Treatments -It's a 10 - Miracle Hair Mask
cwiese 5/8/2009 4:19:00 PM
A review from a hair product skeptic...I reluctantly bought this product after my hairstylist (strongly) suggested it. I am naturally skeptical when it comes to believing that a product can actually change the condition/appearance/texture of hair. Long story short, this product does work. I apply it once every two weeks and put on one of those disposable hotel shower caps on for 10 minutes. I have long, medium-thick, color-treated hair, and this product keeps the split-ends at bay and affects the texture/light-reflective properties of the hair in a positive way. It does not weight down the hair or have an offensive aroma. At $30 a tub, however, it's not cheap, but it should last 6 months for people with medium-long hair if used twice a month.
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Treatments -SkinMedica - TNS Recovery Complex
cwiese 6/21/2008 9:41:00 AM
TNS Recovery Complex is a product that I have been using for two years now. After spending a lot of money on everything from drugstore products to high-end 'designer' products from department stores, I found this product on a personal regimen published by a female dermatologist. I was skeptical at first, and a little put off by the cost. I have 'tested' it's efficacy a number of times by cycling on and off the product over a period of 2-3 three weeks with other products + conducting 1/2 face side-by-side comparisons. This product really works. It makes a difference in the tone, texture and clarity of my skin surface. I have a lot of freckles on my cheeks, and while they do not bother me, they fade considerably (30-40%) when I use TNS. Fine lines and pores are minimized. Tips: Apply quickly over damp skin, as the gel suspension evaporates quickly. Do not let the smell of the product deter you ( La Mer smells great, but no lasting results for me, at least)!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Pureology - Power Dressing
cwiese 6/13/2008 10:18:00 AM
This product works best for medium/fine hair. For my medium-thickness, long hair, it did wonders in the arid climes of Arizona, where I bought this product after forgetting my Fredrick Fekkai at home. When I used it in San Diego, however, I found that it weighed the hair down more, so I used a little less. It does create volume and aids in styling - I round brushed my ends and the curl stayed - something that could not happen without the product in the hair. For my hair type, I will use this again when in AZ-like conditions (dry, hot).
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Frederic Fekkai - Coiff Controle Ironless Straightening Balm
cwiese 6/13/2008 10:12:00 AM
Although this product is costly, it works. It is good for keeping a smooth finish even in humid weather. My hair is long and medium thickness, and it does not weigh the hair down or make the hair feel 'coated'. I have tried similar products in the Phyto and Pureology lines, but after testing all products against each other side-by-side, this one came out on top as far as providing the smoothest, shiniest, longest-lasting finish. The scent is a little strange (very slightly 'masculine', but possibly going for something that can work for both sexes??), but not offensive enough not to use it and get the results it provides.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Skinceuticals - Hydrating B5 Gel
cwiese 6/12/2008 10:20:00 AM
This is the sixth day of using the B5 gel, and I was so impressed with the results that I had to post a review. I have combination skin (oily T-zone with occasional hormonal breakouts at chin) with moderate damage from years of sun-worshiping. This is one of the very few products that you can actually see immediate, overnight results with. I applied 2 drops under my moisturizer at night, and when I woke in the a.m., my skin had clearly benefited - enlarged pores were minimized, fine lines plumped out (but not gone) and my skin was not taut or greasy. Many products make claims, but this is one of the (very) few that delivered. I have also been using it over the CE Ferulic product by SkinCeuticals (and under my sunscreen) during the day. As for other reviewers having problems with the packaging/delivery system, if the product works, you don't need bells and whistles. Just take care to not touch the dropper to the skin surface in order to avoid contamination problems - getting eye/face creams out of jars is WAY more unsanitary!! I will definitely purchase this product again.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Giorgio Armani - Face Fabric Second Skin Nude Makeup
cwiese 5/14/2008 8:48:00 AM
Face Fabric foundation is a versatile base that allows you to skip the 'spackle' prep-step. The texture is similar to that of Smashbox's Photofinish when applied, because of the silicone in the product, and the coverage is sheer but even. The correct color for your skin tone may appear darker in the tube than the shade you currently use in a traditional foundation. Another thing that I like about this product is its ease of use - the coverage and finish is excellent when I use only my fingers for application. I have found that with other highly pigmented foundations, it is best to use a foundation brush to maximize the quality of the finish - a time consuming extra step - but with Face Fabric this step is unnecessary. Additionally, if you want to set the base with a translucent power, the finish remains even and does not settle into fine lines. While some may balk at the $45 price tag, a little product goes a LONG way. This product is amazing and I will definitely purchase again.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Sonia Kashuk - Powder Brush
cwiese 4/29/2008 3:08:00 PM
This is a review of the white handled brush that retails for about $12. I concur with the the other reviews posted for this brush on the issue of shedding - this brush sheds a lot!! While the first 3 months were great, now I am getting a lot of 'fallout' every time I use the brush. The fragments of coarse hair that are left on the face, sink and clothing are difficult to get off. My MAC, Sephora house-brand and Trish McEvoy brushes have outlasted this one by years!! I would definitely invest in a better quality brush at the front end rather than scrimp for a brush that has a short lifespan!!
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Lip Gloss -Yves Saint Laurent - Touche Brillance Spakling Touch
cwiese 4/26/2008 4:54:00 PM
Went to the YSL counter to re-purchase Touch Eclat and the SA put some of this on. I loved the color, scent, packaging and functional delivery of the built-in brush. I thankfully demurred on purchasing immediately in order to 'test-drive' the product, and am glad I did. In 30 minutes the glitter began to clump on my lips, although I must say that the color pigments remained which is not always the case with gloss. The worst, though, was that this particular formulation left my lips dry long after I removed the product. Today (2 days post-product) they are peeling.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No