Chanel Precision Beaute Initiale Serum Energizing Multi-Protection Concentrate

Some people have false expectations of product...

I have just started using this product, so I personally cannot effectively rate it. However, I saw what previous reviewers wrote, and had to make a comment. One reviewer mentioned something about a self-tanner; this product is not a self-tanner, and is not marketed as such. There is a slight shimmer, which is connected to the "radiance" part of the marketing. Another reviewer used this as a moisturizer, and commented that it wasn't moisturizing enough. This product is not a moisturizer; it is an anit-aging serum that is meant to be worn UNDER a moisturizer. Maybe these reviewers accidently reviewed the wrong product, because their comments don't correlate with the product. This causes the product to be inappropriately "judged" by other reviewers who come to this site to get advice and do research. I don't even know if I'll like this a few weeks from now, but I think it should be reviewed for what it actually is. In the meantime, I'll give it an "8". I do like the way it feels on the skin. (If the product is doing its job, it is unlikely that many results will be visually evident for some time, as it is supposed to be for those 25-35 yrs of age who want to "pre-anti-age". So if it is not irritating or causing break outs, it may not be a bad product. However, I'm not sure about the actual researched anti-age effectiveness of it's ingredients.) I'll update later... *Update* I've lowered the review to a "7". I finished the bottle. It never broke me out. The texture was nice. Did it help with anti-aging? I don't know. Only clinical studies can truly decide that. However, due to the other things that I've mentioned about it, I'd say that it is slightly above average, but I would think that there are better comparable products out there.

May 24, 2009

Skyn Iceland the Antidote Quenching Daily Lotion

May not be good for all, but a GODSEND for many!

This moisturizer (that is not at all like a serum) has a gel-cream consistency-- So, it is not going to be great for all skin types. A lot of those with drier skins may not be happy with it. (I hear the one w/ SPF is way thicker, but haven't used it myself.) However, this is great for combo and oiler skin types! It isn't drying, yet it isn't greasy. Amazing! There is a tingle when you apply it (that can be attributed to the menthol), and I've found it to be quite minimal, but maybe others might be bothered by it. I've found my skin to be brighter, rosier, and more clear! There are a lot of natural ingredients, and they leave out the parabens. (Yay!) I've heard some people complain about price, but if you want a good, name-brand, department store/boutique, product, you're going to have to pay a little more than you would for neutrogena, dove, or biore, (and in my opinion, this is a far superior product w/ better ingredients). And this really is not that pricy when compared to other products sold at Sephora. This is very fairly priced. I do wish it weren't in a clear glass bottle, for I would think that this would degrade the efficacy of ingredients. I would not recommend storage in the bathroom, (extreme heat and light is bad!). I know some people balk at the fact that there isn't any SPF. They do have a version with SPF, but I think it has a much different consistency. Personally, I don't always like an added SPF in my daily moisturizer, b/c of the added greasiness. I just use a mineral makeup for sunscreen. (I love Everyday Minerals!) When I'm at the beach, though, I'll use an actual sunscreen cream. Anyway, all in all, this is a very nice product that is worth trying. Don't forget that if you live by a Sephora store, you can get a free sample b/4 purchasing! Hope this helped! *Update* Although I do not currently use this moisturizer, I still stand by the review! I'm one of those who is constantly trying new things! I actually finished the entire bottle! This is a great product!

May 24, 2009

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss

What are you all talking about?

I think this is great lip gloss!!! (So does a certain beauty mag... Not that we HAVE to agree with their recommendations, but this time I do.) I owned this lip gloss prior to its Allure distinction; in fact, I have several of them. Ok, first off, it's not meant to be a plumper, and I'm not sure where everybody is getting that. "Lip enhancing" refers to the fact that it adds color to your lips and makes them slightly better than your own. The first gloss I bought from them was ILLUME, and it is still a staple in my make up bag. It is awesome alone or as a lipstick enhancer. One of the things that I was first impressed with was the pleasant smell (kind of cake like)-- But more importantly, I thought that the staying power was rather good for a gloss. I had gone about my day and even eaten, and there were still more than remants left of my gloss. I have NO idea why everybody is so disappointed. This is great! I love Smashbox!

May 24, 2009

Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum

I love Juice Beauty!!!

We all know that not every product works for everybody. Ok, now that we're past that, I'd like to say that this product is at least worth trying. Some may find a holy grail, others may say, "meh". I like the natural ingredients, and the fact that it works for me! I use 4 drops two times a day under their Oil-Free moisturizer. (I do use a different moisturizer for night: argan oil.) Sometimes, I use an extra drop to put directly on spots. (Which, by the way, are continually becoming more scarce.) Contrary to what I've heard once, it is not that difficult to use. I mean it has a dropper--what's so hard about dripping a few drops in the palm of your hand? Just spot apply with a finger or Q-Tip, or rub your hands together and apply to face. (No, do not use a cotton ball... Why would you? It's a serum, not a toner.) Two ounces for $29 is also a great deal! (At least if you think in terms of department store or other Sephora products.) It has an herby sort of smell, but it does not linger on the face, so it should not detract from its performance. Hey, it's natural. Do you really want an added fragrance? My only complaint is that I HATE the clear, glass bottle. I had been using my first bottle for 2 or 3 weeks, and dropped it on my bathroom floor! Complete mess. (I IMMEDIATELY went to Sephora to replace it, though!) I store my bottle in a little cloth bag, and do not keep it in my bathroom. I would think that light and heat would not be kind to those natural ingredients. They really should rethink packaging. All in all, it is worth giving it shot. Remember, though that it could take a couple months to see results. Yes, not everything delivers instantaneous results, especially a product that is not laden with chemicals and junk. If after a couple of months of use, you don't see results, then maybe it isn't for you. (Unfortunately, sometimes skin gets a little worse before getting better. Mine did that. Something to do with flushing out what was already hiding in your pores. This may not happen to everybody, though... Just a warning. I know that might turn some people off, but there are A LOT of blemish clearing products that do the same thing.) Hope this helps!

May 24, 2009