup and any grime off better than basically any product that I have encountered on the market. It exfoliates gently and leaves your skin feeling absolutely wonderful--supple, soft, and squeaky clean (and that is all that they claim to do). Because the surface is clean and your pores have been scrubbed out well, the products that you put on it will sink it better--in my opinion, that's what people are seeing more than the Clarisonic doing things like getting rid of acne scars, dry patches, etc. If you used the Clarisonic with no moisturizers, acne treatments, etc., I'm not sure how out-of-this-world effective you would find it. Do I think that it helped my acne? Maybe. If so, it wasn't an immediate, "wow-you-look-incredible" improvement, or even one over the space of a full skin cycle (around 7 weeks). The fact that it gets my skin so clean, however, almost definitely has some sort of effect, and my skin has been clearing up (which could be attributed to a number of factors in my life). The one place where I did notice an immediate improvement was when I switched to the deep clean brush and the clogged pores around my nose appeared smaller and clearer. The tool itself is a great design--it feels substantial (can get a bit slippery in wet hands), is fully waterproof, and has a brush head that is easy to take on and off (this is important, as they advise cleaning it every three days, but I do it every day because it's the perfect breeding ground for bacteria). It has a nifty magnetic charging system that enables it to be fully waterproof (no plugs), and it holds its charge well (you get a few warning buzzes when it's about to die). I have it in pink, which is a pretty color. I've also dropped it quite a few times, but it has survived with nary a dent! The big question, though, is if it's worth the pricetag. The Clarisonic is clearly much more advanced technology than its lower priced competitors (I'm referring mainly to the Olay Pro-X brush, which I used for four months). While the Olay Pro-X rotates, the Clarisonic uses sonic technology to clear out the gunk on your face--it's the difference between a Crest Spinbrush and one of those fancy sonic toothbrushes (same science behind it). I'd say that, especially with the deep cleaning brush, the Clarisonic is more effective, and left my skin feeling nicer than the Olay brush. That said, I don't think that it's so effective to the point where you shouldn't think about the fact that it's so expensive--it's a good product and, if money is not an issue, go ahead and buy it. For the rest of us, though, I wouldn't say that it is the necessity that so many people have made it out to be. You can still get a good, decent clean with the lower-priced alternatives and a careful routine of cleansers, exfoliaters, and toners--and, also, a spinning brush like the Olay Pro-X. I said above that I would buy it again--I guess that I would, but it's the kind of purchase that you make and say that it will last you for the next ten years to justify the price. I definitely don't see the justification of buying the full-sized Clarisonic instead of the Mia, unless you really want that body brush. I like my Mia a lot and would recommend it, but read Clarisonic's claims and know exactly what it is before you set your expectations for what it is.
8 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Olay - Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System
csquared14 6/14/2012 10:26:00 AM
I used this product for about four months, until I got the Clarisonic for Christmas and switched over (I've been using the Clarisonic for about seven months now), so I'm in a pretty good position to compare the two. The Olay Pro-X is not--repeat, not--a dupe of the Clarisonic. They're completely different technologies, and don't feel remotely similar on the face. Whereas the Clarisonic uses sonic technology and essentially vibrates on your face (if you have one of those sonic toothbrushes, it's like that), the Olay brush rotates. This means that it doesn't, if you believe the research behind the Clarisonic, loosen up all of the gunk that is really deep in your pores. The Olay brush should be used with exfoliating cleansers, whereas that's not necessary with the Clarisonic. The Clarisonic feels more substantial in your hand, is fully waterproof, and does leave your skin feeling softer--and, for the price difference, it should. That said, the Olay brush is a good product. It's sturdy, holds up well, and cleans your face better than just soap and your hands. Using it with an exfoliating wash (I used both the St. Ives Green Tea Scrub and the Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit scrub with it) makes it work better and gives you results closer to what the Clarisonic does. My skin afterwards felt very clean and fresh--I definitely would not say that it did very much for my acne or dry spots, as some reviewers have found, but it did take off the remnants of my foundation and concealer pretty well. You should be gentle with it, as it can tug at the skin a little, but it definitely leaves your face feeling cleaner and smoother once you have used it. If you can't afford the Clarisonic, this is a decent other option--definitely better than nothing. The battery is really annoying to replace, but that's the only big gripe that I had. What Olay really needs to do is stop marketing this as the equal of the Clarisonic and start saying what it actually is--a good, classic brush cleaner that is more hygienic than a washcloth and more effective than your cleansers used on their own.
12 out of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Estee Lauder - Nutritious Restorative Night Creme
csquared14 5/2/2012 10:10:00 PM
Oh man, I LOVE this stuff. I'm only 22, so I'm in the stage of wanting to take care of my skin, but not quite into full-blown anti-aging yet. I got a free sample of this and was very hesitant at first, since I've been battling stress-related acne breakouts for the past year and have only recently begun to see the light at the end of the tunnel (knock on wood). However, I've been through a number of different creams while trying to figure out what to do with my skin, and so decided that it wouldn't hurt to give this one a try. Thank goodness I did. While this looks like it would be a very rich cream, it's actually quite light--it feels lovely on the skin and absorbs very quickly. Thanks to that acne, I've also been treated to dry, flakey skin from my acne treatments, and this instantly helped my skin feel moisturized and, most importantly, kept that feeling throughout the entire day. Estee Lauder touts that this contains nutrients that will help keep skin healthy and fresh-looking, and I have to say that whatever they did, it definitely is working on my skin. My face looks healthier and brighter than it has in months, the dry spots are gone, my makeup goes on smoothly over it, and, most importantly, it hasn't broken me out. I use this every morning and evening, and definitely plan on repurchasing. As with all Estee Lauder products, this is beautifully packaged. It feels like it should be a lot more expensive than it is ($38 isn't cheap, but for a luxury skin product, it seriously is not that bad). I don't love that it's in a pot, so I always make sure to wash my hands before I use it, which hopefully minimizes the germ transfer a little. And again, it's not cheap, but a) for a luxury brand (even for Lauder), it's not THAT expensive, and b) if you're going to invest, your skin is the place to do it. I highly, highly recommend this.
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