Skin Care Junky - Est. 2008

Burt's Bees Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream

2011-12-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

Burt's Bees recently introduced new products designed for those with sensitive skin types. Burt's Bees Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream is one of those products.

Packaged in an air tight pump bottle, this slightly thick, rich, white, unscented cream, is quickly absorbed and leaves my face feeling dewy, soft, and moisturized without being oily or shiny. Although this product contains zinc oxide, there is no SPF listed so those wanting sun protection may want to use this under a sunscreen.

This product is full of nourishing, natural ingredients, and is said to be 99% natural. It feels great on my face without feeling heavy. although it is not scented, there is a slight scent from the ingredients it contains, it smells natural and pleasant. Although not previously a Burt's Bees fan, this product is excellent.

The 1.8 ounce pump bottle retails for $15. and is available at a variety of stores and the Burt's Bee website.

Redken Extreme Anti Snap

2011-11-01T00:00:00.003-04:00

L'Oreal owned Redken 5th Avenue New York's Extreme Anti Snap is a protective leave-in hair serum. It is designed to reduce breakage and protect hair from heat and friction. This highly scented product has a texture like a facial serum. It is applied to towel dried hair, especially on the ends, to help seal and protect the hair.

This product seems to do a good job of calming frizz but can be heavy if too much is applied. The scent is quite strong but pleasant. It does seem to add shine to my hair but I noticed some breakouts where my hair touches my face.

Redken 5th Avenue New York is available at some stores, beauty supply stores, and finer salons. An 8.5 ounce bottle retails for around $15.00.

Ingredients: Water (aqua), Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Dimethiconol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth 23, Laureth 4, Laureth 7, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Ethylparaben, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Wheat Amino Acids, Arginine HCl, Taurine, Oleth-10, Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate, Lecithin, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Phosphoric Acid, 2-Oleamido-1, 3-Octadecanediol, Trehalose.

The Body Shop Radiance Shampoo and Conditioner

2011-10-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

I recently tried a deluxe sample of The Body Shop's Rainforest Radiance Shampoo and Conditioner. The Rainforest is the new sulfate-free, silicone-free line of hair care products. The scents are a bit strong but extremely pleasant. The products come in different formulas such as moisturizing, shine, radiance, and balance.

The Radiance shampoo and conditioner left my highlighted hair feeling dry, rough, and I was not able to comb through my hair at all. I had to rinse some of my Mastey de Paris Frehair Daily Conditioner through my hair just to be able to comb it. The shampoo has a light lather that builds and it rinses cleanly. The conditioner is easily rinsed out and both have a wonderful, somewhat nutty scent.

Mastey de Paris is the original sulfate-free, silicone free, hair care line, and in my opinion, the best.

The Radiance line may be better suited to those with virgin hair that doesn't easily tangle.

8.4 ounce bottles of these products are available for $10 at The Body Shop boutiques and their website.

Ingredients Shampoo: Water (Solvent/Diluent), Sucrose (Depilatory Agent), Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate (Surfactant), Lauryl Betaine (Surfactant), Laureth-5 Carboxylic Acid (Surfactant - Cleansing Agent), Sodium Chloride (Viscosity Modifier), PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate (Surfactant), Propylene Glycol (Humectant), Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Glycerin (Humectant), Parfum (Fragrance), Sucrose Laurate (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Isopropyl Alcohol (Solvent), Polyquaternium-6 (Conditioner), Salicylic Acid (Preservative/Hair Conditioner), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster), Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Sunscreen), Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil (Fragrance Ingredient), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster), Tocopherol (Antioxidant).

Ingredients Conditioner: Water (Solvent/Diluent), Cetearyl Alcohol (Emulsifier), Glyceryl Stearate (Emulsifier), Distearoylethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate (Antistatic Agent), Glycine Soja Oil (Emollient/Skin Conditioner), Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Glycerin (Humectant), Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Sucrose Laurate (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Hydroxypropyl Guar (Emulsion stabilizer, Viscocity increasing agent), Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil (Fragrance Ingredient), Salicylic Acid (Preservative/Hair Conditioner), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Skin Conditioning Agent), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Sunscreen), Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster), Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Tocopherol (Antioxidant).

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

2011-09-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream is a very emollient, 100% natural, cuticle balm designed to nourish nails and cuticles. This somewhat strongly lemon scented cream starts out waxy and melts into an oily texture when applied to the cuticles. I apply it to the entire nail area and it seems to reduce dryness and moisturize the cuticles.

A 0.60 ounce tin retails for $6.00 and is available from the Burt's Bees website and many stores.

Ingredients: Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, Beeswax, Citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, Beta-carotene, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, Tocopherol, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, Glycine soja (soybean) oil, Canola oil, Vegetable oil.

Written by: Skin Care Junky

L'Oreal Paris RevitaLift Clinical Repair 10 Day Cream

2011-08-01T00:00:00.003-04:00

New to L'Oreal's RevitaLift line is two new products designed to address the 10 signs of aging. I recently bought a tube of L'Oreal Paris RevitaLift Clinical Repair 10 Day Cream.

Packaged in a red, metallic tube, this cream is similarly scented to the other RevitaLift products. This slightly off white cream is thick and not as easily spread as some moisturizers. This product is said to contain clinic amounts of Retinol which is thought to reduce wrinkles. This cream is designed to reduce the signs of aging while protecting the skin with sunscreen.

I like this product a lot; however, it is a bit difficult to spread as it is quite thick. The scent is rather light and pleasant and similar to some of the Lancome products. This cream contains soybean oil which is thought to benefit the skin but because of that it seems to spread during the day and I noticed that it got into my eyes a few times. It can't be applied too closes to the eyes for that reason. This product is silicone free.

L'Oreal Paris RevitaLift Clinical Repair 10 Day Cream comes in a 1.7 ounce tube and retails for $25.

The Naked Bee Moisturizing Hand and Body Lotion

2011-07-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

The Naked Bee Moisturizing Hand and Body Lotion is certified 70% organic. I discovered this great product at a museum gift shop. This product contains Aloe, White Tea, Honey, and Hyaluronic Acid. It is free of parabens, propylene glycol, and mineral oil.

This slightly thick, rich, emollient, lotion has a wonderful Green Tea scent. It absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling moisturized and soft. The scent is rather strong and lingers, but is pleasant. This product is concentrated which allows me to use less of it.

Availability of this product is somewhat limited as the manufacturer website does not allow consumers to buy the products online. Instead, I have found it available on Amazon. Available in a variety of formulas, scents, and sizes, prices vary.

In addition to the hand lotion The Naked Bee has a line of facial skin care products. Some of the products are available unscented.

The Body Shop Nutralift Firming Serum

2011-06-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

The Body Shop's Nutralift Firming Serum is a new line of products designed to firm and plump the skin. This serum is rather strongly scented, a sort of sweet, fruity scent. Infused with Pomegranate and Honey, this serum seems to hydrate my skin and give it a bit of plumping. It is similar to Garnier skin care products (L'Oreal owns The Body Shop and Garnier.) I found this serum is a bit heavier than some of the others manufactured by The Body Shop, and it can "ball up." This seems like a great choice for a fan of The Body Shop who is looking for products mean to firm and moisturize.

A one ounce bottle is available at The Body Shop boutiques and from their website for $36.00.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Creatine, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Caffeine, Dimethicone, Honey, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentylene Glycol, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Secale Cereale (Rye) Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Wheat Germ Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, Avena Strigosa Seed Extract, Lecithin, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Adenosine, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Limonene, Potassium Sorbate, Geraniol, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Ursolic Acid.

Written by: Skin Care Junky

Mastey de Paris Moisturee Conditioner

2011-05-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

Mastey manufactures some of my favorite hair and skin care products. Silicone, oil, and sulfate free, Mastey designs products designed to work. Their products add moisture to hair and skin without covering them up with heavy silicones and waxes.

Mastey de Paris Moisturee is a hair conditioner designed to add moisture to dry hair. The light, creamy texture melts into the hair giving it a moisture boost. With a light, fresh scent, Moisturee leaves my hair feeling better moisturized, stronger, and smoother. Using Moisturee after Mastey de Paris Traite Shampoo and before Mastey de Paris Frehair Daily Conditioner is ideal when my hair feels dry or rough after being colored.

Mastey products continue to be innovative and luxurious making them my favorite.

An 8 ounce bottle is available from the Mastey website and finer salons for $17.00.

The Body Shop Nutriganics Smoothing Serum

2011-04-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

Nutriganics is a newer line of products from The Body Shop. Nutriganics Smoothing Serum is a light, naturally scented product. It contains numerous natural ingredients meant to moisturize and protect the skin. This serum has a light texture but feels a bit heavy on the skin. The scent is similar to Origins products which is manufactured by Estee Lauder. This serum makes my skin feel soft, however, it doesn't seem to absorb as easily as some of the other serums available. This serum might be a good choice for someone who wants moisture from a more natural product.

This serum is available at The Body Shop boutiques and on their website. a one ounce bottle retails for $26.00.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Olea Europaea Oil/Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil/Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Sucrose Stearate, Benzyl Alcohol, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil*, Sclerotium Gum, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, p-Anisic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Sodium Hydroxide, Limonene, Tocopherol, Myristic Acid, Citral, Linalool, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil*, Citronellol, Buddleja Davidii Extract*, Thymus Vulgaris Extract/Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract*, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil/Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil*, Geraniol, Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract/Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract*, Foeniculum Vulgare Oil/Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Oil*, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil/Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil*, Vanilla Planifolia Extract/Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract*, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil/Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Thymus Vulgaris Oil/Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Oil*, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil*.

Written by: Skin Care Junky

The Body Shop Wise Woman Vitality Serum

2011-03-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

I recently tried a sample of The Body Shop's Wise Woman Vitality Serum. It is a light, highly scented serum. It absorbed quickly and left my skin feeling hydrated. It reminds me a lot of L'Oreal's Age Perfect Re-Cushioning Serum. (L'Oreal owns The Body Shop.) Although this serum is highly scented, it is a pleasant, somewhat floral fragrance. This serum is part of The Body Shop's Wise Woman line marketed more toward more mature skin. Overall, while I like this serum, I still prefer Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex Serum and L'Oreal Youth Code Serum Intense.

This serum is available at The Body Shop website and boutiques. A one ounce bottle retails for $36.00.

Ingredients: Water, Lactobacillus/Clover Flower Ferment Extract, Oleyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glycereth-7 Trimethyl Ether, Borage Oil, Fragrance, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract, Methylparaben, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Potassium Sorbate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate.

Written by: Skin Care Junky

Moisturizers

2011-02-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

Many moisturizers contain ingredients such as silicone or petroleum products such as mineral oil. These ingredients create a barrier and help prevent moisture evaporation. They can also make the skin look and feel better. However, I have found products with these ingredients increase breakouts. The reason, it seems, is that these ingredients can trap dirt and oils. One solution may be applying these products only onto clean skin, however, oils are produced throughout the day. My skin is super sensitive to products containing a lot of silicones, mineral oil, or petrolatum. It seems to cause clogged pores and breakouts. Although I do use serums that contain silicone, I generally apply them to specific areas and not all over my face. The moisturizers I use are silicone free. What are your thoughts and opinions on products with silicones and petrolatum or mineral oil?

Post your responses below.

Written by: Skin Care Junky

Open Forum: Must Have Skin Care Item

2011-01-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

What is the one skin care item you must have regardless of price? For instance, mine is Mastey de Paris Moiste Facial Moisturizer. What is your favorite product, why do you like it so much, and where do you purchase it. Leave your comments below.

Ingredients Search Website

2010-12-15T00:00:00.001-05:00

I found this website while looking for the ingredients of a product. It allows you to search for a single ingredient or you can copy and paste an entire ingredients listing and it tells you what the ingredient is and what it is used for. Very cool. http://www.cosdna.com/eng/ingredients.php

L'Oreal Youth Code Serum Intense

2010-12-01T00:00:00.003-05:00

L'Oreal has introduced a new product line called Youth Code. It consists of a serum, day lotion, day/night cream, and eye cream. These products are similar to those offered by Lancome, the luxury division of L'Oreal and retail for about $25.00.

I pre-ordered the L'Oreal Youth Code Serum Intense and used it for a month. The first thing I noticed was the extremely light texture of the clear serum. Very little product is needed to cover the entire face. This serum is identical to Lancome Genifique serum except that the Youth Code serum has peptides, known as Matrixyl-3000, while the Genifique does not. The scent is very light and gender neutral unlike a lot of Lancome products. The serum absorbs very quickly and leaves a smooth, powdery finish. My only complaint, and I have this with several other L'Oreal and Lancome products is that it tends to ball up if I try layering other products on top of it.

I didn't see a huge improvement in my skin while using this but I liked it and would consider using it again. Alcohol is rather high up on the ingredients listing which can cause dry skin although there are also numerous humectants in the serum to counteract it. I like that a drug store brand product contains peptides, most do not.

The serum seems to be the powerhouse product as it contains peptides while the lotion and cream do not. Of additional interest is the high concentration of Bifida Ferment Lysate which is one of the main ingredients in Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex.

Except for the alcohol content and the fact the serum can ball up depending on what is applied over it, I liked this serum a lot.

This product is available at Ulta, Target, Walmart, Meijer, and a variety of other stores. It retails for $25.00 or so in most stores.

Ingredients: Water , Bifida Ferment Lysate , Glycerin , Alcohol Denat. , Dimethicone , Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acids , PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate , Sodium Hyaluronate , Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine , Palmitoyl Oligopeptide , Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 , Adenosine , Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide , Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate , Disodium EDTA , Caprylyl Glycol , Citric Acid , Xanthan Gum , N-Hydroxysuccinimide , Chrysin , Octyldodecanol , Sodium Benzoate , Phenoxyethanol , Limonene , Fragrance.

Open Forum: How Important are Brand Names?

2010-11-15T00:00:00.002-05:00

Would you rather use a well known brand name product such as Lancome or the less expensive but virtually identical L'Oreal brand? How important is brand name when choosing products? Leave your comments below.

Estee Lauder Reformulates DayWear Moisturizers

2010-11-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

Estee Lauder has reformulated their Daywear moisturizers now calling them DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer. Available in cream, lotion, and sheer tint formulas this new version is said to have better skin protecting qualities.

Having tried a sample of the new formula I like it but found that it is was slightly more greasy. The scent has been changed and is now more floral with a hint of the cucumber scent. I prefer the new scent as it seems lighter and more elegant.

DayWear is available online and at Estee Lauder counters for $43.00 in a 1.7 ounce jar.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

2010-10-15T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Body Shop, now owned by L'Oreal, has been updating their product offerings. One of their newest product lines to be updated is their Vitamin C line. Having tried and liked their Vitamin E line I was eager to try their revamped Vitamin C line.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 is delightful. The slightly thick texture smells slightly of citrus, spreads easily, and absorbs well. A lot of products with a high SPF tend to be greasy but I have found that this moisturizer leaves a dewy finish. The texture is great because it is thick enough that you know where you are applying it but not so thick that it just sits on the skin. It contains Vitamin C and Amazonian Camu Camu along with the Sesame Seed Oil found in a lot of their other products. Camu Camu is said to be rich in Vitamin C.

This is a great product in my opinion and well worth trying, especially for those wanting a higher SPF.

Available in a 1.69 ounce tube, this moisturizer retails for $20.00 at The Body Shop stores and online.

Ingredients: Water (Solvent/Diluent), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Sunscreen), Isododecane (Solvent), Octisalate (Sunscreen), Octocrylene (Sunscreen), Hydrogenated Polydecene (Skin Conditioning Agent), Glycerin (Humectant), Glyceryl Stearate (Emulsifier), Arachidyl Alcohol (Emulsion Stabiliser), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Sunscreen), Caprylyl Glycol (Skin Conditioning Agent), Behenyl Alcohol (Emollient), PEG-100 Stearate (Surfactant), Arachidyl Glucoside (Surfactant/Emulsifying Agent), Cetyl Alcohol (Emulsifier), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Antioxidant), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Acrylamide/Ammonium Acrylate Copolymer (Binder), Fragrance (Fragrance), Xanthan Gum (Viscosity Modifier), Dimethicone (Skin Conditioning Agent), Polyisobutene (Binder), Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Polysorbate 20 (Emulsifier), Sorbitan Isostearate (Emulsifier), Limonene (Fragrance Ingredient), Benzyl Benzoate (Solvent), Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Hexyl Cinnamal (Fragrance Ingredient), Citronellol (Fragrance Ingredient).

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 1

2010-10-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

I have never been a big fan of Clinique products, however, after reading reviews for their Clarifying Lotions, decided to give it a try.

Clinique is the dermatological formulated brand from Estee Lauder and perhaps best known for their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. Good Skin, offered exclusively at Kohl's and also owned by Estee Lauder, makes similar products.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 1 is for very dry to dry skin and is advertised as being gentle enough for those who are sensitive to water. This may be, however, it does contain alcohol rather high up on the list of ingredients. Still, this product doesn't sting my sensitive skin. Applied prior to moisturizing this product is supposed to refine fine lines and remove dulling dry skin flakes. I found that it makes my skin a bit oily and shiny. This lotion is great at removing soap residue and it does feel soothing.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion is available in five different formulas for different skin types and can be purchased from the Clinique website or from the Clinique counter and department stores. A 6.7 ounce bottle retails for $12.50.

Ingredients: Vary by formula.

Estee Lauder Good Skin and Grassroots

2010-09-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

It seems the original Good Skin and Grassroots products launched by Estee Lauder's Beauty Bank division and sold exclusively in Kohl's stores has been discontinued in favor of a few new products. Good Skin is the Clinique equivalent at Kohl's and offered a variety of really amazing products. Grassroots is the Origins or Aveda version offering more natural sounding products.

While it was a great idea for Estee Lauder to offer many amazing and affordable products in a store such as Kohl's the displays are often not tidy and the products are difficult to get out of the displays. Overall the appeal of the beauty department at Kohl's is not ideal because it isn't kept neat and clean. Perhaps this turned some customers off who are more use to the elegant displays at higher-end department stores.

Yves Rocher Serum Vegetal 3 Plumping Force Day Cream

2010-09-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

Yves Rocher has been updating a lot of their product lines; one of their newest product lines to be updated is their Serum Vegetal line. Available in a variety day or night creams these products are designed to help the skin with wrinkles, radiance, and firmness.

Yves Rocher Serum Vegetal 3 Plumping Force Day Cream is slightly thick, but spreads extremely well. I found that while very pleasant, the scent is slightly strong. And while it does seem to absorb pretty well, it does seem to leave the skin just slightly greasy and may be best suited to those with drier skin types.

According to Yves Rocher this product: "Fills in pronounced wrinkles, Restores bounce to skin, Moisturizes and protects skin."

Available from Yves Rocher's website, catalog, or Yves Rocher stores, an elegant jar of this cream retails for $46.00 for 1.7 ounces.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Lentius Edodes Extract, Dimithicone, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Cetyl ALcohol, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Sodium Mannuronate Methylsilanol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Hydrolyzed Pectin, Talc, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Acacia Senegal Gum, Mangifferin, Butylene GLycol, Parfum/Fragrance. Glyceryl Stearate, Ethyl Linoleate, Methylparaben, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Allantoin, Ethylparaben, Sodium Hydroxide, Propylparaben, BHT, Tetrasodium EDTA, Propylene GLycol, CI 17200 (Red 33).

Avon Solutions Total Radiance Day Lotion SPF 15

2010-08-15T00:00:00.004-04:00

When it comes to skin care, Avon is not usually my first choice. For a while it seemed as thought they had over perfumed, dated formulas. With the introduction of numerous products, that has all changed. Avon is now using very modern formulas and going easy on the fragrance which makes many of their products a great choice for those wanting something modern and effective.

Avon Solutions Total Radiance Day Lotion SPF 15 is a very lightweight and silky face lotion that spreads and absorbs quickly. It dries to an almost matte finish, doesn't feel oily or sticky, and leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. While the scent is quite noticeable, it is not overpowering or floral and smells rather fresh and citrusy.

This product, along with many of the others in the Avon Solutions line, contain peptides, vitamins, plant extracts, intense hydrators, and numerous other ingredients meant to help hydrate the skin and improve the look and feel. These elegant products contain ingredients found in much more expensive brands. There are numerous products available for different skin types as well as the recent addition of serums to correspond with the particular moisturizers. Overall, this is a very nice product and good for those who prefer a lotion.

While this product does contain numerous chemicals, the majority of such products do, it would be nice if companies would reduce their use of petrochemicals, silicones, preservatives, etc. A lot of companies have jumped on the bandwagon and are reformulating their products to remove the chemicals. Some chemicals are needed; however, many are not. Mastey de Paris, while their customer service skills may be lacking when it comes to communicating with their customers, has figured out a way to formulate high quality, elegant, skin care formulas without silicones, mica, titanium, alumina, mineral oil, or petrolatum. Their formulas are simple, effective, and some of the best.

This product is available in a 4 ounce pump bottle from the Avon website or Avon representative.

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5.0%, Avobenzone 2.0%.
Other Ingredients: Water/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Dimethicone, Lauryl Lactate, Dilauryl Thiodipropionate, Calcium PCA, Lactoferrin, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Phospholipids, Phytol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aframomum Melegueta Seed Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Ceramide 2, Cholesterol, DNA, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Seed Extract, Viola Tricolor Extract, Yeast Extract/Extrait De Levure, Peg-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Urea, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Peg-100 Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Boron Nitride, Silica, Isohexadecane, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethiconol, Tribehenin, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Parfum/Fragrance, Carbomer, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide.

Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Gel-Creme

2010-08-01T00:00:00.006-04:00

Garnier is still a relatively new brand, owned by L'Oreal. It has been made popular through advertising featuring Sex and the City's Sarah Jessica Parker who is known for her beautiful hair and skin. Garnier has a line of hair and skin care products that contain natural fruit extracts. I haven't tended to be over excited about the Garnier skin care line because they tend to contain titanium dioxide, aluminum, and mica. However, Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Gel-Creme contains none of those ingredients. It also does not contain sunscreen. The lotion version of this product contains sunscreen and comes in a larger pump bottle.

This is a very light, quickly absorbed gel with a very delicate, clean scent. It spreads quickly and easily and absorbs leaving a matte finish. The scent is refreshing and gender neutral. This product is amazing, it provides hydration big time plumping up the skin and making it look soft and dewy. It does not feel heavy and provides ample hydration.

I have found that using too much causes it to ball up some as well as if I layer it with other products; however, a little goes a long way since it spreads so easily. Also, I have been using it as a sort of face mask. I sort of goop it on and let it soak in for a while before showering. It is cool and refreshing and makes my skin feel very soft and hydrated.

The 1.7 ounce jar of Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Gel-Creme is available at a variety of stores and retails for under $8.00.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Carbomer, Dimethiconol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Vitis Vinifera Extract/Grapefruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Menthoxypropanediol, Magnesium Gluconate, Sodium Citrate, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Calcium Gluconate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, CI 19140/Yellow 5, CI 42090/Blue 1, Parfum/Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol.

Free Advanced Night Repair July 22, 2010

2010-07-15T00:00:00.002-04:00

Estee Lauder will be offering, one to a customer while supplies last, a 10-day supply of either their recently reformulated Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex or their brand new Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum. This even will be held July 22, 2010 from 5-9 pm at most Estee Lauder counters.

Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair was one of the first repair serums available and still one of the most popular. It continues to be a best seller for Estee Lauder and has an enormous following.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex

2010-07-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

Being a big fan of Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex I was eager to try the new eye creme. The creme is unscented but has a similar sent to the Advanced Night Repair serum. The texture is quite thick and doesn't spread all that well, but eye cremes are to be applied by patting them onto the eye area.

This product contains petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly) which tends to cause me to break out. After using this eye creme for a few days I noticed I had some small breakouts under my eyes. Something I have noticed with numerous eye cremes as they tend to be a bit heavy for my skin and this product is rather thick and heavy as well. While I like it, I would have to guess that it is better suited for more mature skin types. If it works half as well as the face serum, it is a winner.

A 0.50 ounce jar retails for $49.50 and is available at the Macy's counter at finer department stores and the Estee Lauder website.

Ingredients: Currently Unavailable

The Body Shop Vitamin E SPF 15 Moisture Lotion

2010-06-15T00:00:00.003-04:00

The Body Shop has a large array of skin care products including Vitamin E SPF 15 Moisture Lotion. I tried a sample of this lotion a few weeks ago and decided to purchase a full size tube.

This product is a slightly thick, white, cream that spreads fairly easily and absorbs somewhere between dewy and matte. The scent is light and clean and reminds me of baby lotion or baby powder.

The Body Shop has numerous other products available in the Vitamin E line including a cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, and night cream. These products, while very nice, do contain a lot of preservatives high up on the ingredients list which indicates a higher percentage of them. Additionally, this lotion contains SPF 15 chemical sunscreen, which I prefer, titanium and zinc break me out. This lotion also contains Vitamin E and wheat germ oil among its other ingredients.

I found that I really like this product. The texture, the scent, it just feels nice on the skin. If they would add more active ingredients and reduce the plethora of preservatives this would be an even better product. Still, I like this a lot and it seems to moisturize pretty well and doesn't make my face extremely greasy.

The 1.69 ounce tube retails for $18.00 and is available online or in store.

Ingredients: ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (6.0%), Octisalate (4.0%), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (3.0%); INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance, Carbomer, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Citronellol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, Linalool, Geraniol, Tocopherol.

The Body Shop Honey Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner

2010-06-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

The Body Shop is a UK company that is now part of the L'Oreal Group of companies. The Body Shop is known for using naturally derived ingredients in its products.

Honey Moisturizing Shampoo is a thick product that lathers well, rinses quickly and leaves the hair squeaky clean. The scent reminds me of a floral honey, and while it is light, it does linger. Despite being sulfate-free, this shampoo cleans well; however, it does contain silicone which may build up.

Honey Moisturizing Conditioner is a lotion like, creamy, product that instantly detangles the hair and makes it feel silky soft. A little bit is all that is required as too much will leave the hair feeling quite greasy. This product rinses a bit slowly but cleanly. Again, the scent is sort of a honey floral but seems a bit stronger than that of the shampoo.

These are both nice products that are reasonably priced. Although The Body Shop has a reputation for naturally derived ingredients, the majority of their products have high levels of preservatives and silicones. These two products do contain a lot of natural ingredients including protein, amino acids, olive oil, and honey.

Honey Moisturizing Shampoo is available in three sizes with the largest size retailing for $15.00. Honey Moisturizing Conditioner is also available in three sizes with the largest selling for $15.00. The products are available at The Body Shop stores or online from their website.

Ingredients: Honey Moisturizing Shampoo: Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Stearic Acid, Honey, Coconut Acid, Glycerin, Acrylates/Palmeth-25 Acrylate Copoymer, Bertholletia Excelsa (Brazil) Nut Oil, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Isothionate, Olea Europea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Phenethyl Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Cetearyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Lanolin, Polyquaternium-10, Methylparaben, Aminomethyl Propanol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrolysed Wheat Protein, PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Polyquaternium-7, Propylparaben, Bertothelia Excelsa (Brazil) Nut Amino Acids, Wheat Amino Acids, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Potassium Sorbate, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Titanium Dioxide.

Honey Moisturizing Conditioner: Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Musa Sapentum Banana) Pulp, Glyceryl Stearate, Amodimethicone, Bertothelia Excelsa (Brazil) Nut Oil, Ceteareth-20, Glycerin, Steartrimonium Methosulfate, Lanolin, Olea Europea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Phenethyl Dimethicone, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Isopropyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Prpopylparaben, Bertholletia Excelsa (Brazil Nut) Amino Acids, Cetrimonium Chloride, Trideceth-12, Wheat Amino Acids, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate.

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Cream/Gel

2010-05-15T00:00:00.004-04:00

Clinique, one of Estee Lauder's many brands, is not my first brand of choice. I've tried numerous products that have caused me breakouts. That being said, one thing I love about Clinique is the scent. Their products are not scented but most of them have a very distinct Clinique scent. I was bought a jar of Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Cream/Gel as a gift.

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Cream/Gel has absolutely no scent whatsoever. It has a pink, thick, gel-like texture. It easily spreads and absorbs fairly quickly but leaves the skin a bit sticky for a few minutes. This product is designed for dry skin, yet, it is not the least bit greasy, and dries matte. Reapplication throughout the day can result in the product balling up if too much is used and it is not rubbed in well. My skin is left feeling very fresh and hydrated but not oily. I am surprised by how much I like this product.

This is a simple product, while it has many beneficial ingredients, it has a rather short ingredients list which may mean this is a good product for those who have very sensitive skin that reacts to everything. The ingredients include aloe, peptides, and vitamin C.

Available in a jar in two sizes, 1.7 or 2.5 ounces it retails for either $34.00 or $46.50 at most Clinique counters or from the Clinique website.

Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Birch Bark Extract, Ladys Thistle Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Sucrose, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Trehalose, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Sorbitol, Oleth-10, Tromethamine, Caffeine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Extensin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Palmitoyl Olgiopeptide, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Peg-8, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Magnesuim Ascorbyl Phosphate, Carbomer, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Red 4 (Ci 14700), Yellow 5 (Ci 19140).

Estee Lauder Daywear Plus Creme for Normal/Combination Skin

2010-05-01T00:00:00.005-04:00

Interested in trying new products, I have looked to Estee Lauder since I currently use their Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex serum.

I received a sample of Estee Lauder Daywear Plus Creme SPF 15 for normal/combination skin. The pale green creme is rather thick and with a fresh, light, cucumber scent. The scent does linger and fragrance is really rather unnecessary in a skin care product, so is color, but the fragrance is pleasant enough. I much prefer unscented products with no added color.

This creme, being so rich, requires very little in order to get good coverage. It is a tad on the oily side, which most products with chemical sunscreens are, but it dries down to a slightly matte finish. It is slightly slow to absorb, but I found that by massaging it in just a bit longer seems to help. I find that if I allow my Advanced Night Repair to fully absorb before I apply the Daywear Plus it is less oily than if I apply them one right after the other.

This product feels luxurious on the skin, and for the price, it should! But it is a very nice, award winning moisturizer, that seems to have quite a following. It is available in a creme for dry skin, one for normal/combination skin, a lotion for oily skin, a tinted version, and a SPF 30 version.

It is available at most finer department stores or from the Estee Lauder website. It costs $39.50 for a 1.7 ounce jar or bottle.

Ingredients: Currently unavailable

Posted by SkinCareJunky.blogspot.com

Open Forum: Companies Not Responding to E-Mail

2010-04-15T00:00:00.002-04:00

These days the most frequent way to communicate with a company is via e-mail. It is usually fast and to the point. So, it is quite frustrating when a company doesn't respond.

A good example is Mastey de Paris, they rarely, if ever, respond to e-mails. A recent e-mail was sent to them inquiring when their skin care line would again be available, specifically regarding Mastey Moiste Facial Moisturizer. No response. E-mail should be answered promptly, especially when there is so much competition for consumer interest.

An e-mail was sent to Alterna regarding a product they offer requesting further information. Again, no response. This e-mail was sent to them seeking information on how to use a product as a potential new customer and they didn't make the effort to respond.

Have you had similar difficulty get an e-mail answered? Did it deter you from doing business with them?

Mastey de Paris Revamps Skin Care Line

2010-04-01T00:00:00.004-04:00

As anyone who has read this blog or my twitter account knows, I love Mastey de Paris, especially Mastey de Paris Moiste Facial Moisturizer. So, imagine my surprise to find the skin care link removed from their website. I was told Mastey has halted sales of their skin care line while they repackage it. Meanwhile, since no one was told beforehand, those of us who loyally use it could not stock up on it and are left to find a substitute until they begin selling it again. They also do not indicate when they will make it available again for purchase.

Most companies will introduce new products while still selling the previous version. An example being Estee Lauder who recently reformulated and repacked Advanced Night Repair, they sold both the old and new product side by side; this allows customers to stock up. Mastey, as they are doing it, are forcing customers who run out of their favorite skin care products to find something else to use, and possibly like better, since they are not currently able to repurchase from them. If someone tries a new product that is easier to obtain and cheaper, why would they switch back to Mastey? Mastey products are not easy to find locally and thus must be ordered from the company via their website or by telephone.

In addition, when products are repackaged it often times also indicates it is being reformulated which is not always the best solution. It seems more than likely Mastey is reformulating their products to remove the parabens, as they did with their hair care line previously, which is great depending on what ingredient they use as a substitute. With Mastey, their products are wonderful, but the formulas might be considered dated when compared to newer products with peptides and various other new ingredients (which many times are nothing more than new industry buzz words to sell more products). However, one of the main reasons I love Mastey products so much is they do not use any silicone, mineral oil, petroleum jelly, talc, mica, zinc, titanium, or propylene glycol. They use ingredients proven to work such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, the natural moisturizing factor, and pseudocollagen, and not the latest beauty buzz word ingredient. They also avoid use of strong fragrances, unlike so many other brands. So, it will be interesting to see what they do, if anything, with the formula.

It will also be interesting to see if they continue selling the same amount of product for the same price. Some companies use repackaging as an excuse to sell less product for the same price, in essence raising the price. Mastey was selling a 3.38 ounce tube of their Moiste Facial Moisturizer for $28.00. If, for example, when it is repackaged they begin selling a lesser amount for the same price or the same amount for the a higher price, they are raising the price which is not ideal in this economic climate. Estee Lauder relaunched Advanced Night Repair for $1 more than what it sold for before it was reformulated.

Additionally, Mastey has raised the cost of their shipping and handling. Yves Rocher ships from Canada and only charges $4.95. Estee Lauder, Clinique, and many others frequently offer free shipping if the purchase is over a certain amount and include free samples of other products. They are also extremely slow to ship orders out forcing a wait of up to two weeks according Google Checkout reviews.

Mastey is also a bit difficult to communicate with via email. Their website is not frequently updated so information must be obtained either by email or telephone. Emails to them can go days unanswered, if they bother to answer them at all. Communication and customer support are extremely important when selling consumer goods. Mastey is a smaller company, however, it is important that they, at the very least, answer emails promptly and keep their customers updated on product changes and offerings. Consumers like building relationships with brands and if communication is lacking they will look elsewhere.

I have said numerous times Mastey de Paris is, in my opinion, one of the very best product lines available. Their products are thoughtfully formulated and the prices, while not cheap, are less expensive than many drug store and department store brands. However, with high shipping and handling, long shipping delays, little to no communication with customers, and halting sales of their skin care line while they repackage it, they are making it difficult for customers like me to stay loyal to their brand.

Estee Lauder Hydrationist SPF 15

2010-03-15T00:00:00.003-04:00

One of the newest Estee Lauder products in their Hydrationist creme. It replaces their Future Perfect, Hydra Complete, and Hydra Bright creams and lotions.

Estee Lauder Hydrationist SPF 15 Creme smells just like Hydra Bright. The scent is quite strong and lingers, and while pleasant, it is a bit stronger than expected for a skin care product that seems designed for younger users.

This cream also seems to be using Estee Lauder's new gel-like formula. Rather than being a heavy creme, this, like numerous other new Lauder owned products, is more of a gel-cream. While it absorbs quickly, it is a bit difficult to spread meaning more is needed for complete coverage. This product comes in creme and lotion versions for dry, combo, and oily skin types. SPF 15 sunscreen is available in only one of the cremes.

Using this creme, I expected my skin to feel very moisturized; however, instead it felt a bit sticky and my skin still felt a bit dry.

This creme does not use peptides, that have become so common place in even less expensive products, but it is full of numerous other natural extracts, vitamins, silicones, and hydrators.

Estee Lauder Hydrationist SPF 15 Creme is an excellent product. However, after a few days of use I got a few small breakouts. This has been a common issue for me with Estee Lauder cremes and lotions.

Estee Lauder Hydrationist SPF 15 Creme is available from the Estee Lauder website or the Estee Lauder counter at department stores. A 1.7 ounce pump bottle or jar retails for $38.00. This is a great product for someone who has slight dryness and who doesn't mind a fairly strong fragrance.

Ingredients: Currently unavailable.

L'Oreal Collagen Moisture Filler Lotion SPF 15

2010-03-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

L'Oreal recently introduced a new moisturizer, Collagen Moisture Filler, available in lotion with SPF 15 and a cream without sunscreen.

The first thing I noticed upon opening the box was that the plastic pump bottle has sticker labels rather than the actual bottle being printed on. This may save the company money for the simple fact they can use different stickers in different locales, but it also gave it a slightly cheaper appearance.

The texture is quite thick and the scent, while not overly strong, lingers. This lotion is a bit difficult to spread for the simple fact that it dries so quickly. It seems to dry rather than absorb, and because of this, it seems to sit on the skin and "balls up" and peels if I touch my face. It may be due to the high silicone content, as I have noticed this with numerous other products. I am not a fan of products that ball up because it makes me feel it isn't absorbing at all. For a product to truly work, it needs to absorb, not just sit on the surface. Perhaps the cream version has a different texture that won't ball up; however, I prefer products with sunscreen.

While this is by no means a bad product, it is not the one for me. Because of my super sensitive, prone to breakout skin, I try to avoid products with a lot of silicones. Silicones coat the skin, and I feel, especially in warmer weather, cause me to breakout. Also, a product that balls up makes it difficult to reapply throughout the day, something I like to do sometimes.

In addition, it just doesn't seem that this product contains a lot of the goodies so many of the newer products do. It contains natural collagen but I was unable to find out the source, is it animal or vegetable? I am not overly keen on products that contain animal source ingredients.

L'Oreal Collagen Moisture Filler is available in lotion with a pump bottle and a cream in a jar. It retails for under $20 and is available at most drug stores and discount retailers.

Active Ingredients: Ensulizole 1.8%, Octinoxate 7.49%.

Ingredients: Ensulizole 1.8%, Octinoxate 7.49%. Inactive Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Silica, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Triethanolamine, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Caprylyl Glycol, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Manganese Gluconate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Salicylate, C12-13 Pareth-23, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, C12-13 Pareth-3, Soluble Collagen, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Atelocollagen, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Potassium Sorbate.

Open Forum: Fave New Products

2010-02-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

What are some favorite new products? Is it a new fragrance, facial moisturizer, or a hair care product?

Ingredient Spotlight: Peptides

2010-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Peptides are sort of like chains of amino acids, they are fragments of a protein. A string of peptides make up a "whole" protein, so, instead of, for example, collagen, which is a whole protein, a peptide is a portion of a protein. Peptides communicate with cells and tell them to perform certain functions in the skin.

When Strivectin first came on the market it was all about it's cutting age ingredient, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (also known by the trade name Matrixyl). Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is thought to stimulate the synthesis of collagen and therefore minimize wrinkles similar to Retinol without as much irritation. Interestingly enough, there are sources online that claim Squalane, which is derived from olives or sharks, works similarly as Retinol or Vitamin A. There are numerous other peptides, some are used for firming the skin and others such as Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) which is marketed as being similar to Botox. Most of these ingredients have been tested invitro by their respective manufacturers so the research is somewhat limited.

Research aside, many manufacturers have not jumped on the peptide bandwagon. Lancome uses peptides in very few, if any, of their products. L'Oreal and Garnier also don't seem to use peptides in their current products. Estee Lauder uses peptides in some of their products but mostly in their products aimed at wrinkle reduction or firming. Estee Lauder owned companies such as Clinique, Good Skin, Lab Series, and a few others use peptides as well. Mastey de Paris, uses amino acids and proteins (pseudocollagen, cysteine amino acid and rice protein) in their skin and hair products but not peptides.

So, are peptides and the products that contain them worth it? It depends. If peptides work as well as they are thought to based on their limited research, yes. Some manufacturers charge more for products that contain peptides but, for the most part, they seem to be on par with products without them.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair recently reformulated their iconic serum, adding a peptide and renaming it Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex and are only charging on dollar more for it, which proves a product doesn't have to cost a fortune just because it contains a peptide.

Some products with peptides seem to be a bit drying. I have noticed that the newest Advanced Night Repair formula is not as hydrating which may or may not be due to the peptide. However, most products that contain peptides also have ingredients to hydrate so for most people it wouldn't seem to be a big issue. And with a serum, a moisturizer is generally applied over top so it lessens any drying effects.

Peptides are still an emerging science and show a lot of promise in skin care. The best way of knowing if a product works is to use it. It can take several months before a product makes a noticeable difference so it can also take patience. And, after using a product and seeing results it is necessary to continue using it to maintain the results.

Avon Alternative Clearly C 10% Vitamin C Serum

2010-01-15T00:00:00.001-05:00

Avon Alternative Clearly C 10% Vitamin C Serum is a concentrated serum with a good dose of Vitamin C. I recently purchased a bottle for a family member who has become a fan of several Avon products. This being despite the fact she has used and liked so many expensive department store brand products.

This serum has a high level of alcohol in it which may make it drying for some. The online reviews for it are amazing and indicate that it is an extremely popular product with a very loyal following. A search on the Avon website shows it is currently not available for sale and an internet search indicates it may have been discontinued. Avon has a knack for discontinuing products and in fact, it appears this was discontinued previously. Why companies discontinue products when they are so popular amazes me. Especially when you consider that what they replace it with my not be as popular. If you are a fan of this serum it might be worthwhile to visit the Avon website and suggest they reintroduce it.

This serum, was selling for approximately $20.00.

Ingredients: SD Alcohol 40-B, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Ascorbic Acid, Water, Propylene Carbonate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxypropylcellulose, BHT, Fragrance.

Product Launch: Estee Lauder Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Creme or Lotion

2010-01-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

Another big product launch from Estee Lauder is their new Hydrationist Maximum Moisture moisturizer. Available in a lotion, a creme, and an SPF15 creme. This new product retails for $38.00 and comes in a 1.7 ounce jar or pump bottle.

This new moisturizer is intended to instantly moisturize the skin to help keep skin looking younger. It is formulated in such a way that it continues to provide moisture to the skin for 24 hours and helps with the skin's barrier function.

Hydrationist Maximum Moisture creme or lotion is sure to become a favorite for those needing a moisturizer that not only hydrates skin but also helps it to appear younger. Another great bonus is price, Estee Lauder is aware that people are not as willing to spend a fortune for skin care these days but still want something luxurious and something that actually works.

Hydrationist Maximum Moisture creme and lotion are available at Estee Lauder counters and from the Estee Lauder website.

Product Launches: Estee Lauder Makeup

2009-12-28T00:00:00.007-05:00

Estee Lauder is launching a limited edition Michael Kors Very Hollywood makeup collection.

Estee Lauder has also reformulated their popular Resilience Lift Extreme Radiant Lifting makeup SPF15 to pair with their number one selling moisturizer Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming Moisturizer SPF15. The make-up retails for $36.50 and comes in a variety of shades.

Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming Moisturizer SPF15 is available in cremes and lotions and retails for between $49.50 and $85.00.

In addition, they have launched a new wrinkle filler, Perfectionist [CP+] Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler which retails for $39.50 for a 0.50 ounce tube . It is meant to be used with their Perfectionist Wrinkle Lifting Serum and Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Creme SPF15 and Time Zone Anti Line/Wrinkle Eye Creme. This new wrinkle filler appears to be very similar, at least in theory, to the Estee Lauder manufactured Good Skin Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler which is sold exclusively at Kohl's in a 1 ounce tube and retails for $39.50.

These products are available at Estee Lauder counters and the Estee Lauder website.

Chanel Sublimage Essential Regenerating Cream Texture Supreme

2009-12-21T00:00:00.006-05:00

I had the opportunity to sample Chanel Sublimage Essential Regenerating Cream Texture Supreme in a generous 0.17 ounce tube.

This thick cream is designed to help with, according to the Chanel website, "...wrinkles, loss of firmness, dehydration, lack of radiance and inconsistency in pigmentation are pinpointed at once for regenerating action, leaving skin revitalized, regenerated, radiant..."

This product contains Vanilla Planifolia extract from Madagascar and according to Chanel, "...Sublimage is powered by Planifolia PFA, engineered by Chanel Research..."

This seems to be a product designed for more mature, drier skin types. On my combo skin it didn't sink in very quickly or completely. Additionally, the scent is quite strong and lingers, although it is very pleasant.

Because of the thick texture I found this product worked really well for me using it as a moisture mask. It feels very luxurious and rich and makes me feel I am doing something good for my skin. There is something about a product with the name Chanel on it that just feels so special.

Available from Chanel, a 1.70 ounce jar sells for $375.00.

Ingredients: Currently unavailable.

Prescriptives Going Out of Business

2009-12-14T00:00:00.004-05:00

Estee Lauder announced in a press release that it would be closing it's Prescriptives line. Products will still be available at the Prescriptives website while supplies last.

Estee Lauder has been taking a look at it's various divisions deciding what is working best for the company. Estee Lauder owns a variety of brands including Clinique, Aveda, Lab Series, La Mer, Ojon, and numerous others. Estee Lauder continues to be one of the world's largest manufacturers of luxury skin care, cosmetics, and fragrances.

Product Launch: Dior Capture Totale One Essential Skin Boosting Super Serum

2009-12-07T00:00:00.006-05:00

Dior, another brand that exudes the feeling of luxury, has developed some excellent skin care products.Fresh in stores is Dior's new Capture Totale One Essential Skin Boosting Super Serum.

According to Dior this new serum is an advanced, scientifically proven product meant to help maximize the results of all skincare routines.

An elegant 1 ounce pump bottle retails for $95.00 and is available at Dior counters.

Open Forum: Winter Skin Care

2009-11-30T00:00:00.002-05:00

With the colder weather, heated homes and cars, and the rush of the holiday season, our skin tends to become drier and need a little extra TLC. I find that packing on an emollient cream and letting it soak in for a while, prior to showering, helps reduce some of the dryness. A little extra moisturizer at night also seems to help. Overall, I try to do what I can to keep my skin hydrated.

What are your tips and hints for skin care during winter?

Armani Crema Nera OMC3 SPF15

2009-11-23T00:00:00.003-05:00

Armani's newest skin care product is a new cream in their Crema Nera line. OMC3 is a newer version of their popular, and expensive, Crema Nera.

I received several sample packets and used this product for approximately three days. The texture is fairly light but still a bit thicker than I expected. The scent was also rather strong, but very pleasant, which is something this product has in common with other L'Oreal owned companies including Lancome, Garnier, and numerous others.

I found that is was a bit slow to absorb and sat on my skin until I would use tissue to pat off the excess. This may be, in part, to the sunscreen ingredients. Overall, it is a nice, soothing, cream that may be best for those with drier skin types.

A 1.69 ounce jar, beautifully packaged, is sold at finer department stores for $185.00.

Ingredients: Currently unavailable.

Arm and Hammer Essentials Natural Deodorant

2009-11-16T00:00:00.003-05:00

Arm and Hammer began selling an all natural deodorant several months ago. It is free of the parabens and aluminum of most deodorants. This product is a deodorant, to control odor, not necessarily an anti-perspirant which is meant to prevent wetness.

While it applies smoothly and smells good, it leaves a substantial white powdery residue on clothing. In addition, it is not very effective at controlling odor. It must be reapplied frequently in order to control odor and even then it isn't very effective. While an excellent idea, this product seems to be best for those who do not sweat.

This product is available in scented and unscented versions, a 2.5 ounce container retails for less than $5.00 in most areas.

Fresh Scent Version:
Ingredients: Dipropylene Glycol, Water, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Stearate, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Fruit Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandula) Oil, Fragrance, Triclosan, Terasodium EDTA, Allantoin.

Estee Lauder Time Zone Eye Cream

2009-11-09T00:00:00.004-05:00

I received a jar of Estee Lauder Time Zone Eye Cream in a gift with purchase set. I bought a bottle of my favorite serum, Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex, and it came with a cosmetic bag of make-up and skin care samples.

This eye cream is very rich but spreads and absorbs extremely well. I like that it is supposed to drastically decrease the look of wrinkles in the eye area and features some of Estee Lauder's newest science. Despite the heaviness of this cream it absorbs extremely quickly and doesn't "feel" heavy on my skin.

However, after using it for just a few days I have developed a few breakouts in the eye area. Granted, my skin is easily broken out, but I was a bit surprised that I would breakout so quickly. I do not have the ingredient list for this product but I wonder if it contains mica which I know causes me breakouts (as does titanium, mineral oil, talc and petrolatum).

Despite my issues with breakouts, this is a wonderful, emollient, eye cream and it seems to moisturize extremely well. The Time Zone products seem to be aimed at those with more mature, drier skin and therefore this may possibly be too heavy for those with oilier skin types. However, as with most Estee Lauder products, this is a great product. If only they would resist using mica in so many things.

A half ounce jar retails for $43.50 on the Estee Lauder website and at Estee Lauder counters at finer department stores.

Ingredients: Currently unavailable

Avon Solutions Agless Results A.M.

2009-11-02T00:00:00.004-05:00

My Mother is a huge fan of Avon Dramatic Firming Cream, so I thought, for her birthday I would get her Avon's new Ageless Results A.M. Day Cream to try and see how it compares.

The jar contains a thick, white cream that spreads fairly well and absorbs quite quickly. The scent is a bit strong but not obnoxious. It feels a bit less greasy than Dramatic Firming Cream which does not have sunscreen. So, far, my Mother has said this is her favorite because she likes how well it absorbs, she loves the scent and also likes that it has peptides.

A 1.7 ounce jar sells for $14.50 on the Avon website or from an Avon representative. Avon frequently has specials on their products such as two-for-one or half off making their products an even better deal.

Avon seems to have come a long way in formulating up to date products with peptides and other potentially beneficial ingredients.

Ingredients: Currently Unavailable

Open Forum: Cosmetic Sales Down

2009-10-26T00:00:00.005-04:00

For obvious reasons the skin care market has not been as robust as it was prior to the recession. Various reports indicate that consumers are either not buying higher-end skin care products as often, if at all, or are instead choosing less expensive mass market products.

Keep in mind Estee Lauder manufactures Good Skin, Flirt, and Grassroots which are available only at Kohl's department stores in the US. These products have nearly identical counterparts to other Lauder brands such as La Mer, Clinique, Estee Lauder, Aveda, Origins, Ojon, etc. The various products I have tried from Kohl's are extremely well formulated products (as are most Estee Lauder manufactured products) and costs quite a bit less. The Good Skin All Firm Rebuilding Serum is a favorite ($26.00) as is the All Bright Moisturizing Sunscreen ($14.00). My absolute favorite Estee Lauder product, Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex, on the other hand is $47.50.

A similar situation exists for Lancome which is actually owned by L'Oreal. There are numerous L'Oreal products available at mass market drug and grocery stores that are very similar to the much more expensive Lancome products. L'Oreal owns brands such as Kiehl's, Biotherm, Redken, Armani, etc.

As anyone knows who reads this blog, Mastey de Paris is one of our absolute favorites. A small company, Mastey produces some great hair and skin care products at reasonable prices (although they have raised their shipping charges). Mastey de Paris Moiste Facial Moisturizer comes in a 3.38 ounce tube for $28.00 and the Mastey de Paris Velvetant Skin Renewal Complex with AHA comes in a 3.38 ounce tube for $18.00. They also have a more expensive skin care product Mastey de Paris Rejuvene Cellular Recovery which retails for $40.00 and comes in a two-ounce jar.

One of the main differences I have noticed between a company's expensive and less expensive products are scent. Even among Estee Lauder products, the Re-Nutriv line has a scent that just seems more luxurious than other Estee Lauder products. Re-Nutriv, of course, costs substantially more. Scent is a more expensive part of a product. Scent is something people seem passionate about, they either love strongly scented products or prefer a light or unscented formula. I don't mind scented products as long as it isn't overwhelming. I tend to prefer lightly or unscented products though.

Newer products or products reformulated with the newest, trendy, ingredients will tend to cost the most. Copmanies say this is because of the research and development costs for developing new products. Again, however, there are many lower cost products with the very same ingredients.

Lacura is a skin care line sold by Aldi grocery stores. The products are made in Germany and many sell for less than $10. The Lacura day cream won awards in England and the products seem to be quite popular. This only proves it is possible to make quality skin care products that actually work and do not cost a small fortune.

Whether you buy from a drug store or a fancy department store, there are many amazing products available at very reasonable price points. It isn't necessary to spend a fortune to get a great product. In this day and age of higher cost and recessions, cosmetic companies need to realize that in order to retain our business they must either start producing more affordable products, maintain their current prices or develop newer products at better price points.

Organic Apoteke Rejuvenating Face Cream

2009-10-19T00:00:00.004-04:00

I received a sample of Organic Apoteke Rejuvenating Face Cream. This is an organic line of skin care similar to that of Aveda, Origins, and Grassroots. However, Organic Apoteke products are certified 100 percent organic.

This product is gel like and easily spreads, sinking in very quickly. The scent is quite strongly herbal but fades gradually after a few hours. The scent may be a bit strong for some but I didn't feel it was at all offensive. I prefer unscented or lightly scented products as strongly scented products tend to bother me.

This product contains Palmitoyl Oilgopeptide which I think is great. Though peptides are still being researched to prove their effectiveness it seems that many of the higher end products are including them for their potential anti-wrinkle, skin firming, and moisturization benefits.

I am not usually a fan of so called organic products simply because they aren't always ideal for my sensitive skin. I've found many organic products will "ball up" on my face and/or not absorb very well. I found that this product balled up on my face if I touched it and didn't seem to absorb all that well. While not an inexpensive product line, the prices seem comparable to many of the other department store brands.

This face cream is available from the Organic Apoteke website, Macy's, Whole Foods, and various other stores and websites. A 1.7-ounce jar costs $45.00.

Ingredients: Rosa damascena distillate*, Helianthus annuus seed oil*, Cocos nucifera oil*, Glycine soja oil*, Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil*, Cera alba*, Rosa damascena oil*, Butyrospermum parkii butter*, Citrus paradisi seed extract*, Glycerin (vegetable)**, Xanthan gum**, Palmitoyl oilgopeptide**, Potassium sorbate**, Sodium benzoate**, Sodium dehydroacetate, Sorbic acid**, Citric acid, Cymbopogon martinii oil*, Daucus carota oil*, Triticum vulgare germ oil*, Cananga odorata oil*.
* Certified organic
** Derived from organic botanicals

A Note from SkinCareJunky

2009-10-15T00:00:00.001-04:00

The majority of the products I test are samples provided to me by the kind people at various cosmetics counters or they are items that I purchase and regularly use. Nothing is provided to me by companies for the specific purpose of writing reviews. The new rules for bloggers about disclosure requires that anything that is provided by PR people must be disclosed as being such. This is in order to help make certain that the reviews by the various bloggers are accurate. My reviews are based on my perception and opinion of a product and I do my best to be as accurate about them as possible.

Chanel Ultra Correction Lift Sculpting Firming Concentrate

2009-10-12T00:00:00.006-04:00

Chanel's new Ultra Correction Lift Sculpting Firming Concentrate is a very interesting product. It is an updated version of their previous lifting products. The packaging Chanel uses is gorgeous and so regal looking.

According to the Chanel website: "High-performing star ingredient elemi PFA* stimulates the production of tensin, improving the quality of skin's collagen and elastin fibers, and helping to improve their bonds within the skin to create a firm supportive network.

Lightweight silky gel, luxuriously textured and delicately scented, provides an immediate lifting effect.

*PFA: Polyfractioned Active. An ultra-pure, ultra-powerful ingredient created through an exclusive purification technique developed by CHANEL. Ophthalmologist tested. Dermatologist tested. Comedogenicity tested."

Regardless of the science, this product smells amazing. The fragrance is a bit strong at first but very pleasant. This serum absorbs incredibly quickly and it requires very little as it spreads remarkably well. The texture of this pale pink serum is a bit thicker than a lot of serums but much lighter than lotion. It makes my skin feel very soft and silky without being oily. There is a sense of tightening after applying the product but it is difficult to say just how much. I used a small sample size tube of product I received from the Chanel counter at Macy's for several days and really enjoyed it.

I have no idea what ingredients are in this product as the sample tube doesn't list them.

A 1-ounce bottle retails for $165. while a $1.7-ounce bottle sells for $225. at the Chanel website and at higher-end department stores with Chanel counters.

Ingredients: Currently unavailable

UPDATE: After using this product daily for approximately two weeks I have noticed that it tends to "ball up" on my skin if I use a bit extra. Also, based on the texture, tingle and scent, I think this may have a high alcohol content which I think the former version of this product did as well. A high alcohol content can be drying and or irritating for some people. I am not a big fan of products that ball up on my skin because it makes me think it isn't absorbing. I would guess this is because of a high silicone content; however, I do not have a list of ingredients for this so cannot say. This is still a nice product and I think with a lighter application it would not ball up. If this does indeed have a high alcohol content I am not sure how hydrating it can be. It seems that some companies use alcohol in order to make a product dry quicker, absorb better and give skin that "tingle." I personally prefer alcohol-free products because my skin is ultra sensitive.

Lancome Paris Absolue Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Reconstructing Cream SPF15

2009-10-05T00:00:00.004-04:00

Jumping on the plant stem cell bandwagon, Lancome has recently launched new products in their Absolue line. Lancome Paris Absolue Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Reconstructing Cream SPF15 contains the apple plant stem cells that are starting to show up in more and more products.

There isn't a whole lot of research yet to back up a lot of what the various cosmetic companies are saying apple stem cells will do for the skin, however, from what I have read it is promising and something we can expect to find in more products.

This new cream from Lancome Paris is very similar in texture and scent to the various other Lancome products. The texture is quite thick, heavy and rather oily. I found that it doesn't absorb very well. To be fair, my skin is combination and this cream is intended for drier, more mature skin types. This seems like it would be an excellent cream for those who deal with frequent dry skin. This product contains petrolatum (vaseline) which is an ingredient I avoid simply because it seems to cause me breakouts, many people don't have such issues. The scent is very much like other Lancome products, pleasant and gender neutral.

One nice thing about this product is that it includes sunscreen. So many products meant for day use still do not contain sunscreen.

The cost of this product is extremely expensive like many Lancome products. There are ample skin care products on the market with apple stem cells that cost many times less. Additionally, there are many L'Oreal products very similar to Lancome. L'Oreal is the parent company of Lancome.

A 1.7 ounce jar of Absolue Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Reconstructing Cream SPF 15 sells for $145. at Lancome counters and the Lancome website.

Ingredients: Currently unavailable

Open Forum: Expensive Cosmetics - Are They Worth it?

2009-09-28T00:00:00.005-04:00

According to an article in Forbes, some of the most expensive skin care products cost more than caviar but less than gold with an average price of $402 per ounce!(1) The question is, are they any better because of their sleek packaging and supposed state-of-the-art ingredients. Sales of prestige skincare products in U.S. department stores alone reached $2.1 billion in 2004, up 17% from 2000 (2), a staggering amount by anyone's comparison.

According to Dr. Gregory Brown, founder of RéVive, topical application of an epidermal growth factor accelerates the rate of healing of second-degree burns and partial-thickness skin wounds.(3) RéVive's most expensive product, Intensité Volumizing Serum, sells for $600 per ounce and uses a bioengineered molecule called keratinocyte growth factor. Brown justifies the expense by saying the reason his products cost so much is because they use growth factors obtained from recombinant-DNA technology. Celebrity beauties such as Madonna are said to use his products.

Estee Lauder sells a line of skin care under the Re-Nutriv moniker with a price range of $85 - $900.(4) Lauder owned Creme de La Mer is well over $100 per ounce.(5) I have tried numerous products from both the Re-Nutriv and La Mer lines and while they are extremely luxurious products, the formulations, at least that of the Re-Nutriv line, are very similar to other Estee Lauder products sold for much less. Are they worth it? It depends on what your take is on such things. The Re-Nutriv line contains some expensive ingredients such as gold and pearl. As an Estee Lauder fan, it is difficult for me to say the products are overpriced. However, I use Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex, $47.50/1 ounce, which I consider to be quite expensive. While there are far less expensive serums available, I have found this particular one works best for me so I continue to purchase it.

It must be kept in mind that part of the retail price for any product is the research, development, ingredients, packaging, marketing, etc., that goes into said product. Products containing the newest ingredients will usually cost more than previous products the company sells. When a new "it" ingredient starts getting press, many companies rush to develop a new product with it or update a previous product to include it.

Mastey de Paris, on the other hand, markets a number of skin and hair care products for less than $40 with mostly naturally derived ingredients. They avoid using the fluff and trendy ingredients found in so many product lines and instead stick to what is actually known to work. Mastey doesn't have the expenses associate with brands that are sold at department stores; this results in a line of products that work extremely well and at a reasonable price. I have used Mastey products for years and love them.

We all like the idea of some new magic ingredient that will do this or that. But the newest ingredients generally have little to no research backing up the claims. Many of the research studies done on new ingredients are done in-vitro and therefore their effects on skin are not fully known. Many of the studies are done by the company who manufactures the ingredient which is not as impartial as outside research studies.

So, how much is too much to pay? That all depends on your bank account and how important name brands are to you. There are many excellent products out there at all price points. It all comes down to how much are you able/willing to spend and whether or not a product works.

(1) Forbes http://www.forbes.com/2005/04/20/cx_vg_0420feat.html
(2) NPD Group
(3) July 1989 in the New England Journal Of Medicine
(4) Estee Lauder
(5) La Mer

Clinique Maximum Hydrator

2009-09-21T00:00:00.003-04:00

Clinique is not a brand I generally go for; their toners contain alcohol, a lot of their products contain mica and their facial soaps are a bit harsh for my skin. Clinique is Estee Lauder's allergy tested line of skin care products, make up and fragrances.

Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Maximum Hydrator is a wonderful product. A little dab spreads extremely well covering the skin, absorbing fast and making it feel extremely well hydrated. Anyone who has ever used a Clinique product is familiar with the "Clinique" scent. It's a nice scent in my opinion, not heavy or offensive, sort of natural and herbal.

This cream appears very similar to the discontinued Clinique Moisture On Call.

It contains peptides which as thought to firm the skin along with numerous hydrators such as shea butter, jojoba, olive fruit extract and sodium hyaluronate. This is an excellent product and great for use at night. Because it contains no sunscreen it is recommended that if used during the day it be used in conjunction with a sunscreen of at least SPF 15.

There is a noticeable improvement in the tone and texture of skin after using this product. It seems to plump up fine lines and even skin tone rather quickly. I was quite surprised by how quickly this great product got to work on improving my skin.

1.7 ounce jar retails for $27.00 from Clinique counters and website and $21.75 from the Cosmetics Stores which is an Estee Lauder brand outlet store.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tricaprylin, Butylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Bran) Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Powder, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cholesterol, Linoleic Acid, Sucrose, Cetearyl Glucoside, Methyl Glueth-20, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chamomilla Recuttita (Matricaria), Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-8 Hydrogenated Lecithin, Behenyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol.

Ingredient Spotlight: PTFE (Teflon)

2009-09-14T00:00:00.002-04:00

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is known by the trade name Teflon, and is a non-stick coating used on cookware to prevent food from sticking, made by DuPont. Most of us are familiar with Teflon but how many of us know about it being used in skin care products? A prominent French skin care company uses it it their products! Is this safe to use in skin care products that are absorbed?

DermOrganic Conditioning Shampoo

2009-09-07T00:00:00.005-04:00

DermOrganic Laboratories is a company founded by the son of the Mastey de Paris founder. According to the DermOrganic Laboratories website the products are made to be 100% vegetarian, contain no animal by products and have never been tested on animals, contain no sulfates, parabens, glycols, DEA, MEA or colorants of any kind and are gluten-free, alcohol-free and sulfate-free. The products are naturally preserved and the Argan oil is certified 100% Organic according to USDA NOP standards.

The texture of this creamy, white, shampoo is not as thick as some shampoos. It does, however, lather extremely well. The scent is amazing and it leaves the hair feeling extremely clean, soft and supple.

As a HUGE fan of Mastey de Paris products, I was pleased to try this new product featuring one of the latest buzz word ingredients: Argan oil. This shampoo left my color-treated hair extremely soft and manageable just like Mastey de Paris Traite Shampoo. It contains amino acids, panthenol, vitamins, Omega-6 and gentle plant derived cleansers. This product also worked well as a facial cleanser on my extremely sensitive skin.

This is a great shampoo and meant to improve the condition of dry, color-treated, permed or heat styled hair.

The website doesn't currently allow online ordering but the products are available by calling the company.

Ingredients: Aqua/Eau/D.Water, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate(1), Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate(2), Decyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Glucoside, Methyl Gluceth-20, Infusion of Argan Oil & Sunflower Seed Extract & Grape Seed Extract & Rice Amino Acid & Sodium PCA & Panthenol & Tocopheral Acetate (Vitamin E), Glycereth-2 Cocoate/Benzoic Acid (natural preservative), Fragrance.

(1) Amino-Acid based, plant derived cleanser.
(2) Essential Lipid based, plant derived cleanser.

Ingredient Spotlight: Alpha Hydroxy Acids

2009-08-31T00:00:00.003-04:00

Alpha Hydroxy Acids, sometimes referred to as AHA, have been in use for centuries. The great Egyptian beauty, Cleopatra was thought to have taken milk baths. Lactic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid found in milk which has exfoliating abilities.

AHA are thought to stimulate the formation of collagen in the skin. They are also thought to help even out skin tone and lessen discoloration through exfoliation. Which is just one reason AHA products may be good for men prone to ingrown hairs. They are also thought to thicken the skin which may help lessen the appearance of wrinkles and make the skin look firmer and more youthful, much like peptides are said to. AHA products also help with skin moisturization which helps the appearance of skin tremendously, dry skin looks older. Products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids must have a certain concentration of AHAs and a certain PH or they will not exfoliate. If you're unsure if the product you're using has the proper amount of AHA and the correct PH range, email the manufacturer and ask.

A word of warning and this is extremely important, you MUST use sunscreen every single day without fail when using any products containing AHA and for at least two weeks afterward as they make the skin more sensitive and more prone to burning and damage from the sun. Sunscreen use, everyday, is still being recommended. Wrinkles are thought to be caused from sun exposure more than they are caused by aging so sunscreen is thought to help prevent wrinkles.

Some people are unable to use scrubs to exfoliate as they are too rough on their delicate, sensitive skin. I cannot use scrubs, they cause me redness, soreness and irritation. Likewise, some people are unable to use products with AHAs as their skin is too sensitive. It is best to take it easy and see how your skin reacts to it before applying it all over and risking irritation or worse. Doing an allergy test prior to use will help you know whether your skin can tolerate the use of products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids.

Looking at product labels you may see Alpha Hydroxy Acids listed as Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Gluconic Acid, Citric Acid and Tartaric Acid. Additionally you may see Urea listed; it too has exfoliating and moisturizing properties. It is most recently being touted in Estee Lauder's Good Skin Lumecin Overnight Brightening Gluco-Protein Treatment. This product is sold exclusively at Kohl's and retails for $44.50.

One of my favorite products with AHA is Mastey de Paris Velvetant Skin Renewal Complex which can be used on the face and body. Mastey claims it renews the skin and lessens the appearance of wrinkles while increasing skin moisture. I have found it helpful with breakouts and evening out my skin tone. I generally use it during winter and only at night to help lessen the freckles from summer. Mastey de Paris Velvetant Skin Renewal Complex retails for $18.00 and is available in a 3.38 ounce tube available on their website and some finer salons and spas. This product contains mixed fruit acids as well as Urea. I use Mastey de Paris Moiste Facial Moisturizer during the day, every day, since it contains SPF. Mastey de Paris Moiste Facial Moisturizer comes packaged in a 3.38 ounce tube and retails for $28.00.

Used properly, and with a reasonable amount of care, Alpha Hydroxy Acids can be very useful in helping to revitalize and reduce the look of photoaged skin. As always, if pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before using any new products; our skin absorbs most of what we put on it. If you have any medical conditions, sensitive skin or other issues, talk to your doctor before using any skin care products. He or she can help you decide what is best for your skin.

Open Forum: Websites and Ingredients

2009-08-24T00:00:00.002-04:00

When we go into a store to buy something we can read the ingredients list off the package and decide then if there is a particular ingredient we want to avoid. However, many times, when we shop online we do not have that option. Manufacturer's websites generally do not list the ingredients for the product and so we either must email them and ask, search online or in some cases call them. Why is it that all companies selling skin care products online are not required to give a complete list of ingredients for each product they sell?

The Estee Lauder company websites (Estee Lauder, Clinique, Prescriptives, Good Skin, American Beauty, Grassroots, La Mer, etc.) will highlight a particular ingredient but do not give a complete list. Lancome will only provide ingredient listings via snail mail yet their owner L'Oreal is now providing the ingredient listing for L'Oreal products on their website. Garnier, also owned by Lancome does not list ingredients on their website. Even Sephora, which list ingredients for most products does not provide them for Estee Lauder brands.

It would be really helpful to those of us with skin sensitivities if we could go to the website of the brand we want to buy something from and see what it contains so we don't have to return it or get stuck with something we can't use.

What do you think?

L'Occitane Ultra Matte Face Fluid

2009-08-17T00:00:00.004-04:00

I used L'Occitane Ultra Matte Face Fluid yesterday to see how well it would work on my skin. For the most part my skin is normal/combo but the T-Zone is where I show shine; especially my nose. This product is designed to make the skin matte instantly and keep it matte for up to 8 hours.

This is a fluid, the texture being somewhere between a serum and lotion. It is light and delicate and spreads very easily. The scent is absolutely wonderful, fresh, clean and light.

However, it did not provide the matte effect I was expecting. It left my nose shiny and seemed to make fine lines appear far more prominent. It was as if it settled into the fine lines like a powder would. My skin felt extremely velvety soft and that is always a bonus. Perhaps this is more mattifying if used in conjunction with the cleanser and toner, but alone, I didn't find it made my skin truly matte.

In my opinion, skin that is matte often times looks older. A more dewy, glowy almost shiny finish seems to give skin the appearance of youth and actually seems to minimize the look of fine lines. Keeping skin hydrated makes it look plumper, less lined and more youthful.

This is a great product, and as with other L'Occitane products this one smells awesome. I tend to think it is better suited for someone who is only slightly oily and not someone who may have more dry, mature skin or excessively oily skin.

A 1 ounce bottle is $26.00 and available at the L'Occitane website and boutiques and Sephora.

Ingredients: Water**, Glycerin**, Dicaprylyl Carbonate**, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Cyclomethicone, Red Rice Vinegar*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract*, Oryza Sativa (Rice)**, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder**, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil**, Butylene Glycol, Maltodextrin**, Cetearyl Alcohol**, Sorbitan Stearate**, Ethylhexylglycerin, Zinc Glycyrrhetinate, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract**, Cetearyl Glucoside**, Zinc Pca, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethylcellulose**, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Fragrance, Chlorphenesin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60**, Laureth-7**, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate**, Polyacrylamide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene**, Coumarin. *Ingredients issued from Organic Agriculture. **Natural origin ingredients.

La Mer The Lifting Face Serum

2009-08-10T00:00:00.003-04:00

The La Mer Lifting Face Serum contains the gemstone Tourmaline and is an addition to the La Mer line, meant to be used with the coveted original Creme de La Mer, La Mer Gel Creme or La Mer Lotion.

I have been using this product on and off for about a week now and it is certainly a very nice, elegant product. The scent is barely noticeable and a bit difficult to describe, I almost think it smells a bit of citrus. It has a pretty thick texture that spreads well and absorbs fairly quickly. I feel that it helps to moisturize and possibly lessen the appearance of dry, fine lines. It reminds me a lot of the Good Skin All Firm Rebuilding Serum also manufactured by Estee Lauder and sold at Kohl's for $26.00.

La Mer is one of those product lines you either love or you don't. Because they are so expensive they are a bit out of reach for most of us. For example, I am a huge fan of Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex which sells for $47.50 for a 1 ounce bottle and of course my very favorite moisturizer, Mastey de Paris Moiste Facial Moisturizer which sells for $28.00 for a 3.3 ounce tube, both of which I use daily.

La Mer, like most Estee Lauder owned product lines, seems to be well formulated. However, this is a very costly skin care product and is really supposed to be used with the Lifting Intensifier which is also quite expensive. For those who have the money to spend La Mer is one of the most famous skin care lines available. By now most people know the story of Creme de La Mer and how a NASA scientist, Max Huber, used it to heal his own skin by fermenting certain ingredients he called a broth. Celebrities use it and tout it as being the best there is. Only you can decide if it is worth the expense.

A 1 ounce dropper top bottle sells for $235.00 and is available at higher-end department stores and the La Mer website. There is also a 0.50 ounce Lifting Intensifier available for $150.00 to be used in conjunction with the serum or both are available as a set for $315.00.

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Peg-75, Bis-peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract, Siegesbeckia Orientails Extract, Hydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract, Betula Alba (Birch) Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract, Morus Nigra (Mulberry) Root Extract, Yeast Extract (Faex), Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Flour Lipids, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Artemia Extract, Algae Extract, Sea Whip Extract, Coenzyme A, Sodium Rna, Acetyl Glucosamine, Tourmaline, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Caffeine, Glycosaminoglycans, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Linoleic Acid, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetraacetylphytosphingosine, Squalane, Micrococcus Lysate, Glycerin, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Glycine, Sucrose, Sorbitol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Oleth-10 Phosphate, Oleth-5, Choleth-24, Ceteth-24, Glycereth-26, Lecithin, Linalyl Acetate, Peg-8, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Carbomer, Disodium Edta, Bht, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Green 5.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Face Cream

2009-08-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

L'Occitane is a French line of products that come from natural and/or organic sources. Many of their products are nearly completely all natural. They use mineral sunblocks in their products rather than chemical sunblocks which may be an issue for some people (I cannot use products with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica, alumina or talc) but the vast majority of people will experience no such issues.

The first thing I noticed about the L'Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Face Cream was the wonderful, baby powder, scent. Very light and delicate. The cream is thick and dense but spreads easily and absorbs nearly instantly. It reminds me a lot of Darphin, Lancome and Yves Rocher products in texture. Lancome and Yves Rocher have French pedigrees as well. There is something about French skin care products that just shouts luxury.

This is a great product that seems to moisturize quite well. It may be better suited to really dry or sensitive skin needing some extra TLC. It contains 25% Shea Butter and feels very soothing and is said to increase moisturization for 24 hours.

Available from L'Occitane a 1.7 ounce jar retails for $38.00. Available at L'Occitane boutiques and website.

Ingredients: Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Corn Starch Modified, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitol, Sodium PCA, Peg-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyacrylamide, Phenoxyethanol, Ceteareth-33, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Methylparaben, Castanea Sativa (Chestnut) Extract, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Tetrasodium Edta, Laureth-7, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sorbic Acid, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Benzyl Alcohol, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Cyclopentasiloxane, Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Coumarin, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Butylene Glycol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Methyl Ionone, Limonene.

Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Splash Away Foaming Cleanser

2009-07-27T00:00:00.006-04:00

I received a generous sample tube of Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Splash Away Foaming Cleanser, for Normal/Combination skin, when I ordered some Advanced Night Repair from Estee Lauder, and used it daily for about two weeks. Since then I have gotten a full size tube. The reason being; it works!

It doesn't dry out my skin and actually seems to be slightly hydrating. It removes stubborn blackheads and gets my skin squeaky clean. One of the greatest things, it is so concentrated that the smallest amount lathers easily and cleans my entire face.

The scent, yes, it is scented, but it is very pleasant and gender neutral, it smells clean but not soapy or like perfume. It does an excellent job of removing blackheads on my nose as well, which is something a lot of cleansers don't seem to do very well on my skin.

If you need a high quality, soothing, gentle, non-drying, effective cleanser, this is well worth trying.

Some of the hydrating extracts it contains are:

White Water Lily
Senega
Barberry

An elegant 4.2 ounce tube sells for $19.00 at most Estee Lauder counters or from the Estee Lauder website.

Ingredients: Water, Potassium Myristate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Behenate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Potassium Palmate, Potassium Laurate, Potassium Stearate, Polygala Senega Root Extract, Nymphaea Alba Root Extract, Berberis Vulgaris Extract, Dipotassium Gylcyrrhizate, Caffeine, Sodium PCA, Sodium Myalluronate, Trehalose, Sucrose, Urea, Cetearyl Alcohol, Peg-3 Distearate, Polyquaternium-51, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

Open Forum: Do You Use a Facial Serum?

2009-07-20T00:00:00.001-04:00

Do you use a facial serum as part of your routine? What do you use and why? Do you use it twice daily? Tell us the details.

Good Skin Tri-Aktiline Total Face & Grassroots Bamboo Leaf

2009-07-13T00:00:00.009-04:00

Estee Lauder's Beauty Bank division which sells products at Kohl's is launching two new products. Goodskin has launched their Tri-Aktiline Total Face Instant Line Reducing Moisturizer which sounds very similar to the Estee Lauder brand Time Zone. It is meant to be used with the Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler. The brand new Good Skin website is now at: http://www.goodskinlabs.com/

Grassroots is launching Bamboo Leaf Ultra Soothing Anti-Redness Cream which sounds similar to the Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream. This cream is unscented and seems to have many soothing ingredients. It appears Grassroots has discontinued many of their products and are replacing them with new ones under the Grassroots Research Labs name. They recently added a Pomegranate Super Anti-Oxidant Cream and Pomegranate Overnight Recovery Serum as well as Blue Algae Enriched Firming face and eye creams. The new Grassroots website is: http://www.grassrootsresearchlabs.com/

I am eager to try both and see what sort of ingredients they contain. Estee Lauder seems to be ahead of the curve when it comes to formulating excellent skin care products featuring the newest in science.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex

2009-07-06T00:00:00.005-04:00

Some may question another post about Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex but I feel justified, if for no other reason than to say, it is absolutely wonderful. I questioned whether Estee Lauder could improve on this product but they did.

This newer formulation is slightly more liquid, absorbs instantly, dries matte and spreads better. The scent and texture, otherwise, are no different. The bottle has been updated and is now plastic rather than glass. It does however retain the same basic design. The main thing I notice using this is how it is less greasy. Before, with the previous version, it could be oily if I used too much, but this new formula sinks in so quickly and completely. I do find it takes more than just a few drops to cover my entire face but applying it to slightly damp skin seems to help me in that regard.

The science behind the new formula is basically that it helps repair the appearance of aging while helping to prevent further skin aging. This formula sports a new plant extract and peptide which Estee Lauder states will help synchronize repair and encourage DNA repair. The Estee Lauder website has a nice explanation of the science behind the new formula and why your skin will benefit from it.

The biggest news about this product is how well it works and how quickly I have seen results. I notice my skin feels firmer and softer, better hydrated and with a drastic reduction in fine lines and sun spots. It works very well under my Mastey de Paris Moiste Facial Moisturizer.

No, this is not a cheap product and with the economy many consumers are having to limit the luxuries. This is something I consider a must have and an investment in my skin. While the thought of spending $47.50 on a one ounce bottle of luxury seems a bit much the results it gives me make it worth while. Lancome recently launched a similar product costing substantially more.

Should you have the inclination, I suggest requesting a sample from your local Estee Lauder counter and giving this little brown bottle a try.

A one ounce bottle retails for $47.50 while the 1.7 ounce sells for $74.50 and is available at most higher end department stores and of course the Estee Lauder website.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Methyl Gluceth-20, PEG-75, Butylene Glycol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Tripeptide-32, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Cola Acuminata (Kola) Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Pantethine, Caffeine, Glycereth-26, Sodium RNA, Squalane, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Oleth-3, Oleth-5, Bisabolol, Choleth-24, Ceteth-24, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, TEA_Carbomer, Trisodium-EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Benzyl Alcohol, Green 5 (CI 61570), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 4 (CI 14600).

Open Forum: Do You Prefer Chemical or Mineral Sunscreens?

2009-06-29T00:00:00.002-04:00

As we all know sunscreen is one of the best things we can use to help protect our skin from aging. However, there are chemical sunscreens and mineral (physical) sunblocks. Chemical sunscreens must be applied a half hour or so before sun exposure while mineral sunblocks can pretty much be applied immediately before sun exposure. So, which do you use and why?

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex

2009-06-26T00:00:00.005-04:00

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex is a slightly reformulated version of Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex which it replaces. Advanced Night Repair was introduced in 1982 in New York and continues to be a best selling product for Estee Lauder with a bottle of Advanced Night Repair selling every 3 minutes. There is a reason why, after all these years, this product still sells so well and is so highly regarded by those who use it.

I had no way of knowing how much more I would like the new version. While the scent, texture and base formula are basically the same, there are two additions, a peptide and a plant extract, that are thought to help prevent and/or repair DNA damage and slow aging. Lofty claims for a product, however, Estee Lauder seems to be at the forefront of cosmetic formulations. They were the company that introduced the very idea of a "repair" product, one of the first to have a serum, and one of the first to address treating the skin at night when skin is more receptive to repair. This is an iconic product and one that most people will recognize from the bottle immediately.

This serum is less oily than the previous forumla, absorbs even better and also seems to spread easier. I love this product and although a 1 ounce bottle costs $47.50, a price increase of one dollar over the previous version, it is well worth it to me. Estee Lauder has a tag line for Advanced Night Repair that says this is the one product beautiful skin cannot go without and for my skin, I agree. I love this product and find it works extremely well under my Mastey de Pairs Moiste Facial Moisturizer. The two are my power duo. Although not what most people would consider inexpensive, considering how long a bottle lasts and the fact that even mass market drug store brands are becoming so expensive, this seems like a relatively good deal.

While the brown glass dropper bottle remains, it has been updated slightly to distinguish it from the previous version.

Available from finer department stores and the Estee Lauder website.

INGREDIENTS: WATER\AQUA\EAU, BIFIDA FERMENT LYSATE, METHYL GLUCETH-20, PEG-75, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, BIS-PEG-18 METHYL ETHER DIMETHYL SILANE, ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA EXTRACT, TRIPEPTIDE-32, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, LACTOBACILLUS FERMENT, COLA ACUMINATA (KOLA) EXTRACT, RETINYL PALMITATE, PANTETHINE, CAFFEINE, GLYCERETH-26, SODIUM RNA, SQUALANE, OLETH-3 PHOSPHATE, OLETH-3, OLETH-5, BISABOLOL, CHOLETH-24, CETETH-24, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, ANTHEMIS NOBILIS (CHAMOMILE), SODIUM HYALURONATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, LECITHIN, XANTHAN GUM, TEA-CARBOMER, TRISODIUM EDTA, BHT, PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYLPARABEN, BENZYL ALCOHOL, GREEN 5 (CI 61570), YELLOW 5 (CI 19140), RED 4 (CI 14700).

Grassroots Research Labs Blue Algae Enriched Firming Cream

2009-06-22T00:00:00.011-04:00

Grassroots is a product line sold exclusively at Kohl's department stores and is manufactured by Estee Lauder under their Beauty Bank division. Think Origins or Aveda as far as marketing goes for this product line.

Grassroots has recently launched several new products under the Grassroots Research Labs banner. These new products are more expensive than the orginal Grassroots products.

The Grassroots Research Labs Blue Algae Enriched Firming Cream is a wonderful product. The scent is slightly herbal but extremely light and barely noticeable. The texture is sort of a gel/lotion that dries to a velvety, powdery, soft finish. It isn't greasy like a lot of other Estee Lauder creams. I really think I can feel it "firming" my skin. It also seems very similar to Creme de La Mer's recent gel moisturizer, which I really like, but as you know La Mer costs substantially more.

According to the Grassroots website... "This refreshingly, lightweight gel-cream delivers nutrients and moisture to parched skin on contact to hydrate, tighten and firm skin for a more youthful appearance.

• immediately: 66% increase in skin's moisture level.
• after 4 weeks: 45% of subjects saw firmer skin.
•skin is firmer, more lifted and natural collagen production is increased (an effect which helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles)."

The only thing that would this cream perfect in my book is the addition of chemical sunscreens and if they packaged it in a tube instead of a jar. A matching serum would also be nice. Another issue I have with it is the fact that it balls up if I touch my face after application. I've had the same issue with other high silicone content creams. Some people may not have this problem, however, and it may be caused in part to me layering other products with it.

This product is light enough that I use it over my Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum and under my Mastey de Paris Moiste Facial Moisturizer.

A 1.7 ounce jar retails for $32.50 at Kohl's department stores or online from Kohl's.

Ingredients: WATER\AQUA\EAU**, STEARYL DIMETHICONE , DIMETHICONE , BUTYLENE GLYCOL , ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE , GLYCERIN , AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER , CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM (LEMON) PEEL*, OCIMUM BASILICUM (BASIL) OIL*, CARUM PETROSELINUM (PARSLEY) SEED OIL*, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL*, CUCUMIS SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) OIL*, FERULA GALBANIFLUA (GALBANUM) RESIN OIL*, FUCUS VESICULOSUS EXTRACT, VIOLA ODORATA (VIOLET) EXTRACT, ABIES BALSAMEA (BALSAM CANADA) RESIN, LIMONENE , SPIRULINA MAXIMA EXTRACT , ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM EXTRACT , ALTEROMONAS FERMENT EXTRACT , CHLORELLA VULGARIS EXTRACT , ACRYLAMIDE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE COPOLYMER , ALGAE EXTRACT , TRITICUM VULGARE (WHEAT) PROTEIN , ASPARAGOPSIS ARMATA EXTRACT , SUCROSE , TREHALOSE , HYDROLYZED YEAST PROTEIN , GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) PROTEIN , SORBITOL , TOCOPHERYL ACETATE , ISOHEXADECANE , OLETH-10 , PALMITOYL OLIGOPEPTIDE , CAFFEINE , TROMETHAMINE , CARBOMER , GLYCERYL POLYMETHACRYLATE , SODIUM HYALURONATE , POLYSORBATE 80 , HYDROGENATED LECITHIN , PENTYLENE GLYCOL , PEG-8 , DISODIUM EDTA , POTASSIUM SORBATE , PHENOXYETHANOL.
* ESSENTIAL OIL
**HAWAIIAN DEEP SEA WATER

Orlane Paris Pure Youth Oxygentatin Restructuring Care

2009-06-15T00:00:00.002-04:00

Orlane Paris is not a brand I am overly familiar with. However, seeing how it is a French made product and the fact that I, like so many, love French skin care decided to try several of their products.

Orlane Paris Pure Youth Oxygenating Restructuring Care is somewhere between a cream and a serum. It starts out rather thick but emulsifies quickly during application. The scent is very sublte, very light and clean. Fresh and not at all overpowering.

The packaging states this product is said to "help the skin maintain its respiratory rythm and fortifies cells. The result: your skin remains youthful and gets a "second wind."' Application is morning and evening.

This cream feels quite nice on the skin and seems to absorb fairly well leaving the skin with a rather dewey look. This product seems to contain far more preservatives than it does cosmetic actives. The fragrance is also listed quite high on the list of ingredients. There are numerous paraben preservatives used in this product. And while I use several products that use paraben preservatives but they do not use so many or in such a high concentration.

$165.00 buys a 1.7 ounce jar. Available at the higher-end departments stores.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Disopropyl Adipate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Myristyl Lactate, Cyclomethicone, Polysorbate 60, Stearic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Padina Pavonica Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrolized Soy Flour, Triethanolamine, Parfum, (Frargrance), Carbomer, Tetrasodim EDTA, Methylparaben, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylene Glycol, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Polyacrylamide, Sorbitol, Propylparaben, Urea, O-Cymen-5-OL, c13-14 Isoparaffin, Ethylparaben, Laureth-7, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Chlorphenesin, Faex (Yeast Extract), Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Cytochrome C, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Citronellol, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexylcinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool.

Pure Fushion Super-Charged Age Defense Radiance Renewal Serum

2009-06-08T00:00:00.001-04:00

Fusion Beauty's Super-Charged Age Defense Radiance Renewal Serum is a more ntaural product and is formulated without a lot of the chemicals used in mainstream skin care products and cosmetics.

According to Sephora's website: "Fusion Beauty PureFusion™ Super-Charged Age Defense Radiance Renewal Serum helps to nourish, protect, and hydrate skin. It is a natural and organic way to boost protein production and replenish dull, dry complexions, renewing a healthy radiance. It is formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petro-Chemicals, Phthalates, GMOs and Triclosan."

This product is a slightly taupe color and has a very thin consistency. The scent is very much herbal, bit not offensive. This serum applies and spreads easily although it does require some time to absorb. As with a lot of natural products, this serum tends to ball up when applied in tandem with the matching moisturizer.

The elegantly packaged pump bottle , 0.85 oz., sells at Sephora for $69.00.

Ingredients: Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Water, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Xanthan Gum, Corthellus Shiitake (Mushroom) Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Yogurt Extract, Yeast Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Euterpe Oleracea Juice, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Lecithin, Superoxide Dismutase, Soybean Peroxidase, Citric Acid.

Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme

2009-06-06T03:25:00.007-04:00

Re-Nutriv is Estee Lauder's high-end, prestige, skin care line. It is similar in cost to the Estee Lauder owned Creme de La Mer.

Ultimate Youth Creme is a light cream that absorbs quickly and leaves the skin somewhere between dewey and matte. The scent is very much like other Re-Nutriv products, a very clean, subtle scent, very distinctive, very Estee Lauder. It is a wonderful moisturizer, regardless of any claims Estee Lauder makes, it moisturizes very well and didn't make my combo skin extremely shiney. My skin felt good, looked good and I was mostly impressed. Estee Lauder makes quality products for a variety of skin types and concerns.

If this product did not contain mica or titanium dioxide I would consider it one of the best I've used. Mica and Titanium Dioxide tend to cause me deep, painful, breakouts. Why companies feel the need to use them in their products knowing they may cause people breakouts is beyond me.

Chanel Precision Ultra Correction Nuit

2009-06-01T00:00:00.010-04:00

Chanel Ultra Correction Nuit Restructuring Anti-Wrinkle FIrming Night Cream is part of Chanel's Precision skin care line.

This creamy pink product is very thick and lush. The scent is very light as similar to the other Chanel skin care products. This cream absorbs well leaving and dries to a fairly matte finish. It feels great on my skin and makes my skin feel powdery and soft. The packaging is beautiful and looks very high-end.

According to Chanel this product: "Be firm. Look young. Correct every sign of age. This rich, yet delicate moisturizing night cream dispenses water and ingredients during the night, when skin is predisposed to renew itself. Adhesioderm firms and resculpts; it's as if surface skin is 'bonded' to its support system. Exclusive Life Cycle Regenerator dramatically reduces the appearance of wrinkles. The look of youth is restored."

Because this is such a thick, rich, product, it is probably meant for use by those with drier or more mature skin types needed extram moistuure and firming.

A 1.7 ounce jar of this cream retails for $115.00 and is available at the hihger end departments stores and Chanel.

Ingredients: Unavailable.

Product Launch: Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex

2009-05-30T00:00:00.003-04:00

Fresh from the Estee Lauder laboratories is their new product Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex.

"This serum provides optimized night-time repair to skin’s appearance using revolutionary Chronolux Technology to support the natural synchronization of skin’s repair processes. A new patented technology encapsulating Alkyl Guanine Transferase (AGT) helps repair the appearance of damage from smoke and pollution, in particular toxins and chemicals, putting this new serum at the forefront of repairing the look of damage from all known major environmental assaults."

This product is just now available at select Estee Lauder counters with a major ad campaign to begin in June. The question is whether this product will replace the original Advanced Night Repair or continue to be offered in conjunction with it for the traditionalist who resist new or updated products. I am all for improving a product if it means better, faster results.

I have a small sample that I will be using for the next few days. Being such a fan on the original, and iconic, Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex, I am eager to see what this product offers.

The 1 ounce dropper bottles sells for $46.50 while the larger 1.7 ounce bottle sells for $74.50. Estee Lauder products are available at most better department stores as well as the Estee Lauder website.

Ingredients: Unavailable.

Open Forum: Favorite Hair Care Product

2009-05-25T00:00:00.001-04:00

What is your absolute favorite hair care product and why? How long have you used it? What does it costs?

American Beauty Moisture-Wise Continuos Hydrating Lotion

2009-05-18T00:00:00.006-04:00

American Beauty, distributed by Beauty Bank, a division of Estee Lauder, is available in the US exclusively at Kohl's Along with the Flirt, Goodskin and Grassroots brands. American Beauty seems to be the higher end of the brands sold at Kohl's and aimed at the more mature.

According to the packaging Moisture-Wise Continuous Hydrating Lotion hydrates for up to 12 hours; time released micro spheres feed your skin a continuous supply of mineral rich spring water. While antioxidants help protect against environmental damage. For all skins. Apply AM and PM.

The first thing I noticed upon application is how the consistency is much more like that of a serum. To me it was extremely similar to, the excellent and luxurious, Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Lifting Serum and shares many of the same ingredients. It is also similar to various other Estee Lauder moisturizers from their various brands.

The scent is sort of a mix of roses and cucumbers but it is light and delicate so as not overpower. While this has a serum sort of texture it does take a few moments to absorb. It made my skin feel extremely soft and well hydrated for the entire day. The only drawback for me is the high silicone content as well as it containing petrolatum, although in a much lower concentration, both of which tend to break me out. This is a delightful product and a great way to experience Estee Lauder skin care.

A bonus for me is the fact it is Mica free. A lot of skin care companies are putting Mica in their serums, creams, lotions, toners and even cleansers because it can help to disguise imperfections on the skin and adds a bit of shimmer to a product. For me who tends toward the combo, acne prone, extremely sensitive skin type, Mica can clog pores and create some nasty, deep painful, pimples.

American Beauty Moisture-Wise Continuous Hydrating Lotion comes in a very attractive teal box and elegant Estee Lauder-esque 1.7 ounce teal pump bottle and retails for $23.50. Available at Kohl's stores and online. It is also available as a cream and comes packaged in a jar.

Ingredients: Spring Water (Aqua), Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Distearate, Glyceryl Dilaurate, Steareth-10, Cholesterol, Ethylhexylpalmitate, Ethylhexyhydroxystearate, Rosa (American Beauty) Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Ceramide-2, Linoleic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soluble Fish (Pisces) Collagen, Magnesium Phosphate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Propylene Glycol, Dicaprate, Petrolatum, Cetylesters, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Distearyldimonium Chloride, BHT, Fragrance (Parfume), Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Green 5 (CI 61570), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Blue 1 (CI 42090).

Update: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex

2009-05-11T00:00:00.007-04:00

I am a huge fan of this serum, the more I use it the more I love it. I have been using it twice daily for two weeks solid, sometimes even three times a day, and it actually seems to be fading my freckles.

I do, however, have to be careful not to get too much near my eyes or it tends to irritate them. While I have found that it takes more than a few drops to cover my entire face, I have been applying it to damp skin and find it does spread easier while helping to reduce any greasiness. I have been using it under my Mastey de Paris Moiste Facial Moisturizer and find that they seem to work well together.

As I mentioned in my original post about Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex, this is a product I tend to go back to. Yes, it is rather expensive, but it seems to work for me and when you consider how many years it has been available and how popular it is, it appears to work for a lot of people.

Yves Rocher France Radiant Complexion Treatment Duo

2009-05-04T00:00:00.005-04:00

Always eager to try new products I settled on the Yves Rocher France Radiant Complexion Treatment Duo available in the recent catalog.

This treatment duo consist of a botanical scrub to be used first followed by a intensive moisturizing mask that is allowed to absorb with the excess being tissued off.

The products I received came in two attached packets. These are lightly scented products that are easy to use. The scrub is gentle and can be used without causing too much skin discomfort. A gentle hand is best with this scrub as the granuales are a bit on the rough side. The moisturizing mask is a lightweight lotion that absorbs surprising fast. Both leave the skin feeling soft, smooth and supple.

My only real complaint is these products contain so many perservatives compared to similar products from other botantical/natural skin care lines.

While the packets are one time use and sell for $1.50, these products are available seperately in full size tubes that retail for $16.00 each. Available at Yves Rocher stores in Canada and Europe or from the Yves Rocher website in the US.

Ingredients:

Botanical Scrub: Water/Eau, Mineral Oil/Huile Minerale, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Zea Mays (Corn) Cob Powder, Trilaurin, Polyethylene, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Sunflower Seed Oil Glyceride, Diatomaceous Earth/Terre De Diatomees, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-20, Steareth-100, PEG-8, Stearic Acid, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Butylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylparaben, BHT, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Tetrasodium EDTA, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Methylchloroisothiazounone, Methylisothiazounoe.

Intense Moisture Mask: Water/Eau, Propylene Glycol, Urea, Isononyl Isononanoate, Alcohol Denat., Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Methylparaben, Parfum/Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Tetrasodium EDTA, Blue 1.

Update: Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate

2009-04-27T01:36:00.005-04:00

I was given a sample packet of Lancome's new Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate to try and it is a pleasant enough product.

This serum is a thick, unscented, clear liquid that spreads easily but requires a minute or two to absorb. It felt a bit thick and sticky during application. Lancome spent 10 years developing this product and it has 7 international patents.

This is very similar to Estee Lauder's iconic Advanced Night Repair and based on the the bottle with the dropper applicator as well as the use of the ingredient Bifida Ferment Lysate, it seems Lancome wants to gain some of Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair customers.

However, it is also very different. Price is one area where they differ greatly since Advanced Night Repair sells for $46.50 and Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate sells for nearly twice that. Advanced Night Repair contains numerous humectants and vitamins such as Squalane, Sodium Rna, Sodium Hyaluronate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Pantethine, Hydrogenated Lecithin and also contains a lesser amount of alcohol.

Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate is a nice product but I prefer Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, it is what I use, what I like and what I am used to. However, for those who do not care for Advanced Night Repair and for those with extra pocket money, this might be a worthwhile alternative.

Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate retails for $78.00 for a one ounce bottle with dropper applicator and is available online from the Lancome website or at better department stores with Lancome counters.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Amonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide/Amonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Limonene, Xathan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Octyldodcanol, Citric Acid, Citronellol, Parfum/Fragrance.

Lacura Hydra Complete Cream

2009-04-20T00:00:00.005-04:00

Lacura, a skin care line sold at Aldi and manufactured in Germany, has a line of day and night creams, body lotions, cleansers, serums, wrinkle fillers, eye creams and toners with make-up debuting soon.

Having tried and liking the Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Day cream, but finding it a bit heavy for my skin type decided to try their Hyra Complete Cream which contains Sea Minerals and Vitamin B.

I was very pleasantly surprised. In a screw top jar this cream is sort of a gel-cream mix, very light in texture. It is a beautiful shade of blue and has a very fresh, clean, pleasant smell that makes one think of the sea.

It spreads easily and absorbs very well and doesn't seem to "ball up" on the skin like the Q10 Day Cream does. The scent is a bit strong initially but quickly fades. It does contain sunscreen ingredients but does not list the SPF and therefore I will not rely on it as a sunscreen. Having used it for several days in a row it seemed to soothe and hydrate my skin without causing me to break out despite containing silicones.

Why is it that this cream, which some bloggers have said is comparable to such creams as La Mer, able to be manufactured and packaged so nicely for such a low price? It is remarkable to me. Especially when you consider that so many mass market skin care lines are coming out with products that cost more than department store lines. Olay being the first to come to mind.

In my opinion, this is an excellent product and one that I plan to repurchase. It contains ingredients found in much more expensive products, vitamins, oyster shell extract and appears to be paraben-free.

I have tried to figure out who manufactures this product line for Aldi but so far have not been able to find out.

A jar of this delightful cream sells for under $5.00 at Aldi stores.

Ingredients: Biosaccharide Gum-1, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sodium Acrylates/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Octocrylene, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ostrea Shell Extract, Maris Limus Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Fructrose, Glycine, Niacinamide, Urea, Inositol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Calcium Pantothenate, Propylene Glycol, Fragrance, Tetrasodium EDTA, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Blue 1.

Open Forum: What are you newest beauty finds?

2009-04-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

Tell us what your newest beauty finds are. Many companies come out with their new products in the spring.

Estee Lauder, Clinique, Good Skin, American Beauty, Lancome, L' Oreal, and Garnier are some of the companies that just recently launched new products.

What are you using? How do you like it? Where do you buy it and what does it cost? We want to know!

Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Lifting Lotion

2009-04-10T00:00:00.003-04:00

I just received a sample of Estee Lauder's brand new Re-Nutriv Intensive Lifting Lotion. It is part of Estee Lauder's luxurious Re-Nutriv line aimed at more well-to-do folks.

This product absorbs very quickly and completely. The texture is somewhere between a serum and very light lotion. It starts off a bit on the oily side but quickly dries somewhat matte and dewy. The scent is typical Re-Nutriv and smells wonderful, it is very light and subtle, not at all overpowering or offensive. It appears to contain mica as it leaves behind a sort of pinkish shimmer.

This product is similar to less expensive products also made by Estee Lauder and some of their other corporate brands so if you aren't too keen spending so much on a product, you might try some of the others first (American Beauty, Grassroots, Good Skin, Clinique, Prescriptives, etc.). However, Re-Nutriv is supposed to be the ultimate in Estee Lauder luxury.

This is definitely a product worth trying if you have oilier skin but like using high-end cosmetics and do not want your face to look oily as so many of the creams can cause, especially on younger skin. Estee Lauder is one of the premier cosmetic companies in the United States with an array of wonderfully formulated products. Now, if only they would quit putting mica in everything!

A 1.6 ounce pump bottle costs $160.00 and is available by select department stores and the Estee Lauder website.

Ingredients: Unavailable.

Lacura Q10 Anti- Wrinkle Day Cream

2009-04-06T00:00:00.005-04:00

Having recently discovered Aldi and their large array of discount foods and produce I was surprised to also find for sale a skin care line called Lacura. This line of products retails for under $10. and includes a serum, eye creams, day and night creams, mature skin cream, a moisturizing cream, wrinkle-filler, cleansers and body creams. According to the Aldi website they will begin selling make-up as well.

The Aldi website says of this product: "An intensively caring cream for every type of skin, this anti-wrinkle formula really gets results. Bioflavonoids, coenzyme Q10, provitamin B5, vitamins C and E, aloe vera and our powerful moisturizing complex help protect against the damaging effects of the environment, reduce wrinkles and keep your skin supple."

I must say, this is an excellent product. Shockingly low cost and it appears to be well formulated. According to some articles I've read online, this cream was put to the test with creams costing many times more and most people thought it was not only better but far more costly than it actually is. The Aldi website indicates tt has also won some sort of award(s). In addition, according to what I've read, many Aldi stores cannot keep the products stocked because people are buying it up so quickly.

This is a thick, dense, pale yellow cream that is very concentrated and applies easily. Once dry my skin was left somewhere between matte and dewy and it felt very soft, not the least bit oily or greasy. The scent is very pleasant and light and reminds me a bit of soap although someone mentioned to me that it reminded them of the original ponds cream scent. This cream, thus far, has not broken out my extremely sensitive, acne-prone skin. The cream is full of vitamins including B5, C and E along with Sodium Hyaluronate and numerous plant extracts that rivals some of the high-end products available at more expensive department stores.

My only complaint about this cream is that while it does have two sunscreen ingredients (Octocrylene and Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) it is doesn't list an SPF Factor thus I will not rely on it to protect my skin from the sun's rays. The only other thing about it is if you reapply it throughout the day without first washing your face the product will ball up slightly which is something I have noticed with creams costing hundreds more.

Overall, I am amazed that a company can manufacture quality products and sell them for so little. The packaging is quite attractive, the jars are glass and they will not look out of place on the bathroom vanity. This line of products is manufactured in Germany for Aldi, the exclusive retailer for the Lacura line of skin and body care products and make-up.

If you're in the market for skin care and don't want to take out a loan to buy it, maybe the new Lacura skin care at Aldi is worth trying.

The 1.7 ounce glass jar retails for $3.99 at Aldi stores.

Ingredients: Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Diethylhexyl Adipate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octocrylene, Panthenol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Phospholipids, Ubiquione, Algin, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Fragrance, Propylene Glycol, Carbomer, Alcohol, Tocopherol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Lecithin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Oleate, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid.

Update: Clinique Youth Surge Age SPF 15 Decelerating Moisturizer

2009-04-03T00:00:00.004-04:00

After receiving a sample of and using Clinique's new Youth Surge SPF 15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer I have been able to get a pretty good idea of this product.

Youth Surge is a thick, white cream with the normal "Clinique" scent. The scent is hardly discernible and not enough to really consider scented, in my opinion.

The cream being so thick doesn't spread as easily as a lighter, more fluid, product might but none the less spreads pretty well. It seems to absorb/dry quickly, however; it leaves behind a white hue on the skin. This is especially noticeable on men who have stubble as it seems to cling to the hair. I imagine this product, as with so many Clinique products, uses Titanium Dioxide as part of the sunscreen formulation. There is much debate right now about the safety of sunscreens and which type is best, chemical or physical. This is something best left to scientist to debate. For my skin, the answer is simple, I cannot use physical sunscreens, they break me out.

I noticed after application that any fine lines vanished. My skin feels the slightest bit oily after using this product but it doesn't look greasy.

Some blog authors and posters have been slightly irked by the ad campaign for this product which some say alienates older clients. People just have to remember that an advertisment can practically say anything it wants, the product's performance is what really sells it. So far, the reviews on the Clinique website for this product are good with an average 5 stars.

For those who prefer physical sunscreens and those who use and like Clinique products, I imagine this will be a welcomed addition to their skin care routine. If Clinique would come out with a night version of this product, no sunscreen, I would certainly consider using it.

This product is available from most department stores and the Clinique website. A 1.7 ounce/ 50 ml. jar sells for $46.50 and comes in three formulas for different skin types.

Ingredients: Unavailable.

Ingredient Spotlight: Mica

2009-03-30T00:00:00.004-04:00

I went round to Kohl's yesterday to check out two of their new skin care products by Beauty Bank, a division of Estee Lauder.

I had read some post on them online and wanted to see what they were all about. One is a rather costly moisturizer by American Beauty that contains diamond particles, the other is a cream with Vitamin C and sunscreen by Grassroots. Both of which contain mica and titanium dioxide.

You may be reading this and think, so what?! However, as many of us have learned those of us with acne prone/sensitive skin tend to breakout if we use products that contain mica in them and titanium dioxide can also be problematic.

Mica, a mineral, is used in a product because it is light diffusing and can make lines appear somewhat smoother, it can also make dark circles under the eyes look lighter. Most mineral make ups contain mica. However, this is cosmetic effect and not because the mica reduces fine lines and wrinkles or lightens the under eye area. So, it is therefore used in many make up products for this very reason. However, using it in a skin care product, especially a moisturizer doesn't make much sense to me, especially if a company is trying to appeal to a broad group of consumers and here is why. If I buy a new product that promises me it does this and that but causes me to develop, painful, cyst like, breakouts, I will either return it for a refund or throw it out and likely not purchase anything else from the company.

I have learned over the years that if I use anything with mica and/or titanium dioxide that I will develop, painful and long lasting, breakouts. It doesn't matter how much I like the product or how well it works, I cannot risk causing myself breakouts and so must avoid those, and numerous other, ingredients. Two years ago, for several months, I dealt with painful cyst like pimples deep in my skin after using a product that contain titanium dioxide just once. Tin oxide is another ingredient that I try to avoid, it seems to be used mostly as a colorant.

Now, many people use mica containing products everyday with out even so much as a hint of breaking out, while people like me get zits if we use the product even once. It would be nice if companies would leave out the mica in their facial moisturizer and treatment products and save it for their make up products instead so that more of us can use their great products with out the fear we'll break out. Certain high end dermatologist tested, allergy free products contain mica which seems odd since mica is something that can clog pores.

I also wonder if, since so many products contain high levels of silicones, (silicones are a a relatively cheap cosmetic filler that makes the skin appear smoother than it is) and since silicone traps everything beneath it, if it might force the mica particles into the pores? I'm not a scientist so cannot say that with any authority, it's just something that sort of makes sense to me.

If you tend to break out and aren't sure why, you may want to read the ingredients on all the skin care and make up products you use and see if any of them contain mica. You can also research, online, what others say about it and their opinions on this particular ingredient.

Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner

2009-03-23T00:00:00.005-04:00

After much research and debate about whether a toner/stringent is even necessary I decide to try Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner. According to my Mother; my great-Grandmother used this or something similar and she always had the loveliest peaches and cream complexion.

Legend has it that Rose Thayer, niece of the founder, Dr. Henry Thayer, invented this formual over 120 years ago and because she used it always looked 10 years younger than she actually was. Thayer's Natural Remedies has been in business since 1847 and has a line of various Witch Hazel toners. Many of them are alcohol free which makes them less drying than those with alcohol.

Some people suggest that toner helps reduce pore size, removes the last traces of cleanser and preps the skin for what ever serum or moisturizer is applied next.

The problem is that many toners on the market, whether drug store brands or high-end department store brands contain high concentrations of alcohol which strips and dries the skin causing it to produce more oil. Using an alcohol free product, that adds moisture and soothes and tones, on the otherhand, may actually provide some benefit.

According to Thayer they use undistilled Witch Hazel which maintains a higher level of tannins. This product also contains Aloe Vera which is know for it's soothing and healing properties as well as Vitamin E and Rose Water. Roses are reportedly high in fatty acids which may help the skin.

The texture of this product is a clear, watery liquid. It is rose scented but the scent fades rather quickly and is therefore not overwhelming. My skin feels soft and supple after I use it and my Mastey de Paris Moiste Facial Moisturizer sinks in easily over top.

Do I think a toner is necessary, no, I don't. I feel if you wash your face thoroughly and rinse thoroughly you're good to go. However, I have decide to use this as my "serum" for a few weeks and see how my skin reacts to it. It is alcohol free, propylene-glycol free and paraben free. Because of the nourishing ingredients it contains and because it is so light it works well thus far using it under my moisturizer, twice daily.

A 12 ounce bottle of toner costs under $10 and is available at GNC, the Thayer's website and Whole Foods.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Certified Organic Filet Of Aloe Vera), Glycerin (Vegetable), Fragrance (Natural Rose) Hamamelis Virginiana (THAYERS® proprietary un-distilled Witch Hazel) Extract, Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Flower Water, Citric Acid, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate.

Ingredient Spotlight: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

2009-03-16T00:00:00.004-04:00

I was just recently given skin care samples of a very well known French skin care line and was surprised to read that it contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. If it were a body wash or shampoo, even a facial cleanser, it would be more understandable but in a moisturizer?!

I've done some reading online that seems to indicate Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can cause pimples and may be drying. There are also the websites saying that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a dangerous ingredient for various reasons. However, what I don't understand is why a moisturizer would contain a relatively harsh cleanser when it is meant to moisturize and protect the skin.

To me, it is like a moisturizer contain a large amount of drying alcohol. Alcohol is drying to the skin, simple as that. Yet, I have read articles saying that cosmetic grade alcohol evaporates quickly and thus is not drying. Having used such products I can say that they do indeed dry my skin and because they are so drying cause my skin to produce more oil and thus increase the likelihood of breakouts.

Personally, I try to avoid both Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Alcohol because they do not agree with my skin. With so many new ingredients and with so much research being done in the skin care field it amazes me that companies continue to use ingredients that may not be best for our skin.

L'Oreal Excellence Creme Haircolor

2009-03-09T00:00:00.003-04:00

After using Wella products for many years and not being satisfied with the resulting color I decided to try L'Oreal Excellence Creme haircolor.

My natural haircolor is what is called "Dirty Dishwater Blonde," sort of a drab medium to dark blonde. I have been blonde for many years and have tried numerous products in the past to accomplish this. I've used everything from Sun In to drugstore haircolor.

For the past several years I have been buying my haircoloring supplies from Sally Beauty. They have a large selection of products with color swatches so you get an idea of what color you're buying. The haircoloring products sold at Sally Beauty are meant for professional use only. Caution must be taken when coloring your hair as it can result in hair breakage/damage and chemical burns, among other things.

The Wella Color Charm products I was using did not allow my hair to be as light as I wanted and tended to dry my hair out. I also tried Clairol and Ion haircolor, also available at Sally Beauty, but again I didn't acheive the color I wanted and those products tended to dry out my hair, especially the ends.

After choosing a color and using L'Oreal Excellence Creme haircolor, I was amazed at how good my hair felt afterward and for weeks after. The hair color must be mixed with the L'Oreal developer and nothing over 30 volume can be used. The no drip formula makes it easy to apply; however, it does drip some so use caution. The product scent is strong and lingers for days. I use only Mastey de Paris Traite Sulfate-Free Shampoo, which I feel, helps to preserve my color. All in all, I am pleased with the performance of L'Oreal Excellence Creme haircolor. It is for professional use only, as the packaging indicates.

Available for $5.99, $4.99 with a Sally Beauty Club Card, this product is sold in a 1.74 ounce metallic tube and comes in a large variety of colors including high lift blondes.

Ingredients: Vary by product.

Good Skin Pharmacy Sculptinex Instant ReSculpting Face Treatment

2009-03-06T00:00:00.007-05:00

I was recently given a sample tube of Good Skin Pharmacy's newest product Sculptinex Instant ReSculpting Face Treatment by a sales associate at Kohl's. While the sample was in a tube, the full size product comes in a tube with a roller ball for application.

The Good Skin website indicates this product contains Tensine and Resveratrol. It furthur states: "Instant sculpting meets long term firming in one innovative product. From the scientists at GS Labs, this technologically advanced system instantly resculpts skin while noticeably lifting and firming when used over time."

After reading about it on the Good Skin website I was eager to try it and see what sort of results I would get. My first impression was how thick the product was and how much the scent resembles products from Clinique, another Estee Lauder company. This product was difficult to spread and rather than absorb it sat on my skin leaving a white film on my face. It balled up if I applied a moisturizer over it. This product may be better for more mature skin.

Maybe this product would work better for me if applied with the roller ball applicatior but I found it difficult to use and did not experience any drastic improvment in my skin. I developed some small breakouts in the area where I applied it.

Available exclusively at Kohl's a full size tube, with roller ball applicator, sells for $44.50.

Ingredients: Unavailable.

Product Launch: Youth Surge SPF 15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer

2009-03-02T00:00:00.002-05:00

Clinique is launching a new skin care moisturizer intended to be used after their 3 Step routine. It is available in three different formulas, Very Dry, Dry/Combination and Oily/Combination.

According to Clinique: "Leveraging Sirtuin technology, Clinique science uses youth-extending agents to create a daily moisturizer quite like a fountain of youth. Lines and wrinkles seem to evaporate, replaced by plump, vibrant skin alive with collagen and elastin. Skin gains strength over environmental agers. Looks younger, longer."

This sounds like an interesting product and similar to Estee Lauder's recent Time Zone as well as their more costly Re Nutriv Ultimate Youth cream. After I give it a try I will update this post.

A 1.7 ounce screw top jar retails for $48.50 and is available online or at the Clinique counter.

Product Launch: Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate

2009-02-27T00:00:00.007-05:00

Set to launch this spring is Lancome Paris Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate. A high-end serum designed to return the protein levels in skin cells to that of younger skin and thus slow the appearance of aging. Online sources indicate this product was created and tested in collaboration with the hospital centre at Quebec's University of Laval.

This product appears to be designed to compete with Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex, which is packaged in a little brown bottle and also has a dropper applicator.

Lancome, a luxury division of the Loreal group of companies frequently uses alcohol in their products which some would say counteracts any moisturizing benefits of the products. Loreal, Garnier and Biotherm have all launched facial moisturizing products recently that contain alcohol. An ingredients list is currently unavailable so it is difficult to know what all this product contains.

I am eager to try this new product and will update this post with a review once I have tried it.

Available at Lancome counters and from the Lancome website. A ounce dropper bottle costs $78.00.

Ingredients: See Updated Post

Cassia, What is it?

2009-02-25T00:00:00.003-05:00

You may have recently seen ads for Proctor and Gamble's new line of Pantene Pro-V products called Nature Infusion that contain, among some other natural ingredients, Cassia. But what exactly is Cassia?

According to the Pantene website Cassia is: "Native to India, cassia is a wild herb and grows to be about three feet tall. This plant has small, pale yellow flowers and is known for its aromatic bark." They go on to say that they use: "The essence of the cassia seed." And the: "Cassia used in Pantene Nature Fusion is exclusively sourced from India." Furthermore: "Pantene science has found a way to harness the conditioning properties of the cassia plant. The gum powder produced from the cassia seed is where those conditioning properties lie."

Wikipedia explains that there is some confusion about what plants are actually considered Cassia and what aren't. Other online sources seem to indicate that it may be similar to cinnamon.

Regardless, Cassia seems to be one of the new ingredient buzz words this year.

Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Moisture Balance Conditioner

2009-02-23T00:00:00.005-05:00

Pantene's new Pro-V Nature Fusion Moisture Balance Conditioner is meant to be used with the matching shampoo. This new line from Proctor and Gamble is Pantene's answer to natural hair care in that they contain some natural ingredients.

This conditioner has a very thick, white, creamy texture not unlike most other Pantene products. Despite the initial feeling of heaviness, this conditioner seems to absorb into the hair and rinse fairly cleanly. It left my recently color treated hair easy to wet comb and made it feel smooth and silky once dry.

As with the matching shampoo the scent is particularly strong and lingers which may not be appropriate for those who have fragrance sensitivities.

This conditioner has several forms of silicone in it and silicones can, after a while, build up on the hair. Silicones impart a smoothness to hair that make it easier to comb and style.

Selling for under $5.00 in most mass market retailers this bottle contains 12.6 ounces of product.

Ingredients: Water , Stearyl Alcohol , Palm Oil , Palm Kernel Oil , Coconut Oil , Cyclopentasiloxane , Cetyl Alcohol , Palm Oil , Palm Kernel Oil , Coconut Oil , Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine , Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride , Cassia Tora Seed , Cassia Obtusifolia Seed , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder , Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract , Ginger Root Extract - Zingiber Officinale , Panthenol , Panthenyl Ethyl Ether , Citric Acid , Corn Starch , Sugar Cane , Dimethicone , Glutamic Acid , Benzyl , Fragrance , EDTA , Methylchloroisothiazolinone , Methylisothiazolinone , Yellow 5 , Orange 4.

Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Moisture Balance Shampoo

2009-02-20T00:00:00.001-05:00

After seeing Commercials featuring the beautiful Padma from Bravo TVs hit show "Top Chef" advertising this new line from Pantene I decided I had to give it a try.

Proctor and Gamble, the makers of the Pantene line of hair care products say: "Moisture Balance shampoo and conditioner system - containing cassia and a blend of ginger, calendula and aloe vera - moisturizes your hair for touchable softness."

The first thing I noticed was that this formula is clear, unlike most other Pantene products. It is a thick, gel like consistency. Because it is a sulfate based cleanser it doesn't take much to produce a very thick, rich lather.

The scent is quite strong, sort of a floral fruit mixture with some earthy undertones, similar to other Pantene products. After several hours the scent is still quite noticeable and may be too much for those sensitive to strong fragrances.

While I normally avoid shampoos with sulfate and silicones this was one of the better products I have tried recently. This does not make my hair squeaky clean but it did feel nice while I lathered and it didn't make my hair feel rough after rinsing. Silicones tend to leave the hair feeling smoother and easier to comb although they can build up after a while.

Available from mass retailers, a 12.6 ounce bottle retails for under $5.00.

Ingredients: Water , Sodium Laureth Sulfate , Cocamidopropyl Betaine , Sodium Chloride , Cocamide MEA , Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride , Cassia Tora Seed , Cassia Obtusifolia Seed , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder , Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract , Ginger Root Extract - Zingiber Officinale , Panthenol , Panthenyl Ethyl Ether , Citric Acid , Corn Starch , Sugar Cane , Dimethiconol , Fragrance , Sodium Benzoate , Disodium EDTA , PEG-7M , Methylchloroisothiazolinone , Methylisothiazolinone , Sodium Citrate , Sodium Xylenesulfonate , Yellow 5 , Orange 4.

Ingredient Spotlight: Alcohol

2009-02-18T00:00:00.003-05:00

Several mass market products have recently been launched that contain high levels of alcohol. We're talking about SD Alcohol, or as it is also known, Ether Alcohol, not emollient alcohols such as cetearyl and cetyl alcohol. Most people know that alcohol is drying to the skin. Some sources say that it evaporates and thus doesn't cause any drying while other sources suggest that daily use of products containing alcohol will dry out the skin. So, why then, do so many products meant to moisturize and prevent skin aging contain alcohol in such high concentration? If it isn't drying to skin why do so many products tout being alcohol-free?

I suspect one of the biggest reasons is that it helps keep products feeling greasy after application. However; drying out the skin can cause it to produce more sebum and result in breakouts to acne-prone individuals. Using products that contain alcohol is counter-intuitive, yes, you may be drying up the excess oil but you are encouraging even more oil to be produced.

Some companies use alchol as a penetration enhancer. Because it is a solvent it helps drive ingredients deeper into the the skin. However, according to Paula Begoun, "Alcohol functions as a solvent and a penetration enhancer, which means that yes, it can help retinol get into the skin more efficiently. But its volatile characteristics and biological profile are irritating and drying for skin and alcohol causes free radical damage, so essentially all you’re doing is carrying that irritation and free radical damage deeper into skin." On her website, she indicates in her ingredients dictionary that, "The alcohols to be concerned about in skin-care products are ethanol, denatured alcohol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and sd alcohol, which not only can be extremely drying and irritating to skin, but also can generate free-radical damage (Sources: “Skin Care—From the Inside Out and Outside In,” Tufts Daily, April 1, 2002; eMedicine Journal, May 8, 2002, volume 3, number 5, www.emedicine.com; Cutis, February 2001, pages 25–27; Contact Dermatitis, January 1996, pages 12–16; and http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh27-4/277-284.htm). In a product where these ingredients are at the top of the ingredient list, they will be problematic for all skin types; when they are at the bottom of an ingredient list, there most likely is not enough present to be a problem for skin.

So, is it better to avoid products that contain alcohol? I avoid using alcohol products because they dry out my skin and end up making it oily. I find that gentle cleansing using a sulfate-free cleanser and keeping my skin moisturized and protected with a silicone-free, mineral oil-free, petrolatum-free, alcohol-free moisturizer with sunscreen is the best bet for my extremely sensitive, acne prone, combo skin.

Yves Rocher Eryo Eau de Toilette for men

2009-02-16T00:00:00.011-05:00

Fragrance is where, in my opinion, Yves Rocher shines and shine they do. An example being Yves Rocher Eryo Eau de Toilette.

According to the Yves Rocher website: "This seductive fragrance is strong, yet gentle, virile yet tender...a delicious blend of heady notes that, like the man who wears it, charms us with a modern mix of passion and sensitivity."

Olfactive Family: Fresh Oriental Woody.
Head Notes: Bergamot, Mint.
Mid Note: Rosemary.
Base Notes: Patchouli, Vanilla, Benzoin, Costus.

This is a wonderful fragrance that last all day and night and dries to a very elegant scent. It starts off a bit on the strong side but quickly settles to a more delicate scent. The next morning it continues to linger. A great, masculine fragrance that is both strong and delicate at the same time.

$38.00 for a 1.7 ounce spray bottle and $45.00 for a 3.4 ounce spray bottle. A 0.25 ounce "Try Me Size" is available for $5.00. Yves Rocher products are available online in the US.

Ingredients: Vary by product type.

Open Forum: Sunscreen

2009-02-13T00:00:00.001-05:00

Do you wear sunscreen daily? Mineral or chemical? What brands have you found to work best on your skin type? Where do you purchase it and what does it cost?

Ingredient Spotlight: Mastic Oil

2009-02-11T00:00:00.002-05:00

I recently had the opportunity to try a line of skin care products containing Mastic Oil. According to Wikipedia, Mastic is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the Pistachio family growing up to 4 m tall which is cultivated for its aromatic resin, mainly on the Greek island of Chios.

According to the product literature Mastic has been scientifically proven to have strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The list goes on about what all Mastic can do for the skin and hair, everything from anti-aging to superior cleansing.

The first thing I noticed upon using the facial moisturizer containing Mastic was the scent, a very strong, herbal scent that didn't dissipate. Hours later the scent remained quite strong. The scent wasn't offensive but also not inviting.

I also felt that the products were quite heavy in texture and sat on the skin more than they absorbed. This, however, was a function of this particular brand of products and not necessarily because the product contained Mastic.

While I like trying new products, especially those considered natural, this didn't work for me. The scent was too overwhelming for my liking. Perhaps another brand would work better for me.

If you don't mind herbal scented products; finding something with Mastic oil may work for you.

Mastey de Paris HC Formula B5 Leave-In Hair Mender

2009-02-09T00:00:00.005-05:00

Mastey de Paris HC Formula B5 Leave-In Hair Mender is a leave-in hair mender that I just recently purchased to try as it has been reformulated, without parabens, like the rest of the Mastey de Paris hair care line.

This is a delightful, leave-in treatment that does not weigh down the hair. It makes it smoother, adds shine and detangles it extremely well. The scent is delicate and refreshing while not being at all overpowering. I find that a few sprays is enough to cover my hair. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and protein which help protect the hair and help make it behave better. This product is part of the Mastey de Paris moisture line for normal to dry hair.

I use this for two or three days following having my hair color done in order to help minimize the damage. I don't use it every day simply because I use a small dab of Mastey Frehair as leave-in and so use Mastey de Paris HC Formula B5 Leave-In Hair Mender as a moisture booster after getting my hair colored because it tends to be a bit drier.

This is a great product and works very well with the other Mastey de Paris products I use daily, Mastey de Paris Traite Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Mastey de Paris Frehair Daily Conditioner/Detangler. I am a huge fan of Mastey de Paris and find myself loving their products more and more each time I use them.

An 8 ounce spray bottle retails for $15.00 while a 1 gallon bottle can be purchased for $90.00. Mastey de Paris products are available and select hair salons and spas or online from the Mastey de Paris website.

Ingredients: D. Water, Infusion of PCA & Sodium Lactate & Pathenol B5 & Phosolipids (Natural Moisturizing Factor), Rice Amino Acids & Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Sunflower seed Extract & Grapeseed Extract & Benzophenone-3 & Ascorbic Acid & Tocopheryl Acetate (Mastey UVABLOC Color Protectants & Antioxidants), Methyl Glueth-20, Polysorbate-20, EDTA, Glycereth-2 Cocoate & Benzoic Acid, Parfum.

Open Forum: Brand Names

2009-02-06T00:00:00.001-05:00

As a consumer, do you tend to navigate more toward high end products or mass market, drug store brands. Why?

Lancome and Loreal are corporate sisters and share may similar products with vastly different pricing. But is Lancome, at a higher price, a better product line?

Estee Lauder owns numerous prestige brands including La Mer, Prescriptives and Clinique, but are they better than Good Skin, American Beauty, Flirt or Grassroots which they manufacture exclusively for Kohl's?

What are your thoughts about brand name and quality?

Yves Rocher Vegetal Inositol Optimizing Moisturizer

2009-02-04T00:00:00.011-05:00

A Day cream designed to address "first lines" in twenty-something skin, Yves Rocher Vegetal Inositol Optimizing Moisturizer is one of the newest moisturizers from Yves Rocher. It replaces their Pro Retinol 100% Vegetal line.

This moisturizer is light, spreads easily and absorbs well. It has a moderate to strong scent. It does not contain sunscreen, therefore; a sunscreen must be applied on top.

Because it contains corn starch, more than likely to reduce shine after application, it may possibly cause some people breakouts. In addition, as with numerous other Yves Rocher products, this moisturizer contains Alcohol which is drying to the skin and basically counteracts the moisturizing properties. It also contains silicones, film formers and numerous preservatives.

Depending on the products PH, this moisturizer may help exfoliate the skin because of the Urea, but is most likely used to increase moisturization.

The star ingredient in the product is green rice extract, Inositol, which is listed quite low on the ingredients listing suggesting it is used in a small amount. Fragrance is listed prior to the Inositol and fragrance normally comprises only a small percentage of a products formula.

While I liked the texture and ease of application of this product, because of the alcohol and lack of sunscreen will not use this product.

This product is available in a 1.35 ounce jar or 1 ounce squeeze tube and retails between $17.00 and $24.00 on the Yves Rocher website. Yves Rocher offers free gifts with purchase as well as many specials on their products.

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Isononyl Isononanoate, Zea Mays (Corn Starch), Urea, Propylene Glycol, Isohexadecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Ethylheyl Cocoate, Stearyl Alcohol, PEG-100, Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cylohexasiloxane, Sorbitan Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Fragrance, Inositol, Ammonium Acryloyldmethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Methylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Ethylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Tetra Sodium EDTA, Lactic Acid.

Sea Breeze Actives Deep Clean Astringent

2009-02-02T00:00:00.003-05:00

After a period where my skin was breaking out frequently I decided to purchase and use Sea Breeze Actives Deep Clean Astringent thinking it would help slow the oil production, clean my skin and enable the breakouts to heal. This, however, was not the answer for me.

Because this product contains ingredients such as Alcohol, Camphor, Clove Oil and Eucalyptus I was actually drying out my skin and causing it to produce even more oil and thus more breakouts and ended up in a cycle where I not only had dry skin but even more breakouts.

Salicylic Acid is related to aspirin and thus has some skin soothing abilities, it may help reduce redness and swelling. However, because of the alcohol and the volatile oils it contains this product caused my skin more problems than it helped.

Alcohol is very drying to the skin and actually damages the natural moisture barrier which is what helps keep the skin soft and supple. Dry skin looks older and lackluster and tends to show more fine lines.

Many companies, such as Clinique, Estee Lauder and Lancome continue to sell astringents/toners that contain alcohol. While this may make the face feel cleaner after application it tends to dry the skin out causing it to produce more sebum and in some people increased acne. There are numerous other products out there that do not contain any alcohol that would be far more suitable. Good Skin, Grassroots and Neutrogena, for example, have alcohol free Astringents/Toners.

While some companies tell us we must use an Astringent/Toner in order to prep our skin for moisturizer, it is my opinion that if you cleanse and rinse your face properly a toner is not at all necessary.

Sea Breeze Actives Deep Clean Astringent is yellow and has a pleasant, clean scent. It burned my skin after use and caused it to become dry after daily use.

Gentle cleansing, moisturizing and using a sunscreen do more for the skin than anything else. Everyone, even those with acne are better off avoiding products with alcohol.

A 10 ounce bottle retails for $4.99 in my area and is available at most drugstores.

Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid 1%

Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Benzoic Acid, Camphor, Clove Oil - Eugenia Caryophyllus, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil, Fragrance, Glycerin, Methyl Propanediol, Orange 4, PPG-12-Buteth-16, Sodium Benzoate, Yellow 5, Water.

Correctionist Daily Light Moisturizer SPF 15

2009-01-30T00:00:00.004-05:00

Correctionist Daily Light Moisture is manufactured by American International Industries and marketed and sold by Sally Beauty.

This cream is a wonderful addition to the Correctionist line. The texture is thicker than a serum and lighter than a cream. The scent is light, delicate and gender neutral, not at all overpowering but clean and fresh. It absorbs very quickly and leaves my skin moisturized without feeling coated or heavy. I actually use it over my Mastey de Paris Moiste Facial Moisturizer for added protection when I will be outside for long periods of time. It makes my skin dewy but not overly shiny and makes it feel soft and smooth.

I like that it contains peptides and anti-oxidants. I also appreciate the fact it is not in jar packaging which only allows air to degrade the anti-oxidants. Jar packaging may look pretty but does nothing to preserve the efficacy of the ingredients. Whether or not peptides help the skin is still debated as there have been few independant studies done on them but more and more manufacturers are including them in their products.

While it has not caused me to breakout, because it contains Stearic Acid and Shea Butter, acne prone individuals might want to proceed with caution until they see how their skin will react to it as there are those who believe Stearic Acid and Shea Butter may contribute to breakouts.

Some of the benefits of this formula according to the Sally Beauty website include: Balances and tones with Toni Skin .01%, Repairs skin damage with Detoxyl .05%, Reduces the appearance of deep wrinkles with Matrixyl 3000 .01%.

A 1 ounce bottle of Correctionist Daily Light Moisture sells $14.99 ($13.99 if have a Sally Beauty Club Card) and is available in store and online from Sally Beauty.

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.50% (Sunscreen Agent) Oxybenzone 3.00% (Sunscreen Agent).

Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Stearic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Isopropyl Palmitate, Yeast Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Seedcake Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Polysorbate 20, Cetyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Sesquioleate Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum), Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional , Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.