BareMinerals All-Over Face Color

ugh- bismuth and mica!

This foundation completely broke me out when I tried it. Turns out, it contains bismuth oxychloride (a "natural" mineral) that can cause bad skin reactions, as well as pore-clogging mica. Definitely get a sample size to test for sensitivity before splurging for the whole shebang.

May 27, 2008

Vichy Laboratories Normaderm Daily Exfoliating Cleansing Gel

gentle, skin-clearing scrub

My (sensitive) skin tends to get oily and clogged up in the summer, and this scrub is gentle enough to use several times a week without irritation. For less-oily skin and in the wintertime, though, you may find it a little drying.

May 8, 2008

Aveeno Clear Complexion Cream Cleanser

sensitive to soy!

unfortunately, I learned *after the fact* that many women, including myself, can have a topical alleric reaction to soy. Boy, this stuff made my skin miserable- red, itchy, and broken out!

May 6, 2008

PHYTO Phytolisse Smoothing Serum With Althea

Lighter than most drugstore serums

It's definitely harder to overdose on Phyto's serum the way you can with cheaper silicone products- recommended if you tend towards a heavy product hand.

February 3, 2008

PHYTO Huile D'Al�s Intense Hydrating Oil Treatment With Essential Oils

smells great, but just another hot oil treatment

I have thick, wavy hair, and Huile d'Ales is a lovely smelling (think lemons and pine, but not in a floor-cleaner way) treatment, but it does nothing that other oil treatments don't do. A nice splurge, but stick to V05 if you need to save your $$$.

January 31, 2008

Benefit Dr. Feelgood

mattifying but pore-clogging

If you're prone to zits, beware! This is essentially a wax/silicone/powder combo with plenty of comodegenic ingredients. Stick to a non-pore-clogging powder or blotting sheets if you're oily-ish and/or acne prone.

December 15, 2007

Avene Diacneal Lotion

clearing but mild

I love how this stuff clears up blemishes and blotches without drying out my skin like Retin-A. A great overnight treatment!

November 12, 2007

DS Laboratories Hydroviton CR Liquid Normalizing Soap

my favorite cleanser

This stuff thoroughly cleans without drying my skin, and washes off easily. It has also really cleared up my acne-prone skin. I threw my cetaphil away after buying this.

November 12, 2007

Vincent Longo Lip & Cheek Gel Stain

Best lip stain on the market!

I tend to chew off my lipstick within minutes, but this lipstain has fantastic staying power and does not dry out your lips. Best stain I've found so far.

November 12, 2007

Vichy Laboratories Normaderm Triple Action Anti-Acne Hydrating Lotion

Not so hydrating

Ouch! This stuff is ASTRINGENT and appropriate only for very oily skin that is not sensitive to alcohol. There are gentler ways to achieve clear skin than with this stuff, and it does not contain spf for day.

November 12, 2007