Cosmedix Affirm

Expensive but it might work

I use this product in conjunction with my Glycolic program. The vitamins go after the free radicals generated by the irritation created by the Glycolics, so it's a good combination. Interesting to note that the primary ingredient isn't water but witch hazel, that gentle cleanser. I believe that I see and improvement, and my skin definitely feels softer. It's pricey, though and also I've seen the same vial with a different label in salons.

April 21, 2009

MD Forte Cream III

Sometimes you really do get what you pay for

I've been using MD Forte and MD Formulations off and on for years now. It is an expensive product so sometimes I'll try something more "affordable" but I always end up coming back, and when I do, I see an improvement. (If you're prone to blackheads, get a good facial first to fully clean out the pores - it'll give you a jump start.)

April 17, 2009

Clinique Aromatics Elixir

It's a chemistry thing

I have a wacky skin chemistry and most perfumes either disappear or smell really, really BAD on me - even the pricey ones. Aromatics is one of the few I can wear. It's a unique, even unusual, fragrance and may not work for everyone, but give it a chance and remember that 1. any perfume will be different for each person wearing it and that 2. fragrances take a little while to reach their optimum point. The first thing you smell is mostly alcohol, then the interaction between the fragrance and your own personal skin chemistry will do its thing. Meanwhile, for my money, Aromatics is definitely worth a try!

January 6, 2009

Pantene Pro-V Color Preserve Shine Shampoo

Felt a little scammed

The best of these products actually deposit a little color to help maintain the hair color. Unfortunately, although this shampoo *appears* to have the color and consistency of the color-depositing shampoos, it very specifically says, albeit in teeny-tiny letters, that it doesn't do so. Too much money for a shampoo that is pretty much garden-variety. I'll go back to paying more for a product that really does boost the color!

August 1, 2008

OPI Nail Lacquer

OPI Red - the Ultimate Classic

This clear red color will compliment almost any skin tone. It's good for any time of year and I swear it just makes me feel more cheerful when I see this color. Now and it appears that OPI is going to keep it on as a perennial favorite - move over I'm Not Really A Waitress! (just don't move too far...)

August 1, 2008

Distinction Non Surgical Face Lift Mask Powder

Scrambled

I heard the radio ad for this product and thought hey-Hey-HEY this is for me! Looking at the ingredients, however, I notice that it's mostly egg whites and corn starch. What? This is breakfast food! Sure, the skin on your face feels tighter, but you can get close to the same results by doing what your grandma did: mixing egg whites and cornstarch in your kitchen. I'm not sure why I should pay for something I can probably put together myself with something from the health food store. Maybe you don't want to go through the hassle and the mess of doing it yourself - I don't blame you - in which case this product is fine but it's the old story - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't. What is great about the product (and the whole system) is that it provides almost immediate results. If you're tired and/or on your way to a special event, or are having photos taken and need to look your best, this definitely will help! On the other hand, the only way it will provide continuous improvement is if you use it "continually" - see the part about immediate results. THIS IS IMPORTANT: I'm not a doctor but it seems logical that if you're allergic to eggs you might want to think twice about using this product. If you are going to make this up yourself be sure to get the ingredients from a reputable purveyor - organic eggs won't be full of chemicals and possible salmonella contamination.

June 21, 2008

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash

You're not too old to break out. (sorry)

I really thought that by this time in my life breakouts would be a thing of the past but... no. The skin on my face stays clear, but I get these annoying breakouts across my back and shoulders. I started using this product a few years but and if I use it several times a week with a very gentle exfoliating cloth, I have smooth clear skin. Yes, it's on my back so I can't see it, but I can *feel* the difference. I think you want to be careful and not scrub-scrub; just let the product do the work. When it's on sale, I stock up.

June 10, 2008

Emjoi Light Caress Rechargeable Epilator

This is the way to go

If you already wax, this item will pay for itself. If you shave, the time savings will free you up and free up cupboard space because you can throw out that messy shaving cream. There is a little bit of smarting at first, but hey- it was that way when you started to tweeze your eyebrows too, so suck it up - it's worth it and you'll become accustomed to it! I've struggled with underarm hair all my life, and after just a few months of using this product, I'm sleeveless any time I want to be. You can save a little by going with the corded version instead of the cordless.

May 24, 2008