Misc Beauty Tools -Clarisonic - Mia
popnote 4/20/2013 10:57:00 PM
I can't say enough how much I love my Mia. It has made a tremendous improvement to my skin. I break out a little bit less often, but pimples go away quicker. And over all, my skin feels smoother than it ever has. I was very lucky not to experience a purging period, but I fully expected it. I think there are two keys to using it. First, find the right brush head. I had a great luck with the sensitive head that comes with it, but I decided to try the acne head and find that works even better for me. I haven't tried any other heads, but I am going to test out the deep pore head as well. I think the normal head will be too harsh for me while the extra-sensitive won't be strong enough. All of this is to say, Clarisonic has multiple options so you can address your specific skin type. If you're not satisfied at first, it may be the brush head, and it's worth trying out a different kind to see what happens. Second, simple is better. Use it with your favorite non-abrasive cleanser only. I used to use Cetaphil to remove makeup first and then use my Mia with cleanser to wash my face. Once, while being lazy, I just used my Mia and cleanser, and my skin didn't feel all that different, and it definitely was a bit calmer the next day, presumably because I hadn't scrubbed it twice in a single night. I think if one is doing these things- using the right brush head and just one good cleanser that is right for their skin- the Mia will work wonderfully for them. It sure has for me!
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Shave Products -Trader Joe's - Honey Mango Shave
popnote 4/20/2013 10:42:00 PM
This is the best shave cream I've used period. I had previously been using eos, which was okay but not really any better than your regular shaving creams and gels in the cans. First things first, a tube lasts AGES. You don't have to use much at all. I'm using about a nickel-sized dollop for one leg. It costs about the same as a bottle of eos but last MUCH, MUCH longer, so it's a much better value. Plus, unlike eos, you can get all of the product out of the bottle because it's a tube rather than a pump. Second, it is very moisturizing and smells great. I typically don't need to use a moisturizer after shaving when I've used this. I have to use one on days I don't shave. Third, it's not irritating to my skin like regular shaving creams and gels. To me, that alone is pretty much worth the switch. Fourth and finally, in what may be one of the oddest things I've felt the need to write in a review, it isn't clear. It's white. You can definitely tell where you've shaved. I am adding that based on an earlier review that says it's not just so no one is confused. Besides, if you're concerned with clogging a razor while shaving, you should just be rinsing the blades more regularly anyway. I can't tell any difference in the closeness of my shaves with this versus any other product, so I don't think there's any sacrifice of quality. I'm soon moving from a town with a TJs to one without, and before I do, I plan on stocking up! It's THAT good.
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Moisturizers -Philosophy - Hope in a Jar SPF 20
popnote 12/17/2012 3:58:00 PM
I love this moisturizer. I'm surprised to see so many negative reviews though I suspect that some of the issues people have is the result of using the wrong moisturizer for their skin type. At any rate, I've found this to be a good, solid, non-greasy moisturizer. I'm confused by the person who said it was greasy because that was the first thing I noticed- it didn't go on as easily as other moisturizers I've used because it lacked that greasiness I have to be careful about due to my skin type. I apply it sparingly, due to its thickness as well as its price. I have a small jar I take on trips and a tube that I use at home. I absolutely love it!
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Crème -Maybelline - Dream Smooth Mousse
popnote 12/17/2012 3:53:00 PM
I was looking for an alternative to MAC Studio Tech and saw several reviews comparing Dream Smooth Mousse to it. The idea is similar in that both are creme foundations, but Dream Smooth Mousse is more liquidy and doesn't cover nearly as well. The finishes are different. Dream Smooth Mousse is more dewy while Studio Tech is more matte. Those are not major deal breakers for me, but Maybelline suggests Dream Smooth Mousse for those with normal to dry skin, and they do it for a reason, as I unfortunately found out. I have normal to oily skin. Right now, my skin is a bit drier than usual, so I didn't think it would matter, but I wore this for one day, and I had my first truly bad breakout in years. My forehead, nose, and cheeks are covered in blemishes. I guess it might work out for others, but if you have ever had acne or oily skin in your life, I'd recommend against it.
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Crème -MAC - Studio Tech
popnote 12/15/2012 10:30:00 AM
I love this foundation. I had previously used MAC liquid foundations, but as my skin began drying with age, I started using another "mousse" foundation, and I liked it, but I wanted something with better staying power, so I tried this, and I'm very happy. I live in Florida, and it lasts all day, and my skin feels smooth when it's on. I wear NW20 on my face, but since it is a bit darker than the skin on my neck, I blend it with NW15, and it works great. The design of the compact is great for storing a foundation sponge with the foundation, but be sure to wash the sponge regularly For me, it is worth the $30 even though I use up the product in the container faster than foundations I've used in the past.
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Eye Makeup Remover -Lumene - Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover for Eyes and Lips
popnote 5/25/2012 11:28:00 PM
This is the BEST eye makeup remover EVER. I am not sure about the review that says it shouldn't say "sensitive" on the bottle because it doesn't, but it also doesn't sting your eyes. This takes everything off easily with little rubbing, and it's fairly reasonably priced. I can't wait until it's on sale again so I can stock up. This is my HG of eye makeup removers!
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Treatments (Eye) -Clinique - All About Eyes
popnote 5/7/2012 10:06:00 AM
My HG eye cream. I've always been pseudo-religious about using eye creams, and even though some people would say you can't tell a difference or to use regular moisturizers (really?!?!), I can tell you that many a facialist has commented on the fact that it is OBVIOUS I take care of the skin around my eyes with a good eye cream. Try an eye cream for about a week and then go without for a few days, and you'll see what the difference is. Anyway, I have used this since it first came out, which is about ten years ago, and it is the only eye cream I'll use. It moisturizes well. It doesn't smell. It's easy to apply, and it doesn't sting the eyes. And it's pretty reasonably priced. My jar was something like $18 at Sephora, and it's totally worth it.
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Treatments -Estee Lauder - Advanced Night Repair (Serum)
popnote 5/7/2012 9:57:00 AM
Advanced NIght Repair is AMAZING!!! I'm in my early to mid 30s and have always had acne. No matter what I did, I'd break out, and it would take ages to get a blemish to clear and heal...until this stuff. I forgot to pack moisturizer when I went home one week in the spring, and my mom had samples of this lying around, so I decided to try them. The first night, it healed every bump on my face. I've now been using it six months, and while I can't say it prevents blemishes, I get them far less often, and on that rare occasion that I do get one, I dab a little benzoyl peroxide on it and then put this on my face, and it is completely gone by morning. Additionally, my skin looks brighter and smoother with this and feels firmer. I don't have much in the way of lines and wrinkles, so I can't really speak to weather or not it is helping with that, but I'd have to imagine that it does. And yeah, it's super expensive at $52 for a 1-ounce bottle, but it lasts forever. You only have to use five drops at the most, and honestly, I've found that anything more feels a bit sticky and takes a little while to dry. I usually use about four drops, and I'm a big girl, so some women may find less works, too.
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Moisturizers -Garnier - Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage Moisture Lotion SPF 28
popnote 5/6/2012 12:00:00 PM
I have fair, aging, acne-prone skin. Even in my mid-thirties, I struggle with breakouts, but I need moisture and SPF. I have tried everything, usually with awful results (breakouts). This has been a miracle. It is not greasy but spread easily. It has a pleasant but not overpowering scent. Best of all- I haven't had a single pimple since trying it.
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Mascara -Cover Girl - Lash Blast 24 HR Mascara
popnote 5/6/2012 11:46:00 AM
I'm very happy with this mascara. I was already a huge fan of the Lash Blast volume waterproof mascara, except it always gave me ridiculous raccoon eyes by the end of the day. I decided to try Lash Blash 24 hour, and I'm very happy with it. It didn't smudge despite the Florida humidity, and despite the comments here, it's not that hard to remove. I put vaseline on my lashes and then removed it with a cotton pad soaked with eye makeup remover. Then, I washed my face, including eyelids, with Cetaphil as usual, and it was completely gone. It maybe took two minutes total, which is totally worth it for me. My only complaint is the color. I am fair skinned with light hair, so I tend to prefer black brown mascaras. This black brown is really just brown. I'll use this one for a while since I did pay for it, but when I get my next tube, I'm getting the regular black shade. ***EDIT 5/22/2012*** I just tried Lumene's waterproof eye makeup remover, and it worked like a dream. Really, it is not that hard to get off.
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