Something clicked with my hormones recently that has caused my skin to go crazy - oily, dry, breaking out like I never did even as a teenager... it has sucked!! why was my tried and true skin care routine no longer working for me?? So I've been on a search for something to help me out. I wasn't ready to go the medical route, since there are so many over the counter items, but I also didn't want to spend money on a product I didn't know about.
Luckily, I have found the wonderful world of free samples can, once again, fill this void of knowledge. And in this particular quest, I found LaRoche-Posay Effaclar DUO. This has even won awards this year, so there's even a backing (besides me) out there.
I had quite a few doubts since before this particular product, I had tried a few others, which just weren't good enough. They either dried out my skin too much, or just didn't work (up to my standards, at least). None have been anything worth writing about, good or bad. Until now. One use overnight and I saw a dramatic difference! ONE USE! I used the sample up and was quickly on the search to buy this product. Though in the week long use of the sample, I did learn I couldn't use it the recommended 'up to' of 2 times a day (morning and night). But as long as I stuck with the directed 'thin layer' before I went to bed, it worked great!
So this is a must buy if you have issues with breaking out, even in short bursts. It's not the cheapest thing on the market, but you only need such a little bit of it (pea sized) for each use, the tube should last for awhile!
It seems like a new razor with one more blade or other 'upgrade' comes out every year. How much new technology can there really be in a razor??
One of the more recent 'new' razors is the Schick Hydro Silk Razor. The Hydro Silk touts a water-activated moisturizing serum and 5 curve-sensing blades with skin guards to help protect skin from irritation. So I already use a 5-blade razor with ribbons of moisture of another brand, so I decided to try it out, side-by-side, or rather, leg verses leg.
The results? Surprisingly, there was a bit of a difference. The Hydro Silk left me smother for about a day or so longer. So I guess it was that much closer?? Granted, my other razor had been used a couple of times, so it was 'old' in comparison this this fresh out of the package Schick. But still...
I think the key, overall, is the five blades. So yes, the Schick Hydro Silk works and is a great little razor. At the end of the day, though, I'll like just get what's on sale. Only because I'm not exactly one to always go with the latest and greatest in choosing brands.
We all wish for 'a miracle overnight' when it comes to our facial skin tone and appearance. If we could only stay young forever!
We hear about various elements and minerals that are good for our skin. Osmotics Cosmeceuticals Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair brings that to us (if we desire). This anti-aging moisturizer is packed with skin-repairing powerhouses. Copper PCA jumpstarts collagen synthesis, which is proven to decline as we age. Antioxidants like vitamins A and E, along with powerful carnosine combat harmful free radicals to prevent future aging while helping your skin retain moisture for a dewy, soft, line-free complexion. Plus, allantoin soothes and calms irritated complexions, making this cream great for rosacea sufferers. But does it really work?
While I don't have a lot of the aging issues yet (I like to think my skin care regimen has something to do with NOT seeing those deep wrinkles yet), I can say it did give a very dewy look when I woke up after the first night. And my skin did feel softer after just one use. But the one thing I couldn't quite wrap my hands around was the scent... the copper infusion treatment smells like, well, copper!
So this is something you may want to make a judgement for yourself, if you're up for spending some cash. But what girl doesn't want to spend a little money to make her skin look better? It just depends on where you're at in the need for it. Not a bad product, by all means... I'm just not ready for it!
BB creams see to be the latest rage in beauty. In general, they've been out there for awhile, seemingly becoming popular in Asia before hitting it big in the US. Their popularity has soared because, lets face it, we love products that do more than one thing!
Boscia BB Cream touts that it has a botanical, more natural formula. Which is good, right? Like many BB Creams, it creates a lustrous, flawless finish as it hydrates, firms and soothes the skin. It also helps diminish the appearance of pores, fine lines and uneven skin tone while providing long-wearing, natural coverage that conceals imperfections. That last part is key... this one actually DOES conceal. It's a self adjusting shade that is *supposedly* good for all skin tones... I can't make the call on that, but this is what I can tell you... it does work.
The one oddity I found about this was that it's almost too thick - it doesn't spread easily, at least initially. It stays think, i n patches, until you rub over it a few more time than you'd expect you'd have to. It does cover great, though! But since it covers, it feel like it covers. It doesn't feel as lightweight as I'd like. So I guess what it comes down to is whether or not you need the full coverage. If so, this is a good BB Cream for you. If you don't have any flaws to hide, something with less coverage might need to be found elsewhere for you.
There are so many primers and creams and tinted moisturizers and such on the market that it can get confusing on what to put on your face first. It can also be intimidating to try something new, especially if it strays much from your normal routine.
Stila has become a brand I like to try new things from (at least to me). There stuff seems to be innovative without being too crazy and intimidating. This latest find, however, was one of the more 'edgy' ones, at least for me. Stila One Step Bronze just looks intimidating, to start. All sorts of bronze colors swirled in a clear liquid. What is this stuff??
Well, it does a lot, it seems. Get this... this revolutionary new formula contains three illuminating bronzers: Matte bronze with copper undertone - to bronze, Bronze with pink undertone - to enhance skin tone and illuminate, and Kitten - to brighten, illuminate and help diminish the appearance of sun spots. But even further along, this primer, illuminating, bronzing, color-correcting skincare serum contains Stila's Youth Revival Bio-Available Mineral Complex that instantly: Reduces imperfections, Improves skin texture, Diminishes the look of fine lines & wrinkles, Minimizes pores, Hydrates, balances and nourishes the skin, and Controls oil production.
Wow... that's a mouthful! In short, though, it's almost like a BB Cream. But not quite. There's something slightly lighter about it. The first time I used it, I used too much and quickly learned that one quick pump is plenty! It give that dewy, sun-kissed look without covering up your skin with a layer of color. In other words, it doesn't conceal. But it doesn't claim to, either.
This is one of those products that grew on me. The first time I used it (too much of it), I shook my head and put it on the shelf for a bit before using it again. But once I figured out how much to use and how to make it work with my make-up routine, I became sold on the little extras it did. This is worth it if you have the space in your routing for it, even if it's not everyday.
Convenience is the way of our society nowadays. While every girl knows it's important to wash your face every night and get all you make-up off before going to bed, we all can get a little rushed, or just lazy. So whenever I see an opportunity to short cut, I have to check it out.
One sure way to cut some time off of the night time ritual is a make-up remover in a wipe form. The LA Fresh Facial Cleanser wipes do just that. Truth be told, I don't that there's much difference between these and other make-up remover wipes on the market. But regardless, these are a great thing to have on hand.
One big plus LA Fresh has is the fact that they sell packages of individual wrapped wipes. This makes for a great way to travel without getting bogged down with bottles of beauty care. For that reason alone, this become high on my list of 'good buys' that I have... and the price is right, too.
I tend to think my eyes are my best feature, but with my blonde hair, even though my lashes have decent length, disappear if I have nothing on them. So mascara is one of my most important daily beauty needs.
Enter Dior Diorshow Extase. I usually can tell you almost instantly if a mascara will work for me or not. While I'm not extremely picky, I know what I like and expect from mascara. First and foremost, it has to make my eyes pop without any other eye make-up. I will typically go with no other eye make-up, so if the mascara doesn't pop, then it's worthless to me. But this Dior mascara makes my eyes pop! It give a volume to lashes without overdoing it.
My mascara better stay put, too. I love going to waterproof mascaras, since they're designed to not move, no matter what. But so long as we have a smudge proof, relatively flake-free mascara, I'm good. Again, this Dior mascara has that.
Now the bonus... Dior took its classic volume-boosting formula and added a patented ceramide complex to help your lashes grow thicker and stronger over time. While I didn't see this in the small sample I had, this could be a nice added bonus if you're looking for a lash treatment.
The only downfall I see to this is the price. While I'm not against paying for something good, the nearly $30 price tag for this even stops me and makes me think. But you are getting a 2 in 1 product - mascara and treatment.
So bottom line, good stuff, but you pay for it. Depending on my need will determine if I actually buy it. In the meantime, there's so many mascara out there that come close to this, at least in daily use and look. The treatment part may be the determining factor for someone, and then it may be well worth it.
Luckily, I have found the wonderful world of free samples can, once again, fill this void of knowledge. And in this particular quest, I found LaRoche-Posay Effaclar DUO. This has even won awards this year, so there's even a backing (besides me) out there.
