Treatments -Obagi - Blender
suchetab 9/22/2011 9:32:00 PM
The stress from three years of intense schooling, two kids and going through personal turmoil left my skin with endless acne and clogged pores. I had always battled zit or tow but nothing like this. And every single pimple left a scar. I couldn't look at my face in daylight without MU because it was just awful. Just awful. My lovely boss suggested that I look into Obagi. A few hours of web searching and reading reviews here on MUA and I knew I wanted to buy the Blender. Using 4-5 products with hydroquinone seemed a bit redundant and I wanted to incorporate some other things like C and Niacinamide in my routine.
I figured out my own regimen. Details in my notepad.
I already had the highest strength Retin A (0.1%) prescription. I was good to go. I washed my face with water. Used witch hazel to remove residue. I pat a diy Niacinamide toner. Wait for a few minutes and pat a diy Vit C serum on top. Then I'd mix a glop of Blender with a large pea size glop of RA and rub it in circular motion until it all sunk in. I added AHA during the daytime.
Let me make this clear first. This regimen is not for the faint of heart. I peeled n peeled like a snake. My face was red, It hurt to smile. The seepage on my lips made my lips peel and bleed too. People stared my face, gave the wteff look and all that. For 4-6 weeks skin was miserable. Also, putting AHA on peeling face caused extreme discomfort. So I suggest proceed with caution on that one.
At the end of 8 weeks I had the most beautiful, clear skin that I had in years. It was not perfect but it was a significant gain. It took 20 years of acne to do the damage but only 8 weeks of Obagi to recover from it. I think that is pretty remarkable.
Using just AHA and Retin A is just not going to cut it for some with extreme acne scars so this is a bit of a shortcut, kinda like a bootcamp for your skin. Let's call it a P90X for skin. I think Blender is an exceptional product with 4% hq and lactic acid to drive it deeper into the skin. I will let the pictures do the rest of the talking. Click on continued-->
30 out of 31 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -La Mer - The Hydrating Infusion
suchetab 3/10/2011 10:57:00 PM
I have recently been a La Mer convert and still getting used to the amazing results from it. I decided to try this on recommendation from Thesublimeagent on youtube. This was one of his fav products and since he is a skin care guru, I just bought it along with Gel de La Mer(GDLM). This product is ideal for people who have parched, dry, flaky, peeling skin like myself. What it does is that it prepares your skin for the next step, which is heavy duty moisturizer, like CDLM. Think about it this way -- and I am quoting Thesublimeagent here-- a damp sponge will absorb more liquid than a dry one. This product dampens the skin just enough for extreme hydration. For someone like me, I don't use any kind of soap on my face and yet by the time I step out of shower and make to the mirror, I feel my skin pulling around the jaw line. I mean it is THAT dry. If I were to put G/CDLM on my skin without this step, it would just sit on top of my face and never soak in and I'd look like a grease-ball. This hydrates my skin just enough to prepare it for what's coming next. I pat dry my face, squirt a pump of this and apply it. It has a watery gel like consistency. It dries in a minute and then I am ready for my serum or G/CDLM. In summer I think on hot humid days this alone could be enough for many people. I like the pump packaging as anything else would have been too messy. I also think that $95 for 4 oz of any La Mer product is pretty good. I have been using 2 pumps twice for little over a month and it is about 1/4th gone. It will last me at least 4 months with this kinda heavy usage. 6-8 months for most users. I think La Mer is an exceptional skincare line, especially when it comes to moisturizers. Many people look just at the price tag and stay away but they don't consider the cost of product hopping, breakouts, returns, time wasted. They are on eternal hunt for something that is awesome yet cheap. If it existed then there would be BMW's selling for the price of Camry and Macs selling for HP price. I am at a point in my life where my time is VERY valuable and product hunting, trial and error doesn't get me excited. I'd like something that delivers what it promised and simply work & La Mer is it.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -La Mer - Radiant serum
suchetab 2/23/2011 7:13:00 PM
La Mer just launched this product like 3 weeks ago. I got a sample of it from my SA at Nordstrom. I was afraid to try it because I was positive that it would contain something that would give me breakouts so I called La Mer and asked them to email the ingredient list and here it is -- DECLUSTERED WATER (+), DECLUSTERED WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, METHYL GLUCETH-20, PEG-75, ALCOHOL DENAT, BIS-PEG-18 METHYL ETHER , YEAST EXTRACT, BUPLEURUM FALCATUM ROOT EXTRACT, ST. PAUL'S WORT EXTRACT, POLYGONUM CUSPIDATUM ROOT EXTRACT, CRITHMUM MARITIMUM EXTRACT, ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM EXTRACT, GRAPE SEED EXTRACT, ROSEMARY EXTRACT, LAMINARIA DIGITATA EXTRACT, SPIKE MOSS EXTRACT, PALMARIA PALMATA EXTRACT, HOPS EXTRACT, LAMINARIA SACCHARINA EXTRACT, TANGERINE PEEL EXTRACT, POMEGRANATE FRUIT JUICE, ASPARAGOPSIS ARMATA EXTRACT, CHLORELLA VULGARIS EXTRACT, GLYCERETH-26, MICROCOCCUS LYSATE, ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE, ALGAE EXTRACT, SACCHAROMYCES LYSATE EXTRACT, CHAMOMILE, LINOLENIC ACID, CAFFEINE, SUCROSE, COENZYME A, PEG-8, HYDROLYZED JOJOBA ESTERS, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, OLETH-5, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, BIFIDA FERMENT LYSATE, SQUALANE, OLETH-10 PHOSPHATE, SORBITOL, ERGOTHIONEINE, TOURMALINE, LINOLEIC ACID, MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE, TETRAACETYLPHYTOSPHINGOSINE, OCTADECENEDIOIC ACID, GLYCERIN, METHYLDIHYDROJASMONATE, CHOLETH-24, DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, CETETH-24 CARBOMER, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, LINALYL ACETATE, NORDIHYDROGUAIARETIC ACID CYCLODEXTRIN, XANTHAN GUM, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, DISODIUM EDTA, ETHYLBISIMINOMETHYLGUAIACOL, MANGANESE CHLORIDE, SODIUM BENZOATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, GREEN 5 (CI 61570) So far no breakouts. Will do a detailed review in a few weeks.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Skincare - Face -Estee Lauder - Advanced Night Repair Concentrate
suchetab 1/14/2011 4:16:00 PM
***If you are allergic to gluten read this*** I am only writing this review for a small percentage of people who might be allergic to Gluten. I bought this product due to wonderful reviews here on MUA and by Paula on Beautipedia. I told the sales associate that I have acne prone skin and finally I have figured out what's causing the havoc (dairy and gluten) so I want to buy this to get rid of old acne scars. She looked at me and said my skin looks fine and I may not need it. It looked fine ONLY because I was on a gluten & dairy free diet. Anyway, I bought it to repair the past damage and lo and behold....broke out like crazy! The ingredient list is pretty impressive and the I loved the way my skin looked in the morning except as the day passed, I got serious acne due to wheat bran extract in this product. I mean I'd come home and I'd have 5-6 new pimples on my face while I am on a gluten free, dairy free diet. So I knew that it isn't the food that I was eating but what I was putting on my face is causing allergic reaction. Also like gluten in food, this would take a bit longer for me to break out (for me). When I eat dairy, I wake up with cystic acne in the morning but it's a bit different with gluten, it takes longer, just a tad bit, for my skin to start screaming, which is exactly what was happening. The point being, this product is NOT for you if you are allergic to gluten. You are seriously out of luck. I was so sad, depressed and bummed out because minus that one ingredient it is spectacular. The regular version does not have wheat bran in it but it also lacks other goodies that are in this one :-( So I am trying that one out. Will see how it works. I have a strong suspicion that people who are complaining about this causing rash/breakout are allergic to gluten. This was an enlightening experience because never in a million years I would have thought that wheat would make my life so miserable in so many ways. I hope EL reformulates this for us unlucky people. I hope this helps to those who are just discovering that the real culprit is gluten.
8 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -Chanel - Rouge Allure Laque - Dynastie 74
suchetab 1/2/2011 12:13:00 AM
Bonafide Laque junkie here. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this formula. It stays on for hours, looks great even after it's faded and it's not as sticky as gloss. I just wish Chanel had more colors as the selection is very limited. The solid black bottle leaves you clueless about what's left in there....come on Chanel. What makes you think that the transparent tester bottle that let's you know when you're out would be useless to the consumer? Seriously?? I get the aesthetic of black bottle but you could've added a transparent window or something. Anyway....love this stuff. Own it in Phoenix and Dynastie. Lancome has a similar formula with more color options in case you are left high and dry after buying all 6 or so colors from Chanel :-)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -Chanel - Rouge Allure Laque Phoenix 78
suchetab 1/2/2011 12:03:00 AM
I must admit that I hate lipgloss with a passion and I thought I'd never buy one with my money. I hate the stickiness and lack of color of most lipglosses. Plus i am too lazy to reapply and too shy to do it in public. This baby is different. If lipstick and lipgloss were to have a baby this would be there child. Wonderful color payoff, not too sticky, glossy lips, longer staying power...just wonderful! This color is lovely bright pink suited for summer (even though I bought it in December, oh well). It is friggin 30+ bucks but it's Chanel so it's expected. The formula is not moisturizing so make sure you wear a lip balm before/after. It will easily stay thru a light drinking/snack. The color looks amazing even after it's faded which is awesome for lazy souls like me. Just love this stuff.
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Lip Gloss -Lancome - La Laque Fever
suchetab 1/1/2011 11:52:00 PM
I have been on a HE lipstick binge lately so pardon me...I am a junkie. Just fyi, I hate lip gloss with passion. I don't like the stickiness and (lack off) color payoff. So I stay away from them. This is different. It is baby conceived by lipstick and lipgloss:-) If you've bought Chanel's Rouge Allure Laque then you know what I am talking about. Chanel has VERY limited color choices in it's line so if you were bummed out by it then...this would be your fix. I bought it in Chromed Pink. It is a brown pink with no shimmer that I can see. I like the brush better than Chanel's. I don't like the non-transperant tube. The color on the ring is all wrong. It is sticky enough to stay and shiny enough to look fresh without being too sticky or glittery. *Other colors do have glitter* I don't think this particular formula is moisturizing so lip balm or something is a must. It stays on for hours. I'd say 4-6 hours easy. Stays thru wine/water and light snacking. I love this stuff and I may get more shades.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Conditioner -Unlisted Brand - The Egg Bomb
suchetab 12/29/2009 12:15:00 PM
Absof***inglutely awesome! This stuff leaves my hair feeling like silk! I must say that I have altered the recipe a little bit. I mix 3 egg yellows, 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and a spoonful of Moroccan oil, some honey. You have to bring the egg yolk to room temperature otherwise it will solidify the coconut oil...so remember that. I coat every section of my hair from roots to the tip with this stuff using a hair-coloring brush. I guess that's why I need a lot of it. I put saran wrap (to avoid dripping) around my hair..imagine that :-) and leave it on for 20-30 minutes, wash and condition, blow dry. Don't use hot water when rinsing it out...you may have scrambled egg in the shower, Lol. My hair looks and feels amazing....I can't stop touching my hair. Also it stays like that longer than normal shampooing. I don't waste the egg white...I make an omelet with onions, green chilis, cilantro, salt, pepper. Hey, it's protein that your body could use for healthier hair! So why not?
17 out of 19 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Unlisted Brand - EXTRA VIRGIN Coconut Oil (All brands)
suchetab 12/29/2009 11:52:00 AM
I must say that have rediscovered coconut oil. I remember growing up India, mom poured this stuff on my hair. I hated the smell, it was greasy, sticky and it would seep on face, YUCK! And since I always had healthy, shiny hair, I could never understand the value of it. So after moving to US I decided to break away from all traditions...testing my independence ;-) I didn't touch this stuff for over 10 years until I saw these reviews here on MUA. I was like...wait a minute! Didn't I abandon this long time ago? Lol. Anyway, I found a big jar of in a health food store, don't get the stuff at the Indian grocery store...it is ancient! Anyway....I add this to the egg bomb mask and also use by itself few hours before washing my hair (I wash my hair every 2-3 days). It is a lot of effort to rinse out this stuff but it's worth it. My hair looks lovely, shiny and happy! I am really apprehensive to try this afterwards as a leave in product due to the sheer greasiness and the fact that I have fine hair. Someone else had said that this stuff is good for dogs with allergies so I recommended this product to a co-worker who has a dog with skin allergies. She told me that she has seen a lot of improvement in her dog's allergy and scratching problem has...she puts a spoonful in his food. Great stuff, give it try.
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Make Up For Ever - HD High Definition Foundation
suchetab 12/29/2009 11:22:00 AM
I was a BE convert for almost 6 years and I had "settled" for less than optimum coverage in exchange for a natural look. Thanks to MUA I discovered this! I apply it with Sonia Kashuk brush that has rave reviews here and finish it off with Coastal Scents silica powder. I love the coverage! It really is awesome. It hides all the redness and acne scars, dark spots and all without looking like a mask. Yes, your face looks great in pictures. This foundation also wears better and does not oxidize. I have to blot my face a few times but that is because my skin is a grease factory. I don't like the fact that it doesn't dispense like half a pump because I need exactly a 1.5 pumps so there is a little bit of excess every time. It should still last me for a long time. It is expensive so make sure you take some samples home see it in different lights.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Unlisted Brand - Latisse Lash Growth Drops
suchetab 12/13/2009 5:58:00 PM
I have been using Lumigan, the generic version of this product for about 10/12 weeks and I am impressed by the results. My lashes are looooong and my eyebrows are filled and darker. My eye dr. wrote me a prescription for this. I shopped around and found out that the lowest price you can get for this product (including shipping) is around $30. Alldaychemist charges less per bottle but the shipping is high. I ordered mine from Canadianpharmacy, shipping was free but the medicine itself was almost $30. So if you are ordering multiples, go with alldaychemist. From either place you will get Careprost...the generic version of this, made in India. I use a liner brush, I put a drop in the well of the lid and use one drop for both eyes and brows :-) This means I am using very little product so the danger of bloodshot eyes is minimal. I am ok with slow results since this is a lifelong commitment anyway, if I wish to maintain the results. If you have an Indian friend, co-worker, neighbor, I highly recommend that you take her out for lunch or dinner or drinks or all of it, volunteer to water her plants, check on her house, when she goes to India for vacation in exchange for a a few bottles of this ;-) This stuff sells for around Rs. 240 (they tried to black out the price in Indian rupees but I could still see) which is less than $10. So the effort will be worth it. I can't say this for sure but 3 bottles should last you all year....especially when you go into maintenance mode. So....overall....great product...worth every penny if you could get it for less. I just don't have that kind of money sitting around to shell out on Latisse.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Oscar Blandi - Luce
suchetab 9/2/2009 10:50:00 AM
I have had this product for a couple of years and I used it on and off but never used it like the instructions. I would put it on and rinse it off and then be disappointed. Finally I followed the directions and the results were amazing!. I have found out that when I use this product my hair stays silky for days and I can go 3-4 days without washing (long hair, work, school+kids so no time to wash everyday). The key is to use a lot less than you think and to keep it away from the scalp. I mix it up with Loreal's Feria conditioner and my hair never looked this good. The smell is a bit too strong for my nose but I can live with that.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Liners -NYX - Slim Lip Pencil - Auburn 801
suchetab 8/9/2009 12:53:00 AM
Gorgeous red, HG status red for pennies! Doesn't happen very often, I know! This is a beautiful, warm. brick red, imo and ideal for people with yellow undertones. I use this lip pencil more as a lipstick. I am not sure if it s a no no but who cares? If your lips are moisturized very well, this stuff will glide smoothly and last for hours. It looks matte without looking dried or chapped. Layer this one with Vincent Longo's Liquid Kiss and you will get glamorous red lips.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Alpha Hydrox - 10% Enhanced Cream
suchetab 7/25/2009 9:57:00 PM
I am really impressed with the results this cream delivers. I too alternate with Retinol 0.1% I use this stuff in the morning and Retinol at night. It makes my skin so soft, smooth and evens out the tone, reduces pore size as well as appearance of acne scars. The jar looks cheap-o and not exactly very convincing but the product works. This stuff, retinol, Vit C all together and my skin looks better than how it looked in my 20's. Thanks MUA for all the great products that I have discovered.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Unlisted Brand - Mill Creek Biotin Shampoo
suchetab 7/8/2009 12:39:00 PM
I like the fact that this shampoo has ingredients that don't sound like chemicals. Yes, it does not lather as good as you we are used to but I add a dime size of pantene or any shampoo if I want that (to clean out oily hair). It is gentle on color and doesn't leave a strong smell in your hair. I like this stuff. It is not available locally so having to order online is a pain but that is alright.
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