Product Reviews by joyechols

Skincare - Face -Unlisted Brand - Intelligent Nutrients Skin Care
rated 3 of 5
joyechols 2/28/2012 9:59:00 PM

this is only for the intelligent nutrients anti-aging cleanser. The bottle is a plastic pump that dispenses a dark yellow oil consistency fluid. It smells like detergent + mushrooms, not the best smell but I didn't mind too much. It is nonfoaming but cleans out skin pretty well. I'm not sure how the anti-aging component works, I didn't really feel as though the cleanser did that much. But after finishing the first bottle, I can say my skin felt better and not so stripped which is good. I would buy again, but the price for what it does is a little high.

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Cleansers -Korres - White tea fluid gel cleanser
rated 4 of 5
joyechols 2/20/2012 10:03:00 PM

I really wanted to try this cleanser because it seemed clean and I'm a big fan of white tea. Korres generally makes clean products that are hydrating, so I was excited to try. The bottle has a very small top that can slip off easily since it is so thin. The gel is thick and smells good- though not like white tea. A little goes a LONG way as it foams up A LOT! It can be a little drying so don't get too much on and don't let it sit on your face for too long. My skin didn't really feel any different, but it did it's job in cleaning it so for the relatively cheaper price it costs, I would use this as a back up cleanser.

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Treatments -Dr. Brandt - collagen booster
rated 4 of 5
joyechols 2/20/2012 8:10:00 PM

I don't think this is the most effective serum on the market but I do enjoy using this as a long-term preventative serum. It stimulates collagen production which helps fend off fine lines/wrinkles. I apply this on my forehead and smile lines. Within a week of use the skin around this area is softer and the wrinkles "feel" more shallow when I run my index finger through it. I also like that it is one of the only serums that doesn't have a side-effect. No redness, break outs, or flaking. I haven't seen a total difference but the effects this has on my skin however minimal, are worth a longer term investment.

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Treatments -Sunday Riley - Good Genes
rated 2 of 5
joyechols 2/20/2012 7:55:00 PM

I've read raves about Good Genes and so I was eager to get my hands on a bottle when Barneys carried it. It isn't cheap for 1oz, but usually serums can last a while. The bottle is beautiful and looks great on the restroom counter. The serum itself is a citrus scented gel that absorbed quickly. It is sold as a treatment serum, so it doesn't really moisturize, it just "fixes" skin. With that said, I didn't see drastic changes. Initially, my skin was a little red and tingly with the first week of applications but then it did nothing to my skin. I was disappointed that the product didn't live up to expectations.

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Cleansers -Cetaphil - Gentle Skin Cleanser
rated 3 of 5
joyechols 2/9/2012 7:05:00 PM

Very affordable product that everyone knows of by now for being really gentle and calming. The bottle is a pump top that isn't very sturdy, I've had two bottles that both fell in the shower and broke off the top. This is the only product I've ever used that had that happen- TWICE! The cleanser itself is milky and a liquid gel texture. No scent. It feels like it coats your face and does a sufficient job of cleansing off makeup. However I was unhappy to learn that they use mineral oil, parabens, various alchohol, and petrochemicals in their formula. This really isn't a "simple" cleanser, it is loaded with things that have been shown to be damaging in the long term. I have since switched to more natural brands.

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Treatments -Nude Skincare - Advanced Cellular Renewal Serum
rated 2 of 5
joyechols 2/9/2012 2:45:00 PM

An all-natural product that relies on probiotics to renew the skin- I was instantly hooked on this premise! The container is a matte pink-purble color that is very subdued and textured. I really loved it. For $90, I was eager to try this out since it is still cheaper than many of the more expensive serums out there. The smell wasn't good or bad, but may not be to everyone's liking. It reminded me a lot of yoghurt and I'm concerned about the proper method to keep this product clean since you have to dip out on the wand with each use, exposing the fluid to airborne bacteria and any accidental contact bacteria. The serum itself was a little heavy but very hydrating. My skin felt quenched. However I didn't notice any significant "renewal" to my lines or complexion. In addition, this serum does not play well with moisturizers, and my skin felt like an oil slick. Although it didn't make me break out, my skin did feel heavier and after 3 weeks, I got small bumps along my hair line. Had to stop using this serum, but once I did- my face calmed down. Sadly, this isn't for me.

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Moisturizers -Laura Mercier - Multi-Vitamin Serum
rated 3 of 5
joyechols 2/8/2012 12:24:00 AM

I am a huge nutrient buff- so needless to say, when I saw Laura Mercier had a concentrated multi-vitamin serum (C+E)- I was excited to try it out! The two serums have to be combined but I get better results putting them on separately- the serum seems to absorb better that way.The Vitamin C is fairly basic, some brightening was seen but nothing amazing. Overall, there wasn't anything amazing for the amount you pay for it and I will be trying other options.

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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser
rated 3 of 5
joyechols 2/7/2012 8:54:00 PM

I've been hearing rave reviews about Tata Harper so I really wanted to try her products to see what it was all about. I love the nontoxic products and wanted to see how my skin would handle it after years of using Lancome and La Mer. The smell is very floral and earthy- I tried to get myself to like it, but I just couldn't, but I won't fault Tata for this, it just isn't everyone's cup of tea. The cleanser did a decent job of cleaning my face but wasn't very effective with makeup. My face felt very nice and hydrated but the bottle is just so small and I just don't think it was worth it.

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Treatments -Clinique - Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
rated 4 of 5
joyechols 2/7/2012 8:47:00 PM

I know this product is a very hit-or-miss type, and I definitely think that there might be a placebo effect here. One of the sunspots I had still has not faded so I'm not sure how effective it truly is. However, I will say that the serum absorbed easily and felt very moisturizing. The smell was light and a little bit chemically, which I expect from Clinique. I think this serum works very gradually so immediate results aren't realistic. I did notice that my skin felt "healthier" and brighter, but I'm not sure if I am just seeing this because I want to believe it or if it truly has improved. I was told that 8 weeks is the time I need to give it to be effective eventhough a 1 oz bottle only lasts 4 weeks. I will buy again just to finish out and see if there is a change.

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Treatments (Eye) -La Prairie - White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum
rated 3 of 5
joyechols 2/7/2012 8:42:00 PM

I've had great success with the White Caviar line, it is generally very firming and moisturizing. but the Eye Serum was a disappointment. The serum had a strong alcohol smell and this or another irritant caused my eyes to water. Compared to cheaper brands, this serum went on smoother and felt richer but there wasn't a difference in results.

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Cleansers -Ren - Rose Centifolia Facial Wash-Normal skin
rated 5 of 5
joyechols 2/7/2012 8:37:00 PM

Not only is this cleanser very clean in terms of being natural and non-toxic, but the packaging prevents airborne exposure to help the product maintain effectiveness. I was very pleased with the cleanser, it left my skin moist, not stripped, toned, and refreshed. The smell was very light, and subtle with hints of aloe and rose. The texture was gel like, and also it didn't really lather up well, it was very effective at cleaning. Only complaint is that the pump should be more durable, have had two malfunction after rolling out of shower. But will definitely purchase again.

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Treatments -Sisley - Daily Line Reducer
rated 2 of 5
joyechols 2/7/2012 8:34:00 PM

When I made a switch to more natural lines, I decided to try Sisley since it is made from botanicals (this product says it is 99.8% botanical), and made in France where regulations are slightly higher than it is Stateside. The serum comes in a pump that works but is very similar in look to cheaper lines such as Clinique. The serum is a light brown, gel textured fluid that has hints of lavender fragrance (an active ingredient). I applied it AM and PM to my smile lines and fine lines on my forehead for 2 weeks before deciding this product just didn't work. My smile lines seemed more pronounced and my fine lines had no change- however I did get some break out on my forehead where I applied this serum. I'm really not too sure this product is truly a performance driven product because I didn't feel or see any positive changes.

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Cleansers -Jurlique - Purifying Foaming Cleanser
rated 2 of 5
joyechols 2/7/2012 8:29:00 PM

Was so excited to try the purifying cleanser after reading so many great reviews about it online and in magazines. Switched from Kate Somerville which I loved but wanted to get into more natural regimen. The bottle and pump are cute and look great in my bathroom. However the fluid smell will definitely be polarizing. It doesn't smell "natural" or "good"- almost like the toilet cleaners in restaurants. There is something very strong and overpowering about it which I didn't expect. The fluid itself lathers nicely and a small pump goes a long way! It left my skin feeling slightly dry, and I have to apply extra moisturizer so my skin doesn't go crazy. Will probably try a more gentle cleanser that smells a little better next time.

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