Skincare - Face -Bliss Labs - that's incredi-'peel'!
fermidiracgirl 5/17/2013 4:59:00 PM
Got one as a free sample but shelved it for months because I didn't think I'd like it. I have tried other "glycolic acid peel" wipes in the past (by other brands, not bliss) and was unimpressed.. I have mild acne, but lots of scars from when I had moderate/severe acne about 6 or 7 years ago, and still clog/get irritated very easily. I was cleaning out my stash and found this and decided, what the heck. I am impressed!! The next day my skin felt noticeably softer and smoother. The 3 or 4 acne spots I had seemed to dry up/come to a head quicker. It's quite potent though. I'm not sure I would use this every day like they suggest. One packet could definitely be cut in half to be used twice though. I am going out this afternoon to buy the full size. Its $49, but usually I can find a 20% off coupon somewhere. Definitely worth getting a sample. Sephora would probably give you one to try if you ask.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Personal Microderm
fermidiracgirl 1/28/2012 8:51:00 PM
I love this thing. Bottom line - its not as strong as professional microdermabrasion (using the gentlest head), but pretty darn close. My skin is covered with a white powder afterwards, which is kind of scary because its all dead skin. But it feels so smooth and just looks better. They say only use this every 5-6 days but I've used it more frequently without ill effects. just listen to your skin. Completely worth the money. Cant wait to "build up" to the more coarser heads because I want a more aggressive exfoliation, but dont want to overdo it. I have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne that I want to get rid of.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Clinique - Acne Solutions Line (all products)
fermidiracgirl 7/8/2008 8:19:00 AM
wow. just wow. Im a huge fan of proactiv, but this has impressed me more. when it first came out last year as one kit, I shrugged it off as being just a harsh BHA/BP OTC acne product. I had been using the 3-step for oily skin (oily liquid soap, 3 toner, DDMG) and it didnt cause new acne but didnt get rid of what I was dealing with... so I saw the little kit of their acne solutions kit in sephora and I thought, what the hell. It works so much faster than proactiv. its gentler too. and theres no dumb club, obviously. the cleansing foam doesnt seem to do much, but my face was left clean and soft, not tight. the toner I was expecting to be harsh but it wasnt. it has a little alcohol, but not as much as the #3 toner, and no menthol like the #2 toner (at least I didnt feel or smell any). the "moisturizer" was ok, but my least favorite part. its basically an all-over acne cream that doesnt dry your skin out, but I wouldnt call it moisturizing. I have an oily t-zone, and normal skin elsewhere, somewhat sensitive skin, but nothing too bad, and this was very gentle and did not dry my skin out at all. And the pimples I had were reduced overnight, though they were still there. And this didnt make my face red like a lot of other acne products. So Im gonna finish the little kit and plan on buying the full size ones!
********UPDATE: one week later****** so far this has done a very good job to clear up my acne, and I also dont have any new pimples. The downside, my skin is so dry! and my skin was pretty oily before, with it being summer and all. I dont have any flaking, but my skin just feels tight, especially near my eyes. Im hoping my skin will just get used to it after a while. right now Im using city block sheer spf 25 after it in the morning, and at night I use take the day off cleansing balm before it. I dont want to use much more than that because I want my skin to clear up as fast as possible. but it IS working. My skin is definitely clearer than it was a week ago. Oily skinned folks with acne, definitely give this a try. *********update******* sadly I have decided to quit using this - its just too drying! and I have oily skin in the summer. maybe for people with VERY oily skin with acne, this would be a good system. It did dry up acne pimples though. I think the problem for me was the toner because it has oil-absorbing powder in it. but I do think the products are of good quality, although the "moisturizer" was the slightest bit grainy (some lotions with benzoyl peroxide can be this way if the BP is not milled finely enough).
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Moisturizers -Neutrogena - Fresh Moisture Ultra-Light Moisturizer ] [DISCONTINUED]
fermidiracgirl 6/15/2008 9:13:00 PM
when my boyfriend forget my skincare in his luggage I had to go to CVS to buy replacements. I was currently using and loving clinique's DDM Gel and wanted something to get me by until I could get to a clinique counter to get more. In the past I tried to find a drugstore dupe of the DDMG, but was never successful.... until now. This stuff is very very similar. Its a light gel consistency, although it has a slight fragrance. It has a very similar feel to it, although the only thing, it dries just ever so slightly shiny, unlike the DDMG which would dry very quickly on me w/o shine. Im still loyal to my clinique, but this is definitely a decent replacement. and cheaper - $10 for 3 oz, and comes in a flip-cap tube. It has some standard antioxidants (A, C, and E i think), and is oil free.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Bronzers -Clinique - True Bronze pressed powder bronzer - Sunkissed
fermidiracgirl 6/10/2008 9:11:00 PM
got this in the clinique gift time goodie bag at nordstroms over the weekend. Im so pale but the SA said it would be nice on me. me and bronzers dont do well usually, they always look "off" with my complexion. but I started using this just as blush and it looks amazing. I started a new job and had my ID photo taken, and in the picture I look sun kissed. I would consider buying the full size if the little one ever ran out. Im light handed with makeup, so makeup usually breaks or goes bad before it runs out :/
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Moisturizers -Clean & Clear - SOFT Oil-Free Moisturzer - Day ] [DISCONTINUED]
fermidiracgirl 5/28/2008 8:40:00 PM
this has a similar finish to it as C&C's dual action oil-free moisturizer, except it doesnt have that menthol tingle. In other words, its not terribly moisturizing, and dries matte, but if you have normal or oily skin it will be fine. Dry skins will want more moisture. it has good stable broad spectrum UV protection. Avobenzone (3%, Sunscreen), Octisalate (5%, Sunscreen), Octocrylene (1.7%, Sunscreen), Oxybenzone (3%, Sunscreen). CIBA says its PPD (level of UVA protection) is about 6 (PA++), although when the SPF 15 is taken into account, the UVA-PF(DIN) is 13. Anyway, its decent for everyday protection, but I'd use something stronger if I'll be outside all day. If you go to cleanandclear.com/soft you can print out coupons and save a few dollars. I like the container, its a locking pump with a lid on top of that. My target had it on sale for $6.55, originally its $8.49. Im impressed they added white tea antioxidant too.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Revlon - Custom Creations Foundation [DISCONTINUED]
fermidiracgirl 5/28/2008 4:10:00 PM
I bought this on sale at walgreens, it was $9.99 (usually $13), because on my recent vacation I allowed my face to tan a little, and then my foundation didnt match anymore with my skin (was using Sally Hansen by Carmindy). I am usually really pale, and never tan so I didnt know what shade to get, which is why I liked this since you can adjust it. I also have some acne and some scarring which I wanted to cover up. And the SPF 15 (TiO2 and ZnO) was a nice bonus. Well, Im usually fair skinned and typically take the lightest shade of foundations. But since my skin is a little tan now I chose the "Light" version of this, and turned to shade "2" and its a perfect match. (I imagine in winter I would have to use the "Fair/Light" version turned to shade "3" or so). I love the formula. it goes on liquid but dries quickly to a matte finish, I didnt need any powder on top. My skin is normal/dry and it felt very comfortable overtop of my moisturizer (olay complete spf 15). I also didnt need concealer, since the coverage was good enough, even over active pimples. Im so glad I bought this, its so convenient to be able to change the shade. I didnt find the colors to be too warm, I thought they were neutral. Very nice, Im impressed. usually drugstore foundations disappoint me.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Olay - Complete with SPF 15 Lotion
fermidiracgirl 5/12/2008 7:20:00 PM
need a basic, cheap, all-around good moisturizer thats oil-free and has some broad-spectrum UV protection? this is it. it even has vitamins C and E. It goes on nice and light, has a very faint baby powder smell, dries/soaks in fast, makeup looks nice overtop. I paid $8 for the 4oz bottle. If I want more protection I layer shiseido SPF 55 cream overtop. The ingredients for the "normal" version (not oily, not sensitive) are: Active Ingredients: Octyl Methoxycinnamate (6%), Zinc Oxide (3%) Inactive Ingredients: Water, Isohexadecane, Glycerin, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth 7, CyclopentaSiloxane, PEG/PPG 20/20 Dimethicone, Steareth 21, Stearyl Alcohol, Sucrose Polycottonseedate, Behenyl Alcohol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetyl Alcohol, DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Steareth 2, Oleth 3 Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Sally Hansen - Inspired By Carmindy Natural Beauty Your Skin Makeup ] [DISCONTINUED]
fermidiracgirl 5/12/2008 12:15:00 AM
Im very fair skinned but Porcelain was too light for me (there was an opened bottle in the store and I tested it on my hand), so that shade should be reserved for VERY fair skinned people, those who probably have trouble finding *any* shade of foundation. For reference, foundations that match me well: Clinique perfectly real liquid in 02, Clinique Supermoisture in Porcelain, Shiseido Dual balancing in I00 (although its almost too light for me), Laura Mercier Blush Ivory. So I chose the 2nd lightest shade, Ecru Beige. When I tried it out I was surprised how olive the shade was. My skin has pink undertones. But I thought I'd give it a go, and its actually very flattering, since it neutralizes any redness. It looked like I had perfect skin. The consistency is amazing, whether you pat it on with fingers, or if you use a foundation brush, it blends in perfectly. It feels and stays on like expensive foundations. I had trouble finding it since it seems like 1 in a million CVS's stock this new line (But if you're in the Albany, NY area, I found it at the CVS on route 9 near Latham circle). But yes this lives up to the hype :)
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Unlisted Brand - Ped Egg
fermidiracgirl 5/9/2008 4:11:00 PM
I have to jump on the bandwagon. No DIY pedicure products have ever smoothed my feet like this. Its absolutely on-par with a professional pedicure, but costs only $10. I dont have cracked heels, just calluses. My ped egg really did look like the picture when I opened it up afterwards, with all those foot shavings. eww, right? Didnt hurt at all either. The finishing rub sandpaper thing was really really nice too, so dont forget that part. I saw flakes just coming off with that part too. I soaked my feet first to soften up the skin, and that seemed to work well. Definitely worth the $10 to get your feet in shape for sandals.
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Skincare - Body -Unlisted Brand - Andrea Soothing Jelly Foot Soak in Lavender and Chamomile
fermidiracgirl 5/9/2008 3:48:00 PM
I guess for some this would feel gross. but Im gross, so I like it :) its like soaking your feet in watery jello, kind of. but its not sticky. I think it feels relaxing, squishing my toes around in it. smells great like lavender too. I first got this as an extra in a swap, and then couldnt find it anymore. so when I found it again at CVS today, I stocked up. its only 99 cents. One packet is good for one foot-sized tub, the kind rubbermaid makes. takes a few minutes for the granules to expand. love it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) - 40% Lactic Acid Peel
fermidiracgirl 4/22/2008 3:49:00 PM
My skin can handle AHAs and scrubs easily.. but I think I jumped the gun with this and wasnt as careful as I should have been. I used CeraVe cleanser before and after the peel, and I used the pH prep solution that came with this. I only left it on for 2 or 3 minutes. Anyway, my skin looked and felt great right after the peel. But the day or two after, I had small scabs form around my nose, and some on my cheek, where some skin had peeled. ok, duh, its a PEEL. but still, I thought it would have been gentler. Didnt notice any significant lightening of my old acne scars, but I didnt expect any after one use. Although now I dont know if I want to keep using it. The product is good, but I dont think it agrees with my skin. I prefer a treatment that wont make me scab. Retin A would give me the same reaction, my skin would peel in small areas and then scab up... maybe I will use it as a spot treatment on old acne spots.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Garnier - Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage Moisture Lotion SPF 28
fermidiracgirl 4/21/2008 2:17:00 PM
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3% , Octisalate 5% , Octocrylene 7%. Ingredients: Water , Isononyl Isononanoate , Glycerin , Cyclohexasiloxane , Propylene Glycol , Ethylhexyl Palmitate , Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate , Butylene Glycol , Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate , Dimethicone , Nylon 66 , Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer , Glyceryl Stearate , Behenyl Alcohol , Tomato Extract - Lycopene - Solanium Lycopersicum , Vitamin C - Ascorbyl Glucoside , Tocopheryl Acetate , Kiwi Fruit Water - Actinidia Chinensis , Rosa Canina Fruit Oil , Capryloyl Salicylic Acid , Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate , Caprylyl Glycol , Magnesium PCA - Magnesium , Manganese PCA - Magnesium , Mica , Sodium PCA - Magnesium , Zinc PCA - Magnesium , Titanium Dioxide , Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer , Dimethyl Isosorbide , PEG-8 Laurate , Disodium EDTA
Im a sunscreen fanatic. If there is a stable, broad-spectrum sunscreen out there, I must try it :) Last summer I tried the SPF 15 Skin Renew lotion, but was disappointed to find out it had almost no UVA protection. NEXT. Luckily this stuff is fairly cheap, and widely available - its $12.99 for 2.5 oz and its at every drugstore and walmart/target. And theres always a $1 or $2 coupon floating around in a magazine or drugstore flyer for Garnier products. I love the packaging, its an opaque pump container with a twist/lock pump, and also has a cap too! The sunscreen was the main reason why I bought it, but it multitasks as my antioxidant serum and moisturizer too. It has twice the vitamin C as their skin renew spf 15 lotion, and better UVA protection, which makes me wonder why they dont phase that one out yet. Ads for this claim that it reduces sub-surface UV damage by 27% in 12 weeks. Not bad. Of course it wont be as effective as potent Vitamin C serums, but those cost 10x more. So this is a good all-in-one product if you're looking for a good deal.
As for the product itself: Creamier and less serum-like than the original Skin Renew serum due to the sunscreen, but it left no white cast, and dried quickly with a satiny texture. Light and not greasy at all. Makeup went over it nicely. Much, much less tingly feeling than Neutrogena avobenzone-based sunscreens. The Neutrogena Dry Touch sunscreens would sting my face a little bit, but not too bad. This on the other hand is much gentler. it does have the typical Garnier fragrance, but I like it, its not over powering, its a slightly citrus, light floral smell.
15 out of 15 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Bioderma - Photoderm Family Size Spray SPF 40 PPD 27
fermidiracgirl 4/17/2008 3:52:00 PM
huh, maybe they reformulated this. but its not shiny at all. in fact its very matte, although it is whitening. more whitening than the SPF 50+ Lait or Fluide, but dries much, much quicker and more water resistant. I think it has alcohol in it. Its thin consistency, obviously, because its in a spray bottle. Kind of like a cross between shiseido SPF 55 lotion and bioderma SPF 50+ max lait. One thing though - its fragranced. smells like bathroom cleaner or floor wax or bad perfume or maybe even bug spray. that doesnt bother me, but I know some people would hate it. the bottle calls it "sunshine fragrance". ha. But hey, for a PPD of 27 I will put up with it. I bought it for my upcoming vacation in Jamaica, and I will report back next month how it performed. Got it from leguidesante.com for something like $27 + shipping (from france). I like the spray bottle. It doesnt mist, obviously, more like squirts out in a "jet". hehe. I love that its a 400ml size which is 4x larger than the Lait but for the same price. good deal. If I like it as much as I think I do, this may just replace all my other sunscreens. Will definitely update later.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Estee Lauder - Hydra Bright Skin Perfecting Lotion
fermidiracgirl 4/14/2008 4:36:00 PM
Im unsure of the reviews below mine - but this is for the "lotion" that is in the pump container. I think the kind in the jar are the "creme" versions, and are thicker. Anyway, I LOVE the packaging - finally something that wont degrade all the antioxidants! But... this lotion, although it is probably lighter or thinner than the creme, it still is rather sticky feeling and shiny. It smells nice, and did not break me out. It has mulberry and other natural extracts that are supposed to help with skin lightening. I didnt notice much, although Ive only used it for a few weeks. You probably have to use it for months to see a difference. And I really dont want to put up with the stickiness to find out. I will probably use up what is left, but I dont want to repurchase it because it was $40 for 1.7oz. I need to really love something to spend that much on a repeat purchase. Oh well. I dont regret the purchase, but its just "meh" for me. But Im really happy it didnt break me out because Im very breakout prone. Would be really nice for someone with very dry skin, even though its targeted for normal/combination.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No