Moisturizers -Cetaphil - Moisturizing Cream
ldybach 3/7/2008 2:01:00 AM
(sorry for the length) This Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is absolutely wonderful. I use it year round. Do not confuse this with the lotion - especially the dreadful spf lotion by Cetaphil. Maybe they've changed it, but the spf lotion was a bad experience for me. The non spf lotion is fine, but I prefer the heavier cream moisturizer. I have very dry skin in general and eczema around my eyes. My face gets extremely dry in the winter and this is one of the few things I can use regularly without any irritation or burning. Even around my eyes. It's not meant as a face cream really, but most people use it there as well. I've read that some people react to it - I think most attribute that to the Propylene Glycol, so if you are sensitive to that you may want to skip it. Try a smaller tube first. Also, many that hated the product and claimed it burned or made them break out also commented that it smelled bad. I think it's possible they had a bad tub or old tub - but maybe not. Nothing will agree with everyone. The scent reminds me of a clean baby. The scent does get odd when it's old and should be tossed. I would recommend it as a cheap night cream for some. It goes pretty far since it's so rich. A large tub lasts me quite a long time - many months. I have another night cream I prefer, because I get fairly dramatic results the next day, but when my skin is being fussy and irritable I always turn to this. Also, in the winter my night cream isn't always up to snuff as an overnight moisturizer so I use it as a day cream and Cetaphil as a night cream. It feels so water based (hard to explain) when you dig your hand into a fresh tub - I love a new tub. I almost want to ditch my old one when I'm part way through just to experience a new tub - that's dumb, I know. Instead I move the half used tub to my bedside to use just on my body and get a fresh tub for my face - that's probably more hygienic too. Maybe I should just break down and switch to the tubes for my face. For some reason I just prefer the tubs. Oh - and I really slather it on my face at night some times (my house is so dry in the winter, it's a an old log home and sucks up the moisture even with humidifiers going round the clock). It does not make me break out - and I can be prone to break outs if I get lazy. This does come in tubes that others find more convenient - and I have mini ones to keep in my purses etc. My sister has used this on my niece since she was born for her severe eczema - they love it. My niece is now five and loves the little tiny tubes I share with her. A very, very light, natural seeming fragrance - not perfumy - just clean. Nice for a baby. Some may think it's greasy - but if you do I think it's probably just too rich for your needs. Try the lotion. I do think the lotion is also very good, just not rich enough for my needs. But again - I did NOT like the spf lotion which is completely different. I have to try the newer DailyAdvanceTM Ultra Hydrating Lotion. Maybe I'll pick that up tomorrow. A little goes a long way.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Body -Eucerin - Itch Relief Moisture Spray
ldybach 1/10/2007 2:37:00 PM
Definitely a must have HG item for me.
I bought this when I found it at a discount grocery store that sold close out items. Since it was made by Eucerin and I have eczema and itchy skin year round I figured I buy a bunch of it and try it. I only get to that store four times a year or so since it's an hour away. And once an item is sold out they rarely get any again, that's why I bought a bunch of them before I knew if I liked it or not. They often sell things in that store that are being discontinued. I'm glad that wasn't the case with this item.
I thought I'd use it at night when itching kept me from falling asleep. Within a day I realized it was perfect for spraying on my back when I got out of the shower.
This is great for areas on your back you can't reach to apply lotion. I haven't had a dry back during winter for the last two years, and it was a huge problem in the past. I had large red patches that almost covered my back and the itching was constant. Now I hardly ever have to ask my husband to apply lotion for me. So it definitely does moisturize, my back is soft.
As others have mentioned it does need to be improved to spray upside down.
I don't notice any fragrance and it doesn't burn unless you apply it after scratching something almost to the point of being open or you just shaved.
You don't need to rub it in and I've not noticed any staining of fabric - I dress immediately after applying.
Since I had so many and really liked them I gave some away to family and told them to use it on their back.
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Masks -Arbonne - Thermal Infusion Enzyme Mask
ldybach 12/9/2005 12:36:00 AM
I have reviewed a bunch of Arbonne items including the entire RE9 anti-aging line. If you read my review for the entire RE9 line package you can get more of an idea of the type of skin I have.
I've always considered myself to have very sensitive skin. I can only use certain moisturizers and have only found two that I can use around my eyes - and I have eczema there.
I have dry skin too.
I was a bit unsure about trying this product but the reviews made it sound interesting so I got a sample.
I won't go into how to use it because so many others have.
While it did burn like sunburn (but not painful, just hot) and redden my skin quite a bit, I had no bad reactions to it and really liked it. So I purchased it.
I've now used it three times and really like it. The redness doesn't last long with me. It cleans out my pores rather well and my skin is very soft and feels fresh and new.
I've never tried peels or anything like that, so I can't compare this to those. I'm a bit afraid to since I don't react well to many things that are more harsh.
I think I could safely use this several times a week and it should be great for getting rid of dull winter skin.
Definitely use it at night the first time. Then if you have good results perhaps you could use it on a Saturday afternoon for glowing skin that night.
I followed it with toner (to remove any residue), serum, and a thick moisturizer.
Give it a try. You can always return it.
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Palettes -Lauren Hutton - Good Stuff Face Disc
ldybach 11/16/2005 3:32:00 PM
I never heard of this until last month and I was fascinated right from the start. I finally ordered it last week and received it today. I ordered Yellow since I have an olive complexion with lots of yellow and dark circles. I'm of Hungarian/German descent (along with many other things) and fairly dark complected.
I don't have many wrinkles but my eye area sometimes does due to me rubbing my eyes in my sleep because of allergies and eczema.
I watched the video as soon as it arrived and immediately went into the bathroom to try it out.
It's really great and just what I expected/wanted. I look just as great (maybe even better) as I do when I apply my normal arsenal of makeup but I look as if I'm not really wearing any. If you look at my face for signs of eye shadow, eye liner, obvious lipstick or foundation it almost appears as if I'm not wearing any, but yet I look "made up" and not unpolished at all.
Now, as Lauren states in the video, some people may still need foundation. I used the tinted moisturizer that was included and really liked it. I think some times I may need foundation when my skin is really a mess, but today it was uneccesary - and I don't have perfect skin. I'm always uneven and blotchy this time of year.
The concealer is wonderful - it blends like nothing I've used before. It seems sheer but yet it covers like crazy. I have very dark eye lids and circles and it worked wonders there.
The balm is just okay, but I'll definitely use it up. The eyeliner is a type and color I like to wear for everyday, so that's great for me. Nothing irritated my sensitive eye area.
It's the first palette that I can use everything in it and hardly need anything else. Perhaps just powder, mascara and some foundation sometimes.
I was tempted to throw out all of my other makeup clutter and just have this nice neat set. But I am just 36 and sometimes like to wear different colors and may want a less natural look some nights.
The tips are great and even though I'm pretty knowledgeable about contouring I learned some new tips. My face does look much thinner and I look younger.
I'm going to try her wet/dry foundation I think. I'm also buying this for my mother and maybe my sisters for Christmas.
The initial cost is somewhat steep, but I hardly need anything else and the refills are very inexpensive.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Arbonne - NutriminC RE9 REversing Gelee Transforming Lift
ldybach 11/15/2005 12:23:00 AM
I am reviewing many Arbonne items including the entire Re9 Anti Aging Line. Please see my review of the item "Re9 Line", it will explain my skin type so I don't have to repeat it, it's very thorough.
This item I have not tried yet, not really. I wanted to add it to see what others thought and when I've used it more I will comment on it.
Here's what I know:
It didn't irritate my sensitive skin.
It's considered a temporary "face lift" in a bottle.
People I know have tried it and seen pretty dramatic results - used it on one side of their face and not the other kind of thing. I'll have to try that.
For now I won't knock it - I like everything else. I'll make a point to use this and rate it soon.
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Moisturizers -Arbonne - NutriminC RE9 REality SPF 8 Day Creme
ldybach 11/14/2005 5:15:00 PM
I am reviewing (over the next 24 hours) several Arbonne items including the entire Re9 Anti Aging Line. Please see my review of the Re9 Line, it will explain my skin type so I don't have to repeat it, it's very thorough.
At first I thought I did not care for this product and did not really use it. I told my sister that I didn't care for it and she said she felt the same at first until she realized she was using too much.
All of Arbonnes items (that I've experience) are very concentrated and go a long way.
At first this seems greasy and not as light as I'd like for a day cream. But the more I used it the more I liked it.
It doesn't irritate my sensitive skin (as long as I avoid my eyes a bit) and it sure does moisturize. It's nice under makeup but leaves me a little shiny without makeup, so I wear powder if I'm heading out and don't want to bother with foundation.
I think it should have an SPF of at least 15, maybe it will eventually.
It doesn't really have a fragrance and I like the sanitary pump dispenser. You can see how much is left by unscrewing the gold band near the top of the dispenser. They must use opaque packaging to product the stability of the products since they aren't loaded with preservatives.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Arbonne - NutriminC RE9 REactivating Facial Serum Day and Night
ldybach 11/14/2005 5:04:00 PM
I am reviewing (over the next 24 hours) several Arbonne items including the entire Re9 Anti Aging Line. Please see my review of the Re9 Line, it will explain my skin type so I don't have to repeat it, it's very thorough.
I have just finished an entire bottle of this so it's a good time to review it. I started using it in mid July, so it lasted about 4 months and it's the first item I've run out of in the Re9 line that I bought at the same time. Those products last and last.
I may use too much, my sister finds she needs less than a pump full and I like one large pump full. I like to moisten my entire face with it.
In the summer during the day when it was humid and my skin wasn't very dry I would just wash my face and apply this and not even follow with a moisturizer. It makes your skin feel very smooth.
It's the very first serum I've been able to use and it doesn't irritate my skin, even when I tried it around my eyes. And I have eczema there.
When my skin is very dry (the heat is on now and my skin dried out for a week) it does sting very very slightly. But that has passed now.
My pores look much better since I've been using this but I have no wrinkles except for my eye area and I don't really use it there, so I can't say whether this has helped my wrinkles at all.
This doesn't really have a fragrance and I like the sanitary pump dispenser. You can see how much is left by unscrewing the gold band near the top of the dispenser.
I will continue to use this item - or perhaps try Arbonne Naturesomes for the winter, it's better for very dry skin which I have.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Arbonne - NutriminC RE9 REnewing Gelee Creme Hydrating Wash [DISCONTINUED]
ldybach 11/14/2005 4:38:00 PM
I bought the entire Re9 line and I am reviewing it. See my general entire Re9 Line review to see my skin type, etc. It's very long and I don't want to keep repeating it everywhere.
I really love this face wash.
I love the very light citrus scent (very light and not added) and it doesn't dry my sensitive/dry eczema prone skin.
It lightly lathers and does not strip your face of natural oils, but it does clean very well.
I love the pump dispenser and a little goes a VERY long way since Arbonne items are very concentrated.
I wash my face every night without fail and some mornings (maybe two a week) if I'm not taking a shower right away. I've been using this since July and the bottle is still 2/3 FULL. I think this will last me a year.
My sister goes through it much faster but she used too much. I only need 1-2 pumps to clean my face thoroughly.
Right after I began using the Re9 line I noticed my pores were much clearer and appeared much smaller.
I do need to use moisturizer right after washing my face, but I have VERY dry skin.
Arbonne offers a 45 day return policy.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Arbonne - Re9 Eye Cream
ldybach 11/14/2005 3:58:00 PM
I am reviewing (over the next 24 hours) several Arbonne items including the entire Re9 Anti Aging Line. Please see my review of the Re9 Line, it will explain my skin type so I don't have to repeat it, it's very thorough.
My eyes are a big problem area for me. The skin around my eyes is very sensitive and I have eczema that flairs up there. I'm constantly fighting myself to keep from rubbing my eyes and touching them because the skin itches.
I have tried many eye creams and wanted something to use at night and during the day under my makeup. During the day I could use a Curel lotion, but I wanted something thicker for at night. And I worry about wrinkles because of the way I rub my eyes in my sleep.
This was the first eye cream I've found that didn't sting the skin, make my eczema flair up, make me rub my eyes when I was sleeping, or make my eyes themselves burn. I didn't have to wash it off and could sleep in it.
My mother, however, did react to it. So it isn't for everyone.
It is a thick cream that you can feel even a while after you've applied it, but I kind of like that, especially at night. And I wear it daily under my makeup and it works just fine.
I've been using this bottle since July and it's only half gone. I use it at least once a day EVERY day.
I've also just tried the Arbonne Bio-Hydria eye cream and that may be even better for me during the winter - I just have a sample right now.
The container for this eye cream is wonderful since it's in a pump and nice and sanitary. Everything should be in a pump. You can easily control how much comes out and little goes a very long way since these things are concentrated.
At first I, like many others, thought you could not tell when it was getting empty, but you can unscrew the gold band near the top of the bottle and pull out the inner clear tube and see exactly what's in there.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -L'Oreal - Voluminous Waterproof Mascara in Soft Black [DISCONTINUED]
ldybach 9/17/2005 1:33:00 PM
Right now this is my favorite mascara, I've repurchased it a few times.
It removes easily and goes on easily. I don't have to apply a few coats to get the right thickness, one or two coats are good for me - maybe more at night.
It definitely thickens better than others I've tried.
It doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes and skin. It doesn't flake for me - it stays put completely, even in humid weather. I swam with it on, then it would get smudgy. There is no real fragrance.
The only thing I don't like about it is when you get a new tube it takes a while until the brush comes out with the proper amount on it. At first it has way too much on the brush. I don't like a real dry brush, but not too full of product either.
The brush is a nice quality brush with lots of bristles and it's curved.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Arbonne - NutriMinC REcover Night Creme
ldybach 9/17/2005 1:42:00 AM
I bought the entire Re9 line and I am reviewing it. See my general Re9 Line review to see my skin type, etc.
I don't have much experience with night creams - I've only used regular moisturizer (usually Corel) and Clinique's Turn Around cream, which I liked.
This has virtually no fragrance and does not irritate my very sensitive skin.
It is heavy and a little goes a long way. I apply it while my skin is still damp from toner or serum and it goes much further that way.
Get a sample and if you like it sign up to be a wholesaler, you'll get better prices and there is no selling obligation or pressure. You're merely a customer who can sell if they like and who get's a discount.
This is rich and may seem heavy and greasy to some, but I have dry skin and have used it even during hot, humid weather overnight and loved the appearance of my skin the next day.
At first I didn't use it every night due to humidity because I assumed I would break out and my skin wasn't dry. But my sister said she used it during humid weather when she didn't think she needed it and every morning her face looked much better than when she went to bed. I started using it every night and had the same results. And I didn't break out during humid weather.
I would kind of prefer a pump dispenser similar to the eye cream, but this may be too thick and maybe pump dispensers don't let you get every last drop out. And at $72.00 an ounce you want to use every drop. There are ways to get it free or at a pretty good discount.
I've been using this since July and now it is something I would not want to do without.
For fall/winter I have switched to a heavier day moisturizer and continue to use this at night. It's great.
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Toners -Arbonne - NutriMinC RE9 REstoring Mist Balancing Toner
ldybach 9/17/2005 1:24:00 AM
I am reviewing (over the next 24 hours) several Arbonne items including the entire Re9 Anti Aging Line. Please see my review of the Re9 Line, it will explain my skin type so I don't have to repeat it, it's very thorough.
This item I will have to review again and edit this review once I see how effective it is. I have been using is since mid July.
It is gentle and non-irritating and comes in a spray pump bottle. It has a very light scent (no added fragrance).
It's main ingredient is witch hazel and I plan to try using that in place of this when I run out and see if my skin shows any change for the good, bad or stays the same. That won't be for some time yet, then I'll review this again.
I would prefer this to be in a squeeze bottle, I think, so that I could use it better with a cotton ball. You can easily open it and just dump some onto a cotton ball, but then you get more than you need.
I have a feeling that Witch Hazel would have the same results as this item. And witch hazel is much cheaper. I bought the entire Re9 Line together, and this was included.
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it, but it may not be neccesary.
For now I am saying "Yes, I would buy this again". I like using the entire line together and it really seems to be working for my sensitive skin.
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Concealers -Bobbi Brown - Concealer Kit
ldybach 9/17/2005 12:47:00 AM
I have used this for a year. Concealer is the one thing I use every day above all else because of my dark circles. Even if no one but my husband will see me I wear concealer on my circles.
I would buy this again because it's a convenient thing for traveling - having the small container of powder with the concealer. Powder normally is sold in much larger pots. So I like the size, it's great for the purse too. It measures about 2" in diameter and has a shaker style lid on the powder side (under another screw on cap) so you can just shake out a bit into the cap.
The concealer works very well on me and they come in good colors. A yellow base is important for most people and the Beige concealer is definitely a bit yellow, as it the powder.
Both apply easily and wear well.
I don't use the powder every day, but often enough - especially when it's humid.
I like the packaging but would like to see a small brush replace the cloth covered puff type applicator (like pressed powder applicators) for the powder. They make neat little round flat powder brushes now that fit in flat spaces well and have a wider bristle end. I prefer a brush for loose powder. Kind of like the one offered by Bare Escentuals in their compact.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Bobbi Brown - Sepia Ink Long Wear Gel Liner
ldybach 9/17/2005 12:30:00 AM
I did a review for this under just the generic "Gel Eyeliner" for Bobbi Brown. It's a good color - brown/black, not too harsh and most people can wear it.
I have an olive complexion with dark hair and my sister wears this with a light complexion and blonde hair. We both have brown eyes.
The violet is nice also but my sister says she can't tell the difference between the two when she wears them. I can, the violet pops more.
The gel eyeliner wears very well and looks lovely.
See the generic Gel Eyeliner reviews.
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Eyeliner -Bobbi Brown - Gel Eyeliner
ldybach 9/17/2005 12:21:00 AM
I have a problem with eyeliner (which I wear along my upper lash line) transferring to my brow bone because my eyes are so deeply set. I've NEVER been able to wear the gorgeous pencils because they smear right off and liquid looks so harsh.
I have very oily eyelids and get eczema around my eyes - so I have both oily and dry skin around my eyes - it's annoying.
This applies so nicely and looks almost better than pencil, I just love it. It wears very well for me.
I do go over it with Aromaleigh's eyeliner sealant. That helps a bit too, because I still will loose some of this throughout the day due to it transferring a bit to my brow bone. But it wears much better than anything other than waterproof liquid and looks so much better than any liquid can.
I've had no experience with it being troublesome to remove, it removes very easily with the removers I use (either Almay Non-Oily Eyemakeup remover which is actually oily but works well on dry skin or the Mary Kay stuff you have to shake to mix).
The colors are pretty nice, but I've only seen the violet and Sepia in action.
It does tend to get dry looking in the pot but will still feel creamy to the touch - and that's after a year.
I don't use the brush they suggested. I had a finer one I preferred already and it works great. I make sure to wipe it off after every use or it will stiffen. I wipe the excess off on the lid before I apply.
No fragrance and non irritating to my sensitive eye area. Cute little glass pots.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No