Lip Treatments -Christian Dior - Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm
jaeselle 2/18/2012 2:50:00 PM
Fav new "nothing there" gloss. Great strawberry blush color on me SUPER moisturizing. Loses a little bit of shine, but that is replaced but the moisture that really settles into your lips and doesn't sit on top like most balms. Big fan.
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Treatments (Eye) -Shiseido - Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist 24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream
jaeselle 1/28/2012 4:32:00 PM
annnnnnnd Shiseido reformulates the Benefiance Concentrated Anti-Wrinkle Cream yet again: 3rd time in 15 years. I have reviewed all 3 creams on this site. For those of you that have been cult followers of Shiseido Benefiance Revitalizing Eye Cream from back in early 2000's you know it was reformulated 5 years ago to be called: Benefiance Concentrated Anti-Wrinkle Cream (which we all know was the EXACT same product with a new name...I never saw a difference anyway). Same great super emollient line softening magic in a jar. Now Shiseido's 3rd installment in Benefiance eye cream reformulation gives us the Benefiance WrinkleResist 24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream which is part of their new Wrinkle Resist 24 line. This was the last product in the line to debut- it was actually delayed in stores by a few weeks. Now that we've gotten through the history.....I have always loved this eye cream, have been using it religiously since I've been 23 years old and amoungst all the other eye creams i have sampled over the years nothing compares and I always come back to Shiseido. One downside to this product is if you stop using it, your lines may come back and I cant figure out why... It's a product that you will have to continuously use in order to keep the wrinkles/lines at bay (Age prevention was always a huge concern of mine. I am now 37). So I'm going on 14 years of this product's loyalty and here's why: This cream just got THAT much better. It's similar consistency as the original version, but it's a little thicker and less greasy. My eyes NEVER feel tight when I use this product- ever and it never absorbs and disappears, it really does have lasting hydration. AM test: I put the cream on 4 hours and and i can STILL feel the emolliancy & hydration under my eyes. The one difference i notice is that the cream is not as greasy (meaning i always saw a sheen even after waiting 30 minutes to put my makeup on) now it's less so and I like that a lot. None of my makeup has creased into the small lines under my eyes either. This cream doesn't ever pill off your face either, never has. PM test: I have tried tons of other eye creams in the past to see if other products ever show this up. The only thing that has ever come close has been the 3Lab WW eye cream that has amazzzzzing almost immediate lifting properties (so i use that during the day)....but i always come back to Shiseido for nightime. Nothing makes my eyes feel better or more refreshed when I wake up in the morning. 2 weeks post sampling I see a noticeable difference in the fine lines around my eyes and underneath them. The older formulation also used to make my eyes water a little at night if it came to close/migrated into my eye- this doesn't happen any more. One thing this product still doesn't do and never did was reduce dark circles or puffiness so I still layer this on AFTER other products like Dr Brandt Dark Circles Away Collagen Eye Serum Roller (nothing has EVER worked better at reducing puffiness than the DR. Brandt product 2nd to that comes Clarins Eye Revive Beauty Flash). For that, the new Benefiance reformulation gets 4 stars instead of 5. Overall- I am super pleased with this reformulation for reducing fine lines and hydrating. ....and quite frankly at $55 who wouldnt be pleased? They haven't raised this pricepoint on this in years- it's a steal for this amount considering their biggest competitors are Revive ($190) and 3lab ($260) which are both almost 5X the cost, respectively. The new official description from Shiseido is as follows: An ultra-rich, age-defying cream that visibly improves the appearance of all types of eye-area wrinkles—from inner-corner creases and under-eye wrinkles to crow’s feet, lid creases and under-eye vertical lines. The WrinkleResist24 signature ingredients prevent future wrinkles and repair existing wrinkles. Contains burnet extract to revitalize cells and counteract lost firmness. Developed with advanced Shiseido technology and ingredients including Super Bio-Hyaluronic Acid-N for intense moisture and Hydroxyproline to promote collagen production. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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Toners -Shiseido - Benefiance NutriPerfect Pro-Fortifying Softener
jaeselle 1/28/2012 3:54:00 PM
My skin went from oily to dry/flaky/irritated and itchy this year so I had to change up my cleansers and treatment routine. Background: I was using Shiseido Pureness Deep Cleansing Foam for 12 years followed by MD Skincare OIl Free Hydrating Moisturizer. I never used a toner or softener ever before 2 weeks ago. I went to Bloomingdales and spoke with the SA for an hour about my skin changes over the past year and as part of a new regimen, she suggested I try the Future Solution Extra Rich Cleansing Foam followed by the Benefiance NutriPerfect Pro-Fortifying Softener. The Future Solution line is relatively new for Shiseido and I hadn't tried any of that line (much higher pricepoint as well). The Benefiance NutriPerfect Pro-Fortifying Softener (which Shiseido reiterates over and over is NOT a toner) it's a softener not a gimmick to sell you more products--it actually contributes to how much softer your skin feels post-cleansing and helps balance out the PH so you're not feeling "stripped" of natural oils. I have been using this for 2 weeks and I see a difference after I wash my face. I apply 3 pumps onto the Shiseido cotton (which is ammmmmazing) and pay all over my face. This DOES help even out the tone and also adds additional moisture to my face and calms down flaky skin. Its very creamy in texture and not like the other softeners that Shiseido carries which are more liquidy in nature. The official product description Shiseido gives is as follows: A skin-fortifying softener with a maximum infusion of nutrients for maturing skin, specially formulated to restore resilience, firmness and suppleness. New Nutrition Infusing Technology instantly delivers generous amounts of Carnosine DP, a signature ingredient which restores lost cell vitality and boosts skin's defense against free radicals, into the skin. Remarkably enhances the skin's reception for the next step of moisturizer. Provides the pure nutrition that maturing skin needs as hormonal changes challenge its strength and elasticity. While I'm not "hormonal" or going through menopause i still like the Benefiance line a LOT- always have even since I was 22. I'll still figuring out if the softener is worth the $58 pricepoint (b/c I've alreday used 80% of the full sized bottle (5oz). But i do like it so far. I follow this up with the Bio Performance Corrective Serum which off topic--- has been the most wonderful addition to my regimen so far. Great packaging, and great smell. definitely buy the Shisedo cotton, BTW it makes a huge difference and it's ultra soft.
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Cleansers -Shiseido - Future Solution Extra Rich Cleansing Foam
jaeselle 1/28/2012 3:37:00 PM
My skin went from oily to dry this year so I had to change up my cleansers. I was using Shiseido Pureness Deep Cleansing Foam for 12 years. I used to rate cleansers on how well they stripped makeup/oils away and what % of BHAs were in there but i was sooo wrong-- it really is about NOT harming/upsetting/irritating your skin's PH when cleansing using something gentle. I went to Bloomingdales and spoke with the SA for an hour about my skin changes over the past year and as part of a new regimen, she suggested I try this cleanser. The Future Solution line is relatively new for Shiseido and I hadn't tried any of that line (much higher pricepoint as well). This cleanser is amazing, It's like cashmere in a tube and as with all Shiseido products smells amazing. Like all Shiseido cleansers it lathers well with only a pea sized amount- it's soooooo concentrated. This took all my makeup off in 1 wash including my Chanel Inimitable mascara which doesn't come off easily (i didnt need to use the Neutrogena makeup remover cloths at all with this). My skin felt clean AND moisturized, softer than I had ever felt with ant cleanser. Anyone that uses Shiseido products also know that they recommend you follow up with a softener- I use the Benefiance NutriPerfect Pro-Fortifying Softener (this is not a gimmick to sell you more products, it actually contributes to how much softer your skin feels post-cleansing and helps balance out the PH so you're not feeling "stripped" of natural oils.) Totally worth the $55 price point, it's a large tube 4.7 oz and I would recommend to anyone with dry skin looking for something that is more moisturizing in a cleanser. I am leaving off one star for packaging, I prefer cleansers that have a flip top tube/jar for ease of use and this is a twist off cap.
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Highlighters -NARS - Orgasm Illuminator
jaeselle 1/28/2012 3:18:00 PM
This is my go-to liquid highlighter. I actually like this better than the Orgasm blush b/c it leaves a dewy sheen on my face for the prettiest peachy golden glow without looking over highlighted or sparkly. Amazing for summer and even better in the winter months when you're a tad pasty. A little goes a long way! My fav NARS product of all time :)
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Treatments -Skinceuticals - C E Ferulic
jaeselle 1/28/2012 2:43:00 PM
I’ve been using CE Ferulic for 6 years. I have always been a fan of Skinceuticals products and this one tops them all. pros: - This is antioxidant magic in a bottle, something in here reduces sun spots, and signs of aging (fine lines, skin tone, elasticity and smoothness) like nothing else. Overall I attribute this product to 1 of 3 main items that help my skin stay younger looking). It really imparts a glow from within. - C E Ferulic is an antioxidant combination that delivers protection against photoaging - neutralizing free radicals, helping build collagen, and providing unmatched antioxidant protection. More protection means more youthful looking skin and better defense against environmental aging. Contains: - 15% pure L-ascorbic acid - 1% alpha tocopherol - the addition of ferulic acid doubles the already synergistic benefits of our original high-potency formula, C+E, transforming C E Ferulic into a super-antioxidant combination. 2 years ago when Phloretin CF launched I tried that and it didn’t work as well, I have no noticeable results that topped CE Freulic. At $140 it’s an investment but worth it and actually should prevent you form having to use multiple products antioxidant b/c this one is so great. Cons: - 1 thing I cannot stand about this product is the godforsaken small- it smells like liquid hotdogs. Because it works so well I keep using it. Not really fun if your SO smells your face after you emerge form the bathroom in the morning- hahaha. For that, it loses 1 star. One thing I will mention- DO NOT get lured in for the discount price some e-retailers will offer- ONLY buy from unauthorized web retailers. DO NOT order the 6 sample travel sizes--- you cannot guarantee this product will be fresh. I only buy this directly form Skinceuticals or skinstore.com When you receive it, it should be light in color, almost translucent. Every time you open this bottle you expose the serum to oxygen that oxidizes the product and it becomes darker overtime and loses effectiveness, (that is the vitamin C becoming oxidized). I have found keeping this in the refrigerator helps. Overall great product I would recommend to anyone- great antioxidant benefits.
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Treatments -Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) - DMAE Serum
jaeselle 1/28/2012 2:25:00 PM
So last year when i started to see a little sagging of my skin around my mouth/jawline I looked into this product. Like peptides, this cream is great for preventative and restoring aging skin- it has an incredible tightening effect which results in an almost immediate timeframe (not kidding). DMAE is nutrient that extends the life of cells, inhibits the cross linking of proteins, which gives the skin a tone and firm appearance. The serum itself is thicker than say SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, but it does the job. I use this in the morning after the SkinCeuticals serum and before I use any moisturizers This didnt cause me to breakout at all- the only thing i dont like is the smell- it's kinda funky- for that it loses 1 star from me. Overall great product that helps with lifting around my jawline- big fan. Also MUAC just launched their new packaging and i love the bottle this comes in now with the pump (so much better than the old plastic flip-top bottle).
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Moisturizers -Cosmedicine - Private Nurse
jaeselle 1/28/2012 2:15:00 PM
My skin changed from oily to dry overnight this year and had thrown me into a moisturizer discovery phase that I never thought i would experience. I also have bouts of eczema flareups (on my face) which start as super itchy patches, turn into tightened/leathery skin, then then morph into very dry flaky patches of skin. (this year has been tons of fun... :( So i went on the hunt for the ultra moisturizer that can actually be absorbed through these eczema flareups (note to those that have never had eczema: your skin can get so tight and leathery in some paces, nothing breaks through it just sits ontop---additionally no moisturizer can calm/reduce the flakiness.) I have tried all of the following for nighttime moisturization: - Aquaphor - Eucerin Plus intensive repair enriched lotion - Eucerin Redness Relief soothing night cream (burned) - CeraVe Moisturizing Cream I read tons of reviews online for Cosmedicine private Nurse Repair & Recovery cream and ordered it from Amazon for $35. I have to say this is the ONLY cream that calms my skin, reduces the flakiness AND redness. I no longer wake up with flaky skin on my cheeks and nose :) I've been using this since Dec 2011 and just ran out and have to get more. I do use a lot of it though-- day and night- it's the only thing that will work as the last "prep" moisturizer under my makeup that will keep my face moisturized and not get all cracked and flakey by 2pm. I use 3 moisturizers for my day regimen: - Shiseido Bio Performance super corrective serum - MUAC Hyluroinc acid - Shiseido Bio Performance Super Restoring Cream Private Nurse this is the last one I put on- NO breakouts at all even with the heavy silicone in it. ps- The smell is amazing.
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Treatments -Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) - Gly-Luronic Acid Serum
jaeselle 1/28/2012 1:53:00 PM
I had oily acne-prone skin and used the this product for 6 years. My skin responds well to AHA & BHA acids. What makes this product rank above the PTR BHA/AHA serum and Paula's Choice AHA 8% liquid is that the MUAC is combined with hyluronic acid and is more gentle on my skin. BHAs clear our your pores and AHAs are GREAT for exfoliating deep skin cells. This serum is light enough but super effective at doing that. While the glycolic acid is doing it's job it's also allowing the hyluronic acid to seep in and moisturize at the same time which is great for those that have flaky/peeling skin after using glycolic acid products. I only used this product at night (after applying Paula's Choice BHA 2% liquid). I will say i could not use this every night b/c my face would get a little red from the glycolic acid-- but used maybe 2-3/x week it's great for brightening your skin overnight. DO NOT use this in conjunction with Retin A or any hefty VitC serums b/c you might see greater redness. I am a cult follower or MUAC choice products, they have ben a staple of mine for 8+ years. Great formulations!
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Cleansers -Shiseido - Pureness Foaming Cleansing Fluid
jaeselle 1/28/2012 1:41:00 PM
I used this cleanser for 12 years until my face got drier, but will always recommend it b/c it worked so well for me for years. This was my go-to product (i went back and forth between this and the deep cleansing foam)--- I actually liked the liquid better for many reasons: - It always stripped away my makeup with one wash - My skin never felt cleaner after using this- it was sqeaky clean and dint have any harsh AHA/BHA acids in it - 1 bottle used to last me 4 months b/c it's ultra lathering, you only need a a small pump of product to lather up I always used the Balancing softener after this (which is not a toner so much as it replenishes moisture into your skin). This was my holy grail cleanser for years- great for oily skin. I have since switched it up to using the Future Solution Extra Rich Cleansing Foam which is off the charts amazing and moisturizing for those who have dry skin.
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Cleansers -Shiseido - Pureness Deep Cleansing Foam
jaeselle 1/28/2012 1:36:00 PM
I used this cleanser for 12 years until my face got drier. This was my go-to product for many reasons: It's uber creamy for a "deep cleansing product" - It always stripped away my makeup with one wash - My skin never felt cleaner after using this - 1 tube used to last me 4 months b/c it's ultra lathering, you only need a pea-sized amount to lather up I always used the Balancing softener after this (which is not a toner so much as it replenishes moisture into your skin). This was y grail cleanser for years- great for oily skin. I have since switched it up to using the Future Solution Extra Rich Cleansing Foam which is off the charts amazing and moisturizing for those who have dry skin-- but will always recommend the deep cleansing foam b/c it worked so well for me for years.
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Treatments (Eye) -3LAB - WW Eye Cream
jaeselle 1/24/2012 10:34:00 PM
I sampled this for a week- i got a pretty big sample at Barneys ( I didn't want to like at $260 but the SA was saying "you have to trust me- this blow Shiseido Benefiance Concentrated Anti-wrinkle eye cream out of the water"). Here's my take: It's MUCH different than Shiseido. It's not as emollient, but it's thick, rich and crazy hydrating. It also gives an immediate lifting effect which Shiseido does not do for me. Additionally the fine lines directly under my eyes are softened quite a bit, much moreso than ive seen using Shiseido since ive been 22 (im 37 now). Maybe i just needed to switch it up, who knows but this stuff works. my makeup goes on over this very smoothly and i dont see any pilling of the product like you might with Dr Brandt Depuffing roller (which works amazingly but it always pills off my skin). I use this during the day and the Shiseido Benefiance Concentrated Anti-wrinkle eye cream at night b/c i wake up with fresh eyes every morning. 3Lab is not a largely distributed brand (sold in Barneys) compared to, La Mer, Revive, etc) definitely worth a try if you are struggling with major hydration.
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Moisturizers -Shiseido - Future Solution Total Revitalizing Cream
jaeselle 1/24/2012 10:20:00 PM
worth the $230 for this jar of amazingness. If you have dry parched skin- get a sample of this that will last you a few days/week and you'll be a believer. I got a deluxe sample from Bloomingdales and used it for a week. I also switched up my entire skin care routine this month-- 1st time i did this in 8 years (bad, i know). My skin has recently gotten very dry and flaky-- when 5 years ago you could fry eggs on my face it was so oily. (I would give anything to have that oily skin back, BTW) I see a difference in the way my skin holds moisture when i use this cream at night. It's a little waxy but i dont mind for night b/c it feels protective-- i like Cosmedicine Private Nurse Recovery & Repair Cream it doesnt get much waxier than that. I dont use this during the day it's too expensive, I use the Super Restoring or 3Lab M cream during the day. I have not broken out from this at all either and it smells amazing, like all Shisedo products. Expensive as it may be, sometimes you just have to pay for better quality. This is definitely one of those products. I am, and have always been a cult user of Shiseido, they out out a GREAT product and are always improving the technology behind their products.
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Treatments -Shiseido - Bio-Performance Super Corrective Serum
jaeselle 1/24/2012 10:04:00 PM
I got a deluxe sample of the Bio Performance Super Corrective Serum from Bloomingdales and used it for a week. I also switched up my entire skin care routine this month-- 1st time i did this in 8 years (bad, i know). My skin has recently gotten very dry and flaky-- when 5 years ago you could fry eggs on my face it was so oily. (I would give anything to have that oily skin back, BTW) I am, and have always been a cult user of Shiseido, they out out a GREAT product and are always improving the technology behind their products. I believe a serum is only as good as the products you layer it with so I'm going to give my entire routine to get the full spectrum. My routine in order: - cleanse with Shiseido Future solution LX Extra Rich Cleansing Foam - apply Shiseido Benefiance Nutriperfect Pro-fortifying softener - apply Super corrective serum - use Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Regenerating Cream Night cream (or super restorative cream during the day) - Benefiance Concentrated Wrinkle resist eye cream (night) - 3lab WW eye cream (day) All i have to say is OMG. what a difference i see in texture tone and softness. I mixed the Super Corrective Serum with the b5 gel and it's like i have a different, softer, more even texture of my skin. I have dry skin and this really helps lock in the moisture BEFORE you use moisturizer. I have used Skinceuticals CE Ferulic and B5 Hydrating gel for years. Years. until i switched it up a few weeks ago b/c i need to focus on restoring my skin's barrier and moisturize (ill go back to anti oxidants in a few months). I have not broken out from this at all either and it smells amazing, like all Shisedo products. Expensive as it may be, sometimes you just have to pay for better quality. This is definitely one of those products.
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Foundations -Koh Gen Do - Aqua Foundation
jaeselle 1/22/2012 11:11:00 PM
I found the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation OC2 at Barneys and i fell in love with the sheer medium coverage of it. Its got a nice yellow undertone and cancels out the ruddiness that my skin pulls. I dont even have to use any translucent powder to set this, it sets itself. I have gotten many complements on it for a week now. It's not very drying either which is nice. I also like that and it's build-able. Its closest to Chanel Vitalumiere that I have found. I still like the Chanel, im just trying new foundations.
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