Treatments -Kerastase - Age recharge firming mask
string 6/30/2012 10:59:00 PM
This product is such a waste of money! I went into my local beauty supply store and they recommended this product for my very thin dry baby fine damaged hair. I nearly ran away when they rang me up--$65! but I figured it must be really good to be so expensive. I used it until the tub was empty--no improvement. Next time I went to the beauty supply they commented on how dry my hair looked and recommended another product. Ha! What a waste!!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Other -Unlisted Brand - Omega 3 supplement 
string 1/17/2010 5:01:00 PM
I have battled acne for 17 years, and AHA and BHA products have really helped, but I've been curious about the underlying causes of acne and why there are some parts of the world where acne is virtually unheardof. I did some web research and found that 2 dietary factors are repeatedly mentioned in literature as causes/aggravators of acne: The imbalance of Omega 3s vs Omega 6s in the common western diet, and a high glycemic diet. When my mom suggested to me in the past that my diet was a factor in my acne, I became really upset, because avoiding foods like chocolate and french fries that are commonly thought to aggravate acne didn't seem to do anything for me. But I finally realized that even what we consider to be a healthy western diet is pretty unbalanced when you look at the kind of diet we have evolved to eat. Think of how much vegetable oil is in everything we eat, which has very high ratios of Omega 6 to Omega 3 (the exact ratios depend on the type of oil, but all are not great with the exception of flax oil). Some research I read said that we have evolved to eat a diet of 1:1 or 2:1 Omega 3:Omega 6. But the ratio of the typical western diest is skewed way towards Omega 6s, which are more inflammatory fatty acids. Also, we eat refined foods that have been stripped of fiber and therefore are high on the Glycemic index scale. You may think eating white rice or crackers or mashed potatoes is not going to aggravate your acne, but they are higher on the glycemic index than ice cream (which has fat in it which slows digestion) and therefore the sugars in these foods are quickly digested and send a rush of insulin into your bloodstream that can aggravate acne. I have been eating a diet of steamed vegetables and brown rice, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, yams, 2% unsweetened yogurt, lentils, nuts and seeds, using only flax seed oil (and vinegar) as a garnish or salad dressing and making sure there was no extra sugar or oil in what I bought (they even put oil and sugar in trail mix!) and eat 2 fish oil capsules a day, and even without the AHA and BHA my skin has been amazingly clear. Its a hard diet to follow but I wanted to test if diet really worked, and it finally did for me. If I want a sweet desert, I eat fresh fruit or mix up some agave nectar (low glycemic sweetner) with cocoa powder and silken tofu in the blender, or use agave nectar on unsweetened yogurt. Years ago I tried just fish oil capsules without changing my diet and it didn't improve my acne. I think you really have to go all out and be diligent about eating high in omega 3s, low in omega 6 and 9, and low on the glycemic index to see results. Read about the imbalance of Omega 3 to Omega 6 in the common western diet on the University of Maryland Medical Center webpage: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm
36 out of 36 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -ENJOY - Sulfate-Free Shampoo
string 1/17/2010 4:29:00 PM
I have never tried sulfate-free shampoos before but the cashier at my local beauty supply store recommended I try it because my hair has become straw-y from repeated permanent dyeing, and the color has been fading between touchups more quickly than I'd like. I wish I had tried this shampoo years ago! My hair is so shiny and silky after a week of using (in fact I noticed the difference after 1 shampoo). I heard that with sulfate free shampoos, its not always necessary to use conditioners. Now I use conditioner only on the tips of my hair. Maybe I don't even need it on the tips but I had already bought a big bottle of conditioner and I might as well use it up. Anyone who hasn't already should try sulfate free shampoo--amazing!!! You have to get used to the fact that its not going to foam as much as regular shampoo but it is still cleaning. Its got me wondering if adding sulfates to shampoos is a strategy by cosmetic manufacturers to get you to buy all sorts of serums and leave in conditioners and repair kits for dry dull hair--I don't need that stuff any more!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Biore - Ultra Deep Cleansing pore strips
string 12/14/2008 2:06:00 PM
Okay, these things really work for me. Like many other reviewers, I tried the original pore strips some years back which did nothing, but I use these every 3 days and they never fail to remove blackheads. I was getting air bubbles under the strip around my nostrils and it wasn't adhering completely to my nose, but now I cut the little notches at the top of the strip much deeper and don't have a problem. Also, you really have to clean all the oil off your nose to get good adhesion. If there is any remnant of moisturizer left on your face, the strips won't be as effective. I also like to wipe my nose with alcohol when I'm done to prevent bacteria from getting in and creating inflamation where the blackheads were. I've been using the strips for about 3 weeks and will definitely continue. I have yet to see my biggest pores unclog but atleast things are improving. I had been using Paula's 2% BHA faithfully for over a year, and will continue to use because I think it prevents breakouts, but it never cleared my blackheads. The strips give you pretty clear proof that they are working every time you use them.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Neutrogena - Age Shield Face SPF 55
string 9/14/2008 12:40:00 PM
I just had fractional laser treatment and started using sunscreen. I thought this one would be good as it has anti-oxidants and good uva and uvb protection. After a few days of using it, I broke out in hives. I did some research online and read that one of its ingredients (commonly found in sunscreen) is Oxybenzone, a photoallergen. I am going to look into La Roche Posay sunscreen instead... Check out these websites to read more about oxybenzone: http://www.imminst.org/forum/Best-Sunscreen-t19608.html http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/paba-oxybenzone.html Here's an excerpt from that one: The British Medical Journal recently showed that sunbathers using some suntan lotions have a higher risk of developing malignant Skin Cancer, and a possible link with Oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is the Chemical used in many sun products with high Sun Protection Factors. Oxybenzone’s function is to ‘filter’ ultra violet light on the surface of the skin, converting it from light to heat, but it can also be absorbed through the skin. As yet we have not seen any research to indicate what happens when the oxybenzone is absorbed through the skin, but UV light causing cell damage is well known and readers may choose to avoid this form of sun protection. If light is converted to heat in the basal layers of the skin, damage to growing cells is very likely.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Body -Alpha Hydrox - Foot and Problem Area Creme
string 1/21/2008 11:24:00 PM
This stuff is great! I use and love other Alpha Hydrox products so I decided to try this. I had no idea that I could totally eliminate all of the calluses on my feet. I thought they were just part of my particular skin type and not really something I could effect, because I had always used a pumice in the shower, but with minimal results. I've used this product for the last half year once or twice a day (depending on whether I remember) and my feet look great! No calluses at all. I highly recommend this product.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) - 8% BHA Serum
string 1/21/2008 10:43:00 PM
I have been using AHA products (between 12 and 14%) daily for the last 7 months, which has improved my acne scarring and pitting and totally stopped my cystic acne. My blackheads, however, had not improved at all, so I decided to start using BHA with my AHA products. I began with aspirin toner and masks, which I love and will continue to use, but they are not strong enough to eliminate bigger blackheads. Then I introduced Paula's Choice 2% into my skincare regime, which for the first week dramatically exfoliated my skin and dried out the dried out the drier, non acne prone parts of my face too much. I started using it only on my T zone and was happy with results--exfoliation without too much drying. After about 2 weeks I started to use the 2% BHA all over my face again, and found that my face tolerated it well, with only mild exfoliation. After a month of the 2%, I was getting impatient and wanted more dramatic results in terms of the blackheads. I started using the 8% BHA cautiously, only on the oiliest, most blackhead prone parts of my face --the crease between my nostrils and cheeks. I did get some peeling, but nothing at all scary--totally managable. After a week I decided to try keeping it on longer. I found that I could keep it on without ever washing it off (they recommend keeping it on only about 5 minutes), and I was fine--no scary pain, burns, zombie-like peeling. Really just minor stinging for a minute and then a little redness and peeling when scrubbing in the morning with cleanser. Its been about 2 or 3 weeks now using 8% BHA every other day (only on blackhead prone areas), and, over the rest of my face: 2% BHA plus 12% AHA, I think I've found my new skin care regime. My blackheads are not all gone yet by any means, but there are a few very stubborn ones that are totally gone--just little voids in my skin now, and I have never gotten results like that with anything before. I will wait for another month and see if the blackheads keep improving or if I should try an occasional 15% BHA peel as well.Update:I have stopped using this product. I was starting to suspect that maybe it was causing me to break out, which is really strange. I don't believe this is purging because my skin had been clear for about 6 months except for blackheads. The other acid based products I use never had this effect. I've stopped and started with it three times, each time I start I get a new spot, each time I stop--clear skin. I'm still wary of blaming this product, because I'm not 100%sure its the problem, but better safe than sorry. I have started on RetinA with 12-14% AHA and 2% BHA to see if that will improve my blackheads instead.
6 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -BeneFit Cosmetics - Benetint
string 9/7/2007 8:09:00 PM
I have mixed feelings. I would not recommend as a lip color but possibly as a blush. I went to the BeneFit counter with my friend and we were told that this color was neutral and flattering on all skin tones. Not true. I have fair freckled skin and red hair and the color looked artificially flourescent (a kind of bright baby pink) on my lips but natural on my cheeks. It looked horribly artificial on both the lips and cheeks of my friend (beigy Asian complexion.) The rose scent is really nice and the finish on cheeks looks nice, more natural than powder blush. The application brush tickled my lips horribly--a very unpleasant sensation. There is so much liquid in this container, I will never get through it all when using just as blusher. For a flattering natural berry colored lip stain, I prefer Lorac Shear luck. Update: That's it! I am changing my review from 3 to 2 lippies. I read a lot of reviews about the cap breaking and now it has happened to me too. I was just screwing it closed and it snapped in half. What is wrong with that plastic? I tried to save the bottle without a cap but inevitably knocked it over and got the nasty stain all over. What a waste. I have had it with Benetint and BeneFit as a whole.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Jane Iredale - Pure Pressed Base
string 9/7/2007 7:52:00 PM
I have a history of severe cystic acne, with quite a bit of scarring. Although this product is not perfect, it is the best that, after years of searching, I have found to match my skin tone, cover discoloration, and not irritate my skin. I have fair skin, freckles, and red hair and use Bisque. You absolutely must try a few samples of different colors before you buy a full compact, as online color swatches are inaccurate and you will inevitably guess incorrectly. I got samples from, I think, skin-etc.com. I tried All in one face base from Jane Iredale first, but found the coverage a little too cakey with that product. The positives of this product: good selection of tones makes it possible to get a very good match to your skin. Does not break out my skin!!! Easy, variable application Covers dark spots as well as a concealer (if used in multiple layers) but blendable as a powder. Negatives: A little while after application, my face becomes shiny, highlighting the large pores and deep scars on my face. Still, better than any other foundation I've found, and will continue to use.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Primer -Jane Iredale - Lid Primer
string 9/7/2007 7:26:00 PM
I really like some of Jane Iredale's products, but this sadly is a dud. As some of the other reviewers noted, it actually makes your eye shadow crease much more than without the base. Turned my 29 year old eyelids into 55 year old eyelids for the day. On a positive note, her ingredients are gentle, so no permanent damage done-- but will not repurchase.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -LORAC - Sheer Wash in Sheer Luck
string 9/7/2007 7:08:00 PM
In general, I really like this product. I have fair freckled skin and red hair and Sheer luck looks very natural (but darker) as lip color. Plus one can layer on washes for a very deep color that is still flattering. I definitely like the roll on applicator more than BeneTint's brush applicator, which tickles my lips, but sometimes the roller releases too much color at once. Also the product tends to leak a little and dry/build up around the inside of the cap. Still, apart from packaging problems, I like the color and formulation enough to continue to repurchase.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -BeneFit Cosmetics - Get Bent Mascara [DISCONTINUED]
string 9/7/2007 6:59:00 PM
I got roped into buying this product by a charasmatic saleswoman at the BeneFit counter. What a mess! Horrible unsightly flaking all over my cheeks. Plus, its expensive and the bent brush is a silly unhelpful gimmick. Will not repurchase.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Alpha Hydrox - AHA Souffle 12 percent Glycolic AHA
string 9/7/2007 6:51:00 PM
I have tried many many products over the years to control my acne, and nothing has been as reliable as this. I am 29, have had cystic acne since 15, tried BP, all kinds of scrubs, masks, topical and oral anti-biotics, birth control, all with spotty results. I started using this to improve deep acne scarring, but found that an added benefit was that the frequency of new cystic outbreaks was dramatically reduced. I rinse my face with a mild cleanser, dry with a cotton pad, and apply the souffle morning and night.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -Unlisted Brand - Aspirin Mask
string 9/7/2007 6:39:00 PM
This is amazing! I am 29 years old, with sensitive skin and a history of cystic acne since age 15, with quite a few deep scars to show for it. I have been using Alpha Hydrox AHA souffle for 6 months and it has done a good job of controlling acne outbreaks and has smoothed my scars some, but it has not reduced the blackheads on my nose. Within a few weeks of using the aspirin mask, my blackheads my acne scars are definitely improving, plus no new pimples. I use 5 crushed aspirin mixed with honey for 20 minutes, then rinse and remove dead skin with a moist cotton pad. This is the best beauty treatment I have ever found!!! Update: I decided to use aspirin as an exfoliating toner instead as it is less messy. I crush 5 aspirins per cup of water and keep in a sqeeze bottle. Every morning and night I apply with a cotton square after cleansing. The aspirin crystals help to exfoliate really nicely. I have found that aspirin is not strong enough to totally eliminate my blackheads, and am using commercial BHA formulations of higher acidity which I hope will totally eliminate them. Will definitely continue with the aspirin toner though, it keeps my skin calm (because of natural anti-inflammatory properties) even though I use fairly high concentrations of acid on my fair, thin skin.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No