Makeup
- GigiSD » See my profile
- Points: 438580
- Reviews: 1103
Here are all my reviews:
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I trick myself into thinking that I care for the skin of my body as well as I do in the summer as the winter. Results proved otherwise: I had slight but noticeable "cracks" in my skin after the last warm and rather carefree months, looking quite like the parched soil of a plant desperate for water. Paula's Choice "Skin Revealing Body Lotion with 10% AHA" to the rescue! And what a rescue it was. At first I was not happy. The lotion, gentle and comforting to skin, has a repugnant acrid smell, but that dissipates quickly. Skin soaks in the lotion eagerly. Full of gylcolic acid, which helps in cell turnover, bringing new cells to the surface and getting rid of old ones, is paired with shea butter and glycerin, two of the most skin-relieving, skin-healing, moisturizing ingredients on the planet. I quickly forgot the smell. Vitamins C and E, antioxidants which repair skin from damage and help to generate the production of all-important collagen, are combined with grape seed oil, allantoin (an emollient which helps and/or eliminates rough, dry, itchy, flaking skin and skin irritations). Grape seed is known for a multitude of benefits: It has shown to be effective against acne, act as an astringent to tighten skin, minimize under-eye circles, serve as a non-greasy moisturizer, and increase the amount of antioxidants in the skin, therefore leaving it looking and acting younger. Despite the amount of AHA's, this is not irritating in the least. Within just a few days, my skin felt better. Two weeks later, it was noticeably smooth and soft (tiny lines of dehydration had completely disappeared). My skin turned from an arid desert to a beckoning, glowing land of softness and silkiness. Glycolic acid is highly helpful in ridding skin of unwanted brown spots, and it did so with me. My arms, legs, and torso are now as soft and smooth as the watered soil of a new plant. This is definitely a keeper!
September 21, 2013
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I was so pleased with this serum that I gave it to my husband to use as well. Glycolic acid, a derivative of sugar and probably one of the safest AHA's, is the second ingredient listed. This serum is replete with glycolic acid, along with so much more. Glycolic acid is an exfoliator which brings new, brighter cells to the surface, especially with continual use. It also contains sodium hyaluronate (an ingredient which reaches deep into skin, binding and attracting water, making skin plump and attractive) and chamomilla recutita (forms of chamomile have been used over the ages because it is a comforting antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiallergenic agent). Also in the ingredient list is panthenol (a powerful humectant which helped to make Pantene's "Pro-V" line famous) and aloe barbadenis leaf juice, among others (research bears that aloe juice purportedly kills bacteria, speeds wound healing, and increases circulation in the tiny vessels of the skin). Paula's Choice suggests that you use a small amount--definitely avoiding the very delicate eye area--and apply over face and neck (first-time users who may be sensitive are encouraged to use only daily or every other day), preferably at night. After four to six weeks, you should be able to use daily or twice daily. My husband and I have had wonderful results with this. The gel is substantive and doesn't run. After two weeks of use, we already noted a decrease in lines and an definitive increase in more radiant, younger-looking skin. This is a product which doesn't use ingredients which aren't necessary. We love it. A word of warning, however: The contents may make you more susceptible to sun damage than ever (the sun is your worst enemy in terms of looking young). Be sure to use an SPF of 15 at the very least, higher if possible to defend against UVA/UVB rays. Mark this serum as a keeper!
September 21, 2013
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These are getting more difficult to find. They gently and thoroughly remove makeup with a subtle scent and no residue left behind. I believe Pond's was one of the first companies to offer makeup-removing towelettes. As with most things Pond's, these are hard to compare. They are stellar.
September 21, 2013
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I have always loved faced masks, from when I made my own in grade school from crushed oatmeal with my sister. Paula’s Choice “Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask” is a complete joy—and a necessity for providing moisture to skin while calming redness and actually clearing clogged pores! My husband and I both tried several samples. I love Paula’s Choice because there are no potentially skin-irritating fragrances, but I do appreciate a subtle fragrance, especially with a mask, and wish this contained one. The mask initially has an acrid smell which dissipates quickly. The cream is white and substantive; apply liberally over cleansed face and neck after cleansing. One of the best aspects of this is that it can be used for twenty minutes or left on the skin overnight for incredible results—we’ve done both! This formula is jam-packed with moisturizing ingredients, from macadamia nut, apricot kernel, and olive oils to glycerin, evening primrose oil, Vitamins C and E, and sodium hyaluronate. Do not fear that list—it is not in the least greasy. This mask is made to stop the effects/look of aging and also treats eczema, super-sensitive skin, redness, and rosacea. My husband experienced a slight amount of stinging, but I did not (his disappeared a few minutes following application). When we’ve used it for a short period or overnight and rinsed thoroughly, our skin is very much like the feel of down, as in down pillows and comforters. We both felt refreshed and renewed, with lots more moisture in our skin. My husband was delightfully surprised to find that a smattering of small pimples and blackheads has disappeared with this mask more than a few times after use. How great is that? A moisturizing product which combats adult acne? I didn’t have blemishes when I’ve used it, but I kept feeling my face and neck afterward for the ultra-soft texture.
September 17, 2013
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There are few things I won’t do for whiter teeth; I’ve used the priciest gels and was taken aback to find that Plus White worked as well or better than those which retailed for ten times as much money. It is gentle to delicate teeth (I have no enamel on my teeth and they are very sensitive but not bothered by this). I use a sonic toothbrush, a water pic, and more to clean my teeth. When I use Plus White, I smell with much more confidence.
September 17, 2013
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Paula’s Choice offers a surprising range of products. I have to confess that I didn’t have high expectations for Paula’s “Brighten-Up Two Minute Teeth Whitener.” My mother took an antibiotic when pregnant with me, and so true enamel never formed on my permanent teeth; they are yellow in color because they are chiefly composed of dentin. That doesn’t stop me from trying everything possible for a whiter, brighter smile. This clever, slick, portable little stick surprised me ENORMOUSLY. The whitening agent is hydrogen peroxide, something I’ve been using since grade school. Instructions are to apply over dry teeth as often as needed. If you see clumps appear or foaming, you have used too much. I love to use this right after brushing my teeth with a sonic brush and patting them dry. I run the balm-like substance over teeth and wait two to five minutes (be sure not to eat or drink during that period). You don’t need to brush or use a rinse; it is safe to swallow. I have to admit that there is a marked appearance in the brightness of my teeth, even after all of the hard work I’ve done to enhance them myself. The texture is pleasant, the tube great to toss in a handbag or drawer. Use after drinking coffee, wine, or consuming foods like berries which leave stains--or simply whenever you want to glow! This little beauty secret sells for a very reasonable $12.00 (currently on sale from $15.00), but it’s worth thousands in terms of the amount of confidence it gives you. I am nearly finished with my first tube, and I do believe I’ll be using this as long as they make it. Despite how sensitive my teeth are, this is not at all irritating in any way. Rather, it is refreshing and appealing!
September 17, 2013
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I'd be lost without these excellent makeup-preserving sheets. These soft little papers blot up a lot of oil, sweat, etc. without disturbing makeup or making you add layers of unnatural-looking powder. I have packets everywhere--my purse, vanity, desk, glove compartment, you name it. They are also very reasonably priced (fifty sheets for about $5.00). Neutrogena is dear to my heart!
September 16, 2013
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This summer I started using items from Paula's Choice because of all of the buzz I'd been hearing about the brand. I love the site--it explains what the products are meant to do, what they contain, shows research supporting the claims, and user reviews. One surprisingly good moisturizer is her "Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer." It is overflowing with complexion-moisturizing ingredients, including sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, Vitamin E, licorice extract (which is a natural anti-inflammatory often used to lighten skin discoloration), panthenol (an emollient which sinks deeply into skin and gives it a "plumping" effect), calming aloe juice, evening primrose oil (fatty acids which have proven valuable for eczema, psoriasis, and acne), peptides, soothing chamomile, and Vitamin C (an anti-oxidant which can also lighten skin, promote the production of all-important collagen, and possibly reverse skin damage!). This is an all-in-one product, meaning that it can be used anywhere from your fragile eye area to your décolletage. That saves a lot of time if you don't want to tote several products around. It is a relatively thick cream which still absorbs easily into skin. Only a bit is needed for great results. Paula doesn't use fragrance as it can be an irritant for many women (I missed a delicate fragrance and wish it had one). It does give immediate comfort and moisture to skin, but it does not make it unnecessarily oily (even powder foundation works well over it). However, this particular product is not recommended for oily skin--only normal to very dry. This is a truly hydrating cream which does improve skin's appearance immediately and especially over time, and now I understand why it is named "Skin Recovery." This leaves my skin softer than soft, all for about $20.00 for a good amount. And it's not tested on animals--I'm a fan!
September 12, 2013
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My husband uses this as a hair wash. He and I both love the clean smell (I stay with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner). It also makes for an eye-opening shower in the morning or a truly relaxing bath at night. C. Booth has tremendous products!
September 10, 2013
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I remember my mom using these pencils when I was just a young girl. I always keep them around. The formula is not soft enough for me to line my eyes (I would have to do some forbidden pulling and tugging on very delicate tissue here), but they do work quite nicely to fill in sparse brow areas. No matter what brow product I use, I have one of these pencils in my vanity and another in my purse. They offer a wide range of shades (unfortunately, "Auburn" was perfect for me and has been discontinued). The end effect is quite and surprisingly natural, all with little effort!
September 10, 2013
