Tag: Sephora

Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

Product:  Today’s product is Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover.  Does this product do all that it claims?

Overall Rating = 2+ stars2.75 Stars – Okay to Good

Cost:   $15.00 1.7 oz. ($8.82 per fluid ounce)  Price Category:  Expensive

Sold By:  Lancôme; Sephora; Major department stores everywhere

Container:  Plastic bottle with child-proof screw-off lid (push down while turning)

Description:   This is a clear liquid remover for all forms of eye makeup.  According to the manufacturer it is, “Gentle enough for sensitive eyes” and “Ophthalmologist-tested”.  This is not a fragrance-free product and parfum (fragrance) is the third from the last ingredient.

Before I begin the review I must state that I am not now, nor have I ever been, a fan of Lancôme products.  Not because they don’t perform well (they do), but because I don’t support some of their ingredients, especially the high concentration of fragrance and unnecessary chemical additives in their products.  I decided to buy several Lancôme products to review because they have such a cult following.  I wanted to really put them through numerous tests for quality and effectiveness to ascertain what others see in these products that I do not.

Everyone needs a good eye makeup remover that doesn’t burn, sting, and leave an oily film on their eyes.  The Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover is a bi-phase formula.  It contains a lipid layer (oily cleansing layer) and a water layer.  Simply put, this is similar to an oil-and-vinegar salad dressing.  The ingredients will separate when left standing.  You must shake the product well to temporarily combine the ingredients.  When shaken, the liquid will change from two clear liquids to one milky-looking liquid.  Oil and water are not miscible (don’t mix) but can form emulsions when shaken or stirred together.  (Enough for the chemistry lesson.)

Morning Review:  I like to use this product with a sterile fresh cotton swab each time.  A little goes a long way.  This remover does have a very slight oily feel to it, but the consistency is closer to water than oil.  There is a light floral scent.  This remover effectively removes all eye makeup, including waterproof mascara and gel eyeliner.  It does not burn or sting my eyes or make them water, but the fragrance additive makes my nose run.  Personally, I do not want fragrance anywhere on my face, especially my eyes.  The remover is quickly absorbed into the skin and does not leave an oily residue.  I always rinse off any eye makeup remover prior to the application of skin-care and makeup products but you don’t have to rinse this off if you don’t want to.

Morning Rating = 3 stars3 Stars for effectiveness, 2 stars2 Stars for making my nose run = 2+ stars2.5 Stars

Evening Review:  At the end of the day the skin around my eyes does not feel tight or irritated.  This product effectively removes all eye makeup including stubborn and difficult-to-remove products.   My makeup wipes do not find any traces of eye makeup.

Overall Review:  Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover is a very good eye makeup remover for all skin types and is gentle enough for those with contact lenses.  This is not an appropriate product for those with fragrance allergies.   This remover is suitable for both women and men who wear eye makeup.  (Yes, more and more men are wearing eye makeup now.)  My only negative is the fragrance additive.  Also, it is on the more expensive end.  After using it many times, I do not like this remover nearly as well as my usual fragrance-free eye makeup remover which costs less.  (Please see the review for the competitor’s product here.)

I have sensitive eyes and this product does not bother me, but some people are hyper-sensitive and Lancôme does make Effacil, a gentler product, which does not contain the lipid layer.  The primary difference between the two products is that Bi-Facil will remove waterproof mascara or gel eyeliner and Effacil will not.

Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive (not if your sensitivity is fragrances);
  • Consistent;
  • Oily;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 2+ stars2.5 Stars;

Evening Rating = 2+ stars2.5 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 2+ stars2.75 Stars – Okay to Good.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

Ingredients:  Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isohexadecane, Sodium Chloride, Poloxamer 184, Hexylene Glycol, Dipotassium Phosphate, Benzyl Alochol, Potassium Phosphate, Quaternium-15, Benzalkonium Chloride, Parfum, Citronellol, Geraniol.

 Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Tatcha LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Lifting Mask

Product:  Today’s product is Tatcha LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Lifting Mask.  Please let me know if you have used this mask and what your results were, positive or negative.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good.

Cost:  $25 for .68 oz. serum per mask ($36.76 per ounce for the serum)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By:  Tatcha; Sephora; QVC

Container:   Mask comes in a sealed foil envelope packed inside of a tissue-wrapped paper box.

Description:  This is another product from the Japanese company, Tatcha.  This mask is intended to be used once or twice a week or anytime your skin needs deep hydration.  This is a fragrance-free product.  The scent is naturally occurring from the ingredients.

Caution:  Do not use this product if you have coconut allergies.  The company claims this product contains coconut water despite the fact that the ingredients do not list Cocos Nucifera (coconut water).

Morning Review:  This mask is a little unusual.  Unlike most masks that come out of a tube or jar, this one has the hydrating serum infused into a thin plastic-type fabric that you unfold, place on your face, and let it evaporate.  This is commonly referred to as a sheet mask.  The serum is very thin and watery feeling.

Here are the directions from Tatcha:

“Begin with clean, dry skin. Unfold the mask and peel away one layer of paper backing. Place the mask gel-side down on the skin and adjust to fit comfortably around the eyes. Peel away the remaining layer of paper and smooth the mask to the skin. Leave on for 15 minutes, enjoying the cooling and gentle tingling sensation of hydration. Remove mask and massage the remaining serum into the skin – do not rinse. Follow with your favorite moisturizer to seal in hydration.”

First off, the “paper backing” is not paper at all.  It is polyester tulle, the same mesh fabric that wedding veils are made of.  This is not part of the mask and should be removed prior to application.  Secondly, both sides of the mask feel and look exactly the same so I’m not sure what the “gel side” is.  The plastic feels like a thin surgeon’s glove.  Since both sides are very wet with the serum solution, I’m not sure it matters which side goes against the face.  I advise you to lie down before applying the mask to your face.  Because the serum is almost like water, if you apply this standing up, it is probably going to run down your neck and everywhere else.  Unfold the mask and place it on your face.  Carefully smooth the mask working from the center out to the edges.  Press gently to make sure the mask is making contact with your face.  Pour the leftover serum from the envelope into your palm and apply it to your neck and décolletage.  The serum feels very cool and has a light fresh naturally-occurring scent.  If you have time, leave it on for more than 15 minutes.  The longer it stays on, the better it works, but remove it before it is completely dry.  If you want the full experience, light some candles, turn on your favorite mellow music and have a little Zen moment while your mask is on.

After removal, my skin feels soft, fresh and revitalized.  My makeup goes on flawlessly.  Do not wash your face after removing the mask.  The serum will continue to be absorbed for several hours.

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin does not feel tight.  It still feels soft and smooth.  The hydrating effects of the mask last for several hours.

Overall Review:  Tatcha LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Lifting Mask is an excellent product.  Once again, the only downside is the cost, and the unnecessary packaging.  The Tatcha products come in beautiful packaging; this one is not as expensive or elaborate as the others.  Several dollars for a good quality mask is not unreasonable.  $25 for one mask is a little steep for the average consumer, but certainly less than the cost of a professional facial or a spa visit.

This is a wonderful product any time your skin really feels dry or needs a pick me up.  This is also a good product when you want to feel pampered or before a big event when you want your skin to look its absolute best.  These are a commonly-used product back stage at red-carpet events.  I use this on celebrities in Hollywood, models before makeup application, and on brides before weddings.  The intense hydration temporarily plumps up the skin reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Here’s a recap to achieve the best benefits:

  • Begin with clean hands;
  • Begin with a freshly cleansed face free of makeup;
  • Be careful when opening the envelope and removing the mask so as not to tear it;
  • Remove the mesh backing before applying it to your face;
  • Make sure the entire mask is flat against your skin with no bubbles or creases;  (If it doesn’t make contact with your skin it is not going to do any good.)
  • Don’t waste the extra serum and apply it to your neck and décolleté;
  • After applying to your face remove the top mesh layer;
  • Remove the mask before the serum completely evaporates and the mask feels dry to the touch;
  • Don’t wash your face right away after removing the mask;
  • Relax and say aaahhhhhh.

This mask is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive;
  • Consistent;
  • Oily;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Tatcha LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Lifting MaskTatcha LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Lifting Mask Single

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tatcha Sheet Mask Tub

Ingredients:  Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Alcohol, PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-20, Inositol (Rice Extract), Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Eicosanedioate/Tetradecanedioate,  Polyglyceryl-10 Isostearate, Chondrus Crispus (Red Algae) Extract, Fragrance (Natural), Sericin (Silk Extract), Xanthan Gum, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Algae Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Thymus Serpillum Extract, Phenoxyethanol.

Formulated without:  Parabens, Mineral Oil, Synthetic fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Serum

2 Comments

Product:  Today I am reviewing Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Serum.  Please share your thoughts and comments about your experience with this product.  I like this one.  Do you agree?

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good

Cost:  $35.00 for .4 oz. ($87.50 per ounce)  Price Category:  Expensive

Sold By:  Peter Thomas Roth; Sephora, Ulta; QVC

Container:  Glass bottle with glass-tipped dropper

Description:  Peter Thomas Roth (PTR) Retinol Fusion PM Serum is a concentrated time-released microencapsulated vitamin A (1.5% Retinol) product.  This is a fragrance-free, oil-free product.  It also contains squalane (derived from sugar cane, not sharks), vitamins C (Ascorbyl Palmitate) and E (Tocopherol).  This serum is intended to be used at night following cleansing of the skin and prior to the application of heavier night creams or moisturizers.  It is supposed to assist with cell turnover through vitamin A, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with an assortment of other chemical compounds.

All Retinol products are light and air sensitive.  Try to keep the bottle in a dark place at room temperature and expose it to as little air as possible.  Also, try to use up the contents prior to the expiration date for maximum effectiveness of the ingredients.

About Serums:  Since they were first introduced into the market about a decade ago, I have been a fan of serums.  I don’t like anything that feels thick or heavy on my skin and serums are much lighter than creams and thus easily absorbed into the skin.  I also find that the lighter consistency does not clog my pores and results in fewer irritations and breakouts than heavier products.  They also contain a higher concentration of effective ingredients so it generally  takes less product and time to produce positive results than thicker creams.

Morning Review:  Okay, so why am I providing a morning review for a product intended to be used at night?  Because after much trial and error, this is how I prefer to use this product.  The PTR Retinol PM Serum feels like a very light, almost watery oil, although it does not contain any oil.  It has almost no scent.  Because the consistency is almost like water, use it one drop at a time rather than a dropper full at a time, as it will just run all over the place and you will waste your product.

I like to use the serum in the morning following cleansing and toning and prior to the application of sunscreen, moisturizer or makeup.  It refines my pores, leaves my skin with a silky texture, and everything glides on easier and better following the application of the serum.  I also use this on my neck.  I actually find that the first ingredient, Cyclopentasiloxane (a silicone derivative), makes this product an effective makeup primer.  I have tried this on many clients and they agree.  This serum has never irritated my sensitive skin.  My clients have not reported any sensitivity issues.

Caution:  If you have never used a Retinol (vitamin A) product before, please only use this at night to start with.  If you have any tingling or burning, only use it every other night until you build up a tolerance for it.  Some people are highly sensitive to vitamin A.  Also, vitamin A can make your skin more susceptible to burning so that is why it is recommended for use at night.  You must wear an effective UVA/UVB sunscreen whenever you are using any kind of Retinol product to protect your skin from burning and photoaging.  I will provide an in-depth analysis of effective sunscreens when we get to those product reviews.

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin does not feel tight.  This serum helps to keep my skin feeling soft and smooth throughout the day.  For an added bonus to your skin, you may apply the serum following cleansing and prior to the application of any other night creams.  You can use this on your neck and décolleté, too.  I don’t like a lot of different products for the face, eyes and neck, so this works for me all over.

Caution:  This product should NOT be used in conjunction with any other products containing vitamins A and/or C.  The combination of the PTR Retinol Fusion Serum with other anti-aging products would probably prove too harsh and may lead to irritation and/or sensitivity issues.

Overall Review:  Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Serum is a very good Retinol product.  It does improve the texture of skin and makes it feel smoother.  I also like the fact that it makes my pores appear smaller which improves the application of makeup.  As far as removing lines and wrinkles, I have not seen any improvement in deep or fine lines and/or wrinkles.

This serum is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive;
  • Consistent;
  • Oily;
  • Combination.

Please note:  If you decide to buy this product I would advise you to stay away from discount re-sellers such as those found on Amazon or eBay, as there are some sellers that are marketing counterfeit products and this is a popular product that is frequently sold as authentic but is, in fact, fake.  If someone is selling this product for 50% less than the authorized retailers, you should be suspect of the authenticity.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  You don’t run any such risk when purchasing from an authorized retailer such as the ones at the top of this review.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Serum

Ingredients:  Cyclopentasiloxane, Squalane, Retinol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Water (Aqua), Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Lechitin, Bisabolol, Alcohol.

 Formulated Without:  Artificial fragrance, oil, artificial color, dye.

 Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

 

Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder

Product:  Today’s product is another product from the Japanese company that supposedly features age-old traditions from Geisha.  It is Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good

Cost:  $65 60g / 2.1 oz. ($30.95 per ounce)  Price Category:  Expensive

Sold By:  Tatcha, QVC and Sephora

Container:  Heavy plastic double-layer jar with screw-off lid, tissue wrap, outer decorative paper carton.  (Those of you who have followed my beauty and makeup tips newsletter know that I am not a fan of jars due to the potential for contamination.)

Description:  Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder is the coordinating exfoliating powder I mentioned a few days ago when I reviewed the Tatcha PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil.  This powder is a *physical exfoliation product.  This a fragrance-free Japanese rice powder that you mix either with the Tatcha oil or with water to exfoliate your skin.  You can control the amount of abrasiveness by using more or less liquid in combination with the powder.  The greater the powder-to-liquid ratio, the grainier and more abrasive it will be.  In reverse, the less powder-to-liquid ratio, the gentler the texture will be.

 *(For a description of physical exfoliation and the three different methods to exfoliate your skin, please see my discussion on the ExfoliKate page.)

Morning Review:  I used this product many times before posting this review.  I have used it with the Tatcha cleansing oil, with water, and have experimented using it in conjunction with other oils and liquids, as well.  I have also used this product on female and male clients.

The rice powder is white (naturally) and the texture is slightly gritty.  It is not as gritty as sugar or salt, but there is a definite texture to the powder.  There is a slight chemical scent similar to wet paint in its dry powder form.  Once you mix the powder with water the scent changes to more of a nutty scent.  This is a fragrance-free product so the scent is naturally occurring due to the ingredients themselves.  If you have asthma, be careful of breathing in or ingesting any powder products, as they could cause breathing difficulties.  (When in doubt, always consult a physician before using any new product.)

When using the product with oil, I first put a pump of the oil into my palm, then I sprinkle about a half of a teaspoon of the powder onto the oil, mix them together with my finger and then apply to my face with a gentle circular motion.  If you use too much powder, the oil/powder mixture gets very thick and you may need a couple of drops of water to thin it.  When I use the powder with water, I first wet my face with warm water, sprinkle the powder into my palm, add a few drops of water to my palm to make a paste, and then apply to my face.

The Tatcha powder does a very effective job of exfoliating my skin.  It leaves my face feeling soft, smooth and hydrated without any harsh abrasives or chemicals.  My sensitive skin does not feel irritated.  Please note that because I have sensitive skin, I do not rub vigorously, but very gently.  Please execute care when using any physical exfoliate and do not get too enthusiastic with scrubbing your face.

Caution:  I do not recommend using this, or any physical exfoliate, with a cleansing brush.  The doubly exfoliating effects would be too harsh.  I also do not recommend physical exfoliates for anyone with Rosacea.

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin still feels smooth; it does not feel tight or irritated.   This powder effectively removes all types of makeup.   My makeup wipes do not find any traces of makeup, especially if used in conjunction with the oil.  Unlike most physical exfoliates that are intended for use once or twice a week only, the Tatcha powder can be used every day or even twice a day, if desired.  I personally use this as an occasional exfoliate or whenever I need to remove heavy amounts of makeup.

Overall Review:  Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder is an excellent product.  Once again, the only downside is the cost, and the packaging.  The bottles are heavy and don’t travel well.  The Tatcha products come in beautiful, elaborate packaging.  Maybe that is a bonus to some of you, but I don’t buy products for fancy bottles, tissue liners and boxes.  I buy them for the contents inside.  I suppose it makes an impressive gift, but what other purpose does that serve?  If the company would package the product in less expensive containers and lower the price, this brand would be a lot more affordable for the average consumer.  They could still offer the fancy bottles in a gift edition for those who want to spend the extra money.  (Hello, Tatcha, are you listening?)

Please note:  I first purchased this years ago when there was only one formula and I have continued to use the initial “Classic” formula.  The product is available in 4 formulas from the Tatcha website:  Classic for Combination and Normal Skin; Gentle for Dry Skin; Deep for Oily Skin; and Soothing for Sensitive Skin.  The next time I order this I’m going to try the Soothing formulation and I’ll provide a comparison review to note the differences.

Skin Types:  Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive (but not Rosacea);
  • Consistent;
  • Oily;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder

Classic Ingredients:  Oryza Sativa (rice) Powder, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Potassium Myristate, Cellulose, Water, Papain (papaya Extract), Camellia Sinensis (green Tea) Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin (pearl) Protein, Oryza Sativa (rice) Bran, Algae Extract, Glycerin, Dextrin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol.

Formulated without:  Mineral Oil, Synthetic Colors, Synthetic Fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Parabens, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

Product:  Today we are discussing Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.25 Stars – Good +

Cost:  $85 for 2 oz ($42.50 per ounce)  Price Category:  Expensive

Description:  ExfoliKate is another widely-reviewed beauty product that most people rave about.  This is my first review for a dedicated exfoliate rather than a daily cleanser that may or may not also have exfoliating properties.  This is intended to be used in addition to a daily cleanser once or twice a week.  This is not a daily cleansing product.

Exfoliation is an important step in any beauty regime.  Your body is constantly producing new skin cells and sloughing off the old, dead cells.  The average life of a skin cell is about a month.  Exfoliation can be accomplished in one of three manners:

  • Chemical exfoliation – A chemical substance will dissolve the outer skin cells revealing new skin beneath. These chemicals, typically lactic or fruit acids, do not contain any physical abrasives such as scrubbing granules or grains.  Depending upon the strength of the chemicals only the top layer of the epidermis will be affected, or in the case of a chemical peel from a physician, the penetration will be much deeper.
  • Physical exfoliation – An exfoliate will contain some sort of physical material that literally scratches or scrubs the dead skin cells away just as sandpaper refinishes furniture. This includes salts, scrubs, sugars, loofahs, brushes, and rough washcloths.
  • Mechanical physical exfoliation – This will be accomplished by tools that produce vibration and/or suction in combination with an abrasive element. They typically utilize diamond-dust or similar implements that remove the dead skin.  These treatments are usually performed by a dermatologist or esthetician, although there are home units that can accomplish this task and I will be reviewing one in the future.

Personally, I prefer chemical exfoliation to physical exfoliation.  Harsh scrubbing granules or grains typically irritate my sensitive skin, however they do work wonders for cleaning pores.  I also find that most people get too enthusiastic with abrasive scrubs and tend to scrub too hard which can actually damage your skin.

The reason exfoliation is so important is that any product that you put on top of your skin will not penetrate and produce effective results if you have dead skin cells on the surface.  You are wasting your money on expensive serums, moisturizers, and anti-aging products if you are not also exfoliating on a regular basis.

Morning Review:  ExfoliKate has a very strong, spicy scent.  Reviewing the ingredients I’m assuming this is due to bergamot fruit oil (found in Earl Grey tea) and cinnamomum cassia leaf (cinnamon) oil.  It is a dark army-green kind of color and is pretty gross looking.  (Who cares if it works, right?)  ExfoliKate contains both a chemical exfoliating ingredient, lactic acid, and a physical exfoliating ingredient, silica.  It definitely feels scratchy and abrasive on the back of my hand.

Due to my extremely sensitive skin I began gently with this product and only used a small amount on half of my face to test for any negative reactions before slathering it all over my entire face.  The cinnamon oil causes a slight tingling and burning sensation.  It definitely left my skin feeling smoother and my skin does not feel irritated.  I always worry if something is tingling or burning that my skin is screaming, “danger, danger”.  So far, so good.

Morning Rating =  3 stars3 Stars

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin did not feel tight and I did not have any allergic reactions or breakouts on the side where I used the scrub.   I decided to use it on my entire face the second time.  This cleanser effectively removes all makeup.   My makeup wipes did not find any traces of makeup.   I would avoid the eye area with this cleanser.  This should be used after your have removed your eye makeup.  I caution you…this is a not an appropriate product to use with a cleansing brush.  The combination of the two would be too harsh for any type of skin on your face.

Prior to posting this review I tried this product several more times on myself and others and no one experienced any sensitivities or negative reactions.

Overall Review:  Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is a very good, although expensive, exfoliating scrub for almost all skin types.   Warning:  This would not be advisable if you have Rosacea.  Anyone with Rosacea should stay away from any type of abrasive products which can further irritate your already-inflamed skin.  Please note that if you have extremely thin, delicate or overly-sensitive skin, this product may be too harsh for you.  There is a gentler formula for sensitive skin that I have not tried.  The next time I purchase this product I will try the gentle formula as it may be more appropriate for my extremely sensitive skin.  Perhaps I won’t experience the mild burning with that formula.  Also, I prefer an exfoliant without any abrasive ingredients.

This scrub is suitable for both women and men.  My male tester did not find the scent offensive.  He said it reminded him of sandalwood incense.  Most men naturally exfoliate their faces every day by shaving, but they still need to exfoliate the areas they do not shave.

My testers with normal skin and dry skin really liked this and said they would buy it.

Exfolikate is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive (not hypersensitive or those with Rosacea)
  • Consistent;
  • Oily;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.25 Stars – Good +.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating TreatmentKate Somerville ExfoliKate on SkinKate Somerville ExfoliKate on Face

Ingredients:  Water/Aqua/Eau, Lactic Acid, Silica, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Pectin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit, Ceteareth-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Salicylic Acid, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Alcohol Denat., Sorbic Acid, Cinnamal, Honey/Mel/Miel, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Eugenol, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene, Linalool, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Beta-Carotene, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Bromelain, Papain, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil, Acetic Acid, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Tatcha PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

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Product:  Tatcha PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.75 Stars – Very Good to Excellent

Cost:  $48  for 5.1 oz  ($9.41 per fluid ounce)  Price Category:  Expensive

Container:  A heavy plastic, double-layer pump bottle that comes in a tissue-wrapped outer box

Sold By:  It is available from Tactcha, Sephora and from QVC.

Description:  Today’s product is a little unusual.  This is a more of a high-end cleanser that is actually an oil.  Okay, I know what a lot of you are already thinking, especially if you have oily skin… She wants me to cleanse my face with OIL???  What?  How can oil clean my face?  I know, when I first heard about this product years ago I had the same reaction, and then I tried it.  Once again, I used this many times before posting this review.  I used it by itself, with a cleansing brush, and with the coordinating Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder that is reviewed in a separate post.  I have also used this on many clients.

Supposedly, the formulas were handed down by Japanese Geisha.  According to the company, the Tatcha products have a proprietary blend of ingredients known as HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex.  The three components are:

  • Green Tea Complete DNA Extract – Helps protect your skin from premature aging due to UV damage.
  • Okinawa Red Algae Extract – Helps your skin retain its moisture and improve its texture.
  • Japanese Rice Bran Extract – This unique ingredient acts as both an anti-oxidant and a moisturizer.

Morning Review:  A little goes a long way and a full pump from the bottle was more than sufficient.  This is a fragrance-free product.  It is soothing and has a light, naturally-occurring floral scent.  It feels luxurious.  When you mix it with warm water it emulsifies rather than repelling water as most oils do.  It left my face feeling baby soft, silky and hydrated.  After using this, my makeup glided on like satin.

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  I thought my face would get oily after using this cleansing oil, but it did not.  I was also worried that my makeup would be gone after a couple of hours, but that did not happen either.  What did happen is that my face did not get dry and tight and it stayed hydrated better than usual.  The cleanser melts makeup as well as old-fashioned heavy cream products.  This is wonderful for stage performers, actors and those that wear a ton of makeup.  Even waterproof eye makeup, gel eyeliner, mascara and lipstick come off with this cleansing oil.  My makeup wipes were completely free of any makeup residue after using this cleanser.

I experienced no sensitivity issues whatsoever.  My clients that I used it on with many different skin types all felt pampered and wanted to know what it was.

Overall Review:  Overall, the Tatcha Camellia oil is a great cleanser that is suitable for all skin types.  It will be most appealing to those with dry, aging, combination or sensitive skin.  It will also help to normalize and balance oily skin, but those with oily skin simply may not like the way it feels on their skin.

The only downside is the cost, and the packaging.  The Tatcha products come in beautiful, elaborate packaging.  Maybe that is a bonus to some of you, but I don’t buy products for fancy bottles (that weigh a ton and don’t travel well), tissue liners and decorative boxes.  I buy them for the contents inside.  I suppose it makes an impressive gift, but what other purpose does that serve?  If the company would package the product in less expensive containers and lower the price, this brand would be a lot more affordable for the average consumer.  They could still offer the fancy bottles in a gift edition for those who want to spend the extra money.  Or, better yet, why not be “green”, save the environment, the planet and the landfills, and offer a refillable glass bottle that we only buy once?

I am going to try and find a less expensive version of this or a similar product, and when I do, I will present it to you.  I will be reviewing other cleansing oils in the future.

Tatcha PURE One Step Camellia Oil is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive;
  • Consistent;
  • Oily (may not care for the feel);
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT: 

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 5 stars5 Stars; (They didn’t have to buy it.)

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.75 Stars – Very Good to Excellent.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Tatcha PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

Ingredients:  Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Glyceryl Behenate/eicosadioate, Water, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Fragrance (Natural), Phenoxyethanol.

Formulated without:  Mineral Oil, Synthetic Colors, Synthetic Fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Parabens, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates.

Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple (One-Step Facial Cleanser)

Happy New Year!  Welcome to a brand new you.  Today is a new year and it is time to begin this cosmetic reviews journey.  Our initial product is a skin cleanser, Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser.  This facial wash is available many places and is a mid-range product in terms of price.  The best way to have healthy, beautiful skin is to gently cleanse it.  Your skin will thank you and you will age better.  Who doesn’t want that?

Overall Rating =  3 stars3 Stars – Good.

Cost:  The cost from Philosophy’s website was $11.00 for 3 oz. ($3.67 per fluid ounce).

Price Category:  Mid-range

Sold By:  It is also sold at QVC (in larger sizes), Sephora, Ulta and major department stores.

Container:  Plastic flip-top squirt bottle

Purity by Philosophy has reviews all over the internet and people rave about it.  I wanted to be blown away by it and love it.  I used this for several days prior to this review.  I tried it by itself, with a cleansing brush, and with an exfoliating cloth.  I also used it on several clients to get their feedback.  To receive completely unbiased reviews, I gave it to some of my testers in unmarked containers so they did not know what brand they were testing.  They simply knew it was a cleanser intended to be used with water.

Morning Review:  Purity is a medium-weight, creamy cleanser.  I would describe the consistency as more of a lotion than a cream.  It does not contain any exfoliating grains or other abrasive ingredients.  It is a fragrance-free product and it has a light, naturally-occurring, clean citrus scent.  It lathers very little and cleans well.  It does not take a lot of product to completely cover your face so it should last a while.  It left my face feeling a little stripped, and slightly tight.  (My highly-sensitive, combination skin is much more dry than oily.)

This product is suitable for women and men.

Morning Rating = 3 Stars – Good (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Evening Review:  After 10 hours my skin did not feel any different than when I use my regular cleanser.  My makeup wipes did find traces of makeup after washing with my hands.  (That is how I check to see just how well a cleanser really works.)  It is gentle and did not cause any sensitivity issues.  My face did not feel as tight when I used it the second and additional times.  My face felt clean, but it did not feel soft, smooth and hydrated.

My tester with normal skin said it was good, but nothing special.  My tester with dry skin said it was just okay.  My client with oily skin liked it and said it was very good.  My tester with very sensitive skin said it cleaned well and didn’t cause any problems (which can be hard to find if you are severely allergy prone).  My male tester said his face felt clean and smooth but he did not care for the fragrance.

Overall Review:  Overall, Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser is a good cleanser, but is no better than many other brands.  None of my testers raved about it.  It will probably be best for consistent (normal) to oily skin.  It appears to be mild enough for sensitive skin.  Users with extremely dry skin may wish to find something that is more hydrating.  It does work well with a cleansing brush if you use one.

I prefer Phisoderm Fragrance-Free Cream Cleanser. (reviewed here)

Purity is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Sensitive;
  • Oily;
  • Consistent;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT: 

Morning Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Evening Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 3 stars3 Stars;

Value Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3 stars3 Stars – Good.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

Ingredients:  Water (aqua), sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium trideceth sulfate, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, coco-glucoside, cocos nucifera (coconut) alcohol, peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, aniba rosaeodora (rosewood) wood oil, geranium maculatum oil, guaiac (guaiacum officinale) extract, cymbopogon martini oil, rosa damascena extract, amyris balsamifera bark oil, santalum album (sandalwood) oil, salvia officinalis (sage) oil, cinnamomum cassia leaf oil, anthemis nobilis flower oil, daucus carota sativa (carrot) seed oil, piper nigrum (pepper) seed extract, polysorbate 20, glycerin, carbomer, triethanolamine, methylparaben, propylparaben, citric acid, imidazolidinyl urea, yellow 5 (ci 19140).

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.