Cleansers -Earth Science - Active Age Defense Whipped Cream Cleanser
dragonflygirl7 6/3/2012 7:39:00 PM
This is a beautiful cleanser for my normal, sometimes slightly dry, sometimes slightly oily skin. This has a fluffy and creamy texture, delightful, barely detectable aroma, rinses cleanly, and provides gentle, yet thorough cleansing. This rivals and surpasses the Clarins Gentle Cleanser with Shea that I have just finished up...and is less than half the price. The container has changed a bit..and mine says Active Age Defense Whipped Cream Cleanser with Beta Ginseng. Highly recommended!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
BB Cream -Origins - A Perfect World SPF15 Tinted Moisturizer BB Cream
dragonflygirl7 4/21/2012 9:12:00 AM
Edit~The shades are very tricky, and the shade I use is a bit too peachy...I do hope they tinker to improve them.~ End. This is a perfect blend of moisture, color and coverage. I'm about NC30 and wear the Light/Medium. It's more coverage than most tinted moisturizers, is slightly moisturizing on my normal skin without being greasy and lasts much longer than I expected. I set it with a mineral powder...I have tried Alima, Jane Iredale, and BE with it...and the look is perfectly natural. The problems associated with tinted moisturizers and all the other US BB creams I've tried are, in my experience are streakiness, pasty (or not enough) shades, sparkle, sheen, thick feeling and uncomfortable, or too little coverage. None of those problems with this! Origins did well with this version, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Please note that they left out the citrus and other potentially irritating essential oils which are common to their products, and that the SPF is not enough protection. I do use another sunscreen underneath, and/or pair it with an SPF powder on top. $35/1.7oz. (My tube does not say "BB" on it...the SA told me the first shipment of this left that off the label by mistake)
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Moisturizers -Paula's Choice - moisture boost daily restoring complex
dragonflygirl7 2/1/2012 7:06:00 PM
HG winter sunscreen. Applies like a dream...slightly whipped feeling, moisturizes nicely without looking or feeling greasy, and works great under any makeup. The packaging is nice...a flip top tube which stands on end. In the summer I use her Extra Care non-greasy spf 45, which is much thinner and less emollient. For me, these beat every other sunscreen I've tried, both high and low end, in the chemical sunscreen category.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Clinique - Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth Makeup
dragonflygirl7 1/22/2012 9:34:00 AM
This is a nice foundation for my 48 year old dry/combination skin, which is in good shape, but has some retin-a induced dryness and sun induced unevenness...and it rivals my very expensive Armani one. It is also under $40, which is a definite plus!! I never used the original Repairwear, but tested it, and if I remember correctly, I think this one is a bit less heavy, and seems more moisturizing and dewy. My skin looks hydrated (I did use a good moisturizer under this...actually a sample of the Moisture Surge Intense), and very even, and feels comfortable...this does not seem to dry down looking cakey or accentuating any imperfections as many good coverage foundations do. It has a stable spf 15. The only problem with it, and most, of Clinique's foundations, is finding a believable shade...(also no pump on the bottle). I am about an NC30, slightly olive, and the SA tried the #6 (a supposedly neutral shade) on me and sent me home with a sample. It looked OK in the store on my jaw, but when I applied it all over, it was quite pink. I went back and tried the #7 (a gold shade), and it looked great! Not really very gold...so I can see how anyone with really warm skin would not be able to find a match. I would recommend going to your favorite Clinique counter (the one closest to me is NOT my favorite, as most of the SAs are kind of um, standoffish), and getting a sample. I love the counter at Nordstrom..actually all the makeup counters at Nordie's are extremely helpful!! The SA there gave me a sample of the Moisture Surge Intense moisturizer, and a serum sample as well...Can't beat that! Going to purchase today :)
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Giorgio Armani - Designer Lift Smoothing Firming Foundation
dragonflygirl7 12/8/2011 10:31:00 PM
This foundation is exactly what I have been looking for! Silky application, catches the light, is not thick on the skin, and cannot tell I have makeup on! It is creamy and flexible, and I don't feel it on my skin...as a matter of fact it feels like a moisturizer in a way...but great coverage! This is definitely skin enhancing for my late 40's complexion, and as we are going into winter, I need a bit of cushion in my face products. No alcohol in this either..that's important to me! I'd been searching all brands for something to replace the Bobbi Brown Skin foundation, because that one, although it looked fantastic right out of the gate, is virtually gone by noon (and I did try it every which way). You know the ropes, go to a counter and ask, try to find your perfect match, get samples even if you get a sightly off shade, try to find a day that you wont be in front of a hundred people, try it on, wait, keep checking it in different lights, or wash it right off when you realize it's not doing a thing for you. I'd heard about the Armani Luminous Silk, and when I went to the counter to try it, I saw this new one. The SA put the LS on one side, and this on the other (no powder), and I walked around for a bit. The first thing I noticed after looking in the mirror was how good my skin felt! The LS was a tad flatter on me, and this was brighter and a more perfect shade match so...we have a winner! I'm NC30 and shade 6 was flawless. Expensive, but breathtakingly beautiful!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Estee Lauder - Double Wear LIGHT Foundation SPF10
dragonflygirl7 8/27/2011 10:48:00 PM
This is a perfect foundation for me in the spring/summer warm temperatures that challenge my dewier foundations (BB Skin, BB TM, LM Silk Creme), and make them slide off. I had tried the original DW, but it was too heavy. If I apply this very sparingly and stipple it on with a foundation brush, it looks amazing, lasts all day and doesn't sweat off, and doesn't feel too heavy. I'm using it with BE's original primer, as this makeup is not necessarily pore minimizing. I was worried it would be too flat, but it does have some dimension, without any shine or shimmer.There are not many shades, but they are very forgiving and pretty neutral. I will see if it agrees with my fall/winter skin, which can be dehydrated at times. These days, in my 40's, I seem to need to tailor my foundation (and to a certain extent, my skin care) to the weather. The EL counter will give you a sample of any foundation you'd like to try, which is invaluable in helping you choose the right one for your skin!
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Tinted Moisturizer -Bobbi Brown - Tinted Moisturizer - New Formula 2011
dragonflygirl7 8/27/2011 10:24:00 PM
I would have to say that this is a great option for someone with dry skin. When I wear it, it feels as though it never really sets, and my face is a tad too dewey. Nice in the dead of winter, but not other seasons. It is quite comfortable, and the shades are very easy to wear. Many of Bobbi Brown's foundations are of high quality, and extremely natural looking. I have also worn the Skin, and tried the newer oil-free TM, which I feel is a better option for most times of the year. Foundation is the only makeup item that I will splurge for without question, in order to get it just right. All of the makeup artists that work for BB are every knowledgeable and helpful, and make that job easy!
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Toners -Clarins - Toning Lotion w/ Chamomile for dry or normal skin
dragonflygirl7 8/7/2011 8:58:00 AM
This is an awesome toner for any skin. It's gentle, but effective, with a slight botanical aroma that is natural and pleasing. I put a bit on a cotton pad and go over my face after washing,and before moisturizing, and it does remove the last bits of anything from the day. I transfer a little to a travel size bottle, because I find the screw off cap on this to be a pain. This is the only toner I have repurchased and it's not too expensive for a department store line. Most of Clarin's products agree with my skin. Not all HG, perhaps overpriced for what they are, and not the most "active" products out there, but perfect for me since I use retin-a, and try to keep most everything else very gentle.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Christian Dior - Diorskin Nude Hydrating Makeup SPF 10 [DISCONTINUED]
dragonflygirl7 4/8/2011 5:24:00 PM
Nice package and pump, but there is apparently more to this foundation than I knew when I bought and tried it. I wanted a longer lasting foundation than BB Skin, but still thin and as undetectable as possible on my less firm areas, which are around my mouth from smiling. This was sold to me for those attributes, however, even after reading all these favorable reviews, when I put it on at home and went about my day, my skin looked a bit flat and dry. I tried my fingers first (disaster) and a brush next (better). So much for the hydrating part. Today, I went to return it to the Dior counter, and the SA was not there, so couldn't comment. I went over to Lancome to try the new Teint Miracle (yup, that's what I'm lookin' for at 48) and a makeup artist from the company was there and really gave me tons of valuable info on both Dior, who she used to work for, and Lancome. She told me that the Dior Nude Glow is a mineral foundation and has 2 parts really...the minerals and the water, which you need to shake vigorously to mix, and that at first, the formula clogged the pump until they fixed it. Then she told me that after you put this foundation on, dabbing it w/a brush and letting it set, you need to go back and buff it to get the glow. Well, the Dior SA never said a word to me about that when I bought it, nor did she take the time to apply it on me, so those factors lead me to believe that this is not a foundation that is for quick application, and the way I was applying it was leaving me dry, flat and patchy. Alcohol is at the top of the ingredient list. As it stands, I would think this would only be good for oily skin types, as there is not really any hydration, and it will emphasize textural flaws if you have any...The Lancome artist and I both agreed that minerals of any type are best for skin that is either virtually smooth, or it's 90 degrees out. This makeup artist matched me with the Teint Miracle in 4W and gave me a sample. I think it will be much more forgiving than this foundation. I love that there are people who will share their knowledge and experience with you without making you feel totally clueless, which is how I felt trying out this foundation. 3 lippies for the possiblities this might have for the right person.
9 out of 10 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Jennifer Aniston
dragonflygirl7 3/31/2011 7:16:00 PM
A very enjoyable, good mood fragrance, sure to please most and offend no one! There is a similarity to BB Beach, but this one lacks the spice bit that Beach has. It is a light, clean (ever so slightly soapy ala Pure Grace) floral that hints of warm weather days to come, vacations, wearing your softest ivory cotton sweater, kicking back with giant mugs of half caff Sumatra on a slow Sunday, window shopping, finding the perfect serendipitous trinket you didn't know you wanted. Not complicated, but memorable in the way that little pleasures can be. If this is night blooming jasmine, I love it! As far as longevity, I sprayed some on my clothes and it's still there 5 hours later. I will definitely repurchase. I got this with a gift card my children got me for my birthday, and I know they really like Jen, and they loved the scent. As celebrities go, she's as pretty, likeable, and unlikely to offend as her debut fragrance. Edit:8/11 I'm finding this disappearing too quickly, leaving nothing, honestly, in it's wake. A higher quality fragrance should last longer, and alas, I will not repurchase.
7 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Shiseido - Bioperformance Super Eye Contour
dragonflygirl7 3/23/2011 8:34:00 PM
I do have a special place in my heart for this product. It comes in a pump bottle with a little flip cap on the opening of the pump! But that's just one reason I love this eye cream. It is extremely hydrating without being greasy and never causes milia. I use one small dot of this at night only. With eye creams I use at night, I like to be able to see where I've put it and not look and say "where'd it go?" At my age, I need a lot of moisture and replenishing in this area. This does leave a nice veil of moisture, absorbs well, and has never caused puffiness. I would think you could apply it well before makeup if you want this much moisture in the daytime, or apply even more sparingly. I am sensitive to fragrance and cannot use many of Shiseido's products. (My other favorite eye cream is Estee Lauder's Verite in the tube) Only problem now is, my teenage daughter has taken to using it, and it's quite expensive. She smiles with her eyes, like me, so is noticing little lines already. No need for this yet, though. Highly recommended nourishing eye cream!
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Crème -Laura Mercier - Silk Creme Foundation
dragonflygirl7 2/6/2011 5:14:00 PM
Update 2/2012~I can't wear this anymore sue to the difficulty I have had with application, the heavy feeling and slightly thick look on my skin, and the slightly off match. I am trying the oil-free TM in Sand at the moment and liking it much better.~End update. I've been using this for the better part of 6 months and am very pleased with every aspect of this. I was looking for longer lasting coverage without a dry or cakey formula for my 40's skin that I treat with Retin-A. It gives great coverage, a radiant finish, and lasts for most, if not all, of my day! Coming out of the tube (which is a brilliant packaging, I think) it is thicker than my other high end foundation, BB Skin, but I just dab this in bits over areas of my face and blend, blend, blend with my fingers. I have to make sure to apply less rather than more. I do not powder over this. The wonderful woman who sold this to me suggested to use a damp cosmetic sponge, and for the record, I did try that, but being a low fuss girl, I found my fingers to work fine as they do warm up the foundation. I think the sponge is a great option to sheer this out, as well as the option to mix with tinted moisturizer. It has no sunscreen, so would be great for flash photography, but I apply my serum and spf 30 underneath. I am NC30 and use the Cashew Beige. I was complimented at the MAC counter while browsing their foundations by the MUA who said, "oh, whatever you're wearing now is nice, and radiant". I'm considering the LM TM next, as I've been impressed with the quality of this product. Worth the $$. Highly recommended!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Caudalie - Night Infusion
dragonflygirl7 1/7/2011 6:27:00 PM
This, along with many of Caudalie's products, is a cosmetically elegant cream that smells fantastic, fortifies my skin, and hasn't irritated or caused blemishes. In the winter I can use this over my sunscreen in the AM and also at night, alternating with my retin-a 3x a week. There is resveratrol (grape seed oil), shea butter, grapevine shoot extract, grapeseed extract, vit e, ceramides and sodium hyaluronate included in this lovely product, and no parabens if that is something you are concerned about. The tube keeps it stable and able to travel. Pricey, but a spa-like experience every time I use it! You can get a nice sample of this at Sephora or Nordie's. I have not found one product from this line that I dislike, and I am a tough customer...not all are suited for me, but I would recommend trying everything they sell, and do think that most are worth saving/splurging for.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Bobbi Brown - Intensive Skin Supplement Serum Anti-age Multi-action
dragonflygirl7 1/7/2011 5:56:00 PM
I read reviews of this on beautypedia.com and decided to try this serum at the BB counter. The wonderful SA there made me a very generous sample that lasted over 2 weeks. In that time I found that it not only kept my skin soft and balanced,but also alleviated dry areas and evened out my skin tone a bit. I love the non-silicone texture of this, as I feel it is absorbing into my skin better instead of sitting on top and suffocating my pores. (just a feeling, you know?) I love Paula's Choice products, but not the silicone textured ones. How nice of her to recommend this! This is the only moisture I needed this past summer, a few drops am and pm (there is small amount of castor oil in here). I did not notice a film or stickiness at all. I could, however, do without the glass bottle. While elegant, I am deathly afraid of dropping this in my porcelain sink/tile floor and having it smash. There would be tears!! Lately, I have also used Caudalie's Vinoperfect serum and it is in the running as an alternate/replacement for BB's when I am done. It has a very similar texture, but with a hint of a lovely grape/herbal scent. The Caudalie evened out and brightened my complexion like no other, with not a hint of irritation, even in the driest, coldest weather! For the record, I use retin-a 3x a week.
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Skincare - Face -Korres - Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Antiwrinkle Night Cream (Age-Reversing Night Cream)
dragonflygirl7 12/21/2010 8:48:00 PM
This is a pleasantly, but highly scented, buttery textured cream in a brown glass jar. I didn't find it to be very cosmetically elegant, as it tended to feel a bit heavy and waxy on my skin. No glow, no radiance, just thick moisture. I'm not sure what kind of skin this would be perfect for, but I have a feeling this would be better for truly dry skin whereas mine is only occasionally dehydrated. My recently zit free skin now has a few new clogs, which I'm not happy about, so I cannot recommend.
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