Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Olive Essence Spa Experience Facial Gel Cleanser
nikrou 3/5/2013 3:00:00 PM
Found this stuff at Ross for 5 dollars. I have not broken out since. Amazing stuff. I will not use anything else until this fails me. I can't believe an unnamed brand like this could work so well. Does not have parabens and is very moisturizing. I would pay full price for this stuff!
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Cleansers -Unlisted Brand - Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
nikrou 2/27/2013 6:59:00 PM
I would buy this over and over again. Use it for EVERYTHING. Great hair conditioner, GREAT moisturizer for face and body. I don't know what else to tell you guys. You really won't understand until you purchase and use it yourself. And even if it does not work on one of those areas, it is soooo amazing for everything else. I can promise you that it won't be "sitting in the cabinet" or "tossed right into the trash bin". Try it. It's not at all expensive (especially for what you get) and like I said, it's uses are endless. Packaging could be better on some (meaning mine, don't know about yours) but this is made as a cooking oil so I can't knock the hustle.
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Cleansers -Neutrogena - Ultra Gentle Foaming Cleanser
nikrou 2/27/2013 6:49:00 PM
I'm bummed about this one guys. I saw the ad for this stuff in the summertime while looking through a magazine and that I would give it a shot. I typically use and am very loyal to Yes to Cucumbers Gentle Foaming Facial Wash. I came across it at a ross for cheap and have been using it ever since. I hardly get break outs and I definitely due owe it to Yes to Cucumbers. But with that said, I was really on the hunt for something new, cheaper and larger. Yes to Cumbers is 8bucks and about half the size of Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle face wash... mind you Neutrogena's is 10bucks and double the size. It just seemed right. So I went right a head and bought it. I even bought it Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser (the newly formulated one without the beads) since it was a buy one get one 50% off. So let's cut to the core. Firstly, I dont understand how people can make a product for sensitive skin with it contains fragrance. The fragrance alone is enough to irritate skin. With that said, my area around my mouth all the way to my chin looked crazy after I washed my face with this stuff. This has happened to me before with face wash but because I have using Yes to Cucumbers for so long I just wasn't ready for the come back. I'm pretty sure my Yes to Cucumbers has fragrance (sure of it actually) but they do a pretty good job at keeping all of their products paraban free and all natural. So whatever fragrance YTC uses, it's at least better than Neutro. This was a bummer because I really wan't to like it but I can't bare to use my face as a Guinea Pig for this stuff. It's a huge bottle and one that I'm sure would last me forever but I will stick to paying 8 bucks for 3.4 FL OZ than 10 bucks for 12 FL OZ. I personally don't have the time to wait for my face to go back to normal. I see A LOT of others are having a great time with this stuff though. Maybe I will give it about shot when it's warmer.
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Sunscreen -California Baby - SPF 30+ SUNSCREEN 
nikrou 1/22/2013 5:06:00 PM
I have no babies, but I wouldn't put this stuff near my 8 month old goddaughter. This stuff is so oily. I don't know what else to say about this stuff. I feel like an idiot for ever putting this on my skin. It will clog your pores. I am currently waiting for summer so I can use this on my body so it doesn't go to waste. But even on my body it is extremely oily. GREASY OILY. There are better products out there.
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Treatments -Clarins - Beauty Flash Balm
nikrou 1/22/2013 4:58:00 PM
Boy do I feel like I've been missing out on this. I got a sample at Sephora after hearing rave reviews and I ordered my own after using my sample twice. I fell in love. This stuff somehow gives you a glow without looking oily. I agree that the way to put this stuff on is funky -- who the hell is use to patting product on their face? But the method does work. I put my make up on immediately after patting this on and whether it is powder or foundation cream, as long as beauty flash balm is on underneath my skin will GLOW GLOW GLOW. All day. My make up looks at 5 o'clock as it did at 9 in the morning. Its' awesome and I feel silly for being so late on this product. Where have I been? I have also read that it works great alone and gives you a glow even without the make up but I have yet to try it and honestly am not sure if i want to. After patting the product on my face is a bit red (sensitive skin here) so the only thing I want to do next it cover the red up (now had I got to rub this stuff in, we wouldn't have a problem). I personally don't feel comfortable slapping my face with the product (literally) and letting that be that. Maybe for those who's skin doesn't get red easily but my face is red just after washing. For those of you that can rock this stuff with no make up and still feel flawless -- jealous girl here ;) I would recommend this to anyone. Does. Not. Disappoint.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Toners -Skinceuticals - Equalizing Toner
nikrou 1/22/2013 4:49:00 PM
This product is just okay to me. I do not have bad acne nor do I break out often so I personally don't think this item needs to be a staple in my skincare routine. With that being said, I have had the bottle for quite some time now, and i do like to use it every now and then when my skin either needs a pick me up or is too oily. My skin is sensitive and I have discovered that if I use this too often that my skin will break out. If I use this in moderation, however, it is an awesome toner. This isn't amazing to me, but it isn't horrible either. I think you would find something else for cheaper. Using it on days where I have worn make up has helped in toning and removing anything left from my clarisonic (if that's even possible!)
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Sunscreen -Obagi - Healthy Skin Protection Spf 35
nikrou 1/22/2013 4:44:00 PM
This was my HG sunscreen until I discovered Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti Aging Triple Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 on the Skin Cancer Foundation website. I just switched over but still want to give my review on this sunscreen. it's great. The only reason I stopped using it honestly is because I happened to check on the skincancer.org website before repurchasing and noticed that they no longer had the skin cancer approval seal. This sunscreen was great before but that little seal is what made me feel confident about being in the sun and feeling protected. It goes on smooth, remains matte, but can leave a white film over your face if you put on too much. I had to learn this on the 2nd tube. Once I did, I realized I was left with a lot more product. I put a dime sized amount in my hand and then work it in after my moisturizer has settled. I let it sit for a bit and if i want more protection I will put another little dime size on my hand and rub in onto my face. I was feeling very confident about this sunscreen. I have no idea what made the skin cancer foundation take this sunscreen off of their list, perhaps they changed an ingredient or perhaps the foundation just decided a higher SPF is needed for us. I'm not sure, Either way, the site helped me pick a new sunscreen. Feel free to check my review on Elizabeth Arden Prevage sunscreen if you are still on the look out for something. I still would recommend this sunscreen. The seal of sun protection being removed off of this is my only gripe.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Caudalie - Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum
nikrou 1/22/2013 4:29:00 PM
I received a full size version of this that my mom received in a gift bag. She was gifted this and Caudile's Beauty Elixir which I have been religiously using for over 3 years now. I had no idea how expensive this product when I received it -- I was just excited to have a new skincare product to try. With that said, after using it for a few days I noticed my skin became a little bit more clogged. My skin is very sensitive and this product unfortunately seemed like it was on it's way to breaking me out. I gave the bottle to a friend and she fell in love with it. She went through the entire bottle and because it was free didn't know how expensive it was. I'm pretty sure she's saving up for her next bottle now! With that said, this product, like all products, works great for some; me however, no.
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Top/Base Coats -Seche Vite - Dry Fast Top Coat
nikrou 1/15/2013 3:26:00 PM
My favorite and only top coat I will buy. Drives fast (like seconds fast) and is super shiny. Took one lippie off due to the fact that this top coat thickens once it gets to the middle of the bottle and will thus cause you to buy a thinner for it. Don't get me wrong, this doesn't stop me from buying it. I actually usually just buy another when it thickens. Would love to find a top coat just like this but without the thickening issue but until then I am sticking with this.
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Sunscreen -Elizabeth Arden - Prevage Anti Aging Triple Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
nikrou 1/15/2013 3:14:00 PM
I love this stuff. I am a huge skincare product junkie but more than that I am an even bigger sunscreen/sunblock junkie. I will not use anything less than 30 and I am constantly checking on skincancer.org to see what sunscreens have been approved with their seal. I do not feel comfortable wearing any sunscreen that does not have their approval. I was previously using Obagi Nu Derm (Healthy Skin) Sunblock SPF 45 I believe. I loved that sunscreen like we were dating and had been through at least 3 tubes. Upon finding my third tube almost empty I got ready to re-order another but decided to check the skincancer.org website to see if anything had changed. Luckily I was able to find out that they no longer have a seal of approval from the site. I did however find this sunscreen a being approved. Just imagine my dismay when I discovered that was $80. For 1/7OZ of sunscreen? As hefty as the price tag was, I am a sunscreen junkie so I went to the internet to find the lowest price. I was able to buy one off ebay for 35 dollars. Fast forward to the product now being in my purse and I must say that I really love it. Where as Obagi Nu Derm left a nice matte but somewhat white cast over my face, this sunscreen does not. I actually find that my face is smoother after applying this. Not only that, but my makeup just glides on. I went to work one day after applying this sunscreen and putting on only bronzer and mascara. My co-worker couldn't stop telling me how fresh faced and glowing I was. It was a nice feeling to know that a sunscreen did this, not makeup. I feel in love with it so much that I ended up buying another tube on ebay for the same price. I really lucked out. I am hoping this tube I have now lasts me a while and have put the other tube in the fridge to keep preserved for when I'm ready to crack that baby open. All in all, I would highly recommend this sunscreen to those able to afford it. Heck, the skin cancer foundation recommends it too! I will update if my love for this changes but so far -- moisturizing, smooths my face, doesn't break me out, makes me glow without feeling oily. HG sunscreen.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Fresh - Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil
nikrou 1/7/2013 8:34:00 PM
I purchased this product to use something in conjunction with my Skinceuticals Night Refining Cream 0.5%. The retinol in the cream is very drying and I need to make sure that I am using something over that is moisturizing enough to combat the flakiness that often comes with using retinol. This stuff is it. My first couple times using it was a little awkward. I wasn't use to just rubbing a product on my face -- it felt like it was just sitting on my skin. After a couple rub ins though I saw the glow that was hiding underneath. I've had this product for a few months now, and I am still loving it. My only thing is that as moisturizing as it is I still feel like it is missing something. So I am still on a quest to find a great moisturizing oil. Once I finish this bottle (which lasts FOREVER by the way. Don't let the 50 bucks fool you) I plan on purchasing Rodin Lusso Face Oil. This product is a good staple for something who is looking to try out moisturizing oils. A few drops is all you need.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Kate Somerville - Quench
nikrou 10/2/2012 5:11:00 PM
It has silicone in it. And for me, it broke me out horribly. I am in my mid twenties, with very sensitive skin. Moisturizing creams leave me too moisturized and I was looking for something in between. I thought that this was it. Bottom line, i truly feel this product is for those with mature skin. After i started using this as a hand moisturizer (which worked great as that, btw) I gave it to my mother. She had nothing crazy to say about it. She basically used it to have something to use on her face...it definitely lingered for a few months though. And this is someone who is a heavy user of Chanel skincare products. Cheap or expensive, the stuff lacks what it says to do. Kate Somerville doesn't have a winner to me with this one. Fresh Seaberry Moisurizing Oil is a great alternative. I use that with no problem.
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Treatments -Kate Somerville - ExfoliKate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment
nikrou 10/2/2012 5:02:00 PM
My skin is very sensitive so I use this version of Kate's amazing exfoliator. However, for someone with sensitive skin, i must say I have tried the regular and it works just fine for sensitive skin. I actually prefer the original but I received the gentle version as a free gift off of the Kate Somerville site for buying Quench (horrible, horrible product). Once I finish this version I will probably go back to the other one. This one, however, is just fine as an exfoliator and does a great job in getting the dead skin off and revealing smoother skin. I use this once every 2 weeks, as I use a Clarisonic everyday and that does all the exfoliating I need in between those weeks. I would recommend this to anyone who has left over scars from acne and are looking to reveal their newer skin in a less cost effective way than say microdermabrasion.
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Treatments -Skinceuticals - Refining Night Cream With .5% Pure Retinol
nikrou 10/2/2012 4:53:00 PM
This product is great but please beware that it has the worst packaging in the world. Once you can get over that, you will come to love the product...once you learn how to get it out, that is. I purchased mine over the internet and when it was delivered my pump dispenser did not work. I must have sat and pumped that darn thing for 15 minutes. Finally i just googled the issue and what do you know, there is a forum on people who have had the same issue (you would think that Skinceuticals would think to improve the product having discovered this, as I'm sure it has gotten to their attention by now). I ran my bottle under some hot (and I do mean hot) water for a couple minutes and that worked the product up and out of the dispenser. I luckily have not had to do this every time i use it. I suggest anyone else having the pump problem try that. And I hope it helps. i use this cream one a week. When i first got it i went in and started using it every other night in hopes that I could work up to every night. No go. My sensitive face started to break out, something that is very rare for me. I know that this product is VERY drying, and so following up with a really good moisturizer will really make or break this product..and your skin. After the break out i stopped using this and waited until i found a better night moisturizer, as my Clinique Moisture Surge was not enough. I have recently stumbled upon Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Oil which is the best 50 dollars you will spend. i now use that after using this cream and my face is as smooth as a baby's bottom when I wake up...where as before I had baby bottom skin with break outs. Good stuff. Just be careful when figuring out how often your skin can take this product. i suggest using gradually so your skin can build a tolerance. I don't know if my skin will ever be able to work up to the 1.0, the 0.5% is very harsh...but if you gradually use the product, you never know.
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Toners -Caudalie - Beauty Elixir
nikrou 10/2/2012 4:41:00 PM
This is a great item to sprits on your face for a mid day pick me up. You can use this under or over your make up. When your make up is looking a little dull in the middle of the day, spray this on your face and it will look like you re applied and through some highlighter on as well. Whenever I am in the car with a girlfriend and we are heading out, I spray this on in the car. Almost always I am asked what that smell is, only to be followed by a "can I try it?" Of course I always oblige. i have since then gotten a few friends onto this product. The boyfriend even enjoys a sprits or two every now and then. Packaging is great. Price is a bit much but depending on how much you use this product it can have a purse life of a couple months. i always buy the small one and keep it in my purse. The drier your face is, the more you will use...The oiler, not so much.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No