Shampoo -Wen by Chaz Dean - Cleansing Conditioners - All
gothikim 1/24/2012 11:10:00 PM
I tried Wen, and used it for about 6 months. I was in love--my hair was soft and shiny and my curls defined... The last 6 weeks or so that I used it I noticed increased hairfall--as much as triple what was normal for me. I never had scalp irritation or scalp buildup, so I sat down and did some research on the botanical extracts and essential oils in Wen. Turns out that the ragweed to which I am wicked allergic is related to chamomile and marigold, both of which are in all Wen cleansing conditioners. I was upset, both because I was losing excessive amounts of hair and because I had to stop using Wen! I stopped the Wen and went back to sulfate-free shampoo with conditioner, the hairfall slowed and went back to normal. My husband and daughter don't have all the same allergies I do, and they're rocking right along with their Wen formulas. I don't hold any kind of grudge against Wen, because my allergies are my responsibility, not theirs. I have an oily scalp with a lot of medium-texture hair that is wavy to curly. I color with henna, so my hair is not very porous. I was using the Cucumber Aloe CC with great results. My daughter's hair is baby fine and also wavy to curly. Her hair LOVES the tea tree formula. My only "complaints" about Wen are the price (obviously) and the lameness of the pumps on their bottles. The cleanser is too thick for the pumps to handle over time; they start to lose the seal between the parts and refuse to pump.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Deodorants -Donna Karan - Cashmere Mist Deodorant
gothikim 1/24/2012 10:54:00 PM
I tried this deo originally because I received a travel size sample. It is amazing.! I tend to sweat quite a lot, as it's hot and muggy about 8 months of the year in Texas. This deodorant doesn't fail halfway through my day, no matter what I'm doing. Sure, it's 2-3X as much $ as drugstore deodorant, but it smells amazing and works better than anything I'd used prior. I've repurchased a couple of times since, and I hope it's not discontinued!
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Skincare - Face -Kate Somerville - Eradikate Acne Spot Treatment
gothikim 1/21/2012 4:14:00 PM
I can't tolerate benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur-based acne products give me similar antibacterial results. I bought Eradikate because it contains sulfur, and quite a bit of it. I was expecting a total miracle product, based on reviews I'd read. Eradikate works well on my average, everyday zits, but not as well on the occasional deep cystic zit. Then again, I haven't found much that works on the cystic buggers, so I can't really hold that against the Eradikate. Yes, it's smelly and stings like the dickens. Yes, it's unattractive on the face. Yes it's a bit odd application-wise. All that said, the results are well worth the bother for me. So far it seems to be pretty cost effective, especially since I bought it on sale for 20% off.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Peter Thomas Roth - Un-Wrinkle
gothikim 1/21/2012 4:00:00 PM
I started using PTR Un-wrinkle serum about 3 years ago, when I could no longer deny that I was getting fine lines around my eyes and some corrugator lines on my forehead. :) Botox is not an option for me, but after doing some research on peptides, I thought I'd give them a try. Un-wrinkle contains the best peptides on the market today, and in the greatest concentration. I've used other peptide products, but none of them seem to hold a candle to PTR Un-wrinkle. It has literally stopped my lines in their tracks, and improved the appearance of the ones I'd already developed. I have oily skin, and I prefer very light-textured skincare products. This serum isn't oily at all, and it sinks right into my skin. After I apply it to my face with my fingertips, I dampen them with a few drops of water and then work the remaining residue into the backs of my hands. Waste not want not ;> My 25th HS reunion was this past summer, and several classmates that I hadn't seen for years commented on my skin's appearance. Thanks, PTR!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Peter Thomas Roth - Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads
gothikim 1/21/2012 3:46:00 PM
Un-wrinkle peel pads are a must-have for me. I use them 2-3 times a week, and they help control blackheads and keep the fine lines in check. They are the most cost effective product in the PTR Un-wrinkle line, IMHO. I love Un-wrinkle serum too, and I feel like they work hand-in-hand to help with the developing fine lines and my adult acne. I have sun damage on my chest and hands, so I use the pads there as well. Each one is good for a face/neck/chest/hands application. Despite having touchy skin that flushes easily, I don't experience any discomfort when using the peel pads--just a little tingle. I apply the peel solution and leave it on for at least 15 minutes before removing it, so that I can get some benefit from the Un-wrinkle ingredients in addition to the exfoliating ingredients. I'm not crazy about the packaging--the risk of contaminating the entire jar seems a bit high. I'm super-careful when I get a peel pad out, and I do NOT share this product with anyone else in my house.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Clarisonic - Clarisonic PLUS Sonic Skin Cleansing System
gothikim 1/21/2012 3:33:00 PM
I love love love my Clarisonic. I have sensitive pre-rosacea (flushes easily and painfully) skin, but with acne and the beginnings of fine lines. Cleansing well, but gently, is of the highest importance to my skin regimen. The Clarisonic works wonders for me--cleansing well but without abrading my skin. I use the delicate skin replacement brushes for my face, and the body brush is awesome for elbows and knees, and any other areas that need a little exfoliation. Sure, it's spendy compared to one's hands or a good ol' washcloth, but I feel like the Clarisonic brush provides a superior clean with less irritation. I've had mine for about 2 years now, and it's still charging well and going strong.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Murad - Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel
gothikim 1/21/2012 3:24:00 PM
I love this gel, and I hope to never be without it. I have pre-rosacea skin that flushes easily and painfully, but the gel doesn't cause me any undue discomfort or peeling. I apply it after cleansing (with the Murad Acne cleanser), before PTR Unwrinkle and sunscreen. It helps dry current pimples and reduces the number of zits that I get at any one time. It doesn't prevent hormonal acne or my persistent blackheads, but I have yet to find a product that will do that... It seems pricy at first glance, but a little bit goes a long way, and I'm happy to find somewhere else in my skincare regimen to save a few $$$. Obviously anyone sensitive to salicylic acid shouldn't use this gel, since that's the active ingredient.
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Shampoo -Organix - Awakening Mocha Espresso
gothikim 1/21/2012 3:00:00 PM
This shampoo smells good--not quite foody, but mildly coffee-y and cocoa-y. It strikes me as a very unisex scent. The texture is gel-like, similar to other Organix shampoos I've used. It takes some getting used to, but it's workable. I found that the shampoo cleanses okayh, but must definitely be followed with a conditioner. I'd never expect to NOT have to follow a shampoo with conditioner, so this isn't a negative in my mind. I have a really oily scalp, and I don't think this shampoo provides as much cleansing as I really need to avoid being oily on the 2nd day. It would probably work better for people with a drier scalp and dry hair. Where it smelled good and cleansed well enough for daily use, I won't be repurchasing it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No