Primer/ Corrector -Smashbox - Photo Finish Primer
dieffenbachia 12/4/2012 1:32:00 PM
My friend swears by this; I don't. My friend is normal/combination; I am acne-prone. ********************* Ultimately, I think this will be an HG for some people because it works well with their skin, but not for oily or acne-prone skin types. ********************* I tried this out and firstly it balled up into little bits (maybe I put too much on) when I applied foundation over the top. During the day my face became an oil-slick and so my foundation slid off. Finally, after using for about a week, I found that it appeared to clog me and cause me to have little lumps and bumps under my skin. Not for me. ********************* A good serum can work just as well as a primer. I like Olay Regenerist but sadly this is also causing me to break-out. My PC resist hydrator is probably the best primer for me: it doesn't quite do the best pore-filling or smoothing effect like specific primers, but on the flipside, it doesn't clog my pores.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Vichy - Dermablend Corrective Foundation 
dieffenbachia 12/4/2012 12:26:00 PM
I am in two minds whether I would buy this again so I want to give it a 3.5 lippy not a 4. Firstly, it gives INCREDIBLE coverage. Literally, cannot see hyperpigmentation at all under this bad-boy. It lasts all night, it lasts forever! * This is why I'm in two minds, I cannot for the life of me remove this product sufficiently. I love the coverage, I love the durability, but I hate that I cannot remove properly. * I'm pale and bc their colour range is limited I use opal (the lightest). The match is not great, but I think it would be possible to buy their darker colour and do a bit of mixing myself :) At the moment, I apply a light dusting of my bare minerals foundation on top to correct the colour. * I think it causes me to break out. I'm not 100% sure, but bc I cannot remove properly, this could be the culprit. I will update once I've had a few more trials. * Application: tricky bc it dries and adheres (see above) very quickly but the key is to prep and prime skin first and build gradually. This is how I do it: >>> > Put a small amount (about a 5p/dime size) on the top of the hand you don't usually use to apply makeup, for me this is my left as I'm right-handed) > Apply with clean finger tips or a synthetic bristle brush > Apply just in the area of high pigment and spread out with finger tips, using light touches; use a brush to feather the outline so if you're only applying to one area of the skin it won't be obvious. * I use this as a base, and then apply highlighter (either YSL touche or clinique) and contouring over the top. Because it dries very matte, I use a powder bronzer for contouring despite going against the beauty bible of keeping them all the same texture (e.g. liquid foundation, liquid blush/bronze etc I'm not sure this is the best idea or not as I'm a novice, but it works for me :) ).
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Bare Escentuals - Bare Minerals ALL
dieffenbachia 12/4/2012 12:05:00 PM
Skin type: oily t-zone, prone to oiliness on the cheeks, sensitive and acne-prone. I've had acne since a teenager and am approaching my thirties and have never shifted it for more than a couple of months at a time. ************************************************ Impact on acne-prone skin: Does not clog, does not make me break out as long as I clean my brushes regularly ************************************************ Coverage: Buildable coverage, however probably not as much as I would like - it doesn't cover any hyperpigmentation. ************************************************ Finish: Slightly shimmery, dewy finish which does not sit in pores. However, you have to be careful to follow their technique and buff gradually to build up the coverage otherwise it will look cakey. ************************************************ Staying power: Will come off if you rub it, so be careful who you hug! ************************************************ Colour match: I am pale, with a cool-pinkish undertone, but will tan if I build it up gradually. Fairly light is probably the best match but TBH their range of tones is not ideal. I recently discovered Alima online and have ordered some of their samples bc they have a MASSIVE range. ************************************************ Packaging: Not ideal for portability, the powder gets everywhere! ************************************************ Value for money: The foundation pots last ages. If you were applying every day with touch-ups I would say one pot would last about 6 months. I am using one still that I've had for a few years - mineral powders have longer shelf-life than other foundations. ************************************************ Overall: I quite like the foundation as it doesn't make me break out and have repurchased several times. Though I'm still on the look out for a better foundation which would be suitable for my skin as the colour-match, coverage, and durability are not ideal. I've not tried other mineral foundations so I cannot compare the finish and have just purchased Alima samples so will update. As a powder it is helpful for oily skins as it absorbs oil. However, you may need to reapply during the day because it won't reduce oil production.
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Eye Primer -Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Original (UDPP)
dieffenbachia 12/4/2012 11:45:00 AM
>>>> HG PRODUCT: Put an end to annoying eyeshadow creasing and smearing. *************************************************************************** I have slightly oily eyelids (skin is generally oily), particularly after lots of dancing, so eyeshadow would always crease up in the eyelid. *************************************************************************** This was recommended by Sali Hughes of the Guardian. OMG this is a real HG product. You only need the tiniest amount - literally less than a cotton bud head (note to self: I should add a photo to show how much I apply) so although it seems expensive for the tube size, once you realise how little you use and how well it works, you will be recommending this to others! ***************************************************************************** My eyeshadow stays in place ALL night after dancing in hot, sweaty clubs . Even after layering up eyeshadow (full smoky eye with at least 3 colours). Moreover, this product helps eyeliner stay in place which is perfect if you want the liquid liner to remain intact all night. ***************************************************************************** Can apply this above the eyelid and on to the brow bone to help the lighter shadow layer to remain in place. I remove all my eye make-up with johnson's baby oil following the Lisa Eldridge method (I can't buy her French brand which she swears by as I'm in the UK and am not going to pay £6 for it). Easy as.
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Masks -Unlisted Brand - Aspirin Mask
dieffenbachia 12/4/2012 11:34:00 AM
Skin type: oily t-zone, prone to oiliness on the cheeks, sensitive and acne-prone. I've had acne since a teenager and am approaching my thirties and have never been completely clear for more than a couple of months at a time. ***************************** Application: 1) cleanse skin in normal way but apply mask before any treatments 2) 3 non-coated aspirin with a drop or two of water in a clean, cupped palm. 3) rub into paste (I attempt to do this but in reality the aspirin seems to remain in little balls) 4) DAB on to skin with two fingers. I do not rub as mechanical exfoliation is not ideal for my sensitive skin. 5) leave for 10-15 minutes 6) rinse with lukewarm water taking care not to rub off. I use clean hands and no cloth. If you want to use a hot cloth, I would wet it first and dab to remove letting the water do most of the removal of the aspirin. Try not to rub. Alternatively, rinse off under running water in the shower (about 36/37 degrees). ****************************** Duration: I've followed this for 1 week so far ****************************** Frequency: Every other day (3 days in total so far, today is my mask day :)) ****************************** Immediate effect: Clearly I'm not expecting to know what the longer-term impact will be on my skin, but the immediate impact was that it reduced the redness and inflammation of spots. Immediately after the mask is washed, my pores are clear - no obvious plugs of dirt in my enlarged pores where they usually accumulate. ************************************** Overall skin condition: It hasn't caused a massive break out, though I'm not sure whether it's reduced spot occurrence either yet (hard to say as I'm currently ill which is an additional stressor of my skin). I still have whiteheads which appear on a daily basis - yay. However, black heads are reduced I think. Can be drying, so important to follow with a moisturiser. I will have to update after a month.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Dermalogica - Dermal Clay Facial Cleanser
dieffenbachia 12/4/2012 10:54:00 AM
Skin type: oily t-zone, prone to oiliness on the cheeks, sensitive and acne-prone. I've had acne since a teenager and am approaching my thirties and have never shifted it for more than a couple of months at a time. Overview: not enough improvement to warrant the price. I would not repurchase because of comedogenic ingredient glyceryl stearate. Regime: I used this for about a year so was really able to let my skin adjust to the new regime. I applied with clean finger tips and rinsed with water (light touch). I followed it up with the Medi-Bac moisturiser and their targeted spot treatments. Impact on skin: First bottle seemed to control my skin flare-ups. I would get only occasion spots and I liked the feeling of my skin afterwards. My skin became noticeably smoother and softer. Purchased bottle number two about 6 months into the regime. The gains started to wane and noticed my skin deteriorate with the occasional cystic acne breakout. I'm not sure whether the product itself gave rise to the cystic acne or whether it was not keeping them at bay, but overall I felt it was time for a change to something cheaper that may not aggravate skin and thus lead to cystic acne. It is worth noting that the dermal clay cleanser has glyceryl stearate in it which is a comedogenic ingredient and may contribute therefore to blocked pores. Packaging and price: Pump made for easy application. One pump was sufficient for entire face and neck. Two pumps for more thorough clean. Pump can be locked in place for portability in a wash-bag - fiddly to do. The large size bottle (I think 16 oz) lasted me 3-6 months which meant that although initially expensive, the product lasted a long time. However, the large size was not very portable for short trips/weekends away. Aside: Something that all acne sufferers should check before buying is the ingredients list of products for ingredients that exacerbate or aggravate acne (you can find a list of ingredients to avoid from the acne.org website which I have saved on my comp for when I want to try a new product).
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Lip Treatments -Burt's Bees - Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter
dieffenbachia 12/26/2011 7:26:00 PM
I bought this for my boyfriend who has combination skin but very, very chapped lips. A transformation! He uses this daily and in a few weeks has done more for moisturising his lips than calmex has done in years! Annoyingly a lot of lip balms (including calmex) contain menthol or camphor but these can have a drying effect on the lips. Instead BB uses beeswax and essential oils which have been so lush. Another benefit is that the smell is lovely and tastes yum (if you accidentally get some in your mouth). I will be buying some more, but for me this time! Update (1 year later): I've since stolen his lip balm and am using it myself. Love the smell, taste (oops), texture. Really softens the lip. However, this is not going to have an exfoliating effect because it's not designed for this. It just keeps chappedness at bay. I stopped using it at the start of this winter (I couldn't find it) and got chapped corners of my mouth. Started reusing and haven't suffered any more chappedness :)
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Moisturizers -Paula's Choice - RESIST Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator
dieffenbachia 12/26/2011 7:11:00 PM
Sooooo good and yummy. I am using this in combination with the PC BHA liquid. I have to say that this has become my HG moisturiser primarily because it has a) skin clearing benefits, b) makes my skin so soft, c) makes make up application easier, d) has a mattifying effect, e) I feel it has made a small difference to my pores: they look less obvious after applying this (though I doubt it is a permanent transformation). Doesn't make me breakout, it seems to have helped clear my skin along side the BHA liquid. It doesn't have an spf so I do use a sunscreen over this during the daytime It is a bit pricey, though I've been using for 3 months and it is still going strong so cost per use may be good. Will update review when the product finishes. At this point I don't see myself switching to another moisturiser as I think this is my HG. >> 1 year update >> Packaging: Quality is nice, however, you can't get all the product out without dismantling - I had to do this to finish my last one :) Benefits: One tube lasts me about 3 months (I've purchased 3 in one year). It doesn't make me break out. It has a lovely texture. I would say now that after all the seasons, this is all I need as a moisturiser in the summer; however, in the winter I would like something a bit more hydrating - the combination of heating and cold winds have dried my face. Overall: this is my HG serum and works well as a primer. Pricey though :(
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Paula's Choice - Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant
dieffenbachia 12/26/2011 7:04:00 PM
Great product for clearing skin. Am about three months in now and I have noticed a marked improvement to the skin. I still get blemishes but I reckon that may be my less than diligent day/night routine. Am going to try for a month twice daily and will report back. >>> 1 year update >>> Benefits: Great for cleaning out blocked pores. Nothing I've tried works better on a daily basis ( I am currently trying the aspirin mask for a more substantial impact - review is posted) It is worth noting that this product can be quite drying. It is important therefore to moisturise afterwards and ALWAYS wear a sunscreen in summer. Salicylic acid makes the skin photo-sensitive so sunscreen is essential! How I apply: dribble a quarter-sized amount/ 50p size into a clean, cupped palm (I don't want any wasted on cotton wool). With two fingers apply all over face and on to the jaw line. I try to be as light as possible and do not rub in. Frequency: Twice+ per day (if I try blackhead extraction, I ALWAYS follow up with this). I need to find a decent moisturiser for the winter months as this is becoming more drying, but I have to say that I would never be without this product or an equivalent strength product. Salicyclic acid (BHA) is the go-to ingredient for acne-prone skin - the only thing that has ever worked at all on reducing the frequency of breakouts and their severity. PC website is also very useful for advice on using BHA. Apparently, for any beneficial effect BHA has to be 2%.
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Treatments -Clarins - Beauty Flash Balm
dieffenbachia 12/7/2011 1:02:00 AM
Mostly dreadful experience with this. I know friends that swear by it but for me I broke out in tiny lumps and bumps under my skin. Eugh. Plus I didn't notice any difference when wearing it! It didn't have any impact on oil control either. Did not suit me at all.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No