Open Forum: How Important are Brand Names?

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

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

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).